I missed Cursed the first time around, so this reissue from Paleface Swiss is a welcome second chance—and what a slab of darkness it is. This is not an album that gently introduces itself. From the opening track, it’s all sharp edges, dense atmosphere, and that slightly unhinged energy that gives extreme metal its bite. There’s an immediacy to the sound here it comes across raw, hostile, but well-controlled. It feels like the whole thing could veer off the rails at any moment.
The production sounds fantastic as the details are sharp, clear and defined without sanding down any of the menace a record of this genre should deliver. There’s plenty of grit and grime in the mix with vocals that sound like they’re coming from deep inside a bunker, guitar tones that feel scorched, and drums that keep everything lurching forward like a drunken freight train. What stands out most is how well Cursed balances chaos and structure. There are some truly nasty, riff-driven sections that stick in the brain, and a few moments of eerie calm that make the heavy hits land even harder. It’s all wrapped in this uncomfortable, claustrophobic aesthetic that feels completely intentional.
As reissues go, this one does exactly what it should: reminds you (or in my case tells you for the first time) that Cursed is worth your time. It’s not polished perfection, and that’s the point it snarls, it stomps, and it leaves a mark. If you missed it before, don’t sleep on it now. Paleface Swiss sound like a band on the edge, and Cursed makes that a very good thing. 9/10
Sigh - I Saw The World’s End - Hangman’s Hymm MMXXV (Peaceville) [Mark Young]
What I didn’t know is that this is a revisit/refresh/re-recording of Sigh’s 2007 release and despite going online I’m still not completely sure about that. What I do know is a title like that promises a mental time for all and once you throw into the mix (in their words) double speed drumming, the real trumpet and violin that is almost guaranteed. Hailing from Japan, they will have a unique way of doing what they do and I can only hope that it is an enjoyable one considering that they adore 80’s thrash and classical compositions.
Let’s pin our lugholes back and see what its about.
Well, as a starter for ten if you like the band already, have the album then I guess that it will hold no real surprises for you, in that it is absolutely off the wall. And I mean unhinged.
It starts as it means to go on, Introitus / Kyrie bursts out of the gate and hits the ground at what I can only describe as light speed. From the off you can hear those 80’s influences, but imagine they are on performance enhancing drugs because that is the only way I can do them justice. In some respects, it’s almost too fast, an audio blitzkrieg whose only job is to crush. In one song they have out thrashed everybody else and shoehorned in a couple of classical motif’s too for good measure. Inked In Blood comes and then repeats the same manner of attack but with a vocal melody that borders on the ridiculous.
Sigh - I Saw The World’s End - Hangman’s Hymm MMXXV (Peaceville) [Mark Young]
What I didn’t know is that this is a revisit/refresh/re-recording of Sigh’s 2007 release and despite going online I’m still not completely sure about that. What I do know is a title like that promises a mental time for all and once you throw into the mix (in their words) double speed drumming, the real trumpet and violin that is almost guaranteed. Hailing from Japan, they will have a unique way of doing what they do and I can only hope that it is an enjoyable one considering that they adore 80’s thrash and classical compositions.
Let’s pin our lugholes back and see what its about.
Well, as a starter for ten if you like the band already, have the album then I guess that it will hold no real surprises for you, in that it is absolutely off the wall. And I mean unhinged.
It starts as it means to go on, Introitus / Kyrie bursts out of the gate and hits the ground at what I can only describe as light speed. From the off you can hear those 80’s influences, but imagine they are on performance enhancing drugs because that is the only way I can do them justice. In some respects, it’s almost too fast, an audio blitzkrieg whose only job is to crush. In one song they have out thrashed everybody else and shoehorned in a couple of classical motif’s too for good measure. Inked In Blood comes and then repeats the same manner of attack but with a vocal melody that borders on the ridiculous.
