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úterý 28. dubna 2026

Recenze/review - GRIEF COLLECTOR - The Death of All Dreams (2026)


GRIEF COLLECTOR - The Death of All Dreams
CD 2026, Nine Records

for english please scroll down

Kráčím tmou, pomalu, opatrně, abych nenarušil atmosféru umírajícího města. Probudil jsem se brzy a cítil jsem uvnitř těla zvláštní mráz. Je konec? Umírám? Měním se? Podobné myšlenky mě občas napadají. Potřebuji se zastavit, spočinout v řece času, soustředit se jen na svůj dech, na vítr v korunách stromů, na tlukot srdce. Vybírám si pro tyto vzácné okamžiky jenom hudbu, která mě dokáže rozdrásat zevnitř, která má v sobě sílu, tlak, energii, která kolem mě nejdříve jen tak plyne, objímá mě, doráží na mě, aby se nakonec stala mojí součástí. Cesty jsou ojíněné. Stíny se zkracují a nad lesní mýtinou vychází pomalu slunce.

Kde jsem zapomněl včerejší den? Probudit se do ticha a samoty je velmi osvěžující. Mohu se tak plně soustředit na hudbu, na nové album mých oblíbených doomařů GRIEF COLLECTOR. Jsem fanoušek, přiznávám ve všech bodech obhajoby. A jsem na to hrdý i letos, když se toulám tmou s jejich novou nahrávkou "The Death of All Dreams". Myšlenky mi nejdříve v hlavě létají jako zběsilé, aby se nakonec pomalu usadily a já konečně našel svůj klid mezi mramorovými náhrobky. Ano, pokaždé moje kroky směřují na jeden lesní hřbitov. 

Možná si to jen představuji nebo je to snový zážitek, ale na jednom hrobě je napsané mé jméno. Prosévám mezi prsty prach a do tváře mi stéká studený déšť. Tady, se sluchátky na uších, vnímám něco jiného, zvláštního, melancholického, smutného. Užívám si křišťálově čitelný zvuk, jednotlivé motivy se mi dostávají postupně do žil, do podvědomí. Letos jsou pánové ve skvělé formě. Pokud jste doomoví fanoušci tělem i duší, potom jsou pro vás GRIEF COLLECTOR skvělou volbou. Tahle smečka je uvěřitelná, ryzí, opravdová a naprosto autentická, což jsou všechno věci, které od kapely, které si pustím do svého přehrávače, vyžaduji. V závěru je to všechno o emocích, o předaných náladách. Nové album mě doslova vtáhlo do sebe, jako bych spadl do hlubiny, roztříštil se na tisíc kousků a potom znovu povstal z popela. Stylově se Američané drží podobného stylu jako třeba takoví CANDLEMASS, SOLITUDE AETURNUS, TROUBLE, SAINT VITUS, PENTAGRAM, TROUBLE. Samozřejmě přidávají navíc velkou spoustu svých nápadů a invence. U "The Death of All Dreams" jsem si pokaždé připadal, jako bych se toulal v krvavé mlze, jako bych platil převozníkovi jejich hudbou a ten mě s vědoucím úsměvem převezl na druhou stranu. V dnešním chaotickém, divném světě plném bolesti, násilí a povrchnosti je nová deska doslova úkazem. Pokud jste vnímavější posluchači, tak mi jistě potvrdíte, že kapela jde i letos na samou podstatu tohoto pomalého stylu. A dělá to s lehkostí, talentem a elegancí starých mistrů. Nemohu jinak, než se poklonit až k zemi. Mrazivé, temné, melancholické a nekonečně smutné doom metalové snění! Album, které se vám dostane hluboko do podvědomí! 


Asphyx says:

I walk through the darkness, slowly, cautiously, so as not to disturb the atmosphere of a dying city. I woke up early and felt a strange chill inside my body. Is it the end? Am I dying? Am I changing? Thoughts like these cross my mind from time to time. I need to stop, to rest in the river of time, to focus only on my breath, on the wind in the treetops, on the beating of my heart. For these rare moments, I choose only music that can tear me apart from within, that possesses power, pressure, and energy music that at first simply flows around me, embraces me, presses against me, only to eventually become a part of me. The paths are frosted. The shadows are shortening, and the sun is slowly rising above the forest clearing.

Where did I leave yesterday? Waking up to silence and solitude is very refreshing. This allows me to fully concentrate on the music, on the new album by my favorite doom metal band, GRIEF COLLECTOR. I’m a fan, I admit it in every point of my defense. And I’m proud of it again this year, as I wander through the darkness with their new album, “The Death of All Dreams”. At first, my thoughts race through my head like mad, only to eventually settle down, and I finally find my peace among the marble tombstones. Yes, my steps always lead me to the same forest cemetery. 


Maybe I’m just imagining it, or perhaps it’s a dreamlike experience, but my name is written on one of the graves. I run my fingers through the dust, and cold rain runs down my face. Here, with headphones on, I sense something different, strange, melancholic, sad. I’m enjoying the crystal-clear sound; the individual motifs gradually seep into my veins, into my subconscious. The guys are in great form this year. If you’re a doom fan through and through, then GRIEF COLLECTOR is a great choice for you. This band is believable, genuine, real, and completely authentic all things I demand from a band I put on my player. In the end, it’s all about emotions, about the moods they convey. The new album literally sucked me in, as if I had fallen into the abyss, shattered into a thousand pieces, and then risen again from the ashes. Stylistically, the Americans stick to a similar style as bands like CANDLEMASS, SOLITUDE AETURNUS, TROUBLE, SAINT VITUS, and PENTAGRAM. Of course, they also bring a wealth of their own ideas and creativity to the table. With "The Death of All Dreams", I always felt as if I were wandering through a bloody fog, as if I were paying the ferryman with their music, and he, with a knowing smile, ferried me to the other side. In today’s chaotic, strange world full of pain, violence, and superficiality, this new album is literally a phenomenon. If you’re a discerning listener, you’ll surely agree that the band gets to the very essence of this slow style once again this year. And they do it with the ease, talent, and elegance of the old masters. I can’t help but bow down to the ground. A chilling, dark, melancholic, and infinitely sad doom metal reverie! An album that will sink deep into your subconscious!


