Hailing from Suffolk Ghosts Of Atlantis presents to the world the monumental debut full length “3.6. 2.4” conceptually inspired by the mythology of ancient Greece and the lost city of Atlantis.
“The Third Pillar” marks a triumphant beginning as the multilayered symphonic tapestries and the majestic choirs evoke a solemn atmosphere surrounding a quite aggressive blackened rhythmic rampage certainly amplified by the vicious growls.
The atmospheric grandeur of “Halls Of Lemurai” introduces a dazzling mix of inflamed heavier rhythmic patterns and fascinating symphonic arrangements while the slower passages highlight the sophisticated melodic guitar phrases and the passionate clean vocals.
“The Curse Of Man” stands out for the exquisite combo of subtle atmospheric layers and somber melodies accompanied by the theatrical vocal delivery yet the savage guitar driven grooves will often channel a merciless blackened force.
The menacing rhythmic blasts on “Gardens Of Athena” still manifest extreme metal elements but the focus shifts on sumptuous orchestrations and poignant melodic crescendos featuring polished guitar tonalities that will lead to a darkly contemplative breakdown enriched by dramatic clean vocals.
“The Lost Compass” embodies an epic momentum as the elegant atmospheric textures and the classical piano create intricate soundscapes ultimately leading to catchy melodic passages accompanied by soothing vocal harmonies in contrast with the faster vicious rhythmic dynamics.
Ghosts Of Atlantis proudly begin an exciting sonic endeavor as on “3.6. 2.4” they have successfully created an alluring blend of symphonic grandeur, blackened grooves and brooding aesthetics destined to raise interest in the current metal scene.
Author: Alexiel Divine
Sweet Oblivion – Relentless
Created, overseen and directed by Serafino Perugino President and A&R director of Frontiers Records, the metal project Sweet Oblivion returns with the sophomore release “Relentless” featuring legendary former Queensrÿche vocalist Geoff Tate.
“Once Again One Sin” opens the album with refined keyboards arrangements creating an opulent nostalgia infused atmosphere around Geoff’s charismatic signature vocal style and the classic metal nuances of the polished guitar work.
A melancholic mood lingers throughout “Let It Be” highlighting the passionate vocal delivery and keyboards skillfully continue to craft charming soundscapes while guitars shift from tight riffage to captivating melodic soloing.
“Wake Up Call” is surrounded by the dazzling ‘80s vibes of the multilayered keyboards that emphasize the emotional quality of the slower passages while the heavier guitar riffs naturally lead to a memorable chorus.
The glowing melodic leads and the shimmering keyboards become crucial on “Anybody Out There” and definitely complement Geoff’s impressive vocal range yet the rhythmic section has a chance to build some solid groovy patterns.
“Aria” sounds particularly interesting as this time Geoff sings in Italian delivering intense emotions while the rhythmic segments can showcase heavier dynamics fueled by the elaborate guitar work.
The final track “Fly Angel Fly” certainly embodies the catchy melodic essence that characterizes the entire album as once again guitars effortlessly deliver sharp riffs and soulful melodic phrases enriched by the impeccable vocals.
Classic metal acolytes will instantly appreciate the familiar ‘80s vibes that Sweet Oblivion proudly embrace throughout “Relentless” which as expected also stands out for Geoff’s stellar vocal performance.
Greenleaf – Echoes From A Mass
Swedish stoner rockers Greenleaf return with a soulful blend of fuzzy grooves and hypnotic melodies on the new fiery offering “Echoes From A Mass”.
The wild ride begins with “Tides” manifesting a captivating vintage flair through the raw guitar sound delivering robust riffs and stellar leads that will ultimately lead to bewitching rhythmic crescendos within a surreal atmospheric realm.
The bluesy influences thrive throughout “Good God I Better Run Away” focusing on the slick guitar work which spontaneously builds memorable grooves enriched by the fuzzy soloing and the bittersweet vocal harmonies.
“Needle In My Eye” naturally conveys the hazy vibes of desert rock as the heavy combo of bass lines and guitar riffs consistently creates monumental rhythmic patterns reaching the acme with the addictive retro tones of the glorious solo.
Throughout “Bury Me My Son” the spacey atmospheric moments and the soulful vocal delivery fully express somber emotions which certainly enhance the warm bluesy rock spirit of the guitar riffs and the consequent vibrant rhythmic crescendos.
“On Wings Of Gold” takes you in the middle of the desert with an irresistible spacey jam highlighting the eloquent guitar phrases surrounded by an alluring atmospheric daze while the excellent rhythmic ensemble ensures plenty of solid grooves.
“What Have We Become” marks a poignant finale as the beautiful slower nostalgia infused guitar melodies accompanied by a truly passionate vocal performance emphasize the emotional themes flowing through a dreamy atmospheric realm.
Within the burgeoning stoner rock scene Greenleaf definitely deserve attention as the charismatic musicianship and the moody soundscapes of “Echoes From A Mass” are bound to make you space out instantly.
