Category: Album Reviews 2019

Ringworm – Death Becomes My Voice

In the underground metal scene Cleveland’s metallic hardcore band Ringworm is known for the ferocious music style that leads to the untamed rage behind the 8th studio album “Death Becomes My Voice”.

The title track sounds extremely dark and hostile focusing on a belligerent rhythmic rampage full of relentless bold guitar riffs and merciless drumblasts plus the vocals add some chaotic despair to such aggressive dynamics.

On “Acquiesce” chunky guitars add some slower incisive variations channeling a substantial thrash metal force with the right dose of sharp riffs that this time don’t require an excessive speed to make an impact.

“Dead To Me” relies on steady savage guitar riffs to build punishing rhythmic patterns maintaining a fierce darkened mood with the addition of catchy soloing while the inner fury is fully expressed by the insanely vicious screams.

On “Dying By Design” the guitar work is once again fundamental in the creation of unrestrained inflamed rhythmic segments deeply influenced by classic thrash & death metal and spontaneously reach utterly chaotic moments.

“Final Division” hits you in the face with persistent punishing guitar riffs and oppressive vibes but almost gives you time to breathe with an entertaining somber breakdown amplified by the mighty sludge tonalities of the guitar solo.

Since thirty years Ringworm are dedicated to the most brutal aspects of thrash metal & hardcore so without special effects or surprises “Death Becomes My Voice” delivers the overdose of straightforward enraged grooves that fans would expect.

Spirit Adrift – Divided By Darkness

Arizona based heavy metal outfit Spirit Adrift started as the solo project of multi instrumentalist Nathan Garrett and now has become a full band ready to reach another milestone with the release of the third full length “Divided By Darkness” which focuses on a more elaborate songwriting approach with evident classic metal influences.

“We Will Not Die” has an anthemic structure that aims to grab your attention instantly with explosive guitar riffs and skillful melodic leads characterized by delightful crispy tonalities so the focus here is on the creation of impactful heavy metal grooves.

The strength of the title track undoubtedly comes from the impressive guitar work that delivers loads of sharp riffs again executed in proper classic heavy metal style impeccably supported by a fiery rhythmic section as well as tasteful and often quite melancholic melodic phrases enhanced by soulful atmospheric layers.

Even if it’s not a full blown ballad “Tortured By Time” feels even more nostalgic with truly passionate vocal harmonies surrounded by stylish guitar progressions that add an elegant melodic depth and ultimately emphasize the somber emotional turmoil.

“Hear Her” is full of intense galloping guitar riffs keeping a cohesive series of memorable bold grooves that proudly carry the torch for traditional heavy metal yet sound like a variegated sonic ensemble as soaring lead guitars always add memorable licks.

The instrumental grand finale “The Way Of Return” revolves around massive cosmic melodies and epic vibes with a complex structure that still puts the spotlight on the excellent guitar work this time engaging the listeners more than ever with the hypnotic power of slow burning harmonies intensified by the delightfully psychedelic tinged atmospheric arrangements.

While Spirit Adrift certainly showcase strong 80’s/90’s metal roots at the core of “Divided By Darkness” they also work hard to ensure a compelling sonic diversity and to develop a unique identity that can sound relevant in the modern metal scene.

 

Arch / Matheos – Winter Ethereal

Progressive rock virtuosos John Arch and Jim Matheos, renowned for their work in Fates Warning, have joined forces under the Arch / Matheos banner to create a stylish immersive collection of songs on the sophomore album “Winter Ethereal”.

The monumental album opener “Vermillion Moons” truly holds a passionate soul that fully comes to life since the very beginning through smoldering guitar melodies that will continue to add melancholic aesthetics and emphasize the dazzling vocal delivery generating a stunning emotional whirlwind but there are also memorable heavier grooves carefully crafted by bold guitar riffs.

“Wanderlust” provides a fair dose of catchy energetic rhythmic patterns that certainly showcase the flawless musicianship further emphasized by the elegant polished guitar solos while the shimmering melodic waves evoke poignant feelings matched by the perfect high pitched vocals.

