Nailed To Obscurity Live at Metro in Chicago

German melodic death/doom metallers Nailed To Obscurity recently released the brand new dark & melancholic single “Liquid Mourning” via Nuclear Blast Records and for the first time embarked on a massive North American tour supporting labelmates Kataklysm and Swedish titans Dark Tranquillity. During their live performance at the Metro in Chicago Nailed To Obscurity definitely conquered new acolytes delivering a captivating blend of aggressive grooves and sorrowful melodic grandeur with a memorable setlist that included the latest full length title track “Black Frost”, the new single “Liquid Mourning”, “The Aberrant Host” and “Desolate Ruin”.

Celeste – Assassine(s)

French avant-garde black metal band Celeste embarks on an immersive journey through the harrowing soundscapes of the latest record “Assassine(s)”.
On “Des Torrents De Coups” the fiery combo of untamed riffage and monumental drumming generates hostile rhythmic blasts that seamlessly become entwined with the stark beauty of the contemplative melodic guitar progressions.
“Nonchalantes de beauté” relies on the savage screams and the raw energy of the precise rhythmic section to amplify a profound sense of despair yet the monochromatic guitar tonalities eventually evolve into gloomy melodic tapestries flowing gently through a blurry atmosphere.
“Il a tant rêvé d’elles” showcases a primordial approach as the gritty guitar sound and the sludge influences lead to heavier & faster rhythmic segments yet an immense melancholia is destined to emerge through the decadent post-metal melodic flair.
“Elle se répète froidement” rightfully puts the spotlight on the haunting melodic guitar phrases and the shimmering atmospheric accents yet the band doesn’t refrain from channeling pure brutality through an inflamed rhythmic rampage.
“Le cœur noir charbon” demands your attention as the visceral guitar riffs naturally build an intense rhythmic tension within a quite frantic sonic realm emphasized by the ruthless growls in contrast with the fragile atmospheric arrangements and the ethereal vocal harmonies courtesy of guest vocalist Emily Marks.
Throughout “Assassine(s)” Celeste have the ability to perfectly balance mysterious atmospheric nuances and aggressive blackened blasts inevitably conveying grim emotions and sheer passion.

Battle Beast – Circus Of Doom

Finnish heavy metal band Battle Beast returns triumphantly with the new explosive album “Circus Of Doom” promising big hooks and theatrical symphonic grandeur.
In the beginning the keyboards on the title track surprise you with a delicious darkened aura introducing a winning combo of galloping guitar riffs and sober operatic choirs that smoothly unravel around Noora Louhimo’s majestic voice.
“Wings Of Light” immediately showcases strong power metal vibes with an inflamed rhythmic rampage embellished by energetic guitar leads and elegant atmospheric tapestries leading to an irresistible chorus.
Throughout “Master Of Illusion” the glowing keyboards layers channel dazzling 80s vibes so you can expect a bit of nostalgia here while guitars naturally shift from crunchy riffage to refined melodic licks.
While “Where Angels Fear To Fly” can certainly keep a groovy momentum enhanced by the monumental keyboards arrangements a soothing melodic essence emerges through the luminous atmospheric textures.
The old school metal spirit thrives within the bouncy rhythmic patterns of “Freedom” once again enriched by Noora’s vibrant vocal harmonies while the solemn choirs can convey a dramatic depth.
“Place That We Call Home” feels like an anthemic power metal tune relying on the soaring guitar riffs and the pummeling drumming that will ultimately lead to a ‘ready for battle’ chorus emphasized by the high pitched vocal delivery and the imposing orchestrations.
On “Circus Of Doom” Battle Beast proudly continue to follow a successful classic heavy metal pathway packed with catchy power metal dynamics and evocative melodies that undoubtedly revolve around Noora’s striking vocal range.

