ENDTYMER is the semi-weekly recap, occasional blogspace, and new release round-up column. It hits at the end of (most) every week with the intent of covering notable new releases, sharing news, and musing over various personal listening habits. It is largely informal, might contain opinions, etc. so chill out a bit. I do my best to cover as much of everything I receive in some form regardless of genre or representation, don’t hesitate to send anything and everything my way: grizzlybutts@hotmail.com

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FIVE BEST OF THIS WEEK

[#1] ALTAR OF OBLIVION (‘In the Cesspit of Divine Decay‘, From the Vaults)
[#2] NOXIS (‘Violence Inherent in the System‘, Rotted Life/Dawnbreed)
[#3] HAIL SPIRIT NOIR (‘Fossil Gardens‘, Agonia Records)
[#4] WRAITH (‘Fueled By Fear‘, Prosthetic Records)
[#5] HATE FOREST (‘Justice‘, Osmose Productions)

FIVE BEST OF LAST WEEK

[#1] HYPERDONTIA (‘Harvest of Malevolence‘, Dark Descent/MSuO)
[#2] PORTRAIT (‘The Host‘, Metal Blade)
[#3] CODEX MORTIS (‘Tales of Woe‘, Black Lion Records)
[#4] FEED THEM DEATH (‘The Malady‘, Brucia Records)
[#5] APHELION ENTITY (‘Aphelion Entity‘, Lifeless Chasm)

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UPCOMING RELEASES

Catch up with the latest new release announcements for albums I am likely to cover.

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Bay Area death metal band LACERATION return with the follow-up to one of my favorite records of 2021 (‘Demise‘) now having joined the legacy over at 20 Buck Spin for their second album, ‘I Erode‘. They’d spent years crafting a sound which was locked into the prime era of ‘old school’ death-thrash metal and their debut took a turn deeper into the brutality of early Malevolent Creation meets early Suffocation-level intensity and they continue down that path, refining their work on this new album which will be released this coming July 26th on LP, CD, MC, and digital formats. This might be old news if you follow ’em online, was announced a while back but now that I have my hands on it, yes, they’ve done it again and I’m stoked on it.

Pulverised Records have announced the latest mLP from Singapore based death metal/punk band DOLDREY. ‘Only Death Is Eternal‘ will release this coming August 2nd. The way they’ve described their sound here is something like death-thrash with streetpunk sensibilities, and of course a sophisticated but wild minded vision of this. I’d really enjoyed their debut a short while ago and it is great to see a new record and some great artwork on top of it. Check out “Moral Decay”:

On August 30th Sepulchral Voice Records will release the recently announced self-titled third album from sensorial black/death slashers CONCRETE WINDS. ‘Concrete Winds‘ will release on CD, vinyl LP, and cassette tape formats. Of course the reputation of this band and their previous gig in Vorum amount to black lightning, a legacy of violent death by otherworldly harass. This one promises to burn through quick and even more maniac than the last, which is saying something as these folks are at the top of the heap in terms of riff weaponry + noxious speed. Check out the first preview song “Infernal Repeater”:

Me Saco Un Ojo Records have announced they’ll conspire with indomitable Spanish label BlackSeed Productions for a September 3rd release of the second album from Catalonian death/doom metal duo SANCTUARIUM. ‘Melted and Decomposed‘ will get the vinyl LP treatment via Me Saco Un Ojo while BlackSeed will release the CD version. I’d been impressed by all that they’d managed to do between their demo and first LP so, this has me stoked to see how horrified they’ve gone with their sound. Check out the new track “The Disembodied Grip of Putrescine Stench”:

Cruz Del Sur Music have announce a September 6th North American release date for ‘Katabasis Into The Abaton‘ (the release date is August 30th in EU), the upcoming debut full-length album from German epic heavy/folk metal magicians GRENDEL’S SŸSTER. Their previous release was such an infectious anomaly with no certain sub-genre to nail down but of course the catchiness of their druidic folken charm was the big draw. Check out the album’s first single and opening track, “Boar’s Tusk Helmet”:

Transcending Obscurity Records have announced the latest album from German blackened death metal band TYPHONIAN will release this coming September 20th on all relevant formats. ‘The Gate of the Veiled Beyond‘ has an atmospheric progressive side to it, as seen in the intro to this latest preview song, though they’re still fully capable of complex yet punishing death metal pieces, expect this one to be more “epic” if you will. Check out the preview track “A Glimpse at the Starless Ocean”:

