Mini Reviews From Around The Bowl (4/17/25)
Smol reviews
Cancer – Inverted World
Peaceville Records | April 25th, 2025
Back in college, I hosted a metal show on the school’s radio station. This was before streaming, so I had to rely on my own CDs and what little was in the studio. One day, the old, dusty vinyl room was actually open and I pawed through bins in search of anything metal. There I found Cancer’s To The Gory End and, staring at the Dawn Of The Dead art, knew I was in for something great and have been a fan ever since. 35 years later and CFC (if you know, you know) are back and just as intense as ever. Inverted World is mean, but with a purpose. The band’s thrashy-style of death metal shines through on each song with a sneering disgust towards the ills of our current lives. Unlike their contemporaries when they release a new album, Inverted World proves that the band has only gotten better with time. One aspect of Cancer’s work is that, unlike most extreme metal, I can actually understand what is being barked and growled, which makes everything that much better. If you’re sick to death of this world, Cancer is the cure. – 365 Days Of Horror
Paradise Slaves – With Hell In His Eyes
Spinefarm Records | May 2nd, 2025
Longtime fans of 36 Crazyfists like me were saddened and confused when the band quietly disbanded several years ago. While we may never know what truly happened, it left a gap in the modern metalcore scene. Now, friend of the Toilet Ov Hell podcast Brock Lindow is back, along with former members of Diecast, with Paradise Slaves. The comparisons to both bands is inevitable, but Paradise Slaves are their own band. With Hell In His Eyes is a tight modern metalcore album; production is glossy and clear with each member shining in every song. What separates Paradise Slaves from the overcrowded genre is their creativity and speed. They know what they’re doing, hitting the right blend of talent, craftsmanship, and passion. With Hell In His Eyes can be emotional and honest when it needs to be and unrelentingly aggressive and mean when it has to be. And, of course, Brock kills it, especially on their cover of Soul Asylum’s “Somebody To Shove”. If there’s anything that would get my old, tired, broken body back into the pit to move like I did when I was a teenager, it’s With Hell In His Eyes – 365 Days Of Horror
Habak – Mil orquídeas en medio del desierto
Persistent Vision & Shove Records | April 4th, 2025
Have you been feeling as though the world is ending lately? Habak’s latest album, Mil orquídeas en medio del desierto (A Thousand Orchids in the Middle of the Desert) is a gorgeous apocalypse soundtrack that’s the best thing the band’s done yet. The Tijuana-based Habak perfectly captures the mix of beauty and brutality that melodic crust is known for. That’s not to say that they’re simply copying what everyone else is doing. Habak pulls together a number of influences, ranging from post metal to emo to blackgaze, to create something truly unique. “Alienación y delirio,” which artfully deploys spoken vocals alongside frantic riffs and screams, is my personal favorite track. But this is an album best listened to as a whole. If you appreciate aggressive yet intricate musicianship, poetic lyrics, and an unapologetic political message, this is one you won’t want to miss. – Professor Guanaco
The Birthday Massacre – Pathways
Metropolis Records | April 11th, 2025
Many years ago, a friend recommended that I check out The Birthday Massacre. I’m sure I did at the time, but it wasn’t until I listened to their song “Dreams Of You” that I officially “got” it. The bands style of dark pop is incredibly infectious, full of that electric crunch of industrial, 80’s prom nostalgia, and classic goth angst beautifully carried by singer Sara Taylor. Pathways continues with the band’s signature moody groove. Every song feels like a hit as everything, from the electronics to the guitars and drums to the vocals just sounds so, so good. There’s tons of ear candy, rewarding the listener on each re-listen. Part of me always wishes I knew some goth club people growing up so I could go with them and have music like this wash over me, feeling the synths rumble through my chest as a singing siren calls me to the dark side. Pathways makes my heart shine darkly, a glittering beacon drenched in running mascara and longing. – 365 Days Of Horror
