Oslo’s avant-garde veterans Ulver bravely explore uncharted lands and defy standard music tags traveling fast & free through the surreal world of the fourteenth studio album “Neverland”.
“Elephant Trunk” symbolizes a fascinating cosmic trip revealing a sophisticated classical inspiration with exquisite piano melodies while luminous synths meticulously build empowering rhythmic crescendos.
Throughout the expansive shadowy soundscapes of “Weeping Stone” emerges a taste of post-rock melancholia and the detailed synth layers showcase psychedelic elements and futuristic sounds.
Ignoring any given rule “People of the Hills” gradually gains a massive spacey energy leading to vibrant rhythmic dynamics enhanced by smooth guitars and exotic percussions.
The dystopian alternate reality of “Horses of the Plough” originates from the gelid darkened atmospheric themes and the metallic electro layers could easily hypnotize the listeners.
Surrounded by ethereal atmospheric tapestries “Pandora’s Box” feels like dreaming the same dream as the intricate electronic movements ensure a variegated and often enigmatic composition.
“Fire in the End” relies on the shapeshifting powers of the synthesizer to create contrasting textures within a nostalgic yet catchy rhythmic ensemble.
As purveyors of an eclectic music style Ulver continue to challenge and surprise the audience creating a dreamy pathway that today leads to another crucial step in their prolific artistic journey with the kaleidoscopic opus “Neverland”.
Author: Alexiel Divine
Enthroned – Ashspawn
Belgian obscure black metal stalwarts Enthroned invoke ominous forces to compose the merciless twelfth full-length “Ashspawn” which rightfully becomes a celebration of death and rebirth.
“Crawling Temples” is the vessel of uncompromising black metal as guitars violently emerge from some impossibly dark abyss to deliver majestic rhythmic patterns fueled by the insanely fast drumming.
Characterized by uneasy tonalities “Stillborn Litany” gradually acquires indisputable ferocity as the precise rhythmic section dictates a feverish tempo embellished by solemn accents and convoluted guitar leads.
You could never escape the total darkness of the title track which efficiently maintains an asphyxiating rhythmic core, consequently the relentless guitar riffs create a constant sense of impending demise.
“Ashen Advocacy” dwells within a cryptic atmospheric realm where the visceral guitar riffs and the desperate harmonious phrases diligently prepare a perilous descent into tenebrous depths in the midst of a chaotic rhythmic rampage.
In the lugubrious dimension of “Assertion” there is time for introspection but guitars hold an ancestral malevolent essence producing sharp riffage and vitriolic progressions complemented by the hellish growls.
After three decades Enthroned remains faithful to a ritualistic black metal worship and continues to unleash sheer terror through the oppressive soundscapes of “Ashspawn”.
Carach Angren – The Cult of Kariba
Inspired by local legends and enigmatic myths Carach Angren presents a new dramatic chapter of their prolific career with the ghastly narratives and symphonic grandeur of the EP “The Cult of Kariba”.
This horrific tale of vengeance unfolds through the cryptic atmospheric realm of “Draw Blood” where colossal guitars channel a primordial blackened essence as speed increases significantly while the majestic orchestrations manifest a macabre attraction for epic scores and decadent melodic themes.
“The Resurrection of Kariba” relies on the stark beauty of classical piano and solemn atmospheric arrangements that inevitably evolve into a furious rhythmic assault easily amplified by frostbitten guitar tones and creepy growls.
The curtain falls as the operetta “Venomous 1666” delivers the right dosage of aggression through the relentless rhythmic section in contrast with the opulent symphonic orchestrations and the heart wrenching sentiment of the impeccable violins.
If you love extreme metal and horror literature “The Cult of Kariba” will satisfy your needs as Carach Angren confidently expand their narrative universe through brutality and exquisite classical elegance.
Yawning Man – Pavement Ends
Following a genuine exploratory spirit Californian desert rock trio Yawning Man embarks on a super trippy journey through the sunny & hazy soundscapes of the fifth studio album “Pavement Ends”.
Wandering through the desert “Burrito Power” keeps you company with the right combo of peaceful slow burning melodies and monolithic guitar riffs marching fiercely through a warm atmospheric maze.
The dreamy pathway of “Gestapo Pop” makes you space out instantly with the bleakness of the airy melodic guitars surrounded by a captivating psychedelic aura.
“Bomba Negra” symbolizes another crucial chapter in this rewarding spiritual trip as the languid melodic progressions flow gently under a pale sun well supported by the solid rhythmic section.
The title track is the perfect soundtrack for a nostalgic daydream filled with spacious atmospheric patterns that must hold a mystifying power, once again guitars seem to improvise freely to deliver ethereal melodies and immersive crescendos.
