Hi everyone,

Quick post today! After my last write-up on Mithras and Sarpanitum, I felt like highlighting 4 other tech death records I absolutely love and I keep coming back to:

Demilich – Nespithe (1993, Finland): The riff writing here is pure genius. Instead of standard patterns, they build sprawling, non-linear spiral riffs that sound completely alien, all tied together by those absurd, ultra-deep gutturals.

Decapitated – Winds of Creation (2000, Poland): Pure Polish precision. Still insane to think how young they were when they dropped this. A masterclass in tight, punchy execution. The drum work is legendary relentless speed combined with unreal precision and the guitar riffs carry a raw, aggressive groove that never loses momentum.

Hieronymus Bosch – The Human Abstract / Artificial Emotions (Russia): Musically, this is as sophisticated as it gets. The compositions seamlessly blend heavy, technical death metal with elegant jazz-fusion basslines and neoclassical lead guitar work.

Quo Vadis – Defiant Imagination (2004, Canada):
Exceptional songwriting and crystal-clear sound quality. Every instrument gets room to breathe, showcasing brilliant fretless bass performances, soaring melodic solos, and perfectly structured tracks

What do you think of these bands and records?

Just got back from an incredible night seeing tech-thrash legends Coroner, supported by Schizophrenia and Tar Pond. Around 800 metalheads packed the venue, and the energy from start to finish was insane. I spent the show with my head glued to the speakers, so my ears are still ringing like crazy today, but man, it was so worth it! Here is how the night went down:

TAR POND
Featuring Marky (ex-Coroner drummer), Tar Pond opened the night. To be completely honest, slow, languid psychedelic doom metal isn't usually my go-to genre, but live, it's a completely different beast.
Their sound was crushing, heavy, and monolithic. Every song seamlessly flowed into the next, and the whole crowd—myself included—was nodding along to Marky’s tight drumming. A special shout-out to their vocalist as well: he delivered a genuinely captivating and powerful performance. Fantastic opening set that really set a heavy atmosphere.

Setlist:
*Bomb
*Please
*Damn

SCHIZOPHRENIA
Next up were Belgian death/thrashers Schizophrenia, tasked with warming up the crowd for Coroner—and they absolutely delivered.
Their energy was relentless and played loud as hell. Their frontman has incredible stage presence, knowing exactly how to command the room and whip the crowd into a frenzy. Musically, it’s classic, straightforward death/thrash, but executed with so much punch and passion that it was the perfect build-up before the main act. The Slayer cover was an absolute highlight that set the pit on fire.

Setlist:
*Souls of Retribution
*Schizophrenia
*Divine Immolation
*Stratified Realities
*Onwards to Fire
*Necrophiliac (Slayer cover)
*Structure of Death
*Cranial Disintegration

CORONER
Finally, the Swiss legends took the stage to a massive welcome from all 800 fans in attendance. They came to present their 2025 release Dissonance Theory, which is a pure masterclass of an album and sounds incredible live.

I won't beat around the bush: Coroner was surgically precise, heavy, fast, and razor-sharp. Tommy is an absolute machine, and Ron still kills it on bass, effortlessly laying down insanely complex licks while singing. Tracks like Grin, Serpent Moves, Divine Step, and Tunnel of Pain had me headbanging like an absolute maniac. The crowd went completely wild, and so did I.

On top of their technical brilliance, the guys were super humble and took plenty of time to talk and connect with the crowd between tracks. The energy was electric!! Coroner rules🤘

Setlist:
*Oxymoron (Intro)
*Consequence
*Sacrificial Lamb
*Divine Step (Conspectu Mortis)
*Serpent Moves
*Masked Jackal
*Symmetry
*Golden Cashmere Sleeper, Part 1
*Semtex Revolution
*Tunnel of Pain
*Metamorphosis
*Grin (Nails Hurt)
*Renewal

Encore:
*Reborn Through Hate
*Die by My Hand

Hi everyone,

On this one, I’m diving into two iconic British bands linked by one absolute mastermind: Leon Macey. As a multi-instrumentalist, drummer, guitarist, and producer/sound engineer, Macey is responsible for crafting some of the most cosmic, atmospheric, and dizzyingly technical Death Metal the UK scene has ever produced.

If you love Morbid Angel-style riffs, hyper-fast drumming, spacey delay pedals, and epic atmospheric compositions, check these four records out:

Mithras – Worlds Beyond the Veil (UK, 2003) An absolute masterpiece of cosmic Death Metal and a undisputed titan of the UK underground. Think Gateways to Annihilation-era Morbid Angel floating through black holes and distant nebulae. Leon Macey delivers insane, lightning-fast drum patterns paired with solos drenched in delay and reverb. It seamlessly balances punishing, brutal assault with ambient, spacey interludes like "Portal To The..." and "Search The Endless Planes". On top of that, Rayner Coss delivers a towering vocal performance (he's honestly one of my absolute favorite Death Metal vocalists of all time). Personal favorites: "Worlds Beyond The Veil", "Bequeath Thy Visions", "Lords And Masters".

Mithras – On Strange Loops (UK, 2016) Six years in the making, and the perfectionism shows in every single second. Leon Macey took full control of writing, performing, and producing this record, delivering a 56-minute continuous sonic loop that flows effortlessly from track to track. The drumming hits ridiculous speeds pushing 300 BPM while maintaining an infectious groove, accompanied by Azagthoth-esque stellar solos and crushing progression. Personal favorites: "When The Stars Align", "The Statue On The Island".