“Wrath Of The Universe” has a prominent heavier approach in fact the fiery guitar work provides loads of intense crunchy riffs following faster rhythmic segments supported by precise drumming and enriched by interesting fancy prog twists but also features some bright melodic guitar phrases amplified by Arch’s vibrant vocal harmonies.

On “Pitch Black Prism” the atmosphere becomes quite gloomy due to the dramatic vocal delivery and the refined bittersweet guitar melodies yet this is not a simple slow & sad track as the explosive rhythmic segments ensure solid bursts of energy often focusing on majestic prog metal acrobatics.

With a particularly intricate structure “Kindred Spirits” symbolizes the album’s music direction with the allure of flourishing melodic essence and an evident progressive metal grandeur that lead to diverse instrumental progressions as guitars naturally & skillfully shift from heavier riffage to profoundly contemplative moments without forgetting to add a generous dose of sophisticated shredding and certainly such contrasting aspects are well expressed also by the wide range of Arch’s vocal performance.

Considering that in the progressive rock/metal circles Arch and Matheos are known since many years for their exceptional talent “Winter Ethereal” certainly reflects all their skills offering a balanced blend of impeccable prog dynamics and emotionally driven melodic passages.

Silver Snakes – Death And The Moon

As Los Angeles-based quartet Silver Snakes continues to evolve in order to develop a solid music identity that will impress the audience the new full length “Death And The Moon” offers a catchy blend of dark rock nuances and dancey electro/industrial beats.

“Smokedance” relies on multilayered danceable grooves that will evolve into an alt rock ensemble when guitars add some crunchy riffs and vocals focus on an easy chorus.

On “Worship” the relentless electro beats evoke darker nuances with a subterranean mood and an evident harsh industrial flair that would still work on the dance floor and benefits also from the slightly tormented filtered vocals.

“Wool” delivers a groovy mixture of contrasting gritty industrial elements courtesy of edgy electro arrangements and a melodic rock rampage as guitars and vocals work harmoniously to provide a generous dosage of catchy vibes.

On “Eclipse” you can immediately perceive a huge Nine Inch Nails influence and the experimental accents of the atmospheric layers successfully add a dramatic depth that demands a moody vocal delivery and loads of gloomy guitar tonalities.

On “Black Fire” there are some major groovy guitar riffs leading to cool acidic industrial dynamics but there is also an essential melodic core generated by dreamy almost romantic atmospheric arrangements and soft vocals.

“Gone Is Gone” focuses a lot on the electronic direction of the band with blurry atmospheres and modern electro layers that certainly create a quite somber soundscape while guitars amplify the industrial motifs with fierce stomping riffage.

The creative pathway behind “Death And The Moon” leads to a radio friendly rock attitude yet Silver Snakes also seem to feel comfortable within a darker, and definitely more interesting, sonic realm clearly inspired by familiar industrial dynamics.

Full Of Hell – Weeping Choir

Full Of Hell continue to garner attention and critical acclaim in the underground metal scene delivering a unique pulverizing blend of extreme metal subgenres with an unstoppable creative force that this time generates the obscure sonic assault of the new full length “Weeping Choir”.

“Burning Myrrh” has an asphyxiating mood as relentless guitar riffs and constant pummeling drums make you feel dizzy plus the visceral growls seem to aptly emerge from the depths of hell and acquire a dramatic delivery towards the slower finale.

It’s hard to catch your breath when the brief yet rather violent “Haunted Arches” starts to unleash sheer fury with precise ruthless drumming, abrasive guitar riffs and hellish growls following frantic rhythmic patterns.

“Aria Of Jeweled Tears” will leave you shattered gasping for air as the aggressive rhythmic structure never attempts to slow down reaching a chaotic sonic depth through the solemn march of the brutal guitar riffs.

“Armory Of Obsidian Glass” is a complex track that will definitely become a favorite featuring intense ominous vibes that add a subtle mystical flair with doom laden guitar progressions and monolithic drums while the eerie atmosphere enhances the darkened allure of the theatrical chants and the haunting vocals by Lingua Ignota accompanied by desolate guitar phrases.

