Unanimated – Victory In Blood

After over a decade Swedish melodic death metallers Unanimated dive into the darkest abyss to craft the malevolent soundscapes of the new crushing full length “Victory In Blood”.
Without any hesitation the title track engages in a violent rhythmic assault revolving around the unrestrained guitar riffs, the pummeling drums and the vicious growls while scattered grave melodic moments give you time to breathe.
“Seven Mouths of Madness” continues to follow a belligerent death metal pathway maintaining speed & aggression through the memorable savage guitar driven grooves that ultimately lead to a grim melodic finale.
“As The Night Takes Us” embraces a mournful atmospheric approach highlighting the refined melodic textures of the guitar work and the resulting harrowing feel continues to linger through the tormented rhythmic patterns.
“Demon Pact (Mysterium Tremendum)” ensures a heavier blackened momentum as an overdose of sharp riffs generate hellish rhythmic blasts that later tend to slow down a bit emphasizing the ominous guitar progressions and the sinister vocal delivery.
“XIII” puts the spotlight on memorable groovy riffs and delicious obscure tonalities while the atmospheric breakdown reveals a contemplative essence focusing on mellow arpeggios followed by a flamboyant guitar solo.
The somber final track “The Poetry of the Scarred Earth” explores melodic territories as the darkly alluring guitar phrases flourish within the fiery rhythmic ensemble which still has a chance to unleash some aggressive dynamics.
It took a long time but the return of Unanimated is bound to satisfy all melodic death metal acolytes as “Victory In Blood” confidently delivers a balanced mix of sorrowful harmonies and ruthless grooves.

The Lurking Fear – Death, Madness, Horror, Decay

Featuring members of At The Gates, Disfear, God Macabre, Skitsystem, Tormented and The Haunted, Swedish death metal collective The Lurking Fear returns with the merciless sophomore record “Death, Madness, Horror, Decay”.
A menacing atmosphere introduces the savage rhythmic ensemble of “Abyssal Slime” as the abrasive guitar riffs and the fast drumming accompanied by ferocious growls simply seem unstoppable.
On “Funeral Abyss” guitars acquire a lugubrious sound reminiscent of an impending doom consequently you will find more gloomy melodic phrases flourishing through the harsh rhythmic maze.
Since the beginning the title track puts the spotlight on extremely mournful guitar phrases evoking horror vibes but often embraces a proper rhythmic maelstrom as the precise drums dictate a breakneck speed.
“Architects Of Madness” revolves around the ominous essence of the massive combo of crunchy riffs and monumental drumming while the lead guitar work skillfully adds harrowing melodic accents.
“In A Thousand Horrors Crowned” stays true to a classic metal formula as the untamed rhythmic section builds a wall of sound and Tomas Lindberg Redant’s growls convey sheer fury yet later the slower tempo leads to refined melodic progressions.
“Restless Death” immediately unleashes another round of ruthless rhythmic blasts but the excellent guitar work adds diversity with eerie melodies further amplified by darkened atmospheric layers.
“Leech Of The Aeons” begins with alluring sinister atmospheric arrangements swiftly followed by the classic death metal flair of the aggressive guitar driven grooves leading to an eerie melodic grand finale clearly influenced by the Lovecraft universe.
Channeling a malevolent force The Lurking Fear proudly spread destruction & rage throughout “Death, Madness, Horror, Decay” which will certainly satisfy all devoted acolytes of old-school death metal.

