After over a decade Danish melodic death/doom band Saturnus begins a new musical endeavor evoking overwhelming melancholy throughout the highly anticipated full-length “The Storm Within”.
The majestic title track feels like a cathartic journey through stormy waters as the bittersweet arpeggios and the graceful piano provide comfort while the deeply mournful guitar work channels the heavy weight of classic doom metal.
The dramatic composition behind “Chasing Ghosts” constantly generates exquisite melodic tapestries as guitars focus mainly on elaborate refined leads emphasized by poetic spoken words.
On “Closing the Circle” ethereal atmospheric arrangements and dreamy arpeggios convey a sense of perennial longing and once again guitars demand your attention with fascinating somber tonalities leading to a charismatic solo.
“Truth” amplifies the contemplative themes as the classical beauty of the piano creates a mesmerizing melodic flow that gradually evolves into massive doom rhythmic patterns fueled by the robust riffage and the cavernous growls.
As Saturnus confidently embrace an intricate songwriting approach “The Storm Within” can hit you in the face with crushing dynamics yet a gorgeous melodic essence is always destined to flourish expressing genuine emotions.
Category: Album Reviews
RUÏM – Black Royal Spiritism – I – O Sino da Igreja
Formed in 2020 by Rune ‘Blasphemer’ Eriksen, renowned for his work with Norwegian black metal legends Mayhem and Vltimas, RUÏM begins an ominous spiritual journey with the debut release “Black Royal Spiritism – I – O Sino da Igreja”.
Like an ancestral witchcraft “Blood.Sacrifice.Enthronement” opens the portal to a sinister dimension as guitars skillfully shift from ghastly melodic passages to full blown angered rhythmic patterns that ultimately lead to an unearthly atmospheric momentum.
On “The Triumph (Of Night & Fire)” recurring mysterious guitar phrases slowly build a malevolent rhythmic march constantly fueled by unrestrained riffage and monolithic drumming.
The ritualistic flair of “Black Royal Spiritism” becomes evident through the theatrical growls and the hypnotizing melodic guitar work flourishing within an enigmatic atmosphere while the gruesome rhythmic dynamics are rooted in primal Norwegian black metal.
“Fall Of Seraphs” inevitably conjures total darkness unleashing an overdose of hellish rhythmic blasts yet guitars once again have the ability to emphasize the dramatic depth with cryptic melodies.
Throughout “O Sino da Igreja” guitars seem to emerge from the darkest depths demanding a furious speed to deliver insanely brutal riffs easily enhanced by the menacing growls and only the bewitching atmospheric accents give you time to breathe.
“Black Royal Spiritism – I – O Sino da Igreja” explores Blasphemer’s personal beliefs regarding the greater spirits of the left-hand path therefore you can expect a pitchblack sonic realm where blackened grooves run wild in the midst of an eerie atmospheric ensemble.
Heretoir – Wastelands
German atmospheric post-metal band Heretoir explores thoughts and dreams through the exquisite soundscapes of the new mini-album “Wastelands” which also includes three live tracks.
The impactful album opener “Anima” relies on an aggressive rhythmic core with galloping guitar riffs and tormented growls but you can often perceive a comforting melodic essence through the glowing atmospheric waves.
“At Dusk” unfolds like a hazy daydream as the synths take the center stage crafting a multilayered nostalgic atmosphere and Emily Highfield of Suldusk provides ethereal vocals to emphasize the melancholia infused guitar harmonies.
Surrounded by a mysterious aura the title track features slower poetic melodic passages accompanied by passionate clean vocals highlighting a shimmering post-metal inspiration yet the rhythmic section will gain speed to generate significantly darker & heavier patterns.
While we wait for the next full-length release Heretoir presents their mesmerizing sonic vision meticulously blending melodic beauty and harsh dynamics throughout “Wastelands”.
Dozer – Drifting In The Endless Void
After over a decade hiatus Swedish stoner rock veterans Dozer triumphantly return with the sixth record “Drifting In The Endless Void” channeling pure cosmic energy to deliver massive groovy tunes.
The explosive album opener “Mutation/Transformation” focuses on riff worship to build intense rhythmic dynamics enriched by a wild guitar solo while the slower moments inevitably evoke trippy desert rock vibes.
The super catchy track “Dust For Blood” expresses uplifting feelings and immediately stands out for the magnetic power of the unstoppable fuzzy guitar riffs well supported by a monolithic rhythmic backbone.
