Weekly Spotlight, Week 07 / 2025

In a week of big releases, don't skip over these albums by 16, Phrenelith, Berlial and Pathogenic. 

16 - Guides For The Misguided

Genre: Sludge metal

Subjective rating: 4/5

Objective rating: 3.5/5

Country of origin: USA

It's the return of the heavy riff machine that is -(16)-, and on this one I feel like they're stretching sludge as far towards stoner as can be achieved without actually starting to cross over. Don't get me wrong, this is still a coarse, roaring, bone-rattling sound with a threatening tone, but damn are you getting your fill of groove on this one. Many of the riffs are Metallica-level catchy and the lead guitar gets into some seriously tantalizing escapades. The choruses are strong and at their best easily memorable, sending the replay value skyrocketing. The production seems cleaner and bigger than on 2022's "Into Dust", which gives the album a stronger hard rock alibi, but, decisively, it never really descends/ascends into what most people would call "fun". I would say that the overall melodic feel is much closer to doom than stoner, and the raspy harsh vocals radiate spite. Overall I don't think it's the most creative thing they've ever done, but still delivers beyond expectations.

Highlights: "After All" and "Blood Atonement Blues"

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Phrenelith – Ashen Womb

Genre: Death metal

Subjective rating: 3.5/5

Objective rating: 4/5

Country of origin: Denmark

Imagine being trapped in a gloomy cave system and this unholy cacophony of rumbling drums and monstrous growls emerges from the deep, hinting at a terrible subterranean vastness caked in filth and littered with dusty remains. The rest of the sound sort of perfectly expresses the utter dread you would feel as, no matter which direction you take, the noises keep coming closer and sounding hungrier. For those not already familiar with the band, yes, you guessed it, this is cavernous, evil old school death metal all the way. It's so unified in style and tone that it feels like a manifest entity, hurling at you your own fear, revulsion and hate. If you're looking for crisp, groove-laden riffs, you won't find that here. If you're looking for utter malice and oppressive atmosphere, look no further.

Highlights: "Lithopaedion" and "Stagnated Blood"

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Berlial – Nourishing The Disaster To Come

Genre: Atmospheric black metal

Subjective rating: 3.5/5

Objective rating: 3.5/5

Country of origin: France

Here's some French black metal that, perhaps unsurprisingly, seems intent on carving out a path of its own. There are (dungeon) synth elements heavily embedded in the melody and ambience, and outside its wall-of-sound assaults of harshness, you get sections of spacey, even dreamy prog-ish rock. The overall tone is one of unease, but it's not so permeating that it overshadows the band's eagerness for Enslaved-like deviations into different rhythmic- and melodic territories. A few of the songs are, strictly speaking, a bit longer than I think they needed to be, but is it really a conceptual black metal record without at least one 10+ minute track? Some moments, though, are nothing short of gripping, so it's well worth your time. 

Highlight: "Ivresse de la finitude"

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Pathogenic – Crowned In Corpses

Genre: Technical death metal

Subjective rating: 3.5/5

Objective rating: 3.5/5

Country of origin: USA

This is aggressive, riff-centric tech death with a thrash streak. Razor-sharp and precise, but with a healthy dose of that Revocation-style scorching ferocity. It has a melodic side as well, closer related to melodeath than the typical tech death note assault. You get a bit of breakdown-prone deathcore as well, but nothing that leaves a defining impression. There are lots of elements throughout that bring to mind signature traits of other bands, and as a total package, the album doesn't significantly stand out among its peers. But this could change dramatically with a more coherent sense of direction and identity. The playing is solid, enthusiastic and entertaining, with several clear highlights and lots of potential. If you care less about uniqueness, there is much to enjoy on here.

Highlight: "The New Rot"