New Release Radar - August 23rd Releases

Check out our records of the week from Friday, August 23rd's new releases!

Nile - The Underworld Awaits Us All
Genre: Brutal Technical Death Metal
FFO: Immolation, Necrophagist, Dying Fetus, Suffocation
Rating: 9/10

One of the year's most highly anticipated albums has not disappointed at all. Nile have proven that they are still as ferocious and quite possibly the most brutal they have ever been. Incorporating themes of a Lovecraftian nature with Egyptology, myths and Mesopotamian histories in to brutal technical death metal, mastermind Karl Sanders and his hoard are ready to lay waste to us all with this phenomenal record. Unrelenting fury, chugging riffs, blistering blast beats, heavy basslines and roaring vocals accompanied by fanatical choirs and chanting, Nile have returned in a blaze of glory.

Check out our full album review of Nile's The Underworld Awaits Us All HERE.

Simone Simons - Vermillion
Genre: Dark Electronica/Progressive Symphonic Metal
FFO: Epica, Xandria, Nightwish
Rating: 7/10

Vocalist for symphonic death metal legends Epica Simone Simons has branched out with her debut solo album Vermillion. Highly influenced by electronica accompanied by dramatic operatics and symphonies, this album is gorgeously diverse and densely grandiose with a dark edge. Featuring Dutch composer and producer Ayreon (Arjen Anthony Lucassen) and a special guest appearance from Arch Enemy's Alissa White-Gluz you can expect incredible guitars, dramatic flair, huge orchestration, thunderous atmosphere and rich electronic elements.

Demiser - Slave To The Scythe
Genre: Blackened Thrash Metal
FFO: Hellripper, Devastator, Wraith, Graveripper
Rating: 8/10

Straight for the jugular, aggressive thrash metal with black metal elements. Slave To The Scythe does not hold back. Frantic riffage, screaming solos, thunderous blast beats and growling, powerful vocals. Equal parts catchy and devastatingly heavy, this high energy record will complete destroy you in the best way possible. If you like your thrash rapid and aggressive with a black metal edge, look no further than this gem of a record.

Fleshgod Apocalypse - Opera
Genre: Symphonic Death Metal
FFO: Septic Flesh, Ex Deo, Whorion
Rating: 8/10

A very personal record for the band as it is inspired by the tragic mountain climbing accident that occurred to their frontman and mastermind Francesco Paoli, in 2021. Never a band to shy away from the dramatics, the blast-beats are insane as are the gutteral roars and clean female vocals, creating a perfect balance between brutality and harmony. Screaming guitars and elements from classic Italian opera composers Giuseppe Verdi to Giacomo Puccini, Fleshgod Apocalypse have crafted a powerfully graceful yet technically devastating record.

Check out our full album review of Fleshgod Apocalypse's Opera HERE

Paralydium - Universe Calls
Genre: Progressive/Power Metal
FFO: Dream Theater, Evergrey, Symphony X
Rating: 7/10

Huge sprawling melodic soundscapes, powerful riffs, uplifting grooves and heavy progressive elements influenced by cinematic film-scores. This is a hard-hitting yet soaring record full of seamless transitions and high energy. Intricately layered with various elements across the metal spectrum, this record will provide an immersive experience pushing the boundaries of progressive metal.

Spectral Wound - Songs Of Blood And Mire
Genre: Black Metal
FFO: Sargeist, Hulder, Helleruin, Lamp of Murmuur
Rating: 9/10

Dominating is the best way to describe this record. No pomp or pageantry or grand gestures open this record, it goes straight in with pure, raw, black metal energy however amongst the darkness, there is an atmospheric layer of intrigue. Sharp guitarwork, devastating drums and rasping roars, this record is cold, bleak and savage in nature.

Check out our full album review of Spectral Wound's Songs Of Blood And Mire HERE