Burner Archives - NO CLEAN SINGING

GONZO’S HEAVY ROUNDUP, SEPTEMBER 2026

Oct 092026

(Our Denver-based writer Gonzo has returned to reviewing and recommending albums for us on a monthly basis, and here he recommends five of them released in September.)

These days, I’m trying to look past the infinite well of bullshit that we’re all constantly forced to stare into. Music has a way of distracting me from staring too long into that well, lest it stare back.

As we start wrapping up 2026, I’m constantly impressed at the level of sheer creativity that’s being harnessed in heavy music. It’s cathartic, and right now, that catharsis is nothing short of therapeutic. Bands are taking more risks, expanding their sounds, and exploring uncharted territory with fearless impunity. I had a feeling this timeline would produce some of the most powerful sounds I’ve heard in a while, and I wasn’t wrong.

Here are five albums that made the past month a lot easier for me.

BEST OF BRITISH: BURNER / CALLIGRAM / COFFIN MULCH

Album Reviews No Responses »

Jul 102023

(Andy Synn is back with three recent examples of “the best of British” for you to enjoy)

Despite my ongoing efforts to expose and highlight some of the “best” and/or up-and-coming examples of British Metal over the years, there’s still a fair few people who seem to think I don’t do enough to “support the scene”.

Of course, digging into this a little deeper, it inevitably transpires that this accusation stems either from the fact that I don’t cover everything that the UK scene has to offer – both because I simply don’t have the time to cover it all and because, to be honest, it’s not all worth covering – or is a consequence of my attempts to offer a more measured and balanced critique, which sometimes involves providing some constructive criticism, rather than just flying the hype flag simply because something is “home grown”.

The consequence of this is – or should be – that you know that when I write about something I do so because I think it stands out from the crowd a little (or a lot). And while I’ve definitely been guilty of underrating/overrating a few things here and there before now, I don’t think I’ve ever written about anything that isn’t at least interesting. And the three albums you’re about to read about are definitely that (and much more besides).

SEEN AND HEARD: DYING FETUS, BURNER, DISCREATION, COMMON WOUNDS, SLAWIA

Metal News, RANDOM FUCKING MUSIC No Responses »

Feb 082023

Dying Fetus, photo by Scott Kinkade

Here we have a mid-week round-up of new songs and videos I want to recommend. I was very tempted to call it “PART 1”, because I have another collection already picked out. But I also have to finish the write-up for a premiere we’re hosting today, and I never know when my fucking day job will rear its head. So, I’ll refrain from promises and just hope the today’s second roundup works out. If it doesn’t I hope this will tide you over.

DYING FETUS (U.S.)

To start, here’s “Unbridled Fury“, a new Dying Fetus single (and video) that came out last Friday. I don’t suppose I need to say very much by way of introduction. Dying Fetus are an institution. Most everyone who visits this site knows the band’s music and knows whether they like it or not. The song will please those who do (it pleases me), and won’t interest those who don’t, because this is a rock solid Dying Fetus song. Continue reading »