Italian power trio Ufomammut proudly reaches another milestone with the release of the ninth studio album “Fenice” which symbolizes a necessary rebirth through dedication and musical exploration.
“Duat” takes you to a distant dimension as the dense atmospheric intro features futuristic multilayered synths and cryptic vibes while the monolithic rhythmic section will soon engage in a wild jam session focusing on groovy guitar riffs and eclectic progressions that often acquire obscure doom tonalities.
“Psychostasia” aptly amplifies a hypnotizing psychedelic flair generating insanely trippy slow burning passages accompanied by hazy vocals yet a significantly heavier rhythmic rampage is bound to take over through the monumental drum blasts and the bold fuzzy guitar riffs.
“Metamorphoenix” can instantly spellbind you with a cathartic combo of blurry synths tapestries and exquisite nostalgia infused guitar melodies flowing gently like a bittersweet daydream that will evolve into a darker crescendo.
On “Pyramind” the riff worship becomes dominant as the mighty guitar work effortlessly channels a magnetic doom force while the synths maintain an enigmatic atmospheric ensemble filled with enthralling psychedelic textures.
As “Fenice” triumphantly rises from the ashes Ufomammut embarks on a cosmic journey manifesting an ex novo creativity through intense psych rock nuances and groovy doom elements.
Author: Alexiel Divine
Alunah – Strange Machine
British heavy rockers Alunah are ready to put a spell on you with a refreshing blend of warm melodies and doom infused grooves through the latest full length “Strange Machine”.
Beginning with surreal psychedelic sounds the title track manifests a fiery energetic rock approach providing a super catchy chorus and memorable rhythmic patterns enriched by the bewitching tonalities of the dazzling guitar solo.
“Fade Into Fantasy” takes you far away shifting the focus to the spacey guitar melodies and the moody psychedelic accents that meticulously craft dreamy soundscapes emphasized by the graceful vocal harmonies.
“Broken Stone” highlights the crucial role of the excellent rhythmic section as the thick bass lines and the robust riffage naturally embrace a groovy momentum that will evolve into a slow-burning super trippy breakdown.
“The Earth Spins” follows an irresistible doom rock pathway as the stellar guitar work courtesy of Shane Wesley of legendary Crowbar thrives within a delightful darkened atmosphere enhanced by the versatile vocal delivery and the deeply melancholic melodic progressions.
A darkly alluring melodic essence flourishes through the hypnotizing melodies of “Teaching Carnal Sins” but the charismatic guitar work always delivers big groovy riffs with an appealing retro rock sound.
The strength of “Strange Machine” relies on the addictive vintage vibes and the multifaceted composition as Alunah continue to shape a captivating sonic identity.
Incite – Wake Up Dead
Arizona thrash metallers Incite proudly unleash sheer fury through the massive grooves of the new studio effort “Wake Up Dead” featuring a solid collection of new and remastered tracks.
“Fuck With Me (Wake Up Dead)” guarantees instant headbanging as the mighty rhythmic section constantly maintains a ruthless approach fueled by the relentless guitar riffs and the ravenous growls.
“War Soup” begins with appealing darkened atmospheric nuances and instantly stands out for the insane groovy momentum revolving around the vitriolic riffage and the charismatic aggressive vocals featuring legendary Max Cavalera.
In the midst of a ferocious thrash metal assault “Sucker Punched” offers some slightly slower passages to emphasize the grim vibes of the guitar leads ultimately reaching the acme with a wild solo.
“Deadbeat” relies on frenetic rhythmic patterns and spiteful screams to convey a rebellious mood easily amplified by the hammering drum blasts and enriched by the fiery guitar shredding.
“Mental Destruction” surprises you with a sorrowful acoustic intro that swiftly evolves into a robust rhythmic ensemble with an overdose of gritty guitar riffs and angered vocals.
The previously released track “The Slaughter” diligently follows a successful thrash metal formula generating a no frills destructive rhythmic rampage through the unstoppable harsh guitar riffs.
Driven by passion, Incite bravely continue an explosive music journey channeling an old school thrash metal force that today leads to the savage groovy dynamics of “Wake Up Dead”.
Borknagar Live at Reggies in Chicago
Legendary Norwegian black metal innovators Borknagar are finally back in North America on the extensive “Devastation On The Nation” tour. The loyal fanbase warmly welcomed Borknagar at the memorable sold out show at Reggies in Chicago as they delivered a stellar live performance shifting from harsh rhythmic dynamics to a contemplative melodic essence through a great setlist that included “The Fire That Burns”, “Wild Father’s Heart” and “Voices” from the latest acclaimed release “True North” and the iconic track “Winter Thrice” that marked a truly epic finale.