Sarpanitum – Despoilment of Origin (UK, 2007) A vicious debut album that bridges the technicality of Nile and Mithras with pure, demonic intensity. While Mithras travels through space, Sarpanitum brings that same crushing, high-speed technical precision down to ancient history and war. Leon Macey’s signature hyper-velocity drumming and production drive the entire record, anchoring aggressive riffing and guttural vocals into a dark, suffocating wall of sound. Personal favorites: "Halls of Decadence", "Provocation of an Eternal Odium".

Sarpanitum – Blessed Be My Brothers... (UK, 2015) A masterclass in melodic and technical extreme metal from the last decade. Shifting away from cosmic subjects toward epic historical themes, this record balances ferocious speed with soaring, triumphant guitar leads. Macey’s intense drumming and pristine sound engineering anchor the entire experience, while subtle synth layers grant the music an overwhelming, monolithic feel. Personal favorites: "By Virtuous Reclamation", "Glorification Upon The Powdered Bones Of The Sundered Dead", "Malek al-Inkitar".

Honestly, every single release across both bands is a complete triumph, so I heavily recommend diving into their entire discography, including Sarpanitum's phenomenal Fidelium EP.

What are your thoughts on these records? Is Leon Macey one of the most underrated figures in modern Death Metal, or do you have other atmospheric technical gems to recommend?

What have you been listening to this month ? Let’s see your recaps!

I had a great time making a post about death metal recommendations so it’s no surprise some of these are on my chart. I also listened to what u/YYEELOEW recommended in his post about Swedish war metal and it was awesome! What a super week!

Hi everyone, as some of you have been sharing your top 100 of all time, I figured I’d make mine too. It was fun to put this list together and think about all the good stuff I’ve listened to through the years. Let me know your opinion and if you have recommendations to give based on this list.

Hi everyone,

Continuing my series of Death Metal recommendations. On this one, I’m covering a wide spectrum of subgenres and eras—from cavernous Death/Doom supergroups and hyper-speed South American violence to obscure crossover gems and blackened dissonance.

Here are 10 killer records that deserve way more eyes and ears. Check these out:

Goetia – Mortuary Cult (USA, 2026) An absolute beast of a record that’s been taking the underground by storm. It delivers pure, hyper-fast OSDM packed with dark energy and crushing grooves. What really sets this album apart is the lead work—the guitar solos are insanely well-crafted, blistering, and packed with sheer power. It's frantic, filthy, and relentlessly heavy from start to finish. Personal favorites: "Lanterns of the Dead", "Corpse Candle", "Bestial Tomb".

Disma – Towards the Megalith (USA, 2011) A pure supergroup masterclass and an absolute titan of cavernous Death/Doom metal. Featuring death metal royalty with members from Incantation and Funebrarum, this album is an indispensable monument of heavy music. It delivers monolithic, crushing riffs, suffocating atmosphere, and pulverizing weight from start to finish. Personal favorites: "Chaos Apparition", "Chasm of Oceanus", "Towards the Megalith".

Dishumane – Centurion's Demise (USA, 2024) A monstrous debut EP from this Nevada trio featuring members linked to Incantation and Ascended Dead (with Charlie Koryn behind the kit). They bridge the gap between 90s USDM riff-craft and early 2000s brutal death metal, packing Deicide-style vocal cadences, Glen Benton grit, and heavy Incantation atmospheres into three razor-sharp tracks. Extremely dense, authentic, and viciously structured. Personal favorite: top to bottom it's great!

Skinning – Homicidal Experimentations (Portugal, 2020) Extremely aggressive and fast-paced Portuguese Death Metal that strikes a perfect balance between controlled chaos and crushing efficiency. They seamlessly switch from full-throttle, chaotic assaults to insanely catchy, groovy riffs that hit right in the gut. Pure savage energy with top-tier execution. Personal favorites: "Homicidal Experimentations", "The Gravedigger", "Sadistic Butcher", "In the Hands of God".

Rebaelliun – Burn the Promised Land (Brazil, 1999) An criminally underrated masterpiece of Brazilian hyper-speed Death Metal that deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Krisiun, Sepultura, or Sarcófago. This debut is a relentless, lightning-fast war machine packing unmatchable velocity, maniacal guitar solos, and a crystal-clear, razor-sharp production. Driven by non-stop blast beats, bludgeoning palm-muting, and devastatingly warm guttural growls, it delivers pure, unadulterated sonic violence from start to finish. Personal favorites: "At War", "..and the Immortals Shall Rise", "The Legacy of Eternal Wrath", "Triumph of the Unholy Ones".

Sacrilegion – From Which Nightmares Crawl (USA, 2022) An epic debut record and an absolute hidden gem of modern death metal. They deliver an evil, clinical hybrid of choppy, semi-technical USDM (think Morbid Angel and Vader) laced with diabolical, dark melodic death/thrash licks. The riffing is the absolute star of the show ranging from fast tremolo-picked madness to dissonant chord banks and headbanging grooves. Powerful, practiced, and perfectly balanced between sheer intensity and restraint. If they keep building on this trajectory, we’re looking at a future giant of the genre. Personal favorites: "A Terrible Pilgrimage to Seek the Nighted Throne", "Legacy of the Impaler", "The Hollow Blue Eyes of Yomi at Twilight".