Heavy rock/doom metal pioneers PENTAGRAM have revealed a brand new lineup for their upcoming new album and tours after announcing their signing to Italian label Heavy Psych Sounds, a deal which includes reissues for their ‘Review Your Choices‘ and ‘Sub-Basement‘ records. We haven’t heard a new album from these folks in nearly ten years so, we’re ready. Besides frontman and band founder Bobby Liebling the line-up includes guitarist Tony Reed and bassist Scooter Haslip both best known for their work in Mos Generator, plus drummer Henry Vasquez (Saint Vitus, Spirit Caravan, etc.) Maestro Liebling comments on their return: “Pentagram was conceived 53 years ago! We’ve seen many ups and downs and if the decades have given us anything, its wisdom. We know our new studio album is the best one we’ve ever written. We also realize that we need the perfect partner who not only understands the music but also knows the importance of packaging and presentation. After a meticulous search for the right record label, we are proud to announce that Pentagram has signed with Heavy Psych Sounds! They are fans first, musicians themselves and believe in the music as much as we do! On the topic of our best albums, Heavy Psych Sounds will also reissue my favorite Pentagram album to date, “Sub-Basement” and its companion, “Review Your Choices”. These two sorely overlooked albums will finally get the packaging and distribution they deserve. Joe Hasselvander did an incredible job on the instrumentation of these albums and co-wrote some of our thickest and most demented material. No longer will these records be passed by and overlooked! They stand tall next to any album perceived as “heavy” back in 1999/2000.” Follow ’em on Facebook or whatever to keep up:

https://www.facebook.com/pentagramusa/

German black metal band GROZA have announced details for their third full-length album, ‘Nadir‘, which will be released on September 20th via AOP Records. The band appear to be finding their own signature movements at this point, representing a melodic/post-black solemnity on this first preview song “Dysthymian Dreams”:

Blood Harvest Records have announced Portuguese death metal band PHENOCRYST‘s debut album, ‘Cremation Pyre‘ will release on August 30th on CD, vinyl LP, and cassette tape formats. These folks formed up back in 2020 as they were putting together their first EP, infusing psychedelia and doom into death metal meant to convey/depict cataclysmic geological themes, natural disasters on a grand scale. Album art does a pretty good job of getting us there too. Check out the first preview song:

Italian doom metal band DOOMRAISER return with a sixth full-length album, ‘Cold Grave Marble‘ this October 2nd by way of Time To Kill Records. The band comment on the first preview song: “‘Dark Omens’ is our overture into the journey through the realm of Death. Our trip begins inside our dreams, where our subconscious minds create powerful connections with arcane and mysterious dimensions, read signs and premonitions, talk to Death and its world beyond. A heavy obsessive metal soundtrack that portrays the interconnection between life and death, where Man eternally sits at the center of this dark equilibrium” I’d been a big fan of their last album and based on this song I’m looking forward to this one too.

Hells Headbangers Records have announced an August 30th release date for the eighth full-length album from United States death metal legends DECEASED. ‘Children of the Morgue‘ will release on CD, vinyl LP, and cassette tape formats. These folks go all the way back to 1985 and have always kept that thrashing, morbid spirit in their horror minded gig. Check out the title track, “Children of the Morgue”: 

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LAST WEEK

Blood Harvest Records have announced August 30th as the release date for Canadian death metal band GUTVOID‘s upcoming mLP. ‘Breathing Obelisk‘ on CD, 12″ vinyl, and cassette tape. Building upon past work while also showcasing an array of influences coming from the quad-brain of the quartet, ranging from progressive rock to classic death metal and more. This one is a major side-quest at ~31 minutes and four songs and that cover art is wild, giga hyped on my end.

Nameless Grave Records announced ‘Agony & Wounds‘ the third LP from Indianapolis, Indiana-based death metal band OBSCENE a while ago but now that I’ve got it in ear I’m catching up on the news. The album will be released on limited gatefold vinyl, CD, and digitally with a cassette coming from Desert Wastelands later on. They’ve suggested this will be their “densest, lengthiest, most challenging, and most rewarding album to date” plus it has this wild as hell Brad Moore cover art, so, there is a lot of great goddamn choices here worth freaking out about on the walk-up.

Invictus Productions have announced the debut full-length album from Australian ancient speeding deathcult MAGES TERROR. ‘Damnations Sight‘ will be released on CD and vinyl LP formats and comes by way of maestro of horror-shaper Illogium (Portal, Vomitor) as well as Rotten and Stillborn from Pustilence plus C.Y. (Consummation, Mongrel’s Cross) drumming. Expect nothing short of magickry with sinister intent. Dual guitar madness, riff after riff, and true darkness spewing from its core this one is an absolute arcane trip. Get on board now dummy:

Soulseller Records have announced ‘Trenches‘ the third album from Norwegian black metal project SVARTELDER will release by their hands this coming August 2nd, 2024. Aiming for their own unique take on ‘old school’ black metal from the Norwegian rooted position they’re promising thrashing yet atmospheric work delivered with personality. I believe this comes by way of Doedsadmiral and of course I fully support any/all Nordjevel related works.