Watain -The Agony & Ecstasy of Watain
The unholy ascension of Swedish black metal icons Watain continues through the darkest depths of the majestic seventh studio album “The Agony & Ecstasy of Watain”.
Within the oppressive darkened realm of “Ecstasies In Night Infinite” visceral riffage and feverish drum blasts begin an unstoppable wild hunt through a twisted rhythmic maze adorned by the charismatic guitar leads.
The perilous journey continues with “The Howling” revolving around a primordial blackened force that successfully acquires addictive groovy black ‘n roll dynamics through the frostbitten guitar riffs and the tormented melodic licks.
The slightly slower tempo and the atmospheric gloom of “Serimosa” emphasize an ancestral spiritual essence as guitars have the chance to meticulously craft hypnotizing lugubrious melodic tapestries within a malignant rhythmic ensemble.
A decadent melodic flair lingers throughout “Before The Cataclysm” as guitars effortlessly shift from sheer brutality to intricate bewitching harmonies inevitably conveying tumultuous feelings and amplifying a fascinating dramatic depth.
A mysterious aura surrounds “We Remain” as extraordinaire guest vocalist Farida Lemouchi (Ex The Devil’s Blood, now in Molasses) delivers a spellbinding performance emphasizing the arcane power of the refined melodic guitar work reaching the acme with a cathartic solo.
“Septentrion” triumphantly follows an ominous blackened pathway as the malevolent growls express immense fury and the relentless guitar riffs diligently create monolithic rhythmic patterns enriched by exquisite sinister melodic phrases.
With a 25 year long career Watain aim to reach the equilibrium between sublime melodies and endless darkness while conjuring an intense black metal magic that will leave you shattered wandering through the gelid grooves of “The Agony & Ecstasy of Watain”.
The Hellacopters – Eyes Of Oblivion
Swedish iconic rockers The Hellacopters make an explosive comeback delivering irresistible grooves on the first full-length in 14-years entitled “Eyes Of Oblivion”.
“Reap A Hurricane” fully showcases a timeless rocker style with an overload of big & loud guitar riffs and flamboyant soloing leading to a memorable chorus that makes you wanna party all night long.
“So Sorry I Could Die” instantly conveys pure nostalgia and romanticism with the charismatic bittersweet vocal performance surrounded by the warm bluesy guitar progressions and the dazzling piano melodies.
Without any hesitation the title track returns to an energetic rhythmic rampage focusing on a successful combo of edgy guitar riffs and wild leads naturally channeling a glorious retro rock style.
“Beguiled” easily provides another super catchy chorus and an ideal dosage of guitar driven grooves enriched by a fervent solo and bright piano tonalities.
The slower tempo of “The Pressure’s On” evokes somber feelings and puts the spotlight on the melancholia infused guitar melodies and the soulful vocal delivery.
The party is still on as “Try Me Tonight” emphasizes a rebellious spirit with the addictive passionate chorus and the slick guitar work well supported by the cheerful stomping rhythmic section.
Despite the long hiatus The Hellacopters will certainly please their faithful fanbase and confirm their influential status with the supercharged vintage rock vibes of “Eyes Of Oblivion”.
Lucifer’s Child/Mystifier – Under Satan’s Wrath
Celebrating the obscure force of black metal, Greek band Lucifer’s Child and Brazilian veterans Mystifier join forces on the unholy split album “Under Satan’s Wrath”.
Mystifier open the album with the malevolent dynamics of “Death Beyond Holy Creation” showcasing hints of old school black metal through the unrestrained hostile riffage and the theatrical chanting embellished by the fancy melodic nuances of the guitar work.
The second original track “Under Inhumane Evil Spells” immediately unleashes a belligerent combo of monumental drumming and ravenous guitar riffs while the classic heavy metal vibes of the multiple extensive solos increase diversity.
Lucifer’s Child delivers a blasphemous offering with “Satan’s Wrath” focusing on the breakneck speed of the relentless drums and the oppressive guitar riffs to create a menacing rhythmic rampage that will morph into a brief ominous melodic ensemble.
On “Nova Tenebris” Lucifer’s Child fully embrace a ritualistic flair leading to the sheer brutality of the majestic blackened rhythmic blasts amplified by the visceral growls while the nocturnal atmospheric textures and the excellent gloomy melodic guitar work evoke arcane vibes.
Throughout “Under Satan’s Wrath” Lucifer’s Child and Mystifier have the chance to manifest their own distinct blackened vision spreading perennial darkness and hellish grooves.
