Weekly Review Roundup: Monday 6th October 2025 – Friday 10th October 2025
From thrash metal to gothic doom, and progressive metal, to deathcore, dark electronica, extreme metal, and alternative rock. We’ve reviewed some great releases this week, and here’s our weekly reminder of what has been covered.
Testament – Para Bellum (Nuclear Blast)
All our dreams, and more, come true here. Where Testament deliver a raucous ten-track banger that takes a scathing look at the modern world, adding nihilistic punctuation, infusing creative twists to the thrash formula, but also turning back the clock for plenty of old-school speed and heaviness. It is, without a shadow of a doubt, a huge Testament release and another strong entry in their burgeoning catalogue of brilliant releases.
Check out the full review here.
Frayle – Heretics & Lullabies (Napalm Records)
They’re on the rise, that much should be clear to anyone paying attention to things at the moment, expanding beyond the doom scene with a more accessible sound. A sound that swirls around the mind, gets under the skin, and sinks deeply into the soul in an excitingly addictive way. If there is one thing about this album that surprise more than anything else, it is the fact that it is anthemic.
Check out the full review here.
Omnivide – Arise (Seek and Strike)
Arise takes listeners on a rollercoaster ride, showcasing talent and technical skill. It can feel like a lot to take in at first — especially across the opening tracks — but the experience improves with each listen. On repeat plays, you notice finer details you may have missed the first time around.
Check out the full review here.
Extortionist – Stare Into The Seething Wounds (Unique Leader Records)
I dig the fact that it’s not just thirteen deathcore tracks and while the level of quality fluctuates, Extortionist give it their f**king all.
Check out the full review here.
Chain Wolf – Lamentations Turned Resentment (MotorPunk Records / Morning Star Heresy)
A no-nonsense slice of thrashing intensity, Chain Wolf aren’t looking to change the world here, they’re just aiming to make it that little bit heavier. A task they easily accomplish thanks to roaring riffs, thundering drums, and screaming vocals, delivered with speed and ferocity.
Check out the full review here.
Cane Rouge – Lights Out (Self Released)
What this EP lacks in substance, it makes up for in style, especially as Cane Rouge’s alternative sound comes with a delightful amount of dynamism.
Check out the full review here.
Sanguisugabogg – Hideous Aftermath (Century Media)
The band with the unpronounceable name returns with a lust for blood, a thirst for violence, and the aptitude to deliver a cacophony of death metal ferocity with conviction. It is Hideous Aftermath, and it is a showcase of glorious, gory, and garish death metal.
Check out the full review here.
Caustic Waves – Echoes (Self Released)
Hitting a creative career high, Neil Thomas aka Caustic Waves delivers the best thing to come from the alternative artist to date. Not just because it of its appealing and accessible alternative rock sound but because the excellence is consistent across the record. We’re not talking one or two bangers here; we’re talking an album full of them.
Check out the full review here.
Perturbator – Age Of Aquarius (Nuclear Blast Records)
There are few dark electronic music acts who crossover in the way that Perturbator does. Having well and truly broken away from the synthwave scene, while retaining retro-inspired aspects, the artist’s ability to transcend genres is ever so inspiring. Here, on Age of Aquarius, fans of EBM, synth, new wave, industrial, and metal will find themselves in comfortable places.
Check out the full review here.
