Author: Alexiel Divine

Slegest – Introvert

Norwegian outfit Slegest has chosen a sonic pathway where black metal and classic heavy rock spontaneously collide generating the new album “Introvert”.  

Subtle obscure feelings certainly linger on “Blodets Varme Gjennom Meg” yet the band delivers plenty of entertaining grooves blending fiery rock riffage and somber guitar melodies while vocals can sound really vicious reminiscing of old school black metal.

“Maler Lys I Moerketid” still dwells within a darkened sonic realm where cohesive guitars deliver sharp blackened rock riffs leading to catchy rhythmic dynamics and vibrant melodic soloing.

“Det Brenne I Glaasi” often emphasizes the band’s classic heavy rock roots with solid rounds of killer guitar riffs but later will acquire exquisite gloomy tonalities that render the melodic passages darker than usual channeling wintry vibes.

“Leitar” aims for an extra groovy sound without losing its inner sinister mood so you’ll hear plenty of galloping gritty guitar riffs leading to utterly grave rhythmic patterns as well as cold melodic tonalities.

The final track “Den Onde Sirkel” is full of heavy rock hooks confidently crafted by steady guitar riffing and here the general darkened mood is also influenced by the grim slow burning guitar soloing  while the cavernous growls are still fueled by a primordial black metal force.

It all started when Ese left Vreid in 2010 and now Slegest has confidently developed a signature music style and what comes to life on “Introvert” is an explosive yet remarkably darkened collection of groovy songs.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXPlgQnZoGI

Arsis – Visitant

Finally returning to the metal scene, technical melodic death metal veterans Arsis aim to conquer more acolytes worldwide with the savage effort “Visitant” which being the first new album in five years will certainly generate interest and high expectations.

There is an overwhelming atmospheric obscurity on “Tricking The Gods” which can sound extremely vicious with the relentless meticulous guitar work meant to build heavy technical grooves enhanced by thunderous drumming and ravenous vocals yet the guitar leads are ready to craft compelling melodic phrases.

“Hell Sworn” doesn’t waste any time and immediately delivers ferocious guitar riffs, monstrous bass lines and massive drum blasts maintaining a palpable instrumental ferocity until utterly somber guitar leads emerge with melodic grandeur.

“As Deep As Your Flesh” features another infectious sonic assault courtesy of a steady fierce rhythmic section full of roaring guitar riffs while the leads generate an enjoyable technical melodic momentum.

“A Pulse Keeping Time With The Dark” tends to focus on a darkened melodic approach following dramatic tonalities naturally expressed by loads of variegated stylish lead guitars but such slower moody ensemble doesn’t sacrifice the song’s inner menacing technical death metal nature.

“Dead Is Better” goes back to a full blown death metal anthemic formula with the evident sonic aggression that spontaneously leads to a truly nightmarish soundscape due to the extreme speed and the frenetic guitar driven grooves.

Since the beginning “His Eyes” puts darkly melodic guitars and haunting soloing in the spotlight creating less intimidating instrumental passages yet there are still moments of sheer brutality in the recurrent bold rhythmic patterns.

While on “Visitant” Arsis showcase a personal ‘techy’ identity which is definitely inspired by all shades of the death metal subgenres they never refrain from blending diverse tonalities and still remain committed to their wicked signature style.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnm8hHyLoLc

Avast – Mother Culture

Norwegian band Avast certainly draws inspiration from primal black metal and atmospheric post-rock, such strong music influences and a philosophical concept generate the debut full length “Mother Culture”.

The title track feels like an ode to darkness beginning with extra somber arrangements swiftly followed by a quite brutal sonic assault where fast blackened grooves are crucial yet there will be moments of compelling introspective tranquility and maybe hopefulness with fragile atmospheric arrangements and melancholic guitar melodies.

Leaving behind any aggressive dynamics “The Myth” dwells in a dreamy limbo where lovely weeping guitars naturally create a magical melodic ensemble characterized by mellow phrases and shimmering rhythmic crescendos.

Dark tonalities and melancholy infused guitar passages introduce “The World Belongs To Man” which stands out for the versatile intricate structure and will often acquire a fierce blackened core featuring a fast paced harsh rhythmic section and savage growls.

