Category: Album Reviews 2018

Michael Schenker Fest – Resurrection

Under the moniker Michael Schenker Fest legendary rock guitarist Michael Schenker releases the latest powerful effort “Resurrection” and for this occasion he has gathered the three M.S.G. singers Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet and Robin McAuley, Doogie White (Michael Schenker’s TEMPLE OF ROCK) as well as musicians Steve Mann (guitars, keyboards), Ted McKenna (drums) and Chris Glen (bass) plus guest appearances from Kirk Hammett, Wayne Findlay and Michael Voss-Schoen are included.

“Heart And Soul” ensures a bombastic beginning unleashing tight old school rock/metal guitar riffs slightly embellished by some subtle symphonic accents while vocals also follow a familiar rocker style and through the solid stomping rhythm Schenker is ready to impress the audience with the expected dosage of elegant shredding and killer guitar acrobatics.

“Warrior” starts slower feeling almost like a standard rock ballad and the whole song does maintain a pleasant melodic essence yet there are also some chunky riffage and battle style big choruses to add rhythmic variations which will ultimately lead to a necessary round of charismatic lead guitar work.

On “Everest” guitar riffs skillfully build more frenetic rhythmic patterns properly bearing classic rock flavors and in general guitars take the expected spotlight delivering multiple compelling licks and solo that will certainly please the listeners.

With a faster tempo “Time Knows When It’s Time” offers some turbulent rhythmic segments but the main melodies diligently follow ‘80s melodic rock templates with the addition of easy big choruses and the whole song ultimately relies on the elegantly precise guitar work.

“Anchors Away” becomes more melancholic with a sumptuous atmospheric background on which guitars and vocals will craft classic catchy melodies with remarkable ‘70s nuances and the polished melodic guitar solo definitely matches such mood.

The instrumental track “Salvation” showcases higher complexity starting with soft atmospheres which introduce a series of highly entertaining guitar melodies that effortlessly express somber emotions as well as classic hard rock flavors as Schenker focuses on his renowned style to deliver impressive progressions.

“The Last Supper” offers another compelling moment with a widely accessible mix of melancholia infused melodies and crunchy guitar riffs that hold a nostalgic ‘80s classic rock mood favoring slower rhythms spiced up by a dazzling guitar solo.

It would be hard to describe this album as groundbreaking but undoubtedly “Resurrection” is an explosive collection of songs designed to please Michael Schenker’s devoted fans and in general classic melodic rock lovers as it contains many catchy classic vibes perfectly executed according to Schenker’s signature fancy style.

Graveshadow – Ambition’s Price

Fronted by charismatic vocalist Heather Michele California based symphonic/gothic-metal band Graveshadow is ready to release the second full length “Ambition’s Price” which embraces the familiar stylish elements of such beloved metal subgenre.

“Doorway To Heaven” marks a strong beginning as ‘90s atmospheric keyboards are particularly dominant surrounding and shaping a simple catchy rhythmic ensemble where guitars focus on a combo of crunchy riffs and polished melodies while Heather’s vocals effortlessly shift from dramatic cleans to enraged growls.

On “Widow And The Raven” guitars and keyboards craft softly epic melodies but there are occasional fierce rhythmic bursts even if the band chooses to deliver an easy minimalist groove and focus more on atmospheric accents and charming vocals.

The title track becomes more melancholic with somber melodic guitars and subtly grandiose keyboards arrangements certainly emphasizing the symphonic aspects that simply embellish the accessible rhythm while vicious growls and some thicker riffing spice up the soft melodic essence.

“The Unspoken” stays true to power metal style riffage and consequent epic vibes with loads of atmospheric layers plus fiery growls certainly channel the ready to battle mood in contrast with the prominent melodic momentum.

The primary melodic nature of “Return To Me” is immediately evident as the band favors melancholic guitar passages, harmonious keyboards breakdowns and ethereal atmospheric layers while Heather focuses on soothing clean vocals to match the general gloomy mood.

“Liberator” cranks up the volume with more frenetic rhythmic patterns as guitars become more present confidently acquiring heavier tonalities accompanied by intense growls and another dosage of symphonic accents featuring haunting organ melodies.

