Month: October 2020

The Pineapple Thief – Versions Of The Truth

Critically acclaimed British progressive alternative rockers The Pineapple Thief have reached a significant milestone with the release of the 13th full length “Versions Of The Truth” which showcases stellar musicianship and introspective themes. 

The title track begins with dreamy atmospheric nuances which continue to glow as the guitar melodies add soothing vibes yet the robust rhythmic section will eventually acquire heavier and slightly darker tonalities. 

“Break It All” revolves around a groovy riffage which naturally generates an overload of catchy dynamics while the luminous vocal delivery and the atmospheric synths can create a quite surreal sonic realm. 

“Demons” might have a rather laid back rhythm enhanced by the bittersweet feelings expressed by the vocal performance but guitars and synths can often craft some complex passages in the midst of exotic vibes and a bright atmosphere. 

Undoubtedly the strength of “Leave Me Be” comes from the vibrant rhythmic crescendos and the skillful guitar work that can add intriguing melodic accents embellished by shimmering atmospheric arrangements. 

Throughout “Our Mire” the whole instrumentation ensures a series of engaging rhythmic patterns while the vivid guitar melodies and the magical keyboards perfectly complement the emotional nature of the vocals. 

Everything feels like a daydream on “The Game” as the band emphasizes the expression of genuine emotions and inevitably a profound melancholia will dominate the warm melodies and the contemplative atmospheric layers. 

With “Versions Of The Truth” The Pineapple Thief will definitely impress the listeners and satisfy the faithful fans with an intricate songwriting that aims to explore a wide spectrum of emotions keeping alive the spirit of prog rock. 

The Atomic Bitchwax – Scorpio

Formed in the mid 90s by bassist/singer/songwriter Chris Kosnik, The Atomic Bitchwax quickly became an iconic act within the explosive stoner rock scene and the wild temper of the latest release “Scorpio” will not disappoint the faithful fans. 

The frenetic rhythmic rampage of “Hope You Die” immediately unleashes the powerful groovy attitude that characterizes the whole album as the massive heavy guitar riffs and the acidic vocals keep an irresistible stoner rock mood. 

“Energy” aptly relies on the overwhelming raw energy of the dazzling guitar riffs which makes you feel like jumping & headbanging effortlessly creating loads of entertaining grooves amplified by the incendiary licks of the excellent solo.

The title track marks another highly impactful moment that doesn’t cease to generate monumental grooves as the drums successfully maintain a frantic rhythm enhanced by the savage distorted riffage and the turbulent soloing. 

Throughout “Easy Action” the guitar riffs and the thick bass lines naturally build memorable rhythmic blasts which definitely enhances the feel good mood of the chorus and the leads easily add delightful variations. 

The instrumental track “Crash” has a faster super catchy rhythm solidified by the terrific guitar work which can shift from robust riffage to eclectic & extensive soloing showcasing the band’s abilities. 

The fierce final track “Instant Death” puts the spotlight once again on the fundamental role of the guitars that have the chance to impress the listeners with a series of charismatic solos marching through a dazed instrumental jam. 

At the core of “Scorpio” you can instantly perceive the retro nuances and the massive fuzzy energy of stoner rock which allow The Atomic Bitchwax to create an adrenaline infused sonic manifesto with undiluted passion and enthusiasm.  

 

Vicious Rumors – Celebration Decay

Mastermind Geoff Thorpe returns with the new Vicious Rumors album “Celebration Decay” which aims to keep alive the band’s legacy and marks another milestone in their longstanding career. 

The title track ensures an aptly vicious beginning unleashing massive guitar driven grooves supported by an explosive rhythmic section and constantly enriched by the excellent leads & the charismatic shredding rampage. 

“Pulse Of The Dead” relies on the raw energy of the ravenous vocals and the thrilling groovy dynamics which certainly channel a classic thrash metal spirit with the perfect dosage of sharp guitar riffs leading to sophisticated soloing. 

“Arrival Of Desolation” immediately showcases a darker mood so at times the tempo gets a bit slower to emphasize the intensity of the melodic guitar licks nevertheless the rhythmic patterns can successfully build a groovy & faster momentum.  

On “Darkness Divine” the band chooses to embrace a dramatically slower sonic pathway naturally enhancing a sorrowful mood that obviously puts the spotlight on the appealing melodic guitar work while some heavier rhythmic blasts still manage to channel a solid groovy energy.

On “Death Eternal” you can immediately perceive a classic heavy metal approach consequently the guitar work is bound to take the center stage to skillfully create a blend of chunky riffage and inflamed leads. 

