Author: Alexiel Divine

Deeper Graves – Open Roads

Deeper Graves is the solo venture of Jeff Wilson of Chrome Waves and ex-Nachtmystium and this new music endeavor begins with the hazy soundscapes of the debut release “Open Roads”.  

“Final Divide” immediately showcases the moody feelings that characterize the whole album as the slow paced instrumental ensemble manifests a major shoegaze inspiration with glowing guitar phrases and refined cello harmonies cutting through the dense atmospheric waves. 

“Leave This World” dwells within a gloomy atmospheric realm where darkened guitar tonalities build energetic rhythmic crescendos and the soothing melodic textures channel dreamy post rock nuances.  

The darkly alluring rhythm of “Ode To War” evokes irresistible goth rock vibes with pulsating drum beats, low vocal tones and shimmering guitar melodies that make you wanna dance under the moonlight.

“In Memoriam” closes the album with an intense sense of nostalgia as the contemplative rhythm highlights the hypnotizing power of the blurry multilayered atmospheric arrangements and the monochromatic melodic guitars. 

On “Open Roads” Wilson has a chance to truly show his abilities handling all writing, instrumentation and production to ultimately bring to life his personal sonic vision. 

Aleah – Aleah

Brought to fruition by Swallow The Sun/Trees of Eternity guitarist Juha Raivio the new posthumous solo album by Aleah Starbridge honours her creative legacy with an acoustic and an electric disc. 

The acoustic side of the album presents a minimalist and extremely emotional approach, in fact  on “Vapour” and “Sacrifice” the graceful acoustic melodies create magical soundscapes that highlight Aleah’s gorgeous vocal harmonies and evoke a perennial sense of longing. “Open Sky”, “My Will” and “Breathe” flow gently like a hazy daydream and Aleah’s heartwarming voice becomes your guide through an unforgettable spiritual journey. 

The electric part of the album shows a different side of Aleah’s music vision as tracks like “Inverted Enlightenment” and “The Tower” focus on a spacey atmospheric ensemble around softly sorrowful vocals and gloomy melodic waves leading to an immersive sonic journey. 

We dream the same dream embracing the poignant feelings behind this melancholy infused collection of songs and today we carry this album like a golden torch of Aleah celebrating her artistic talent. 

Fellwarden – Wreathed in Mourncloud

Featuring Fen frontman The Watcher and drummer Havenless, Fellwarden aims to captivate the listeners with the cathartic soundscapes and an epic black metal assault of the sophomore album “Wreathed in Mourncloud”.  

“Pathmaker” opens the album with graceful melodic tapestries evoking an intense sense of longing that will continue to linger through the spellbinding instrumental crescendos carefully created by elegant atmospheric layers and gloomy guitar tonalities yet later a tormented blackened momentum will take over with feverish riffage and obscure growls. 

The title track offers truly majestic soundscapes as the dreamy guitar melodies lead the way to a world of pure nostalgia before embracing a blackened maelstrom with tremolo picking, frantic drumming and fierce growls that will eventually evolve into imposing clean vocals that emphasize the epic atmospheric motifs. 

The intricate composition of “An Elder Reckoning” revolves around a compelling blend of monumental guitar riffs showcasing the darkest black metal roots and contemplative melodic passages that can bring you comfort while the inner nostalgia is always vivid within the atmospheric grandeur. 

“Upon Stone” shines for the profoundly melancholic soul that comes to life through the gorgeous piano melodies and the poignant atmospheric arrangements that constantly express earnest emotions and even uplifting vibes while a mysterious blackened aura continues to maintain a strong presence generating darkened guitar progressions and gelid tonalities. 

The beauty and strength of “Wreathed in Mourncloud” can be easily perceived through the sublime melodic crescendos perfectly entwined with a primal blackened force as Fellwarden passionately craft an inspiring sonic journey. 

Solaris Interview with Alberto Casadei

Italian noisy post-rockers Solaris recently released their debut full-lenght ‘Un Paese di Musichette Mentre Fuori c’è la Morte’ and we had a nice chat with guitarist & vocalist Alberto Casadei!

The Offering: For those who are not familiar with the band, tell us a bit about your story.

Alberto Casadei: First of all, thank you for the review and for hosting us!

The band was formed in 2015 from the ashes of a former project called “L’oblio”. After a year of writing and live shows we landed in StoneBridge Studio to record our first EP, “L’Orizzonte degli Eventi” which was released in 2017, and we started gaining some momentum, playing some bigger venues with some amazing bands around Italy. Finally last year we met with Chris (Bronson Recordings) and talked about the possibility of recording some new material with legendary noise rock producer Martin Bisi. We already had some new material that we wanted to record and we couldn’t refuse this fantastic offer. What came out of the session is “Un Paese di Musichette mentre fuori c’è la Morte”, and here we are.

