Something for the eggheadbangers now - and this is one that will please many enthusiasts of daring and discerning metal. Liquid Graveyard feature an Irishman in their number and a powerful chanteuse at the front. Rasping, growling and singing, she fronts a band adept at interesting rhythms while powerfully channelling great old death metal.

The result is an interesting mix of styles, recalling some underground names largely buried by time and dust, yet no less interesting for it.

Dark Funeral - also rans of a genre for a decade and a half, probably more famous for t-shirts and artwork than their actual music. If they’re to be given credit for anything though, it’s just having been there the whole time. In doing so they’ve outlasted many a panda faced flash-in-the-pan.

It would be easy not to be arsed. But dont - this new album proves that familiarity needn’t lead to boredom. It’s surprisingly caustic, with some fantastic speed and a dark melodic vibe.

Temple of Baal have been on the warpath for a long time at this stage, with over a decade of releases behind them. They’re a group that’s best known for including members of more recognized French Black Metal groups like Antaeus and Glorior Belli in their ranks.

Those are bands that represent some of the best of what France’s excellent BM scene is capable of, yet Temple of Baal have never truly caught attention in the same way. Is it such a surprise, begs Lorcan Archer?

Another year and another Winterfest. In the immediate aftermath, Metalireland’s forum argued for about twenty pages on whether or not these kinds of festivals are even viable. That was to do with the turnout - but the point of the festival, and this review, is music. Donal McBrien and Muiris O’Fiannachta have compiled this mammoth review of the event and its follow up gig.

No matter how many people turned up, live music is what it’s all about - and this is Metalireland’s take.

Another album from the tail end of 2009 to cram in before we exit January - Paradise Lost, continuing their return to metallic power. But have they busted their load with the superior self titled release and the dark, crunching ‘In Requiem’? Donal McBrien has a listen and finds that the sounds of the band in their vintage prime remain alive.

He also finds this particular vinyl edition ‘physically spot on’. Is it that good, or is this just a cry for help?