Fronted by talented photographer/artist Andy Julia, Soror Dolorosa worked four years to deliver the latest dystopian opus “Apollo”. With a dark soul and a nostalgic aura “Apollo” blends a visionary mixture of music influences focusing on a memorable melodic composition.

The title track features minimalist melodic tapestries with fragile guitars and an emotive dramatic mood yet holds great ardor particularly palpable in the passionate vocal delivery and goth rock rhythmic backbone.

“That Run” offers melancholic ambient atmospheres with soft catchy retro pop oriented arrangements that channel an introspective palette of bittersweet emotions.

“Everyway” amplifies the dark wave vibes as electrifying guitar melodies and vibrant bass lines grow stronger in a crescendo of distorted somber rhythmic textures.

“Night Is Our Hollow” feels particularly sorrowful with ethereal atmospheres and exquisite post-rock nuances that convey a taste for dark romanticism.

“Breezed & Blue” opens with tranquil minimalist yet charismatic bass and guitar ensemble that gradually acquires a wilder darkened energy while intense vocals depict a fervent emotional soundscape.

“The End” has a groovy dark rhythm that would favor a goth dance party under the moonlight but moody guitars also continue to craft impeccably melancholic melodies.

“Epilogue” closes the album with enchanting atmospheric quality as elegant kaleidoscopic arrangements and distant soulful vocals convey the end of a journey with a profound nostalgia.

Certainly “Apollo” draws inspiration from the retro goth/dark scene and cold wave but Soror Dolorosa has definitely achieved a unique music pathway that reaches its artistic acme on this alluring album.

Icelandic post-rock/drone band GlerAkur has released the debut album elegantly entitled “The Mountains Are Beautiful Now” originally written for, and inspired by, the play ‘Fjalla-Eyvindur og Halla’, performed at the National Theatre of Iceland in the winter of 2015.

“Can’t You Wait” designs a cold microcosm that acquires a dreamlike consistency with fluid electro/drone moments surrounded by mystical atmospheres that can become harsher with recurring acidic distorted guitar dynamics.

On “Strings” GlerAkur depicts a realm of dark beauty where vibrant post- rock melodies and peaceful ambient accents guide the listeners through vast quiet landscapes lost in the middle of nowhere.

“Fagurt er á fjöllunum núna” feels otherworldly and almost completely detached from the sad ugly reality. The ambience tones have the crispy texture of glaciers and the ethereal quality of a sudden aurora borealis as ravishing cinematic atmospheric arrangements flow into a darker enigmatic electrified crescendo.

To fully appreciate and embrace the music quality of “The Mountains Are Beautiful Now” it would be best to listen to the whole album without interruptions as this is a truly inspired theatrical work of music rather than your average debut album.

 

“Les Irreals Visions” is the poetic title of the new full length by Spanish band Foscor. The album elegantly blends darkened progressive metal nuances and inspired atmospheres that always evoke a dreamlike state and cathartic soundscapes.

A profound melancholia pervades “Instants” as dark minimalist guitar melodies flow like dreamy waves but eventually gain moody energy and some instrumental sections evoke pale distant lights.

“Ciutat Tragica” feels more energetic with a faster rhythm, a series of tight guitar riffs and acidic reverb but the overall atmosphere still channels blurry dreams that acquire a sense of pure nostalgia with simple piano melodies in the song’s finale.

“Espectres Al Cau” features a post-black/shoegaze spirit as soft hazy guitar melodies lead the way through desolate landscapes and rich atmospheric arrangements but there are also scattered heavier instrumental passages.

The introspective title track amplifies the shoegaze elements with graceful distant reverb and minimalist guitar melodies that here hold particularly sorrowful tones while the vocals express fragile emotions.

“Traces Morbides” closes the album with stylish melodic fluidity provided by vivid guitar melodies that often acquire an extra gritty edge while the atmospheric vibes provide peaceful harmonious textures.

With “Les Irreals Visions” Foscor sincerely depicts an ethereal realm of kaleidoscopic melodies and avant-garde heavier moments dwelling in a limbo between absolute darkness and luminous dreams.

