German atmospheric post-metal band Heretoir explores thoughts and dreams through the exquisite soundscapes of the new mini-album “Wastelands” which also includes three live tracks.
The impactful album opener “Anima” relies on an aggressive rhythmic core with galloping guitar riffs and tormented growls but you can often perceive a comforting melodic essence through the glowing atmospheric waves.
“At Dusk” unfolds like a hazy daydream as the synths take the center stage crafting a multilayered nostalgic atmosphere and Emily Highfield of Suldusk provides ethereal vocals to emphasize the melancholia infused guitar harmonies.
Surrounded by a mysterious aura the title track features slower poetic melodic passages accompanied by passionate clean vocals highlighting a shimmering post-metal inspiration yet the rhythmic section will gain speed to generate significantly darker & heavier patterns.
While we wait for the next full-length release Heretoir presents their mesmerizing sonic vision meticulously blending melodic beauty and harsh dynamics throughout “Wastelands”.
Category: Album Reviews
Dozer – Drifting In The Endless Void
After over a decade hiatus Swedish stoner rock veterans Dozer triumphantly return with the sixth record “Drifting In The Endless Void” channeling pure cosmic energy to deliver massive groovy tunes.
The explosive album opener “Mutation/Transformation” focuses on riff worship to build intense rhythmic dynamics enriched by a wild guitar solo while the slower moments inevitably evoke trippy desert rock vibes.
The super catchy track “Dust For Blood” expresses uplifting feelings and immediately stands out for the magnetic power of the unstoppable fuzzy guitar riffs well supported by a monolithic rhythmic backbone.
The somber soul of “Andromeda” emerges through enthralling melodic textures and psychedelic accents while the fiery combo of colossal drums and sludgy riffage unleashes inflamed heavy rhythmic patterns.
Within the hazy atmospheric ensemble “Missing 13” reaches a palpable dramatic depth as guitars meticulously craft an overdose of hypnotizing melodic motifs enhanced by a softer vocal delivery yet the mighty rhythmic section can still generate robust grooves fueled by crunchy riffs.
It’s been a while but with the release of “Drifting In The Endless Void” Dozer properly demonstrate a distinctive creative approach that naturally leads to a perfect blend of moody melodies and crushing grooves.
Vintersea – Woven Into Ashes
Blackened prog-metal band Vintersea continues to shape a distinctive artistic identity that thrives within the intricate soundscapes of the third full-length “Woven Into Ashes”.
“Unveiling Light” fully embodies the album’s sonic vision and expresses an emotional whirlwind as guitars skillfully blend immersive melodic tapestries and blistering rhythmic patterns amplified by aggressive growls.
Throughout “Crescent Eclipse” the guitar work emphasizes a sophisticated prog inspiration generating interesting rhythmic variations while soulful melodies gently unravel around Avienne’s passionate vocal performance.
“Parallel Duality” focuses on recurring graceful guitar harmonies to evoke an immense melancholia once again highlighting Avienne’s striking vocal abilities yet the rhythmic section still has a chance to build fierce dynamics.
“Lonesome Tide” mainly favors a slower rhythm as guitars acquire luminous tonalities to craft exquisite melodic crescendos with the addition of magical folkish accents and Avienne’s spellbinding vocal delivery is bound to move the listeners.
The lengthy final track “No Tomorrow” manifests a complex composition offering epic atmospheric textures and dreamy melodic passages in contrast with the sinister blackened momentum fueled by pummeling drums and sharp guitar riffs.
As Vintersea proudly embark on a new musical adventure “Woven Into Ashes” is destined to garner more interest showcasing talented musicianship and an eclectic songwriting style.
Immortal – War Against All
Norwegian black metal titans Immortal embark on a new musical journey through the frostbitten soundscapes of the long awaited 10th studio album “War Against All”, composed and performed by Demonaz.
Like a declaration of war the title track just seems unstoppable as the monumental drums build a perilously fast rhythmic core enhanced by the malevolent combo of insane growls and visceral guitar riffs.
Throughout “Wargod” the crunchy guitars spontaneously lead to groovy dynamics without an exaggerated speed but certainly maintaining a gelid black metal approach embellished by a softer contemplative momentum.
“Return To Cold” takes you to a remote forest surrounded by dramatic atmospheric textures and guitars skillfully combine compelling somber melodies and fierce riffage.
The instrumental track “Norlandihr” revolves around a cold blend of Nordic melancholia infused melodic waves and inflamed blackened rhythmic blasts that emphasize the masterful guitar work.
Within the gloomy realm of “Blashyrkh My Throne” a mournful melodic essence emerges through recurring refined arpeggios nevertheless the vicious growls and the unrestrained guitars generate blistering rhythmic patterns.
