Cinematic metal band Dark Sarah invites you to the world of horror fantasy embodied by the new album “Grim” which revolves around a spellbinding melodic essence and opulent orchestrations. 

“The Chosen One” begins with pulsating electro layers that introduce a smooth blend of fiery guitar riffs and soothing melodic progressions that tend to emphasize the epic nature of the symphonic tapestries embellished by Heidi Parviainen’s impeccable operatic vocals. 

The luminous orchestrations on “Melancholia” provide refined and even darker atmospheric waves entwined with utterly solemn vibes surrounding another enthralling vocal performance that highlights the poignant melodic soul and the emotional motifs. 

“La Folie Verte” feels like an eerie fairytale with a playful mood as the orchestrations create a magical soundtrack spiced up by the energetic rhythmic section and the versatile vocal delivery. 

Featuring a wonderful duet with talented vocalist JP Leppäluoto as Wolf “The Wolf and the Maiden” is definitely a standout track that focuses on majestic orchestrations delivering darkened nuances and dramatic depth while the melodic textures lead to a catchy chorus. 

The instrumental ensemble of “The Devil’s Peak” can deliver some fierce rhythmic dynamics and is surrounded by a darkly alluring atmosphere that naturally maintains an enchanting cinematic approach.  

The fantasy themes feel stronger on “Mörk” which features guest vocalist Jasse Jatala as Mörk and rely on a significantly heavier rhythmic rampage allowing guitars to add chunky riffs and flamboyant leads following faster drum blasts while the detailed orchestrations continue to evoke delightful symphonic vibes. 

On “The Dark Throne” Heidi’s vocals take the center stage to fully express heartwarming emotions and pure melancholy flourishing through a compelling blend of electronic layers and elegant atmospheric arrangements. 

Dark Sarah tells a fantastic fairytale through the sumptuous soundscapes of “Grim” showcasing an intricate songwriting approach and a fascinating cinematic grandeur. 

German purveyors of nautical doom metal Ahab continue their journey through the depths of the dark sea with the  first live release “Live Prey” featuring tracks originally released on their 2006 album “The Call of the Wretched Sea”. 

The lugubrious atmosphere of “Below The Sun” reveals an obscure force that emerges straight from the abyss generating a mix of funereal rhythmic patterns, gelid guitar tonalities and mournful melodies accompanied by cavernous growls. 

“Old Thunder” begins with contemplative gloomy melodies and darkened guitar tonalities but can also evoke the power of the stormy sea with the insane heavy weight of the precise rhythmic section surrounded by solemn atmospheric accents. 

The lengthy “The Hunt” can easily express grim emotions as the harrowing slow tempo constantly highlights the crucial role of the cold melodic guitar phrases, the monochromatic piano tones and the tormented chants but will often unleash crushing dynamics with monolithic doom riffage. 

Proving to be the undisputed sailors of slow heaviness, Ahab bravely explore the dark sea throughout “Live Prey” in order to deliver a monumental anthemic doom metal album.  

 

Renowned for their explosive live shows and their cool masks Mushroomhead are ready to reach another crucial milestone with the release of the massive new album “A Wonderful Life” which unleashes the expected fiery industrial rampage but also showcases a catchy melodic flair. 

“A Requiem For Tomorrow” begins with solemn operatic choirs that introduce a stomping rhythmic core filled with crunchy guitar riffs surrounded by moody futuristic electronic layers that create darkly entertaining soundscapes. 

“Madness Within” manifests a heavier approach as the abrasive guitar riffs become more prominent marching through the darkened atmospheric layers and the resulting raw energy is further amplified by the savage vocal delivery.  

“The Heresy” often focuses on lavish atmospheric waves and melancholic piano melodies that highlight the emotional vibes of the passionate vocal duet but the rhythmic section can manage to deliver subtle catchy dynamics.  

“What A Shame” conveys a sinister yet playful mood with eerie atmospheric arrangements and baroque harpsichord accents surrounding a series of smooth rhythmic segments that emphasize the darkened melodies but will eventually evolve into a heavier spiteful momentum. 

At times “I Am The One” can sound quite mellow with a spacey multilayered atmosphere and soothing vocals but the rhythmic section can definitely pick up speed and deliver a fair dosage of stomping guitar riffs and thunderous drums. 