There is an inner moody serenity on “Man Belongs To The World” starting with moving arpeggios and then evolving into a more obscure soundscape favoring occasional blackened bursts while softer guitar harmonies and introvert atmospheres maintain an essential melodic approach.

Newcomers Avast have already developed a personal music vision which blends the evident Norwegian black metal heritage and the striking blackgaze atmospheres yet showcases the potential to go beyond such subgenres as this is just the beginning of their promising music journey.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_pYSniSOTk

Helrunar – Vanitas Vanitatvm

German black metallers Helrunar proudly invite you to join their obscure music journey with the latest album “Vanitas Vanitatvm” with an elegant title that refers to a famous ode by 17th century poet Andreas Gryphius.

“Saturnus” instantly evokes a gloomy grandeur diligently crafted by a grim melodic ensemble that will ultimately embrace a traditional blackened framework with ferocious guitar and drums dynamics leading the way to bottomless obscurity while the mood will become particularly dramatic during the gentle acoustic breakdown.

Since the very beginning “Lotophagoi” sounds more brutal focusing on savage blackened rhythmic sections with fluent tremolo picking and uncompromising speed and certainly the resulting ominous tonalities are further amplified by diabolical growls while lead guitars are ready to add slower hypnotizing melodies.

Simply put “Nachzehrer” is a stunning song where the whole instrumental ensemble is fueled by profound sinister vibes and immense darkness delivering constant fascinating gelid guitar melodies that follow a painfully slow tempo and an inevitable impending doom is enhanced by a mesmerizing series of absolutely dramatic narratives.

“Als die Welt zur Nacht sich wandt” returns to a heavier blackened rhythmic galore offering relentless guitar riffing and viciously fast drumming which lead to asphyxiating feelings until the instrumentation slows down dramatically favoring a brief yet meaningful calmer melodic momentum.

Still dwelling within a realm of impossible darkness “Necropolis” puts the spotlight on captivating melodic guitars that introduce a groovy round of riffs that will eventually morph into a harsher blackened entity but lead guitars also create plenty of delightful slower mournful melodies. The song’s finale naturally fades into the pure melancholy of the enchanting outro “Der Tag an dem das Meer seine Toten freigibt” where delicate yet incredibly intense baroque strings feel like a sincere ode to darkness.  

Conceptually addressing different forms of vanity and narcissism “Vanitas Vanitatvm” revolves around misanthropic themes and undiluted darkness therefore Helrunar rightfully draw inspiration from their prominent black and doom metal roots to successfully convey poetic splendor and total decadence.  

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byZoNqtJx68

Skálmöld – Sorgir

Icelandic vikings Skálmöld triumphantly return with the sixth studio album “Sorgir” which takes you on an epic Nordic music adventure celebrating the traditions and the beauty of their motherland.

The bold rhythmic core of the album opener “Ljósið” naturally dictates a wintry mood further amplified by majestic chants and powerful growls and it’s like warriors are in position for the next bloody battle surrounded by the somber tonalities of soaring guitar riffs.  

“Brúnin” revolves around groovy rhythmic sections with a fiery round of extra heavy guitar riffs that fluently maintain an enraged mood yet solemn chants are still present to enhance the viking spirit while the charismatic guitar solo is all about wild shredding and melodic vibes.

“Gangári” can be faster and even vicious with incessant guitar driven grooves and primordial growls until lead guitars shift the focus to soothing melancholic melodies and entertaining crispy soloing.  

The nostalgic guitar phrases at the beginning of “Móri” foreshadows the gloomy melodic ensemble that will hold a crucial role throughout the song and become especially prominent during the atmospheric breakdown nevertheless the band still delivers a proper viking metal framework with aggressive rhythmic segments and belligerent growls.  

With a heavy structure “Mara” showcases many solemn moments featuring folk inspired acoustic guitar passages that naturally channel mystical vibes while the guitar solo here is particularly memorable with plenty of shredding as well as a shimmering melodic approach.

