Uncompromising Dutch black metal band Doodswens aims to expand an international following with the ominous ritualistic visions of the eponymous sophomore release.
“Driven By Death” draws inspiration from the obscure depths of black metal as menacing guitar riffs without any hesitation generate asphyxiating rhythmic patterns spiced up by tormented leads.
The lugubrious dimension of “The Black Flame” symbolizes a mesmerizing dark ritual enriched by tragic atmospheric nuances and cascading enigmatic melodic lines that naturally emerge from a mystifying rhythmic maze.
“These Wounds Never Healed” focuses on recurring guitar progressions emphasizing dreary tonalities and grave melodic accents but also prepares a violent rhythmic assault with increasing speed and vindictive growls.
“She Carries The Curse” reveals a depressing blackened soul with hypnotizing funereal melodic phrases gradually leading to a relentless march within a blurry atmospheric ensemble that leaves you gasping for breath.
Doodswens moves comfortably and finds a renewed strength through the oppressive soundscapes of the album conjuring the forces of darkness to unleash the hidden power within oneself.
Author: Alexiel Divine
Demons My Friends – Survive/Yourself
Doom heavy rock trio Demons My Friends embrace an emotionally charged songwriting style to craft the new album “Survive/Yourself”.
“The Theory Of Change” puts the spotlight on the guitar work spontaneously shifting from somber harmonies to gritty riffage and grave doom tones to build satisfying groovy dynamics.
“Last Dance” reveals a mellow composition favoring contemplative melodic passages yet the doom roots ultimately lead to heavier rhythmic patterns.
Within the grungy atmospheric realm of “Kalorama” fuzzy guitars continue to successfully combine wistful melodic textures and electrifying blasts.
“We All End Up Here” embodies a particularly intimate approach as the moody vocal delivery and the warm guitar leads create a charming dreamy sonic realm but there’s still space for a good dosage of raw energy.
“Brain Holographics” is another solid groovy affair as eloquent guitars express contrasting feelings through spacey progressions that will surprisingly evolve into a rather chaotic momentum.
Demons My Friends courageously choose to face their own demons channeling the heavy weight of doom and perennial melancholia on the next phase of their artistic journey “Survive/Yourself”.
The Moon And The Nightspirit – Seed of the Formless
Hungarian duo The Moon And The Nightspirit courageously embrace a stylistic evolution that today leads to the eerie atmospheric post-metal soundscapes of the eighth studio album “Seed of the Formless”.
“Cosmic Seed” maintains an overwhelming sense of longing through dreamy melodic guitars and ethereal atmospheric waves that will ultimately lead to a significantly darker rhythmic ensemble.
“Luminous Thread” favors mediation with hypnotizing rhythmic patterns emphasized by spellbinding vocal harmonies while guitars will acquire a raw energy and distorted grim tonalities complemented by tormented screams.
On “Odyssey Limen” cascading guitars engage in wilder energetic dynamics supported by faster monolithic drums while luminous melodic leads and haunting vocals naturally convey wistful feelings.
“Fount of Everlight” explores the depths of consciousness channeling cosmic energy through cathartic melodic tapestries and memorable guitar driven grooves that surround a poignant vocal performance.
“Lament of the Thistle Queen” depicts an otherworldly atmospheric realm where whispered vocals and delicate acoustic passages evoke the peacefulness of a genuine connection with nature culminating in a deeply melancholic rhythmic crescendo.
With the release of “Seed of the Formless” The Moon And The Nightspirit certainly still maintain a mystical folk soul deep inside but choose a dramatically heavier songwriting approach to fully express their renewed creative force and spirituality.
Occult Hand Order – Meaningless Monuments
French heavy psychedelic trio Occult Hand Order travels through space & time searching for meaning on the new crushing album “Meaningless Monuments”.
“Bledow” surprises the audience with a visionary approach as soothing atmospheric waves surround the towering rhythmic section and the wistful melodic flow ultimately evolving into an acidic psychedelic trip.
“Brno” comforts you with slow burning guitar melodies evoking pure nostalgia through a dense darkened atmosphere while the abrasive riffage will unleash monolithic rhythmic patterns in tormented doom fashion.
