Review by JD on May 4, 2012.

Viking Metal has been creeping into my metallic heart for awhile now. Perhaps it is because of the 70% plus part of me that is Norwegian that has latched on to it and it wont let go. It is fast becoming one of my favorite metal genres and it all did start with Hammer Horde, the band that I am reviewing now.

I had reviewed Ohio’s Viking Metalheads, Hammer Horde on their first album ("Under The Mighty Oak" - 8.2 out of 10) and was very impressed. With the release of "Vinlander", I was excited when I saw it arrive for me to review. You know, I love the other band that most of this bands members come from (A Gruesome Find), but as this unit, they are in a class all by themselves over all others.

With eleven fully conceived tracks on this album, they seem to move and shape themselves. Songs like the galloping maelstrom of 'Oathkeeper' to the mammoth and thunderous pounding guitars on Riders Of Annihilation', Hammer Horde is clearly Viking Metal 101 in the University of Metaldom. A perfect example of how good this style has become in a short amount of time.

I am amazed. A sophomore album that is this good is a extreme rarity, yet Hammer Horde has eluded the jinx associated with second recording release to deliver something that is undeniable intelligent, shockingly imaginative, heavy as anything out there and above all - completely uncompromising in every facet of they craft. Can’t ask for anything more from any band out there, now can you? Fuck no!

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship:9.5
Atmosphere: 9.5
Production: 9.5
Originality: 9
Overall: 9.5

Rating: 9.4 out of 10

Review by JD on July 23, 2012.

Catching my ear is not the easiest thing to do, not in the least. I have heard so many bands over my career as a musician, writer and engineer that I have become picky as hell on what I listen to and the why I do so as well. They have to have something that makes them stick out so I take instant notice. I think that this might be on of those rare albums that has captured my elusive attention.

Hailing from the Tar Heel state of North Carolina where bands like Corrosion Of Conformity and Daylight Dies come from, Doom/Progressive veterans Confessor’s 2005 release is a near perfect album in every way. Playing what I can easily explain is majestic Doom Metal raised to the next level, this band has elevated everything and completely made it over while still keeping the sombre yet heaviness that make it perfectly.

I was left absolutely breathless and in this deep state of awe when I heard the melancholy yet so very haunting track 'Wig Stand' the first time... it was one of the most intense and incredible Doom songs I have ever heard, and I have been a My Dying Bride fan since the beginning. I was impressed with all the songs that they have delivered, but that one track left me feeling like I had heard the hand of doom slamming my very soul into little pieces only to gather them up and keep them close to a darkened heart it has - it was exhilarating and chilling all at once.

Buy this album, listen to it many times and then do it again for more fun. It is perhaps where Doom Metal, or even metal as a whole, needs to go to keep growing. This is some of the best of the best, and I will be listening to this album probably at the exact time as you will be read my little excited metal rants here.

Join me, and become a part of the Confessor Cult. I am a member... horns fucking high my metal family... your addiction is served - I ‘confess’.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 10
Atmosphere: 10
Production: 9.5
Originality: 10
Overall: 10

Rating: 9.9 out of 10

Review by JD on January 30, 2010.

The Netherlands group Persistense has been on the metallic march since 2000, and they have had a lot of acclaim by what I have read. Calling their own style of metal at one time ‘Swingthrash’, the band was known for original yet very heavy music... now with the release of full album number one, the band is poised to take over the metal landscape.

Powered by a need to be making seismically heavy but well written metal, Persistense has come forth with a album that can be only described as almost unbridled chaos with this overtone of pure technical havoc. Everything from Thrash, Extreme, Power Metal to even having the Classic Metal elements all come together within this extraordinary five piece - and develops into what could be called illustrious in both form and raw explosiveness

Nine songs populate their first full length offering, called "In Blood And Heart" to make you assured that there are people out in the world making sure metal in no ways has become dull and predictable. Unyielding and relentless, Persistense takes what they know musically and makes sure that is equally heavy and ass kicking brutal in it attack, all the while making sure that the intelligence they have as a group is never compromised.

This band really does have all of the makings and talent to be a amazing force in metal, or even in music in general. Truly Persistense is a indomitable band that has stepped out of the shadows and is in the forefront, truly orchestrating a new genesis in what metal can be.

Categorical Rating Breakdown　

Musicianship: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9.5
Production: 9
Originality: 9.5
Overall: 9.5

Rating: 9.4 out of 10

Review by JD on July 23, 2012.

Catching my ear is not the easiest thing to do, not in the least. I have heard so many bands over my career as a musician, writer and engineer that I have become picky as hell on what I listen to and the why I do so as well. They have to have something that makes them stick out so I take instant notice. I think that this might be on of those rare albums that has captured my elusive attention.

Hailing from the Tar Heel state of North Carolina where bands like Corrosion Of Conformity and Daylight Dies come from, Doom/Progressive veterans Confessor’s 2005 release is a near perfect album in every way. Playing what I can easily explain is majestic Doom Metal raised to the next level, this band has elevated everything and completely made it over while still keeping the sombre yet heaviness that make it perfectly.

I was left absolutely breathless and in this deep state of awe when I heard the melancholy yet so very haunting track 'Wig Stand' the first time... it was one of the most intense and incredible Doom songs I have ever heard, and I have been a My Dying Bride fan since the beginning. I was impressed with all the songs that they have delivered, but that one track left me feeling like I had heard the hand of doom slamming my very soul into little pieces only to gather them up and keep them close to a darkened heart it has - it was exhilarating and chilling all at once.

Buy this album, listen to it many times and then do it again for more fun. It is perhaps where Doom Metal, or even metal as a whole, needs to go to keep growing. This is some of the best of the best, and I will be listening to this album probably at the exact time as you will be read my little excited metal rants here.

