#metalblade — Public Fediverse posts

Psycroptic have been a cornerstone in the tech death scene since the turn of the century. Their 2003 classic, The Scepter of the Ancients, is a legendary record that helped define the genre.1 Since then, these Tasmanian devils have churned out seven albums of inventive tech death, setting a standard that few have matched and even fewer have surpassed. 2015’s self-titled release marked the point at which Psycroptic truly settled into their modern form. And although Kronos’ review of follow-up As the Kingdom Drowns found it to be the stronger record, I’ve always had a soft spot for the self-titled effort. 2023’s Divine Council, on the other hand, was a record that proved to be comparatively modest. Enter The Pulse of Annihilation, the group’s ninth record.2 With Kronos relinquishing his tenured stewardship of the quintet’s output, he now passes the scepter to me.

From the flashy, virtuosic riffage of Joe Haley’s guitar work, to brother David Haley’s impossibly precise drumming and Jason Peppiatt’s steadfast bark, every element on The Pulse of Annihilation is undeniably Psycroptic. The caravanning acoustic passages that helped define the group’s self-titled record resurface again on “A Sword of Me” and “Our Pillars Fall,” providing moments of calm before torrents of syncopated riffing and lightning-fast scales slam the accelerator to the floor. “To Embrace This Curse,” “Annihilation Pulse” and “Gathering a Venomous Herd” remove subtlety altogether, immediately launching into frenetic picking and turbocharged double bass patterns that aim to tear your face off and succeed in spades. Returning from Divine Council is the twin vocal attack of Peppiatt and Jason Keyser (Origin), who once again split the record’s roars and growls. Fortunately, the dramatic clean belting that occasionally felt forced on prior records has been dialed back, allowing the vocals to sit more naturally within the material, even if they remain far from The Pulse of Annihilation’s main attraction.

Psycroptic have always placed their trust in Joe Haley’s inhuman ability to write some of the most badass riffs on the planet, and The Pulse of Annihilation is no exception. His fretwork twists and turns through cuts like “Foraging the Crown,” “No Blade of Grass,” and “To Embrace This Curse,” darting in multiple directions at once while locking into his brother’s rhythmic prowess. And just when the material threatens to disappear into a maze of technicality, Haley reels it back with a steady stream of memorable, hook-laden phrasing. “Gathering a Venomous Herd” is a legit Song O’ the Year candidate thanks to the guitar work alone, giving bands like Gorod a run for their money. Its serpentine passages, mechanical bends, squeals, and hammering scales unfold with surgical precision, creating a labyrinth of thrashy Revocation-esque shredding that never gets old. Likewise, the rhythmic pummel of “To Embrace This Curse” is impossible to ignore, as Haley unleashes a barrage of intricately woven guitar patterns that pound your ears to dust with sheer groove.

But the real secret sauce to The Pulse of Annihilation is its consistency. In fact, this is one of Psycroptic’s most consistently entertaining records of their modern era. While still operating within relatively traditional song structures, the material on The Pulse of Annihilation feels leaner, more urgent, and more energized than much of Psycroptic’s recent output. Transitions feel smoother, and the arrangements flow more naturally rather than being stitched together. It’s as if they stripped their sound back to its essentials, allowing their chemistry to guide the songwriting rather than getting lost in excess. That said, not every track hits with quite the same force. Mid-album cuts like “Our Pillars Fall” and “No Time for the Weak” don’t quite hit as hard as The Pulse of Annihilation’s stronger tracks, but they’re far from filler. Both songs still showcase noticeably sharper pacing and construction than much of Divine Council, and there’s more than enough creativity on display to carry you through to the title track “Annihilation Pulse.”

If Divine Council left you wondering whether Psycroptic were beginning to plateau, The Pulse of Annihilation puts those concerns to rest. By tightening their songwriting and focusing on groove without sacrificing their trademark technicality, Psycroptic have crafted one of the most rewarding releases of its modern era. After more than two decades in the game, The Pulse of Annihilation proves that these Tasmanians have plenty left in the tank and they’re showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Rating: Very Good
DR: 6 | Format Reviewed: 256 kbps mp3
Label: Metal Blade
Websites: psycroptic.bandcamp.com | psycroptic.com | facebook.com/psycroptic
Releases Worldwide: July 17th, 2026

A-Z – A2Z² Review

By Dolphin Whisperer

In the eyes of a legacy creator, novelty and personal excitement drive the continued pursuit of the release. Mark Zonder, esteemed drummer of Warlord and formerly of Fates Warning, lives by this mantra, using A-Z as an outlet for his frenetic rhythmic focus surrounded by the performances of trusted partners. While mic-mate Ray Alder (Fates Warning, ex-Redemption) and thick-string-slinger Philip Bynoe (Warlord, Steve Vai) have returned to the fold for this follow-up, A2Z², to 2022’s self-titled debut, much of the cast looks to earn their stripes here. Slick-licked guitarists Nick van Dyke (Redemption) and Simone Mularoni (DGM, ex-Sunstorm)1 lean less ’80s but as fierce as ever in riffcraft and thicker assault. And keys maestro Jimmy Waldo (Alcatrazz, Warlord) partners in breezy build and shimmering accent to keep A2Z² rooted in whimsical wail. No need to teach old dogs new tricks when they’ve got barbs built into their every bite.

