2013 Highlights - Top 10 Releases

As 2013 draws to a close, we're going to have a look back at all the releases we have reviewed and highlight our favourite releases. It has been a great year for the UK extreme metal scene, with some absolutely outstanding releases. UKEM has not had the chance to review every single release, but have tried our best!!(there are quite a few we've missed, time being an issue!!). The following releases are in no particular order, but are our top 10 favourite releases of 2013 and how we summed each release up!!

 

Nine Covens - On The Dawning Of Light

"It is fair to say that Nine Covens are the leading black metal band in the UK at the moment. There is no faulting this album whatsoever. It has a lot to offer in terms of pace, atmosphere and musicianship (the band putting in a flawless performance). Black metal of THE highest order – it's harsh, its grim, its brutal and melodic and its one of the best black metal albums to come from these shores in recent times (given that we have seen a lot of great black metal releases recently). This is a 'must have' album for black metal fans – ensure you grab a copy, you will not be disappointed. Comes as about as highly recommended as it gets"

 

Cruelty's Heart - Rex Anglorvm Saxonvm

"I think its going to be fair to say that Cruelty's Heart have produced an absolutely amazing piece of music, sounding fully original and full of conviction. The dense atmospheres really draw the listener into the bands world with the harshness of the black metal really adding to the overall appeal of this release. It's another black metal release which really stands head and shoulders above a lot of release out there and coming from one man, it's testament to Bloodletters ability to write a worthwhile song. Harsh black metal that oozes atmosphere and has a melodic, folk inspired musical core, this is about as good as it gets and is yet another release that (if your a BM fan) should be on your “to get” list. But hurry, word is there aren’t many copies left available to buy. Comes extremely highly recommended"

 

Barshasketh - Sitra Achra

"Barshasketh have released an amazing black metal album, packed full of harsh atmospheres with melodies that are instantly memorable and catchy. Used a lot in this review, 'epic' best describes much of this album. The musicianship on show is first rate and its not an over exaggeration to say that this is some of the best black metal i've heard for quite some time. Originally from New Zealand, but now based in Edinburgh it might explain the fact that the bands brand of black metal is quite unique for these shores and is why this album comes very highly recommended"

 

Laceration - Severing The Divine Iniquity

"Hamish has managed to produce an absolute monster of an album that is packed full of songs that ooze everything you want from brutal death metal – blasting drums, raging guitar work, ultra-guttural vocals all played with a technical efficiency that sounds flawless. Hamish’s song writing and playing has taken on a more technical sound than his previous release, but this shows a man improving, learning and absolutely slaying on his guitar and in his song writing and composition/song structuring. If you don’t own a copy of this album, then you’re missing out as it is one of the most brutal releases to come out of the UK in some time and comes very highly recommended"

 

Scatorgy - Scatorgy

"All that you really need to know is that Scatorgy have produced an absolutely monstrous slab on brutal death metal played at speeds that most bands can only dream of attaining, it’s beyond brutal. A lot of words have been used within this review to describe the songs, but once again, punishing, frantic, frenzied and utterly brutal best describe everything offered up. I have no apprehension in saying that I think this is one of the best death metal releases ( I have heard to date) from a UK band this year, if not THE best, it really is that outstanding and obviously comes very highly recommended – enjoy the poo"

 

Sidious - Ascension To The Throne Ov Self

"Sidious have introduced themselves to the extreme metal world in absolutely devastating fashion, producing a debut e.p. that highlights five musicians at the top of their game, such is the dizzyingly high standard of music on display, it’s definitely the highlight for UKEM HQ for 2013 so far. Featuring four tracks of blistering blackened death metal that is as good (if not better) as you are likely to hear anytime soon, this comes extremely highly recommended and if you don’t own a copy, you should"

 

Carcass - Surgical Steel

"Carcass are back and are truly on top form, pushing the boundaries of modern extreme metal to the limits. The whole album balances the bands two classic sounds (Necroticism and Heartwork) brilliantly, neither one overpowering the other, rather acting as partners to create an absolutely punishing and devastating slab of modern extreme metal. Highly anticipated? Yes, but the wait was more than worth it, definitely the death metal album of 2013 so far, it comes very highly recommended"

 

