Blackened heavy metal band Nite bravely chooses to persevere in times of immense darkness blasting big guitar driven grooves and epic melodies on the third full-length “Cult Of The Serpent Sun”.
The title track immediately showcases the raucous heavy metal attitude of the whole album so guitars become possessed by an obscure energy to generate relentless riffs and the result is a quite catchy hymn to darkness.
“Crow (Fear The Night)” is a further confirmation of the crucial role of guitars maintaining a darkly seductive allure, certainly amplified by the ominous vocals, and proving skillful musicianship with an overdose of powerful licks.
“The Mystic” reaches a higher complexity as the brooding atmospheric nuances surround a sober series of majestic guitar melodies following a slower mystifying tempo that can make you space out.
“The Last Blade” pays homage to the glory of classic heavy metal with a massive dosage of soaring riffs effortlessly building entertaining rhythmic variations later enriched by the extra fancy guitar solo.
Listening to “Tarmut” we might fall into the depths of darkness as the rhythmic backbone acquires eerie tonalities to support the perennial melancholia of the captivating melodic guitar work ultimately leading to a masterful contemplative solo.
Under an enigmatic shroud of darkness Nite move forward to perfect their sonic formula and their proclaimed blackened twist on NWOBHM evidently comes to life throughout the moody grooves of “Cult Of The Serpent Sun”.
Author: Alexiel Divine
The Halo Effect – March Of The Unheard
When iconic musicians that contributed to the creation of Gothenburg metal scene join forces you can expect great things, in fact The Halo Effect returns with the sophomore album “March Of The Unheard” taking another evolutionary step forward within the glorious melodic death metal realm.
“Conspire To Deceive” is filled with high octane energy as the cold rhythmic dynamics masterfully produce triumphant grooves and Mikael Stanne shows what it means to be a restless passionate vocalist with majestic growls.
In impeccable melo-death style “Cruel Perception” represents contrasting emotions effortlessly juxtaposing darkly contemplative melodic guitars and a raw rhythmic tension.
The excellent rhythmic structure of “What We Become” naturally leads to heavy unforgiving grooves complemented by visceral growls yet the most interesting elements are the deliciously darker melodic passages.
As drums often dictate a faster crushing rhythm “Forever Astray” adds some modern synths accents to the soaring guitars yet Mikael steals the spotlight with elegantly introspective clean vocals matching a moody melodic composition.
Tempo slows down on the poetic track “Between Directions” as Mikael delivers a truly poignant vocal performance that emphasizes the stylish melodic guitar work and the airy atmospheric arrangements.
“A Death That Becomes Us” focuses on a rather catchy & somber chorus and the mid tempo melodic themes can be further enhanced by the crispy guitar sound and the solemn atmospheric nuances.
The band’s chemistry here is a big deal as The Halo Effect use their talents to seamlessly blend harsh rhythmic rampages, a much needed uplifting attitude and a soothing Nordic melancholia that render “March Of The Unheard” a true melodic death metal anthem.
Wardruna – Birna
Acclaimed Norwegian world music collective Wardruna dives further into Old Norse mythology to create the majestic sixth album “Birna” which embodies a sonic & mystical journey into the woodland realms of the bear.
We enter an ancient mythical dimension as “Hertan” strengthens the old roots with a mystifying galloping rhythm and an impressive combo of traditional instruments accompanied by grand eclectic choirs.
The title track can easily hypnotize the listeners invoking the ancestral force of nature with convoluted instrumental passages that ultimately create stunning multidimensional harmonies reaching the acme with an alluring blend of diverse vocal deliveries.
“Jord til Ljos” presents rich acoustic tapestries and captivating rhythmic variations adorned by whimsical flutes and inspiring chants that sound so far away from the dreary modern world.
The pulsating rhythmic core of “Skuggehesten” showcases a darker & heavier attitude around the quasi harsh vocal delivery and the eerie elegance of the strings can induce a trance like state.
Within the otherworldly dimension of “Tetrale” emotions run free as a sophisticated melodic essence takes the center stage enriched by detailed atmospheric arrangements ultimately leading to a cathartic rhythmic crescendo.
To courageously venture into the depth of a magical forest we follow the evocative chants of “Lyfjaberg” as the atmospheric gloom and the tribal rhythm seamlessly entwine to generate a solemn soundscape.
Dedicated to the warden of the forest “Birna” always feels like a mesmerizing dialogue with nature as Wardruna, guided by the creative wisdom of Einar Selvik, carefully weave intricate atmospheric and acoustic progressions sincerely celebrating their fascinating Norse folklore.
High Parasite – Forever We Burn
Fronted by Aaron Stainthorpe of legendary doom stalwarts My Dying Bride, High Parasite violently arise from the shadows to present a renewed gothic metal manifesto with the debut endeavor “Forever We Burn”.
