Tag Archives: death metal

Review: Haishen – Awaken the Endless Deep

by Jeff Nixon

The Music

The Words

Haishen, whose Chinese name (海神) translates to God of the Sea, are an innovative new prog metal band from Rochester, NY. After releasing their self-titled EP, first in 2020, then again in 2021 (remixed/remastered and re-released by their label Needlejuice Records), Haishen are back with their debut full-length, Awaken the Endless Deep, releasing on May 9th, 2024. This is a concept album about Chinese creation mythology, and is full of epic prog rock, melodic death metal, and much more.

The album opens with “Crimson Sun” which after some … Read more

Kweku of Ghana, Ariane Roy, Jyocho, and Mæntra

by Dæv Tremblay

Kweku of Ghana – Zone 6, Agege (Heavenly Sweetness)


So Kweku is the frontman of my #1 Afrobeat band of 2021: Onipa. This year, he released a new album under the name Kweku of Ghana, and so I was immediately drawn to it. Zone 6, Agege has a more traditional, folkloric, funky, reggaeish Afrobeat sound than the Afrofuturistic synthy Onipa. That’s neither a pro nor a con, as I love both sounds equally, but that’s just to set different expectations for when you listen to this. This is a beautiful, intimate, inspired, authentic album that truly speaks of Kweku’s… Read more

Ken Mode, Dongyang Gozupa, Labyrinth of Stars, and Down I Go

by Dæv Tremblay

Ken Mode – Null (Art of Fact)


OK, we’ve got to talk about the new Ken Mode. The Canadian sludgecore act if well renowned, and for good reasons. If their sound seemed desperate and dreadful, be ready for these knobs to be cranked to 11 on Null. Distorted, discordant, uneasy, the atmosphere of the album is oppressive and that’s what you love about them. This is a masterful album from Ken Mode, be sure to check it out.

동양고주파 (Dong-yang-gozupa) – 결 (Gyeol / Kyul)


I’ve covered the Korean band Dong-yang-gozupa in the past, so I’ll be brief,… Read more

Kutu, Aeternam, Kolínga, and I, Parasite

by Dæv Tremblay

Kutu – Guramayle


The Ceccaldi name is a promise of great music. On this album, both brothers collaborate with two Ethiopian singers from Addis Ababa to make a modern fusion of Ethiopian pop and jazz fusion. Everything is solidly backed up by drummer Cyril Atef, who’s previously played on other incredible albums, as with Bumcello. It’s an album made to groove, dance, and have a terribly fun time. The drums feel aptly Afrobeatish in essence most of the time, while the harmonization is walking the thin line between authentic and experimental. It’s a truly superb album!

Aeternam – Heir of

… Read more

Sweet Heart, Open Ear: August

by Bishop Martin

Rejoice! The Light Has Come – II


If every genre of music is a language, then we can think of bands as authors who write in those respective languages. The first chord of II tells you instantly what language we are speaking.
The language of dissonant black metal has been evolving and becoming more popular in the last decade. Every band has their own formula for writing music like this; their own dialects and slang, their clicks and pops, their interpretations, and their judgments. I trust the clicks and pops and judgments of Rejoice! The Light Has Come.

If you … Read more