ALBUM REVIEW
Voices from the Underground – The Review Express
A look at the Underground scene as we leave the third week of June behind.
IV Sigillo
Quarto Sigillo
April 25th, 2025
Metal On Metal Records
Heavy Metal / Doom Metal
Italy
8/10
Bringing together musicians with roots in the Italian doom metal scene, IV Sigillo uses its debut album Quarto Sigillo to stay firmly connected to the genre’s foundations while highlighting several choices that give the band a distinct identity. One of the album’s most notable qualities is the unusually prominent role of the bass guitar. Rather than merely supporting the rhythmic framework as it often does in doom metal, the instrument becomes one of the main elements shaping the character of the riffs. Combined with guitar tones that are heavy without becoming overly dense, this approach gives the music a dark and organic depth. The keyboards serve a similarly restrained but effective purpose, creating background layers that reinforce the atmosphere instead of dominating the arrangements, strengthening the album’s occult mood. Emiliano Cioffi’s vocal performance follows the same philosophy; his dramatic delivery complements the dark nature of the material while avoiding unnecessary theatrical excess. From a songwriting perspective, the band succeeds in maintaining the traditional doom metal pace while creating a balanced flow between crushing passages and more melodic transitions. However, the album’s main limitation also stems from this commitment to tradition. Although the songs are consistently well constructed, some sections lack truly unexpected ideas or memorable turning points. As a result, the record occasionally remains within a safe creative zone and avoids risks that could have made its impact stronger. Even so, its riff-driven writing, convincing atmosphere, and bass-centered character allow Quarto Sigillo to stand out as a successful debut that connects the classic Italian dark metal spirit with a modern production approach. For dedicated followers of the genre, it is a persuasive and rewarding release that merits repeated listening.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1NkDHxRujM/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iv_sigillo
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ivsigillo
Morgu
Offerings
June 7th, 2026
Self-Released
Post-Metal
Albania
7/10
Although Morgu’s second EP Offerings is built around a narrative framework, its strongest impact comes not from the story itself but from its ability to create atmosphere. The slow-building dynamics, layered guitar textures, and emotional weight commonly associated with post-metal form the foundation of the record. What makes the release notable, however, is the way these elements are used not merely for dramatic effect but to support an inward-looking and gradually deteriorating emotional state. Most of the musical structures rely on controlled tension rather than sudden explosions, creating a sense of continuity throughout the EP while reinforcing the melancholic nature of the narrative. The riff writing avoids technical excess yet employs repetition effectively in service of the atmosphere, while the patient approach of the rhythm section prevents the material from losing focus. Arrangements that resist the temptation to force momentum help preserve the emotional weight of the music. At the same time, the EP is not without limitations. Its commitment to a dark and reflective approach occasionally causes the compositions to feel somewhat similar to one another. The limited distinction in identity between certain tracks can reduce the memorability of individual moments, particularly during repeated listens. In addition, some of the powerful climactic peaks often expected in post-metal are intentionally kept in the background, which slightly restricts the overall dramatic impact. Even so, Offerings succeeds as a work that builds emotional intensity without relying on exaggerated methods, placing atmosphere and cohesion at the centre of its appeal. Rather than pursuing innovation, the EP focuses on executing its chosen aesthetic with consistency, resulting in a satisfying listen for those who favour darker and more introspective interpretations of post-metal.
