ALBUM REVIEW: BRAT – Social Grace


Where to start with BRAT? The potential is on the wall as I don’t recall too many bands that get to release their debut LP – Social Grace, by the way – via Prosthetic Records. And bear in mind that this is an outfit that formed right before the golden days of the Coronavirus pandemic so it’s not like they’ve been toiling away in the dark for the better part of a decade. So, therefore, these kids must have the goods. Continue reading


Ulcerate Shares a New Single and Video “The Dawn Is Hollow” – New Album Incoming


Ulcerate, the New Zealand trio who Decibel Magazine hailed as “one of the most forward-thinking death metal bands around,” return with their highly-anticipated new album, Cutting the Throat of God, on June 14 via Debemur Morti Productions.
A preview of the seven-song album is available now with the release of “The Dawn Is Hollow” and its accompanying video at the link below:

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ALBUM REVIEW: Mastiff – Deprecipice


The multilayered masterpiece that is Deprecipice (MNRK Heavy) is lightyears away from anything else that has graced the brutal metallic sludge/Hardcore/Death Metal scene for quite some time. Leave it up to Mastiff to be the ones leading the charge. Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Prisoner – Putrid – Obsolete


Technological horror, the literal or metaphorical collision of organic life with machines, from JG Ballard to David Cronenburg to Akira, there’s something so compelling (and often terrifying) about the welding of machine and flesh. The jaws of the thresher know no remorse, while the body is destined to suffer in its grip. Such thoughts occur listening to Putrid / Obsolete (Persistent Vision Records), the latest record from Richmond, Virginia’s extreme-metal unit Prisoner. Continue reading


Gatecreeper Shares a New Single and Video for “The Black Curtain” – New Album Incoming


Gatecreeper’s Dark Superstition is leading a new wave of American Death Metal. Their sprawling third full-length, and label debut for Nuclear Blast, is more concise, melodic, and memorable than anything they’ve ever done. It’s a pivotal moment which sees vocalist Chase H. Mason, guitarists Eric Wagner and Israel Garza, drummer Metal Matt Arrebollo and bassist Alex Brown—carving out their own path. Check out the new single and video for for “The Black Curtain” and pre-order the album below.

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CONCERT REVIEW: Crypta – Contortion – Wurm Flesh Live at Harlow’s


First time at Harlow’s in Sacramento to come and see the all-female band Crypta from Brazil. Unexpectedly, I walked in to see a long line for Crypta merch and a nearly packed show. The stage has good lighting for those afar to be able to see.Continue reading


INTERVIEW: Tony of Almost Dead on “Destruction Is All We Know” – Bay Area Thrash and More


Ghost Cult Keefy caught up with Tony Rolandelli, vocalist for Bay Area Thrash Metal band Almost Dead! Their new album “Destruction is All We Know” – out now via Innerstrength Records! The band is currently on tour with Cryptopsy and Atheist in Europe! We discussed the new album, meshing new influences with older ones, the history of the band, and much more! Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Aborted – Vault Of Horrors


For nearly thirty years, Aborted has been the backbone of the Death Metal scene. With another release in the collection, the Vault of Horrors (Nuclear Blast Records) has been opened. Continue reading


CONCERT REVIEW: Vader – Origin – Inhuuman Condition Live at DNA Lounge


Rolling into DNA Lounge on a Friday night I was disappointed to learn that the doors opened earlier than expected and the first band had already played by the time I walked in. Generally speaking, I always have a good time at DNA Lounge, but this was pretty disappointing, as I like to try to catch all the bands if I can. Despite my old-man at the club status, I do believe in supporting every band on a bill. The number one thing you can do as a club is just be consistent about the basics. Moving on.Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Skeletal Remains – Fragments of the Ageless


On paper, Skeletal Remains should be on top of the mountain for many a Death Metal connoisseur. All the parts are here, really: plenty of double-kick drums, blast beats and screaming lead guitars to go around.

They’re even from California, and we all know how much of a gold mine the West Coast has been for extreme metal in the last four decades.Continue reading