Category: Album Reviews

The Dead Daisies – Holy Ground

Featuring a collective of extraordinary musicians, The Dead Daisies continue their rock ‘n’ roll journey without any hesitation on the new fiery full length “Holy Ground” introducing new band member Glenn Hughes. 

On “Holy Ground (Shake The Memory)” the combination of Glenn’s charismatic true rocker vocal delivery and super catchy guitar progressions with hints of melancholia will instantly grab your attention and the resulting energetic ensemble is further enriched by the fancy soloing.   

“Like No Other (Bassline)” offers an energetic instrumental ensemble fueled by an overdose of gritty guitar riffs, flamboyant leads and a majestic bass solo unfolding around Glenn’s impressive vocal delivery. 

“My Fate” stands out for the extra groovy guitar progressions which can acquire heavier tonalities and raw energy in contrast with the smooth melodic phrases and the mellow vocals  evoking sheer nostalgia. 

“Saving Grace” continues to embody the authentic rock soul of the whole album as guitars constantly deliver inflamed riffage supported by the impeccable drumming while the outstanding  guitar solo might steal the spotlight. 

While “Unspoken” can offer intense groovy dynamics leading to a rather catchy chorus you will perceive some melancholic moments as the vibrant guitar phrases follow a slower soulful rhythm. 

The nostalgic ballad style of “Far Away” shifts the focus to a bittersweet mood so Glenn’s vocal performance effortlessly conveys poignant emotions and guitars will embrace dreamy nuances creating fascinating melodic crescendos that will evolve into high voltage grooves in the finale. 

Undoubtedly the glorious spirit of classic hard rock thrives triumphantly throughout “Holy Ground” as The Dead Daisies create a memorable and highly enjoyable collection of passionate songs that never fails to showcase their stellar musicianship.  

Therion – Leviathan

Swedish titans Therion proudly reach another crucial milestone releasing the 17th studio album “Leviathan” that will delight their faithful fans with intricate dynamics, classic metal grooves and operatic grandeur. 

“The Leaf On The Oak Of Far” is packed with catchy guitar driven grooves reminiscing of the glorious days of heavy metal while the symphonic tapestries and the solemn operatic choirs can effortlessly convey a fascinating dramatic depth.  

“Die Wellen Der Zeit” feels like an elegant operetta as the passionate vocal harmonies, the classical nuances of the rich multilayered atmospheric arrangements and the graceful melodic textures emphasize the exquisite symphonic splendor. 

“Eye Of Algol” certainly combines the main elements of a Therion hit song as the darkened rhythmic patterns are constantly fueled by energetic riffage and Near Eastern flavors enriched by the charismatic choirs.

On “Nocturnal Light” the magnificent elaborate atmospheric ensemble surrounds a series of  spellbinding melodic crescendos while the stellar blend of theatrical choirs and Thomas Vikstrom’s captivating vocal performance is destined to steal the spotlight.  

The mood of “Psalm Of Retribution” becomes significantly darker as the symphonic tapestries and the striking operatic choirs acquire arcane tonalities around the memorable heavy rhythmic patterns while a charming dreamy essence will come to life with refined orchestral arrangements. 

“Ten Courts Of Diyu” stands out for the detailed composition that naturally creates an enthralling mixture of melancholia infused progressions and sumptuous orchestrations enhanced by the diverse flawless vocal deliveries and the irresistible melodic flair of the excellent guitar solo. 

Undoubtedly “Leviathan” maintains the majestic symphonic essence that conquered so many acolytes worldwide therefore Therion deliberately choose to stay true to their unrivaled legacy yet bravely continue to explore different styles to create a remarkable work of music. 

Molten – Dystopian Syndrome

Formed in the Bay Area underground, Molten is ready to unleash their debut release “Dystopian Syndrome” channeling a primal extreme metal force enriched by intriguing melodic motifs. 

