12th album from 1995 by this legendary British Heavy Metal band, and the first to feature guitarist Doug Scarratt, whose arrival injected fresh energy into a group undergoing a significant creative resurgence. Released after several years away from the spotlight, the album marked the beginning of one of the most consistent and respected periods of SAXON's career.
Its sound combines the power of classic Heavy Metal with a heavier and more modern production while retaining the strong melodies, epic choruses and unmistakable vocals of Biff Byford. Harder and more aggressive than many of the band's late-'80s releases, the album helped restore much of the credibility earned during the NWOBHM era and laid the foundation for the excellent records that followed.
Recommended for fans of: JUDAS PRIEST, ACCEPT, RUNNING WILD and DIO.
989 demo by this Polish Speed/ Black Metal band, presented here in a 2024 CD reissue compiling the complete known recordings of the group. In addition to the original "Deo Optimo Maximo" demo, this edition includes three rehearsal tracks from 1992 and eight rehearsal recordings from 1988, providing a comprehensive overview of one of the most obscure and overlooked acts from the early Polish extreme metal scene.
Their sound stands somewhere between savage Speed Metal and the primitive first wave of Black Metal, drawing clear inspiration from HELLHAMMER, CELTIC FROST, KAT and SODOM. Short, aggressive and raw songs packed with frantic riffing, harsh vocals and a genuinely underground atmosphere that perfectly captures the spirit of Eastern European extreme metal in its formative years. A true cult relic for devotees of ancient and uncompromising Black Metal.
Recommended for fans of: HELLHAMMER, CELTIC FROST, KAT and SODOM.
5th album from 2022 by this veteran Polish Technical Death Metal band, ending a 17-year gap since their previous studio release. With the return of vocalist Marcin Urbaś and most of the classic lineup, the band revived one of the most respected and distinctive careers in European technical metal.
Its sound preserves the band's trademark blend of Technical Death Metal, aggression and intricate songwriting, while also incorporating strong melodies and outstanding musicianship. A solid and convincing comeback that proves SCEPTIC still excels at crafting sophisticated, dynamic and highly distinctive Technical Death Metal.
Recommended for fans of: DECAPITATED, ATHEIST, PESTILENCE and SADIST. [Digipack]
10th album from 1988 by this legendary German Hard Rock band, released after the massive worldwide success of "Love at First Sting" and during the period when the group had firmly established itself as one of the biggest names in international Rock. Although often overshadowed by some of their most famous releases, it was another commercial success and kept SCORPIONS at the top of the scene during the final years of the decade.
Its sound blends melodic Hard Rock and Arena Rock with polished production, huge choruses and the unmistakable chemistry between guitarists Rudolf Schenker and Matthias Jabs, alongside Klaus Meine's powerful vocals. More focused on melody and accessibility than some of the band's early-'80s material, the album still showcases their remarkable ability to craft memorable songs without sacrificing identity or impact.
Recommended for fans of: WHITESNAKE, DEF LEPPARD, BON JOVI and EUROPE.
2nd album from 1998 by this influential Greek Death Metal band, presented here in a reissue featuring new cover artwork and 4 bonus tracks. Originally released during the band's most experimental period, the album represented a significant step forward from their debut, expanding their sound with richer atmospheres, more elaborate songwriting and a stronger individual identity.
Its music combines dark and melodic Death Metal with symphonic elements, atmospheric passages and lyrical themes rooted in mythology and occultism, foreshadowing many of the characteristics that would later define the band's signature style. An essential release for understanding the evolution of one of the most original and influential bands to emerge from the Greek metal scene.
Recommended for fans of: ROTTING CHRIST, MOONSPELL, TIAMAT and THERION. [Digipack]
14th album from 2024 by this veteran American Death Metal band led by Chris Barnes, released after the controversial "Nightmares of the Decomposed". With Jack Owen (ex-CANNIBAL CORPSE) now fully involved in the songwriting process, the album marked a significant return to form and showed a band rediscovering much of the intensity and focus that defined its strongest releases.
Its sound delivers direct, aggressive and highly energetic Death Metal, driven by sharp riffing, dynamic tempo shifts and a vocal performance that many listeners considered a clear improvement over its predecessor. The collaboration between Barnes and Owen proves particularly effective, resulting in a collection of hard-hitting songs that stands among the strongest releases of the band's later career.
Recommended for fans of: CANNIBAL CORPSE, DEICIDE, JUNGLE ROT and MONSTROSITY.
2nd album from 2021 by this Italian Thrash Metal band, originally formed in 2000. Interestingly, between 2002 and 2005 the group operated under the name INSANE, releasing one album before eventually returning to the SLAVES moniker. More than two decades after its formation, the band remains fully committed to the most aggressive and traditional side of Thrash Metal.
