Category: Album Reviews

Black Star Riders – Another State Of Grace

It didn’t take long for Black Star Riders to garner attention since the release of the debut album “All Hell Breaks Loose” back in 2013 but now a new line-up and an untamed hard rock energy lead to the brand new album “Another State Of Grace”. 

“Tonight The Moonlight Let Me Down” makes you feel good with so many groovy guitar riffs leading to cohesive and fun rhythmic dynamics accompanied by smooth vocals. 

The title track can sound heavier as the guitar work is simply electrifying with massive grooves, flamboyant leads and tight riffage while the sing along chorus will get stuck in your head. 

“Underneath The Afterglow” keeps the grooves going and you know you will have a good time listening to this track as soon as the crunchy guitar riffs take over and the soloing adds extra glamorous elements. 

Featuring guest vocalist Pearl Aday “What Will It Take” has some nostalgic ballad style elements with accessible mellow guitar melodies that aim to emphasize the emotive power of the vocal duet. 

With heavier guitar riffs and fancy soloing “In The Shadow Of The War Machine” acquires some frenetic rhythmic patterns and even slightly darker tonalities but it still stays true to the catchy classic rock themes.  

“Poisoned Heart” goes straight to a catchy mood keeping things uncomplicated with the crispy sound of guitars that can easily deliver sweet melodies and groovy riffs accompanied by the confident vocal harmonies. 

With “Another State Of Grace” Black Star Riders can say to have crafted another anthemic collection of rock songs and while delivering grooves full of positive energy once again they showcase stellar musicianship. 

Foscor – Els Sepulcres Blancs

The atmospheric music realm of Foscor fully comes to life on the latest release “Els Sepulcres Blancs” which is the second chapter of a poetic conceptual trilogy where the band is able to explore intense emotions within the world of dreams and expectations. 

The dreamy themes of the whole album are already evident on “Laments” as fragile piano melodies and hazy atmospheres feel essential yet there are some engaging rhythmic crescendos when guitars acquire heavier rock tonalities. 

On “Malson” the instrumental passages focus on icy harmonies and immense melancholia with the strong post-rock influence of the tranquil guitar melodies and the soft vocal delivery and while there are some pleasant rhythmic progressions everything here belongs to an ethereal sonic realm. 

On “Cel Rogent” there are plenty of intriguing dynamics as guitars can deliver bold groovy riffs yet this is not a particularly heavy track as a profound melancholia continues to linger leading to misty atmospheric layers and graceful soloing. 

“Cançó de Mort” relies on multilayered sentimental arrangements and relaxing delicate guitar phrases with hints of darker emotions or scattered luminous harmonies to create an intimate musical and even philosophical experience. 

On “Els Sepulcres Blancs” Foscor seem to have left behind their blackened roots to fully focus on an introspective musical depth that demands dreamy soundscapes and a taste of poetry to be fully expressed. 

Silvertomb – Edge Of Existence

Featuring Type O Negative / Seventh Void members Kenny Hickey and Johnny Kelly Silvertomb is finally ready to release the debut album “Edge Of Existence” which showcases a multifaceted sonic identity imbued with authentic emotions. 

“Insomnia / Sunrise” was released as first single and certainly gives you an idea of how much darkness surrounds Silvertomb’s music as the multilayered atmospheres and the genuine vocal delivery evoke feelings of grief surrounding the groovy rock dynamics confidently built by the raw guitar riffs and the crispy melodic leads. 

The hazy piano melodies on “Love You Without No Lies” are already drenched in darkness and so many cathartic emotions are flowing through the sorrowful rhythmic patterns and the bittersweet melodic tapestries as guitars effortlessly shift from heavy rock momentum to introspective depth. 

On “Not Your Savior” guitars can acquire strong doom tonalities that inevitably amplify the gloomy feelings fully expressed by the melodic passages and Kenny delivers desperate screams but also calmer heartfelt vocal harmonies. 

The atmospheric keyboards on “One Of You” evoke intense funereal vibes with some fascinating creepy tones that definitely emphasize the monumental guitar riffs as well as the darkened leads and the doom inspiration here feels quite dominant leading to a series of heavier rhythmic dynamics. 

At the center of “Right Of Passage / Crossing Over” there is a massive darkly hypnotic force that generates doom oriented rhythmic patterns with the monolithic weight of the drums while the guitar work also creates refined melancholic melodies embracing a contemplative atmosphere and reaching the acme with an utterly mesmerizing solo. 