Italian thrash metal band IREFUL have signed with well respected Spanish label Xtreem Music for the release of their debut album ‘Agents of Doom‘, set to release this coming July 16th, 2024. Their aim is to capture the feeling and sound of ‘old school’ thrash metal with some authenticity and yes, I’m mentioning them because they do a fantastic job on this album. Check out the first preview song “I, Caligula” and you’ll hear it right away, they’ve got the right sound and attack + plenty of riffs:

Morbid And Miserable Records, Motorpunk Records, Vicious Witch Records are all working on different formats for the upcoming second album from thrash metal band ACID MASS. ‘Worship‘ will release this coming August 2nd on vinyl, CD, cassette and digitally. I’d liked where his earlier work was headed so I’m stoked to check this one out. For now check out the first single “Final Surrender”:

Hamilton, Ontario-based death/doom metal band ABSORB have announced they will release their upcoming ‘Smog‘ EP on July 26th by way of Hypaethral Records. For this release they’ve changed things up, now embracing “denser, more atmospheric compositions, that add new layers of depth” as they take cues from heavily atmospheric sludge groups such as Primitive Man and Thou. I’m always up to see where sludge inspired death metal can reach so definitely going to check this one out.

Majestic Mountain Records have announced a July 12th release date for the CD, vinyl and cassette versions of the seventh full-length album from Sardinian stoner/psychedelic doom metal band BLACK CAPRICORN. ‘Sacrifice Darkness … and Fire‘ promises filthy occult psych-doom delivered in a hypnotic state. Check out the latest single “A New Day Rising”:

Finnish black metal band CURSE UPON A PRAYER have announced their fourth album ‘The Worship: Orthoprax Satanism‘ this coming July 26th, 2024. CD version is released by their own The Cursed Order, Vinyl version comes via Folter Records and Cassette via Korpituli Productions. The band comments on the latest preview song: “‘A Heav’n Of Hell’ offers a glimpse of the very core of CURSE UPON A PRAYER; The unconquerable will & the beauty of the perfect Hell. True strength & might through true torment & suffering – In Spirit & in Flesh! Hail the True Darkness!” I’d enjoyed their past work so I’m looking forward to hearing this album in full at some point:

U.K. epic heavy/doom metal pagans SOLSTICE have signed a multi-album deal with Prophecy Productions on the day of the summer solstice. They’ve announced their fourth full-length will come soon enough and they will be participating in this years Prophecy Fest, which folks have unanimously loved year after year. Founder and guitarist Rich Walker writes: “We are heartened and honoured to be working with Prophecy – a label whose discernible courage and integrity have impressed us over the years. Our style perhaps may not typically be what you’d hear in a Prophecy band, but Anglisc folk and epic heavy metal have always been the lifeblood of Solstice. Our commitment is solely to the making of quality music, presented on quality formats, and this label and its loyal audience seem to be of like mind. We look forward to a long and bountiful working relationship – never surrender!” and yes, couldn’t be more stoked that they are not only alive but thriving.

http://www.facebook.com/solstice.englander

U.K. “battle doom” crew CONAN have signed with Heavy Psych Sounds for the release of their next two albums, with the first announced to be released in the spring of 2025. The band (who’ve been on Napalm and Jon’s own Black Bow Records in the past) comment on the signing: “We are delighted to announce we will release our next album on Heavy Psych Sounds. We have watched the label grow in both size and stature, and watched awesome bands join, and we feel that now is the right time to join too. Gabe and the team have a hands-on approach with appeals to us, and we’re excited to explore this new relationship.” As always full support for all that they do.

https://www.facebook.com/hailconan/

Australian brutal death metal band ABRAMELIN have signed to Hammerheart Records for their new album ‘Sins of the Father‘ which is slated to be released this coming October on CD, LP and digitally. An influential force in Australian death metal this’ll be the fourth full-length from these guys as they carry on the momentum from their 2020 return with ‘Never Enough Snuff‘. Still brutal after all these years and great to see them attacking another record so soon.

Australia’s brutal Death Metal outfit Abramelin signs to Hammerheart Records!

