Author: Alexiel Divine

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 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”.

Persefone – Metanoia

Founded in 2001 progressive/melodic death metal band Persefone embraces a remarkable evolution leading to the stylish blend of technical acrobatics and sophisticated melodies on the highly anticipated new record “Metanoia”.
“Katabasis” instantly showcases instrumental prowess putting the spotlight on the convoluted guitar progressions and the consequent eclectic prog dynamics seamlessly become entwined with the rather aggressive rhythmic blasts yet there are scattered calmer moments featuring somber piano harmonies.
“Architecture of the I” begins with crispy synth layers introducing a quite savage rhythmic rampage as the crunchy riffs march fiercely acquiring extra speed while the brighter tonalities of the intricate lead guitar work lead to an introspective atmospheric momentum.
On “Aware of Being Watched” ethereal vocal harmonies and futuristic synths feel like a pleasant daydream and the band certainly emphasizes the emotive themes through contemplative melodic tapestries yet there are plenty of twisted & heavier rhythmic patterns courtesy of the precise drumming and the virtuoso guitar style.
“Merkabah” manifests a soothing atmospheric approach embellished by the glowing guitar phrases and the softer vocal delivery in contrast with the striking technical nature of the frenetic rhythmic segments, the unrestrained riffage and the furious growls that can definitely channel an obscure death metal force.
The majestic lengthy track “Consciousness (Pt.3)” has a lot to offer symbolizing a cathartic journey as the melancholia infused cinematic intro gradually evolves into a melodic grandeur relying on the crystalline sound of the charismatic guitar leads enriched by sumptuous keyboards arrangements while the flawless rhythmic section focuses on a complex prog composition delivering the perfect dosage of harsh technical elements.
“Anabasis Pt2” unleashes a darker & ferocious assault as the faster roaring riffage leads the way through a feverish rhythmic maze yet the delightful slower passages surrounded by elegant atmospheric textures evoke genuine emotions and mystical vibes.
While Persefone is destined to impress the audience with outstanding musicianship the strength of “Metanoia” also comes from the immersive soundscapes characterized by modern electro accents and opulent atmospheric nuances.

Mass Worship – Portal Tombs

Swedish darkened metal outfit Mass Worship drags you through the bitterly cold soundscapes of the crushing sophomore record “Portal Tombs”.
“Specular Void” certainly follows an obscure sonic pathway as the harsh guitar riffs and the cryptic leads march fiercely through a mystifying atmosphere unleashing loads of oppressive rhythmic dynamics.
Featuring vicious guest vocals from legendary Mark “Barney” Greenway of Napalm Death the title track sounds particularly aggressive as the merciless rhythmic section acquires speed and ominous tones reaching the acme with a wild guitar solo.
“Orcus Mouth” conjures a massive darkened force to generate chaotic rhythmic blasts yet there is space for mournful guitar melodies and cathartic soloing ultimately leading to a melancholic atmospheric finale enriched by eloquent clean vocals courtesy of Jonas Renkse of Katatonia.
Throughout “Empyrean Halls” the ruthless rhythmic segments are naturally amplified by tormented growls but the fragile arpeggios evoke an apparent peacefulness and the atmosphere becomes murky as the guitar leads fully embrace arcane tonalities.
Drenched in undiluted darkness “Deliverance” marks a harrowing grand finale focusing on ghastly doom influences as the excellent lead guitar work crafts refined crestfallen melodic progressions within a gloomy rhythmic maze.
Keeping in mind a familiar Scandinavian extreme metal formula without sacrificing a grim melodic essence, Mass Worship successfully convey fury & desolation throughout “Portal Tombs”.

Venom Prison – Erebos

Uk death metallers Venom Prison continue to evolve a visceral sonic vision that today leads to the new untamed full-length “Erebos” destined to solidify their status in the underground metal scene.
“Judges Of The Underworld” spontaneously unleashes uncompromising rhythmic blasts highlighting the precise drumming and the blistering guitar riffs that will ultimately lead to charismatic solos characterized by refined melodic accents.
“Nemesis” provides the perfect dosage of aggression as the vitriolic riffage dictates an intense groovy momentum around Larissa Stupar’s insane growls yet when the tempo slows down a bit guitars can acquire brighter tonalities and dazzling proggy vibes.
You can perceive an emotional whirlwind through “Pain Of Oizys” as the focus often shifts to poignant melodic aesthetics emphasizing the hypnotizing intricate guitar work and the wistful clean vocal harmonies in contrast with the scattered savage rhythmic patterns.
Surrounded by dystopian atmospheric arrangements “Golden Apples Of The Hesperides” conveys sheer fury through the hostile screams and the breakneck speed diligently fueled by the unrestrained guitar riffs and the frantic leads.
Undoubtedly there is a strong death metal force behind the vicious composition of “Gorgon Sisters” as the relentless drumming proudly leads the way to a chaotic sonic realm where guitars can engage in fiery convoluted progressions embellished by the futuristic tones of the surreal atmospheric layers.
Through the twisted harsh rhythmic maze of “Technologies Of Death” guitars have the ability to create venomous riffs and enticing melancholic melodic phrases showcasing versatility and expressing grave emotions further enhanced by the gloomy atmospheric finale.
Without any hesitation Venom Prison deliver an overdose of incendiary grooves throughout “Erebos” yet they are able to diverge from standard extreme metal territories channeling an alluring poetic essence.

