Prepare for your eardrums to be Shattered and your taste buds to explode
Prepare for your eardrums to be Shattered and your taste buds to explode
About Brutally Delicious
Our Story
At Brutally Delicious, we started as a small team of Heavy Metal food enthusiasts who wanted to share our love for metal and cooking with the world. Today, we are one of the most popular music related sites on the internet, with viewers and listeners from around the globe.
Our Philosophy
In the vibrant tapestry of the food and heavy metal worlds, there exists a profound sense of community that transcends mere culinary or musical appreciation. It's a fellowship forged in fiery kitchens and thunderous mosh pits alike, where individuals unite over their shared passions with an unwavering spirit of camaraderie. In kitchens, chefs and food enthusiasts find solace in the creative chaos, exchanging recipes and techniques like ancient secrets passed down through generations. Meanwhile, in the electrifying realm of heavy metal, fans converge, their hearts pounding in unison to the primal rhythms, forming bonds that withstand the test of time. Together, they create a sanctuary where differences are celebrated, and where the love for good food and thunderous music fuels the flames of an enduring, inclusive community.
Written Reviews
Stages of Decomposition “Raptures of Psychopathy”
Brutal death metal is one of the most depraved and graphic corners of the musical world. The bands that occupy this rancid sector deal gleefully in the unspeakable evils of mankind, and horrors beyond comprehension, free of censor or subtlety. In lyrical content, imagery and sonically, nothing is out of bounds, and bands revel in creating gross This is indeed a niche genre that a lot of listeners are put off by, either through the aesthetic itself, or by a preconception that there is no musical substance beyond the blood spattered veneer. Either that, or the genre often falls through the cracks of obscurity, as brutal death metal bands are definitely at peace that their art probably won’t penetrate the mainstream, even as far as metal is concerned.
There are countless bands throughout the past few decades that have created a cookie cutter sound that relies purely on generic slam break downs, belched vocals devoid of distinction, and flat production that makes their album an overall uneventful listen. Insert disgusting band name here, insert even more disgusting song title there, and you have a lot of copy and paste fodder to wade through. While this saturation of material can be overwhelming, with a bit of digging there are lots of bands that provide brutal slamming death metal that is bucket loads of fun. Stages of Decomposition is definitely one of them.
The bass tone is thick and ringing, the snare is pingy, and everything sounds organic. There are no drum machines, or artificial metronome blasting that takes away from the squelchy tunes on offer, and the vocals feature a nice variety, from pig squeals to guttural lows, to higher register shrieks and of course some signature frog croaks. There are effective uses of dual screaming vocals throughout too, and they accent the carnage well.
Songs on this album aren’t just reliant on chugging breakdowns. There are two step ready grooves, and a nice mix up of pace, as well as memorable riffs and dynamics. There are slow and sinister passages that simmer in their own filth of course, just to hammer listeners with a grinding barrage in the next moment.
There are big bass blow outs that make me think of bands like Mortician and more recently Incinerated, and they always bring a smile to my face throughout the album. Every instrumental performance sounds energetic and enthusiastic, and you can tell the band are having lots of fun. I’m a sucker for camp soundbites used throughout albums like these, and I think it’s a nice touch how the band even political speeches but recontextualise it in such a way to sound like a twisted command to murder.
The album features 3 tracks that featured on the bands 2016 ep Crawl Space burial, but they all feature a grizzly facelift in both production and performance, and they sound far more fully released than their more skeletal precursors. Comparing the two shows a definite progression
Goregrind and brutal death metal aren’t genres renowned for reinvention or experimentation, bar a few bands like Afterbirth who cross over genres, and Nithing who use sheer excess with an almost avant- garde result, but like any good thing, why fix what’s not broken. Bands like Devourment, and - are like a comfort food for me, they are maximalist to the enth degree and delight the senses with their bold and bombastic style. Stages of Decomposition have scratched the same itch for me with this bludgeoning album, and they have nailed the self aware, bouncing brutality that will keep dragging me back kicking and screaming for repeat listens.