about GRIEF COLLECTOR on DEADLY STORM ZINE:






tracklist:
1. The Death of All Dreams
2. Cosmic Loneliness
3. Funeral World
4. One in Death
5. A Sickening Sadness
6. New Sorrow Old Heart
7. Agony Eater
8. Terminal Lucidity
9. Nightmares Wide Awake
10. Nights in White Satin (The Moody Blues cover)

Line-up
Brad Miller: Drums
Matt Johnson: Guitars, Bass
Julian Küster: Vocals



Recenze/review - FUNELORE - The Dissolution of Consciousness (2026)


FUNELORE - The Dissolution of Consciousness
EP 2026, Me Saco un Ojo Records

for english please scroll down

Tady, v podzemí, v chladu a neprosté tmě, přežijí jen ti nejsilnější. Musíte sestoupit několik pater směrem dolů, po plesnivých schodech. Překročíte zahnívající mrtvoly vašich předchůdců. Když vydržíte útoky vzteklých krys, i bytostí, které nejsou z našeho světa, tak se dostanete do obrovského chrámu. V něm stojí oltář, na kterém budete jednou obětováni. Je dokázáno, že poslech nahrávek, jako je ta od kanadských doom death metalistů FUNELORE, způsobuje děsivé představy, velmi podobné tajemným hororovým filmům. Našlapuji tiše, abych neprobudil démony.

Kombinaci syrového, surového death metalu a funerálního doom metalu, jsem měl vždycky rád. Užívám si pochmurnou, smutnou a magickou atmosféru dvou dlouhých skladeb, které přede mnou nejdřív plynuly jen tak, jako špinavá voda ve stoce pod naším městem, aby se mi nakonec dostaly do žil i do podvědomí. Společná setkání jsou velmi bolestivá, to je vám asi naprosto jasné. Koneckonců, ověřte si to sami poslechem ukázek. 


Tohle je hudba pro všechny tmáře, prokleté, pro všechny, kteří v sobě mají nekonečný smutek. Musím mít na podobné nahrávky náladu. Nejlépe takhle k večeru, když se stmívá a venku prší. Najednou, z mě neznámého důvodu, se musím vydat ven. Nejdříve chodím jen tak ulicemi, ztrácím se ve stínech, abych nakonec vždycky skončil mezi starými pískovcovými náhrobky. V rohu hřbitova stojí jedna hrobka, o které se říká, že je v ní vchod do podzemí. Když poslouchám "The Dissolution of Consciousness", tak je moje mysl rozdrásána do krve, mrazí mě v zádech a představuji si, jak odtahuji těžkou kamennou desku, odsouvám stranou plesnivou rakev a vstupuji dolů, do nekonečné hlubiny a naprosté tmy. Skladby gradují, mě se zastavuje srdce a užívám si prašivý, chladný a velmi dobře čitelný zvuk. Přemýšlím nad motivem na obalu, kráčím temnotou a kolem mě tančí krysy na ostrých střepech. Nasávám pach hniloby i vzpomínek, rozmlouvám s nemrtvými. Pod kůži se mi zadírají těžké, masivní riffy, řežou mě, lámou mi kosti v těle. Umírám a znovu se rodím, pokaždé silnější. Rozmlouvám s nemrtvými a užívám si mráz a chlad, které mě obepínají při poslechu jako pevné pavučiny smrti. FUNELORE se stali mým průvodcem na onom světě na dlouhý čas a už teď vím, že se k jejich tvorbě budu rád a často vracet. Novinka mě přesvědčila natolik, že jsem se ji rozhodl zařadit do své soukromé diskografie. Mohu vám ji rozhodně doporučit. Má v sobě totiž vše potřebné pro záhrobní rituály. Tady, v podzemí, v chladu a neprosté tmě, přežijí jen ti nejsilnější. Musíte sestoupit několik pater směrem dolů, po plesnivých schodech. Překročíte zahnívající mrtvoly vašich předchůdců. Funeral doom death metal, u kterého se rozplynete v naprosté tmě, chladu a beznaději! Rozpadnete se v prach!


Asphyx says:

Here, in underground, in the cold and impenetrable darkness, only the strongest survive. You must descend several floors down, down moldy stairs. You will step over the rotting corpses of your predecessors. If you can withstand the attacks of rabid rats and creatures not of this world, you will reach a massive temple. Within it stands an altar upon which you will one day be sacrificed. It has been proven that listening to recordings like this one by the Canadian doom death metal band FUNELORE causes terrifying visions, very similar to those in mysterious horror films. I tread quietly so as not to awaken the demons.

I’ve always loved the combination of raw, brutal death metal and funeral doom metal. I’m enjoying the gloomy, sad, and magical atmosphere of these two long tracks, which at first just flowed past me like dirty water in the sewer beneath our city, only to eventually seep into my veins and my subconscious. These encounters are very painful that’s probably crystal clear to you. After all, see for yourself by listening to the samples. 


This is music for all the outcasts, the damned, for everyone who carries endless sorrow within them. I have to be in the right mood for recordings like this. Preferably in the evening, when it’s getting dark and it’s raining outside. Suddenly, for some reason unknown to me, I have to go outside. At first, I just wander the streets, losing myself in the shadows, only to always end up among the old sandstone tombstones. In the corner of the cemetery stands a mausoleum said to contain an entrance to the underworld. When I listen to "The Dissolution of Consciousness", my mind is torn to shreds, a chill runs down my spine, and I imagine myself pulling back a heavy stone slab, pushing aside a moldy coffin, and stepping down into an endless abyss of utter darkness. The songs build to a crescendo, my heart stops, and I revel in the raw, cold, and crystal-clear sound. I ponder the cover art, walking through the darkness as rats dance around me on sharp shards of glass. I inhale the stench of decay and memories, conversing with the undead. Heavy, massive riffs dig into my skin, cutting me, breaking the bones in my body. I die and am reborn, growing stronger each time. I converse with the undead and revel in the frost and chill that envelop me as I listen, like the sturdy webs of death. FUNELORE have become my guide to the afterlife for a long time to come, and I already know that I will gladly and often return to their work. This new release convinced me so much that I decided to add it to my personal collection. I can definitely recommend it to you. It has everything necessary for rituals of the afterlife. Here, underground, in the cold and impenetrable darkness, only the strongest survive. You must descend several floors down, down moldy stairs. You will step over the rotting corpses of your predecessors. Funeral doom death metal that will make you dissolve into utter darkness, cold, and despair! You will crumble to dust!


