A thoughtful journey through a moody, textured soundscape that doesn't always captivate completely.

 The album offers moments of depth but occasionally struggles to maintain consistent engagement.

This review explores Otaru's album 'Negative Reflections' through a detailed analysis of its atmospheric qualities and musical approach. Rated moderately, it highlights both strengths and areas that may feel less engaging to some listeners. The review presents an insightful, balanced perspective on the album's place within the electronic and dark ambient genres. Listen to 'Negative Reflections' and explore Otaru’s atmospheric soundscapes for a unique dark ambient experience.

 "A true blow to the heart for nostalgics of early bands like Converge or Coalesce."

 "In the end, was it worth it? I’d say absolutely yes."

Scare’s second album 'In The End, Was It Worth It?' delivers thirteen intense tracks mixing hardcore, sludge, crust, and grindcore. The album explores themes of existential pessimism through powerful riffs and beastly screams. Highlights include explosive guitar work and memorable songs that pay homage to genre pioneers. This release proves the band’s artistic maturity and unique identity within heavy music. Dive into Scare’s powerful new album and experience hardcore’s raw edge and emotional fury today!

 The tempos are dark and slow, gloomy and claustrophobic, as in the introductory 'A Claved Head No Longer Plots.'

 'Grief Sequence' is a hallucinatory 14-minute instrumental with gothic and arcane flavors, an unusual but masterful piece for Conan.

Conan's album 'Evidence Of Immortality' showcases a masterful blend of doom, sludge, and stoner metal with slow, heavy, and claustrophobic rhythms. Jon Davis' commanding vocals contrast well with the dense instrumentation, delivering an immersive experience. Tracks vary from hardcore infusion to hallucinatory instrumentals, underlining the band's versatility. The album sets high expectations for their next release in 2025 and a reissue of their debut 'Monnos'. Dive into Conan's crushing doom metal journey with 'Evidence Of Immortality' and experience the power of heavy riffs and haunting atmospheres.

 A beautifully hallucinated and drugged return from Dopethrone that will surely win new followers.

 It’s like venturing into the quagmire of dark metal but never too extreme, everything has a catchy and melodic twist that keeps the songs lingering in your mind.

Dopethrone's sixth album, Broke Sabbath, marks 15 years of their sludge metal evolution. The album blends blues, stoner, and doom metal with punk urgency and melodic vocals. With seven tracks, it features dynamic riffs, intense solos, and a gritty yet captivating atmosphere. The album impresses with both structured songwriting and raw energy, pleasing long-time fans and new listeners alike. Dive into Dopethrone's Broke Sabbath and experience a raw, bluesy sludge metal journey that will captivate and energize.

 "Circle Of Molesters" is the rightful sequel to "Deteriorate," even more extreme and inclined to sonic destruction.

 It seems like witnessing an esoteric and magical ritual, so violent, rotten, and uncompromising is the sound material.

Grime's third album, Circle Of Molesters, builds on their previous work with even heavier sludge doom metal. The album features dark, oppressive riffs, intense vocals, and a high level of sonic destruction. Each track emphasizes a crushing, corrupted atmosphere, culminating in a diabolical finale. The production enhances the extreme nature of the music, making this a must-listen for sludge and doom fans. Explore the relentless intensity of Grime’s "Circle Of Molesters"—a sludge doom masterpiece for fans of extreme metal.

 This “Deteriorate” is their second full-length album ... it is the most ignorant and unhealthy thing I’m currently listening to.

 The concluding “Idiot God” ... is molten lava seeming to emerge from the bowels of Hell, so rotten and corrupt it is.

Grime's second album Deteriorate is a powerful and corrosive sludge metal record, drawing influences from legendary bands like Iron Monkey and Bongzilla. The album features heavy, fuzz-laden guitars, pounding drums, and aggressive vocals. Highlights include the intense closing track "Idiot God" and the overall raw, filthy atmosphere. Priced affordably on Bandcamp, it's a strong recommendation for fans of heavy sludge and doom metal. Dive into Grime's Deteriorate and experience one of the filthiest sludge metal albums—stream or download it now on Bandcamp!

 This “Atrocity Machine” is a war relic to listen to on headphones in the dark winter with the windows wide open to see the demons of the mind that this music generates.

 The three from Vermont...confirm themselves...as one of the highest peaks ever reached by extreme doom metal.