Kiss of Death Tour 2024 Show Review 8/20/24 Bismark, ND by Nyk Edinger
I recently attended the Kiss of Death Pt 2 Tour in Bismarck, ND this week, with a strong line-up for fans of this subgenre of metal, featuring In This Moment, Ice Nine Kills, Avatar, and TX2 . I was surprised a tour of this nature would pass through Bismarck, not to mention that it would be held at the 10,000 seat Bismarck Event Center arena. As the show began, however, I was amazed at how packed the arena became.
I had little experience with TX2, but they hit the stage with a ton of energy as if they had something to prove. Their hostile approach to the crowd along with the overriding victim mentality of the songs sung by a seemingly pre-pubescent boy, made their performance a bit comical. When the singer attempted to command the audience to form the Wall of Death. It manifested just as one would imagine: complete confusion with about three people forming a sparse pit in response. Now, whether this was due to the fact they were playing in Bismarck or that TX2 is an emo pop-punk band, is yet to be determined.
When you peel back the abrasiveness of TX2 however, what’s left behind are songs that are well written and perfectly executed, boasting strong melodies and structure. I would rate them as one of the top two bands of the night. Burn and the catchy punk tune, I Would Hate Me Too were the highlights of their performance for me.
Next up was the band I was most excited to see, the mighty Swedish metal force, Avatar. This was my fourth time seeing Avatar so I was familiar with their songs and stage antics. Despite playing a very short set, Avatar proved they belong on the big stage. The story telling during an Avatar show is one of the highlights but this was hindered significantly this evening by their short set. However, with a well thought out song selection, they managed to win over many new fans. Dance Devil Dance opened the show, with one of the fun little tricks Avatar brings to the stage, (I will not divulge this just in case you have not seen Avatar recently and are planning to hit up this tour.) The band then went on to play several fan favorites such as, Bloody Angels, The Dirt I’m Buried In and Smells Like A Freakshow (Complete with Johanne’s heartfelt ode to the crowd) all performed to perfection. Avatar ended their set with the massive tune, Hail The Apocalypse bringing a close to a truly amazing performance.
Ice Nine Kills took the stage next and the vibe changed dramatically with a giant inflatable serial killer brandishing a knife looming over the evening's proceedings as well as two giant television screens fashioned after the small sets we all had on our kitchen counters in the 80’s. These televisions brought a cohesiveness to the show by combining a mixture of old television commercials, snippets of tv shows and movies, as well as reports from the nightly news. The stage was buttressed by two ominous meat racks complete with hanging bodies.
The only thing that I found confusing and distracting was an elaborate mic stand (which I thought was quite cool but didn’t fit the motif of the rest of the set) that was almost never engaged except for when vocalist Spencer Charnas placed his shovel on it ever so briefly, it made the stage feel crowded and blocked the view of the many other things that were taking place on the stage.
The set began with two zombies wandering across the stage, followed by a distressed young woman who, upon noticing them, screamed (as they all do in the movies) and was subsequently chased off the stage by said carnivores. The band then ran onto the stage chasing the zombies setting the stage for a fun tromp through many of their horror movie themed tracks. Sticking mostly to their horror inspired songs, Ice Nine Kills tore through their set while actors played out scenes from the movies being sung about. There were zombies and clowns, Michael, Jason and even the depiction of a famed shower scene, which was done extremely well.
I found Ice Nine Kills to be much heavier than I anticipated and feel they are much better live than on recording; there is just no way of capturing the energy exhibited on stage via the studio. The three vocalists all meshed together very well, trading vocal lines and joining together in the harmonies. The band opened with Rainy Day and then plowed through a gory and solid set with highlights that included It is the End, American Nightmare and Welcome to Horrorwood. but the two songs I enjoyed the most were Thank God It’s Friday and Shower Scene. I suspect though that many of Ice Nine Kills fans in attendance were excited by all of the songs.
The show ended with the obligatory thanking of the crowd, tossing of picks and the killing of one of the guitarists, I am not certain who was killed or if it was an ad lib or part of the orchestration but it was a fun way to close the night and I hope they expand on it for future shows. I think a perfect end would be for the characters to re-enter the stage during the finale, kill the entire band then drag them off stage as the feedback blares. Now, THAT would be worth the price of admission.
Onto the headliner, In This Moment.
