Author: Alexiel Divine

Hiss From The Moat – The Harrier

Founded by acclaimed drummer James Payne of Vital Remains and Hour of Penance, Hiss From The Moat is ready to celebrate the release of the sophomore album “The Harrier” which revolves mainly around technical blackened death metal dynamics.

The creepy atmospheres of “The Badial Despondency” introduce the monstrous title track where the massive rhythmic ensemble is constantly fueled by the technical precision of the drums and the belligerent guitar riffs while the soloing showcases fancy shredding and darkened vibes.

The mood of “The Passage To Hell” definitely matches the title as the menacing drum march and the consequent guitar driven grooves dwell within an asphyxiating blackened realm enriched by the calmer yet nightmarish atmospheric momentum.  

It’s nice to take a break with the sophisticated classical guitar melodies of “The Abandonment (Interlude)” where the band can showcase a different songwriting approach and still manifest a profound sense of darkness.

There are plenty of extreme metal elements on “The Allegory Of Upheaval” as thick guitar riffs could not sound more obscure supported by brutal drum blasts and hellish growls while the lead guitar work tends to focus on remarkable melancholia infused melodies.

“God Nephasto” fully embraces fierce uncompromising grooves fueled by a palpable primordial force that demands faster rhythmic segments and blackened guitar riffs while once again the technical soloing stands out for the subtle melodic accents.

There is a perennial darkness throughout “The Decay Of Lies” and the blackened influences become rather dominant in the guitar work that skillfully takes the center stage with an overdose of gloomy tonalities and decadent melodies.

Overall “The Harrier” is a solid extreme metal opus that can often sound absolutely ominous but Hiss From The Moat are able to add also melodic & atmospheric twists to such aggressive sonic approach.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m69GzssO6c0

Lucifer Live in Chicago

Heavy rockers Lucifer finally embarked on a headlining tour in North America to support the latest spellbinding release “Lucifer II”. The American fans certainly showed their utmost love for Lucifer’s music packing Reggies in Chicago on a Thursday night. The band’s chemistry was immediately evident and Johanna Sadonis proved to be a charismatic vocalist confidently singing through the hazy atmospheres of “Dreamer” or the retro grooves of “California Son” and the new unreleased song “Ghosts” was another lovely surprise.

 

Children Of Bodom Live in Chicago

Finish icons Children Of Bodom just released the long awaited album “Hexed”, available via Nuclear Blast, and the fans have a chance to hear live the new songs “Under Grass And Clover”, “This Road” and “Platitudes And Barren Words” as the band is currently touring in North America. During the energetic performance at House of Blues in Chicago Children Of Bodom started with the classic track “Are You Dead Yet?” which instantly triggered massive mosh pit and crowd surfing that basically went on for the entire concert.

Children Of Bodom – Hexed

So many have been waiting for a new full length by renowned Finnish metallers Children Of Bodom and finally the time has come for “Hexed” to unleash the expected brilliant shredding within the band’s signature melo-death sonic realm.

“This Road” is a quite energetic album opener starting immediately with frenetic guitar driven grooves amplified by massive drum blasts but certainly the opulent keyboards arrangements and the cool guitar licks stand out throughout the song with fascinating somber tonalities.

“Under Grass And Clover” has a stronger positive energy as guitar leads and keyboards here channel major catchy ‘80s influences nevertheless vocals sound as enraged as possible just like the crunchy guitar riffs.

In the beginning “Hecate’s Nightmare” feels like a creepy lullaby with dominant gothic tinged atmospheres and borderline diabolical growls surrounded by the refined keyboards tapestries that add subtle symphonic accents while the charismatic guitar soloing relies on flamboyant shredding and classic metal vibes.

On the title track the lavish melodic combo of keyboards and guitars this time showcases exquisite neoclassical accents leading to a theatrical grandeur that naturally embellishes the fierce instrumental dynamics and the galloping extra heavy guitar riffs.

The composition of “Say Never Look Back” combines explosive grooves and melodic phrases as once again smooth guitars and keyboards work harmoniously to craft sophisticated instrumental passages often characterized by cold darkened nuances.

