We all know Esa Holopanein as lead guitarist of iconic Finnish band Amorphis but now he is ready to begin a new exciting sonic endeavor releasing a debut solo album under the moniker Silver Lake joined by amazing vocalists.
Jonas Renkse of Katatonia delivers a poignant vocal performance on “Sentiment” which follows a mellow rhythm focusing on alluring guitar melodies and refined atmospheric arrangements to emphasize a perennial sense of melancholia.
“Alkusointu” takes a different direction focusing on a darkened epic flair through slower yet intricate guitar progressions surrounded by a solemn atmospheric grandeur that also highlights the dramatic spoken words by Finnish artist Vesa-Matti Loiri.
Listening to “In Her Solitude” you can instantly perceive fiery Nordic elements as the guitar work effortlessly shifts from enticing melodic phrases to cold heavier dynamics unfolding around the majestic vocal performance by Tomi Joutsen of Amorphis.
In the beginning “Promising Sun” evokes a fascinating melancholia with soft piano harmonies and sophisticated atmospheric layers embellished by the passionate vocals courtesy of Björn ‘Speed’ Strid of Soilwork & The Night Flight Orchestra yet the robust rhythmic section will acquire heavier tonalities to build inflamed grooves.
“Fading Moon” will certainly become a favorite as the eloquent vocals by Anneke Van Giersbergen and the memorable chorus flourish within the gorgeous melodic ensemble carefully crafted by a perfect mix of dreamy tonalites and intense rhythmic crescendos.
With Silver Lake Esa embraces an eclectic songwriting approach leading to an intriguing blend of heavy dynamics, dazzling prog elements and captivating melodic splendor destined to conquer your heart.
Author: Alexiel Divine
Vulture – Dealin’ Death
German thrash metal band Vulture is ready to unleash incendiary grooves and horror vibes throughout the brand new album “Dealin’ Death”.
“Malicious Souls” relies on unstoppable aggressive riffage triggering familiar thrash rhythmic blasts amplified by the ravenous screams and the wild shredding of the guitar solos.
“Gorgon” still revolves around robust rhythmic patterns and killer guitar leads yet the addition of classical piano and dismal melodic phrases is bound to grab your attention.
The furious guitar driven grooves and the thunderous drumming of “Star-Crossed City” stay true to a successful thrash metal formula enriched by a series of compelling melodic licks.
On “Below The Mausoleum” a nightmarish atmosphere surrounds the fierce rhythmic rampage while the lead guitar work shifts the focus on an elaborate melodic approach.
The title track is fueled by an uncompromising thrash/speed metal force as the rhythmic section follows a faster tempo enhancing the presence of belligerent riffage and angered screams.
“The Court Of Caligula” stands out for the charismatic guitar work skillfully shifting from bold riffs that demand instant headbanging to refined melodies accompanied by epic atmospheric accents and an anthemic chorus.
On “Dealin’ Death” Vulture aim to develop a fresh sonic vision confidently channeling the high-speed energy of old school thrash metal and drawing inspiration from classic horror stories & movies.
Monster Magnet – A Better Dystopia
Legendary rockers Monster Magnet will surprise their loyal acolytes with an obscure selection of proto-metal and psych-rock covers on the new album aptly entitled “A Better Dystopia”.
Hawkwind’s “Born To Go” doesn’t waste any time and delivers mighty guitar driven grooves rightfully enriched by surreal psychedelic vibes and wild soloing that ultimately generate a trippy sonic experience.
“Solid Gold Hell” by The Scientists drags you through a hallucinogenic maze filled with fuzzy guitar tones and psych rock dynamics while Dave Wyndorf’s inimitable voice becomes your spiritual guide.
Pentagram’s “Be Forewarned” manifests a slower nostalgia infused approach and darker melodic nuances that highlight a glorious vocal performance by Wyndorf while guitars can still channel a powerful stoner rock energy.
Poobah’’s 1972 anthem “Mr. Destroyer” is destined to become a favorite due to the irresistible fuzzed-out heaviness of the guitar work, Wyndorf’s fiery vocals and the intense psychedelic breakdown that will inevitably induce a trancelike state.
Jerusalem’s “When The Wolf Sits” marks another memorable moment as the band successfully combines an overdose of magnetic guitar leads and strong riffage unfolding around Wyndorf’s true rocker style vocals.
The cover of “Death” by The Pretty Things follows a dramatically slower tempo and creates a bittersweet dreamy mood favoring moody vocals and hazy guitar melodies embellished by organ and sitar accents.
“Welcome To The Void” by Morgen stands out for the bewitching psychedelic atmosphere that definitely emphasizes the groovy rhythmic twists and the incendiary guitar work while Wyndorf delivers majestic & spacey vocals.
With a captivating psychedelic groovy mood “A Better Dystopia” is a simply addictive collection of timeless songs that makes you space out instantly and gives you the opportunity to take a wild trip inside the mind of Dave Wyndorf.