Besides the generous dosage of aggressive rhythmic blasts “Virulence” is filled with alluring ominous vibes which spontaneously lead to plenty of charismatic melodic guitar leads and lugubrious atmospheric tapestries. 

The title track channels a classic thrash energy to create groovy rhythmic patterns triggering instant headbanging but also tends to put the spotlight on the excellent guitar work which can deliver a doomed melodic flair and majestic shredding. 

You can easily perceive arcane vibes throughout “On Through Phlegethon” as the monolithic rhythmic section becomes fundamental yet the multifaceted influences are evident as guitars will eventually embrace a classic heavy metal flair leading to a brooding atmospheric finale. 

On “The Void” the guttural growls and the unrestrained riffage follow a faster pace but guitars have the chance to showcase prowess adding diversity with polished melodic tones and multiple sophisticated solos.  

The lengthy final track “Rising Embers” dwells within a gloomy atmospheric realm enriched by soft piano harmonies so despite a fair dosage of aggressive rhythmic dynamics and death metal inspiration guitars will ultimately focus on an extensive series of elegant melodic progressions. 

Listening to “Dystopian Syndrome” we enter a nightmarish world as Molten confidently begin to manifest their aptly dystopian sonic vision blending melodic gloom and inflamed grooves. 

Kabbalah – The Omen

Spanish occult rock trio Kabbalah opens the doors of a deliciously dark realm on the sophomore full-length “The Omen” channeling the timeless essence of 70s heavy, doom and psych. 

“Stigmatized” revolves around the irresistible occult rock flair which naturally thrives within the spooky atmospheric ensemble enriched by fuzzy melodic passages while the doom worshipping is clearly embodied by the heavier riffage.   

“Ceibas”constantly maintains a cryptic mood as the darkened tonalities of the guitar work become essential in the creation of gritty riffs and haunting melodic progressions embellished by enchanting vocal harmonies. 

“The Ritual” manifests a strong doom force as the monolithic guitar riffs lead to obscure yet absolutely catchy rhythmic patterns and fuzzy crescendos that also highlight the fascinating retro vibes. 

Drenched in seductive darkness “Lamentations” follows a slower tempo that emphasizes the charming hazy melodies and the graceful vocals flowing through a lugubrious sonic realm spiced up by the raw energy of the guitar work. 

The 70s style of the heavy guitar riffs hold a fundamental role on “Liturgy” amplifying once again a strong classic doom influence while the alluring melodic passages and the soft harmonious vocals enhance the esoteric flair.  

Listening to “The Omen” you will feel compelled to embrace its perennial sultry darkness as Kabbalah confidently bring to life a bewitching occult rock grimoire. 

Vajra – Irkalla

NY-based band Vajra aims to conquer a wider audience manifesting a mystical sonic vision on the new album “Irkalla” which is the first part of a trilogy exploring the various levels of consciousness. 

Listening to “Maya” you can perceive delicious darkened vibes flourishing through the catchy blend of moody melodic phrases and groovy rhythmic progressions enriched by Annamaria Pinna’s charismatic vocal performance. 

On “Crown Or Crucify” darkness & light naturally entwine as the haunting atmospheric textures, the subtle electronic accents and the comforting melodies evoke bittersweet feelings that will lead to a quite accessible chorus. 

The dark rock soul of “Sever The Tie” leads to memorable guitar driven grooves but also holds an arcane flair as the tribal rhythm becomes essential in the creation of an entrancing experience emphasized by the spiritual essence embodied by the Annamaria’s charming voice. 

The instrumental track “Wind” marks an esoteric finale focusing on an ethereal chanting flowing gently through tribal percussion and trance inducing atmospheric waves. 

The atmospheric & melodic soundscapes of “Irkalla” certainly showcase a spontaneous creative freedom and even if the album is a bit short Vajra have a chance to raise interest in the underground scene. 

