Featuring extraordinary artists Aðalbjörn Addi Tryggvason and Ragnar Zolberg, the new Icelandic post-rock band Isafjørd takes you on a contemplative journey through the icy soundscapes of the debut release “Hjartastjaki”.
“Mín Svarta Hlið” instantly captivates the listeners with fragile piano melodies and bittersweet guitar tonallities unfolding around the vivid vocals that never fail to express genuine emotions.
The title track continues to embrace a sublime cinematic approach featuring bleak rhythmic patterns and heart wrenching atmospheric tapestries further emphasized by the poignant vocals.
On “Kuldaró” the exquisite piano and Ragnar’s delicate voice lead you through a desolate landscape while the sudden presence of distorted guitars skillfully adds diversity with heavy riffage.
You can lose yourself within the darkened dreamy atmosphere of “Njálssaga” which certainly stands out for the reflective melodic aesthetics and the raw energy of the mesmerizing guitar solo.
For the grand finale “Andvök” evokes pure Nordic melancholia through the subtle piano and the shimmering atmospheric textures surrounding another charismatic vocal duet while guitars will ultimately craft hypnotizing rhythmic crescendos.
The passionate vocal performances and the enthralling multilayered atmospheric arrangements created by Isafjørd definitely have the power to take you to a frozen valley far away from the dreadful reality as “Hjartastjaki” is destined to become the perfect soundtrack for neverending winter nights.

Italian doom rockers Messa begin a new exciting musical chapter and aim to spellbind the listeners with the eclectic composition of the latest offering “Close”.
On “Suspended” the Fender Rhodes piano intro creates a darkly alluring atmosphere that naturally gives way to an intriguing blend of monolithic guitar riffs and lavish jazzy passages adorned by Sara’s enchanting vocal harmonies.
The impactful track “Dark Horse” revolves around feverish rhythmic patterns highlighting the dazzling vintage flair of the guitar work which effortlessly shifts from unrestrained heavy riffage to soulful melodic phrases.
An overwhelming nostalgia lingers though “Orphalese” as the mellow jazzy saxophone introduces a dreamy sonic realm where Sara’s voice floats gracefully through the contemplative melodic progressions embellished by warm Mediterranean flavors.
“Rubedo” fully showcases heavy rock influences as guitars diligently deliver big fuzzy riffs that will evolve into quasi chaotic rhythmic segments following the drumming’s extra speed while the crispy melodic essence emerges from the eloquent slower passages and the sultry vocal performance.
“If You Want Her To Be Taken” shines for the deeply melancholic mood certainly emphasized by the soothing vocals and the smooth guitar leads yet the riff-worship approach becomes dominant during the monumental groovy crescendos.
The inner darkness of “Serving Him” generates bewitching occult rock nuances within a gripping melodic ensemble and the robust rhythmic section can easily amplify familiar heavier doom elements enriched by an extensive stylish guitar solo.
Undoubtedly Messa pay homage to their glorious classic doom rock roots but embrace a multifaceted songwriting approach that ultimately leads to the opulent hypnotizing soundscapes of the new full-length “Close”.

Featuring renowned vocalist Mikko Kotamäki of Swallow The Sun, Finnish death doom metal band Kuolemanlaakso returns after eight years to spread endless darkness and gloom through the intricate soundscapes of the new album “Kuusumu”.
Under a shroud of frost “Pimeys laski” begins a cathartic journey with gorgeous piano melodies that introduce a doom laden ensemble as guitars effortlessly shift from deeply mournful melodies to obscure riffage ultimately leading to faster harsh patterns.
“Katkeruuden malja” offers mystical melodic aesthetics highlighting the alluring darkened guitar tonalities surrounding a charismatic vocal duet featuring Lotta Ruutiainen of Luna Kills while the mighty rhythmic section generates intense epic vibes.
“Surusta meri suolainen” often follows a slower tempo embracing a lugubrious doom grandeur and naturally reaching a dramatic depth through the opulent atmospheric keyboards and the arcane guitar progressions unfolding gracefully around passionate clean vocals yet the faster rhythmic segments can unleash sheer fury amplified by the vicious growls.
“Surun sinfonia” tends to focus on gripping melodic tapestries to express an overwhelming melancholia enhanced by the theatrical narratives while a traditional doom force is destined to thrive within the heavy & ominous rhythmic crescendos.
The memorable final track “Tulessakävelijä” evokes an ancestral Nordic spirit and reveals an energetic approach through the soaring guitar riffs, the powerful growls and the consequent monumental grooves elegantly embellished by ethereal vocal harmonies and sumptuous atmospheric layers.
The doom roots feel strong within the gelid world of “Kuusumu” yet Kuolemanlaakso skillfully embrace an expansive artistic vision leading to a stunning blend of inflamed dynamics and compelling harmonious arrangements.

