Füneral Rain Press Cörps

Genre: Blackened Death Metal
Label: Listenable Records

Polish masters of blackened death, Hate sound in some ways a lot like Behemoth. They’ve got a similar vocal style and music writing, but there seems to be less of a black metal atmosphere to Hate’s music, taking a more direct death metal approach.
And fuck is it great. Not a note is wasted, not a breath is in vain; Erebos goes for the throat of the religious and the weak with seemingly no regard for the safety of those that get in the way.
The production of the album lets you hear everything, each guitar, each bassline, each drum kick, snare, cymbal and tom, allowing for maximum air instruments. The vocals of ATF Sinner are deep and evil, and you’ll soon find yourself invisible-oranging to them without conscious thought.
Erebos is nearly a perfect album, and if you’re into Behemoth, Morbid Angel, or Death you should get it.
8.5 out of 10.

Hate on Facebook.
Hate on MySpace.

Polish death metallers Ulcer are the latest inductees to the expanding Pulverised Records roster. Formed in 2006, the young Ulcer consists of past and present members from Blaze Of Perdition, Squashed Bowels, Deivos and Abusiveness. The band recorded two demos in 2006 and a debut full-length album entitled Serpent Trinity in 2007.

Ulcer‘s Pulverised debut, entitled Grant Us Death, is currently underway with an expected release date later this year. Artwork and track listing to be unveiled soon.

Comments Ulcer frontman D. (aka Sonneillon) of the signing: “We are proud to join the ranks of the well-known and respected label Pulverised Records. When we were searching for a label to release our new material, we wanted to find someone who not only can offer decent conditions, but also knows what death metal is about. We’ve never had an urgent need to release anything anywhere. We just needed a label that understands what we do, and to put it simply: Pulverised is perfect for us – nothing more, nothing less. It’s a privilege to praise death along with such great names as Desultory, Impiety, Interment, Master, Nominon and Tribulation, who are all ravenous as hell. We’ll do our best to prove that we are worthy to be a part of this great label with our album Grant Us Death. Expect nothing but raging death metal inferno in its pure and classic form. ONLY DEATH IS HOLY!”

Added Pulverised Records A&R manager Calvin Chiang : “When we first heard two recently-recorded tracks from Ulcer, it was very clear to us that these guys mean serious business! The raw essence of ugly-as-fuck, in-your-face ’90s death metal yet with thought-out [song] structures are all very much evident; but Ulcer emits a certain darkness and morbidity that sets them apart. The band sent their raw mixes from the upcoming album Grant Us Death and just judging from these raw tracks, the new album will be an unbridled mix of violent and macabre old school death metal!”

Ulcer is:
D. (aka Sonneillon) – Vocals
Angelfuck – Vocals
LucaSS – Guitar
Mscislaw (aka Revenger) – Guitar
Kamil “Szwed” – Bass
Wizun – Drums

Genres: Hard Rock, Progressive Metal, Progressive Rock
Label: Independent

I found an email from Thesis in my inbox, asking if I could do a review of their new body of work, Channel 1. They described themselves as a progressive rock with metallic leanings, so I said sure. I’d be happy to.
And if only I knew what I was getting into.
Thesis don’t fall into an easy to define area of music, because they are very progressive, with some psychedelic elements. Amazing musicianship, with an extremely strong voice, Thesis remind me of a slower, more melodic and pretty sounding Tool or Cynic. At times even reminding me of Opeth.
Violins, heavy riffs, and an occasionally oppressive feeling fill this album, and it’s great. Check it out if you’re into progressive music.
8 out of 10.

Thesis on MySpace.

Genre: Progressive Metal
Labels: Armoury Records, Mystic Productions

The third CD in that package I got forever ago, Proghma-C sat, unreviewed (but listened to) for a long time. The reason why I haven’t said anything about it yet is simple: laziness. BUT ALAS!
Proghma-C are another Polish package of progressive perfection that will piss off your parents. Think Tool, with some Meshuggah, Portrait of an American Family-era Marilyn Manson, Fear Factory, and a fair amount of drugs. In other words, it’s out of this world. Throw in a Bjork cover, “Army of Me”, and wow.
8 out of 10.

Proghma-C on MySpace.

Genres: Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Rock
Labels: Armoury Records, Mystic Production

The second album out of three from Eagle Rock’s package, Black River is a very nice surprise. Especially considering that two of the members are from the Polish blackened death legends Behemoth, and this album is really nowhere near black or death metal.
In fact, it’s pretty much straight up cock rock right out of the pages of AC/DC’s Book of Writing. And damn it is an asskicker of an album. It’s hard, heavy, and pure fun. Lyrically, it’s about drugs, drinking, and fucking, so there’s really no reason why you shouldn’t own this.
8 out of 10.

Black River on MySpace.