Dark progressive rockers Crippled Black Phoenix embrace an evocative sonic evolution on the introspective journey embodied by the latest album “Ellengæst” which can spellbind you with a profound melancholy and an avant garde artistic vision. 

Featuring a stunning vocal performance by Vincent Cavanagh of Anathema “House Of Fools” offers darkly hypnotic guitar progressions flowing gently through ethereal atmospheric waves embellished by gorgeous piano melodies leading to hazy yet significantly heavier rhythmic patterns.

A dystopian mood surrounds “Lost” which carefully blends dramatic melodic phrases and surreal atmospheric layers while guitars can also focus on the creation of memorable rhythmic dynamics that still maintain the fascinating eerie tonalities. 

The alluring melodic guitar work on “Cry Of Love” glows within the vibrant & absolutely catchy rhythmic ensemble but still evokes strong darkened vibes amplified by the passionate vocal delivery and the shimmering atmospheric arrangements. 

At the center of “Everything I Say” you can immediately perceive a profound melancholia that will inevitably move you as the piano crafts vivid melodic tapestries and guitars unleash a sultry darkened energy that perfectly complement Belinda Kordic’s eloquent vocal performance. 

The sorrowful motif of “The Invisible Past” is palpable since the beginning as the graceful minimalist harmonies accompany the soulful voice of Jonathan Hultén of Tribulation floating gently within a dreamy atmospheric realm that with the addition of distorted guitars will ultimately evolve into a cathartic melodic crescendo. 

A wide array of conflicting emotions linger throughout “Ellengæst” as Crippled Black Phoenix explore inner struggles and deliberately refuse to fit within standard music categories meticulously crafting a series of sophisticated soundscapes. 

Spanish experimental rockers Obsidian Kingdom continue to bravely push boundaries on the latest release “Meat Machine” which from beginning to end manifests an eclectic songwriting approach.  

“The Edge” tend to rely on the raw energy of acidic guitar riffs to create robust groovy patterns with a hardcore attitude but will eventually embrace an atmospheric ensemble characterized by darkened & dreamy nuances. 

On “The Pump” vocals and guitars focus on a rather harsh sonic assault that leads to chaotic yet rather catchy patterns interrupted by the futuristic tonalities of the calmer atmospheric arrangements.  

“Mr Pan” immediately follows a more electro oriented pathway as the synths carefully craft a darkly soothing atmosphere at times spiced up by the bold rhythmic section and the wild shredding of the extensive guitar solo. 

On “Flesh World” the atmospheric tapestries flow gently like fading memories embellished by charming vocal harmonies and shimmering electronic accents while the melodic guitar work also enhances the melancholic mood. 

A lovely melancholia continues to linger through the atmospheric layers and the moody guitar melodies on “Meat Star” nevertheless the tormented vocals and the rhythmic tension can easily channel a somber heavier momentum. 

“A Foe” begins with a bittersweet ballad style piano and an ethereal vocal delivery that emphasize the emotional motif while synths and guitars fully embrace an enigmatic post-rock inspiration that conveys a mysterious atmosphere. 

There is so much going on throughout “Meat Machine” and trying to pinpoint a specific musical direction becomes futile as Obsidian Kingdom deliberately aim to surprise the audience creating a rich multifaceted sonic realm. 

French post black metal duo Vous Autres embark on a gloomy sonic journey through the enigmatic soundscapes of the sophomore full length “Sel de Pierre”.

The obscure atmosphere surrounding “Onde” generates a world of despair and grief where guitars can sound ferocious providing intense riffage with a strong black metal influence but also focus on extremely somber tonalities creating captivating melodic passages. 

“Vesuve” relies on haunting guitar melodies flourishing through a bleak & convoluted atmospheric maze while the anguished screams and the heavier rhythmic patterns continue to channel a primordial blackened inspiration. 

“Ecueil” puts aside the blackened fury allowing the synths to create a bewitching atmospheric realm following a rather experimental approach that leads to modern electro multilayers and dreamy feelings. 

“In Humus” dwells in a mysterious limbo between darkness and light as the slow wistful guitar melodies flow gently through the misty atmospheric waves and complement the ethereal female vocals in contrast with the tormented rhythmic momentum.  

Surrounded by an atmospheric melancholy “Sel de Pierre” might appear as an ode to darkness yet Vous Autres have also the ability to bring glimpses of light & hope through vivid melodic tapestries. 

Greek symphonic death metal titans Septicflesh finally release the “Infernus Sinfonica MMXIX” show on Blu-ray DVD filmed in February 2019 during a sold out show at the Metropolitan Theater in Mexico City with over 100 musicians from the Symphonic Experience Orchestra, the Enharmonía Vocalis Choir, and the ‘National University of Mexico Children’s and Youth Choir’.

