Category: Album Reviews 2020

Nightwish – Human. :II: Nature.

Finnish symphonic metal masters Nightwish are undoubtedly considered as one of the most successful metal bands worldwide and the long awaited new dazzling release “Human. :II: Nature.” is certainly an ambitious work of music destined to impress the audience.  

The haunting atmosphere of “Music”creates a suspenseful mood especially enhanced by the tribal percussion and the solemn orchestral crescendo that introduce Floor Jansen’s magical voice and a soothing melodic essence that will gradually pick up an energetic momentum as the rhythmic section acquires familiar symphonic metal dynamics.  

“Noise” reminisces of the band’s acclaimed early albums therefore is bound to become a hit song as the flamboyant symphonic flair becomes stronger with refined multilayered orchestrations that highlight Floor’s charismatic vocal performance and the catchy guitar riffs carefully build up heavier grooves. 

“Pan” feels like an ode to imagination as the enchanting piano harmonies embrace a refined orchestral climax following a detailed composition that will ultimately evolve into a grandiose symphonic metal oeuvre enriched by the sharp guitar riffs and the lush operatic choirs.  

“How’s The Heart” holds a glowing melodic soul so the rhythm slows down to enhance the flawless vocal harmonies and the emotional motif while the folk elements shine brighter with the exceptional Uilleann pipes played by Troy Donockley. 

Just like the title suggests “Tribal” revolves around an ancestral tribal rhythm so guitars naturally acquire darker tonalities leading to significantly heavier inflamed groovy patterns fueled by an ex novo primal energy particularly evident in the monumental drumming. 

On “Endlessness” guitars have the chance to craft polished melancholic melodies expressing poignant feelings while the lavish atmospheric layers definitely amplify the epic vibes and this time Marko Hietala takes the leading vocal role delivering a fiery performance. 

The second part of the album offers the complex opus “All The Works Which Adorn The World” divided in eight movements that showcase a remarkable opulent artistic vision relying on otherworldly classical arrangements and majestic orchestral arrangements. 

On “Human. :II: Nature.” Nightwish choose to focus on an elaborate sumptuous composition that still shows all the beloved characteristic traits of their signature music style yet they audaciously explore luminous neoclassical nuances and traditional folk flavors to create a captivating sonic journey. 

Hällas – Conundrum

Swedish adventure rock quintet Hällas has created the new album “Conundrum”, certainly an enigmatic title matching the mysterious proggy retro rock that often feels like a journey back in time. 

“Beyond Night And Day” arrives straight from the 70s as the vintage vibes are extremely dominant in the groovy combo of guitar riffs and multilayered synths while the slower moments are full of astral vibes. 

The relaxing rhythm of “Strider” seems to belong to another dimension and even if this is not a full blown ballad it does rely on mellow guitar melodies and soothing vocals floating through the trippy atmospheric layers. 

“Labyrinth Of Distant Echoes” shows a higher degree of complexity and evidently the presence of kaleidoscopic synths ensures a rich atmospheric ensemble but guitars have the chance to shine with compelling intricate solos and polished melodic textures. 

In the beginning “Blinded By The Emerald Mist” is all about nostalgia but as soon as the rhythmic section takes over the impressive guitar work leads the way to galloping super trippy rock grooves and the luminous harmonies are enriched by the emotive vocal delivery and the dreamy synths. 

Listening to “Fading Hero” you will notice how the 80s style synths hold an essential role crafting a generous dosage of catchy nostalgic arrangements and the guitar riffs & melodies diligently follow a classic rock formula delivering additional retro dynamics and even psychedelic accents. 

Hällas proudly begin a new cosmic experience and the resulting laid back atmosphere and the visionary composition of “Conundrum” always allow you to space out freely. 

Wolfheart – Wolves Of Karelia

Finnish winter metal quartet Wolfheart are rightfully conquering more acolytes worldwide with their signature blend of Nordic melancholy and vicious death metal that thrives on the fifth full length “Wolves of Karelia”. 

On “Hail Of Steel” the cold atmospheric arrangements and the guitars have the ability to express poignant feelings creating a captivating melodic grandeur in contrast with the audacious riffage that leads to the expected ferocious rhythmic assault enhanced by wolfpack leader Tuomas Saukkonen’s massive growls.

The atmospheric tapestries of “Horizon On Fire” add majestic vibes around the relentless rhythmic core fueled by hostile drum blasts and untamed guitar riffs while the melodic leads create a wonderful series of comforting gloomy progressions.  