tracklist:
1. Tides in Agony 
2. The Dissolution of Consciousness 

pondělí 27. dubna 2026

Recenze/review - AT THE GATES - The Ghost of a Future Dead (2026)


AT THE GATES - The Ghost of a Future Dead
CD 2026, Century Media Records

for english please scroll down

Dnešní recenzi nemůžu samozřejmě začít jinak, než vzpomínkou na zpěváka Tomase Lindberga. Je to už více než deset let, kdy jsme se potkali, ale doteď si to podání ruky, ťuknutí půllitrem a několik milých slov pamatuji. Byl to velmi charismatický zpěvák, který po sobě zanechal v death metalu velmi hlubokou stopu. Měl nezaměnitelnou barvu, sílu a zabarvení hlasu, které bylo v kapelách, ve kterých působil vždy jasným poznávacím znamením. Měl talent od pánaboha a měl jsem ho moc rád jak v AT THE GATES, tak i v GROTESQUE, LOCK UP, NIGHTRAGE i v THE LURKING FEAR.

Pojďme ale k letošní novince. Na ní totiž neodvedl skvělou práci jenom Tomas, ale i všichni ostatní. Skladby jsou velmi dobře napsány, mají v sobě temnotu, chlad, spoustu zajímavých melodií i pasáží, které si budete pamatovat. AT THE GATES ze sebe zkrátka vydali to nejlepší a troufám si tvrdit, že na tohle album budou nejen fanoušci velmi dlouho vzpomínat. Obsahuje všechny potřebné ingredience a přidává ještě spoustu věcí navíc. Přiznám se vám, že když jsem slyšel novinku poprvé, tak mě mrazilo v zádech. Těch emocí, tlaku, energie, je opravdu velké množství a chvilku mi trvalo, než jsem všechno vstřebal. 


"The Ghost of a Future Dead" ale není skvělou nahrávkou jenom při prvním poslechu. Kvalita je trvanlivá. Při každém společném setkání, které je pro mě pokaždé spíše obřadem, než jen obyčejnou seancí, objevuji nové momenty, pasáže a opravdu vždy se kapela trefuje přímo do živého, do samé podstaty melodického death metalu, u jehož vzniku kdysi sami stáli. Pokud jste měli a stále máte rádi tradiční gothenburgskou školu v její syrové a chladné podobě (s příměsí naprosté tmy), tak neváhejte ani chvilku. Skvělá zpráva je, že Švédi sice staví na klasických poctivých základech, ale nadále původní myšlenky rozvíjejí. A dělají to s elegancí a nadšením starých mistrů. Určitě to znáte. Když se vám nějaká muzika dostane do hlavy, do podvědomí, zadře se vám pod kůži a vy pak máte před sebou několik nových desek a nakonec stejně zvolíte AT THE GATES. Je velká škoda, že se Tomas nedožil toho, aby vystoupil s novinkou i na koncertě, já si stoupl hned pod pódium a připil mu na zdraví chlazeným pivem. Život je ale někdy kurva a my můžeme jen vzpomínat. Nové album ale není jen nostalgií, která je naprosto pochopitelná. Obstojí i bez ní. Muzika je buď dobrá a nebo špatná, nic dalšího neexistuje. Tahle smečka se poprvé zapsala do metalových dějin v devadesátých letech minulého století. Je až neuvěřitelné, s jakou elegancí se stále vrací. Netuším, jak to pánové udělali, pravdou ale je, že tahle nahrávka je skvělá po všech stránkách. I co se týká zvuku, motivu na obalu a dalších formálních věcí. Za moji maličkost vám ji mohu jenom doporučit. Cítím ze skladeb sílu severního vichru! Melodické death metalové album, které se vám zadře hluboko do podvědomí! Vynikající záležitost! Tompa zůstane navěky s námi! 

Asphyx says:

Of course, I can’t begin today’s review without remembering the singer Tomas Lindberg. It’s been more than ten years since we met, but I still remember that handshake, the clink of our beer mugs, and the few kind words we exchanged. He was a very charismatic singer who left a profound mark on the death metal scene. He had an unmistakable tone, power, and timbre to his voice, which was always a clear distinguishing feature in the bands he played in. He had God-given talent, and I really liked him in AT THE GATES, as well as in GROTESQUE, LOCK UP, NIGHTRAGE, and THE LURKING FEAR.

But let’s get to this year’s new release. It’s not just Tomas who did a great job on it, but everyone else as well. The songs are very well written; they contain darkness, coldness, plenty of interesting melodies, and passages you’ll remember. AT THE GATES simply gave it their all, and I dare say that fans and others will remember this album for a very long time. It contains all the necessary ingredients and adds a whole lot more. I’ll admit that when I heard the new album for the first time, it sent chills down my spine. There’s such a huge amount of emotion, intensity, and energy that it took me a moment to take it all in. 


