Author: Alexiel Divine

Konvent – Puritan Masochism

Danish death/doom metal quartet Konvent is ready to spread undiluted darkness and impress the underground metal scene with the malevolent debut album “Puritan Masochism”. 

The title track depicts a pitchblack sonic realm with the crushing weight of the guitar riffs surrounded by a nightmarish atmosphere naturally emphasized by the cavernous growls and the monochromatic melodic passages. 

On “World Of Gone” vocalist Rikke Emilie List continues to deliver terrific growls that seem to emerge from hellish depths and the dismal guitar tonalities successfully channel a primal doom force through the imposing riffage and the forlorn melodies. 

The funereal slow motion of “Bridge” favors mournful guitar melodies that inevitably create a sense of desolation that will always linger through the constant monolithic rhythmic segments and the diabolical growls. 

“Waste” begins another dark journey with ominous bass lines swiftly followed by aggressive rhythmic grooves that confidently combine the primordial elements of doom and death metal and the consequent tormented vibes are definitely amplified by obscure screams. 

“Ropes pt. II” reminds you that there is no escape from darkness as the familiar combo of super heavy rhythmic blasts and guttural vocal delivery clearly channels the band’s extreme metal influences while guitars can also focus on dramatically slow burning melodies channeling a sense of despair further emphasized by the enigmatic atmospheric finale. 

Undoubtedly each and every song on “Puritan Masochism” is drenched in darkness as the murky nuances of classic doom are extremely dominant and Konvent are still at the beginning of their career but already seem sincerely devoted to such timeless subgenre. 

Blasphemer – The Sixth Hour

For Italian extreme metal band Blasphemer a new chapter begins with the release of the full length “The Sixth Hour” conceptually based on the last day of Jesus Christ on the path that led him from the Gethsemane to Golgotha. 

“Let Him Be Crucified” begins with an anguished atmosphere that gives way to a rather hostile rhythmic ensemble filled with violent guitar riffs and cavernous growls that clearly manifest the blasphemous essence of the entire album. 

“The Stumbling Block” certainly maintains a lugubrious mood from beginning to end as guitars craft profoundly darkened melodic phrases in the midst of a relentless rhythmic assault inspired by the obscure depths of death metal. 

On “Lord Of Lies” the precise drumming dictates a breakneck rhythm inevitably generating a chaotic momentum while the guitar work shifts from unrestrained riffage to intriguing & menacing licks.  

“I.N.R.I.” features some tasteful mournful guitar melodies that naturally add dramatic depth but don’t sacrifice the savage aspects of the faster belligerent rhythmic segments which still follow a wicked death metal pathway. 

The title track confidently relies on a ferocious rhythmic section but often focuses on the ominous tonalities of the lead guitar work accompanied by agonizing screams that tend to enhance the tragic vibes.  

On “The Deposition” the dramatic nuances seem to gain more attention leading to an inescapable torment fully expressed by the understated melodic lead guitars emerging through the asphyxiating rhythmic ensemble. 

Throughout “The Sixth Hour” Blasphemer are certainly eager to keep an uncompromising brutality that stays true to their blackened death metal pathway and thrives within the underground scene but also manage to deliver some bewitching melodic twists. 

T.O.M.B. – Thin The Veil

For over twenty years T.O.M.B. have been spreading darkness with an enigmatic approach and continue to follow a blasphemous music pathway today with the sixth full length “Thin The Veil” which also features collaborations with Hellhammer of Mayhem, Maurice “Mories” de Jong of Gnaw Their Tongues, Andy Winter of Winds, Craig Smilowski formerly of Immolation, and Duncan McLaren of Venom Wolf.

“No Return” has an esoteric essence naturally embedded in the murky atmospheric layers and the asphyxiating blackened rhythmic assault is constantly fueled by manic speed and ominous guitar tonalities. 

The blurry mournful sounds of “Pestilence” seem to emerge from a forgotten dark abyss as guitars offer insidious riffs & leads blending black metal and noise elements through a desolate atmospheric maze. 

The title track relies on faster hostile rhythmic patterns channeling primal black metal roots and the occult vibes increase dramatically when the slower tempo highlights the presence of mysterious atmospheric waves. 

“Decapitation Of The Gods” combines the apocalyptic vibes of industrial with the relentless brutality of black metal as guitars unleash aggressive riffage and gelid tonalities within a chaotic sonic realm. 

