Album review: Combat Noise - To the Heart of the Battle (2023)

Combat Noise - To the Heart of the Battle

Cuba

Independent

 

Combat Noise is one of the oldest (and also one of the first) death metal bands from Cuba. The band has been around since 1995 and has released a number of demos and full-lengths. The latest album “To the Heart of the Battle” is a truly excellent offering of bludgeoning death metal in the purest sense. The band’s straightforward approach is reminiscent of bands like Bolt Thrower, Cannibal Corpse and Morbid Angel, although executed with pure passion. Just imagine a more bestial version of Cannibal Corpse, but with war themes. The compositions are well thought out and show a level of experience that can only be achieved by musicians who have been playing music for years. “To The Heart of the Battle” comes highly recommended for fans of death metal, especially those curious about the Cuban scene.

EP review: Aeon Void - Fragments of Illusion (2023)

Aeon Void - Fragments of Illusion

 

Turkey

 

Zazen Sounds

Aeon Void is a duo hailing from Istanbul, and “Fragments of Illusion” is their debut EP released under Zazen Sounds. The EP features five tracks of possessed death/black metal that’s about as relentless as it gets. This otherworldly atmosphere is accentuated by the malicious vocal attack as every utterance is spewed forth with absolute malice. Every track offer a rush of pure darkness and volatile aggression replete with uncompromising riffs and blasting drums. Their music has some unmistakable Turkish characteristics, injecting their own trademark violence into it. As far as references go, I can hear trace elements from bands like Abigor, Marduk, Infernal War, et cetera. One of the highlights of this release is without a doubt the ungodly riffs, which are ruthlessly executed and sharp as obsidian blades. There's something nuanced and sinister about the atmosphere that reminds me of French and Swedish bands, particularly the ominous black metal sound associated with labels like Norma Evangelium Diaboli. All in all, this is a near flawless release from a very promising band.