Category: Album Reviews

Archon Angel – Fallen

Archon Angel is a new exciting project featuring former Savatage and Circle II Circle vocalist Zak Stevens and producer/guitar player Aldo Lonobile of Secret Sphere, the result of this collaboration is embodied by the powerful debut album “Fallen”.

The title track marks a truly memorable beginning with the perfect dosage of passionate piano melodies and atmospheric arrangements surrounding catchy rhythmic dynamics that are constantly enriched by Zak’s charismatic voice channeling the authentic spirit of classic metal. 

The strength of “The Serpent” comes from the darkened vibes of the heavy groovy rhythmic core that relies on sharp riffage and glamorous soloing embellished by multilayered understated orchestrations and such captivating ensemble naturally suits the fierce vocal delivery. 

The bittersweet piano melodies of “Under The Spell” immediately evoke a sheer melancholia yet the groovy guitar riffs confidently maintain an engaging bold rhythmic momentum and the vibrant counterpoint vocal parts are simply irresistible. 

The atmospheric layers on “Twilight” become dramatically darker and the opulent symphonic orchestrations gain a rather dominant role within the song’s structure while the impeccable rhythmic section continues to focus on a solid series of heavier guitar driven grooves.  

The old school heavy metal approach is particularly vivid on “Faces Of Innocence” which relies on a winning blend of heartfelt melodic textures and glowing keyboards layers intensified by the flamboyant guitar soloing and the exquisite vocal harmonies. 

The epic final track “Return Of The Storm” will easily become a favorite beginning with enticing melancholia infused piano melodies that put the spotlight on the stunning counterpoint vocal choirs and the consequent darkly melodic grandeur will remain essential as the lavish symphonic orchestrations continue to shine through the faster energetic rhythmic patterns. 

Archon Angel demonstrate to have already a clear sonic pathway in mind and on “Fallen” Zak’s unforgettable signature vocal style paired with a pure classic metal essence and progpower elements at times might remind you of the glorious days of Savatage so the fans worldwide will enjoy listening to this album and probably will feel a bit nostalgic. 

 

Konvent – Puritan Masochism

Danish death/doom metal quartet Konvent is ready to spread undiluted darkness and impress the underground metal scene with the malevolent debut album “Puritan Masochism”. 

The title track depicts a pitchblack sonic realm with the crushing weight of the guitar riffs surrounded by a nightmarish atmosphere naturally emphasized by the cavernous growls and the monochromatic melodic passages. 

On “World Of Gone” vocalist Rikke Emilie List continues to deliver terrific growls that seem to emerge from hellish depths and the dismal guitar tonalities successfully channel a primal doom force through the imposing riffage and the forlorn melodies. 

The funereal slow motion of “Bridge” favors mournful guitar melodies that inevitably create a sense of desolation that will always linger through the constant monolithic rhythmic segments and the diabolical growls. 

“Waste” begins another dark journey with ominous bass lines swiftly followed by aggressive rhythmic grooves that confidently combine the primordial elements of doom and death metal and the consequent tormented vibes are definitely amplified by obscure screams. 

“Ropes pt. II” reminds you that there is no escape from darkness as the familiar combo of super heavy rhythmic blasts and guttural vocal delivery clearly channels the band’s extreme metal influences while guitars can also focus on dramatically slow burning melodies channeling a sense of despair further emphasized by the enigmatic atmospheric finale. 

Undoubtedly each and every song on “Puritan Masochism” is drenched in darkness as the murky nuances of classic doom are extremely dominant and Konvent are still at the beginning of their career but already seem sincerely devoted to such timeless subgenre. 

Blasphemer – The Sixth Hour

For Italian extreme metal band Blasphemer a new chapter begins with the release of the full length “The Sixth Hour” conceptually based on the last day of Jesus Christ on the path that led him from the Gethsemane to Golgotha. 

“Let Him Be Crucified” begins with an anguished atmosphere that gives way to a rather hostile rhythmic ensemble filled with violent guitar riffs and cavernous growls that clearly manifest the blasphemous essence of the entire album. 