“Lunar Reckoning” could not sound darker and the necromantic growls certainly match such mood within the mystifying rhythmic ensemble enhanced by the solemn drumming and the monochromatic guitar tones. 

On “Hellmouth” the vocals sound like an arcane incantation that also reminds you that you’re stuck in a hellish world surrounded by murky atmospheric layers and oppressive rhythmic blasts characterized by dissonant noise elements. 

On “Thin The Veil” T.O.M.B. keep everything as obscure as possible mixing harsh black metal elements and cryptic atmospheres that certainly belong to the darkest corners of the underground metal scene. 

Sepultura – Quadra

Since their inception Brazilian legends Sepultura have successfully developed a groundbreaking irresistible sonic identity that for thirty five years has been gradually evolving into a complex creative force that today generates the majestic new album “Quadra”. 

The darkened essence of “Isolation” is dramatically enhanced by epic symphonic elements that will soon give way to a groovy series of massive thrash rhythmic blasts featuring abrasive guitar riffs, pummeling drums and towering growls. 

“Means To An End” immediately focuses on an unrestrained rhythmic rampage so the band’s signature thrash dynamics sound quite dominant leading to moshpit inducing grooves enriched by refined yet absolutely ravenous lead guitar work and a cathartic tribal momentum. 

“Last Time” stands out for the charismatic guitar work that since the very beginning showcases a modern progressive flair yet the rhythmic section definitely channels the undiluted rage of thrash metal with relentless guitar riffs accompanied by the perfect dosage of hostile growls. 

The mood changes on “Guardians Of Earth” beginning with soulful acoustic guitar harmonies followed by majestic operatic choirs that introduce a faster rhythm meticulously built by precise drumming and eclectic guitar phrases that will reach the acme with an inspiring solo so the thrash elements are still present but naturally embrace the evocative progressive composition. 

“The Pentagram” is an intense instrumental track that allows you to truly appreciate the stellar musicianship and also highlights a compelling sonic diversity as guitars shift from vitriolic riffage to complex prog oriented soloing constantly supported by a powerful impeccable rhythmic backbone. 

“Agony Of Defeat” is definitely a sophisticated track that evokes a profound melancholia with the somber elegance of the memorable intricate guitar melodies and the passionate clean vocal delivery and such fervent feelings are also expressed by the eloquent symphonic arrangements. 

Featuring guest vocalist Emily Barreto “Fear, Pain, Chaos, Suffering” carefully blends haunting melodic guitar progressions and fierce rhythmic segments generating a majestic groovy momentum in the midst of a profoundly darkened atmosphere. 

“Quadra” often manages to maintain an aggressive thrash metal momentum reminiscent of the early breakthrough discography but Sepultura are not really trying to rely exclusively on the same winning formula as they prove to be eager to move forward therefore you can expect some cool experimental ideas throughout the album.

 

Thy Catafalque – Naiv

With the avant garde project Thy Catafalque mastermind Tamás Kátai has always chosen a distinctive experimental approach inspired by diverse and even contrasting genres and as a result the new album “Naiv” is bound to constantly surprise the audience.  

“A Bolyongás Ideje” prepares you for a wild ride with a strong blackened rhythmic rampage that highlights the heavier tonalities of the guitar work while the somber vocals and the understated atmospheric arrangements successfully maintain a rather fascinating darkened mood. 

The arcane harmonious beauty of “Embersólyom” tends to favor a mystical folk spirit as the soft atmospheric layers and the comforting piano melodies channel a graceful melancholia lingering even through the heavier rhythmic segments.   

On “A Valóság Kazamatái” futuristic electro arrangements become the main focus with crazy synths and an incredibly variegated range of sounds paired with harsh industrial oriented guitar riffs and contrasting peaceful introspective melodies. 

There’s a lot going on “Vető” as the evident eclectic composition generates exotic melodic waves and entertaining, often unexpected, electronic rhythmic patterns while the more traditional metal elements still find a way to emerge with some intense guitar riffs. 

“Szélvész” certainly has an elaborate structure that once again aims to maintain a multifaceted soundscape yet the massive guitar driven grooves hold a dominant role and will become quite memorable accompanied by the perfect dosage of dreamy atmospheres and obscure rhythmic blasts. 

