Leaving behind a troubled situation the glorious artistic rebirth of reverend Marilyn Manson is embodied by the intoxicating new opus “One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1”.
As an invitation to a mysterious ritual the title track dwells within a distorted dreamy soundscape where vocals unleash pure passion and guitars acquire a sinister flare inducing a profound self-reflection.
“No Funeral Without Applause” showcases a mellow heart yet we inevitably feel lost within a dark fairytale where Manson freely shifts from fragile vocals to wild screams well supported by the 90’s alt-rock vibes of the attractive guitar work.
It would be natural to start obsessing over “As Sick As The Secrets Within” as this track feels intimate and deliciously wicked at the same time focusing on an elegant melodic composition and the perfect dosage of gritty rhythmic dynamics.
“Death Is Not A Costume” relies on an addictive chorus but mainly reveals lugubrious tonalities through dismal guitar harmonies and hazy atmospheric arrangements that allow Manson’s voice to express moody emotions.
“Sacrifice Of The Mass” slows down to fully showcase an introspective side as Manson’s tormented vocal delivery skillfully complemented by bittersweet arpeggios seem to float within an opulent obscure atmospheric realm.
Like a full blown rockstar and irreverent icon Marilyn Manson successfully reshapes his mischievous artistry and satisfies his faithful acolytes with the intellectual force of the darkened grooves of “One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1” and we eagerly await the next chapter of this tumultuous musical endeavor.
Author: Alexiel Divine
Alcest – Les Chants De L’Aurore
In the crowded metal scene French blackgaze pioneers Alcest will always stand out for innovative composition and fascinating spiritualism, as a result the highly anticipated record “Les Chants De L’Aurore” clearly manifests striking creative abilities.
“Komorebi” is certainly the legit product of the band’s well tested formula putting in the center uplifting shoegaze motives without forgetting the inner darker side embodied by faster intense rhythmic dynamics.
Throughout “Améthyste” guitars choose delicate tonalities to meticulously weave dreamy melodies and magnetic crescendos leaving space to the genuine expression of emotional themes while the harsh vocals obviously reminisce of cryptic black metal influences.
It feels like sleeping on the cold grass under a starry night as the airy arpeggios of “L’Enfant de la Lune” flow gently around you and Neige’s soothing vocal style perfectly complements the intricate guitar phrases and the delightful atmospheric arrangements.
“L’adieu” moves sinuously representing a truly haunting finale focusing on poetic minimalist harmonies and evocative chants that belong to a distant dimension or maybe a limbo between life and death but certainly not the real world here and now.
On the 7th opus “Les Chants De L’Aurore” Alcest bravely open a gateway to the spiritual world with an elegant sonic vision bound to move the audience.
Worshipper – One Way Trip
Boston’s psychedelic hard rockers Worshipper deliver an infectious collection of guitar driven tunes on the sparkling third full-length “One Way Trip” and we certainly wanna join this ride.
“Heroic Dose” is a mighty straightforward track that tells you what to expect from these reckless rockers using big electrifying riffs to create a solid series of massive grooves showcasing a fancy twin guitars work.
“Windowpane” holds an alluring nostalgia as the old school guitar sound captures your attention and the band skillfully mixes colossal guitar riffs and dramatic melodic accents fully expressed within the moody chorus.
“Only Alive” has a vibrant rock energy that inevitably hits you in the face with the ideal dosage of gritty riffs and galloping drum blasts white vocals maintain somber undertones rightfully emphasized by hyper psychedelic synths.
Throughout “James Motel” guitars acquire darker mysterious tonalities to create suspenseful rhythmic progressions as something scary might be right here all around us while the memorable chorus feels as catchy as possible.
“Onward” reveals an introspective melodic heart as guitars rely on recurring gloomy arpeggios and over the top passionate vocals to build a constant epic rhythmic tension ultimately leading to a spacey atmospheric grand finale.
Worshipper are not trying to impress you with special effects instead they bravely take a “One Way Trip” making it as wild as possible to properly carry the torch for authentic heavy psych rock in this chaotic modern world.
Vltimas – Epic
Featuring extraordinary artists, extreme metal powerhouse Vltimas is ready to raise the bar conjuring arcane forces throughout the sophomore release “Epic”.
The title track is a fierce representation of the band’s musical pathway as guitars immediately take the center stage delivering the perfect dose of malevolent riffs and anguished melodic themes complemented by David Vincent’s majestic vocals.
On the impactful track “Miserere” as the drums acquire extra speed and violence guitars inevitably engage in an unrestrained rhythmic rampage in proper death metal fashion destined to reach the acme with a wicked solo.
“Mephisto Manifesto” aptly manifests diabolical tones through the sophisticated darkened melodic lines and David’s devilish vocal delivery while the tight rhythmic section skillfully builds memorable dynamics.
“Invictus” captures your attention with aptly epic vocals and consequently aims to become a groovy march to war constantly fueled by the hammering drums and often embellished by evocative slow burning guitar leads.