Die Apokalyptischen Reiter – Wilde Kinder
Formed back in 1995 German innovative band Die Apokalyptischen Reiter continues to fearlessly evolve on the latest thrilling full-length “Wilde Kinder”.
The explosive album opener “Von Freiheit will ich singen” relies on an elaborate groovy mix of crunchy guitar riffs and triumphant keyboards arrangements to create a truly energetic rhythmic rampage amplified by the harsh vocal delivery.
A bewitching gothic industrial mood feels quite dominant on “Volle Kraft” as the relentless gritty riffage ensures a stomping rhythm while the darkened atmospheric tapestries lead to cathartic slower passages.
The title track can easily unleash aggressive rhythmic blasts due to the wild heavy metal approach of the unrestrained riffage in contrast with the luminous keyboards and guitar harmonies during the atmospheric breakdown.
“Leinen los” conveys somber emotions through the soothing arpeggios and the delightful polished melodic guitar leads yet the occasional powerful rhythmic crescendos accompanied by vicious growls generate darker vibes.
Surrounded by a mysterious atmosphere “Euer Gott ist der Tod” reveals a faster ferocious rhythmic assault channeling a primal extreme metal inspiration and even the calmer guitar progressions acquire intense obscure tonalities enhanced by the theatrical vocal performance featuring guest vocalist Sabine Scherer.
“Der Eisenhans” maintains a robust series of vitriolic guitar driven grooves leading to a memorable solemn chorus but an enchanting nostalgia emerges through the dreamy atmospheric textures and the cold nuances of the fancy guitar solo.
Manifesting an aptly apocalyptic sonic vision throughout “Wilde Kinder”, Die Apokalyptischen Reiter skillfully deliver a balanced blend of inflamed grooves and profound melancholy that will certainly please all the “Reitermania” fans.
Vio-Lence – Let The World Burn
Returning as a full time band back in 2019, thrash metal veterans Vio-Lence are finally ready to release the first new material in 29 years on the vicious five-song EP “Let The World Burn”.
Without any hesitation “Flesh From Bone” unleashes insane grinding guitar riffs and fast hostile drumming following an old school thrash pathway and the extensive guitar solo diligently delivers some majestic acrobatics.
Throughout “Screaming Always” the relentless riffage and the spiteful screams demand extra speed and absolute fury but an appealing somber melodic ensemble eventually generates contemplative vibes.
The ruthless rhythmic onslaught of “Upon Their Cross” clearly relies on the colossal bass lines and the visceral guitar work providing diversity with a majestic shredding galore and keeping alive a beloved thrash metal legacy with abrasive riffs.
The extremely groovy title track can leave you shattered and helpless as the scorching guitar riffs simply seem unstoppable leading to savage rhythmic dynamics while the slower ominous passages aptly feature a nightmarish speech.
Ultimately “Let The World Burn” has the power to instantly trigger a brutal moshpit and symbolizes a true rebirth as Vio-Lence proudly stay true to their authentic thrash metal legacy and have a chance to manifest a massive energetic creativity.
Messa – Close
Italian doom rockers Messa begin a new exciting musical chapter and aim to spellbind the listeners with the eclectic composition of the latest offering “Close”.
On “Suspended” the Fender Rhodes piano intro creates a darkly alluring atmosphere that naturally gives way to an intriguing blend of monolithic guitar riffs and lavish jazzy passages adorned by Sara’s enchanting vocal harmonies.
The impactful track “Dark Horse” revolves around feverish rhythmic patterns highlighting the dazzling vintage flair of the guitar work which effortlessly shifts from unrestrained heavy riffage to soulful melodic phrases.
An overwhelming nostalgia lingers though “Orphalese” as the mellow jazzy saxophone introduces a dreamy sonic realm where Sara’s voice floats gracefully through the contemplative melodic progressions embellished by warm Mediterranean flavors.
“Rubedo” fully showcases heavy rock influences as guitars diligently deliver big fuzzy riffs that will evolve into quasi chaotic rhythmic segments following the drumming’s extra speed while the crispy melodic essence emerges from the eloquent slower passages and the sultry vocal performance.
“If You Want Her To Be Taken” shines for the deeply melancholic mood certainly emphasized by the soothing vocals and the smooth guitar leads yet the riff-worship approach becomes dominant during the monumental groovy crescendos.
The inner darkness of “Serving Him” generates bewitching occult rock nuances within a gripping melodic ensemble and the robust rhythmic section can easily amplify familiar heavier doom elements enriched by an extensive stylish guitar solo.
Undoubtedly Messa pay homage to their glorious classic doom rock roots but embrace a multifaceted songwriting approach that ultimately leads to the opulent hypnotizing soundscapes of the new full-length “Close”.
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