Category: Album Reviews 2019

Misery Index – Rituals Of power

For American death metal quartet Misery Index it’s time to unleash a ferocious uncompromising sonic assault conceptually revolving around dystopian themes with the sixth full-length “Rituals Of Power”.

“Universal Untruths” opens the album with ominous guitar riffs evidently inspired by classic death metal while the cohesive rhythm section gradually builds up asphyxiating grooves accompanied by massive angered growls.

“Decline And Fall” gets more chaotic demanding extra speed and instant headbanging as hellish growls guide you through belligerent grooves filled with sharp guitar riffs while the fiery shredding of the solo renders everything less hostile.

On “The Choir Invisible” guitars hold an essential role delivering solid technical progressions  as well as subtle melodic accents in the solo while the relentless heavy riffs lead to darkly energetic rhythmic blasts deeply emphasized by the majestic drumming and the untamed growls.  

The title track packs a series of ruthless guitar riffs once again well supported by the steady crushing rhythmic dynamics that generate loads of savage grooves bearing the mark of old school death metal spiced up by the less intimidating darkened vibes of the skillful guitar leads.

“I Disavow” immediately aims to destroy as the rhythm becomes perilously faster with galloping infectious guitar riffs and monumental drums until the lead guitar takes over to craft some grave melodic phrases.

Listening attentively to “Rituals Of Power” it becomes clear how the whole album is mainly  fueled by pure wrath and primal force as Misery Index seem simply unstoppable consistently showcasing a taste for insane speed and brutality.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ2BUw_iUlU

Windswept – The Onlooker

Formed by Drudkh mastermind Roman Sayenko Ukrainian black metal project Windswept is set to spread absolute darkness with the sophomore album “The Onlooker”.

“Stargazer” tends to sound utterly ferocious with super tight guitar riffs and savage drums bearing the ominous mark of traditional black metal and such primal force inevitably leads to an asphyxiating sonic realm.

While the sonic assault of “A Gift To Feel Nostalgia” arises from the darkest abyss of metal there are hints of moody melodic melancholy emerging through the uneasy and frenetic rhythmic patterns.

From beginning to end the bleak mood of “Insomnia of the Old Men” relies on hellish growls and fast rhythmic blasts which will eventually slow down a bit to emphasize the bitter guitar tonalities.

On “Times of No Dreams & No Poets” extremely tormented growls, relentless guitar riffs and scattered melodic accents build up a constant sense of desperation as the whole instrumental ensemble diligently unleash all the fury of classic black metal.

“Bookworm, Loser, Pauper” is another hymn to darkness faithful to the black metal legacy with particularly obscure guitar tonalities and a frantic no frills rhythmic core that demands extra speed and nightmarish vibes.

“The Onlooker” aims to constantly channel an uncompromising raw energy to efficiently depict the darkest soundscapes and the sonic pathway chosen for this album probably is not too far from Drudkh’s discography as Windswept are also devoted to traditional black metal.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxORj2qAsXU

Chrome Waves – A Grief Observed

Formed by Jeff Wilson (ex-Nachtmystium, ex-Wolvhammer, ex-Abigail Williams) post/alt-metal band Chrome Waves is now a full time music endeavor with a revamped lineup so this is the right time to release the debut album “A Grief Observed”.  

“Burdened” belongs to a gloomy realm where subtle atmospheric arrangements naturally embrace the harsher momentum brought by blackened guitar riffs, faster drumming and furious growls but the heartfelt melodic progressions and the perennial melancholia represent the highlight of this lengthy album opener.

“Past The Lights” often conveys monochromatic emotions with calmer catchy rhythmic patterns and hazy atmospheres that convey an accessible dark metal mood and enhance the intense melodic gloom of the smooth guitar work.  

The title track stands out for the enthralling cello arrangements that gracefully adorn the dreamy shoegaze style atmospheric ensemble and the deeply melancholic guitar phrases while fragile clean vocals and enraged growls channel contrasting feelings.

Tormented vocals and extremely sorrowful guitar melodies are the key elements in the composition of “Take Another Sip” and a dramatic slower tempo consistently amplifies the nostalgia infused harmonies elegantly crafted by the charismatic cello performance.

