Metal Assault: Album Reviews

By Andrew Bansal

Norwegian black/thrash trio Aura Noir have maintained a cult status in the extreme metal universe over the past 19 years, and remained prolific throughout this period, releasing four full-length studio albums interspersed with a multitude of demos, EPs, splits and a live album. With their last full-length release “Hades Rise”, the band succeeded to a large extent in breaking out of the European underground, and subsequently made their first visits to North America in 2011. Inspired by a fan base that’s now stronger than ever, Aura Noir are ready to present their fifth full-length album “Out To Die”. Continue reading “Album Review: Aura Noir – Out To Die [8.5 out of 10]”

By Andrew Bansal

Having developed an appreciation for Indian horror-themed heavy metal band Albatross after listening to their 2010 debut EP “Dinner Is You”, and having kept an eye on their activities for the past couple of years, I’m excited to get a chance to review their follow-up release, a split album with Connecticut-based occult/doom metal band Vestal Claret. In essence, it’s a combination of Albatross’ “Kissing Flies” EP and Vestal Claret’s 17-minute track “Black Priest”. It’s a very apt pairing, because it brings together two bands that have similarities as well as differences when it comes to their musical styles and themes. Continue reading “Album Review: Albatross/Vestal Claret Split [10 out of 10]”

By Andrew Bansal

One of the joys associated with being a reviewer is the endless opportunity to explore new music and in the process, discover bands I had previously never heard of. Philadelphia-based hardcore D-beat punk quartet Cop Problem is one such band. I decided to check out their debut EP today, at random, and I’m glad I did, because I’m mightily impressed with what I’m hearing on this three-song EP. Continue reading “Review: Cop Problem – Cop Problem EP [9.5 out of 10]”

By Andrew Bansal

After a killer debut full-length release and a slew of impressive live performances, Seattle-based band Black Breath are now ready to unleash their sophomore album “Sentenced To Life”, and just like its predecessor, this is yet another punishing, relentless onslaught that will not only pulverize the listener’s ears, but will tear venues apart when played live. Continue reading “Album Review: Black Breath – Sentenced To Life [8 out of 10]”

By Andrew Bansal

One of the flag-bearers of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal in its early stages, Angel Witch is a band that started out as far back as 1977. The South London-based outfit released three studio albums “Angel Witch”, “Screamin’ ‘n’ Bleedin'” and “Frontal Assault” in the 80’s, out of which the self-titled release is considered by many as a cult classic in this genre. Continue reading “Album Review: Angel Witch – As Above, So Below [9.5 out of 10]”

By Andrew Bansal

After collecting a generally positive response from fans and critics for their previous effort “Omen”, Soulfly are about to release their eighth studio album “Enslaved”. “Omen” was the shortest album of Soulfly’s career, and the Max Cavalera-led outfit kept things really simple and heavy on that release. It revolved around pure brute-force, which went down really well with fans. The mere prospect of a follow-up album is intriguing in itself, and the band is now ready to deliver it. Continue reading “Album Review: Soulfly – Enslaved [10 out of 10]”