Category: Album Reviews 2017

Epica – The Solace System

Symphonic metal masters Epica are known to be quite prolific and an unstoppable creative force in the current metal scene. While working on the widely acclaimed full length “The Holographic Principle” some songs didn’t exactly fit the flow of the record therefore Epica has decided to release this extra material as six new tracks on the EP “The Solace System”.

The title track displays all the lavish elements that have contributed to Epica’s worldwide success. Grandiose symphonic arrangements constantly create theatrical layers entwined with harsher guitar driven grooves but the main music core here revolves around luminous guitar melodies that reach a natural acme with the highly catchy chorus enhanced by Simone’s flawless & passionate vocal performance.

“Architect Of Life” starts with somber majestic orchestrations and solemn operatic choirs as expected from Epica’s flourishing music formula. Polished guitar leads and crunchy guitar riffs work harmoniously to keep a compelling melodic fluidity.

“Wheel Of Destiny” features charismatic faster guitar riffs and more aggressive metal twists while dazzling catchy melodies are surrounded by enticing haunting atmospheric arrangements.

On “Decoded Poetry” you will find a poetic guitar approach that delivers loads of soothing melodies embellished by dramatic operatic choirs and Simone’s smooth uplifting vocal delivery but, as expected, Epica doesn’t forget to add some rough borderline furious guitar riffing amplified by Mark’s venomous growls.

Overall, the tracks included on “The Solace System” are impeccably executed and showcase a palpable affinity with the album “The Holographic Principle” which renders them easy to love for all Epica’s devotees.

With The Dead – Love From With The Dead

Iconic former Cathedral singer Lee Dorrian and ex-Electric Wizard/Ramesses bassisit/guitarist Tim Bagshaw have joined forces again in the band With The Dead to deliver the new album “Love From With The Dead”, an authentic doom metal opus that could become the perfect soundtrack for our dysfunctional world.

As the album opener “Isolation” begins with monolithic guitar riffs and desperate laments, it becomes clear that With The Dead have no intention of writing easy mellow hooks to satisfy a wide audience. Instead the main focus is the creation of a spontaneous work of heavy doom where guitars are characterized by a gritty depressing tone that sets a perennial dark mood even when psychedelic distorted and somehow more accessible melodies emerge from a claustrophobic hopeless abyss.

On “Egyptian Tomb” monumental bass lines and fuzzy guitars craft an arcane desolate atmosphere but there are some lovely melodic concoctions and borderline groovy guitar solos that still maintain a sheer adoration for absolute darkness but definitely balance the merciless negativity.

As a dismal march through a dark world of ruins “Cocaine Phantoms” revolves around astonishingly heavy guitar riffs supported by a massive rhythmic backbone while Lee Dorrian’s steady mournful voice and hypnotic guitar melodies generate a nightmarish aura.

The lengthy asphyxiating “CV1” closes the album like a powerful reminder that everything is lost forever as guitars acquire psychedelic/acidic textures mixed to lugubrious doom heaviness while the dissonant addition of experimental electro/drone elements simply enhances the extreme dreadful destiny of mankind.

Shaping a realm of hopelessness and despair as all that could go wrong just happened irreparably With The Dead deliver one of the heaviest collection of songs ever composed and “Love From With The Dead” is what uncompromised doom metal should sound like.

 

Cradle Of Filth – Cryptoriana – The Seductiveness Of Decay

Legendary groundbreaking band Cradle Of Filth is ready to conquer even the most stubborn audience with the exquisite dark beauty of the brand new opus “Cryptoriana – The Seductiveness Of Decay”. Following the ex novo success of the grandiose stylish album “Hammer Of The Witches”, Cradle Of Filth continues to fuel the lavish creative spark to produce an impeccable work of music.

With haunting orchestrations, obscure guitar melodies and ominously triumphant operatic choirs the opener “Exquisite Torments Await” is not your average atmospheric intro and gives you a taste of the utterly decadent nature of this new album.

“Heartbreak And Séance” emanates pure Victorian gothic splendor with darkly romantic guitar melodies entwined with ravishing classical orchestration & choirs while mastermind Dani Filth delivers majestic grim screams and venomous primordial growls through a convoluted crescendo of dreadful extreme rhythmic blasts.

“Achingly Beautiful” continues to celebrate lascivious Victorian gothic nuances as intricate alluring orchestral compositions offer succulent solemn layers further embellished by Lindsay Schoolcraft’s spellbinding voice. A sudden nightmarish lullaby breaks the fast paced plummeting rhythm with spectral magnificence portrayed by grandiose operatic choirs and dazzling melancholic keyboards while Dani renders everything absolutely obscure with ghoulish vocals through a wicked guitar riffing galore.

“Wester Vespertine” enhances intoxicating gothic vibes with fragile piano melodies, hedonistic orchestrations that provide highly dramatic epic vibes and Lindsay’s darkly soothing vocals. Dani confidently channels a perennial pitch-black renaissance while a distinctive climax of impossibly darkened addictive guitar melodies & impressive creative solos deliver an extra dosage of sinister charisma.

