8th album from 2000 by these Canadian Speed Metal pioneers and the final studio release featuring vocalist Jacques Bélanger before his departure from the band. Released three years after "The Dark Command", "Blood of Tyrants" follows the path established by its predecessor and finds EXCITER performing at a consistently high level while remaining faithful to the style that helped shape Speed Metal in the 1980s.
"Blood of Tyrants" delivers a fierce blast of Speed Metal and Thrash Metal driven by John Ricci's sharp riffing and Bélanger's powerful vocal performance. Packed with fast-paced songs, memorable choruses and a completely old-school attitude, the album stands as a strong example of why EXCITER remains one of the most influential names in classic extreme Metal.
Recommended for fans of: RAZOR, ANVIL, AGENT STEEL, EXODUS.
The debut album from 1993 by this Swedish Death Metal band, one of the most underrated acts to emerge from the flourishing Scandinavian scene of the early 1990s. Although it remained somewhat overshadowed by bigger names of the era, this release has gradually become a genuine cult favourite among fans of dark and atmospheric Swedish Death Metal.
Rooted firmly in the classic Swedish Death Metal tradition, the album combines heavy riffing, dark atmospheres and an excellent balance between aggression and melody. With a distinctive personality and a less straightforward approach than many of its contemporaries, it stands out for the quality of its songwriting and for perfectly capturing the spirit of old-school Swedish Death Metal.
Recommended for fans of: CREMATORY, GOD MACABRE, HETSHEADS, NECROPHOBIC and MORPHEUS.
3rd album from 2025 by this Toronto-based Canadian band and another strong example of its distinctive approach to technical and atmospheric Death Metal. Led by Nick Radlovic, EXPERIMENT SPECIMEN has developed a unique identity built around aggression, science fiction, cosmic horror and richly detailed songwriting.
"Ghosts of the Old Kingdom" delivers an elaborate and dynamic Death Metal sound where complex riffing, eerie atmospheres and strong compositional depth coexist naturally. Rather than relying solely on technicality, the band focuses on creating memorable and immersive songs, further establishing its place within Canada's most forward-thinking Death Metal scene.
Recommended for fans of: BLOOD INCANTATION, TIMEGHOUL, NOCTURNUS, OBLIVEON.
2nd album from 1987 by the German EXUMER, one of the most respected cult bands of European Thrash Metal. “Rising From the Sea” showed a clear progression from the band's debut, featuring more developed songwriting and a stronger production while retaining the speed, aggression and energy that defined its sound.
Combining razor-sharp riffs, power and attitude, the album cemented EXUMER's position as one of the most interesting acts of the 1980s German Thrash Metal scene. Regarded by many fans as one of the genre's great hidden classics, it remains as powerful and relevant today as it was upon its original release.
Recommended for fans of DESTRUCTION, SODOM, KREATOR and EXODUS. [Slipcase]
Debut album from 2022 by this Czech Thrash/ Speed Metal band, one of the most exciting newcomers to emerge from the recent old-school metal revival. Although the band is relatively new, their sound and attitude feel as if they were transported directly from the second half of the 1980s, showing a clear devotion to the genre's roots.
Rather than relying solely on nostalgia, the album delivers aggressive and energetic Thrash/ Speed Metal enriched with touches of Crossover and even Crust, giving the band a distinctive identity within a classic framework. Sharp riffs, relentless speed and a completely unhinged attitude make this release both original and devastatingly effective.
Recommended for fans of: EXCITER, RAZOR, VENOM and AGENT STEEL.
EP from 2016 by this acclaimed Swedish Death Metal band from Skellefteå. Released between the albums "Where Dead Dreams Dwell" and "Flesh for Funerals Eternal", this release contains 6 tracks, including a cover version of PENTAGRAM, and captures FERAL at one of the strongest points of its career, reaffirming its dedication to classic and rotten Swedish Death Metal.
