Category: Album Reviews

Endless Forms Most Gruesome – Endless Forms Most Gruesome

Juuso Raatikainen of Swallow the Sun and Manne Ikonen of Ghost Brigade have joined forces to create the new intriguing music project Endless Forms Most Gruesome and the debut eponymous release promises a massive dosage of sludge/death metal grooves. 

“The Watchers” offers cohesive rounds of chunky guitar riffs and the consequent rhythmic dynamics often acquire extra heavy mournful sludge/doom elements emphasized by the venomous growls.  

There is a malevolent essence lingering throughout “A Thousand Years in Hell” with the increasing tension built by the impeccable rhythmic section and the dense atmospheric textures certainly amplify the expression of grave feelings. 

“Goat” creates an alluring melodic gloom with a dramatic clean vocal delivery and loads of lovely mournful guitar phrases that will ultimately embrace a darkly contemplative momentum yet the groovy sludgy spirit can often trigger monumental rhythmic crescendos. 

“Viral Bloodlust” is constantly fueled by a quite obscure energy that generates monolithic groovy guitar riffs with fuzzy tonalities so the sludge vibes feel quite dominant while the slower moments evoke a profound melancholia with delicious darkened guitar melodies. 

“Free Fall from Womb to Grave” manifests an intricate grand finale focusing on a poetic blend of subtle atmospheric tapestries and wistful guitar melodies that create a refined dreamy ensemble yet with an intense fuzzy energy the rhythmic section will still craft memorable riffage and savage drum blasts. 

Even if Endless Forms Most Gruesome just started their music journey you can easily perceive the talent and experienced musicianship that lead to the thrilling guitar driven grooves of their debut album. 

Oranssi Pazuzu – Mestarin Kynsi

Critically acclaimed Finnish psychedelic black metal wizards Oranssi Pazuzu open the doors of perception on the fifth full length “Mestarin Kynsi” which goes beyond standard music categories feeling more like an insane trip full of colorful surprises and enigmatic nightmares. 

“Ilmestys” immediately conjures an unsettling atmosphere with the obscure experimental approach of the synths creating an apocalyptic slow burning ensemble emphasized by the creepy growls and the murky rhythmic crescendos. 

There is an apparent calm on “Tyhjyyden Sakramentti” due to the psychedelia infused synths and the melodic guitars yet a chaotic rhythmic rampage is destined to take over combining blackened gritty riffs and frenetic industrial style arrangements. 

“Uusi Teknokratia” has a cold groovy essence with a blend of abrasive guitar riffs and opulent mystifying electronic layers that ensure a series of artsy and even dissonant rhythmic variations while the malevolent growls seem to emerge from a distant hellish abyss. 

The experimental composition thrives within the eclectic soundscape of “Kuulen Ääniä Maan Alta” that revolves around moody borderline futuristic electro beats that will acquire tumultuous industrial elements leading to claustrophobic rhythmic segments embellished by the psychedelic nuances of the synths. 

Oranssi Pazuzu basically reminds you that it’s the right time to jump through the rabbit hole but who knows if you’ll ever manage to get out because it just seems really easy to get lost within the mysterious twisted sonic maze of “Mestarin Kynsi”. 

Solothus – Realm Of Ash And Blood

Finnish death/doom metallers Solothus dwell within a world of darkness and despair on the third full length “Realm Of Ash And Blood”.

Accompanied by obscure cavernous growls the ominous weight of the rhythmic section on “Father Of Sickness” clearly showcases a traditional doom inspiration while the excellent melodic guitar leads successfully add variety and dismal feelings. 

“The Gallows’ Promise” immediately conveys a darkened sonic realm with mournful phrases swiftly followed by monolithic rhythmic patterns that can unleash dramatically heavier dynamics and remind you of an impending doom. 

On “Below Black Waters” the elaborate guitar work and the slow monumental rhythm generate a gloomy grandeur enriched by extremely sorrowful melodic passages that naturally lead to a passionate guitar solo. 

The grand finale is embodied by the lengthy “A Rain Of Ash” which stands out as the most complex track of the album offering an overload of sharp guitar riffs and charismatic leads well supported by a groovy rhythmic ensemble that will eventually slow down to highlight a particularly dramatic doom oriented momentum enriched by an extensive enthralling solo. 

Throughout “Realm Of Ash And Blood” Solothus confidently show their skilled musicianship and stay true to a lugubrious blend of doom & death metal that maintains a fair balance between harsh grooves and forlorn melodic progressions. 

Omega Infinity – Solar Spectre

Multiinstrumentalist Tentakel P. of Todtgelichter and vocalist Xenoyr of Ne Obliviscaris joined forces to create the new obscure music project Omega Infinity and the debut release “Solar Spectre” seems to be fueled by an intense cosmic energy. 

Since the very beginning “Mars” delivers a relentless blackened rhythmic assault with belligerent riffage and drumming accompanied by cavernous growls so such harsh ensemble might leave you shattered while the experimental approach provides a mix of frenetic industrial vibes and suspenseful atmospheric layers.  

