Heavy progressive trailblazers Stoned Jesus present to the world “Songs to Moon”, the second chapter of a truly ambitious trilogy that symbolizes a thoughtful exploration of music and emotions.
The unrestrained album opener “Under The Skin” drags you through shadowy soundscapes where the monolithic rhythmic section can showcase a fiery heavier side without any hesitation unleashing empowering riffage and pummeling drums.
On “ZYX” you can appreciate a softer side with recurring somber acoustic lines accompanied by laid back sentimental vocals but there is space for some monumental grooves easily fueled by a lovable gritty guitar sound and embellished by brighter catchy leads.
The instrumental track “Syzgy” chooses a cathartic atmospheric pathway as luminous keyboards naturally embrace an intriguing blend of understated arpeggios and exquisite guitar phrases expressing pure melancholia.
“Jackal” favors hypnotic darkened nuances and downcast feelings to emphasize the slow burning power of the guitar melodies that inevitably evolve into a rather aggressive syncopated rhythmic ensemble with a remarkable cerebral prog metal approach.
Stoned Jesus reveal a sophisticated introspective songwriting with a subtle touch of magnetic stoner rock following a distinct inspiration that depicts a gripping emotive palette throughout “Songs to Moon”.
Category: Album Reviews
Graveyard – Fever
Gothenburg’s very own rockers Graveyard have always demonstrated an ardent devotion to heavy psych rock and the magnetic brand new opus “Fever” reconfirms their influential status with electrifying grooves and captivating vintage splendor.
The album opener “Back From The Grave” doesn’t waste any time and clearly reveals an energetic approach that would never need any special effects favoring raw heavily distorted tonalities through the monolithic guitar riffs and the consequent abrasive rhythmic patterns.
On “Tongue Tied” the colossal galloping rhythmic section takes the center stage focusing on significantly heavy dynamics with doom laden riffage and tasteful guitar leads perfectly complemented by a wild vocal performance.
“A Better Cut (Note To Self)” aptly maintains a feverish rhythmic structure certainly enhanced by the gritty guitar tones and the super fuzzy phrases while the fervent vocals can also express nostalgic feelings.
“Year Of The Horse” immediately stands out for the meaningful rhythmic blasts following a high-velocity trajectory as obsessive guitars deliver a constant fuzzed out riffage until elegant warm melodies create a brief yet deeply sorrowful breakdown.
“Dead Note” spreads immense melancholia through mellow vocals and bluesy slow burning harmonies but guitars continue to push the fuzz pedal hard and spontaneously reach a glorious groovy momentum culminating with an extensive hypnotizing solo.
Graveyard naturally convey the inflamed spirit of timeless heavy rock fully embracing a no frills impactful composition with an authentic retro sound giving life to the irresistible groovy soundscapes of “Fever”.
Xasthur – Open To Misinterpretation
Conceived by vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Scott Conner in the year 1995, Xasthur proudly continues to disregard any musical trend following an individual yet organic artistic evolution that today generates an ambitious full length aptly titled “Open To Misinterpretation”.
Exploring the darkest depths of the human soul “Put You Out Of Your Misery” focuses on a spellbinding neofolk essence as guitars craft intricate melodies but nothing is predictable here.
“Mantras of Delusion” evokes a palpable depressing mood through shapeshifting tormented rhythmic segments yet the mellow guitar sound feels quite comforting.
Accepting the possibility of being misread once more “Impersonating the Impostors” conveys a sense of solitude through a somber acoustic march well supported by solid bass lines.
“Waste of Eternity” certainly remains drenched in darkness yet the thoughtful acoustic passages reveal an understated harmonious glow.
The final chapter “Death Can Heal” can challenge the audience with subtle dissonance and twisted rhythmic variations but the detailed acoustic progressions maintain a hypnotizing monochromatic melodic flow.
Drawing inspiration from Nordic folk Xasthur moves confidently through the coldest landscapes expressing bleak feelings and fully embraces the darkened acoustic composition of “Open To Misinterpretation”.
Bees Made Honey in the Vein Tree – In Between Strides
German quartet Bees Made Honey in the Vein Tree welcomes you to the dreamland of the new full length “In Between Strides” which presents a deeply personal doomy post-rock style destined to gain attention.
The hazy atmospheric maze of “Departure” perfectly symbolizes the band’s manifesto so you can appreciate how the hypnotic psychedelic lines keep on floating gracefully accompanied by whispered vocals but guitars can also showcase heavier distorted tones.