“Reaper” goes straight to a powerful rhythmic ensemble with sharp guitar riffs and venomous growls yet such vicious dynamics will often slow down to highlight the darkened melodic essence and the epic keyboards layers. 

“The Hammer” continues to deliver a perfectly balanced mix of death metal inspired rhythmic segments amplified by the ruthless fast drumming and enthralling melodic guitar leads marching through the solemn atmospheric waves that will take the center stage in the final part accompanied by soulful acoustic phrases. 

“Ashes” features a significantly slower tempo to properly emphasize the extensive icy guitar harmonies and the intricate vivid atmospheric arrangements that create a stunning evocative sonic realm therefore the sorrowful emotions tend to linger even through the scattered heavier groovy moments. 

Wolfheart have perfected their winter metal style and successfully shaped a remarkable identity that today shines brighter with the detailed and irresistible gelid soundscapes of “Wolves Of Karelia”. 

Forndom – Faþir

The musical universe of Forndom is deeply influenced by Swedish culture and traditions that lead to the genesis of the wintry soundscapes of the sophomore release “Faþir”. 

The cold dense atmospheric textures and the understated folk motif on “Jakten” feel quite comforting and the brooding blend of exquisite violin melodies and solemn vocals can express so many poignant emotions.  

“Yggdrasil” continues to favor a minimalist approach as the blurry atmosphere naturally embraces the evocative vocal delivery and the subtle pulsating rhythm leading to an ethereal sonic realm. 

The mood becomes increasingly darker on the instrumental track “Finnmarken” with the ancestral monolithic rhythmic patterns embellished by the pure beauty of melancholic violin melodies flourishing through the dreamy atmospheric arrangements. 

“Hel, jag vet mig väntar” marks an immersive sonic experience with the understated atmospheric layers and the arcane nature of the vocals enriched by the harmonious presence of elegant violins. 

Embarking on a spiritual journey, Forndom meticulously creates cinematic soundscapes filled with a profound Nordic melancholy that emphasize the eloquent melodic core of “Faþir”. 

Hyborian – Volume II

Kansas City sludge rockers Hyborian continue to tell the story of the fictional character ‘The Traveller’ who survives the end of the world on the sophomore album “Volume II”.

“Driven By Hunger” immediately hits you in the face with a massive series of guitar driven grooves full of monolithic riffs that showcase an untamed heavy sludge approach while the soloing manages to channel slightly melodic somber vibes. 

“Sanctuary” continues to unleash serious grooves as guitars lead the way with a generous dosage of harsh riffage mixed with some appealing proggy leads well supported by a powerful rhythmic section and a bold vocal delivery.  

“The Entity” is another charismatic track that relies on the gritty strength of the guitar riffs to build constant pummeling rhythmic dynamics but also showcases a darkened mood emphasized by the dismal tonalities of the intriguing solo. 

“Expanse” sounds rather aggressive as ravenous screams highlight the belligerent aspects of the rhythmic rampage yet there are some calmer prog oriented variations that add glowing refined melodies. 

The grand finale is embodied by the complexity of “In The Hall Of The Travellers” which can maintain an unstoppable rhythmic march and guitars tend to amplify the prog metal influences delivering memorable inflamed leads that will ultimately give way to contemplative melodies and futuristic atmospheres. 

Undoubtedly “Volume II” has all the raw energy of sludge embedded in every guitar riff and you can easily appreciate how Hyborian are gradually and confidently developing a personal music vision.  

Devilskin – RED

In the last few years New Zealand quartet Devilskin has been quite busy on the road and now  the time has come to release the fourth album “RED” which feels like a full blown manifestation of energy and passion. 

“Do You See Birds” focuses on a constant stomping rhythmic core confidently built by inflamed galloping guitar riffs and pummeling drums that clearly showcase the heavier aspects of the album and such frenetic approach is certainly amplified by the spiteful screams. 

“All Fall Down” definitely has a contemplative essence with calmer rhythmic patterns that tend to highlight the soulful vocal delivery yet there is still a fair dosage of raw energy running through the chunky guitar riffs and reaching the acme with a fiery solo. 

On “Corrode” guitars feel quite dominant delivering an overload of groovy riffs that successfully maintain a robust energetic momentum that will naturally lead to the memorable radio friendly chorus. 

The accessible slower rhythm of “Eyes Red Heavy” emphasizes the emotional vocal harmonies and the smooth melodic guitars that ultimately craft a quite captivating instrumental crescendo and a climactic chorus.  

