Extreme Mexican metallers Brujeria return triumphantly after 16 years with a bombastic full length release entitled “Pocho Aztlán” which features the band’s signature deathgrind style and renowned musicians such as “El Cynico” Jeff Walker of Carcass and “Hongo Jr” Nick Barker (ex Cradle Of Filth).

The title track kicks off with a heavy guitar driven rhythm that keeps on gaining speed and strength while Brujo’s unique growls deliver some raw anger.

“No Aceptan Imitaciones” is all about an immediate brutal impact as it has a rather chaotic groove with relentless drumming and blistering guitar riffs that would certainly generate a wild moshpit at live shows.

“Angel De La Frontera” might reduce the speed but certainly maintains a fierce rhythmic backbone that ensures a constant groove while a more melodic and slower breakdown channels a solemn atmosphere.

Lyrically “Plata O Plomo” features tales of narco trafficking related to Pablo Escobar. In terms of music style this is another track that relies on furious deathgrind guitar riffing but also some modern borderline industrial elements.

“Bruja-” doesn’t compromise its extreme metal nature even with a slower tempo conveying a somber mood and there’s still a chance to enjoy loads of groovy guitar riffs.

“Culpan la Mujer” offers an intense no frills old school death metal core where all instruments come together to build a brutally fast rhythm enhanced by particularly sharp screams.

Overall “Pocho Aztlán” turns out to be a quite entertaining crazy album focusing on a high impact tight deathgrind music core that would delight any serious headbanger.

Many might be familiar with Crippled Black Phoenix and its visionary music style because of multi-instrumentalist founder Justin Greaves, renowned drummer of Iron Monkey and Electric Wizard.  The latest EP “New Dark Age” includes two original songs and a two parts Pink Floyd cover and is a dark piece of music that effortlessly embraces a wide variety of influences including stoner rock and doom.

“Spider Island” channels a relaxed, yet rich, stoner rock vibe with catchy guitar riffs filled of dense reverb and intergalactic doom accents that could easily cause dizziness in the occasional listener.

The lengthy complex title track never ceases to impress with multichromatic style variations skillfully mixed in a deeply atmospheric soundscape.  Dreamy minimalist vocals are surrounded by bluesy guitar phrases and vintage organ but soon guitars acquire a moody yet spontaneous progressive attitude while a psychedelic enigmatic vibe delivers an immense melancholy.

“New Dark Age” might be just an EP but it holds a particularly tasteful musical strength that is destined to cross any standard boundaries.

Acclaimed Swedish act Soilwork has released a compilation entitled “Death Resonance” which feels like a deserved celebration of the band’s successful career as it includes rarely released songs as well as two brand new ones.

“Helsinki” is a new song that seems to be a good representation of Soilwork’s signature melodic death metal style. The band skillfully and elegantly switches from relentless heavy guitar riffs and enraged screams to the most melodic ensemble of fascinating prog influenced guitar solos and passionate clean vocals.

The title track is the other new song included in this album and it seems to follow the same melo-death theme in terms of songwriting and structure. The melodic aspect is quite emphasized in the captivating guitar work while there is always plenty of space to build an intense groove with blasting drums and faster riffs.

“When Sound Collides” features a dynamic series of crunchy guitar riffs that easily build an energetic groove embellished by a delightfully intense guitar solo impeccably performed in progressive metal fashion.

“Forever Lost In Vain” is another track that summarizes all the classic elements of melodic death metal. Smooth guitar leads deliver polished melodies with prog accents further amplified by crispy clean vocals in contrast with the heavier rhythmic backbone.

“Sweet Demise” has a dominant melodic theme featuring a dreamy breakdown but maintains a good dose of raw death metal attitude in the tight combo of guitar riffs and drumbeats.

“Martyr” is an easy, almost minimalist, track that conveys a dramatic atmosphere where melodic guitar leads take the center stage in a laid back tempo.

“Killed By Ignition” seems to often rely on the strength of crunchy guitar riffs but the main musical core is all about accessible melodies and catchy chorus.

While waiting for a new album “Death Resonance” will certainly become a must have for Soilwork’s devoted fans since it captures so many facets of the band’s music catalog.

Iconic  Gothenburg pioneers Dark Tranquillity return triumphantly with the brand new full length “Atoma” which features the band’s beloved signature melodic death metal style but also never fails to stay relevant in the overcrowded metal scene. After over two decades of mesmerizing musical compositions Dark Tranquillity demonstrates once again that the creative force is still alive and is ready to push any given musical boundaries without hesitation.