Arsaidh - Roots

"I am in absolute awe of this release, such is its impact. For a debut release it is nothing short of fantastic. The extremely long songs are noting to shy away from as each track is packed full of interesting moods and atmospheres. The use of traditional Scottish instruments mixed with the harsher black metal influenced music stands out at something exceptional, wholly original and massively catchy. As mentioned earlier in the review, the music is “absolutely brilliant” and that description stands firm having listened to the release in its entirety. Atmospheric Celtic metal with a big black metal influence, this is yet another stand out release for 2013 so far and comes as highly recommended as it gets and not having this cd in your collection means you are missing out on something truly special"

 

Cnoc An Tursa - The Giants Of Auld

"Cnoc An Tursa have produced an absolutely stunning debut full length album that is without doubt a genre leader. It’s not very often that a band can write and record such a stunning piece of work on any album, never-mind a debut, but these four Scotsmen have done just that. The mix of black metal and folk/cletic inspired traditional music works so well, the balance is just right that neither one overpowers the other and you just can’t fail to be impressed. ‘The Giants Of Auld’ is an absolute masterpiece and if you haven’t heard it yet then you really should as it is something very special indeed and comes as highly rated as possible, it’s another ‘must own’ from another outstanding UK band"

 

Necrosis - Catatonic Psychosis

"Catatonic Psychosis is as good a death metal release as you are likely to hear for quite some time and given that it is the band’s debut release makes it all the more impressive. Some bands struggle to write well-constructed and memorable death metal songs, Necrosis appear to do it with an ease that will bode well for future releases. This e.p. is one of those releases that punches you square in the jaw, then picks you up, dusts you off, and then punches you even harder leaving you speechless and bleeding….but wanting even more punishment. If you consider yourself to be a death metal fan, then this is a must. Yet another UK band producing a genre-leading release, this e.p. comes extremely highly recommended"

 

 

Some absolutely storming releases and its been hard picking the top ten as we have had to leave out some other amazing releases, especially from ABHORRENT DECIMATION, PARTY CANNON, WRITTEN IN TORMENT, DEAD BEYOND BURIED, SCORDATURA and OVEROTH.

A great year for extreme metal in the UK, here's hoping that 2014 will be even better, there are some great releases on the horizon.

 

Finally, a huge thanks to everyone that has supported UKEM through its 3 years of existence, the support is hugely appreciated. Onwards and upwards!!

UKEM ARE "DEDICATED TO EXTREMITY, SUPPORTING THE UNDERGROUND"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fires Of Tartarus - Deathless Gods

Self Released 2013

 

1.Eruption From Chaos 2.Deathless Gods 3.Tartarus 4.Guardians of the Gate

 

(Review By Tom 'Pestilence' Vance)

 

Second e.p. from Hampshire based melodic death metallers Fires Of Tartarus and 'Eruption Of Chaos' starts with a acoustic guitar intro before kicking into an all out assault. The guitar riffs are well played and very melodic sounding. The drums switch between an all out battery and breakdown moments. The vocals are predominantly shouted in a hardcore style and switch to death metal vocals in parts which adds a nice variation. Good use of solos and overall a very melodic death metal feel. 'Deathless Gods' kicks in at a more mid-paced speed and death metal vocals are utilised from the outset. The drums again vary from blasts to more hardcore sounding breakdown parts. Guitars are a good mix of technical and brutal and they also inject a classical section in the middle of the song which works well. Even though it sounds heavy, it always remains melodic in its approach.

'Tartarus' blasts from the outset but then goes back to the breakdown style heard in the previous songs.  Yet again, this song has all the melodic death metal elements from previous songs mixed with a slight hardcore feel. The vocals seem a little different, going for a more high pitched scream and gurgling moan. I can't really make any comparisons, but if you are into this kind of metal, then this band won't disappoint you. Finally 'Guardians Of The Gate' acts as a melodic outro, nothing more, nothing less. If you are into melodic death metal mixed with hardcore then I would highly recommend you get a copy of this, as the musicians are top notch and the production is spot on. It would get a much higher score from me, if I felt that they were "doing it" but I just don't unfortunately.

