US metal powerhouse Witch Ripper demonstrates pure devotion for uncompromising melodic heaviness on the third full-length “Through the Hourglass”.
“The Portal” opens the album with an evident groovy attitude as the massive gritty guitar riffs lead to intense rhythmic dynamics and ultimately evolve into flamboyant leads with a vivid melodic flair.
“Symmetry of the Hourglass” reveals a contemplative mood and impresses the listeners with sophisticated impeccable guitar solos in contrast with the aggressive rhythmic assault certainly amplified by the hostile growls.
“Proxima Centauri” spreads immense melancholia through soothing clean vocals and crestfallen melodic progressions choosing warmer tonalities for an intimate composition that reaches the acme with somber rhythmic crescendos.
On “The Spiral Eye” the complex guitar work maintains a sorrowful melodic essence embellished by understated atmospheric textures yet ultimately acquires the raw energy of sludge/doom to build monolithic rhythmic patterns.
Rising from the underground metal scene Witch Ripper have developed a groovy progressive style that spontaneously generates the intricate soundscapes of “Through the Hourglass”.
Category: Album Reviews
Monsternaut – Approaching Doom
Finnish heavy metal power trio Monsternaut unleashes an overdose of authentic fuzzed out grooves throughout the third album “Approaching Doom” recorded entirely the old fashioned way.
Straight to the point “Evicted” relies on the heavy weight of guitars and increasingly darker atmospheric nuances to successfully build multiple thrilling grooves.
The title track instantly channels old school heavy metal influences focusing on the gritty guitar sound and recurring sharp leads well supported by a monumental harsh rhythmic section.
Raw energy runs through “Drain” as guitars diligently deliver an addictive riffage and the whole instrumentation continues to follow a majestic groovy pathway.
“Black Blizzard” doesn’t need special effects to hit hard due to the monolithic guitar riffs and thunderous drums engaged in a relentless rhythmic march.
Devoted to heaviness “New Order of Bliss” features pummeling drums and unstoppable chunky guitar riffs that can rightfully acquire murky doom elements.
“Heavy Monday” keeps the same cold doom inspiration within the belligerent rhythmic ensemble spiced up by the rebellious attitude of the vocal performance.
Monsternaut proudly chooses analogue equipment to achieve a genuine sound perfectly symbolized by the stomp-inducing guitar driven grooves of “Approaching Doom”.
Fabienne Erni – Starveil
Best known as the singer of Eluveitie and ILLUMISHADE Fabienne Erni begins a new musical chapter with the release of the debut album “Starveil” focusing on her fascinating vocal abilities and personal musical influences.
“Sky’s Breath” presents an opulent symphonic metal composition with solemn orchestrations and spellbinding melodic themes revolving around Fabienne’s impeccable vocal performance.
Featuring a charismatic vocal duet with Lena Scissorhands, frontwoman of Infected Rain, “Ritual” would be an obvious hit song evoking a beloved Nordic melancholia through bittersweet melodic guitar phrases and a passionate chorus.
The title track chooses a magical folk pathway with comforting harmonious passages and the addition of traditional instrumentation such as the bagpipe to properly channel ancient invisible forces.
“Living And The Dead” reveals a mellow metal ballad style as delicate atmospheric tapestries and baroque accents surround Fabienne’s emotive vocal delivery.
“Never Let Go” shines for the dazzling vocal harmonies flowing gracefully through a winning combo of fragile melodies, luminous atmospheric layers and catchy rhythmic progressions.
“Thalen Muron” naturally embraces a tribal folk essence as somber pulsating percussions lead the way to a meditative rhythm and hypnotizing crescendos further enriched by the enchanting flute and the ancestral chanting.
Choosing an immersive melodic composition to fully express genuine sentiments throughout “Starveil”, Fabienne takes the role of a charming storyteller and courageously showcases different and interesting aspects of her artistic identity.
Only Human – Planned Obsolescence
Danish existential prog metal band Only Human proudly enters the metal scene with the apocalyptic vision of the debut album “Planned Obsolescence”.
