Written by:	Nefarious, Troy Killjoy, BloodTears, X-Ray Rod, Ilham, Jason W.
Published:	November 26, 2014

Clandestine Cuts Volume 4, Issue #4
The Metal Storm Demo/EP Spotlight



Is independent, unsigned, and underground metal what you seek? Weary traveler of the metal world, rest here a while. Clandestine Cuts are the best demos and EPs from these bands, the heart and soul of metal music. These musicians are slaves to their passions, and their blood keeps the metal machine alive and turning. Support them with a simple listen, and discover the future.

Metal Storm users: you can vote in the poll below to choose your favourite demo/EP of the issue. The winners each year are nominated in our annual Metal Storm Awards so exercise your rights: this is the one category chosen completely by YOU the readers. Make sure your favourite independent metal is recognized each year!

(Think your band has what it takes to be featured in the Cuts? Email demos@metalstorm.net to submit your music.)

In case you're new at this, go back and enjoy our last few issues:
Clandestine Cuts Vol. 4 #3
Clandestine Cuts Vol. 4 #2
Clandestine Cuts Vol. 4 #1

And now to the new music...

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The Proselyte - Our Vessel's In Need Listen at [url= https://theproselyte.bandcamp.com/album/our-vessels-in-need]Bandcamp[/url] Fun, catchy, and thoughtful. Kind of like old school radio rock - the kind that doesn't play edited versions of longer songs - but with a bit more attitude. If that sounds like something that might interest you, The Proselyte have got you covered. Straddling the fine line of rock and metal, Our Vessel's In Need is an intriguing foray into mixed styles: harsh and clean vocals, melodic and crushing riffs, atmospheric and straightforward passages. In spite of the seemingly contradictory makeup of each song, the ingredients are blended perfectly and what you're left with is a full course dinner of quality music. by Troy Killjoy

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Past Undone - See You Tomorrow Listen at [url= http://pastundone.bandcamp.com/]Bandcamp[/url] If you like music with a contemplative nature, Past Undone will be right up your alley. The beautiful and gloomy female vocals are just one of the highlights of the Portuguese metallers' sound which presents a captivating mix of gothic doom and symphonic influences. The melodic and fluid guitar work and array of interconnected riffs are filled with tasteful subtleties. These three songs reach intense peaks when they begin to drag slowly and you can feel the melancholy seeping through. by BloodTears

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Chronus - Lost At Sea Listen at Youtube An eclectic mixture of otherwise classic components. That is a nice summary of what Chronus does. They are a young band from the south of Sweden that plays heavy/thrash metal with plenty of atmospheric and progressive touches, achieving a very epic feeling in the process. With most of their members being barely 20, the result consists of very mature ideas put together. The long songs flow without notice as the band constantly changes from headbanging and catchy riffs to calm and well structured interludes, that fit in nicely with the aggressive sections. Definitely a band that deserves attention for those who like their traditional metal but are not afraid for something extra. by Mr. Doctor

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Athanatos - Unholy Union Listen at [url= https://ironboneheadproductions.bandcamp.com/album/athanatos-unholy-union]Bandcamp[/url] Not gonna lie here: My radar always beeps when I see the words "Extreme metal" and "Chile" put together. It might be just simple, irrational love for my country's underground scene, but I truly believe that the extreme metal scene over there pays off what it lacks in originality with tons of commitment and great songwriting. Athanatos is no exception. Sure, many of you have heard this kind of death/black metal with an occult vibe before but this passion is translated into near perfect execution of their instruments, thus achieving impeccable songwriting. The riffs are killer, the leads alarming and the atmosphere immense. by Mr. Doctor

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Abraxas Countdown - Abraxas Countdown Listen at [url= https://abraxascountdown.bandcamp.com/]Bandcamp[/url] A release gets me excited when I can see it transcend its own limits and start resonating with my own musical background no matter how far might it be from my comfort zone. In plainer words: I'm not a fan of doom metal, but the Finnish Abraxas Countdown takes a little from my favourite post-punk bands, as well as develops an atmosphere similar to Celtic Frost's Monotheist, without ever stepping out of the doom category. The occult-themed demo unravels like a litany, building slowly on the malaise they manage to create with that ever-present bass and cold echoed vocals. With two tracks, and one complementary song, there is a lot left to the imagination of the listener as their style is more than likely to change or expand over the years. Indeed, with such a unique blend of genres, there is no predicting how the next release will sound, but I can foresee it will be at least as interesting as this intriguing little demo. by Ilham

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Graveshadow - Graveshadow Listen at [url= http://graveshadow.bandcamp.com/]Bandcamp[/url] Now this is an EP that will stand the test of time for me. Symphonic, gothic, with aggressive guitars, and a mix of poetic female vocals that split between clean and extreme. In a sub-genre that I often question if my love of it will live on only in the past, Graveshadow lay all that to waste, with catchy as hell riffs, dark yet beautiful keyboards, and lyrics that invoke the romance of a wolf beneath the moon like a call to arms. Solid from the first track to the last, and with a few extra songs this would not only have been my EP of 2014, but one of my choice albums. So, in the spirit of the queen of the Dothraki Sea, "Let's ride! For blood and fire!" Highly recommended. by dismaleuphony

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