TO: Your debut album “Un Paese di Musichette Mentre Fuori c’è la Morte” was released on June 19th, what can you tell us about the songwriting ideas and the lyrical concept?

AC: We usually write songs all together when rehearsing, sometimes someone will bring in a riff or an idea for a section then we spend time adding to it and trying to incorporate changes and structure in a way that flows and satisfies us. After that I (Alberto) usually come in with the lyrics, trying to adapt and put together the things I wrote in a coherent and fluent way. Lyrically speaking I try to always gather from my personal experiences about everyday life but trying to give it a kind of “universal” meaning, so that the listener can still somewhat understand what I’m talking about. The last song on the album is kind of an exception since it was inspired by a book by Jean Paul Sartre called Nausea. On this album in particular I tried to make the lyrics work for different kind of interpretation, so depending on the listener mood they could have overlapping meanings.

TO: In terms of music style how would you describe the album?

AC: I would say it’s a good mixture of our influences and the classic NY sound of Martin Bisi. We all listen to lots of music, from jazz to space rock, to post-metal or math and noise rock, passing through prog and stoner, and even if I wouldn’t have the audacity to call our album all of the above, somehow I feel that when writing songs these influences come through even inadvertently, as a kind of reflex. Martin’s touch surely added a new dimension to the album, for example incorporating layers of metallic sounds from “playing” found objects, or with his unique way of treating drum micing and mixing.

TO: For you, how important is it to deliver a particular message through the lyrics?

AC: As clichè as it may sound, we think music is first and foremost a means of communication, be it some sort of catharsis and personal outlet or something bigger and more apt to a shared experience that translates to the audience. That can be expressed lyrically as well as be suggested by a certain atmosphere created with sounds. We like to think that the listener can somehow get the message or the general vibe even without understanding the lyrics, and form his own interpretation of what the meaning could be, and if he feels some sort of connection with our music he can then go and decipher the details. It’s a kind of hermetic way of writing that we hope goes beyond the literal translation.

TO: The lyrics are in Italian, would you consider writing in English in the future?

AC: I wouldn’t consider it for this particular project, for Solaris. I think that there are far better projects that use the English language in this context and style of music, I’d rather stick to what comes natural. If anyone is willing to discuss lyrics in front of a cold beer tho, we’re always up for it.

TO: You just released a new video for the track “Voce”, what is the inspiration behind the visuals?

AC: The video was put together by our drummer, Alan Casali, using footage from the 1920 German horror movie “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari”, by Robert Weine. We thought the dark intense visual style of the movie complemented well the mood of the song, as well as the ongoing themes of madness and losing one’s mind.

TO: As a young emerging band what do you find most challenging in the current music scene?

AC: Keeping a band alive is enough of a challenge as it is, without delving into the current music scene. It takes time, dedication, lots of your energies and the little money we got to keep the boat afloat. Speaking of us, I’d say that finding gigs is still the utmost priority and challenge as of now. As for the scene, keeping together some sort of community of musicians through mutual support and help is fundamental in maintaining a cultural and social fabric that is being chipped away by too many factors.

TO: Do you think social media really helps to reach a wider audience?

AC: It does help. In today’s world, social media presence, like it or not, is a necessary requirement for “being in a band”. Spotify, for example has become kind of a “business card” for bands in terms of attracting the attention of labels and agencies via the numbers of plays so there’s this race to get into playlists. I personally don’t use it as I kind of dislike the streaming aspect of it, but I can see the appeal of that for “talent scouts” or the likes as it makes things immediately quantifiable.

TO: Do you have touring plans for next year?

AC: Not at the moment, the situation here has pretty much been freezed due to Covid-19 so it’s not easy to organize live shows right now, venues have to face more expenses and can contain a limited audience to observe enhanced safety restrictions. Many small venues have been shutting down because of little to no help from the government during lockdown and this makes it even harder to book shows. We’ve been lucky enough to play a release party at Bronson in Ravenna with a live audience instead of just streaming it online. As soon as this all clears up a little we’ll surely look into touring to promote the record.

TO: What are your expectations for the future of the band?

AC: “Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed”. We’d just like to keep doing what we’re doing, writing songs and playing them around. We’re already working on some new material and it’s coming along nicely. We feel we’ve been lucky enough to get to this point, so we’ll see what the future holds.

TO: Thank you for the interview and congratulations for the debut release!