The meditative journey continues with the hypnotic power of “Mollerussa” where the band freely mixes mellow ballad tonalities and dramatically heavy rhythmic blasts.
“Gerlach” embraces extra speed to build an obscure rhythmic core fueled by pummeling drums and vitriolic guitar riffs in contrast with the softer vocal delivery.
At the verge of inner collapse Occult Hand Order stands tall & proud delivering a memorable blend of mighty classic doom and moody post-rock nuances throughout “Meaningless Monuments”.
Ten East & Softsun -Turned To Stone Chapter 10
Californian psychedelic rockers Ten East and Softsun join forces to embark on a new spiritual voyage perfectly symbolized by the otherworldly split album “Turned To Stone Chapter 10”.
SoftSun evokes endless nostalgia through the warm atmospheric realm of “Nowhere Else” where fuzzy guitars effortlessly create convoluted melodic progressions emphasized by delicate vocal harmonies.
Within the dreamy dimension of “Emotional Overdrive” Softsun provides a generous dosage of magic psychedelia with shimmering guitar melodies and hazy atmospheric waves that convey sheer melancholia.
The magnetic power of “First Light” takes you far away from the dreadful reality as Ten East carefully design monochromatic rhythmic patterns that flow gently like a peaceful daydream adorned by luminous guitars leading to a surreal atmospheric finale.
Ten East continues to shape a sonic mirage jamming freely on “Slow Motion War II” as the enchanting guitar melodies and the spaced out rhythmic ensemble move sinuously under a scorching sun.
Being the result of a spontaneous creative collaboration between Ten East and Softsun “Turned To Stone Chapter 10” would be your ideal soundtrack for a hallucinating or meditative trip through the Californian desert.
Crippled Black Phoenix – Sceaduhelm
Formed in 2004 by multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Justin Greaves, Crippled Black Phoenix audaciously continues to develop a unique vision exploring diverse musical territories to create the emotionally vulnerable opus “Sceaduhelm”.
The impactful track “Ravenettes” overcomes standard music boundaries offering hazy atmospheric textures and groovy rhythmic patterns that generously amplify guitar distortion and grave tonalities.
“Things Start Falling Apart” faces uncertainty and grief in a fascinating post-rock realm filled with gloomy harmonies enriched by a contemplative vocal delivery and opulent atmospheric arrangements.
“No Epitaph / The Precipice” chooses a minimalist approach to emphasize a sorrowful mood so guitars effortlessly shift from mellow acoustic lines to increasingly darker and quite powerful electrifying dynamics.
“Hollows End” presents a surprisingly catchy dream-pop structure that almost sounds playful at times focusing on delightful retro synths, decadent guitar riffs and bittersweet vocals.
“Colder and Colder” stands out for the immense melancholia embedded within the perfect combo of refined melodic phrases and sharp riffs, once again resulting in a captivating darkened rhythmic ensemble.
Belinda’s bewitching vocal performance is at the center of “Under the Eye” while skillful guitars and multilayered synths elegantly craft moody rhythmic crescendos and enchanting melodic tapestries.
Matching its poetic title “Beautiful Destroyer” expresses unresolved sentiments as guitars naturally embrace a grim doom metal inspiration to build significantly heavier rhythmic patterns and eloquent melodic passages.
Refusing to stand still Crippled Black Phoenix deliberately commit to a sincere artistic evolution that rightfully generates the eclectic soundscapes and the emotive lyrical themes of “Sceaduhelm”.
Leila Abdul-Rauf – Andros Insidium
Multi-instrumentalist artist Leila Abdul-Rauf draws us into a ceremonial descent through the labyrinthic soundscapes of the new mystical opus “Andros Insidium”.
“Stripped Before The Eye Of Death” reveals an enigmatic ritual folk essence through imposing chants that could easily conjure ancestral forces to emerge from intricate atmospheric layers.
The theatrical undertones of “Eros Anima” hypnotize the listeners and Leila’s empowering voice guides us safely through hazy atmospheric crescendos and monochromatic harmonies.
The title track tells a grim tale of vengeance capturing raw emotions in the fluid piano movements and the ominous vocals surrounded by a mysterious atmospheric waves.