"The Ghost of a Future Dead" isn't just a great album on first listen. Its quality is enduring. With every listen which for me is always more of a ritual than just an ordinary listening session I discover new moments and passages, and the band truly hits the mark every time, striking at the very heart of melodic death metal, a genre they themselves helped pioneer. If you’ve always loved the traditional Gothenburg school in its raw and cold form (with a touch of utter darkness), don’t hesitate for a moment. The great news is that while the Swedes build on classic, solid foundations, they continue to develop the original ideas. And they do so with the elegance and enthusiasm of the old masters. You surely know the feeling. When a certain kind of music gets into your head, into your subconscious, gets under your skin, and then you have several new albums in front of you, but in the end, you still choose AT THE GATES. It’s a real shame that Tomas didn’t live to perform the new material at a concert; I stood right in front of the stage and raised a cold beer in his honor. But life can be a bitch sometimes, and all we can do is remember him. The new album, however, isn’t just nostalgia which is perfectly understandable. It stands on its own. Music is either good or bad; nothing else exists. This band first made its mark on metal history in the 1990s. It’s almost unbelievable how elegantly they keep coming back. I have no idea how these guys did it, but the truth is that this record is great in every way. Even in terms of sound, the cover art, and other formal aspects. I can only highly recommend it to you. I feel the power of the northern wind in these songs! A melodic death metal album that will burrow deep into your subconscious! An outstanding release! Tompa will remain with us forever!



about AT THE GATES on DEADLY STORM ZINE:

Recenze/review - AT THE GATES - The Nightmare of Being (2021)



Tracklist:
1. The Fever Mask
2. The Dissonant Void
3. Det Oerhörda 
4. A Ritual of Waste 
5. In Dark Distortion 
6. Of Interstellar Death 
7. Tomb of Heaven 
8. Parasitical Hive 
9. The Unfathomable 
10. The Phantom Gospel 
11. Förgängligheten 
12. Black Hole Emission 

Recenze/review - SLEEPING DEFICIT - Path (2026)


SLEEPING DEFICIT - Path
CD 2026, l'inphantile collective

for english please scroll down

Když jsem seděl v nemocnici se zlomenou nohou a čekal jsem na pana doktora, tak se kolem mě děly šílené věci. Nějaký závislý na drogách bouchal do zdi hlavou, napadal lidi kolem sebe, řval a drásal si obličej do krve. Nikdo neměl sílu ho zastavit. Psychiatrie byla kousek vedle a mě překvapilo, kolik tam bylo pacientů. Jakoby se potvrzovaly moje slova z posledních let. Lidstvo se řítí do záhuby, naše duše jsou prokleté a můžeme si za to sami. Poslouchám zrovna nové letošní album death grindových maniaků SLEPPING DEFICIT z Moravy.

Muzika, která je drsná, surová, opracovaná nahrubo, ale přesně zacílená a ostrá jako břitva, se mi pomalu dostává do mozku. Nejednou si připadám jako ten nešťastník z nemocnice. Pálí mě vnitřnosti a prožívám skladby všemi póry svého  těla. Kde je hranice mezi tím, co je normální a co už ne? Pánové jsou zkušení bardi, kteří moc dobře ví, co a jak chtějí hrát. Oba působili ve smečkách jako Mincing Fury and Guttural Clamour of Queer Decay, Dissolution, Perfecitizen a letos stvořili a vydali dílo, které vám může způsobit psychotické stavy. Zmiňme ještě, že za bicí soupravu usedl australský démon Robin Stone, známý třeba z takových NORSE, ASHEN HORDE, případně naživo PSYCROPTIC. 


SLEEPING DEFICIT patří mezi kapely, které se volně inspirovaly klasickým, syrovým a plesnivých death metalem i grindovou školou. Přidána je potom velká spousta vlastních nápadů, krvavých postupů a temné invence. Zpočátku možná na někoho bude působit nové album lehce chaoticky a zmateně, ale nenechte se mýlit. Hniloba se ukrývá pod povrchem. Vše je zde opravdu ohlodáno na kost, až na samou dřeň a prostou pravdou je, že jsem jednotlivé skladby cítil a vnímal i v mé zlomené noze. Nad tradičními základy jsou vystavěny složitější, do naprosté tmy hozené konstrukce. "Path" je přesně tím druhem nahrávky, která vyžaduje trošku času a trpělivosti. Garantuji vám ale a podepisuji vlastní krví, že pokud vydržíte, budete odměněni opravdu morbidním zážitkem. Mám při poslechu pocit, že mě zřízenci svázali do svěrací kazajky, přivázali v temné kobce ke zdi silnými řetězy a každá melodie je pro mě ostrým hřebem, který je mi pomalu a s chutí zatloukán postupně do hlavy. Stačilo několik společných setkání a i když se chvílemi cítím jako po lobotomii, tak mohu s klidným svědomím novinku doporučit všem, kteří mají rádi muziku, na které se potkává surovost, temnota a úchylný úsměv zvráceného patologa. Asi mi všichni potvrdíte, že současný svět a lidé, co po něm chodí, jsou jiní, než kdysi bývali. Připadá mi, že trpí zevnitř, jako ten chlápek v nemocnici, co mlátil hlavou do zdi. Nesmím zapomenout ani na formální věci, jako je zvuk, motiv na obalu a celkové provedení. Potvrzuji, že vše je v nejlepším pořádku. Tahle kapela zkrátka řeže do živého. A dělá to velmi zajímavě, zkušeně a inteligentně. Perfektně seřízený death grindový stroj na trepanaci lebky! Album, které rozdrásá vaši mysl do krve! 


Asphyx says:

As I sat in the hospital with a broken leg, waiting for the doctor, crazy things were happening all around me. Some drug addict was banging his head against the wall, attacking people around him, screaming, and scratching his face until it bled. No one had the strength to stop him. The psychiatric ward was right next door, and I was surprised by how many patients were there. It was as if my words from recent years were being confirmed. Humanity is hurtling toward destruction, our souls are cursed, and we have only ourselves to blame. I’m currently listening to this year’s new album by the death grind maniacs SLEPPING DEFICIT from Moravia.

The music harsh, raw, roughly polished, yet precisely targeted and razor-sharp is slowly seeping into my brain. More than once, I feel like that poor guy from the hospital. My insides are burning, and I’m experiencing the songs through every pore of my body. Where is the line between what’s normal and what isn’t? These guys are seasoned bards who know exactly what and how they want to play. Both have played in bands like Mincing Fury and Guttural Clamour of Queer Decay, Dissolution, and Perfecitizen, and this year they created and released a work that could induce psychotic states. Let’s also mention that Australian demon Robin Stone, known for bands like NORSE, ASHEN HORDE, and PSYCROPTIC (live), has taken his place behind the drum kit. 


