Category: Album Reviews 2020

Nyrst – Orsök

From the wintry landscapes of Iceland emerging black metal band Nyrst arise to spread mystical darkness with the debut album “Orsök”.

“Æðri Verur” builds suspense with eerie arpeggios and mysterious atmospheric waves that evolve into an increasingly ominous rhythmic rampage bearing the mark of classic black metal and leading to utterly bleak soundscapes emphasized by the theatrical vocal delivery. 

The title track revolves around the intense grim feelings expressed by the relentless cold guitar riffs and the diabolical growls constantly creating a sinister sonic realm while calmer rhythmic variations generate melancholia infused melodic progressions. 

“Hvísl Hinna Holdlausu” continues to conjure an impenetrable darkness that highlights the tormented blackened approach and the gelid guitar tonalities shifting from an apparent melodic tranquillity to a malevolent riffage that evokes arcane vibes surrounded by a dense borderline claustrophobic atmosphere. 

On “Turnar í fjarska” the menacing guitar riffs and the consequent frantic rhythmic patterns are fueled by a primordial blackened force while the gloomy blend of mournful melodic phrases and haunting atmospheric accents conveys the icy beauty of a stark wintry landscape.  

It becomes quickly clear that Nyrst already have shaped an obscure sonic identity following an esoteric pathway with the perfect dosage of blackened nuances and listening to “Orsök” you will inevitably feel compelled to embrace the overwhelming darkness.  

Paradise Lost – Obsidian

Beloved pioneers of gothic/doom metal Paradise Lost have been creating unforgettable music for 32 years and now it’s time to reach another crucial milestone with the spellbinding gloom of the new full length “Obsidian”. 

“Darker Thoughts” opens the album with the melodic splendor of melancholic arpeggios and eloquent strings before entering a majestic gothic metal realm where the ominous growls and the fascinating darkened tonalities of the guitar soloing enrich the memorable rhythmic ensemble. 

“Fall From Grace” immediately grabs your attention with a monolithic doom metal formula offering an overdose of dismal groovy segments carefully built by the mix of crunchy riffs and captivating nostalgic guitar progressions that constantly convey a grim emotional turmoil. 

The moody rhythm of “Ghosts” makes you want to dance under the moonlight and the absolutely catchy goth mood is deeply amplified by the gloomy chorus and the haunting beauty of the melodic guitar phrases. 

While “The Devil Embraced” often features ethereal harmonies accompanied by heartfelt clean vocals the rhythmic section will soon embrace a mournful doom metal pathway with heavier monumental guitar riffs enhanced by the cathartic nature of the elaborate solo. 

“Forsaken” is surrounded by the evocative darkened aura of the delicate atmospheric waves that always emphasize the gothic grandeur of the fiery guitar progressions and the groovy rhythmic blasts. 

With a slower rhythm “Ending Days” takes the chance to highlight poignant feelings through the melancholic clean vocal delivery and the lavish melodic guitar work effortlessly increases the dramatic depth with wistful phrases and inflamed soloing. 

The perennial eerie atmosphere of  “Ravenghast” intensifies the mesmerizing obscure essence embedded in the lugubrious rhythmic crescendos and the solemn guitar work crafts an overload of ravishing dynamics that clearly follow a mighty doom metal inspiration. 

“Obsidian” can easily conquer your broken soul as Paradise Lost perfectly keep a balanced blend of heavier doom patterns and bewitching melodic progressions conjuring their influential legacy but also confidently moving forward to embrace a natural evolution that ultimately proves that after so many years they are still essential within the current metal scene.

Brant Bjork – Brant Bjork

Brant Bjork is undoubtedly an icon in the Californian desert rock scene in fact for over twenty years his prolific work as solo artists has been quite influential and for the new self titled album he recorded all of the instruments and focused on a genuine songwriting approach. 

“Jungle In The Sound” relies on a warm soulful rhythm combining striking psychedelic guitar tonalities and stoner rock flavors evoking a natural desert jam formula that doesn’t need extravagant or complicated gimmicks to captivate the listeners. 

