Indianapolis death/doom metal outfit Mother Of Graves bravely searches for meaning and salvation through the tragically darkened soundscapes of the ambitious third album “The Light That Keeps Us” promising a memorable mix of pure aggression and grim poetry.
“Wingless Soul “ conquers the audience with the overwhelming melancholia of the mournful guitar progressions while the loud strength of classic death metal inevitably generates ruthless rhythmic patterns around the majestic vocal performance featuring guest Dan Swanö.
The title track dwells within a murky parallel dimension where guitars never fail to emphasize dramatic melodic moments but at the same time rely on a primordial death/doom structure to ensure a palpable rhythmic tension.
“The Silent Weight Of The Stars” reveals a monolithic gloomy rhythmic core easily amplified by towering cavernous growls but the emotive motifs will spellbind you with recurring poetic guitar phrases.
The decadent romance of melodic doom metal comes to life through the monochromatic piano melodies of “The Beggar’s Allegory” while imposing guitars swiftly reveal a rather harsh approach delivering loads of grave riffs but smoothly maintain a crestfallen melodic flair enriched by evocative detailed atmospheric arrangements.
“The Endless Climb” conjures an obscure doom essence to celebrate the final chapter with immense dismal feelings as impeccable guitars effortlessly create mesmeric melodic tapestries enriched by the classical elegance of the piano.
Mother of Graves deliberately choose a tormented sonic pathway where the eternal conflict between darkness and light leads straight to the profoundly introspective composition of “The Light That Keeps Us”.
Category: Album Reviews
Entheos – Empty On The Inside
Alternative metal sensation Entheos promises strong hooks and elaborate performances on the new ambitious release “Empty On The Inside”.
“Hell is A Part of Me” skillfully combines heaviness & catchiness so meticulous guitars immediately deliver complex technical progressions amplified by super aggressive screams in contrast with the sophisticated harmonious passages complemented by luminous clean vocals.
Without hesitating the title track hits you in the face with a hostile rhythmic core fueled by unstoppable blistering guitar riffs cutting through gelid atmospheric synths.
“Golden Crown” reveals a vulnerable side through the ethereal vocal delivery and the bittersweet melodic lines that inevitably will evolve into another round of visceral guitar driven grooves.
“Undone” presents a dystopian atmospheric world where comforting vocals remain at the center of an edgy rhythmic ensemble embellished by multilayered futuristic synths and pale melodic tapestries.
Featuring guest vocalist Michael Lessard of The Contortionist, “Tomblight” can still pack a vicious rhythmic assault but really surprises you with a captivating mix of warm melodic nuances and polished proggy textures.
“The Earth Will Move” shifts to a mellow pace focusing on eloquent clean vocals aptly accompanied by sorrowful melodies but a raging rhythmic section eventually will dictate extra speed and undiluted fury.
A fiery darkness runs through “Empty on the Inside” as Entheos sincerely express an intense emotional turmoil though a modern songwriting approach that also channels the raw energy of traditional extreme metal.
Amon Amarth – The Allfather Awakens
Swedish melodic death metal icons Amon Amarth have already conquered the world and the highly anticipated new album “The Allfather Awakens” reconfirms their massive status beginning a new mythological voyage through gelid Nordic landscapes.
“Gjallarhorn” immediately shows the band’s signature epic style delivering a colossal groovy structure and highlighting the crispy guitar sound as well as a familiar Nordic flair to mark the beginning of an adventurous journey.
In the heroic battlefield of “Eight Legs of Thunder” the raging riffage leads the way to a tempestuous rhythmic march culminating with the baroque flair of the acrobatic guitar solo.
Under a darkened shroud “Kvasir’s Blood” highlights the primal energy and the consequent ominous vibes of the monumental combo of storming guitar progressions and savage growls while the solo naturally evokes an increasingly sorrowful mood.
“Upphaf” is a translated stanza from the prophetic poem ‘Völuspá’ filled with pure melancholia as the band switches to full acoustic and chooses a folkish ballad composition crafting an impeccable series of gentle arpeggios without sacrificing a courageous Viking essence aptly embodied by the harsh vocals.
The title track emerges triumphantly from the remote lands of the Vikings bringing an overdose of abrasive guitar driven grooves but reveals a friendly loud catchiness that generates cold melodic crescendos.
“Ascending Like an Eagle” reaches darker depths with the dominant gloomy tonalities of the charismatic guitar leads while the precise rhythmic section channels strong death metal roots with an aggressive approach enhanced by the crucial menacing presence of the imposing growls.
Amon Amarth’s musical legacy speaks for itself and the new fervent release “The Allfather Awakens” consistently maintains a powerful groovy formula that undoubtedly will please their loyal fans worldwide.
Witchthroat Serpent – Demons Left To Roam
French stoner doom purveyors Witchthroat Serpent conjure the forces of darkness to compose the haunted new album “Demons Left To Roam” aptly recorded on analog tape and gear.
