From Europe with Love (and Death)

Written by Kevin Page.


Our journey begins in Mother Russia. Are you tired of all the pagan and folk drivel that she spits forth? Yeah, me too. So it's my pleasure to introduce you to Pyre. It's filthy, dirty, and slime ridden old school Dismember worship. Think Like an Ever Flowing Stream and Pieces era, but with a nastier production. They have 6 recorded songs to their name (This 2012 EP, and a 2013 split also on their Bandcamp). Chaos Records will be releasing the band's debut full length later this year. Judging by the minimal lack of style change between these two releases (and a live video of a new song on YouTube), I think we know what to expect.

[Go to the post to view the Bandcamp player]

Let's travel southwest for some decent quality food shall we. Hey look, an Italian band that isn't into theatrics and playing at 700 BPM. So what do they play exactly? Why old school Scandinavian death metal of course. Not much else to say on this one. They hit all the points on your checklist of what you expect from this style. This is their debut album released via Memento Mori earlier this year.

[Go to the post to view the Bandcamp player]

Ok, I've had my fill of arancini, let's go get a pljeskavica. This band has been around since 2002 and have just released their 4th full length album this year via Xtreem Music. Some nice vicious death/thrash with Vader and Dark Angel overtones. If you find a moment to catch your breath during this thing, let me know where it exists!

[Go to the post to view the Bandcamp player]

At this point you are thinking, I need a break, let me go chill out and meditate. Fine, let's travel north to Poland to check out the teachings of Sri Sri Paramahansa Yoganandaji. I don't know about you, but when I think of Poland, my first thought is Indian yogi's, right? Oh, did I mention that while you study the teachings, you'll be assaulted by some bludgeoning blackened death metal? This band has been around since 1999, but it's the first I've heard of them. No frills, nothing grandiose, just straight up black/death. Transcending Obscurity from India is responsible for the release. And not surprisingly, the owner of that label provided all the lyrics for this album.

[Go to the post to view the Bandcamp player]