More often than not the very first time you encounter something you immediately have an idea as to whether you A) like it, B) want to continue to be in its presence (admittedly some things grow on us over time) or C) you want to be as far away as humanely possible from the item in question lest your last meal make itself known to your immediate surroundings in a turbo charged manner accompanied by a guttural bestial-esque chorus.

Consider the following my brutally honest impressions upon a diverse lineup of recent releases plucked from various corners of the extreme music arena. Although also have in mind these opinions are my own and yours may not nessisarly be the same.

Vivid, stark, sinister yet intricate with hidden detail. Does this hint at the style of music therein, only a listen will tell.

Dense, haunting, epic and cavernous. This isn’t your normal doom, or even death for that matter. Highly immersive and dauntingly sinister.

Epic tracks displaying depth and majesty and a tip of the proverbial hat to the old school. This release covers quite the genre scope with what it’s journey offers.

Vivid and indelible. Perhaps akin to the music itself?

Blunt. Tight brutality and an interesting riff assault has my attention peaked.

A thunderous start dwindles somewhat even though the album sports somewhat of a diverse approach to the genre and a slew of tracks that sport unconventional influences.

Hints at audio that’s perhaps a little different, deep phaps a tad artsy. Only onewsy to know for sure.

Haunting melodic and emotional. Progressive hard rock thats pungent with Bowie and Muse vibes. Excellent start!

Although wildly out of my comfort zone I’m finding this hard not to appreciate. Call it a guilty pleasure but this album has grabbed my attention and held it throughout, keyboards and all.

Something big is lurking on the horizon, something huge and ominous.

Damn impressive heavy, melodic and fluid, especially fluid and rhymic for doom, with vocals that strangely remind me of Pete from Lawnmower Deth (I’m half expecting a cover of a track with the words Satan and Trampoline in the title). The bands name suits them to a tee. The thick-as-mollasses tone is exquisite.

Admittedly the vocal style here wouldn’t fit many places but suits this album to a tee. Is there such a thing as ‘technical doom metal’? Regardless I’m liking this into dangerously addictive levels. Doom/death with a sprinkling of traditional heavy metal but an emphasis on Doom – slower melodies, huge riffs and shifting rhythm executed with precision.

Gloriously gruesome.

Blistering grindcore with a dual vocal attack, my heads a bouncin’.

Bludgeoning, blunt and to the point. A great mix of crust, grindcore and old school death that is sure to incite movement with its groove-laden tendencies.

I’m honestly not even sure what to make of it. Warm tones with somewhat of a tranquil aura. Will this album put me in a trancertain or put me to sleep?

Perhaps I’m just not in the right mood. I remember Triclossus sounding a little different. This is obviously Desert stoner rock with Kyuss influence but displays occasional ‘spacey’, psychodelic elements. Here’s hoping this grows on me with repeated spins.

The music has appeal and it’s clear these guys are having a blast but at the moment I’m just not “getting it” altho I’m sure it’ll grow on me over time.

Something wicked is afoot in the deep of the forest.

Driving riffs, melodic blackened death with excellently atmosphere. I’m hooked already!

Unholy wickedness in melodic form. I’ll play this again and again and again, louder each time until my neighbors get fed up of filing Police complaints and move.

Vivid imagery. Reminiscent of predatory vision. Is it feeding time yet?

Tribal drums, a great introduction. Sludge and vocals with angst. I’m intrigued, my digits are far removed from the STOP button.

Rhythmic groove and huge riffs complemented by hardcore -esque vocals.

A solid release with a few notable standout tracks that display ingenuity and unique elements within an overwise overcrowded, uninventive scene.

Classic, macabre yet intricate and technical.

Diabolical, fast, technical, pulverizing. A great start!

Utilizing a varied swath of influence Abolishment of Flesh deliver maniacal rhythms and a frenzied attack without stepping on better known acts coattails or repeating themselves, a varied always interesting collection of tracks.

Intricate, classical and ancient imagery that makes one wonder where this albums  style will take them.

Complex, soundtrack in scope. Invokes images of fantastical lands and eternal conflicts. Classical, enchanting yet also definitely folksey.

Admittedly outside of my normal sphere of audio interest though proven to be highly additive. Delicately crafted classical folk with elements of synth, lots of atmosphere and plenty of emotion. Very relaxing at times, mesmerizing throughout. In moments reminds me of Tiamats Wildhoney release. A great album for a long road trip.

Fantastical and ‘other worldly’ yet menacing. Color me curious indeed.

Sinister, Gothic laden and atmospheric. Think a Dario Argento vibe with a splash of Carpenter. All that as well as the complementary guitar riff, I’m all in!

Effectively invokes various emotions including tension, dread and anxiety.

An exciting soundscape that takes the listener on quite the journey whilst tossing them back to nefarious cult features of yesteryear.

Diabolical and seething with intent.

Driving riffs, melody, atmosphere and evil rasping lyrics…I’m listening!

Strong Dissection influence. Sinister riffs, great pacing and effective atmosphere in a wicked package that grabs the attention and only improves as the album plays out.