ExInferis – Defunctus in Heresi *(Luxembourg, 2004)*An obscure, hidden crossover gem from Luxembourg that sits right at the intersection of high-speed Death Metal and early 2000s Metalcore. Driven by insanely effective, razor-sharp riffing and an infectious groove on the drums, it pairs deep gutturals with aggressive, desperate screamed vocals. Top it off with an authentic, unpolished old-school production, and you get a uniquely vicious underground release. Personal favorites: "Bloodsoaked Apostasy", "Adonai".

Rotting Obscene – Depths of Decay (USA, 2016) A devastatingly dynamic blend of brutal and technical Death Metal from Virginia (featuring a former touring member of Arsis). This album completely skips the modern gimmicks to deliver blistering, highly complex fretwork, fiery solos, and a dual-vocal assault that trades off deep, barbaric gutturals with vicious high screams. They seamlessly balance chaotic, swirling technical riffs with bone-crushing, open-ended grooves that pummel you from start to finish. Personal favorites: "Audient Void", "Depths of Decay", "Temporal Diminishment".

Har – Cursed Creation (Israel, 2024) A pure, unadulterated assault of dissonant Black/Death Metal from this Israeli trio. This album is a whirlwind of barbaric blast beats, chaotic dive-bomb solos, and suffocating, slimy atmospheres reminiscent of Angelcorpse, Diocletian, or Deathspell Omega. It's fast, vicious, and relentlessly focused on total sonic violence and devastation. Personal favorites: "Invoking Evil Spirit", "Shachat - Seven Halls of Defilement", "Metaphysical".

Cardaemort – The Whispering House (Italy, 2024) A brilliant of a debut from this Italian duo. They deliver a masterclass in progressive Death Metal, striking the perfect balance between punishing, heavy riffs and hauntingly beautiful melodies. The seamless transition between guttural growls and soaring clean vocals creates an incredible emotional depth. Unique, ambitious, and completely captivating an absolute must-listen for anyone who loves forward-thinking metal. Personal favorite: "The Bridge Of Souls".

What are your thoughts on these? Have you spun any of these records yet, or do you have other underground cuts to recommend? Let's discuss in the comments!

Hi everyone,

Continuing my series of Death Metal recommendations. On this one, I’m covering a wide spectrum of subgenres and eras—from cavernous Death/Doom supergroups and hyper-speed South American violence to obscure crossover gems and blackened dissonance.

Here are 10 killer records that deserve way more eyes and ears. Check these out:

Goetia – Mortuary Cult (USA, 2026) An absolute beast of a record that’s been taking the underground by storm. It delivers pure, hyper-fast OSDM packed with dark energy and crushing grooves. What really sets this album apart is the lead work—the guitar solos are insanely well-crafted, blistering, and packed with sheer power. It's frantic, filthy, and relentlessly heavy from start to finish. Personal favorites: "Lanterns of the Dead", "Corpse Candle", "Bestial Tomb".

Disma – Towards the Megalith (USA, 2011) A pure supergroup masterclass and an absolute titan of cavernous Death/Doom metal. Featuring death metal royalty with members from Incantation and Funebrarum—including Craig Pillard’s iconic, subterranean bellow—this album is an indispensable monument of heavy music. It delivers monolithic, crushing riffs, suffocating atmosphere, and pulverizing weight from start to finish. Personal favorites: "Chaos Apparition", "Chasm of Oceanus", "Towards the Megalith".

Dishumane – Centurion's Demise (USA, 2024) A monstrous debut EP from this Nevada trio featuring members linked to Incantation and Ascended Dead (with Charlie Koryn behind the kit). They bridge the gap between 90s USDM riff-craft and early 2000s brutal death metal, packing Deicide-style vocal cadences, Glen Benton grit, and heavy Incantation atmospheres into three razor-sharp tracks. Extremely dense, authentic, and viciously structured. Personal favorite: top to bottom it's great!

Skinning – Homicidal Experimentations (Portugal, 2020) Extremely aggressive and fast-paced Portuguese Death Metal that strikes a perfect balance between controlled chaos and crushing efficiency. They seamlessly switch from full-throttle, chaotic assaults to insanely catchy, groovy riffs that hit right in the gut. Pure savage energy with top-tier execution. Personal favorites: "Homicidal Experimentations", "The Gravedigger", "Sadistic Butcher", "In the Hands of God".

Rebaelliun – Burn the Promised Land (Brazil, 1999) An criminally underrated masterpiece of Brazilian hyper-speed Death Metal that deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Krisiun, Sepultura, or Sarcófago. This debut is a relentless, lightning-fast war machine packing unmatchable velocity, maniacal guitar solos, and a crystal-clear, razor-sharp production. Driven by non-stop blast beats, bludgeoning palm-muting, and devastatingly warm guttural growls, it delivers pure, unadulterated sonic violence from start to finish. Personal favorites: "At War", "..and the Immortals Shall Rise", "The Legacy of Eternal Wrath", "Triumph of the Unholy Ones".

Sacrilegion – From Which Nightmares Crawl (USA, 2022) An epic debut record and an absolute hidden gem of modern death metal. They deliver an evil, clinical hybrid of choppy, semi-technical USDM (think Morbid Angel and Vader) laced with diabolical, dark melodic death/thrash licks. The riffing is the absolute star of the show ranging from fast tremolo-picked madness to dissonant chord banks and headbanging grooves. Powerful, practiced, and perfectly balanced between sheer intensity and restraint. If they keep building on this trajectory, we’re looking at a future giant of the genre. Personal favorites: "A Terrible Pilgrimage to Seek the Nighted Throne", "Legacy of the Impaler", "The Hollow Blue Eyes of Yomi at Twilight".

