Author: Alexiel Divine

Sinisthra – The Broad And Beaten Way

Featuring Amorphis charismatic vocalist Tomi Joutsen, Sinisthra makes a triumphant comeback 15 years after the debut release with the majestic melancholic soundscapes of the new album “The Broad And Beaten Way”.

Since the beginning “Eterne” evokes a pleasant somber mood perfectly expressed by Tomi’s heartfelt vocal performance accompanied by an enthralling combo of groovy guitar riffs and cold atmospheric arrangements that enhance the accessible melodic formula. 

The lengthy and complex track “Closely Guarded Distance” incorporates all the album’s key elements as the perennial melancholia deeply influences the guitar work which effortlessly shifts from intense rhythmic crescendos to glowing harmonies surrounded by epic atmospheric layers that eventually lead to a poignant contemplative moment focusing on an elegant piano piece and heart wrenching vocals.   

“Halfway To Somewhere Else” focuses on a mellow melodic splendor that highlights the role of the impeccable guitar progressions ranging from luminous tonalities to increasingly darker phrases and the enchanting emotive themes surrounding Tomi’s sublime vocals.  

Evoking a fascinating melancholia “Safe In The Arms Of Everlasting Now” offers a soothing instrumental ensemble mainly focused on gorgeous minimalist melodic passages that ultimately put the spotlight on the genuine emotional vocal delivery. 

With “The Broad And Beaten Way” Sinisthra proudly presents a passionate & intricate songwriting style constantly channeling a beloved Nordic melancholia that is destined to conquer the audience. 

Lesser Glow – Nullity

Boston quintet Lesser Glow have been developing a unique style following a truly immersive approach that today generates the multifaceted nuances of the sophomore release “Nullity”.

“The Great Imitator” instantly unleashes a mysterious blend of traditional doom dynamics and gloomy atmospheric waves so guitars can sound absolutely heavy delivering monolithic riffs amplified by tormented screams but the contemplative momentum certainly feels surreal with dramatic tonalities. 

Throughout “Red Ayrag” a gorgeous darkened essence flows naturally due to the cold melodies and the poignant vocal delivery making everything sound like a fading dream even if guitars can always channel ominous vibes with doomed colossal riffage. 

As soon as “Fostering This Nullity” begins you understand that there’s no escape as the insane weight of the guitar riffs creates an asphyxiating sonic realm but the soft vocals, the dreamy atmospheric arrangements and the hazy guitar harmonies can easily evoke an enticing melancholy. 

The post rock essence of “I Am The Island” becomes palpable as the grave melodic guitar phrases flow gently like blurry memories and the resulting somber emotions are further enhanced by the soulful vocal delivery. 

The monumental instrumental ensemble of “Toba” embraces a particularly heavy brooding mood as the imposing grooves and the ferocious growls seem to emerge from the darkest depths of doom metal with untamed force but you can still perceive a pale tranquility within the brief melodic passages. 

Certainly Lesser Glow are following a remarkable creative pathway as on “Nullity” they take the time to focus on hypnotic soundscapes and an intense songwriting approach. 

Göden – Beyond Darkness

Winter co-mastermind Stephen Flam returns with the long awaited spiritual successor Göden joined by vocalist Vas Kallas and keyboardist/narrator Tony Pinnisi to embark on a truly enthralling ominous journey on the magnificent debut release “Beyond Darkness”. 

The mysterious aura of “Glowing Red Sun” introduces a monolithic doom essence that evokes a perennial gloom with the insane weight of the guitar riffs and the decadent rhythmic crescendos enriched by trascendental atmospheric arrangements. 

“Twilight” relies on a crushing doom momentum and the consequent mournful rhythm is further enhanced by arcane growls and eerie atmospheric waves while the cold guitar tonalities will reach the acme with intense melodic licks. 

On “Genesis Rise” the heavy doom guitar riffs take the center stage to maintain an endless enigmatic darkness and build mesmerizing rhythmic crescendos around Vas’s sinister vocal performance.

You could never escape the imposing darkness expressed by the brooding guitar progressions of “Dark Nebula” while the spectral tones of the elaborate keyboards layers craft dramatic tapestries and amplify the cosmic energy. 

