Greek cult band On Thorns I Lay returns to shake the underground metal scene spreading perennial melancholia and grief through the apocalyptic tales of the new self-titled album.
“Fallen From Grace” constantly conjures a classic death-doom essence as a grave atmosphere forebodes the beginning of a perilous journey focusing on heavy riffage and visceral growls while strings and lead guitars can effortlessly create mournful melodic themes.
“Crestfallen” enhances the melancholic soul with graceful acoustic passages and dreamy piano melodies yet maintains a rhythmic tension with towering drum blasts and faster darker riffs ultimately leading to an eloquent guitar solo.
“Among The Wolves” instantly stands out for the doomy guitar progressions evoking grim emotions and the consequent vicious rhythmic dynamics are easily enriched by charismatic soloing and somber melodic accents.
Within the cryptic atmospheric realm of “Thorns of Fire” the decadent beauty of the melodic guitar work and the sorrowful flute swirls captivates the listeners while the monumental rhythmic section diligently follows a harsh doomed pathway.
Once again On Thorns I Lay don’t disappoint their loyal fanbase proudly invoking the ominous force of death metal and the endless despair of doom to craft monolithic rhythmic patterns and sublime melodies.

Founded by multi-instrumentalist mastermind Tamás Kátai,Thy Catafalque have demonstrated a limitless artistic evolution that now leads to the shapeshifting soundscapes of the 11th album “Alföld”.
“A csend hegyei” opens the portal to a darkened sonic realm as the band’s primordial black metal roots demand a series of asphyxiating rhythmic dynamics with incessant riffage and cavernous growls.
Within the murky atmospheric ensemble of “A földdel egyenlő” the monolithic rhythmic section focuses on extra speed and sheer brutality while celestial harmonies emerge from a distant dimension to bring solace.
The title track constantly manifests a complex composition using the brute force of extreme metal to generate malignant grooves in contrast with a melancholia infused melodic flow embellished by delicate female vocals while guitars have the chance to develop intricate prog style leads well supported by the precise drumming.
Throughout the instrumental track “Folyondár” a wild folk spirit takes over as the spellbinding violins and the magical flute convey uplifting feelings creating delightful melodic themes.
“Néma vermek” closes the album with a detailed mix of aggressive rhythmic blasts, enchanting folk harmonies and futuristic multi layered synths showcasing the band’s renowned experimental approach.
On “Alföld” Thy Catafalque once again can easily challenge the audience with an eclectic sonic vision yet deliberately choose to focus on the strength of classic extreme metal and massive guitar riffs.

Australian extreme progressive metal band Ne Obliviscaris has always garnered attention for the trademark blend of classical beauty and masterful intricate composition that now leads to the monumental fourth full-length “Exul”.
Throughout “Equus” you will find harsh rhythmic patterns enhanced by brutal growls and unexpected tempo variations showcasing a strong prog metal approach and musical prowess while the classical splendor of the haunting violin movements can express an emotional whirlwind.
“Misericorde I – As the Flesh Falls” demands your attention with a shapeshifting rhythmic core as the band meticulously combines fierce guitar riffs and enthralling violin harmonies once again highlighting the duality of Charles’ soothing clean vocals and Xenoyr’s ravenous growls.
On “Misericorde II – Anatomy of Quiescence” the flawless violin takes the center stage delivering a gorgeous wistful melodic flow enriched by the luminous guitar solo yet the colossal rhythmic section is ready to impress with faster aggressive dynamics.
Throughout “Suspyre” the captivating melodic essence of the impeccable violin is always bound to emerge even if the fury of the rhythmic ensemble and the eclectic prog guitar style here hold a dominant role generating intense grooves.
Evidently “Exul” manifests and a high degree of diversity maintaining a rather dark mood as Ne Obliviscaris challenge the audience skillfully combining multifaceted melodic tapestries and an insane proggy rhythmic structure.