“A Grief Observed” constantly dwells within a dark gelid sonic realm where a primal blackened force is always ready to emerge yet Chrome Waves passionately weave lovely melodic textures and cinematic soundscapes that deserve your attention.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhD0xcKpV7Q

Brick By Brick – Hive Mentality

New York hardcore band Brick By Brick put together a quite angered and relentless new album entitled “Hive Mentality” so you should expect a massive dose of guitar driven grooves.

The title track features a rant by Jessica Pimentel, Alekhine’s Gun vocalist and actress on Orange is the New Black, and basically maintains a furious rhythmic core from beginning to end courtesy of the aggressive combo of guitar riffs and drums.  

“Bad Sign” doesn’t slow down as vocals always feel extremely enraged well supported by the heavy rhythmic approach and the belligerent guitar work.

On “Battleground” the brutal vocal delivery certainly amplifies all the instrumental angst which once again relies on the savage rhythmic patterns spiced up by the fiery shredding guitar solo.

Guest vocalist Vincent Bennet of The Acacia Strain’s contributes to channel raw energy on “In The Ruins” which confidently continues to unleash blistering guitar riffs to build up moshpit friendly rhythmic dynamics.

The entertaining cover of Skid Row beloved classic “Slave To The Grind” gets a super hardcore style makeover so vocals become cavernous while the rebellious rhythmic core of Motörhead’s “Iron Fist” cover might fit better the general mood of the album.

There are no frills or fancy special effects on “Hive Mentality” as Brick By Brick diligently follow a straightforward music formula to generate consistent rounds of crushing grooves throughout the album.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQOmSn9ET9o

Overkill – The Wings Of War

With outstanding passion and resiliency iconic New Jersey thrashers Overkill have accomplished so much during their long career and certainly consolidated their legendary status in the metal scene influencing and inspiring musicians worldwide. Now for Overkill it’s time to begin a new exciting chapter with the release of the 19th studio album “The Wings Of War” which once again showcases the band’s unstoppable creative force.

On “Last Man Standing” a suspenseful mood introduces a rather aggressive thrash ensemble where soaring guitars constantly unleash sharp riffs and savage soloing well supported by the infectious rhythmic section and the overall blistering energy is further amplified by Bobby Blitz’s charismatic vocal performance.  

The classic and successful thrash formula is still alive on “Believe In The Fight” and Bobby’s vocals are on fire while the whole instrumentation never really slows down hitting you in the face with relentless guitar riffs and wild rhythmic patterns leading to a necessary headbanging galore.

“Head Of A Pin” is full of entertaining hooks as guitars effortlessly deliver endless rounds of groovy riffs with glorious traditional doom accents and a slightly dramatic yet extra fancy solo while the powerful rhythmic segments maintain a moody crushing core.

Everything slows down in the beginning of “Distortion” as the darkened guitar leads inevitably amplify a nostalgic mood but Overkill is still ready to pack massive old school thrash grooves with consistently heavy riffage and thrilling rhythmic dynamics enhanced by the wrathful vocal delivery.

“Where Few Dare To Walk” starts with a contemplative atmosphere and smooth melancholic guitar melodies that will recur throughout the song but there will always be a massive dosage of abrasive riffs to keep alive the raw energy of the faster anthemic thrash elements.

The frenetic rhythmic blasts of “Hole In My Soul” ensure memorable loud thrash grooves always enhanced by solid rounds of gritty guitar riffs & shredding and a super catchy chorus plus Bobby constantly provides remarkable fierce vocals.

Undoubtedly Overkill is in excellent shape and while the nostalgic vibes of the golden era of thrash metal emerge throughout “The Wings Of War” the songwriting feels absolutely relevant in the current scene and continues to consolidate the band’s influential status.

Yerûšelem – The Sublime

Blut Aus Nord mastermind Vindsval and long time partner W.D. Feld joined forces to create the new ambitious project Yerûšelem which blends cold wave and electronica nuances with a fiery industrial core on the debut release “The Sublime”.

The title track can sound absolutely mysterious with a generous dose of dreamlike electronic tapestries and distant chants yet there is a gentle melodic streak as crispy guitars leads generate contemplative vibes.

The desire to freely experiment with multifaceted music styles on “Autoimmunity” leads to electronic textures that convey darkened aesthetics dramatically enhanced by nightmarish rhythmic crescendos and gritty guitar riffs.

The electronic atmospheres of “Joyless” will make you space out while guitars probably deliver the heaviest riffs on the album as well as a steady series of gelid polished melodies with a palpable gothic metal inspiration.