On “I Am Immortal” the harsh growls and the imposing guitar riffs create a cohesive doom metal foundation while the otherworldly atmospheric textures during the slower mystifying moments can effortlessly evoke a massive esoteric essence. 

Drenched in darkness “Night” has an eloquent mystical flair drawing energy from a primal nocturnal force that never fails to emphasize the doom dynamics generating an overload of harrowing instrumental progressions in the midst of cryptic atmospheres.

“Winter” closes the album showcasing a dramatically heavier doom approach that once again highlights the role of the colossal guitar riffs and the harrowing tonalities accompanied by the bewitching power of the vocals. 

The haunting narrative interludes and the stunning composition of “Beyond Darkness” generates a stellar theatrical opus and as an impenetrable darkness descends you will inevitably get lost within the hypnotizing rhythmic maze meticulously created by Göden. 

An Autumn For Crippled Children – All Fell Silent, Everything Went Quiet

We don’t know much about the elusive trio An Autumn For Crippled Children but for over a decade they have been developing an intriguing atmospheric black metal formula that today thrives within the bleak soundscapes of the new album “All Fell Silent, Everything Went Quiet”.

“I Became You” opens the album with fragile melodic progressions and melancholic guitar tonalities surrounded by the moody synths that constantly amplify the shoegaze inspiration and the tormented feelings. 

“Water’s Edge” is filled with luminous guitar harmonies flowing freely through delicate multilayered atmospheric waves creating spaced out rhythmic crescendos in contrast with the extreme metal style of the mysterious growls. 

On “Paths” the shoegaze flair generates dreamy melodic tapestries and subtle rhythmic patterns that naturally evoke melancholia but also a pale sense of hopefulness through the comforting vibes of the intricate atmospheric arrangements. 

The slower passages of the title track naturally emphasize the gloomy essence of the synths and the reassuring tonalities of the vivid guitar melodies but the charismatic rhythmic section will eventually create more energetic and darker dynamics.  

While the otherworldly melodic soul of “The Failing Senses” continues to focus on ethereal atmospheric textures and celestial harmonies, guitars can acquire harsh tonalities to properly channel a primal black metal inspiration. 

With the release of  “All Fell Silent, Everything Went Quiet” An Autumn For Crippled Children embark on an emotional sonic journey that spontaneously leads to a distinct blend of magical melodies and obscure nuances. 

Vuur & Zijde / Impavida – Vuur & Zijde / Impavida

New black metal trio Vuur & Zijde and anonymous band Impavida join forces to create mysterious and nihilistic soundscapes on a new split album that will give them a chance to introduce themselves in the underground metal scene. 

Vuur & Zijde recorded these tracks in a remote yurt on the Frisian shoreside and their first offering on this album is “Zonnestorm” which begins with a mystical chant before entering a proper blackened sonic realm with steady tremolo picking and gloomy atmospheric waves. 

“Noordzee” continues to amplify a transcendental darkness combining bewitching melodic phrases and ethereal vocals flowing through a hazy atmospheric maze. 

The last track by Vuur & Zijde “Zilt” certainly holds a raw blackened essence but also focuses on the creation of shimmering guitar melodies to evoke a profound nostalgia emphasized by the dreamy atmospheric arrangements. 

Impavida’s first track “Gram” unleashes a mystifying black metal formula with fast riffage and tormented screams that inevitably generate a bleak soundscape significantly amplified by somber melodic segments. 

The final track “Wahn & Stille” revolves around slower cascading melodies and monochromatic guitar tonalities that will often embrace faster dissonant dynamics marching through the murky atmosphere that naturally emphasizes an impenetrable darkness.  

In terms of music style both Vuur & Zijde and Impavida confidently follow a rather obscure sonic pathway fueled by a lugubrious black metal inspiration and enriched by enigmatic atmospheres. 

Kult Of The Skull God – The Great Magini

Army Of The Universe’s vocalist Lord Kalidon and guitarist Davide Tavecchia joined by drummer Joey Amato begin a new exciting music journey with the band Kult Of The Skull God and inspired by the glorious days of hard rock they unleash the incendiary debut full length “The Great Magini”. 