Finnish doom metal band SARAJAH will release their self-titled debut full-length album on July 19th via Argonauta Records. Classics influenced stuff with special love for Sabbath, Vitus and Trouble but with “themes of nature and mythology strongly rooted in Nordic culture” make this album extra interesting to me. The band comments on the album: “We have been working on our debut album for quite a while now. The first demos were recorded in 2021. Slowly but surely the album came together. We are very pleased how the songs came into life in the studio. The album was recorded mostly live in the studio. Sarajah is a live band and we have plans to do shows soon.” check out the first single “I Am the Soil”:

U.K. heavy metal band ORANGE GOBLIN’s upcoming 10th album ‘Science, Not Fiction‘ is now officially on my agenda so, take note that it is releasing July 19th via the good folks over at Peaceville Records. Now that I’ve finally heard the album beyond the singles, definitely a big thumbs up from me, check out the latest single “The Fire At The Centre of the Earth Is Mine”:

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THIS WEEK’S VIDEOS / REVIEWS

Catch up with the latest YouTube video review/features and written reviews here. New videos post each week for the most part. You can click on the link provided to read the review/article, each review has the related video embedded in the original post as well. Videos are fairly casual and meant to accompany the written review with some extra context and generalized notes. The written review and the video review are complimentary -not- interchangeable. Please subscribe, share, and leave a comment, etc. if you feel like it.

NOTE: Right-click and “Open in New Tab/Window” to view on YouTube or try youtube.com/@terraasymmetry

LAETITIA IN HOLOCAUST – Fanciulli D’Occidente (2024) | REVIEW

FRACTAL GENERATOR – Convergence (2024) | REVIEW

The Top 20 Albums of May | 2024

MALIGNANCY – Discontinued (2024) | REVIEW

SICULICIDIUM – A halál tengely (2024) | REVIEW

MIASMIC SERUM – Infected Seed (2024) | REVIEW

VENDEL – Out in the Fields (2024) | REVIEW

WINDSWEPT – Der eine, wahre König (2024) | REVIEW

FELLWARDEN – Legend (2024) | REVIEW

FU MANCHU – The Return of Tomorrow (2024) | REVIEW

SEVERE TORTURE – Torn From the Jaws of Death (2024) | REVIEW

ULCERATE – Cutting the Throat of God (2024) | REVIEW

ABYSMAL WINDS – Magna Pestilencia (2024) | REVIEW

HYPERDONTIA – Harvest of Malevolence (2024) | REVIEW

INHERITS THE VOID – Scars of Yesteryears (2024) | REVIEW

PORTRAIT – The Host (2024) | REVIEW

APHELION ENTITY – Aphelion Entity (2024) | REVIEW

WRAITH – Fueled by Fear (2024) | REVIEW

ALTAR OF OBLIVION – In the Cesspit of Divine Decay (2024) | REVIEW

CRYPT SERMON – The Stygian Rose (2024) | REVIEW

NOXIS – Violence Inherent in the System (2024) | REVIEW

HAIL SPIRIT NOIR – Fossil Gardens (2024) | REVIEW

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NEXT WEEK:

Here is a tentative list of what is coming up next week in terms of reviews. The following records have been listened to extensively, a preliminary review has been drafted (or completed), and I’ve locked them in for coverage. In terms of the “Short Written Reviews + Video” column, these are more tentative, some of them may be cut if I do not have enough time to get around to everything. These choices are subject to change as the final drafts evolve and other releases might potentially take priority:

LONGFORM REVIEWS + VIDEO:

MAGES TERROR – Damnations Sight [July 12th, Invictus Productions]
OBSCENE – Agony & Wounds [July 12th, Nameless Grave Records]
DISKORD/ATVM – Bipolarities [July 12th, Transcending Obscurity]
KOMMANDANT – Exhibition of Conquest [July 12th, ATMF]
SKELETHAL – Within Corrosive Continuums [July 12th, Hell’s Headbangers]
PESTILENT DEATH – Pathways to Infinite Malignity [July 12th, Rotted Life Records]

SHORT REVIEWS + VIDEO:

Short Reviews will be changing into a different format starting in July. You’ll see once we’re there.

OCTOPLOID – Beyond the Aeons [July 5th, Reigning Phoenix Music]
HORNED ALMIGHTY – Contagion Zero [July 5th, Soulseller Records]
MEIFU – Haunted Dreams [July 5th, Argonauta Records]
PIAH MATER – Under the Shadow of a Foreign Sun [July 5th, Code666]
DUEL – Breakfast With Death [July 5th, Heavy Psych Sounds]
CRYPTIC HATRED – Internal Torment [July 5th, Time to Kill Records]
NOCTURNAL WANDERER – The Evernight [July 5th, Altare Productions]
PALMAR DE TROYA – II [July 5th, Reptilian Records]

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