https://www.facebook.com/morguofficial
https://www.instagram.com/morgu_official/
https://www.youtube.com/@morgu_official/featured
Starless Void
Mors Certa, Hora Incerta
June 19th, 2026
Case Studio
Death Doom Metal
Poland
8/10
Starless Void’s debut full-length album Mors Certa, Hora Incerta is less concerned with reinventing death doom metal than with applying its established foundations through a solid understanding of the genre. The record’s greatest strength lies in its ability to balance heaviness and melancholy, two of the style’s defining elements. The slow-moving riffs are not used solely to create crushing weight; they also provide space for the atmospheric dimension of the music to develop. This approach is reinforced by the patient performance of the rhythm section, helping the material maintain a natural sense of flow. One of the recurring problems within death doom metal, a tendency toward stagnation, is largely kept under control here. The song structures rely on gradual tension rather than abrupt shifts, a choice that makes the album’s dark character feel more convincing. Atmosphere is another notable strength of the release. The aesthetic reportedly inspired by industrial surroundings adds a sense of mechanical coldness and wear to the overall tone of the music. The album is not without flaws, however. From a songwriting perspective, some sections remain too closely tied to traditional genre templates. While the riff writing is generally effective, a few moments could have benefited from more distinctive ideas or unexpected turns to strengthen the album’s identity. Likewise, although the atmospheric cohesion between tracks is one of its strengths, the occasional lack of clearly defined climactic moments can make it difficult to sustain maximum engagement throughout the entire listen. Even so, Mors Certa, Hora Incerta succeeds as a debut that understands the essence of death doom metal and reflects it with sincerity. By focusing on the genre’s core values rather than pursuing innovation for its own sake, it emerges as a dependable and rewarding record whose qualities remain evident through repeated listens.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0VjCFhsjFRqY04xTTG50Pp
Bandcamp: https://starlessvoid.bandcamp.com/
Bandzone: https://bandzone.cz/starlessvoid
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StarlessVoidSilesia
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starless.void/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarlessVoid
SHADOWBORNE
Heaven's Falling
19 June 2026
Scarlet Records
Power Metal
Sweden
7/10
Shadowborne’s debut album Heaven's Falling is a record that attempts to combine the cinematic approach frequently embraced by modern power metal with the genre’s traditional foundations. The album’s primary strength lies in the balanced relationship between heavy guitar riffs and melodic songwriting. The compositions are largely built around strong choruses and driving rhythmic structures, giving the music a constant sense of momentum. The guitars play a particularly important role, serving not merely as harmonic support but as the backbone of the songs, which significantly enhances the album’s energy. The vocal performance also meets the expectations of the genre with a melodic and clear character, and its effort to create an epic atmosphere is often convincing. At the same time, Heaven's Falling struggles to establish a sufficiently distinctive identity that would separate it from many similar power metal releases. The dramatic arrangements, heroic tone, and dark fantasy atmosphere work effectively within the established conventions of the genre, yet genuinely surprising ideas remain limited. While the riff writing and song structures are generally solid, there is a noticeable reluctance to take creative risks. This becomes particularly evident during repeated listens, when some of the material begins to leave a similar overall impression. From a production standpoint, the modern and polished sound allows every instrument to be heard clearly, although it occasionally smooths out some of the raw power the music could have benefited from. In conclusion, Heaven's Falling is a debut album that demonstrates a strong understanding of power metal’s core dynamics and applies them with professionalism. Although it relies largely on safe choices, its memorable melodies, solid rhythmic foundation, and consistent atmosphere make it a satisfying listening experience for followers of the genre.
https://www.instagram.com/shadowborneofficial/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Shadowborne/61586703462975/
Stench of Sorcery
The Palegold Menace
April 13th, 2026
Self-Released
Castle Metal
Spain
8/10
Stench of Sorcery’s debut full-length album The Palegold Menace stands out through an unusually cohesive approach that is increasingly rare in contemporary metal. Rather than presenting itself as a simple collection of songs, the record places significant emphasis on structural continuity, making the relationship between atmosphere and composition one of its central strengths. Musically, the album succeeds by balancing groove-driven death metal riffs with the slower weight of death doom metal. This combination allows the music to maintain both physical heaviness and a persistent dark atmosphere. The riffs are used not only as tools of aggression but also as mechanisms for building tension, a choice that strengthens the songwriting considerably. Melodic passages shaped by tonal ideas that evoke eastern influences add a degree of individuality to the material, providing a distinctive colour without abandoning the genre’s established framework. The way the songs connect to one another further reinforces the sense of narrative cohesion. At the same time, the album’s strong focus on atmosphere and structure creates certain limitations. In particular, some of the middle sections occupy similar emotional territory, making individual moments harder to distinguish from one another. While the oppressive mood remains consistently effective, the approach occasionally highlights the absence of stronger dynamic contrasts. Because the record relies heavily on gradually developing tension, more clearly defined climactic peaks could have increased its dramatic impact. Even so, The Palegold Menace emerges as a confident and cohesive debut that successfully combines atmosphere with riff-oriented songwriting. Its ability to develop a recognizable identity while remaining connected to the traditions of the genre elevates it beyond the level of an ordinary first album.