Undoubtedly Immortal stay true to their majestic black metal legacy delivering sheer fury and undiluted darkness throughout “War Against All” which will instantly please their loyal acolytes.
Liv Kristine – River Of Diamonds
The undisputed queen of Scandinavian gothic metal Liv Kristine continues to follow a personal creative path that naturally leads to the sixth solo album “River Of Diamonds”, another compelling addition to her extensive discography.
“Our immortal Day” instantly evokes a familiar gothic metal inspiration with darkened guitar melodies and understated atmospheric arrangements perfectly unfolding around an enthralling vocal duet with Østen Bergøy of Tristania.
“Gravity” shifts the focus to ethereal atmospheric tapestries and deeply melancholic melodic motifs generating captivating crescendos further enriched by Liv’s delicate vocal delivery.
The title track offers a catchy melodic structure with elegant keyboards layers and slightly gothic guitar accents but certainly stands out for another fascinating duet this time with the one and only Fernando Ribeiro of Moonspell.
“Love Me High” features glowing guitar melodies and bittersweet romantic vibes while Liv’s sister Carmen Elise Espenæs adds beautiful vocal harmonies.
Within the melodic core of “Serenity” guitars have a chance to amplify the gothic influences ultimately leading to a widely accessible chorus while Liv impeccably delivers powerful vocals.
You can perceive a darker mood throughout “If I am Dreaming” as Liv’s versatile vocals evoke an emotional whirlwind through a rich multilayered atmospheric ensemble.
Written in collaboration with Tommy Olsson, former member of Theatre of Tragedy, “River Of Diamonds” showcases a soothing melodic composition that fully revolves around Liv’s sublime vocal performance and constantly emphasizes her striking abilities.
Deathstars – Everything Destroys You
It’s hard to believe that we had to wait over eight years but finally Swedish deathglam masters Deathstars make a glorious comeback unleashing pure energy and undiluted darkness throughout the new full-length “Everything Destroys You”.
“This Is” revolves around bombastic rhythmic patterns featuring a winning combo of gritty guitar riffs, industrial style electro layers and rich atmospheric textures ultimately leading to a super catchy chorus.
“Anti All” is surrounded by a cold atmospheric ensemble that highlights recurring somber tones and contemplative harmonies but the rhythmic section gradually picks up speed & strength to build some abrasive grooves.
The title track tends to follow a slower tempo skillfully blending gloomy multilayered synths and memorable rhythmic dynamics around Whiplasher Bernadotte’s baritone vocal delivery which also amplifies a sinister mood.
“Between Volumes and Voids” packs a punch with an overdose of relentless crunchy guitar riffs and the chorus is absolutely addictive embellished by delicate female backing vocals and refined atmospheric tapestries.
“The Infrahuman Masterpiece” begins with deeply melancholic melodies and often puts the spotlight on the fascinating atmospheric waves nevertheless guitars are always ready to craft plenty of robust grooves.
On “Angel of Fortune and Crime” the industrial flair becomes evident through the wicked heavier guitar work amplified by nightmarish vocals and enriched by an appealing mix of dramatic atmospheric arrangements and futuristic electronic accents.
In the end you won’t be able to resist the stomping rhythmic galore and the seductive gothic vibes of “Everything Destroys You” and even if it took a while Deathstars proudly manifest a wild creative force.
Shores Of Null – The Loss Of Beauty
Italian blackened doom metallers Shores Of Null confidently continue to follow a darkened musical pathway bound to express immense melancholy and rage throughout the new full length “The Loss Of Beauty”.
“Destination Woe” instantly delivers a generous dosage of heavy doom oriented dynamics fueled by the relentless riffage and the cavernous growls while the lead guitar work has a chance to craft some crestfallen harmonies.
“The Last Flower” shines for the melancholia infused guitar phrases flourishing through a darkly alluring rhythmic ensemble emphasized by the fervent clean vocal performance yet you can expect faster borderline furious rhythmic blasts.
The dramatic track “Darkness Won’t Take Me” might sound less aggressive spreading a sense of perennial gloom through the beautiful sweeping guitar melodies and the heartfelt vocals.
“Nothing Left To Burn” often favors a slower tempo as guitars deliberately tend to focus on forlorn melodic motifs until the monolithic rhythmic section channels the ominous force of doom metal.
“A Nature In Disguise” begins with a significantly darker atmosphere yet the passionate clean vocals maintain an eloquent melodic flow around the unrestrained rhythmic structure that will ultimately acquire even more sinister tones.
