Holissstik emerges as a new force from mastermind Tor-Helge Skei of Trondheim’s experimental black metal band Manes and the debut album “Chapter I: This Endless Solitude” aims to push boundaries featuring more than 20 different collaborators.
In the beginning “The Rhythm of Silence” gradually crafts enigmatic atmospheric tapestries around ethereal vocals and the gloomy guitar sound enhances crucial dreamy melodic motifs that can also express uplifting sentiments.
“Reoccurring Dreams” implements electronics to create a surreal sonic realm where elaborate dystopian synths depict a darker gelid dimension and convoluted guitars deliberately evoke primal sonic elements.
Anna Murphy delivers gorgeous vocal harmonies on “Obsession Six” which reveals darkly alluring textures with a remarkable cryptic metal flair and the tragic atmospheric crescendos channel an ancestral ritualistic aura.
Throughout “Would You Take This Heart” expansive atmospheric arrangements surround the otherworldly vocal performance by Martyna Halas and the elegant melodic ensemble emphasizes a soothing emotional depth.
The cinematic title track flows gracefully like a nostalgic daydream spellbinding the audience with multilayered whimsical synths and hypnotizing vocals while the addition of raw guitars leads to an intense crescendo.
Holissstik’s hallucinatory soundscapes naturally come to life throughout “Chapter I: This Endless Solitude” as joined by a collective of exceptional artists Skei masterfully composes a cohesive opus characterized by transformation and creativity.
Category: Album Reviews
Irata – Human
North Carolina power trio Irata reaches a new milestone with the release of the massive full length “Human” which is the result of a thoughtful evolution characterized by a distinct heavy rock style and a subtle melancholia.
“Altar” introduces the band’s sonic manifesto with a strong rhythmic section and contemplative vocal harmonies matching the bittersweet melodic guitars.
“Confessions” acquires extra heaviness and confidence through the gritty guitar sound and the exciting groovy dynamics fueled by monumental drumming.
The raw energy of “Seeds” generates loud guitars and imposing bass riffs amplifying distortion and cool stoner vibes to build another groovy rhythmic ensemble.
“Slipped” adds a progressive touch delivering energetic riffage and syncopated rhythmic patterns fueled by precise drum blasts and monolithic bass lines.
“Daystar” brings a moody closure as mellow vocals express genuine sentiments and the recurring comforting melodies certainly highlight a reflective momentum.
Irata certainly aim to keep a spontaneous songwriting approach throughout “Human” shaping a personal vision that relies on a balanced mix of warm melodies and intricate riffing.
Dymna Lotva – Vyraj
Rebellious Belarus dissidents Dymna Lotva shape their own artistic evolution exploring diverse darkened territories and mythical realms on the inspiring fourth album “Vyraj”.
Listening to “Zory” we enter an obscure dimension where ruthless growls and incessant riffage remain dominant while the baroque keyboards accents emphasize a mysterious mood.
“Veha” channels the ritualistic vibes of obscure Nordic black metal with monolithic guitars and intense rhythmic blasts enriched by cinematic eerie orchestrations characterized by a cryptic folk inspiration.
“The Boat of Despair” is destined to conquer your heart immediately expressing eternal gloom with the exquisite gothic flair of decadent guitar melodies and sumptuous keyboards further enhanced by an extraordinary vocal performance courtesy of legendary Aaron Stainthorpe.
On “Niama Darohi” haunting synths meticulously prepare a theatrical atmospheric maze while dramatic growls and gelid guitar riffs build a satisfying blackened structure that culminates in a convoluted harmonious solo.
“Return My Coffin Home” ensures a cathartic grand finale choosing an epic melodic pathway for the polished guitars and conveying a perennial sense of longing with opulent atmospheric textures.
During their personal journey Dymna Lotva courageously manifest an expansive sonic vision that naturally overcomes boundaries leading to the kaleidoscopic soundscapes of “Vyraj”.
Warning – Rituals of Shame
After twenty years British doom metal band Warning is ready to deliver the proper crushing dynamics to celebrate the glory of doom on the new album “Rituals of Shame” written during a transformative period.
Without any hesitation the title track reveals the band’s colossal doom style as the potent rhythmic section hypnotize the audience maintaining a relentless funereal tempo enriched by the solemn vocals and the foreboding guitar leads.