Decline Of The I – Johannes
French post-black metal band Decline Of The I begins a new spellbinding trilogy with the full length “Johannes” inspired by the output of Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard.
Within a mystical sonic realm “A Selfish Star” conveys darkened emotions through the seductive dreamy atmospheric arrangements, the angelic choirs and the exquisite guitar melodies that will often give way to a majestic heavier rhythmic ensemble clearly influenced by the ominous force of black metal.
“The Veil of Splendid Lies” skillfully combines blackened fury and sheer melancholia as the guitar work naturally shifts from visceral riffage to sombre melodic textures and the resulting contrasting feelings flourish in the midst of a refined multifaceted atmospheric ensemble.
A solemn arcane aura enriched by opulent classical accents surrounds the final opus “Diev Vide” which definitely embodies the darkest nuances recurring throughout the whole album as the mesmerizing guitar work focuses on a fragile melodic beauty that will become inevitably entwined with gelid blackened tonalities leading to intense rhythmic crescendos amplified by the tormented growls.
Throughout “Johannes” Decline Of The I showcases a magnetic creative force carefully blending cold blackened moments and stylish surreal atmospheres that emphasize the philosophical & contemplative themes.
Memoriam – To The End
Back in 2016 British death metallers Memoriam began a triumphant sonic endeavor that today proves to be simply unstoppable with the release of the fourth full length “To The End”.
“Onwards Into Battle” immediately puts the spotlight on the darkened tonalities of the alluring melodic guitar progressions which will gradually evolve into an inflamed groovy ensemble fueled by fierce riffage and monolithic drumming.
In the beginning “No Effect” conveys dramatic depth with sorrowful guitar phrases that will maintain a forlorn mood throughout the song but the excellent rhythmic section will have the chance to channel the ominous force of classic death metal.
The dark world of “Each Step (One Closer To The Grave)” is bound to highlight the band’s lugubrious doom influences as the captivating guitar melodies and the monumental riffs flourish within a dramatically slower rhythmic maze.
The title track enhances an anthemic death metal rampage with an overload of thunderous drums and vicious riffage accompanied by fiery growls while the inner doom essence naturally generates sombre melodic passages.
The gloomy grandeur of “As My Heart Grows Cold” leads to desolate atmospheric soundscapes amplified by the gorgeous melancholic guitar harmonies while the robust rhythmic section can easily create blazing grooves.
Just like the previous albums “To The End” proudly celebrates the glorious days of old school death metal yet Memoriam skillfully enrich such aggressive sonic realm with mournful doom elements and exquisite melodic accents.
Cryptosis – Bionic Swarm
Dutch extreme metal trio Cryptosis makes a triumphant debut with the full length “Bionic Swarm” which showcases an aggressive creative force but also a desire to freely explore diverse sonic territories.
“Decypher” relies on the majestic guitar work which effortlessly shifts from intricate progressions with darkened melodic hints to unrestrained riffage as the visceral rhythmic section often generates faster vicious patterns.
On “Prospect Of Immortality” the refined guitar melodies flourish within a grim atmospheric maze expressing somber feelings yet the bold rhythmic dynamics and the spiteful growls continue to channel the fury of extreme metal.
The monumental drumming of “Conjuring the Egoist” spontaneously generates inflamed dynamics yet the charismatic melodic guitar leads and the eerie atmospheric accents will enrich the merciless thrash oriented ensemble.
“Mindscape” dwells within a darkly epic dimension as the slower tempo favors harrowing atmospheric nuances and sorrowful blackened progressions therefore the melodic aspects of the guitar work become the main focus.
“Flux Divergence” can deliver loads of faster grooves as the classic thrash influence inevitably thrives through the massive drum blasts and the frantic guitar riffs that will lead to a fair dosage of intense shredding.
Formerly known as Distillator, Cryptosis confidently embrace a new audacious sonic identity that on “Bionic Swarm” ultimately leads to an intriguing blend of classic thrash metal, melodic progressions and futuristic atmospheres.
The Limit – Caveman Logic
Featuring members of legendary The Stooges, the founders of Doom Rock Pentagram, NYC Punk originators Testors and Portuguese metal band Dawnrider, The Limit channels the raw energy of heavy rock and punk on the explosive debut album “Caveman Logic”.
The wild party begins with “Kitty Gone” offering loads of gritty riffs and irresistible smooth leads while the inner punk vibes spontaneously amplify the groovy rhythmic rampage.
“Black Sea” relies on the magnetic force of the guitar work confidently delivering robust riffage and flamboyant soloing yet there is a lingering nostalgia generating darkened feelings enhanced by the moody vocal delivery.
“These Days” keeps the hard rock spirit alive with a natural blend of slick guitar riffs and soothing melodic accents ultimately leading to a series of memorable grooves.
“Over Rover” often channels a darkened doom essence with the weight of the slow riffage that will ultimately evolve into a high octane punk influenced rhythmic galore.
Throughout the title track the vocal performance manifests a true rocker attitude surrounded by the charismatic guitar work that easily builds delightful rhythmic patterns with a combo of bold riffs and charming leads.