Surrounded by an enigmatic atmosphere “Drift” highlights a mature musicianship focusing on a hypnotizing melodic ensemble with a variety of fluent crispy guitar phrases.
On “The Sun and the Moon” the poetic vocal delivery and the shimmering guitar progressions emphasize poignant melodic themes yet the rhythmic section will acquire extra heaviness & speed.
“Steep Descent” instantly showcases a modern technical progressive approach confidently blending fiery grooves, intricate guitar acrobatics and warm piano harmonies.
“Aspire” is filled with bittersweet emotions as peaceful vocals accompany melancholic guitar progressions ultimately evolving into a luminous guitar solo.
“Breach” depicts a dystopian dimension through syncopated rhythms diligently built by aggressive drumming and visceral riffage until otherworldly multilayered synths evokes wistful feelings.
Within the bleak reality of “Planned Obsolescence” Only Human present to the world their personal sonic manifesto through contemplative melodies and strong technical skills.
Varmia – lauks
For the release of the new album “lauks” Polish black metal band Varmia has prepared an obscure Baltic rite skillfully combining traditional ethnic instrumentation and relentless extreme dynamics.
As darkness descends upon us “czarne drogi Xsiężyca” constantly unleashes a malevolent force through the insane speed of the chaotic rhythmic patterns and the wrathful screams.
You cannot escape the primal blackened essence of “zwykli zmarli” as raw guitar riffs inevitably generate an oppressive mood emphasized by enigmatic chants.
“niekrwi” hits you in the face with hellish rhythmic blasts and ravenous growls until the tempo slows down dramatically to reach a lugubrious melodic momentum.
“der tot Adalbert” adds a theatrical flair to the spiteful black metal formula with quasi paranormal chanting and mournful melodic waves emerging from a ghastly limbo.
“korona” showcases a visceral classic blackened approach favoring unstoppable hostile drumming and ominous guitar tonalities enriched by cryptic tribal accents.
In the underground subversive scene Varmia continue to follow a darkened mystical pathway leading to “lauks” which delivers an audacious black metal assault and at the same time pays homage to their strong Baltic roots.
Desert Storm – Buried Under The Weight Of Reason
Hailing from Oxford, England, Desert Storm presents their monolithic blend of stoner, sludge & doom with the insane heavy weight of the new full length “Buried Under The Weight Of Reason”.
“Newfound Respect” evokes a sense of impending doom as colossal grim guitar riffs lead the way to a solid series of empowering grooves easily amplified by a thunderous vocal delivery.
Surrounded by a subtle trippy atmosphere “Shamanic Echoes” takes you to arid landscapes as the slick guitar leads emphasize an attractive ‘70s acidic mood and gradually evolve into majestic rhythmic dynamics.
“Woodsman” shows a deeply nostalgic side with warm arpeggios yet this mellow melodic ensemble will morph into a highly distorted groovy rhythmic core.
Without any hesitation “Cut Your Teeth” delivers plenty of grinding rhythmic blasts and the elaborate guitar work effortlessly shifts from vicious riffage to eloquent melodic lines.
Maintaining a higher rhythmic tension “Twelve Seasons” relies on galloping gritty riffs with the crucial support of stomping drums and reaches the acme with a flamboyant guitar solo.
With great confidence Desert Storm channel the glory of stoner/doom to fully develop a personal songwriting approach that throughout “Buried Under The Weight Of Reason” naturally generates pure heaviness but also a surprising vulnerability.
Via Doloris – Guerre et Paix
Founded by Gildas Le Pape and joined by Frost of legendary Satyricon, Via Doloris honors the majestic legacy of Nordic metal forging its own charismatic sonic identity on the thrilling debut album “Guerre et Paix”.
Through the icy realm of “Communion” ominous guitars follow a perilous pathway leading to an ideal mix of venomous blackened grooves and enticing melodic progressions that certainly highlight an introspective vision.
“Un Franc Soleil” evokes sheer melancholia through the overwhelming bleak tonalities of the cascading guitar melodies and the consequent decadent crescendos ultimately embrace more energetic rhythmic dynamics.