“Ambition’s Price” certainly offers those symphonic/power metal dynamics that conquered many fans in the last two decades and Graveshadow confidently represents the genre delivering cohesive songwriting and musicianship.

Auri – Auri

Mastermind Tuomas Holopainen and Troy Donockley of Nightwish joined forces with popular Finnish singer Johanna Kurkela to create the new music project Auri and the result of their shared passion for music is the cinematic self-titled debut album.

At the very first listening “The Space Between” will introduce the dreamy themes of this album as a poetic mix of understated symphonic arrangements, modern electro elements, traditional folk instrumentation and sophisticated strings melodies create an artsy sonic background for Johanna’s radiant voice.

The vibrant folk approach of “Skeleton Tree” becomes particularly powerful as multiple traditional instruments create multifaceted rhythmic patterns holding an archaic essence but also undeniably catchy beats that often lead to more melancholic atmospheric moments.

On “Desert Flower” strings hold a prominent role impeccably creating a particularly soft melodic flow constantly enriched by minimalist acoustic passages and a soulful vocal duet, consequently the whole song has a relaxing effect on the listeners feeling like a dreamy soundtrack.

Focusing greatly on Johanna’s wistful vocals “Night 13” initially relies on melancholia infused arpeggios and subtle atmospheric layers but will soon embrace a smooth rhythmic crescendo adorned by magical folk nuances.

The soothing sound of waves surrounds “Aphrodite Rising” as keyboards create intricate atmospheric arrangements bearing a luminous positive energy always amplified by elegant strings & piano melodies that naturally depict delicate soundscapes while harmonious minimalist guitars add easy rhythmic dynamics.

“Underthing Solstice” begins with graceful strings soon joined by traditional folk instrumental passages that enhance the song’s inner melodic finesse yet the main focus is Johanna’s emotive vocal delivery that effortlessly matches the gracefulness of the vibrant violin harmonies.

Tuomas has described Auris’ music style as “Rabbit Hole Music and Celestial Metal” and certainly this matches the cinematic fairytale mood of the whole album which also relies on an enchanting blend of Celtic and folk flavors that always evokes peacefully ethereal soundscapes.
Auri

Hamferð – Támsins Likam

Doom has always dealt with terms of love & loss, depression, and the struggle to endure. The devastating album Támsins likam by Faroese Sextet Hamferð is no different in that regard. However, what is different is their desolate and haunting brand of funeral doom that which also references death and black metal but is wholeheartedly genuine in its beautiful bereaved clarity.

The thing that struck me the most throughout my Initial listen was the agency to the band’s arrangements. While we are talking about funeral doom here, and many bands have exploited the dirge tempo aesthetics to death, Hamferð’s music doesn’t always move at funeral procession pace. The songs breathe and contract at a rate majority of band’ s in the same genre don’t seem to. The dynamic shifts from soft to heavy are drastic but rife with impact, each time. The arrangements of the songs, and even the order of the tracks, highlight this fact. There are clever whole band accents (mainly drums and guitars) that pull the listeners ear in a direction only to be offset by a unique vocal harmony or string section that I always was surprised and excited by. While many bands in the doom idiom (especially stoner) use repetition sometimes to their own detriment, Hamferð show that well fleshed our chord progressions with vocal dynamics and additional instrumentation (piano, strings, etc) add a depth to the overall emotional experience crafting a truly memorable listening experience.

Of note is the vocals. Vocalist Jón Aldará (also of Barren Earth fame) delivers an impeccable performance ranging from death rasps that could easily give Mikael Akerfeldt in his glory days a run for his money, Agonizing screams channeling the ghastly being in which this album references, to soaring and majestic clean vocals which are some of the best in the business. While the music of Hamferð is certainly strong enough on its own merits, Aldará elevates the performance to stunning and unforgettable levels.