Website: https://www.stenchofsorcery.com/en/home
Bandcamp: https://stenchofsorcery.bandcamp.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StenchOfSorcery/videos
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Wsc3A6SGeXWSfUsCYRj2L
Kneel Before The Death
The Weight Of Truth
May 29th, 2026
Ranka Kustannus
Deathcore / Metalcore
Finland
7/10
Kneel Before The Death’s The Weight Of Truth adopts a direct approach that remains largely faithful to the established formulas of modern deathcore and metalcore. Heavy riffs, intense rhythmic emphasis, and aggressive vocals form the core of the music. The rhythm guitars play a particularly important role, maintaining a consistently high level of energy throughout the track, while the breakdown-focused structure delivers the expected physical impact. The balance between crushing sections and more dynamic transitions prevents the composition from becoming a one-dimensional display of aggression. The vocal performance also convincingly delivers the harshness required by the genre and stands out as a key element supporting the overall intensity of the music. At the same time, the release does not completely escape the risk of repeating many of the approaches that have become common within the modern deathcore scene. The riff writing is functional and effective, yet the number of truly distinctive ideas that remain memorable after the listen is somewhat limited. Likewise, the breakdowns fulfill their purpose from a technical standpoint but do not always move beyond expectation to establish a unique identity of their own. This does not reduce the track’s energy, but it does make it more difficult to separate it clearly from similar releases. On the production side, the clean and powerful sound ensures that every instrument is clearly audible while preserving the necessary heaviness. In conclusion, The Weight Of Truth is a solid work that fulfills the fundamental expectations of the genre, maintains its aggressive character throughout, and demonstrates technical confidence. While it does not offer major innovations, its riff-driven songwriting, strong rhythmic backbone, and uncompromising intensity make it a worthwhile release for listeners of deathcore and metalcore.
https://www.instagram.com/kbtdband/
https://www.facebook.com/KBTDBand/
VOIDMAKER
A Cold, Unyielding Universe
May 25th, 2026
Witches Brew
Progressive Blackened Death/Thrash Metal
US
8/10
VOIDMAKER’s A Cold, Unyielding Universe builds a framework that merges different extremes of technical metal without reducing itself to a purely speed and intensity-driven display. Operating on a foundation of blackened thrash and death metal, the guitar work avoids monotony through constantly shifting rhythmic patterns that interrupt fast riffing and keep the material in motion. This approach highlights the album’s progressive dimension while also reinforcing its narrative flow. Joe McAnaney’s contribution through guitars and drums creates a tightly controlled, almost mechanical rhythmic backbone, which aligns well with the cold, space-oriented atmosphere of the record. Tom McRann’s vocals add a raw and urgent layer on top of this technical structure, preventing the music from becoming a sterile exercise in precision. In particular, the transitions between high-speed sections and more structured, almost mathematical passages stand out as one of the album’s strongest compositional elements. However, the main issue is that this technical variety does not always translate into a strong emotional or memorable melodic impact. In some sections, riffs and structural ideas are impressive but tend to dissolve within the density of the material, making them harder to retain over time. Additionally, the progressive structure occasionally disrupts the natural flow of the songs, affecting their overall continuity. Even so, A Cold, Unyielding Universe secures a solid position within modern extreme metal through its technical competence, controlled chaos, and commitment to its concept, presenting itself as a cohesive and deliberate album despite its flaws.
Website: https://voidmakerband.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voidmakerband/
Bandcamp: https://voidmaker.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voidmakerband
LOUDER
Devil's Night
14 Mayıs 2026
Fighter Records
Speed Metal
Colombia
7/10
LOUDER’s Devil's Night stands out with the intention of reviving a pure and unfiltered approach to speed metal, a style that has become increasingly rare in the modern scene. The album’s main strength lies in its direct and uncompromising approach to speed-driven riffing. The guitars operate with a constantly forward-pushing, sharp and aggressive flow, while the high-tempo and crushing drum performance keeps the structure consistently alive. The bass provides a rumbling low-end foundation that reinforces the street-level, dirty energy of the music. The vocal approach does not completely break away from traditional genre patterns but stands out through a rawer and less controlled expression that fits the album’s chaotic character. One of LOUDER’s strongest qualities is the refusal to rely on unnecessary embellishments or modernized production tricks; the record remains firmly rooted in old-school speed metal aesthetics from beginning to end. However, this same dedication also defines the album’s main limitation. While the riff writing is often effective, it does not deliver a strong melodic identity or particularly memorable motifs. Structural similarities between tracks can make it difficult to maintain engagement, especially in the middle sections. Additionally, because speed and aggression are kept at a consistently high level, the lack of dynamic contrast reduces the album’s long-term impact. Even so, Devil's Night is a debut that stands out for its commitment to the essence of the genre, its raw energy, and its authentic attitude. While it does not offer major innovations, it remains a honest and powerful statement that reaffirms the core spirit of speed metal in a contemporary recording.