“The Flood” follows a softer sonic pathway that emphasizes the vocal skills and the expression of poignant emotions through the contemplative piano harmonies and the lovable melodic crescendos. 

“Where The End Begins” leaves behind the heavy industrial rampage and puts the spotlight on a bittersweet emotive ballad style with soulful vocals and melancholia infused guitar melodies flowing gracefully within the elegant atmospheric ensemble.  

“Sound Of Destruction” dwells within a dystopian sonic realm that spontaneously amplifies the gritty industrial elements with chunky riffage and the consequent fiery rhythmic blasts and angered vocals march through mysterious atmospheric waves. 

Certainly “A Wonderful Life” is a solid addition to Mushroomhead’s discography as it has the power to make you feel good with the energetic approach of industrial metal but also shows that the band has a genuine desire to expand their music vision. 

The legendary Bobby Blitz of Overkill joined forces with Mike Portnoy of The Winery Dogs & Sons of Apollo, Mark Menghi of Metal Allegiance and Phil Demmel of Vio-lence for a new explosive music endeavor under the moniker BPMD and the debut album “American Made” is a full blown heavy metal party featuring covers of rock classics. 

For Ted Nugent’s “Wang Dang Sweet Poontang” Bobby Blitz makes a wild introduction with his signature vocal delivery and as soon as the instrumental ensemble takes the center stage with sharp guitar riffs and killer licks you can perceive a major positive energy.  

Aerosmith’s “Toys in the Attic” is filled with gritty riffs perfect for a heavy metal party amplified by Bobby’s charismatic vocal performance and the fast rhythmic section that ensures a constant groovy mood enriched by the impeccable guitar solo. 

“Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers” by ZZ Top is another wicked groovy tune that channels intense old school vibes with fiery rounds of soaring guitar riffs and wild shredding in proper heavy metal fashion. 

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Saturday Night Special” features a monumental classic metal formula combining bold rhythmic blasts and an overdose of eclectic guitar solos showcasing outstanding musicianship and the resulting massive grooves will certainly trigger instant headbanging. 

Blue Oyster Cult’s “Tattoo Vampire” acquires a darker rebellious momentum that builds super catchy fast dynamics with scorching guitar riffs, unrestrained drumming and Bobby’s savage vocals. 

“We’re an American Band” by Grand Funk Railroad is all about an entertaining classic heavy metal formula channeling major vintage vibes with vibrant rhythmic patterns and delightful melodic guitar progressions. 

It would be a blast seeing BPMD perform live the entire album “American Made” and listening to the reimagination of all these rock songs you can always perceive outpouring talent and enthusiasm.

Oomph! frontman Dero Goi and Lord Of The Lost’s mastermind Chris Harms are already renowned for their charismatic talent and now they joined forces on the new project Die Kreatur which showcases a catchy gothic flair on the debut full length “Panoptikum”.

The eponymous track “Die Kreatur” symbolizes the band’s sonic manifesto with an audacious and absolutely explosive blend of gothic rock and Neue Deutsche Härte fueled by abrasive guitar riffs, addictive electro arrangements and ominous vocals. 

“Kälter Als Der Tod” conveys a seductive darkness with the enthralling goth nuances of the rich atmospheric layers and the melodic phrases while the bold guitar riffs will trigger some groovy dynamics leading to a memorable chorus. 

“Unzertrennlich” relies on a cool mix of eerie atmospheric arrangements and dancey electro beats generating a smooth & quite accessible rhythmic ensemble naturally enhanced by the bewitching vocal delivery. 

“Untergang” has a faster rhythmic core favoring some aggressive industrial vibes within the gritty guitar work that this time tends to focus on a galloping riffage embellished by the moody atmospheric synths. 

The dance floor vibes of “Mensch/Maschine” are immediately evident as the synths take control mixing vivid electro beats and shimmering atmospheric layers and while maintaining a rather darkened aura the rhythm gets you ready for a goth party. 

“Benutz Mich” often sounds super groovy with a stomping rhythmic section filled with sharp guitar riffs and powerful vocals yet there is a soothing melodic essence that naturally leads to haunting atmospheric moments. 

