Debut album from 2017 by this Canadian trio and one of the most interesting releases to emerge from the modern Technical/ Progressive Thrash Metal scene. Following the "Disconnected" EP, DROID took a major step forward with an ambitious work that blends aggression, technical skill and science-fiction-inspired themes, creating a distinctive identity of its own.
"Terrestrial Mutations" features complex song structures, intricate riffing, tempo changes and outstanding musicianship throughout. Rather than relying solely on technicality, the band places a strong emphasis on songwriting, achieving an effective balance between intensity, melody and progressive development. A strong debut that establishes DROID as a noteworthy name within contemporary technical Metal.
Recommended for fans of: VEKTOR, CORONER, VOIVOD, WATCHTOWER.
10th album from 2019 by this veteran Italian band and the first chapter of the ambitious "Reader of the Runes" conceptual trilogy. Following the success of "Secrets of the Magick Grimoire", ELVENKING further developed its trademark blend of Power Metal and Folk Metal, creating an expansive fantasy storyline that would continue across multiple releases.
"Reader of the Runes - Divination" combines epic choruses, folk melodies, prominent violin arrangements and a powerful production that enhances the album's narrative character. Darker and more sophisticated than some of its predecessors, it finds the band at a creative peak, balancing the energy of Power Metal with the atmosphere and grandeur of its pagan-inspired world.
Recommended for fans of: ENSIFERUM, TURISAS, SKYCLAD, WIND ROSE.
Debut album from 2009 by this American Death Metal band from Illinois. With strong satanic and anti-Christian themes, the group embraced a strictly old-school approach from the very beginning, avoiding modern trends in favour of the dark and blasphemous Death Metal tradition of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Their sound combines crushing riffs, dark atmospheres and relentless aggression rooted in the classic American school, while also incorporating touches of extreme Thrash Metal. A solid and powerful release that clearly reflects the band's devotion to old-school Death Metal, including a cover of SLAYER's "Necrophiliac" as a tribute to one of their key influences.
Recommended for fans of: DEICIDE, VITAL REMAINS, MORBID ANGEL and ANGELCORPSE.
2nd album from 2020 by this Greek band and another crushing display of extreme, filthy and devastating Slamming Brutal Death Metal. Following the impact of their debut "Gluttonous Mastication of Embryonic Remnants", EMBRYECTOMY returned with a release that fully embraces pulverizing riffs, brutal breakdowns and relentless sonic violence.
"Flamethrower Ecdysis" delivers a heavy and punishing sound built around cavernous slams, ultra-guttural vocals and a powerful production. While remaining faithful to the genre's core foundations, the band introduces subtle refinements and a more polished execution, further establishing itself as one of the strongest acts in the European Slam Death Metal scene.
Recommended for fans of: CEPHALOTRIPSY, EPICARDIECTOMY, CEREBRAL INCUBATION, KRAANIUM.
2nd album from 2020 by this Russian Brutal Death Metal band, continuing the extreme and devastating approach already showcased on their 2016 debut. Compact and utterly uncompromising, the album once again demonstrates the band's ability to combine brutality, technique and sheer heaviness within the classic boundaries of the genre.
Their sound is defined by crushing riffs, relentless drumming, deep guttural vocals and highly precise musicianship that keeps the intensity at maximum level throughout. A punishing release that successfully balances aggression and technicality without sacrificing impact, further establishing the band as one of the strongest acts in the contemporary Russian brutal death scene.
Recommended for fans of: DEEDS OF FLESH, SUFFOCATION, DISGORGE and PYREXIA.
Debut album from 2022 by this international Death/ Thrash outfit featuring musicians from France, Greece, Indonesia and Jordan. With members and guests linked to bands such as NILE, MERCYLESS and TROJAN, the group delivered a first full-length firmly rooted in the classic Death/ Thrash tradition of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Their sound blends Thrash Metal aggression with Death Metal power, driven by sharp riffing, frequent tempo changes and top-tier musicianship led by drummer George Kollias (NILE). An intense, technical and exceptionally well-produced album that bridges both the European and American schools while remaining faithful to the roots of classic Death/ Thrash.
Recommended for fans of: PESTILENCE, DEATH, DEMOLITION HAMMER and MERCYLESS.
7th album from 2025 by this German Epic Folk Metal band, released six years after "Renegades" and the first to feature Fabian Getto on vocals. Following a particularly divisive period marked by stronger Metalcore influences and a more modern approach, this album finds the band searching for a balance between the epic identity of their early years and the stylistic evolution developed over the last decade.
Its sound blends Folk Metal, Melodic Death Metal, symphonic elements and a significant amount of modern electronic textures. While still retaining epic melodies, cinematic atmospheres and traces of the band's pagan roots, the album favours shorter and more accessible songwriting than many of their classic releases. An ambitious comeback that sees the band embracing the future without completely abandoning the elements that made them one of Europe's most recognizable Folk Metal acts.
Recommended for fans of: ENSIFERUM, FINNTROLL, WINTERSUN and HEIDEVOLK.
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]
Vinyl re-issue in green & blue wax with red splatter and poster of the 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.
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.
Vinyl version with poster of the 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.
