Author: Alexiel Divine

Black Royal – Firebride

Finnish obscure sludge metal band Black Royal inspired by witch hunts and paganism celebrates darkness on the sophomore album “Firebride” which promises to deliver all kinds of crushing grooves and much more. 

“Coven” immediately manifests a softly brooding atmosphere that introduces an overload of chunky guitar riffs and fiery licks that create massive grooves certainly inspired by a classic doom formula while the diabolical growls channel the aggressive approach of death metal.  

“Pagan Saviour” keeps an accessible slower doom metal pace that puts the spotlight on the grave tonalities and the melodic aspects of the compelling guitar work while the hostile growls tend to add major devilish vibes. 

“Gods Of War” spontaneously follows an old school modus operandi that puts loud and soaring groovy guitar riffs at the center of the energetic rhythmic section embellished by the darkened melodies and the haunting atmospheric accents. 

On the title track the grooves never stop as guitars proudly unleash particularly heavy riffage leading to a rough sludge momentum emphasized by the aggressive death metal style growls while the tasteful guitar melodies follow a hypnotic darkened sonic pathway.  

The cold nocturnal atmosphere of “For The Dead Travel Fast” feels like a charming hymn to darkness also due to the presence of a mix of arcane choirs and delicate vocals performed by Saara Samane of Sapata while guitars shine for the charismatic doom tinged melodies emerging through the monolithic rhythmic patterns. 

In reality it’s not easy to categorize the dark & groovy music style of Black Royal but we can definitely say that “Firebride” is characterized by an overwhelming ominous energy that has the potential to conquer many acolytes. 

The Spirit – Cosmic Terror

German blackened death metal band The Spirit is still a new name in the burgeoning underground metal scene but the sophomore full length “Cosmic Terror” is characterized by an intense creative force that will easily attract more listeners. 

“Serpent As Time Reveals” goes straight to a menacing rhythmic assault which aims to showcase the darker and heavier aspects of the band’s sonic pathway in fact even if there are some scattered melodic leads guitars tend to favor a blackened approach further amplified by the constant fast pace and the ravenous growls. 

“The Path Of Solitude” emphasizes that exquisite Nordic melancholy through the recurrent elegant melodic guitar phrases & soloing yet the massive rhythmic section still focuses on aggressive groovy patterns.  

The enraged rhythmic dynamics of “Pillars Of Doom” lead to an overdose of cohesive blackened grooves but such perennial fury is well balanced by the comforting gelid guitar melodies and the somber tonalities. 

The instrumental title track doesn’t really deviate from the chosen formula as the savage rhythm still relies on a blistering black metal inspiration to deliver terrific grooves while following a slower pace the delightful melodic guitar work expresses grim feelings and adds variety to the sorrowful atmosphere. 

Throughout “Cosmic Terror” the relentless guitar driven grooves always hold a dominant role allowing The Spirit to showcase their skillful musicianship supported by a solid production and an energetic songwriting. 

Sylosis – Cycle Of Suffering

Back in 2016 Sylosis embarked on an indefinite hiatus so the brand new full length “Cycle Of Suffering” feels particularly important for the band as it celebrates a triumphant comeback and marks the beginning of an exciting chapter. 

Undoubtedly “Empty Prophets” is a spiteful album opener that deliberately channels a primal anger through abrasive guitar riffs and precise drumming yet there’s always an evident introspective depth fully expressed by the understated atmospheric arrangements and the darkened guitar melodies. 

In the beginning the pale atmosphere of “I Sever” evokes a sheer melancholia that will ultimately take the spotlight during the final part with passionate guitar melodies while the belligerent approach of the main rhythmic core focuses on frenetic guitar progressions. 

The title track offers a cohesive series of infectious thrash grooves full of sharp guitar riffs & leads and the rage is still palpable within the fierce rhythmic patterns and the hostile screams while the melodic guitars deliver some compelling smooth phrases. 

Even if “Invidia” has a quite somber mood recurring through the subtle atmospheric layers and the glowing guitar leads the rhythmic segments can sound fast and vicious keeping an explosive thrash momentum.  