I’m almost afraid to type the following statement: There is a moment where it merges almost into a soundtrack from a popular horror show (just a jump to the left) because of that vocal line. That doesn’t last long as another gear is found. I’m shaking my head at it because I don’t know if I should be taking it seriously or not. Me-Devil batters in the same way and the initial thrill of insane BPM’s is slowly being eroded because once you dig into it, mental approach notwithstanding its all about the speed. And nothing else. I think that three songs is not enough to really form an honest opinion of an album, but for this I reckon I can because I don’t think I have enough intestinal fortitude to stay the course with this. And besides, The Fall Guy is on the Legend Channel.
Each song is an exercise in being able to throw enough riffs together, played at great speed whilst trumpets are played at odd moments, used like a herald announcing the entry to court of some rapscallion who is about to make an inappropriate joke about the ladies. Even the slower songs are still rapid, such as The Master Malice which brings the brass whilst The Memories as a Sinner sets fire to the fretboard with an early lead that is lit.
Each song is an exercise in being able to throw enough riffs together, played at great speed whilst trumpets are played at odd moments, used like a herald announcing the entry to court of some rapscallion who is about to make an inappropriate joke about the ladies. Even the slower songs are still rapid, such as The Master Malice which brings the brass whilst The Memories as a Sinner sets fire to the fretboard with an early lead that is lit.
In all honesty, if I had heard this as a 14-year-old my head would have imploded, but as a more mature gentlemen it’s a bit boring and its all to do with the reliance on speed, once you get past those insane speeds there is nothing to keep you going from one track to another. For those wondering if the speed drops at any point, it doesn’t and if this had been an EP it would have been so much better. There is also the matter of repeating motifs and ideas, In Devil’s Arms repeats the same trick as The Memories Of A Sinner – lit lead break, ascending chord pattern and is deployed like Maiden on whizz.
I confess that I tapped out and went straight for Finale: Hangman’s Hymm / In Paradisum / Das Ende because I just couldn’t absorb anymore. It is relentless, marching forward with those trumpets now acting like a mariachi band which removes my ability to take it seriously. And I think that Is my problem with it. I can’t take it seriously at all, the songs basically blur into one, with little or no variation between them, apart from how much brass is used.
I confess that I tapped out and went straight for Finale: Hangman’s Hymm / In Paradisum / Das Ende because I just couldn’t absorb anymore. It is relentless, marching forward with those trumpets now acting like a mariachi band which removes my ability to take it seriously. And I think that Is my problem with it. I can’t take it seriously at all, the songs basically blur into one, with little or no variation between them, apart from how much brass is used.
So, what to do about a rating? Well, on one hand if what you want is pure speed, riffs played like its their last day on earth and drums that are off the chart then this is a 9. On the other hand, once you get past that speed then you find that there is nothing else to see, move along. That being said, it is still an impressive chunk of noise but from my perspective I’m struggling to find anything to recommend it. 6/10
Skyborne Reveries – Skyborne Reveries (Naturmacht Productions) [Rick Eaglestone]
Adelaide’s Skyborne Reveries return with their self-titled fourth album drawing inspiration from ancient texts, midnight stargazing and travels around the world,
This album is best described and an album of two halves with the first four tracks being fast and frostbitten with soundscapes with added folkier elements reminiscent of bands like Windir & Ensiferum which is demonstrated wonderfully through opening track Fjallir & the solo driven Snowstar.
The second half of the album takes more of an introspective with atmospheric black metal tinged with a subtle hint of doom, evoking themes of wanderlust, and the pursuit of meaning. also providing stark contrast on the neatly produced Senjogahara and really driving the narrative and the overall aesthetic on closing track the eleven-minute opus – Skyborne.
It is also worth noting that the overall structure, placing and time used really hones in on various influences that have been a constant theme through the ever evolving Skyborne Reveries and it is immediately apparent that this a huge step up not only in production but the overall song writing and musicianship, it has a nice flow and flair to it throughout and its diversity will appeal to fans of various sub genres with ease.
A myriad of melodies. 7/10
Archers - Temporary High (SBG Records) [GC]
Now in their tenth year of existence Archers have only had one full length album released but have a number of EPs to their name and now they are about to release another EP, this comes in the form of Temporary High. I just had a scan online and I can almost guess what I am about to hear. I have also just seen they have apparently sold out The Black Heart in London, which is nice for them, anyway, I’m rambling let’s get this EP reviewed.