Hypocrisy – Worship

It’s been a long time but Swedish melodic death metal veterans Hypocrisy are finally releasing the new full-length “Worship” staying true to their signature sound and extraterrestrial themes to pack a massive dosage of vicious grooves.
After a mellow acoustic intro the title track diligently prepares a violent rhythmic assault as the visceral guitar riffs and the extra speed constantly channel the ominous force of classic death metal.
Within the dystopian atmosphere of “Chemical Whore” the charismatic melodic guitar progressions and the galloping riffage acquire darkened tonalities following a slightly slower tempo while the growls still sound absolutely ferocious.
On “We’re The Walking Dead” the understated somber atmospheric layers emphasize overwhelming grim feelings consequently guitars shift the focus to refined melodic textures perfectly supported by the monolithic drumming.
The dramatic depth of “Children Of The Gray” leads to a balanced mix of dismal melodic phrases and soaring guitar riffs that can effortlessly maintain a memorable groovy momentum enhanced by the powerful chorus.
A cold melancholia lingers through “Bug In The Net” as the slower pace and the perennial bleak atmospheric ensemble highlight a contemplative melodic flow and even the growls sound more mournful.
“Gods Of The Underground” puts the spotlight on heavier aggressive grooves as the relentless sharp riffs unravel around Peter Tägtgren’s insane growls while the lead guitar work evokes grave emotions through flawless harrowing melodies.
After many successful records Hypocrisy proudly continue to follow a remarkable sonic vision that today generates a solid blend of sheer brutality and gloomy melodic tapestries on “Worship”.

Exodus – Persona Non Grata

Masters of thrash metal Exodus reach another milestone in their successful long standing career with the release of the crushing eleventh album “Persona Non Grata”.
The title track demonstrates that Exodus still have the necessary energy to create memorable thrash metal dynamics with an overdose of merciless guitar riffs marching fiercely through an explosive rhythmic maze definitely enriched by the impressive soloing.
“R.E.M.F” begins with a terrific combo of sharp riffage and monumental drums and the resulting raw energy gradually leads to a classic thrash metal formula that demands a crazy moshpit.
“Slipping Into Madness” continues to unleash massive grooves putting the spotlight on the vicious tones of the soaring guitars and the chorus will inevitably get stuck in your head.
“Prescribing Horror” presents a quite gloomy scenario focusing on the slower tempo and the mournful guitar melodies accompanied by a malevolent vocal delivery but you can still expect a fair dosage of hostile guitar riffs and elaborate leads.
The traditional thrash metal flair thrives within the gritty grooves of “The Years Of Death And Dying” highlighting the brilliant guitar work shifting from galloping heavy riffage to fancy intricate solos.
The southern flavor of acoustic guitars introduces another round of blazing grooves on “Lunatic Liar Lord” and once again the thrilling guitar solos offer diversity and technical prowess.
The anthemic thrash metal style of “Antiseed” generates faster abrasive rhythmic blasts featuring precise drumming and relentless ravenous riffs that reach the acme with an extensive wild guitar solo.
The unstoppable visceral guitar driven grooves at the core of “Persona Non Grata” will certainly satisfy the faithful acolytes as Exodus proudly stay true to their untamed thrash metal legacy exploring themes of societal degradation.

Obscura – A Valediction

Modern extreme metal quartet Obscura begins a new explosive chapter with the release of the sixth full-length “A Valediction” which is bound to impress the audience with an amazing virtuosic style.
“Forsaken” spreads immense melancholia with gentle arpeggios and subtle atmospheric layers that introduce an incendiary rhythmic ensemble relying on soaring riffs but the wild lead guitar work often steals the spotlight.
The title track offers steady aggressive rhythmic blasts with the perfect dosage of crunchy riffage and ruthless growls ultimately leading to an insane shredding that instantly grabs your attention.
“When Stars Collide” begins with fiery guitar driven grooves once again embellished by the neoclassical flair of the flawless shredding in contrast with the harmonious clean vocal delivery of the catchy chorus.
On “Devoured Usurper” an ominous essence generates a monolithic rhythm amplified by the cavernous growls and the darkened guitar tonalities that will evolve into charismatic technical solos.
The remarkable combo of dense bass lines and savage guitar riffs throughout “The Neuromancer” creates elaborate rhythmic patterns yet the excellent soloing successfully adds exquisite melodic textures.
In the beginning “Heritage” evokes dismal feelings through the fragile arpeggios and these emotive themes continue to emerge through the opulent melodic guitar leads even if the rhythmic section still has a chance to acquire extra speed and energy.
While the brutal death metal roots are still palpable undoubtedly Obscura focus on a majestic technical approach and instrumental precision to constantly build complex dynamics throughout “A Valediction”.

