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. 

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.  

Dutch alternative rock band Nemesea put together a tasteful blend of catchy rock melodies and electro beats on the latest album “White Flag” which seems to be carefully designed to conquer the heart of a wide audience. 

“The Storm” opens the album with modern cinematic vibes skillfully relying on luminous atmospheric nuances later enriched by accessible guitar driven grooves and electro twists and it seems clear that all the instrumental passages put the focus on Sanne Mieloo’s bright vocals. 

On the title track the band is ready to channel positive energy with smooth guitar melodies but always add a generous dosage of graceful atmospheric arrangements and vocals diligently follow such framework shifting from a soft emotional delivery to a more energetic momentum.

“Don’t Tell Me Your Name” begins with sultry dancey beats and throughout the whole song moody synths arrangements will maintain an entertaining electro mood that tends to prevail over the melodic rock themes. 

“Fools Gold” revolves around colorful rhythmic patterns with energetic guitar riffs and exciting drumming but will eventually showcase a glowing melodic essence through dreamy atmospheres and melancholic vocals. 

“Ratata” is another enjoyable track that favors the electronic themes of the album mixing darkened atmospheric layers, fiery dancey beats and crunchy guitar riffs that add major groovy vibes in the chorus. 

“Heavyweight Champion” can sound like a classic soulful ballad where Sanne’s vocal performance feels particularly alluring and easily steals the spotlight yet the band manages to render such formula more interesting with some darker futuristic electro arrangements. 

“Dance In The Fire” packs a solid rock punch with robust guitar riffs and bass lines cutting through the sentimental melodic phrases and Sanne effortlessly delivers a strong vocal chorus as well as introspective harmonies. 

In the end even if “White Flag” might not be remembered for some otherworldly innovations or surprising creativity it is certainly filled with profound emotions as Nemesea never miss a chance to emphasize their passionate approach.

Goth rock duo Bloody Hammers pays homage to classic horror flicks with the spooky themes of the new full length “The Summoning”.

You can immediately appreciate the catchy melodies & chorus of “Let Sleeping Corpses Lie” which relies on straightforward rhythmic dynamics with an evident goth rock structure enhanced by the gloomy atmospheric layers that can even add some dramatic depth.  

“Now The Screaming Starts” offers loads of gritty darkened guitar riffs following faster groovy rhythmic patterns while keyboards and vocals effortlessly maintain the catchy & creepy mood that characterizes the entire album.  

The title track amplifies the nightmarish vibes with mysterious atmospheric arrangements but there is a prominent accessible melodic core reminiscent of a familiar goth rock style also incarnated by the somber vocal delivery. 

The sultry melancholy of “The Beast Is Coming Out” is constantly enhanced by the darkly soothing laid back rhythm and the solemn baritone vocals plus the massive eerie keyboards intensify the horror movie soundtrack vibe. 

“Condemned, The Prisoner” sounds a bit different as gentle acoustic phrases and sorrowful vocals channel immense nostalgia adding some comforting ballad elements while the keyboards focus on the creation of understated atmospheres. 

“From Beyond The Grave” is full of memorable dancey grooves and the goth rock inspiration feels particularly strong within the glowing melodic ensemble enriched by the grim vocals and the darkened allure of the multilayered atmospheres. 

Frontman Anders Manga and keyboardist Devallia certainly have great chemistry in fact the sonic realm of “The Summoning” feels spontaneous and entertaining as Bloody Hammers skillfully blend eloquent melodic hooks with a generous dosage of ghastly vibes. 

Founded by Alestorm frontman Christopher Bowes in 2009 Gloryhammer is based on a fantasy concept with an anthemic power metal approach that on the latest album “Legends From Beyond The Galactic Terrorvortex” takes you on a galactic journey with the glorious hero Angus McFife XIII. 

“The Siege of Dunkeld (In Hoots We Trust)” begins with fancy symphonic arrangements and sumptuous choirs clearly reminiscent of many successful symphonic metal bands and certainly the whole song maintains a majestic flair with galloping guitar riffs and the consequent groovy energy necessary to face an important battle.  

On “Masters of the Galaxy” the fight against the evil sorcerer continues with plenty of crunchy guitar riffs following a classic power metal style mid-tempo rhythm and this whole catchy ensemble ultimately leads to a playful sing-along chorus.  

