Thirteen years doing this blog and I finally got my first accusation of 'bought and paid for' reviews, just because I like some bands that another guy doesn't. – at Cummersdale, England

Despite the litany of classic records released in 1986, there's an argument to made that this is the best one

For those wondering, you can hear a bit of 'The Wizard' on this youtube.com/watch?v=q7p-ihYO…

Utter transcendence – at Glasgow, Scotland

The Killchain is in the house to see the greatest band the world has ever seen, @Borisheavyrocks at the @OranMorGlasgow – at Glasgow, Scotland

The Killchain does not exist without these 9 records. It may have been started by a Bolt Thrower riff, but these albums shaped my entire life

The Riffs of September. It was a busy one

Listened to the new @urneband record for the first time yesterday, so many good things about it. Very mid 00s metalcore/death metal influenced, I got definite Gojira/Chimaira/Machine Head pieces but the overriding one seemed to be 'Wages of Sin-era Arch Enemy. Superb record

In respect of recent events, I'm adding some long missed records to the archive. First this, more to come – at Clarencefield, Scotland

For the longest time I didn't listen to 'No More Tear's because I didn't like 'Mama I'm Coming Home' all that much. Since Ozzy died I've softened on that song a lot, and have now come to regard NMT as one of the best Ozzy solo records. Holy shit it is so good

August was a big month for riffs

I cannot put into words, really despite the times I've tried, to express just how important this band are to my entire musical fandom. This record is the zenith of that importance, opening with probably my favourite song ever and then taking you on a rollercoaster of rock majesty

One of the fastest, most violent and savage hardcore records you'll ever heard, a complete Nuclear Cult discography. We all need albums called this in our lives

I've just been sent the new Fallen Letters single, 'A Familiar Absence' and it's a quality mix of old Dream Theater, mid 2000s Opeth and a subtle gothic drama in there too. I enjoyed their 'Mindfractures' record from last year as well youtube.com/watch?v=DvkMc2ac…

Rich, epic atmospheric black metal that feels like the winds above an ancient battlefield, a fluid ferocity and delicate touches of keyboard keeps the vastness and grimness entwined. Their rich, Italian classical heritage comes through as the album progresses