Category: Album Reviews

Soilwork – A Whisp Of The Atlantic

Swedish melodic death metal icons Soilwork embark on an epic voyage with the ambitious EP “A Whisp Of The Atlantic”.

The title track is a deeply complex opus that represents the soul of the EP combining diverse styles & tonalities to embody an epic tale. In the beginning smooth piano melodies and refined atmospheric arrangements highlight an introspective mood but soon crunchy guitar riffs will take over creating a stormy rhythmic rampage accompanied by fancy sharp solos and spiteful growls while the finale conveys a sense of peacefulness with glowing jazzy saxophone harmonies. 

On “Feverish” the elaborate atmospheric keyboards channel electro ‘80s vibes that introduce a towering rhythmic section delivering faster powerful dynamics and often following a harsh death metal pathway while the clean vocals in the chorus sound absolutely catchy. 

“Desperado” has a straightforward melodic death metal approach that emphasizes the band’s signature style with an overload of frantic rhythmic patterns fueled by galloping guitar riffs and surrounded by elegant atmospheric layers. 

On “Death Diviner” you will find a balanced mix of fierce grooves and melodic hooks as guitars acquire luminous tonalities to craft polished phrases which will ultimately evolve into a flamboyant soloing. 

It’s hard to categorize “A Whisp Of The Atlantic” as just an EP because Soilwork constantly  showcase a majestic creative force that naturally leads to a fascinating musical and philosophical journey. 

Top 15 Records of 2020

Dool – Summerland 

On their sophomore album Dool fully embraces a seductive dark rock evolution crafting addictive songs emphasized by Ryanne van Dorst’s charismatic vocal performance. 

Personal Favorite Track: Summerland

 

Sólstafir – Endless Twilight of Codependent Love

The spellbinding sonic evolution of Sólstafir this time leads to intricate cathartic soundscapes filled with sheer melancholia and the musicianship is simply brilliant. 

Personal Favorite Track: Akkeri

 

Dark Tranquillity – Moment

Once again Dark Tranquillity showcase an unstoppable creative force combining sophisticated keyboards arrangements with the primal force of death metal to express vivid emotions.

Personal Favorite Track: In Truth Divided

 

Pain Of Salvation – Panther

Mastermind Daniel Gildenlöw continues to impress, embracing a convoluted sonic vision and a remarkably elaborate songwriting that can always surprise the listeners. 

Personal Favorite Track: Icon

 

My Dying Bride – The Ghost Of Orion

This album marks a triumphant comeback for My Dying Bride effortlessly crafting a realm of perennial gloom & undiluted darkness. 

Personal Favorite Track: The Long Black Land

 

Draconian – Under A Godless Veil

The decadent beauty of gothic doom metal flourishes throughout the album as Draconian meticulously blend despair and enchanting melodic tapestries. 

Personal Favorite Track: Lustrous Heart

 

Molassess – Through The Hollow

This is also the best debut album of the year and Farida Lemouchi’s unique enchanting voice constantly enriches the complex psych-rock soundscapes. 

Personal Favorite Track: The Devil Lives

 

Secrets Of The Moon – Black House

Listening to this album you can easily escape from the burden of reality embracing the surreal dreamy essence of the melodic & atmospheric crescendos. 

Personal Favorite Track: Don’t Look Now

 

Paradise Lost – Obsidian

The majestic legacy of Paradise Lost thrives within the gothic doom grandeur of this album which also showcase a bewitching melodic essence. 

Personal Favorite Track: Darker Thoughts

 

Völur – Death Cult

This album belongs to an arcane sonic realm and Völur truly demonstrates their excellent musicianship and exquisite avant-garde approach. 

Personal Favorite Track: Dead Moon

 

Katatonia – City Burials

After a sudden hiatus, Katatonia have the chance to unleash an ex novo creative force that generates intense gloomy soundscapes.

Personal Favorite Track: Heart Set To Divide

 

The Birthday Massacre – Diamonds

The Birthday Massacre know how to create catchy albums and the alluring blend of 80’s electronica and darkened melodies will get stuck in your head.  

Personal Favorite Track: Crush

 

Forming The Void – Reverie

Forming The Void are destined to impress the audience as they channel all the cosmic energy to craft energetic grooves and trippy melodies. 

