Soulfly is once again making their way through North America to bring hits from their latest album, “Ritual,” to fans. The Summoning tour kicked off on February 1st, and Soulfly played a packed show at The Forge in Joliet not long after. According to frontman Max Cavalera, “The Ritual continues! We are summoning our tribe to rage across North America!!” Their performance at The Forge was full of rage and a powerful sound that reminded fans why Soulfly is a force to be reckoned with.
Since their inception Brazilian legends Sepultura have successfully developed a groundbreaking irresistible sonic identity that for thirty five years has been gradually evolving into a complex creative force that today generates the majestic new album “Quadra”.
The darkened essence of “Isolation” is dramatically enhanced by epic symphonic elements that will soon give way to a groovy series of massive thrash rhythmic blasts featuring abrasive guitar riffs, pummeling drums and towering growls.
“Means To An End” immediately focuses on an unrestrained rhythmic rampage so the band’s signature thrash dynamics sound quite dominant leading to moshpit inducing grooves enriched by refined yet absolutely ravenous lead guitar work and a cathartic tribal momentum.
“Last Time” stands out for the charismatic guitar work that since the very beginning showcases a modern progressive flair yet the rhythmic section definitely channels the undiluted rage of thrash metal with relentless guitar riffs accompanied by the perfect dosage of hostile growls.
The mood changes on “Guardians Of Earth” beginning with soulful acoustic guitar harmonies followed by majestic operatic choirs that introduce a faster rhythm meticulously built by precise drumming and eclectic guitar phrases that will reach the acme with an inspiring solo so the thrash elements are still present but naturally embrace the evocative progressive composition.
“The Pentagram” is an intense instrumental track that allows you to truly appreciate the stellar musicianship and also highlights a compelling sonic diversity as guitars shift from vitriolic riffage to complex prog oriented soloing constantly supported by a powerful impeccable rhythmic backbone.
“Agony Of Defeat” is definitely a sophisticated track that evokes a profound melancholia with the somber elegance of the memorable intricate guitar melodies and the passionate clean vocal delivery and such fervent feelings are also expressed by the eloquent symphonic arrangements.
Featuring guest vocalist Emily Barreto “Fear, Pain, Chaos, Suffering” carefully blends haunting melodic guitar progressions and fierce rhythmic segments generating a majestic groovy momentum in the midst of a profoundly darkened atmosphere.
“Quadra” often manages to maintain an aggressive thrash metal momentum reminiscent of the early breakthrough discography but Sepultura are not really trying to rely exclusively on the same winning formula as they prove to be eager to move forward therefore you can expect some cool experimental ideas throughout the album.
Following the successful release of “Necrophaze” last year via Nuclear Blast Records, the Duke of Spook Wednesday 13 is currently touring in the US as main support of labelmates The 69 Eyes. Wednesday 13 is taking the horror show to the next level as we witnessed during the packed show at Reggies in Chicago. With theatrical flair and nightmarish vibes Wednesday 13 entertained the audience changing several costumes and masks and the resulting visuals certainly matched the mood of the new tracks “Necrophaze”, “Zodiac” and “Decompose” which sound like the perfect soundtrack for a 80’s horror movie.
This time we didn’t have to wait a decade to see the legendary Helsinki Vampires The 69 Eyes live on stage as they are currently on the ‘Hell Has No Mercy’ tour across the US. Last year The 69 Eyes released the critically acclaimed 12th album “West End”, available via Nuclear Blast Records, so at the packed show at Reggies in Chicago we had the pleasure to finally hear the new addictive tracks “Two Horns Up”, “Black Orchid”, “Hell Has No Mercy”, “27 & Done” and “Cheyenna” but the setlist of course included many unforgettable classics such as “Framed In Blood”, “Brandon Lee” and “The Chair”. From beginning to end Jyrki 69 delivered an amazing true rocker performance with unrivaled passion and the crowd’s enthusiasm proved that The 69 Eyes were deeply missed in Chicago. After experiencing the ultimate Goth’n’Roll live concert we simply cannot wait to see The 69 Eyes back in the US as soon as possible!
We all know Marko Hietala as long standing member of the extremely successful Finnish band Nightwish but now the time has come for Marko to explore different music territories and express his personal creativity on the debut solo album “Pyre Of The Black Heart”.
“Stones” begins with soft arpeggios leading to a warm melancholia swiftly followed by the subtle prog elements of the energetic rhythmic section yet the multilayered orchestrations will maintain the main folkish melodic essence.
“Dead God’s Son” aims to express somber emotions through heartfelt vocals and soothing guitar melodies but while the majority of the song follows a mellow rhythm there are occasional heavier moments built by raw riffage.
“For You” offers a glowing mixture of lavish atmospheric arrangements and nostalgia infused harmonies creating a slightly darker introspective mood enhanced by the particularly passionate vocal delivery and the delightful melodic guitar leads.
“I Am The Way” couldn’t sound more melancholic with comforting piano melodies in contrast with the modern flair of the synths and the occasional heavy guitar riffs yet the vocals and the whole instrumentation tend to maintain a shimmering melodic spirit throughout the song.
“Death March For Freedom” focuses on a darkened groovy approach with the intriguing multifaceted keyboards and the sharp prog oriented guitar work following diverse rhythmic segments and ultimately leading to a catchy big chorus.
The final track “Truth Shall Set You Free” is destined to move the listeners depicting a peaceful soundscape with evocative arpeggios, luminous violin melodies and understated atmospheric beauty that perfectly accompany the deeply emotional vocal harmonies.
