Norwegian prog metal veterans Green Carnation reach their artistic acme with the final chapter of a monumental trilogy entitled “A Dark Poem, Part III: The Messiah Complex” which from beginning to end definitely incarnates their remarkable and influential sonic vision.
“Unconditional Artificial Chemistry” immediately spreads overwhelming melancholia through a thoughtful composition highlighting the crucial role of detailed cinematic keyboards and the excellent guitar work delivering wistful melodies and sharp riffing.
*Broken Souls, Common Enemies” is bound to spellbind you with the cathartic approach of impeccable luminous guitar leads, graceful acoustic passages and opulent atmospheric arrangements yet the ravenous rhythmic section can effortlessly achieve energizing peaks of heaviness complemented by fiery growls.
Green Carnation make a bold statement choosing a full orchestra for the grand finale “A Dark Poem – Orchestral Suite” which takes you straight to an ancient theatrical stage with an exquisite melodic ensemble featuring epic crescendos and sublime strings.
More than 25 years ago, Green Carnation began an adventurous musical journey that today naturally generates the eclectic soundscapes of “A Dark Poem, Part III: The Messiah Complex” completing a complex ambitious opus that demands your utmost attention.
Category: Album Reviews
Taake – En Skog av Nidstang
For over three decades Taake has been devoted to an uncompromising blackened vision and once again manifests an independent expression on the new album “En Skog av Nidstang”.
“Einstoeingen og Eg” instantly showcases a reckless attitude through the relentless rhythmic patterns relying on the raw energy of the menacing guitar riffs while a final bleak melodic crescendo depicts a wintry desolate landscape inducing self reflection.
“Engler” challenges the listeners with technical rhythmic twists enriched by misanthropic growls and enigmatic guitar progressions that will seamlessly embrace a dreary slower approach conveying persistent uneasy feelings.
Through the shadowy soundscapes of “Av Guds ville Naade” mastermind Hoest confidently follows a cryptic pathway skillfully blending infectious black ‘n’ roll dynamics and ambitious progressive elements that highlight forlorn guitar melodies and epic atmospheric accents.
Isolated in the moss-covered forests around the island of Borgøy, Taake concocts “En Skog av Nidstang” choosing a traditional sound deprived of bombastic studio effects to fully focus on an authentic obscure creative force.
Marilyn Manson – One Assassination Under God – Chapter 2
Our favorite reverend Marilyn Manson continues to celebrate his artistic rebirth with an ex novo creativity and immense charisma on the brand new full length “One Assassination Under God – Chapter 2”.
“Unalive” opens the album with a palpable macabre mood, the fairytale is over as the solid rhythmic section effortlessly builds crucial aggressive blasts while moody guitar leads perfectly match the theatrical vocal performance.
“Don’t Answer The Door” is simply irresistible providing a generous dose of seductive gothic nuances as softer guitar phrases rightfully emphasize emotional depth and grim harmonies.
“All The Vilest Things” relies on the winning combo of wistful synths and hypnotizing acoustic passages flourishing around Manson’s eloquent voice and lyrical charm.
With an arcane sentimental aura “Lucifer’s Teardrop” focuses on shapeshifting vocals and showcases a magnetic alt-rock attitude perfectly blending darkened catchiness and shadowy cinematic arrangements.
On the vengeful track “The Arsonist” poetic metaphors flow free through decadent soundscapes filled with mystifying melodic progressions and tormented vocals while a dystopian industrial flair inevitably generates harsh rhythmic segments with accelerating distortion and increasing spite.
“Enantiomorph” marks a truly immersive grand finale as we hear a fuzzy recording, maybe a warning straight from hellish depths, while the tragic beauty of languid guitars guides you through an unsafe hazy nocturnal atmospheric maze.
Just two years after the first chapter “One Assassination Under God – Chapter 2” feels like the legit result of a longstanding career and also a deeply reflective momentum that allows Marilyn Manson to close a cathartic cycle with renewed strength and sublime inspiration.
Hulder – Verbolgen
Pacific Northwest’s dark black metal band Hulder embarks on a perilous voyage through the arcane soundscapes of the new ambitious full length “Verbolgen”.
Listening to “The Crowning” we enter a pitchblack dimension where savage guitars maintain a cold rhythmic structure yet the fast menacing drum blasts will slow down to highlight the ghastly presence of opulent orchestrations.
Darkness descends upon us inevitably as “Thy Binding Oath” channels classic black metal dynamics through the raging guitar riffs and the ravenous growls surrounded by mystifying atmospheric arrangements.
The title track constructs a punishing rhythmic assault fueled by the expected relentless riffage yet you can appreciate the exquisite melodic textures of the guitar leads and the sumptuous keyboards.
In the atmospheric abyss of “…And We Shall Sing” an orchestral gloom surrounds lugubrious guitar progressions that can easily lead to dramatically faster epic segments amplified by cavernous growls.
“In Blood And In Earth” follows a medieval pathway with the ancestral pagan folk vibes of the arpeggios and the frostbitten melodic accents while the monumental rhythmic section acquires speed and aggressiveness.