While the new sonic incarnation Silvertomb has a classic rock oriented core these extremely talented musicians are willing to explore diverse styles to fully express their remarkable creativity always combined with an intense emotive strength that renders “Edge Of Existence” an inspiring work of music. 

Life Of Agony – The Sound Of Scars

Already in the early ’90s Life Of Agony were forging a unique music style that today naturally evolves within the striking emotional journey incarnated by the new album “The Sound Of Scars” which is also a continuation of the concept started on the groundbreaking 1993 debut “River Runs Red”.

“Scars” sounds incredibly groovy from beginning to end with loads of chunky guitar riffs and an inflamed rhythmic section with wild hardcore hints nevertheless the memorable chorus holds strong emotional vocal harmonies.  

“Black Heart” will trigger headbanging with the gritty guitar riffs and a rather darkened mood that certainly influences all the instrumental passages while Mina Caputo’s stunning vocals can effortlessly evoke so many profound emotions. 

“Lay Down” shifts from addictive rebellious heavy grooves emphasized by Mina’s powerful voice to introspective melodic moments featuring a soulful vocal delivery and crispy guitar tonalities. 

The deeply somber guitars on “Once Below” emphasize a palpable inner gloom yet the galloping guitar riffs and faster drumming often lead to electrifying groovy dynamics that amplify the raw energy of the catchy chorus.  

“Stone” is filled with contrasting emotions as the rhythmic segments can spontaneously generate abrasive grooves with the right dose of sharp riffage but guitars are also able to craft a pensive melodic momentum accompanied by Mina’s eloquent vocals. 

Feeling like a eulogy “I Surrender” still has a groovy spirit but focuses almost exclusively on the emotive struggles with warm guitar melodies and deeply melancholic atmospheres surrounding Mina’s cathartic vocal delivery. 

The emotional power expressed by Mina’s vocal performance is simply amazing and is one of the reasons why “The Sound Of Scars” can feel so visceral and sincere proving that Life of Agony are still destined to stand out in the current crowded metal scene. 

 

NorthTale – Welcome To Paradise

NorthTale is a new Swedish-American power metal supergroup formed by guitarist Bill Hudson vocalist Christian Eriksson and drummer Patrick Johansson who joined forces to genuinely create the music they love on the bombastic debut album “Welcome To Paradise”. 

The title track showcases the band’s straightforward power metal spirit delivering tons of bouncy guitar riffs, monstrous shredding and tasteful melodic passages that certainly benefit from the extraordinary musicianship and always ensure cohesive rhythmic segments. 

“Higher” stays true to classic power metal style with a big chorus and an engaging rhythmic core but what makes the song truly entertaining is the glorious lead guitar work that effortlessly shift from crispy harmonies to a neoclassical inspired shredding galore. 

“Follow Me” has an elegant symphonic flair courtesy of lavish keyboards arrangements and mixes energetic guitar riffs with passionate melodic phrases while the lead guitar once again aims to impress delivering extra sophisticated passages. 

“Shape Your Reality” is wilder & faster allowing the powerful rhythmic section to shine accompanied by a pleasant positive energy fully expressed by the vocals and enriched by the epic vibes of the keyboards layers and the sumptuous guitar work. 

“Sirens’ Fall” is undeniably one of the strongest tracks as the fancy keyboards and the impeccable guitar licks amplify the neoclassical vibes that constantly add a theatrical momentum to the old school power metal dynamics. 

“If Angels Are Real” continues to channel the glory of power metal through the anthemic guitar driven grooves and the bright vocal delivery but inevitably the neoclassical splendor will remain the highlight of the song with a majestic combo of flawless guitars and striking keyboards. 

“Even When” closes the album with a softer ballad style mood, a must have even in the power metal realm, leading to melancholia infused vocals flowing through graceful atmospheric tapestries and symphonic accents. 

Obviously you can tell that “Welcome To Paradise” is the work of experienced and talented musicians and that the genesis of NorthTale comes from a strong desire to carry the torch for the golden era of power metal which is what you will find on this album from beginning to end. 

The Agonist – Orphans

The return of Canadian extreme metallers The Agonist promises to be quite memorable as they have developed an interesting music identity that fully comes to life with passion and fury on the latest release “Orphans”. 

The atmospheric intro of “In Vertigo” introduces a monstrous rhythmic ensemble that demands speed and anger with infectious guitar riffs and stylish leads while the symphonic & operatic arrangements might render the song less hostile emphasizing the dramatic depth. 