After a nearly thirty minute intermission for a stage change, which was entirely too long in my estimation, In This Moment made their appearance behind a veil adorned with a black widow spider. The use of shadows and light created the perfect ambiance for the beginning of the show. But then things went horribly wrong. I cannot say for certain but I think the technical issues began the moment the intro finished; after building to a beautiful crescendo, the curtain dropped…and nothing, total silence and darkness save for two lights near the front creating the appearance of fire.
A few seconds later and the first song blasted through the speakers with The Purge ushering us into the world of In This Moment; it was a spectacle to be sure. The center of the stage was dominated by a raised platform surrounded by wrought iron fence and large fans that created constant motion (and later, constant distraction) surrounding Maria Brink as she was poised high above surrounded by what I can only surmise was intended to look like a guillotine. She was immensely tall in her flowing white gowns, long, white hair and starburst crown creating a stark contrast to the red blood flowing down the front of her face creating quite a stunning entrance.
This is where it all fell apart. All the lights and screens went black before the end of the song. The band managed to take their positions for the next song and change the set (which happened for every song in the show) in complete darkness but it never started. After a few minutes, Maria shed her costume and came to the front of the stage to let the crowd know that she wasn’t certain what was happening but didn’t want to leave them in the dark and she spent quite a while chatting with fans, creating an intimate impromptu moment that was unique and special for them.
Eventually, Maria and the band played a cool metal medley which included songs by Slayer and Metallica. Still, after running out of songs to play, they left the stage and we all sat in silence and darkness for a long time. Finally the crew got things in order and the band was able to continue their set but they were plagued by programming issues as well as lighting and stage prop problems for the remainder of the evening with songs ending too early or starting too soon.
The end result was a very fractured, disjointed, and ultimately shortened show. I am not sure how many songs were skipped but from what I can tell it was possibly up to four, which amounts to nearly half the set.
In the end I felt bad for the band and their fans but both powered through the problems and created a night. In This Moment are definitely a live band. They are much heavier and the songs carry a weight not achieved on their albums.
The remaining songs played after the debacle of the second song were Blood, Sex Metal Barbie, the highlight of the show, Big Bad Wolf and then, judging from the number of dunce hats in the crowd, the song everyone was waiting for, Whore, finished out the decimated set.
The show ended with giant balloons and confetti exploding across the entire arena which I feel was an interesting juxtaposition to the song being performed on the stage. Maybe it was meant to be ironic or maybe it was another victim of the technical difficulties plaguing the entire performance, I do not know. Either way, In This Moment proved to be professionals that night in Bismarck and poured everything they had into the songs they were able to play.
Overall, it was an enjoyable show and for those who follow these bands, you don’t want to miss these shows, even if it means traveling 1,000 miles to a place where people from flyover country tend to fly over.
Carmeria’s "Tragédie D’amour" Review by Carley Cardella
What does heavy metal and symphonic orchestra have in common? The band, Carmeria! The Australian based symphonic metal band has released their sophomore album Tragédie D’amour which was pitched as “a melding of gothic rock and symphonic metal, dressed in romance and grief” by the band’s frontman Jordan von Grae. And it does not disappoint. This album is a journey through loss, love, grief and acceptance, painted with gothic atmospheric soundscapes. From the moment the album opens with Call Forth My Sorrow it reminds the listeners that Carmeria is back and stronger than ever. Opening with suspenseful themes of orchestral strings leading into explosive, electric guitar, Carmeria’s fans are reminded of their effortless ability to blend classical symphonic elements with modern, heavy, gothic rock.
The heavy and symphonic influences continue to flow throughout the album with tracks like "Thousand Winter Rains", "Thorns", and "Leading the Lyre". While the aesthetic noticeably softens at
track five, "Whispers of Forgiveness. On the bands website, frontman Jordan von Grae released a blog post of sorts touching on the inspiration behind the album, which stemmed from a mental
health hiatus and dealing with the emotional rollercoaster of losing one's sense of self, mourning that loss, and opening up to the exciting world of a new beginning and new purposes. The two major themes that developed were love & grief, which I think is evident throughout this album. Track two, "A Thousand Winter Rains" can resonate with anybody experiencing grief, loss and depression. All which lend to the constant feeling of being drowned by, well..a thousand winter rains. While track nine, "The Hoping Heart", touches on themes of love and being a hopeless romantic. Lyrics like “my heart lies open its cage, could you be the one I’m waiting for to free it from its chains?” symbolizes the willingness to be open and vulnerable to love, even while
being carefully guarded. When listened to closely, Carmeria’s "Tragédie D’amour" is a project that reflects the ever evolving complexities of life.
