Metal Blade Records

Necrofier – Transcend into Oblivion Review

By Creeping Ivy on February 23, 2026 in Reviews, Black Metal, Melodic Black Metal, 30 comments

“Houston’s Necrofier first came on my radar when they played the 2024 Decibel Magazine Tour with Hulder, Devil Master, and Worm. Sadly, I missed their opening set, but gladly, I caught a recording of it on YouTube. Their raucous, crowd-pleasing performance compelled me to check out their recordings. At 36 minutes, debut Prophecies of Eternal Darkness (2021) is a lean, mean barrage of melodic black metal, while Burning Shadows in the Southern Night (2023) ups the ante with 47 minutes of stronger, more polished material. Necrofier’s (lone?) star seems to be on the rise since Decibel 2024, as their third album arrives on the mighty Metal Blade Records.” Necro is the new 6-7.

Cryptic Shift – Overspace & Supertime Review

By Andy-War-Hall on February 23, 2026 in Reviews, Progressive Metal, Technical Death Metal, Thrash Metal, 88 comments

“With the same swirling whammy lick opening “Moonbelt Immolator” gracing the opening minute of “Cryogenically Frozen,” Cryptic Shift have returned. Visitations from Enceladus was a monolithic record that rocked my world in 2020, taking me to the most vile reaches of the universe in a technical death/thrash expedition of cosmic horror. Six years later, the group from Leeds, UK aim to expand on their already expansive debut regarding both their sci-fi theming and musicality with their sophomore. They didn’t skimp out on us either.” Shifting to overkill drive.

Tuesday the Sky – Indoor Enthusiast Review

By Baguette of Bodom on October 22, 2025 in Reviews, Ambient, Electronica, Instrumental Metal, Progressive Metal, Progressive Rock, 26 comments

“Jim Matheos is not the kind of artist to sit still in one place for long. Best known for his splendid guitar work in amorphous US progressive metal band Fates Warning, he also wields a vast assortment of offshoots and side projects, some closer to his usual style than others. Instrumental solo effort Tuesday the Sky is one of Matheos’ more distant adventures with its ambient post-rock soundscapes and touches of electronica.” Tuesday is a proggy day.

Wretched – Decay Review

By Dear Hollow on October 21, 2025 in Reviews, Deathcore, Melodic Death Metal, 19 comments

“Wretched has always been a strange beast, incorporating the heft of deathcore with the technicality and atmosphere of more progressive acts. While breakout album (and my introduction to the band) Beyond the Gate was an elegantly elegiac deathcore album, swaying between the patient sprawls of “Birthing Sloth” and the bouncy chugs of “My Carrion,” follow-ups Sons of Perdition and Cannibal reflected the changing of the guard at vocals, as Glass Casket frontman Adam Cody injected an unhinged frenetic energy that had the band flirting with grind and thrash. Decay is an important album, released eleven years after its predecessor and existing as a return to form for a band that never had a slump.” Time, decay, and wretchedness.

Nine Treasures – Seeking the Absolute Review

By Andy-War-Hall on October 20, 2025 in Reviews, Alt-Metal, Folk Metal, Progressive Metal, 25 comments

“Nine Treasures has been around since 2010, and yet has always seemed like the new kid on the block. Hailing from Inner Mongolia, China, founder Ashkan Avagchuud pursued the integration of traditional Mongolian instrumentation with heavy metal since day one. Nine Treasures saw success with their first three independent releases, but also saw The Hu steal a bit of their black thunder by becoming a global hit with their take on Mongolian folk metal.” Culture war.

Record(s) o’ the Month – September 2025

By Angry Metal Guy on October 5, 2025 in Blog Posts, 139 comments

And now you come to me and you say, “AMG, give me the Record(s) o’ the Month.” But you don’t ask with respect. You don’t offer friendship. You don’t even think to call me Dr. Metal Guy or compliment my excellent taste. Instead, you come into my house on the day my daughter is to be married, and you ask me to give you the Record(s) o’ the Month—for free.

Igorrr – Amen Review

By Dear Hollow on September 20, 2025 in Reviews, Avant-Garde, Black Metal, Death Metal, Electronic, Electronic Metal, 65 comments

“Igorrr’s fifth full-length Amen symbolizes a logical and natural progression – a refinement of what was hinted at in 2020’s already excellent Spirituality and Distortion. While retaining everything that makes the project absolutely batshit crazy, the addition of a full cast of musicians in 2017 has borne fruit in striking balance. Sonic architect Gautier Serre draws from the longstanding undercurrent of baroque and both twists it and lets it breathe, resulting in something liturgical, haunting, and organic. What Amen proves is that Igorrr remains one of the most unique and creative minds in both metal and electronic, while also refusing stagnation in continuous development and betterment.” Insanity and genius.

Desaster – Kill All Idols Review

By Steel Druhm on August 22, 2025 in Reviews, Black Metal, Thrash Metal, 38 comments

“Every 4 years or so, Germany’s rabid blackened thrash slime eaters Desaster drop a new album on the revolted masses. Their berserk take on speed borrows greatly from the original Destruction EP, Sentence of Death, and they festoon the unhinged recklessness with blackened blisters and classic heavy metal influences for a sound that slaps, slices, and shits on your floor. It’s not subtle, nor is it “thinking man’s music.” Instead, it murders the thinking part of your brain and activates the most base and perverse instincts.” Death by disaster.

Rivers of Nihil – Rivers of Nihil Review

By ClarkKent on May 30, 2025 in Reviews, Death Metal, Progressive Metal, 184 comments

“With the decision to make their fifth album self-titled, Rivers of Nihil signal a rebirth of their sound—both a return to their roots and a new direction. This makes sense when considering that long-time lead singer Jake Dieffenbach departed in 2022. Taking his stead is bassist Adam Biggs, who was already a backup singer, and newcomer Andy Thomas (Black Crown Initiate), who lends his guitars as well as a significant vocal presence. It’s no secret that Rivers of Nihil’s prior albums haven’t met the warmest reception at AMG headquarters, but Kronos saw a clear improvement in their last two albums. Does Rivers of Nihil continue this line of progress?” Like an everflowing thing.

Hate – Bellum Regiis Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on April 29, 2025 in Reviews, Black Metal, Death Metal, 35 comments

“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.