“Spoils Of War” maintains the ideal combo of gritty riffage and darkly contemplative melodic passage emphasized by the shadowy guitar sound delivering some accomplished technical variations.
“Epic” ultimately symbolizes the rightful product of an honest creative method as Vltimas meticulously shape their signature sound and invoke the profane strength of extreme metal to confidently put together a massive sonic assault.
Lucifer – Lucifer V
Occult heavy rockers Lucifer descend upon us with the blazing force of the unholy new release “Lucifer V”.
“At The Mortuary” instantly takes you back to the golden age of 70’s heavy rock as the infectious guitar riffs run wildly through an inflamed rhythmic ensemble while an eerie doom inspiration inevitably leads to dramatic atmospheric textures.
The seductive decadence of “Slow Dance in A Crypt” leads to slow burning melodic waves and you can appreciate how the darker guitar tones are easily adorned by the bittersweet vocal harmonies and the catchy chorus.
With a morbid playful title “A Coffin Has No Silver Lining” focuses on the unrestrained sizzling guitar riffs that spontaneously build groovy dynamics enhanced by a perfect vintage sound.
“The Dead Don’t Speak” is another entertaining tune revolving around monumental guitar riffs destined to grab your attention and while you’re having fun the overall ghastly mood reminds you that something creepy might be lurking in the darkness.
With the final track “Nothing Left To Lose But My Life” we enter a captivating melancholic realm where Johanna’s eloquent vocals enrich the warm melodic themes while the guitar work can still acquire an energetic momentum leading to an excellent solo.
As Lucifer proudly conjure the darkened & groovy essence of classic doom/heavy rock the strength of “Lucifer V” evidently comes from the bewitching guitar driven grooves and Johanna’s charismatic vocal performance.
Top 10 Records of 2023
Ville Valo – “Neon Noir”
Spinefarm Records
The extraordinary Ville Valo returns triumphantly with a perfectly stylish collection of Love Metal songs and even if we miss HIM terribly “Neon Noir” has all the power and the gloomy charm necessary to comfort our cold hearts.
Personal Favorite Track: “Saturnine Saturnalia”
Dozer – “Drifting In The Endless Void”
Blues Funeral Recordings
Dozer haven’t been around in a decade but they celebrate a majestic comeback with an overdose of simply addictive fuzzy stoner rock grooves and hypnotizing melodies that demand your attention.
Personal Favorite Track: “Missing 13”
Myrkur – “Spine”
Relapse Records
Amalie Bruun has already demonstrated to be an eclectic artist but this new musical chapter shines for the personal deeply emotive approach which ultimately leads to a compelling blend of darkness and beauty.
Personal Favorite Track: “Blazing Sky”
Katatonia – “Sky Void Of Stars”
Napalm Records
The evolutionary pathway of Katatonia naturally generates an enthralling melodic ensemble emphasizing excellent musicianship, intense creative force and the immense melancholia that we all love.
Personal Favorite Track: “Impermanence”
Graveyard – 6
Nuclear Blast
Swedish masters Graveyard choose a spellbinding melodic style channeling bluesy and heavy rock influences in perfect vintage fashion that defies any standard musical categorization.
Personal Favorite Track: “Godnatt”
Blood Ceremony – “The Old Ways Remain”
Rise Above Records
Blood Ceremony continue to develop a mature artistic identity and ultimately create a bewitching sonic realm where whimsical folk and occult rock naturally entwine.
Personal Favorite Track: “Song Of The Morrow”
Domkraft – “Sonic Moons”
Magnetic Eye Records
It’s all about massive psychedelia and heavy loud guitar riffs as Domkraft proudly promise to take you far away from this awful reality until we finally reach another galaxy.
Personal Favorite Track: “Black Moon Rising”
Saturnus – “The Storm Within”
Prophecy Productions
On this new musical endeavor Saturnus reach stunning dramatic depth with exquisite melodic themes without sacrificing the ominous force of death/doom metal.
Personal Favorite Track: “The Storm Within”
Dødheimsgard – “Black Medium Current”
Peaceville Records
Driven by an obscure energy Dødheimsgard bravely craft a deeply enigmatic opus that defies space and time but still maintains a cryptic blackened aura.
Personal Favorite Track: “Et Smelter”
Shining – “Shining”
Napalm Records
The one and only Niklas Kvarforth brings back Shining’s signature sound conveying pure despair and cold darkness with a tasteful touch of melodic gloom.
Personal Favorite Track: “Snart Är Dom Alla Borta”
Myrkur – Spine
Certainly one of the most anticipated albums of the year must be Myrkur’s haunting new release “Spine” where acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Amalie Bruun explores her personal mythology with honesty and creativity.
On “Like Humans” a mysterious aura surrounds the striking combo of interweaved somber melodies and blackened guitar riffs ultimately leading to a surprisingly super catchy chorus enhanced by the soothing vocal delivery.