Personal Favorite Track: Onward Through The Haze

 

Wolfheart – Wolves Of Karelia

We all need an overdose of winter metal and Wolfheart are ready to provide all the gelid melancholic soundscapes as well as vicious grooves. 

Personal Favorite Track: Ashes

 

En Minor – When The Cold Truth Has Worn Its Miserable Welcome Out

The unexpected experimental musical endeavor of legendary Philip H. Anselmo is a wonderful surprise that leads to a harrowing collection of songs.  

Personal Favorite Track: On The Floor

 

Tombs – Under Sullen Skies

Created by mastermind Mike Hill, Tombs return with the new obscure offering “Under Sullen Skies” which dwells within a twisted blackened realm expressing a psychological turmoil. 

“Bone Furnace” immediately showcases visceral black metal roots with grave tonalites, tortured growls and pummeling drums yet the inner experimental nature comes to life through the atmospheric/electronic arrangements.  

“Void Constellation” shifts to a mournful doom approach as the monolithic riffage and the slower tempo become dominant while the refined melodic passages focus on depressing tonalities and contemplative vibes. 

The robust rhythmic section on “Barren” channels a raw blackened energy amplified by the anguished vocals while the slower moments lead to pensive atmospheric tapestries embellished by a generous dosage of enthralling melancholic guitar melodies. 

The painfully slow rhythm of “Secrets of the Black Sun” enhances the doom & gloom flair as the minimalist guitar melodies and the dramatic vocals seem to float within a dense atmospheric realm and will ultimately embrace a darkened heavier crescendo. 

“Lex Talionis” revolves around the ruthless & groovy rhythmic rampage fueled by super fast drumming and hellish riffage while the lead guitar work evokes strong ominous vibes delivering arcane melodic patterns.  

“Angel of Darkness” is drenched in darkness as a surreal atmosphere embellished by delicate vocals introduces monumental rhythmic patterns that can march relentlessly through the haunting keyboards arrangements. 

“Plague Years” begins with minimalist acoustic phrases swiftly followed by a menacing sonic assault with unrestrained guitar riffs and unstoppable blackened blasts while the understated atmospheric tapestries and the doom oriented segments convey immense grief. 

As Tombs continue to combine diverse influences and styles, the blackened fury and the post-apocalyptic motif of “Under Sullen Skies” can spontaneously unravel aggressive dynamics within a bleak sonic realm. 

Eleine – Dancing In Hell

Dark symphonic metal band Eleine aims to impress the audience with the explosive third full-length ”Dancing In Hell” which naturally combines all the elements of such a beloved genre. 

Subtle obscure vibes linger throughout “Enemies” as the guitar driven grooves can acquire grave tonalities enhanced by the darkened atmospheric arrangements while the melodic patterns focus on a catchy delivery. 

The title track offers a series of heavy rhythmic patterns fueled by the bold riffage and the robust drumming marching through symphonic orchestrations while the glowing melodic essence leads to softer vocals and graceful atmospheric waves. 

On “Ava Of Death” the whole instrumentation often focuses on heavy rhythmic blasts to emphasize the inner dark energy but the smooth vocal harmonies and the polished guitar solo sound widely accessible. 

On “Crawl From The Ashes” the mid paced rhythm and the mellow chorus ensure a catchy mood embellished by the elegant symphonic tapestries in contrast with the darker momentum and the malignant growls. 

The atmospheric textures on “Memoriam” evoke contemplative feelings unfolding around the melancholic vocal delivery leading to a memorable chorus accompanied by pleasant melodic guitars. 

The alluring gloom of the orchestral arrangements and the faster rhythmic rampage of “Where Your Rotting Corpses Lie” channel a seductive gothic flair consequently the spiteful growls and the monumental riffs will become more dominant. 

Featuring a familiar mix of growls and harmonious vocals “Dancing In Hell” certainly follows the successful symphonic metal formula as Eleine diligently blends luminous melodies and darkened grooves. 

Ingrina – Siste Lys

French post-metallers Ingrina meticulously create surreal soundscapes on the sophomore full length “Siste Lys” conceptually inspired by metaphysical concepts, geological and oceanic tales. 