AC: Thanks again to you, it’s been a pleasure!

https://solarisnoise.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/solarisnoise/

Slift – Ummon

French power trio Slift embarks on a psychedelic trip across galaxies and otherworldly dimensions with the new full length “Ummon” so you better be prepared to space out like there’s no tomorrow. 

The title track feels like a wild heavy rock jam that can take you back in time as guitars have the perfect vintage sound delivering explosive dynamics and extensive fiery solos through a mystifying psychedelic atmosphere accompanied by powerful rocker style vocals. 

“It’s Coming…” ensures a trippy sonic experience as the moody guitar phrases flow like a colorful daydream channeling peaceful vibes while the rhythmic section keeps a steady charismatic stoner rock core enriched by the insanely intricate psychedelic arrangements. 

“Citadel On A Satellite” offers some elaborate heavier rhythmic patterns that highlight the presence of the monolithic guitar riffs and the untamed leads yet the psychedelic soul is often bound to prevail generating slower hazy melodic progressions.  

The monumental rhythmic rampage of “Hyperion” is fueled by the outstanding guitar work and a cosmic energy that lead to super groovy heavy rock segments as well as luminous melodic passages entwined with the pure psychedelia of the atmospheric waves. 

Listening to “Altitude Lake” can instantly induce a trance-like state as the soft guitar melodies glow like a beautiful dream surrounded by multilayered magical psychedelic nuances while the solid rhythmic section can still deliver a massive groovy momentum. 

The lengthy final track “Lions, Tigers And Bears” symbolizes the band’s sonic manifesto offering intense guitar driven grooves that channel colossal stoner rock vibes while the guitars and synths ultimately embrace a major psychedelic essence that could make you space out forever beyond time and space.  

You will feel immediately compelled to join the cosmic journey embodied by the edgy psychedelic stoner rock grooves of “Ummon” as Slift successfully showcase great passion and unrestrained creative force.  

Ahab – Live Prey

German purveyors of nautical doom metal Ahab continue their journey through the depths of the dark sea with the  first live release “Live Prey” featuring tracks originally released on their 2006 album “The Call of the Wretched Sea”. 

The lugubrious atmosphere of “Below The Sun” reveals an obscure force that emerges straight from the abyss generating a mix of funereal rhythmic patterns, gelid guitar tonalities and mournful melodies accompanied by cavernous growls. 

“Old Thunder” begins with contemplative gloomy melodies and darkened guitar tonalities but can also evoke the power of the stormy sea with the insane heavy weight of the precise rhythmic section surrounded by solemn atmospheric accents. 

The lengthy “The Hunt” can easily express grim emotions as the harrowing slow tempo constantly highlights the crucial role of the cold melodic guitar phrases, the monochromatic piano tones and the tormented chants but will often unleash crushing dynamics with monolithic doom riffage. 

Proving to be the undisputed sailors of slow heaviness, Ahab bravely explore the dark sea throughout “Live Prey” in order to deliver a monumental anthemic doom metal album.  

 

Mike LePond’s Silent Assassins – Whore Of Babylon

Symphony X bassist Mike LePond returns with his explosive side project Mike LePond’s Silent Assassins to satisfy your crave for pure heavy metal glory on the new full length “Whore Of Babylon”. 

“Dracul Son” unleashes all its inner dark power with bold guitar riffs following a frenetic rhythmic section proudly showcasing some old school vibes accompanied by a charismatic vocal delivery, flamboyant shredding and spooky keyboards arrangements. 

“Tell Tale Heart” offers majestic chunky bass lines and fiery guitar riffs that generate interesting variations and steady groovy rhythmic patterns that deserve to be played loud while the lead guitar work delivers some elaborate solos. 

With a strong epic flair “Night of The Long Knives” focuses on a soothing folk style with loads of passionate acoustic phrases and some ballad elements that demand a slower tempo to evoke poignant feelings and enhance the melodic soul. 

“Lady Bathory” relies on an anthemic classic metal approach with an overdose of mighty guitar riffs that can trigger instant headbanging and the sharp high pitch vocals perfectly match the raw energy of the impeccable rhythmic section. 

The mood of the title track grows calmer & darker with gloomy atmospheric layers and mysterious nuances while the guitar work stands out for the elegant melodic progressions and the exotic tonalities. 

“Avalon” marks a grand finale offering complex rhythmic segments that highlight the stellar musicianship as the convoluted bass lines, the brilliant guitar soloing and the retro vibes of the Hammond organ guide you through a sonic realm made of heroic tales and galloping grooves. 

The combo of classic heavy metal and epic power metal chosen by Mike LePond’s Silent Assassins will certainly attract fans of such beloved genres as “Whore Of Babylon” has the right dosage of bombastic energy to keep you entertained. 

