New Release Highlights: 7th July

Band: Ereb Altor
Album: Ulfven
Genre: Viking / Pagan / Folk Metal

With a sound akin to fellow countymen Bathory, Thyrfing, Månegarm, Vintersorg and occasionally Candlemass, Sweden's Ereb Altor follow a long line of quality Viking / Folk / Pagan Metal bands and are themselves, well established scene veterans. That said, they have always failed to make a real impression on me. Until now. The band's new (and 7th) album Ulfven is a superb release and has not only earned a defiinte spot on my year end list, but has also already become a firm favourite of mine in the Folk Metal sub-genre of which I am a huge fan. After 14 years Ereb Altor have finally made their mark.

Track: En Synd Svart Som Sot

Band: Decapitated
Album: Anticult
Genre: Death / Groove Metal

The Polish veterans are back and are continuing to evolve, with the old-school Vader-worshipping of old being stripped back more and more with each subsequent release, giving way to a modern and polished Groove Metal sound. I may in the minority, but in my opinion they are a better band for it.

Track: Kill The Cult

Band: Melvins
Album: A Walk With Love and Death
Genre: Alt-Rock

Ever-reliable Alt-Rock oddballs, Melvins are as prolific as ever, with AWWLAD being the band's third album in just over 12 months (and that's without taking side projects into account). They may well have been key in the formation of the Grunge scene of the late 80s / early 90s (as well as Stoner Metal), but their quirky style ensured that they never quite fit into any specific niche, which makes them all the more wonderful. Cherish them.

Track: What's Wrong With You

Band: River Black
Album: River Black
Genre: Modern Metal / Groove Metal

With a sound probably best described as Modern Metal (you already know if it's for you), River Black aren't breaking any new ground, but I've definitely heard far worse. There are some really good songs on here and it's a solid release, but I can't help feeling there is lost potential. There are tantalising tastes of the beast it could have been and while River Black falls a little short of the expectations I had for former members of Burnt By The Sun and Revocation it is still, a respectable debut. Here's hoping album number two knocks the world off its Axis!

Track: Low