Category: Album Reviews

Enuff Z’nuff – Brainwashed Generation

Centered around founding member Chip Z’nuff, iconic rock ‘n roll band Enuff Z’nuff adds the new album “Brainwashed Generation” to their extensive bombastic discography. 

“Fatal Distraction” delivers smooth groovy dynamics with tight guitar riffs entwined with soothing melodic passages leading to a radio friendly chorus that also expresses some bittersweet feelings. 

The steady rock grooves of “I Got My Money Where My Mouth Is” are further amplified by the gritty guitar tonalities and the whole instrumental ensemble certainly follows a classic hard rock pathway that reaches the acme with a vibrant sing along chorus. 

Featuring special guest Mike Portnoy, “It’s All In Vain” is filled with nostalgic vibes as the soothing guitar melodies, the charming leads and the vintage flair of the keyboards flow like a dream following a slower tempo. 

On “Drugland Weekend” guitars have a powerful raw sound so the authentic rock spirit feels very alive, enhanced also by Chip’s true rocker style vocals, and the resulting irresistible rhythmic patterns instantly make you feel good. 

“Go…” showcases a balanced blend of slick rock guitar riffs and subtle melancholic feelings that become more evident during the laid back rhythmic passages and the widely accessible passionate chorus.  

“Winding Road” returns to a highly energetic rhythmic rampage in fact guitars acquire a vivid rock essence focusing on the creation of addictive grooves and the wilder solo can easily steal the spotlight. 

Certainly Enuff Z’nuff still incarnate the authentic rock ‘n roll lifestyle in fact “Brainwashed Generation” keeps the crazy party going with loads of catchy tunes and aims to please the faithful fans but also conquer the heart of a new generation of rock lovers. 

Ddent – Couvre-sang

French instrumental post-metal unit Ddent aims to spellbind the audience embarking on an immersive sonic journey through the majestic soundscapes of the new full length “Couvre-sang”. 

The darkened atmosphere of “Songe” can feel quite surreal generating delightful contemplative moments and as soon as the monumental guitar work takes the center stage you can perceive grim emotions lingering through the faster & heavier rhythmic patterns. 

The dream continues to unfold on “Puissancerevee” as the excellent guitars maintain a sorrowful mood crafting mellow phrases yet the rhythmic section will provide a darkly energetic momentum with sophisticated progressions. 

With a striking intricate composition and a fascinating post-metal approach “Souvenirsdematieres” constantly evokes sheer melancholia as the captivating guitar melodies and the fiery riffage flourish elegantly through the opulent atmospheric arrangements.  

The moody instrumental ensemble of “Videsdechos” takes you far away through a hypnotizing maze made of bleak melodic passages and intense heavier rhythmic segments that definitely highlights the stellar musicianship. 

“Voile” confidently follows a significantly heavier sonic pathway as the abrasive guitar riffs and the monolithic doom tinged drumming become the main focus creating an overdose of crushing rhythmic crescendos and enigmatic melodies leading to a philosophical atmospheric grand finale. 

Throughout “Couvre-sang” Ddent manifest their compelling artistic vision pushing boundaries to fully create a remarkable sonic realm where dreamy melodies and unexpected rhythmic twists naturally entwine. 

Executioner’s Mask – Despair Anthems

Featuring Jay Gambit of noise metal unit Crowhurst on vocals, Ryan Wilson from Intestinal Disgorge on synth and drum programming, and LACE and Cop Warmth’s Craig Mickle on guitar, Executioner’s Mask focuses on darkwave and post-punk elements to create the compelling soundscapes of the debut album “Despair Anthems”. 

“The Defilers” sets the mood with a goth tinged atmosphere and baritone vocals that can immediately convey a darkened sonic realm emphasized by murky guitar phrases and pulsating beats. 

The irresistible goth flair of “No Funeral” generates an overdose of moody & utterly catchy guitar driven grooves enriched by the haunting atmospheric accents and the theatrical vocal delivery. 

On “Bury Me A Grave” the synths add some creepy vibes that spontaneously amplify the inner raw energy of the guitar work within a borderline depressing atmosphere. 

On “1988” a nostalgic mood lingers through the shimmering melodic progressions and the subtle atmospheric layers while the slick rhythmic section maintains a darkened groovy momentum with gritty riffage. 

The laid back rhythm of “True Blue” can easily induce daydreaming as the bittersweet guitar harmonies and the calm vocals express somber emotions surrounded by spacey darkened atmospheric tapestries. 

You can instantly perceive a shroud of sadness throughout “Desperation Rising” as the monochromatic melodies and the distorted phrases flow gently following a gloomy slow paced rhythm. 

While despair & darkness are the main motifs behind the composition of “Despair Anthems” Executioner’s Mask can also create addictive dancey grooves that will definitely captivate the listeners. 