“Soon Departed” enhances a dramatic momentum allowing the slightly slower melancholic guitar work to take the center stage and deliver loads of catchy bittersweet melodies in contrast with the scattered harsh rhythmic segments and rather angered vocals.

Children Of Bodom confidently add some eclectic twists constantly emphasized by the impressive musicianship on “Hexed” but also tend to follow the successful music formula that has generated great interest throughout the years.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-K8b-y3eDg

Wolfheart Live in Chicago

The release of “Constellation Of The Black Light” marked a successful year for Finnish winter metal band Wolfheart and to celebrate the album they return to North America for the second time. Check out the live action from Wolfheart show at House Of Blues in Chicago!

Swallow The Sun Live in Chicago

This is a great year for Finnish band Swallow The Sun as the latest full length “When A Shadow Is Forced Into The Light”, available via Century Media, has garnered a lot of attention and positive feedback. Now you have the chance to hear some of these new intense songs live since the band is currently on a massive North American tour with Wolfheart and Children Of Bodom. Swallow The Sun performed a captivating emotional show at House Of Blues in Chicago focusing on their signature sonic blend of gloom, beauty & despair and since the setlist might have been too short we really hope to see them again soon!

 

Candlemass – The Door To Doom

The doom legacy of Swedish stalwarts Candlemass is as strong as ever and the long awaited new album “The Door To Doom” showcases the band’s ominous signature elements featuring the surprising return of their first singer Johan Langquist which definitely brings a sense of nostalgia to all these songs.   

On “Splendor Demon Majesty” there is in fact plenty of pure doom splendor as Candlemass confidently channel their obscure roots with the impressive guitar work that fluently delivers bold riffage and intricate solos around Johan’s charismatic vocal performance.

The melancholic melodies of “Under The Ocean” guide us through a realm of gloom and sorrow filled with mighty guitar riffs and tasteful slower progressions that effortlessly build a series of mid paced darkened grooves amplified by captivating vocals and epic atmospheres.

With its majestic darkness “Astorolus – The Great Octopus” is the song that will conquer all the doom lovers featuring the guest appearance by legendary Tony Iommi. The classic doom momentum feels extremely dominant as the exquisite cold tonalities of guitars evoke mournful feelings through the monumental riffs and the alluring grandeur of the soloing.  

“Black Trinity” rightfully belongs to the same sinister doom realm with the tremendous weight of the guitar riffs leading to the expected obscure grooves that will evolve into a hypnotizing breakdown and once again Johan’s voice naturally matches such bewitching darkened vibes.

“The Omega Circle” immediately feels rather dramatic beginning with slow contemplative arpeggios and passionate vocals but soon the monumental doom quintessence will take over with the perfect dose of extra heavy guitar riffs roaring through groovy rhythmic segments and the grave melodic tonalities of the compelling guitar solo generating diabolical vibes.

It’s truly a pleasure to see how Candlemass still maintain their exceptional doom mastery today as “The Door To Doom” has the necessary strength and creative force to show to the world what true doom metal sounds like.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8OT3W1TwJM

Ghost Iris – Apple Of Discord

Danish progressive metalcore band Ghost Iris started as a DIY internet phenomenon in 2015 and now they are ready to showcase their musical growth and passion with the third full length “Apple Of Discord”.

On “The Devil’s Plaything” the classic metalcore elements feel quite dominant as the band skillfully blends belligerent guitar riffs leading to monumental aggressive grooves and soothing melodies to create an enjoyable contrast matched by the combo of brutal growls and heartfelt clean vocals.

“Final Tale” often has a slower tempo that shifts the focus to the intricate guitar work and crispy melodies surrounded by modern atmospheric accents while the heavier grooves are full of crunchy guitar riffs.

The polished melodic guitars and the borderline pop style clean vocal delivery of “Beauty In Expiration” ensures a rather accessible ensemble yet since there’s no need to sacrifice the heavy momentum guitars are ready to deliver thrilling riffage supported by precise rhythmic variations.

“The Rat And The Snake” sounds darker and harsher as angered growls take the center stage accompanied by the noticeable heavy approach of the technical guitar work and the extra cold atmospheric textures.  

