Doom metal quartet Pallbearer returns with the fourth full length “Forgotten Days” which promises to deliver a massive dosage of crushing dynamics without sacrificing the expression of genuine emotions.  

The title track delivers the expected dodge of monumental doom riffs and robust drumming which effortlessly create a majestic rhythmic core while the captivating guitar solo adds an elegant and quite somber melodic touch. 

The classic doom roots are still evident on “Riverbed” within the rhythmic maze that highlights the weight of the guitar riffs yet a poignant melodic essence is destined to flourish through the darkly soothing harmonies, the refined leads and the sorrowful vocals. 

Throughout the lengthy track “Silver Wings” the band shifts between the darkened force of the heavy riffage and the cathartic nature of the melodic guitar work which also emphasizes the bittersweet vocal delivery and the consequent profound sense of nostalgia at times will lead to slower downcast progressions and ethereal atmospheric textures. 

Even if the mournful doom flair feels dominant throughout “The Quicksand Of Existing” with an overdose of solemn & sophisticated progressions, guitars still have a chance to deliver faster groovy rhythmic blasts. 

In the beginning “Caledonia” maintains a harrowing heavy approach courtesy of a towering rhythmic section but guitars will eventually embrace an emotionally charged melodic ensemble leading to gentle acoustic moments. 

Listening carefully to “Forgotten Days” you will perceive a strong introspective nature that inevitably influences the traditional doom metal pathway as Pallbearer deliberately amplify the emotional aspects often focusing on a fascinating crestfallen melodic flair. 

Earlier this year doom metal legends My Dying Bride made a triumphant comeback with the acclaimed full length “The Ghost Of Orion” and now they are ready to please their faithful acolytes with the darkly alluring new EP “Macabre Cabaret”. 

The title track is a memorable work of art surrounded by the enticing darkness of the organ arrangements and the sombre atmospheric layers while the guitar melodies hold an irresistible gothic flair carefully mixed with the obscure weight of the doom rhythmic progressions and Aaron Stainthorpe’s dramatic vocal delivery evokes contrasting emotions through the bleak soundscapes.     

With an ambient/experimental composition “A Purse Of Gold And Stars” puts aside the heavy doom style to focus on the decadent beauty of the ethereal atmospheric tapestries and the elegant piano melodies that emphasize the emotional struggle expressed by the forlorn vocals. 

“A Secret Kiss” is a significantly heavier track that highlights the doom grandeur with dreadful growls and a series of grave rhythmic patterns constantly fueled by the darkened force of the guitar riffs and the monolithic drumming. 

In a realm of shadows and dark love, My Dying Bride successfully create a lavish melancholia infused opus and even if “Macabre Cabaret” is a short EP it still maintains the band’s signature style with undiluted passion. 

Featuring current and previous members of Dimmu Borgir, Morgoth, Nile, Napalm Death, and Susperia, Norwegian death metal collective Insidious Disease unleashes the first album in a decade “After Death” which celebrates a rebirth with an overdose of ravenous grooves. 

The obscure journey begins with the distant darkened tonalities of “Soul Excavation” that lead to a generous dosage of tight riffs supported by frantic drum blasts and vicious growls while the guitar solo delivers tormented melodic phrases. 

On “Divine Fire” the recurring melodic guitar work feels like a hymn to darkness and introduces a proper death metal sonic assault where the precise rhythmic section always has a chance to create relentless grooves.  

Throughout “Unguided Immortality” you will find a balanced mix of anguished melodic guitar licks and faster unrestrained rhythmic dynamics that certainly channel the glorious days of classic death metal.  

The angered mood of “Enforcers Of The Plague” is constantly fueled by the ruthless rhythmic section that ensures an aggressive death metal momentum perfectly matched by the hellish growls while the lead guitar work can add a mournful melodic flair. 

On “An End Date For The World” the robust riffage and the monumental drumming generate asphyxiating rhythmic patterns while the darkly melodic leads flourish within a dystopian atmosphere.  

The arcane sonic realm of “Nefarious Atonement” is filled with malignant guitar riffs and belligerent growls that seem to embody a tortured soul yet the harsh rhythmic segments will give way to a series of grave guitar melodies. 

Darkness descends throughout “After Death” as Insidious Disease confidently embrace a modern death metal approach that demands venomous guitar driven grooves and sinister vibes.