“Black Magick” can sound a bit mysterious but definitely has a straightforward hard rock mood that naturally leads to catchy rhythmic patterns and an addictive chorus with sharp riffage enriched by the outpouring charisma of the vocals. 

“Liar” is full of memorable hooks following a blazing true rock ‘n roll pathway with smooth guitar progressions and a slightly darkened flair that quickly becomes irresistible and highlights Lord Kalidon’s versatile vocal delivery. 

The mood becomes increasingly darker on “The Oath” with some haunting atmospheric textures and wicked vocals nevertheless the band still manages to maintain a widely accessible approach with powerful guitar driven grooves. 

“Lost And Lonely Ones” channels an alluring gothic rock essence and Lord Kalidon’s seductive baritone vocals are destined to steal the spotlight flourishing through the captivating & addictive rhythmic crescendos. 

The title track features another explosive rhythmic core as guitar riffs effortlessly ensure a magnetic groovy momentum and the sultry gothic feel is still very present influencing the melodic tonalities and the intense vocal harmonies. 

“Vultures” has its monumental groovy moments but immediately stands out for the vibrant evocative melodies that naturally create hypnotic rhythmic segments emphasizing the melancholic feelings and the absolutely passionate vocal performance. 

You will be inevitably compelled to join the Kult Of The Skull God as the debut release “The Great Magini” holds a glamorous rock energy and confidently creates massive groovy dynamics that make you feel good.  

Die Kreatur – Panoptikum

Oomph! frontman Dero Goi and Lord Of The Lost’s mastermind Chris Harms are already renowned for their charismatic talent and now they joined forces on the new project Die Kreatur which showcases a catchy gothic flair on the debut full length “Panoptikum”.

The eponymous track “Die Kreatur” symbolizes the band’s sonic manifesto with an audacious and absolutely explosive blend of gothic rock and Neue Deutsche Härte fueled by abrasive guitar riffs, addictive electro arrangements and ominous vocals. 

“Kälter Als Der Tod” conveys a seductive darkness with the enthralling goth nuances of the rich atmospheric layers and the melodic phrases while the bold guitar riffs will trigger some groovy dynamics leading to a memorable chorus. 

“Unzertrennlich” relies on a cool mix of eerie atmospheric arrangements and dancey electro beats generating a smooth & quite accessible rhythmic ensemble naturally enhanced by the bewitching vocal delivery. 

“Untergang” has a faster rhythmic core favoring some aggressive industrial vibes within the gritty guitar work that this time tends to focus on a galloping riffage embellished by the moody atmospheric synths. 

The dance floor vibes of “Mensch/Maschine” are immediately evident as the synths take control mixing vivid electro beats and shimmering atmospheric layers and while maintaining a rather darkened aura the rhythm gets you ready for a goth party. 

“Benutz Mich” often sounds super groovy with a stomping rhythmic section filled with sharp guitar riffs and powerful vocals yet there is a soothing melodic essence that naturally leads to haunting atmospheric moments. 

“Gott Verdammt” features fervent rhythmic blasts so guitars maintain distorted tonalities to deliver heavier riffs while the finale will surprise you with emotive choirs flowing through peaceful atmospheric waves. 

Undoubtedly the strength of “Panoptikum” comes from the experience and songwriting skills of Die Kreatur as they already have developed a darkly alluring sonic formula that is destined to capture your attention. 

Voodoo Gods – The Divinity Of Blood

Featuring vocalist George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher, guitar virtuoso Viktor Smolski, bass titan Jean Baudin, drummer Alex Voodoo and guitar god Jacek Hiro, death metal supergroup Voodoo Gods is ready to unleash the inflamed sophomore album “The Divinity Of Blood” characterized by a striking technical approach and solid thrash/death metal roots. 

“Isa” goes straight to an aggressive assault that emphasizes the extreme metal dynamics with abrasive guitar riffs and cavernous growls while the fiery guitar leads are always ready to showcase prowess and sonic diversity. 

“Rise Of The Antichrist” tends to channel the classic vibes of thrash metal building monumental grooves as the tight rhythmic blasts demand increasing speed and amplify the essential role of the wicked bass lines.  

There is a mournful mood on “From Necromancy to Paraphilia” as guitars focus also on darkened melodic progressions besides the generous dosage of belligerent riffs while the elaborate acoustic phrases add delightful exotic nuances followed by extensive virtuoso style solo. 