On “The Seductiveness Of Decay” guitar riffs acquire a tremendous classic metal energy as the rhythm becomes audaciously groovy with untamed diabolical speed and Dani matches the diabolical mood with extraordinarily savage vocals. Classical baroque orchestration remains steady in the background until tempo slows down to favor an epic sublime harmonious catharsis.

With eerie acoustic melodies and sinister narratives “Vengeful Spirit” showcases theatrical vibes but soon unleashes a rather bold guitar driven fast paced rhythm and a relentless vibrant shredded solo. As the composition returns to an opulent dramatic melancholia guest vocalist Liv Kristine delivers fascinating vocals inevitably triggering the delightful memory of her iconic performance on the masterpiece “Nymphetamine”.

With the current line-up Cradle Of Filth has embraced a marvelous resurrection that naturally leads to the creation of the current charismatic work of music. Cinematic like a vintage creepy horror movie and sumptuous like a classical operetta
“Cryptoriana – The Seductiveness Of Decay” reconfirms Cradle Of Filth’s longstanding status as masters of the most elegant darkest metal par excellence.

Alpha Tiger – Alpha Tiger

Following the vocalist’s departure German rock Alpha Tiger returns with new singer Benjamin Jaino and a refreshed creative energy that generated the composition behind the latest self titled album.

“Comatose” builds catchy rhythmic dynamics with groovy simple guitar riffs and loads of retro rock keyboards arrangements that maintain a solid atmospheric background.

“Singularity” starts like a rock lullaby but picks up speed and strength with melodic guitars and a moody rhythmic backbone that offers scattered modern electro accents while energetic vocals confidently channel ‘90s rocker vibes.

“Aurora” becomes sorrowful with gentle emotional vocals, mellow guitar melodies entwined with a gritty rock solo and intriguing vintage keyboards layers.

“My Dear Old Friend” continues to enhance the retro rock mood with flamboyant ‘70s style organ providing spacey atmospheres while guitars follow a classic rock pathway to craft radio friendly melodies.

“The Last Encore” closes the album with a hint of melancholia evoked by soft harmonies and emotionally charged vocals but there are also some twin-guitar driven rock grooves to spice up the melodic themes.

Alpha Tiger might not deliver the most unique innovative work of music nevertheless this new release is packed with enjoyable melodic songs and fervent emotions.

Hallatar – No Stars Upon The Bridge

Hallatar is born as an extension of Trees Of Eternity to bring Aleah Starbridge’s poems and music to the world. Following the devastating death of Aleah, amazing musicians Juha Raivio guitarist of Swallow the Sun and Trees of Eternity, Tomi Joutsen vocalist of Amorphis, former HIM drummer Gas Lipstick and Draconian’s vocalist Heike Langhans united to create the stunning emotional album “No Stars Upon The Bridge”. Gathering Aleah’s poems and lyrics, Juha Raivio was able to translate the most painful emotions into an ensemble of cathartic darkened songs.

Lost in a dark abyss “Mirrors” draws its inner strength from heavy doom guitar riffs while elegantly melancholic melodies slowly unfold to portray a profound feeling of grief and vocals become wretched screams. Lovely, yet extremely anguished, softer guitar melodies and Tomi Joutsen’s heartfelt clean vocals emphasize the overwhelming despair.

“Melt” is the sound of loss and endless pain with a soulful range of precious darkened guitar melodies. Tomi’s vocal performance is particularly impressive featuring guttural primordial growls in contrast with a fervent poetic delivery while haunting atmospheres and dramatic slow instrumental passages express a surreal emotional depth.

On “My Mistake” Heike Langhans delivers an unforgettable performance with graceful dreamy vocals that bring ethereal elegance to the terrific dark doom blend of heavy guitar riffs, always amplified by Tomi’s massive growls, and poignant melodies are further emphasized by exquisite somber keyboards arrangements.

“Severed Eyes” leaves behind the heavy funeral doom structure to embrace minimalist poetry and is filled with spiritual melancholia as Tomi’s sincere clean vocals gently linger over a series of spellbinding diaphanous arpeggios.

The inspired swansong “Dreams Burn Down” holds a fragile darkness with hazy atmospheres and wistful guitar melodies but also feels like the beginning of a healing process through the creation of beautiful music. In the midst of vibrant dense instrumental melodies Tomi’s desperate blackened screams seem to emerge from a nightmarish abyss while Aleah’s enchanting voice becomes a luminous guide delivering a magical sense of hope.

Any listener can easily appreciate the brilliant talent of the musicians that joined forces on Hallatar and even if you don’t know the heart wrenching tragic circumstances behind the genesis of “No Stars Upon The Bridge” this exceptional album will inevitably move you.

Dark Tone Company – Light to the flies

The Finnish Dark Tone Company debuted on the metal scene with its first full-length “Light to the flies” some weeks ago.

The first track “Jigsaw” introduce pretty well the band’s music style; technical, fast, melodic, strong contrast between growl and clean voice, stunning guitar solo and catchy refrain.

