Nov 142025
 

(Daniel Barkasi is back with us today, presenting a collection of reviews for a variety of recommended albums released in October 2025.)

As winter approaches – it was 35 F this morning in Florida – and living amongst a sea of boxes and plastic tubs (move prep and all that), the madness for myself and our very large family of animals intensifies. A move with a farm filled with creatures is a challenge that I for one cannot wait to be done, and while we’re chipping away at it, it’s going to take a bit more time. Not in a massive rush, however, so we move forward without panic. With that, the current cooler weather in Florida has been a joy – typically chilly enough for a light hoodie in the evening, and never breaking a sweat by simply opening the house door.

The fall touring season is in full swing, with the next couple of weeks filled with so many shows that there’s no way we’ll be able to do all the ones we’d like. We did, however, just take in Ulcerate and Spirit Possession, which was a flawless evening by two exceptional acts. It certainly brought me back to June and Fortress Festival, where both performed phenomenal sets in what was an incredible experience. It was cool to see Ulcerate headline and add a few additional tracks; this being the first time we’ve seen them here in the US in 9 years, which was last at the legendary Brass Mug with Zhrine and Phobocosm. Continue reading »

Jun 102021
 

(Andy Synn is here again to celebrate three fascinating recent releases you may have missed)

Maybe it’s the contrarian in me, but I’m finding that even as the days get longer and the weather gets warmer (much, much warmer, in point of fact, if this week is any indicator) I’m actually listening to even more Black Metal than usual.

Oh, sure, I know the genre is traditionally associated with ice and snow and northern darkness, but I’ve definitely found that some bands – some, not all – also serve as the perfect soundtrack to burning days of blazing skies and blistering heat.

There’s just something about the seething buzz of the guitars, the ringing melodic arpeggios, the windswept howl of the vocals – something primal and elemental – that so often fits my mood during the searing summer months, which is why I’ve decided to dedicate today’s column to three artists and albums who’ve found themselves in regular rotation for me in recent weeks.

Continue reading »