Month: December 2019

Ison – Inner – Space

Ison is a particularly intriguing new project started by the talented multiinstrumentalist Daniel Änghede of Crippled Black Phoenix and vocalist Heike Langhans of Draconian and the debut full length “Inner – Space” invites you to join them on a fascinating cosmic journey.

The title track takes you far away, maybe to an astral plane or even another galaxy, with the cinematic approach featuring tasteful multilayered arrangements and lovely guitar harmonies that evoke a rare sense of tranquility surrounding Heike’s absolutely spellbinding voice. 

The striking emotional duet with guest vocalist Neige of Alcest is the highlight of “Radiance” which feels aptly luminous like a distant nostalgic memory that you keep trying to hold close to your heart as it flows through the delicate melancholic maze of atmospheric ensemble and soothing guitar melodies.  

“Equals” is made of dreams and pale lights as the enchanting atmospheric arrangements and Heike’s gentle vocals surround you and keep you warm while the slow burning guitar melodies seem to spread an intense cosmic energy. 

On “The Fifth World” Heike’s celestial vocal harmonies guide you through a spacey journey surrounded by the ethereal tonalities and the profound melancholy of the lavish atmospheric synths channeling a dreamy shoegaze inspiration.  

On “Everything’s About To Change Forever” the vivid beauty of the elaborate cinematic arrangements can evoke gloomy feelings as well as uplifting vibes and Heike’s sincere vocal delivery certainly emphasize the introspective depth. 

While the music style of Ison might be hard to categorize it’s easy to fall in love and basically space out listening to the magical soundscapes and kaleidoscopic emotions that render “Inner – Space” an immersive sonic experience. 

Alcest – Spiritual Instinct

French blackgaze pioneers Alcest worked relentlessly to develop a unique enthralling music style spreading their magical sound all over the world and influencing countless emerging bands. With the release of the sixth full length “Spiritual Instinct” Alcest craft an ethereal collage of passion and melancholy fully expressed by the intricate soundscapes and the evident mystical aura. 

“Les Jardins De Minuit” lies in a limbo between darkness and light as it begins with the understated beauty of melancholic guitars and ethereal vocals that will naturally embrace an irresistible blackened essence reminiscing of the band’s earlier discography in fact the wilder riffage and the tormented growls fit perfectly within the song’s cosmic vision. 

“Sapphire” shines for the moody guitar progressions and the nostalgic vocal delivery that certainly belong to a distant dreamy world even if the rhythmic core has the ability to spontaneously generate wonderful catchy rock vibes that can appeal to a wide audience. 

It feels like dreaming as soon as the epic track “L’Île Des Morts” begins with exquisite darkened tonalities mixed with lovely dream pop elements resulting in a series of spaced out grooves that will acquire an anguished blackened momentum in contrast with the bewitching dosage of fragile emotionally charged guitar melodies emphasized by Neige’s tranquil vocals and celestial atmospheric nuances. 

The title track aptly feels like a spiritual voyage towards another state of existence with a lavish wistful sonic palette that simply cannot go unnoticed with a thoughtful composition focused on shimmering guitar melodies that can express all kinds of uplifting emotions but also an immense melancholy further amplified by the understated atmospheric layers and the comforting soulful vocals. 

“Spiritual Instinct” is a work of music & poetry destined to open new doors for Alcest as they continue to build a distinct legacy pursuing diverse sounds and stylish songwriting ideas inspired by otherworldly feelings to ultimately create a dreamy sonic realm that will inevitably spellbind the listeners.  

Darkend – Spiritual Resonance

Italian black metal warlocks Darkend have crafted a new arcane ritual symbolized by the latest dark offering “Spiritual Resonance” which will inevitably spread pure esoteric energy. 

Since the very beginning “The Three Ghouls Buried At Golgotha” is characterized by a darkened spiritual aura as haunting atmospheric arrangements introduce a series of sinister rhythmic crescendos filled with relentless guitar riffs & drumming accompanied by a satisfying mixture of theatrical vocals and venomous growls. 

The mystical pathway of “Scorpio Astraea High Coronation” comes to life with compelling darkened melodic guitars following a slower seductive rhythm that still showcases a strong black metal inspiration matched by the hellish torment expressed by the foreboding vocals. 

