One of the most beloved bands in metal Kamelot triumphantly returns with the anticipated new album “The Shadow Theory” conceptually based on analytical psychology and the complexity of the human mind leaning on three pillars: The Shadow Empire (The global mind), The Shadow Key (The Resistance) and The Shadow Wall (The veil that blinds us from the truth).

Starting with majestic & somber orchestrations “Phantom Divine (Shadow Empire)” will soon deliver everything you expect from Kamelot as multiple melodic crescendos are skillfully built by a pleasant mix of crunchy guitar riffs and polished leads while vocals focus on a smooth solemn delivery and guest vocalist Lauren Hart of Once Human adds some enraged vibes.

“Amnesiac” immediately shapes a nice guitar driven groove with scattered electro accents but soon embraces an epic melodic essence obviously enhanced by fancy guitar soloing, soothing vocals and consequent emotional mood nevertheless guitar riffs continue to channel heavier vibes.

Right from the beginning “In Twilight Hours” showcases ballad style elements such as extremely melancholic piano melodies floating over elegantly subtle keyboards layers which simply surround the charismatic and emotionally charged vocal duet featuring the charming voice of guest vocalist Jennifer Haben of Beyond the Black.

On “Kevlar Skin” crunchy rhythmic dynamics lead the way with steady guitar riffing intensity amplified by occasional faster drum blasts and compelling guitar acrobatics but the symphonic layers and the widely accessible chorus maintain the expected dosage of melancholy infused melodies.

Lauren Hart returns on “Mindfall Remedy” to deliver another round of fiery vocals in the midst of dramatic melodic soundscapes, power metal oriented guitar driven grooves and extra vibrant rhythmic segments constantly embellished by the understated beauty and cinematic elements of orchestral arrangements and piano melodies.

On “The Proud And The Broken” a generous round of thick guitar riffs swiftly follows a poetic piano piece which certainly evokes the melancholic & theatrical grandeur that will recur throughout the song and influence many instrumental passages while the guitar solos feature additional lovely harmonies as well as technical prowess.

So Kamelot chooses a quite serious concept for this album and quotes Carl Gustav Jung but maintains the expected music blend of refined power metal and symphonic grandeur that the band’s fans are always excited to hear.

The long awaited new Monster Magnet album aptly entitled “Mindfucker” is finally within your reach and you can rest assured that Mr. Dave Wyndorf, one of the last true rockers, has plenty of energy and wisdom to deliver an authentic collection of stoner rock anthems and so much more.

“Rocket Freak” hits you right in the face with old school memorable rock riffs that flow easily as Wyndorf’s signature scratchy vocal delivery channels the unforgettable golden age of rockers dragging the listeners into a whirlwind of subtle stoner flavors that call for a good time partying all night but there are also loads of deliciously wild lead guitars to spice up the groovy dynamics.

Besides a straightforward nostalgic rock essence “Soul” starts to channel all those hypnotizing psychedelic twists seamlessly embedded in the guitar work and the alluring inevitably trippy solos while the rhythmic patterns are again built to deliver genuine retro rock vibes and Mr. Wyndorf is ready to add extra stoner nuances with a wildly entertaining vocal performance.

The title track is screaming at you that we are getting minfucked right here and now therefore you can eventually perceive an understated somber mood nevertheless the thick stoner rock riffing can generate an absolutely lovable groove and as the rhythm keeps on acquiring frenetic vibes lead guitars continue to amplify the marvelous psychedelic soul of traditional Monster Magnet’s style.

“I’m God” temporarily slows down with bewitching simple chords evoking a profound nostalgia that will continue to influence the several rhythmic blasts of untamed energy that accompany Wyndorf’s words of wisdom drenched in seasoned rocker style ultimately leading to powerful grooves that will get you moving and additional exquisite lead guitar super trippy moments.

At the very first listening the multifaceted nuances of “Drowning” will get you dizzy and nostalgic with rather melancholic softer melodies and emotionally charged vocals swiftly followed by an irresistible overdose of monolithic stoner rock guitar riffs and intricately elegant leads as the whole song relies on a cathartic blend of bittersweet melodic moments and gritty psychedelia infused passages.