Body Void's fourth album Atrocity Machine is an intense journey through slow, dark sludge doom metal with heavy noise and black metal vocals. It’s a challenging but rewarding listen, likened to artists like Primitive Man and Khanate. The album’s crushing atmosphere and sonic nihilism create a powerful experience, especially suited for introspective winter nights. A standout release in the extreme doom metal genre. Experience the crushing power of Body Void’s Atrocity Machine—listen now and face the dark depths of extreme doom metal.

 An album that could be the soundtrack of a murder, of a man tortured with the wheel torture, of a sadomasochistic relationship with a bed dripping with blood.

 The tracks are slow pitches of tar, an impenetrable weave of massive guitars on which Rex unleashes his delirious voice, like a hallucinated big baby, the groan of a dying homeless person.

Toadliquor's Feel My Hate - The Power is the Weight offers a brutal sludge metal experience, blending industrial and drone influences. The album conveys raw hatred and fierce rage through heavy distortions and Rex's delirious vocals. Despite its chaotic structure, it delivers powerful moments like 'Gnaw' and 'Charred.' This intense work is a punishing yet captivating listen for fans of aggressive metal. Dive into Toadliquor's crushing sludge metal experience – stream Feel My Hate now and feel the raw power!

 Heroin Man is the undisputed masterpiece of the Texans Cherubs.

 A kick in the balls, a chocolate with worms, a pig shit stepped on with shoes endorsed by Winona Ryder.

Heroin Man by Cherubs is celebrated as a definitive noise rock album emblematic of existential pain and sonic aggression. The review highlights its raw emotional depth, chaotic energy, and standout tracks like 'Dave of the Moon.' Praised for its abrasive guitar work and intense delivery, the album is deemed essential listening from the 1990s noise rock scene. Explore Cherubs' Heroin Man now—experience a powerful blast of raw 90s noise rock!

 A whirlwind of gray and black emotions, seasoned with flashes of wild hope for a glimpse of light.

 This quartet lays out what it takes to annihilate and leave scorched earth, regardless of execution speed.

Full of Hell's 'Roots of Earth Are Consuming My Home' is a fierce blend of grindcore, powerviolence, crust punk, sludge, and noise. The album offers an intense, chaotic, and dark listening experience with fleeting moments of hope. The review highlights the band's ability to create a rarefied, psychedelic shroud around their destructive sound. With a high rating, the album is praised for its raw emotion and brutal execution. Experience Full of Hell's intense chaos—listen to Roots of Earth Are Consuming My Home now!

 I can’t save anything from the operation, not even the cover, and I struggled immensely to reach the end of the album.

 When I hear the name Slayer, speed must be the undisputed protagonist... All this does not happen in Slower.

This review strongly criticizes Slower's album covering Slayer songs in a sludge metal style. Despite the involvement of notable musicians like Scott Reeder, the album fails to capture the energy and pace expected from Slayer's thrash metal originals. The slow tempos and female vocals are deemed unsuitable, making the listening experience tedious and disappointing. The closing track, a 10-minute version of 'War Ensemble,' exemplifies the album's core issues. Explore Slower's controversial Slayer covers and decide if sludge metal can truly honor thrash legends.

 No Cross No Crown is yet another compact and massive album, very close in intensity to that undisputed masterpiece Deliverance.

 Black Sabbath as the major reference; Sludge-Stoner of immense power. Distortion cranked up to the max to favor a guitar sound that is dark, pungent, and swampy.

No Cross No Crown marks Corrosion of Conformity's strong reunion with Pepper Keenan, delivering a compact, intense album reminiscent of their 1994 classic Deliverance. Featuring heavy sludge and stoner influences, the album maintains raw energy and powerful guitar work. Instrumental tracks add variety to the near hour-long release. This album is a fitting tribute to the late Reed Mullin and a solid effort appreciated by longtime fans. Discover the raw power and timeless intensity of Corrosion of Conformity’s No Cross No Crown—stream it now and experience a metal classic reborn.

 An impressive sonic monolith that towers, moving between Doom-Industrial-Sludge.

 'The Half Rising Man'...begins its long journey with few acoustic notes from cold and distant worlds...everything collapses, everything self-destructs...RISE FROM RUINS.

Absent In Body's debut album Plague God impresses with a dense sound merging Doom, Industrial, and Sludge. Featuring members like Scott Kelly and Igor Cavalera, it channels influences from Neurosis and Godflesh. The record balances harshness with moments of unexpected softness. Despite only five tracks, it delivers a powerful and haunting experience, especially on the standout closing track, 'The Half Rising Man.' Listen to Absent In Body's Plague God now and experience a crushing fusion of doom and industrial metal.

 Pitch black, dominant darkness.

 A very hard, difficult journey that one embarks on when listening to the album in its entirety.