The mood gets significantly darker on “Blood Bone” with Jennie Skulander’s moody vocal performance and guitars aim to grab your attention with spellbinding grim tonalities but will often evolve into enjoyable gritty rock riffs.  

“Endo” begins with a lovable melodic essence fueled by the mellow guitar melodies that introduce the rebellious rocker spirit embodied by the powerful & catchy rhythmic section and the harsh vocals while the chorus slows down again to amplify the inner emotional turmoil. 

“Be Like The River” stands out for the warm bluesy guitar work that will also impress you with a fancy solo and super groovy dynamics enhanced by the precise bass lines and the vibrant vocal delivery. 

Devilskin took their time to fully develop the thrilling music vision incarnated by “RED” and certainly they show a lot of enthusiasm and the necessary creative force to attract more listeners worldwide. 

Medico Peste – ב:The Black Bile


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Polish black metal act Medico Peste aims to impress the fervent underground scene with the nihilistic themes and the tormented soundscapes of the sophomore full length “ב:The Black Bile”. 

The misanthropic sonic realm of “All Too Human” revolves around agonizing vocals and gloomy guitar progressions that will lead to a mysterious atmospheric breakdown followed by an energetic blackened rhythmic burst.  

“Were Saviours Believers” holds a grave melodic essence that favors dramatic slower rhythmic patterns channeling a profound sense of desolation in contrast with the harsh dissonant elements of the heavier guitar work. 

“Holy Opium” continues to blend traditional blackened dynamics with experimental variations and definitely stands out for the brooding guitar phrases flourishing through enigmatic borderline trippy atmospheric tapestries and anguished rhythmic patterns.  

The title track features harrowing growls emerging from a world of madness and decay as the rhythmic section can sound utterly hostile while the guitar work maintains monochromatic tonalities with cascading mournful melodies that will ultimately evolve into a monumental darkened crescendo. 

Undoubtedly Medico Peste follows an obscure pathway on “ב:The Black Bile” mixing a strong traditional black metal inspiration with a contemporary songwriting approach that ultimately generates an intriguing twisted sonic vision. 

Testament – Titans Of Creation

Legendary Bay Area thrash veterans Testament continue to solidify their major influential status with consistent remarkable releases amplified by a magical band chemistry and the thirteenth studio album “Titans Of Creation” is bound to satisfy your thirst for authentic thrash metal while offering a complex progressive flair. 

The opening track “Children Of The Next Level” already manifests the insane energy that fuels the entire album as the guitar riffs unleash a hostile sonic onslaught following the impeccable frenetic drumming so the key elements of classic thrash metal are very much alive and further enriched by the massive charismatic soloing. 

With a monumental rhythmic section “Dream Deceiver” delivers the expected overdose of headbanging friendly dynamics and Chuck Billy adds extra power with his signature vocals while guitars certainly run the show with the elaborate sharp riffage and the eclectic progressions of the fiery solo. 

“Night Of The Witch” showcases a darkened aggressive pathway with a faster tempo that demands vicious guitar riffs and a devilish chorus emphasized by the addition of Eric Peterson’s blackened vocal style and the creepy tonalities of the majestic lead guitar work. 

On “City Of Angels” the main rhythmic core often slows down to emphasize the darkly hypnotic guitar melodies accompanied by a particularly somber vocal delivery yet the monolithic bass lines and the riffage can still sound wicked leading to diverse compelling solos.

“Symptoms” relies on a killer chorus and an explosive relentless rhythmic assault that once again conveys a familiar thrash metal formula and the guitar work demands your utmost attention with menacing riffs and a series of extra intricate progressions leading to a satisfying shredding overdose. 

“The Healers” offers some classic thrash metal elements as the abrasive guitar riffs and the merciless drums constantly channel a palpable raw energy naturally amplified by the ravenous vocals and such super groovy ensemble reaches the acme with another brilliant solo. 

“Curse Of Osiris” doesn’t waste any time with constant untamed guitar riffs and a heavier hostile rhythm showcasing impeccable skills while the mixture of solemn and diabolical vocals evokes a significantly darker mood. 

Testament proudly embrace a sonic evolution that highlights a crispy modern approach while staying true to their unforgettable thrash metal legacy with a tremendous musicianship and a tenacious creative force that spontaneously generate the mighty grooves of “Titans Of Creation”.