The strength of “Fleeting Thoughts” certainly comes from the addictive chorus fueled by the extra catchy rhythmic dynamics and the rough vocals once again embody an untamed punk heritage.
“When Life Gets Scorched” stands out for the appealing mix of reflective nuances and energetic rhythmic segments while the vibrant rock flair of the guitar solo definitely deserves your attention.
Certainly “Caveman Logic” is a truly passionate and entertaining heavy rock album fueled by an amazing collaboration between the talented veteran musicians behind the new sonic endeavor The Limit.
Dvne – Etemen Ænka
Scottish progressive metallers Dvne audaciously explore diverse sonic pathways to craft majestic soundscapes on the sophomore full length “Etemen Ænka”.
“Enûma Eliš” manifests a complex songwriting approach that naturally blends darkened tonalities and extra heavy rhythmic dynamics highlighting the excellent guitar work while the opulent atmospheric arrangements emphasize an emotional turmoil.
The immersive nature of “Court Of The Matriarch” quickly comes to life through the recurring luminous melodic phrases and the ethereal atmospheric waves yet the rhythmic section often embraces a strong prog inspiration leading to impressive technical patterns.
“Omega Severer” offers alluring melodic movements and charismatic guitar soloing accompanied by comforting clean vocals conveying a profoundly introspective mood yet the song’s shapeshifting nature will generate contrasting moments as the fierce riffage takes the center stage.
“Sì-XIV” focuses on a series of elaborate guitar progressions that can effortlessly create monumental grooves amplified by the tormented screams in contrast with the cathartic blend of fragile melodies and dreamy atmospheric accents.
“Mleccha” follows a melancholic post-metal direction as the soulful guitar melodies surrounded by hazy atmospheric textures naturally craft a shimmering sonic ensemble that will ultimately evolve into intense & heavier rhythmic crescendos.
The sumptuous final track “Satuya” relies on a convoluted composition that generates a world of profound contrast as guitars seamlessly shift from glowing delicate harmonies to savage riffs spiced up by technical prog elements and supported by a robust rhythmic section in the midst of a darkened atmospheric realm.
“Etemen Ænka” is characterized by heavy & intricate instrumental patterns but it becomes evident that the synths and the ambient sounds hold a crucial role allowing Dvne to add a rich atmospheric depth that emphasizes the sci-fi thematics.
Eyehategod – A History of Nomadic Behavior
Veteran hardcore/sludge band Eyehategod returns with the long anticipated new full length “A History Of Nomadic Behavior” depicting a world of chaos and hypocrisy.
“Built Beneath The Lies” opens the album with a series of acidic & wild grooves that highlight a raw sludge energy amplified by the dark tonalities of the riffage and the enraged screams.
On “The Outer Banks” the massive guitar riffs lead the way to a dismal sonic realm that will ultimately embrace faster rough rhythmic patterns fueled by the pummeling drums.
“Fake What’s Yours” offers another solid round of gritty guitar riffs and ominous vibes so you can perceive a perennial sense of impending doom.
The groovy mood of “High Risk Trigger” celebrates a renowned swampy sludge/doom style as guitars and drums deliver heavy dynamics without any hesitation accompanied by chaotic feedback.
The instrumental ensemble on “The Trial Of Johnny Cancer” feeds off paranoia and delusions so the guitar work constantly emphasizes the dirty sound and the old school approach.
“Circle Of Nerves” sounds rebellious and dystopian as the monumental guitar riffs march through a doom laden realm and the desperate vocals express disgust and fury.
The dirty sound and the extra chunky riffs throughout “A History Of Nomadic Behavior”definitely match the turmoil and anger expressed by the lyrics as Eyehategod choose a songwriting approach inevitably influenced by the current events.
Cosmic Reaper – Cosmic Reaper
North Carolina based psych-doom band Cosmic Reaper is ready to make you space out like there’s no tomorrow with the monumental self-titled debut full length.
The hypnotizing soundscapes of “Hellion” come alive through the monolithic guitar riffs, the darkened tonalities and the massive fuzzy bass lines that inevitably emphasize the doom worshipping spirit of the whole album.
In the fuzzed out world of “Stellar Death” guitars can easily create a constant groove with an extra gritty sound that amplifies the retro style of the robust rhythmic dynamics while the slower passages ultimately evoke major bewitching vibes.
Throughout “Wasteland II” the extra heavy combo of bass & guitars sets a proper stoner doom mood definitely amplified by the constant fuzz overload and the appealing vintage flair of the extensive soloing.
With a slower & darker rhythm “Planet Eater” can easily induce a trancelike state as you simply cannot escape the monstrous heavy ensemble fueled by the monochromatic doom tonalities of the guitar riffs while the moody vocals seem to emerge from a distant alternate dimension.
Listening to Cosmic Reaper’s debut album you are bound to enter a hazy sonic realm as they confidently embrace a renowned fuzzy pathway inspired by the glorious days of stoner doom.
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