The opening somber moments of “Fylgisflog” with its ethereal and solemn guitar introduction really sets the scene for this record. The slow burn adds the introduction of Aldará’s vocals giving way to the crushing heaviness of the rest of the song starting at the four-minute mark. I was left stunned at this transition as gooseflesh plagued my body. This example of dynamic building is exemplary of Hamferð’s whole songwriting approach. The latter half of “Hon Syndrast” takes things even further with a black-ish metal part complete with a slow traditional blast beat used at EXACTLY the right moment. However there is some slight respite on the record with the song “Frosthvarv” which takes things in a slower more delicate approach. With the punishing repetition of the final riffs of “Vapín í Anda”, they are making sure you don’t leave this place unscathed. After the re-Introduction of the opening them the emotional havoc inflicted by the end of the song will leave you in shambles…I mean this as the highest compliment and with respect to the atmosphere in which this work was most certainly intended. The hurt never ends.

The production on Támsins likam is superb. Modern tech death this is not. There are no overly produced sample laden drums and the mix is not compressed to all hell. The mix is full and feels gargantuan the space it fills. All the levels for the crushing Guitars, punchy bass, minimalist keys, booming drums, and vocals are perfectly balanced and complimentary to one another. It literally sounds like you are sitting down right in front of the band while listening to this record…or should I say being lowered down into your grave?

While comparisons to “Dreadful Hours” by My Dying Bride, “Brave Murder Day” era Katatonia, and Shape of Despair are certainly apt, it should only serve as reference point for the uninitiated and do nothing to diminish this work which certainly stands out in the rest of the doom pack. Devoid of any trend or adherence to the current metal scenes Támsins likam forges its own path, one of utterly majestic and transcendent doom metal for the modern age.

Deathwhite – For A Black Tomorrow

American trio Deathwhite raises the bar with the release of the first full length “For A Black Tomorrow” focusing on the creation of melancholia infused melodies and an emotional music journey.

“The Grace Of The Dark” immediately showcases the whole album’s gloomy mood blending cohesive guitar melodies and occasional softer contemplative moments through a series of understated elegant rhythmic crescendos always enhanced by a quite genuine vocal delivery.

The desolate mood of “Poisoned” is fully expressed since the very beginning where graceful acoustic harmonies will introduce gothic tinged grooves but will often return to add extra melodic depth and emotional intensity which is also matched by the naturally heartfelt vocals.

“Eden” feels even more melancholic with distant dreamy arpeggios naturally evolving into darker melodic soundscapes where guitars certainly hold a prominent role providing a generous dosage of sorrowful harmonies as well as some more energetic rhythmic dynamics.

“Death And The Master” immediately channels a profound melancholia that will inevitably captivate the listeners with sorrowful minimalist melodies which will soon embrace a distorted darkened rhythmic momentum as guitars build mid-paced catchy grooves and maintain a prominent melodic essence in the solo.

The title track definitely doesn’t deviate from the contemplative music formula which here is further enhanced by a smooth familiar ensemble of crispy guitar riffs and plenty of crestfallen melodies that will recur throughout the song channeling darkly emotional vibes with growing intensity.

While “For A Black Tomorrow” is not exactly groundbreaking, Deathwhite confidently embraces 90’s dark metal signature elements and fills the album with several pleasantly introspective moments & consistent accessible melodic grooves that will easily attract lovers of such genre.

The Absence – A Gift For The Obsessed

Tampa death metal band The Absence finally returns to the scene with the 4th studio album “A Gift For The Obsessed” packing exciting guitar driven grooves mixed with a nice dosage of darkened melo-death moments.

The title track demands attention keeping solid rhythmic bursts full of fancy guitar shredding and several recognizable old school European style death metal elements therefore the whole structure will sound familiar to many and the band never fails to add variegated dynamics, especially with the brilliant lead guitar work, to such winning music formula.

On “Misery Trophies” the band proudly unleashes another round of melo-death grooves keeping tight guitar driven rhythmic blasts that will always lead to sorrowful and often intricately contemplative melodic concoctions that continue to shine for the impressive lead guitars.

Even if the rhythmic patterns might feel less hostile “The Forging” is still filled with many crushing death metal moments with solid guitar riffs and furious growls yet the melodic essence of this track holds a crucial role as guitars focus on darkened & melancholic nuances to craft a series of crispy melodies and full blown shredding solos.