Its sound combines the crushing heaviness of the Stockholm Death Metal school with the morbid influence of early American Death Metal, driven by massive riffs, crushing grooves, sick atmospheres and an organic production that enhances its old-school character. Dark, direct and packed with memorable moments, the EP offers an excellent example of FERAL's ability to blend brutality, atmosphere and strong songwriting.
Recommended for fans of: GRAVE, NIHILIST, AUTOPSY and GOD MACABRE.
2012 compilation by this American band formed from the remnants of CONFESSOR after that group's original split. "Come Metamorphosis" features a remastered version of FLY MACHINE's sole 1997 full-length album along with three previously unreleased tracks from the same era. Rather than being a standard compilation, the release serves as a document of the transition from CONFESSOR's distinctive sound toward the unique musical identity later developed by FLY MACHINE.
Musically, the band blends Technical/ Progressive Thrash Metal with elements of Groove Metal, Alternative Rock and unconventional song structures. While retaining some of the rhythmic complexity that made CONFESSOR so respected, FLY MACHINE embraced a more accessible and exploratory approach without sacrificing musicianship or technical depth. The involvement of musicians who would later perform with LOINCLOTH further enhances the historical value of a release that remains one of the hidden gems of 1990s American technical Metal.
Recommended for fans of: CONFESSOR, LOINCLOTH, WATCHTOWER, HEATHEN.
2nd album from 1990 by this legendary American Thrash Metal band from the San Francisco Bay Area, widely regarded by many fans as the finest release of their career. With guitarist Tim Calvert replacing Glen Alvelais, the band evolved towards a more technical, melodic and progressive sound while retaining the aggression that had defined their acclaimed debut.
Its sound combines the speed and precision of classic Thrash Metal with sophisticated song structures, memorable guitar harmonies and outstanding musicianship. Russ Anderson's remarkable vocal performance and Paul Bostaph's drumming, before his departure to SLAYER, help elevate an album packed with intricate and highly accomplished compositions that remains one of the defining classics of early-'90s American technical Thrash Metal.
Recommended for fans of: HEATHEN, DEATH ANGEL, TESTAMENT and TOXIK.
Debut album from 1988 by this German band from Bonn and a forgotten gem from the early days of German Speed/ Power Metal. Active between 1986 and 1988 under the name FORCED ENTRY, the musicians would later continue as STS 8 MISSION, making this album the only full-length document of the band's original incarnation.
"Forced Entry" blends Melodic Heavy Metal, Speed Metal and early German Power Metal with strong guitar harmonies, catchy choruses and the energetic spirit that characterized the late 1980s scene. While it never achieved the recognition of some of its contemporaries, the album remains a solid and highly enjoyable example of the formative years of German Power Metal.
Recommended for fans of: SCANNER, HELLOWEEN, GRAVESTONE, WARRANT.
Unofficial CD release issued in 2023 featuring the audio from "+R, Regicide Reverberation", an audiovisual document originally released in 2002 and focused on the final performances of this legendary Japanese band. Widely regarded as one of the most influential and uncompromising acts in Hardcore Punk history, G.I.S.M. forged a unique style that blended the aggression of Hardcore Punk with the power of Heavy Metal and a distinctly apocalyptic atmosphere.
The recordings capture the band during the closing stage of its career, showcasing the intensity and individuality that made G.I.S.M. a crucial influence on subsequent generations of extreme musicians. Fronted by the charismatic Sakevi Yokoyama, the band's legacy remains deeply embedded in both the Hardcore scene and countless areas of the international underground Metal movement.
Recommended for fans of: DISCHARGE, AMEBIX, GAUZE, THE COMES. [Digipack]
2024 compilation from this promising Chicago-based American band, gathering all material released by GORED EMBRACE up to that point, including tracks from their early demos, standalone singles and an exclusive song that would later appear on their debut album "In the Presence of a Malevolent Soul". Originally issued on cassette by Iron Fortress Records, this release serves as an ideal introduction to the formative years of one of the most exciting new acts in contemporary American Death Metal.