“Idle Hands” offers grandiose grim melodies fueled by the extremely melancholic guitar tonalities and the excellent musicianship while the intense rhythmic blasts can naturally lead to terrific grooves without the need for breakneck speed. 

“Apex Of Disdain” once again is ready to hit you in the face with a skillful heavy rhythmic section and the consequent fury is evidently matched by the fiery screams while lead guitars add memorable opulent melodies with an impressive technical prog approach. 

“Abandon” embodies a dramatic grand finale as the whole instrumentation focuses on slower contemplative moments enhanced by a bittersweet clean vocal delivery and graceful atmospheric arrangements while the guitar work acquires luminous nuances crafting impeccable melodies.

You will find plenty of majestic & ferocious guitar driven grooves throughout “Cycle Of Suffering” but Sylosis also manage to balance such chaotic sonic realm with a fair dosage of detailed refined melodic tapestries.  

Serpent Noir – Death Clan OD

Greek black metal band Serpent Noir proudly unleashes an occult infused offering on the third full length “Death Clan OD” which as you might expect dwells within an extremely darkened sonic realm. 

You can perceive the mystifying aura of the whole album as soon as “Cutting The Umbilical Cord Of Hel” begins with loads of murky guitar tonalities and fiery rhythmic segments creating a borderline asphyxiating mood obviously matched by the malevolent growls and the grim melodic leads. 

“Hexcraft” follows a slower lugubrious pace to favor the strong arcane vibes as vocals sound more like anguished incantations and guitars gain the deserved spotlight with grave yet absolutely groovy riffage and dismal melodic textures. 

“Asmodeus: The Sword Of Golachab” relies on an unrestrained blackened rhythmic rampage featuring feverish guitar riffs while vocals successfully emphasize the esoteric aspects yet the melodic phrases also demand your attention delivering gelid tasteful tonalities. 

“GOEH RA REAH: Garm Unchained” is destined to stand out for the solemn ominous narratives courtesy of occult author Thomas Karlsson consequently the ritualistic vibes become particularly dominant influencing the eerie melodic guitars that enrich the monumental blackened grooves. 

“Death Clan OD” is definitely an intriguing cohesive effort that naturally blends classic black metal roots and captivating atmospheric nuances which allow Serpent Noir to fully express their obscure vision. 

My Dying Bride – The Ghost Of Orion

The long awaited return of legendary doom titans My Dying Bride is embodied by the soulful gloomy realm of the fourteenth album “The Ghost Of Orion” which proves that despite the many challenges the band’s unstoppable creative force is destined to prevail. 

“Your Broken Shore” immediately channels the immense misery that only My Dying Bride can truly express. The doom laden guitar riffs hold a unique raw energy perfectly matched by the vicious growls while an overwhelming melancholia emerges through the refined melodic phrases accompanied by the somber clean delivery. 

“To Outlive The Gods” maintains a heavy doom rhythm but definitely focuses more on enchanting and even quite accessible melodic textures emphasized by the graceful beauty of violins and the sorrowful guitar tonalities. 

“The Solace” has a minimalist structure stripped of the expected heavy rhythmic section in order to focus exclusively on the poignant guitar work and to enhance the captivating nature of the eloquent vocals performed by Lindy-Fay Hella of Wardruna.  

On “The Long Black Land” the classic dreadful doom nuances are prominent within the heavier venomous rhythmic patterns characterized by grave tonalities and mighty guitar riffs while the ethereal violin melodies add bittersweet romantic vibes and the painfully slower contemplative momentum is pure heart wrenching poetry. 

In the beginning “The Old Earth” conveys a peaceful nostalgia through the desolate guitar melodies and the dramatic depth of the clean vocals. Later the whole instrumentation will shift the focus to visceral doom laden dynamics and guitars will acquire major obscure tonalities shaping a lugubrious & hopeless sonic realm further amplified by the wretched growls. 

Listening to “The Ghost Of Orion” feels like a cathartic experience as you can perceive the harrowing emotional turmoil behind each song and My Dying Bride once again rightfully deserve to sit on the doom/death metal throne to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their magnificent career. 