“Elisa” evokes peaceful sentiments as languid guitars and bittersweet piano move sinuously within a surreal atmospheric realm and these expansive ethereal progressions gradually reach an opulent rhythmic crescendo.
“Return, Precipice” can acquire darker nuances amplifying the presence of a classic doom flair as guitars confidently unleash raucous riffage building a quasi chaotic rhythmic ensemble in contrast with the dramatically slower murky melodic segments that obviously trigger spacey feelings.
Bees Made Honey in the Vein Tree continue to shape a distinct musical pathway that throughout “In Between Strides” leads to organic shoegaze atmospheric waves and major harsh dynamics.
Devil Master – Bloody Dreams
From a pitchblack abyss in old Philadelphia Devil Master triumphantly arise to deliver a supernatural opus conjuring the forces of darkness on the uncompromising third album “Bloody Dreams”.
As soon as you hit play “You Worms’ Vain Delusions” leaves you breathless providing palpable horror vibes through a savage rhythmic march with a taste of rebellious punk that later gives way to a flamboyant guitar solo.
“Trembling at Dusk” belongs to a nightmarish world where creepy distorted sounds announce an obscure presence and guitars bravely move through the dense darkness offering relentless violent riffs evidently amplified by the ruthless growls and the arcane doom flair.
In the cryptic sonic realm of the title track you might get lost easily as guitars enhance malevolent tones to efficiently build a rambunctious rhythmic assault with an acidic punk attitude and a wild passion for inflamed blackened grooves leading to a theatrical witchy narration.
On the final invocation “Farewell Waltz to Unfortune’s Palace” the band doesn’t refrain from showing a mystifying folk flair and somber melodic themes yet the irreverent rhythmic section will take over with unrestrained grave guitar driven grooves spiced up by the appealing nocturnal tonalities of the keyboards.
As Devil Master embark on a thrilling journey descending all the way to hellish depths through the decadent and quite irresistible “Bloody Dreams” we might have the same dreams or actually nightmares.
Temic – Ceiba
International super group Temic shapes a personal contemporary progressive metal style on the brand new album “Ceiba” focusing on glowing melodic motifs and majestic instrumental acrobatics.
On “Ashes” sumptuous keyboards evoke major epic vibes around the energetic riffage and the extremely catchy chorus adds uplifting feelings while the exceptional technique that characterizes the opulent guitar leads certainty steals the spotlight.
“Ceased To Be” acquires dramatic nuances offering enthralling harmonies perfectly matched by the solemn vocals while guitars masterfully keep an engaging rhythmic momentum often increasing heaviness and speed.
The elaborate structure of “Casting Stone” generates an unstoppable series of belligerent rhythmic blasts fueled by faster angered drumming and razor sharp riffing naturally leading to an insane guitar solo.
Since the beginning “Parting the Waves Inside” reaches a palpable emotional depth with eloquent vocals accompanied by a soothing piano piece swiftly followed by a monolithic rhythmic core as guitars fully embrace fierce tones and a glorious technical approach.
Throughout “Alone” Temic show their vulnerable side focusing on the contemplative beauty of the charming melodic phrases and the sentimental vocal delivery following a softer rhythmic pathway that still holds a stylish progressive flair reaching the acme with a dazzling guitar solo.
“As Long As We Last” immediately stands out for the dreamy atmospheric arrangements that emphasize the emotive essence of the shimmering guitar melodies and the dramatic vocal performance yet the precise rhythmic section delivers some complex thunderous grooves.
Excellent technical skills and a refined composition are at the center of “Ceiba” but Temic also chooses to explore themes of loss and grief aiming to express sincere emotions.
Pelegrin – The Curse of Nephtar
French heavy psych rockers Pelegrin invite you on a trippy voyage through the moody soundscapes of the new full length “The Curse of Nephtar”.
The first chapter of the tale of Nephtar “Eons” perfectly manifests the band’s artistic vision with glowing melodic waves and a robust stoner rock attitude.
“In the Company of Stars” can easily gain your attention following a catchier rhythmic direction with sharp riffing and the poignant melodic guitars surround an enchanting vocal performance featuring guest vocalist Halima Joy.
“Plenty” conveys pure melancholy as Arabian nuances enrich the emotive guitar phrases while the bold rhythmic section channels rebellious vibes.