Finnish symphonic black metal band …And Oceans begins a new immersive journey in search of enlightenment through the gloomy soundscapes of the new record “As In Gardens, So In Tombs”.
On the title track a sinister atmospheric intro leads the way to a solid series of savage rhythmic patterns featuring relentless drums and clearly showcasing strong black metal roots while the slower passages also add modern synths layers conveying a dystopian feel.
“Within Fire and Crystal” naturally continues to focus on furious blackened dynamics enhanced by ravenous growls while the eerie orchestrations and the guitar leads create frostbitten harmonies.
“Carried on Lead Wings” immediately unleashes a fiery blackened force through the unrestrained guitar riffs but once again the winning combo of surreal synths and cold melodic phrases evoke an overwhelming melancholia.
Throughout “Cloud Heads” the decadent orchestrations maintain a fundamental role surrounding the malignant growls and the vicious rhythmic ensemble fueled by extra speed and venomous riffage.
Within the gelid sonic realm of “Inverse Magnification Matrix” you can still perceive a mournful melodic flair and the blackened rhythmic assault seems unstoppable until the enigmatic synths generate a pensive atmospheric breakdown.
The final track “Ambivalent God” definitely embodies the album’s contemplative themes as the rhythm often slows down to put the spotlight on the crestfallen melodic guitars without sacrificing the harsh black metal momentum.
“As In Gardens, So In Tombs” constantly evokes tormented feelings as …And Oceans focus on a compelling melodic grandeur and at the same time successfully channel a primal black metal essence.

Hailing from New York City purveyors of USBM Black Anvil fully showcase a malevolent blackened vision on the fifth full-length “Regenesis”.
“In Two” hits you in the face with the obscure power of the fiery riffage and the crushing drums but an inner mournful melodic essence tends to emerge through the gelid lead guitar work.
Within the enigmatic atmosphere of “8-bit Terror” guitars have a chance to focus on profoundly sorrowful tonalities besides the expected violent riffs easily enhanced by the visceral growls.
“Silver & Steele” follows a slower lugubrious tempo allowing guitars to carefully craft hypnotizing phrases and a charismatic solo emphasizing a gripping melodic gloom.
“NYC Nightmares” also favors a melodic approach through the coldest crestfallen guitar tones yet the monumental rhythmic section acquires extra speed to build thrilling blackened grooves.
“Grant Us His Love” doesn’t waste any time as the relentless guitar riffs spontaneously generate a solid series of menacing rhythmic patterns later enriched by epic vocals and solemn keyboards arrangements.
The title track proudly unleashes venomous rhythmic blasts accompanied by vengeful growls while the guitar leads can easily provide a fair dosage of haunting melodic accents.
While drawing inspiration from the darkest depths of traditional black metal Black Anvil focus inward with their songwriting to develop a distinctive style that today thrives through the sinister soundscapes of “Regenesis”.

Formed by mastermind Greg Mackintosh of legendary Paradise Lost, Strigoi continues an obscure music journey that today generates the pitchblack soundscapes of the sophomore release “Viscera”.
The unsettling atmosphere of “United in Viscera” naturally leads to lugubrious doom laden rhythmic patterns highlighting the excellent guitar work shifting from slower melodic accents to sophisticated leads.
“An Ocean of Blood” focuses on the visceral riffage and the bleak guitar tonalities to build a palpable rhythmic tension with a blackened inspiration inevitably enhanced by the guttural growls.
The solemn ominous intro of “Hollow” swiftly evolves into crushing grooves and while maintaining a classic doom approach the insane drum blasts ensure a faster blackened rhythmic structure.
“Bathed in a Black Sun” offers an intriguing blend of sinister guitar phrases and murky atmospheric waves while the wicked riffage consistently creates a series of harsh rhythmic crescendos.
The mood becomes quite dramatic on “Byzantine Tragedy” as guitars march fiercely and often acquire extra speed through a mournful atmospheric maze embellished by delicate chanting.
There is no hope and certainly there is no light within the mysterious atmospheric ensemble of “Iron Lung” as the heavy weight of the guitar riffs and the somber melodic lines constantly amplify a doom flair.
Throughout “Viscera” Strigoi meticulously shape a deeply darkened sonic vision crafting malevolent rhythmic patterns and evoking pure misery with an evident doom metal influence.

Gothic death rock pioneers Christian Death embark on a gloomy sonic journey exploring intellectual themes and diverse music styles throughout the new full-length “Evil Becomes Rule”.
Within the dramatic atmospheric ensemble of “The Alpha And The Omega” Valor Kand’s voice becomes your spiritual guide while guitars often acquire a raw energy to create groovy rhythmic patterns.
“New Messiah” relies on the contrasting textures of the gritty guitar riffs and the vibrant acoustic phrases while Maitri’s vocals easily enhance the darkened catchy vibes.
A fascinating gothic flair lingers through the moody melodic waves and the monochromatic bass lines of “Blood Moon” reaching the acme with the seductive vocal harmonies of the addictive chorus.
“Beautiful” puts the spotlight on Maitri’s bewitching vocals flowing through a darkly gripping blend of graceful atmospheric tapestries and dazzling melodic crescendos.
“Rise And Shine” showcases a sinister vision through the irresistible faster & heavier rhythmic segments enriched by the charismatic vocal interplay and the melancholic atmospheric arrangements.
“Who Am I (part 1)” stands out for the hypnotizing combo of elegant violins and warm arpeggios yet the rhythmic section can acquire an obscure essence ultimately leading to a delightful melodic guitar solo.
Christian Death inevitably lure you through a realm of darkness and poetry as “Evil Becomes Rule” grabs your attention with sultry melodic aesthetics and a timeless goth essence.