 

On Thorns I Lay – Threnos

Longstanding Greek band On Thorns I Lay triumphantly returns with the new deeply emotional melodic doom/death metal opus “Threnos” which is destined to spellbind the audience with stunning gloomy soundscapes. 

The doom force is strong on “The Song Of Sirens” with a terrific rhythmic backbone as guitars impeccably deliver slow burning melodies and mighty riffage in the midst of an extremely sorrowful atmosphere emphasized by a hypnotic piano piece. 

“Ouranio Deos” focuses on cathartic atmospheric waves and enchanting strings that enrich the exquisite somber tonalities of the guitar work shifting from eloquent harmonies to bold riffs and certainly the ominous growls amplify the presence of the heavier rhythmic dynamics. 

On “Erynies” the leitmotif is once again a heart wrenching melancholy as the slower doom style pace emphasizes the emotional tones of the guitar melodies while the compelling rhythmic crescendo is embellished by the pleasant vintage organ. 

The captivating melodic grandeur of “Odysseia” deserves your utmost attention as the opulent composition often puts the spotlight on the tranquil gorgeous arpeggios, the charming guitar phrases and the sophisticated beauty of classical violins while the monumental rhythmic section successfully channels the darkest mournful elements of classic doom metal.  

Throughout the years On Thorns I Lay have perfected their darkened melodic vision and today they continue to craft emotional tales of loss and despair on “Threnos” with undiluted passion and stylish songwriting. 

Tombs – Monarchy Of Shadows

Joined by talented musicians mastermind Mike Hill begins a new thrilling chapter for Tombs releasing the darkened & ferocious EP “Monarchy Of Shadows”. 

Since the very beginning the title track is surrounded by a mysterious aura that introduces a massive blackened rhythmic section featuring tremolo picking and gelid guitar progressions accompanied by malevolent theatrical vocals clearly driven by a renewed obscure energy.   “Once Falls The Guillotine” relies on a groovy blackened rhythmic assault with an overdose of soaring guitar riffs while the inner enigmatic melodic essence channels ritualistic vibes with darkened tonalities and solemn vocals. 

“Man Behind The Sun” continues to unleash violent rhythmic patterns evoking the coldest black metal elements and the guitar work certainly stands out shifting from aggressive riffage to grim melodic phrases which will lead to a slower dramatic momentum emphasized by the decadent atmospheric accents and the vocal incantations. 

“The Dark Rift” aptly sounds extremely dark maintaining the same fiery blackened force that characterizes the other songs and conjures a balanced blend of harsh rhythmic dynamics and arcane keyboards arrangements. 

The sinister power of “Monarchy Of Shadows” is evident since the very first listening and Tombs deliver a rich cohesive sonic vision fueled by a majestic blackened approach that generates detailed ominous atmospheres and venomous rhythmic blasts. 

Autumn Tears – The Air Below The Water

Neo-classical collective Autumn Tears has crafted another ambitious & magnificent opus entitled “The Air Below The Water” featuring 40+ talented musicians and vocalists. 

“Sentient Idols” feels like pure poetry with the natural beauty of the opulent orchestrations surrounding delicate violin melodies and solemn operatic vocals that will embrace an epic instrumental crescendo adorned by darkened tonalities. 

“Finding Our Way Home” stands out for the spellbinding vocals courtesy of Agnete Mangnes Kirkevaag of Madder Mortem and the poignant piano & strings create an harmonious ensemble that constantly evokes a delightful melancholia. 

“Convalescence” begins with soft violins favoring delicate melodic tapestries and minimalist atmospheric vibes emphasized by a mellow emotional vocal delivery.  

The sound of waves on the title track feels like a tribute to the beauty of nature elegantly celebrated by the blend of dreamy piano melodies and multifaceted vocal harmonies. 

On “The Sky Beneath The Sea” the glowing orchestrations amplify an exquisite classical approach with enticing violin and piano melodies accompanied by the increasing dramatic depth of flawless operatic choirs. 