ExInferis – Defunctus in Heresi (Luxembourg, 2004) An obscure, hidden crossover gem from Luxembourg that sits right at the intersection of high-speed Death Metal and early 2000s Metalcore. Driven by insanely effective, razor-sharp riffing and an infectious groove on the drums, it pairs deep gutturals with aggressive, desperate screamed vocals. Top it off with an authentic, unpolished old-school production, and you get a uniquely vicious underground release. Personal favorites: "Bloodsoaked Apostasy", "Adonai".

Rotting Obscene – Depths of Decay (USA, 2016) A devastatingly dynamic blend of brutal and technical Death Metal from Virginia (featuring a former touring member of Arsis). This album completely skips the modern gimmicks to deliver blistering, highly complex fretwork, fiery solos, and a dual-vocal assault that trades off deep, barbaric gutturals with vicious high screams. They seamlessly balance chaotic, swirling technical riffs with bone-crushing, open-ended grooves that pummel you from start to finish. Personal favorites: "Audient Void", "Depths of Decay", "Temporal Diminishment".

Har – Cursed Creation (Israel, 2024) A pure, unadulterated assault of dissonant Black/Death Metal from this Israeli trio. This album is a whirlwind of barbaric blast beats, chaotic dive-bomb solos, and suffocating, slimy atmospheres reminiscent of Angelcorpse, Diocletian, or Deathspell Omega. It's fast, vicious, and relentlessly focused on total sonic violence and devastation. Personal favorites: "Invoking Evil Spirit", "Shachat - Seven Halls of Defilement", "Metaphysical".

Cardaemort – The Whispering House (Italy, 2024) A brilliant of a debut from this Italian duo. They deliver a masterclass in progressive Death Metal, striking the perfect balance between punishing, heavy riffs and hauntingly beautiful melodies. The seamless transition between guttural growls and soaring clean vocals creates an incredible emotional depth. Unique, ambitious, and completely captivating an absolute must-listen for anyone who loves forward-thinking metal. Personal favorite: "The Bridge Of Souls".

What are your thoughts on these? Have you spun any of these records yet, or do you have other underground cuts to recommend? Let's discuss in the comments!

Hi everyone,

Shifting gears a bit from my usual Death Metal posts to focus on a scene that deserves way more love internationally: French Heavy/Speed Metal. What makes the French scene so unique is its balance of fierce speed metal riffs, galloping basslines, and epic (often French-language) vocals.

Whether you want to discover the pioneering 80s legends or the killer modern bands carrying the torch today, here are 7 albums/EPs to check out:

The 80s Pioneers

• ADX – Exécution (1985) Absolute Speed Metal perfection. Fast, relentless, and incredible solos. What sets ADX apart is their ability to blend blazing speed with incredible, anthemic melodies and sharp French lyrics. Exécution is a timeless classic of European metal that hits like a freight train. I highly recommend to discover all their discography, as ADX is a band with an almost perfect track record and, in my opinion, no bad release. The album "Divison Blindée" is one of my favorite french metal album. Personal favorites: "Déesse Du Crime", "L'étranger", "Caligula".
• Vulcain – Rock 'n' roll secours (1984) Often dubbed the "French Motörhead", Vulcain plays raw, greasy, high-speed Rock 'n' Roll/Heavy Metal. Driven by loud, distorted basslines and no-nonsense riffs, their music captures a pure street-level energy that is dirty, energetic, and catchy as hell. Personal favorites: "Ebony", "Vulcain", "Rock 'n' Roll Secours", "Bosser".
• Sortilège – Sortilège (1983) – Métamorphose (1984) If you ask any French metalhead, this is royalty. Majestic songwriting, neoclassical guitar work, and Christian "Zouille" Augustin’s legendary high-pitched vocals make this an unforgettable masterpiece. They defined the French heavy metal sound with sophisticated arrangement and pure emotional intensity. Pure heavy metal magic. Personal favorites: "Sortilège", "Progéniture", "Métamorphose", "D'ailleurs".

The New Wave (NWOFHM)

• Herzel – Le Dernier Rempart (2021) Epic heavy metal from Brittany at its absolute best. It is noble, elegant, and sophisticated, yet remarkably fierce and warlike. Driven by sharp riffs, majestic melodies, and powerful French vocals, what makes it truly unique is their subtle, original integration of traditional Celtic instruments (like the bombarde). The songwriting creates a deep, cinematic atmosphere that feels both refined and ready for battle. Ever since this release, I've been eagerly waiting for their next one. Personal favorites: "Maîtres de l'Océan", "La Flamme", "Le Dernier Rempart".
• Animalize – Verminateur (2025) If you love wild, theatrical 80s Speed Metal infused with glam and punk energy, Animalize is for you. They bring an addictive, high-voltage stage presence to their records with filthy riffs, crazy vocals, and a pure "fun-first" attitude that feels both nostalgic and totally fresh. Personal favorites: "Damnée", "Cheval Astral", "Au jugement de Soi".
• Crystal Throne – Crystal Throne (2021) A monstrous blend of US Power Metal and Progressive Heavy Metal (think Queensrÿche meets Fates Warning). Led by the fabulous Max Yme on lead guitar, you can clearly hear the heavy influence of the prog scene in his intricate songwriting and razor-sharp leads. While I sometimes feel the vocals could use a bit more range and output to fully match the epic instrumental scale, it remains a fucking great record from start to finish. Also, keep an eye out as they are about to release a new LP, "Chantry of Sacrifice"! Personal favorite: "Timescape".
• Koudeta – Koudeta (2023) Pure heavy-hitting firepower. Unlike the more epic or refined bands, Koudeta is all about brute force, crushing weight, and straight-up aggressive power. Built on massive riffs and a relentless rhythm section, the star of the show is their frontwoman, who brings an insane, unstoppable energy to the mic—effortlessly switching between aggressive metal vocals and fast, rap-infused cadences. It's raw, heavy, and built to send you straight into the pit. Personal favorites: "Kingdom of Lies", "The Maze", "Castle in the Sky.