“The Stumbling Block” certainly maintains a lugubrious mood from beginning to end as guitars craft profoundly darkened melodic phrases in the midst of a relentless rhythmic assault inspired by the obscure depths of death metal. 

On “Lord Of Lies” the precise drumming dictates a breakneck rhythm inevitably generating a chaotic momentum while the guitar work shifts from unrestrained riffage to intriguing & menacing licks.  

“I.N.R.I.” features some tasteful mournful guitar melodies that naturally add dramatic depth but don’t sacrifice the savage aspects of the faster belligerent rhythmic segments which still follow a wicked death metal pathway. 

The title track confidently relies on a ferocious rhythmic section but often focuses on the ominous tonalities of the lead guitar work accompanied by agonizing screams that tend to enhance the tragic vibes.  

On “The Deposition” the dramatic nuances seem to gain more attention leading to an inescapable torment fully expressed by the understated melodic lead guitars emerging through the asphyxiating rhythmic ensemble. 

Throughout “The Sixth Hour” Blasphemer are certainly eager to keep an uncompromising brutality that stays true to their blackened death metal pathway and thrives within the underground scene but also manage to deliver some bewitching melodic twists. 

T.O.M.B. – Thin The Veil

For over twenty years T.O.M.B. have been spreading darkness with an enigmatic approach and continue to follow a blasphemous music pathway today with the sixth full length “Thin The Veil” which also features collaborations with Hellhammer of Mayhem, Maurice “Mories” de Jong of Gnaw Their Tongues, Andy Winter of Winds, Craig Smilowski formerly of Immolation, and Duncan McLaren of Venom Wolf.

“No Return” has an esoteric essence naturally embedded in the murky atmospheric layers and the asphyxiating blackened rhythmic assault is constantly fueled by manic speed and ominous guitar tonalities. 

The blurry mournful sounds of “Pestilence” seem to emerge from a forgotten dark abyss as guitars offer insidious riffs & leads blending black metal and noise elements through a desolate atmospheric maze. 

The title track relies on faster hostile rhythmic patterns channeling primal black metal roots and the occult vibes increase dramatically when the slower tempo highlights the presence of mysterious atmospheric waves. 

“Decapitation Of The Gods” combines the apocalyptic vibes of industrial with the relentless brutality of black metal as guitars unleash aggressive riffage and gelid tonalities within a chaotic sonic realm. 

“Lunar Reckoning” could not sound darker and the necromantic growls certainly match such mood within the mystifying rhythmic ensemble enhanced by the solemn drumming and the monochromatic guitar tones. 

On “Hellmouth” the vocals sound like an arcane incantation that also reminds you that you’re stuck in a hellish world surrounded by murky atmospheric layers and oppressive rhythmic blasts characterized by dissonant noise elements. 

On “Thin The Veil” T.O.M.B. keep everything as obscure as possible mixing harsh black metal elements and cryptic atmospheres that certainly belong to the darkest corners of the underground metal scene. 

Sepultura – Quadra

Since their inception Brazilian legends Sepultura have successfully developed a groundbreaking irresistible sonic identity that for thirty five years has been gradually evolving into a complex creative force that today generates the majestic new album “Quadra”. 

The darkened essence of “Isolation” is dramatically enhanced by epic symphonic elements that will soon give way to a groovy series of massive thrash rhythmic blasts featuring abrasive guitar riffs, pummeling drums and towering growls. 

“Means To An End” immediately focuses on an unrestrained rhythmic rampage so the band’s signature thrash dynamics sound quite dominant leading to moshpit inducing grooves enriched by refined yet absolutely ravenous lead guitar work and a cathartic tribal momentum. 

“Last Time” stands out for the charismatic guitar work that since the very beginning showcases a modern progressive flair yet the rhythmic section definitely channels the undiluted rage of thrash metal with relentless guitar riffs accompanied by the perfect dosage of hostile growls. 

The mood changes on “Guardians Of Earth” beginning with soulful acoustic guitar harmonies followed by majestic operatic choirs that introduce a faster rhythm meticulously built by precise drumming and eclectic guitar phrases that will reach the acme with an inspiring solo so the thrash elements are still present but naturally embrace the evocative progressive composition. 