 

7 Out Of 10

 

Band Page: Here

Necrosis - Catatonic Psychosis

Self Released 2013

 

1.Congenital Abnormality 2.Ruptured And Bleeding

3.Human Abattoir 4.Chainsawodmy 5.Catatonic Psychosis

 

The cover art for the debut e.p. from Bristol based brutal death metal outfit Necrosis leaves nothing to the imagination and leaves you in no doubt as to what to expect musically. Following the short sampled intro, ‘Congenital Abnormality’ bursts open unmercifully in an overwhelming torrent of rabid death metal. Speed is optimised throughout much of this opening track, frantic guitars accompany so manic blast beat leaden drumming which sounds utterly devastating and pummels instantly. There’s a definite feel and sound of Aborted mixed with U.S death metal on display which works exceptionally well. What an introduction to the band, showing massive amounts of promise in this opener. ‘Ruptured And Bleeding’ follows on in a similar theme, absolutely manic, twisted guitars set a ferocious pace and are once again supported by some outstanding drum work. Vocally there are no surprises, harsh and brutally growled death metal vocals bark out malevolence with ease and are backed up every so often with higher, manic screams, sounding not to dissimilar to Gorerotted when the dual vocals are unleashed. ‘Human Abattoir’ is another absolutely massive song; the pace adopted is punishing and very rarely lets up and it’s very much about the speed, in fact its all about the speed!! . When the band do up the pace it sounds extremely tight, they are all obviously well practiced in the rehearsal room! Although the songs are all about speed, the pace is dropped sporadically and when it is adds such heaviness to the songs that it almost draws every last breath from your body. As mentioned, these sections aren’t used very often and the band then return to the familiar faster blast beat heavy sections.

‘Chainsawdomy’ is so fucking brutal, every member seemingly pushing their playing abilities to the absolute limit here, and ability they have, in absolutely massive amounts. There’s such a brutal catchiness to the faster riffs and many bands in a similar genre could learn a lot (from these guys) about writing good, solid death metal songs. The break in the middle of song works very well and adds something extra to the track; the chainsaw samples might be slightly clichéd but in amongst death metal as nasty as this, sound perfect! Closing the e.p. is the title track, ‘Catatonic Psychosis’ and what a way to end things on. It’s another blasting example of the band at full throttle and really wanting to close on a high, which they do. Reading the bands biography the say “Necrosis aims to make a major impact on the death metal scene over the forthcoming months” and they weren’t wrong. Catatonic Psychosis is as good a death metal release as you are likely to hear for quite some time and given that it is the band’s debut release makes it all the more impressive. Some bands struggle to write well-constructed and memorable death metal songs, Necrosis appear to do it with an ease that will bode well for future releases. This e.p. is one of those releases that punches you square in the jaw, then picks you up, dusts you off, and then punches you even harder leaving you speechless and bleeding….but wanting even more punishment. If you consider yourself to be a death metal fan, then this is a must. Yet another UK band producing a genre-leading release, this e.p. comes extremely highly recommended.

 

9 Out Of 10

 

Band Page: Here

Buy It: Here

Buyon the death metal scene over the forthcoming mont

The Obscene - Architects Of Deliverance

UKEM Records 2013

 

1.Sonderkommando 2.Spawned From Ignorance 3.Of Feeble Minds And Weakness

4.Nex Necis 5.Dreaming The Obscure 6.Carrion Feast

7.Dawn Of Suffering 8.The Heretics Fork 9.The Man The Martyr

10.Architects Of Deliverance 11.Worlds Ablaze

 

Review by Aaron 'Kingsize' Waters

 

This is the band's first full length & I must say, a bloody good one. It has that sort of sound that isn't exactly easy to pin point and say "Oh yeah, they sound like that other bloody band, what's their face!", no, this is one where you get your digits out and try to work it out a little bit. I mean, I'm not going to sit here and say that it's unique or anything, but it's certainly different. It's very old fashioned styled death metal by all counts, but has slight black metal elements to it too. However, it's not blackened death either! It's got thrash under it's belt n'all! And just when you think it's hit every note, bam! They hit you with some old school slams!

Don't get me wrong though, this album is far from perfect. Some might say the production isn't up to scratch, but for me (personally) I like a bit of rough and tumble in the mix. However, I will say the spoken-word part of the album was a bit too cheesy for me and at some points it sounds like there may be a few timing issues. But other than that, it's a pretty solid release. The artwork is fantastic and the all-round musicianship is it pretty much all you can ask from a band and then some! Very talented lads and extremely good at what they do. So if you're a fan of Suffocation's "Effigy" era with a bit of a european Black Metal twang then I'd say this is pretty much the album for you.