As founders of the glorious desert rock movement Yawning Man construct “Pavement Ends”
as an authentic jam session and a memorable spacey sonic experience making their signature sound resonates through the landscapes of the Coachella Valley.
Vrîmuot – Lupus Viridis
German dark folk act Vrîmuot chooses an attentive DIY composition to explore diverse musical territories and develop innovative ideas to create the arcane soundscapes of the sophomore full-length “Lupus Viridis”.
As a proper album opener “Die Mar vom steinernen Mann” holds the mystical force of dark folk that takes you straight to the fabled Teutoburg Forest with a traditional acoustic approach.
As tempo drastically slows down “Nimm dich in Acht…” amplifies a sense of longing through the somber vocal delivery and the minimalist acoustic progressions enriched by epic atmospheric accents.
“…rauh ist die Nacht!” intensifies the acoustic crescendos with galloping guitars and a remarkable mix of solemn vocals and malevolent undertones.
The title track presents an elegant acoustic composition filled with profoundly melancholic melodic phrases that belong to an otherworldly dimension and later guitars will enhance a primitive rhythmic energy.
The lengthy track “Vom Traum zur Pflicht” reveals a charming melodic intricacy and the consequent dramatic flair gradually builds intensity with graceful arpeggios and enchanting classical strings.
Listening to “Lupus Viridis” can trigger your imagination and you might feel like traveling through magical landscapes in ancient times where Vrîmuot acts as a wise medieval storyteller.
Giöbia – X-ÆON
Italian psychedelic rockers Giöbia return in great shape experimenting wildly to overcome any musical boundary and promising an ambitious lysergic voyage on the sixth album “X-ÆON”.
“Voodoo Experience” instantly unleashes pure energy through the loud gritty guitar riffs marching fiercely through colorful atmospheric waves that become an ideal soundtrack for intergalactic travels.
“The Death of The Crows” draws inspiration from the glorious days of heavy rock choosing an authentic classic sound complemented by a moody vocal performance and super shiny synths to deliver an accessible groovy hit.
Stuck inside a psychedelic vortex “1976” shimmers with a delicious vintage rock flair as majestic guitars meticulously craft sophisticated melodic leads surrounded by wide cinematic atmospheric arrangements that can genuinely express uplifting feelings.
Like an operetta “La Mort de la Terre” features four chapters that naturally unfold like a comforting daydream. On “Vers les Terres-Rouges” synths create an ethereal atmosphere and gradually add kaleidoscopic psychedelic layers to build a surreal sonic realm enriched by the excellent lead guitar work.
On “Les Ferromagnétaux” you might get lost inside a convoluted atmospheric maze that reveals mystical melodic passages amplified by the accomplished retro style and the luminous energy of the hypnotizing rhythmic crescendos.
Giöbia fully embrace a cathartic exploration of music and emotions consequently since the very first listening “X-ÆON” makes you space out and who knows where you will end up wandering through acidic corridors and expansive grooves.
Inhuman – GLORIÆ
Portuguese gothic metal veterans Inhuman embark on a fascinating journey of self-discovery through the shadowy soundscapes of the fourth studio album “GLORIÆ”.
Exploring the duality between glory and defeat “Absent Glory” presents an epic atmosphere enhanced by the belligerent galloping riffs and the defiant growls yet you can always perceive a contemplative melodic soul.
“Seed Of Ancient Hate” reveals an introspective nature highlighting the presence of opulent atmospheric layers and the theatrical vocal delivery while guitars can shift from old school harsh riffs to the pleasantly convoluted soloing.
“To Reign In Captivity” revolves around the expression of contrasting emotions, the rhythmic section invokes dark forces to build groovy crescendos and guitars & keyboards masterfully create sophisticated melodic progressions naturally reaching the acme with the passionate memorable chorus.
Keeping a classic gothic metal flair “Illuminate the Pain” features a combo of soothing clean vocals and ravenous growls that evidently matches the instrumental blend of inflamed riffage and attractive guitar leads.
“Overgone” doesn’t waste any time as guitars unleash an overdose of menacing faster riffs and a thrilling solo easily amplified by the relentless drumming and the potent growls.
“The Dreariest One” will become a favorite as the deeply melancholic melodic themes shine through the elegant guitar work and the solemn keyboards arrangements maintain bleak atmospheric tapestries focusing on dramatic tonalities.
As a symbol of glory “GLORIÆ” certainly manifests a darkened allure that would please gothic metal acolytes as Inhuman confidently deliver the right mix of melodic gloom and big guitar driven grooves.
