Multi-instrumentalist composer Sylvaine is ready to impress once again the burgeoning blackgaze scene with the rich kaleidoscopic composition and the darkened poetry of the brand new album “Nova”.
“Mono No Aware” at times follows a particularly obscure pathway leading to fast aggressive blackened patterns amplified by the pummeling drums and the venomous screams in contrast with the wistful guitar phrases that will open a portal to an enchanting dreamy world where Sylvaine’s graceful voice becomes your faithful guide.
“Nowhere, Still Somewhere” perfectly embodies a haunting melodic daydream as the spellbinding arpeggios flourish within a soothing atmospheric ensemble and naturally evolve into deeply melancholic rhythmic crescendos that showcase a delightful shoegaze inspiration enriched by the heartfelt vocal harmonies.
“Fortapt” pays homage to Sylvaine’s Norwegian roots evoking magical folk nuances through nostalgic minimalist arpeggios that can take you far away from the dreadful reality while the lavish melodic tapestries become increasingly darker with the addition of feral screams and gritty riffage.
A darkly romantic vision unfolds delicately through “Everything Must Come To An End” focusing on an exquisite combo of fascinating somber guitar melodies and eloquent vocals adorned by the classical splendor of violin and cello.
Undoubtedly Sylvaine still channels a primordial blackened essence but fully embraces an intimate songwriting approach to manifest a glowing rebirth meticulously crafting the alluring soundscapes of “Nova”.

Finnish funeral doom stalwarts Shape Of Despair invite you to embark on a contemplative journey through the perpetual darkness of the latest offering “Return To The Void”.
We bravely enter the void as the title track delivers majestic melodic crescendos fueled by the gelid guitar tonalities flowing gracefully through a crestfallen atmospheric ensemble embellished by angelic female vocals.
Within the cold cinematic soundscapes of “Solitary Downfall” guitars continue to combine beautiful forlorn melodies and crushing doom riffage following a painfully slow tempo while cavernous growls and ethereal vocals naturally express an emotional whirlwind.
On “Forfeit” the monumental drumming and the monochromatic guitar sound generate a perennial sense of hopelessness and oppressive rhythmic patterns in contrast with the captivating dreamy atmospheric breakdown.
Everything on “The Inner Desolation” matches the title focusing on a lugubrious blend of mournful melodic phrases and heavy doom laden guitar riffs once again surrounded by refined sorrowful atmospheric layers leading to a particularly haunting finale featuring melancholic vocal harmonies.
Channeling grief and infinite gloom throughout “Return To The Void” Shape Of Despair depict a darkened bleak world where heart wrenching melodic tapestries and monolithic doom progressions become seamlessly entwined.

Australian extreme metal outfit Nocturnal Graves proudly spreads darkness & brutality throughout the ominous new album “An Outlaw’s Stand”.
The album opener “Death To The Pigs” makes a ferocious statement generating visceral rhythmic patterns with monumental drumming and abrasive riffage while the guitar leads create satisfying flamboyant progressions.
“Command for Conflict” consistently relies on the extra speed of the hostile rhythmic section to convey an oppressive mood yet when the tempo slows down guitars have a chance to deliver some quasi melodic licks.
“Law of the Blade” offers an overload of menacing guitar riffs and the consequent sheer fury is certainly amplified by the cavernous growls and enriched by the lugubrious tonalities of the charismatic guitar solo.
Bearing the malignant mark of classic death metal “Beyond the Flesh” unleashes fast unrestrained guitar driven grooves that simply seem unstoppable until the gripping extensive guitar solo takes the center stage.
Without any hesitation the title track provides a ruthless sonic onslaught through the malevolent energy of vitriolic riffs and frantic drums while later an obscure atmosphere will highlight the darkened allure of the guitar leads.
Within the apocalyptic sonic realm embodied by “An Outlaw’s Stand” Nocturnal Graves never fail to deliver the expected dosage of merciless dynamics constantly channeling a primal death & black metal force.