“Break the Omen” marks a sophisticated finale as eclectic guitars naturally shift from peaceful melodies to elaborate proggy dynamics that increase diversity to create an appealing heavier momentum around the solemn narrative.
Pelegrin move confidently & freely through the magical sonic realm of “The Curse of Nephtar” delivering a balanced mix of bewitching melodies and empowering hooks.
Maunah – Hjarta
Danish doom newcomers Maunah aim to spellbind the listeners with the haunting debut full-length “Hjarta” rooted in melodic Scandinavian doom tradition and Nordic folk.
“Heimaland” depicts a desolate world where guitars can freely explore diverse territories even with a rather catchy approach through fierce rhythmic segments and decadent melodic progressions enhanced by a remarkably poetic vocal performance.
“Solin Vaugna” acquires darker tonalities highlighting the presence of an ancestral force as abrasive riffs build proper monumental grooves yet a dismal melodic flow continues to emerge through fascinating guitar phrases.
Within the bleak atmospheric ensemble of “Theinajau” guitars focus on soothing melodies with a crispy sound that spontaneously becomes more aggressive and the consequent groovy dynamics channel an ominous extreme metal flair.
Under the perennial shroud of frost of the title track guitars move sinuously crafting impeccable harmonious movements and evoking eternal gloom around particularly fervent vocals while the eclectic rhythmic section often gains the spotlight generating electrifying crescendos.
Maunah features veteran musicians and their chemistry is undeniable so even if “Hjarta” is just the first chapter of an immersive journey it perfectly symbolizes their intriguing artistic vision.
Besvärjelsen – Till Glömskan Ad Oblivionem
Self-proclaimed Swedish forest rockers Besvärjelsen are ready to deliver sincere passion and monumental grooves on the new release “Till Glömskan Ad Oblivionem” inspired by mysticism and traditions.
“The Greatest Sin” conquers the listeners with subtle occult rock vibes and a colossal rhythmic section channeling a glorious old school formula through thrilling guitar riffs and a fervent vocal performance.
“Counting Flies” acquires mesmerizing darkened tonalities that spontaneously generate an intricate melodic ensemble highlighting the smooth guitar leads and the soulful vocal harmonies.
“Drifters on a Quiet Stream” reveals a mellow ballad structure with glowing melodies and soft piano floating freely under a sunny sky nevertheless you can appreciate a significantly heavier & wilder rhythmic rampage.
With a super entertaining attitude “Didn’t Come to Party” shines for the glorious vintage sound putting the spotlight on the charismatic guitar work effortlessly shifting from gritty riffing to explosive leads.
“Black Wave” feels darker and moody relying on galloping loud guitar riffs to build monolithic rhythmic patterns and melancholic passages embellished by the organ.
The sentimental final track “Oblivion” focuses on wistful vocals, gentle piano and polished guitars to fully express emotive themes.
Besvärjelsen always manifest devotion to heavy stoner rock and follow their own musical pathway that now leads straight to the mystical forest of “Till Glömskan Ad Oblivionem”.
Static Abyss – The Dying Hunt
Founded by Autopsy’s Greg Wilkinson & Chris Reifert in the early 2020’s, Static Abyss presents their twisted manifesto of doom-laden brutal death metal throughout the hostile new release “The Dying Hunt”.
As “Lobotomized at Last” begins a cruel rhythmic march we enter a distant pitchblack dimension where a pale doom melodic essence is surrounded by relentless drumming and violent guitar riffs.
At the center of the title track there is a crusty death metal rhythm certainly amplified by raging screams so there’s no time to relax and shadowy doomed guitar progressions render the mood even darker.
“Bleeding in the Fog” might slow down for a bit but guitars continue to evoke unnerving dynamics through ominous phrases inevitably leading to a completely chaotic sonic realm.
Nightmarish vibes fill the air on “Nowhere Forever” as guitars skillfully build malevolent grooves and still provide a generous dosage of hypnotic melodies to capture your attention.
On “Volcanic Womb” cavernous growls dwell within a dystopian landscape and drums dictate belligerent speed yet guitars can provide a mournful melodic touch.
“Darkness at the End of the Light” brings a monolithic closure with towering gritty riffage but shifts the focus on the classic doom nuances of the lugubrious lead guitar work and the consequent tormented melodic ensemble.
On the third album “The Dying Hunt” Static Abyss confidently unleash an unapologetic rhythmic assault fueled by sheer fury that could trigger an insane moshpit at the very first listen.
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