December is the best time to browse through the October Filter flotsam, as they’re now heavily discounted like Valentine’s Day candy in August. They’re probably still fresh though. Maybe.
Anthrax
Igorrr – Amen Review
“Igorrr’s fifth full-length Amen symbolizes a logical and natural progression – a refinement of what was hinted at in 2020’s already excellent Spirituality and Distortion. While retaining everything that makes the project absolutely batshit crazy, the addition of a full cast of musicians in 2017 has borne fruit in striking balance. Sonic architect Gautier Serre draws from the longstanding undercurrent of baroque and both twists it and lets it breathe, resulting in something liturgical, haunting, and organic. What Amen proves is that Igorrr remains one of the most unique and creative minds in both metal and electronic, while also refusing stagnation in continuous development and betterment.” Insanity and genius.
Yer Metal Is Olde: Metallica – Load
“Next year, one of Metallica’s greatest albums will turn 30 years old. Yup, you guessed it, Load. That’s why I’m writing a YMIO piece for it this year. Not just to break the rules and piss off ole Steelio, but because the band just released a remastered version of this precious little gem. Why would they do that, you might ask? No fucking clue.” Load bearing.
Firstborne – Lucky Review
“Comprised of ex-Lamb of God drummer Chris Adler, Girish and The Chronicles singer Girish Pradhan, and guitar journeyman Myrone, Firstborne’s sophomore album, Lucky, is the product of decades’ worth of collective experience and professional toil. They have the know-how. They have the chops. They have an awful name. But do they have the songs?” Family troubles.
Bloodletter – Leave the Light Behind Review
“Bloodletter play my kind of kryptonite—catchy, melodic guitar leads with tons of energy. When I saw this hit the promo bin, I immediately snatched it before Dr. AMG could get his hands on it. I was anxious to discover if Bloodletter could keep up with the energy and expert melodicism of their previous work.” Hate mail!
Stuck in the Filter: April 2025’s Angry Misses
The April Filters are now fully de-scuzzified. You can approach and examine the scuzz flotsam.
Hirax – Faster than Death Review
“When Hirax’s newest record dropped, I thought, ‘These guys are still around?’ That’s not me being a dick. They haven’t released a new album since 2014. I suppose that’s on par with the band considering they’ve been on and off since 1984—this year’s Faster than Death only being their sixth full-length release. With vocalist Katon W. de Pena being the only remaining original member of the band, it appears that once a record is complete, that lineup leaves, and the wait begins for a new one to pen another release.” Kult acts, speed, and death.
Flotsam and Jetsam – I Am the Weapon Review
“After a strong start to their career, the band floundered a bit in the late ’90s and early ’00s, making fans question their success regardless of their prolific album delivery since their inception in 1984. But these Arizona bois have begun to impress me once again, dropping bombs since their stellar self-titled release in 2016. This resurgence has brought back that spontaneity of yesteryears, making it easier and easier for me to rediscover them. One can only hope this feeling continues with this year’s I Am the Weapon.” Driftwood or driftgood?
Dust Bolt – Sound & Fury Review
“As we’ve discussed countless times, the dreaded pandemic affected many bands and their music. In Dust Bolt’s case, the band decided to take that time away from record labels, concerts, and the noise of the business to rediscover themselves. The result is a reinvigoration, bringing back the excitement the band had when they first broke out on the scene. Brace yourselves.” Dust or bust.
War Curse – Confession Review
“I’d be lying if War Curse’s new offering didn’t take me aback. It is so different from anything they’ve done before that it took me a few spins to grasp. Like many bands before them, Confession will either be a stroke of genius or their weakest album.” Curse of evolution.