Its sound combines speed, violence and a completely old-school attitude, driven by razor-sharp riffing, frantic rhythms and an aggression that directly recalls the genre's golden years. Dark, savage and uncompromising, the album captures the spirit of primitive extreme Thrash with remarkable authenticity. If you're into SLAYER's "Hell Awaits", then you need to hear this.
Recommended for fans of: SLAYER, DARK ANGEL, SODOM and RAZOR. [Slipcase]
3rd album from 1986 by this legendary American Thrash Metal band, universally regarded as one of the most influential and important releases in the history of extreme Metal. Produced by Rick Rubin, it represented a massive leap forward in intensity, speed and brutality, setting new standards that would profoundly influence the development of Death Metal, Black Metal and the more aggressive side of Thrash Metal.
Its sound is a relentless assault of controlled violence, combining frantic riffing, devastating drumming, chaotic solos and Tom Araya's unmistakable vocal aggression. Compact, merciless and completely free of filler, the album contains some of the most iconic songs ever recorded by the band and remains essential listening for any fan of extreme Metal.
Recommended for fans of: DARK ANGEL, KREATOR, DESTRUCTION and SADUS.
2nd album from 2006 by this Norwegian Heavy Metal band, presented here in a fully remastered 2-CD edition. Widely regarded as the band's most ambitious work, it expanded upon the foundations of their debut with a broader musical scope and a more powerful production. The bonus disc features demos, bonus tracks, previously unreleased recordings, live performances and video material, making this the definitive collection of the band's legacy.
Their sound blends modern Heavy Metal with elements of Stoner Rock, Groove Metal and Alternative Metal, shifting seamlessly between melodic passages and heavier, darker moments. Strong songwriting, excellent vocal work and an impressive balance between heaviness and melody make this one of the most underrated Norwegian metal releases of the 2000s.
Recommended for fans of: AUDREY HORNE, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, ALICE IN CHAINS and BLACK SABBATH.
Re-issue with poster and slipcase of the Debut album from 1984 by this legendary German Heavy Metal band, widely regarded as one of the pioneers of German Metal and affectionately known by its fans as "The Masters of Black Romantic". Released during the rise of European Heavy Metal, "Walpurgis Night" laid the foundations for the band's unique identity, built around fantasy, occult and medieval-inspired themes.
Its sound blends traditional Heavy Metal with strong NWOBHM influences, featuring sharp twin-guitar harmonies, epic melodies and a dark, mysterious atmosphere that was unusual for its time. More raw and straightforward than the band's later releases, the album perfectly captures the spirit of mid-'80s European Metal and remains one of the true cult classics of the German scene.
Recommended for fans of: RUNNING WILD, GRAVE DIGGER, PRETTY MAIDS and TYRAN' PACE. [Slipcase]
3rd album from 2018 by this Spanish Brutal Death Metal project led by Carlos Mejías, also known for his work with HUMAN MINCER, CEREBRAL TORTURE and other acts from the Spanish extreme metal scene. With this release, the project continues its uncompromising approach to brutal and straightforward Death Metal, entirely performed by a single musician.
Its sound is built upon crushing riffs, relentless drumming, deep guttural vocals and precise execution, always prioritizing impact over unnecessary excess. A compact and devastating album that remains firmly rooted in old-school Brutal Death Metal while successfully balancing aggression, darkness and technical skill.
Recommended for fans of: DEEDS OF FLESH, SUFFOCATION, DISGORGE and PYREXIA.
The only album from this German Melodic Heavy Metal/ Hard Rock band from Berlin, released independently in 1991. Largely unknown outside collector circles, it has gradually earned a reputation as a hidden gem of the early-'90s German underground, blending melodic Hard Rock with traditional European Heavy Metal influences.
Its sound sits between Melodic Heavy Metal and Hard Rock, driven by melodic guitar work, catchy choruses and a distinctly European early-'90s production style. Rather than following the heavier underground trends of the period, the band focused on accessible, well-crafted songs rooted in the German Hard & Heavy tradition. A worthwhile obscurity for collectors and fans of melodic European Metal.
Recommended for fans of: BONFIRE, MAD MAX, CASANOVA and VICE.
3rd album from 2005 by this Japanese Symphonic Black Metal band, regarded by many followers as the culmination of the evolution displayed on their previous releases. With strong occult themes and a clear connection to the 1990s Black Metal tradition, the band delivered its most ambitious and atmospheric work to date.
Its sound is driven by prominent keyboards, dark atmospheres and symphonic arrangements surrounding long, epic compositions. More melodic and elaborate than much of traditional Black Metal, the album successfully blends darkness, grandeur and a cinematic feeling that has helped it achieve cult status within the Japanese underground scene.
Recommended for fans of: DIMMU BORGIR, LIMBONIC ART, EMPEROR and BAL-SAGOTH.
3rd album from 2016 by this Polish Death Metal band, firmly establishing the path they had been developing since their formation and confirming them as one of the strongest names in the European Old School Death Metal scene. Released after the acclaimed "Grant Us Death", it represented a significant step forward in both songwriting and production.