Swallow The Sun – Moonflowers

Founded in 2000, Finnish doom masters Swallow The Sun invite you to enter a fascinating realm of gloom, beauty and despair on the latest majestic offering “Moonflowers”.
The magical melancholic world of “Moonflowers Bloom In Misery” is destined to conquer your soul as the sublime keyboards tapestries surround the flawless mix of enthralling melodic progressions and thrilling rhythmic blasts.
The intricate composition of “Woven Into Sorrow” doesn’t sacrifice the inner ominous doom essence but certainly tends to focus on the fragile beauty of the glowing guitar melodies and the contemplative atmospheric waves embellished by the classical flair of the impeccable orchestrations.
A genuine emotional turmoil lingers through “Keep Your Heart Safe from Me” as the darkly romantic tonalities of the riveting melodic guitars and the soothing clean vocal delivery during the irresistible chorus will simply spellbind you while the heavy weight of doom metal generates mighty rhythmic blasts.
Poetry and darkness inevitably entwine on “All Hallows’ Grieve” which features a dazzling duet with guest vocalist Cammie Gilbert of Oceans Of Slumber and revolves around the enticing combo of refined melodic guitar phrases and enchanting atmospheric layers.
“This House Has No Home” manifests an obscure heavy momentum as the untamed rhythmic section can acquire extra speed to fully embrace an inflamed blackened vision in contrast with the heart-wrenching melodic ensemble evoking bittersweet feelings.
As “Moonflowers” bloom at the darkest hour, Swallow The Sun are naturally driven by an immense melancholia and a primordial doom metal force that lead to the creation of a darkened magnum opus keeping a balanced blend of exquisite melodies and crushing rhythmic dynamics.

Omnium Gatherum – Origin

Finnish melodic death metal band Omnium Gatherum celebrates a nearly 25 years career delivering an impeccable mix of Nordic melancholia and heavy dynamics on the latest offering “Origin”.
The instrumental album opener “Emergence” instantly spreads melancholia within the understated atmospheric ensemble and the glowing sound of the mellow melodic guitar phrases.
“Prime” gradually acquires speed & heaviness channeling a classic melodeath approach that generates spiteful growls and galloping rhythmic blasts embellished by crestfallen melodies and flamboyant guitar soloing.
On “Paragon” the uplifting tones of the keyboards arrangements surround a robust rhythmic backbone fueled by the steady bold riffage and the intricate guitar leads which will ultimately lead to a catchy chorus.
“Fortitude” focuses on an overwhelming sense of nostalgia as the tempo slows down to put the spotlight on the smooth guitar melodies yet gloomy doom tonalities will emerge through the dramatic rhythmic crescendos.
“Tempest” fully embraces a familiar melodeath formula as the striking guitar work naturally shifts from deeply melancholic progressions to fiery riffs amplified by the precise rhythmic section and the aggressive growls.
An appealing combo of haunting atmospheric waves and elegant melodic phrases flourishes throughout the convoluted sonic realm of “Solemn” which often acquires epic vibes in contrast with the heavier & faster groovy moments.
With a refreshed line-up Omnium Gatherum certainly aim to please melodeath acolytes showcasing devotion and mature musicianship throughout the cold soundscapes of “Origin”.

Lucifer – IV

Just in time for Halloween Lucifer rises to deliver the incendiary heavy rock opus “IV” which stays true to an old fashioned approach spiced up by alluring occult vibes.
“Archangel Of Death” opens the album with a mystifying atmosphere that lingers through the moody melodic phrases and the monumental guitar driven grooves characterized by the raw energy of classic rock.
An obscure flair surrounds “Wild Hearses” as the rhythmic section fully embraces monolithic doom elements shifting from heavy dynamics to crestfallen tonalities and Johanna Sadonis confidently delivers a sultry vocal performance.
“Crucifix (I Burn For You)” has a catchy malicious mood as the guitar work maintains darkened tones especially during the slower passages and unleashes frenetic licks that lead to a memorable chorus.
On “Nightmare” mournful piano melodies entwine with mysterious guitar tonalities enhancing a delicious sinister atmosphere that will evolve in an irresistible chorus and the wild soloing keeps a vibrant vintage feel.
“Orion” stands out for the eerie melodic progressions and the immense melancholia emphasized by Johanna’s passionate vocal harmonies while the charismatic guitar leads can provide a robust groovy momentum.
“Phobos” manifests a powerful rock spirit with soaring riffs and fiery drumming that skillfully create an explosive rhythmic ensemble further enriched by extensive wicked guitar solos and nostalgic melodic accents.
On the fourth chapter of their discography Lucifer proudly continues to channel the glory of ‘70s heavy rock and doom to create a groovy darkened collection of songs that will certainly satisfy the listeners.

