Portuguese pioneers Moonspell return triumphantly to offer the dark romantically tragic opus “Far From God” inevitably destined to spellbind and conquer the chaotic metal scene with a glowing contemporary sound and a timeless decadent essence.
The title track quickly became a hit single and you immediately recognize Moonspell’s personal gothic metal vision as flawless guitars and grave drums meticulously structure captivating rhythmic patterns surrounded by opulent keyboards motifs that emphasize the addictive atmospheric gloom and the Baudelairian melancholia of the evocative clean vocals.
“The Great Wolf In the Sky” fearlessly combines poetry and extreme metal elements through the impeccable blend of seductive melodic guitars, haunting strings and imposing rhythmic patterns effortlessly amplified by a theatrical vocal performance.
“Your Promise Of Light” marks another impressive moment as shadowy guitar tonalities emphasize an intoxicating gothic composition evoking pure nostalgia in the midst of a dramatic atmospheric ensemble.
“Our Freedom to Fall” holds an inflamed groovy soul yet the catchiness of the crispy guitar progressions doesn’t sacrifice the necessary ancestral fury symbolized by the precise and significantly faster drumming.
Within the atmospheric mystique of “Reconquista” expansive keyboard themes guide you through eerie soundscapes and guitars take the center stage with deliciously darkened melodies and primal riffage perfectly complemented by Fernando’s unique vocal abilities.
Representing Gothic Metal in its purest and glorious form Moonspell disregard any current trend demonstrating a striking ex novo creativity but at the same time authentic devotion to their majestic signature style that renders “Far From God” a sincerely passionate work of art.
Category: Album Reviews
Mortiis – Ghosts of Europa
Norwegian artist Håvard Ellefsen known as the enigmatic musical entity Mortiis embraces a visionary experimental approach that never ceases to evolve and evidently defies standard categorization generating today the cinematic new album “Ghosts of Europa”.
The title track depicts a surreal atmospheric ensemble where warped electro beats and mystical melodic waves gently unfold around fascinating vocals and often convey surprising uplifting sentiments.
Drenched in endless melancholia “The Faith That Fades Away” spellbinds even the occasional listeners with a poignant vocal delivery and darkly mesmerizing atmospheric arrangements naturally leading to thrilling rhythmic crescendos with the addition of gritty noise guitars.
In the beginning “Transcending Morpheus” reveals ancestral ritualistic vibes focusing on solemn choirs and the cathartic rhythmic patterns naturally acquire enticing darkwave textures.
“Tundra, Heart of Hell” takes you straight to the dancefloor relying on the distorted echoes of raw guitars to build electrifying grooves in industrial fashion enriched by dense atmospheric multilayers.
With an addictive dark rock flair “Farewell Romero” amplifies gloomy vibes with an intricate blend of dystopian electronic soundscapes and magnetic fuzzy guitars perfectly complemented by a wild vocal performance.
After over a thousand sessions Mortiis proudly refuses any rules and ultimately finds the ideal creative liberation within the hypnotizing sonic realm of “Ghosts of Europa”.
Soulburn – Quantifying Cosmic Doom
After a long journey Dutch metal extremists Soulburn are ready to unleash sheer fury and fascinating melodies throughout the new studio album “Quantifying Cosmic Doom”.
“The Braveheart of Nightmares” attracts the listeners with doom laden guitars and crestfallen melodic passages enriched by theatrical vocals and palpable epic vibes.
“Powehi, the Embellished Dark Source of Unending Creation” depicts a darker world of ruins as the colossal rhythmic section and the ruthless growls dictate speed and malevolence while charismatic guitar leads slow down to highlight a dramatic melodic flair.
“A Pyramid Absurd” begins with compelling slow burning arpeggios destined to evolve into a merciless rhythmic assault and the frostbitten guitar riffs rightfully stay true to the band’s core of blackened values.
Devoted to obscure forces “Iconox Spew Black at the Razor’s Edge” relies on unrestrained guitars to build faster ferocious dynamics emphasized by dreadful doom tones and imposing growls.
The classic doom metal approach of “Down Among the Stars” creates a particularly groovy momentum fueled by monolithic guitar riffs, intense bass lines and solemn clean vocals.
“An Innocuous Swathe of Sky” closes the album with the gripping poetic melancholia of melodic guitars emerging through the heavier doom rhythmic patterns that will often acquire extra speed & wrath showcasing the inner mighty blackened essence.
Blending abrasive death/black metal elements and mournful melodic doom Soulburn proudly move forward and shape their own sound on “Quantifying Cosmic Doom”.
Mork – Monolitt
Norwegian black metal act Mork is already considered one of black metal’s most formidable modern acts and the new malevolent full length “Monolitt” definitely solidifies this revered status.