One can have love, while also having grief. One can laugh and be
joyful, while also experiencing the darkest depression. Life is not linear and neither is thisalbum. And I think that's what makes it so great.
Lastelle "Exist vol i" Review by Marina Di
I have to give credit where credit is due. Only some people can self-release an EP; I commend anyone who can. Lastelle is dropping their release on September 12th.
LASTELLE’s latest release, "EXIST vol i," is a sonic journey that blends post-hardcore intensity with ambient, dynamic soundscapes. The band's ability to merge the visceral energy of screaming with hauntingly beautiful clean vocals sets this album apart in the post-hardcore genre.
What I hear here is melodic, dark, and post-hardcore. It is exceptionally produced; the blend of screaming and singing in the song works seamlessly, adding power and melody. Their potent blend of aggression and melodic elements is what will captivate you. Their lyrics will resonate with you, while the vocal delivery will amaze you. “Breathe Me In” is my favourite track.
Here are some track highlights and what you can expect:
“Awaken” – The opening track sets the tone to some ethereal guitar riffs, combined with emotional screams, creating an epic emotional release. The transition between aggression and melody showcases the band’s craft.
“Changing with the Seasons” will hit you where it hurts; this emotionally charged track will get you romantically involved.
I’d love to be at the show on September 18th in London, but unfortunately, duty calls me back home here in Toronto. I'm sure it's going to be an incredible performance.
I’m truly impressed with this album; it's a testament to LASTELLE's talent and hard work. I wish these guys the best of luck!
"EXIST vol i" is a compelling album that showcases LASTELLE’s unique sound and emotional depth. It’s a must-listen for genre fans and a promising indication of what’s to come from this talented band.
LASTELLE’s “EXIST vol i” is a testament to how the band has grown as a unit and their ability to stretch the limits of post-hardcore. The album is a well-composed mix of intensity and melody, with each song being different and yet fitting together in the album. The excellent production quality enables the intricacies of both instrumentalists and vocalists to be heard.
For those who enjoy bands such as Being as An Ocean or Pianos Become the Teeth, this latest offering by LASTELLE will be appealing. “EXIST vol i” is a roller coaster ride of emotions that needs several spins to fully appreciate its depth and complexity. LASTELLE has outdone itself in this release, setting quite some high standards for future volumes in the series “EXIST.”
Remember, kids, sometimes the best bands are the ones no one knows about.
Black Metal Haiku – Alcest “Les Chants de l'aurore” by Nikos Mixas
Post Black Metal? Huh?
Let’s just call it shoegaze, ok?
Where do I begin.
I know of this band and I know their fans love this band to no end. This is not my jam and listening to this particular album, I would never call this black metal. I know the band’s founding musician, Stéphane Hugues Norbert Paut, aka Neige, has black metal roots that run deep. With all that being said, I’m reviewing this album with an open mind and on the musicianship without genre bias.
Overall, the musicianship is top notch. This is a really talented band and “Les Chants de l'aurore” is a very well-produced and progressive album musically. In my opinion, “clean” vocals and black metal don’t mix, at least not in the traditional black metal definition sense. This album though shows some aggression from time to time and that’s what the band’s hardcore fans have come to expect with every release.
One of the standout tracks that sold me on this album is “Améthyste.” Without having much knowledge and going on first impression, it’s what makes Alcest stand apart from other “post black metal” bands. It has a good flow to it and I caught myself head bobbing to the track at some point. Most of the tracks have a similar feel to each other, but
“Améthyste” is the punctuation point song on the album.
So, am I going rush out to snag “Les Chants de l'aurore” on tangerine splatter on green slime vinyl, limited to only 100 copies? No. I can tell you though my respect for this band has increased tenfold and I’ll keep in my download folder…the shoegaze one specifically.
