Category: Album Reviews

Dessiderium – Shadow Burn

Dessiderium is the personal creative outlet for Alex Haddad of Arkaik and Nullingroots and the new album “Shadow Burn” manifests an explosive blend of progressive and extreme metal. 

The title track immediately showcases strong blackened roots as the abrasive guitar riffs and the spiteful growls diligently follow a merciless rhythmic pathway that could leave you breathless yet such savage core is often embellished by elegant atmospheric tapestries. 

On “Soul Bursting” gentle piano harmonies introduce a series of elaborate rhythmic patterns that clearly channel massive extreme metal roots with vicious riffage and menacing growls yet a glowing melodic soul always emerges through soothing guitar harmonies and understated atmospheric arrangements.  

The prog dynamics flourish throughout the bold rhythmic rampage of “Cosmic Limbs” leading to charismatic guitar progressions and flamboyant soloing yet the technical death metal influences are still crucial generating faster aggressive segments. 

“Sage In Yearning” still relies on a heavy belligerent rhythm that just seems unstoppable with unrestrained drum blasts and fiery riffage while the luminous atmospheric arrangements evoke a distant dreamy world. 

“God’s Throat” has a technical edgy approach as guitars alway deliver frenetic riffs but also tend to generate unexpected rhythmic twists and gloomy melodic phrases within the rich and variegated atmospheric ensemble. 

“Shadow Burn” can certainly unleash an inflamed sonic assault with breakneck speed, proggy elements and hostile grooves yet Alex aims to show also his genuine emotions that render the whole album quite interesting and enjoyable. 

Acherontas – Psychic Death – The Shattering of Perceptions

Acherontas are renowned in the New Wave of Greek Black Metal scene and the time has come to begin a new chapter with the obscure soundscapes of the eighth studio album “Psychic Death – The Shattering Of Perceptions”. 

“Paradigms Of Nyx” conjures undiluted darkness with a ferocious blackened rhythmic assault amplified by the tormented growls and the theatrical narratives while the ominous guitar riffs and inflamed leads seem to emerge straight from hellish depths. 

The occult vibes of “Kiss The Blood” flourish through the intense guitar progressions channeling an immense melodic gloom and a primordial black metal force while the ritualistic vocals and the mysterious atmospheric arrangements hold a crucial role within the intricate composition. 

The title track shifts to a slower grave tempo that highlights the hypnotizing guitar work generating a bewitching melodic splendor and increasing the spiritual essence in the midst of a dense mystifying atmosphere. 

Darkness descends throughout “Coiled Splendor” which truly feels like an arcane ritual as the atmospheric layers surround the blistering blackened soul embodied by the relentless riffage and drumming yet the guitar leads can elegantly create spellbinding melodic progressions. 

The captivating elaborate guitar melodies on “Magick Of Mirrors” become the dominant element leading to a perennial darkened immersive momentum that could even bring spiritual enlightenment and the solemn spoken words seem to hold an inscrutable magical power that could open the doors of perception. 

“Psychic Death – The Shattering Of Perceptions” incarnates a mystical journey through the ancient routes of divination as Acherontas meticulously craft monumental blackened grooves and enigmatic melodic tapestries. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRYjjr_U1-c

Mushroomhead – A Wonderful Life

Renowned for their explosive live shows and their cool masks Mushroomhead are ready to reach another crucial milestone with the release of the massive new album “A Wonderful Life” which unleashes the expected fiery industrial rampage but also showcases a catchy melodic flair. 

“A Requiem For Tomorrow” begins with solemn operatic choirs that introduce a stomping rhythmic core filled with crunchy guitar riffs surrounded by moody futuristic electronic layers that create darkly entertaining soundscapes. 

“Madness Within” manifests a heavier approach as the abrasive guitar riffs become more prominent marching through the darkened atmospheric layers and the resulting raw energy is further amplified by the savage vocal delivery.  