The perilous journey begins with the uncompromising violence of “Under Vekten Av Verden” as the memorable relentless riffage and the monumental drumming easily create asphyxiating and quite addictive rhythmic patterns.
“Ødelagt” remains faithful to an audacious blackened formula with an overdose of savage guitar riffs but also adds the tragic heaviness of doom metal to build an arcane slower momentum expressing deeply contemplative feelings.
Within the gelid dimension of “Ferdamann” infectious guitar riffs arise from the darkest depths of extreme metal emphasizing cryptic tonalities to create colossal grooves further amplified by diabolical growls.
“Inn i en annen sfære” surprises you with a fascinating melodic ensemble favoring intricate melancholic guitars and ethereal atmospheric arrangements until the ancestral force of the growls and the stormy rhythmic section inevitably take over with malignancy and furious speed.
“Utryddelse” holds an epic atmospheric soul enhancing the glorious presence of dramatic synths but also unleashes unstoppable frantic guitar driven grooves with absolute confidence.
Created by Thomas Eriksen in 2004, Mork continues to follow an intriguing evolutionary pathway leading straight to the Nordic appeal and the aptly monolithic obscure realm of “Monolitt”.
Fires in the Distance – Circadian Promise
Connecticut melodic death metal outfit Fires in the Distance is looking for solace through realism and elevate their modern melodic death metal style with the profoundly sorrowful opus “Circadian Promise”.
“Of Radiance and Levitation” opens the album expressing perennial melancholia through the ethereal synths layers and the sophisticated guitar melodies highlighting glowing tones seamlessly entwined with the imposing heaviness of the aggressive rhythmic dynamics.
“Lightless Days of a Songless Bird” focuses on an intricate mix of poetry and fury as the intense guitar work effortlessly shifts from visceral riffage accompanied by ruthless growls to evocative melodic progressions.
Featuring guest guitar from Dark Tranquility’s Johan Reinholdz, “By This Time Tomorrow” depicts a majestic melodic grandeur with genuine sentiments while the excellent rhythmic section can certainly maintain a primal groovy approach and the cinematic synths ultimately lead to an impeccable guitar solo.
Presenting a convoluted composition “Once the Silence Takes Your Place” marks another deeply immersive momentum masterfully blending shimmering atmospheric arrangements and fervent guitar driven grooves enriched by the epic flair of the clean vocals.
Throughout the darkly alluring soundscapes of “Circadian Promise” Fires in the Distance successfully shape a cathartic melodic & progressive vision that demands your utmost attention.
Cyhra – Requiem For A Pipe Dream
Approaching the tenth year anniversary modern metal supergroup Cyhra reaches a crucial milestone with the release of the energizing fourth studio album “Requiem For A Pipe Dream”.
First single “Bleed With Pride”immediately manifests major epic vibes as galloping guitars can naturally express a wild energy through the robust riffage well supported by the precise drumming.
“Miss Me When I’m Gone” stands out for the opulent synths creating appealing futuristic electro beats and soulful atmospheric waves around Jake E’s passionate vocal performance without forgetting the classic groovy metal aspects.
Introducing an uplifting power metal rhythmic core “Ghostbound” delivers a series of impeccable guitar riffs and still holds a graceful melancholic melodic flow.
“Ghost I’m Meant To Be” can easily maintain an entertaining rhythmic ensemble but the soothing chorus and the dreamy atmospheric arrangements instantly grab your attention.
“Venom In Me” rightfully focuses on the charismatic guitar work crafting sharp riffs and glowing polished melodies perfectly complemented by the smooth vocals and intricate synths layers.
“Box With Spirits” reveals a poetic atmosphere naturally amplifying an intimate melodic essence and crispy tonalities ultimately leading to a flamboyant guitar solo and another super catchy chorus.
Choosing a high-octane sound and emotive lyrics Cyhra confidently delivers impactful dynamics and loads of attractive melodic hooks throughout “Requiem For A Pipe Dream”.
Klimt 1918 – Àmor
Italian post rock band Klimt 1918 courageously continues to embrace a remarkable evolution perfectly symbolized by the immense nostalgia and the passionate creativity of the long awaited fifth album “Àmor”.
We enter an ethereal dreamland with the hazy soundscapes of “Dream Core” as the riveting atmospheric ensemble constantly surrounds the warm vocals and the evocative melodic guitars.
Distant from the daily dreadful reality “Nihil Vltra” offers expansive atmospheric arrangements and ardent melodic crescendos highlighting an exquisite detailed composition.
We are dreaming the same dream as “Eros” rightfully gains the spotlight with glistening melodic crescendos featuring a seductive alto saxophone solo that will definitely please all music connoisseurs.
On the fervent track “Nexus” you can feel a burning desire as the precise drums build a palpable rhythmic tension embellished by shimmering guitars naturally crafting catchy harmonious progressions.
