Founded by multi-instrumentalist Mark Deeks, known for his work with black metal stalwarts Winterfylleth, the new monastic doom metal project Arð manifests an epic sonic vision on the debut release “Take Up My Bones” conceptually inspired by the legendary relics of the famous Northumbrian saint Cuthbert and their long journey.
“Burden Foretold” combines solemn chanting and the heavy weight of traditional doom metal while the slower passages can instantly captivate the listeners with the stark beauty of enchanting cello melodies within a brooding atmospheric ensemble.
Following a slow mournful tempo the title track creates an enigmatic mood with theatrical chants and lugubrious guitar tonalities that naturally lead to crestfallen melodic crescendos embellished by the delicate piano.
Surrounded by an arcane atmosphere “Raise then the Incorrupt Body” unfolds a fragile melodic essence through compelling acoustic phrases, graceful keyboards arrangements and a soft vocal delivery enriched by the immense nostalgia of the guitar leads and the cello.
On “Only Three Shall Know ” evocative monastic chants introduce a majestic darkened sonic realm where a meticulous mixture of sublime classical accents and funereal doom laden guitar riffs create a striking dramatic depth.
Throughout “Take Up My Bones” Arð embrace a detailed composition to tell intriguing stories and myths of their native land blending a harrowing doom metal force and alluring melodic tapestries.
Author: Alexiel Divine
Voivod – Synchro Anarchy
Canadian progressive sci-fi metal veterans Voivod reach a significant milestone with the release of the 15th studio album “Synchro Anarchy” taking you on a spacey trip through a visionary sonic realm.
On “Paranormalium” the discordant guitar riffs and the intricate leads seem to belong to an alternate universe but as the precise rhythmic section gains groovy vibes and speed you can perceive a familiar thrash essence.
The title track can surprise you with loads of twisted rhythmic dynamics fueled by the mighty guitar riffs and the prog drumming style yet there is an inner eerie melodic flair that can generate a catchy momentum.
Offering soothing arpeggios “Mind Clock” acquires a darker aura but there will be drastic tempo variations as the gritty guitar riffs eventually lead to a faster & frantic rhythm that can make you feel dizzy.
“Holographic Thinking” begins with unstoppable heavy riffage characterized by an old school approach yet the guitar work can also deliver complex progressions and a tasteful solo which showcase stronger prog metal influences.
“Quest For Nothing” provides a fair dosage of robust thrash grooves highlighting the heavier tight rhythmic section and the consequent raw energy is further amplified by the angered vocal delivery while the slower finale holds a hypnotic melodic flair. .
Voivod clearly demonstrate that after 40 years of existence they still have a lot to say and their unique music style today spontaneously leads to the eclectic & surreal world of “Synchro Anarchy”.
Hangman’s Chair – A Loner
French doom rock band Hangman’s Chair takes you on a dystopian trip through the decadent outskirts of Paris and the gloomy world of the latest full-length “A Loner”.
Focusing on a compelling emotional depth “An Ode To Breakdown” relies on the darkened guitar tonalities to craft harrowing melodic crescendos within a hazy atmospheric maze while the bold riffs & drumming can easily build a memorable groovy momentum.
Channeling grave emotions “Who Wants To Die Old” begins with hypnotic minimalist melodies accompanied by soulful vocals but the rhythm gradually acquires a darker energy through the irresistible fuzzy guitar riffs.
“Supreme” can easily convey an overwhelming melancholia as the dreamy post-metal influences feel stronger leading to slow-burning melodic progressions and murky atmospheric layers spiced up by scattered fiery grooves.
“Loner” feels hopeless and beautiful as we enter a subtle atmospheric daydream filled with wistful harmonies yet the rhythmic section will eventually engage in catchy goth inspired dynamics.
“A Thousand Miles Away” certainly embodies the album’s immense tristesse through the recurring monochromatic melodies and the consequent desolate soundscapes that will evolve into robust guitar driven grooves fueled by the significantly heavier riffage.
Throughout “A Loner” Hangman’s Chair inevitably evoke solitude and despair, shaping an honest sonic vision that naturally shifts from mournful doom elements to shimmering atmospheric splendor.
Author & Punisher – Krüller
With the industrial drone-doom project Author & Punisher mastermind Tristan Shone has created a world of custom made machines and dystopian soundscapes that today leads to the surreal new album “Krüller”.
The experimental approach of “Drone Carrying Dread” generates a murky atmospheric ensemble certainly enhanced by the slow mournful tempo and the moody vocal delivery embellished by recurring bittersweet melodic accents.
Darkness inevitably descends on “Incinerator” which can sound quite heavy as the elaborate synths can create oppressive patterns and pulsating rhythmic crescendos amplified by distorted sounds and angered vocals.
Throughout the dense drone induced atmosphere of “Centurion” the mechanical industrial beats maintain a monochromatic rhythm and you can always perceive a sense of utter desolation and grim feelings.
Featuring a collaboration with Tool’s drummer Danny Carey, “Misery” definitely showcases gritty industrial vibes yet there is a lingering decadent melodic essence bound to grab your attention through the soothing atmospheric nuances.
The title track tends to focus on a robotic rhythmic core that seems to belong to a distant decayed dimension and emphasizes raw heavier dynamics while the soft piano melodies create an extremely gloomy finale.