Lost Symphony – Chapter I

Founded by multi-instrumentalist and producer Benny Goodman, Lost Symphony is a collective of amazing heavy rock and metal artists that collaborated to create the exciting debut album “Chapter I” which offers a majestic blend of classical and metal. 

Featuring the late Oli Herbert of All That Remains, Bumblefoot of Sons Of Apollo and Ethan Brosh, “Singularity” opens the album with absolutely sumptuous symphonic arrangements that reminisce of a night at the opera and such elegant atmospheric ensemble is constantly enriched by a series of charismatic guitar solos offering lavish melodies and insane shredding.  

“Premeditated Destruction” is an intricate track that features the talent of Brock Richards of Starset, Richard Shaw of Cradle Of Filth, Jimi Bell of House of Lords & Matt LaPierre. This time the neoclassical aesthetics are emphasized by Siobhan’s soothing violins and all the unstoppable guitar progressions deliver an overdose of polished phrases and wicked shredding showcasing a distinct virtuoso style. 

On “This Life Moves Too Fast” David Ellefson of Megadeth, Jeff Loomis of Arch Enemy & Jimi Bell create energetic grooves with familiar symphonic & classic metal elements consequently the subtle atmospheric layers naturally embrace the mixture of chunky riffs and technical solos so you can expect another generous dosage of shredding.  

Featuring Oli Herbert & Satchel of Steel Panther “Cotard Delusion” continues to follow a grandiose neoclassical motif with dazzling elaborate orchestrations that surround the heavier approach of the guitar work which focuses on a compelling blend of sinuous melodies and extensive flamboyant solos. 

Featuring Marty Friedman, Oli Herbert, Matt LaPierre & Conrad Simon, the stunning opus “Requiem” has a melancholic cinematic essence that enhances the presence of the understated atmospheric arrangements while guitars create spellbinding melodic waves full of luminous tonalities that will evolve into complex dramatically heavier rhythmic crescendos enriched by breathtaking solos leading to a poignant finale with sophisticated piano melodies and baroque nuances. 

Obviously the first thing you will notice about Lost Symphony is the outstanding prowess of all the musicians involved in the creation of “Chapter I” and the resulting opulent composition is destined to attract a wide audience while we eagerly await the next releases. 

Me And That Man – New Man, New Songs, Same Shit, Vol 1

By now everybody knows that Nergal, frontman of black metal titans Behemoth, has started the dark folk/blues solo project Me And That Man and the sophomore release “New Man, New Songs, Same Shit, Vol.1” features some amazing collaborations with renowned talented artists. 

Featuring Jørgen Munkeby of Norwegian band Shining, “Run With The Devil” is an energetic track that relies on a catchy rhythmic rampage with pleasant bluesy guitars enriched by the playful tones of the saxophone. 

“Coming Home”  features guest Sivert Høyem of Madrugada delivering passionate and quite somber vocals that match the slower quasi dramatic instrumental ensemble carefully built by contemplative atmospheric layers and mournful guitar melodies. 

On “By The River” legendary Ihsahn of Emperor brings his theatrical vibrant vocal delivery to emphasize the diabolical essence of the warm guitar melodies that reach the acme with a thrilling intricate guitar solo.  

Featuring guests Johanna Sadonis and Nicke Anderson of Lucifer,  “Deep Down South” relies on Southern rock & country styles with vivid acoustic rhythmic patterns and the strong presence of harmonica and violin melodies.

“Man Of The Cross” stands out for the stunning baritone vocals performed by Jerome Reuter of Rome which emphasize the irresistible gothic nuances of the mysterious atmosphere and the seductive guitar melodies following a slow brooding rhythmic section.  

“How Come?” features the talent of Corey Taylor, Brent Hinds and Rob Caggiano and is probably one of the most powerful tracks confidently blending moody blues oriented guitar melodies leading to a flamboyant solo and soulful vocal harmonies that constantly evoke a compelling melancholia.  

The ominous strength of “Confession” comes from the deliciously malevolent vocal performance courtesy of the infamous Niklas Kvarforth of Shining so darkness is destined to prevail through the mellow acoustic passages that will suddenly evolve into a quite harsh blackened rhythmic momentum. 

On “New Man, New Songs, Same Shit, Vol.1” Me And That Man channel darkness and devilish vibes with a different state of mind that favors warm Americana-influenced soundscapes and the presence of diverse guest vocalists renders everything truly interesting and sometimes the  kaleidoscopic results will surprise you.