The somber soul of “Andromeda” emerges through enthralling melodic textures and psychedelic accents while the fiery combo of colossal drums and sludgy riffage unleashes inflamed heavy rhythmic patterns.
Within the hazy atmospheric ensemble “Missing 13” reaches a palpable dramatic depth as guitars meticulously craft an overdose of hypnotizing melodic motifs enhanced by a softer vocal delivery yet the mighty rhythmic section can still generate robust grooves fueled by crunchy riffs.
It’s been a while but with the release of “Drifting In The Endless Void” Dozer properly demonstrate a distinctive creative approach that naturally leads to a perfect blend of moody melodies and crushing grooves.
Vintersea – Woven Into Ashes
Blackened prog-metal band Vintersea continues to shape a distinctive artistic identity that thrives within the intricate soundscapes of the third full-length “Woven Into Ashes”.
“Unveiling Light” fully embodies the album’s sonic vision and expresses an emotional whirlwind as guitars skillfully blend immersive melodic tapestries and blistering rhythmic patterns amplified by aggressive growls.
Throughout “Crescent Eclipse” the guitar work emphasizes a sophisticated prog inspiration generating interesting rhythmic variations while soulful melodies gently unravel around Avienne’s passionate vocal performance.
“Parallel Duality” focuses on recurring graceful guitar harmonies to evoke an immense melancholia once again highlighting Avienne’s striking vocal abilities yet the rhythmic section still has a chance to build fierce dynamics.
“Lonesome Tide” mainly favors a slower rhythm as guitars acquire luminous tonalities to craft exquisite melodic crescendos with the addition of magical folkish accents and Avienne’s spellbinding vocal delivery is bound to move the listeners.
The lengthy final track “No Tomorrow” manifests a complex composition offering epic atmospheric textures and dreamy melodic passages in contrast with the sinister blackened momentum fueled by pummeling drums and sharp guitar riffs.
As Vintersea proudly embark on a new musical adventure “Woven Into Ashes” is destined to garner more interest showcasing talented musicianship and an eclectic songwriting style.
Immortal – War Against All
Norwegian black metal titans Immortal embark on a new musical journey through the frostbitten soundscapes of the long awaited 10th studio album “War Against All”, composed and performed by Demonaz.
Like a declaration of war the title track just seems unstoppable as the monumental drums build a perilously fast rhythmic core enhanced by the malevolent combo of insane growls and visceral guitar riffs.
Throughout “Wargod” the crunchy guitars spontaneously lead to groovy dynamics without an exaggerated speed but certainly maintaining a gelid black metal approach embellished by a softer contemplative momentum.
“Return To Cold” takes you to a remote forest surrounded by dramatic atmospheric textures and guitars skillfully combine compelling somber melodies and fierce riffage.
The instrumental track “Norlandihr” revolves around a cold blend of Nordic melancholia infused melodic waves and inflamed blackened rhythmic blasts that emphasize the masterful guitar work.
Within the gloomy realm of “Blashyrkh My Throne” a mournful melodic essence emerges through recurring refined arpeggios nevertheless the vicious growls and the unrestrained guitars generate blistering rhythmic patterns.
Undoubtedly Immortal stay true to their majestic black metal legacy delivering sheer fury and undiluted darkness throughout “War Against All” which will instantly please their loyal acolytes.
Liv Kristine – River Of Diamonds
The undisputed queen of Scandinavian gothic metal Liv Kristine continues to follow a personal creative path that naturally leads to the sixth solo album “River Of Diamonds”, another compelling addition to her extensive discography.
“Our immortal Day” instantly evokes a familiar gothic metal inspiration with darkened guitar melodies and understated atmospheric arrangements perfectly unfolding around an enthralling vocal duet with Østen Bergøy of Tristania.
“Gravity” shifts the focus to ethereal atmospheric tapestries and deeply melancholic melodic motifs generating captivating crescendos further enriched by Liv’s delicate vocal delivery.
The title track offers a catchy melodic structure with elegant keyboards layers and slightly gothic guitar accents but certainly stands out for another fascinating duet this time with the one and only Fernando Ribeiro of Moonspell.
“Love Me High” features glowing guitar melodies and bittersweet romantic vibes while Liv’s sister Carmen Elise Espenæs adds beautiful vocal harmonies.
Within the melodic core of “Serenity” guitars have a chance to amplify the gothic influences ultimately leading to a widely accessible chorus while Liv impeccably delivers powerful vocals.
You can perceive a darker mood throughout “If I am Dreaming” as Liv’s versatile vocals evoke an emotional whirlwind through a rich multilayered atmospheric ensemble.