With a less frenetic rhythmic core “Angels Gather Here” focuses more on hallucinogenic noise concoctions, ghastly sounds and anguished growls within a hopeless dark sonic realm bearing strong electro/industrial influences.

The inner torment of “Ygramul The Many” comes to life through savage rhythmic segments following super fast belligerent drums and such turbulent ensemble is spiced up by the unexpected jazzy dissonant tonalities.

Full Of Hell are always able to surprise the listeners on “Weeping Choir” which is definitely drenched in darkness and could be the perfect soundtrack for an imminent apocalypse representing a hostile sonic manifesto made of claustrophobic noise and menacing blackened bursts.

Dead To A Dying World – Elegy

Texas based experimental dark metal band Dead To A Dying World has meticulously crafted a quite poignant music experience on the new effort “Elegy” which revolves around an interesting lyrical concept analyzing the end of our kind brought about by our own hubris, greed, and desire for power over one another.

“Syzygy” provides a cathartic introduction for the album as dramatic vocals evoke a profound sense of grief that lingers through the tranquil crestfallen guitar tonalities and the delightful strings.

“The Seer’s Embrace” is a monolithic track that aims to constantly showcase contrasting feelings providing a cohesive blackened rhythmic backbone that inevitably embraces the atmospheric post-metal nuances and the delightful nostalgic viola melodies that will guide the listeners through intricate contemplative soundscapes.

“Vernal Equinox” leaves behind the heavier dynamics to focus mainly on the creation of spellbinding melodic progressions that genuinely evoke an intense melancholia surrounding the marvelous vocals by the talented Jarboe.

“Of Moss And Stone” marks a splendid finale with the classical elegance and the wistful tonalities of the viola melodies accompanied by Jarboe’s emotional vocal delivery and such cathartic harmonious ensemble constantly convey bittersweet emotions and will continue to enrich the monumental harsh sonic realm where the thunderous blackened rhythmic patterns and the tormented growls inevitably express feelings of rage and desperation.

While “Elegy” certainly has some primal heavy momentum what Dead To A Dying World achieve through the calmer melodic crescendos tends to stand out evoking the powerful darkened feelings that we always long for.

Dool – Love Like Blood

Dutch dark rock band Dool impressed the audience with the debut album “Here Now, There Then” back in 2017 and while it seems we still have to wait to hear a new full length the band has released the “Love Like Blood” EP which includes a cover of the eponymous Killing Joke classic and two b-side live tracks from Rock Hard Festival. 

“Love Like Blood” is a great cover choice for a band like Dool in fact this fascinating interpretation emphasizes the sultry darkened guitar harmonies with magical atmospheric nuances and the unique vocal delivery of Ryanne van Dorst renders everything passionately mysterious. 

“She Goat” and “In Her Darkest Hour” sound absolutely dark and sultry on this live recording and certainly show the alluring charisma of vocalist Ryanne. 

After many successful live performance it’s evident that Dool has already conquered a solid spot within the underground rock/metal scene as you can hear on the new “Love Like Blood” EP and hopefully they will release more music in the near future. 

Vaura – Sables

After six years New York-based avant/post-metal collective Vaura is ready to share with the world the new album “Sables” characterized by a new wave spirit enriched by a palpable experimental approach.

Overall “Espionage” channels darkwave flavors offering loads of soothing guitar melodies especially enhanced by the inner sadness expressed by the vocals even in the super catchy chorus.   

“Zwischen” can sound utterly mysterious as synths here hold an essential role creating haunting multilayered atmospheric arrangements with borderline dissonant accents while vocals and guitars focus on dreamy comforting melodic lines.   

On “The Ruins (Hymne)” the darkened atmospheric textures ensure a perennial melancholia and such sober feelings are matched by the emotional vocals flowing through the luminous guitar harmonies. 

“Basilisk (The Infinite Corpse)” certainly has an audacious experimental edge as futuristic synths craft enigmatic ambiance tonalities that can sound utterly dark yet at times everything feels fragile like a fading memory as vocals become soft whispers. 

