Founded by Gildas Le Pape and joined by Frost of legendary Satyricon, Via Doloris honors the majestic legacy of Nordic metal forging its own charismatic sonic identity on the thrilling debut album “Guerre et Paix”.
Through the icy realm of “Communion” ominous guitars follow a perilous pathway leading to an ideal mix of venomous blackened grooves and enticing melodic progressions that certainly highlight an introspective vision.
“Un Franc Soleil” evokes sheer melancholia through the overwhelming bleak tonalities of the cascading guitar melodies and the consequent decadent crescendos ultimately embrace more energetic rhythmic dynamics.
Showing devotion to black metal’s formal foundations, “Omniprésents” builds obscure rhythmic patterns highlighting the murky guitar sound and the reckless speed of the monolithic drums until we take a deep breath and reach a hypnotizing melodic momentum.
You can perceive a primordial force behind the foreboding rhythmic wall of “Ultime Tourment” as aptly tormented guitar riffs and desperate growls amplify the inner blackened wrath in contrast with a dramatic wintry harmonious ensemble.
In the frostbitten world of “Guerre et Paix” Via Doloris confidently embarks on a gloomy artistic journey in search of meaning through claustrophobic soundscapes and surreal melodic waves.
Author: Alexiel Divine
Witchcraft – A Sinner’s Child
Prolific Sweden’s iconic heavy rockers Witchcraft showcase their unstoppable creative force with the intimate composition of the new EP “A Sinner’s Child”.
With an exquisite vintage sound “Drömmen Om Död Och Förruttnelse” delivers a minimalist yet rather groovy proto-doom approach focusing on the raw energy of blazing guitars and charismatic vocals.
The title track features deeply melancholic vibes as the slow burning melodic progressions simply grab your attention without any special effects naturally complementing a particularly sincere vocal performance.
Throughout “Själen Reser Sig” you can perceive an authentic ominous doom flair embedded within the somber guitar work which rightfully focuses on the heavy weight of monolithic riffs.
The final chapter “Sinner’s Clear Confusion” defies space & time as it becomes an immersive sonic experience featuring poetic vocals and soulful guitar melodies.
Guided by visionary founder & vocalist Magnus Pelander, on “A Sinner’s Child” Witchcraft is ready to present a more vulnerable side choosing an emotionally melodic pathway.
Eihwar – Hugrheim
Electro Nordic folk vikings Eihwar have already gained worldwide attention and continue to shape a new mythological world through the magical soundscapes of the sophomore album “Hugrheim”.
The spiritual journey begins with “Nauðiz” offering uplifting rhythmic dynamics and strong tribal elements while acoustic guitars complemented by delicate vocal harmonies emphasize an ancestral folk essence.
At the center of “Freyja’s Calling” you will find mystifying chants that seem to evoke invisible forces and fervent rhythmic dynamics effortlessly create a perfectly danceable style.
Throughout “Skuggaríki” minimalist guitar lines are constantly surrounded by shadowy atmospheric arrangements that certainly amplify a darker cryptic vision.
The title track relies on a trance inducing rhythm embellished by otherworldly vocal harmonies to efficiently build a fiery march to war.
“Heill Óðinn” uses shamanic drums and theatrical contrasting vocals to hypnotize the listeners as the rhythmic crescendos increasingly acquire ritualistic vibes.
Rising from the mystical lands of “Hugrheim” Eihwar showcases a charismatic pagan imagery and courageously takes you to remote Nordic landscapes but also straight to a dancefloor, in viking fashion of course.
Temple Of Void – The Crawl
Death metallers Temple Of Void dwell into the deepest & darkest dungeons to unleash their new menacing full length “The Crawl” promising pure heaviness while showcasing diverse musical influences.
The title track is a vicious death-doom metal affair as the tight rhythmic section takes the center stage to deliver monumental blasts later evolving into a soulful melodic ensemble characterized by dreamy guitar tonalities.
The inner strength of “Thy Mountain Eternal” emerges from a murky atmospheric realm as the crepuscular guitar harmonies create intricate soundscapes that seamlessly entwine with vitriolic grooves.
“Soulburn” focuses on the monumental heavy weight of the guitar driven grooves but also acquires epic vibes as opulent orchestrations surround a flamboyant guitar solo.
