Author: Alexiel Divine

Novarupta – Disillusioned Fire

The genesis of Novarupta begins when Swedish musician/composer Alex Stjernfeldt leaves The Moth Gatherer following his desire to explore different music territories and the result is the debut album “Disillusioned Fire” which also features a collaboration with several renowned vocalists.

“Stones” features a strong vocal performance by Tomas Liljedahl that matches the gloomy emotions expressed by the bittersweet guitar melodies flowing through the monumental heavier sludge oriented rhythmic patterns.  

Featuring Jörgen Sandström on vocals “Pyroclastic Flows” stands out for the enchanting melancholia infused guitar melodies that will certainly move the listeners yet there is a darker aura lingering throughout the song that often will lead to harsh guitar riffs and fierce instrumental dynamics.

Featuring the unmistakable intense growls by Mikael Stanne of Dark Tranquillity “Mare Tranquillitatis” successfully depicts desolate soundscapes through a moody blend of nostalgic melodic phrases generating contemplative moments and feverish guitar riffs that dictate a more aggressive rhythm.

Hypnotizing cold melodies are at the center of “Ourang Medan” and Martin Wegeland of Domkraft delivers a passionate vocal performance that naturally emphasizes the dramatic atmospheres, the darkened guitar tonalities and the frenetic rhythmic crescendos.

The sonic realm of “Disillusioned Fire” feels immensely dark yet somehow comforting and since the first listening you can easily comprehend that the musical direction of Novarupta is fueled by genuine emotions, uncertainty and pain.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUePCQUznj8

Eluveitie – Ategnatos

Swiss folk metal superstars Eluveitie embark on a brand new epic journey with the 8th album “Ategnatos” which seems to have all the necessary elements to satisfy the devoted fans featuring the band’s signature blend of melodic death metal and magical traditional folk tapestries accompanied by a real string quartet.

Without any hesitation the title track manifest the band’s successful folk metal formula focusing on epic cinematic soundscapes meticulously crafted by traditional instruments such as hurdy gurdy and bagpipes that enrich the recurring lavish melodies but the band never forgets to add some darkened heavier dynamics with intense rhythmic crescendos, bold guitar riffs and ominous growls.

The opulent multi-layered folk arrangements of “Black Water Dawn” tend to steal the spotlight leading to a particularly enthralling melodic ensemble emphasized by the lovely vocals by Fabienne Erni while groovy guitar riffs & soloing channel the expected heavier momentum.

“A Cry In The Wilderness” offers elegant atmospheric textures followed by a more substantial melodic death metal approach with the right dosage of crunchy guitar licks and ravenous growls while the melodic spirit naturally comes to life through the intricate folk harmonies.

“The Raven Hill” favors ancient folk vibes that lead to solemn chants and enchanting harmonies as the instrumental passages can sound absolutely melancholic but also playful following an entertaining upbeat rhythm.

Featuring guest vocalist Randy Blythe of Lamb Of God “Worship” incarnates a darker essence through prominent savage growls and a rather fierce guitar driven assault while the harmonious folk nuances also tend to match such sinister mood with mysterious atmospheres and somber melodic phrases.

“Breathe” is a particularly catchy track where a mix of soothing folk melodies and catchy guitar riffs create a sumptuous soundscape around Fabienne’s glowing vocal performance and a memorable widely accessible chorus.

“Rebirth” maintains major epic vibes and dwells in a classic melo-death sonic realm as it can sound utterly vicious with loads of fast energetic rhythmic segments and massive guitar riffage obviously amplified by the intense growls in contrast with the softer spellbinding atmospheric moments.

“Eclipse” closes the album with a minimalist atmospheric approach that allows the listeners to truly appreciate Fabienne’s passionate & haunting vocal performance.

From beginning to end “Ategnatos” is a majestic opus destined to conquer even more fans as despite some major line up changes Eluveitie appear in excellent shape ready to embrace a new bombastic chapter in their successful career.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubhf4AAL5Hc

Vltimas – Something Wicked Marches In

Vltimas will be inevitably categorized as a supergroup since this new band features Rune “Blasphemer” Eriksen (ex-MAYHEM, AURA NOIR), David Vincent (ex-MORBID ANGEL) and Flo Mounier (CRYPTOPSY) that joined forces to create crushing hymns to darkness on the anticipated debut album “Something Wicked Marches In”.

The title track symbolizes the exquisite dark music pathway chosen by Vltimas with ominous melodic accents that introduce a massive killer combo of fierce drumming and belligerent guitar riffs certainly inspired by traditional death metal dynamics amplified by David’s signature obscure growls and spiced up by tasteful guitar licks.

