Album review overview: Busta Rhymes, $uicideboy$ and more
Dozens of new albums arrive at Maxazine’s editorial staff every week. There are way too many to listen to them all, let alone review them. It ensures that too many albums are left behind. And that’s a shame. That is why today we post an overview of albums that arrive at the editors in short reviews.
Abysmal Grief – Taetra Philosophia
The Italian doom metal band Abysmal Grief presents with “Taetra Philosophia” a heavy, slow-pulsing album that delves deep into melancholy and decay. The riffs feel massive and the tempos deliberate, giving each chord and rhythmic shift weight. The production allows space for the atmosphere to breathe, inviting the listener into an almost meditative immersion in the darkness of the soundscape. Tracks are designed to gradually grow in impact, with the repetitive structures having a hypnotic effect. The album balances between the dragging and the meaningful, offering a strong dose of heaviness for those open to extended sonic experiences. (Norman van den Wildenberg) (7/10) (Avantgarde Music)
Amulet – Don’t Say The Anguish Took Her Life
Amulet’s “Don’t Say The Anguish Took Her Life” arrives as a dark and expressive release, combining rock elements with alternative structures to explore emotional depth. The compositions are energetic, and the vocal lines focus on intensity and lyrical expression. The album contrasts solid guitar work with moments of introspective reflection, enhancing the music’s dynamics. Early listeners suggest this album stands out due to its raw and honest approach to themes of pain and resilience. The production highlights the band’s ability to engage the listener through powerful hooks and rhythms that are both melodic and sharp. “Don’t Say The Anguish Took Her Life” invites repeated listening to fully grasp the layers and emotions. (Anton Dupont) (7/10) (Own production)
As December Falls – Everything’s On Fire But I’m Fine (Extended Edition)
With “Everything’s On Fire But I’m Fine (Extended Edition)”, As December Falls releases an extended edition that expands their alternative rock sound with extra tracks and variations on the themes. The song structures are often melodic but supported by a robust rhythm section, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics. The extended version allows more space for instrumental passages and experimental interludes, creating a richer listening experience than the original release. The songs alternate between introspective moments and more exuberant rock outbursts, guiding the listener through a range of moods. “Everything’s On Fire But I’m Fine” feels like a thoughtful yet direct approach to alternative rock, in which the band further expresses itself. (William Brown) (7/10) (Extended Edition)
$uicideboy$ – Thy Will Be Done
The duo $uicideboy$ delivers with “Thy Will Be Done” a new chapter building on the spiritual and personal themes of their previous releases. The production remains dark and heavy, while the vocals tell emotionally charged stories of struggle, faith, and recovery. The opener “Leviticus” sets the tone with a blend of trap rhythms and ominous beats, followed by passages where melody and introspection meet, inviting deep listening. The mix of raw beats and introspective lyrics shows that the duo is unafraid to expand their sound without alienating their core audience. Moments of intensity and relentlessness are balanced with more melodic passages, giving the album an interesting dynamic. “Thy Will Be Done” appeals to both established fans and newcomers due to its raw character and thematic depth. (William Brown) (8/10) (G*59 Record$)
Busta Rhymes – Dragon Season
The new release “Dragon Season” by Busta Rhymes arrives on Friday, 26 December 2025, marking a festive end-of-year offering for hip hop fans. The album continues the energy and rhythms of previous projects, showcasing Busta’s characteristic cadence over beats that feel both classic and modern. Tracks like “Do The Busabus Pt. 2” and “Unleash Me” demonstrate his ability to switch between aggressive flows and more introspective moments, with production that invites repeated listening. There is variety in the sound, from old-school nods to contemporary trap influences, ensuring the album appeals to a broad range of hip hop fans. The lyrics are sometimes playful, sometimes reflective, without descending into clichés, and the guest appearances add extra dynamism. “Dragon Season” establishes its own place without repeating previous Busta successes. (Elodie Renard) (8/10) (Conglomerate & Epic)