Across its seven tracks, the band delivers a savage and straightforward Death Metal assault deeply rooted in the early 1990s American tradition. Crushing riffs, punishing rhythms and a strong sense of memorable songwriting make this compilation far more than a release aimed solely at collectors. Besides documenting the group's early development, "Chicago Death Compilation" offers a clear glimpse of the potential that GORED EMBRACE would fully realize on its debut full-length.
Recommended for fans of: AUTOPSY, MORTA SKULD, MASSACRE, OBITUARY.
Debut album from 2013 by this British Death Metal band, quickly becoming one of the most respected and acclaimed underground Death Metal releases of the 21st century. Following a series of demos and EPs that generated considerable anticipation, GRAVE MIASMA fully delivered on its promise with a release that showcased a deeply dark, ritualistic and immersive musical vision.
Its sound combines cavernous Death Metal, occult atmospheres and strong old-school influences, moving away from straightforward brutality in favour of dense, hypnotic and highly atmospheric compositions. With an organic production and an almost ceremonial approach, the album creates a profoundly immersive experience that has established it as a landmark of modern dark and esoteric Death Metal.
Recommended for fans of: INCANTATION, DEAD CONGREGATION, FUNEBRARUM and DISMA. [Digipack]
3rd album from 2015 by this international Death Metal project featuring genre legends such as Kam Lee (MASSACRE, DEATH), Rogga Johansson (PAGANIZER, REVOLTING, RIBSPREADER) and Håkan Stuvemark (WOMBBATH). Released just one year after "The Lupine Anathema", the album further expands the gothic horror and classic terror concepts that have defined THE GROTESQUERY since its inception.
Its sound combines old-school Death Metal with macabre atmospheres and strong classic horror influences, driven by heavy riffing, dark melodies and Kam Lee's unmistakable vocal performance. Darker and more cinematic than many contemporary Death Metal releases, the album achieves an excellent balance between brutality, atmosphere and storytelling, immersing the listener in a world of monsters, curses and tales from beyond the grave.
Recommended for fans of: MASSACRE, AUTOPSY, ASPHYX and DEATH.
2015 compilation from these Czech Goregrind masters and an essential release for anyone looking to explore the rare and hard-to-find material from GUTALAX's early years. Far more than a simple collection, "Stinking Collection" gathers tracks from splits, unreleased recordings, alternate versions and live performances, providing a comprehensive overview of the band's development between 2010 and 2014.
The compilation features material taken from the split with CANNIBE, previously unreleased songs recorded during different periods, tracks from the "911 (Emergency Slaughter) / Shit Evolution" split alongside HAEMORRHAGE, and several live recordings captured at Obscene Extreme Festival 2014. Musically, GUTALAX delivers its trademark blend of Goregrind, Grindcore and toilet humor, driven by infectious grooves, frantic rhythms and the irreverent attitude that has made the band one of the most recognizable names in the European gore scene. For collectors and dedicated fans, this release serves as the perfect companion to the band's studio albums.
Recommended for fans of: SPASM, ROMPEPROP, RECTAL SMEGMA, C.B.T.
2nd album from 1988 by this veteran American Thrash/ Speed Metal band, presented here in a 2-CD reissue featuring extensive bonus material on the second disc, including demos, rarities and previously unreleased recordings from the era. Regarded by many fans as the peak of their career, this release showcased a remarkable progression from their debut, featuring more sophisticated songwriting and a distinctive identity that helped establish it as a cult classic of late-'80s American technical metal.
Its sound combines Thrash Metal aggression with progressive structures, excellent arrangements and outstanding musicianship, particularly the vocals of Alan Tecchio and the songwriting skills of Dan Lorenzo. An unjustly overlooked album that deserves to stand alongside some of the finest technical Thrash Metal releases of its era.
