Amebix - Monolith (1987)

Ever wondered what would happen if Voivod and Motorhead were thrown into a blender? I'm guessing that Amebix would be the fetid result. Now, these crusty punk-metal veterans have been barking orders for several decades but only released a batch of records, and yet they've inspired so many bands, more recently Darkthrone. Basically, if you like anything from Bathory, to early Voivod, to Darkthrone and some of the foulest punk music, then Amebix must certainly be on your 'to do' list. 'Monolith' is the bands second opus and features what I believe is one of metal's greatest ever tracks, the pungent stench of 'The Power Remains' which is pretty much a doomier, more rusted Motorhead combined with that early Voivod style of punkoid noise. This alsum is far blacker in its heart than a majority of so-called black metal albums, it ratlles along suggesting its wheels are gonna fall off at any minute, particularly on the troublesome 'Time Bomb' and the wretched 'Last Will & Testament' with its simmering intro. You can tell these guys are English, this sort of stuff sounds as if it was wrenched from the same vile womb that once spat out Venom and Lemmy. These guys existed from 1978 until 1987 and reformed a few years back, but I suggest you buy the first two albums if you're after well soiled vocals and anrchic metal. 8/10

Ravage - Wrecking Ball (1986)

It's straight up metal from 1986, what more do you want me to say? Ravage live up to the title of their album name, playing balls out testosterone fuelled metal in the form of sweat-soaked tracks such as 'Battle Stations' and the scorching 'Slow The Hammer Down' with its killer intro. There's nothing subtle about these metal-heads, who simply opt to go for the throat with their rampant brand of fiery metal. Vocally, it's all very much from the hairy chest area, caveman metal that pounds hard on the door and I'm proud to say that I've given this muscle buster several spins over the years, so it's the least you can do to. Always finding myself abck with the dazzling riff of 'Slow The Hammer...' which is definitely the albums high point. 7.5/10

S.A.D.O. - Circle Of Friends (1987)

Now here's an album I really like. Apart from the brilliant album cover, S.A.D.O. are a strange bunch. 'Circle...' is the bands second opus, and it can best be described as a sexed-up, hair metal stomp that at times has a mid '80s Alice Cooper feel, particularly in the vocal department. There is a strong Euro metal feel here, some lush melodies, especially on the title track with its infectious pop-tinged chorus, 'Goodbye Mr G' follows the same theme with its pulsating synths. Even so, there's a good feel about the record, and the band are clearly obsessed with the whole s&m scene, there's a remotely sleazy edge within the melody, although '219 Uniform' has more in common with Maiden at their most timid. Worth noting that a few of thse guys when on to form the rather riotous V2. Again, great album covers, also check out 'Dirty Fantasy' for more pop-tinged hard rock. 7/10

Wolf - Edge of the World (1984)

Classy New Wave of British Heavy Metal styled metal, with husky vocal approach and darkly clad riffs, particularly on a slow builder such as 'A Soul For The Devil' with its melodic guitars. At tiems there's a lue Oyster Cult feel on this rarity. It's not a crushingly heavy album, far from it but there is an element of mysticism within its obscure nature. The keyboard laced 'Medicine Man' is a bit of a plodder and the title track with its simmering intro stirs the soul. A hidden gem of a record to some extent, everything about it reeks of nostalgia, and although the guitar sound is rather lukewarm, it's still a nice little listen by the glow of a full moon. 6/10

Hatriot - Heroes of Origin (2013)

Already one of the most explosive albums of the year. Hatriot's debut opus should come with a health warning. This is new school thrash very much in the old school vein and no wonder because it features ex Exodus frontman Steve Souza on vocals, the band also featuring his two sons Nick and Cody. If you like the distinctive Bay Area chug, and you grew up listening to stuff like Exodus, then you're going to love this. Souza has a very distinctive throaty rasp that fits this music perfectly, and with that crisp production this is going to rip the flesh from your bones in quick time. Memorable yet heavy riffs, excellent drums, blinding bass, 'Heroes...' is the next step on from Tenet, combining old school aggression and passion with modern day dynamics. Pure thrash armageddon. Excellent stuff all summed up in 'Blood Stained Wings'. 8.5/10

Suffocation - Human Waste (1991)

Clocking in at 23 or so minutes this is Suffocation in EP form. Brutal, aggressive, complex death metal that's harsh on the ears of those that have never experienced it. It's pretty much no thrills, just a barage of hideous riffs and harsh hyper drums mixed with a harsh vocal approach that is guttural to say the least. Suffocation never pulled any punches, and this EP is no different, it heads straight for the heart, rips it out and eats it. Six tracks on offer including the murderous 'Infecting The Crypts' with its mountains of riffs, as well as 'Jesus Wept' and the slower 'Synthetically Revided' with its wayward soloing and devastating drum attack. 'Human Waste' bridged the gap between 1990's ''Reincremated' demo and the classic 'Effigy Of The Forgotten' opus. 7/10

Black Hole - Land of Mystery (1985)

Creepy, creaky stuff from the mid '80s that disappeared into some coffin and then got a reissue seemingly centuries later. This is oaken doom metal from the darkest corners of Italy. It's a record that exudes mystery and sends more chills than an open church door! Vocally it's rather inept, a track like 'Demoniac City' has a tinge of King Diamond/Mercyful Fate about it although a more watered down version. There's nothing ultra heavy about it, but it does have a mournful and vintage feel, and a track like 'Bells of Death' is far more authentic in its occult tradition than say Ghost. Although the drummer is rather out of the mix the whole reeks of foreboding and gives off a musty smeel better suited to a graveyard in 1970s London! The eight-minute 'Spectral World' is also malevolent, conjured like some ritualistic dirge perfect for a mass under the gowing moon. The organ adds to the spooky effect of this record, leaving the brilliantly titled 'Blind Men & Occult Forces' to shudder the spine with its dense riff. I'm surprised not many have experienced the coffin creak of Black Hole, but it's great that it was re-issued and fans of Pentagram in particular will find this perfect Halloween fodder. 7/10