Cloakroom – Dissolution Wave

To celebrate their tenth anniversary as a band Cloakroom embarks on a space voyage through the surreal soundscapes of the brand new full-length “Dissolution Wave” lyrically based on an imagined cosmology.
“Lost Meaning” immediately grabs your attention with the fuzzy strength of the guitar riffs generating robust rhythmic segments while a bittersweet melodic essence accompanied by soothing vocals flows gracefully through the dense atmospheric maze.
The title track fully embraces a space rock approach to leave behind the dreadful reality as the tempo slows down highlighting the comforting cold tonalities of the eloquent melodic progressions surrounded by airy atmospheric arrangements.
“Fear Of Being Fixed” might sound slightly harsh due to the gritty guitar sound and the consequent monolithic riffage yet the serene vocal delivery and the twirling melodic phrases reveal a softer side.
“Lambspring” offers a kaleidoscopic melodic palette expressing uplifting feelings through the shimmering shoegaze nature of the enchanting guitar work floating within an otherworldly atmospheric realm while the finale naturally acquires some fuzzy energy.
Even if the gentle vocals continue to convey immense melancholia on “Dissembler” the raw guitar riffs become more dominant delivering big groovy dynamics easily embellished by fascinating darkened atmospheric nuances.
As Cloakroom confidently channel cosmic energy and a moody shoegaze flair “Dissolution Wave” unfolds like a hazy daydream focusing on evocative melodies and contemplative themes that seem to belong to another dimension.

Celeste – Assassine(s)

French avant-garde black metal band Celeste embarks on an immersive journey through the harrowing soundscapes of the latest record “Assassine(s)”.
On “Des Torrents De Coups” the fiery combo of untamed riffage and monumental drumming generates hostile rhythmic blasts that seamlessly become entwined with the stark beauty of the contemplative melodic guitar progressions.
“Nonchalantes de beauté” relies on the savage screams and the raw energy of the precise rhythmic section to amplify a profound sense of despair yet the monochromatic guitar tonalities eventually evolve into gloomy melodic tapestries flowing gently through a blurry atmosphere.
“Il a tant rêvé d’elles” showcases a primordial approach as the gritty guitar sound and the sludge influences lead to heavier & faster rhythmic segments yet an immense melancholia is destined to emerge through the decadent post-metal melodic flair.
“Elle se répète froidement” rightfully puts the spotlight on the haunting melodic guitar phrases and the shimmering atmospheric accents yet the band doesn’t refrain from channeling pure brutality through an inflamed rhythmic rampage.
“Le cœur noir charbon” demands your attention as the visceral guitar riffs naturally build an intense rhythmic tension within a quite frantic sonic realm emphasized by the ruthless growls in contrast with the fragile atmospheric arrangements and the ethereal vocal harmonies courtesy of guest vocalist Emily Marks.
Throughout “Assassine(s)” Celeste have the ability to perfectly balance mysterious atmospheric nuances and aggressive blackened blasts inevitably conveying grim emotions and sheer passion.

Hazemaze – Blinded By The Wicked

Swedish rock’n’doom merchants Hazemaze are ready to spread pure darkness through the colossal trippy grooves of the third record “Blinded By The Wicked”.
“In The Night Of The Light, For The Dark” doesn’t waste any time providing an overdose of big riffs supported by a monolithic rhythmic section highlighting the sinister tonalities and the traditional doom influences.
“Devil’s Spawn” relies on the chunky and quite catchy guitar riffs to build a no frills heavy rock ensemble yet the band’s darkened vision becomes evident with the addition of spooky organ tapestries.
On “Ethereal Disillusion” the slower tempo emphasizes the obscure doom guitar tones and the raw energy of the bass lines leading to memorable progressions accompanied by a lysergic vocal delivery.
“Ceremonial Aspersion” offers another serious round of monumental guitar riffs so you can expect satisfying doom tinged dynamics but later everything slows down as the Hammond organ crafts irresistible eerie atmospheric arrangements.
The final track “Malevolent Inveigler” indeed conveys mysterious vibes through the devilish and quite entertaining guitar driven grooves which once again embrace a solid stoner doom style with an appealing vintage flair.
Hazemaze aptly follow a wicked doomed pathway on “Blinded By The Wicked” that inevitably amplifies the occult thematic but always keeps a thrilling groovy momentum.