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DISSENTIENCE – Kaiju [EP REVIEW]
![DISSENTIENCE – Kaiju [EP REVIEW]](https://direnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/unnamed-1.jpg)
It isn’t often I find myself surprised by what I hear and, when that does happen, I’m surprised by the fact I’m surprised at all. Face it, things have been a bit stressful and its hard to enjoy any piece of music in 2025. No matter how hard we all try, something is ready to Continue reading
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JULIET RUIN – Regime [EP REVIEW]
![JULIET RUIN – Regime [EP REVIEW]](https://direnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/147624.jpg)
Nikki Swider gives her opinions on Juliet Ruin’s new EP ‘Regime’! Continue reading
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Amorphis – Borderland [ALBUM REVIEW]
![Amorphis – Borderland [ALBUM REVIEW]](https://direnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/393433.jpg)
After over twenty years in the metal scene, the author discovers Amorphis’s album, Borderland, surprising themselves with their unfamiliarity with the band. The album features a blend of progressive elements and engaging riffs but lacks connectivity and depth, feeling more like a collection of strong singles than a cohesive listening experience. Continue reading
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Born Divided – Chronicles of a Shipwreck [ALBUM REVIEW]
![Born Divided – Chronicles of a Shipwreck [ALBUM REVIEW]](https://direnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/616426-1.jpg)
Born Divided’s album, Chronicles of a Shipwreck, showcases a blend of harsh and clean vocals, impressive guitar work, and solid rhythmic foundation. The band’s self-production shines, creating an engaging listening experience. Standout tracks like Illusion Factories highlight their technical proficiency. Despite minor synth critiques, the album impresses overall with its cohesion and emotion. Continue reading
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HERTA – Crossing the Illusion [ALBUM REVIEW]
![HERTA – Crossing the Illusion [ALBUM REVIEW]](https://direnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/lfr228.jpg)
Greek band Herta has been touring to promote their debut album, “Crossing the Illusion.” Their sound combines influences from Gojira and Lamb of God, with notable vocals from Konstantinos Togas and guest appearances from Sakis Tolis and George Prokopiou. The album features intricate layering and strong production, creating a rich listening experience. Continue reading
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Hark, the restoration of Direnotes is upon us!
For so many years I’ve left this project dormant, both due to so many personal issues (including seperating from my, at the time, wife) along with health issues, and countless other things. When beginning Direnotes, I was young and eager to be part of the Metal community. Already, I had wrote for so many other Continue reading
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BS Bone – Inside Insanity (Demo) [EP REVIEW]
![BS Bone – Inside Insanity (Demo) [EP REVIEW]](https://direnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/a0108620332_5.jpg)
BS Bone, a trio from Molise, Italy, presents a self-produced demo showcasing their blend of late 80’s inspired metal with punk influences. Their sound, reminiscent of Celtic Frost, combines catchy riffs and varied tempos. While the production has minor flaws, the band’s passion and talent shine through, promising a bright future in heavy metal. Continue reading
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Brain Stem – Symptoms of Annihilation Stage 2 [EP REVIEW]
![Brain Stem – Symptoms of Annihilation Stage 2 [EP REVIEW]](https://direnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/821778.jpg)
Symptoms of Annihilation (Stage 2) is an EP that evokes nostalgia for mid-2000s death metal, offering heavy, well-crafted tracks with a blend of technicality and potent bass work. Brain Stem skillfully mixes elements of various subgenres without resorting to traditional solos, creating an immersive listening experience that feels expansive yet concise. Continue reading
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Michael Alvarez of FLUB [INTERVIEW]
![Michael Alvarez of FLUB [INTERVIEW]](https://direnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/dbedd-flub1.jpg)
Flub, formed by Michael Alvarez and Eloy Montes around 2011-2012 after parting with other bands, initially created music together before assembling a lineup that included Jared Klein, Charles King, and Viktor Hansen. Their laid-back songwriting approach allows creativity while overcoming challenges. They celebrate the upcoming album’s completion and the supportive metal scene. Continue reading
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Sean Meyers of Gates To The Morning [INTERVIEW]
![Sean Meyers of Gates To The Morning [INTERVIEW]](https://direnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/28a22-seangates.jpg)
SM discusses the journey of his project, Gates to the Morning, originally started in 2008 but interrupted due to school. After a revival in 2016, he wrote “Return to Earth,” culminating in an album with collaborative elements. Challenges included promotional aspects and integrating jazz influences, while a strong community underscores his experience in metal. Continue reading