Join me, and become a part of the Confessor Cult. I am a member... horns fucking high my metal family... your addiction is served - I ‘confess’.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 10
Atmosphere: 10
Production: 9.5
Originality: 10
Overall: 10

Rating: 9.9 out of 10

Review by JD on July 23, 2012.

Catching my ear is not the easiest thing to do, not in the least. I have heard so many bands over my career as a musician, writer and engineer that I have become picky as hell on what I listen to and the why I do so as well. They have to have something that makes them stick out so I take instant notice. I think that this might be on of those rare albums that has captured my elusive attention.

Hailing from the Tar Heel state of North Carolina where bands like Corrosion Of Conformity and Daylight Dies come from, Doom/Progressive veterans Confessor’s 2005 release is a near perfect album in every way. Playing what I can easily explain is majestic Doom Metal raised to the next level, this band has elevated everything and completely made it over while still keeping the sombre yet heaviness that make it perfectly.

I was left absolutely breathless and in this deep state of awe when I heard the melancholy yet so very haunting track 'Wig Stand' the first time... it was one of the most intense and incredible Doom songs I have ever heard, and I have been a My Dying Bride fan since the beginning. I was impressed with all the songs that they have delivered, but that one track left me feeling like I had heard the hand of doom slamming my very soul into little pieces only to gather them up and keep them close to a darkened heart it has - it was exhilarating and chilling all at once.

Buy this album, listen to it many times and then do it again for more fun. It is perhaps where Doom Metal, or even metal as a whole, needs to go to keep growing. This is some of the best of the best, and I will be listening to this album probably at the exact time as you will be read my little excited metal rants here.

Join me, and become a part of the Confessor Cult. I am a member... horns fucking high my metal family... your addiction is served - I ‘confess’.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 10
Atmosphere: 10
Production: 9.5
Originality: 10
Overall: 10

Rating: 9.9 out of 10

Review by JD on January 15, 2012.

In the crucible of the melting pot that makes up metal, Naumachia combines some seriously intense Death and Darkened Black Metal with forceful yet melodic keyboards and smatterings of Industrial and Progressive components throughout. They create sonic aura that is hard to ignore. Naumachia is a band that combines all of these varied ideas and forces them into one metallic blast that is so original and powerfuf it stands out.

Out of the nine songs that had been offered up, most are very good but one stuck out as my favorite one. 'Abreaction' is the total package. I am not a fan of keyboards in my music, but if it had to be there - Naumachia has found the perfect way to do it. It is eerie in spots, yet drove the music without taking away from the wall of guitars and nasty vocals. Children Of Bodom need to study this perfect use of the keys... and use it.

Not much left to say but to buy the damn album. It will make a keyboard beliver out of anyone - as long as it is with this band.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 8.5
Originality: 8
Overall: 8.5

Rating: 8.3 out of 10

Review by JD on January 15, 2012.

In the crucible of the melting pot that makes up metal, Naumachia combines some seriously intense Death and Darkened Black Metal with forceful yet melodic keyboards and smatterings of Industrial and Progressive components throughout. They create sonic aura that is hard to ignore. Naumachia is a band that combines all of these varied ideas and forces them into one metallic blast that is so original and powerfuf it stands out.

Out of the nine songs that had been offered up, most are very good but one stuck out as my favorite one. 'Abreaction' is the total package. I am not a fan of keyboards in my music, but if it had to be there - Naumachia has found the perfect way to do it. It is eerie in spots, yet drove the music without taking away from the wall of guitars and nasty vocals. Children Of Bodom need to study this perfect use of the keys... and use it.

Not much left to say but to buy the damn album. It will make a keyboard beliver out of anyone - as long as it is with this band.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 8.5
Originality: 8
Overall: 8.5

Rating: 8.3 out of 10

Review by JD on January 15, 2012.

In the crucible of the melting pot that makes up metal, Naumachia combines some seriously intense Death and Darkened Black Metal with forceful yet melodic keyboards and smatterings of Industrial and Progressive components throughout. They create sonic aura that is hard to ignore. Naumachia is a band that combines all of these varied ideas and forces them into one metallic blast that is so original and powerfuf it stands out.

Out of the nine songs that had been offered up, most are very good but one stuck out as my favorite one. 'Abreaction' is the total package. I am not a fan of keyboards in my music, but if it had to be there - Naumachia has found the perfect way to do it. It is eerie in spots, yet drove the music without taking away from the wall of guitars and nasty vocals. Children Of Bodom need to study this perfect use of the keys... and use it.

Not much left to say but to buy the damn album. It will make a keyboard beliver out of anyone - as long as it is with this band.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 8.5
Originality: 8
Overall: 8.5

Rating: 8.3 out of 10

Review by JD on January 15, 2012.

In the crucible of the melting pot that makes up metal, Naumachia combines some seriously intense Death and Darkened Black Metal with forceful yet melodic keyboards and smatterings of Industrial and Progressive components throughout. They create sonic aura that is hard to ignore. Naumachia is a band that combines all of these varied ideas and forces them into one metallic blast that is so original and powerfuf it stands out.

Out of the nine songs that had been offered up, most are very good but one stuck out as my favorite one. 'Abreaction' is the total package. I am not a fan of keyboards in my music, but if it had to be there - Naumachia has found the perfect way to do it. It is eerie in spots, yet drove the music without taking away from the wall of guitars and nasty vocals. Children Of Bodom need to study this perfect use of the keys... and use it.

Not much left to say but to buy the damn album. It will make a keyboard beliver out of anyone - as long as it is with this band.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 8.5
Originality: 8
Overall: 8.5

Rating: 8.3 out of 10