Necronomicon are back! Yes, the thrash metal legend strikes back with brand new album Revenge of the Beast. No trends, no fashion, no posers, just thrash metal in old 80s Germany style.

Fifth Asphyx album God Cries is usually rather criticized. It may be caused by the fact, that it was recorded without van Drunen. Howevery, the record is not bad at all. Recent vinyl rerelease is done by Joe Black Records, quite new and very promising label from Germany. Black and yellow vinyl versions are available.

There were several interesting compilations released last year. For example Retrospectiva al Metal Chileno is very important record, which documents Chilean thrash and death metal scene in the 80s and 90s. Another example is rather exotic and it is called Desert Storm of Evil, released by Legion of Death Records from France. This is a black metal compilation introducing promising underground bands from Africa and Middle East. Then there is Nuclear War Now fest vol.1 which prestents the most attractive NWN bands. Of course, not to be omitted, The Wine of Satan vol.2. wiht very important bands like Root, Furze, Bestial Mockery, Funeral Winds and others. Last but not least, Czech death metal compilation Constellation of Death released by Monster Nation. All of these are highly recommended.

"Thrash or die" maniacs Paganfire from Philippines launched their very first vinyl LP. It contains their old demos Tasteless Revenge (2004) and Vehemence Ensue (2006). Raw underground thrash metal is available at Monster Nation.

Really underground record! Highly attractive black metal compilation The Wine of Satan vol.2 was released at the end of 2009. It can happen that it will become a cult as well as its predecessor, Wine of Satan from  1993. Back in that year, it brought in still pretty unknown bands like Beherit or Mortuaty Drape. The Volume těo is released by Necroterror records and the line up is Root, Funeral Winds, The One, Furze, Code, Bestial Mockery, Irreverent a Hell Militia.