This is just scratching the surface, there are so many other hidden gems from both the 80s and the modern scene that I might have to do a Part 2!

Have you guys dived into the French scene before? What are your favorite French Heavy Metal records, old or new? Let me know in the comments!

Hi everyone,

Shifting gears a bit from my usual Death Metal posts to focus on a scene that deserves way more love internationally: French Heavy/Speed Metal. What makes the French scene so unique is its balance of fierce speed metal riffs, galloping basslines, and epic (often French-language) vocals.

Whether you want to discover the pioneering 80s legends or the killer modern bands carrying the torch today, here are 7 albums/EPs to check out:

The 80s Pioneers

• ADX – Exécution (1985) Absolute Speed Metal perfection. Fast, relentless, and incredible solos. What sets ADX apart is their ability to blend blazing speed with incredible, anthemic melodies and sharp French lyrics. Exécution is a timeless classic of European metal that hits like a freight train. I highly recommend to discover all their discography, as ADX is a band with an almost perfect track record and, in my opinion, no bad release. The album "Divison Blindée" is one of my favorite french metal album. Personal favorites: "Déesse Du Crime", "L'étranger", "Caligula".
• Vulcain – Rock 'n' roll secours (1984) Often dubbed the "French Motörhead", Vulcain plays raw, greasy, high-speed Rock 'n' Roll/Heavy Metal. Driven by loud, distorted basslines and no-nonsense riffs, their music captures a pure street-level energy that is dirty, energetic, and catchy as hell. Personal favorites: "Ebony", "Vulcain", "Rock 'n' Roll Secours", "Bosser".
• Sortilège – Sortilège (1983) – Métamorphose (1984) If you ask any French metalhead, this is royalty. Majestic songwriting, neoclassical guitar work, and Christian "Zouille" Augustin’s legendary high-pitched vocals make this an unforgettable masterpiece. They defined the French heavy metal sound with sophisticated arrangement and pure emotional intensity. Pure heavy metal magic. Personal favorites: "Sortilège", "Progéniture", "Métamorphose", "D'ailleurs".

The New Wave (NWOFHM)

• Herzel – Le Dernier Rempart (2021) Epic heavy metal from Brittany at its absolute best. It is noble, elegant, and sophisticated, yet remarkably fierce and warlike. Driven by sharp riffs, majestic melodies, and powerful French vocals, what makes it truly unique is their subtle, original integration of traditional Celtic instruments (like the bombarde). The songwriting creates a deep, cinematic atmosphere that feels both refined and ready for battle. Ever since this release, I've been eagerly waiting for their next one. Personal favorites: "Maîtres de l'Océan", "La Flamme", "Le Dernier Rempart".
• Animalize – Verminateur (2025) If you love wild, theatrical 80s Speed Metal infused with glam and punk energy, Animalize is for you. They bring an addictive, high-voltage stage presence to their records with filthy riffs, crazy vocals, and a pure "fun-first" attitude that feels both nostalgic and totally fresh. Personal favorites: "Damnée", "Cheval Astral", "Au jugement de Soi".
• Crystal Throne – Crystal Throne (2021) A monstrous blend of US Power Metal and Progressive Heavy Metal (think Queensrÿche meets Fates Warning). Led by the fabulous Max Yme on lead guitar, you can clearly hear the heavy influence of the prog scene in his intricate songwriting and razor-sharp leads. While I sometimes feel the vocals could use a bit more range and output to fully match the epic instrumental scale, it remains a fucking great record from start to finish. Also, keep an eye out as they are about to release a new LP, "Chantry of Sacrifice"! Personal favorite: "Timescape".
• Koudeta – Koudeta (2023) Pure heavy-hitting firepower. Unlike the more epic or refined bands, Koudeta is all about brute force, crushing weight, and straight-up aggressive power. Built on massive riffs and a relentless rhythm section, the star of the show is their frontwoman, who brings an insane, unstoppable energy to the mic effortlessly switching between aggressive metal vocals and fast, rap-infused cadences. It's raw, heavy, and built to send you straight into the pit. Personal favorites: "Kingdom of Lies", "The Maze", "Castle in the Sky.

This is just scratching the surface, there are so many other hidden gems from both the 80s and the modern scene that I might have to do a Part 2!

Have you guys dived into the French scene before? What are your favorite French Heavy Metal records, old or new? Let me know in the comments!

Hi everyone,

Continuing my series of Death Metal recommendations. For this one, I wanted to focus specifically on EPs, devastating releases that fly under the radar but pack a massive punch. If you’re looking for some raw, cavernous, and filthy short-formats to spin, check these out:

Crematory Stench – Grotesque Deformities (USA, 2018) Pure, unadulterated California OSDM soaked in total filth. If you love the disgusting, buzzsaw HM-2 guitar tone mixed with cavernous vocals and relentless, muddy pacing, this EP is a mandatory listen. It hits right in the gut. This EP is incredible from top to bottom. I've been spinning it for 2 days now and can't say when I'm going to stop. Personal favorites: "Grotesque Deformities", "Septic Offal".