The title track ensures a triumphant beginning combining groovy guitar lines crafting an attention worthy rhythmic ensemble and unexpectedly catchy melodies bound to get stuck on your mind resulting in a refreshing & entertaining sonic experience.
On “My Syndrome” synths develop a borderline futuristic mindset yet Aaron’s theatrical vocal performance reminisces the golden age of decadent gothic/doom metal while later on growls become an essential requirement to enhance the fierce heavier rhythmic dynamics.
“Grave Intentions” strengthens the inner 90’s gothic metal inspiration with forlorn melodic guitars in the midst of potent rhythmic progressions yet the band has always the chance to add modern atmospheric accents.
“Let it Fail” rightfully gets the spotlight as the first single showcasing an anguished melodic approach with the perfect dosage of wilder quasi malevolent grooves enriched by eclectic synths and the ethereal vocals courtesy of Heather Thompson from Tapping The Vein.
“Parasite” is another perfect example of the album’s super catchy essence as guitars take the center stage with memorable riffage galloping wild and vocals effortlessly shift from monochromatic cleans to spiteful screams.
The apocalyptic flair of “We Break We Die” runs through the captivating combo of potent crunchy riffs and magnetic multilayered synths that eventually can make you space out or just dance.
As Aaron stated High Parasite is not a simple side project but a new breathing entity that naturally leads to the creation of a different subgenre tagged as Death Pop masterfully blending gothic rock grooves and dark synth-pop arrangements.
Marilyn Manson – One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1
Leaving behind a troubled situation the glorious artistic rebirth of reverend Marilyn Manson is embodied by the intoxicating new opus “One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1”.
As an invitation to a mysterious ritual the title track dwells within a distorted dreamy soundscape where vocals unleash pure passion and guitars acquire a sinister flare inducing a profound self-reflection.
“No Funeral Without Applause” showcases a mellow heart yet we inevitably feel lost within a dark fairytale where Manson freely shifts from fragile vocals to wild screams well supported by the 90’s alt-rock vibes of the attractive guitar work.
It would be natural to start obsessing over “As Sick As The Secrets Within” as this track feels intimate and deliciously wicked at the same time focusing on an elegant melodic composition and the perfect dosage of gritty rhythmic dynamics.
“Death Is Not A Costume” relies on an addictive chorus but mainly reveals lugubrious tonalities through dismal guitar harmonies and hazy atmospheric arrangements that allow Manson’s voice to express moody emotions.
“Sacrifice Of The Mass” slows down to fully showcase an introspective side as Manson’s tormented vocal delivery skillfully complemented by bittersweet arpeggios seem to float within an opulent obscure atmospheric realm.
Like a full blown rockstar and irreverent icon Marilyn Manson successfully reshapes his mischievous artistry and satisfies his faithful acolytes with the intellectual force of the darkened grooves of “One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1” and we eagerly await the next chapter of this tumultuous musical endeavor.
Alcest – Les Chants De L’Aurore
In the crowded metal scene French blackgaze pioneers Alcest will always stand out for innovative composition and fascinating spiritualism, as a result the highly anticipated record “Les Chants De L’Aurore” clearly manifests striking creative abilities.
“Komorebi” is certainly the legit product of the band’s well tested formula putting in the center uplifting shoegaze motives without forgetting the inner darker side embodied by faster intense rhythmic dynamics.
Throughout “Améthyste” guitars choose delicate tonalities to meticulously weave dreamy melodies and magnetic crescendos leaving space to the genuine expression of emotional themes while the harsh vocals obviously reminisce of cryptic black metal influences.
It feels like sleeping on the cold grass under a starry night as the airy arpeggios of “L’Enfant de la Lune” flow gently around you and Neige’s soothing vocal style perfectly complements the intricate guitar phrases and the delightful atmospheric arrangements.
“L’adieu” moves sinuously representing a truly haunting finale focusing on poetic minimalist harmonies and evocative chants that belong to a distant dimension or maybe a limbo between life and death but certainly not the real world here and now.
On the 7th opus “Les Chants De L’Aurore” Alcest bravely open a gateway to the spiritual world with an elegant sonic vision bound to move the audience.
Worshipper – One Way Trip
Boston’s psychedelic hard rockers Worshipper deliver an infectious collection of guitar driven tunes on the sparkling third full-length “One Way Trip” and we certainly wanna join this ride.
“Heroic Dose” is a mighty straightforward track that tells you what to expect from these reckless rockers using big electrifying riffs to create a solid series of massive grooves showcasing a fancy twin guitars work.
“Windowpane” holds an alluring nostalgia as the old school guitar sound captures your attention and the band skillfully mixes colossal guitar riffs and dramatic melodic accents fully expressed within the moody chorus.
“Only Alive” has a vibrant rock energy that inevitably hits you in the face with the ideal dosage of gritty riffs and galloping drum blasts white vocals maintain somber undertones rightfully emphasized by hyper psychedelic synths.