There are still plenty of roaring metalcore twists on “Heaven Was Pure Hell” while the melodic aspects are often emphasized by the brighter tonalities of the guitar progressions and the emotionally charged clean vocals.

“Cowardly Pride” confidently aims to deliver bold guitar driven grooves spiced up by dissonant accents and interesting technical accents while the catchy chorus and the subtle atmospheric arrangements ensure a fair dosage of somber melodies.

Ghost Iris can be still considered an emerging band but they already have a clear music pathway in mind and the necessary drive & catchy vibes to reach a wider audience worldwide with the release of “Apple Of Discord”.  

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwxO5BXtQFw

Malevolent Creation – The 13th Beast

We can all agree that Malevolent Creation are an institution in the extreme metal scene and the best way to celebrate the 13th full length aptly entitled “The 13th Beast” is to deliver a massive overdose of traditional death metal that requires instant headbanging to be fully enjoyed.

“End The Torture” opens the album with ominous vibes as guitars gradually build merciless rhythmic dynamics following pummeling drums to ensure a proper death metal sonic assault spiced up by the intense shredding offered by the guitar solos.

On “Mandatory Butchery” you can easily recognize the key brutal elements of classic death metal but also bold thrash accents as guitars deliver steady fierce riffs accompanied by cavernous growls yet the darkened melodic guitar work adds contemplative depth.

If you’re looking for sheer brutality “Agony For The Chosen” got you covered as relentless guitar riffs and savage drumming lead to a hellish sonic realm without any hesitation and only the fancy guitar soloing allows you to catch your breath.

“Born Of Pain” is another cohesive death metal anthem that relies on the borderline chaotic approach of the super fast rhythmic section but at some point the tempo gets slower to emphasize the grave tonalities of the guitars.

“Knife At Hand” continues to unleash furious rhythmic blasts favoring breakneck speed and a full blown aggressive approach surprisingly interrupted by occasional sorrowful atmospheric instrumental passages.

“Release The Soul” begins with a calmer yet immensely darkened approach and while guitars can still sound utterly ravenous they often put aside the violent speed to focus on anguished melodic phrases and obscure doom tinged tonalities.

Undoubtedly Malevolent Creation stay true to their infamous music formula and as expected “The 13th Beast” is characterized by a consistent classic death metal style revolving mainly around fast uncompromising guitar driven grooves.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4PIwx1lZSE

Beast In Black – From Hell With Love

Mastermind Anton Kabanen continues his bombastic music endeavor with the band Beast In Black and is ready to deliver a brand new ‘80s melodic power metal galore on the sophomore album “From Hell With Love”.

On “Cry Out For A Hero” there is a lot of positive energy embedded in the anthemic power metal guitar riffs, the nostalgia infused melodies and the enjoyable upbeat rhythm that of course will reach the acme with the rather flamboyant shredding of the guitar solo.

The title track sounds more cheesy pushing on the danceable synth pop arrangements to embellish the main classic power metal core so often the rhythm is a bit slower and extra melodic leading to a triumphantly catchy chorus.  

“Repentless” relies on a full blown symphonic grandeur with loads of solemn keyboards and the warrior metal attitude of the majestic choirs that emphasize the powerful blend of crunchy guitar riffs and polished melodic textures.

The expected mellow ballad “Oceandeep” focuses on folkish elements, profoundly melancholic melodies and subtle atmospheric arrangements creating a mellow dreamy soundscape to support the dramatic vocal delivery.

On “This Is War” there are slightly darkened accents running through the traditional power metal patterns while guitar riffs and drums become noticeably heavier accompanied by a bold vocal performance and the atmospheric breakdown will evoke intense nostalgia.

The spirit of ‘80s heavy metal becomes utterly dominant on “No Surrender” so such familiar winning formula dictates solid rounds of chugging guitar riffs marching through up-tempo rhythmic patterns and the must-have fancy melodic soloing with extra shredding power.

Beast In Black plays it safe and everything on “From Hell With Love” follows a similar ‘80s influenced power metal pathway that was at the center of the composition of the debut album “Berserker” therefore you won’t find any innovative surprises here but a solid collection of catchy songs.  

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8qWbowzwZU