Deeper Graves – Open Roads

Deeper Graves is the solo venture of Jeff Wilson of Chrome Waves and ex-Nachtmystium and this new music endeavor begins with the hazy soundscapes of the debut release “Open Roads”.  

“Final Divide” immediately showcases the moody feelings that characterize the whole album as the slow paced instrumental ensemble manifests a major shoegaze inspiration with glowing guitar phrases and refined cello harmonies cutting through the dense atmospheric waves. 

“Leave This World” dwells within a gloomy atmospheric realm where darkened guitar tonalities build energetic rhythmic crescendos and the soothing melodic textures channel dreamy post rock nuances.  

The darkly alluring rhythm of “Ode To War” evokes irresistible goth rock vibes with pulsating drum beats, low vocal tones and shimmering guitar melodies that make you wanna dance under the moonlight.

“In Memoriam” closes the album with an intense sense of nostalgia as the contemplative rhythm highlights the hypnotizing power of the blurry multilayered atmospheric arrangements and the monochromatic melodic guitars. 

On “Open Roads” Wilson has a chance to truly show his abilities handling all writing, instrumentation and production to ultimately bring to life his personal sonic vision. 

Aleah – Aleah

Brought to fruition by Swallow The Sun/Trees of Eternity guitarist Juha Raivio the new posthumous solo album by Aleah Starbridge honours her creative legacy with an acoustic and an electric disc. 

The acoustic side of the album presents a minimalist and extremely emotional approach, in fact  on “Vapour” and “Sacrifice” the graceful acoustic melodies create magical soundscapes that highlight Aleah’s gorgeous vocal harmonies and evoke a perennial sense of longing. “Open Sky”, “My Will” and “Breathe” flow gently like a hazy daydream and Aleah’s heartwarming voice becomes your guide through an unforgettable spiritual journey. 

The electric part of the album shows a different side of Aleah’s music vision as tracks like “Inverted Enlightenment” and “The Tower” focus on a spacey atmospheric ensemble around softly sorrowful vocals and gloomy melodic waves leading to an immersive sonic journey. 

We dream the same dream embracing the poignant feelings behind this melancholy infused collection of songs and today we carry this album like a golden torch of Aleah celebrating her artistic talent. 

Fellwarden – Wreathed in Mourncloud

Featuring Fen frontman The Watcher and drummer Havenless, Fellwarden aims to captivate the listeners with the cathartic soundscapes and an epic black metal assault of the sophomore album “Wreathed in Mourncloud”.  

“Pathmaker” opens the album with graceful melodic tapestries evoking an intense sense of longing that will continue to linger through the spellbinding instrumental crescendos carefully created by elegant atmospheric layers and gloomy guitar tonalities yet later a tormented blackened momentum will take over with feverish riffage and obscure growls. 

The title track offers truly majestic soundscapes as the dreamy guitar melodies lead the way to a world of pure nostalgia before embracing a blackened maelstrom with tremolo picking, frantic drumming and fierce growls that will eventually evolve into imposing clean vocals that emphasize the epic atmospheric motifs. 

The intricate composition of “An Elder Reckoning” revolves around a compelling blend of monumental guitar riffs showcasing the darkest black metal roots and contemplative melodic passages that can bring you comfort while the inner nostalgia is always vivid within the atmospheric grandeur. 

“Upon Stone” shines for the profoundly melancholic soul that comes to life through the gorgeous piano melodies and the poignant atmospheric arrangements that constantly express earnest emotions and even uplifting vibes while a mysterious blackened aura continues to maintain a strong presence generating darkened guitar progressions and gelid tonalities. 

The beauty and strength of “Wreathed in Mourncloud” can be easily perceived through the sublime melodic crescendos perfectly entwined with a primal blackened force as Fellwarden passionately craft an inspiring sonic journey. 

Slift – Ummon

French power trio Slift embarks on a psychedelic trip across galaxies and otherworldly dimensions with the new full length “Ummon” so you better be prepared to space out like there’s no tomorrow. 

The title track feels like a wild heavy rock jam that can take you back in time as guitars have the perfect vintage sound delivering explosive dynamics and extensive fiery solos through a mystifying psychedelic atmosphere accompanied by powerful rocker style vocals. 

“It’s Coming…” ensures a trippy sonic experience as the moody guitar phrases flow like a colorful daydream channeling peaceful vibes while the rhythmic section keeps a steady charismatic stoner rock core enriched by the insanely intricate psychedelic arrangements. 

“Citadel On A Satellite” offers some elaborate heavier rhythmic patterns that highlight the presence of the monolithic guitar riffs and the untamed leads yet the psychedelic soul is often bound to prevail generating slower hazy melodic progressions.  

The monumental rhythmic rampage of “Hyperion” is fueled by the outstanding guitar work and a cosmic energy that lead to super groovy heavy rock segments as well as luminous melodic passages entwined with the pure psychedelia of the atmospheric waves. 