At The Gates – The Nightmare Of Being

Swedish death metal pioneers At The Gates just celebrated their 30th Anniversary and the latest studio effort “The Nightmare Of Being” embodies a grandiose darkened melodic vision fueled by an ex novo creative force.
On “Spectre Of Extinction” peaceful acoustic phrases and smooth melancholic melodies introduce a gruesome rhythmic rampage accompanied by furious growls certainly reminiscent of a familiar death metal glory.
“The Paradox” focuses on an unrestrained rhythmic assault skillfully built by savage guitar riffs and ruthless drum blasts but there is space for solemn atmospheric arrangements and charismatic melodic licks.
The title track immediately stands out for the darkened elegance of the sorrowful melodic guitar work which reaches the acme with a captivating solo while the thick rhythmic section still has a chance to unleash impactful heavy dynamics.
The exquisite gothic tinged orchestrations of “Touched by the White Hands of Death” create a gloomy splendor that will soon evolve into a colossal heavy rhythmic ensemble amplifying the dominant role of the sharp riffage.
On “The Fall Into Time” the classical vibes of the intricate haunting orchestrations will often emerge through the monumental guitar driven grooves emphasizing the grim tonalities and the complex melodic passages.
“Cult Of Salvation” continues to rely on a tasteful mix of somber melodic guitar phrases enhanced by impeccable arcane atmospheric arrangements and moments of sheer rage highlighting the aggressive rhythmic backbone and the ravenous vocals.
You can still perceive the strength of classic death metal throughout “The Nightmare Of Being” yet At The Gates confidently begin a new compelling chapter expanding an elaborate melodic style and often deviating from the expected violent grooves.

Cryptosis – Bionic Swarm

Dutch extreme metal trio Cryptosis makes a triumphant debut with the full length “Bionic Swarm” which showcases an aggressive creative force but also a desire to freely explore diverse sonic territories.
“Decypher” relies on the majestic guitar work which effortlessly shifts from intricate progressions with darkened melodic hints to unrestrained riffage as the visceral rhythmic section often generates faster vicious patterns.
On “Prospect Of Immortality” the refined guitar melodies flourish within a grim atmospheric maze expressing somber feelings yet the bold rhythmic dynamics and the spiteful growls continue to channel the fury of extreme metal.
The monumental drumming of “Conjuring the Egoist” spontaneously generates inflamed dynamics yet the charismatic melodic guitar leads and the eerie atmospheric accents will enrich the merciless thrash oriented ensemble.
“Mindscape” dwells within a darkly epic dimension as the slower tempo favors harrowing atmospheric nuances and sorrowful blackened progressions therefore the melodic aspects of the guitar work become the main focus.
“Flux Divergence” can deliver loads of faster grooves as the classic thrash influence inevitably thrives through the massive drum blasts and the frantic guitar riffs that will lead to a fair dosage of intense shredding.
Formerly known as Distillator, Cryptosis confidently embrace a new audacious sonic identity that on “Bionic Swarm” ultimately leads to an intriguing blend of classic thrash metal, melodic progressions and futuristic atmospheres.

