Despite the fact that Dark Tranquillity’s music style has been often classified as melodic death metal, it is obvious that the band has successfully developed a very personal musical pathway that tends to cross multiple boundaries rendering any possible categorization quite useless. Even if it’s just an EP, as every other Dark Tranquillity’s release, “Zero Distance” showcases extraordinary musicianship, creative songwriting and amazing dedication.

The title track is an extremely pleasant catchy piece where strong guitar riffs are constantly adorned by loads of keyboards harmonies. The elegant guitar riffing has an immediate impact on the listeners. As always, Mikael Stanne’s vocals never disappoint and are exceptionally addictive on this song. In terms of songwriting style, this track embraces all the essential elements of the latest Dark Tranquillity’s musical evolution but there are also hints of the heavier style typical of the band’s earlier work.

On “Out Of Gravity” keyboards and synths play again a fundamental role bringing additional exquisite melodies. Niklas Sundin chooses an irresistible melodic approach for the lead guitar work while the solo is particularly rich and mature in terms of writing and technique.

“To Where Fires Cannot Feed” maintains a somber melodic theme even if the guitar riffs and the rhythm section display a heavier attitude. The synths continue to add a melodic flow that feels always natural and effortless. The guitar work is tremendously catchy but you should truly pay attention to the several stylistic details embedded in the riffing.

“The Bow And The Arrow” has the same melodic strength displayed on the title track. The powerful guitar riffs and the melancholic keyboards tunes are skillfully entwined to create a harmonious flow that feels very spontaneous. In terms of songwriting, this song fits the music core of “The Mind’s I” era rather than the more recent releases.

“Zero Distance” is the legit consequence of an ongoing musical evolution and a perfect fusion of rational musicianship and impulsive passion. This is definitely a must have for every Dark Tranquillity’s fan out there.

Swallow The Sun has definitely learned a lot from the glorious legacy of bands like My Dying Bride and Anathema. The latest release romantically entitled “Emerald Forest And The Blackbird” represents an agonizing journey in the deepest realm of dark/gothic metal.

The melodic structure of the title track clearly reminds of the painful decadence of “Turn Loose The Swans” by My Dying Bride and of the sorrowful romanticism of “The Silent Enigma” by Anathema. Yet, Swallow The Sun manages to bring its personal musical vision with fierce growls, super melodic guitars and elegant keyboards arrangement.

“This Cut Is The Deepest” and “Hearts Wide Shut” are slow paced tunes that focuse on smooth clean vocals layered over pleasantly nostalgic acoustic arpeggios with an undeniable poetic attitude.

“Cathedral Walls” is another super melancholic slow track that might not be considered extremely unique but it certainly delivers some enchanting dreamy melodies. Mikko Kotamaki’s clean vocals are particularly emotional and guest vocalist Anette Olzon from Nightwish delivers a pleasant performance.

“Hate, Lead The Way!” still maintains the somber atmospheric theme of the album but brings a more aggressive approach with well constructed melodic death metal elements in terms of both vocals and guitar riffing.

“Labyrinth Of London” relies on a traditional gothic metal musical core with the addition of excellent atmospheric keyboards. The screams are particularly strong and vicious and I love the sudden mood change in the heartfelt duet with guest vocalist Aleah Stanbridge. Obviously, the reading of “London” by William Blake over a lengthy gloomy guitar solo renders everything more mysterious and attractive.

“Of Death And Corruption” is a classically emotional track featuring elements of traditional doom and the perennial obscurity of gothic metal riffing style.  Despite the aggressive attitude and the dominating growls, this track has a sort of catchy vibe that creates an immediate impact in the listener.

Certainly, Swallow The Sun delivers a mature work of music but at times the songwriting is deprived of originality due to the band’s evident musical influences. Nevertheless, “Emerald Forest And The Blackbird” embodies a serious musical effort and is an appropriate musical choice for the Autumn season.

Mastermind Christofer Johnsson needed something truly special to celebrate Therion’s 25^th anniversary rather than a boring greatest hits album. Despite the fact that many will think that a collection of covers of old French pop chansons might be an odd choice, the release of “Les Fleurs Du Mal” is an extremely exciting choice. Because this album will be controversial regardless of its incredible musical quality, the connection with Baudelaire’s notoriously forbidden poem seems appropriate. Considering how the metal scene tends to have stubborn and redundant musical boundaries, it is a great pleasure to have the opportunity to listen to something completely different.

While the main melodies of the original songs are perfectly recognizable, Therion delivers a very personal interpretation in symphonic/gothic metal style.

“Poupée De Cire, Poupée De Son” (available in two versions) has a very energetic rhythm and a memorable melody emphasized by a majestic symphonic approach. Of course, Lori Lewis’s flawless performance is the main focus here and on several other tracks such as the decadently sweet “Soer Angelique”.

“Une Fleur Dans Le Coeur” is a semi ballad with a more dramatic approach and melancholic orchestrations.