Ultimately “Krüller” dwells within a darkened realm where Author & Punisher skillfully combines multilayered nightmarish industrial textures and bleak melodic aesthetics developing a unique sonic and sensorial experience.
Silent Skies – Nectar
Featuring vocalist of renowned progressive metal act Evergrey Tom S. Englund and pianist virtuoso Vikram Shankar, the ambient project Silent Skies aims to conquer your heart with the cinematic sophomore release “Nectar”.
“Fallen From Heart” opens the album putting the spotlight on Tom’s warm vocal delivery surrounded by a soft crispy atmosphere and magical cello harmonies courtesy of talented musician Raphael Weinroth-Browne.
“Taper” manifests a deeply melancholic spirit consequently the soothing piano melodies acquire somber tonalities flourishing within a fragile atmospheric ensemble.
“Let It Hurt” certainly relies on intense emotional themes as the passionate vocal performance perfectly complements the detailed mix of airy atmospheric tapestries and refined classical textures.
“Leaving” marks another poignant moment as the intricate keyboards layers craft opulent atmospheric crescendos embellished by the sublime cello melodies and an understated darkened flair.
On “Cold” delicate electro elements create quasi surreal soundscapes with a palpable wintry feel elegantly unraveling around the particularly fervent vocals.
“Closer” continues to intensify a poetic emotional approach as the eloquent vocals flow gracefully within the delightful atmospheric composition that often feels like a fading daydream.
Throughout “Nectar” Silent Skies showcases an evocative sonic vision focusing on the expression of vivid emotions and sophisticated arrangements destined to move the listeners.
Amorphis – Halo
Finnish icons Amorphis continue to tell fascinating ancient stories channeling a magical Nordic spirit through the mesmerizing blend of gloomy melodies and majestic grooves of the fourteenth full-length “Halo”.
“Northwards” begins a wintry journey with a perfect melancholic atmospheric intro swiftly followed by energetic groovy dynamics highlighting the extraordinary band’s chemistry and the stylish combo of soothing melodic guitar leads and vintage rock inspired keyboards create delightful slower passages.
“The Moon” immediately stands out for the soulful melodic essence flourishing through a super catchy mix of refined guitar progressions and intricate keyboards arrangements with a dazzling proggy inspiration evoking somber feelings enhanced by Tomi Joutsen’s fervent clean vocal delivery.
Throughout “A New Land” the fierce rhythmic section can consistently provide explosive grooves easily amplified by the colossal growls but the Nordic folk influences are destined to shine bright leading to vivid mystical progressions.
“Seven Roads Come Together” sounds insanely groovy, often following a faster tempo and putting the spotlight on the robust riffage and the ruthless growls while the solemn keyboards layers definitely add epic vibes around the clean vocal harmonies.
The title track begins with a darkened atmospheric aura and the consequent melancholia will linger through the eloquent melodic ensemble as the glowing lead guitar work and the soothing keyboards tonalities always maintain a catchy mood.
“The Wolf” often acquires darker aesthetics through the nocturnal atmospheric accents and the ravenous riffage while the sorrowful guitar phrases and the dramatic operatic choirs create an irresistible cold melodic flair.
“My Name Is Night” brings closure with a contemplative melodic grandeur featuring graceful guitar melodies unfolding around an otherworldly vocal duet with guest singer Petronella Nettermalm ultimately conveying poignant emotions.
Demonstrating once again an unstoppable creative force and impeccable musicianship Amorphis proudly stay true to a distinct sonic vision meticulously developed during their longstanding career yet never refrain from exploring diverse styles to craft the enthralling soundscapes of “Halo”.
Dark Tranquillity Live at Metro in Chicago
Finally Swedish melodic death metal icons Dark Tranquillity are back in North America on a massive tour with Kataklysm and Nailed To Obscurity proving that live music is back in full force. During a memorable show at the Metro in Chicago, Dark Tranquillity performed a diverse setlist including the evocative classic “Therein”, “Phantom Days”, “Transient” and “Identical To None” from the latest acclaimed release “Moment” and paid an emotional tribute to former guitarist Fredrik Johansson with the unforgettable track “Punish My Heaven”.
Kataklysm Live at Metro in Chicago
Canadian death metal titans Kataklysm return to perform live in full force on the current ‘North America Moments’ tour with Dark Tranquillity and Nailed To Obscurity. As true stage veterans Kataklysm proudly unleashed a heavy hitter setlist during their show at the Metro in Chicago including “Underneath The Scars”, “Focused To Destroy You” and “The Killshot” from the crushing latest record “Unconquered” and of course favorite songs like “Taking The World By Storm” and “The Black Sheep” instantly triggered a moshpit.
Nailed to Obscurity Video Interview with Raimund and Jan-Ole
Nailed To Obscurity Live at Metro in Chicago
German melodic death/doom metallers Nailed To Obscurity recently released the brand new dark & melancholic single “Liquid Mourning” via Nuclear Blast Records and for the first time embarked on a massive North American tour supporting labelmates Kataklysm and Swedish titans Dark Tranquillity. During their live performance at the Metro in Chicago Nailed To Obscurity definitely conquered new acolytes delivering a captivating blend of aggressive grooves and sorrowful melodic grandeur with a memorable setlist that included the latest full length title track “Black Frost”, the new single “Liquid Mourning”, “The Aberrant Host” and “Desolate Ruin”.
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