 

7 Out of 10

 

Band Page: Here

Buy It: Here

 

Cnoc An Tursa - The Giants Of Auld

Candlelight Records 2013

 

1.The Piper O' Dundee 2.The Lion of Scotland 3.Bannockburn

4.Hail Land of My Fathers 5.Ettrick Forest in November 6.The Spellbound Knight

7.In Shadowland 8.Winter - A Dirge 9.Culloden Moor 10.Blar Na H-Eaglaise Brice

 

Epic and atmospheric best describes ‘The Piper O Dundee’, the short introduction song, used to set the tone for ‘The Lion Of Scotland’ which roars open majestically, harsh and melodic all in one folk inspired black metal assault. The folk influence is never far from the band’s sound in this opening track, be it through the use of the guitars or keyboards. Either way, the end result is absolutely stunning and amazingly catchy. The harsh screamed black metal style of vocal used is as you would expect, only delivered without absolute venom and an utter belief in what is being spewed forth. ‘Bannockburn’ allows the themes and atmospheres to follow on perfectly with the pace really being picked up to give an absolute sense of urgency, a need to deliver their message so the listener is in no doubts as to what’s being said. Again, unbelievably catchy and even when the song is at full pace, the melancholic atmospheres are never lost. The keyboards are incorporated into ‘Hail Land Of My Fathers’ so well, adding even more gloomy and eerie atmosphere which works very well when the pace is dropped slightly, although the sense of urgency heard in the previous track is never lost here. The guitar riffs used are relatively simple, but when mixed with all of the other elements work well, there’s really no need to over complicate the song at the risk of losing atmosphere.

‘Ettrick Forest In November’ follows on in very similar fashion, the pace once again slowed throughout much of the song. The band does flirt with faster paces sporadically, which adds variety and certainly doesn’t sound out of place in amongst the slower passages. The opening short passage to ‘The Spellbound Knight’ wouldn’t sound out of place on The Lord Of The Rings; that’s what sprang to mind before the song burst open in a haze of harsh, yet melodic black metal and folk inspired indulgence. The band are definitely indulging themselves here, immersing themselves in their music to compose an absolutely epic song, the folk inspiration at the heart of the composition. Acoustic guitars and whistles break the song up nicely, acting as a short melodic interlude before re-introducing the harsher black metal elements. Think Winterfylleth and Wodensthrone, add a dash of Mithotyn and Celtachor and that’s where you would probably find Cnoc An Tursa sat! ‘In Shadowland’ is another massively epic and majestic song, once again packed full of atmosphere and played with a real tightness, and it is this tightness that gives each and every song a real brightness and standing out as been absolute quality.

The same could be said for ‘Winter A Dirge’ which is another epic monster. There seems to be a real pride in the bands playing, obviously proud Scotsmen which translates through into their music. Not that their nationality over powers the music in anyway, the music remains black metal at its core with different traditional elements combined and utilised to make a final end product that is something truly special. This point is once again proved in ‘Culloden Moor’ which is so unbelievably catchy and monstrously epic, the mix of faster black metal and slower, more folk inspired passages working to maximum effect. Closing the album is ‘Blar Na H-Eglaise Brice’ which is a sorrow filled and heart felt piece of music, the traditional Celtic whistle backed up simply by haunting keyboards, the perfect way to end a near perfect album. Cnoc An Tursa have produced an absolutely stunning debut full length album that is without doubt a genre leader. It’s not very often that a band can write and record such a stunning piece of work on any album, never-mind a debut, but these four Scotsmen have done just that. The mix of black metal and folk/cletic inspired traditional music works so well, the balance is just right that neither one overpowers the other and you just can’t fail to be impressed. ‘The Giants Of Auld’ is an absolute masterpiece and if you haven’t heard it yet then you really should as it is something very special indeed and comes as highly rated as possible, it’s another ‘must own’ from another outstanding UK band!