Featuring a fascinating performance by guest vocalist Lindy-Fay Hella of Wardruna “With Everburning Sulphur Unconsumed” definitely has an elaborate approach that relies on multilayered melodic & atmospheric textures evoking a captivating gothic splendor in addition to the main heavier blackened rhythmic ensemble.

On “The Seven Spectres Haunting Gethsemane” galloping rhythmic blasts and cascading guitar riffs evoke all kinds of bleak feelings enhanced by the understated atmospheric layers leading to a gloomy peaceful moment featuring fragile classical piano melodies and distant ominous chants. 

Darkend proudly invite you to join the ancient ceremonies of “Spiritual Resonance” which stands out for the darkly charismatic essence fully embodied by decadent symphonic tapestries and fiery blackened dynamics. 

Une Misère – Sermon

Emerging from the burgeoning Icelandic metal scene Une Misère aim to grab your attention with an interesting mixture of violent grooves and darkened emotions on the debut album “Sermon”.

On “Sin & Guilt” intense ominous tonalities influence the guitar work that hits you in the face with relentless riffage and the resulting grooves are characterized by menacing precise rhythmic segments.

The title track amplifies a sense of impending doom as guitars develop particularly obscure tonalities leading to a gloomy introspective momentum but you can rest assured that the rhythmic section is always ready to deliver ferocious heavy progressions. 

Hints of pure melancholia can be perceived throughout “Overlooked / Disregarded” in fact guitars craft some cold melodies surrounded by subtle atmospheric layers while the ravenous growls channel massive hardcore energy during the faster rhythmic grooves. 

The wintry mood of “Fallen Eyes” generates darkly soothing arpeggios and peaceful clean vocals focus on an emotional delivery yet guitars will soon return to unstoppable gritty riffs following a rather hostile rhythmic assault. 

You can feel the inner torment of “Failures” within the angered ensemble of crushing guitar riffs, monolithic bass lines and merciless drumming plus such belligerent approach is always amplified by the ruthless screams. 

“Voiceless” offers an increasingly darker atmospheric aura that emphasizes the psychological weight and the consequent anguish while the savage guitar driven grooves accompanied by an overdose of sharp screams successfully channel a serious will to keep fighting. 

Certainly all over “Sermon” you will find strong hardcore elements leading to intense rhythmic patterns yet the sonic pathway chosen by Une Misère is also fueled by a blackened force that matches the themes revolving around existential struggles. 

Bent Knee – You Know What They Mean

Boston based band Bent Knee is an incredible creative collective in fact it’s not surprising to see that the new album “You Know What They Mean” is ready to deliver all kinds of mind bending soundscapes with a particularly versatile songwriting approach. 

“Bone Rage” will hit you in the face with a turbulent instrumental ensemble revolving around acidic guitar riffs and unusual rhythmic progressions but vocalist Courtney Swain is certainly the star of the show demonstrating a striking vocal range. 

“Give Us The Gold” is rather entertaining with a groovy upbeat rhythm that channels positive energy and makes you want to jump but the moody guitar melodies can also create introspective moments emphasized by emotive vocals. 

Just listening to Courtney’s otherworldly vocals “Hold Me In” will quickly become a favorite as the whole instrumentation effortlessly shifts from catchy rock elements to spellbinding melodic passages through futuristic atmospheric waves. 

“Cradle Of Rocks” is full of cool bouncy rock dynamics and the guitar work offers additional diversity mixing crispy tonalities with dirty rock accents while vocals tend to amplify the melodic depth with a luminous delivery. 

“Lovemenot” is full of surprises with borderline dissonant guitar riffs that can sound heavier and darker while Courtney’s vocal performance adds playful vibes or becomes utterly dramatic balancing the melodic spirit and the chaotic moments. 

With an artsy rock spirit “Catch Light” certainly shines for the great diversity offering danceable groovy rhythmic segments enhanced by impeccable vocals but there are also enigmatic vibes due to the introvert cinematic themes that convey contrasting feelings. 

You might try to analyze the experimental approach of Bent Knee but it would be a waste of time as they deliberately push boundaries with a rare artistic freedom that renders “You Know What They Mean” a truly unique opus.