Certainly diversity is one of the key elements that render “Naiv” such a unique opus so distant from any predefined music category as with an excellent musicianship Thy Catafalque bravely manipulate sounds and explore various subgenres to fully express their creative force. 

Former Worlds – Iterations Of Time

Minneapolis based band Former Worlds have worked hard to craft the official debut full length “Iterations Of Time” which follows an obscure music pathway profoundly inspired by doom & sludge metal. 

“Spectre” is an enigmatic affair relying on monumental rhythmic patterns that evidently channel the abrasive elements of sludge with primal guitar riffs and quite furious screams that create an impenetrable murky atmosphere.  

The complex structure of “Variations On A Cave” allows the band to fully showcase a multifaceted approach with vitriolic guitar riffs cutting through hazy atmospheric layers as the heavy sludge rhythmic core is quite dominant but the calmer moody shoegaze vibes always find a way to stand out. 

“Widow Moon” can certainly sound hostile with the ominous weight of the guitar riffs and the consequent chaotic rhythmic fury also emphasized by spiteful screams yet the inner dreamy shoegaze oriented spirit comes alive with gentle melodies and mellow vocals generating harmonious introspective moments. 

Former Worlds are not afraid to explore multiple metal subgenres to build a personal music identity which on this debut album “Iterations Of Time” constantly manifests a darkened heavy essence. 

Yatra – Blood Of The Night

Maryland based power trio Yatra is ready to release the sophomore album “Blood Of The Night” and you can expect an overdose of doom laden grooves and towering sludge elements. 

On “Sorcerer” you can immediately perceive a mystifying darkened aura flowing through the mournful guitar melodies and the monolithic rhythmic patterns which ultimately generate super heavy grooves accompanied by the primal vocal delivery. 

On “After The Ravens” the guitar work tends to focus on the creation of exquisite gloomy melodies as the band is clearly inspired by the darkest elements of doom metal in fact the obscure weight of the rhythmic section doesn’t need extra speed to sound absolutely heavy. 

“Blood Will Flow” offers loads of crushing dynamics consequently the groovy vibes become more dominant due to the intense rhythmic progressions while the lead guitar work and the vocals successfully channel sorrowful feelings. 

Once again “Three Moons” features charismatic guitar melodies evoking a profound melancholy through massive doom oriented rhythmic segments confidently built by sharp riffage that will ultimately evolve into a memorable fuzzy soloing. 

The forlorn atmosphere of “Surrender” is constantly fueled by a primitive doom force perfectly expressed by the heavy guitar riffs and the tormented vocals marching through extra groovy and faster rhythmic blasts. 

“Blood Of The Night” can sound insanely dark & heavy as Yatra makes serious efforts to develop a personal style that certainly bears the ominous mark of doom metal and will make a strong impression in the current scene. 

Wednesday 13 Live in Chicago

Following the successful release of “Necrophaze” last year via Nuclear Blast Records, the Duke of Spook Wednesday 13 is currently touring in the US as main support of labelmates The 69 Eyes. Wednesday 13 is taking the horror show to the next level as we witnessed during the packed show at Reggies in Chicago. With theatrical flair and nightmarish vibes Wednesday 13 entertained the audience changing several costumes and masks and the resulting visuals certainly matched the mood of the new tracks “Necrophaze”, “Zodiac” and “Decompose” which sound like the perfect soundtrack for a 80’s horror movie. 

The 69 Eyes Live in Chicago

This time we didn’t have to wait a decade to see the legendary Helsinki Vampires The 69 Eyes live on stage as they are currently on the ‘Hell Has No Mercy’ tour across the US. Last year The 69 Eyes released the critically acclaimed 12th album “West End”, available via Nuclear Blast Records, so at the packed show at Reggies in Chicago we had the pleasure to finally hear the new addictive tracks “Two Horns Up”, “Black Orchid”, “Hell Has No Mercy”, “27 & Done” and “Cheyenna” but the setlist of course included many unforgettable classics such as “Framed In Blood”, “Brandon Lee” and “The Chair”. From beginning to end Jyrki 69 delivered an amazing true rocker performance with unrivaled passion and the crowd’s enthusiasm proved that The 69 Eyes were deeply missed in Chicago. After experiencing the ultimate Goth’n’Roll live concert we simply cannot wait to see The 69 Eyes back in the US as soon as possible!