As the rhythmic core dictates intense speed “The Twin Stranger” attracts the audience with wicked guitar acrobatics accompanied by malevolent guttural growls while enticing melodic progressions naturally lead to a contemplative breakdown.
Without any hesitation Temple Of Void conjure obscure forces manifesting a potent death-doom essence yet continue to shape a personal sonic identity throughout “The Crawl”.
Moon Far Away – Acou
From the North of Russia Moon Far Away follow a gothic folk pathway to genuinely depict ancient tales throughout the visionary fifth album “Acou”.
After an enigmatic intro the title track evokes a luminous serenity with angelic vocal harmonies and the comforting warmth of the acoustic progressions.
The dreamy composition of “Soulofkey” relies on a recurring melodic phrase naturally embellished by magical folk elements.
“To Count Her Names” invokes an ancestral inspiration to deliver deeply melancholic acoustic passages enhanced by theatrical vocals.
Surrounded by a celestial atmosphere “What Way Your Rose Grows?” creates a spontaneous connection with nature through delicate arpeggios and a haunting vocal duet.
The hypnotizing power of “How Do the Moons Walk on Grain” comes from the immersive approach offering airy multilayered atmospheric nuances and monochromatic rhythmic patterns.
As Moon Far Away meticulously craft a cathartic sonic realm “Acou” also symbolizes a profound spiritual journey through remote wintry landscapes exploring the depths of your soul.
Necrofier – Transcend Into Oblivion
From the prolific black metal scene in the USA Necrofier rises confidently spreading perennial darkness and absolute fury on the new full length “Transcend Into Oblivion”.
Without hesitation the thunderous rhythmic section of “Fires of the Apocalypse, Light My Path I” unleashes savage extreme dynamics fueled by the colossal combo of blackened guitar riffs and epic leads.
“Fires of the Apocalypse, Light My Path II” continues to dig deeper into dark depths delivering unstoppable frantic rhythmic blasts as guitars move sinuously under a cryptic atmospheric shroud.
Ritualistic vibes emerge throughout “Servants of Darkness, Guide My Way II” and after a ruthless rhythmic assault the mournful guitar solo shifts to gelid melodic tones leading to an immersive acoustic grand finale.
You cannot escape the oblivious world of “Servants of Darkness, Guide My Way III” which is full of mystifying atmospheric elements, raging guitar riffs and lugubrious melodic phrases.
“Horns of Destruction, Lift My Blade III” shines for the nocturnal mood favoring apocalyptic grooves amplified by wrathful growls, baroque orchestrations and sinister melodic guitar progressions.
The cinematic last chapter “Toward the Necrofier” overcomes some boundaries with an experimental composition resulting in decadent atmospheric waves and grim melodic crescendos.
Inspired by classic Norwegian black metal, Necrofier are evidently driven by primordial forces and their uncompromising approach ultimately creates the obscure sonic realm of “Transcend Into Oblivion”.
Vreid – The Skies Turn Black
After five years of silence Norwegian stalwarts Vreid leave any uncertainty behind and courageously find renewed inspiration and creativity to craft the new monumental album “The Skies Turn Black”.
“From These Woods” packs an aggressive rhythmic ensemble with a distinct blackened aura and a perfect band’s chemistry plus you will fall in love with the stark beauty of the gelid guitar melodies and the deeply emotive piano piece.
The title track reveals audacious 90s thrash influences so caustic guitars maintain the center stage to build diverse groovy dynamics easily emphasized by the ravenous growls that will evolve into passionate clean vocals driven by a fascinating melodic essence.
“Loving the Dead” focuses on an overwhelming Nordic melancholia with a mellow harmonious composition featuring elaborate sorrowful atmospheric waves and an eclectic vocal performance courtesy of Agnete Kjølsrud of Djerv.
Within the grim sonic realm of “Chaos” Vreid inevitably follows a perilous blackened pathway leading to ominous guitar riffs, brutal drum blasts and scornful growls surrounded by an epic atmosphere.
“Echoes of Life” explores deeply contemplative themes resulting in a cathartic melodic grandeur where the mournful guitar progressions and the minimalist acoustic accents are perfectly complemented by the poetic vocal delivery.