“Initials BB” is simply addictive with intriguing sexy vocals and an intense French poetic attitude. There is a goth rock atmosphere but also a constant groove that makes this track very danceable.

“Mon Amour, Mon Ami” is a bittersweet romantic melodic piece. The vocals, particularly dramatic towards the end, are fundamental to fully express the gloomy feelings and enrich the vibrant guitar melodies.

“Polichinelle”, “La Maritza” and “Wahala Manitou” have a delicious unmistakably French retro sound that naturally embraces Therion’s symphonic style.

“Dis-moi Poupee” is a very attractive guitar driven tune that shines for Snowy Shaw’s irresistible obscure vocal performance and solemn operatic choirs.

Thomas Vikstrom is one of the most amazing and eclectic vocalist out there and his undeniable talent is consistent throughout the album.  On the hyper energetic fun rock n’ roll short song “Je N’ai Besoin Que De Tendresse”, Vikstrom delivers wild high pitch vocals. Yet, “J’ai Le mal De Toi” definitely represents his best performance. This must be saddest song ever written and Vikstrom’s deeply passionate theatrical interpretation is absolutely faultless.

“Lilith” is the one song that truly has a dark gothic melody as main musical core. Lori Lewis’s operatic vocal style perfectly fits the decadent mood.

In the end, Therion successfully manages to interpret vintage music in a contemporary fashion and “Les Fleurs Du Mal” feels like a very spontaneous well balanced album. Each and every song has its own raison d’etre and will be easily enjoyed by open minded libertine listeners.

 

On The Gathering’s new album “Disclosure” you really won’t find much metal or goth. It seems that with “Disclosure” the Dutch band has finally achieved a brand new musical identity which has developed gradually and spontaneously after the departure of the iconic vocalist Anneke van Giersbergen. Since it is the product of a drastic musical evolution, “Disclosure” brings an overload of style changes that are inevitably distant from the band’s musical past.

“Paper Waves” represents well the floating mood of the entire album. In terms of music style, The Gathering decides to dwell in the realm of alternative rock with the aid of electronically generated tunes. This song, like all the others on this album, relies on mellow radio friendly melodies. The guitar work is never dominant and is based on an array of ethereal sounds almost buried under the keyboards and synths arrangement.

“Meltdown” has a very modern electronic approach with a more interesting and dynamic rhythm.  The vocals are extremely catchy both in the duet and the chorus, the rhythmic section is still slow paced and on the soft side but the atmosphere is dominated by a great positive energy.

“Heroes For Ghosts” is a lengthy track that has an exquisite darkly romantic atmosphere highly enriched by soothing keyboard layers, ultra melodic strings and unexpected brass horns. On this song, the new vocalist Silje Wergeland delivers an intensely passionate performance that perfectly enhances the dreamy and charming soundscape deliciously supported by an emotional guitar groove.

On “Paralyzed” and “Missing Seasons” both the vocals and the rhythm showcase the softest side of the album’s musical core. Piano and keyboards are extremely dominant and blend naturally in a fashion that reminds of Tori Amos and Portishead.

“Gemini I” instead has a more intense rock attitude with some scratchy guitars even if everything is softened by a trance/ambience atmosphere. “Gemini II” revolves entirely around Silje Wergeland’s extraordinary vocal abilities and is the most ethereal song of the album.

Overall, “Disclosure” is a very accessible album filled with relaxing atmospheres and effortless melodies. Yet, those who are familiar with The Gathering’s early musical work might not feel comfortable with the extreme style change featured on this album.

 

 

A new release by Lacrimosa always comes with extremely high expectations and “Revolution” is not an exception. Throughout Lacrimosa’s successful career, the band’s absolute mastermind Tilo Wolff has spoiled us with irresistible baroque musical style, high quality musicianship and strong creative force. As the previous albums, “Revolution” is a passionate an intricate work of art that deserves an attentive listening in order to fully appreciate each facet of its musical complexity and to capture the inner beauty of each melody.  All the metalheads out there would also be glad to know that “Revolution” features Mille Petrozza from Kreator on guitar and Stefan Schwarzmann from Accept on drums.

“Irgendein Arsch ist immer unterwegs” is the undoubtedly majestic opener of this album. Do not waste your time trying to pronounce the title correctly, instead you should relax and savor each and every note of this highly symphonic song. The introductive piano melody is definitely theatrical but never pretentious and even when distorted guitars kick in everything keeps on flowing like a daydream.

On “As the world stood still for a day” Anne Nurmi delivers a flawless interpretation with delicate angelic vocals. This is a soft melodic track but there is a solid classic metal rhythmic section to support the stellar orchestration.

“Verloren” has a distinct metal vibe that dominates the rhythmic section. The main guitar melody is quite catchy and raw but everything gets polished by the layers of classical orchestrations. Tilo Wolff’s vocal style is very raspy, at times desperate, and certainly matches the overall highly dramatic and somber atmosphere.