Septicflesh have chosen a stellar setlist for this memorable event in fact the flawless execution, the charismatic musicianship and the majestic production will satisfy the band’s faithful acolytes. “Portrait of a Headless Man”, “Martyr”, “Communion”, “Dogma of Prometheus” and “Anubis” clearly symbolize the irresistible blend of extreme metal and classical grandeur that certainly during this special live concert is further enhanced by the impeccable intricate orchestrations. 

Considering the solemn visionary creativity that Septicflesh have developed and perfected during all these years “Infernus Sinfonica MMXIX” feels like a natural evolution and an essential milestone in their career as the live orchestrations fully bring to life the compelling symphonic splendor that has always impressed the audience worldwide. 

Portuguese post-black metal outfit Gaerea embarks on a cathartic journey channeling a primal blackened force and pure melancholia through the captivating soundscapes of the new full length “Limbo”. 

“To Ain” instantly manifests an overwhelming obscurity as guitars engage in fiery riffage and sophisticated progressions that can create fast & aggressive rhythmic patterns amplified by the desperate growls yet a melancholic allure will always emerge through the spellbinding melodic phrases and the dreamy atmospheric waves. 

The untamed blackened essence of “Glare” immediately generates majestic & utterly brutal rhythmic blasts fueled by the insane fast drumming yet within such chaotic instrumental ensemble guitars will also manage to add some vibrant melodic accents. 

“Conspiranoia” dwells within a misanthropic sonic realm as the gelid guitar melodies feel very dominant emphasizing a profound emotional turmoil through many bewitching progressions surrounded by a subtle arcane atmosphere while the cascading blackened riffs effortlessly lead to heavier ominous moments. 

The bleak soundscapes of “Mare” bring closure and highlight the role of the gorgeous mournful guitar melodies flourishing through a hazy atmosphere and creating mesmerizing crescendos but the primal blackened flair will always have a chance to gain intensity through the soaring rhythmic segments.  

As the title suggests “Limbo” feels like a distant world that lies in between darkness & light, reason & madness, as Gaerea confidently showcase a visionary blend of fiery blackened grooves and spiritual harmonies. 

Dutch masters of horror Carach Angren have crafted the new creepy opus “Franckensteina Strataemontanus” inspired by Mary Shelly’s novel ‘Frankenstein’ manifesting a visionary blend of extreme metal and decadent symphonic tapestries. 

The horrific fairytale begins with the spooky soundscapes of “Scourged Ghoul Undead” which unravels an imposing mix of elaborate flamboyant symphonic arrangements and ravenous blackened rhythmic blasts fueled by an obscure force amplified by the devilish growls and the deadly march of the drums. 

The title track shines for the wild extremely intricate orchestrations that immediately create a catchy yet twisted sonic realm where frightful entities lurk in the dark as the nightmarish melodies become entwined with merciless rhythmic progressions enriched by the solemn narratives. 

“Sewn for Solitude” stands out for the neoclassical splendor as the lavish multilayered orchestrations showcase a magical creativity leading to a majestic atmospheric ensemble surrounding the heavier sinister rhythmic core. 

“Operation Compass” welcomes you to a ghastly world that belongs to monstrous blackened rhythmic progressions constantly embellished by the majestic theatrical arrangements blending grave classical tonalities and suspenseful atmospheric crescendos. 

“Der Vampir von Nürnberg” begins with scary playful vibes that continue to successfully emphasize the album’s horror motifs and while the blackened essence is still present the detailed orchestrations convey a fascinating classical grandeur that highlights the crucial role of the eerie melodic themes and the sublime atmospheric layers. 

The dramatic final track “Like a Conscious Parasite I Roam” offers an overdose of gorgeous classical melodies and stylish symphonic textures reminiscent of a baroque operetta that flourishes incessantly through the dark energy of the rhythmic patterns. 

It becomes quite evident that Carach Angren’s music vision is always intriguing due to the magnificent symphonic & classical keyboards arrangements that on “Franckensteina Strataemontanus” constantly enrich the heavy patterns and ultimately create the ideal soundtrack for a horror movie. 

South African post metal outfit Constellatia recently signed with Season Of Mist and the reissue of the debut album “The Language Of Limbs” now has the chance to attract a wider audience with darkly emotional soundscapes. 

“All Nights Belong To You” confidently follows a wistful instrumental pathway as the dreamy shoegaze atmosphere naturally embraces the crushing blackened rhythmic section and will reach the acme during the slower hazy passages embellished by angelic vocals. 

“In Acclamation” flows like a daydream as the ethereal atmospheric tapestries and the shimmering guitar melodies constantly evoke pure melancholia yet the rhythmic patterns can often evolve into fast & vicious blackened blasts before returning to a calmer contemplative ensemble. 

The eloquent melodic essence of “The Garden” emphasizes an intense sense of longing as guitars tend to focus on soft acoustic phrases, glowing progressions and compelling leads in contrast with the faster mournful rhythmic segments accompanied by desperate screams. 

Throughout “The Language Of Limbs” you will find a monumental blackened inspiration yet the opulent nostalgia infused melodies become the main focus as Constellatia never cease to express poignant feelings.  

