While She Sleeps & Fit For An Autopsy Live in Chicago
Month: November 2017
The New Roses – One More For The Road
German hard rockers The New Roses certainly know how to entertain the audience with loud classic rock tunes that in the latest effort “One More For The Road” always showcase great chemistry and catchy progressions.
Channeling the unforgettable glorious days of hard rock “Quarter To Twelve” revolves around catchy no frills rock melodies which always bear the renowned dirty rock attitude with upbeat guitar driven rhythms and raspy vocals.
“My Own Worst Enemy” is all distorted and absolutely fun with a vintage guitar sound that contributes to successfully craft a winning series of wild rock riffs enhanced by proper rocker style rough vocal delivery and a cool guitar solo.
On “Forever Never Comes” guitars continue to channel the golden decades of hard rock adding an enjoyable southern rock touch and everything feels like the right music for an outdoor festival.
“Dancing On A Razorblade” has all kinds of gritty guitar riffs that never fail to produce plenty of easy bombastic grooves and without any hesitation vocals pay homage to many famous traditional rock vocalists.
“Every Wild Heart” becomes slightly sentimental as guitars favor a laid back southern rock mood while big choruses ensure a radio friendly impact.
“Fight You Leaving Me” is the must have rock ballad with loads of acoustic passages, a slower rhythm that focuses on more romantic atmospheres and mellower vocal delivery with a touch of country style.
On “Nitro Nights” galloping guitar riffs keep a tight upbeat rhythm that is meant for wild parties as the whole instrumentation builds addictive rock grooves full of adrenaline.
On “One More For The Road” The New Roses choose to stay true to traditional rock dynamics packing each song with a generous dose of melodic hooks and catchy grooves ultimately producing a widely accessible easy to love collection of songs.
Der Weg Einer Freiheit – Finisterre
German black metallers Der Weg Einer Freiheit have released the new album “Finisterre” which stays true to the band’s chosen music blend of punishing blackened riffs and dramatic melodies.
“Aufbruch” bears the ethereal gloomy vibes of modern post-black metal but certainly doesn’t forget to draw its inner ominous strength from the darkest depths of classic black metal with breathless fast rhythm built relentlessly by savage guitar riffing and drums. Obviously, vicious growls constantly amplify the bleak cold music theme that becomes particularly mournful and surreal in the atmospheric breakdown with solemn clean vocals and aptly tragic guitar melodies.
“Ein letzter Tanz” is probably the most complex track in terms of composition and structure. Initially it favors feelings of overwhelming sadness with super slow heartfelt guitar melodies but doesn’t hesitate to channel the band’s primordial black metal roots with traditional austere tonalities and breakneck speed while additional dramatically slower sorrowful melodies return to depict the most melancholic soundscape.
On the title track thick guitar riffs can sound quite visceral under classic black metal influence as speed and obscure fury become the main focus to produce a rather asphyxiating groove. After such intense blackened experience, the charismatic softer yet absolutely darkened nuances and melodic serenity expressed by graceful violins are a truly pleasant diversion.
Overall, Der Weg Einer Freiheit confidently delivers a cohesive mature music opus as “Finisterre” diligently provides the fascinating melodic emotions of post-black metal combined with an easily satisfying extreme sonic assault.
Camerata Mediolanense – Le Vergini Folli
When poetry and music embrace usually something unexpectedly beautiful comes to life. In the case of the extremely talented Italian neofolk/neoclassical ensemble Camerata Mediolanense the magical beauty characterizing the newest release “Le Vergini Folli” is actually expected and easily appreciated.
As all the songs on “Le Vergini Folli” “Lacrime Di Gioia” focuses mainly on the creation of darkened atmospheres through layered classical tonalities that allow graceful vocals to take the center stage. The stunning dreamlike composition is further enhanced by minimalist piano melodies, intensely theatrical narratives and elegant strings.
On “Scrissi Con Stile Amaro” the impeccable performance of piano and voice acquires a deserved dominant role with a crescendo of melancholic classical textures while violins deliver additional refined poetic vibes.
