Formed by mastermind Greg Mackintosh of legendary Paradise Lost, Strigoi continues an obscure music journey that today generates the pitchblack soundscapes of the sophomore release “Viscera”.
The unsettling atmosphere of “United in Viscera” naturally leads to lugubrious doom laden rhythmic patterns highlighting the excellent guitar work shifting from slower melodic accents to sophisticated leads.
“An Ocean of Blood” focuses on the visceral riffage and the bleak guitar tonalities to build a palpable rhythmic tension with a blackened inspiration inevitably enhanced by the guttural growls.
The solemn ominous intro of “Hollow” swiftly evolves into crushing grooves and while maintaining a classic doom approach the insane drum blasts ensure a faster blackened rhythmic structure.
“Bathed in a Black Sun” offers an intriguing blend of sinister guitar phrases and murky atmospheric waves while the wicked riffage consistently creates a series of harsh rhythmic crescendos.
The mood becomes quite dramatic on “Byzantine Tragedy” as guitars march fiercely and often acquire extra speed through a mournful atmospheric maze embellished by delicate chanting.
There is no hope and certainly there is no light within the mysterious atmospheric ensemble of “Iron Lung” as the heavy weight of the guitar riffs and the somber melodic lines constantly amplify a doom flair.
Throughout “Viscera” Strigoi meticulously shape a deeply darkened sonic vision crafting malevolent rhythmic patterns and evoking pure misery with an evident doom metal influence.
Author: Alexiel Divine
Darkthrone – Astral Fortress
Norway’s finest and legendary duo Darkthrone doesn’t really need a formal introduction and the new enigmatic studio album “Astral Fortress” is the legit product of an ongoing sonic evolution blending variegated heavy metal influences.
“Caravan Of Broken Ghosts” begins with crestfallen acoustic phrases and guitars gradually acquire lugubrious doom tonalities enhanced by tormented vocals still following a slower tempo with occasional raw rhythmic blasts.
The strength of “Stalagmite Necklace” certainly relies on the primal approach of the memorable guitar work and the extremely gloomy tonalities enriched by fragile atmospheric arrangements conveying wintry vibes.
At the center of the album lies the lengthy cryptic opus “The Sea Beneath the Seas of the Sea” which combines moody atmospheric textures and gritty riffage generating doom laden rhythmic patterns and some faster blackened blasts.
Everything is inevitably dark within the mysterious atmosphere of “Eon 2” but the fiery guitar riffs can easily evoke a glorious heavy metal essence to build solid groovy dynamics.
With the release of “Astral Fortress” Darkthrone just seems unstoppable and continues to solidify their legacy as Nocturno Culto and Fenriz embark on another obscure journey channeling old school black metal and classic doom.
Avatarium – Death, Where Is Your Sting
Swedish doom metal band Avatarium bravely continues to shape a unique sonic identity on the fifth record “Death, Where Is Your Sting” focusing on an ideal blend of darkness and poetry.
The bittersweet romance of “A Love Like Ours” lingers through the elegant violins and the exquisite atmospheric tapestries while guitars create darkened slow burning melodic crescendos to complement Jennie-Ann Smith’s impeccable vocal performance.
On “Stockholm” the guitar riffs instantly acquire a traditional doom flair enhancing the eerie atmosphere in contrast with the deeply melancholic acoustic phrases and the heart wrenching vocal harmonies.
The mood becomes darker as “God Is Silent” focuses mainly on fierce doom laden rhythmic patterns fueled by the monolithic drumming and the heavy weight of the guitar riffs which ultimately lead to an extensive blistering solo.
“Nocturne” features a wilder rhythmic rampage highlighting the dominant role of the gritty guitars yet there is an inner melodic soul bound to emerge within the softer chorus and the harrowing solo.
The instrumental final track “Transcendent” spellbinds the listeners with wistful atmospheric arrangements and warm acoustic passages that will naturally evolve into a mournful doom rhythmic ensemble embellished by classical violins.
From beginning to end “Death, Where Is Your Sting” successfully showcases a diverse composition revolving around Jennie-Ann’s exceptional vocals as Avatarium aim to express profound emotions without forgetting their strong doom metal roots.
Disillusion – Ayam
German avant-garde pioneers Disillusion embrace a fascinating sonic evolution reflecting on existential questions on the latest eclectic record “Ayam”.
The monolithic opus “Am Abgrund” showcases a complex composition putting the spotlight on the brilliant guitar work shifting from deeply melancholic melodies enhanced by the soulful vocals and the elegant atmospheric tapestries to absolutely fiery rhythmic patterns that can easily grab your attention and express contrasting emotions.
Surrounded by multi-layered hazy atmospheric textures “Tormento” shifts the focus on the speed & fury of the perfect combo of hammering drums and vitriolic guitar riffs ultimately leading to a wild proggy solo.