“My Blood Is Gold” represents a minimalist songwriting approach focusing on enchanting piano & graceful vocals and the power of these mystical melodic themes can instantly captivate the listeners.
Within the cathartic atmospheric ensemble of the title track Amalie’s ethereal voice floats gracefully complemented by elegant piano melodies evoking immense Nordic melancholia and fiery blackened rhythmic progressions highlighting the genuine expression of contrasting emotions.
“Valkyriernes Sang” belongs to the pristine wintry landscapes of the old Norse sagas as the faster savage rhythmic section proudly conjures an obscure blackened force unfolding around Amalie’s poignant vocals and epic chanting.
“Blazing Sky” can sound like a nostalgic daydream due to the riveting atmospheric waves and the mesmerizing vocal harmonies shine bright during the addictive chorus while the raw energy of the guitar riffs maintains the ideal rhythmic tension.
Throughout “Spine” Myrkur bravely embarks on the most personal of artistic journeys confidently invoking her Danish folk roots and black metal influences to create an intoxicating musical opus.
On Thorns I Lay – On Thorns I Lay
Greek cult band On Thorns I Lay returns to shake the underground metal scene spreading perennial melancholia and grief through the apocalyptic tales of the new self-titled album.
“Fallen From Grace” constantly conjures a classic death-doom essence as a grave atmosphere forebodes the beginning of a perilous journey focusing on heavy riffage and visceral growls while strings and lead guitars can effortlessly create mournful melodic themes.
“Crestfallen” enhances the melancholic soul with graceful acoustic passages and dreamy piano melodies yet maintains a rhythmic tension with towering drum blasts and faster darker riffs ultimately leading to an eloquent guitar solo.
“Among The Wolves” instantly stands out for the doomy guitar progressions evoking grim emotions and the consequent vicious rhythmic dynamics are easily enriched by charismatic soloing and somber melodic accents.
Within the cryptic atmospheric realm of “Thorns of Fire” the decadent beauty of the melodic guitar work and the sorrowful flute swirls captivates the listeners while the monumental rhythmic section diligently follows a harsh doomed pathway.
Once again On Thorns I Lay don’t disappoint their loyal fanbase proudly invoking the ominous force of death metal and the endless despair of doom to craft monolithic rhythmic patterns and sublime melodies.
Shining – Shining
Eccentric mastermind Niklas Kvarforth delves into the darkest sonic territories to create the new self-titled obscure opus “Shining” characterized by the band’s malevolent signature sound and nightmarish soundscapes.
“Avsändare Okänd” marks a menacing beginning as guitars conjure the fury of black metal to generate aggressive rhythmic patterns but there is still time to breathe as enticing mellow melodies and hazy atmospheric nuances are destined to emerge within the oppressive sonic realm.
“Snart Är Dom Alla Borta” can comfort your broken soul with crestfallen acoustic phrases and calm mournful vocals reaching the acme with a wistful melodic guitar solo yet the mighty rhythmic section acquires speed and ferocity naturally leading to a final grim piano piece.
Throughout “Allt För Döden” you can feel an overwhelming emptiness and everything is bound to get darker & gelid as the unstoppable ominous riffs effortlessly create intense blackened progressions but an evocative melodic essence remains dominant through the poignant guitar leads and the mystifying atmosphere.
“Fidelis Ad Mortem” relies on a slower dramatic composition to instantly spread misery and melancholia with haunting guitar phrases and solemn choirs enriched by two charismatic solos courtesy of King Diamond legendary guitarist Andy La Rocque.
The world of “Shining” is made of inescapable darkness and pure poetry as the band skillfully combines the violence of black metal with eclectic prog rock elements and enthralling melodic waves.
Domkraft – Sonic Moons
Swedish psych doom trio Domkraft drags you through a neverending intergalactic voyage with the monumental dirges of the fourth full-length “Sonic Moons”.
“Whispers” symbolizes a majestic opening as the crushing guitar riffs easily create a convoluted rhythmic spiral enriched by a multitude of psychedelic effects, hazy atmospheric layers and moody vocals.
“Slowburner” invites you to embark on a lysergic trip as the charismatic guitar work delivers the perfect dosage of wicked riffage with a touch of doom and the vocals become wild screams within a psychedelic atmospheric ensemble.
“Black Moon Rising” relies on the heavy weight of the gritty guitar riffs and monolithic drumming to generate intense quasi chaotic rhythmic patterns plus you can often perceive the presence of a spellbinding darker essence.
“The Big Chill” defies time & space as the raw energy of the robust guitar riffs feels absolutely dominant yet is destined to naturally evolve into languid melodic passages that will take you straight to an alternate reality.
From outer space Domkraft rises triumphantly to expand a bewitching musical manifesto blending towering heavy doom rock dynamics and hypnotic psychedelia throughout “Sonic Moons”.