“Mi Vuoi” might be one of the most charismatic tracks featuring an intoxicating ensemble of lavish piano and strings melodies while vocals continue to display a delightfully dramatic delivery through an irresistible emotional and rhythmic climax.
On “Pace Non Trovo” the addition of baritone vocals amplifies the theatrical neoclassical mood and delicate piano flawlessly provides understated melodic tapestries.
Like an operetta “Quando ‘L Sol” showcases a symphonic approach with genuinely sophisticated soprano vocals accompanied by an exquisitely fascinating piano composition in proper classical style but also maintains a subtle darkened mood.
Simply enchanting is what comes to mind listening to “Le Vergini Folli” which, far from being an average collection of songs, feels more like an arcane dream fueled by forgotten poems and fragile emotions and carefully crafted by the impressive group of chamber musicians behind Camerata Mediolanense.
Integrity – Howling, For The Nightmare Shall Consume
Formed in 1988 Integrity has been known for the influential heavy hardcore music style and continues to unleash such radical force with renewed darkened intensity on the latest full length “Howling, For The Nightmare Shall Consume”.
“Blood Sermon” is a blackened tune that sets a dismal fiery mood with loads of heavy guitar riffs and relentless drumming bearing remarkable black metal elements nevertheless Integrity provides also classic heavy metal accents with scattered guitar melodies through the tight rhythmic core.
Without any hesitation “Hymn For The Children Of The Black Fate” continues to deliver a frenetic fast paced heavy groove with harsh ravenous vocals and thrash stomping attitude spiced up by flamboyant guitar solos.
“Serpent Of The Crossroads” shines for the stellar musicianship showcased by inspired gloomy melodic guitars that will keep a dominant role throughout the song crafting intricate harmonious layers and diverse captivating solos surrounded by a slower but highly atmospheric mournful mood.
“Unholy Salvation Of Sabbatei Zevi” becomes particularly macabre with eerie keyboards introducing an excellent doom oriented slow & heavy guitar driven crescendo and impeccable guitars also focus on the creation of sophisticated lugubrious melodic textures.
“7 Reece Mews” features darkened dreamy minimalist melodies that eventually evolve into a doom obscure heavier core with solemn guitar tonalities and dramatic vocal delivery but enthralling guitar leads also deliver recognizable catchy classic rock elements.
On the title track the prophecy of impending catastrophic doom is spreading further and brilliant guitar dynamics once again steal the spotlight with delightfully intense solos and powerful rhythmic segments that always leave space for eclectic guitar melodies.
“Howling, For The Nightmare Shall Consume” aptly dwells in a nightmarish apocalyptic realm shifting from audacious heavy assaults to darkly poetic melodies and Integrity goes beyond the generic music categorizations proving to be a relevant band in the modern metal scene.
Sinphobia Interview
“Assault Your Fears” is the motto of the Italian death groove metal band Sinphobia.
The band is working on the third album, from which has been released the first single “Selflessness”, and they are hungry for gigs.
We had the opportunity to talk with them about their music, the upcoming album, the experience at W.O.A. and much more.
-Hey guys, how are you doing?
We are doing great actually! We are very busy at the moment both playing gigs and writing new material for our upcoming album, we are excited because we want to deliver the best music we can to our new and old followers, it’s a crucial phase for the band.
-For whom don’t know Sinphobia, would you mind to introduce the band and give us some biographical hints?
Sinphobia is a four piece death groove metal band based in Verona, Italy.
The History of the band began more than ten years ago with the ideas of the founder Ivan (guitarist) and, with several line-up changes, led to the release of the first self-titled Full lenght in 2014.
The line-up you can hear and see established itself in 2016 with the publication of the second Full lenght “Awaken”. With this new powerful line-up the band has started to grow more and more carrying its music all across Italy and Europe playing several shows in Ukraine,Germany,France, Czech Republic, Slovenia and gaining the stage of Wacken Open Air in 2016.