Solaris – Un Paese di Musichette Mentre Fuori c’è la Morte

Italian noise post-rockers Solaris aim to impress the audience with the enigmatic nuances of the debut full-lenght “Un Paese di Musichette Mentre Fuori c’è la Morte”.

“Podio” feels spontaneous & rebellious with the heavy distortions of the fuzzy stoner rhythmic segments that naturally build wild grooves amplified by spiteful vocals and chunky bass lines. 

Listening to “Ezikmndrek” you can easily space out as the dreamy guitar melodies accompanied by emotive vocals evoke a delicate post-rock flair that naturally embraces the significantly heavier fuzzy riffs and the dense rhythmic crescendos. 

“Oro” holds a desert rock spirit with a captivating blend of introspective melodic passages that can feel ethereal like a daydream emphasizing the cathartic nature of the guitar work and bold rhythmic progressions that will lead to wilder stoner dynamics. 

You cannot escape the inner melancholia of “Marnero” which comes to life through the hazy guitar melodies and the laid back vocals that certainly enhance a contemplative mood yet the massive noise oriented rhythmic blasts and the heavier riffage can channel angered feelings that ultimately evolve into a spaced out finale. 

Newcomers Solaris confidently manifest an intriguing sonic vision that on “Un Paese di Musichette Mentre Fuori c’è la Morte” generates fierce distorted patterns and moody melodic waves. 

Dessiderium – Shadow Burn

Dessiderium is the personal creative outlet for Alex Haddad of Arkaik and Nullingroots and the new album “Shadow Burn” manifests an explosive blend of progressive and extreme metal. 

The title track immediately showcases strong blackened roots as the abrasive guitar riffs and the spiteful growls diligently follow a merciless rhythmic pathway that could leave you breathless yet such savage core is often embellished by elegant atmospheric tapestries. 

On “Soul Bursting” gentle piano harmonies introduce a series of elaborate rhythmic patterns that clearly channel massive extreme metal roots with vicious riffage and menacing growls yet a glowing melodic soul always emerges through soothing guitar harmonies and understated atmospheric arrangements.  

The prog dynamics flourish throughout the bold rhythmic rampage of “Cosmic Limbs” leading to charismatic guitar progressions and flamboyant soloing yet the technical death metal influences are still crucial generating faster aggressive segments. 

“Sage In Yearning” still relies on a heavy belligerent rhythm that just seems unstoppable with unrestrained drum blasts and fiery riffage while the luminous atmospheric arrangements evoke a distant dreamy world. 

“God’s Throat” has a technical edgy approach as guitars alway deliver frenetic riffs but also tend to generate unexpected rhythmic twists and gloomy melodic phrases within the rich and variegated atmospheric ensemble. 

“Shadow Burn” can certainly unleash an inflamed sonic assault with breakneck speed, proggy elements and hostile grooves yet Alex aims to show also his genuine emotions that render the whole album quite interesting and enjoyable. 

Acherontas – Psychic Death – The Shattering of Perceptions

Acherontas are renowned in the New Wave of Greek Black Metal scene and the time has come to begin a new chapter with the obscure soundscapes of the eighth studio album “Psychic Death – The Shattering Of Perceptions”. 

“Paradigms Of Nyx” conjures undiluted darkness with a ferocious blackened rhythmic assault amplified by the tormented growls and the theatrical narratives while the ominous guitar riffs and inflamed leads seem to emerge straight from hellish depths. 

The occult vibes of “Kiss The Blood” flourish through the intense guitar progressions channeling an immense melodic gloom and a primordial black metal force while the ritualistic vocals and the mysterious atmospheric arrangements hold a crucial role within the intricate composition. 

The title track shifts to a slower grave tempo that highlights the hypnotizing guitar work generating a bewitching melodic splendor and increasing the spiritual essence in the midst of a dense mystifying atmosphere. 

Darkness descends throughout “Coiled Splendor” which truly feels like an arcane ritual as the atmospheric layers surround the blistering blackened soul embodied by the relentless riffage and drumming yet the guitar leads can elegantly create spellbinding melodic progressions. 

The captivating elaborate guitar melodies on “Magick Of Mirrors” become the dominant element leading to a perennial darkened immersive momentum that could even bring spiritual enlightenment and the solemn spoken words seem to hold an inscrutable magical power that could open the doors of perception. 

“Psychic Death – The Shattering Of Perceptions” incarnates a mystical journey through the ancient routes of divination as Acherontas meticulously craft monumental blackened grooves and enigmatic melodic tapestries. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRYjjr_U1-c