Dutch female black metal duo Doodswens aims to impress the underground extreme metal scene with the overwhelming obscure nuances of the debut full-length “Lichtvrees”.
The traditional Nordic black metal influences are very palpable as “In Mijn Bloed” instantly unleashes ferocious blast beats enhanced by malignant growls and monochromatic riffage.
Like a proper wintry soundtrack “Zwarte Staar” relies on the gelid guitar tonalities and the slower grave tempo to create a deeply mournful atmosphere.
“Eindzicht” focuses on the bleak guitar melodies that gently convey grim emotions through the murky rhythmic maze created by the monolithic drums.
In the cold sonic realm of “Het Zwartewaterland” the ghastly essence of the melodic waves gradually lead to a faster visceral rhythmic ensemble reminding you that all hope is lost.
The title track emphasizes an inner emotional turmoil through the hypnotizing nocturnal melodic crescendos that will evolve into an asphyxiating rhythmic rampage fueled by the relentless tremolo.
Without any special effects Doodswens are able to spread perennial darkness channeling the glory of old school black metal throughout the lugubrious soundscapes of “Lichtvrees”.

Finnish funeral doom veterans Skepticism embark on a cathartic journey through the obscure depths of the sixth album “Companion” which also triumphantly celebrates their 30th anniversary.
The solemn beauty of the atmospheric arrangements on “Calla” emphasizes the elegant darkened aesthetics of the majestic rhythmic ensemble and the gelid tonalities of the guitar work which focuses on monolithic riffs.
On “The Intertwined” the doom laden riffage and the painfully slow tempo inevitably generate an oppressive rhythmic maze amplified by the cavernous growls while the dismal tones of the keyboards enhance a rich dramatic depth.
An alluring melancholia lies within the mellow arpeggios of “The Inevitable” while the colossal guitar riffs march fiercely through the intricate atmospheric waves and confidently channel the ominous force of doom metal.
The immense poetic gloom of “Swan And The Raven” becomes palpable through the pulsating despair of the keyboards that effortlessly evolves in a series of mournful rhythmic crescendos and refined harrowing guitar melodies.
With an insane wall of sound and a dense tenebrous atmosphere “Companion” perfectly symbolizes the funereal sonic vision meticulously developed by Skepticism during the last three decades.

Finnish occult rockers Jess And The Ancient Ones embark on a spellbinding sonic journey channeling an irresistible retro flair on the brand new record “Vertigo”.
As ominous feelings linger through “Burning Of The Velvet Fires” the darkened guitar sound will trigger a massive groovy momentum skillfully embellished by spooky keyboards harmonies and fascinating vocals.
The ‘70s rock style flourishes within the melodic maze of “Talking Board” fueled by the witchy organ tonalities, the paranormal atmospheric vibes and the raw energy of the guitar work while Jess delivers an eclectic vocal performance.
“Born To Kill” showcases a heavier approach as the gritty guitar riffs successfully create addictive grooves around Jess’s powerful vocal delivery while the slower passages highlight an arcane melodic spirit.
“What’s On Your Mind” might often favor the presence of soulful melodies and moody atmospheric layers yet the faster infectious rhythmic rampage emphasized by the impressive vocals and the inflamed guitar riffs demands your attention.
The intricate sonic realm of “Strange Earth Illusion” leads to a grand finale as the hallucinogenic mixture of surreal atmospheric arrangements, intoxicating vintage organ harmonies and slow burning melodic phrases is destined to put a spell on you while the otherworldly vocals can evoke a strong spiritual essence.
Throughout “Vertigo” Jess And The Ancient Ones constantly manifest a magnetic creative force blending lysergic doom tonalities and trippy heavy rock elements to craft an absolutely bewitching collection of songs.

Featuring members of legendary The Stooges, the founders of Doom Rock Pentagram, NYC Punk originators Testors and Portuguese metal band Dawnrider, The Limit channels the raw energy of heavy rock and punk on the explosive debut album “Caveman Logic”.
The wild party begins with “Kitty Gone” offering loads of gritty riffs and irresistible smooth leads while the inner punk vibes spontaneously amplify the groovy rhythmic rampage.
“Black Sea” relies on the magnetic force of the guitar work confidently delivering robust riffage and flamboyant soloing yet there is a lingering nostalgia generating darkened feelings enhanced by the moody vocal delivery.
“These Days” keeps the hard rock spirit alive with a natural blend of slick guitar riffs and soothing melodic accents ultimately leading to a series of memorable grooves.
“Over Rover” often channels a darkened doom essence with the weight of the slow riffage that will ultimately evolve into a high octane punk influenced rhythmic galore.
Throughout the title track the vocal performance manifests a true rocker attitude surrounded by the charismatic guitar work that easily builds delightful rhythmic patterns with a combo of bold riffs and charming leads.
The strength of “Fleeting Thoughts” certainly comes from the addictive chorus fueled by the extra catchy rhythmic dynamics and the rough vocals once again embody an untamed punk heritage.
“When Life Gets Scorched” stands out for the appealing mix of reflective nuances and energetic rhythmic segments while the vibrant rock flair of the guitar solo definitely deserves your attention.
Certainly “Caveman Logic” is a truly passionate and entertaining heavy rock album fueled by an amazing collaboration between the talented veteran musicians behind the new sonic endeavor The Limit.