The complex composition of “The Divinity Of Blood – From Darkness To Light” leads to sharp malevolent rhythmic patterns yet the slower tempo variations highlight a dramatic depth enhanced by the mysterious aura of the guitar phrases.  

“The Ritual Of Thorn” relies on colossal guitar driven grooves courtesy of the monolithic rhythmic section and the killer riffage that will successfully induce constant headbanging yet there is space for some fascinating somber melodic progressions and impeccable shredding. 

“The Absolute Necessity To Kill” offers loads of thrilling guitar leads that continue to showcase a superb musicianship and enrich the main savage rhythmic onslaught with intense shredding and stylish neoclassical variations. 

The strength of “The Divinity Of Blood” certainly comes from the talent of the musicians involved in Voodoo Gods so you can expect all kinds of massive hostile grooves and charismatic guitar work. 

Shrapnel – Palace For The Insane

Britain’s thrashers Shrapnel are on a mission to carry the torch for classic thrash metal unleashing a massive dosage of unrestrained guitar driven grooves on the new full length “Palace For The Insane”.

The atmospheric intro of “Might Of Cygnus” evokes a darkened tranquility with compelling melodic progressions yet the mood changes significantly when an inflamed rhythmic rampage generates super groovy thrash dynamics often spiced up by the charismatic guitar phrases and the skillful shredding. 

“Vultures Circle” offers a straightforward rhythmic assault characterized by a familiar ‘80s thrash formula that demands extra sharp guitar riffs and colossal drum blasts accompanied by fierce screams and killer guitar progressions. 

“Cannibal” showcases a no frills aggressive approach so the relentless rhythmic section and the hostile vocal delivery are always fueled by an ominous energy leading to raging guitar riffs and excellent solos. 

On the elaborate track “Begin Again” the gloomy atmospheric waves evoke deeply nostalgic feelings that favor slower contemplative moments as well as fiery guitar progressions and wild soloing that allow the band to truly show a remarkable musicianship. 

“Violent Now, Forever” is all about timeless old school thrash metal providing a generous dosage of untamed rhythmic patterns that once again highlight the crucial role of the fast ravenous riffage and the intriguing guitar leads. 

“Future Sight” gradually builds a rhythmic tension as the guitar work spontaneously shifts from venomous riffs to calm melancholic phrases and the resulting contrasting tonalities add variety to the main sonic pathway. 

The title track returns to merciless rhythmic patterns constantly channeling the heaviest aspects of thrash metal as the guitar riffs diligently follow a faster menacing tempo amplified by the malevolent screams and enriched by the striking acrobatics of the solo. 

The headbanging galore is mandatory listening to the savage grooves of “Palace For The Insane” and Shrapnel certainly prove that thrash metal still holds an essential status within the modern metal scene. 

ForgottenTomb – Nihilistic Estrangement

Longstanding Italian band Forgotten Tomb begins a new chapter of doom & misanthropy on the tenth studio album “Nihilistic Estrangement” which was recorded using vintage analogue techniques to create charismatic timeless soundscapes. 

On “Active Shooter” there is an insanely addictive melody that is destined to spellbind you since the first listening while the ominous growls and the inflamed rhythmic section channel blackened nuances that will embrace an exquisite melancholic essence through the bewitching guitar melodies. 

“Distrust3 “ offers some catchy black ‘n roll dynamics with an overload of galloping sharp guitar riffs and thunderous drumming yet the mournful doom influence is still present within the slower hypnotizing melodic progressions and the gelid tonalities. 

The title track stands out for the enthralling melodic crescendos that become the main focus in order to fully express a grave emotional whirlwind through the darkened allure of the guitar phrases that naturally lead to a gorgeous dreamy finale.  

On “RBMK” the recurring haunting melodic guitars evoke a decadent gothic flair carefully mixed with more aggressive blackened roots that generate imposing obscure vibes and faster rhythmic dynamics. 

As a perennial darkness lingers throughout “Nihilistic Estrangement” Forgotten Tomb successfully depict an introverted sonic realm with a memorable blend of lugubrious doom patterns and venomous black metal inspiration.