Glasya – Fear
Portuguese metallers Glasya present a flamboyant symphonic metal tale with the theatrical grandeur of the third album “Fear”.
Through relentless rhythmic crescendos and resonant classical keyboards arrangements the title track immediately puts the spotlight on the empowering performance by extraordinaire vocalist Eduarda Soeiro perfectly complemented by the merciless growls courtesy of Fernando Ribeiro of the mighty Moonspell.
On “Hunt Of The Haunted” guitars diligently follow a frantic tempo as darker feelings become dominant within the harsh rhythmic section well supported by majestic gelid orchestrations and lovely vocal harmonies.
On “In Debris” Fernando RIbeiro once again provides the perfect dosage of malevolent growls and consequently increases the inner darkness of the cinematic composition and Eduarda impresses with sumptuous operatic vocals.
“Stuck In A Cobweb” relies on the bombastic guitar work to build a palpable rhythmic tension with loads of gritty riffs while the big chorus displays a mellow catchiness.
Featuring guest vocalist Michele Guaitoli of Vision Of Atlantis “Glimpse Of Memory” obviously focuses on the resulting impeccable vocal duet and guitars enhance crestfallen tonalities with crispy melodic leads.
“The Cold Of Dark” offers an efficient mixture of sweeping polished guitar phrases and forlorn piano melodies yet there are plenty of significantly heavier and faster passages to maintain a groovy attitude.
“The Confrontation” holds a wicked force leading to a monumental rhythmic assault constantly fueled by relentless guitar riffs and drum blasts embellished by the flawless vocal harmonies.
On “Fear” Glasya doesn’t try to shock you with special effects but rather stays true to a beloved symphonic metal formula fully showcasing musical abilities, a tasteful songwriting approach and an impressive production.
Stoned Jesus – Songs To Sun
With a refreshed lineup and a blazing creative approach, heavy rock veterans Stoned Jesus look forward to building a brighter future with the release of “Songs To Sun”, the first album in an ambitious forthcoming trilogy.
The trippy ride properly begins with the massive guitar driven grooves of “New Dawn” executed in perfect stoner fashion and faithful to the band’s trademark heaviness, therefore monolithic riffs are at the center of an energetic rhythmic core in contrast with the magical slow burning melodic progressions.
A perennial melancholia surrounds “Lost In The Rain” as the rhythmic section slows down to emphasize the contemplative mood and guitars carefully create intricate melodies ultimately leading to an impressive solo.
The hazy wild distortion embedded in “Low” demands a tighter aggressive rhythmic ensemble so guitars focus on gelid tonalities and a series of wicked grooves that can even acquire extra speed guided by a shadowy extreme metal force.
Due to a moody catchiness the chorus of “Quicksand” gets stuck in your mind while the attentive acoustic guitars evoke a gloomy peacefulness yet the hypnotizing rhythmic crescendos eventually follow a more chaotic sonic pathway complemented by the frantic vocals.
Overall “Songs To Sun” shows a genuine fuzzed-out rock quintessence and has the necessary strength to truly celebrate the beginning of an inspiring new artistic chapter for Stoned Jesus.
Igorrr – Amen
Under the name Igorrr French multi-instrumentalist and producer Gautier Serre has chosen an avant-garde artistic pathway and his extensive experimental research now leads to the ominous sonic realm of the new album “Amen”.
“Daemoni” begins a ritualistic experience as monolithic guitars march fearlessly through a dense chaotic atmosphere adorned by flamboyant operatic vocals and graceful arpeggios.
“Headbutt” dares to combine the baroque operetta vibes of bittersweet piano melodies and the gritty distortion of the rhythmic section inspired by old school extreme metal.
The blackened machinery of “Limbo” produces massive raw groovy rhythmic blasts embellished by the theatrical grandeur of solemn keyboards and potent operatic choirs.
As darkness descends completely “Infestis” manifests an industrial attitude that revolves around the primordial force of the visceral guitar riffs surrounded by malevolent atmospheric waves.
On “Pure Disproportionate Black and White Nihilism” obscure chants lead the way to a mystifying atmospheric maze where the hammering drum blasts and menacing guitar riffs acquire extra brutality and speed evidently amplified by venomous screams.
The classical elegance of “Silence” bids you farewell with a decadent mix of sweeping piano melodies, dramatic orchestrations and impeccable vocal harmonies but scattered dystopian sounds seem to contaminate such a soothing composition.
You simply can’t shake off the uneasy feelings constantly expressed by “Amen” which also becomes the symbol of artistic freedom and uniqueness as after twenty years Igorrr continues to challenge the metal scene operating without restrictions.
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