Nile is an influential and uncompromising death metal band that has carved its name into the annals of extreme music. Since their formation in 1993, they have left an indelible mark on the metal scene, garnering a devoted following with their unique blend of ferocity and technicality. With a sound as relentless and brutal as the ancient Egyptian gods they draw inspiration from, Nile transports listeners into a dark and mystical realm. Their music is a relentless assault of blistering guitar riffs, thunderous drumming, and guttural growls, accompanied by intricate and atmospheric passages that evoke the grandeur of ancient civilizations. With their mastery of technicality, unrelenting aggression, intricate compositions, and lyrical exploration of ancient Egyptian mythology, Nile continues to captivate audiences with their unparalleled sonic assault.

Formed in 1992, Cryptopsy has released eight full-lengths—counting As Gomorrah Burns—to date. Out of the gate, the Quebecers set new standards in death metal with their no-compromise attack and next-level musicality. Debut album, Blasphemy Made Flesh, shell-shocked all that encountered it, as follow-ups None So Vile, Whisper Supremacy (1998), and Once Was Not (2005) positioned the Canadians as apex predators. Throughout their storied career, the group embarked on high-profile tours, such as the inaugural Death Across America tour in 1998, the Summer Slaughter Tour in 2008, and the Devastation on the Nation tour in 2017. To date, they’ve performed over 1,000 shows across 47 countries. The release of As Gomorrah Burns on Nuclear Blast re-positions Cryptopsy for yet another reign of death metal domination.

Technical death metal troupe Cognitive are back with Abhorrence, their fifth full length album and a tremendously worthy successor to 2021’s Malevolent Thoughts of a Hastened Extinction. This is the New Jersey powerhouse quintet at its brutal best – unrelenting riffs leave the listener stunned, while a wave of thoughtful, devastating lyrics washes over. The album is a turbulent, draining but ultimately fulfilling experience. Cognitive started work on Abhorrence while touring Malevolent Thoughts of a Hastened Extinction, sending tracks back and forth to each other while trekking from one intense gig to another. 2024 promises to be a big year for Cognitive, as they take Abhorrence on the road and bring more people into their vile new world. 13 years after the release of their debut EP, the band’s fifth full-lengther sees them continue to make giant strides forward while retaining the elements of their past efforts that got them this far. Abhorrence may provide therapeutic commentary about how messed up the world currently is, but also, ironically, provides a breath of fresh air. We’re all in this together, so catch Cognitive on the road this year.

ONE WOMAN SLAMMING BRUTAL DEATH METAL HAILING FROM THE INTERGALACTIC DEPTHS OF A BASEMENT IN CARY, IL