In an extension of A-Z’s mission of looking to write a diverse array of heavy metal cuts, A2Z² doubles down on the depths of tone throughout. The guitar duo of Van Dyke and Mularoni shifts from burly chords and knotty fills (“Fire Away,” “I Am Numb”) to slippery Steve Vai-leaning histrionics (“Nothing Is Over,” “Now I Walk Away”) to chiming melodic builds (“A Wordless Prison,” “This Chaotic Symphony”) on the turn of a blaring amp. And Alder, in turn, embodies through his chiseled-by-age gruff croon an expressive range from schmaltzy, forlorn ballad (“Wordless Prison” is a classic fit for this mode) to fist-raising, powerhouse crowd-movers, with the opening trio of tracks scorching hot in his lyrical fury. Of course, the cherry on top will always be Zonder’s progressive and playful Peart-indebted2 percussion, with capricious chatter laced in e-tom boings, hi-hat stutters, and tilted-frame shuffles that always move the music forward.

Despite this constant momentum within each track, A2Z² has a tricky flow between its aggressive and contemplative moments that presents as a barrier to easy full attachment. A-Z sticks to a formula—the classic verse-chorus ABABCB rock platform imbued with sick solos and hooks that reach for the stickiness of an act like Toto. And likewise, in this heavy stride, Alder finds a power and grit on aggressive numbers that matches so well the beefier guitar presence and pulsing rhythms (“Fire Away,” “Running in Place,” “I Am Numb”). But A2Z², being an experience built on the power of individual songs, runs into a momentum issue trudging through three slower songs, either ballads or mid-paced thumps, smack dab in the middle of the album (“A Wordless Prison,” “Reaching Out,” “The Remedy”). The professional ensemble of A-Z ensures that these songs are still good, of course—I never press skip. But the back half does feel hidden while trying to digest this run on early listens.

Alas, A-Z’s ability to pepper simple structures with colorful sonic texture and virtuosic aplomb continues to be a treat to harmony-seeking ears. Once you do hit side B, lush vocal layers against prog/power giddy-up (“I Am Numb”), dancing cello builds (“This Chaotic Symphony”), and slow burn-to-stewed solo extravagance (“Now I Walk Away”) land hit after hit on an audience looking for accidental displays of public karaoke and air shredding. A2Z² has no issue cranking the heat, starting from the get-go with scorching heavy metal and escalating in progressive play to the very end. And even at its weakest moments, both Alder and Zonder can use their talents in hot honey verse and tap-happy navigation, respectively, to fill a lull with a couple standout moments (“Wordless Prison,” “Reaching Out”).

Oftentimes, with this many Iron Chef cooks in the kitchen, an act of the collective talent that A-Z possesses can flounder out in noodle-forward instrumentation and gutless yet pretty refrain. However, A2Z² solidifies that when legacy artists form under a mission to create bold songs in an elevated, tangible package, great things can happen. A-Z isn’t revolutionary—nor do I think Zonder and co. are aiming for that kind of stamp on the heavy metal community. But A2Z², steeped in targeted chorus, searing leads, and stimulating percussive strut, remains a modern pleasure in its tried, true, and tricky demeanor.

Rating: 3.5/5.0
DR: 6 | Format Reviewed: 320kbps mp3
Label: Metal Blade | Bandcamp
Websites: a-zband.com | facebook.com/AthruZBand
Release Worldwide: June 6th, 2025

#2025 #35 #AZ #A2Z_ #Alcatrazz #DGM #FatesWarning #HeavyMetal #InternationalMetal #Jun25 #MetalBlade #ProgressiveRock #Redemption #Review #Reviews #Rush #SteveVai #Toto #Warlord

A-Z – A2Z² Review

By Dolphin Whisperer

In the eyes of a legacy creator, novelty and personal excitement drive the continued pursuit of the release. Mark Zonder, esteemed drummer of Warlord and formerly of Fates Warning, lives by this mantra, using A-Z as an outlet for his frenetic rhythmic focus surrounded by the performances of trusted partners. While mic-mate Ray Alder (Fates Warning, ex-Redemption) and thick-string-slinger Philip Bynoe (Warlord, Steve Vai) have returned to the fold for this follow-up, A2Z², to 2022’s self-titled debut, much of the cast looks to earn their stripes here. Slick-licked guitarists Nick van Dyke (Redemption) and Simone Mularoni (DGM, ex-Sunstorm)1 lean less ’80s but as fierce as ever in riffcraft and thicker assault. And keys maestro Jimmy Waldo (Alcatrazz, Warlord) partners in breezy build and shimmering accent to keep A2Z² rooted in whimsical wail. No need to teach old dogs new tricks when they’ve got barbs built into their every bite.