Occult vibes become palpable from the very beginning as “Cursed Night Circle” flows like a horror movie soundtrack unleashing monolithic rhythmic patterns characterized by a lugubrious guitar sound and wild distortion.
The doom dirge of “Silver Bell of Ritual” highlights a tenebrous mood fueled by distant wailing vocals, dramatically slow passages and infectious gritty riffage yet you might perceive the pale presence of a sordid melodic essence.
The ritualistic precision of the rhythmic section on “Lost Dimension” inevitably leads to a darkened parallel dimension where guitars build monochromatic progressions channeling obscure doom elements to achieve a macabre finale.
“The Blinded Magpie” relies on foreboding guitar movements with a genuine vintage attitude and you can certainly appreciate the tragic doom nuances emerging through the enigmatic rhythmic structure.
Throughout the sinister sonic realm of “Demons Left To Roam” Witchthroat Serpent manifests full dedication to the dark arts telling horror tales through creepy doom laden grooves.
Enslaved – Mið
Norwegian titans Enslaved continue to impress the metal scene following an extraordinary artistic evolution that today generates the expansive soundscapes of “Mið” which being the 17th album is certainly a major achievement.
The first chapter “I Am Ice” features Johan Sara Jr, a Sami yoik singer performing a traditional incantation to emphasize a spirituality that always resonates in the midst of a scorching rhythmic assault characterized by a gritty old school guitar sound further enriched by eclectic technical proggy dynamics.
“Solar Will” returns to the band’s extreme metal roots as the excellent guitar work proudly unleashes aggressive riffs and hostile growls become quite dominant yet you can perceive a philosophical reflection within the complex prog influenced structure.
“Mountain” reveals an ancestral connection with the cosmos through a thoughtful melodic composition perfectly complemented by the comforting clean vocal delivery in contrast with the cold blackened essence of the abrasive guitar riffs inevitably dictating extra speed and obscure tones.
“Parting” shines for the deeply melancholic themes as the elevated classical flair of the synths create an idyllic melodic flow enhancing a contemplative approach yet savage guitars can channel primal forces to properly build a monolithic rhythmic core that will reach the acme with the clarity of a majestic solo.
As we reach the end of this memorable journey “I Miðju” combines visceral shadowy textures and precise rhythmic blasts also highlighting the significant tribal vibes of the impeccable instrumental ensemble while the solemn clean vocals amplify the riveting melodic motifs.
Years pass by but Enslaved refuse stagnation and confidently move forward still inspired by the mystical and the esoteric that naturally permeate the convoluted sonic realm of “Mið”.
Shores Of Null – Homesick
Italian melodic death doom act Shores of Null proudly embraces a winning formula of perennial melancholia and inner fury on the ambitious new album “Homesick”.
“Allies Before Defeat” perfectly embodies the record’s mood, in fact melodic guitars and refined orchestrations favor dramatic tonalities to emphasize themes of loneliness and grief while drums accelerate to build harsh rhythmic patterns.
As guitars skillfully shift from elaborate mournful passages to untamed riffage, “Bleed To Life” revolves around the contrasting emotions expressed by savage growls and passionate clean vocals.
At the center of the title track you can instantly perceive a sense of longing as the gloomy guitar progressions and the sincere vocal delivery depict a desolate world yet the extreme metal roots are still present in the aggressive rhythmic variations.
On “Dreaming Of A Scar” Shaun MacGowan of My Dying Bride provides enthralling violin phrases to evoke poignant feelings and enrich the monolithic doom laden grooves which unfold naturally around another captivating vocal performance.
Featuring Natalie Koskinen of Shape Of Despair, “The Numbing Void” can comfort you during lonely autumnal nights with the evocative blend of heart wrenching violin and bleak guitar melodies that ultimately will acquire extra energy to evolve into smooth rhythmic crescendos.
“Disappear” brings closure with a crushing melo death structure as guitars unleash an overdose of fiery riffs supported by a visceral rhythmic backbone but still move confidently towards a grim harmonious momentum.
Shaping their own sonic identity Shores of Null showcase uncompromising devotion to the glorious era of doom metal therefore rightfully choose an authentic sound and a somber emotional palette to create the immersive soundscapes of “Homesick”.
Eivør – Tungl
Faroese artist Eivør emerges triumphantly from the burgeoning Nordic music scene and bravely reaches further into elemental realms to fully express emotions and mysticism within the magical sonic realm of the new album “Tungl”.
“Og mánin græt / And The Moon Cried” focuses on a winning combo of airy modern synths and seductive vocals to spellbind the listeners and the resulting kaleidoscopic atmosphere often amplifies gloomy nuances.
Under the gelid atmospheric wall of “Verjugarðar / Walls” there is a glowing catchiness that naturally generates captivating melodic crescendos with pleasant traditional folk vibes while the moody electronica brings an enigmatic futuristic touch.
The haunting harmonious core of “Hinumegin / The Other Side” conveys a sheer melancholia perfectly matched by the reflective vocal delivery floating gently through a gripping monochromatic atmospheric ensemble.