“Verbolgen” evidently embodies the detailed obscure blackened vision that Hulder is shaping meticulously to conquer the underground scene.
Temple of Dread – Dreadspawn Dominion
Brutal death metal veterans Temple of Dread return in excellent shape to deliver an overdose of colossal malevolent grooves throughout the new full length “Dreadspawn Dominion”.
The title track unleashes a ruthless rhythmic march and there’s no time to escape as vicious guitar riffs and angered screams seem unstoppable.
“Hybrid Horde Eternal” easily maintains a punishing rhythmic core bound to evolve into a dramatic slower momentum characterized by monolithic funereal guitar progressions.
“Death March” promises uncompromising rhythmic blasts fueled by monumental drums and venomous riffage but guitars also impress the audience with darkened acrobatics that express inner dismal feelings.
Within the haunting atmospheric ensemble of “Scorched by Cosmic Fire” guitars skillfully craft refined melodic leads but drums will ultimately dictate breakneck speed and chaotic dynamics.
“Artisan of Oblivion” provides another round of pure rhythmic fury focusing once again on the relentless guitar riffs and a satisfying classic extreme approach.
“Infernal Eternity” brings an obscure closure as ominous atmospheric textures surround the mighty doomed guitar work showcasing prowess through the extensive intricate soloing.
As their reputation grows Temple of Dread proudly carry the torch for old school death metal all the way through “Dreadspawn Dominion” with insane heaviness and genuine devotion.
Fen – Elemental Part One: Mourning Earth
UK atmospheric black metal pioneers Fen skillfully craft the elegantly convoluted new opus “Elemental Part One: Mourning Earth” focusing on grandiose atmospheric gloom and majestic crushing dynamics.
“Glacier” channels the band”s primordial extreme metal roots with a towering rhythmic section and unstoppable inflamed guitar riffs while otherworldly arpeggios bring a rather sentimental finale.
Within a dreamy atmospheric realm “Massif” celebrates a meditative melodic splendor focusing on sophisticated guitar progressions that seamlessly evolve into dramatic blackened crescendos amplified by merciless growls.
“Abyssal Plain” is filled with bleak emotions as graceful melodic guitars favor glowing post-metal nuances but inner dark forces ultimately unleash scorching faster rhythmic blasts.
“Moor” reaches a captivating gloomy acme as guitars naturally follow a forlorn melodic pathway enhancing a contemplative momentum with solemn clean vocals and opulent atmospheric waves yet a distinct blackened essence will inevitably lead to harsh rhythmic segments increasing speed and rage.
With the release of the enthralling artistic endeavor “Elemental Part One: Mourning Earth” Fen can fully manifest a visionary composition masterfully blending ominous heaviness and languid harmonious beauty.
Ddent – Feeding the Void’s Luster
French hybrid post-metallers Ddent defy standard music categories presenting their own blend of sophisticated atmospheric themes and darkened dynamics on the new album “Feeding the Void’s Luster” captured live in the studio in two takes to enhance a spontaneous approach.
“Longue, obscure et triste lune” evidently belongs to an obscure parallel dimension where intricate guitars fully embrace raw tonalities to build a harsh rhythmic structure yet maintain a murky melodic essence.
Within the cryptic sonic realm of “Arzel” dominant guitars follow a primal instinct to deliver intense riffage certainly amplified by the ruthless growls but also meticulously craft hypnotizing gloomy melodic progressions.
The lengthy final chapter “Noir taureau de douleur” perfectly embodies a visionary composition focused on an immersive melodic ensemble with intriguing post-metal nuances and occasional rhythmic fury that highlights precise drumming and visceral riffs.
Driven by a remarkable creative spark Ddent confidently deliver the darkly convoluted sonic experience “Feeding the Void’s Luster” reminiscent of bohemienne poetry and fierce extreme metal.
Green Desert Water – Eerie Meadows
Spain-based power trio Green Desert Water celebrates the timeless glory of the 1970s heavy rock on the trippy new album “Eerie Meadows”.
Presenting a rather elaborate composition “Northern Lights” can easily spellbind you with sorrowful melodic phrases naturally leading to passionate crescendos and significantly heavier rhythmic patterns.
“The Blacksmith” highlights a perfect classic guitar sound that shines particularly in the glowing solo and the retro rock formula successfully generates plenty of memorable grooves.
The title track takes you to the ancient woods filled with mystifying nuances and the enhanced psychedelia of the slick guitar leads create energizing groovy dynamics.
“Holy Ground” grabs your attention with a balanced mix of cathartic melodic waves and irresistible guitar driven grooves proudly showcasing a beloved vintage sound.
Throughout “Meteora” dominant guitars run wild consequently monolithic riffs ensure a constant rhythmic entertainment that culminates in a charismatic solo yet you can perceive hints of melancholia in the smooth vocal delivery.
Without any hesitation Green Desert Water embark on a fascinating spiritual voyage jamming all the way through the psychedelic realm of “Eerie Meadows”.
Holissstik – Chapter I: This Endless Solitude
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.
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.
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