“Feuerzug” is an odd yet interesting track. It is introduced by the beautifully decadent piano melody of “Interlude” but it changes mood quite drastically. There is still some classical melancholic orchestration but the song’s main theme is influenced by Nordic folklore.

“Refugium” brings back some much needed somber melodies. This is basically a piano and vocals piece that relies on Tilo Wolff’s passionate interpretation and on the uncontaminated beauty of the sound of a classical piano.

“Rote Sinfonie” is the most complex track on the album as it is full of attractive style variations and intense musical surprises. The delicate violin melody at the beginning serves as a stunning intro and a declaration of intent, as this song is a lengthy ambitious symphonic piece. In fact, the musical core here is classical as the orchestra plays always a dominant role, yet there is still a lot of goth and metal influences in the guitars style. Nevertheless, the classical side filled with majestically somber orchestrations and exquisitely captivating piano melodies is the inevitable highlight of the song.

The title track has a much more modern appeal with dark gothic rock melodies, highly distorted groovy guitars and eerie atmospheric synths. The guitar riffs are more rocking and powerful while the extremely addictive chorus is certainly the catchiest moment of the whole album.

Lacrimosa is the one and only band who is capable of blending harmoniously the aesthetic perfection of classical music and the obscurity of gothic metal. “Revolution” embodies all the elements you need to achieve a passionate addictive collection of songs that is destined to satisfy even the most demanding listeners.

 

With her latest release “Raise Your Fist”, the legendary metal female icon Doro returns to the scene full of energy and good intentions. The thirteen songs included on this album showcase a great passion for metal and a wide range of classic rock/metal guitar riffs. The opening track “Raise Your Fist In The Air” is a straight to your face metal anthem. Doro’s vocals are harsh in true rocker style, the chorus is a little redundant while the lead guitar offers a great musical support with a super dirty sound and loads of shredding. “Take No Prisoner” and “Little Headbanger” follow the same exact style and could end up being repetitive.

“Coldhearted Lover” is less dynamic with slower rhythm breakdowns. The chorus and the main old school guitar riffs are certainly catchy but not very original.

“It Still Hurts” is a well composed ballad that will grab the listeners’ attention immediately due to the excellent vocal duet featuring Lemmy from Motorhead. Doro and Lemmy succeed in the creation of a passionate performance that fits the melancholic atmosphere while the songwriting is quite simple and accessible to a wide audience. “Engel” has a romantically symphonic appeal. The main catchy melodic piano theme is emphasized by classic keyboards layers which also create a dramatic atmosphere. Doro’s vocals add a huge dose of tragic passion well accompanied by a highly melodic pleasant guitar solo.

Doro delivers a similar performance on the other romantic semi ballad “Hero” which features exquisite guitar melodies but the songwriting here is more predictable than “Engel”.

“Free My Heart” is another powerful and touching ballad with a lovely keyboards arrangement. Here Doro switches between raspy rock and clean vocals and delivers a highly emotional performance.

“Grab The Bull (Last Man Standing)” features Gus G from Firewind on guitar. This is a mid paced track rendered more aggressive by Doro’s strong screams. Gus G enriches the standard songwriting style by delivering a killer guitar solo filled with high quality shredding and creativity.

“Raise Your Fist” certainly doesn’t bring exceptional novelties in terms of songwriting but it’s a well organized album that will please Doro’s fans and classic metal lovers in general.

 

It is quite impressive that “MMXII” is the fifteenth studio album released by legendary Killing Joke. In terms of music style and execution, this album manages to effortlessly blend the band’s obvious post punk roots, the fierce intensity of industrial and the dark introspective side of gothic rock. This is supposed to be an apocalyptic album as the lyrics mainly concern the environmental and economical issues of our time. Yet, there is a lot of optimism and hope for restoration and redemption.

“Pole Shift” is an atmospheric and emotional musical piece with soothing distorted guitar riffs and several keyboard layers. The vocals style here is mainly melodic, disillusioned and monotone at times.

“Fema Camp” revolves around an obsessively recurring super catchy guitar riff. Overall, this is a straight forward rock song with a captivating dark aura and very raw acidic vocals.

“Rapture” and “Corporate Elect” are faster groovy tracks highly influenced by the band’s punk roots. The basic guitar riffs and the easy rhythm make these songs very accessible even if there is a lingering unmistakable darkwave vibe.

On “In Cythera” the overall rhythm slows down, the extensive use of atmospheric electronic effects enrich the melody, the guitars have a more modern hyper polished sound and the vocals become calm and comforting.

“Trance” has a cool harmonious rhythm with a quite modern electronic approach. The steady guitar sound is dirty, the simplistic rock melody flows spontaneously while the instrumental breakdown is more rough with a clear industrial influence.

“On All Hallow’s Eve” is a slower track that revolves around a darker atmosphere with tons of electronically generated sound. There is a significant style change in the chorus which falls in between rebellious punk rock and angry industrial.

“MMXII” is a must have for Killing Joke’s faithful fans because it features the band’s original line up and it shows that the infamous creative force is still alive