Black Anvil – Hail Death CD Review

Black Anvil is New York’s answer to Black Metal. Their newest studio album; Hail Death released May27th, sounds like it was recorded in the fiery pits of hell. Being black metal, that is definitely not a bad thing at all. In an interview I read from the band, they basically said they don’t care what anyone thinks about their music and you can tell. The songs off their 3^rd studio album sound raw and energetic, they are brutal and unapologetic, everything black metal should be. The guitar, bass, and drums intertwined together flawlessly like beacons on evil calling out to the masses.  I like how they incorporate other genres of metal without losing their gritty black metal feel. Songs like “Eventide” with its gang vocals, as wells as “My Hate is Pure”, “Until the End” and, “Still Reborn” are all songs you should check out! Now go get caught up with what is BLACK ANVIL.

Arch Enemy – War Eternal Cd Review

Arch Enemy is the death metal brainchild of guitarist Michael Amott. Formed in 1996, the band has released 10 studio albums, including their newest one War Eternal which was released June 10th. With the departure of their singer Angela Gossow, who growled for them for 14 years, newcomer Alissa White-Gluz took over growling duties without missing a beat. Her vocal approach is uncompromising death metal at its best and from a female vocalist at that. Michael Amott knows how to write a killer riff and bring melody and destruction all at the same time. The haunting beginning of “Time is Black” sends chills down my spine before it kicks in and the metal begins. There is also a string section towards the end to add to the atmosphere of an already great song.  “No More Regrets” is another stand out track and based on the album as a whole, there is nothing to regret!! Every song packs a punch with amazing guitar work, haunting melodies, a rhythm section that shakes the earth, and vocals that kick you in the head, but leaving you asking for more. If you buy the deluxe version, it comes with a cover song of “Shadow on the Wall” originally by Mike Oldfield, an Arch Enemy patch and sticker. This is an awesome album and I would highly suggest it to anyone who likes death metal and killer guitar riffs with a great combination of melody.  If nothing else, listen to it to hear the amazing guitar work throughout the whole thing.