Rising from Switzerland’s thriving alternative music scene, Impure Wilhelmina presents a stylish and passionate songwriting approach naturally leading to the enthralling soundscapes of the new full-length “Le sanglot”.
“Électricité Noire” shines for the electrifying rhythmic variations and the delightful melodic passages highlighting a perfectly crispy guitar sound complemented by a poetic vocal delivery.
Throughout the darkened realm of “Abîme” guitars carefully craft enchanting convoluted melodic progressions enhancing gloomy tonalities and evoking a perennial melancholia within a dense atmospheric realm.
On “Train mort” the band reveals ominous influences as the towering drums, the vitriolic guitar riffs and the sinister growls spontaneously build robust extreme metal dynamics later evolving into a harmonious introspective momentum.
The contemplative composition behind “Dévoreur d’étoiles” would certainly move the listeners as extensive sweeping guitars create captivating melodic ttxtures emphasizing the excellent musicianship.
“Blanche réalité” dwells in a limbo in between light and darkness as guitars effortlessly shift from alluring dreamy harmonies to intense prog dynamics revealing harsh tonalities.
Following a bittersweet post-rock inspiration “À jamais radieuse” offers intricate melodic tapestries once again putting the spotlight on the mesmerizing guitar work and the charming vocals naturally conveying grim sentiments.
Infused with sincere emotions “Le sanglot” will certainly satisfy the loyal fans and Impure Wilhelmina clearly demonstrate the necessary fiery creative force to confidently develop a unique artistic identity.
Category: Album Reviews
IATT – Etheric Realms of the Night
Philadelphia-based extreme metal outfit IATT embarks on a conceptual journey through different states of consciousness ultimately generating the refreshing experimental approach of the new album “Etheric Realms of the Night”.
The theatrical first track “Drift Away” immediately conquers the audience with a thrilling mix of ruthless rhythmic blasts fueled by relentless riffage and dramatic atmospheric arrangements evoking a sober classical elegance.
“Pavor Nocturnus” reveals a complex composition as eclectic guitars effortlessly shift from menacing rhythmic patterns amplified by malignant growls and interesting prog oriented acrobatics.
On the epic track “Quietus”sophisticated orchestrations and magical flute harmonies surround a violent blackened rhythmic approach that ultimately leads to cerebral prog variations.
“Walk Amongst” emphasizes a decadent melodic essence as guitars choose a mid-paced rhythm and the violin highlights deeply melancholic tonalities until the shapeshifting saxophone creates chaotic passages with extra speed and dissonance.
Emerging from a distant realm of dreams, IATT refuses standard rules and confidently presents a distinct sonic manifesto channeling obscure forces throughout “Etheric Realms of the Night”.
Torchia -They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness
Finnish dark metal band Torchia confidently combines sheer brutality and major epic vibes within a 19th-century-inspired gothic atmospheric ensemble on the new dramatic opus “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness”.
As a majestic album opener “Nekromanteion” presents to the world a dark offering with an overdose of menacing rhythmic patterns and thrilling guitar acrobatics that rightfully preserve a delightful melodic flair.
“Hellstorm” revolves around the ferocity of the guitar riffs highlighting classic black metal influences while the opulent orchestration naturally crafts bewitching gothic atmospheric tapestries.
“Die Amour” successfully maintains a belligerent rhythmic assault amplified by malignant growls while the intricate sweeping guitar melodies could even trigger uplifting sentiments.
On “The Tiamat Machine” Torchia skillfully blends solemn orchestrations and shadowy melodic death metal dynamics culminating in extensive elaborate guitar soloing bound to impress the listeners.
“Sanguine Masquerade” relies on a flamboyant symphonic/power metal structure favoring colossal guitar driven grooves and insane shredding but you can still perceive ominous vibes certainty enhanced by the ruthless vocal performance.
With the release of “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness” Torchia redefine their songwriting style developing a theatrical darkened narrative filled with ominous themes and symphonic grandeur.
Darkthrone – Pre-Historic Metal
Norwegian titans Darkthrone embark on a courageous odyssey delivering primal epics & gargantuan riffs on the highly anticipated release “Pre-Historic Metal”.