Everything sounds extra dark on “Triiiunity” and the post apocalyptic spirit is fueled by cold industrial grooves with monochromatic guitar riffage, modern electronic pulses and suspenseful atmospheric arrangements,

“Reverso” aims to hypnotize the audience as spacey vocals simply float through trippy waves of danceable electro beats and somber melodic guitars that could go on forever stuck in a dreamy loop.

“The Sublime” dwells within a subterranean realm where the lines between reality and dream become blurry as Yerûšelem explores diverse music territories to create unique, often utterly surreal, soundscapes.

In Flames – I, The Mask

The successful career of In Flames started in the burgeoning metal scene of Gothenburg back in 1990 and while  they will always be one of the forefathers of melodic death metal their music style has inevitably evolved through the years leading to the rather accessible sonic realm of the latest album “I, The Mask”.

The darkened atmosphere and modern synths of “Voices” create the right suspenseful mood to open the album and introduce consistent rounds of crunchy guitar riffs amplified by the ravenous vocal delivery channeling grim emotions yet there is also an inner positive energy courtesy of crispy melodic progressions.  

There is a quite aggressive streak running through the title track with faster rhythmic dynamics and bouncy riffage marching confidently through futuristic atmospheric textures while the lead guitar work often focus on a more melodic approach that will naturally match the irresistible catchy vibes of the chorus.

The main rhythmic core of “Call My Name” has a classic heavy metal structure relying on plenty of energetic guitar riffs but there are many radio friendly moments such as the softer vivid chorus where the whole instrumentation embraces an easier melodic sound.

“I Am Above” continues to follow a familiar mixture of old school heavier rhythmic patterns rightfully filled with soaring guitar riffs and pleasant melodies that tend to put the spotlight on the vibrant clean vocals and the big chorus.

Just like a traditional rock ballad “Follow Me” begins with a profoundly melancholic and contemplative mood enhanced by mellow acoustic passages and as the warm clean vocals take the center stage the guitar work seems to leave behind any concrete sign of anger to deliver luminous melodies and fancy soloing.

On “Burn” pummeling guitar riffs return to embrace darker & heavier tonalities accompanied by a fair dosage of bitter growls and supported by a fiery rhythmic section while the straightforward melodic themes revolve around another catchy chorus.

On “Stay With Me” the rhythm drastically slows down and there are many accessible classic ballad elements, such as soft arpeggios and dreamy atmospheres, that amplify the emotional temper of the elegant melodic guitar phrases and the particularly ardent clean vocal delivery.  

While you shouldn’t expect the melodic death metal anthems of the early acclaimed albums by In Flames it must be said that without any hesitation or noticeable regrets “I, The Mask” marks another major milestone in the sonic evolution of the band moving forward in order to fully embrace a different artistic vision that ultimately aims to attract a wider audience.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1U4gkcp_40

Die Klute – Planet Fear

Fear Factory’s Dino Cazares, Die Krupps’ Jürgen Engler and Leæther Strip’s Claus Larsen joined forces to create the new industrial supergroup Die Klute and now they are ready to showcase their artistic vision with the energetic debut album “Planet Fear”.

Bouncy electro arrangements build the fiery darkened grooves of “If I die” while the furious vocals and unstoppable crunchy guitars in the background amplify the song’s heavier dynamics.

“Out Of Control” offers an explosive round of grooves that constantly channel the raw energy of industrial rock with the right dosage of extra distorted guitar riffs marching through the eclectic danceable electro layers.

“The Hangman” revolves around anthemic industrial vibes with throbbing electro grooves and an inner rebellious spirit that fully permeates the acidic guitar tonalities and the bold vocal delivery.

“It’s All In Vain” combines nightmarish vibes and a dancey rhythm as guitars provide some heavy riffage as well as brief melodic moments surrounded by intensely persistent electro beats.

Anger and horror continue to fuel the industrial groove of “Infectious” which has a catchy mood but can certainly sound aggressive with the pummeling electronic beats, the enraged guitar riffing and the fierce vocal delivery.

“Push The Limit” stands out for the futuristic accents of the rather frenetic electronic arrangements while the heavier ravenous industrial rhythm is naturally amplified by the belligerent combo of harsh vocals and relentless guitar riffs.

The cover of U2’s classic song “MOFO” is particularly entertaining with a major catchy industrial approach that matches the album’s post-apocalyptic vibes and would sound awesome on the dancefloor.