Cerebral Rot – Cessation of Life (USA, 2018) Marked as a demo in Metal Archives but as an EP in my streaming app. Whatever it is, it's brilliant. Heavy and fast riffs filled with energy, I fucking dare you not to mark the tempo with your feet while listening to it. This is massive and full speed till the end. Personal favorites: "Cerebral Rot", "Primordial Soup of Unknowing".

Crypt of Kerberos – Cyclone of Insanity (Sweden, 1992) An absolute masterclass in Death/Doom from the early 90s Swedish scene. This 2-track EP is cryptic, heavy, and delivers an incredibly eerie atmosphere with a unique touch of that HM-2 buzzsaw sound and crushing riffs. Personal favorite: "The Ancient Cult".

Dismayed – Bloodletting (Canada, 2024) If you're a fan of early 90s underground brutality, this one is an absolute goldmine. It delivers brilliant Old School Death Metal that relies heavily on fast, aggressive Thrash-style riffing. The tracks are heavy, dark, and suffocating. It’s also packed with an incredible groove and energized by some sharp, devastating pinch harmonics that jump right at your throat. Combined with the brutally deep and guttural vocals, it turns these thrashy structures into a relentless, high-energy sonic assault. Personal favorites: "Altering Death", "Human Erase".

Horrifying – Altered States Fermentation (Chile, 2017) If you miss the raw, primitive violence of early Death (Scream Bloody Gore era), this Chilean gem is exactly what you need. It takes that classic, savage late-80s blueprint but drags it down into the abyss with a much lower guitar tuning and brutally heavy, cavernous vocals. It’s dark, suffocating, and carries that chaotic energy unique to the South American underground scene. I’m still diving into this one, but it already hits incredibly hard. Personal favorites: "Neurotic", "Abstract Illusion".

Worm – Bluenothing (USA, 2022) Hold up, I know what you are saying, this is not a hidden gem and it's in fact well acclaimed. Well, hell yeah! But I wanted to talk about it anyway. A monumental EP that perfectly bridges the gap between funeral doom and majestic, technical death metal. This is beauty and the beast in one record. The atmosphere is completely grand and majestic, packed with incredible, soaring guitar solos and deep, swampy growls. A modern masterpiece. Nothing more to say, it's top to bottom a must-listen. Personal favorites: "Bluenothing", "Centuries of Ooze II".

What about you guys? Have you spun any of these, or do you have other underground EPs that deserve more love? Let me know in the comments!

Hi everyone,

Continuing my series of Death Metal recommendations. For this one, I wanted to focus specifically on EPs, devastating releases that fly under the radar but pack a massive punch. If you’re looking for some raw, cavernous, and filthy short-formats to spin, check these out:

Crematory Stench – Grotesque Deformities (USA, 2018) Pure, unadulterated California OSDM soaked in total filth. If you love the disgusting, buzzsaw HM-2 guitar tone mixed with cavernous vocals and relentless, muddy pacing, this EP is a mandatory listen. It hits right in the gut. This EP is incredible from top to bottom. I've been spinning it for 2 days now and can't say when I'm going to stop. Personal favorites: "Grotesque Deformities", "Septic Offal".

Cerebral Rot – Cessation of Life (USA, 2018) Marked as a demo in Metal Archives but as an EP in my streaming app. Whatever it is, it's brilliant. Heavy and fast riffs filled with energy, I fucking dare you not to mark the tempo with your feet while listening to it. This is massive and full speed till the end. Personal favorites: "Cerebral Rot", "Primordial Soup of Unknowing".

Crypt of Kerberos – Cyclone of Insanity (Sweden, 1992) An absolute masterclass in Death/Doom from the early 90s Swedish scene. This 2-track EP is cryptic, heavy, and delivers an incredibly eerie atmosphere with a unique touch of that HM-2 buzzsaw sound and crushing riffs. Personal favorite: "The Ancient Cult".

Dismayed – Bloodletting (Canada, 2024) If you're a fan of early 90s underground brutality, this one is an absolute goldmine. It delivers brilliant Old School Death Metal that relies heavily on fast, aggressive Thrash-style riffing. The tracks are heavy, dark, and suffocating. It’s also packed with an incredible groove and energized by some sharp, devastating pinch harmonics that jump right at your throat. Combined with the brutally deep and guttural vocals, it turns these thrashy structures into a relentless, high-energy sonic assault. Personal favorites: "Altering Death", "Human Erase".

Horrifying – Altered States Fermentation (Chile, 2017) If you miss the raw, primitive violence of early Death (Scream Bloody Gore era), this Chilean gem is exactly what you need. It takes that classic, savage late-80s blueprint but drags it down into the abyss with a much lower guitar tuning and brutally heavy, cavernous vocals. It’s dark, suffocating, and carries that chaotic energy unique to the South American underground scene. I’m still diving into this one, but it already hits incredibly hard. Personal favorites: "Neurotic", "Abstract Illusion".

Worm – Bluenothing (USA, 2022) Hold up, I know what you are saying, this is not a hidden gem and it's in fact well acclaimed. Well, hell yeah! But I wanted to talk about it anyway. A monumental EP that perfectly bridges the gap between funeral doom and majestic, technical death metal. This is beauty and the beast in one record. The atmosphere is completely grand and majestic, packed with incredible, soaring guitar solos and deep, swampy growls. A modern masterpiece. Nothing more to say, it's top to bottom a must-listen. Personal favorites: "Bluenothing", "Centuries of Ooze II".