“As One We Survive” brings some blistering metalcore elements within the fierce rhythmic section but melodic guitars definitely add the perfect dosage of melancholia which also allows Vicky Psarakis to deliver emotional clean vocals besides angered growls.  

“The Gift Of Silence” goes straight to the point with a belligerent sonic assault but it will eventually leave behind the brutal rhythmic force to favor sorrowful vibes with elaborate guitar melodies and catchy clean vocal harmonies enriched by a dazzling guitar solo. 

“Blood As My Guide” is full of aggressive guitar riffs following technical rhythmic variations embellished by solemn atmospheric arrangements and understated symphonic vibes while Vicky’s vocal performance can sound quite theatrical. 

The title track begins with soft introspective atmospheres swiftly followed by interesting technical guitar driven grooves accompanied by menacing growls yet the melodic aspects often emerge with profoundly darkened guitar phrases enhanced by the intense clean vocals. 

The impactful nature of “Burn It All Down” is immediately evident as the visceral energy of the rhythmic ensemble leads to unrestrained grooves where guitars constantly showcase a remarkable technical approach. 

There is a lot going on “Orphans” which always manages to balance enthralling melodic tapestries and vicious extreme metal dynamics as the music style of The Agonist continues to evolve following new exciting ideas. 

Implore – Alienated Despair

The insane grindcore-death-punk force of Implore is destined to generate a sonic onslaught on the brand new release “Alienated Despair” lyrically focused on socio-political topics. 

“Faculties Of Time” doesn’t waste any time as the massive rhythmic segments showcase clarity and brutality with death metal elements embedded in the memorable soaring guitar riffs and an aptly brutal vocal delivery. 

“Abandoned Desires” sounds absolutely obscure as the hostile drumming triggers breakneck speed amplified by the furious vocals and the frantic riffage yet there are brief less chaotic moments channeling a sense of anguish. 

“The Constant Dissonance” marks another ferocious sonic assault as guitar riffs generate a frantic almost claustrophobic mood that will acquire a sense of impending doom when the rhythmic section later slows down dramatically.

Featuring guest vocalist Tomas “Tompa” Lindberg of legendary At The Gates “Never Again” showcases a major death metal spirit and as expected the band unleashes vitriolic rhythmic blasts leading to merciless guitar driven grooves. 

On “All Consuming Filth” enraged vocals continue to channel darkness and despair matching the no frills savage rhythmic patterns but once again you can catch your breath when the guitar tonalities become utterly somber. 

Staying true to the album’s inner wrath “The Venom Comes In Droves” amplifies speed & fury as there is no escape from the relentless guitar riffs that will inevitably lead to a chaotic yet absolutely groovy sonic realm.

All the unrestrained energy and the abrasive dynamics on “Alienated Despair” truly match the album title as Implore never hold back and they clearly have the ability to maintain a quite rebellious approach from beginning to end.  

Imperium Dekadenz – When We Are Forgotten

Coming from the depths of the Black Forest of Germany Imperium Dekadenz begin a new sonic journey through dust and shadows on the new offering “When We Are Forgotten”. 

Under a shroud of frost the title track efficiently channels wintry feelings through an abundant dosage of dismal guitar melodies and distant tormented screams while the rich atmospheric approach is definitely an essential element that will inevitably captivate the listeners. 

“Bis Ich Bin” still offers many soulful and borderline depressing melodic moments but the bold ominous rhythmic patterns bearing the mark of traditional black metal become more dominant leading to an extremely dark sonic assault. 

The melancholic depth of “My Solace I (Choirs of Solitude)” is overwhelming as all the guitar melodies successfully evoke a multitude of genuine feelings surrounded by a mixture of bleak atmospheres and dramatic vocals. 

“Abszenz Elysium” offers monumental segments of pure blackened fury through intense cascading guitar riffs and precise drumming that lead to a sense of utter desperation balanced by the lingering solemn tonalities of the atmospheric arrangements. 

“My Solace II (Paths of Perception)” focuses more on gloomy melodic crescendos as vocals acquire sorrowful vibes and guitars channel the darkest tonalities to express a sheer nostalgia that remains the main sentiment throughout the song. 

As the title suggests “Frozen In Time” is filled with gelid tonalities especially palpable within the extra gloomy melodic realm naturally crafted by darkly melancholic guitars which acquire a compelling introspective depth during the slower moments yet can sound absolutely anguished when the rhythm becomes more aggressive. 