“Gott Verdammt” features fervent rhythmic blasts so guitars maintain distorted tonalities to deliver heavier riffs while the finale will surprise you with emotive choirs flowing through peaceful atmospheric waves. 

Undoubtedly the strength of “Panoptikum” comes from the experience and songwriting skills of Die Kreatur as they already have developed a darkly alluring sonic formula that is destined to capture your attention. 

Atmospheric metal band Sojourner has the chance to conquer a wider audience with the kaleidoscopic music style and the lavish darkened soundscapes of the third full length “Premonitions”. 

“The Monolith” introduces a darkly alluring sonic realm with enchanting piano melodies accompanied by soulful vocals but soon the rhythmic section will embrace a significantly heavier gothic tinged pathway embellished by harmonious folk nuances. 

“Eulogy For The Lost” emphasizes a melodic grandeur with loads of sorrowful guitar melodies flowing gently through the lush folkish atmospheric waves that intensify the inner melancholia while at times the main rhythmic patterns and the obscure growls can still channel a subtle extreme metal inspiration. 

“Fatal Frame” conveys pure tranquility with graceful flute & piano in contrast with the heavier rhythmic core fueled by a primal force that spontaneously generates massive ominous grooves while the multilayered keyboards and the gloomy guitar phrases create a mesmerizing melodic realm. 

“Atonement” will inevitably melt your cold heart with poignant piano melodies and profoundly melancholic guitar tonalities flourishing through the glowing rhythmic crescendos and the contrasting emotions here are further expressed by the mix of ethereal vocals and tormented growls. 

“The Event Horizon” embodies all the elements and feelings that characterize the whole album as the charismatic grim guitar progressions continue to convey a wistful melodic grandeur amplified by the classical dreamy piano and the mysterious atmospheric ensemble. 

All the tracks on “Premonitions” have the ability to move the listeners as Sojourner confidently focus on a captivating melodic essence that allows them to genuinely express a multitude of vivid emotions. 

Danish progressive black metal quintet (0) aims to remain elusive but the debut album “SkamHan” is bound to trigger curiosity in the underground metal scene. 

“Tyndere end Hud” unveils enigmatic atmospheric nuances surrounding a blistering blackened assault fueled by the perfect dosage of primal energy yet there are several rhythmic variations showing a desire to experiment with diverse styles.  

A delightful melancholia lingers throughout “Sjælstjæler” generating slower grim melodic progressions and the monochromatic guitar tonalities confidently channel hazy post-metal nuances leading to lavish desolate soundscapes. 

“Rød Glorie” begins with minimalist darkened guitar phrases that will gradually embrace an intense blackened void with faster riffs and ominous growls until a calmer dramatic mood takes over to highlight a cryptic atmospheric crescendo. 

The trascendental darkness of the title track is embedded within the dense blackened guitar riffs and the mournful phrases are destined to flourish through the monumental doomed rhythmic maze so the resulting gelid melodic passages can easily evoke overwhelming crestfallen emotions. 

(0) arise like a mysterious entity and “SkamHan” definitely symbolizes the arcane nature of the band’s chosen music pathway offering a fascinating blend of  fierce blackened blasts and hypnotizing atmospheres. 

Swedish adventure rock quintet Hällas has created the new album “Conundrum”, certainly an enigmatic title matching the mysterious proggy retro rock that often feels like a journey back in time. 

“Beyond Night And Day” arrives straight from the 70s as the vintage vibes are extremely dominant in the groovy combo of guitar riffs and multilayered synths while the slower moments are full of astral vibes. 

The relaxing rhythm of “Strider” seems to belong to another dimension and even if this is not a full blown ballad it does rely on mellow guitar melodies and soothing vocals floating through the trippy atmospheric layers. 

“Labyrinth Of Distant Echoes” shows a higher degree of complexity and evidently the presence of kaleidoscopic synths ensures a rich atmospheric ensemble but guitars have the chance to shine with compelling intricate solos and polished melodic textures. 

In the beginning “Blinded By The Emerald Mist” is all about nostalgia but as soon as the rhythmic section takes over the impressive guitar work leads the way to galloping super trippy rock grooves and the luminous harmonies are enriched by the emotive vocal delivery and the dreamy synths. 