SLEEPING DEFICIT is one of those bands that draws loose inspiration from classic, raw, and moldy death metal as well as the grindcore scene. They add a whole lot of their own ideas, bloody riffs, and dark creativity to the mix. At first, the new album might seem a bit chaotic and confusing to some, but don’t be fooled. Decay lurks beneath the surface. Everything here is truly stripped down to the bone, right down to the very marrow, and the simple truth is that I felt and perceived each track even through my broken leg. More complex structures, cast into utter darkness, are built upon traditional foundations. "Path" is exactly the kind of record that requires a little time and patience. But I guarantee you, and I swear on my own blood, that if you stick with it, you’ll be rewarded with a truly morbid experience. While listening, I feel as though attendants have strapped me into a straitjacket, chained me to the wall of a dark dungeon with thick chains, and every melody is a sharp nail being driven slowly and with relish into my head, one by one. It only took a few get-togethers, and even though I sometimes feel like I’ve had a lobotomy, I can in good conscience recommend this new release to anyone who loves music where rawness, darkness, and the twisted grin of a perverted pathologist collide. I’m sure you’ll all agree that the world today and the people who walk upon it are different from what they used to be. It seems to me that they’re suffering from within, like that guy in the hospital who kept banging his head against the wall. I mustn’t forget the formal aspects either, such as the sound, the cover art, and the overall production. I can confirm that everything is in perfect order. This band simply cuts to the quick. And they do it in a very interesting, skilled, and intelligent way. A perfectly tuned death grind machine for skull trepanation! An album that will tear your mind to shreds!


tracklist:
1. Prologue 01:43
2. Intact 03:35
3. Duality of Reality 03:32
4. Eternal 03:11
5. Interreflection, Pt. 1 01:05
6. Swamp 02:31
7. Restless 02:19
8. Transcended 03:51
9. Interreflection, Pt. 2 03:10
10. Cold Finity 02:42
11. Digger 02:59
12. Pick It Up 02:30
13. Path 01:27

band:
Olda Kamenetski
Vocals / Piano / Synths / Bass

Ctibor Bibin Špaček
Guitars / Bass / Synths

Robin Stone (guest)
Drums




neděle 26. dubna 2026

Recenze/review - FLESHCRAVE - Godhand (2026)


FLESHCRAVE - Godhand
EP 2026, vlastní vydání

for english please scroll down

Přišli za tebou v noci. Už dávno spíš s otevřenýma očima. Moc dobře víš, že přízraky nikdy toužit po krvi. Jsi bojovník, jsi démon, jsi silný a přesto máš někdy strach. Potřebuješ jen hudbu, která tě nabije energií, která se ti dostane do hlavy i do podvědomí. Posloucháš zrovna nové EP indických maniaků FLESHCRAVE a jejich nová muzika se pomalu stává tvojí součástí. Death metal je zde volně inspirovaný japonskou dark fantasy Berserk. Riffy jsou ostré jako čepele těch nejlepších mečů a atmosféra ponurá a surová, jako ty nejzběsilejší boje.

Skladby jsou napsány velmi elegantně, uvěřitelně, opravdově, autenticky. Pánové ve své tvorbě odkazují na ty nejlepší staré death metalové kapely. A dělají to velmi šikovně, inteligentně, s nadšením a touhou zabíjet hudbou. Kosti praskají tlakem a mozky vyskakují z hlavy. Už dávno nespíš, jsi připravený k boji. EP "Godhand" ti dodalo potřebnou sílu. 


Indové se volně pohybují mezi mantinely, které kdysi nastavily kapely typu MORBID ANGEL, DEICIDE, MONSTROSITY, OBSCENITY, PESTILENCE. Mají syrový, prašivý a masivní zvuk. Obal je opatřen zajímavým a vkusným motivem. Za mě osobně byly splněny všechny zásadní body pro to, abych si tuhle kapelu pustil i do své soukromé sbírky. Svět je při poslechu hodně temné místo a z hnilobných kanálů v našem městě vylézají přízraky. Touží po čerstvé krvi a když mě roztrhají na kusy, tak éterem zní nové EP "Godhand". Nová nahrávka se pro mě stala doslova návyková. Pánové sice hrají postaru a nepřinášejí nic nového, ani převratného, ale jednotlivé motivy v sobě mají potřebný drive i sílu, které po kapelách požaduji. Navíc (a to je pro mě absolutně zásadní), mě baví jejich letošní novinku poslouchat a rád se k ní vracím. Až vám zase jednou bude připadat současný svět podivný a zahalený do krvavé mlhy, potom si novou desku pusťte a uslyšíte sami. FLESHCRAVE operují s těmi nejkvalitnějšími ingrediencemi a výsledný dojem je velmi naléhavý, přesvědčivý. Přišli za mnou v noci. Už dávno spím s otevřenýma očima. Moc dobře vím, že přízraky nikdy nepřestanou toužit po krvi. Jsem bojovník, jsem démon, jsem silný a přesto mám někdy strach. Potřebuji jen hudbu, která mě nabije energií, která se mi dostane do hlavy i do podvědomí. Troufám si tvrdit, že jsem ji našel. Doporučuji poslech v naprosté tmě, chladu a klidu. Teprve potom vyniknou naplno jednotlivé nuance. Temná a chladná death metalová síla, která vám pomůže zvítězit nad nadpřirozenými silami! Vítejte v říši Berserk!


Asphyx says:

They came for you in the night. You’ve been sleeping with your eyes open for a long time now. You know all too well that ghosts never crave blood. You’re a warrior, you’re a demon, you’re strong, and yet sometimes you’re afraid. All you need is music that charges you with energy, music that gets into your head and your subconscious. You’re listening to the new EP by the Indian maniacs FLESHCRAVE, and their music is slowly becoming a part of you. The death metal here is loosely inspired by the Japanese dark fantasy Berserk. The riffs are sharp as the blades of the finest swords, and the atmosphere is grim and raw, like the most frenzied battles.

