Author: Alexiel Divine
The Atlas Moth Live in Chicago
The Spirit – Sounds From The Vortex
The sonic realm of The Spirit debut album “Sounds From The Vortex” is absolutely black and often hopeless as the band is eager to finally spread this collection of atmospheric blackened death anthems.
“Cosmic Fear” is fierce and enigmatic drawing inspiration from the depths of traditional black metal with its raw riffing galore and oppressive momentum yet the addition of melodic guitar work amplifies the song’s contemplative & emotional facets.
“The Clouds Of Damnation” immediately delivers a series of fast crushing rhythmic patterns again reminiscent of classic Nordic tonalities and as the drums dictate a thunderous march the whole instrumentation follows such grim mood with impeccable fluidity until a cold melancholia engulfs the profoundly somber guitar melodies.
The contemplative nature of “Illuminate The Night Sky” is clear since the very beginning as atmospheric melodies demand attention before introducing a vigorous rhythmic ensemble that revolves around massive darkened guitar work and relentless drumming.
“Fields Of The Unknown” closes the album offering another round of epic tremolo-picked segments demanding a faster asphyxiating rhythm as a total darkness takes over leaving just enough space for some genuine melodic moments.
Acolytes of the underground extreme metal scene will definitely find the mysterious aura of “Sounds From The Vortex” appealing and should continue to pay attention to the music journey of The Spirit.
Paradise Lost Live in Chicago
The long awaited Paradise Lost North American tour is particularly important because the British iconic band is celebrating the 30th year anniversary. It’s been six years since Paradise Lost toured here and all the faithful fans loved the chosen setlist for the show at House Of Blues in Chicago, which revisited the band’s career and included the timeless classics “Gothic” and “As I Die”, “Pity The Sadness” and “Enchanted” from the acclaimed album “Draconian Times”, as well as the new songs “The Longest Winter”, “Blood And Chaos” and the title track from the latest crushing release “Medusa”!
Sólstafir Live in Chicago
The beloved and unique Icelandic band Sólstafir finally returned to North America and delivered an absolutely spellbinding performance at House of Blues in Chicago. Fronted by extraordinaire vocalist/guitarist Aðalbjörn Addi Tryggvason, Sólstafir played songs from the latest mesmerizing full length “Berdreyminn” and simply hypnotized the entire audience with the final song “Goddess Of The Ages” so we can’t wait to experience this powerful live show again!
Shining – Animal
It seems like Shining’s new album “Animal” will surprise the longtime fans as mastermind/frontman Jørgen Munkeby was tired of the same ‘blackjazz’ style and decided to create a party metal carnival.
“Take Me” begins with a mainstream combination of keyboards melodies with a 80s feel and steady hard rock style guitar riffs, then you will find melodic bits embellished by additional modern synths layers.
The title track aims for a catchy approach and seems to follow the same straightforward hard rock direction and you can imagine a full blown party accompanied by uncomplicated guitar riffs, underlying atmospheric synths, lots of vocal effects and super melodic chorus.
“My Church” appears to be more dramatic and heavier as the whole rhythmic section dwells in a limbo between classic rock and metal yet vocals provide a melodic emotive delivery but will eventually turn into loud and quite angered screams.
“When I’m Gone” almost feels like a classic power ballad where keyboards keep a subtle atmospheric mood, vocals aim to express pure passion and guitars tend to lurk in the background maintaining a smooth rhythmic flow.
On “Everything Dies” the promising initial acidic tones will give way to another radio friendly groove with the borderline rebellious screams dictating the mood of the chorus and easy uptempo beats briefly interrupted by a sudden somber atmospheric breakdown.
“End” could have been a dark song but guitars feel too quiet and the almost spooky synths are swiftly followed by a melodic rampage focused on sad ballad style vocals and big mainstream chorus.
“Animal” is mostly loud and bombastic, yes just like the party metal carnival that was supposed to be, so while Jørgen Munkeby is certainly happy with the final result maybe Shining’s fans will gradually learn to embrace this drastic change.
Solstafir Interview with Aðalbjörn Tryggvason
Carach Angren Live in Chicago
The current North American tour is particularly important for Carach Angren as the Dutch horror storytellers are back as headliners. The Carach Angren horror metal show at Reggies in Chicago aptly featured spooky atmospheres and creepy stage props that enhanced the band’s theatrical performance which included songs from the latest acclaimed album “Dance And Laugh Amongst The Rotten”, available via Season Of Mist!
Wolfheart – Constellation Of The Black Light
Winter metal is back and is here to stay as Finnish band Wolfheart, fronted by multi-instrumentalist Tuomas Saukkonen, return with the epic soundscapes of the new effort “Constellation Of The Black Light” which has all the elements and the intensity necessary to leave a mark in the current metal scene.
Already with the massive mini opus that is the album opener “Everlasting Fall” it becomes clear that this new music journey will be quite impressive. Starting with the perfect dose of immensely melancholic arpeggios and wintry atmospheric nuances Wolfheart creates an authentic Nordic soundscape later shaped by elegant orchestrations followed by the extra cold tonalities of sharp guitar riffs and more ferocious blackened rhythmic sections that will be aptly enhanced by monumental growls, yet an inspired melodic ensemble featuring soothing sorrowful lead melodic guitars will always emerge through such waves of remarkable faster relentless grooves.
Since the very beginning “Breakwater” unleashes pure blackened fury as frenetic guitar riffs dominate the song’s structure yet the enchanting softer acoustic moments and the refined orchestral tapestries lingering in the background continue to hold the same passionate melancholy that feels so crucial within the whole album.
When “The Saw” begins tempo is considerably slowed down to focus more on the emotive & sad melodies naturally crafted by waves of dismal guitar riffs, detailed acoustic harmonies and sophisticated orchestral arrangements but the band is also ready to offer several heavier instrumental dynamics and wrathful growls.
With roaring drums “Warfare” gets you ready for the battlefield with faster enraged grooves yet such aggressive approach and ardent feelings are ultimately balanced by the graceful melodic grandeur created by recurring charming lead guitars and sumptuous orchestrations.
Among fiery guitar riffs a profound melancholy is meant to have an essential role on the closing track “Valkyrie” where the vibrant melodic lead guitar work will certainly stand out for the poignant tonalities and the smooth musicianship surrounded by shrouds of cold nostalgia courtesy of emotional atmospheric arrangements and piano phrases.
In terms of songwriting Wolfheart has certainly reached higher levels as “Constellation Of The Black Light” is a triumph of harmonious darkness and heartfelt emotions, something you will desperately need to comfort you during the upcoming long winter nights.