Recommended for fans of: TOXIK, HEATHEN, FORBIDDEN and AGENT STEEL.
3rd album from 2024 by this outstanding Faroese Doom/ Death Metal band, released six years after the acclaimed "Támsins likam". Inspired by the real-life whaling tragedy that struck the Faroe Islands in 1915, when fourteen men lost their lives during a storm, the album unfolds a deeply emotional story filled with grief, despair and human resilience.
Its sound blends Death/ Doom Metal, melancholic atmospheres and profound emotional depth, driven by the remarkable performance of vocalist Jón Aldará, whose seamless transitions between clean singing and growls add tremendous expressive power. More epic, dynamic and ambitious than its predecessors, the album incorporates atmospheric, folk and cinematic elements, resulting in one of the most moving and distinctive Doom Metal releases of recent years.
Recommended for fans of: SWALLOW THE SUN, DRACONIAN, OCTOBER TIDE and MOURNING BELOVETH.[Digipack]
2nd album from 1992 by this German band and the final studio release from a group whose sound stood apart from the typical European Power Metal formula. This reissue includes 6 bonus tracks, making it the definitive edition of a long-overlooked gem. Led by vocalist Stefan Kessel, HEAVENWARD developed a distinctive style heavily influenced by the late 1980s American Progressive Heavy Metal scene.
"A Future Worth Talking About?" blends technical skill, power and melody through sophisticated songwriting, well-crafted tempo changes and outstanding guitar work. The strength of the arrangements and vocal performance makes this album a hidden treasure for fans of epic and progressive-oriented Heavy Metal.
10th album from 2003 by this legendary German Power Metal band, released during a particularly difficult period following the departures of Roland Grapow and Uli Kusch. Despite the lineup changes and recording difficulties, the album marked a return to the brighter melodies and classic HELLOWEEN spirit after the darker and more controversial "The Dark Ride". It also introduced guitarist Sascha Gerstner as a new member of the band.
Its sound brings back much of the melodic Power Metal approach that made the band a genre-defining act, blending catchy choruses, rich guitar harmonies and the trademark songwriting of Andi Deris and Michael Weikath. Although often overshadowed by other releases in their catalogue, it contains some of the strongest material of their modern era and stands as a solid return to the band's roots.
Recommended for fans of: GAMMA RAY, EDGUY, FREEDOM CALL and MASTERPLAN.
Debut album from 2025 by this Seattle-based American band and a true declaration of war for fans of savage and primitive Black/ Thrash Metal. Emerging from the ashes of KÖMMAND, HELLSLAUGHT retains a complete devotion to old-school extreme Metal, delivering an explosive blend of speed, aggression and darkness inspired by the fiercest sounds of the 1980s.
"Violent Iconoclasm" unleashes a relentless collection of songs packed with razor-sharp riffs, destructive rhythms and an openly hostile attitude toward conformity. The influence of early Black/ Thrash classics is undeniable, yet the band brings enough personality to avoid sounding like a mere tribute to the past. An intense, uncompromising album dedicated to the spirit of true extreme Metal.
Recommended for fans of: BATHORY, SARCÓFAGO, AURA NOIR, DESASTER.
The debut album from 1987 by this Californian Thrash Metal/Speed Metal band, formed by former AGENT STEEL guitarist Kurt Kilfelt. Regarded as one of the great cult classics of 1980s American Thrash Metal, it marked the beginning of a short but brilliant career that would culminate a year later with the equally acclaimed "Mind Wars".
Far removed from the genre's usual clichés, the band crafted a highly technical, aggressive and distinctive sound, blending Speed Metal intensity with Thrash Metal power through intricate songwriting, memorable melodies and the outstanding vocal performance of Keith Deen. An underrated classic that remains remarkably fresh and original decades after its release.
Recommended for fans of: AGENT STEEL, DARK ANGEL, FORBIDDEN and HEATHEN.