“The Heresy” often focuses on lavish atmospheric waves and melancholic piano melodies that highlight the emotional vibes of the passionate vocal duet but the rhythmic section can manage to deliver subtle catchy dynamics.  

“What A Shame” conveys a sinister yet playful mood with eerie atmospheric arrangements and baroque harpsichord accents surrounding a series of smooth rhythmic segments that emphasize the darkened melodies but will eventually evolve into a heavier spiteful momentum. 

At times “I Am The One” can sound quite mellow with a spacey multilayered atmosphere and soothing vocals but the rhythmic section can definitely pick up speed and deliver a fair dosage of stomping guitar riffs and thunderous drums. 

“The Flood” follows a softer sonic pathway that emphasizes the vocal skills and the expression of poignant emotions through the contemplative piano harmonies and the lovable melodic crescendos. 

“Where The End Begins” leaves behind the heavy industrial rampage and puts the spotlight on a bittersweet emotive ballad style with soulful vocals and melancholia infused guitar melodies flowing gracefully within the elegant atmospheric ensemble.  

“Sound Of Destruction” dwells within a dystopian sonic realm that spontaneously amplifies the gritty industrial elements with chunky riffage and the consequent fiery rhythmic blasts and angered vocals march through mysterious atmospheric waves. 

Certainly “A Wonderful Life” is a solid addition to Mushroomhead’s discography as it has the power to make you feel good with the energetic approach of industrial metal but also shows that the band has a genuine desire to expand their music vision. 

Nexion – Seven Oracles

Icelandic black metallers Nexion invite you to join an obscure journey through the coldest depths of existence on the debut release “Seven Oracles”. 

The title track is drenched in darkness as the gloomy guitar tonalities naturally generate a cohesive series of intense blackened grooves and the resulting ominous vibes are always enhanced by the malevolent growls yet when the rhythm slows down bewitching guitar melodies have the chance to evoke mournful emotions. 

“Revelation Of Unbeing” immediately showcases an aggressive approach with inflamed drum blasts while guitars at times focus on darkened melodic progressions leading to strong contemplative vibes before returning to a malignant rhythmic rampage. 

“Sanctum Amentiae” stands out for the occult flair of the compelling guitar melodies that emphasize the immersive nature of the song but will soon embrace a diabolical sonic realm with the perfect dosage of funereal guitar riffs and imposing rhythmic dynamics. 

The intricate “The Last Messiah” closes the album channeling the obscure glory of traditional black metal with fierce & fast rhythmic patterns yet once again the frostbitten guitar tonalities have the ability to amplify the dramatic depth with brooding melodic crescendos. 

The mythical & spiritual motifs behind “Seven Oracles” come to life through the balanced mixture of mysterious melodic waves and pure fury proving that Nexion have meticulously and passionately crafted an intriguing debut album. 

Aversio Humanitatis – Behold The Silent Dwellers

Spanish black metal outfit Aversio Humanitatis will drag you into the darkest abyss with the monolithic soundscapes of the latest full length “Behold The Silent Dwellers”. 

Throughout “The Weaver Of Tendons” the rhythmic section can spontaneously unleash an overdose of inflamed blackened dynamics with faster brutal drumming and relentless riffage while the lugubrious melodic progressions and the consequent grave feelings lead to an intense contemplative momentum. 

“The Sculptor Of Thoughts” immediately generates a lethal blackened assault with the fierce rhythmic patterns fueled by the untamed drumming and the ominous guitar tonalities that can trigger hostile riffage as well as deeply mournful melodies enriched by the dramatic vocal delivery. 

“The Wanderer Of Abstract Paths” depicts a hopeless world through the monumental rhythmic maze offering borderline dissonant riffage and passionate grim guitar phrases that easily emphasize the darkened tonalities and the ferocious black metal roots. 

“The Scribe Of Dust” is an invitation to embrace the darkness as the whole instrumental ensemble still channels the coldest black metal elements with merciless rhythmic segments but the guitar work tends to follow a gloomy sonic pathway with fascinating darkened harmonies flowing through a desolate sonic realm. 

