“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.
“Relative newcomers Supreme Void began their journey as Depravity in 2016, releasing a couple of EPs over a five-year period, culminating with 2021’s End of Games. The EP delivered a familiar slab of Polish death metal, packed with the aggression, technicality, and power that flagbearers like Behemoth and Hate have long championed. Presumably realizing the existence of numerous other bands named Depravity, the trio changed their name to Supreme Void in 2023, coinciding with their signing to French label Dolorem Records, who then re-released End of Games under the new moniker. Now, Supreme Void’s debut full-length, Towards Oblivion, aims to fuse the brutal, fast and specialized Polish sound with the dissonant and stylish tendencies of the likes of Ulcerate and Gorguts.” Void of depravity.
“In their heyday, we were blessed with remarkable albums like Evangelion and The Satanist. The latter is one of the best black/death albums of all time. Yup, I said it. Since then, the band hasn’t quite lived up to the mastery of The Satanist. But, I would argue that it’s impossible. Now they’re back with a toned new album that, per usual, celebrates our Heavenly Lord much like Pontius Pilate did in ancient times. But, who’s really The Shit ov God? Spoiler alert: it’s you.” Biblical pile.
“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.
“I’m a sucker for Polish delicacies like pierogis, kielbasa, cabbage rolls, and death metal. With acts like Vader and Decapitated plowing the memory gardens so wonderfully over the years, the country has become a hotbed of brutish thuggery. Icon of Evil is a lesser-known entry in this Pole race. They released their Syfilis Mentalis debut way back in 2013 but failed to follow it up until now.” Bugs in the bibles.
“Polish death metal quintet Disloyal have been active since the late ‘90s yet have managed to escape the searing Angry Metal Eye up until now. This may have something to do with their genre of choice; black and post-metal are the Polish flavors of choice ‘round these parts. Or it could have to do with the looming shadows of their illustrious countrymen: Vader, Decapitated, Hate, and the increasingly out-of-place elephant in the room, Behemoth. Whatever the reason, I aim to rectify our oversight and give Disloyal their well-deserved moment in the charnel house spotlight.” Those once Disloyal.
“”Incendiary” is a good word to describe Whore of Bethlehem. I was introduced to the Austin act with sophomore effort Extinguish the Light, which was intense and burning for its time – same with its follow-up. Whether it be the moniker or album title, the cover art, or the fire that the quintet injects into its sound, Ritual of Homicide is incendiary. Fiery blackened death accomplished through the relentless gaze of brutal death, its intensity cannot be understated.” Whores d’oeuvres.
“I’ve listened to a goodly amount of death metal this year, and seem to be at a place mentally where I just want more and more of it. When I saw the name Ensanguinate in the promo sump, it spoke to me of wet, gruesome things and horrid death sounds most unappetizing. Naturally, I took it home to pet and cuddle.” Draining blood!
“When it comes to sheer force, nothing compares to Impiety. Formed in 1990, this Singaporean quartet originally played fairly traditional black metal before transforming into a blakkened fukkin death monstrosity with 1999’s iconic Skullfucking Armageddon. Amidst a salvo of blast beats, staccato riffing, and livid vocals, that album began a musical warpath which has now continued for over two decades.” God fight!
“Australian deathcore stalwarts Thy Art Is Murder have joined the Big Deathcore Moment Club as of 2012, with the “I am the purest strain of hate” smackdown on “The Purest Strain of Hate.” It seems they’ve joined the big leagues—and, to top it all off, they’ve even been reviewed here on Angry Metal Guy. These dudes are truly a big deal in deathcore, so the release of Human Target is surely exciting for at least some of our readership.” Die for art.