On “Jupiter” the rhythmic section often amplifies a menacing industrial mood and while the resulting breathless patterns enhance the hostile tonalities of the guitar work the rich ambient layers convey an overwhelming galactic darkness. 

“Neptune” focuses mainly on a multilayered ambient composition and ethereal vocals to create contemplative cinematic soundscapes while the gelid tones of the gritty rhythmic momentum still evoke dismal emotions.

Everything gets darker as “Saturn” returns to a quite chaotic pathway featuring some dominant post apocalyptic industrial motifs that enrich the ominous energy of the tumultuous rhythm and the ferocious growls. 

The blackened rhythmic blasts on “Terra” just seem unstoppable leading to a quite oppressive mood with an overload of frantic guitar riffs yet some moody quasi melodic guitar progressions manage to tone down these aggressive dynamics. 

Omega Infinity define their music style as ‘void metal’ but certainly the extra heavy segments of “Solar Spectre” showcase a strong black metal inspiration naturally surrounded by a dark ambient aura generating an enigmatic sonic realm. 

Nicumo – Inertia

Finnish band Nicumo spreads immense melancholy through the Nordic melodic soundscapes of the third full length “Inertia”. 

On “Three Pyres” the cold guitar tonalities and the passionate clean vocals immediately evoke grave feelings also enhanced by the understated atmospheric accents yet the robust guitar riffs generate an energetic momentum that highlights heavier melo-death influences. 

You can easily recognize a familiar Finnish metal style throughout “Dark Rivers” as guitars effortlessly shift from polished melodic phrases to galloping riffs maintaining a well balanced catchy rhythmic ensemble while the growls certainly amplify the darker vibes. 

“Mother And The Snake” begins with a perfect dosage of heartfelt vocal harmonies and sorrowful guitar melodies that will eventually give way to cohesive rounds of super groovy guitar riffs following a faster rhythmic rampage. 

Surrounded by an understated darkened atmosphere, “Time Won’t Heal” focuses on an emotive approach that intensifies the bittersweet melodic guitar progressions and the resulting profound melancholia is further enhanced by the soothing clean vocal delivery. 

The elegant nostalgic realm of “Black Wolf” relies on charming rounds of wistful arpeggios expressing forlorn feelings yet at times the rhythmic section will acquire enough speed and primal energy to deliver some significantly heavier dynamics. 

Undoubtedly “Inertia” feels like a lovely collection of catchy songs as Nicumo creates an alluring gothic tinged melodic ensemble that allows them to express a genuine emotional turmoil. 

Nightwish – Human. :II: Nature.

Finnish symphonic metal masters Nightwish are undoubtedly considered as one of the most successful metal bands worldwide and the long awaited new dazzling release “Human. :II: Nature.” is certainly an ambitious work of music destined to impress the audience.  

The haunting atmosphere of “Music”creates a suspenseful mood especially enhanced by the tribal percussion and the solemn orchestral crescendo that introduce Floor Jansen’s magical voice and a soothing melodic essence that will gradually pick up an energetic momentum as the rhythmic section acquires familiar symphonic metal dynamics.  

“Noise” reminisces of the band’s acclaimed early albums therefore is bound to become a hit song as the flamboyant symphonic flair becomes stronger with refined multilayered orchestrations that highlight Floor’s charismatic vocal performance and the catchy guitar riffs carefully build up heavier grooves. 

“Pan” feels like an ode to imagination as the enchanting piano harmonies embrace a refined orchestral climax following a detailed composition that will ultimately evolve into a grandiose symphonic metal oeuvre enriched by the sharp guitar riffs and the lush operatic choirs.  

“How’s The Heart” holds a glowing melodic soul so the rhythm slows down to enhance the flawless vocal harmonies and the emotional motif while the folk elements shine brighter with the exceptional Uilleann pipes played by Troy Donockley. 

Just like the title suggests “Tribal” revolves around an ancestral tribal rhythm so guitars naturally acquire darker tonalities leading to significantly heavier inflamed groovy patterns fueled by an ex novo primal energy particularly evident in the monumental drumming. 

On “Endlessness” guitars have the chance to craft polished melancholic melodies expressing poignant feelings while the lavish atmospheric layers definitely amplify the epic vibes and this time Marko Hietala takes the leading vocal role delivering a fiery performance. 

The second part of the album offers the complex opus “All The Works Which Adorn The World” divided in eight movements that showcase a remarkable opulent artistic vision relying on otherworldly classical arrangements and majestic orchestral arrangements. 

On “Human. :II: Nature.” Nightwish choose to focus on an elaborate sumptuous composition that still shows all the beloved characteristic traits of their signature music style yet they audaciously explore luminous neoclassical nuances and traditional folk flavors to create a captivating sonic journey. 

Hällas – Conundrum

Swedish adventure rock quintet Hällas has created the new album “Conundrum”, certainly an enigmatic title matching the mysterious proggy retro rock that often feels like a journey back in time. 

“Beyond Night And Day” arrives straight from the 70s as the vintage vibes are extremely dominant in the groovy combo of guitar riffs and multilayered synths while the slower moments are full of astral vibes. 

The relaxing rhythm of “Strider” seems to belong to another dimension and even if this is not a full blown ballad it does rely on mellow guitar melodies and soothing vocals floating through the trippy atmospheric layers. 