Listening to “Altitude Lake” can instantly induce a trance-like state as the soft guitar melodies glow like a beautiful dream surrounded by multilayered magical psychedelic nuances while the solid rhythmic section can still deliver a massive groovy momentum. 

The lengthy final track “Lions, Tigers And Bears” symbolizes the band’s sonic manifesto offering intense guitar driven grooves that channel colossal stoner rock vibes while the guitars and synths ultimately embrace a major psychedelic essence that could make you space out forever beyond time and space.  

You will feel immediately compelled to join the cosmic journey embodied by the edgy psychedelic stoner rock grooves of “Ummon” as Slift successfully showcase great passion and unrestrained creative force.  

Ahab – Live Prey

German purveyors of nautical doom metal Ahab continue their journey through the depths of the dark sea with the  first live release “Live Prey” featuring tracks originally released on their 2006 album “The Call of the Wretched Sea”. 

The lugubrious atmosphere of “Below The Sun” reveals an obscure force that emerges straight from the abyss generating a mix of funereal rhythmic patterns, gelid guitar tonalities and mournful melodies accompanied by cavernous growls. 

“Old Thunder” begins with contemplative gloomy melodies and darkened guitar tonalities but can also evoke the power of the stormy sea with the insane heavy weight of the precise rhythmic section surrounded by solemn atmospheric accents. 

The lengthy “The Hunt” can easily express grim emotions as the harrowing slow tempo constantly highlights the crucial role of the cold melodic guitar phrases, the monochromatic piano tones and the tormented chants but will often unleash crushing dynamics with monolithic doom riffage. 

Proving to be the undisputed sailors of slow heaviness, Ahab bravely explore the dark sea throughout “Live Prey” in order to deliver a monumental anthemic doom metal album.  

 

Mike LePond’s Silent Assassins – Whore Of Babylon

Symphony X bassist Mike LePond returns with his explosive side project Mike LePond’s Silent Assassins to satisfy your crave for pure heavy metal glory on the new full length “Whore Of Babylon”. 

“Dracul Son” unleashes all its inner dark power with bold guitar riffs following a frenetic rhythmic section proudly showcasing some old school vibes accompanied by a charismatic vocal delivery, flamboyant shredding and spooky keyboards arrangements. 

“Tell Tale Heart” offers majestic chunky bass lines and fiery guitar riffs that generate interesting variations and steady groovy rhythmic patterns that deserve to be played loud while the lead guitar work delivers some elaborate solos. 

With a strong epic flair “Night of The Long Knives” focuses on a soothing folk style with loads of passionate acoustic phrases and some ballad elements that demand a slower tempo to evoke poignant feelings and enhance the melodic soul. 

“Lady Bathory” relies on an anthemic classic metal approach with an overdose of mighty guitar riffs that can trigger instant headbanging and the sharp high pitch vocals perfectly match the raw energy of the impeccable rhythmic section. 

The mood of the title track grows calmer & darker with gloomy atmospheric layers and mysterious nuances while the guitar work stands out for the elegant melodic progressions and the exotic tonalities. 

“Avalon” marks a grand finale offering complex rhythmic segments that highlight the stellar musicianship as the convoluted bass lines, the brilliant guitar soloing and the retro vibes of the Hammond organ guide you through a sonic realm made of heroic tales and galloping grooves. 

The combo of classic heavy metal and epic power metal chosen by Mike LePond’s Silent Assassins will certainly attract fans of such beloved genres as “Whore Of Babylon” has the right dosage of bombastic energy to keep you entertained. 

Solaris – Un Paese di Musichette Mentre Fuori c’è la Morte

Italian noise post-rockers Solaris aim to impress the audience with the enigmatic nuances of the debut full-lenght “Un Paese di Musichette Mentre Fuori c’è la Morte”.

“Podio” feels spontaneous & rebellious with the heavy distortions of the fuzzy stoner rhythmic segments that naturally build wild grooves amplified by spiteful vocals and chunky bass lines. 

Listening to “Ezikmndrek” you can easily space out as the dreamy guitar melodies accompanied by emotive vocals evoke a delicate post-rock flair that naturally embraces the significantly heavier fuzzy riffs and the dense rhythmic crescendos. 

“Oro” holds a desert rock spirit with a captivating blend of introspective melodic passages that can feel ethereal like a daydream emphasizing the cathartic nature of the guitar work and bold rhythmic progressions that will lead to wilder stoner dynamics. 

You cannot escape the inner melancholia of “Marnero” which comes to life through the hazy guitar melodies and the laid back vocals that certainly enhance a contemplative mood yet the massive noise oriented rhythmic blasts and the heavier riffage can channel angered feelings that ultimately evolve into a spaced out finale. 

Newcomers Solaris confidently manifest an intriguing sonic vision that on “Un Paese di Musichette Mentre Fuori c’è la Morte” generates fierce distorted patterns and moody melodic waves.