Ukrainian post-rock/metal band Somali Yacht Club expands their thoughtful sonic vision through the melancholia infused soundscapes of the third full-length “The Space”.
The darkened tonalities of “Silver” lead to a hazy rhythmic ensemble that often embraces dramatically heavier dynamics embellished by a comforting vocal delivery and recurring peaceful guitar melodies.
Within the blurry atmospheric realm of “Pulsar” guitars naturally shift from intense fuzzy rhythmic crescendos to graceful luminous progressions enhancing the presence of emotive themes and a pensive melodic flow.
The softer passages of “Echo of Direction” highlight the darkly immersive harmonies and the dense atmospheric textures while the glowing guitar tones will occasionally evolve into a fierce groovy momentum fueled by the gritty riffage.
The lengthy final opus “Momentum” showcases a multifaceted rhythmic approach that spontaneously generates monolithic heavy patterns adding darker doom elements yet the eclectic guitars can fully unfold a dreamy melodic grandeur through warm evocative phrases enhancing a compelling emotional depth.
Throughout “The Space” Somali Yacht Club never fail to convey a deeply contemplative mood emphasizing a cinematic composition influenced by contrasting post-metal nuances.

Hailing from the Bay Area, blackened heavy metal band Nite aims to conquer your cold soul skillfully blending glorious N.W.O.B.H.M dynamics and perennial darkness on the sophomore full-length “Voices Of The Kronian Moon”.
The album opener “Acheron” doesn’t waste any time as the bold rhythmic section fully embraces a memorable groovy momentum enriched by the captivating darkened guitar tonalities and the polished melodic leads.
The aptly nocturnal atmosphere of “Kronian Moon” puts the spotlight on the ominous vocal delivery and the bewitching melodic guitar work offering an overdose of charismatic licks and sorrowful phrases.
Darkness inevitably descends on “Liber ex Doctrina” which features an ideal combo of deeply mournful harmonious progressions and inflamed rhythmic patterns highlighting once again the striking guitar work.
On “Edge of the Night” an alluring somber intro leads the way to a significantly faster & heavier rhythmic rampage enhanced by a dazzling guitar solo yet an overwhelming melancholia is bound to flourish through the sophisticated melodic aesthetics.
“Thorns” proudly showcases major classic metal influences through the soaring guitar riffs and the triumphant drum blasts yet you can instantly perceive the obscure presence of gelid blackened nuances and lugubrious melodic textures.
Channeling a timeless heavy metal force Nite confidently continue to shape an intriguing sonic vision that thrives within the shadowy grooves of “Voices Of The Kronian Moon”.

Norwegian black metal legend Abbath fearlessly emerges from the darkest depths to drag you through the frostbitten grooves of the ambitious third full-length “Dread Reaver”.
An ominous atmosphere surrounds the fast wicked rhythmic core of “Acid Haze” as the steady roaring guitar riffs and the flamboyant leads accompanied by ruthless growls easily amplify the coldest black metal roots.
“Dream Cull” surprises you with a decadent eerie acoustic intro swiftly followed by fiery rhythmic patterns that can still convey intense grim feelings due to the dominant darkened guitar tonalities.
“Myrmidon” relies on glorious black ‘n roll dynamics as the gritty riffage showcases an entertaining classic rock attitude but the extra speed of the crushing drums inevitably leads to a pitchblack heavier momentum.
Under a shroud of frost “The Deep Unbound” fully embraces an obscure flair as the unrestrained rhythmic section and the venomous growls channel a primordial blackened force embellished by the polished charismatic guitar solo.
The monumental title track triumphantly unleashes a mid-paced groovy blackened rhythmic rampage as the visceral combo of memorable guitar riffs and furious drumming simply seem unstoppable and the theatrical sinister vocals definitely evoke epic vibes.
Within the perennial Nordic darkness of “Dread Reaver” Abbath seems to focus mainly on an audacious black ‘n roll formula that spontaneously generates a solid series of malevolent grooves bound to trigger instant headbanging.