“Into The Grey” is the most theatrical song, it takes heart and soul, this is one of the best from this album.
We have to mention also “Mannequins” which has a sound a little bit different somehow from the other ones.

There’s also a special guest in this album; Björn “Speed” Strid form Soilwork, he has given a contribution on “Bless The Arsonist”, it’s amazing how the voices intertwine in perfect armony.
Drums are on fire with “Saints In Disgrace” then a devil voice starts telling a ‘story’,the refrain is softer and the guitar solo is really sophisticated.

We like this album because it combines excellent rhythmic changes with great instrumental parts, catchy refrain and groove.
This is a really good debut for DTC, in this album they show their potential and the inspiration, we have to keep an open eye on this band.

The Dark Red Seed -Stands With Death

Long-time guitar player for King Dude Tosten Larson has a new project called The Dark Red Seed and the first EP “Stands With Death” includes three intriguing tracks described as ‘a study of death’.

Lyrically “The Antagonist” showcases a complex theme about the death of America. In terms of songwriting Larson delivers an absolute sense of loss through charismatic yet minimalist guitar melodies which feel like distant arcane echoes bearing a dark melancholic aura while vocals evoke a dramatic contemplative state.

“The Tragedy Of Alesund” continues to portray bleak soundscapes surrounded by overwhelming darkness, guitars feature retro bluesy tones as well as more experimental distorted dynamics and the particularly warm vocal delivery enriches the gloomy music textures.

“The Master And The Slave” has a heavier approach with bold guitar driven rhythms that can become rather groovy while a compelling wild guitar solo gives way to a psychedelic jam that gradually turns into a mysterious borderline chaotic experimental finale.

With a hypnotic sonic manifesto “Stands With Death” displays Gothic Americana/dark folk influences and piques the audience’s interest about what The Dark Red Seed will create in the near future.

Neun Welten – The Sea I’m Diving In

German dark folk band Neun Welten is back with the new music endeavor “The Sea I’m Diving In”. Adding remarkable post rock elements, the band crafts a genuinely melancholic and mysterious collection of songs that inevitably moves the audience.

“Drowning” immediately shines for the poetic composition as Neun Welten creates a compelling melodic palette with minimalist acoustic passages enriched by enchanting violin.

“The Dying Swan” becomes darker with softly passionate vocals and somber melodies that acquire a subtle post rock charisma further embellished by mesmerizing classical violins and gloomy ambiance layers.

“Cursed” amplifies such darkened pathway with no frills emotional piano and acoustic guitars while whispered vocals and radiant violins effortlessly evoke spellbinding atmospheres.

“Lonesome October” is particularly charming featuring some luminous memorable melodies yet everything is filled of magical darkness and again the violin creates memorable lavish harmonies channeling otherworldly romanticism.

On “Human Fail” acoustic guitars lead the way with sorrowful phrases and soothing vocals feel rather catchy lingering over delightfully mystical violin compositions.

The true inner strength of “The Sea I’m Diving In” certainly resides in the sumptuous melodic textures and Neun Welten balances the darkest emotions with the most delicate poetry.

 

Varg – Götterdämmerung

They might sound like pagan metal but German metallers Varg prefer to call it ‘wolf metal’. Regardless of music categories the latest EP “Götterdämmerung” blends various music influences to deliver four fierce yet quite melodic tracks.

The title track offers an epic crescendo of fiery guitar riffs that channel a strong Nordic flavor while the rhythm feels bold but never exaggeratedly fast in order to give space to more mellow darkened melodic moments.

“Hel” maintains a triumphant mood emphasizing the ‘ready for battle’ scenario with blistering guitar riffs and ravenous growls but also offers compelling softer pagan metal style melodies that feel like a celebration of the empowering beautiful wilderness.

“Knochenpfad” is the darkest track with hypnotic ominous atmospheres and creepy narratives but soon acquires a heavier rhythmic core as well as vibrant cold melancholic melo-death oriented guitars.

While waiting for the next full length Varg’s devotees can enjoy the wild delightful EP “Götterdämmerung” as the band appears in excellent shape, ready to howl at the moon and eager to conquer a wider audience.

Logical Terror – Ashes Of Fate

Logical Terror is a modern metalcore band from Italy, after the debut album “Almost Human”, in 2016 they released “Ashes Of Fate”.

The album is the proof that even in Italy there are great bands.
“10000 Falls” open the door of an explosive series of tracks, guitar assaults like hungry blade on the solid rhythmic part and the double voices create that contrast that catches the listener.

In “The World Was Mine” we can find the contribution of Bjorn “Speed” Strid from Soliwork.
With “Shattered Crown” the sound became softer but it goes to change with the killer “Ashes Of Fate” featuring Jon Howard from Threat Signal.

We can find a great melodic construct in “The Long Descent” that can be defined as the best track of this album.
The closure is up to “Coming Undone” the most soft track in the album.

What can we say? This is abssolutly an amazing job! We know the band is going to release soon a new album so we’re waiting for another masterpice!