Amenra's Mass III is a dark and punishing debut marked by suffocating sludge-doom and post hardcore elements. The album features long, intense tracks with raw and tormented vocals reminiscent of Jacob Bannon. Its oppressive atmosphere, vicious instrumentation, and rare moments of light create a challenging but gripping listening experience. The review praises the album's ruthless intensity and emotional depth. Dive into the intense world of Amenra's Mass III and experience its relentless sludge-doom power now!

 It is by losing everything that we rediscover we are capable of anything.

 This album manages to conserve the terrifying energy of the best times, giving it indeed an even more tangible dimension thanks to Bottrill's intelligent production.

Mastodon's Hushed and Grim is an emotionally charged progressive metal album that explores themes of pain, loss, and rebirth. The band masterfully combines sludge, prog rock, and ambient elements, creating a vast and immersive journey. The production highlights every detail, especially Brann Dailor’s drums and Brent Hinds’s guitar work. Songs like “Pain With an Anchor” and “Teardrinker” provide uplifting moments amid darker passages. The album transcends genre confines, embracing artistic growth and human vulnerability. Listen to Mastodon’s Hushed and Grim now and experience a profound journey through pain, rebirth, and musical mastery.

 Bongzilla... stands at the top of the narcoleptic pyramid.

 The album proceeds calm and tranquil, but it’s a conscious and authoritative calm.

Weedsconsin marks Bongzilla's confident return after a long hiatus, moving away from psychedelic blues toward a calmer, mature sound. The album blends stoner metal with 70s rock and space rock influences. Its relaxed and authoritative vibe offers warmth and nostalgia while staying fresh. Bongzilla remains a top act in the stoner metal scene, demonstrating timeless appeal and inspiration. Listen to Bongzilla's Weedsconsin and experience a classic stoner metal journey with fresh, chill vibes.

 Two facts might already suffice: 10 tracks for 17 minutes.

 A Tabula Rasa that leaves no survivors... But I emerge regenerated... and in pieces...

The review presents 'Abandon All Life' by Nails as a punishing grindcore album marked by extreme speed and aggression. Produced by Kurt Ballou, it blends influences from iconic extreme metal bands. The short, relentless tracks create an overwhelming yet regenerative listening experience. The reviewer praises the album's crushing heaviness, chaotic vocals, and uncompromising brutality. Listen to Nails' 'Abandon All Life' and experience some of the most ferocious grindcore ever recorded.

 They confirm themselves as true masters of the Apocalypse translated into the seven notes of the pentagram.

 Hypnotic and evocative in Inside of a Dream which features the vocal participation (of spine-tingling proportions!!) of a certain Mark Lanegan.

The reviewer returns to Cult of Luna with their 2021 release The Raging River after some time away. The album retains the band’s signature dense and powerful post-metal/sludge sound but presents it in a concise, impactful format. Highlights include the evocative collaboration with Mark Lanegan and the masterful dynamics throughout the five tracks. The album is praised as a strong comeback that inspires deeper exploration of the band’s discography. Dive into Cult of Luna’s The Raging River for a powerful post-metal journey you won't forget!

 I feel as though there are many diverse and indistinct elements at play: perhaps it’s the truly clanging bass and drums and the extremely acidic guitars.

 Noise rock, some would say, post-hardcore, others, metal-core, someone who clearly doesn’t understand a damn thing; obviously, the thing that stands out most is this hammering snare.

Lilac’s self-titled album is a powerful mix of noise rock, post-hardcore, and sludge metal with aggressive bass, acidic guitars, and primal vocals. It channels influences from Steve Albini’s raw production to New York Hardcore and American post-punk scenes. The hammering snare and emotionally charged screams give it a distinct edge. Fans of intense underground rock genres will find this release compelling. Dive into Lilac’s fierce debut and explore their unstoppable noise rock energy now!

 Irist... will soon be a "crack" in the medal field despite no one having paid them much mind yet.

 The stunningly beautiful "Harvester" starts like a Katatonia track and ends in a frenetic vortex of High on Fire lineage — not at all trivial.

Irist's debut album 'Order of the Mind' impresses with a fierce blend of sludge and metalcore, expertly produced and enriched with melodic vocals. The band draws clear influences from genre giants like Mastodon and Gojira, creating an energetic and enjoyable listening experience. While not entirely original, the album stands out as a well-crafted and promising release for fans of heavy music. It hints at a bright future for this Atlanta quintet. Listen to Irist's 'Order of the Mind' now and experience this fierce sludge/metalcore blend for yourself!