“Stations” meticulously combines heaviness and emotional depth as doom laden guitars effortlessly shift from mournful melodies to intense riffage with recognizable old school sound.
“Night Comes Down” continues to follow a slow paced dirge to amplify monochromatic harmonies, cathartic melodic motifs and expansive darkened vibes through the impeccable dreary guitar work.
“Teacher” marks a super gloomy sentimental finale as the slow burning guitars favor dramatic melodies and theatrical vocals emphasizing a deeply sorrowful rhythmic dimension.
With the release of “Rituals of Shame” Warning makes a strong comeback and proves the relevant role of classic doom metal in the current scene.
Emptiness – Nowhere Speaks
Since 1998 Emptiness have been expanding their enigmatic music style and exploring diverse extreme metal territories, now the new album “Nowhere Speaks” is the rightful result of years of experimentation and transformation.
“The Threat” conveys a claustrophobic mood as aggressive guitars channel a sinister blackened force and hypnotic vocals guide you safely through the shadowy atmospheric maze.
Drenched in darkness the title track combines dense atmospheric synths and dismal melodic phrases while the monumental rhythmic section relies on savage extreme metal dynamics.
“Words To Wind” becomes a dreamlike experience with appealing moody guitar melodies flourishing in the midst of a mysterious atmosphere destined to evolve into a faster chaotic structure.
“When The Whole Arrives” symbolizes a visionary post-blackened death metal essence as murky atmospheric tapestries surround edgy guitars and vitriolic blast beats just seem unstoppable.
The gelid structure of “All For Nothing” unfolds spontaneously through introvert guitar progressions and fierce drumming demanding ruthless speed within a dystopian atmospheric realm.
Emptiness proudly disregards genres and categories following a personal avant-garde darkened sonic pathway that leads straight to the surreal soundscapes of “Nowhere Speaks” shielded by the external dreadful world.
Autumnblaze – Glut
German dark rock / metal visionaries Autumnblaze always demonstrated a sentimental devotion for dark songs and now they make a remarkable comeback with the gloomy soundscapes of the ninth album “Glut”.
Autumnblaze channel a palpable Nordic melancholia through the epic sonic realm of “Licht aus” delivering majestic guitar riffs and crestfallen harmonies.
“Kerkersonne” maintains a darkened rhythmic core but certainly favors fragility and warmth with a poignant vocal delivery and minimalist guitars.
“Heilung” presents a delightful poetic flair through graceful melodic progressions and comforting vocals highlighting a vulnerable side.
The refined dreamlike title track focuses on soft arpeggios and emotive vocals surrounded by hazy atmospheric tapestries.
“Der Idiot” chooses a more direct approach as feverish guitars spontaneously build impactful grooves yet you can appreciate the fascinating contemplative passages.
On “Geisteskind” guitars acquire darker tonalities to create a grim melodic grandeur and emphasize the emotional depth.
A visceral heaviness runs throughout “Albtraum” generating harsh rhythmic patterns amplified by tormented growls yet the recurring melodic motifs evoke spiritual clarity spontaneously leading to a mellow finale with wistful arpeggios.
“Glut” is the result of a thoughtful creative process as Autumnblaze fully embrace a distinct introspective style carefully blending primal rhythmic intensity and cathartic
Liminal Sky – All Tomorrow ‘s Darkness
Acclaimed producer Jaime Gomez Arellano and talented musician Daniel Knight begin a new exciting musical venture with Liminal Sky and the debut release “All Tomorrow’s Darkness” depicts an immersive journey through the bleak English countryside.
Liminal Sky confidently opens the album with the glowing melodies of “Some Other Time” expressing genuine sentiments through dreamy atmospheric arrangements and irresistible jazzy saxophone.
There is a subtle catchiness on “A Solitary Future” that easily attracts the listeners with balanced melodic crescendos and delicate arpeggios.
With an excellent production and a refined composition “In Some Secret Universe” flows like a beautiful daydream as the bittersweet vocals and shimmering arpeggios have the power to illuminate your surroundings.
“Penance” shines for the stark beauty of the intricate melodic guitars and the poignant vocal performance by Karin Park from Årabrot embellishing the haunting atmospheric dimension.
