Tag Archives: Against PR

Shadowpath is a four-piece Progressive Melodic Symphonic Death Metal band from Switzerland. Tracing their origins back to 2005 under a different name, they took on the moniker Shadowpath in 2006, looking to make a name for themselves in an area where Metal was already well established and finding a way to be unique was not easy. Fast forward almost two decades and you will hear they have managed to become something that is new and intriguing by fusing numerous sub-genres into a beautiful amalgam of tones and textures. The Aeon Discordance is their second full-length LP and it has cemented Shadowpath as one of the unique bands on the scene at this time.

Masser, the brainchild of Gideon Waxman, former drummer of the UK metalcore band Familiar Spirit, is known for its unique blend of dark folk-tinged layers, rich sonic textures, and immersive soundscapes. Drawing inspiration not only from the realms of metal but also from video game and film soundtracks, such as the Elder Scrolls video game  Continue Reading »

Spanish four-piece Speed/Thrash Metal band In Vain formed in 2003. In that time, they have released six full-length albums with Back To Nowhere being the latest. To keep the fans on their toes, they add elements of Power and Progressive Metal to make sure there is plenty of intrigue and excitement to keep you hooked.  Continue Reading »

Jenner is a three-piece all-female Heavy Metal band from Serbia. Formed in 2013, they have spent a decade honing their craft and working to define their sound. What they have accomplished with Prove Them Wrong is nothing short of astounding. As a Power Trio, they build a wall of sound capable of dominating the ears and calming even the most savage of beasts with their gritty vocals, thundering rhythms, and intricate guitar work. Some of my initial thoughts are that they have a bit of a throwback sound with a modern twist. They remind a little of a band from the 80s out of England, Rock Goddess. I have no idea if this is intentional or not, but it makes me very happy to hear something like this since Rock Goddess retired a few years ago. The two bands are not the same, but they both have a similar appeal to me. Jenner is something I will look forward to from here on out!

Brazilian Stoner Rock/Metal quartet Gods & Punks is back with three new tracks. This time they bring a modern take on dealing with issues to the forefront of the lyrics while keeping the music more in line with their historic sound. This album was even recorded differently, using more of the remote technology that came to dominate the music world during the pandemic. There is a mellow vibe to this EP, giving it a laid-back sound and a soothing template. There is a little harshness in the tones, but the tempo leaves you feeling a bit relaxed despite the tension of the lyrical topics.

CrossRoad is a Polish four-piece Heavy/Doom Metal band. Their themes tend towards everything from personal struggles to medieval, covering a range of topics as diverse as their music. Following in the footsteps of doom legends like Pentagram, Trouble, and Black Sabbath, CrossRoad presents a collection of eight tracks that continue the tradition of heavy, doom-laden riffs and dark atmospheres. The album, including a cover of Mech, is a nod to the genre’s roots while showcasing the band’s unique take on doom metal. Take a journey through a sonic wonderland and travel through your mind as you take in everything this debut album has to offer.

Gengis Khan is an Italian Heavy/Speed Metal band formed in 2012. Master Of My Sins is the second EP from the band. They’ve also released three full-length LPs. Bringing in keyboards also adds a Power Metal flair to the mix, especially when added to the Epic/Power Metal style lyrics. Layered vocals, combined with the atmospheric keys bring the sound full circle. The versatility the band exhibits allows them to cross over and through styles while maintaining their signature sound and never losing sight of who they are as a band.

Eternal Returns is a Thrash/Death/Groove Metal band from India formed in 2009. There is a lot of sound coming from this record. Lots of notes in rapid-fire succession, blast beat drumming, chugging guitar riffs, extended screams/growls, and thundering bass create a vast soundscape full of precisely delivered tones. This is a band that likes to explore societal issues and raise self-awareness about things that are important to them. Extreme Metal and social issues go hand in hand. Metal is often a form of activism, speaking truth into brutal riffs and powerful rhythms that create a voice and a force to be reckoned with.

Sabotage India is a five-piece band very much in the 80s Thrash Metal vein of music with a modern take on the genre. You can hear the Exodus, Slayer, and Testament influences in some of the songs. Using two guitars, they achieve a lot of speed with the riffing and use a single lead guitar for more of the finesse and power. The lyrics are centered on things like making sure you know they are here to stay and mean business and getting revenge against those who fail to believe. Sabotage India aims to impress with speed and heaviness combined to make you pay attention to the music just as much as to the words being sung, so take a little time and dig in, listen to both, and just appreciate the glory that is Pishach.