Often supergroups manage to release a couple of albums and then disappear but in the case of Die Klute it seems that we can expect more music from this unique collaboration in the future, meanwhile you can enjoy the massive industrial grooves of “Planet Fear”.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U42UUlO69FA

Rotting Christ – The Heretics

During their thirty years careers Greek metal masters Rotting Christ have worked relentlessly and passionately to establish the recognizable distinct music style that today on the brand new album “The Heretics” continues to naturally blend spellbinding melodic grandeur and primal extreme metal roots.

The ominous mood of the album is palpable on the opener “In The Name Of God” which is fueled by a savage blackened force leading to an obscure rhythmic march with galloping guitar riffs and intense drumming but the tempo often slows down to enhance a dramatic approach favoring the gothic beauty of the melodic guitar leads and mystical atmospheric arrangements.

The spiritual aura of “Vetry Zlye” comes to life through the ritualistic chants & narratives as the mysterious atmospheric waves are embellished by the bewitching vocals performed by Irina Zybina while the heavier instrumental ensemble focuses on the majestic rhythmic dynamics and the sharp guitar work.

As the fierce guitar riffs naturally lead to epic grooves, the darkened charisma of “Heaven And Hell And Fire” is constantly generated by esoteric chants and Sakis’s enraged growls while the song’s melodic splendor is meticulously crafted by the gloomy refined tonalities of the guitar phrases and the fancy energetic soloing.  

“Hallowed Be Thy Name” feels even more mystical with massive solemn choirs and theatrical spoken words that acquire an essential role within the song’s extremely dramatic atmospheric realm while the heavier instrumental passages become sporadic but still capable of channeling immense darkness.  

The cinematic intro of “Fire God And Fear” foreshadows another cryptic hymn to darkness and inevitably everything feels like an ancient ritual as soaring guitars confidently build understated blackened grooves that reach an arcane acme with the dazzling melodic opulence of the guitar solo.

Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe “The Raven” holds a darkly poetic soul and evokes extra dramatic depth with loads of fascinating theatrical narratives accompanied by impeccable haunting melodic guitars while the catchy yet gloomy rhythmic core still features a fair dosage of sinister aesthetics and bold guitar riffage.

Absolute devotion and an indissoluble connection with arcane myths are the fundamental elements behind the stylish composition of “The Heretics” and while Rotting Christ are still following a path of undiluted darkness all the songs on this album hold a surprisingly accessible melodic essence that can be appreciated by a wider audience worldwide.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gkWt0fWneY

Aenimus – Dreamcatcher

Progressive extreme metal band Aenimus is ready to share with the world the crushing dynamics and the lavish melodic tapestries of the sophomore album “Dreamcatcher” which is conceptually inspired by horror novels and movies.

“Before The Eons” has its brutal moments channeling sheer technical death metal majesty with super tight riffage and precise drumming yet the song is full of enthralling melodic guitar leads characterized by luminous tonalities and graceful emotions that naturally match the dreamy moments.

“Eternal” offers audacious deathcore twists to the steady ferocious sonic assault featuring the expected progressive technical approach of the guitar riffs & fancy melodic soloing marching confidently through odd tempo variations while growls and clean vocals aim to convey contrasting feelings.  

“The Ritual” begins with a darkened suspenseful atmosphere and will soon continue to deliver frenetic rhythmic patterns where the intense guitar work tends to stand out for the skillful technique and savage riffing that will eventually give way to gloomy melodic solos and a solemn symphonic grand finale.  

Extreme speed and a fierce death metal core are fundamental on “The Dark Triad” yet the band often leaves behind such aggressive approach to craft arcane atmospheric textures that surround another round of brighter and stylish prog oriented guitar soloing .

“The Overlook” immediately unleashes loads of merciless grooves as fiery guitar riffs follow insane rhythmic variations supported by a wicked bass & drums combo until tempo slows down dramatically to put the spotlight on the major guitar shredding.  

The instrumental title track holds a cinematic approach that tends to leave behind any sign of rage to allow the melodic guitar work to truly shine and deliver loads of tasteful crispy progressions through mysterious atmospheric waves without an exaggerated technical approach.

With the release of “Dreamcatcher” the future of Aenimus definitely looks bright as the band put a lot of effort in the creation of a solid collection of songs that stands out for the technical musicianship and the refined melodic aesthetics.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ILEiHOGiSo