The songs are written very elegantly, believably, genuinely, and authentically. In their work, these guys pay homage to the best old-school death metal bands. And they do it very skillfully, intelligently, with enthusiasm and a desire to kill with music. Bones crack under the pressure and brains burst out of heads. You haven’t slept in ages; you’re ready for battle. The EP “Godhand” has given you the strength you need. 


Indians move freely within the boundaries once set by bands like MORBID ANGEL, DEICIDE, MONSTROSITY, OBSCENITY, and PESTILENCE. They have a raw, gritty, and massive sound. The cover features an interesting and tasteful design. For me personally, all the essential criteria were met for me to add this band to my private collection. The world is a very dark place while listening, and spectres are crawling out of the rotting sewers in our city. They crave fresh blood, and as they tear me to pieces, the new EP "Godhand" echoes through the ether. This new recording has become downright addictive for me. The guys play in the old-school style and don’t bring anything new or groundbreaking to the table, but the individual motifs possess the necessary drive and power that I demand from bands. Moreover (and this is absolutely essential for me), I enjoy listening to their new release this year and love coming back to it. The next time the world seems strange and shrouded in a bloody fog, put on the new album and hear for yourself. FLESHCRAVE uses only the highest-quality ingredients, and the resulting impression is very intense and compelling. They came for me in the night. I’ve been sleeping with my eyes open for a long time now. I know very well that the spectres will never stop craving blood. I am a warrior, I am a demon, I am strong, and yet I am sometimes afraid. I just need music that energizes me, that gets into my head and my subconscious. I dare say I’ve found it. I recommend listening in complete darkness, cold, and silence. Only then will the individual nuances truly shine. A dark and cold death metal force that will help you triumph over supernatural forces! Welcome to the realm of Berserk!


tracklist:
1. Black Swordsman
2. Band of the Hawk
3. Behelit
4. Eclipse 
5. Struggler

A few questions - interview with death metal band from India - FLESHCRAVE.


A few questions - interview with death metal band from India - FLESHCRAVE.

Answered Soumodeep Singh, thank you. 

Ave, can you introduce your band to our readers? – When was it founded and what style of music do you play etc.?

- Hey! This is Soumodeep Singh, one half of the guitars in Fleshcrave, answering all the questions on behalf of the rest of the band. We are Fleshcrave, from the city of Kolkata, India - and we play old school death metal. Our inspirations as of now range from the likes of Monstrosity, Vader, Sorcery, Pestilence, and Obituary. Fleshcrave was formed back in the days of the COVID pandemic, August of 2020 to be precise.

Where and under what conditions were you recording the new album? Who was in charge of sound, production and mastering?

- Ever since the band was formed, the concept of writing death metal songs based on the lore of Berserk (by Kentaro Miura) was something which we all thought was overtly unique, and one we had to make propitious, both backdrop-wise and composition-wise. We had started writing songs for this EP from early 2024, with two songs - Black Swordsman and Band of the Hawk - already released on all streaming platforms as singles. There were significant creative inputs from former members for the two songs mentioned above - but keeping that aside, the overall writing process for the entire EP was as smooth as it can get. The EP writing process was done within a year's time - and we started off with the recording from January 2025. The drums came first, followed by the bass recording (special thanks to Alfred Samuel, who aided us immensely in the bass recording process), the guitars followed, and finally ended with the vocal recording. All of the above takes were over by the June of 2025 - all of it being done at our guitarist Anirban Dasroy's house.

Right amidst all of the writing and recording, we did a short 3-city tour back in 2024 - two shows in NorthEast India (Guwahati and Shillong), and one show in Nepal (Kathmandu), followed by two shows in our own city (Kolkata) in 2025.

As I said, the recording was completed by June 2025, and straight to production it went. Clinton Stephen Selvam, a producer from Bangalore (India), was in-charge of mixing and mastering our EP. He possesses an amazing body of work and also happens to play for another old school death metal band called Regicide.

Safe to say, he did a stellar job in mixing and mastering our debut EP.


How many copies were released and which medium was used for this new edition (CD, digital, vinyl, cassette)?

- We started the pre-orders for our physicals/CDs (jewelcases) back in February this year. To be honest, we had very low to absolutely no expectations that someone would invest in our EP, and we expected a majority of the first lot of 30CDs to remain unsold. But with the help of local distros and thanks to our friends and well-wishers, we managed to sell all of the 30CDs, and an additional 6CDs - a total of 36CDs. We're grateful for the support we've recieved.
We'll also be carrying a limited number of physicals and tshirts to all the Indian cities we'll be playing in this year. We're looking forward to a substantial amount of support from there as well.

Who is the author of the lyrics and how were they created and about what do the lyrics deal with?

- As is evident and said above, the contextual and lyrical basis for this EP revolves around Berserk. The lyrics for the song 'Black Swordsman' and 'Band of the Hawk' were written by our good friend Neil Akash Mitra - who has been the primary lyricist for the band in its early days. Lyrics for the song 'Behelit' was written by our guitarist Anirban Dasroy, and similarly, the lyrics for 'Eclipse' was written by our guitarist Soumodeep Singh. Anybody who has watched or read Berserk needs no separate introduction to our lyrics. Apart from that, speaking from a general or comprehensive standpoint, the lyrics deal with struggle - from the moment the protagonist (Guts) was born from his dead mother's womb hanging from a tree, to him finding the sense of brotherhood and companionship amidst a group of mercenaries called Band of the Hawk, and being betrayed by one of his trusted companions in the most gruelling fashion and the aftermath of the same - our EP speaks it all.


Who created the logo of the band, and who took care of the graphics and the website? What about you and social networks? Do you consider these things important?

- If you happened to check out Black Swordsman on YouTube, from when we released it as a single back in 2021, you'd see a hand-drawn logo - made for us by our good friend Simran Pujari. From the next release onwards up till now, the logo we use was made by Dipayan Das, who also has an amazing body of work.

The artwork for this EP was made by Yengkhom Dennice Mangang, an outstanding artist and the frontman for the band Dead Soviet, a death-thrash metal band from Manipur (India).

Whatever live footages, music videos, or visualizers we've released so far - almost all of it has been made by our drummer Tommy Howards.