There has been a lot of hype about what mastermind Jari Mäenpää would create for his devoted fans, now that Wintersun’s new effort “The Forest Seasons” is available certainly the audience will be at least relieved or genuinely intrigued. The album is rightfully inspired by the timeless beauty of Finland’s nature and surroundings therefore there is a strong taste for Nordic melancholic poetry.

“Awaken From The Dark Slumber (Spring)” can be grandiose and solemn due to well structured atmospheric/symphonic orchestrations but also holds a blackened mood with vicious growls and relentless guitar riffing.

“The Forest That Weeps (Summer)” is characterized by the beloved Scandinavian icy cold melancholy that naturally surrounds and inspire the whole instrumentation. While guitar riffs and tormented growls channel primordial death metal elements the softer heartfelt guitar melodies adorned by tasteful symphonic arrangements and majestic choirs appear to be more interesting and compelling.

“Loneliness (Winter)” is a particularly graceful work of music that immediately conquers the listeners evoking desolate gloomy landscapes with mellow classical influenced orchestrations and dramatic clean vocals delivery. Wintersun doesn’t forget to render everything even colder and mournful with the addition of desperate growls and tight sorrowful guitar riffs.

Seasons might change but Wintersun doesn’t consistently offer the expected wide music variety on each track which sometimes might feel unnecessarily too lengthy, nevertheless “The Forest Seasons” keeps alluring epic vibes and showcases a cohesive songwriting style.

Progressive/alternative rock band Sea In The Sky is ready to release the first full length entitled “Everything All At Once”.

“Dreamer” features a relaxed, at times emotional, mood with an easy chorus and loads of polished melodic guitars that could definitely appeal to a wide audience, also it must be noted that everything becomes more interesting when the band introduces some lovely jazzy patterns and tempo variations.

On “Pale Blue Dot” guitars maintain the leading role with refined luminous melodies and occasionally acquire an intriguing series of full blown progressive dynamics resulting in pleasant shredding leads.

“Neck Romancer” is a moody track that delivers groovy syncopated rhythms and the band spices up the melodic core with intricate guitar work.

On “Overview Effect” guitars keep the listeners engaged blending multifaceted prog oriented melodies while the mood becomes particularly poignant with passionate vocals and dreamy harmonies.

The catchy title track focuses on polychromatic layers of smooth guitar melodies that channel positive energy and peaceful vibes.

“Everything All At Once” is a promising debut album, while many songs are filled with several catchy moments the main highlights can be certainly found in the eclectic fresh rhythms and the quite enjoyable guitar work.

Lovers of sweaty and passionate psychedelic rock will absolutely appreciate Radio Moscow’s signature style. The power trio is back with a lavish full length entitled “New Beginnings” that promises a nostalgic rock wild ride with excellent musicianship and authentic passion for a music genre that should never be forgotten.

“New Beginning” naturally comes out of a rock jam and never ceases to surprise and intrigue the listeners with plenty of perfectly executed entertaining guitar solos that fully channel the nostalgic harmonies of 60’s/70’s rock. The band nails the vintage sound and doesn’t refrain from getting wild and loud with unstoppable groovy rhythms.

“Deceiver” feels like tripping in the middle of the desert as it is filled of hypnotizing guitar melodies & riffs assuring a constant tight groove that keeps on gaining acrobatic strength and will inevitably make you jump and dance like there’s no tomorrow.

“No One Knows Where They’ve Been” features another overdose of glamorous untamable guitar licks/solos following a moody electrified rhythm and everything feels like an impromptu dazed jam as the band has no interest in playing it safe to satisfy any given music marketing standard.

With a majestic thick vintage guitar sound “Pacing” flows smoothly packing all kinds of catchy fancy guitar work and raw energetic vocals that will eventually make you feel a bit dizzy.

“Dreams” would favor a state of altered perception as once again the guys in Radio Moscow are deliberately engaged in an intricate edgy rock/bluesy jam and the mesmerizing vintage psychedelic vibes are skillfully embedded in every fuzzy guitar riff and bass line particularly when the song reaches a slower artsy trance.

Radio Moscow demonstrate great talent as without any hesitation they unleash a spontaneous hyper energetic jam channeling the renowned raw power of retro psychedelic rock and the whole album “New Beginnings” will certainly sound even more charismatic in a live performance.