Aversio Humanitatis proudly manifest a primordial force that you can constantly perceive running through the fiery blackened grooves within the dystopian realm of “Behold The Silent Dwellers”.  

Aversions Crown – Hell Will Come For Us All

Australian blackened deathcore outfit Aversions Crown begin a new sonic endeavor with a finalized line-up and a ferocious energy on the latest full length “Hell Will Come For Us All”. 

The cold atmospheric intro on “The Soil” foreshadows the darkened vibes that surround the savage rhythmic section and the precise guitar riffs accompanied by belligerent growls constantly amplify the aggressive sonic pathway. 

On “Paradigm” the lead guitar work immediately showcases a technical flair leading to vicious rhythmic blasts well supported by the breakneck speed of the drums while a gloomy atmosphere will trigger a contemplative melodic breakdown. 

You simply cannot escape the darkness running through the title track as the mournful ambience introduces an unrestrained rhythmic assault filled with abrasive guitar riffs, ruthless drum blasts and spiteful growls yet the guitar leads add some fascinating melodic progressions. 

“Sorrow Never Sleeps” dwells within a somber atmospheric realm where guitars naturally acquire dismal tonalities to create crestfallen melodic crescendos but certainly the band doesn’t sacrifice the inner anger as demonstrated by the moments of sheer brutality concocted by an explosive rhythmic section. 

“The Final Judgement” brings closure with a dismal mood reminding us that the end is near so the dramatic atmospheric ensemble evokes grim feelings matched by the darkened guitar harmonies flourishing through the merciless rhythmic patterns. 

The world of “Hell Will Come For Us All” is filled with fury and sorrows as Aversions Crown focus on a visceral technical songwriting approach embellished by a fair dosage of impeccable melodic twists. 

Carach Angren – Franckensteina Strataemontanus

Dutch masters of horror Carach Angren have crafted the new creepy opus “Franckensteina Strataemontanus” inspired by Mary Shelly’s novel ‘Frankenstein’ manifesting a visionary blend of extreme metal and decadent symphonic tapestries. 

The horrific fairytale begins with the spooky soundscapes of “Scourged Ghoul Undead” which unravels an imposing mix of elaborate flamboyant symphonic arrangements and ravenous blackened rhythmic blasts fueled by an obscure force amplified by the devilish growls and the deadly march of the drums. 

The title track shines for the wild extremely intricate orchestrations that immediately create a catchy yet twisted sonic realm where frightful entities lurk in the dark as the nightmarish melodies become entwined with merciless rhythmic progressions enriched by the solemn narratives. 

“Sewn for Solitude” stands out for the neoclassical splendor as the lavish multilayered orchestrations showcase a magical creativity leading to a majestic atmospheric ensemble surrounding the heavier sinister rhythmic core. 

“Operation Compass” welcomes you to a ghastly world that belongs to monstrous blackened rhythmic progressions constantly embellished by the majestic theatrical arrangements blending grave classical tonalities and suspenseful atmospheric crescendos. 

“Der Vampir von Nürnberg” begins with scary playful vibes that continue to successfully emphasize the album’s horror motifs and while the blackened essence is still present the detailed orchestrations convey a fascinating classical grandeur that highlights the crucial role of the eerie melodic themes and the sublime atmospheric layers. 

The dramatic final track “Like a Conscious Parasite I Roam” offers an overdose of gorgeous classical melodies and stylish symphonic textures reminiscent of a baroque operetta that flourishes incessantly through the dark energy of the rhythmic patterns. 

It becomes quite evident that Carach Angren’s music vision is always intriguing due to the magnificent symphonic & classical keyboards arrangements that on “Franckensteina Strataemontanus” constantly enrich the heavy patterns and ultimately create the ideal soundtrack for a horror movie. 

Hail Spirit Noir – Eden In Reverse

Psychedelic prog metal band Hail Spirit Noir confidently embraces an experimental music pathway to embark on a galactic journey that leads to the fourth full length “Eden In Reverse”.