Scar Of The Sun – Inertia
Greek metallers Scar Of The Sun continue to develop a distinctive sonic vision blending poignant melodies and modern metal dynamics on the third full length “Inertia” conceptually revolving around themes of social injustice.
The title track definitely embodies a massive groovy momentum as the sharp guitar riffs and the powerful drum blasts showcase a heavy approach further amplified by the spiteful screams and embellished by a compelling melodic solo.
“I Am The Circle” can effortlessly deliver an overload of catchy rhythmic patterns fueled by the crispy guitar tonalities and the eloquent melodic leads reaching the acme with a memorable chorus.
A dreamy atmospheric ensemble on “Quantum Leap Zero I: Torque Control” favors the presence of sorrowful melodic phrases and passionate clean vocals while the impeccable rhythmic section showcases a subtle prog metal flair.
“The Fallible Experiment” offers a fair dosage of heavy rhythmic segments yet the melodic hooks are bound to steal the spotlight as guitars deliver delightful melancholic melodies emphasized by delicate atmospheric accents.
“Singularity Collapse” focuses on the expression of genuine emotions through the sophisticated melodic passages and the heartfelt vocal delivery surrounded by understated atmospheric arrangements.
On the final track “Anastasis” you can always perceive tumultuous feelings as the darkened refined atmosphere introduces a series of belligerent guitar driven grooves accompanied by fierce screams.
An interesting aspect of “Inertia” is that Scar Of The Sun choose scientific terminology to deliver messages of social awareness and such strong concept is certainly supported by the mix of emotive soundscapes and energetic grooves.
Moon Coven – Slumber Wood
Swedish psychedelic doom band Moon Coven aims to make you instantly space out delivering an overdose of fuzzy grooves throughout the third full length “Slumber Wood”.
The doom worshipping approach of “Further” quickly becomes evident as the monolithic guitar riffs rely on vintage tonalities to create massive groovy dynamics embellished by the melodic elements of the solo.
The heavy riffage of “Ceremony” effortlessly maintains fuzzy & catchy vibes yet you can perceive a profound sense of nostalgia through the moody vocals and the slower atmospheric passages.
The elaborate composition behind “Gîbekli Tepe/Potbelly Hill” generates lugubrious atmospheric textures and gloomy melodic phrases yet the powerful rhythmic section is always ready to build bold grooves enriched by the dramatic tones of the lead guitar work.
On “Bahgsu Nag” the band has a chance to explore psychedelic territories focusing on compelling atmospheric crescendos and the slower tempo emphasizes the dominant role of the hazy melodic guitar progressions.
“My Melting Mind” clearly revolves around monumental doom laden riffs which constantly create slow burning dynamics while wistful feelings linger through the dreamy nuances of the spacey guitar melodies.
On “Slumber Wood” Moon Coven embark on a wild ride confidently channeling the mighty force of classic doom and embracing an alluring darkened melodic flair.
Seth – La Morsure Du Christ
French black metal veterans Seth make a triumphant comeback with the new devastating album “La Morsure Du Christ” written in French Alexandrine lyrics and filled with esoteric vibes.
The inflamed title track instantly unleashes a malignant blackened assault with the perfect dosage of frantic tremolo picking and thunderous drumming embellished by baroque organ tapestries.
Surrounded by a gloomy aura “Sacrifice de Sang” features slower dismal guitar melodies and atmospheric textures accompanied by theatrical vocals but will often embrace a faster pace enhancing the gelid black metal elements.
A malevolent essence thrives within the ravenous rhythmic patterns of “Ex-Cathédrale” yet the guitar work can also craft otherworldly melodic phrases in the midst of a mysterious atmosphere emphasizing a dramatic flair.
The final opus “Le Triomphe de Lucifer” symbolizes the end of the Christian reign through a fiery sonic onslaught fueled by punishing drum blasts and relentless riffage while the calmer moments focus on eerie organ harmonies, darkened melodic progressions and solemn atmospheric arrangements.
French pioneers Seth emerge from a blazing inferno channeling a powerful mysticism and an ominous creative force to successfully create decadent blackened soundscapes throughout “La Morsure Du Christ”.
Dordeduh – Har
Romanian band Dordeduh has developed a unique artistic vision on the ambitious sophomore release “Har” which dwells within a darkened world drawing inspiration also from ancient traditions.
“Timpul întâilor” opens the album with arcane atmospheric nuances and the eloquent folk tinged melodies will always hold a dominant role evoking sombre feelings further enhanced by the soulful clean vocal delivery while pummeling drums and crunchy riffage can easily build a significantly heavier blackened momentum.
“În vieliștea uitării” relies on the perfect combo of dreamy atmospheric arrangements and refined melodic guitar phrases expressing a profound sense of nostalgia yet there is still space for energetic rhythmic patterns amplified by belligerent growls.
On “Descant” the guitar work triggers a catchy rhythm but can also craft mellow melodic progressions embellished by the cinematic nature of the atmospheric layers that will often acquire opulent epic nuances.
On “Vraci de nord” the intricate atmospheric keyboards and the delicate guitar harmonies take you far away in the middle of an ancient forest enhancing the presence of folk elements in contrast with the obscure blackened force of the heavier rhythmic patterns.