The ritualistic vibes of “A Requiem For Ishtar” thrive within the gloomy atmospheric ensemble perfectly embellished by ethereal operatic vocals.
The cinematic final track “Return To Anu” stands out for the intimate narrative portrayed by bewitching vocal harmonies and opulent melodic tapestries that naturally lead to darker mystifying crescendos.
Leila Abdul-Rauf courageously explores the dark vastness of the psyche of woman and celebrates feminine power experimenting with diverse sonic elements throughout “Andros Insidium” to reach a complete artistic catharsis.
Spirit Adrift – Infinite Illumination
Acclaimed heavy metal stalwarts Spirit Adrift return with the majestic darkened soundscapes of the new and surprisingly final album “Infinite Illumination”.
The title track begins with a deeply contemplative momentum filled with haunting guitar melodies that continue to emerge from a robust rhythmic ensemble clearly devoted to classic heavy metal.
You can appreciate the genuine old school structure of “Window Within” focusing on sharp guitar riffs and a solemn vocal performance surrounded by a cathartic melodic gloom.
On “You Will Never Hold the Key” abrasive guitar riffs can easily build monumental grooves yet the introspective melodic progressions convey lugubrious doom tonalities amplified by the intense vocal delivery.
“Buried in the Shadow of the Cross” continues to explore traditional heavy metal territories following a fiery mid-tempo march that puts the spotlight on the skillful guitar work and the resulting crushing doom riffs.
“Where Once There Was an Ocean” brings a grim closure with a towering doom momentum and epic melodic accents but certainly guitars can also maintain a thrilling groovy approach enriched by acrobatic solos.
“Infinite Illumination” perfectly symbolizes Spirit Adrift swansong and a proper testament to resilience, confidently delivering uncompromising heaviness and endless melancholia.
Green Carnation – A Dark Poem, Part II: Sanguis
Founded in the early ‘90s by Emperor’s original bassist Tchort, Green Carnation continue to follow a remarkable evolution and this time choose to reveal a more vulnerable side on “A Dark Poem, Part II: Sanguis”, the second part of a quite ambitious trilogy .
The album opener “Sanguis” immediately showcases a fascinating intricate composition through soaring guitars generating gripping rhythmic variations with a distinct prog metal style embellished by the dazzling vintage flair of the keyboards tapestries but the mood becomes increasingly darker leading to a grim finale.
Evoking contrasting sentiments “Sweet to the Point of Bitter” relies on the successful combo of harsh guitar riffs and nostalgic melodies complemented by a soulful vocal performance and solemn atmospheric arrangements.
On “I Am Time” guitars and keyboards naturally craft a melancholic grandeur highlighting sweeping melodies and somber tonalities that reach the acme with an enthralling guitar solo.
Within the contemplative atmospheric realm of “Lunar Tale” everything slows down to emphasize the bittersweet piano melodies and the otherworldly flute that elegantly surround poignant vocals.
As “A Dark Poem, Part II: Sanguis” symbolizes a more personal lyrical approach Green Carnation deliberately embraces darker themes to fully express an emotional turmoil.
Splendidula – Absentia
Belgian band Splendidula blends black metal and doom with a personal introspective approach and explores themes of loss and depression on the new album“Absentia”.
On the title track solemn vocal harmonies flow gently through the evocative atmospheric grandeur while guest vocalist Tim Yatras of Austere invokes obscure forces leading to a menacing blackened rhythmic assault.
“Echoes Of Quiet Remain” shines for the theatrical vocal duet, featuring legendary Aaron Stainthorpe, surrounded by delightful baroque atmospheric arrangements and grief stricken melodic passages that will naturally entwine with savage rhythmic blasts.
“Kilte” revolves around venomous rhythmic patterns triggering oppressive feelings and ultimately embracing gloomy soundscapes featuring bittersweet guitar phrases and delicate vocals.
“Let It Come To An End” reveals emotional frailty as a dramatic melodic essence emerges through a convoluted rhythmic ensemble that can easily acquire an ominous blackened fury demanding extra speed and fierce riffage.
Throughout “Absentia” Splendidula present a vulnerable side focusing on sophisticated melodies without sacrificing their primal extreme metal roots.
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