“Incense Swirls” already manifests an enigmatic essence that makes you space out easily blending interesting proggy patterns and multifaceted cosmic atmospheres balanced by a moody melodic soul also emphasized by the soothing vocal delivery. 

Featuring Lars Nedland of Borknagar “Crossroads” begins with passionate vocal harmonies and soon enters an eclectic prog oriented sonic realm that relies on glowing guitar progressions surrounded by rich synths layers and psychedelic accents that generate a strong trippy momentum. 

“The First Ape On New Earth” holds a heavier rhythmic core unleashing immediately a series of sharp riffs supported by faster rhythmic blasts nevertheless due to the intricate composition there are many variations of style & pace throughout the songs leading to luminous guitar melodies and captivating multilayered synths offering robotic electro beats as well as elegant atmospheric textures. 

“Automata 1980” is a full blown futuristic trip as the wide array of strange & eerie electronic sounds and the insane psychedelic vibes might induce a trance-like state but later guitars begin to craft smooth melodic crescendos enhanced by the somber emotions of the vocals. 

It becomes quickly clear that Hail Spirit Noir are driven by a desire to explore diverse music styles leading to the shapeshifting soundscapes of “Eden In Reverse” which in fact will inevitably attract a niche audience. 

Kall – Brand

Founded in 2012 by former members of influential depressive black metal band Lifelover, Swedish progressive blackened band Kall crafts unique soundscapes on the sophomore release “Brand”.

Listening to “Rise” you can immediately perceive Kall’s eclectic music vision as mournful blackened guitar riffs create an introverted instrumental ensemble that will often evolve into intricate melodic passages or heavier abrasive rhythmic patterns. 

“Fervour” is surrounded by a dreamy atmosphere that emphasizes the presence of wistful guitar melodies that at times will embrace darker rhythmic crescendos embellished by the elegant tonalities of the saxophone. 

The mystifying mini opus “Fukta Din Aska” constantly showcases a complex experimental approach offering heavy rhythmic dynamics and obscure tonalities but the direction can change drastically anytime as the moody melodic guitar work and the enticing saxophone channel shoegaze nuances and even chaotic psychedelic vibes. 

“Hide Below” begins with mellow harmonies evoking an immense melancholia that continues to flourish through cathartic rhythmic crescendos as guitars acquire hazy tonalities accompanied by tormented screams to enhance the contemplative momentum that ultimately leads to surreal dissonant progressions. 

While “Brand” is certainly fueled by a darkened enigmatic force Kall tend to surprise the listeners with unusual sounds and unexpected instrumental twists aiming to achieve a distinct sonic identity far from any standard music category. 

Atavist – III: Absolution

After a 10 year hiatus British death/doom stalwarts Atavist return triumphantly with the monolithic full length “III: Absolution” which unleashes an overdose of crushing doom dynamics and profoundly melancholic melodies. 

On “Loss” the mellow somber rhythm emphasizes the crucial role of the heart wrenching violin melodies entwined with gorgeous guitar phrases to create a sublime melodic realm that will ultimately embrace a majestic heavier doom ensemble enhanced by tormented growls and extremely lugubrious tonalities. 

“Struggle” can easily spread an overwhelming darkness as the agonizing growls and the extreme heavy weight of the harrowing guitar riffs create a grave sonic realm where the funeral doom style is destined to thrive leading to painfully slow rhythmic dynamics. 

Surrounded by an understated mysterious atmosphere “Absolution” constantly evokes grim feelings as the stunning refined guitar melodies and the melancholic tonalities amplify the emotive themes while the monolithic rhythmic section continues to follow an obscure doom metal pathway that reaches a glorious acme with the ravishing violin harmonies. 

Atavist know exactly how to create a truly intense doom album in fact with deeply mournful progressions and a cathartic melodic essence. “III: Absolution” invites you to embark on a challenging emotional journey.