“They Found One Of My Graves” marks a savage beginning unleashing sheer fury through monolithic guitar riffs that demand to be played extra loud while the finale slows down dramatically highlighting a dreary melodic essence.
The title track manifests devotion to the spirit of 70s and 80s thrash/black metal as the raw energy of the hostile guitars inevitably leads to super fast oppressive rhythmic patterns.
Drenched in undiluted darkness “Siberian Thaw” takes you straight to icy desolate landscapes guided by Nocturno Culto’s imposing voice while the guitar work emphasizes extremely grim tonalities to reach a majestic gloomy melodic momentum.
“The Dry Wells Of Hell” evokes impending doom with heaviness & catchiness as the punishing combo of visceral riffage and towering drums efficiently builds ravenous rhythmic blasts enriched by cryptic growls.
“Eon 4” brings closure focusing on a successful blend of mournful guitar tonalities and menacing riffs relentlessly generating an impenetrable wall of sound evidently amplified by solemn vocals.
Legendary duo Fenriz and Nocturno Culto celebrates a new chapter in Darkthrone’s obscure saga conjuring primordial forces and spreading overwhelming darkness throughout the frostbitten sonic realm of “Pre-Historic Metal”.
Restless Spirit – Restless Spirit
American heavy metal powerhouse Restless Spirit showcases renewed energy & passion to fully develop a personal sonic identity throughout the new self-titled full-length.
“The Burning Need” presents to the world a no frills highly energetic formula delivering a generous dosage of loud guitar riffs, elaborate leads and potent drumming complemented by a rebellious vocal delivery.
“Red in Tooth and Claw” can sound quite aggressive offering unstoppable abrasive guitar progressions and the consequent groovy rhythmic core manifests satisfying stoner/sludge elements.
“Desire Lines” shifts to a deeply melancholic mood with soulful melodic waves but when the colossal rhythmic section takes the center stage guitars rightfully engage in relentless riffage and flamboyant soloing.
On “Time and Distance” the acrobatic guitar work definitely grabs your attention shifting from gritty riffs to sophisticated leads and channeling a genuine stoner/doom flair.
“Phantom Pain” follows a heavy rhythmic pathway focusing on massive guitar riffs spiced up by a glorious psychedelic fuzz but a monolithic doom essence ultimately generates slower and significantly darker soundscapes.
On this eponymous album Restless Spirit stay true to their old school heavy metal roots yet successfully refine their sound and songwriting style.
Old Moon – Home To Nowhere
Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Old Moon present their own melodic black metal vision through the mournful soundscapes of the new full length “Home To Nowhere”.
Drenched in darkness “Between the Stars” hypnotizes the listener with gloomy melodic splendor and opulent orchestrations but also efficiently builds an impenetrable wall of sound fueled by the relentless frostbitten guitar riffs.
“Obsidian” stands out for the classical beauty of the vibrant orchestration unfolding around ominous rhythmic patterns and hellish growls.
The title track depicts a bleak world of ruins where evocative melodic guitars and ferocious drum blasts naturally entwine surrounded by dramatic atmospheric waves emphasizing an introspective approach.
“Creations Undone” reveals a sophisticated melodic composition as guitars often slow down to convey a profound melancholia amplified by ethereal female vocals and ghastly atmospheric arrangements.
Within the cathartic sonic realm of “Home To Nowhere” Old Moon genuinely express an emotional turmoil but certainly don’t refrain from savage black metal dynamics.
A Forest Of Stars – Stack Overflow in Corpse Pile Interface
British black metal act A Forest Of Stars spreads immense melancholia and undiluted darkness through the tormented soundscapes of the sixth full-length “Stack Overflow in Corpse Pile Interface”.
Throughout “Ascension Of The Clowns” the ghastly beauty of the violin is destined to spellbind the audience yet the band fearlessly shows a strong blackened essence with a merciless rhythmic assault.
On the complex track “Mechanically Separated Logic” enigmatic dissonance and compelling harmonious textures suddenly become entwined resulting in an eclectic rhythmic ensemble inspired by black metal tradition unfolding around a truly theatrical vocal performance.