As soon as Better Off starts I wish I was reviewing something else and I mean literally anything else because I cannot stand music that sounds like this, it’s that new ‘modern’ metalcore sound that is just overtly electronic sounding with generic guitars that aren’t even heavy they just sound dull, its full of predictable drum patterns and the woe is me, earnest harsh/soft vocal delivery, I am already pleased this is EP so I don’t have to spend too much of my time on it, Wide Awake sounds like Panic! At the Disco have just down tuned their instruments and put some ‘I’m angry’ vocals in there and it all just sounds so empty vapid.
Skyborne Reveries – Skyborne Reveries (Naturmacht Productions) [Rick Eaglestone]
Adelaide’s Skyborne Reveries return with their self-titled fourth album drawing inspiration from ancient texts, midnight stargazing and travels around the world,
This album is best described and an album of two halves with the first four tracks being fast and frostbitten with soundscapes with added folkier elements reminiscent of bands like Windir & Ensiferum which is demonstrated wonderfully through opening track Fjallir & the solo driven Snowstar.
The second half of the album takes more of an introspective with atmospheric black metal tinged with a subtle hint of doom, evoking themes of wanderlust, and the pursuit of meaning. also providing stark contrast on the neatly produced Senjogahara and really driving the narrative and the overall aesthetic on closing track the eleven-minute opus – Skyborne.
It is also worth noting that the overall structure, placing and time used really hones in on various influences that have been a constant theme through the ever evolving Skyborne Reveries and it is immediately apparent that this a huge step up not only in production but the overall song writing and musicianship, it has a nice flow and flair to it throughout and its diversity will appeal to fans of various sub genres with ease.
A myriad of melodies. 7/10
Archers - Temporary High (SBG Records) [GC]
Now in their tenth year of existence Archers have only had one full length album released but have a number of EPs to their name and now they are about to release another EP, this comes in the form of Temporary High. I just had a scan online and I can almost guess what I am about to hear. I have also just seen they have apparently sold out The Black Heart in London, which is nice for them, anyway, I’m rambling let’s get this EP reviewed.
As soon as Better Off starts I wish I was reviewing something else and I mean literally anything else because I cannot stand music that sounds like this, it’s that new ‘modern’ metalcore sound that is just overtly electronic sounding with generic guitars that aren’t even heavy they just sound dull, its full of predictable drum patterns and the woe is me, earnest harsh/soft vocal delivery, I am already pleased this is EP so I don’t have to spend too much of my time on it, Wide Awake sounds like Panic! At the Disco have just down tuned their instruments and put some ‘I’m angry’ vocals in there and it all just sounds so empty vapid.
It’s a struggle to believe there is still an audience for this type of music, next, Safe Now just has a sound that drifts aimlessly along for the entire duration of the song and while there is no doubt that there must be some sort of feelings behind what is being sang and played this sort of dreary song is my absolute worst nightmare, it never picks up and I am just depressed by the time it’s over and my mood is not lifted by either of the last 2 tracks Never Enough and Crooked Smile both are just sound so run of the mill and picked off the production line and offer absolutely no joy or inspiration and the only time I have been happy listening to this is when the last song finally stops.
As you may have guessed I am not a fan of this EP, I seriously just cannot fathom how you can sound like this in 2025,when there are so many ground breaking bands out there because it’s not exciting, it’s not heavy, it doesn’t challenge you and sadly this would have sounded run of the mill back in the height of the emo explosion, so now it just sounds pointless. For me, unfortunately there is not one single defining moment or any redeeming characteristic to Temporary High, and so far, it is easily the worst thing I have listened to this year. 1/10
As you may have guessed I am not a fan of this EP, I seriously just cannot fathom how you can sound like this in 2025,when there are so many ground breaking bands out there because it’s not exciting, it’s not heavy, it doesn’t challenge you and sadly this would have sounded run of the mill back in the height of the emo explosion, so now it just sounds pointless. For me, unfortunately there is not one single defining moment or any redeeming characteristic to Temporary High, and so far, it is easily the worst thing I have listened to this year. 1/10
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