The primordial darkness of “Praevalidus” comes to life through a brutal approach generated by relentless rhythmic blasts that hit you in the face yet within such hellish sonic realm guitar leads have the opportunity to craft intense darkened melodies.

“Monolilith” is still drenched in darkness and the rhythmic patterns can slow down significantly to emphasize the dramatic grim vocal delivery and the refined sinister guitar phrases that add a sense of impending doom and gothic grandeur to the classic death metal backbone.

Darkly inspired atmospheres & arpeggios open “Last Ones Alive Win Nothing” leading to compelling dismal soundscapes while a series of opulent guitar melodies inevitably evokes a whirlwind of tormented feelings easily matched by David’s menacing growls.

On “Marching On” darkness continues to be triumphant as abrasive guitar riffs and monumental drums generate anthemic death metal segments within an asphyxiating sonic realm while once again the lead guitar work stands out crafting sophisticated melodies.

The fact that Vltimas is the joint effort of brilliant musicians foreshadows the uncompromising strength and the serious effort incarnated by “Something Wicked Marches In” which will definitely satisfy all acolytes of extreme metal with its palpable diabolical charm.  

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9QIJXun8rk

Asthma Castle – Mount Crushmore

Stoner/sludge metal collective Asthma Castle is a new name in the metal scene but features veteran musicians and the debut album “Mount Crushmore” demonstrates the band’s natural ability to create monolithic heavy grooves.

“The Incline Of Western Civilization” doesn’t require a constant fast rhythm to sound absolutely crushing because the monumental guitar riffs, the bold bass backbone and the mighty drumming successfully build monstrous grooves from beginning to end channeling raw energy as well as some catchy darkened vibes.

On the title track the instrumental patterns become increasingly heavier relying on a cohesive series of aggressive guitar riffs and such fierce groovy approach is certainly amplified by enraged screams and thunderous drum blasts while the guitar solo brings some enjoyable gritty stoner rock elements.

“Here Come The Black Ship” offers simply unstoppable heavy grooves as guitars once again ensure instant headbanging with fiery riffage and add compelling doom inspired melodic licks that eventually lead to a slower profoundly dark immersive momentum.

First of all “Brazilian Catbox Incident” is definitely an interesting title and this track features consistent super groovy rhythmic dynamics channeling a familiar heavy sludge blueprint enhanced by the borderline brutal vocals while lead guitars spice up such belligerent rhythmic patterns with absolutely catchy melodic phrases.

Asthma Castle self describe their music style as “hefty metal” consequently on “Mount Crushmore” you can expect an overdose of intense guitar driven grooves that will certainly keep you entertained.   

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PGcaecMIks

Bergraven – Det Framlidna Minnet

Swedish avant-garde progressive dark metal act Bergraven never refrains from exploring contrasting themes and diverse music territories in fact such visionary approach naturally leads to the enigmatic soundscapes of the latest album “Det Framlidna Minnet”.

On “Allt” the primal blackened momentum inevitably channels desperate and chaotic feelings following fast drumming and diabolical growls but the mood drastically changes when guitars acquire jazz inspired tonalities leading to edgy rhythmic variations and softer tonalities.  

The melodic splendor of “Den Följsamma Plågan” comes from the melancholic arpeggios that certainly generate a peaceful mood accompanied by fragile atmospheric accents yet this track holds a dark soul clearly fueled by traditional black metal as guitar riffs can acquire ominous tonalities matched by the enraged growls.

It’s not surprising to hear that melancholy and bleakness are essential elements on “Minnets Melankoli” which features an intense contemplative nature expressed by cathartic acoustic passages in contrast with the raw energy of the blackened dynamics.

“Till Priset Av Vårt Liv” is an ambitious track that offers a plethora of sonic variations starting with unusual rhythmic segments characterized by borderline dissonant guitar riffs and sophisticated jazz inspired progressions while the dreamy melodic essence emphasizes an inner desolation with loads of darkened guitar tonalities accompanied by anguished screams.

As Bergraven constantly maintain an experimental approach “Det Framlidna Minnet” always showcases great style diversity borrowing the undiluted fury of black metal or simply creating unexpected melodic tapestries.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1Uohw8kUuo

Laster – Het Wassen Oog

Dutch avant-garde post-black metal trio Laster aims to surprise the listeners with the genre bending approach and the unusual soundscapes of the third album “Het Wassen Oog”.