Finnish “dark underlords of psychedelic drone” Dark Buddha Rising return with the visionary opus “Mathreyata” which embodies a mystical sonic realm destined to captivate the listeners.

“Sunyaga” already showcases the spiritual essence of the album with the hypnotic drone layers and the distant ethereal chants while the extra heavy guitar riffs follow a doomed pathway that inevitably generates monolithic rhythmic patterns amplified by the tormented screams.  

On “Nagathma” the monochromatic drone and the arcane tonalities generate a ritualistic atmosphere emphasized by the eerie vocals and the resulting darkened ensemble can easily make you space out yet the rhythmic section accompanied by anguished screams continues to channel a lugubrious doom force. 

The dense atmosphere of “Uni” belongs to an altered state of mind as the multilayered ambiance textures create surreal soundscapes where the steady drum beats convey a tribal dirge. 

It’s easy to get lost within the mysterious dimension of “Mahathgata III” as the drone and the otherworldly vocals create a murky atmosphere that triggers a cathartic momentum while the colossal guitar progressions march fiercely through a wall of impenetrable darkness and ultimately evolve into a chaotic rhythmic maze. 

Listening to “Mathreyata” we stand at the edge of the abyss as Dark Buddha Rising craft enigmatic soundscapes and crushing dynamics with a remarkable meditative approach.

Brought to fruition by Swallow The Sun/Trees of Eternity guitarist Juha Raivio the new posthumous solo album by Aleah Starbridge honours her creative legacy with an acoustic and an electric disc. 

The acoustic side of the album presents a minimalist and extremely emotional approach, in fact  on “Vapour” and “Sacrifice” the graceful acoustic melodies create magical soundscapes that highlight Aleah’s gorgeous vocal harmonies and evoke a perennial sense of longing. “Open Sky”, “My Will” and “Breathe” flow gently like a hazy daydream and Aleah’s heartwarming voice becomes your guide through an unforgettable spiritual journey. 

The electric part of the album shows a different side of Aleah’s music vision as tracks like “Inverted Enlightenment” and “The Tower” focus on a spacey atmospheric ensemble around softly sorrowful vocals and gloomy melodic waves leading to an immersive sonic journey. 

We dream the same dream embracing the poignant feelings behind this melancholy infused collection of songs and today we carry this album like a golden torch of Aleah celebrating her artistic talent. 

Winter co-mastermind Stephen Flam returns with the long awaited spiritual successor Göden joined by vocalist Vas Kallas and keyboardist/narrator Tony Pinnisi to embark on a truly enthralling ominous journey on the magnificent debut release “Beyond Darkness”. 

The mysterious aura of “Glowing Red Sun” introduces a monolithic doom essence that evokes a perennial gloom with the insane weight of the guitar riffs and the decadent rhythmic crescendos enriched by trascendental atmospheric arrangements. 

“Twilight” relies on a crushing doom momentum and the consequent mournful rhythm is further enhanced by arcane growls and eerie atmospheric waves while the cold guitar tonalities will reach the acme with intense melodic licks. 

On “Genesis Rise” the heavy doom guitar riffs take the center stage to maintain an endless enigmatic darkness and build mesmerizing rhythmic crescendos around Vas’s sinister vocal performance.

You could never escape the imposing darkness expressed by the brooding guitar progressions of “Dark Nebula” while the spectral tones of the elaborate keyboards layers craft dramatic tapestries and amplify the cosmic energy. 

On “I Am Immortal” the harsh growls and the imposing guitar riffs create a cohesive doom metal foundation while the otherworldly atmospheric textures during the slower mystifying moments can effortlessly evoke a massive esoteric essence. 

Drenched in darkness “Night” has an eloquent mystical flair drawing energy from a primal nocturnal force that never fails to emphasize the doom dynamics generating an overload of harrowing instrumental progressions in the midst of cryptic atmospheres.

“Winter” closes the album showcasing a dramatically heavier doom approach that once again highlights the role of the colossal guitar riffs and the harrowing tonalities accompanied by the bewitching power of the vocals. 

The haunting narrative interludes and the stunning composition of “Beyond Darkness” generates a stellar theatrical opus and as an impenetrable darkness descends you will inevitably get lost within the hypnotizing rhythmic maze meticulously created by Göden.