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.
Author: Alexiel Divine
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.
Corrosion Of Conformity – Good God / Baad Man
American heavy metal legends Corrosion Of Conformity celebrate a triumphant comeback with the colossal double album “Good God / Baad Man”.
The first side begins with the melancholic notes of “Good God? / Final Dawn” swiftly followed by majestic swampy guitar driven grooves that demand instant headbanging and demonstrate a great instrumental chemistry.
On “Gimme Some Moore” Ministry’s Al Jourgensen and Madonna guitarist Monte Pittman collaborate to build a relentless series of violent rhythmic patterns fueled by the super gritty guitar sound.
“The Handler” relies on galloping abrasive guitar riffs and the consequent solemn rhythmic backbone generates unstoppable sludgy grooves holding an inner sorrowful doom essence.
“Run For Your Life” closes the first chapter with a nostalgic vocal delivery and moody melodic waves as slick guitars choose darker tonalities and effortlessly craft elaborate solos.
“Baad Man” opens the second album focusing on Pepper’s wild side staying true to the band’s distinct signature style as the entertaining grooves show a spontaneous no frills attitude.
Channeling a dystopian atmosphere “Asleep On The Killing Floor” revolves around the amazing guitar work seamlessly shifting from hostile riffage and charismatic soloing while Pepper’s screams sound like a call for revolution.
“Brickman” switches to a genuine southern bluesy style as comforting acoustic arpeggios highlight a contemplative composition emphasized by a passionate vocal performance.
Within the darkened sonic realm of “Forever Amplified” towering drums lead the way to thrilling grooves and lead guitars constantly engage in monolithic stoner doom sludge dynamics.
Presenting on “Good God / Baad Man” a crazy plethora of songs Corrosion Of Conformity return in excellent shape successfully maintaining variety and insane energy to unleash the right dosage of memorable grooves.
Malum – From The Voids
Norwegian black metal band Malum refines its artistic pathway and depicts a dark hollow world on the uncompromising sophomore release “From The Voids”.
Straight into the void “Stare Into Darkness” unleashes an obscure raw energy through intense groovy dynamics as guitars courageously march through a broken realm while the dramatic melodic passages evoke pure desolation.
“Ignorance Made Bliss” emphasizes a dreary atmospheric ensemble matched by the crestfallen tonalities of gelid melodic guitars while tormented growls reach darker depths cutting through the harsh rhythmic sections.
As a symbol of nihilism “In Gloom II” hypnotizes you with enticing monochromatic guitar harmonies and the consequent emotional turmoil ultimately leads to the ideal mix of cold sharpened riffs and thunderous drums.
The strength of the title track comes from primordial invisible forces dictating faster angered patterns as guitars engage in malevolent riffs and add cathartic melodic phrases to emphasize a perennial sense of longing.
Rising from Norway’s underground scene Malum showcases an overwhelming bleak vision throughout “From The Voids” rooted in the successful atmospheric and melodic black metal wave.
Witch Ripper – Through the Hourglass
US metal powerhouse Witch Ripper demonstrates pure devotion for uncompromising melodic heaviness on the third full-length “Through the Hourglass”.
“The Portal” opens the album with an evident groovy attitude as the massive gritty guitar riffs lead to intense rhythmic dynamics and ultimately evolve into flamboyant leads with a vivid melodic flair.
“Symmetry of the Hourglass” reveals a contemplative mood and impresses the listeners with sophisticated impeccable guitar solos in contrast with the aggressive rhythmic assault certainly amplified by the hostile growls.
“Proxima Centauri” spreads immense melancholia through soothing clean vocals and crestfallen melodic progressions choosing warmer tonalities for an intimate composition that reaches the acme with somber rhythmic crescendos.
On “The Spiral Eye” the complex guitar work maintains a sorrowful melodic essence embellished by understated atmospheric textures yet ultimately acquires the raw energy of sludge/doom to build monolithic rhythmic patterns.
Rising from the underground metal scene Witch Ripper have developed a groovy progressive style that spontaneously generates the intricate soundscapes of “Through the Hourglass”.
Monsternaut – Approaching Doom
Finnish heavy metal power trio Monsternaut unleashes an overdose of authentic fuzzed out grooves throughout the third album “Approaching Doom” recorded entirely the old fashioned way.
Straight to the point “Evicted” relies on the heavy weight of guitars and increasingly darker atmospheric nuances to successfully build multiple thrilling grooves.
The title track instantly channels old school heavy metal influences focusing on the gritty guitar sound and recurring sharp leads well supported by a monumental harsh rhythmic section.
