Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style. Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band, label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.
Band
The Spirit
Title
Sounds from the Vortex
Type
LP/EP
Company
Nuclear Blast
YOR
2018
Style
Black
12/1/2018 - Review by: Eric Compton
Throwback to the early Scandinavian sound
'Sounds from the Vortex', the debut of this German black/death act, originally released in October of 2017 through Eternal Echoes records. The band signed with heavyweight Nuclear Blast and repackaged the album with new artwork for an 2018 street date. The record is a throwback to the early Scandinavian sound, capturing the proto-thrash aspect of At the Gates, Eucharist, and Dissection but weaving it with progressive yarn. It's mostly fast-paced with the proverbial "screech at the moon" vocal styling. Far from original or innovative, but pleasing for those in the mood.

Recommended for fans of: fans of Dissection, early At the Gates
PERSONAL BREAKDOWN:

ENJOYMENT
3.5
MUSIC
4
VOCALS
3.5
PRODUCTION
3.5
ARTWORK
2.5
LYRICS
3


  • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
    3.5 :AVE RATING

ALL REVIEWS FOR: THE SPIRIT
TITLE
DOR
COMPANY
REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
Sounds from the Vortex
2018
Nuclear Blast
Eric Compton12/1/2018
3.5

ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: THE SPIRIT
INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE


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