Steel Druhm summarizes his experiences on the recent 70000 Tons of Metal Cruise while downplaying and concealing crimes committed in international waters.
Vader
Shine – Wrathcult Review
“Something must be in the water over in Poland, because the country churns out quality death metal like few others. The phrase ‘Polish death metal’ always grabs my attention, whether it’s technical like early Decapitated, thrashy à la Vader, or as blackened as Behemoth. Such was the case when I espied Shine’s Wrathcult lying unclaimed in the promo bin.” Hiding light under a cult bushel.
Stuck in the Filter: November/December 2025’s Angry Misses
2025 is fading in the rearview, but the Filters still need scrubbing. See what was left over after all the holiday debauchery.
AMG’s Unsigned Band Rodeö: Blindfolded – What Seeps through Threads
“AMG’s Unsigned Band Rodeö” is a time-honored tradition to showcase the most underground of the underground—the unsigned and unpromoted. This collective review treatment continues to exist to unite our writers in boot or bolster of the bands who remind us that, for better or worse, the metal underground exists as an important part of the global metal scene. The Rodeö rides on.” Blindfolded and led to the Rodeö.
Insidius – Vulgus Illustrata Review
“A Polish, blackened death metal record a day keeps the doctor away, or so I have heard. If so, Insidius (so tired of mispelled band names that make things impossible to search for) is your latest shot of hyper technical, searingly fast loud noises from the Poles. Quietly chugging along in the background, this Olsztyn-based fivesome has been producing solid blackened death since their debut, Shadows of Humanity, in 2016. While the album cover for Vulgus Illustrata may look like it contains some atmospheric depressive black metal, the eight tracks inside are nonstop meat grinders of chainsaw riffing with thick bass, otherworldly drumming, and pure rage.” Poles armed.
Last Retch – Abject Cruelty Review
“Despite the core ingredient being completely the same, not all steaks are created equal. Marbleization, marination, seasonings, sauces, garnishes, lobster tail, and the right type of whiskey to chase it down are all equally important considerations in preparation for the final product, despite the cynics’ argument that you’re dealing with the same slab of beef. So too with death metal. Hailing from Canada, Last Retch are our chophouse today, offering up their second LP Abject Cruelty to appease your palate for all things medium rare.” Looks like meat is back on the menu, boys!
The Final Witness – Beneath the Altar Review
“The Final Witness’s debut Beneath the Altar promises to deliver death and thrash in progressive form to the unwashed masses. I dove into Beneath the Altar with caution, having seen how often this combination of terms gets misused, but hoping The Final Witness would fulfill its promise.” Witness him!
Stuck in the Filter: May 2025’s Angry Misses
May Filters bring August off-kilters. Find your passion amongst the flotsam.
Hate – Bellum Regiis Review
“While they’ve never had the success of their Polish heathens, Perun V.’s crushing guitars and Vader-esque vocals continue to lead the charge, prolifically releasing albums to their dedicated fanbase regardless how many times someone, like Steel Dick, calls them ‘Behemoth Jr.’ This year brings Bellum Regiis, Hate’s thirteenth fucking full-length album. Jesus. And, as fans would expect, it’s massive, spitting venom and rumbling daycare facilities like a panzer just rolled into town. But, will ole Grier love it or Hate it?” Hate is a toxic emotion.
Dr. A.N. Grier’s Top Ten(ish) of 2024
Man, Grier be sassy this year. With a surprising new level of hate, he sets out to bury the posers under the weight of a correct Top Ten(ish) list for 2024.