-Why did you choose Sinphobia as name? Is there any kind of story behind?
The word Sinphobia combines two other words, “Phobia” (Fear) and “Sin”, the latter incorporating a double meaning, “without” (sine in Latin) and “with” (originating from Greek). The concept behind that is depicting the double nature of human existence, which is constantly tormented by the presence of fears which keep man and mankind from fulfilling their own dreams.
From the name itself comes the band’s motto which is “Assault Your Fears”; fear, in all its forms, is our biggest limitation and needs to be overcome in order to become masters of our own existence.
-Your last album “Awaken” has been released in 2016, what can you tell about it? In 2018 is expected the release of a new album, what can we expect from it?
Actually “Awaken” is the re-issue of our first full length “Sinphobia” and we digitally released it through our label, Bakerteam Records. “Awaken” includes all our old songs plus two new songs which will be featured in our new album.
“Awaken” was kinda fundamental because thanks to it we had the opportunity to offer a small taste of how the new album will be and, at the same time, to show the change the new band members brought to the sound of the band.
-From the upcoming album has been released the first single “Selflessness”, what can you tell about this song?
“Selflessness” is by far one of the most kick-ass songs of the new album. We wrote it thinking about an ongoing shout throughout the song based on a tight rhythmic pattern. Lyrically “Selflessness”, as the title might suggest, deals with the liberation from the Self.
Our Ego keeps us from feeling ourselves a part of the creation and leads us to feel us privileged and superior to other beings. When our Ego is strong we are easily victim of our fears because we only think about ourselves and what we don’t have or what we desperately want. If we let our Ego be eaten by our fears we will tame the monsters in our head and we will be finally free getting back to our natural and primordial state, a harmonic part of the universe.
-Your music’s define death/groove metal but where does Sinphobia root its influences?
Sinphobia can easily be described as a mix of modern American Death Metal and old school European Thrash Metal but we like to add our own style, made of pure energy, groove and contamination from other genres.
The key point of the band are rehearsals, everything we compose is played, arranged and tested in our rehearsal room, everyone in the band listens to many other genres beyond metal so when we play we turn our room in a crazy sound lab when we try to mix everything in order to write bonecrushing songs with a fresh and new sound.
-In 2016 you’ve played at Wacken Open Air, what do you remember of that experience and how did the share react to your performance?
Wacken Open Air has been for sure the most mindblowing show we’ve played so far. We have been amazed by the professionalism and working ethic people at WOA have, we were the most unknown band there and we were treated like the number one band on the main stage, we didn’t take that for granted. Our performance has been unforgettable, the energy which such a big crowd gives you is unbelievable and helped us being, as we were told by the guys in the backstage, the loudest band in the metal battle.
-You have been on tour also in Ukraine and in some other European countries, how was play outside from Italy? What are the main differences when you play in Italy compared to other countries?
Having the possibility of playing outside our country is always a blessing because we have the opportunity to meet new people and friends and, at the same time, we can understand better how music and metal scene goes all across Europe.
What we have experienced is that when we play abroad, even if we the crowd doesn’t know us and our songs, they are less “shy” than Italian crowd and they actively participate to the show. For example in Ukraine every night was a mass murder, we couldn’t expect such a great response from them and we are definitely looking forward to coming back there soon.
-You’re constantly on tour but what’s on plan for the future?
For sure we don’t want to stop our live activity, concerts are like oxygen for band’s lungs. As we said before we are working on our new album and therefore we will be forced to take a little brake but don’t worry, we will come back with more shows hopefully all around Europe, there are many countries we haven’t been to yet and where we absolutely want to have a blast meeting new friends.
-Talking about the metal scene in Italy, how do you see it?Is it growing up in the time?
Metal scene in Italy is great, that’s for sure! There are many amazing band and we have the pleasure to consider some of them friends more than colleagues. Metal scene and music scene in general grows faster and faster, the only problem is that the scene doesn’t support itself and there are more musicians on stage than off stage, therefore there are fewer places to play because many live clubs are forced to close due to the amount of bills they have to pay.