Immersed in nature “Healer” evokes the stark beauty of wintry landscapes through poignant vocals and eloquent synths while the addition of edgy guitar riffs create a darker rhythmic tension.
On the intimate track “Tann tú saknar / The One You Long For” multilayered synths carefully weave hypnotic atmospheric waves around the bewitching vocal harmonies flowing gracefully with sentimental resonance.
“Everyone But Me” offers a deeply nostalgic finale putting the spotlight on the enchanting vocal performance that guides us through a dense mystical sonic realm where we might finally perceive warmth and peace.
Within the darkly alluring dreamland of “Tungl” Eivør finds the creative freedom to explore diverse musical territories and to achieve an ideal balance between folky mysticism and modern electro textures.
Mr. Bison – The Garden of Forgotten Dreams
Italian heavy psych/prog rockers Mr. Bison embark on a delightful psychedelic trip through the bittersweet dreamland of the brand new album “The Garden of Forgotten Dreams”.
“Cosmic Tide” relies on an intricate composition featuring the heavy weight of soaring guitars and an inner bewitching melodic essence rightfully amplified by the ardent vocals and the detailed synths.
The title track feels quite intriguing presenting a soulful melodic palette that can easily touch your heart with vibrant guitar progressions, hazy atmospheric waves and a soothing vocal performance expressing pure nostalgia.
On “Astray” you will find plenty of robust grooves enhanced by charming somber nuances as the towering rhythmic section provides stylish variations and energizing dynamics further enriched by the eclectic guitar work.
Surrounded by wistful atmospheric tapestries “Turn To Stone” offers eloquent melodic motifs but quickly reveals a fiery groovy structure fueled by a generous dosage of fuzzy riffage.
“Old Hue” emphasizes a trippy approach through slow burning melodic guitars and mellow rhythmic segments focusing on warmer tonalities yet the precise rhythmic ensemble increases variety adding striking progressive elements.
Throughout “The Garden of Forgotten Dreams” we chase dreams and find peace of mind as Mr. Bison confidently follows an expansive musical pathway blending blissful harmonies and empowering guitar driven grooves.
Volucrine- Chapter V: Renewal
One month as passed since Volucrine released their 5th LP Chapter V- Renewal, the second in the last 2 years, marking a pick in creativity and production in the band’s carrier. As the band has previously said, this album was born quickly, prioritising the music over a genre. In fact, what is immediately noticeable of this album, is the variety of sounds, rhythms and influences that blend together into the distinctive melodies of Volucrine.
Already the first track-“Borderline”, offers a taste of angry, Nu metal growling right at the beginning while later on gives the floor to melodic clear voices and guitars in the chorus. Energetic rhythms and melodies go hand in hand for the whole album, making the idea of change (aka Renewal) so real, to the point that the gentle voice of Sanni Teitto in “Drift” appears as part of the natural evolution in a field of screams.
While the undefined genre might be intriguing or puzzling for new fans, the red line of the album is to be sought in the themes touched. Despite some tracks sounding energetic and even a somehow teasing- resembling some 90’s punk singles, the lyrics are more committed to deep life challenges. As Jupe recently said “Volucrine is a therapeutic project to channel the negative emotions into music”. As per their previous album, this work serves as echoes to the anguish feelings of loneliness, being cut out, existential inadequacy, emotional pain and mental struggle. The simplicity of the lyrics reflects the fragile dimension of human nature left alone in a strive as hard as “Moving Mountains” to “write oneself anew”, but in the end, there is hope that the awaited change is possible.
A little consideration to conclude: despite the choice of not sticking to a genre might be disorienting for new listeners, Chapter V- Renewal is definitely a multidimensional work that is worth trying.
Wolves In The Throne Room – Estuary
USBM veterans Wolves In The Throne Room depict a futuristic world where humanity vanishes and nature reclaim everything through the cryptic soundscapes of the highly anticipated new opus “Estuary”.
We get lost instantly though the nocturnal landscapes of the title track as mythological themes emerge through the dense atmospheric noise and vitriolic guitars effortlessly build a menacing wall of sound well supported by unrestrained drumming and cavernous growls.
The decadent composition of “Knights Of Tiamat” adds exquisite gothic nuances to the ravenous blackened rhythmic core therefore a veiled atmospheric obscurity constantly surrounds the feverish guitar movements and a lugubrious melodic essence creates an inspiring contemplative momentum.
The ritualistic intro of “Foretold In Reflections” leads straight to an ancestral dimension where the sinister power of guitars generates slower dramatic progressions enriched by the mystifying vibes of the multilayered mysterious orchestrations.
“Ghosts Among the Obelisks” represents an intense mystical journey as incandescent guitar riffs and relentless drums guide you through a perilous rhythmic maze maintaining an ominous extreme metal approach but enhancing the epic spirit with sumptuous atmospheric tapestries.
Choosing wisely raw primordial energy and analog production techniques, Wolves In The Throne Room are free to explore the darkest depths of metal and the inevitable downfall of mankind in the realm of power and magic perfectly embodied by “Estuary”.
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