Metal Assault: Album Reviews

By Andrew Bansal

Having begun their musical journey in 2007, Norwegian extreme metal/rock n’ roll band Kvelertak have rapidly risen in popularity over the past couple of years following the release of their self-titled debut album in 2010 and subsequent touring worldwide which took their insanely energetic show to stages everywhere. This year, they came up with their sophomore effort ‘Meir’ and once again have been on an actively continuous touring run ever since. Continue reading “‘Top 50 Albums Of 2013’ Countdown – #33: Kvelertak – Meir”

By Andrew Bansal

Pittsburgh rock n’ roll quartet Carousel started out in 2010 and released their debut full-length album Jeweler’s Daughter via Tee Pee Records this year. In 2013, the world of hard rock and heavy metal has largely been filled with a plethora of dark, doom-laden music (also evident from the albums featured in this countdown so far). But amidst rock and metal bands busy exploring the darker sides of their musical expression, Carousel treats the genuine rock lover with a refreshing change of pace and mood. Continue reading “‘Top 50 Albums Of 2013’ Countdown – #34: Carousel – Jeweler’s Daughter”

By Andrew Bansal

Hailing from London, England, psychedelic rock band Purson began their occult-themed journey of musical expression in 2011, and released their debut full-length album ‘The Circle And The Blue Door’ via Metal Blade/Rise Above Records in April this year. Led by frontwoman and founder Rosalie Cunningham’s deeply dreamy vocals, Purson’s music boasts of a compelling synth sound obtained by the use of the organ, mellotron and wurlitzer, fuzzy guitar parts and a rhythm section that plays a crucial role in keeping structure in an otherwise spacey vibe, all encapsulated within 48 mystical minutes through crystal clear production. Continue reading “‘Top 50 Albums Of 2013’ Countdown – #35: Purson – The Circle And The Blue Door”

By Andrew Bansal

German stoner/doom/psychedelic rock band Kadavar released their second full-length album ‘Abra Kadavar’ earlier this year, their first after signing to Nuclear Blast Records. This latest set of tunes from the Berlin-based trio is no-nonsense old-school heavy music at its purest, and solidifies their stature as one of the most promising music groups that can be categorized as flag-bearers of the classic 70s doom rock revival. Continue reading “‘Top 50 Albums Of 2013’ Countdown – #36: Kadavar – Abra Kadavar”

By Andrew Bansal

Earlier this year, Dutch occult rock band The Devil’s Blood put a sudden end to their young, fledgling career by announcing their disbandment, but soon after, their posthumous third studio album ‘III: Tabula Rasa or Death and the Seven Pillars’ was released via Metal Blade Records to provide closure for the band and a farewell to their cult fan base. Continue reading “‘Top 50 Albums Of 2013’ Countdown – #37: The Devil’s Blood”

By Andrew Bansal

Throughout their ever-growing 12-year career thus far, Savannah, Georgia psychedelic sludge exports Kylesa have built themselves from the ground up, and as a result they’re one of the more respected and admired bands of the sludge sub-culture in today’s times. Their sixth and latest studio offering ‘Ultraviolet’ came earlier this year via Season Of Mist Records, and witnesses further development of the band’s collective musicianship as they’ve succeeded in creating a set of eleven compelling tunes that not only please Kylesa fans but make new listeners stand up and take notice. Continue reading “‘Top 50 Albums Of 2013’ Countdown – #38: Kylesa – Ultraviolet”