On “Masquerade Of Good Intentions” guitars are once again ready to keep everything interesting delivering mighty riffs and elegant melodic twists during the solos in the midst of a darkened sonic vision and a belligerent rhythm.

Vicious Rumors ultimately create a collection of anthemic savage songs that will satisfy the faithful fans and never fail to  demonstrate the band’s enthusiasm and creative force throughout “Celebration Decay”. 

Brimstone Coven – The Woes Of A Mortal Earth

Dark rockers Brimstone Coven are ready to put a spell on you with the bewitching melodies and the magical vintage grooves of the latest offering “The Woes of a Mortal Earth”.

“The Inferno” sounds absolutely groovy as the retro rock flair naturally flourishes through the winning combo of raw guitar riffs and moody melodic progressions enriched by the hypnotizing vocal harmonies. 

On “Live With A Ghost” the whole instrumental ensemble definitely amplifies the haunting nuances as the occult rock essence thrives within the robust rhythmic section and inspires the gloomy allure of the melodic crescendos. 

On “The Darker Half” the rhythmic segments and the melodic phrases instantly acquire a catchy darkened energy naturally entwined with a prominent classic rock soul in fact the ‘70s style of the warm guitar tonalities can easily take you back in time. 

You can perceive a subtle doom influence and exquisite occult rock vibes on “Song of Whippoorwill” as the guitar tonalities become increasingly darker leading to chunky riffage to fuel a series of no frills dismal rhythmic patterns.

Undoubtedly “The Woes of a Mortal Earth” stands out for the brooding motifs but the authentic rock spirit certainly should not go unnoticed as this time Brimstone Coven really have the chance to demonstrate their songwriting skills and passion.

Necrot – Mortal

Bay Area death metal/punk trio Necrot is finally releasing the new crushing full length “Mortal” which promises to deliver an overdose of ferocious grooves channeling strong old school vibes. 

“Your Hell” opens the album with the raw energy of the galloping guitar riffs that immediately channel major dismal feelings foreshadowing the dominant presence of the brooding dynamics crafted by a fierce rhythmic ensemble and accompanied by visceral growls. 

Darkness prevails on “Asleep Forever” as the band confidently conjures a dreadful sonic realm where an obscure death metal force demands massive guitar riffs and ruthless drumming to successfully create twisted rhythmic patterns enriched by an intense solo.  

The strength of “Sinister Will” comes from the faster rhythmic rampage that highlights the fundamental role of the unrestrained guitar work effortlessly shifting from ruthless riffage to an extensive solo which offers a generous dosage of shredding. 

There is a sense of decay lingering throughout the title track as the lugubrious guitar tonalities can craft some intriguing darkened leads yet the monumental rhythmic section continues to evoke a malevolent death metal inspiration and the imposing growls seem to emerge from a forgotten abyss. 

Even if Necrot are undoubtedly devoted to a classic death metal approach “Mortal” tends to showcase elaborate songwriting skills that definitely focus on the excellent guitar work and the spiteful mood.  

Psychlona – Venus Skytrip

UK stoner rock stalwarts Psychlona are ready to embark on a galactic voyage through the fuzzy soundscapes of the sophomore album “Venus Skytrip”. 

The explosive trip begins with “Blast Off” where guitars move sinuously through a nebulous atmosphere delivering moody melodic phrases and inflamed stoner rock riffage well supported by the addictive cosmic energy of the rhythmic section. 

It’s time to space out endlessly as soon as “10,000 Volts” manifests a warm fuzzy soul through the excellent guitar work crafting immersive melodic passages that convey glowing peaceful feelings yet will spontaneously evolve into wild extensive solos within a significantly heavier rhythmic ensemble. 

“Blow” immediately showcases a fiery stoner rock spirit as the monumental guitar riffs and the robust bass backbone successfully build intense groovy dynamics enriched by the comforting vocal delivery and the magical vintage psychedelic tonalities of the solo.  

Surrounded by misty atmospheric waves “Resin” feels like a delightful daydream following a slower pace to highlight the luminous guitar harmonies and the mellow vocals yet the mighty rhythmic section and the bewitching guitar solo will channel an energetic momentum. 

We continue to space out like there’s no tomorrow as the majestic track “The Owl” dwells within a hazy desert rock realm with super slow monolithic guitar riffs and laid back vocals guiding you through a hypnotic rhythmic maze that could really take you anywhere and ultimately reaches the acme with an enthralling psychedelic soloing. 

Listening to “Venus Skytrip” is truly a wild trip as Psychlona have skillfully developed a charismatic blend of pure psychedelia and groovy stoner rock dynamics that will put a spell on you. 