“Abide The Storm” can effortlessly deliver some harsh rhythmic blasts while the mellow passages featuring wistful guitar melodies and a gentle vocal delivery evoke pure poetry reaching the acme with a charismatic solo.
The magical atmosphere and the compelling melodies of “From The Embers” can take you far away once again emphasizing an emotional approach while guitars certainly have the force to create sophisticated leads and inflamed riffage.
“The Brook” marks a gloomy album closure as the passionate vocals flow gracefully through a delicate atmospheric ensemble while the darkened guitar tonalities and the enchanting piano naturally generate gripping melodic crescendos.
The multi-dimensional sonic realm of “Ayam” can always surprise you as Disillusion skillfully blend opulent cinematic soundscapes, enchanting melodies and aggressive death metal elements to create a memorable work of music.
Behemoth – Opvs Contra Natvram
Polish extreme metal titans Behemoth make a majestic return with the sophisticated obscure realm of the twelfth studio album “Opvs Contra Natvram”.
You cannot escape the blasphemous force of “Malaria Vvlgata” as the relentless riffage and the hammering drums easily create an asphyxiating rhythmic rampage.
The mood changes a bit on “The Deathless Sun” as the guitar leads & charismatic solos acquire enigmatic tonalities generating quasi melodic moments emphasized by the triumphant chorus without sacrificing the inner blackened fury.
On “Ov My Herculean Exile” guitars focus on slower passages and the consequent decadent atmosphere naturally evokes tormented feelings further enhanced by the dramatic vocal delivery.
“Once Upon A Pale Horse” offers ominous melodic phrases highlighting the somber guitar work yet the precise drumming proudly delivers a fair dosage of memorable blackened grooves.
“Thy Becoming Eternal” stays true to a devilish black metal formula with unstoppable guitar riffs and extra speed but certainly benefits from the solemn choirs to convey a mysterious flair.
“Versvs Christvs” shows a contemplative and refined songwriting approach as the sheer beauty of classical piano accompanied by whispered vocals introduce a solid series of aggressive rhythmic patterns enriched by a savage guitar solo.
Over the course of three decades Behemoth bravely forged an uncompromising sonic vision that today continues to symbolize rebellion and individuality throughout the labyrinthine soundscapes of “Opvs Contra Natvram”.
Ruby The Hatchet – Fear Is A Cruel Master
American trailblazers Ruby The Hatchet aim to reach new levels pouring cosmic psych rock energy throughout the new record “Fear Is A Cruel Master”.
The band’s heavy rock roots are evident on “The Change” which relies on the raw energy of the sizzling guitar riffs to build powerful grooves definitely embellished by the vintage tonalities of the multilayered keyboards.
On “Primitive Man” guitars immediately engage in infectious riffage with irresistible fuzzy tones and often pick up speed to deliver a strong rhythmic rampage enhanced by the Hammond accents.
The haunting vocal duet is at the center of “1000 Years” which chooses a bittersweet melodic pathway bound to move the listeners emphasizing the warm guitar phrases while the keyboards and riffs still hold a strong psych rock essence.
The subtle atmospheric intro of “Soothsayer” naturally leads to memorable blazing rhythmic patterns as guitars showcase stoner rock vibes and once again the Hammond takes you back in time with a sensational retro flair.
“Amor Gravis” focuses on the unstoppable gritty guitar riffs and the consequent high octane grooves yet the softer hazy passages and the sultry vocals can easily evoke pure nostalgia.
Paying homage to the true spirit of rock ‘n roll, Ruby The Hatchet proudly show their abilities and passion delivering a successful combo of bold riffage and spacey harmonies throughout”Fear Is A Cruel Master”.
The Halo Effect – Days Of The Lost
Featuring extraordinary musicians Gothenburg’s newest melo-death metal supergroup The Halo Effect proudly releases the highly anticipated debut album “Days Of The Lost”.
The golden days of melo-death metal are perfectly represented by the infectious riffage of “Shadowminds” which marks a memorable beginning combining an overdose of harsh guitar riffs, sweeping melodic phrases and modern atmospheric tapestries.
The title track picks up a faster energetic tempo enhanced by the hammering drum blasts and Mikael Stanne’s visceral growls while the crispy guitar leads and the excellent solo focus on a polished melodic essence.
During “Conditional” the slower moments clearly emphasize a gloomy mood through elegant guitar phrases but the precise rhythmic section certainly has the chance to provide proper death metal patterns.
“In Broken Trust” skillfully showcases an ideal balance between fiery guitar driven grooves and cathartic melodic passages within a refined atmospheric ensemble consequently the soulful clean vocals amplify a beloved Nordic melancholia.