Listening to “Pyre Of The Black Heart” it becomes evident that Marko is not following a precise music direction as all these songs showcase various influences and such spontaneous songwriting approach will certainly surprise the audience.
Featuring Greg Mackintosh of Paradise Lost and Chris Casket of Extreme Noise Terror & Vallenfyre the new band Strigoi proudly unleashes an old school death metal inspired manifesto on the debut album “Abandon All Faith”.
There is a fiery rage behind “Phantoms” as the rhythmic section delivers angered fast blasts yet something creepy lurks in the dark generating sinister guitar tonalities within the relentless riffage as well as the mournful doom tinged leads.
“Seven Crowns” is full of smouldering grooves as the guitar riffs and drums truly channel the primal essence of classic death metal spiced up by menacing progressions and the savage growls can certainly amplify the inner turmoil.
The sonic realm of “Carved Into The Skin” is made of desolation and misery focusing on monolithic doom laden grooves with utterly heavy riffs and gloomy guitar leads that can also evoke enthralling gothic vibes crafting melancholy infused melodies.
On “Parasite” guitars acquire an abrasive industrial inspired sound enhanced by suspenseful atmospheric layers that introduce a malevolent rhythmic ensemble as the aggressive approach demands faster unstoppable riffs.
“Plague Nation” again blends refined sorrowful doom elements with majestic fury as cavernous growls are surrounded by an overdose of ravenous guitar riffs while the evidently more melodic licks cut through the dense rhythmic patterns.
The title track holds an arcane flair with extremely ominous chants and visceral growls emerging from the darkest depths and the instrumental ensemble is characterized by diabolical tonalities further enhanced by the cryptic doom style of the enticing guitar work.
Greg seems to have a grand music vision in mind for Strigoi in fact while “Abandon All Faith” is just the first release it already showcases impressive musicianship and an inflamed creative force rightfully fueled by hostile dynamics drenched in darkness.
Swedish doom band Avatarium returns in excellent shape to spellbind you with the grandiose melodic gloom incarnated by the latest full length “The Fire I Long For”.
“Voices” invites you to enter a world of endless doom with the classic arcane vibes of the guitar riffs marching fiercely through the mighty & groovy rhythmic patterns embellished by the retro allure of organ melodies and Jennie-Ann Smith’s captivating vocal performance.
While maintaining a fascinating darkened essence on “Rubicon” guitars acquire extremely catchy rock tonalities leading to a sultry melodic solo and memorable rhythmic dynamics surrounded by somber doom atmospheres and haunting organs.
With a darkened dreamy mood “Lay Me Down” offers gorgeous sentimental melodic guitar progressions following a slower nostalgia infused rhythm surrounded by hazy atmospheric arrangements that allow Jennie-Ann’s passionate vocals to gain the deserved spotlight.
The dark soul behind the composition of “Porcelain Skull” fully manifests through the grave rhythmic crescendos featuring the sober weight of doom laden guitar riffs and the eerie 70’s accents that will ultimately embrace a bewitching melodic flair emphasized by the soulful vocal delivery.
You are destined to fall in love instantly with the seductive melodic grandeur of the title track as Jennie-Ann delivers flawless darkly romantic vocals to match the immense instrumental melancholia expressed by the slow burning guitar harmonies and the evocative warmth of the solo that certainly still channel a subtle traditional doomy feeling.
“Epitaph Of Heroes” celebrates the undiluted darkness of doom metal relying on a massive series of impactful heavy guitar riffs and consequent monolithic grooves enriched by the solemn vocals glowing within the addictive chorus and the vibrant organs providing the perfect dosage of eerie vibes and moody vintage elements.
“The Fire I Long For” deserves your utmost attention and might be the album that ultimately puts Avatarium in the spotlight as they have created a truly magnificent opus fueled by the timeless magic of classic doom and an enticing melodic composition.
Nile have always been a symbol of technical death metal and their latest merciless full length “Vile Nilotic Rites” allows them to move forward with evident enthusiasm and a renewed band’s chemistry.
“Long Shadows Of Dread” perfectly incarnates the insane power of the whole album through a brutal rhythmic approach built by majestic drums and relentless guitar riffs while the soloing is bound to impress with major technical skills and flamboyant shredding.
The title track stays true to the band’s native death metal style with unstoppable guitar driven grooves and a monolithic rhythmic backbone accompanied by primal cavernous growls and a generous dose of venomous guitar licks.
“Seven Horns Of War” is an epic work of music adding loads of solemn orchestrations and symphonic accents that basically get you ready for battle and the unrestrained rhythmic patterns filled with fast vicious guitar riffs are clearly fueled by such theatrical flair.
“Revel In Their Suffering” features additional grand symphonic arrangements that enrich the persistent tech death dynamics skillfully unleashed by the majestic rhythmic section while the lead guitars grab your attention with intriguing melodic phrases.
“Where Is The Wrathful Sky” manages to channel a perpetual rage courtesy of precise drumming, spiteful riffage and belligerent growls emerging from some forgotten hellish abyss yet within such chaotic sonic realm you will find fascinating eastern style acoustic passages.
“The Imperishable Stars Are Sickened” can convey a stylish dramatic depth with understated melodic hints and the recurring elegant acoustic guitars that almost feel luminous compared to the darker enigmatic vibes channeled by the main tech death rhythmic rampage that remains an essential component.
Exploring the dreads of modern civilization “Vile Nilotic Rites” will inevitably hit you in the face with massive death metal grooves and the expected overdose of brilliant guitar dynamics as Nile proudly showcase a ferocious sonic manifesto.