“Septic Testament” amplifies the ferocious aspects of The Absence’s chosen music pathway immediately delivering a savage rhythmic ensemble where thunderous drums and crunchy riffing seem unstoppable but will eventually slow down to offer soothing melodies and spiritual vibes as lead guitars rightfully take the spotlight with creative solos.

Angered guitar riffs take the lead on “Fear Of Existence” fiercely maintaining classic death metal vibes that offer a massive rhythmic backbone to support more complex melodic guitar passages and elegant solos that will further enrich the profoundly dark mood.

On the final track “Idle Thrones” there is never a dull moment as the majestic guitar work ensures great variety shifting from sheer brutality with thick riffs in proper death metal fashion to wildly entertaining guitar solos that will pop up triumphantly multiple times throughout the untamed rhythmic fury always amplified by super intense growls.

After being on hiatus The Absence are now showcasing great band chemistry and while “A Gift For The Obsessed” doesn’t stand out particularly for innovative music style it is definitely a cohesive & highly energetic death metal album.
A Gift For The Obsessed

Monster Magnet – Mindfucker

The long awaited new Monster Magnet album aptly entitled “Mindfucker” is finally within your reach and you can rest assured that Mr. Dave Wyndorf, one of the last true rockers, has plenty of energy and wisdom to deliver an authentic collection of stoner rock anthems and so much more.

“Rocket Freak” hits you right in the face with old school memorable rock riffs that flow easily as Wyndorf’s signature scratchy vocal delivery channels the unforgettable golden age of rockers dragging the listeners into a whirlwind of subtle stoner flavors that call for a good time partying all night but there are also loads of deliciously wild lead guitars to spice up the groovy dynamics.

Besides a straightforward nostalgic rock essence “Soul” starts to channel all those hypnotizing psychedelic twists seamlessly embedded in the guitar work and the alluring inevitably trippy solos while the rhythmic patterns are again built to deliver genuine retro rock vibes and Mr. Wyndorf is ready to add extra stoner nuances with a wildly entertaining vocal performance.

The title track is screaming at you that we are getting minfucked right here and now therefore you can eventually perceive an understated somber mood nevertheless the thick stoner rock riffing can generate an absolutely lovable groove and as the rhythm keeps on acquiring frenetic vibes lead guitars continue to amplify the marvelous psychedelic soul of traditional Monster Magnet’s style.

“I’m God” temporarily slows down with bewitching simple chords evoking a profound nostalgia that will continue to influence the several rhythmic blasts of untamed energy that accompany Wyndorf’s words of wisdom drenched in seasoned rocker style ultimately leading to powerful grooves that will get you moving and additional exquisite lead guitar super trippy moments.

At the very first listening the multifaceted nuances of “Drowning” will get you dizzy and nostalgic with rather melancholic softer melodies and emotionally charged vocals swiftly followed by an irresistible overdose of monolithic stoner rock guitar riffs and intricately elegant leads as the whole song relies on a cathartic blend of bittersweet melodic moments and gritty psychedelia infused passages.

It would be impossible to resist the immense psychedelic stoner rock charisma of “When The Hammer Comes Down” which can be easily considered the most enthralling track on this album and has the potential to become a classic influential song in the future as every guitar riff literally emanates a sultry undiluted rock energy naturally building unstoppable grooves further enriched by lead guitars accents that rightfully belong to the dazed realm of stoner rock, plus Wyndorf’s vocals are on fire.

Dave Wyndorf’s outpouring charisma is clearly well supported by Monster Magnet’s strong line up and the sex drugs & rock ‘n roll grooves of “Mindfucker” would be best enjoyed loud on vinyl but also remember to pay attention to the witty lyrics and read between the lines.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsvvS142wWg
Mindfucker [Explicit]

Necrophobic – Mark Of The Necrogram

With a renewed line up and reinvigorated passion Swedish death metallers Necrophobic return to the scene with the hellish energy of the new release “Mark Of The Necrogram” which triumphantly celebrates a dark renaissance.