We don't have a website of our own yet, but we intend to make one soon enough. Folks who are interested in ordering/buying our EP, can do so from our Bandcamp profile as well.

Coming down to social media/networks - as of 2026, social media is probably one's only shot at making themselves and their music feel seen. Making short form content/reels, and posting snippets of your own song on top of it - you'd see that everywhere, and that is exactly what Instagram and Facebook algorithms prioritize nowadays. We have had quite a few instances where people have reached out to us or checked us out from any post or reel we've shared on our socials, and it just happened to appear in their feed. On top of that, the Berserk influence in our EP is the cherry on top - we've had a lot of praises from folks who've said that we've found the perfect combination with Berserk and death metal. To sum it up, social media has helped us with lots of new listeners and supporters, and we definitely consider having a good 'social media game' important.


Which label did you choose for releasing your album and why this label? Are you satisfied by how your label represents you and takés care about you?

- Unfortunately, we're not signed to a record label yet, so this release of ours is an independent effort entirely.

We released the EP on YouTube through Death Metal Promotion, after seeing their considerable outreach to death metal fans globally. For CD sales (as mentioned above), a huge chunk of it has been sold through local Indian distros. Apart from these two contributing factors, everything we've done is purely organic in a creating sense, and independent.

Despite all of that, the support we've recieved was heartwarming, and it surely feels great to interact and share our music with both new and old audiences.

We're also looking forward to signing with a record label for our upcoming release.

Which bands do you idolise and where do you get your inspiration?

- All of the members in Fleshcrave from the beginning (including former members), have been primarily inspired by the likes of Death, Cannibal Corpse, Cancer, Deicide, Sarcofago, Morbid Angel, etc,. Apart from that, the present members in the band have had/still have separate backgrounds of their own. Our vocalist, Pratik Bhattacharjee, has done vocals for a local modern metal band called Erased Undead, and has been the vocalist for a death metal band called Divide Torture before joining Fleshcrave. The guitarists Anirban Dasroy and Soumodeep Singh have heavy metal and thrash metal backgrounds - having contributed as members for bands like Falcun and The Neighborhood Thrashers respectively. Our bassist Ananyo Hoque is very much adept at playing blues. Our drummer Tommy has had a lot of experience playing/filling in for numerous bands and continues to do so. Overall, our separate influences range from heavy metal, thrash metal, blues - and meet at death metal.


Did you send your record to some Labels - which are the labels? How was the response?

- Nope. We didn't send this EP to any record label as of such. We did have plans for it, but we considered it best to reserve that idea for our next release i.e, our next full-length album.


How many gigs have you played? Which type of gigs do you prefer, whether it's (clubs or festivals) and which of your performances would you consider as the best?

- Fleshcrave played its debut show back in the September of 2022, at a show called The Big Mammoth Festival, right here in Kolkata. The band was a 4-piece endeavour back in those days. From that show up until now, we've played around 14 shows - both in our own city and around the country.

Coming down to preferences, we don't really cherry-pick or have any form of favoritism for a certain type of gig. Whatever shows we've played, may it be club shows, open-air shows, or even shows with lesser crowds - we've enjoyed and have something positive to take away from all of them. And I'm pretty sure we'll have the same outlook for all of our shows in the future. The answer remains the same if we have to choose our best performance as well. Every show we've been a part of, the moment before we get up on stage, we ascertain ourselves that we'll have the time of our lives up there. We consider all of our performances as top-tier and something which we can't possibly rate.

 

What about your plans for the future? What do you want to achieve with the band?

- As of now, we're currently focusing on a promotional tour of some Indian cities for this EP, and the songwriting process for our upcoming album. We have a lot of plans in mind, and we intend to execute all of them slowly and steadily.

We're not implying that we're going to be the 'Cannibal Corpse/Morbid Angel from India', and neither do we have a longing to be recognized as one of the best death metal acts from this country - that is for the people to decide. What we really wish to do is continue playing death metal, for both our sake and for the people who like our music. We wish to reach out to more and more people as time goes by - and that alone for us would be an achievement.

How and where can your fans contact you? Can you provide some contact information?

- Surely.

Those who wish to check us out or reach out to us, here are our social links -


Thanx for the interview.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

sobota 25. dubna 2026

Interview - INTOXICATED - Raw, mangy death thrash metal that will break every bone in your body and blast your brains out of your head!


Interview with thrash death metal band from Florida - INTOXICATED.

Answered Erik (vocals, guitars), thank you!

Recenze/review - INTOXICATED - The Dome (2026):

Ave INTOXICATED! Greetings from the Florida catacombs! When I wrote a review of your album “Walled” six years ago, I thought to myself, “Damn, this band would be worth an interview.” I was listening to that album on repeat. A massacre in the morgue exactly how it should be, I told myself. Could you please start by introducing INTOXICATED? How did you get together? I’d be interested in hearing about your very beginnings. Could you please walk us through your band’s history?

Erik: I started the band in 92, it took a good year to get the right guys to do something of substance. When the original lineup was finally in place, we were on fire immediately. All we did was jam, and for a few of us I truly believe it saved us. We were all either state raised or with a fucked up home life. We were a mess. Heavy music brought us together, and gave us a purpose.


Let’s move on to the new album “The Dome”… I’ve had it at home for a while now for a review, and I’ve been listening to it on repeat. I’m absolutely loving it! It’s the perfect resurrection of old-school Florida death thrash metal! How did the album come together, and what’s changed in the six years since your last release?

Erik: We did release our first full length in 2022 titled “Watch you Burn“ After “Walled“ we never stopped writing. Everything was flowing and we’re super proud of the record. We added a long time friend,guitar player John Sutton to the band right after Walled was released. We write well together and adding another guitar thickend up the sound for sure. Organically the tunes are getting faster and heavier. A few challenges also happened with our bass player and great friend Gregg Roberts having complete kidney failure and our drummer no longer being able to tour. It took a few months to get the right guys to complete the line-up but we could’nt be happier. Shawn Clarson on Bass and Colin Vaccaro on Drums. PS Gregg just got a transplant and is healing well. We are all still the best of friends

I’ve been listening to death thrash metal since its inception, and you know what still fascinates me about it? The sound yes, that gritty, moldy sound. You sound like a mix of the early albums by SOLSTICE, DEATH, OBITUARY, POSSESSED, MALEVOLENT CREATION, DEMOLITION HAMMER, and MASTER. How did you manage to achieve such an amazing sound on the new album? It sounds very analog!