Swedish horror entity Opera Diabolicus conjures darkness to create the theatrical sophomore opus “Death On A Pale Horse” collaborating with exceptional musicians.
Featuring talented vocalist Mats Levén, “Bring Out Your Dead” combines a classic heavy metal formula and symphonic splendor to generate an inflamed rhythmic rampage with striking epic vibes as the soaring guitars are skillfully enriched by solemn orchestrations.
The detailed composition of “Second Coming” leads to dreamy melodic passages and wild rhythmic blasts enhanced by sumptuous choirs that often evoke sinister vibes while the stunning lead guitar work courtesy of legendary Andy La Rocque is destined to impress the listeners.
“Darkest Doom on the Brightest of Days” maintains a massive heavy metal rhythmic core with majestic guitar progressions and aptly sounds darker and diabolical with particularly wicked vocals and arcane organ tapestries while the classical elegance of violin harmonies evokes sheer melancholia.
“Night Demon” begins with the ominous combo of organ and operatic choirs introducing thrilling rhythmic patterns fueled by the frenetic drum blasts while the gloomy gothic flair continues to thrive within the witchy atmospheric ensemble.
On “At Nighttime” mournful arpeggios are swiftly followed by a charismatic devilish vocal delivery so the consequent nightmarish mood demands bewitching orchestral layers and faster soaring guitar riffs in contrast with the softer classical breakdown and the melodic allure of the compelling guitar solo.
Opera Diabolicus makes a triumphant comeback telling a story of witchcraft, the black death and revenge throughout “Death On A Pale Horse” which undoubtedly feels like a grandiose decadent operetta due to the magnificent symphonic approach and the brilliant musicianship.

Despite many struggles Cynic returns triumphantly with the expansive musical vision and the futuristic soundscapes of the highly anticipated full-length “Ascension Codes”.
The ethereal atmospheric nuances of “The Winged Ones” begin a celestial voyage as the glowing guitar phrases flow gently following a spacey rhythm that often embraces striking technical prog elements leading to an intricate solo.
“Elements And Their Inhabitants” generates a heavier momentum as the precise combo of monumental drumming and crunchy riffage naturally create interesting rhythmic twists surrounded by luminous atmospheric layers.
The strength of “6th Dimensional Archetype” relies on the convoluted guitar progressions well supported by the eclectic rhythmic section and embellished by cinematic atmospheric textures and shimmering harmonies.
“Architects Of Consciousness” feels like traveling in outer space with a mix of robotic synths and hazy atmospheric accents accompanied by a soft vocal delivery while the excellent guitar work shifts from heavier riffs to fragile melodic passages.
“Diamond Light Body” follows a fascinating avant-garde pathway blending jazzy textures and an intense prog inspiration to craft shape-shifting rhythmic patterns and brighter melodic crescendos.
With a supernatural allure, especially evident in the code interludes, “Ascension Codes” takes you to a distant dimension as Cynic chooses a multifaceted progressive approach bravely exploring diverse musical territories and surprising the audience with loads of unexpected complex dynamics.

Following an acclaimed debut back in 2019, black metal icon Gaahls WYRD embarks on an esoteric journey with the new mini-album “The Humming Mountain” exploring topics of creation and consciousness.
The contemplative first track “The Seed” feels like a soothing daydream as the calm vocals follow deeply melancholic acoustic phrases flourishing within a darkly alluring atmospheric realm that seem to belong to another dimension.
The title track embraces a darker & heavier approach as guitars acquire lugubrious tonalities leading to a murky rhythmic crescendo enriched by a theatrical vocal delivery while the pale atmospheric accents sound like a distant humming.
On “The Dwell” a primal blackened force becomes dominant as the relentless guitar riffs diligently build faster hostile rhythmic blasts yet the subtle melodic passages still channel a reflective mood.
“Awakening Remains – Before Leaving” bears the mark of obscure traditional black metal as the aggressive drumming and the visceral guitar riffs march triumphantly through an arcane atmosphere.
Pursuing an introspective artistic vision Gaahls WYRD shifts from a harmonious spiritual essence to utterly harsh blackened dynamics throughout “The Humming Mountain” which will definitely garner interest while we patiently wait for the next full-length.

Polish duo Misanthur begins a cathartic journey into the deepest corners of consciousness on the debut full-length “Ephemeris”.
On “Enter the Void” you can easily perceive strong post-metal influences through the hazy atmosphere, the jazzy incursions and the monochromatic guitar tonalities while the frantic rhythmic crescendo will reveal an obscure blackened essence.
“On The Heights Of Despair” fully embraces a tormented blackened vision as the primal force of the ravenous growls and the unstoppable tremolo generate hostile rhythmic patterns while the slower passages evoke an overwhelming melancholia.
The ominous vibes of “Black Clouds & No Silver Linings” naturally lead to an unrestrained rhythmic rampage yet the tempo will slow down to emphasize the dramatic depth of the melodic guitar progressions.
Surrounded by a bleak atmosphere the title track focuses on minimalist somber melodies flourishing through a slow murky rhythmic haze and expressing crestfallen emotions.
“The Serpent Crawls” still delivers aggressive blackened blasts but guitars can channel arcane doom elements with an overdose of dense riffs and mournful melodic phrases enhanced by theatrical vocals.
Undoubtedly there is a lot going on throughout “Ephemeris” as Misanthur showcases a darkened enigmatic vision and a multifaceted songwriting approach that ultimately leads to shapeshifting soundscapes.