You can easily perceive the enigmatic nature of “Vacuüum ≠ Behoud” as the intricate melodic guitar work incorporates familiar shoegaze elements that later will acquire darker nuances following the menacing faster drumming and the hellish screams to fully embrace a primal blackened force.

On “Schone Schijn” the jazzy incursions and the excellent musicianship lead to a cathartic instrumental ensemble that confidently follows the several tempo variations yet continues to hold an inner black metal inspiration expressed mainly by the creepy atmospheres and the ravenous screams.

On “Haat & Bonhomie” the avantgarde approach is still prominent as the instrumental passages seamlessly shift from arcane blackened rhythmic blasts to softer and drastically slower crispy guitar melodies accompanied by smooth clean vocals.

“Weerworm” feels extremely spacey as the main guitar melodies seem to go on forever creating slow dizzy dynamics that favor the elegant & hazy atmospheric arrangements and leave behind any sign of black metal fury.  

The complex structure of “Zinsbetovering” features intense blackened rhythmic patterns but at the same time often deviates from the expected aggressive momentum allowing guitars to craft soothing harmonies with prominent jazzy vibes and moody shoegaze atmospheres evoking serene feelings.

The traditional black metal roots of Laster always emerge throughout “Het Wassen Oog” with bursts of obscure energy but undoubtedly the strength of the album is generated by the eclectic composition and the desire to freely experiment with diverse music genres.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fghrkWluqJg

Superlynx – New Moon

Norwegian doom trio Superlynx begins a new chapter with the sophomore album “New Moon” that allows them to freely express a multitude of contrasting emotions as darkness and light magically entwine.

“Hex” opens the album with an overload of simply spellbinding guitar melodies and hazy atmospheres creating a profound sense of tranquility matched by the ethereal vocal delivery yet the mood gets significantly darker and heavier with the weight of doom oriented guitar riffs.

Besides the evident stoner/doom dynamics fully expressed by the cohesive rhythmic section “Breath” feels like a reverie due to the calm enchanting vocals and the fuzzy guitar tonalities that successfully deliver psychedelic tinged melodies.

“Becoming The Sea” feels more melancholic beginning with soft piano melodies but as soon as distorted guitars take over the stoner elements become prominent leading to heavier grooves in contrast with the charming melodic tapestries.

The title track offers plenty of hypnotizing melodies as the guitar work tends to rely on moody tonalities within a dreamy sonic realm while the scattered rhythmic crescendos successfully add some heavy occult rock vibes.  

The psychedelic nature of “Scarecrow” leads to particularly groovy distortions that make you feel dizzy and the galloping guitar riffs tend to follow an upbeat rhythm but certainly the somber doom tonalities still emerge through slower monochromatic melodies.

The hazy peaceful atmospheres of “The Thickest Night” will probably make you space out as guitars focus mainly on dense darkened melodic textures accompanied by haunting vocals and spiced up by occasional heavier riffs.

Overall “New Moon” showcases consistent doom roots embellished by a bewitching atmospheric composition as Superlynx invite the listeners to embrace darkness through poetic lyrics and gloomy melodies.  

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ye0r5t_GOI

Death Angel Live in Chicago

While we anxiously wait for the brand new album “Humanicide” set to be released on May 31 via Nuclear Blast, Bay Area thrash metal icons Death Angel are currently touring in North America with legendary Overkill, a dream tour for all devoted thrash metal fans! At the show at House of Blues in Chicago Death Angel delivered a crushing performance, as proved by the constant insane mosh pit, playing the title track “Humanicide” from the upcoming new release and of course some unforgettable favorites including “The Dream Calls For Blood”, “The Ultra-Violence” and “KIll As One” and certainly we all hope to see them playing more songs touring as headliners in the near future. Mark Osegueda’s vocals were absolutely flawless and he took the time to express gratitude to the faithful Chicago fans for their continuous support through all these years.

Overkill Live in Chicago

Legendary thrash metallers Overkill embarked on a massive North American tour that celebrates the release of the explosive 19th album “The Wing Of War” available via Nuclear Blast. The concert at House of Blues in Chicago was packed with loads of longtime faithful fans as well as younger acolytes proving that Overkill’s music legacy is still relevant and loved in the current metal scene. With a charismatic stage presence and the unmistakable signature vocals Bobby Blitz definitely impressed the crowd and classic songs such as “Bastard Nation”, “Ironbound”, “Rotten To The Core” and “Elimination” triggered non stop crowd surfing & mosh pit but it was also great to hear live for the first time the new energetic songs “Last Man Standing”, “Distortion” and “Welcome To The Garden State”.