Category: news

HEAVY fell in love with Melbourne outfit Crispy Danger the moment they sent in their debut single, Outta Control. A refreshing blend of rock, metal and darkwave – described as sounding like “a heavy metal disco” by the band – Outta Control introduced the world to Crispy Danger and ensured they were welcomed with open […]

In two announcements made two days apart, founding vocalist Sérgio Mazul and longtime drummer Welyntom “Thor” Sikora revealed their departures from Brazilian gothic metal band Semblant. Mazul was part of the band’s original lineup from 2006 and sang on all of their albums; Thor joined in 2013 and played on all albums except for the band’s 2010 debut, Last Night Of Mortality.
Read more…

Album Review: Imperium – Exodus Unknown

Reviewed by Matthew Williams

The British underground thrash scene is in reasonably good health right now with the likes of Oldham’s Tortured Demon, Derby’s Devastator and Norfolk’s Struck A Nerve leading the charge alongside old schoolers Lawnmower Deth. However, with the release of their debut album, London quintet Imperium could be about to join them as their modern thrash sound and razor-sharp riffs explode onto the scene.

I first saw the group at Thrashchester in 2024 and commented back then that in vocalist Ben Porter they have a firebrand of a frontman with the riffs to back up their intensity. So, I was intrigued to review this album, to see how they’ve progressed in that period. It all starts with “Hell and High Water” which gives a great indicator as to what the album will sound like, with strong guitars, a great opening riff, huge drums, commanding vocals and a beastly bass sound.

The album title track is next, led by drummer James Hawes, but it’s the bass from Jean-Raphael Cross that stands out for me before lead guitarist Hardip Sagoo takes control of proceedings. It’s a strong song that will be quite brutal in a live setting, and the solo midway through is particularly pleasing on the ear. “Reap What You Sow” has that kind of old school thrash intro, but with a modern twist, alongside an anthemic chorus line which will resonate with audiences, as they chant it back at a, no doubts, smiling band.

Again, the guitar work is impressive from Sagoo and Scott Lomas and it leads into “Unstoppable” a further sonic assault on our senses. They mix their tempos well on this track, with a slower section before it bursts back to life with some crunchy guitar notes accompanying the tight rhythm section. They strip the sound back with a slower, ballad esque beginning to “The Gun” as the guitars become more of the focus with the drums being more forceful as the song progresses. The vocals are given a proper work out on this track, with Porter going through his range efficiently, and in parts he’s very Chuck Billy.

They return to a heavier and faster sound on “Hangman” which has more venom to all aspects of their music and is easily my favourite song on the album. It’s relentless and I love hearing that bass lick just before the solo kicks in as the track flows effortlessly before another feisty little number entitled “Tread The Serpent”. With plenty of angry vocals to match the hostile composition, it clicks along at quite a speed, which is always great to hear. They end it off quite appropriately with “The End” a sombre, more reflective track, that demonstrates their varied approach to the entire album, which works well for them, to wrap up an absorbing debut release.

For all the latest news, reviews, interviews across the heavy metal spectrum follow THE RAZORS’S EDGE on facebook, twitter and instagram.

The post Album Review: Imperium – Exodus Unknown appeared first on The Razor's Edge.

Strange Plants strike the perfect balance between infectious indie rock and thoughtful social commentary on What A Time. Driving rhythms, jangly guitars, shimmering synths, and irresistibly catchy hooks propel the song forward, while its tongue-in-cheek lyrics offer a sharp reflection on digital overload and the dizzying pace of modern life. The contrast between upbeat melodies and underlying unease gives the track a compelling emotional tension, making it as thought-provoking as it is instantly memorable. Polished yet organic, What A Time is a vibrant slice of modern guitar pop that proves meaningful songwriting and irresistible melodies can coexist effortlessly.

Connect:

Instagram

German black metal crew Firtan have revealed the cover artwork for their upcoming album, Helios. The album will be released on October 2nd through AOP Records. Their fifth full-length, it follows 2024’s Ethos. The first single, “The Hierophant Way”, is scheduled for release soon.
Read more…

Inferno are a black metal band from Czechia and this is their ninth album. 2013’s Omniabsence Filled By His Greatness, 2017’a Gnosis Kardias (of Transcension and Involution), and 2021’s Paradeigma (Phosphenes of Aphotic Eternity) were all strong releases of an esoteric nature. With four new songs that expand across 41 amorphous minutes, Inferno have arrived once … Continue reading “Inferno – The Anthropic Sophisms (On the Heights of Despair) (Review)”

LEPER COLONY drop the first brutal advance track ‘These Blades‘ taken from the deadly international trio’s new full-length “Back to Primal Sludge“. The third album of these death metal fanatics has been slated for release on October 9, 2026. Pre-sale link: https://spkr.store/collections/leper-colony LEPER COLONY comment on ‘These Blades’: “This ferocious track whips uptempo filth your way and opens up a new breathing hole in your neck”, shred-master Rogga Johansson claims. “Meaty, fully fleshed-out […]

Source

UK-based funeral doom visionary Abysmal Growls Of Despair has released the video for “Growth,” split across two parts — Pt. 1 and Pt. 2 — due to its length. The single is a monumental composition taken from the acclaimed album Torn, available now via Wormholedeath. Rather than presenting the song as a single visual piece, “Growth” unfolds across two interconnected chapters, allowing […]

Source

Italian death metallers Natron have shared the news that founding guitarist Vito Ranieri has died. Ranieri started the band in 1992 and left in 1994; while the only release he played on was the 1994 demo Force, the band remarked that he “was a fundamental element in the first years of the band” and “helped to shape the sound direction of the band”. Though Natron has been defunct for some time, they went on to release six albums between 1997 and 2012 and become pioneers of the Italian death metal scene.
Read more…

French Canadian speed metallers Meurtrier have released their first single, the self-titled “Meurtrier”. The song will close their upcoming debut, Messe De Fer, which will be released on September 25th by Swedish label Jawbreaker Records. The band advertise their style as “Traditional Speed Metal, sung in French, for fans of Sortilège, ADX, and Exciter“.
Read more…