Listening to “Sorgir” you might need to be ready for a battle on snowy mountains as this is a full blown viking metal album and Skálmöld share their chosen music pathway with genuine passion and devotion.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFma774ftyI

Emma Ruth Rundle – On Dark Horses

Charismatic artist Emma Ruth Rundle returns with the magical fourth solo album “On Dark Horses” which will spellbind the listeners with an intimate songwriting style and hypnotic soundscapes.

“Fever Dreams” is a captivating album opener where post-rock elements tend to generate hazy atmospheres, moody waves of guitar melodies and edgy distorted crescendos that elegantly surround Emma’s haunting vocal performance characterized by sincere emotions and impeccable delivery.

“Control” begins with a mix of opulent serenity and melancholic feelings that enhances the intricate harmonious patterns and Emma’s graceful vocal delivery while guitars shift from minimalist melodies to significantly heavier blasts.

Emma’s voice is particularly enchanting on “Darkhorse” which can feel darkly romantic and profoundly sorrowful at the same time depicting introspective struggles through remarkable somber guitar melodies and hopeful feelings through dazzling rhythmic variations within dreamy atmospheric layers.

The eerie melodic splendor of “Dead Set Eyes” amplifies a bittersweet mood with nostalgia infused atmospheric arrangements yet darkly energetic guitar phrases are often fueled by a rather uplifting rhythmic urgency.

Lavish atmospheric textures and minimalist heartfelt melodies lead the way on “Light Song” which features a charming vocal duet with Evan Patterson and particularly dense guitar work marching through blurred post-rock inspired rhythmic segments.

“On Dark Horses” constantly evoke an emotional whirlwind as romanticism and darkness naturally embrace through these songs that Emma Ruth Rundle composes and performs following a stunning personal music vision.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obvHacBj6Sc

Oberon – Aeon Chaser

The music style of Oberon is classified as Gnostic rock as with this project Norwegian singer/songwriter Bard Oberon has been exploring the inner process of human destiny and the brand new release “Aeon Chaser” continues to have a strong philosophical nature.

“Omega” opens the album with a clever mixture of triumphant arrangements and dreamy atmospheric layers while crispy vocals naturally flow through the intricate proggy rhythmic patterns.

“Walk In Twilight” has a darker mood often amplified by crunchy guitar riffs while the leads are always ready to spice up the cohesive rhythmic core with brighter melodies.

“To Live To Die” feels like a sorrowful ballad following a softer rhythm with loads of minimalist acoustic guitars and mellow keyboards arrangements until a groovy momentum takes the center stage with classic prog oriented dynamics.

Darkened emotions linger on “Black Aura” favoring a heartfelt vocal delivery and melancholic melodies yet the song will drastically change pace and mood with experimental electro arrangements and heavily distorted guitar tonalities that lead to a spacey atmospheric ensemble.

“The Secret Fire” offers fluent rock grooves with vintage vibes and bold riffage yet the lead guitar work features crystalline tones generating interesting proggy melodies.  

“Surrender” focuses on atmospheric soundscapes often characterized by futuristic electro accents but later gives way to fiery bass lines and heavier guitar riffs to deliver catchy prog grooves.

Oberon’s sonic approach always feels widely accessible and drawing inspiration from a multitude of genres the composition of “Aeon Chaser” certainly relies on intricate textures and a profound spiritual aura.  

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gWpE6ysgYk

A Forest Of Stars – Grave Mounds And Grave Mistakes

British avantgarde black metal collective A Forest Of Stars takes William Blake’s proverb “Exuberance is beauty” as its principle to create an intricate ensemble of atmospheric textures and blackened force on the brand new effort “Grave Mounds And Grave Mistakes”.

“Precipice Pirouette” immediately showcases the unpredictable nature of the entire record with histrionic vocal delivery telling a dark story that follows the extremely frantic tremolo picked riffing and consequent fast obscure rhythmic crescendos until a sudden sense of peace generate somber atmospheres and melodic moments.

“Tombward Bound” is not just a song but rather a theatrical piece where the intense dramatic narratives and tormented melodic phrases are surrounded by an eclectic ensemble of modern electro textures, bleak atmospheric layers and blackened dynamics that will always surprise the listeners.