We continue to dream the same dream listening to “Neither Here Nor There” which will conquer your heart with the understated charisma of the minimalist piano melodies and Agnete’s delightful vocal performance. 

On “Metamorphosis” the multifaceted choral harmonies and the magical piano melodies channel immense nostalgia while the subtle orchestral crescendo adds a powerful theatrical depth. 

“Closer To The Sun” is another perfect classical piece offering pristine piano melodies that enhance the daydream mood and the diverse vocal delivery.  

“The Cleansing” focuses on the dazzling energy of the detailed orchestrations so the theatrical approach here feels particularly sumptuous generating multiple grandiose instrumental crescendos. 

The best way to fully enjoy the fascinating neo-classical splendor of “The Air Below The Water” is to listen to the whole album without interruptions as Autumn Tears continue to create impeccable nostalgia infused soundscapes that inevitably defy time and space.

Necrowretch – The Ones From Hell

French blackened death metal masters Necrowretch arise from the hellish underground scene to follow new musical pathways and to craft the latest diabolical offering “The Ones From Hell”. 

“Pure Hellfire” begins with the enigmatic beauty of minimalist arpeggios but this apparent sense of tranquillity will fade away as soon as the sharp guitar riffs and the violent drumming take the spotlight dragging you through a fast unrestrained rhythmic maze. 

“Luciferian Sovranity” immediately unleashes an asphyxiating super fast rhythmic section confidently showcasing the primal blackened roots while the insane screams and the venomous leads inevitably amplify the ominous soundscape. 

The title track at times might sound slower with the subtle melodic approach of the guitar work in the midst of an obscure atmosphere but certainly doesn’t lose the classic black metal approach. 

The mysterious atmosphere of “Codex Obscuritas” opens the gate to the darkest realm and the mournful guitar tonalities lead to compelling melodic waves, hypnotic leads and doom tinged riffage while the tormented growls continues to emerge from the abyss. 

“Through The Black Abyss” offers a soothing desolate acoustic moment and later continues to blend darkened melodic progressions and lethal rhythmic blasts resulting in a wicked instrumental ensemble surrounded by a murky atmosphere. 

Drenched in darkness & blasphemy “The Ones From Hell” hits you in the face with chaotic blackened grooves but Necrowretch is also willing to embrace arcane atmospheres & melodies ensuring a higher degree of diversity. 

Ihsahn – Telemark

Undoubtedly Ihsahn will always be remembered for his groundbreaking work with legendary Emperor and throughout the years as a solo artist he has explored diverse music styles with a dazzling avantgarde approach that today leads to the release of the new EP “Telemark”.

“Stridig” can deliver majestic blackened grooves even if the classic black metal vibes embedded in the fiery guitar riffs are destined to embrace a creative progressive essence enriched by the powerful presence of the saxophone and the consequent high degree of diversity ranges from introspective melodic moments, courtesy of the enticing melodic guitar work, to epic atmospheric waves.  

“Nord” shines for the aptly Nordic melancholy that shapes the grandiose atmosphere and the sorrowful melodic momentum which feels particularly vivid during the slower guitar phrases and the charismatic soloing while the rhythmic patterns can sound absolutely triumphant fueled by an intriguing blend of prog elements and malevolent blackened vibes certainly amplified by the venomous growls. 

The title track is a complex work of music as the prog dynamics become quite dominant leading to diverse tonalities, unpredictable tempo variations and extremely detailed guitar work while the atmospheric arrangements and the captivating saxophone melodies truly emphasize the epic splendor yet there will always be some ravenous black metal elements fully expressed by the viciously fast rhythmic patterns and the hellish growls. 

The EP also includes the cover of Lenny Kravitz’s hit “Rock and Roll is Dead” and Iron Maiden’s iconic “Wrathchild” which are quite entertaining tunes showcasing a lighter and even playful musical spectrum. 

Despite being a short EP “Telemark” manifests a fascinating creative force that simply cannot be overlooked and you can also perceive the strong presence of Ihsahn’s black metal roots which add a darker almost diabolical vibe to the elaborate soundscapes.