“Jailers” is surrounded by a perennial murky atmosphere that emphasizes the emotional turmoil expressed by the monumental heavy rhythmic rampage in contrast with the dreamy shoegaze nature of the melodic guitar phrases that will evolve into intricate crescendos.  

“Walls” holds a darkened soul as the dense atmospheric waves and the ethereal ambiance nuances flow gently around the contemplative melodic guitars and the distant ghostly vocals. 

The harrowing atmospheric ensemble of “Stolidity” generates hazy rhythmic patterns fueled by solemn drumming and entwined with haunting guitar melodies leading to an enigmatic sonic realm that conveys poignant darkened feelings. 

“Frozen” is definitely a trance-inducing track as the calm minimalist melodic passages might belong to another dimension floating within a misty atmosphere like a fading daydream and amplifying the dramatic aspects of the slow burning yet rather intense rhythmic patterns.  

On “Siste Lys” Ingrina tells a metaphoric tale confidently embracing a cathartic sonic pathway that can lead to ecstatic dreams or even nightmarish vibes.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HyONNu6s4w

Oldblood – Arms To The Sky

London blackened doom quartet Oldblood evokes grief & despair on the new EP “Arms To The Sky” conceptually inspired by the dropping of the atomic bomb over Hiroshima. 

You can immediately perceive an ominous aura surrounding “Kuebiko” as somber guitar melodies introduce a monolithic rhythmic section fueled by the oppressive weight of the riffs and the drum blasts while the slower moments highlight a pale sense of hopefulness and murky tonalities. 

On “Nuclear Blues” guitars can often acquire some robust sludge vibes to craft memorable groovy patterns following a rambunctious rhythmic rampage nevertheless the agonizing melodic segments and the obscure growls still evoke a grave doom essence. 

“Los Alamos” tends to embrace a sorrowful post-metal flair as the darkened guitar tonalities create hazy melodic passages following a dramatically slower tempo yet the heavier riffage will build intense doom oriented patterns. 

In the beginning “Alone” focuses on crestfallen harmonies that will continue to linger through the heavier monumental rhythmic ensemble and a dense darkness will inevitably become more dominant with the tormented growls and the fierce riffage yet a totally spaced out mood will lead to slow burning melodies and understated atmospheric textures. 

The sonic realm of “Arms To The Sky” is filled with anguish as Oldblood confidently channel the primal force of extreme metal to create a bold mix of crushing grooves and mournful melodic tapestries. 

 

Dark Buddha Rising – Mathreyata

Finnish “dark underlords of psychedelic drone” Dark Buddha Rising return with the visionary opus “Mathreyata” which embodies a mystical sonic realm destined to captivate the listeners.

“Sunyaga” already showcases the spiritual essence of the album with the hypnotic drone layers and the distant ethereal chants while the extra heavy guitar riffs follow a doomed pathway that inevitably generates monolithic rhythmic patterns amplified by the tormented screams.  

On “Nagathma” the monochromatic drone and the arcane tonalities generate a ritualistic atmosphere emphasized by the eerie vocals and the resulting darkened ensemble can easily make you space out yet the rhythmic section accompanied by anguished screams continues to channel a lugubrious doom force. 

The dense atmosphere of “Uni” belongs to an altered state of mind as the multilayered ambiance textures create surreal soundscapes where the steady drum beats convey a tribal dirge. 

It’s easy to get lost within the mysterious dimension of “Mahathgata III” as the drone and the otherworldly vocals create a murky atmosphere that triggers a cathartic momentum while the colossal guitar progressions march fiercely through a wall of impenetrable darkness and ultimately evolve into a chaotic rhythmic maze. 

Listening to “Mathreyata” we stand at the edge of the abyss as Dark Buddha Rising craft enigmatic soundscapes and crushing dynamics with a remarkable meditative approach.

Macabre – Carnival Of Killers

The triumphant return of Macabre arrives with the release of “Carnival Of Killers” just in time for their 35th anniversary announcing that a creepy carnival in the company of serial killers is coming to town.  

It’s not surprising to see that “Your Window Is Open” has a quite gruesome mood as the death metal dynamics ensure brutal rhythmic patterns with tight riffage and fast drumming enriched by excellent guitar leads. 

“Joe Ball Was His Name” sounds certainly entertaining with the baritone vocal delivery and the carnivalesque rhythm while guitars still have a chance to deliver strong riffs and fancy leads.  