Bittersweet emotions are extremely amplified on “Taken By The Sea” as ethereal atmospheres and graceful vocals hold a crucial role adorned by refined violin melodies with evident dreamy folk vibes and gothic inspiration.

At the same time “Scripturally Transmitted Disease” channels Victorian grandeur and traditional black metal around frenetic or simply crazy theatrical vocals and loads of brooding melodies but this song will become even darker towards the end with peaceful minimalist harmonies.

“Decomposing Deity Dance Hall” can be immensely dramatic in so many unexpected ways as lovely acoustic passages and violin craft classical melodic themes imbued with profound melancholy and traditional folk vibes yet the band manages to add variety with shimmering electro arrangements and uncompromising blackened grooves.  

At times “Grave Mounds And Grave Mistakes” can be a challenging album, confidently and constantly evolving into a unique sonic entity that certainly holds dear its inner blackened roots but with complete creative freedom A Forest Of Stars often pushes genre boundaries.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wkY1SUzXPk

Gösta Berlings Saga – Et Ex

The polychromatic instrumental adventure of Gösta Berlings Saga begins in 2000 in the Stockholm suburb of Vällingby and now the band has the chance to reach a wider audience worldwide with the brand new effort “Et Ex”.

With a somber mood “The Shortcomings of Efficiency” offers haunting multilayered atmospheres that steadily surround crispy and utterly eclectic guitar melodies with an intriguing prog rock approach and retro tonalities but the song often tends to change pace and style in order to build cinematic soundscapes.

With a melancholic nature immediately expressed by ethereal piano harmonies “Artefacts” follows softer rhythmic dynamics where guitars and synths embrace to craft intense atmospheres, bizarre electro layers and dreamy melodies.

“Capercaillie Lammergeyer Cassowary & Repeat” is another strange track where variegated synths constantly provide mysterious atmospheric sections with increasing dramatic intensity.

On “Fundament” there is a multitude of moody lead guitar melodies confidently channeling classic prog rock elements in the midst of opulent atmospheric arrangements that naturally shift from hazy tones to darker nuances.

There are evident prog roots behind “Et Ex” which often feels more like a movie soundtrack relying heavily on synths and unusual sonic textures and in the end you might notice that Gösta Berlings Saga is not a typical prog band.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUuGW9GWsnU

 

Voivod – The Wake

For over thirty five years Canadian cosmic-metal warriors Voivod have followed a unique and often unusual music pathway leading to groundbreaking songs that shook the metal scene and now they are ready to surprise you again with the 14th studio album “The Wake”.

You feel lost in outer space when “Obsolete Beings” begins with bizarre suspenseful tones swiftly followed by a solid round of guitar riffs bearing an old school thrash influence but there is also a soothing melodic streak and soloing with evident dissonant accents.

On “The End Of Dormancy” guitars focus on calmer melodic nuances but soon will offer challenging prog metal oriented rhythmic segments following odd tempo variations and a post apocalyptic mood amplified by technical guitar soloing, consequently towards the end of the song you might start feeling a bit dizzy.

“Orb Confusion” is a mind trip featuring an engaging rhythmic core full of frantic dissonant progressions yet nothing feels forced as technical guitars march fluently well supported by sharp bass lines and precise drumming while vocals acquire a hectic theatrical delivery.

“Always Moving” might seem a ‘normal’ song due to the soothing melodic ensemble provided by crystalline guitars yet with strong prog vibes the feverish rhythmic sections offer loads of unexpected dissonant dynamics and sudden tempo variations.

“Sonic Mycelium” gives you a chance to really space out for over 12 minutes as this epic track is constantly shapeshifting blending dreamy nuances and nightmarish vibes because you are still stuck in a chaotic sonic realm. The flamboyant guitar work certainly stands out for the audacious proggy riffage following sophisticated rhythmic dynamics and adding brighter melodies to such multifaceted core that will surprise the audience once again with the lavish string arrangements in the song’s classical outro.

Far from being an average album “The Wake” represents a new refreshing and definitely intricate chapter in Voivod’s career, a cosmic journey with dystopian visions especially expressed by the ever changing sonic textures and dissonant moments.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ToK9VLJcxU