“Fading As One” definitely symbolizes the band’s sonic identity skillfully blending woeful guitar melodies and inflamed rhythmic patterns featuring bold drumming and fierce riffs.
Shores Of Null aptly choose a decadently romantic title as “The Loss Of Beauty” captivates the listeners with emotive melodic themes that inevitably become entwined with the harsh elements of classic doom/gothic metal.
Acid King – Beyond Vision
Stoner doom metal trailblazers Acid King make a glorious comeback with the monumental trip-inducing soundscapes of the first release in eight years entitled “Beyond Vision”.
An enigmatic atmospheric intro naturally leads to the colossal rhythmic patterns of “One Light Second Away” fueled by extra gritty guitar riffs and enriched by slow burning melodic phrases.
“Mind’s Eye” continues to follow a hallucinatory pathway as recurring vibrant melodic accents and hypnotizing vocals flourish within a solid doom oriented rhythmic ensemble.
On “Electro Magnetic” the detailed synths layers acquire darker dystopian tones that constantly make you space out while the heavy weight of guitars inevitably generates memorable power dirges channeling a timeless doom force.
The title track fully manifests the band’s trippy musical formula driven by a cosmic energy to create a compelling blend of hazy melodies and monolithic rhythmic dynamics emphasizing the skillful guitar work.
“Beyond Vision” symbolizes the journey of life as Acid King begin a new era confidently building a lysergic sonic realm filled with mighty stoner doom grooves and spacey atmospheric textures.
Overkill – Scorched
Thrash metal legends Overkill have been around for four decades and the release of the twentieth studio album “Scorched” clearly demonstrates that they are still unstoppable staying true to their legacy while expanding their sonic vision.
The title track stands out for the flamboyant guitars leading the way to a merciless rhythmic assault fueled by the monolithic drumming and obviously Bobby Blitz amplifies the savage old school thrash metal spirit with his signature screams.
Throughout “Goin’ Home” the charismatic guitar leads can maintain sorrowful melodic vibes nevertheless the abrasive riffage and the extra speed inevitably generate colossal thrash grooves.
The towering rhythmic section on “The Surgeon” unleashes sheer fury as the fast chunky guitar riffs demand constant headbanging and the solo adds some pleasant fancy licks.
Surrounded by a darkened aura “Twist Of The Wick” certainly highlights the musical prowess through the impeccable variegated guitar work shifting from scorching riffs to elegant slightly melodic leads enriched by solemn choirs
On “Wicked Place” the relentless guitars continue to build insanely energetic grooves and wicked leads around Bobby’s ravenous vocal performance ultimately leading to a sinister atmospheric grand finale.
“Fever” still packs plenty of classic thrash grooves to ensure a full blown moshpit yet the slower passages add a dramatic depth with contemplative atmospheric arrangements and nostalgic guitar phrases.
As the title aptly suggests on “Scorched” Overkill are literally ready to set everything on fire proudly delivering all the expected massive thrash grooves with the addition of tasteful melodic accents.
Blood Ceremony – The Old Ways Remain
After seven years Blood Ceremony are finally ready to deliver the highly anticipated fifth album “The Old Ways Remain” channeling the timeless force of doom and the trippy essence of psych -rock to fully shape a unique sonic vision.
“The Hellfire Club” opens the album with darkened atmospheric nuances and an overdose of addictive grooves fueled by the retro rock style of the gritty guitar riffs and enriched by enchanting flute melodies.
You will repeat the title “Ipsissimus” over and over in your head as the chorus and the chunky guitar riffs sound insanely catchy and even uplifting while the winning combo of flute and organ adds a fascinating melodic flow.
“Powers Of The Darkness” aptly amplifies a darkened aura around the groovy rhythmic section and the vintage vibes of the charismatic guitar solo while Alia’s voice spellbinds the listeners with a memorable chorus.
“The Bonfires at Belloc Coombe” takes you to an ancient realm as the fiddle and the flute craft soulful folkish melodies yet the fiery guitar work constantly channels the enigmatic essence of occult rock ultimately leading to faster quasi frantic rhythmic patterns.
“Widdershins” is another irresistible track featuring a solid round of sizzling guitar riffs and monumental drum blasts consequently the vocals manifest a true rocker attitude yet you can easily perceive some forlorn doom influences.
Showcasing a detailed composition “Song Of The Morrow” marks a grandiose closure as guitars and organ acquire deeply melancholic tonalities to meticulously create enthralling melodic tapestries leading to cryptic contemplative moments.
With the release of “The Old Ways Remain” Blood Ceremony confidently follow an expansive musical pathway perfectly blending magnetic occult rock elements, magical folk harmonies and inflamed guitar driven grooves.