“Encircled” features dramatic eerie keyboards that create a passionate melodic background with a slight gothic feel. Mikael Stanne fiercely unleashes his signature growls while crunchy sharp guitar riffs flow naturally to reach an exquisitely melodic acme.

The title track is an immediate favorite with luminous keyboards that build a genuine melodic core further emphasized by Stanne’s fervent clean vocals. In a darkened atmosphere all instruments work together to shape a refreshing sound that favors the band’s most melodic and catchy approach.

On “Forward Momentum” Stanne’s clean vocals acquire additional emotive vividness that naturally evokes a profoundly intense melancholy.  Even if the main musical theme is exceptionally melodic with the right dose of polished guitar tunes there is still space to build a heavier metallic groove.

You will simply fall love with the darkly addictive chorus on “Faithless By Default”. Martin Brändström delivers once again particularly poignant arrangements that provide an elegantly intricate ensemble of atmospheric harmonies and consistently convey an absolute sense of sadness.

“The Pitiless” rides on a faster tempo with a more aggressive and groovy approach where guitar riffs take the center stage to grow stronger and bolder. While a blackened atmosphere persists throughout the song Niklas Sundin’s melodic guitar solo adds a wave of cold radiance.

“Our Proof Of Life” is deeply filled with harmonious passion genuinely portrayed by a particularly rich and dynamic guitar work while Stanne effortlessly switches from sincere clean vocals to fiery growls in darkened catchy mood.

“Caves And Embers” has a majestic dark groove with dramatic accents featuring a cohesive concoction of addictive guitar riffs and rich leads that cannot be missed. The calmer atmospheric passages delicately convey an introspective melancholia.

With mature musicianship, stellar songwriting and ardent emotional depth Dark Tranquillity has crafted a stunning collection of songs and “Atoma” is a must have that will sincerely conquer your heart and become your faithful companion during dark winter days.

Mastermind Morten Veland returns with Sirenia’s latest full length melancholically entitled “Dim Days Of Dolor” which features opera singer Emmanuelle Zoldan as new lead vocalist.

“Goddess Of The Sea” delivers a powerful sense of grandeur with properly dramatic operatic choirs that gracefully supports Emmanuelle’s elegant vocal performance. Fascinating keyboards and orchestra arrangements keep a gravely melancholic mood while polished melodic guitar leads spice up the darkened theme.

The title track features an extremely catchy chorus and melodies that will get stuck on your mind even at the very first listening. The main music core is quite simplistic with an array of easy rock/pop guitar riffs and a super melodic solo always embellished by lovely atmospheric symphonic arrangements.

On “The 12^th Hour” Emmanuelle delivers compelling soprano vocals that effortlessly complement Morten’s signature growls. This track features a faster tempo and a more aggressive guitar approach but the main music theme continues to revolve around Sirenia’s renowned melodic symphonic style.

“Veil Of Winter” has a cold gothic attitude with the infamous Scandinavian wintry mix that influences each melody. Morten and Emmanuelle diligently share vocal duties in the midst of a decadent melancholic musical theme where orchestrations are very dominant and guitars are left a bit in the background.

On “Elusive Sun” Emmanuelle’s whimsical vocals illuminate the gothic tinged sadness while the operatic choirs keep the symphonic flame alive with extra somber vibes. Crispy guitars add a metallic sheen to the super catchy melody while the solos are all about clean shredding.

“Aeon’s Embrace” is the must have piano piece filled with tragic emotionally charged ethereal vocals. Even if we all listened repeatedly to similar songs, the effortless melodic flow and the heartfelt vocals will certainly attract the audience.

Overall, Sirenia tends to stay true to the original music formula nevertheless “Dim Days Of Dolor” shines for the exquisite vocals performed by Emmanuelle Zoldan and the highly harmonious fluidity with the right touch of gothic atmosphere.

Longstanding Polish extreme metal band Vader returns with the newest album “The Empire” which offers a rather safe collection of ravenous fast guitar driven tracks designed to trigger immediate heavy headbanging.

“Angel Of Steel” is all about thrash style fury perfectly portrayed by the relentless crunchy guitar riffs that build a strong groove while drums and bass keep a super tight rhythm.

“Prayer To The God Of War” features angered growls complemented by appropriate old school thrash metal guitar riffing while the fast ferocious leads add some stylish variety.

“Iron Reign” delivers highly catchy guitar riffs that grow violently stronger while the overall atmosphere gains a more darkened melodic feel at a slower pace.