Throughout “James Motel” guitars acquire darker mysterious tonalities to create suspenseful rhythmic progressions as something scary might be right here all around us while the memorable chorus feels as catchy as possible.
“Onward” reveals an introspective melodic heart as guitars rely on recurring gloomy arpeggios and over the top passionate vocals to build a constant epic rhythmic tension ultimately leading to a spacey atmospheric grand finale.
Worshipper are not trying to impress you with special effects instead they bravely take a “One Way Trip” making it as wild as possible to properly carry the torch for authentic heavy psych rock in this chaotic modern world.
Vltimas – Epic
Featuring extraordinary artists, extreme metal powerhouse Vltimas is ready to raise the bar conjuring arcane forces throughout the sophomore release “Epic”.
The title track is a fierce representation of the band’s musical pathway as guitars immediately take the center stage delivering the perfect dose of malevolent riffs and anguished melodic themes complemented by David Vincent’s majestic vocals.
On the impactful track “Miserere” as the drums acquire extra speed and violence guitars inevitably engage in an unrestrained rhythmic rampage in proper death metal fashion destined to reach the acme with a wicked solo.
“Mephisto Manifesto” aptly manifests diabolical tones through the sophisticated darkened melodic lines and David’s devilish vocal delivery while the tight rhythmic section skillfully builds memorable dynamics.
“Invictus” captures your attention with aptly epic vocals and consequently aims to become a groovy march to war constantly fueled by the hammering drums and often embellished by evocative slow burning guitar leads.
“Spoils Of War” maintains the ideal combo of gritty riffage and darkly contemplative melodic passage emphasized by the shadowy guitar sound delivering some accomplished technical variations.
“Epic” ultimately symbolizes the rightful product of an honest creative method as Vltimas meticulously shape their signature sound and invoke the profane strength of extreme metal to confidently put together a massive sonic assault.
Lucifer – Lucifer V
Occult heavy rockers Lucifer descend upon us with the blazing force of the unholy new release “Lucifer V”.
“At The Mortuary” instantly takes you back to the golden age of 70’s heavy rock as the infectious guitar riffs run wildly through an inflamed rhythmic ensemble while an eerie doom inspiration inevitably leads to dramatic atmospheric textures.
The seductive decadence of “Slow Dance in A Crypt” leads to slow burning melodic waves and you can appreciate how the darker guitar tones are easily adorned by the bittersweet vocal harmonies and the catchy chorus.
With a morbid playful title “A Coffin Has No Silver Lining” focuses on the unrestrained sizzling guitar riffs that spontaneously build groovy dynamics enhanced by a perfect vintage sound.
“The Dead Don’t Speak” is another entertaining tune revolving around monumental guitar riffs destined to grab your attention and while you’re having fun the overall ghastly mood reminds you that something creepy might be lurking in the darkness.
With the final track “Nothing Left To Lose But My Life” we enter a captivating melancholic realm where Johanna’s eloquent vocals enrich the warm melodic themes while the guitar work can still acquire an energetic momentum leading to an excellent solo.
As Lucifer proudly conjure the darkened & groovy essence of classic doom/heavy rock the strength of “Lucifer V” evidently comes from the bewitching guitar driven grooves and Johanna’s charismatic vocal performance.
My Dying Bride – A Mortal Binding
British death-doom indisputable masters My Dying Bride give new life to a timeless genre that defies time and space creating the unforgettable gloomy grandeur of the 15th studio album “A Mortal Binding”.
“Her Dominion” drags you through a desolate sonic dimension where weeping violins comfort your weakened heart in contrast with the heavy hitting guitar riffs that carry the torch for majestic doom metal cutting through the oppressive atmospheric layers
The epic single “The 2nd of Three Bells” is a gothic splendor affair as decadent atmospheric layers surround Aaron’s hypnotizing clean vocals before mournful guitars deliver an overdose of powerful doomed riffs leading to a palpable ominous rhythmic tension and violent grooves.
You will inevitably succumb to the eternal darkness of “The Apocalyptist” manifesting a colossal rhythmic backbone focused on heavy guitar tones executed in perfect doom fashion and adorned by recurring heart-wrenching harmonious violins.
The album’s dramatic closure is perfectly symbolized by “Crushed Embers” which celebrates eternal solitude & grief presenting convoluted atmospheric textures where violins flow gently carrying a touch of classical elegance and a pale light becomes visible despite the asphyxiating heavy weight of the towering guitar riffs and the tragically poetic vocal performance.
The band’s faithful acolytes will instantly fall under the spell of “A Mortal Binding” as My Dying Bride carefully weave melodic threads and crushing dynamics to celebrate once again the overwhelming misery and the perennial melancholia of their signature doom sonic vision.
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