Axis Powers-Marching Towards Destruction
(Pulverised Records, 2009)

This album is really blowing me away. Hailing from Sweden and really sounding like it, this death metal band sounds like a combination of vintage Dismember and Autopsy combined. Basically that means the music is fast, dirty and somewhat melodic. Gruff vocals and midsoaked guitars lead the charge while the drums keep up and drive the maniacal style into a even greater frenzy

One element sorely missing from a lot of newer death metal bands in energy. Sure the bands are fast but you just don't feel the energy and vitality that was once so prevalent in the genre. Axis Powers has that youthful energy and really makes the riffs jump out and smack you in the face. It could be argued that the band really isn't doing anything new but when the riffs are played with this much vigor does it really matter? I'll take a tried and true old school death metal riff over sweep picking and gravity blasts any day of the week. The gruff vocal approach matches the music perfectly and shows that you don't need to be completely devoid of clarity to sound monstrous. The vocals definitely remind me of vintage Autopsy as does the general muddiness of the guitar tone.

If you are a fan of Dismember of Autopsy this is definitely an album you will want to check out. Very few bands trying to recreate the early days of death metal are this successful. Sure the production is a bit modern sounding but the music itself it pure 1991 through and through.

Building Chaos-Promo 2009
(Self-Released, 2009)

At only 9 minutes long this demo really doesn't stick around long but the 3 songs on display here definitely show potential. The band has quasi-thrash sound that is both fast and groove based. Hints of Sepultura and possibly Lamb of God combine with an almost Kreator like style of thrash. The Greece based band isn't doing anything new but they aren't bad either though.

The performance aspect of the demo is pretty much spot on. The riffs are handled with class and the guitar performance never falters. The band definitely does need a bit of focus though. The opening song is very strong while the second song brings in a bit too much rock into the sound and it just doesn't mesh well with the opening song. It isn't a bad song but it just doesn't really seem like a direction I'd like to see the band explore. It's a bit too bar band honestly. The third song brings back the speed and is much better overall.

It's a bit hard to shake the heard it all before feeling but you can still enjoy this for what it is. And that is a band that hasn't quite found its songwriting stride yet. The potential is there and with time I'm sure the band will be quite good. My suggestion would be to focus on the faster elements and leave the rock elements at the door.

Ektomorf-What Doesn't Kill Me...
(AFM Records, 2009)

There are so many things about this album that just don't sit well with me. For one how big is the singer/guitarists ego that he needs to put a picture of his face on the album cover? This is a band isn't it? Secondly I really don't understand how this band was even signed in the first place. Imitation is the sincerest type of flattery but these guys should be paying Max Cavalera royalties. This band has always been a huge Sepultura/Soulfly clone and it doesn't change at all with this album. The funny thing is that the band is talented. The production is powerful and the execution is flawless, the problem is the complete lack of anything original or exciting to be found on the album. It's meant to be energetic but in reality it is about as exciting as watching paint dry. Stay away from this one. If you really need to, listen to Roots. Better yet listen to Arise and forget that Roots was ever released.

Bloodsoaked-Sadistic Deeds...Grotesque Memories
(Comatose Music, 2009)

I remember a time when one man death metal bands were laughable at best. It amazes me just how solid a band consisting of one person can truly be. Perfect example of this is Bloodsoaked. Aside from the drum programming everything is handled by Peter Hasselbrack and the results are spectacular. Having a style that is both dark and nuanced, Bloodsoaked is so much more than just another brutal death metal band.

The sound of the band is somewhere in between Immolation and a much darker version of New York death metal. Yes there is a lot of groove on display but it always works in the context of the songwriting and this is pure death metal through and through. The riffing is dark and rhythmic with a surprising melodic layer. There is a slight early Florida feel to some of the riffs at times. I like the fact that the riffs are actually memorable and not very flashy at all. Also of note is that the drum programming is fantastic and also sounds fantastic as well. There are slight cases where you can tell that it is a drum machine but for the most part it sounds quite human. Add in an excellent growling vocal approach and simple yet perfectly fitting vocal phrasing and you have a death metal sound that never falters.

If you are a fan of underground death metal or will yourself leaning towards the darker style of death metal, this is definitely an album you will want to check out. Fans of Immolation should easily be able to get into this as should anyone looking for a heavy as hell but still memorable death metal album.