“Parabellum” is another straightforward track that relies on a raw faster thrash approach with vicious growls, unrestrained drumming and a ferocious blistering guitar solo.

On “Send Me Back To Hell” the rhythm slows down significantly without sacrificing the evil nature of the song which shines especially for the fierce guitar solo licks that carry an understated melodic vibe.

With “The Empire” Vader delivers a cohesive work filled with the brutal musical concoctions expected by the band’s faithful fans without introducing any particularly surprising burst of creativity.

Australian band Départe debuts in the metal scene with the album “Failure, Subside” characterized by lengthy tracks with pronounced black metal influences and heavily dark atmospheres.

“Ashes In Bloom” features a painfully ominous mood with a chaotic mixture of super heavy breathless drumming in old school black metal fashion and quieter passages conveying a tragic gothic/doom musical theme.

“Grief Echoes (Golden Scars)” follows a similar blackened structure with a heavy rhythmic backbone embellished by introvert melodic guitar accents but also favors an exceptionally dark ambiance that evokes an absolute sense of hopelessness.

“Vessel” packs a vicious crescendo of guitar riffs but maintains a generous dose of depressing melodies buried in a rather asphyxiating atmosphere occasionally interrupted by progressive tempo variations and brightening clean vocals.

“Ruin” has a calmer atmospheric theme that evokes a perennial sense of desolation. Doom and black metal influences are dominant in the guitar riffs and rhythmic section while the slow breakdown features minimalist arpeggios that portray an introspective serenity.

“Failure, Subside” is definitely a cohesive music piece that due to its powerful enigmatic extreme metal nature would attract mainly a very specific audience.

American black metal duo Inquisition returns with an enigmatic new album entitled “Bloodshed Across The Empyrean Altar Beyond The Celestial Zenith” that promises to represent a confident mature milestone in the band’s career.

“From Chaos They Came” is all about raw guitar riffing breaking the cold ice of another winter day. Minimalist primitive black metal drumming provides the renowned breathless chaotic atmosphere but there are some scattered tempo changes that attempt to variegate the main blackened core.

“Wings Of Anu” follows the same primordial rules with super monotone croaked growls and/or rasps bearing immense suffering and tight guitar riffs and hyper aggressive drumming that build an introvert groove.

On “The Flames Of Infinite Blackness Before Creation” the tempo slows down dramatically to reach an ominous atmospheric depth filled with tragic doom style heaviness and somber guitar melodies.

“Through The Divine Spirit Of Satan A Glorious Universe Is Known” has a dirty melodic approach with acoustic arpeggios that create a feeble light to guide you through the mysterious vortex of colder, somehow catchy, guitar riffs.

The title track has a more atmospheric mystical theme with a slower tempo and dominant guitar work that offers a necessary enlightened sonic variety and leaves behind the redundant chaotic rhythm.

Overall, “Bloodshed Across The Empyrean Altar Beyond The Celestial Zenith” has all the right black metal treats that make people go insane but it often relies too much on a monochromatic music theme.

Legendary Norwegian duo Darkthrone is back with a new full length entitled “Arctic Thunder”. A delightful taste for the most primitive blackened heavy metal that you can wish for is omnipresent in every song and the whole album never fails to deliver the infamous Darkthrone’s raw signature music style.

“Tundra Leech” is a winner and a keeper with its inner darkened audacity embodied by Nocturno Culto sincere raspy vocals. Everything is doomed and all hope is lost as the breathless guitar riffs build a solid solemn groove that becomes addictive at the very first listening and might make you dizzy eventually.

“Boreal Fiends” shines for its mysterious doomish aura with super catchy guitar riffs that grow into an impenetrable obscurity where a melodic languid guitar solo provides a distorted cold light.

The title track features another generous dose of groovy guitar riffs layered on simple solid drumming in introvert old school fashion with an undeniable stomping attitude that gives way to a quite short icy cold guitar solo.

With a rather simplistic music structure “Throw Me Through The Marshes” delivers a creepy vibe with a darkened sound embedded in the tight guitar riffing and a faster rhythm in traditional black metal fashion.

“Deep Lake Trespass” revolves around a persistent series of blackened guitar riffs that, once again, successfully create the right gloomy groove that requires an immediate round of headbanging.

On a dark winter day, trapped in a world on the verge of apocalypse, leave your fears and doubts behind and let Fenriz and Nocturno Culto guide you to the safe primordial realm of “Arctic Thunder”.