Its sound draws heavily from the early Swedish Death Metal tradition, combining abrasive riffs, classic guitar tones, dark melodies and relentless aggression. Rather than merely imitating the Stockholm sound, the band injects its own personality through dynamic songwriting, varied atmospheres and memorable arrangements, resulting in one of the most accomplished European Death Metal releases of its era.
Recommended for fans of: DISMEMBER, ENTOMBED, DEMONICAL and GRAVE. [Slipcase]
The debut album from 1995 by this Chilean Death Metal band, widely regarded as one of the cornerstone releases of the South American extreme metal scene of the 1990s. With this record, the band moved beyond the local underground and established itself as one of the most internationally recognized Latin American acts of its generation.
Its sound combines power, speed and technical precision within a solid Death Metal framework, featuring sharp riffing, a strong rhythmic foundation and songwriting that is both direct and sophisticated. A true Chilean Death Metal classic that has lost none of its impact over the years and remains essential listening for fans of the genre.
Recommended for fans of: MONSTROSITY, MALEVOLENT CREATION, SINISTER and KRISIUN.
Debut album from 2014 by this Maltese Funeral Doom/ Death Metal band. After several years of activity within the local underground scene, VICTIMS OF CREATION released a deeply dark and oppressive first full-length exploring themes of suffering, decay and existential despair, displaying a clear devotion to the slowest and heaviest forms of extreme Metal.
Its sound combines the density of Funeral Doom with elements of Death/ Doom Metal, building lengthy compositions around monolithic riffs, extremely slow tempos, melancholic atmospheres and deep, anguished vocals. Dark, mournful and immersive, the album creates a constant feeling of desolation and sorrow, making it particularly appealing to listeners seeking the most emotional and crushing side of extreme Doom Metal.
Recommended for fans of: MOURNING BELOVETH, SHAPE OF DESPAIR, EVOKEN and SKEPTICISM.
4th album from 1988 by this influential Canadian Progressive Thrash Metal band, widely regarded as one of the most innovative and visionary releases of its entire career. Issued only a year after "Killing Technology", it represented a major creative leap forward, further expanding the band's unique science-fiction universe and solidifying a style unlike anything else in late-'80s Metal.
Its sound blends Thrash Metal, Progressive Metal and experimental elements through dissonant riffing, unconventional song structures and futuristic atmospheres. Piggy's extraordinary guitar work, Snake's distinctive vocals and the band's imaginative concepts combined to create an album far ahead of its time, one that remains a cornerstone of technical and progressive Metal.
Recommended for fans of: WATCHTOWER, CORONER, ATHEIST and MEKONG DELTA.
9th album from 2023 by this veteran Swedish Death Metal band, released twelve years after "Opus Mortis VIII" and marking an unexpected yet crushing return to the studio. After years of inactivity, VOMITORY came back proving that it remained one of the most reliable and devastating forces in Swedish Death Metal, preserving the brutality that has always defined its sound.
Its music combines the ferocity of Scandinavian Death Metal with the heaviness of the American school, driven by crushing riffs, pounding rhythms and flawless musicianship. Direct, aggressive and uncompromising, the album recaptures the spirit of the band's finest releases while benefiting from a powerful modern production that enhances its impact.
Recommended for fans of: BLOODBATH, GRAVE, CANNIBAL CORPSE and DISMEMBER.
2018 compilation album by this Polish Heavy Metal band, gathering virtually all material recorded by the group between 1990 and 1997. In addition to restoring their rare and long sought-after "Inkwizycja 1990-1997" album, this edition includes several bonus tracks taken from rehearsals and live recordings, making it the definitive collection of one of the hidden gems of 1990s Polish Heavy Metal.
Their sound blends traditional Heavy Metal with influences from MERCYFUL FATE, early METALLICA and classic US Heavy Metal, featuring strong melodies, inspired guitar work and outstanding vocals. An unjustly overlooked release outside Poland that deserves rediscovery by any fan of European underground Heavy Metal.
Recommended for fans of: MERCYFUL FATE, METALLICA, TYRANT and HEAVENS GATE.
Debut album from 2022 by this Argentine Speed/ Black Metal band, a group devoted to reviving the wild and untamed spirit of 1980s extreme metal. Far removed from modern trends, they deliver a faithful tribute to the sounds that shaped the genre, quickly establishing themselves as one of the most promising acts of the new South American underground.
Their music blends the speed of Speed Metal with the darkness of early Black Metal, creating a whirlwind of razor-sharp riffs, raw attitude and horror-inspired atmospheres. A pure underground metal assault drawing heavily from the legacy of VENOM, BATHORY, SLAYER and SARCÓFAGO, performed with genuine conviction and old-school spirit.
Recommended for fans of: VENOM, BATHORY, SARCÓFAGO and MIDNIGHT.