What about you guys? Have you spun any of these, or do you have other underground EPs that deserve more love? Let me know in the comments!

Hi everyone!

A month ago, I started a series on r/MetalForTheMasses focusing on bands that carry the legacy of progressive death metal pioneered by Chuck Schuldiner."

For those who might have missed the previous posts on r/MetalForTheMasses, here are the links:

1. Beyond Chuck Schuldiner: Progressive Death Metal bands that carry the legacy and spirit of Death
2. Beyond Chuck Schuldiner (Part 2): Progressive Death Metal bands that carry the legacy and spirit of Death

For this new chapter, which might very well conclude this series (unless I stumble upon more hidden treasures!), we are digging even deeper into the underground. We're looking at bands that range from cosmic avant-garde and atmospheric journeys to pure, bass-driven progressive mastery. As always, the goal isn't to look for clone bands, but rather for artists who share that same fluid riffing, hyper-active bass work, and fearless approach to songwriting that Chuck championed.

Here is the (maybe) final batch of recommendations:

Speglas – Endarkenment, Being & Death (2026): If you loved the atmospheric, organic turn of Morbus Chron and Sweven in my Part 1 list, this brand-new release is mandatory. It actually features Jesper Nyrelius (drummer of Sweven) behind the kit and Isak Koskinen Rosemarin on vocals and guitar. The album delivers an incredibly fluid, dark, and highly progressive death metal trip with outstanding bass tones.

Exist – So True, So Bound (2017): Mentionned by a redditer in my first post, this band is the ultimate bridge. Their leader, Max Phelps, is literally the live vocalist/guitarist for Death To All and has toured with Cynic. If you want to know what Individual Thought Patterns or Symbolic would sound like if they merged with modern jazz-fusion infused Prog-Death, this is your answer. The fretless bass lines and guitar interplay are breathtakingly smooth. Exist is not referenced on Metal Archives; I get that they lean heavily into progressive rock and jazz-fusion, but come on, Max is literally in Death To All!

Alchemist– Spiritech (1997): A true pioneer choice from Australia. They understood very early on how to break the boundaries of Death Metal by injecting psychedelic and avant-garde elements. This album is a combination of intelligent riffing, high energy, and bizarre elements that make it an underground gem that needs to be discovered.

Symbyosis – Crisis (2000): A hidden gem from the French scene. Their songwriting is a rollercoaster of technicality, constant rhythmic shifts, and theatricality. It shares that fierce, intellectual independence found in The Sound of Perseverance.

Angel of Disease– Hypercube (2009): Hailing from the underground scene of Tbilisi, Georgia, this band is a deep-dive treasure. Don't let the raw edge fool you; this project completely refuses to stay linear. The riffing is sharp, dizzying, and constantly evolving, providing an excellent balance between aggressive death metal roots and unorthodox progressive structures. The bass work is also very refined. I can't stop spinning this record right now after rediscovering it.

P.S.: I accidentally-on-purpose hid a little visual theme within this list... almost all the album covers are heavily blue (except for the first one)! 😉

What do you think of that list? Share your suggestions on progressive death metal!

YT Music playlist

Hi everyone!

Since the reception on Part 2 was just as amazing as the first one, I’m back to wrap up this journey with a Part 3.

For those who might have missed the previous posts, here are the links:

1. Beyond Chuck Schuldiner: Progressive Death Metal bands that carry the legacy and spirit of Death
2. Beyond Chuck Schuldiner (Part 2): Progressive Death Metal bands that carry the legacy and spirit of Death

For this new chapter, which might very well conclude this series (unless I stumble upon more hidden treasures!), we are digging even deeper into the underground. We're looking at bands that range from cosmic avant-garde and atmospheric journeys to pure, bass-driven progressive mastery. As always, the goal isn't to look for clone bands, but rather for artists who share that same fluid riffing, hyper-active bass work, and fearless approach to songwriting that Chuck championed.

Here is the (maybe) final batch of recommendations:

Speglas – Endarkenment, Being & Death (2026): If you loved the atmospheric, organic turn of Morbus Chron and Sweven in my Part 1 list, this brand-new release is mandatory. It actually features Jesper Nyrelius (drummer of Sweven) behind the kit and Isak Koskinen Rosemarin on vocals and guitar. The album delivers an incredibly fluid, dark, and highly progressive death metal trip with outstanding bass tones.

Exist – So True, So Bound (2017): Mentionned by a redditer in my first post, this band is the ultimate bridge. Their leader, Max Phelps, is literally the live vocalist/guitarist for Death To All and has toured with Cynic. If you want to know what Individual Thought Patterns or Symbolic would sound like if they merged with modern jazz-fusion infused Prog-Death, this is your answer. The fretless bass lines and guitar interplay are breathtakingly smooth. Exist is not referenced on Metal Archives; I get that they lean heavily into progressive rock and jazz-fusion, but come on, Max is literally in Death To All!

Alchemist – Spiritech (1997): A true pioneer choice from Australia. They understood very early on how to break the boundaries of Death Metal by injecting psychedelic and avant-garde elements. This album is a combination of intelligent riffing, high energy, and bizarre elements that make it an underground gem that needs to be discovered.

Symbyosis – Crisis (2000): A hidden gem from the French scene. Their songwriting is a rollercoaster of technicality, constant rhythmic shifts, and theatricality. It shares that fierce, intellectual independence found in The Sound of Perseverance.