Celebrating the band’s name “Gloryhammer” is particularly pompous but that’s exactly what the fans would expect plus is full of 80’s style keyboards and steady guitar riffs creating a quite catchy rhythm spiced up by additional electro layers and smooth guitar soloing. 

The mood of “Battle For Eternity” definitely matches the title as the band is ready to defend the kingdom with the ardent energy expressed by the groovy instrumental segments and the fierce vocal delivery while the opulent keyboards and the polished melodic guitars add dramatic depth. 

On the grand finale “The Fires of Ancient Cosmic Destiny” Gloryhammer use all their tricks and talents to deliver a bombastic epic opus so get ready for another round of majestic symphonic arrangements enriched by some elegant classical accents, dazzling guitar melodies and massive power metal grooves obviously adorned by solemn choirs and theatrical narratives because this is a heroic tale. 

It cannot be denied that “Legends From Beyond The Galactic Terrorvortex” is an entertaining album carefully crafted by Gloryhammer with evident skills but it might be truly appreciated almost exclusively by devoted lovers of cheesy power metal. 

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

Swiss instrumental rockers Monkey3 embark on a new interstellar journey with the massive heavy psychedelic rock jams of the latest studio effort “Sphere”.

There are no boundaries on the lengthy album opener “Spirals” which is a truly trippy sonic experience that will take you far away as majestic spacey atmospheric arrangements introduce a groovy rhythmic ensemble that relies on the precise drumming and the excellent guitar work shifting from intense stoner rock riffs to delightful luminous melodic leads.

The astral trip continues with “Axis” offering exceptional and utterly eclectic guitar progressions with acidic rock tonalities and gorgeous crispy melodies that naturally create the perfect balance between the spacey contemplative moments and the heavier rhythmic dynamics.

“Mass” can sound like a soothing dream with tranquil atmospheric nuances and melancholic harmonies or a wild hallucinogenic experience due to the monumental guitar riffs plus this track features a tremendous shredding galore courtesy of renowned guitarist Bumblefoot.

“Ellipsis” is a striking mini opus that could belong to an unknown parallel universe and has the ability to channel cathartic feelings through the elaborate cosmic atmospheric layers that surround impeccable guitar progressions & groovy riffage spiced up by loads of psychedelic accents and embellished by intriguing abstract melodic passages that lead to a dense instrumental crescendo in the song’s glorious finale.

Undoubtedly “Sphere” has the necessary hypnotic power to make you instantly space out and also features fascinating cinematic soundscapes and memorable melodic tapestries meticulously composed by Monkey3 with outstanding musicianship throughout the whole album.  

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5d4Ars87-UU

The doom legacy of Swedish stalwarts Candlemass is as strong as ever and the long awaited new album “The Door To Doom” showcases the band’s ominous signature elements featuring the surprising return of their first singer Johan Langquist which definitely brings a sense of nostalgia to all these songs.   

On “Splendor Demon Majesty” there is in fact plenty of pure doom splendor as Candlemass confidently channel their obscure roots with the impressive guitar work that fluently delivers bold riffage and intricate solos around Johan’s charismatic vocal performance.

The melancholic melodies of “Under The Ocean” guide us through a realm of gloom and sorrow filled with mighty guitar riffs and tasteful slower progressions that effortlessly build a series of mid paced darkened grooves amplified by captivating vocals and epic atmospheres.

With its majestic darkness “Astorolus – The Great Octopus” is the song that will conquer all the doom lovers featuring the guest appearance by legendary Tony Iommi. The classic doom momentum feels extremely dominant as the exquisite cold tonalities of guitars evoke mournful feelings through the monumental riffs and the alluring grandeur of the soloing.  

“Black Trinity” rightfully belongs to the same sinister doom realm with the tremendous weight of the guitar riffs leading to the expected obscure grooves that will evolve into a hypnotizing breakdown and once again Johan’s voice naturally matches such bewitching darkened vibes.

“The Omega Circle” immediately feels rather dramatic beginning with slow contemplative arpeggios and passionate vocals but soon the monumental doom quintessence will take over with the perfect dose of extra heavy guitar riffs roaring through groovy rhythmic segments and the grave melodic tonalities of the compelling guitar solo generating diabolical vibes.

It’s truly a pleasure to see how Candlemass still maintain their exceptional doom mastery today as “The Door To Doom” has the necessary strength and creative force to show to the world what true doom metal sounds like.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8OT3W1TwJM