War in the Time of War 5: Dies Inside
“How!?!? Just how is there still more war metal to be subjected to?” you wail inwardly as to seeing yet another of one of these stellar roundups of the subbiest of subgenres. I, cosplaying as your musical military superior, shall yet again force you through the steps of more PT (Plentiful lisTening). So suit up in those undersized, standard-issue short shorts along with your leather and spikes.
Baker’s Man – I (August 2025)
You rightfully may be asking why a war metal band is called Baker’s Man, and to help alleviate your confusion, allow me to explain. You see, the witty and venerable answer is actually I have no fucking clue. What I do know is that this Phoenix duo recently dropped a killer 3-track release simply titled I, in which a true viciousness is displayed with crushing production that feels perfect for the sound needed. However, treading cautiously is usually recommended when dealing with a new band of this variety, but with the “antifascist” tag included in the descriptors, one’s hesitant nature should hopefully be quelled. The attack is swift, yet deadly as they pull out d-beat bombs and blasts to pair their might as you become sonically overwhelmed. Here’s to another local act which I will flaunt as our collective might continues its horrid expansion.
Necrodiabolus – Hatred of the Faith (September 2)
I recently came across a strange band and one of their releases, a death/doom project hailing from Japan that was incredibly intriguing as it was strange. This band named Immortal Dissolver will be the topic of a different future article, but while looking into them, I stumbled across Necrodiabolus, the solo war metal effort from Kaik Ogata, aka Black Infestation and this compilation of his material which brings an even more raw and thrashier approach than several peers. The thrash-like aspects definitely come more from the vocal performance, but also in many head-bobbing riffing sections that make this possibly the most fun release of this varietal I’ve heard in quite some time. Though it is a compilation, it totals 16 tracks for a 30-minute runtime, making it feel like a full release. Simply lay back and relax as you subject yourself to a half-hour beatdown.
Invultation – Inferno Descends (October 30)
Despite Inferno Descends being the band’s 4th LP, it has acted as my introduction to Columbus, Ohio’s Invultation and its lone member Andrew Lampe. Bringing a filthy OSDM flair to his sound, Lampe presents a grimier version that feels like a perfect midpoint between true, stripped-down war metal and slightly more accessible blackened death. It allows time for slower grooves to break up the noise-wall assaults. And if you require just a bit more convincing, it comes via Sentient Ruin Laboratories, so you know it will, at minimum, question your existence from the self-inflicted punishment which is a true sign of legitimacy. Now I have the pleasure of diving into the previous releases as both pleasure and penance.