In an extension of A-Z’s mission of looking to write a diverse array of heavy metal cuts, A2Z² doubles down on the depths of tone throughout. The guitar duo of Van Dyke and Mularoni shifts from burly chords and knotty fills (“Fire Away,” “I Am Numb”) to slippery Steve Vai-leaning histrionics (“Nothing Is Over,” “Now I Walk Away”) to chiming melodic builds (“A Wordless Prison,” “This Chaotic Symphony”) on the turn of a blaring amp. And Alder, in turn, embodies through his chiseled-by-age gruff croon an expressive range from schmaltzy, forlorn ballad (“Wordless Prison” is a classic fit for this mode) to fist-raising, powerhouse crowd-movers, with the opening trio of tracks scorching hot in his lyrical fury. Of course, the cherry on top will always be Zonder’s progressive and playful Peart-indebted2 percussion, with capricious chatter laced in e-tom boings, hi-hat stutters, and tilted-frame shuffles that always move the music forward.

Despite this constant momentum within each track, A2Z² has a tricky flow between its aggressive and contemplative moments that presents as a barrier to easy full attachment. A-Z sticks to a formula—the classic verse-chorus ABABCB rock platform imbued with sick solos and hooks that reach for the stickiness of an act like Toto. And likewise, in this heavy stride, Alder finds a power and grit on aggressive numbers that matches so well the beefier guitar presence and pulsing rhythms (“Fire Away,” “Running in Place,” “I Am Numb”). But A2Z², being an experience built on the power of individual songs, runs into a momentum issue trudging through three slower songs, either ballads or mid-paced thumps, smack dab in the middle of the album (“A Wordless Prison,” “Reaching Out,” “The Remedy”). The professional ensemble of A-Z ensures that these songs are still good, of course—I never press skip. But the back half does feel hidden while trying to digest this run on early listens.

Alas, A-Z’s ability to pepper simple structures with colorful sonic texture and virtuosic aplomb continues to be a treat to harmony-seeking ears. Once you do hit side B, lush vocal layers against prog/power giddy-up (“I Am Numb”), dancing cello builds (“This Chaotic Symphony”), and slow burn-to-stewed solo extravagance (“Now I Walk Away”) land hit after hit on an audience looking for accidental displays of public karaoke and air shredding. A2Z² has no issue cranking the heat, starting from the get-go with scorching heavy metal and escalating in progressive play to the very end. And even at its weakest moments, both Alder and Zonder can use their talents in hot honey verse and tap-happy navigation, respectively, to fill a lull with a couple standout moments (“Wordless Prison,” “Reaching Out”).

Oftentimes, with this many Iron Chef cooks in the kitchen, an act of the collective talent that A-Z possesses can flounder out in noodle-forward instrumentation and gutless yet pretty refrain. However, A2Z² solidifies that when legacy artists form under a mission to create bold songs in an elevated, tangible package, great things can happen. A-Z isn’t revolutionary—nor do I think Zonder and co. are aiming for that kind of stamp on the heavy metal community. But A2Z², steeped in targeted chorus, searing leads, and stimulating percussive strut, remains a modern pleasure in its tried, true, and tricky demeanor.

Rating: 3.5/5.0
DR: 6 | Format Reviewed: 320kbps mp3
Label: Metal Blade | Bandcamp
Websites: a-zband.com | facebook.com/AthruZBand
Release Worldwide: June 6th, 2025

#2025 #35 #AZ #A2Z_ #Alcatrazz #DGM #FatesWarning #HeavyMetal #InternationalMetal #Jun25 #MetalBlade #ProgressiveRock #Redemption #Review #Reviews #Rush #SteveVai #Toto #Warlord

A-Z – A2Z² Review

By Dolphin Whisperer

In the eyes of a legacy creator, novelty and personal excitement drive the continued pursuit of the release. Mark Zonder, esteemed drummer of Warlord and formerly of Fates Warning, lives by this mantra, using A-Z as an outlet for his frenetic rhythmic focus surrounded by the performances of trusted partners. While mic-mate Ray Alder (Fates Warning, ex-Redemption) and thick-string-slinger Philip Bynoe (Warlord, Steve Vai) have returned to the fold for this follow-up, A2Z², to 2022’s self-titled debut, much of the cast looks to earn their stripes here. Slick-licked guitarists Nick van Dyke (Redemption) and Simone Mularoni (DGM, ex-Sunstorm)1 lean less ’80s but as fierce as ever in riffcraft and thicker assault. And keys maestro Jimmy Waldo (Alcatrazz, Warlord) partners in breezy build and shimmering accent to keep A2Z² rooted in whimsical wail. No need to teach old dogs new tricks when they’ve got barbs built into their every bite.