Erik: Thats cool you noticed and while we didnt record to tape we did only use real amps,drums, ect..Of course we want it to sound as good as it can but It has to sound real. We recorded in Tampa Florida at Candor Recording studio with a great friend of mine Ryan Boesch. It’s the old Morbid Angel spot. Ryan and I completley rebuilt the place and honestly thats how we could afford to record there. I love working and growing with the same people. Ryan understands the vision Intoxicated has. He’s great!


What is the theme of your lyrics? Where do you get your inspiration, and who are your favorite authors? Are there any movies you can watch over and over again? How did the lyrics come about, and who wrote them? Do you read books? Which one has influenced you the most?

Erik: I write the lyrics, I enjoy the process. Writing lyrics is trippy! I usually have an idea but almost always the final outcome goes a completly different direction. Playing guitar and singing is also a factor but I don’t cut myself any slack. I write the lyrics and then have to learn how to sing and play each tune. It has to be intresting and not over rhythmic. For “The Dome“ the running theme is mostly my view on the current state of the world and also my strong belief we’ve all been lied to. I’ve come to the conclusion i don’t know anything and I’m ok with that. My education only went to 8th grade so i don’t do a ton of reading but I feel like i’m fairly street smart.

How are things going with INTOXICATED and live shows? Do you enjoy playing, and do you play often? Do you prefer festivals or smaller clubs? And are you willing to travel far? Are you interested in a longer tour?

Erik: We love playing live, it’s where we find ourselves at our best. We just finished a US tour with Obituary and were able to play a ton of the new album. We’re going to EU at the end of this year to continue supporting the new record. We’ll go anywhere!


You’re from Altamonte Springs and play extreme death thrash metal. Our readers would definitely be interested in hearing how the metal scene works over in Florida. To be honest, I’ve been hearing nothing but great bands coming out of there lately. Does that mean the scene is really strong there right now? What about concerts how many people show up?

Eriki: The scene is strong and it’s a great mix of young and older people. Even local shows will bring out a bunch of heads. There are alot of touring musicians from this area and everyone comes out. Shows are exciting and full of energy

You can tell from your music that you’re influenced by both the American metal scene and old European bands. What about you as fans? Do you prefer classic ’90s metal, or do you also draw inspiration from new albums? If so, I’d be curious to know which bands have had the biggest influence on INTOXICATED.

Erik: I’m a big fan of 90‘s metal for sure. I think you can tell we love Death, Obituary, Raped Ape.

I’m sure we pull from all decades of bands.


When you started out, it was 1992. I read somewhere that Chuch Schuldiner from DEATH himself was behind your formation. Is there any truth to that? And how do you remember your early days? Hey, and why have you actually released so little on physical media?

Erik: Chuck was great; we had already been friends awhile. He'd done some guest vocals on our second EP "Scars". He just came in and slayed it. Those sessions were so much fun. Obituary’s Ken Andrews played bass on that entire EP as well. Chuck and Gene drove up and hung a few nights, I believe they were doing pre-production for Symbolic. Recording at his house happened organically. He had just bought a bunch of recording gear and started what became Black Diamond Studios. I think we were the guinea pigs, but his work ethic was impressive, and the vibe was sick. Chuck played a solo on one of those tunes and we got Trevor Perez to do some guest vocals as well. Trevor came to all those sessions, and ended up doing to cover art for that one "Drain" and our next one "Metalneck" Chuck had a great way of getting the best out of you, while keeping the vibe sick. "Let the metal flow” he always said.

  

Every musician had to start somewhere. How was it for you? Do you have a classical music education? Who was your role model? Do you still remember the first concert you ever attended? Your first time performing on stage? Please reminisce for us… What was it like in Florida in the nineties?

Erik: My uncle gave me a guitar when I was 11 and I learned a few cords and loved it, but like I said I spent most of my youth state raised. I’d say I started really late as far as playing seriously. Definitely self taught, but have always been really lucky to have friends that shred. Guitar didn't come naturally to me, I’ve always and still do really have to work at it and practice. I’ve always played with dudes better than me but vowed never to be the last in the band to learn something. That mindset has served me well. My favorite players are mostly all right from my home town. Ken Andrews of Obituary, Bobby Koelble of Death. Definitely Chuck Schuldiner Death, and I've alwas been heavily influenced by the vocals of Chuck and John Tardy. I genuinely feel lucky to come up in Florida.


What does death thrash metal mean to you? Is it a lifestyle, a hobby, a way to relax? How would you define it? Feel free to get into some philosophical musings as well.

Erik: I like the term but I also don’t think to much about it. We just play heavy music we enjoy. I don’t want to be so worried if it’s death metal or thrash, or death thrash. If it’s good it’s good. That’s just my take on it.

One final question. What does INTOXICATED have planned for the coming months? What can we fans look forward to? If you have a message for fans, labels, or promoters, this is the place…

Erik: We just got home from a US tour with Obituary that was amazing. Those shows were crazy! We’re getting ready to have a celebration of our new record here in Orlando. We’ll be supporting Gatecreeper and we’re super excited to celebrate this in our home town. Intoxicated will be going to EU at the end of the year. We have a ton of sticks in the fire!

Thank you very much for the interview. I’m heading to work in a minute. I’ll be walking past the cemetery. It’s clear what I’ll be playing on my player - “The Dome.” And really loud. I wish the album the best possible sales and hope it reaches as many listeners as possible. All the best to you in your personal lives too! True metal forever!

Erik: Thank you for having us, we really appreciate the opportunity to share our take on heavy music.

Cheers! Erik/Intoxicated


Recenze/review - INTOXICATED - Walled (2020):

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