Listening to “Fading Hero” you will notice how the 80s style synths hold an essential role crafting a generous dosage of catchy nostalgic arrangements and the guitar riffs & melodies diligently follow a classic rock formula delivering additional retro dynamics and even psychedelic accents. 

Hällas proudly begin a new cosmic experience and the resulting laid back atmosphere and the visionary composition of “Conundrum” always allow you to space out freely. 

Finnish winter metal quartet Wolfheart are rightfully conquering more acolytes worldwide with their signature blend of Nordic melancholy and vicious death metal that thrives on the fifth full length “Wolves of Karelia”. 

On “Hail Of Steel” the cold atmospheric arrangements and the guitars have the ability to express poignant feelings creating a captivating melodic grandeur in contrast with the audacious riffage that leads to the expected ferocious rhythmic assault enhanced by wolfpack leader Tuomas Saukkonen’s massive growls.

The atmospheric tapestries of “Horizon On Fire” add majestic vibes around the relentless rhythmic core fueled by hostile drum blasts and untamed guitar riffs while the melodic leads create a wonderful series of comforting gloomy progressions.  

“Reaper” goes straight to a powerful rhythmic ensemble with sharp guitar riffs and venomous growls yet such vicious dynamics will often slow down to highlight the darkened melodic essence and the epic keyboards layers. 

“The Hammer” continues to deliver a perfectly balanced mix of death metal inspired rhythmic segments amplified by the ruthless fast drumming and enthralling melodic guitar leads marching through the solemn atmospheric waves that will take the center stage in the final part accompanied by soulful acoustic phrases. 

“Ashes” features a significantly slower tempo to properly emphasize the extensive icy guitar harmonies and the intricate vivid atmospheric arrangements that create a stunning evocative sonic realm therefore the sorrowful emotions tend to linger even through the scattered heavier groovy moments. 

Wolfheart have perfected their winter metal style and successfully shaped a remarkable identity that today shines brighter with the detailed and irresistible gelid soundscapes of “Wolves Of Karelia”. 

By now everybody knows that Nergal, frontman of black metal titans Behemoth, has started the dark folk/blues solo project Me And That Man and the sophomore release “New Man, New Songs, Same Shit, Vol.1” features some amazing collaborations with renowned talented artists. 

Featuring Jørgen Munkeby of Norwegian band Shining, “Run With The Devil” is an energetic track that relies on a catchy rhythmic rampage with pleasant bluesy guitars enriched by the playful tones of the saxophone. 

“Coming Home”  features guest Sivert Høyem of Madrugada delivering passionate and quite somber vocals that match the slower quasi dramatic instrumental ensemble carefully built by contemplative atmospheric layers and mournful guitar melodies. 

On “By The River” legendary Ihsahn of Emperor brings his theatrical vibrant vocal delivery to emphasize the diabolical essence of the warm guitar melodies that reach the acme with a thrilling intricate guitar solo.  

Featuring guests Johanna Sadonis and Nicke Anderson of Lucifer,  “Deep Down South” relies on Southern rock & country styles with vivid acoustic rhythmic patterns and the strong presence of harmonica and violin melodies.

“Man Of The Cross” stands out for the stunning baritone vocals performed by Jerome Reuter of Rome which emphasize the irresistible gothic nuances of the mysterious atmosphere and the seductive guitar melodies following a slow brooding rhythmic section.  

“How Come?” features the talent of Corey Taylor, Brent Hinds and Rob Caggiano and is probably one of the most powerful tracks confidently blending moody blues oriented guitar melodies leading to a flamboyant solo and soulful vocal harmonies that constantly evoke a compelling melancholia.  

The ominous strength of “Confession” comes from the deliciously malevolent vocal performance courtesy of the infamous Niklas Kvarforth of Shining so darkness is destined to prevail through the mellow acoustic passages that will suddenly evolve into a quite harsh blackened rhythmic momentum. 

On “New Man, New Songs, Same Shit, Vol.1” Me And That Man channel darkness and devilish vibes with a different state of mind that favors warm Americana-influenced soundscapes and the presence of diverse guest vocalists renders everything truly interesting and sometimes the  kaleidoscopic results will surprise you.