We all know the immense talent of Aðalbjörn Tryggvason as frontman of critically acclaimed Icelandic band Sólstafir but this time with his new project Bastarður he freely channels his crust punk and death metal influences on the debut release “Satan’s Loss of Son”.
As an album opener “Viral Tumor” ensures an impactful beginning following a fast & savage rhythmic rampage that highlights the raw energy of the guitar riffs and the edgy soloing.
On “Neonlight Blitzkrieg” an ominous atmosphere introduces a series of blistering grooves fueled by the extra speed of the drums and enriched by Tryggvason’s venomous screams and wildly entertaining solos.
The title track doesn’t waste any time as the relentless riffage diligently builds massive grooves while the guitar tonalities become darker during the brooding breakdown evoking an emotional turmoil.
While the overwhelming rage is still palpable through the untamed rhythmic march of “The Whispering Beast” the excellent guitar work can generate diverse dynamics shifting from thick riffs to enigmatic quasi melodic leads.
“Rise Up” features hazy atmospheric moments and guitars showcase a sombre sound that leads to a darkly passionate solo but while the rhythmic section clearly sounds less aggressive you still get a fair dosage of groovy passages.
Bastarður begins an incendiary musical journey as after three years in the making “Satan’s Loss of Son” comes to life with a full blown primordial force bound to grab your attention.

French black metal veterans Seth make a triumphant comeback with the new devastating album “La Morsure Du Christ” written in French Alexandrine lyrics and filled with esoteric vibes.
The inflamed title track instantly unleashes a malignant blackened assault with the perfect dosage of frantic tremolo picking and thunderous drumming embellished by baroque organ tapestries.
Surrounded by a gloomy aura “Sacrifice de Sang” features slower dismal guitar melodies and atmospheric textures accompanied by theatrical vocals but will often embrace a faster pace enhancing the gelid black metal elements.
A malevolent essence thrives within the ravenous rhythmic patterns of “Ex-Cathédrale” yet the guitar work can also craft otherworldly melodic phrases in the midst of a mysterious atmosphere emphasizing a dramatic flair.
The final opus “Le Triomphe de Lucifer” symbolizes the end of the Christian reign through a fiery sonic onslaught fueled by punishing drum blasts and relentless riffage while the calmer moments focus on eerie organ harmonies, darkened melodic progressions and solemn atmospheric arrangements.
French pioneers Seth emerge from a blazing inferno channeling a powerful mysticism and an ominous creative force to successfully create decadent blackened soundscapes throughout “La Morsure Du Christ”.

Secretive death metal collective Altarage returns with the new cryptic full length “Succumb” which instantly drags you through a nightmarish world of dissonance and chaos.
Listening to “Magno Evento” you are ready to enter the void as the ravenous drum blasts dictate a breakneck speed enhanced by the claustrophobic riffage that will eventually slow down a bit to focus on obscure guitar leads.
The sinister guitar riffs on “Foregone” introduce a monolithic rhythmic ensemble that hits you in the face following a malevolent fast tempo accompanied by desperate screams while the slower passages trigger harrowing feelings.
Throughout “Watcher Witness” the grave guitar sound can generate a perennial sense of impending doom that will ultimately evolve into a monumental rhythmic rampage fueled by the utterly savage drumming.
“Lavath” continues to revolve around dissonant rhythmic dynamics favoring gruesome death metal elements that can only lead to pure chaos & despair even during the painfully slow moments.
The asphyxiating rhythmic core of “Forja” relies on the tormented guitar riffs and the belligerent drumming shifting from insanely fast patterns to slower discordant passages that certainly convey an endless anguish.
The grand finale is embodied by the lengthy track “Devorador De Mundos” which constantly evokes sinister vibes through the monochromatic atmospheric nuances and the repetitive apocalyptic rhythmic pattern.
You simply cannot escape the dark & vicious sonic maze of “Succumb” as Altarage bravely continue to dwell within an enigmatic sonic realm inevitably pushing boundaries and channeling the ominous force of extreme metal.