“Labyrinth Of Distant Echoes” shows a higher degree of complexity and evidently the presence of kaleidoscopic synths ensures a rich atmospheric ensemble but guitars have the chance to shine with compelling intricate solos and polished melodic textures. 

In the beginning “Blinded By The Emerald Mist” is all about nostalgia but as soon as the rhythmic section takes over the impressive guitar work leads the way to galloping super trippy rock grooves and the luminous harmonies are enriched by the emotive vocal delivery and the dreamy synths. 

Listening to “Fading Hero” you will notice how the 80s style synths hold an essential role crafting a generous dosage of catchy nostalgic arrangements and the guitar riffs & melodies diligently follow a classic rock formula delivering additional retro dynamics and even psychedelic accents. 

Hällas proudly begin a new cosmic experience and the resulting laid back atmosphere and the visionary composition of “Conundrum” always allow you to space out freely. 

Wolfheart – Wolves Of Karelia

Finnish winter metal quartet Wolfheart are rightfully conquering more acolytes worldwide with their signature blend of Nordic melancholy and vicious death metal that thrives on the fifth full length “Wolves of Karelia”. 

On “Hail Of Steel” the cold atmospheric arrangements and the guitars have the ability to express poignant feelings creating a captivating melodic grandeur in contrast with the audacious riffage that leads to the expected ferocious rhythmic assault enhanced by wolfpack leader Tuomas Saukkonen’s massive growls.

The atmospheric tapestries of “Horizon On Fire” add majestic vibes around the relentless rhythmic core fueled by hostile drum blasts and untamed guitar riffs while the melodic leads create a wonderful series of comforting gloomy progressions.  

“Reaper” goes straight to a powerful rhythmic ensemble with sharp guitar riffs and venomous growls yet such vicious dynamics will often slow down to highlight the darkened melodic essence and the epic keyboards layers. 

“The Hammer” continues to deliver a perfectly balanced mix of death metal inspired rhythmic segments amplified by the ruthless fast drumming and enthralling melodic guitar leads marching through the solemn atmospheric waves that will take the center stage in the final part accompanied by soulful acoustic phrases. 

“Ashes” features a significantly slower tempo to properly emphasize the extensive icy guitar harmonies and the intricate vivid atmospheric arrangements that create a stunning evocative sonic realm therefore the sorrowful emotions tend to linger even through the scattered heavier groovy moments. 

Wolfheart have perfected their winter metal style and successfully shaped a remarkable identity that today shines brighter with the detailed and irresistible gelid soundscapes of “Wolves Of Karelia”. 

Forndom – Faþir

The musical universe of Forndom is deeply influenced by Swedish culture and traditions that lead to the genesis of the wintry soundscapes of the sophomore release “Faþir”. 

The cold dense atmospheric textures and the understated folk motif on “Jakten” feel quite comforting and the brooding blend of exquisite violin melodies and solemn vocals can express so many poignant emotions.  

“Yggdrasil” continues to favor a minimalist approach as the blurry atmosphere naturally embraces the evocative vocal delivery and the subtle pulsating rhythm leading to an ethereal sonic realm. 

The mood becomes increasingly darker on the instrumental track “Finnmarken” with the ancestral monolithic rhythmic patterns embellished by the pure beauty of melancholic violin melodies flourishing through the dreamy atmospheric arrangements. 

“Hel, jag vet mig väntar” marks an immersive sonic experience with the understated atmospheric layers and the arcane nature of the vocals enriched by the harmonious presence of elegant violins. 

Embarking on a spiritual journey, Forndom meticulously creates cinematic soundscapes filled with a profound Nordic melancholy that emphasize the eloquent melodic core of “Faþir”. 

Hyborian – Volume II

Kansas City sludge rockers Hyborian continue to tell the story of the fictional character ‘The Traveller’ who survives the end of the world on the sophomore album “Volume II”.

“Driven By Hunger” immediately hits you in the face with a massive series of guitar driven grooves full of monolithic riffs that showcase an untamed heavy sludge approach while the soloing manages to channel slightly melodic somber vibes. 

“Sanctuary” continues to unleash serious grooves as guitars lead the way with a generous dosage of harsh riffage mixed with some appealing proggy leads well supported by a powerful rhythmic section and a bold vocal delivery.  

“The Entity” is another charismatic track that relies on the gritty strength of the guitar riffs to build constant pummeling rhythmic dynamics but also showcases a darkened mood emphasized by the dismal tonalities of the intriguing solo. 

“Expanse” sounds rather aggressive as ravenous screams highlight the belligerent aspects of the rhythmic rampage yet there are some calmer prog oriented variations that add glowing refined melodies. 

The grand finale is embodied by the complexity of “In The Hall Of The Travellers” which can maintain an unstoppable rhythmic march and guitars tend to amplify the prog metal influences delivering memorable inflamed leads that will ultimately give way to contemplative melodies and futuristic atmospheres. 

Undoubtedly “Volume II” has all the raw energy of sludge embedded in every guitar riff and you can easily appreciate how Hyborian are gradually and confidently developing a personal music vision.