Killer Be Killed – Reluctant Hero

With a stellar line up featuring Max Cavalera, Greg Puciato, Troy Sanders and Ben Koller, Killer Be Killed presents to the world a renewed statement of purpose on the sophomore full length “Reluctant Hero”.

There is a visceral groovy momentum throughout “Deconstructing Self-Destruction” so the bold attitude of the heavier rhythmic patterns can feel quite dominant and certainly highlights the winning vocal trade-off between Max and Greg. 

“Dream Gone Bad” relies on energetic rhythmic dynamics offering fierce riffage and monumental drumming but definitely holds a somber melodic soul that can lead to majestic melodic guitar licks and a catchy chorus. 

On “Inner Calm and Outer Storms” drums & bass build a solemn rhythmic tension through a darkened introspective atmosphere while the harsh vocals perfectly match the heavier dynamics following a faster aggressive tempo.  

“From A Crowded Wound” combines hardcore influenced dynamics fueled by an overload of gritty guitar riffs and sorrowful tonalities especially emphasized by the soothing vocal delivery and the cold understated atmospheric textures.   

“The Great Purge” effortlessly shifts from furious guitar driven grooves to compelling darkened melodic moments featuring elegant leads surrounded by moody atmospheric arrangements that put the spotlight on the diverse vocals. 

There is a fascinating dramatic depth on the title track as the mellow guitar harmonies and the atmospheric gloom become the main focus while the precise rhythmic section will create intense crescendos. 

The strength of “Reluctant Hero” certainly comes from the chemistry and the extensive musical experience of the collective behind Killer Be Killed creating a balanced blend of soulful melodies and robust grooves.  

Azarath – Saint Desecration

Founded & masterminded by Behemoth’s drummer Inferno, Azarath manifest a majestic blackened death metal vision that will leave you breathless and shattered on the new offering “Saint Desecration”. 

Darkness descends triumphantly on “Death-at-Will” as a series of lugubrious guitar melodies will linger through the ruthless blackened realm fueled by the insane speed of drumming, the aggressive riffage and the hellish growls. 

On “Sancta Dei Meretrix” the visceral blackened essence is destined to prevail through the menacing rhythmic rampage enriched by the technical accents of the excellent guitar leads and the ritualistic style of the growls.  

“Fall of the Blessed” once again focuses on the malignant strength of the drums to create asphyxiating grooves while the guitar work emphasizes the inner darkness with cryptic tonalities and elaborate soloing. 

“No Salvation” features stylish mournful guitar phrases that foreshadow the increasing obscurity of the belligerent rhythmic march which relies on the precise drumming and the relentless riffs to convey pure rage. 

The enticing darkness of the melodic segments holds a fundamental role in “Reigning over the Death” which dwells within a mysterious world where the furious death metal core is bound to thrive unleashing monumental rhythmic blasts. 

“Beyond the Gates of Burning Ghats” continues to follow a merciless extreme metal pathway as the towering drums dictate vicious dynamics enhanced by sinister melodic leads while in the final part the extensive charismatic guitar solo successfully creates an arcane melodic grandeur.  

In order to create the sonic onslaught embodied by “Saint Desecration” Azarath invoke an ominous force that inevitably generates punishing grooves definitely enriched by an intriguing melodic gloom. 

Hjelvik – Welcome To Hel

Formed by Kvelertak frontman, lyricist and co-founder Erlend Hjelvik, Hjelvik makes a triumphant debut with the full length “Welcome To Hel” which is clearly inspired by Norse mythology and history.

On “Father War” you can appreciate the traditional heavy metal vibes within the explosive licks and majestic shredding of the guitar work while the audacious screams and the faster rhythmic patterns can certainly channel a blackened essence. 

For “The Power Ballad Of Freyr” the band chooses a less aggressive approach that puts the spotlight on the memorable guitar leads, the polished tonalities and the groovy chorus well supported by a robust rhythmic section. 