Showing devotion to black metal’s formal foundations, “Omniprésents” builds obscure rhythmic patterns highlighting the murky guitar sound and the reckless speed of the monolithic drums until we take a deep breath and reach a hypnotizing melodic momentum.
You can perceive a primordial force behind the foreboding rhythmic wall of “Ultime Tourment” as aptly tormented guitar riffs and desperate growls amplify the inner blackened wrath in contrast with a dramatic wintry harmonious ensemble.
In the frostbitten world of “Guerre et Paix” Via Doloris confidently embarks on a gloomy artistic journey in search of meaning through claustrophobic soundscapes and surreal melodic waves.
Witchcraft – A Sinner’s Child
Prolific Sweden’s iconic heavy rockers Witchcraft showcase their unstoppable creative force with the intimate composition of the new EP “A Sinner’s Child”.
With an exquisite vintage sound “Drömmen Om Död Och Förruttnelse” delivers a minimalist yet rather groovy proto-doom approach focusing on the raw energy of blazing guitars and charismatic vocals.
The title track features deeply melancholic vibes as the slow burning melodic progressions simply grab your attention without any special effects naturally complementing a particularly sincere vocal performance.
Throughout “Själen Reser Sig” you can perceive an authentic ominous doom flair embedded within the somber guitar work which rightfully focuses on the heavy weight of monolithic riffs.
The final chapter “Sinner’s Clear Confusion” defies space & time as it becomes an immersive sonic experience featuring poetic vocals and soulful guitar melodies.
Guided by visionary founder & vocalist Magnus Pelander, on “A Sinner’s Child” Witchcraft is ready to present a more vulnerable side choosing an emotionally melodic pathway.
Eihwar – Hugrheim
Electro Nordic folk vikings Eihwar have already gained worldwide attention and continue to shape a new mythological world through the magical soundscapes of the sophomore album “Hugrheim”.
The spiritual journey begins with “Nauðiz” offering uplifting rhythmic dynamics and strong tribal elements while acoustic guitars complemented by delicate vocal harmonies emphasize an ancestral folk essence.
At the center of “Freyja’s Calling” you will find mystifying chants that seem to evoke invisible forces and fervent rhythmic dynamics effortlessly create a perfectly danceable style.
Throughout “Skuggaríki” minimalist guitar lines are constantly surrounded by shadowy atmospheric arrangements that certainly amplify a darker cryptic vision.
The title track relies on a trance inducing rhythm embellished by otherworldly vocal harmonies to efficiently build a fiery march to war.
“Heill Óðinn” uses shamanic drums and theatrical contrasting vocals to hypnotize the listeners as the rhythmic crescendos increasingly acquire ritualistic vibes.
Rising from the mystical lands of “Hugrheim” Eihwar showcases a charismatic pagan imagery and courageously takes you to remote Nordic landscapes but also straight to a dancefloor, in viking fashion of course.
Temple Of Void – The Crawl
Death metallers Temple Of Void dwell into the deepest & darkest dungeons to unleash their new menacing full length “The Crawl” promising pure heaviness while showcasing diverse musical influences.
The title track is a vicious death-doom metal affair as the tight rhythmic section takes the center stage to deliver monumental blasts later evolving into a soulful melodic ensemble characterized by dreamy guitar tonalities.
The inner strength of “Thy Mountain Eternal” emerges from a murky atmospheric realm as the crepuscular guitar harmonies create intricate soundscapes that seamlessly entwine with vitriolic grooves.
“Soulburn” focuses on the monumental heavy weight of the guitar driven grooves but also acquires epic vibes as opulent orchestrations surround a flamboyant guitar solo.
As the rhythmic core dictates intense speed “The Twin Stranger” attracts the audience with wicked guitar acrobatics accompanied by malevolent guttural growls while enticing melodic progressions naturally lead to a contemplative breakdown.
Without any hesitation Temple Of Void conjure obscure forces manifesting a potent death-doom essence yet continue to shape a personal sonic identity throughout “The Crawl”.
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