In an extension of A-Z’s mission of looking to write a diverse array of heavy metal cuts, A2Z² doubles down on the depths of tone throughout. The guitar duo of Van Dyke and Mularoni shifts from burly chords and knotty fills (“Fire Away,” “I Am Numb”) to slippery Steve Vai-leaning histrionics (“Nothing Is Over,” “Now I Walk Away”) to chiming melodic builds (“A Wordless Prison,” “This Chaotic Symphony”) on the turn of a blaring amp. And Alder, in turn, embodies through his chiseled-by-age gruff croon an expressive range from schmaltzy, forlorn ballad (“Wordless Prison” is a classic fit for this mode) to fist-raising, powerhouse crowd-movers, with the opening trio of tracks scorching hot in his lyrical fury. Of course, the cherry on top will always be Zonder’s progressive and playful Peart-indebted2 percussion, with capricious chatter laced in e-tom boings, hi-hat stutters, and tilted-frame shuffles that always move the music forward.

Despite this constant momentum within each track, A2Z² has a tricky flow between its aggressive and contemplative moments that presents as a barrier to easy full attachment. A-Z sticks to a formula—the classic verse-chorus ABABCB rock platform imbued with sick solos and hooks that reach for the stickiness of an act like Toto. And likewise, in this heavy stride, Alder finds a power and grit on aggressive numbers that matches so well the beefier guitar presence and pulsing rhythms (“Fire Away,” “Running in Place,” “I Am Numb”). But A2Z², being an experience built on the power of individual songs, runs into a momentum issue trudging through three slower songs, either ballads or mid-paced thumps, smack dab in the middle of the album (“A Wordless Prison,” “Reaching Out,” “The Remedy”). The professional ensemble of A-Z ensures that these songs are still good, of course—I never press skip. But the back half does feel hidden while trying to digest this run on early listens.

Alas, A-Z’s ability to pepper simple structures with colorful sonic texture and virtuosic aplomb continues to be a treat to harmony-seeking ears. Once you do hit side B, lush vocal layers against prog/power giddy-up (“I Am Numb”), dancing cello builds (“This Chaotic Symphony”), and slow burn-to-stewed solo extravagance (“Now I Walk Away”) land hit after hit on an audience looking for accidental displays of public karaoke and air shredding. A2Z² has no issue cranking the heat, starting from the get-go with scorching heavy metal and escalating in progressive play to the very end. And even at its weakest moments, both Alder and Zonder can use their talents in hot honey verse and tap-happy navigation, respectively, to fill a lull with a couple standout moments (“Wordless Prison,” “Reaching Out”).

Oftentimes, with this many Iron Chef cooks in the kitchen, an act of the collective talent that A-Z possesses can flounder out in noodle-forward instrumentation and gutless yet pretty refrain. However, A2Z² solidifies that when legacy artists form under a mission to create bold songs in an elevated, tangible package, great things can happen. A-Z isn’t revolutionary—nor do I think Zonder and co. are aiming for that kind of stamp on the heavy metal community. But A2Z², steeped in targeted chorus, searing leads, and stimulating percussive strut, remains a modern pleasure in its tried, true, and tricky demeanor.

Rating: 3.5/5.0
DR: 6 | Format Reviewed: 320kbps mp3
Label: Metal Blade | Bandcamp
Websites: a-zband.com | facebook.com/AthruZBand
Release Worldwide: June 6th, 2025

#2025 #35 #AZ #A2Z_ #Alcatrazz #DGM #FatesWarning #HeavyMetal #InternationalMetal #Jun25 #MetalBlade #ProgressiveRock #Redemption #Review #Reviews #Rush #SteveVai #Toto #Warlord

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BEHEMOTH - Metal Blade Records To Reissue Grom Album In March; Includes Bonus Content
Metal Blade Records will reissue Behemoth's 1996 album, Grom on March 31. The third release in the Slavonic Trilogy reissue series. Grom was originally released in 1996 and will be available on March 31 digitally, on CD, and vinyl with pre-orders for physical ...

https://bravewords.com/news/behemoth-metal-blade-records-to-reissue-grom-album-in-march-includes-bonus-content

#Behemoth #MetalBlade #GromAlbum #MarchRelease #BonusContent #Reissue #HeavyMetal