The poetic strings intro of “Last Of Our Kind” swiftly leads to a quite aggressive rhythmic rampage highlighting the perfect combo of relentless riffage and gruesome growls featuring guest vocalist Matt Heafy of Trivium.
Staying true to an irresistible melo-death formula “The Most Alone” brings a contemplative closure with a captivating series of darkened melodic crescendos and soothing wintry guitar tonalities.
“Days Of The Lost” is bound to conquer all acolytes of the legendary Gothenburg melo-death scene with plenty of melodic hooks as The Halo Effect never fails to showcase true passion and brilliant musicianship.
Temple Of Void – Summoning The Slayer
Detroit death-doom metal band Temple Of Void confidently spreads obscurity and melancholia on the brand new full-length “Summoning The Slayer”.
“Behind The Eye” doesn’t waste any time as the hostile riffage leads to monolithic rhythmic patterns that often acquire extra speed and brutality yet the guitar leads enhance a dramatic melodic flair.
Surrounded by an arcane atmosphere “Deathtouch” fully embraces a lugubrious doom metal force as guitars deliberately focus on opulent darkened melodic phrases well supported by the monumental drumming and the thick bass lines.
The ominous realm of “Engulfed” instantly generates a funereal rhythmic ensemble amplified by the dominant role of the gloomy melodic guitars and the tormented vocal delivery.
“Dissolution” marks a bittersweet finale as the band leaves behind the heavy elements to fully embrace an emotional sonic palette through enticing acoustic guitar progressions and gentle clean vocals.
Dwelling within a subterranean dimension, Temple Of Void have the ability to balance crushing dynamics and fascinating contemplative melodic textures throughout “Summoning The Slayer”.
Besvärjelsen – Atlas
Emerging from the vast Dalarna forests, Swedish doom rockers Besvärjelsen manifest a magnetic sonic vision through the darkly alluring soundscapes of the latest full-length “Atlas”.
“The Cardinal Ride” marks an energetic beginning as the excellent guitar work spontaneously unleashes memorable riffs well supported by the groovy drums and the dazzling soloing reveals charming vintage nuances.
“Acheron” instantly channels a majestic doom rock force through significantly heavy obscure rhythmic patterns and slower bewitching progressions enriched by the grim guitar tonalities and the sultry vocal delivery.
“Clouds” constantly evokes pure melancholia as the haunting guitar phrases and the elegant atmospheric textures craft enticing melodic crescendos reaching the acme with an eloquent solo.
On “House Of The Burning Light” the galloping riffage naturally builds intense heavy rock dynamics spiced up by a subtle sinister flair and the striking vocals ultimately lead to an addictive chorus.
“Obscured By Darkness” aptly conveys nocturnal vibes through the magical atmospheric accents surrounding the spellbinding vocal harmonies while the soaring guitar riffs inevitably follow a monumental doomed pathway.
“Divided Ends” brings a grand finale with hypnotizing melodic tapestries and a wild rhythmic ensemble constantly fueled by the explosive drumming and ultimately leading to an extensive eclectic guitar solo.
Fueled by a mystical flair throughout the darkened world of “Atlas” Besvärjelsen confidently maintain an ideal balance between eerie melodic aesthetics and robust grooves destined to captivate the listeners.
James LaBrie – Beautiful Shade Of Grey
Legendary vocalist of prog metal giants Dream Theater James LaBrie finally releases the new solo album “Beautiful Shade Of Grey” focusing on personal lyrical themes and refined melodic tapestries.
The album opener “Devil In Drag” relies on a glowing melodic combo of elegant acoustic phrases and elaborate synths arrangements leading to the passionate vocals of the catchy chorus especially impactful on the electric version included as bonus track.
The mellow melodic soul of “Give And Take” comes to life through the striking acoustic guitar work that perfectly complements James’s fervent vocal performance and captivates the listeners with the warm tonalities of the flawless solo.
“Sunset Ruin” embraces a melancholic ballad style as the gentle vocals flourish through the dreamy instrumental crescendos enriched by the classical beauty of the cello and the subtle atmospheric waves.
Evoking a sense of wistfulness, “Wildflower” continues to highlight an emotional depth as the delicate acoustic passages and the softer tempo emphasize the versatile vocal delivery.
On “What I Missed” the smooth piano piece conveys a dramatic mood while the precise rhythmic section has the chance to acquire energetic prog rock elements enhanced by the powerful vocals.
Featuring striking backing vocals by Theresa Thomason “Am I Right” easily expresses poignant feelings building a contemplative momentum through the eloquent guitar progressions and the final gripping melodic crescendo.
After two years in the making of “Beautiful Shade Of Grey” James LaBrie is joined by excellent musicians and chooses a luminous melodic approach revolving around his vocal prowess that will definitely please his longtime fans.
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