Metal Assault: Album Reviews

By Andrew Bansal

Extreme metal band Dethklok, better known for their animated version on Adult Swim’s “Metalocalypse” series, are ready to release their third studio album, simply titled ‘Dethalbum III’, which hits American stores today, on October 16th 2012 via Williams Street Records. For those who are new, the real-life version of Dethklok comprises of Metalocalypse co-creator Brendon Small on vocals, guitar & keyboards, Gene Hoglan on drums and Bryan Beller on bass, These three musicians compose and record music that’s released as the ‘Dethalbums’, and also used as soundtracks on the cartoon show. Along with touring guitarist Mike Keneally, they perform gigs under the Dethklok name and bring this music on to the stage. I think that’s enough of an intro, now I’ll come to the music on this new album. Continue reading “Dethklok – Dethalbum III [9 out of 10]”

By Andrew Bansal

Based out of Greenfield, Massachusetts, Lich King have been around since 2004, and through previously released studio albums “Necromantic Maelstrom”, “Toxic Zombie Onslaught”, “World Gone Dead” and “Super Retro Thrash”, along with some raging live shows played predominantly around the US East Coast, they have become cult heroes in the modern American thrash metal scene. They released their fifth studio album “Born Of The Bomb” on September 28th of this year, all on their own. I’ve never seen the band live, unfortunately, because they didn’t play any shows in LA while I was there. But, I’ve always kept in touch with their music itself, and based on their previous releases I’d say there aren’t many better bands around today when it comes to straight-up retro thrash. So, with the very recent release of this album, I thought this is as good a time as any to finally give them some well-deserved coverage on this website. Continue reading “Lich King – Born Of The Bomb [9.5 out of 10]”

By Avinash Mittur

When it comes to thrash metal, few bands have as mighty a discography as Kreator. The five albums the band delivered between 1985 and 1990 have had an immeasurable influence on black, death and thrash metal and they’ve been justly lauded for it in the years since. Kreator’s 1987 release, “Terrible Certainty,” has always been a bit of an underappreciated gem in the catalog though. The two albums that bookend it are usually spoken of more for understandable reasons. “Pleasure to Kill” was perhaps the most frenzied and gore-obsessed album of its time while “Extreme Aggression” was the first album to successfully marry the two styles of thrash coming out of Germany and California. Released twenty-five years ago in October 1987, “Terrible Certainty” is every bit as memorable a record as any of those albums though- it’s one of the Kreator’s finest and stands as one of the great contributions to heavy metal music from Germany. Continue reading “Retrospective: Kreator’s ‘Terrible Certainty’ 25 Years Strong”

By Andrew Bansal

2012 is turning out to be an excellent year for doom metal, and we’ve already seen a few great releases that represent this sub-genre. I’ve been enjoying this musical style through these albums, and I must admit, during the course of this year I’ve become a bigger fan of doom metal than I ever was, and as a result I’ve been exploring this kind of music a lot more. So when I got a download link for “White Lightnin'”, the second studio album from German doom quartet Obelyskkh releasing on October 16th via Exile On Mainstream records, I immediately decided to go back into the band’s history and listen to their first album “Mount Nysa”. I was impressed by what I heard. The music had all the qualities of doom metal, but also had a strong atmospheric feel to it, which made it catchy in a strange sort of way. Subsequently, I downloaded the new album to see what Obelyskkh has come up with this time. Continue reading “Obelyskkh – White Lightnin’ [9 out of 10]”

By Andrew Bansal

After undergoing an extended build-up and withstanding a few delays, rock legends KISS are ready to unleash their 20th studio album “Monster”. Set for release on October 9th in North America, this album has been talked about by the members of the band for quite a while now, and Gene Simmons repeatedly described it as “Destroyer meets Revenge”. Although I wasn’t ready to take his word for it, the first single “Hell Or Hallelujah” definitely raised my hopes up for the rest of the album. It’s been more than three months since the release of that single, and the long wait is finally over. Continue reading “KISS – Monster [6 out of 10]”

By Avinash Mittur

In 2012, Exodus is one of thrash metal’s most respected acts. Dozens of young bands cited them as a major influence during the “thrash revival” movement, and many continue to argue for their place in the so-called “Big Four.” In 1987, this was anything but the case for the original Bay Area thrash band. The band had lost their legendary vocalist Paul Baloff and were now standing the shadow of some of thrash’s greatest records like “Pleasure to Kill,” “Master of Puppets” and “Reign in Blood.” Twenty-five years ago on October 7th 1987 Exodus released their second album, “Pleasures of the Flesh.” Sadly, this album just wasn’t the masterpiece that should have been the follow-up to “Bonded By Blood.” Despite decent songs and fine performances by the band, “Pleasures of the Flesh” has not aged well at all and remains a black sheep in the Exodus catalog after twenty-five years. Continue reading “Retrospective: Exodus’ “Pleasures Of The Flesh” Turns 25″