”Stinky” has a palpable nightmarish mood with a robust rhythmic section that generates chaotic and aggressive segments that will eventually become more playful and catchy. 

“Richard Speck Grew Big Breasts” is definitely a hilarious title nevertheless the rhythmic blasts sound quite serious channeling a strong primal energy in extreme metal fashion. 

Everything feels dark and spooky on “Slaughter House” with the ominous vocals and the sharp riffage marching fiercely and successfully maintaining a belligerent old school death metal approach. 

The monumental drumming on “The Lake Of Fire” dictates an overload of merciless grooves spiced up by the charismatic guitar solo and the vocals become tormented screams to highlight the horror motifs. 

“The Wheels On The Bug” might sound like a lovely nursery rhyme but the band is ready to unleash a savage rhythmic assault enhanced by the powerful death-gore growls. 

The psychotic sonic realm of “Corpse Violator” hits you in the face with loads of fiery guitar riffs, a generous dosage of wild shredding and crunchy rhythmic patterns. 

“The Murder Mack” closes down this insane carnival with maniacal screams and a series of hostile guitar riffs following a viciously fast tempo but there is still space for some memorable guitar solos. 

On “Carnival Of Killers” each track tells a murderous tale and Macabre’s songwriting style further amplifies the vivid horror vibes with a morbid sense of humor and massive bloodthirsty grooves.    

Lykantropi – Tales To Be Told

Swedish psychedelic folk rock collective Lykantropi takes you back to the rock and folk music of the glorious early ‘70s with the new full length “Tales To Be Told”.

The traditional folk vibes linger through “Coming Your Way” which combines soothing luminous flute harmonies and catchy guitar melodies that stand out for the authentic retro tonalities.  

The title track features classic rock nuances as the guitar work naturally shifts from gritty riffage to smooth melodic phrases accompanied by a magical vocal delivery and celestial atmospheric accents. 

On the intricate track “Kom ta mig ut” the mellow guitar progressions and the glowing flutes evoke a beautiful pastoral world far from the actual reality while the bittersweet vocals can easily evoke a profound nostalgia. 

The strength of “Spell On Me” comes from the delicious occult rock mood that leads to bewitching vocals and a subtle darkened flair while the guitar work delivers edgy melodic patterns enriched by a charismatic solo. 

You can still perceive a moody rock soul within the rhythmic segments of  “Världen går vidare” yet the dreamy atmosphere and the warm & spacey melodic essence will take you to a different world probably in the middle of the woods. 

Throughout “Tales To Be Told” Lykantropi confidently channel the spirit of wilderness to create a cathartic sonic realm characterized by an irresistible vintage style and enchanting folk soundscapes. 

Cadaver – Edder & Bile

Featuring renowned musicians Anders Odden and Dirk Verbeuren, Cadaver celebrate their triumphant comeback manifesting a brand new venomous sonic vision on the full length “Edder & Bile”. 

“Morgue Ritual” could not sound more aggressive as the rhythmic section concocts a series of fast & brutal grooves with a familiar death metal approach and the crazy shredding galore of the guitar solo can leave you breathless. 

Featuring Jeff Becerra of Possessed, “Circle Of Morbidity” relies on relentless riffage and malignant growls marching fiercely through the towering ruthless rhythmic patterns enriched by the mournful tonalities of the lead guitar work. 

“Feed The Pigs” features the guttural  growls of Kam Lee of Massacre and you simply cannot escape the belligerent rhythmic rampage fueled by the thunderous drum blasts and the visceral guitar riffs. 

The sonic assault of “Final Fight” creates an asphyxiating rhythmic ensemble that constantly expresses angered feelings easily amplified by the hellish growls and the savage guitar work. 

The title track continues to follow a no frills death metal pathway as the precise drumming demands breakneck speed and pure rage yet guitars will have a chance to deliver some somber rhythmic twists.  

“Let Me Burn” is still filled with raw energy yet the slightly slower ominous tempo allows guitars to craft a fair dosage of intriguing darkened phrases which will reach the acme with some inflamed shredding. 

The sonic realm of “Edder & Bile” sounds quite chaotic and hostile as Cadaver confidently deliver unrestrained guitar driven grooves channeling the devastating force of old school death metal.