“The Pentagram” is an intense instrumental track that allows you to truly appreciate the stellar musicianship and also highlights a compelling sonic diversity as guitars shift from vitriolic riffage to complex prog oriented soloing constantly supported by a powerful impeccable rhythmic backbone. 

“Agony Of Defeat” is definitely a sophisticated track that evokes a profound melancholia with the somber elegance of the memorable intricate guitar melodies and the passionate clean vocal delivery and such fervent feelings are also expressed by the eloquent symphonic arrangements. 

Featuring guest vocalist Emily Barreto “Fear, Pain, Chaos, Suffering” carefully blends haunting melodic guitar progressions and fierce rhythmic segments generating a majestic groovy momentum in the midst of a profoundly darkened atmosphere. 

“Quadra” often manages to maintain an aggressive thrash metal momentum reminiscent of the early breakthrough discography but Sepultura are not really trying to rely exclusively on the same winning formula as they prove to be eager to move forward therefore you can expect some cool experimental ideas throughout the album.

 

Thy Catafalque – Naiv

With the avant garde project Thy Catafalque mastermind Tamás Kátai has always chosen a distinctive experimental approach inspired by diverse and even contrasting genres and as a result the new album “Naiv” is bound to constantly surprise the audience.  

“A Bolyongás Ideje” prepares you for a wild ride with a strong blackened rhythmic rampage that highlights the heavier tonalities of the guitar work while the somber vocals and the understated atmospheric arrangements successfully maintain a rather fascinating darkened mood. 

The arcane harmonious beauty of “Embersólyom” tends to favor a mystical folk spirit as the soft atmospheric layers and the comforting piano melodies channel a graceful melancholia lingering even through the heavier rhythmic segments.   

On “A Valóság Kazamatái” futuristic electro arrangements become the main focus with crazy synths and an incredibly variegated range of sounds paired with harsh industrial oriented guitar riffs and contrasting peaceful introspective melodies. 

There’s a lot going on “Vető” as the evident eclectic composition generates exotic melodic waves and entertaining, often unexpected, electronic rhythmic patterns while the more traditional metal elements still find a way to emerge with some intense guitar riffs. 

“Szélvész” certainly has an elaborate structure that once again aims to maintain a multifaceted soundscape yet the massive guitar driven grooves hold a dominant role and will become quite memorable accompanied by the perfect dosage of dreamy atmospheres and obscure rhythmic blasts. 

Certainly diversity is one of the key elements that render “Naiv” such a unique opus so distant from any predefined music category as with an excellent musicianship Thy Catafalque bravely manipulate sounds and explore various subgenres to fully express their creative force. 

Former Worlds – Iterations Of Time

Minneapolis based band Former Worlds have worked hard to craft the official debut full length “Iterations Of Time” which follows an obscure music pathway profoundly inspired by doom & sludge metal. 

“Spectre” is an enigmatic affair relying on monumental rhythmic patterns that evidently channel the abrasive elements of sludge with primal guitar riffs and quite furious screams that create an impenetrable murky atmosphere.  

The complex structure of “Variations On A Cave” allows the band to fully showcase a multifaceted approach with vitriolic guitar riffs cutting through hazy atmospheric layers as the heavy sludge rhythmic core is quite dominant but the calmer moody shoegaze vibes always find a way to stand out. 

“Widow Moon” can certainly sound hostile with the ominous weight of the guitar riffs and the consequent chaotic rhythmic fury also emphasized by spiteful screams yet the inner dreamy shoegaze oriented spirit comes alive with gentle melodies and mellow vocals generating harmonious introspective moments. 

Former Worlds are not afraid to explore multiple metal subgenres to build a personal music identity which on this debut album “Iterations Of Time” constantly manifests a darkened heavy essence. 

Yatra – Blood Of The Night

Maryland based power trio Yatra is ready to release the sophomore album “Blood Of The Night” and you can expect an overdose of doom laden grooves and towering sludge elements. 

