Written by:	Nefarious, D.T. Metal, Abattoir, Susan
Published:	June 01, 2016

Clandestine Cuts Volume 6, Issue #1
The Metal Storm Demo/EP Spotlight



Is independent, unsigned, and underground metal what you seek? Weary traveller 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. 5 #4
Clandestine Cuts Vol. 5 #3
Clandestine Cuts Vol. 5 #2




And now to the new music...

---

Iotunn - The Wizard Falls Listen at Bandcamp "Iotunn plays a form of totality metal." The band's own decryption of their musical style just about sums up the what you will hear on The Wizard Falls. While the band is definitely on the progressive side of the spectrum, they are also staunch believers in great riffs and solos. Clocking in at just over 25 minutes, this 5-song EP does a superb job of showcasing each individual style of their "totality metal". From upbeat Katatonia meets a restrained Symphony X all the way to the more traditional power metal sound infused with some great thrash and even black metal riffs. The productions of The Wizard Falls is nothing but flawless and I foresee them going places with this release. by D.T. Metal

---

Ghost Witch - Demo Listen at Bandcamp Combining elements of stoner & traditional/occult doom, this two track demo EP by California's Ghost Witch may be short but boy is it sweet. Despite clocking in at little over 10 minutes, this demo really packs a punch as the ethereal vocals & fantastic rhythm section combine majestically to form 10 minutes of stoner doomy goodness. There is a strong Pallbearer & Windhand vibe going on here, yet despite the obvious influences they manage to maintain a sound that is distinctly their own. by Nefarious

---

Corinth - Corinth Listen at Bandcamp Corinth are the representatives of a "middle-raw baked" sludge metal with stoner and psychedelic metal vibes on a side. Their self-titled EP contains three characteristically not that heavy, yet very moody tracks. First track is very dynamic and diverse, alternating combination of fast tempo-mid tempo. The other two are significantly slower, without any major tempo changes, and with more sludge-psychedelic driven, pounding approach. Guitar riffs here are much more down-tuned and have particular raw sound, especially in the last song. So, take 20 minutes and sink into this interesting piece of work. by Abattoir

---

The Doomsday Kingdom - Never Machine Demo EP Listen at Bandcamp Before even hearing a note, many doom aficionados will have their interest immediately piqued to know that The Doomsday Kingdom is the solo project & brainchild of Candlemass founder Leif Edling, who has decided to release this low-key demo without any label backing. Featuring four tracks of classic mid-temp doom, this 26 minute EP is a solid & memorable effort that starts strong right from the first note, maintaining its quality throughout & capping off a with a hauntingly beautiful ballad to close out the EP. Hopefully it will not be long until we get to hear a full release, as 26 minutes is just too damn short. by Nefarious

---

Celestial Ruin - Pandora Listen at Official Website Heavy metal and heavy rock come together with symphonic elements to create Vancouver, Canada's next awesome power combo. These five addictive songs of simultaneously vibrant and dark-as-night heavy music have impressed the hell out of me; if melodic metal is your cup of tea, they'll likely please you, too. After this delightful EP, I'll be interested to see where Celestial Ruin leads us. The band's visual aesthetic (album cover, website, etc.) looks almost cliche gothic, so I expected a bit of fluff in this music, and for it to be much heavier on the symphonic elements than it is. However, BIG however, once the music plays you hear excellent straightforward metal with powerful drumming and strong rock vocals. I can't wait for more; whichever path they choose to follow, it will kick ass. by Susan

---

The Colossal Dream - The Colossal Dream Listen at Bandcamp All of your favorite -core genres threw a party, had a giant orgy, and this is the bastard spawn. And I really mean your FAVORITE parts of all things -core. Because this rocks in each and every direction. Like it heavy, crunchy, grindy? Step right up. Like it melodic and smooth? You'll also fit right in. How do they make all these seemingly disparate elements get along so well, well enough for baby-making? I have no fucking clue. by Susan

---