Ghost Bath – Self Loather

Atmospheric black metallers Ghost Bath begin a new tragic journey crafting desolate soundscapes on the fourth full-length “Self Loather”.
Featuring guest vocalist CJ McMahon of Thy Art Is Murder, “Hide From The Sun” is filled with grief and suffering as the untamed riffage channels a blackened fury to build a massive rhythmic rampage but the bleak melodic passages hold a dominant role leading to a final heart-wrenching piano piece.
On “Shrines of Bone” the rhythmic section can easily acquire extra speed and rage fueled by the relentless guitar riffs yet a dreamy melodic essence is destined to emerge through the minimalist arpeggios.
“Sanguine Mask” relies on desperate screams and mournful guitar progressions to create an asphyxiating sonic realm surrounded by murky atmospheric waves reaching the acme with a crestfallen piano & strings combo.
“A Crystal Lattice” immediately hits you in the face with the sheer brutality of the blackened rhythmic blasts but soon guitars will embrace a harmonious approach evoking poignant emotions.
Featuring tormented vocals courtesy of Graf of Psychonaut 4, “Sinew And Vein” follows a slower monolithic rhythm amplified by the obscure guitar work that can naturally evolve into melancholic phrases.
The arcane atmospheric ensemble of “For It Is A Veil” gives way to a rather aggressive rhythmic assault yet once again guitars will shift the focus to a shimmering melodic sound enhancing the emotive themes.
With “Self Loather” Ghost Bath continue to shape their own sonic identity confidently combining ominous dynamics and gelid melodic aesthetics which inevitably express overwhelming grim feelings.

Khemmis – Deceiver

In the last few years doom metal band Khemmis has impressed the chaotic metal scene garnering interest worldwide with a unique sonic vision and the highly anticipated studio album “Deceiver” emerges triumphantly from the darkest depths.
“Avernal Gate” begins with graceful arpeggios swiftly followed by a monumental rhythmic rampage that highlights the charismatic guitar licks and the heavy weight of the doom riffage enriched by mournful melodic accents and a particularly passionate vocal delivery.
The mighty doom essence of “Living Pyre” thrives within the hypnotic rhythmic maze which often puts the spotlight on the elaborate guitar work shifting from furious heavy riffs to poignant melodic phrases.
The desolate soundscapes of “Shroud Of Lethe” revolve around soothing clean vocals and melancholic melodic segments embellished by a series of brilliant solos yet the primordial doom elements eventually take over leading to a ominous heavy momentum certainly amplified by the ruthless growls.
On “The Astral Road” a profound sense of nostalgia becomes palpable within the gloomy melodic ensemble in contrast with the super groovy rhythmic dynamics and the soaring guitar progressions proudly channeling a glorious classic heavy metal flair.
The ambitious journey of Khemmis today naturally leads to the cerebral and sorrowful composition behind “Deceiver” which inevitably expresses an emotional struggle through monolithic grooves and dramatic melodies.

Ministry – Moral Hygiene

Industrial pioneers Ministry return in excellent shape to deliver the charismatic fifteenth studio album “Moral Hygiene” which continues to keep alive their influential legacy and embodies Al Jourgensen’s societal manifesto.
While a voice keeps on asking you ‘how concerned are you?’ “Alert Level” marks an impactful moment skillfully packing big mid-tempo guitar riffs and a sing-along chorus surrounded by entertaining even danceable electro beats.
Featuring a collaboration with ex-Dead Kennedy Jello Biafra, “Sabotage Is Sex” acquires an old school punk attitude with a galloping rhythmic section and a memorable rebellious chorus enriched by spooky atmospheric accents.
You will hear many different voices on “Disinformation” which clearly revolves around a dystopian mood that triggers massive industrial grooves fueled by explosive gritty guitar riffs and low key distorted vocals.
The strength of “Believe Me” comes from the steady march of the robust guitar driven grooves but there is also a pleasant and quite accessible combo of melodic phrases and subtle atmospheric layers.
“Broken System” brings variety with soft Middle Eastern acoustic harmonies and percussion before entering a heavier post apocalyptic sonic realm where guitars build a darker energetic momentum.
The message is evident on “We Shall Resist” as we are surrounded by a cold electronic ensemble and a quite sinister atmosphere spiced up by occasional rhythmic blasts.
The powerful message regarding the frightening state of society and politics is a key element of “Moral Hygiene” and featuring a new line-up Ministry choose to focus on their abrasive industrial signature style.