The title track arises with unfiltered grotesquery as guitars follow the untamed fury of classic death metal creating moshpit friendly rhythmic dynamics enhanced by the additional fury of diabolical growls yet this is not just random apocalyptic chaos due to a subtle melodic essence that becomes particularly evident in the lead guitar work.

Emerging from a nightmarish abyss “Odium Caecum” initially offers gloomy melodic atmospheres but soon embraces a series of menacing rhythmic segments where infectiously furious drums and guitar riffing inevitably take the lead while the guitar solo crafts a darkened melodic cascade.

On “Tsar Bomba” melancholic melodies are strictly entwined with the crushing attitude of death metal and, as expected, the band focuses on a steady thunderous ensemble of fierce guitar riffs and drums to keep the listeners entertained while the melodic arpeggios of the contemplative breakdown will lead to a quite compelling solo.

The unholy guitar driven grooves of “Lamashtu” will not disappoint the death metal acolytes and the band fiercely adds extra devilish tones with a massive ensemble of maleficent guitar riffs & bass lines dramatically enriched by the sincere melodic twists of lead guitars.

“Requiem For A Dying Sun” continues to effortlessly blend darkened melodic nuances and more extreme rhythmic patterns even without exaggerated speed or brutality as guitars constantly shift from thick riffs to colder soulful harmonies surrounded by dismal atmospheric tonalities.

“From The Great Above To The Great Below” easily offers plenty of death metal oriented energetic grooves and additional ominous blackened dynamics while the lead guitar work focuses on traditional melodic metal progressions to deliver higher variety.

With “Mark of the Necrogram” Necrophobic are marching proudly into Armageddon staying true to their wicked death metal signature style yet never cease to provide extra sonic depth with darkened melodic moments.

Forbidden Seasons – Promise

Italian metal band Forbidden Seasons is eager to make an impact in the music scene with the debut full length “Promise” which stays true to a trendy synths metalcore combo.

Opening the album “Atlantis” aims for a blast of pure distorted energy introduced by a shroud of futuristic atmospheres that will continue to emerge through the tight guitar riffs and bombastic rhythmic patterns mixed with a fair dosage of crispy melodic moments.

On “Thank You For The Venom” layers of atmospheric synths create a suspenseful mood before unleashing a metalcore style fury and continue to provide additional modern harmonies enhanced by a clear melancholic mood throughout the song.

“I’ve Seen The End In Your Eyes” starts with some serious stomping patterns as guitars and drums acquire faster dynamics but once again there is a prominent melodic vibe greatly amplified by softer contemplative guitar melodies in the final part of the song.

In the beginning “The Rejected” favors cold atmospheric synths that soon will give way to ravenous screams and intense guitar riffing further enriched by a clever combination of massive electro accents and emotional melodic textures.

The title track greatly amplifies the cinematic & futuristic aspects of Forbidden Seasons’ musical direction as synths hold a primary role crafting soothing harmonies as well as trendy electro accents while both instrumental passages and vocals maintain an emotionally charged melodic essence.

It would be farfetched to define “Promise” as a groundbreaking album but Forbidden Seasons is a young band willing to improve and acquire the necessary wisdom & experience to smooth the rough edges typical of a debut album and build a solid identity.

Eartheria – Awaken the sun

The Finnish progressive death metal band Eartheria has released its second EP at the beginning  of February.

Two years ago we discovered Eartheria with their first EP “Throes of Time”,
it was immediately clear the potential of this band and we had the confirmation of their talent from their live performances.

Their new EP “Awaken the sun” is going to blow away every dubs; The mini album contains 5 tracks that flow smoothly, the sound is more aggressive and melancholy, the songs are complex with killer riffs and fast drums change-up beats.

What more I love about this album is the balance of the sound, long songs but never boring and the excellent production.

A mention goes also to the artwork, created by Niklas Turunen, which represents very well the essence of the album.

This album is a gem in a sea full of anonymous music, like a cold wind from the north Eartheria comes to refresh the metal scene.

Listen to me; We will hear from Eartheria a lot in the future, they are going to become a well known band.

Last interview with Eartheria
First interview from 2016