Angel of Disease – Hypercube (2009): Hailing from the underground scene of Tbilisi, Georgia, this band is a deep-dive treasure. Don't let the raw edge fool you; this project completely refuses to stay linear. The riffing is sharp, dizzying, and constantly evolving, providing an excellent balance between aggressive death metal roots and unorthodox progressive structures. The bass work is also very refined. I can't stop spinning this record right now after rediscovering it.

P.S.: I accidentally-on-purpose hid a little visual theme within this list... almost all the album covers are heavily blue (except for the first one)! 😉

What do you think of that list? Share your suggestions on progressive death metal!

YT Music playlist

Hi everyone,

Continuing my series of Death Metal recommendations. On this one I wanted to share with you some gems from the 90s that are not talked a lot but should definitely get more eyes. So for the death metal fans who want to go back in time and discover or re-discover some great pieces of metal, you are at the right place :

Vomiturition– A Leftover (Finland, 1995) This record has an incredibly thick, muddy sound with powerful yet perfectly intelligible growling vocals. The riffs deliver massive, crushing heaviness with a serious groove, while still knowing exactly when to step on the gas with devastating faster tempos. A phenomenal record from top to bottom. Personal favorites: "Depression", "Head Tales", "Expectations".

Dissect– Swallow Swouming Mass (Netherlands, 1993) Pure, suffocating Dutch Death Metal. It perfectly balances savage, fast tempos with crushing, slow Doom sections. It’s twisted, unpolished, and completely overlooked. Personal favorites: "Z. Day", "Presage to the Eternity", "Growls of Death".

Fleshcrawl– Descend into the Absurd (Germany, 1992) Before they fully committed to the HM-2 Swedish sound, their debut full-length was a masterclass in dark, cavernous German Death Metal. It's incredibly heavy, raw, and hits right in the gut. Personal favorites: "Perpetual Dawn", "Never to Die Again", "Infected Subconscious".

Lunatic Invasion– Totentanz (Germany, 1995) A unique mix of grinding Death Metal, eerie medieval-style synth backdrops, and an oppressive atmosphere. It’s bizarre, primitive, and a total cult classic of the 90s tape trading era. Personal favorites: "Totentanz", "Haut", "Deeds Paradise", "Dance Macabre".

YT Music Playlist

What are your thoughts on these?

Share your deep cuts.

Hi everyone,

Continuing my series of Death Metal recommendations. On this one I wanted to share with you some gems from the 90s that are not talked a lot but should definitely get more eyes. So for the death metal fans who want to go back in time and discover or re-discover some great pieces of metal, you are at the right place :

Vomiturition– A Leftover (Finland, 1995) This record has an incredibly thick, muddy sound with powerful yet perfectly intelligible growling vocals. The riffs deliver massive, crushing heaviness with a serious groove, while still knowing exactly when to step on the gas with devastating faster tempos. A phenomenal record from top to bottom. Personal favorites: "Depression", "Head Tales", "Expectations".

Dissect– Swallow Swouming Mass (Netherlands, 1993) Pure, suffocating Dutch Death Metal. It perfectly balances savage, fast tempos with crushing, slow Doom sections. It’s twisted, unpolished, and completely overlooked. Personal favorites: "Z. Day", "Presage to the Eternity", "Growls of Death".

Fleshcrawl– Descend into the Absurd (Germany, 1992) Before they fully committed to the HM-2 Swedish sound, their debut full-length was a masterclass in dark, cavernous German Death Metal. It's incredibly heavy, raw, and hits right in the gut. Personal favorites: "Perpetual Dawn", "Never to Die Again", "Infected Subconscious".

Lunatic Invasion– Totentanz (Germany, 1995) A unique mix of grinding Death Metal, eerie medieval-style synth backdrops, and an oppressive atmosphere. It’s bizarre, primitive, and a total cult classic of the 90s tape trading era. Personal favorites: "Totentanz", "Haut", "Deeds Paradise", "Dance Macabre".

YT Music Playlist

What are your thoughts on these?

Share your deep cuts.

September is looking heavy. Just grabbed my ticket to see Coroner live in Paris! Can't wait to see them play live I’ve been waiting for so long. Schizophrenia and Tar Pond opening makes it even better.

Hi everyone,

If you're into cavernous, filthy Death Metal that deserves way more recognition, here are a few underground recommendations for you. Check these out:"

Dead Void – Cranial Devastation (2026) A track like 'Phantosmial Stench of Decay' tells you everything you need to know, it's low, devastating, and relentless from start to finish. Personnal favorite : top to bottom a masterclass of doom/death metal.

Embittered - Archatron (2026) Just discovered this hidden gem from Chicago, Illinois. It’s their debut full-length. If you’re a fan of that heavy, cavernous Death/Doom style influenced by Incantation, this record is an absolute must-hear. Personal favorites: The Caveman Cometh, Fractal Autopsy, and Flesh Prison.

Phobophilic – Enveloping Absurdity (2022) Dirty riffs, crypt atmosphere, and a massive production that crushes everything. It's heavy, it's gluant, and it's a great spin from start to finish if you're looking for Death Metal that crawls in the mud. Personal favorites: Those Which Stare Back, Survive in Obscurity.

Ossuary– Abhorrent Worship (2025) Pure, primitive, and savage OSDM soaked in total filth. The production is raw and unpolished, but the riffs are absolutely crushing. Personal favorite: The Undrownable Howl of Evil.