On “The Earth Rumbles” darkness prevails bringing closure with an untamed series of blistering black ‘n roll grooves while the solemn atmospheric arrangements unfold gracefully around a memorable convoluted guitar solo.
Vreid is certainly one of Norway’s most enduring metal bands and throughout “The Skies Turn Black” demonstrates an empowering artistic vision that naturally draws strength from their renowned Sognametal roots.
Black Lung – Forever Beyond
Baltimore’s veteran rockers Black Lung are ready for another thrilling flight into space which takes you straight to the captivating sonic realm of the fifth album “Forever Beyond”.
“Traveler” emerges from an alternate dimension bringing an overload of fuzzed-drenched guitars complemented by a strong vocal delivery and soothing melodic phrases revealing colorful trippy vibes.
The expansive atmospheric ensemble of “Savior” favours an introspective essence yet the energizing rhythmic core often takes over with classic groovy rock vibes plus the extensive variegated guitar solo certainly grabs your attention.
On “Border Hoarder” the eclectic guitars choose warmer tonalities to craft enchanting melodic progressions naturally leading to a series of robust rhythmic patterns reminiscent of a glorious desert heavy rock formula.
This memorable trip comes to a legit conclusion with the immense melancholia of “Scum” as the grandiose guitar work follows intense harmonious variations and contemplative themes with expansive soloing and inflamed riffs.
Power trio Black Lung successfully reaches another milestone with the release of “Forever Beyond” delivering the right dosage of gripping guitar driven grooves in proper spaced out fashion.
Unverkalt – Héréditaire
In the prolific underground metal scene Unverkalt are bound to impress proudly unveiling a gloomy cinematic vision on the new album “Héréditaire”.
The grim composition of “Die Auslöschung” crafts wistful melodies embellished by delicate vocal harmonies but the inner extreme metal attitude takes over with furious drumming and venomous growls.
“Oath Ov Prometheus” hits you in the face with monolithic black metal blasts fueled by a relentless infectious riffage but this hellish sonic realm ultimately reaches a dreamy atmospheric finale.
Throughout “Ænæ Lithi” we find a luminous sense of peacefulness as guitars acquire dreamy tonalities following a sorrowful rhythmic pathway later evolving into monumental crestfallen crescendos.
A mystical aura surrounds “I, The Deceit” consequently guitars can evoke an alluring melancholia yet gradually lead to a vicious rhythmic assault certainly enhanced by wrathful growls courtesy of Sakis Tolis of Greek giants Rotting Christ.
“Maladie de l’Esprit” reveals an introspective approach delivering decadently romantic arpeggios and whispered vocals while the shadowy atmospheric arrangements seamlessly blend with harsh guitar progressions.
Within the overwhelming darkness of “Héréditaire” Unverkalt move confidently invoking mysterious primal forces to successfully construct sultry soundscapes and merciless blackened grooves.
Suplecs – Hymns Under A Blood Moon Sky
New Orleans heavy rock veterans Suplecs make a majestic comeback with their first album in fifteen years “Hymns Under A Blood Moon Sky” recommended to be played loud.
“Got Nothing” celebrates a renewed strength and channels pure heaviness with the raw energy of the galloping guitar riffs so the result is obviously a massive dosage of grooves.
With a resilient spirit “I See You” relies on monumental gritty riffage and charismatic guitar leads accompanied by a softer vocal delivery.
“Forest Of Fire” evokes gloomy doom influences as guitars acquire shadowy tonalities following a slower sorrowful rhythmic pathway that eventually gains a bold stoner rock attitude.
“Old Spanish Trail” is an intriguing instrumental track that unfolds an eclectic melodic essence through heartwarming bluesy guitar progressions.
The monochromatic track “Damn These Pills” begins with a quasi funereal march but the guitar driven grooves are certainly filled with adrenaline.
“No Apologies” might sound quite laid back in the beginning but soon the towering rhythmic section unleashes massive grooves further amplified by wild guitar leads.
Listening to “La Ti Da” you can perceive a darker mood due to the doom nuances of the solemn orchestrations surrounding the robust rhythmic core.
With the solid groovy dynamics and the distinct sound of “Hymns Under A Blood Moon Sky” Suplecs rebuild their sonic identity drawing inspiration from New Orleans history and personal narrative.
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