Beast In Black Interview

After a successful 2019, Beast In Black was ready for new opportunities but the pandemic changed their plans. We had the opportunity to have a chat with the mind of the band Anton Kabanen and talk about their music and what is coming in the near future.

Hey Anton, how are you doing?
I’m fine thank you.

“From Hell with love” was released in 2019, what can you tell about the composing process?
I work always like this first of all I go through my old songs and ideas, I select 20 or 30 and do some new ones, so it’s kind of a bridge between old and new stuff. When I have chosen 20 songs, I play them to the band members and they give me feedback and say which their favorites are, then we finally get the last 10 or 11 for the album. My way of song-writing is different from most rock bands as I write all the songs, it’s really personal to me, that’s why I take care of everything but I want everyone to feel part of it working together as a band.

Are you working on a new album?
Yes, I’m always working on new albums, it’s an endless process.

What can we expect from the next album?
It will be good (En. laughs). At least I hope so, we just do our best. It will definitely have the Beast In Black sound so when you will listen to the songs you will immediately recognize that it is our songs, I have a strong feeling that our trademark is really present there.

2019 was a successful year for you, if you had to sum it up with one word what would it be?
Success.

Due the Covid19 pandemic almost all tours have been cancelled, but many bands have opted for live stream gigs, what do you think about it? Is it something you would do too?
I don’t think Beast In Black would ever do this kind of isolated live stream, I mean no audience, it’s not something we’re excited about. There is so much work to be done in the artistic field, I prefer to spend that time working on something that we can create and that remains after the hard work, for example the new album. I spend my time thinking about the songs and visual stuff for the next album and stage production instead of just playing for the empty hall and sending over the internet. If anyone wants to do it, there’s nothing wrong with that, but I just think we wouldn’t have as much fun as when we play real shows.

In short time you have achieved success and won the hearts of many people with your sound, how is your relationship with your fans?
I think the word that describe it is warm. Every time we meet fans there is dedication, enthusiasm and kindness, they are really honest with all their heart they support us. We always try to meet them whenever possible, take pictures and sign autographs.

What’s on plan for the future?
Beside the new album, we are always working to improve ourselves, making things bigger and more professional. It’s like growing up, as children grow up, they get bigger and more flesh on their bones, the beast must be stronger and bigger. We hope to do much more gigs and bigger tours, but no one knows when this is going to happen.

We have done with this interview, thank you for your time! Would you like to say something to your fans?
Thank you to all the fans that are reading this, we hope to see you as soon as possible whenever we get on tour until then stay tuned for Beast In Black news, check out our Facebook, we always update when there is something worth updating. Take care everybody, stay healthy.

Official page
Facebook

 

Pain Of Salvation – Panther

Guided by mastermind Daniel Gildenlöw progressive metal masters Pain Of Salvation return with the new long awaited full length “Panther” which constantly showcases a meticulous songwriting approach that naturally unfolds a unique and charismatic sonic vision. 

“Accelerator” ensures an impactful beginning focusing on a wild blend of eclectic keyboards arrangements delivering futuristic textures and insanely intricate guitar progressions which portray an inner conflict certainly emphasized by the passionate vocal performance.

“Unfuture” begins with slow burning phrases that quickly evolve into a somber proggy ensemble where guitars can craft slower cathartic moments and easily generate unexpected rhythmic twists with a heavier approach that depicts a tormented soul. 

“Keen To A Fault” definitely goes beyond any expected prog metal blueprint as Daniel carefully chooses diverse rhythmic dynamics and tonalities to create a striking sonic realm that offers an impressive guitar work, rich atmospheric tapestries and peculiar tempo variations. 

On “Species” the mellow guitar passages accompanied by soulful vocals can take you far away yet the mood will ultimately grow darker as guitars embrace crestfallen tones as well as heavier moody progressions creating a series of captivating crescendos that effortlessly match the intensity and anguish within Daniel’s vocal performance.

“Icon” brings a magnificent closure relying on an elaborate instrumental ensemble featuring exquisite darkened nuances, especially vibrant within the exceptional guitar work, and a spellbinding mix of enigmatic electronic arrangements and glowing piano harmonies which never fails to emphasize the song’s fascinating introspective nature. As always, Daniel pours his heart out through a poignant vocal delivery which expresses a multitude of contrasting emotions flourishing through the convoluted passages.  

Pain Of Salvation continue to follow a fearless music pathway which today leads to “Panther”, a dazzling opus that has in store many surprises driven by a distinct creative spark which often highlights the band’s technical prowess and a genuine emotional turmoil destined to move and inspire the listeners.