The multifaceted approach on “De neam vergur” combines immersive melodic passages featuring luminous guitar tonalities and interesting proggy rhythmic dynamics that will eventually evolve into an ominous ensemble channeling once again cold extreme metal influences.
The strength of “Har” certainly comes from the great sonic diversity as Dordeduh invite you to embark on a journey into the unknown carefully blending magical melodies and fiery black metal elements.
Altarage – Succumb
Secretive death metal collective Altarage returns with the new cryptic full length “Succumb” which instantly drags you through a nightmarish world of dissonance and chaos.
Listening to “Magno Evento” you are ready to enter the void as the ravenous drum blasts dictate a breakneck speed enhanced by the claustrophobic riffage that will eventually slow down a bit to focus on obscure guitar leads.
The sinister guitar riffs on “Foregone” introduce a monolithic rhythmic ensemble that hits you in the face following a malevolent fast tempo accompanied by desperate screams while the slower passages trigger harrowing feelings.
Throughout “Watcher Witness” the grave guitar sound can generate a perennial sense of impending doom that will ultimately evolve into a monumental rhythmic rampage fueled by the utterly savage drumming.
“Lavath” continues to revolve around dissonant rhythmic dynamics favoring gruesome death metal elements that can only lead to pure chaos & despair even during the painfully slow moments.
The asphyxiating rhythmic core of “Forja” relies on the tormented guitar riffs and the belligerent drumming shifting from insanely fast patterns to slower discordant passages that certainly convey an endless anguish.
The grand finale is embodied by the lengthy track “Devorador De Mundos” which constantly evokes sinister vibes through the monochromatic atmospheric nuances and the repetitive apocalyptic rhythmic pattern.
You simply cannot escape the dark & vicious sonic maze of “Succumb” as Altarage bravely continue to dwell within an enigmatic sonic realm inevitably pushing boundaries and channeling the ominous force of extreme metal.
Vreid – Wild North West
Norwegian leaders of the black ‘n roll movement Vreid continue to explore diverse musical territories on the ambitious new concept album “Wild North West” which invites you on an unforgettable journey deep into the mountains.
On the title track an eerie atmosphere introduces a super groovy rhythmic ensemble that will ultimately acquire even faster & heavier dynamics amplifying the band’s fiery blackened roots while a sense of melancholy lingers through the melodic accents of the guitar work.
Throughout “Wolves At Sea” the focus shifts to sombre atmospheric arrangements and darkened melodic guitar phrases yet the inflamed rhythmic patterns can easily channel the ominous essence of Norwegian black metal enhanced by the vicious growls and the monumental drumming.
The mood becomes profoundly sorrowful on “The Morning Red” highlighting the dominant role of the haunting guitar progressions and the soulful clean vocal delivery naturally generating a spellbinding melodic ensemble.
The thick bass lines of “Shadows Of Aurora” lead to a compelling rhythmic crescendo that will gradually embrace a thrilling black ‘n roll momentum fueled by soaring guitar riffs and savage drum blasts marching through a ghastly atmosphere.
The sinister tones of the organ intro on “Shadowland” foreshadow a gloomy grandeur and darkness prevails inevitably as the band skillfully combines hostile rhythmic segments and captivating melodic passages while the finale features a refined melancholia infused piano piece.
The spirit of Sognametal continues to live throughout “Wild North West” yet Vreid never fail to showcase a renewed creative force blending fiery blackened dynamics and alluring melodic moments.
Liquid Tension Experiment – LTE3
Featuring Mike Portnoy, John Petrucci, Jordan Rudess and Tony Levin, legendary supergroup Liquid Tension Experiment finally returns with the new album “LTE3” which is destined to surprise the listeners with a brilliant creative force.
“Hypersonic” will delight true prog metal acolytes constantly delivering an overdose of technical rhythmic patterns and unexpected twists that often emphasize the powerful role of the pummeling drums and the crunchy riffage which will ultimately evolve into refined solos.
“Beating The Odds” showcases a heavier entertaining approach yet the main rhythmic rampage will embrace flamboyant dynamics with the insane shredding in contrast with the triumphant tones of the elaborate keyboards arrangements and the bright melodic guitar progressions.
“The Passage Of Time” unleashes pure energy through the convoluted rhythmic segments following a familiar & successful prog metal pathway as the band meticulously blends inflamed grooves and elegant guitar harmonies.
“Shades of Hope” marks a poignant moment offering a flawless combo of elegant piano melodies and gorgeous polished guitar phrases which certainly amplify an emotional theme.
There is a lot going on throughout the final opus “Key To The Imagination” as the palpable instrumental chemistry generates multifaceted tonalities shifting from intense groovy patterns fueled by the sharp riffage to luminous melodic passages enriched by the extensive & extremely intricate guitar leads.
After about twenty years hiatus “LTE3” is the perfect way to celebrate a triumphant comeback and you will be instantly impressed by the immense talent and the prowess of the musicians behind Liquid Tension Experiment.
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