Iconoclast industrial metal band 3TEETH has put together the ambitious new album “Metawar” that with its palpable raw energy and confrontational lyrical themes has the potential to ignite a certain musical activism that aims to inspire the audience.  

On “Affluenza” gritty guitar riffs and pulsating synths create a series of abrasive grooves rightfully enhanced by the filtered furious vocal delivery but also surrounded by elegantly somber atmospheric nuances.  

“Exxxit” has a post apocalyptic mood with loads of nightmarish vibes crafted by the intricate synths layers and matched by the bold scratchy vocals yet the mixture of chaotic guitar riffs and dancey beats feel absolutely catchy. 

The sonic manifesto of “American Landfill” can sound deliciously vicious with plenty of stomping quasi robotic grooves filled with blistering guitar riffs marching anxiously through obscure electro layers and vitriolic screams. 

There is a perceptible melodic serenity flowing through “ALTÆR” as the electronic arrangements acquire dreamy tonalities and clean vocals evoke sheer melancholy yet the main inflamed grooves tend to express unrelenting rage. 

On “Bornless” dizzy distortions and massive throbbing electro accents become the main focus ensuring a constant infectious groovy ensemble with familiar industrial dynamics and spiteful harsh screams.  

“Surrender” mainly dwells within a less belligerent sonic realm with slower rhythmic patterns and hazy atmospheric textures but occasionally picks up speed as the corrosive guitar riffs take over amplifying the darkened aspects of the song. 

On “The Fall” hypnotizing gloomy synths naturally create a decadent dystopian soundscape leading to haunting melodic moments and an irresistible catchy chorus spiced up by malicious electro twists and scattered heavier guitar riffs. 

Certainly you could say that “Metawar” is a solid industrial effort sometimes clearly angered yet quite entertaining but there is more under the surface as 3TEETH are delivering a wake up call and sharing their views on this decaying society through music & words. 

 

The indisputable masters of gloom, beauty & despair Swallow The Sun return with the highly anticipated full length “When A Shadow Is Forced Into The Light” which is an opus inevitably filled with grief but also symbolizes a necessary healing process to emerge from the darkest depths with renewed hopes ultimately proving that love is stronger than death.

The title track is such a magnificent album opener with marvelous refined symphonic tapestries surrounding a perfectly balanced mix of tormented instrumental passages and dreamy acoustic harmonies that allow Mikko’s vocals to effortlessly shift from tranquil cleans to utterly enraged growls yet despite the endless melancholy the guitar melodies seem to glow through immensely darkened sonic waves.

The magical essence of “The Crimson Crown” is drenched in darkness as sophisticated gelid atmospheric arrangements create a stylish melodic ensemble where an intense melancholia constantly influences the poignant vocal delivery and the enchanting guitar progressions which tend to focus on softer crispy harmonies.

“Upon The Water” depicts a cold gloomy wonderland with mesmerizing guitar melodies that guide you through an introspective music journey yet fiery rhythmic blasts and charismatic ominous growls channel raw obscure moments of doom and sheer agony embellished by sumptuous atmospheric layers.

The spellbinding composition of “Stone Wings” will immediately conquer your heart and stir a surreal emotional whirlwind as melodic guitars craft a profoundly darkened & melancholic ensemble emphasized by otherworldly orchestrations and grim doom tonalities while the soothing and highly addictive chorus convey fragile luminous feelings.

With a lavish combo of symphonic & atmospheric arrangements “Never Left” feels like an ode to eternal love that leaves you feeling shattered and guitars are once again impressive naturally shifting from ethereal melodic splendor to subtle doom oriented riffage inspired by a perennial spiritual aura while Mikko’s stellar vocal performance evokes wistful feelings.

The exceptional creative force of Swallow The Sun continues to flourish as “When A Shadow Is Forced Into The Light” might be their strongest release so far and it would be truly challenging to listen to the entire album without being touched by all those genuinely heart wrenching emotions perfectly expressed by the gorgeous and surprisingly widely accessible poetic melodies that become essential within the band’s signature doom/death metal realm.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7AnGqSpeg0

It’s been a while since Finnish beloved doom metal masters Swallow The Sun released new music and while we wait for the next full length “When A Shadow Is Forced Into The Light” in January 2019 right now the new EP “Lumina Aurea”, which includes the lengthy title track and the instrumental version of the same song, is bound to generate mixed feelings. First of all, this is not what Swallow The Sun usually compose or what fans expect but it’s an atmospheric mystical opus that emerges from the darkest depths of the human heart.

The Latin narratives and Gregorian style chants can feel like the ultimate ode to darkness carrying a mighty arcane vibe that spreads infectiously across the gelid Northern landscapes while the refined atmospheric waves and ominous orchestral arrangements can sound impossibly tormented or even simply fragile. This is what suffering sounds like, this is an open wound that will never heal. To release a unique cinematic sonic experience like “Lumina Aurea” could be considered audacious but this song definitely belongs to the band’s artistic realm of gloom, beauty and despair.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6mgM7szaWY

Representing the New Wave of American Heavy Metal Unearth has built a strong legacy during the last two decades and the highly anticipated album “Extinction(s)” promises to add another successful chapter in the band’s career.

The opening track “Incinerate” has a typical metalcore framework so crunchy guitar riffs hold a crucial role generating a series of harsh grooves that also benefit from the steady roaring drumming and the massive venomous growls while gloomy melodic lead guitars lead to a more introspective momentum.

On “Dust” the rhythm is often less frenetic allowing a higher dosage of melodic guitar phrases & soloing and a general dramatic mood yet there are plenty of crushing dynamics skillfully built by super tight riffage.

In the beginning “Cultivation Of Infection” has an atmospheric approach channeling tragic feelings and such gloomy themes will recur throughout the songs with monumental melodic waves while guitar riffs can sound absolutely vicious leading to breakneck rhythmic segments.

“The Hunt Begins” often dwells within a somber realm with refined melodic guitar passages and contemplative clean vocals nevertheless pummeling drums and ruthless riffs showcase a rather aggressive instrumental approach.

“King Of The Arctic” confidently offers loads of impactful and extra heavy frantic rhythmic patterns easily amplified by the monstrous vocal delivery until the crispy guitar solo shifts the focus to a calmer melodic gloom.

“One With The Sun” diligently packs colossal furious grooves featuring technical guitar work and ravenous drumming, a punishing combo that will induce wild moshpits at shows, but later a charismatic melancholic momentum will steal the spotlight with sorrowful guitar melodies and elegant orchestration.

Undoubtedly “Extinction(s)” aims to please the faithful fanbase delivering all the expected & beloved groovy and impactful dynamics as Unearth passionately renew their allegiance to the heavy metal community and deliberately follow their powerful signature music style.  

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz8IbywzOCw