expression, noun
severe criticism; harsh critique
A straightforward compound meaning strict or harsh criticism. Used in both formal and everyday contexts.
彼の新作は厳しい批評を受けた。
His new work received severe criticism.
上司から厳しい批評をもらったが、次に活かしたい。
I got harsh criticism from my boss, but I want to use it to improve next time.
辛口批評 is a slightly more casual, metaphorical term (literally 'dry/spicy criticism') often used in reviews, whereas 厳しい批評 is a straightforward, formal-sounding phrase.
Compound of 厳しい (strict, severe) and 批評 (criticism, review). The meaning is transparent from its parts.