Constantly releasing relentless albums since 1981, Sodom returns today with another fine example of in-your-face German Thrash Metal with “Epitome of Torture”. Contrary to normal patterns, this German outfit keeps getting more punishing with age and on this release they deliver an intense 40 minutes of crushing music. Keeping things simple and direct, Tom Angelripper and company are at the top of their game and they make a very clear statement with “Epitome of Torture”.

Breaking in new drummer Makka in the opener “My Final Bullet”, the band shows the same ferocity and intensity they have since the 80’s. This track is quite direct and at some points (on the song and album) Tom even sounds a bit like Tom Araya from Slayer. For all familiar with the band’s sound over the years, tracks like “S.O.D.O.M” and “Epitome of Torture” are the perfect example of the high-octane Germany Thrash Metal that the band has been perfecting with each release.

Greatly diversifying their roster, Metal Blade has picked up for distribution in the US UK-based underground sensation Purson and their latest release “The Circle and the Blue Door”. Lead by singer/guitarist Rosalie Cunningham, this band has nailed the retro/psychedelic Rock vibe from the 60’s/70’s to perfection with their very authentic sound that will surely gather them international recognition.

Opening this release with the solemn “Wake Up Sleepy Head” and “The Contract”, the band immediately transports the listener to earlier times of free love and enigmatic music of the 60’s. The band’s authentic sound featuring instruments like the Mellotron and the Wurlitzer is greatly enhanced by Rosalie’s sultry vocals and excellent guitar skills. If you played this band for anybody into the music from those days, we are sure they would not be able to tell if it was a recent or an older band.

After all the excellent Black Metal we have heard from France in the last few years, we can’t help but wonder what kinds of stuff they are putting on the baguettes that produce such excellent musicians. With epic bands like Peste Noire, Alcest, Merrimack, Glorior Belli, and now Strynn, this country is starting to get some serious reputation in the Metal scene. Delivering 11-tracks of crushing Black Metal with nice melodic passages, “Decadence” is a very entertaining release that any fan of the genre should listen to.

Opening with sheer guitar power on “Awakening”, the band delivers a very well timed track that is quite melodic but it also imposes itself on the listener. The riffing onslaught finally picks up with devastating tracks like “Burial”, “Uncreation”, “Emptiness”, and “Datura”. The band uses two guitarists and no bass guitar player, making the guitar the main driving force behind the aggressive music. Strynn also features two alternating singers to keep things fresh and if we told you that one of them is Female, you probably wouldn’t believe it either.

Having set the bar ridiculously high with “The Beginning of Times”, Amorphis returns with yet another very impressive release that keeps setting new standards for the band. “Circle” features the band going a bit darker with some heavier songs, but with the every present melodic Amorphis signature style with soaring vocals and lush keyboards. Delivering nine tracks of pure brilliance the band reminds us why they are the kings of Finish Metal, in our opinion.

Unleashing their power immediately with “Shades of Gray”, Tomi J’s growls are as brutal as ever and make a great impact in the opening track. The classic Amorphis transitions from harsh sections to melodic passages are excellent as always thanks to the very efficient riffing. In a darker tone, “Mission” has a very energetic vibe thanks to the vocal arrangements and playful guitar work. One of the first singles of this release is the superbly catchy “The Wanderer”, a song where Tomi J’s vocals drive the track’s melodic elements.

Russia’s Frozen Ocean has always kept us guessing when it comes to their very interesting releases and today we have the totally weird and completely instrumental “Trollvinter”. Inspired by “Moominland Midwinter” of Tove Jansson, this release features 10 tracks of ambient movements that will surely bring back the nightmares generated by movies like “Event Horizon” and its weird atmospheric soundtrack.

The very mysterious “Sömnlöshet” opens this release with a certain cinematic feeling to it from old-school cartoons of something being followed in the woods by an evil creature. This very dark and yet relaxing vibe is prolonged by the dreamy “Att Betrakta Begravde Världen”. Followed by the drone-ish “Snöa Lanterna”, Frozen Winter has managed to create very somber soundscapes that are perfect to be enjoyed while walking in the woods on a dark and rainy day.

Hailing from Russia, today we have one-man band/project Frozen Ocean presenting his 2012 full-length release titled “A Perfect Solitude”. Handling all the instruments and drum programming, Vaarwel manages to craft a very powerful and atmospheric release that showcases his excellent songwriting skills. Featuring seven tracks and nearly 45 minutes of chilling music, this release delivers a hefty amount of bleak soundscapes that will surely keep you on the edge of your seat.

The bleak intro “Broken Window” sets a very mysterious and moody atmosphere that is very unnerving in nature. As the raining sounds bleed into “Somewhere Clouds Debark”, the mood keeps being very eerie and ethereal. The powerful distorted guitars elevate this track while maintaining the chilling atmosphere created. The vocals are very interesting since they are quite lush and greatly enhance the atmosphere, reminding us a bit of bands like Falkenbach and Thyrfing.

Delivering a short but sweep EP of relentless Black Metal, today we have one-man battalion Frozen Ocean all the way from Russia. In the “Vanviddsanger” EP, the band delivers eight crushing hymns of old-school hate-filled Crust Black Metal that is are both furiously paced and monumentally devastating. For all nostalgic fans of the days of raw Black Metal and old Crust Punk, this is one release you don’t want to miss.

Opening with an atmospheric intro, “Vanviddsang: I” sets a very mysterious tone for a fast-paced Black Metal journey. The release immediately explodes with the crushing tracks “II” and “III”, keeping a very hectic tempo filled with powerful guitars and very demonic screams. While the music in not too original in nature, the pure rawness and brutality of it make this EP quite an enjoyable release for any fan of the genre.

One of the weirdest and most sonically abusive bands to hail from the USA, The Body, returns with a three-song EP titled “Master, We Perish” that promises to be as weird as any of their previous releases. With their crushing Sludge Metal, this two-piece band delivers 18 minutes of pure aural filth that will have all fans of the genre going ape-shit about this album.

Quickly opening with some WWII sirens, “The Ebb And Flow Of Tides In A Sea of Ash” immediately makes the raw sound of The Body felt present. The harsh and very brutal guitar work is perfectly crushing and the droning drums are just there to make things even more confusing. Sounding like something that Merzbow would have produced… while on crack, this track is quite brutal and relentless.

Making its way from Finland, today we have the debut EP “Predators Among Us” of Melodic Death Metal newcomers Distress of Ruin. Trying to make an impact in this very crowded scene, the band pulls all the stops and delivers six hard-hitting tracks that showcase their excellent abilities. With fierce competition of bands like Omnium Gatherum and Insomnium, the band made a great impression on us with their quality riffing and extra catchy melodies presented in this excellent release.

Opening with some excellent atmospheric keyboards and acoustic guitars on “The Ocean of Perdition”, the band immediately makes their mark with epic riffs and crushing growls. While sounding a bit like Insomnium, they still get our attention since the band’s songwriting skills are top notch and the track sounds amazing. Things pickup with the tight drumming of “They Play Dead”, a song that is superbly catchy and features super effective riffs. The mixture of clean and harsh vocals works great and provides a nice contrast between the two.