Greek orchestral extreme metal icons Septicflesh continue to impress the audience with the majestic new release “Codex Omega”. Like Titans marching through a world of ruins, Septicflesh doesn’t refrain from creating impossibly heavy technical music but also focuses on magnificent orchestrations that always provide an ancestral epic feel throughout “Codex Omega”.

The precise eclectic composition is immediately striking on the opener “Dante’s Inferno” where classical triumphant orchestrations introduce a rather savage ensemble of thick guitar riffs and punishing drum blasts. Incredibly vicious growls match the heavy guitar driven fury while flamboyant symphonic layers and softer melodic guitars evoke a mystical atmosphere.

“Portrait Of A Headless Man” channels plenty of ominous atmospheres with terrific grave orchestral compositions that hold a seminal role here as on the whole album while in contrast the rhythmic guitar driven core can be particularly fast and diabolically fierce.

Surrounded by otherworldly strings “Enemy Of The Truth” destroys and conquers with audacious heavy guitar riffs and acquires higher dramatic vibes with memorable avant-garde symphonic arrangements and solemn operatic choirs.

“Dark Art” cannot go unnoticed with its inner palpable occult/spiritual mood clearly expressed by symphonic orchestrations that evoke an immense darkness constantly enhanced by somber yet catchy clean vocals and enchanting melodic guitar work with a sensational crispy sound.

Surrounded by subtle symphonic layers “Our Church Below The Sea” continues to blend relentless thunderous guitar riffs but also less intimidating harmonies that become quite catchy in the chorus featuring dazzling clean vocals.

“Faceless Queen” features another round of compelling majestic orchestrations that conjure a darkened eerie mood especially enhanced by sumptuous strings. The rhythmic core remains absolutely heavy with untamable ferocious riffing & drumming but everything feels even more magnificent when slower tempo and melodic guitars take the lead delivering haunting melancholy.

Far from being your average death metal record, “Codex Omega” can unleash the expected chaotic sonic assault but definitely explores diverse music territories to create a more unique obscure collection of songs.

Those who fell in love with the classical symphonic aspect of Septicflesh’s music will be delighted to find that the CD and vinyl LP come with an extra disc comprised of three orchestral tracks featuring the Filharmonic Orchestra of Prague.

Beloved gothic metal pioneers Paradise Lost return with the intense new album “Medusa”. Focusing on depressing reality and the timeless crushing depths of doom/gothic metal style Paradise Lost continue to impress with fierce songwriting and mature musicianship.

“Fearless Sky” stands out for the killer guitar riffs executed with perfect traditional doom majesty. The whole instrumentation follows a particularly heavy pathway, Nick Holmes delivers impressive harsh vicious growls and everything feels immensely desolate until solemn clean vocals and some groovy melodic guitar leads emerge from the bottomless darkness with raw charismatic energy.

“Gods Of Ancient” is filled with vigorous thick guitar riffs in a towering rhythmic crescendo that naturally evoke a mystical stark atmosphere. Nick’s vocal delivery confidently matches the massive doom tinged darkness carrying tremendous wrath and the guitar work seamlessly adds enchanting melodies to the thunderous rhythm.

“The Longest Winter” is undoubtedly one of the most charismatic tracks on the album as melodic guitars never fail to conjure emotional and highly melancholic melodies. Building a cohesive backbone of mournful doom oriented impossibly thick rhythmic guitar riffs & bass lines, Paradise Lost creates a cold realm of pure hopeless desolation adding a perfectly crestfallen mix of wistful clean vocals and borderline desperate growls.

The title track has an arcane atmosphere as thick guitar riffs concoct a rather majestic mood. Nick’s clean vocals hold a cathartic melancholy that becomes particularly ardent in the memorable chorus while Greg Mackintosh delivers an overdose of somber addictive guitar melodies in proper gothic fashion.

Confidently marching through the void that threatens us everyday “Blood And Chaos” keeps a grandiose heavy core but immediately delivers loads of groovy guitar riffs gaining faster pace with more vibrant and less gloomy rhythmic moments.

Because of talented long standing bands like Paradise Lost we can safely say that gothic metal is still relevant in the super chaotic metal scene. With an impeccable cold monolithic sound “Medusa” proudly dwells in a profound darkness that constantly and inevitably fuels and inspires Paradise Lost’s music legacy.