Following a throbbing rhythm “Petricore” reveals a poetic vocal delivery and a smooth melodic flow well supported by a futuristic background of drone guitars and murky synths.
Within the electrifying rhythmic ensemble of “Aftersun” , bittersweet vocals and luminous cascading guitars convey sheer melancholia and vibrant rock nuances.
With “Àmor” Klimt 1918 invites you to join a fascinating sonic voyage on a sunny summer day channeling an intoxicating post rock essence and focusing on the creation of mesmerizing emotive themes and cathartic melodic splendor.
Sleeping Pulse – Dreams & Limitations
Featuring the talented duo of vocalist Mick Moss and guitarist Luís Fazendeiro, Sleeping Pulse after more than a decade finally release the new deeply melancholic album “Dreams & Limitations” carefully shaping a personal sonic identity.
“Rise” evidently focuses on eloquent melodies and emotional themes fully expressed by Mick’s soothing voice yet the crispy guitar riffs ultimately evolve into intense rhythmic crescendos amplifying the heavier aspects.
Grief and struggles mark the emotive pathway of “Illuminate” which shines for the dreamy post rock nuances emphasizing the detailed guitar work and the poetic vocal performance.
“Two Wreaths” spellbinds you with the heartbreaking beauty of classical piano and mellow arpeggios gracefully unfolding around passionate vocal harmonies.
“Behind the Glass” constantly evokes a sense of eternal longing with elegant strings and gloomy guitar progressions culminating with the glowing tones of the cathartic solo.
Surrounded by spacey atmospheric layers “Extrasolar” relies on bleak guitar tonalities to create an intricate melodic ensemble yet the impeccable rhythmic section will acquire cosmic energy to enhance a solid groovy attitude.
Showcasing a distinct doomy progressive rock vision Sleeping Pulse confidently embarks on a contemplative existential voyage leading to the evocative soundscapes of “Dreams & Limitations”.
Khemmis – Khemmis
Colorado’s doom merchants Khemmis reconfirm their solid status in the chaotic modern metal scene creating a parallel dimension of heaviness and epic fantasy on the brand new eponymous full length.
“Corpsebloom Garden” rightfully unleashes the heavy weight of doom metal through a monolithic rhythmic section emphasized by Hutcherson’s hostile guttural vocals while guitars impress the audience with the inspiring melodic essence of a particularly charismatic solo.
“Grief’s Reverie” can certainly deliver monumental rhythmic dynamics fueled by aggressive riffage and merciless growls yet sweeping melodic guitars choose vibrant melancholic tonalities naturally expressing a sincere emotional whirlwind.
“Beneath The Scythe” constantly focuses on the complex guitar work effortlessly generating robust rhythmic blasts and ultimately reaching an alluring melodic momentum with impeccable leads.
“Carrion King” channels a primal extreme metal force to meticulously build an inflamed rhythmic assault and the consequent ominous vibes lead to dramatically slower progressions with a tenebrous classic doom metal flair.
“Benediction Tones” successfully maintains a satisfying groovy approach with the perfect dosage of frantic guitar riffs but you can still appreciate a sorrowful melodic flow complemented by a poignant vocal delivery.
On this intricate self titled opus Khemmis celebrates the glorious spirit of heavy metal demonstrating genuine devotion and refreshing creativity through majestic grooves and intense melodic themes.
Godthrymm – Projections
Featuring extraordinary UK doom metal veterans, Godthrymm triumphantly bring back the glorious aura of early-mid ‘90s throughout the monumental soundscapes of the third album “Projections”.
“Trenches Deep” marks an impactful beginning focusing on the heaviness of convoluted doomed guitar progressions fueled by harsh tonalities and amplified speed yet the elegant vocal duet highlights a mesmerizing melodic flair.
The gothic splendor of “The Sun Never Fell” flourishes within the profoundly melancholic melodic ensemble as the captivating mournful guitar phrases gently unfold around an eloquent vocal duet.
On “Endure My Skin” legendary vocalist Aaron Stainthorpe delivers a truly cathartic vocal performance perfectly complementing the lugubrious atmosphere where the monochromatic guitar melodies constantly convey bleak sentiments while the mighty rhythmic section ultimately acquires a renewed obscure energy.
The gloomy grand finale “Hope Is Eternal” relies on the thrilling guitar work shifting effortlessly from monolithic riffs, supported by the precise and often aggressive drumming, to sophisticated leads channeling a gripping melodic essence further enriched by Catherine’s fascinating vocal delivery and ghastly atmospheric tapestries.
Demonstrating charismatic musicianship and devotion to uncompromising doom metal, Godthrymm skillfully blend crushing grooves and decadent melodic themes within the darkly alluring sonic realm of “Projections”.
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