Best of 2008: The Scratch the Surface harvest!

01-Burst -Lazarus Bird



It’s extremely hard to pin down in words why Burst’s “Lazarus Bird” is such an addictive, invigorating and rewarding listening. More…

02-The Haunted – Versus




“Versus” is a record to be experienced and not read about ‘cause for one thing there’re hardly any suitable words to describe it, but mostly ‘cause it’s an experience to be lived, assimilated and fully consummated. More…

03-Gojira - The Way of All Flesh



Their fourth full-length work sounds a like a well-oiled, highly focused and cruel machine capable of keeping the listener fully entangled in its labyrinthine structures. More…

04-Septicflesh - Communion



Featuring nine brilliant songs, “Communion” masterfully blends the brutality of Death Metal, the shimmering melodies of Dark Metal and the cinematic feeling of classical orchestrations. More…

05-Meshuggah – Obzen



Whatever the preferences you cherish the most on Meshuggah’s sound, their newest work “ObZen” will hardly disappoint any aficionados, even though it’s a more streamlined work than its two predecessor releases. More…

06-Cynic - Traced In Air



Although it differs slightly from “Focus” and most probably won’t be regarded as a classic work in fifteen years from now, “Traced in Air” is nevertheless a great record with stunning moments done by superb and innovative musicians. More…

07-Nachtmystium - Assassins: Black Meddle - Part 1



“Assassins” is an album that in many ways defies the rules of the so called trve Black-Metal, their approach is innovative and singular as if we are dealing with a complete reinvention. More…

08-Omnium Gatherum - The Redshift



In “The Redshift” their blend of progressive melodies with Death-Metal aggressiveness appears to be more refined and mature, clearly demonstrating that the sextet possess a especial knack to incorporate magnificent melodies and luxurious and slightly byzantine arrangements. More…

09-Textures - Silhouettes



With “Silhouettes”, the Dutch sextet do not fear to try out new and calmer directions like Prog-Rock, a sign showing that their confidence and maturity is now stronger and clearer than ever before. More…

10-Ihsahn – angL



Ihsahn have truly blossomed as a song writer, his talent for crafting powerful epics was already recognisable on most of Emperor’s releases, but in “AngL” such epic mood developed an extraordinary elegance and richness. More…