The title track evokes perennial melancholia as the spellbinding post – rock nuances of guitars flourish within the deeply contemplative atmospheric realm.
To create the extraordinary debut “All Tomorrow’s Darkness” Liminal Sky wrote and recorded in isolation at Orgone Studios focusing on poetic motifs and musical clarity.
Wailin Storms – The Arsonist
Wailin Storms are ready to present to the world their own Southern gothic rock style with the enigmatic fifth album “The Arsonist”.
A darkened dense atmosphere surrounds “Dead End” and echoes of distorted guitars become dangerously heavier ultimately leading to massive & loud rhythmic patterns amplified by rebellious screams in glorious post-punk fashion.
On “Heart of Mine” the charismatic vocals reach a contemplative depth well supported by the mellow guitar progressions while the eclectic rhythmic section can still impress the audience with increasing inflamed energy.
The title track aptly expresses ardent passion through warm bluesy melodic phrases and tormented rhythmic crescendos perfectly complemented by a rather dramatic vocal performance.
“The Wind” is filled with gritty guitar riffs which spontaneously generate a cohesive series of monolithic grooves until everything slows down to highlight a tragic melodic essence.
“It’s All Dark Now Where Your Eyes Used to Be” immediately reveals a stunning poetic melancholia with the gothic romance of melodic guitars, minimalist piano and calm vocals.
Attracted to fire and danger Wailin Storms confidently move forward solidifying their musical identity in the cryptic world of “The Arsonist”.
Todomal – Graveyards of Joy
Founded by veteran multi-instrumentalists Christopher B. Wildman and Javier Fernández Milla, Todomal meticulously shape their own doom creative pathway on the refined new album “Graveyards of Joy”.
The stylish first track “Mare Ignis” is characterized by an evocative atmospheric approach as sophisticated arrangements surround gloomy guitars and immersive melodic crescendos.
“Lucid Nightmare” focuses on groovy doomy dynamics to instantly grab your attention as soaring guitars deliver robust riffs and recurring elegant harmonies further amplified by multilayered dreamy keyboards and impeccable melancholic vocals.
The slow burning doom progressions of “Point of Coalescence” highlight the somber presence of crushing riffs and striking leads while the decadent atmospheric tapestries convey a significantly darker mood.
The Hammond takes the center stage on “Deliverance” enhancing an irresistible vintage flair and a deeply contemplative mood around the sentimental vocal delivery and the opulent guitar melodies.
The title track relies on an ideal mix of grave doom riffs and heart wrenching arpeggios that maintain a captivating melodic flow once again perfectly complemented by intricate atmospheric textures.
“Graveyards of Joy” closes a deeply personal trilogy reaching a fascinating emotional depth as Todomal confidently craft a collection of dark songs with enthralling cinematic motifs and poignant melodies.
Mortem – Mørketid
Norwegian black metal pioneers Mortem helped shape the infamous black metal’s second wave and now the release of “Mørketid” marks a strong comeback evidently driven by obscure forces.
The title track celebrates endless darkness with intense rhythmic fury yet the faster venomous guitars must slow down to put the spotlight on the baroque keyboards generating a bewitching melodic flow.
“The Mighty Odious” celebrates the early sound of Scandinavian black metal with soaring guitar riffs and ravenous growls while solemn keyboards arise from shadowy depths to emphasize a brooding classical flair.
“Skyggeånd” conveys nightmarish vibes often demanding hyper speed and the ominous guitar progressions accompanied by ghastly multilayered keyboards ultimately lead to a cryptic atmospheric momentum.
The towering rhythmic section on “Ditt Ødes Ære” proudly channels hostile traditional black metal roots while the mighty combo of guitars and keyboards spontaneously craft sinister melodic passages culminating with a savage solo.
Throughout “Mørkets Ormebol” opulent keyboards maintain a crucial role creating eerie atmospheric tapestries around the main malevolent rhythmic core effortlessly fueled by menacing riffage and monochromatic tonalities.
Originally known as the Norwegian cult band which preceded Arcturus, Mortem brings to life the original incarnation of epic black metal through the labyrinthic frostbitten soundscapes of “Mørketid”.
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