On “Sorcerer” you can immediately perceive a mystifying darkened aura flowing through the mournful guitar melodies and the monolithic rhythmic patterns which ultimately generate super heavy grooves accompanied by the primal vocal delivery. 

On “After The Ravens” the guitar work tends to focus on the creation of exquisite gloomy melodies as the band is clearly inspired by the darkest elements of doom metal in fact the obscure weight of the rhythmic section doesn’t need extra speed to sound absolutely heavy. 

“Blood Will Flow” offers loads of crushing dynamics consequently the groovy vibes become more dominant due to the intense rhythmic progressions while the lead guitar work and the vocals successfully channel sorrowful feelings. 

Once again “Three Moons” features charismatic guitar melodies evoking a profound melancholy through massive doom oriented rhythmic segments confidently built by sharp riffage that will ultimately evolve into a memorable fuzzy soloing. 

The forlorn atmosphere of “Surrender” is constantly fueled by a primitive doom force perfectly expressed by the heavy guitar riffs and the tormented vocals marching through extra groovy and faster rhythmic blasts. 

“Blood Of The Night” can sound insanely dark & heavy as Yatra makes serious efforts to develop a personal style that certainly bears the ominous mark of doom metal and will make a strong impression in the current scene. 

Annihilator – Ballistic, Sadistic

In the metal scene Annihilator will always hold an influential status and they are ready to showcase an unstoppable creative force paired with a true devotion to old school metal on the seventeenth studio album “Ballistic, Sadistic”. 

“Armed To The Teeth” immediately unleashes a crazy frenetic rhythmic rampage with a classic heavy sound revolving around cohesive guitar riffs but as you expect Jeff Waters is always ready to make things more interesting with the intense lead guitar work that stands out for the technical ability and the evident diversity of the various solos. 

“The Attitude” is angry and faster with a solid series of menacing rhythmic patterns accompanied by spiteful vocals and the wild shredding of the guitar soloing. 

“Psycho Ward” keeps a classic thrash metal approach from beginning to end with constant galloping guitar riffs yet there is a crucial melodic essence expressed by the somber tonalities and the tasteful moody solos. 

On “Dressed Up For Evil” the rhythmic patterns can become insanely frantic following a hostile approach that requires immediate headbanging and once again the charismatic lead guitar work will craft a winning mix of crazy shredding and melodic licks. 

“One Wrong Move” continues to follow such winning formula revolving around sharp rhythmic dynamics and enraged vocals destined to reach the acme with the thrilling guitar solos but this track also features a tranquil introspective momentum embodied by graceful guitar melodies. 

“The End Of The Lie” is another energetic track that brings a proper thrash metal assault as the rhythmic approach definitely showcases an enjoyable vintage flair full of groovy guitar riffs and sharp leads. 

With seventeen albums in over thirty years Annihilator have already reached a huge milestone and “Ballistic, Sadistic” certainly stays true to their legacy delivering all the massive guitar driven grooves that thrash metalheads will love. 

Raphael Weinroth – Browne – WorldsWithin

You might be familiar with Canadian cellist and composer Rapahel Weinroth-Browne for his collaborations with several renowned bands such as Leprous and now the time has come to begin a new exciting chapter releasing his solo debut album “Worlds Within”.

The two movements of “From Within” feel like an endless dream unfolding between light and dark as the somber cello melodies evoke an immense melancholy with mellow emotionally charged tonalities that will evolve into a dazzling crescendo. 

“From Above” is fueled by a luminous energy that leads to intense compelling grooves and eclectic variations that blend impeccable classical harmonies and edgy electronic elements within a darkened atmospheric realm. 

“Tumult” is a memorable opus consisting of four movements that showcase diverse inspirations ranging from a wild combo of groovy & heavy rhythmic segments and electro beats to the exquisite beauty of minimalist classical melodies that flow gently through gloomy cinematic waves. 

“Worlds Within” is a single composition divided into ten tracks therefore you should listen to the whole album without interruption to enjoy the incredibly versatile sounds that Rapahel can create with the cello and to fully appreciate his artistic vision which stands out for the sublime classical approach and the multifaceted creative sparks.