Everything slows down on “Sway, Draped in Vague” favoring the bleak tonalities of the intricate melodic guitar progressions complemented by delicate female vocals in contrast with the dramatically darker & heavier rhythmic crescendos.
The majestic finale “Not Drinking Water” focuses on the towering role of convoluted haunting melodic themes emphasized by the graceful violin but the bold rhythmic section can still channel fury and despair disregarding any standard music categorization.
Within the gloomy grandeur of “Stack Overflow in Corpse Pile Interface” A Forest Of Stars have the opportunity to fully showcase their own variant of black metal deeply rooted into British musical soil combining classical elegance and sheer heaviness.
The Lords of Altamont – Forever Loaded
L.A. psych rockers The Lords of Altamont showcase authentic devotion for heavy rock and reach a significant milestone releasing the eighth album “Forever Loaded”.
“Got A Hold On Me” immediately announces that it’s time to party with the ideal dosage of super groovy guitars and rumbunctious drums channeling a rebellious rock and roll spirit.
“Devil Rides” makes a bold statement with infectious guitar riffs and charismatic soloing enriched by the charming 70s style of the organ.
“Rusty Guns” continues to focus on raw energy and a compelling vintage flair with a robust rhythmic backbone enriched by the electrifying combo of somber organ keys and reckless guitars.
“Get Out Of My Head” is filled with attractive grooves courtesy of soaring guitars while the organ adds a vivid bewitching flair enhancing darker & cryptic tonalities.
“I Got Your Number” is a breath of fresh air as the galloping riffage and the veteran rocker vocal performance trigger a crazy party (again!).
“Twisted Black” symbolizes a trippy grand finale spellbinding the listeners with the psychedelic vibes of the magical darkened atmospheric maze where guitars can move freely generating moody melodies and gritty riffs fueled by a palpable cosmic energy.
After nearly three decades The Lords of Altamont proudly remain true to their signature wild style and successfully deliver an overload of guitar propelled grooves throughout “Forever Loaded”.
Doodswens – Doodswens
Uncompromising Dutch black metal band Doodswens aims to expand an international following with the ominous ritualistic visions of the eponymous sophomore release.
“Driven By Death” draws inspiration from the obscure depths of black metal as menacing guitar riffs without any hesitation generate asphyxiating rhythmic patterns spiced up by tormented leads.
The lugubrious dimension of “The Black Flame” symbolizes a mesmerizing dark ritual enriched by tragic atmospheric nuances and cascading enigmatic melodic lines that naturally emerge from a mystifying rhythmic maze.
“These Wounds Never Healed” focuses on recurring guitar progressions emphasizing dreary tonalities and grave melodic accents but also prepares a violent rhythmic assault with increasing speed and vindictive growls.
“She Carries The Curse” reveals a depressing blackened soul with hypnotizing funereal melodic phrases gradually leading to a relentless march within a blurry atmospheric ensemble that leaves you gasping for breath.
Doodswens moves comfortably and finds a renewed strength through the oppressive soundscapes of the album conjuring the forces of darkness to unleash the hidden power within oneself.
Demons My Friends – Survive/Yourself
Doom heavy rock trio Demons My Friends embrace an emotionally charged songwriting style to craft the new album “Survive/Yourself”.
“The Theory Of Change” puts the spotlight on the guitar work spontaneously shifting from somber harmonies to gritty riffage and grave doom tones to build satisfying groovy dynamics.
“Last Dance” reveals a mellow composition favoring contemplative melodic passages yet the doom roots ultimately lead to heavier rhythmic patterns.
Within the grungy atmospheric realm of “Kalorama” fuzzy guitars continue to successfully combine wistful melodic textures and electrifying blasts.
“We All End Up Here” embodies a particularly intimate approach as the moody vocal delivery and the warm guitar leads create a charming dreamy sonic realm but there’s still space for a good dosage of raw energy.
“Brain Holographics” is another solid groovy affair as eloquent guitars express contrasting feelings through spacey progressions that will surprisingly evolve into a rather chaotic momentum.
Demons My Friends courageously choose to face their own demons channeling the heavy weight of doom and perennial melancholia on the next phase of their artistic journey “Survive/Yourself”.
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