Eyehategod – A History of Nomadic Behavior

Veteran hardcore/sludge band Eyehategod returns with the long anticipated new full length “A History Of Nomadic Behavior” depicting a world of chaos and hypocrisy.
“Built Beneath The Lies” opens the album with a series of acidic & wild grooves that highlight a raw sludge energy amplified by the dark tonalities of the riffage and the enraged screams.
On “The Outer Banks” the massive guitar riffs lead the way to a dismal sonic realm that will ultimately embrace faster rough rhythmic patterns fueled by the pummeling drums.
“Fake What’s Yours” offers another solid round of gritty guitar riffs and ominous vibes so you can perceive a perennial sense of impending doom.
The groovy mood of “High Risk Trigger” celebrates a renowned swampy sludge/doom style as guitars and drums deliver heavy dynamics without any hesitation accompanied by chaotic feedback.
The instrumental ensemble on “The Trial Of Johnny Cancer” feeds off paranoia and delusions so the guitar work constantly emphasizes the dirty sound and the old school approach.
“Circle Of Nerves” sounds rebellious and dystopian as the monumental guitar riffs march through a doom laden realm and the desperate vocals express disgust and fury.
The dirty sound and the extra chunky riffs throughout “A History Of Nomadic Behavior”definitely match the turmoil and anger expressed by the lyrics as Eyehategod choose a songwriting approach inevitably influenced by the current events.

Enforced – Kill Grid

Virginia-based crossover metallers Enforced proudly channel the menacing force of extreme metal on the brand new release “Kill Grid”.
“The Doctrine” opens the album with obscure tonalities that certainly foreshadow a fiery sonic assault as guitars deliver a winning combo of crunchy riffs and wicked soloing supported by the thrash vibes of the bold rhythmic section.
“Uxo” continues to unleash insane rhythmic patterns following pummeling drum blasts and the consequent enraged mood is inevitably cemented by the malignant growls and the raw energy of the guitar work.
The darkened atmosphere and the dismal guitar tonalities of the title track lead to a slightly melodic & lugubrious ensemble but the apparent calm will vanish as the rhythmic section gains extra speed fueled by the monumental drumming.
Staying true to classic thrash metal “Curtain Fire” focuses on the creation of massive groovy dynamics that once again highlight the dominant role of the glorious shredding and the sharp riffage.
The final track “Trespasser” properly embodies a relentless thrash style with the necessary belligerent tempo and the overload of ferocious guitar riffs spiced up by another solid round of memorable leads.
You simply cannot escape the ravenous sonic realm carefully crafted by Enforced as the unstoppable riff driven grooves that characterize “Kill Grid” are bound to trigger constant headbanging.

Napalm Death – Throes Of Joy In The Jaws Of Defeatism

UK grindcore pioneers Napalm Death have been releasing ruthless extreme music for nearly 40 years and the latest offering “Throes Of Joy In The Jaws Of Defeatism” aims to showcase that their ferocious creative approach is still relevant within the modern metal scene. 

You cannot escape the incessant fury of “Fuck The Factoid” as the massive riffage, the inevitable breakneck speed and the angered growls keep a straightforward brutal formula.  

“That Curse Of Being In Thrall” continues to rely on a full blown sonic aggression through the expected super heavy rhythmic section and obviously the overdose of unrestrained guitar riffs which barely slows down at times. 

“Contagion” doesn’t necessarily deviate from the familiar blueprint but the rhythmic patterns can successfully follow a mid-paced tempo that highlights the somber tones of the groovy guitar work. 

On “Invigorating Clutch” the guitar phrases and the atmospheric textures channel a perennial sense of despair around the ravenous growls and the belligerent guitar riffs.

Throughout “Amoral” the guitar riffs embrace darker vibes and a rebellious attitude with a slight punk influence that leads to slower and absolutely catchy rhythmic dynamics. 

The title track begins with insanely harsh growls that foreshadow the majestic force of the  blistering rhythmic onslaught constantly fueled by the wicked combo of savage riffage & drumming.  

The ominous atmosphere of “A Bellyful of Salt and Spleen” demands a slightly slower yet absolutely menacing rhythm as the industrial oriented ambiance generates a dystopian sonic realm amplified by the lugubrious baritone vocal delivery. 

With an incredibly extensive & successful career Napalm Death now simply show no mercy as they continue to unleash a grindcore force that on “Throes Of Joy In The Jaws Of Defeatism” will leave you shattered & satisfied.