It would be impossible to resist the immense psychedelic stoner rock charisma of “When The Hammer Comes Down” which can be easily considered the most enthralling track on this album and has the potential to become a classic influential song in the future as every guitar riff literally emanates a sultry undiluted rock energy naturally building unstoppable grooves further enriched by lead guitars accents that rightfully belong to the dazed realm of stoner rock, plus Wyndorf’s vocals are on fire.

Dave Wyndorf’s outpouring charisma is clearly well supported by Monster Magnet’s strong line up and the sex drugs & rock ‘n roll grooves of “Mindfucker” would be best enjoyed loud on vinyl but also remember to pay attention to the witty lyrics and read between the lines.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsvvS142wWg
Mindfucker [Explicit]

Since 1998 US based Black Metallers Thy Antichrist have worked hard to gain a solid status in the underground scene and they are now ready to conquer more fans with the blackened force of the new album “Wrath Of The Beast”.

“Desolation” begins with soulful melancholy perfectly expressed through Spanish style acoustic harmonies which almost serves as an introspective introduction for a burst of untamed blackened energy fueled by thick guitar riffs and punishing drums inevitably leading to a series of blasphemous grooves.

“Metal to The Bone” certainly dwells in the blackest depths with fierce & fast rhythmic patterns that at times feel absolutely oppressive together with utterly ominous growls yet guitar riffs tend to deviate from the typical black metal formula focusing on stomping thrash dynamics.

While the main core of “A World Burnt To Ashes” favors abundantly blackened nuances there are always elegant melodic lead guitars gaining the spotlight through the unstoppable rhythmic fury built by ferocious riffing & drumming and the soothing vibes of acoustic guitars will appear again in the final part of the song.

On “Nightmares” acoustic arpeggios return to evoke pure melancholy and undiluted darkness as the band introduces a more melodic approach effortlessly mixed with bolder rhythmic segments that continue to channel arcane black metal roots.

“Walking Through The Soul” feels quite accessible with its palpable melancholia deeply influencing every instrumental passage as tempo often slows down dramatically to favor a particularly darkened ensemble of guitar melodies and theatrically desperate growls.

The primordial obscurity of traditional black metal is very much alive on “Wrath Of The Beast” yet this album has a lot more to offer as Thy Antichrist are capable of fearlessly experimenting further with multifaceted styles rather than being another standard black metal act in the currently crowded metal scene.

 

Hailing from Russia Arkona has conquered a prominent status in the metal scene gaining attention for the unique blackened pagan metal style that on the latest effort “Khram” becomes even more epic and intriguing due to the addition of multiple traditional folk instruments and a profoundly mystical aura.

While “Shtorm” offers plenty of aggressive rhythmic patterns built by bold guitar riffing, the melodic elements of this song tend to demand more attention as they move sinuously through a pitch black sonic assault to deliver darkly magical nuances enhanced by a strong folk momentum featuring flute & bagpipe and Masha’s poetic clean vocal delivery.

Far from being an average metal song “Tseluya zhizn’” is a majestic opus that starts with a calmer melodic approach evoking intense spiritual vibes but offers a multifaceted style & songwriting structure effortlessly shifting from blasts of guitar driven blackened grooves to contemplative cathartic moments crafted by darkened atmospheric layers and folk instrumental passages. Matching this fascinating duality, Masha delivers genuinely fiery growls as well as soulful chants that further amplify the dramatic nature of the guitar and strings melodies while towards the end the song enters a highly esoteric sonic realm.

“Rebionok bez imeni” feels immediately darkly poetic with mellow guitar phrases and enchanting atmospheric tones that will lead to a dense obscurity where occasional growls hold primordial blackened strength and guitars continue to maintain a steady melodic momentum enriched by elegantly emotive clean vocal delivery. While the poignant melodic elements of this song will continue to hold a prominent role also with the addition of few remarkable folk oriented passages there is still space for a satisfying dosage of untamed blackened rhythmic fury.

The dark depths of “V pogonie za beloj ten’yu” become palpable right at the beginning with classically lavish piano melodies that create expectations for what is yet to come and will return to throughout the song to provide moments of luminous melancholy. Arkona proceed to channel a relentless blackened essence with purely enraged growls and tight instrumental dynamics that will seamlessly evolve into soothing arpeggios or sorrowful melodies instead of sounding brutal at all costs.