The dense melodic textures of “Owl of the Black Forest” once again ensure the creation of a cathartic and extremely melancholic sonic realm so the tempo is a bit slower to emphasize the lush guitar work, the mournful atmosphere and the consequent cosmic gloom. 

Listening attentively to “When We Are Forgotten” you can always perceive an immense desolation and a grand disillusion as Imperium Dekadenz confidently craft melodic waves around sparks of major blackened anger.  

Lacrimas Profundere – Bleeding The Stars

During the last 26 years Lacrimas Profundere have created melancholia driven music staying true to a personal sonic pathway far from any given trend and after many line up changes they return to channel their darkly romantic essence on the new effort “Bleeding The Stars”. 

The delicate guitar melodies and the exquisite vocals by new vocalist Julian Larre on “I Knew And Will Forever Know” bring you straight into a seductive gothic/doom realm, the ideal scenario to shed tears and feel intense emotions, and the soothing melodic waves spontaneously embrace the scattered bold rhythmic dynamics. 

“Celestite Woman” maintains the gothic allure mainly with the delicious hints of melancholia within the atmospheric arrangements and with the inspired baritone vocal delivery yet throws in the mix some super groovy goth ‘n roll guitar riffs & chorus. 

You can easily perceive the poetic soul of “Mother Of Doom” as this track is filled with heartfelt guitar melodies and charming introspective vocals but also plenty of catchy rhythmic patterns enhanced by the sing along chorus and the elegant keyboards layers. 

With a faster pace and heavier rounds of cohesive guitar riffs “Father Of Fate” gains a quasi ominous strength definitely amplified by the raw energy expressed by the growls in contrast with the evident melancholia of the smooth guitar melodies and the darkened clean vocals. 

The wintry delight of “Like Screams In Empty Halls” is symbolized once again by the guitar melodies inducing an instant heartache and the overdose of lovable dark tonalities further enhanced by the sultry vocal delivery in perfect gothic fashion while the sinister doom elements add some thrilling heavier momentum. 

Like a memorable melancholic hymn “A Sleeping Throne” closes the album sincerely channeling all kinds of somber feelings through the perfect dosage of darkly sentimental vocals and gloomy melodic guitars in the midst of aptly nostalgia infused atmospheres. 

A bittersweet romanticism that belongs to the decadent themes of gothic metal enriches the mature songwriting approach of “Bleeding The Stars” which certainly represents a triumphant comeback for Lacrimas Profundere showing also that the band is still driven by an appealing creativity and therefore has a lot to offer in the midst of the ever changing metal scene. 

Borknagar – True North

So many have been anxiously waiting for the return of Norwegian metallers Borknagar and after spending three years writing and rebuilding the line-up the new album “True North” comes to life through epic dynamics with a true Nordic spirit. 

As the album begins with “Thunderous” you can immediately appreciate the impeccable detailed composition that aims to blend multiple styles as gelid atmospheres, gorgeous somber melodic progressions and solemn clean vocals certainly hold a crucial role in contrast with the tormented blackened rhythmic segments & venomous growls. 

“Up North” successfully channels a multitude of feelings through the cold guitar tonalities and the consequent melancholia infused melodic splendor that will constantly engage the listeners with the variegated guitar phrases and the smooth rhythmic variations following a fascinating prog rock inspiration. 

The dramatic essence and the wintry feelings of “Wild Father’s Heart” are naturally generated by refined soulful guitar melodies that inevitably evoke a profound sense of nostalgia accompanied by poignant vocals within a graceful instrumental ensemble further enriched by shimmering atmospheric arrangements. 

The lengthy track “Tidal” still focuses on a spellbinding melodic palette perfectly embodied by the inspiring melodic passages as the guitar work is destined to steal the spotlight crafting many memorable leads while the occasional powerful heavier momentum still demands fiery riffage and thrilling rhythmic crescendos. 

“Voices” shifts the focus on an opulent melancholic soundscape almost leaving behind the harsh rhythmic blasts to create an intricate atmospheric maze around the utterly sorrowful vocal harmonies and to fully emphasize an introspective melodic approach.  

At this point the music style of Borknagar has acquired an ex novo diversity a bit distant from their black metal roots but definitely destined to attract a wider audience with compelling melodic aesthetics and the genesis of “True North” symbolizes such natural evolution leading to a grandiose multifaceted opus.