Convictions - Aggressive Worship Tour: Part Two May 9, 2024 The Foundry, Cleveland, OH
I first encountered Convictions, a Christian Metalcore band from Toledo, Ohio, at a hometown show in 2019. They opened for heavyweights like Whitechapel, Norma Jean, and The Devil Wears Prada. With no prior knowledge of Convictions, their performance was mindblowing, shattering any preconceived notions I had about Christian Metal or Metalcore in general.
Earlier this month, on May 9th, I had the pleasure of seeing Convictions again during the Cleveland stop of their "Aggressive Worship" tour at The Foundry. The evening kicked off with two local bands, Like Tyrants and Iravera. While they put in commendable efforts for a Thursday night gig, driving two hours from Toledo had me yearning for a bit more energy.
The night took a turn when Confessions of a Traitor, a band from the UK, took the stage as the third act. Their performance was spirited, and despite the stage seeming too small for their presence, the vocalist frequently immersed himself in the crowd, amplifying the energy and excitement.
When Convictions finally took the stage, they maintained the high energy left by Confessions of a Traitor. My enjoyment of Metalcore typically hinges on a delicate balance: the clean-to-growled vocal ratio, a mix of breakdowns and dynamic substance, and a frontman adept at controlling his “BLEGH!” Convictions excel in all these areas in their recordings and (especially) live performances.
Their set was a high-powered display of their best tracks, including "Wreckage," "Hurricane," and "The Price of Grace." They also premiered a new track, "Hurts Like Hell," set for release at midnight that evening. The band's live energy was fantastic, showcasing their prowess and leaving the crowd riled beyond expectation.
Part two of the Aggressive Worship Tour wrapped up with a show in Nashville over the weekend. However, Convictions will be back on the road before the end of summer, so keep an eye out for dates near you. If you haven't experienced Convictions live, I highly recommend it – their performances are nothing short of extraordinary.
Convictions Online
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/ConvictionsRock
Watch "Hurts Like Hell" here https://youtu.be/nt1YIEykHnc?si=ld--KJ-YjtXnVMJS
Agatha Whiskey: 50 Cocktails to Celebrate the Bestselling Novelist of All Time
"Agatha Whiskey" by Colleen Mullaney is a book that takes you on a wild ride through the world of whiskey-based cocktails, all while paying homage to the legendary Agatha Christie. It's like getting the best of both worlds: her mysterious stories and delicious drinks. It's perfect for fans of The Brutally Delicious Podcast who can't get enough of both literary classics and tasty cocktails. And trust me, Mullaney knows her stuff! Every recipe is a work of art, with just the right amount of history, mystery, and mixology.
One of my favorite recipes in the book is the "Murder on the Orient Express." It's like drinking a little piece of the book itself! You've got whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a hint of bitters, all mixed together and garnished with an orange twist. It's smooth, complex, and totally reminds me of the drama and sophistication of the book.
Another standout is the "Hercule Poirot." Named after Christie's iconic detective, it is refined and made with whiskey, absinthe, a splash of lemon juice, and a touch of honey syrup. The result is a cocktail that's both refreshing and complex, just like the character Poirot himself. Last but not least, there's the "Miss Marple's Tea," which is a fun twist on an afternoon tea. It mixes whiskey with chamomile tea, honey, and lemon for a cocktail that's soothing, invigorating, and totally reminiscent of Miss Marple's sharp mind and gentle demeanor.
Overall, "Agatha Whiskey" is a book that combines the charm of Agatha Christie's world with the art of whiskey cocktails. It's a must-read (and must-drink) for anyone who loves a good story and a delicious drink. So go ahead, treat yourself to a little literary escapism and a brutally delicious cocktail! You know you deserve it.
“Botanical Cocktails: 50 Garden-to-Glass Beverages for Every Season Hardcover” by Tenae Stewart
"Botanical Cocktails" by Tenae Stewart is a beautiful and inspiring book for anyone who loves cocktails and is always looking to add a unique twist to their favorite drinks.
One recipe that really stood out for me as a gin lover is "The Social Butterfly," a Lavender Gin Fizz. This floral and refreshing cocktail combines the aromatic essence of lavender with the crispness of gin and the lively fizz of club soda. The fresh lemon juice provides a bright, tangy note that perfectly balances the sweetness of the lavender syrup, making it a truly delightful drink.
