Crucial Velocity - Controller (Golden Robot Records) Out now!
Welding together progressive passages and wall of sound tones reminiscent of prime 80s and early 90s stylings, Crucial Velocity stands to be one of the most unique bands of 2025 as they start the year off with their sophomore opus, Controller.
Comprised in part by members of Shaolin Death Squad and the legendary King Diamond, the album weaves lush patterns of dreamscapes that is sure to appeal to fans of Cynic, Haken and most anything Devin Townsend has created.
Beginning with lead singles "Hollow" and "Brainstorm", the former is a grittier song centered on the conflict between ideology and pragmatism. Meanwhile, the latter is an incredibly deep and personal song that vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Nate Bauer wrote through the eyes of his son who, as a result of Tuberous Sclerosis, is non-verbal and lives with autism and seizures.
In addition to the lyrics and vocal delivery, many layers of passion are delivered through the instrumentation, including guitar solos from ax-man Michael Harris. His runs in songs like "Welcome Death", "Chosen One", and "Reflection" will appeal to shred fans through their flawless execution.
Referred to by the band as a darker album than the band's 2023 self titled debut, Controller nevertheless shines as a finely crafted prog-metal offering that demands repeat listening to experience all the little nuances contained in each song.
Eidola - Mend (Blue Swan/Rise Records) Out now!
With five releases spread out over a dozen years, Utah based post-hardcore champions Eidola will start off 2025 with their fantastic and bedazzling sixth album, Mend. Painting magnificent pictures through layers of sound and emotion, and injecting new school polyrhythms and alternative elements, each of the thirteen albums is a journey through vivid dreamscapes that demand replay after replay.
Going far beyond the traditional post-hardcore framework, "Prodigy" treads R&B territory with its ultra smooth vocal delivery over a percolating guitar/bass/drum backdrop. At the same time, "A Pearl In A Dead Sea" and "What It Means To Be Alone" both dial up the electronica aspects, while "Renaissance" dances with somber pop textures through its piano driven melodies.
Yet, there is much to be explored and enjoyed throughout the album, particularly for fans of Skyharbor, Sleep Token, Plini and Intervals. Case in point, tracks such as "My Father's House" and closer "Revelation: The Infinite Beauty of Oneness", which are chock full of huge riffs and stellar hooks.
Serving as the light side to its darker predecessor, Eviscerate, the meeting of so many different influences packaged together in one release certainly make Mend an exciting first quarter release. Having toured quite a bit in 2024, including a run supporting Periphery, all eyes (and ears) should be on Eidola this year.
Hazzerd - The 3rd Dimension (M-Theory Audio) Out now!
If ever an album required an 'Oh shit' handle, it would undoubtedly be The 3rd Dimension, the latest offering from Calgary thrashers, Hazzerd. Clocking in at just under forty minutes across ten tracks, every riff will have listener white knuckled and reaching to hold onto something.
Holding nothing back with "Interdimension" and "Scars", "Unto Ashes", the second longest track on the album, keeps up the high speed throughout its six minute run time in the manner of Anthrax and Warbringer. For those looking for the ultra aggressive hooks that would make the late, great Lemmy Kilmister proud, "ThArSh 'TiLI DeTh", "Plagueis" and "Control" deliver this in overdoses and are a perfect fix for any pit fiend.
But brute force and breakneck speed is far from the only thing Hazzerd has to offer as the incredibly orchestrated "TTT" and "A Fell Omen", the shortest and longest tracks respectively, reach almost into Obscura territory and are essential listening for those who like more melody in their thrash.
As their third album and first new release since 2020's Delirium, this year kicks off in overdrive with The 3rd Dimension. Though no shows have been posted as of this writing, fans worldwide are sure to cross their fingers in hopes of hearing these vicious tracks played live in the near future.
Sarcator - Swarming Angels & Flies (Century Media Records) Out now!
Formed when most of the members were too young to drive, much less knock back a beer, the last seven years have been nothing short of busy for Swedish blackened thrash metal unit Sarcator.
With their third album, Swarming Angels & Flies, the Trollhättan based quartet bring forth ferocious blast beats and razor sharp guitar work that would earn the silent head nod of approval from any Watain or Venom fan.
Opening the gates of chaos with "Burning Choir", the album wastes no time grabbing listeners by the neck to drag them into the abyss. While certainly not short of songs to light a blaze in the northern sky, "The Deep Ends" introduces catchier elements and melodies akin to the works of Dissection. Beginning with haunting acoustic work, "Where The Void Begins" takes this concept a step further to the regions of Satyricon and classic Enslaved while delivering a new spin that is simply captivating.
The commanding barks vocalist/guitarist Mateo Tervonen throughout the album occasionally break into a frantic howl to add an extra degree of fear and madness, alongside his impeccably delivered solos.
Having conquered new stages in Europe last year, including a tour with Hellripper and Cloak, 2025 is wide open for new opportunities for a rising young band. With demand for gnashing black metal at venues around the world, it is only a matter of time before Sarcator comes to rip the faces off of audiences worldwide with their impressive brand of brutality.
Advanced copies courtesy of Adrenaline PR, Secret Service PR, Speakeasy PR and Susperia PR