Written in collaboration with Tommy Olsson, former member of Theatre of Tragedy, “River Of Diamonds” showcases a soothing melodic composition that fully revolves around Liv’s sublime vocal performance and constantly emphasizes her striking abilities.
Deathstars – Everything Destroys You
It’s hard to believe that we had to wait over eight years but finally Swedish deathglam masters Deathstars make a glorious comeback unleashing pure energy and undiluted darkness throughout the new full-length “Everything Destroys You”.
“This Is” revolves around bombastic rhythmic patterns featuring a winning combo of gritty guitar riffs, industrial style electro layers and rich atmospheric textures ultimately leading to a super catchy chorus.
“Anti All” is surrounded by a cold atmospheric ensemble that highlights recurring somber tones and contemplative harmonies but the rhythmic section gradually picks up speed & strength to build some abrasive grooves.
The title track tends to follow a slower tempo skillfully blending gloomy multilayered synths and memorable rhythmic dynamics around Whiplasher Bernadotte’s baritone vocal delivery which also amplifies a sinister mood.
“Between Volumes and Voids” packs a punch with an overdose of relentless crunchy guitar riffs and the chorus is absolutely addictive embellished by delicate female backing vocals and refined atmospheric tapestries.
“The Infrahuman Masterpiece” begins with deeply melancholic melodies and often puts the spotlight on the fascinating atmospheric waves nevertheless guitars are always ready to craft plenty of robust grooves.
On “Angel of Fortune and Crime” the industrial flair becomes evident through the wicked heavier guitar work amplified by nightmarish vocals and enriched by an appealing mix of dramatic atmospheric arrangements and futuristic electronic accents.
In the end you won’t be able to resist the stomping rhythmic galore and the seductive gothic vibes of “Everything Destroys You” and even if it took a while Deathstars proudly manifest a wild creative force.
Shores Of Null – The Loss Of Beauty
Italian blackened doom metallers Shores Of Null confidently continue to follow a darkened musical pathway bound to express immense melancholy and rage throughout the new full length “The Loss Of Beauty”.
“Destination Woe” instantly delivers a generous dosage of heavy doom oriented dynamics fueled by the relentless riffage and the cavernous growls while the lead guitar work has a chance to craft some crestfallen harmonies.
“The Last Flower” shines for the melancholia infused guitar phrases flourishing through a darkly alluring rhythmic ensemble emphasized by the fervent clean vocal performance yet you can expect faster borderline furious rhythmic blasts.
The dramatic track “Darkness Won’t Take Me” might sound less aggressive spreading a sense of perennial gloom through the beautiful sweeping guitar melodies and the heartfelt vocals.
“Nothing Left To Burn” often favors a slower tempo as guitars deliberately tend to focus on forlorn melodic motifs until the monolithic rhythmic section channels the ominous force of doom metal.
“A Nature In Disguise” begins with a significantly darker atmosphere yet the passionate clean vocals maintain an eloquent melodic flow around the unrestrained rhythmic structure that will ultimately acquire even more sinister tones.
“Fading As One” definitely symbolizes the band’s sonic identity skillfully blending woeful guitar melodies and inflamed rhythmic patterns featuring bold drumming and fierce riffs.
Shores Of Null aptly choose a decadently romantic title as “The Loss Of Beauty” captivates the listeners with emotive melodic themes that inevitably become entwined with the harsh elements of classic doom/gothic metal.
Acid King – Beyond Vision
Stoner doom metal trailblazers Acid King make a glorious comeback with the monumental trip-inducing soundscapes of the first release in eight years entitled “Beyond Vision”.
An enigmatic atmospheric intro naturally leads to the colossal rhythmic patterns of “One Light Second Away” fueled by extra gritty guitar riffs and enriched by slow burning melodic phrases.
“Mind’s Eye” continues to follow a hallucinatory pathway as recurring vibrant melodic accents and hypnotizing vocals flourish within a solid doom oriented rhythmic ensemble.
On “Electro Magnetic” the detailed synths layers acquire darker dystopian tones that constantly make you space out while the heavy weight of guitars inevitably generates memorable power dirges channeling a timeless doom force.
The title track fully manifests the band’s trippy musical formula driven by a cosmic energy to create a compelling blend of hazy melodies and monolithic rhythmic dynamics emphasizing the skillful guitar work.
“Beyond Vision” symbolizes the journey of life as Acid King begin a new era confidently building a lysergic sonic realm filled with mighty stoner doom grooves and spacey atmospheric textures.