-We have done with this interview, thank you so much for your time! Would you like tell something to our readers?
First of all we want to thank you for this amazing interview, it’s been a honor and a pleasure. Then we want to invite all the readers to check our official Facebook page and our website Sinphobia.com where they will find all our songs, all our videos and everything about ourselves. Lastly we want to push you to Assault Your Fears! Take control of your lives, don’t let anything block the way between you and your dreams!
HIM Live in Chicago
On the Bang & Whimper Farewell Tour, HIM performed a sold out show at House Of Blues in Chicago. Bittersweet emotions filled the crowd as the beloved Finnish band delivered one of the best live performance ever playing major unforgettable hits such as “Buried Alive By Love”, “Your Sweet 666”, “Wings Of A Butterfly”, “Poison Girl” and “Killing Loneliness”. In excellent shape frontman Ville Valo delighted the audience with his signature dark vocal delivery and HIM closed the show with the powerful cover of Billy Idol’s iconic song “Rebel Yell”.
“It’s all tears and it will be ’til the end of your time”
Memoriam 1991 – 2017
CKY & 3Teeth Live in Chicago
Lord Of The Lost – Swan Songs II
Hamburg-based dark metal band Lord Of The Lost is proud to return to the music scene with the unique new album “Swan Songs II”, a symphonic music piece that offers a refined dark interpretation of classical music.
“Waiting For You To Die” features charismatic melodic textures that always bear a darkened even macabre mood with acoustic segments and melancholic strings but also a grandiose orchestration that gradually gains cinematic intensity.
“Lighthouse” amplifies a melancholic atmosphere with tranquil piano melodies while vocal delivery maintains soulful dark goth vibes accompanied by the soothing warmth of chamber orchestra arrangements.
“The Broken Ones” feels particularly dramatic following a theater piece structure with somber soft strings melodies bearing remarkable gothic accents and haunting atmospheric layers that at times emphasize bolder tonalities and sinister vocals.
“My Better Me” is an emotionally charged tune with sparkling dark romance tones embedded in the smooth dreamlike ensemble of piano and strings melodies.
“We Were Divine” starts with incredibly poignant fragile piano passages and the orchestral background provides classical grandeur as well as additional tragic atmospheres perfectly matched by low toned tormented vocals.
“From The Brink Of The Other World” shines for its inner absolutely gloomy charisma that evokes a distant gothic sonic realm elegantly embellished by delicate yet solemn orchestrations and exquisite violins.
On “Swan Songs II” you will not find heavy guitars or a standard metal/rock approach as Lord Of The Lost chooses to focus on ambitious operetta style orchestral arrangements which might sound too mellow to some stubborn listeners but certainly stand out as a mesmerizing theatrical experience to those who will keep an open mind.
BIG|BRAVE – Ardor
Montreal based trio BIG|BRAVE is ready to embark a new experimental journey on the latest effort “Ardor” which stands out for the elaborate rock dynamics and emotional waves.
Far from being categorized as music for the masses, “Sound” explores all kinds of music facets and atypical tempo variations often focusing on bold guitar riffs, drone textures and the fragile distorted beauty of violin. Like distant laments, vocals complement the post-rock main core channeling otherworldly soundscapes and instrumental passages evoke a somber introvert sonic realm.
On “Lull” the drone scenario is mixed with ethereal remnants of a forgotten melodic flow, vocals can become soft whispers or acute lamentations in the midst of gritty dissonant guitars, oscillating feedback and gloomy violins.
“Borer” delivers a wide range of surreal tonalities maintaining a traditional dirty rock distortion but flirting with dissonant textures that can even acquire a particularly heavy grave temperament surrounded by abstract atmospheric layers.
If you are looking for mind bending experimental music make sure to check out “Ardor” because BIG|BRAVE have perfected an unusual elegant approach in their continuous search for new unpredictable music styles.
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