“V ladonyah bogov” features cohesive rhythmic patterns skillfully built by groovy guitar riffs but the atmospheric & mystical essence of the slower mesmerizing ambient moments, minimalist somber melodies and arcane instrumental passages feels like the true highlight of this track evoking an otherworldly realm of mythical/celestial beings.

Overall “Khram” benefits greatly from a mature multifaceted songwriting approach that aims to intrigue the listeners with multiple, at times even unexpected, changes of scenario occurring through each lengthy track yet the essential aspects of Arkona’s renowned music style are easily recognizable.

Dutch Pagan metal brotherhood Heidevolk proudly unleashes a new folkish collection of songs on the full length “Vuur Van Verzet” which promises to get you ready for the battlefield.

Like a story of revolt and resistance “Ontwaakt” brings you solemn warrior chants and fierce guitar riffing that build steady rhythmic dynamics but the highlights can be found in the pagan/folk detailed melodic tapestries featuring charming flutes & strings that continuously emerge throughout the song with undeniable magical vibes.

“A Wolf In My Heart” will become a favorite with a blend of crunchy riffage and enchanting violin while the whole tribe of warriors theme becomes extremely palpable in the various fervent chants and guitars also focus on widely accessible polished melodies.

“The Alliance” has a profound Viking essence with battle ready chants accompanying an upbeat riffage & drumming that does acquire some heavier dynamics in the midst of folk acoustic passages and calmer atmospheric nuances provided by violins.

On the inspired instrumental “Het Oneindige Woud” the band puts aside the usual galloping riffs to evoke enchanted soundscapes with the minimalist elegance of violins and acoustic guitars that put together graceful ethereal harmonies bearing a distinct folk spirit.

The ardent epic mood of “Gungnir” revolves around an empowering rhythmic backbone where guitar riffs keep a steady crushing groove embellished by sophisticated violins, subtle symphonic arrangements and fierce vocal delivery as we are still at the verge of a crucial battle.

The charismatic combo of violin and acoustic arpeggios hold a primary role on “Het Juk Der Tijd” creating the right archaic folk atmosphere that will fuel strong guitar riffs as well as more dramatic melodic textures.

While “Vuur Van Verzet” doesn’t deliver particularly sonic innovations it does shine for the passionate folk mood that will immediately take you to the middle of some unknown forest, most likely with bonfire and Vikings, and Heidevolk showcases an empowering cohesive songwriting approach.

Norwegian rockers Audrey Horne are known to be highly influenced by ‘70s – ‘80s rock/metal and such stylistic choice certainly continues to be the main focus on the latest full length “Blackout” skillfully packed with all kinds of catchy tunes.

With loads of positive verve “This is War” has what it takes to represent the album as guitar riffs & melodies steal the spotlight crafting enthralling grooves bearing a sparkling 80’s rock/metal mood and leading to a rather catchy big chorus.

“Audrevolution” still relies on super catchy guitar dynamics and crunchy bass lines add extra groovy elements to the upbeat uncomplicated yet absolutely entertaining rhythmic patterns while the guitar solo carries dazzling melodic quality.

The title track focuses more on blending captivating twin guitar harmonies and fancy stylish solos that demand the listeners’ attention while the overall rhythmic section is filled of easy retro classic rock elements resulting in a widely accessible track.

With loads of moody guitar melodies “California” holds a subtle dose of nostalgia and the retro rock style deeply influences the whole instrumentation but guitars also showcase a wild metal edge especially in the vibrant solos.

The danceable synths on “Satellite” reveal that the vintage rock vibe becomes even more palpable here as a slower smooth funky rhythm takes the lead constantly embellished by charismatic guitar work that builds explosive riffage and enticing leads.

“Naysayer” favors a memorable NWOBHM approach where enthusiastic guitars inevitably take the center stage delivering steady sharp riffing, another round of massive twin guitar melodic work and polished compelling solos.

Channeling the undiluted energy of retro hard rock “Blackout” should be played loud to fully enjoy its inner explosive dynamics as Audrey Horne demonstrate to be quite passionate about those familiar vintage tonalities that will satisfy any classic rock/metal lover.