 

9.5 Out Of 10

 

Band Page: Here

Buy It: Here

 

 

 

Abhorrent Decimation - Infected Celestial Utopia

Cold Birth Records 2013

 

1.Monolith Of Destruction 2.A Putrid Vision 3.End Of Days

4.Towards The Gateway 5.Infected Celestial Utopia

 

There’s a definite statement of intent as ‘Monolith Of Destruction’ smashes out of the speakers, a raging snarling death metal monster ready to take your fucking head off. This is Abhorrent Decimations debut e.p, but you wouldn’t guess it from this opening track. Having said that, the band features some seasoned veterans from the UK underground so you would expect the standard to be high, which it is! Jumping from rabid death metal sections into massive, heavy breakdowns seamlessly, this opening track has a lot to offer and as mentioned, definitely lets you know what the band are all about. ‘A Putrid Vision’ follows on in similar fashion, only here machine gun blast beats are used to really up the pace which in turn adds a new dimension to the band’s sound. From a vocal perspective, it’s as you would expect – extremely well executed guttural death metal vocals that really bellow and spew hatred and anger. These are backed up by higher screamed vocals, which are actually used quite a lot and give the vocal delivery that extra dimension and really make them stand out. Although blast beats are introduced, they are used sparingly, the song remaining mid-paced for much of its duration.

‘End Of Days’ is another crushing slab of brutal death metal. Unusually, it’s not so much the music that makes this track brutal, rather the vocals, again been at the forefront of the song, delivering a tirade of aggression and being quite high up in the mix, probably gives them that extra punch. ‘Towards The Gateway’ however is a much angrier affair, the pace upped to full throttle without the use of the blast beats initially. The mix of the faster death metal and another powerful vocal performance really makes this song stand out. Blast beats are introduced sporadically, and when used, really add a potent and dangerous edge to the band’s sound, mainly due to the tightness of their execution – utterly devastating and definitely the stand out track of the e.p! Closing this debut offering is the title track, ‘Infected Celestial Utopia’ which begins life in an absolutely crazed fashion, the riffing and drumming working together brilliantly whilst sounding ‘almost’ out of control, but in a great, technical, almost progressive way. The band are also at their catchiest on this closing track, the chants of “Infected Celestial Utopia” really begin to get stuck inside the listeners head, especially as the track draws to a close and the pummelling double kick drums are introduced to accompany the catchy chorus lines and guide the track to its conclusion. Abhorrent Decimation have produced an absolute Death Metal monster with their debut release and their pedigree as talented musicians really shows in the standard of their playing which results in five fantastic tracks. Brutal, tight and with an massive production, ‘Infected Celestial Utopia’ is an extremely impressive debut release that really has to be on your “to get” list if you haven’t snagged a copy already – comes very highly recommended.

 

8.5 out of 10

 

Band Page: Here

Buy It: Here

Hex Morbidity - Evangelical

Self Released (Demo) 2013

 

1.Oblivious To All 2.Make The Suffer 3.Silence Or Slaughter

 

Debut demo from Swansea’s Hex Morbidity is self-described as “a sinister combination of old school black and death metal, with proto-extreme thrash influences spilling into the mix” which is an extremely accurate description. As soon as opening track ‘Oblivious To All’ spews forth horribly, it is monstrously old school from the outset, the mix of old school death metal and thrash metal riffing suiting the dirty production perfectly. It’s simple, straightforward no frills bestial black death metal which is catchy whilst remaining the right side of horrible. Vocally its gruffly growled death metal vocals with the occasional high pitched screams used as backing, which actually really stand out and add to the gloomy atmosphere. Great opening track! ‘Make Them Suffer’ continues on in a similar vein, slightly more up tempo and with even more catchiness oozing from the speakers. Again, it’s the simplicity to the music which enhances its appeal. It’s not trying to be anything but old school, nasty and ultimately a homage to an era long past. Citing an influence as Autopsy, it’s definitely clear to hear here, this music comes spewing forth straight from the graveyard, worshipping at an unholy blackened altar.

Closing the demo is ‘Silence Or Slaughter’ which offers up more of what we’ve heard previously, which is as you would expect anyway! No massive surprises here other than a heavier and more doom infused beginning to the song which soon breaks into an up tempo old school thrash section, almost (dare I say it) old metallica-esque in sound, only a lot dirtier and much more nasty and evil sounding. It’s actually very refreshing to hear such a young band playing this style of music, which is a big fuck off to trends, scenes and not giving a fuck about genres and what is current. Morbid, old school blackened death metal that sounds like its rotten corpse was buried in the early nineties and has just been freshly exhumed to spread its rotting flesh and rotten stench, this three track demo is an excellent first effort, slightly rough around the edges, but that’s part of its charm. It comes well recommended and let’s just hope the follow up sounds just as horrible!

 

7.5 Out of 10

 

Band Page: Here

Buy It: Here