Another highlight from the book is "Cold Winter's night," a cocktail that mixes maple syrup, bourbon, juniper berries, and bitters for a sophisticated yet refreshing taste. And I think fans of Brutally Delicious will really dig the taste and theme of this soothing and elegant drink, "Blood Moon.” This cocktail combines blood orange, pomegranate juice, and dark rum, making it perfect for a relaxing evening spent under the stars or a full moon. The gentle flavors and aromatic notes make it an excellent choice for unwinding after a long day.
I can say that this book is a perfect fit for our audience and those who appreciate a fresh and flavorful approach to mixology. Stewart's passion for botanicals shines through in every recipe, making it not only a delightful read but also a practical guide for your next cocktail party.
Overall, "Botanical Cocktails" by Tenae Stewart is a well crafted book that brings the beauty and flavor of the garden into your glass. It's perfect for anyone looking to elevate their cocktail game with natural, botanical ingredients. The recipes are easy to follow, and the drinks are sure to impress your guests!
Releases July 2, 2024
Black Metal Haiku – Dødsferd “Wrath” by Nikos Mixas
From the Land Of Zeus
Their Sound Is From Viking Lands
Welcome Back Dødsferd
According to The Metal Archives, Dødsferd has been in existence since 2001. I’m well versed in black metal, but I’m embarrassed to admit that even being a half Greek, currently living in Athens, Greece, I have never heard of this band until their most recent release “Wrath,” was sent my way. Without doing any prior research on Dødsferd, I dove right in and immediately thought they have a classic, Scandinavian black metal sound, but with hints of Drudkh thrown in for good measure.
Now that I’m sitting down and googling the hell out of them, I can see they have an extensive and impressive discography. It would take at least a month to properly know about how they might have progressed over the decades. What I do know is that the more I listen to “Wrath,” the more I like it. It has all the elements that make a great black metal memorable. It’s raw. The drumming has shitton of double bass and blast beats. The guitar riffing is as ripping as a chainsaw. And for the vocals? They are the classic guttural with some Tom G. Warrior death grunts thrown in for good measure.
Even with a seven-year hiatus, it sounds like Dødsferd haven’t missed a blast beat. “Wrath” has plenty for the black metal enthusiast to latch onto. It’s also nice to see a band from Greece that doesn’t have a “Greek” sound to it like the other black metal and stoner type bands from this country hold on to for dear life. That’s not a knock on them, it’s just an observation. So, if you’re an OG Dødsferd fan, or just a black metal fan in general, I’m sure you’ll be giving it more than just a single spin.
Dark Tranquility & Amorphis 9/3/24 RICHMOND, VA.photos by Amanda Abbott
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tHE bRUTALLY dELICIOUS sTAFF
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CEO Brutally Delicious Productions/Award Winning Film Producer/ /Author/Death Metal Chicken Farmer
Kris Siegers-Co-Founder, co-host and occasional ASSHOLE initiated into metalhead brotherhood on 70000 Tons of Metal in 2011 in full golfer garb, Kris Siegers is a beer-lover with an irreverently outrageous sense of humor, and a touch of nostalgia, for the hair he once sported.
Riina Rinkinen- Co-Host, the singer of Silentium, joined the show after a legendary interview with the guys and then never left out of the goodness of her heart. "It's charitable work to make Kris and Bruce look less bad - a thankless job but someone's gotta do it."
Joel Wukotich -Managing Editor- Writer/Reviewer/Wanna-be Photographer. Toledo, Ohio's Master of words and melodies. Joel is an old-school metalhead who appreciates all things doomy, gloomy, cinematic, and apocalyptic. He's the ink-stained poet with a camera in hand and a heart full of love for his family and the roaring sounds of heavy metal.
Amber Fitzgerald- Social Media Manager
Dark Macek- Headbanger in Chief,
Brutally Delicious Co-Host/ Reviewer Hailing from Long Island, Dark has been headbanging since 2004. His first metal show was Megadeth in 2008 (the day of his grandfather’s funeral), and he’s been to more than 200 since. He’s a regular at Manhattan shows - come say hi if you see him!
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