Self Release

Përl – Architecture du Vertige Review

Përl – Architecture du Vertige Review

By Killjoy on October 29, 2025 in Reviews, Post-Metal, 8 comments

“One of the cool things about post-metal is the virtually infinite leeway artists have to be as light or heavy as they like. Among my favorite artists in the genre are those who are masterful at balancing both sides. Përl has handcrafted a particularly dichotomous brand of post-metal in Paris, France, since 2008, drawing inspiration from the chiaroscuro art style characterized by the strong contrast between light and dark. This can be particularly difficult to execute because the opposing elements must be balanced impeccably in addition to being individually striking. How well has Përl mastered chiaroscuro on their fourth full-length record, Architecture du Vertige?” Përl before swine?

Stuck in the Filter: July 2025’s Angry Misses

Stuck in the Filter: July 2025’s Angry Misses

By Kenstrosity on October 6, 2025 in Stuck in the Filter, Atmospheric Black Metal, Black Metal, Blackened Death Metal, Death Metal, Doom Metal, Drone, Experimental Metal, Folk Metal, Groove Metal, Hardcore, Instrumental Metal, Melodic Black Metal, Nu Metal, Pop Metal, Progressive Metal, Sludge, Sludge Metal, Stoner Metal, 55 comments

July Filters get sticky from the heat. It takes time to cool em down and unstickify those rascals. We did it though, for YOU.

Raphael Weinroth-Browne – Lifeblood Review

Raphael Weinroth-Browne – Lifeblood Review

By Twelve on October 3, 2025 in Reviews, Classical, 51 comments

“Raphael Weinroth-Browne of Kamancello and Musk Ox, among other groups, is, in my mind, the most interesting cellist in metal. This is in large part due to the fact that he actually plays a lot of non-metal. Musk Ox is a fantastic chamber folk project with nary a distortion to be heard. His debut solo release, Worlds Within, covers a lot of ground, but is largely a work of classical music. And yet, you can just hear in the way he plays that Weinroth-Browne is a metal musician. The influence and emotion is just there, whatever he’s doing and however he’s doing it. The follow-up to Worlds Within, Lifeblood, offers a similar premise: one man with a cello and a pocket full of dreams.” Blood, cellos, pocket sand.

Æl-Fierlen – All Is Far Away Review

Æl-Fierlen – All Is Far Away Review

By Killjoy on September 22, 2025 in Reviews, Black Metal, Folk Metal, 23 comments

“Like a specter emerging from the mist, Æl-Fierlen is a brand new post-black metal act that materialized in Southern England in 2024. Their name comes from an Anglo-Saxon phrase meaning “all is far away,” making their debut something of an eponymous record. This phrase resonates with me because, despite living so close to many wonderful outdoor locations, I don’t make nearly as much time as I ought to experience them. As if beckoning to me, Æl-Fierlen sums up their sound with the simple declaration, “We are what the woods sounds like.”” What does the oak say?

Viral – The Merchant Review

Viral – The Merchant Review

By Kenstrosity on August 27, 2025 in Reviews, Heavy Metal, 2 comments

“When it comes to matters of taste, I find myself repeatedly surprised by the promo sump this year. I thought I knew what I would gravitate towards, but there have been several records this year that challenged that convention, both favorably and unfavorably. Swedish heavy metal quintet Viral marks yet another notch in that belt with their sophomore release, The Merchant. The only remaining question is how they’ve challenged my expectations.” Is it catchy though?

Illusia – Mind over Matter Review

Illusia – Mind over Matter Review

By Killjoy on August 25, 2025 in Reviews, Progressive Metal, Progressive Rock, 26 comments

“In the music business, the line between hobby and professional endeavor is often blurry. For brand-new musicians, the line might even be non-existent. And, every once in a while, a record graces our promo pile that is undeniably pure and authentic in a way only possible if its creator pours something deeply personal into the music. There is little doubt that this was the case for Jason Tyler when he formed Illusia in Manchester, UK. He took on a few bandmates and guest vocalists to help bring his progressive metal debut Mind over Matter to life, though he retains most of the songwriting and recording duties. How well might his passion project connect with a wider audience upon first exposure?” Smoke, mirrors, mind matters.