Raw energy runs through “Drain” as guitars diligently deliver an addictive riffage and the whole instrumentation continues to follow a majestic groovy pathway.
“Black Blizzard” doesn’t need special effects to hit hard due to the monolithic guitar riffs and thunderous drums engaged in a relentless rhythmic march.
Devoted to heaviness “New Order of Bliss” features pummeling drums and unstoppable chunky guitar riffs that can rightfully acquire murky doom elements.
“Heavy Monday” keeps the same cold doom inspiration within the belligerent rhythmic ensemble spiced up by the rebellious attitude of the vocal performance.
Monsternaut proudly chooses analogue equipment to achieve a genuine sound perfectly symbolized by the stomp-inducing guitar driven grooves of “Approaching Doom”.
Fabienne Erni – Starveil
Best known as the singer of Eluveitie and ILLUMISHADE Fabienne Erni begins a new musical chapter with the release of the debut album “Starveil” focusing on her fascinating vocal abilities and personal musical influences.
“Sky’s Breath” presents an opulent symphonic metal composition with solemn orchestrations and spellbinding melodic themes revolving around Fabienne’s impeccable vocal performance.
Featuring a charismatic vocal duet with Lena Scissorhands, frontwoman of Infected Rain, “Ritual” would be an obvious hit song evoking a beloved Nordic melancholia through bittersweet melodic guitar phrases and a passionate chorus.
The title track chooses a magical folk pathway with comforting harmonious passages and the addition of traditional instrumentation such as the bagpipe to properly channel ancient invisible forces.
“Living And The Dead” reveals a mellow metal ballad style as delicate atmospheric tapestries and baroque accents surround Fabienne’s emotive vocal delivery.
“Never Let Go” shines for the dazzling vocal harmonies flowing gracefully through a winning combo of fragile melodies, luminous atmospheric layers and catchy rhythmic progressions.
“Thalen Muron” naturally embraces a tribal folk essence as somber pulsating percussions lead the way to a meditative rhythm and hypnotizing crescendos further enriched by the enchanting flute and the ancestral chanting.
Choosing an immersive melodic composition to fully express genuine sentiments throughout “Starveil”, Fabienne takes the role of a charming storyteller and courageously showcases different and interesting aspects of her artistic identity.
Only Human – Planned Obsolescence
Danish existential prog metal band Only Human proudly enters the metal scene with the apocalyptic vision of the debut album “Planned Obsolescence”.
Surrounded by an enigmatic atmosphere “Drift” highlights a mature musicianship focusing on a hypnotizing melodic ensemble with a variety of fluent crispy guitar phrases.
On “The Sun and the Moon” the poetic vocal delivery and the shimmering guitar progressions emphasize poignant melodic themes yet the rhythmic section will acquire extra heaviness & speed.
“Steep Descent” instantly showcases a modern technical progressive approach confidently blending fiery grooves, intricate guitar acrobatics and warm piano harmonies.
“Aspire” is filled with bittersweet emotions as peaceful vocals accompany melancholic guitar progressions ultimately evolving into a luminous guitar solo.
“Breach” depicts a dystopian dimension through syncopated rhythms diligently built by aggressive drumming and visceral riffage until otherworldly multilayered synths evokes wistful feelings.
Within the bleak reality of “Planned Obsolescence” Only Human present to the world their personal sonic manifesto through contemplative melodies and strong technical skills.
Varmia – lauks
For the release of the new album “lauks” Polish black metal band Varmia has prepared an obscure Baltic rite skillfully combining traditional ethnic instrumentation and relentless extreme dynamics.
As darkness descends upon us “czarne drogi Xsiężyca” constantly unleashes a malevolent force through the insane speed of the chaotic rhythmic patterns and the wrathful screams.
You cannot escape the primal blackened essence of “zwykli zmarli” as raw guitar riffs inevitably generate an oppressive mood emphasized by enigmatic chants.
“niekrwi” hits you in the face with hellish rhythmic blasts and ravenous growls until the tempo slows down dramatically to reach a lugubrious melodic momentum.
“der tot Adalbert” adds a theatrical flair to the spiteful black metal formula with quasi paranormal chanting and mournful melodic waves emerging from a ghastly limbo.
“korona” showcases a visceral classic blackened approach favoring unstoppable hostile drumming and ominous guitar tonalities enriched by cryptic tribal accents.
In the underground subversive scene Varmia continue to follow a darkened mystical pathway leading to “lauks” which delivers an audacious black metal assault and at the same time pays homage to their strong Baltic roots.
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