The title track features a blend of cold guitar melodies and moody atmospheric arrangements leading to cinematic soundscapes that will often leave way to a goth influenced rhythmic crescendo. 

“Sables” might not be an impactful album due to the lack of obvious heavy dynamics as Vaura deliberately choose an introspective pathway to depict darkly peaceful soundscapes inspired by multiple subgenres with a prominent goth/darkwave flair. 

Gloryhammer – Legends From Beyond The Galactic Terrorvortex

Founded by Alestorm frontman Christopher Bowes in 2009 Gloryhammer is based on a fantasy concept with an anthemic power metal approach that on the latest album “Legends From Beyond The Galactic Terrorvortex” takes you on a galactic journey with the glorious hero Angus McFife XIII. 

“The Siege of Dunkeld (In Hoots We Trust)” begins with fancy symphonic arrangements and sumptuous choirs clearly reminiscent of many successful symphonic metal bands and certainly the whole song maintains a majestic flair with galloping guitar riffs and the consequent groovy energy necessary to face an important battle.  

On “Masters of the Galaxy” the fight against the evil sorcerer continues with plenty of crunchy guitar riffs following a classic power metal style mid-tempo rhythm and this whole catchy ensemble ultimately leads to a playful sing-along chorus.  

Celebrating the band’s name “Gloryhammer” is particularly pompous but that’s exactly what the fans would expect plus is full of 80’s style keyboards and steady guitar riffs creating a quite catchy rhythm spiced up by additional electro layers and smooth guitar soloing. 

The mood of “Battle For Eternity” definitely matches the title as the band is ready to defend the kingdom with the ardent energy expressed by the groovy instrumental segments and the fierce vocal delivery while the opulent keyboards and the polished melodic guitars add dramatic depth. 

On the grand finale “The Fires of Ancient Cosmic Destiny” Gloryhammer use all their tricks and talents to deliver a bombastic epic opus so get ready for another round of majestic symphonic arrangements enriched by some elegant classical accents, dazzling guitar melodies and massive power metal grooves obviously adorned by solemn choirs and theatrical narratives because this is a heroic tale. 

It cannot be denied that “Legends From Beyond The Galactic Terrorvortex” is an entertaining album carefully crafted by Gloryhammer with evident skills but it might be truly appreciated almost exclusively by devoted lovers of cheesy power metal. 

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

Suldusk – Lunar Falls

Suldusk is a new enchanting project led by Australian talented vocalist Emily Highfield and the debut album “Lunar Falls”, dedicated to the memory of late singer-songwriter Aleah Starbridge, has the power to express a multitude of emotions through melodies and words. 

“Solus Ipse” gives you a glimpse of the ethereal nature of Suldusk’s chosen music pathway starting with delicate arpeggios and dreamy melodic textures yet the elegant folk elements naturally embrace the prominent darker and heavier post-metal dynamics. 

On “The Elm” Emily’s bewitching vocals take the center stage with an exceptionally emotional delivery that inevitably moves the listeners surrounded by subtle atmospheric layers, graceful acoustic phrases and exquisite cello melodies. 

“Aphasia” offers another round of gentle acoustic guitars while the darkened atmospheric arrangements evoke extremely somber feelings that will be further enhanced by the enigmatic distorted crescendos and the occasional tormented screams lurking in the background. 

“Three Rivers” relies on the cinematic nature of the mysterious atmospheric arrangements in contrast with the celestial melodic essence embodied by the wistful vocals and the lavish acoustic passages. 

“Nazaré” feels like a daydream with luminous acoustic tonalities and nostalgic vocal delivery that celebrate the beauty of nature with lovely folk flavors but also convey cathartic emotions through the intricate melodic guitar work. 

The final track “Sovran Shrines” incarnates the spiritual aura of the album offering solace through warm acoustic harmonies that will evolve into a series of fierce yet utterly melancholic rhythmic patterns accompanied by raspy growls following an evident blackened post-metal approach. 

With “Lunar Falls” Suldusk have created a truly immersive music journey that can sound darkly poetic with its inner blackgaze soul but can also comfort and inspire the listeners with simply magical melodic tapestries.