Meat and Potatoes with a side of Dal Bhat

Written by Kevin Page.


Sweden's version of Bolt Thrower, Just Before Dawn, returns for their sophomore effort of war induced death metal, aptly named, The Aftermath. This is the brainchild of ex Amon Amarth guitarist, Anders Biazzi. Following the path of its predecessor, it's loaded with guest appearances from well known members of the scene (too many to list, you can see who after you click the link and listen). It's death metal, its mid paced, it's like getting hit by an artillery strike. This should come as no surprise as the band isn't looking to reinvent the wheel here. If you'd like to know more, read my interview over at No Clean Singing.

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Yes, more Swedish death metal. Is that ever really a bad thing? Featuring Per Boder and Björn Larsson of God Macabre fame, Mordbrand have released multiple splits and EP since 2010.  Imago is the band's debut full length and finally something that clicks with me.  It's not that I disliked their prior material, but it just never did much for me.  I can't put a reason on why or what it is about this album that resonates with me though.  Did they finally wear me down with their take on the style?  Did I have an epiphany?  I dunno, I just like it.  It's thick and heavy but with a looser and dare I say "bouncier" vibe than most bands doing the 'ole Swede thang.

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Another Swedish band, really? Well, Pyre are from Russia, but they sure sound Swedish. Think of an old school Dismember, during their violent and angry era (Like an Ever Flowing Stream/Pieces). I wrote about their prior 2012 EP here and stylistically they haven't changed one lick. And why should they change? They've only gotten better and better with each release. But before you roll your eyes and think they are yet another band mining the same overused well, give it a listen. If their conviction and energy don't win you over, the earworm riffs will.

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Now what do you we have here. This band from Nepal unleashes their debut album seemingly out of nowhere. While they refer to themselves as Hindu/Vedic death metal, it often straddles the line of brutal death metal. The use of traditional ethnic instruments, along with chants and some female vocals add to the diversity. At times this works flawlessly and at times it feels slightly jumbled. When the band turns to blastbeats and treads into the brutal death metal category, it usually feels underdeveloped and/or "old hat". Overall there is much more to like here than be critical of. This is a band that is just screaming out for a more polished and refined sophomore record. I hope they can pull it off when that day comes.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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