In the Scandinavian black metal scene …And Oceans are renowned for their compelling symphonic style and after seventeen years they are finally back with a revamped line-up including talented vocalist Mathias Lillmåns of Finntroll and an ex novo energy embodied by the new full length “Cosmic World Mother”. 

“The Dissolution Of Mind And Matter” marks a majestic beginning fully manifesting a bewitching darkened formula that revolves around the exquisite symphonic tapestries and the obscure guitar tonalities in fact the instrumental ensemble effortlessly shifts from unrestrained black metal dynamics to gelid melodic waves. 

The blackened assault of “Vigilance And Atrophy” is carefully built by sharp guitar riffs and thunderous drumming accompanied by fierce growls and enriched by the intricate epic arrangements that tend to enhance the dramatic depth and the presence of mournful melodies. 

“As The After Becomes The Before” begins with an opulent combo of refined atmospheric layers and melancholic guitar phrases that will maintain a shimmering melodic essence throughout the song even if the rhythmic ensemble will become darker & heavier with galloping riffage and ominous growls. 

The magical atmosphere of the title track introduces a blistering blackened rhythmic rampage certainly amplified by the ravenous screams so darkness continues to prevail through the icy melodic accents of the guitar work while the kaleidoscopic keyboards increase the sonic diversity with artsy electronic textures. 

“Helminthiasis” opens with aptly cosmic atmospheric waves that evoke somber feelings and adorn the bleak soundscape while the precise rhythmic section is always ready to unleash blackened grooves with an overload of scorching guitar riffs. 

The darkly enchanting atmospheric arrangements of the grandiose final track “The Flickering Lights” guide you through a lavish melancholic realm that focuses mainly on the fascinating melodic guitar work and the consequent grim emotions flourishing through the monumental rhythmic crescendos.  

Despite the long hiatus …And Oceans are destined to garner attention with the darkly alluring songwriting and the arcane atmospheres of the brand new effort “Cosmic World Mother” which feels like the perfect way to celebrate their comeback. 

Progressive sludge metal band Barishi aims to make a strong impact in the current underground metal scene creating complex darkened soundscapes on the sophomore full length “Old Smoke”. 

“The Silent Circle” depicts a murky sonic realm where the mighty weight of the guitar riffs and the chunky bass lines naturally lead to crushing rhythmic dynamics certainly amplified by the cavernous growls yet within the dense darkness there is also space for contemplative melodic progressions evoking grim feelings. 

The strength of “The Longhunter” can be found within the heavy rhythmic maze channeling the darkest aspects of sludge metal and the eclectic guitar progressions evolve into a wild soloing adding interesting style variations. 

Through the hazy atmosphere of “Entombed In Gold Forever” the guitar work can acquire massive ominous tonalities shifting from crunchy riffage to monolithic progressions that emphasize the doom metal roots while the excellent solo provides some charismatic prog oriented twists. 

On the title track there is a dramatic change of pace as the band focuses on a vibrant melodic ensemble evoking an ancestral connection with nature with deeply melancholic guitar phrases emphasized by a comforting clean vocal delivery and a laid back rhythmic section yet occasionally the significantly heavier guitar riffs will generate colossal grooves. 

“Old Smoke” immediately stands out for the elaborate composition and the ambitious music vision as Barishi clearly works hard to develop a personal sonic identity inspired by a wide range of diverse styles. 

Black metal duo Helfró arises from the burgeoning Icelandic black metal scene to conjure the coldest and darkest soundscapes on the eponymous debut full length.  

“Afeitrun” brings a shroud of frost as the ominous guitar riffs lead the way to an asphyxiating blackened assault amplified by the malevolent energy of the vocals yet you can almost perceive a mournful melodic flair running through the cascading guitar progressions. 

“Ávöxtur af rotnu tré” relies on unstoppable precise rhythmic patterns proudly favoring the ferocious temper of classic black metal until the theatrical vocal delivery announces a solemn atmospheric momentum reminiscing of an arcane ritual. . 

In the beginning “Þegn hinna stundlegu harma” channels an overwhelming fury with merciless drum blasts and monochromatic tremolo picking yet the resulting frantic sonic realm will eventually slow down a bit to highlight the lugubrious quasi melodic guitars and the eerie atmospheric aura. 

“Hin forboðna alsæla” still dwells in a world of menacing obscurity fueled by the inflamed blackened approach but guitars can skillfully add diversity crafting refined gloomy melodies enriched by the fascinating dramatic vocal delivery.  

On “Katrín” the visceral black metal roots continue to unleash diabolical growls and venomous guitar riffs yet at times the chaotic speed is slightly reduced to enhance the crucial role of the melodic twists and the imposing atmospheric textures. 

The endless arctic darkness is the leitmotif chosen by Helfró and in fact this first album constantly revolves around gelid tonalities and monumental dynamics that generate massive obscure soundscapes.