Nicholas Mkhl - Hessian Firm

The art of Purposeful Dissonance: Sentenced – My Sky Is Darker Than Thine

Sentenced's classic album North From Here opens with its most aggressive song "My Sky Is Darker Than Thine" that features a breakdown as an important compositional tool. While brutality and…

By Nicholas Mkhl August 14, 2022Analysis

Analysis

Forgotten Minor Classics: Mercyless – Abject Offerings

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_R-ldAidfmU&ab_channel=HessianFirm After a long hiatus, Nick returns with a short video detailing why Mercyless - Abject Offerings deserves to be considered as an important release for the death metal genre.

By Nicholas Mkhl July 23, 2022Analysis

Review

Sorhin – Apokalypsens ängel (2000)

While Swedish black metal has always been notorious for having a small number of unique bands followed by an endless stream of third rate imitators, some of the better bands…

By Nicholas Mkhl July 15, 2022Review

Review

Fallen Christ – Abduction Ritual (1994)

While NYDM has given us a sizeable portion of the best death metal, it has also given us a plethora of mediocre copycats and an even greater number of terrible…

By Nicholas Mkhl July 3, 2022Review

Review

Undercroft – Twisted Souls (1995)

Hailing from Chile before eventually relocating twice in Europe, Undercroft have had a surprisingly long career without much fanfare over the years. While their style hasn't changed too much over…

By Nicholas Mkhl June 30, 2022Review

Review

Zetar – Devouring Darkness (2021)

Zetar is the brainchild of Texan musician R.G and their first album Devouring Darkness sees T.P and David Lamas complete the lineup on vocals and drums respectively. The band waste…

By Nicholas Mkhl December 20, 2021Review

Analysis

Riff Analysis: Malevolent Creation – Eve of the Apocalypse

The haunting synth intro is a staple of Extreme metal, a short track consisting of some background ambience and a few simple melodies that sets the tone for what's to…

By Nicholas Mkhl November 22, 2021Analysis

Review

Xandelyer – Upheaval Of Medieval Darkness (2021)

Xandelyer is a one man German Black metal with only a short thirteen minute demo comprising of two introductions and two songs. Though at first sight one would expect a…

By Nicholas Mkhl November 10, 2021Review

Review

Psionic Madness – Mortality Salience (2021)

Psionic Madness is an underground supergroup featuring prolific musicians Jared Moran, Nicholas Turner and Justin Vølus. All three have collaborated with each other on multiple projects yet Mortality Salience is…

By Nicholas Mkhl November 10, 2021Review

Review

Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult – Saldorian Spell (2009)

German Black metal stalwarts Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult have built a consistent catalog that is mainly comprised of six full lengths. The core trio has shared the same vision for over…

By Nicholas Mkhl November 5, 2021Review