Review by Felix on December 9, 2020.

No doubt at all, Dying Victims Productions is a very active label. They have already released brilliant outputs, but every now and then they seem to work on a hit-or-miss basis. Soulcaster’s EP offers sleepy riffing, boring drumming and emotionless, more or less clean vocals. Put these elements together and you have exactly the songs that the actually promisingly titled Maelstrom of Death and Steel houses. The band from Belgium is not able to break out of traditional schemes and neither the melodies nor the riffs have the rebellious touch that metal needs. I don’t say that this is a pile of shit, because the group also avoids severe mistakes. Instead, it presents mediocrity in perfection. Perhaps the band wants to build a bridge to pretty odd formations such as Cirith Ungol, but I do not hear any progressive or unorthodox tones. And I freely admit that I have never been a great fan of the (so-called) cult band Cirith Ungol.

The fourth song almost reveals a whirlwind of emotion and aggression, but only in the context of the remaining material. The predominantly mid-paced compositions come and go without farting, belching or doing anything else in between. Life is a long and silent river, isn't it? Given this situation, even 21 minutes can become a pretty long time. Maybe metal maniacs with a weakness for antique sounds that present a dark touch like to give the EP a try, but I miss the three elements that gave the output its name. There is no maelstrom, no death and no steel. Just mediocrity. Dying Victims Productions have many more fascinating bands in their catalogue and therefore I beg your pardon - I need some "Blutige Seide" from Hexenbrett right now. That's better for my soul.

Rating: 4.9 out of 10

Review by Alex on August 15, 2020.

The result of merging lyrical themes based off the Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson with a classic heavy metal sway and some added goth/punk varnish comes to light in the form of Soulcaster's Maelstrom of Death and Steel. Been hearing some good traditional heavy metal coming out of Dying Victims Productions, so it was a no-brainer I check this one out; and for a debut EP, I must say I'm pleased with what the Belgian band has brought to the anvil.

'Truthless of Shinovar' introduces us to what Soulcaster are capable of. Its immediately noticeable they have some admiration for the Gothic/punk metal style through the vocals used. Yet they also have an epic sword and sorcery approach attached to them. Mostly mid ranged with some cool highs and a dark sheen that persuasively still keeps within the confines of the heavy metal genre. It’s the standout aspect Soulcaster are able to sell you on Maelstrom of Death and Steel but that's not to say it’s the only highlight worth mentioning.

'The Wretch' is probably my favorite off the EP sitting right next to 'Shardbearer'; it has a smooth and relaxed rock and roll vibe in the main riff and the catchiest chorus. An epic feel is also active on this song, mainly due to the accentuated vocals on the final chorus and the showman soloing.

'Shardbearer' on the other hand has a bit of a darker tonality mixed with a progressive feel in song rhythm and structure. Guitars are a bit more in your face and battles with the technical bit of drumming both in the chorus of the song and soloing departments. Nice to hear the drumming break route from the more predictable passages to something more rewarding and challenging. This gave Maelstrom of Death and Steel a much-needed shift and level up in songwriting in turn speaking highly of Soulcaster's musical awareness.

The production is ideal for Soulcaster's playing style and the dark yet epic tone they are able to wield. It’s clear and has a late 80's appeal that suits the gothic/punk vocals and also facilitates a place for the guitars to really soundoff; so kudos to the mixing and mastering crew/individual.

The EP concludes with 'From Abamabar to Urithiru', the longest stretch on the album just by a minute or so and the most epic song of them all. Soulcaster really step out more confidently by incorporating speed metal riffing and drumming following the doom metal-esque unveiling at the start of the entry. The standard of the riffing is maintained with added flare in the faster sections, while the drumming and vocals take advantage of the increased musical velocity that through its rhythm, holds up to an epic/speed metal branding.

Maelstrom of Death and Steel as a complete scroll, has the workings of a band sure about where they stand and where they would like to be in this revived traditional heavy metal era. Definitely a good album that promises better for future spells.

Rating: 7.7 out of 10

Review by Arek on October 11, 2017.

Teething is four screwy Spaniards who after five years of creative activity, in which they delivered (as befits any grinders) many EPs and splits to their fans, finally broke out and put out their first full-length album, which came to me through SelfMadeGod Records. We Will Regret This Someday are 12 amazingly trenchant kicks. This HC-Grind plow up takes just over 24 minutes, which is just enough not to return the last meal and yet still has the urge for further listens. By adjusting to the construction of this album I will cut off unnecessary fuckery and go straight to the music that hit my grind-absorbent tastes.

The material was recorded at Madrid's Sadman Studio and mixed in American AudioSiege (Nails, Magrudergrind). This confirms that dissecting of the sound will not be compulsory. The sound of percussion is very elegant, the bass is heavy, and the vocal does not drown the music. The tone of guitars with the bass cooperation is what the tigers like the most while bouncing, and they also sound like the best musical stories out of Sunlight. These twelve tracks are the quintessence of GC played heavily in punk rhythms and with HC manners of the vocalist. What we have here are chaotic, short, grinding pegs such as 'Mic Check', 'Up In Smoke' and 'Life Is Peachy'. The latter reminded me of old Americans from Wehrmacht. Yes, it is another value of this album - it brings back memories.

While listening to the debut of those Spaniards, we will find a lot of different influences ranging from punk, crust and crossover to death metal, although the basic bonding agent of course is the grind. Going back to the record, it must be said that despite all the grind madness, some down tempo respite also happened here and there. We will hear it in 'Just Kids', ending of 'White Cross Inversion', or slowest one - 'Subway Rat'. Do not be afraid, however, it will not dull out even for a moment. It's not doom, its grindcore, so the next hyper-blast will indicate the style of the disc. Are there any songs that should be mentioned with special honors? Probably not, since GC is not pop. The power of this disc is a mad rage of energy served up in varying tempos. In combination with the inventiveness of the musicians, it gave the prime sort of product. Although all the riffs, patents, etc. have already been played somewhere, and although some will label this album a "reheated cutlet", it does not bother me at all. I will be happy to go back to it anyway.

There isn't much to write about the depth of lyrics, because the cover of the album announces them quite accurately. From sharply contrasting colors of rotten green, radioactive yellow and rusty red to the titles from newspaper clippings clearly indicating that this is not some fairy tale. Thematically it is as predictable as it is musically, but thanks to that - everything stays together. Such a macabre taken out of life, lightly sharpened and served up with humor. GC / HC, in spite of its moral background, is primarily good fun and we have it all right here. 

Ending all this verbal spasms, I admit that We Will Regret This Someday is my first encounter with this Spanish quartet. It probably wouldn't have changed anytime in the near future, if it wasn't for the extremist approach and activity of SelfMadeGod Records, for which I bow deeply to them. Satisfaction would be even greater if I could drop some sweat around maddening stage presentation of these madmen, but I guess I will have to wait for that a little longer. At this moment I have to settle for the sound of their 12-track debut. For all the fans of hard hitting ensembles I recommend this as adrenaline injection. It may not save a life, it may not change the world, but with such pieces, the time will definitely flow faster. They got me with their punkish grind, the rest of you should check them out for yourselves.

Rating: 8 out of 10