Throughout ”Glory Of Hel” the bold guitar riffs and the solemn vocals evoke the Viking metal grandeur that characterizes the whole album while the elaborate solos definitely add variety with a wild shredding rampage. 

The rhythmic core slows down slightly on “12th Spell” to highlight the darkened melodic textures of the guitar leads yet there is still space for a solid groovy momentum fueled by the raw energy of the riffage and the hellish growls. 

The strength of “Kveldulv” relies on the wintry melodic soul of the guitar work which continues to stand out for the skillful soloing and charismatic leads flourishing through the groovy rhythmic dynamics. 

The mood becomes increasingly darker and colder on “Necromance” as guitars acquire palpable arcane tonalities through the galloping rhythmic patterns while the extensive majestic solo provides a generous dosage of flamboyant shredding. 

The Viking spirit dominates the monumental grooves of “Welcome To Hel” and with this brand new solo project Hjelvik proudly shares his creative vision channeling the glorious force of classic heavy metal. 

Imha Tarikat – Sternenberster

German blackened metallers Imha Tarikat unleash a savage sonic assault on the latest offering “Sternenberster” lyrically inspired by psychoanalysis and especially dream interpretation. 

The explosive nature of the whole album comes to life on “Ekstase ohne Ende” as the gelid guitar tonalites can lead to elegant melodic progressions and complex soloing while the heavier riffage and the tormented growls spontaneously generate a chaotic momentum.  

Certainly “Kreuzpunkt der Schicksale” holds the raw energy of punk yet the coldest blackened essence is bound to prevail as the unrestrained rhythmic section acquires speed to unleash ravenous blasts. 

“Brand am Firmament” relies on the lugubrious guitar tonalities and the full-throttled vocals to fuel a relentless blackened onslaught enriched by an intriguing series of intricate leads and a sorrowful acoustic finale. 

“Aufstieg” is full of extra heavy rhythmic dynamics as the aggressive drumming seems unstoppable yet the fancy guitar leads and the mournful calmer passages will add a necessary diversity. 

The title track channels some epic vibes through the hostile grooves created by violent riffage and monumental drumming and further amplified by the primal energy of the growls that ultimately lead to a twisted blackened vision. 

On “Sternenberster” Imha Tarikat confidently create an obscure sonic realm where the intense rhythmic rampage feels just like a cosmic outburst.  

Electric Hydra – Electric Hydra

Swedish rockers Electric Hydra channel an overdose of irresistible retro vibes on the debut self- titled full length.  

“It Comes Alive” marks the beginning of a wild ride as the chunky guitar riffs effortlessly generate all kinds of grooves keeping in mind a vintage rock blueprint certainly enhanced by the rebellious vocal delivery. 

On “Won’t Go To War (With Myself)” the guitar work has a chance to shine adding catchy leads to the inflamed rhythmic rampage and the resulting groovy attitude instantly puts you in a good mood. 

“Grab What’s Yours” continues to maintain a stellar rock energy yet the stoner doom elements feel essential within the fiery rhythmic ensemble and the dramatic narrative definitely amplifies the inner darkened nuances.  

“Iron Lung” relies on murky & moody guitar phrases to create a sultry melodic realm while the gritty riffage will channel a monumental doom flair leading to thrilling rhythmic dynamics enriched by the charismatic guitar leads. 

“End Of Days” holds a sleazy rock spirit as the frenetic guitar riffs supported by robust drum blasts take the center stage to build entertaining faster grooves that will evolve into a sorrowful melodic momentum. 

The final track “Rise From Below” can spellbind you with a hazy stoner rock soul and dazed atmospheric accents accompanied by soothing vocal harmonies but the fervent rhythmic ensemble is always ready to deliver memorable grooves. 

Electric Hydra have just begun their musical endeavor but on this explosive debut release they already manifest a charming artistic vision confidently channeling all the unforgettable glory of stoner & classic rock.