On “Jesus Was A Bluesman” the guitar work aptly features some delightful bluesy tones following a hypnotic rhythmic crescendo and crafting a series of vivid catchy leads enriched by the soothing vocal delivery.  

From a lyrical point of view “Cleaning Out The Ashtray” shows honest emotions that certainly influence also the sonic formula revolving around perfect catchy & minimalist rhythmic patterns that allow the stunning guitar work to engage in a passionate jam with bluesy progressions and essential desert rock riffage. 

Listening to “Duke Of Dynamite” we’re still in the middle of the desert getting high and feeling good as the hazy guitar passages flow freely like a daydream and ultimately reach the acme with the amplified psychedelia of the moody soloing. 

On “Stardust & Diamond Eyes” the rhythm acquires a little funky attitude that works like a charm entwined with the main fervent heavy rock guitar riffs while the slower moments rightfully put the spotlight on the soulful vocals and the bewitching melancholic tonalities.  

Releasing the 13th solo album is a great accomplishment for Brant Bjork and it’s quite impressive to see that he’s singing and playing everything as this personal approach definitely renders all these songs more intimate and spontaneous. 

Khemmis – Doomed Heavy Metal

Khemmis have quickly become one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed bands in the current metal scene and the new EP “Doomed Heavy Metal” includes a brand new cover, two rare singles and three live recordings from 2018 which give you a taste of their compelling doom inspired manifesto. 

The cover of Dio’s iconic hit “Rainbow In The Dark” is bound to trigger curiosity and the result is actually quite enthralling as Khemmis maintain their own sound with doom laden guitar progressions, charismatic soloing and genuinely passionate vocals but also stay true to the original classic heavy metal style. 

The early 20th-century Appalachian dirge “A Conversation With Death” begins with solemn chorals and constantly channels a darkened mood that deeply influences the monolithic guitar riffs leading to mournful moments as well as some energetic rhythmic blasts.

Keeping a mighty doomed approach “Empty Throne” focuses on the fuzzy magic of the guitar work while the slower tempo certainly highlights the melodic grandeur fueled by the melancholia infused guitar tonalities. 

The rest of the EP features the live versions of the powerful tracks “Bloodletting”, “Three Gates” 

and “The Bereaved” which remind us how much we miss metal shows. 

Even if “Doomed Heavy Metal” is a short EP it does feel like a refreshing listening experience and proves that In this dark world the music composed by Khemmis truly shines bright.  

Forming The Void – Reverie

Louisiana based stoner doom metal band Forming The Void embark on a bewitching cosmic trip with the latest album “Reverie” which will make you space out without any hesitation.  

“Sage” goes straight to a delicious fuzzy rhythmic rampage and the guitar tonalities hold a heavy doom soul spiced up by an alluring psychedelic flair while the melodic essence comes to life especially during the hypnotic guitar solo. 

Just like the title suggests “Onward Through The Haze” will take you on a wild ride through a hazy atmospheric maze guided by the moody melancholy of the slow burning guitar melodies that will evolve into monolithic rhythmic segments fueled by the doomy force of the guitar riffs and the charismatic soloing. 

“Manifest” shines for the irresistible beauty of the acoustic phrases that introduce a significantly heavier doom tinged core with mighty guitar riffs and somber vocals yet the striking guitar progressions and the exquisite solos could easily induce hallucinations and continue to evoke a gloomy melodic sentiment. 

The otherworldly soundscapes of “The Ending Cometh” feel like the perfect grand finale as the monumental super fuzzy rhythmic section acquires a magical darkened aura and the emotional nature of the intricate extensive guitar solo is destined to spellbind you. 

“Reverie” feels like a mystical voyage so you are instantly compelled to listen to the whole album in loop and embrace its outpouring cosmic energy as Forming The Void confidently creates an overdose of trippy melodies and explosive grooves. 

Abysmal Dawn – Phylogenesis

The rebirth of death metal masters Abysmal Dawn is embodied by the new menacing full length “Phylogenesis” which promises a cohesive blend of technical musicianship and brutal guitar driven grooves.

“Mundane Existence” clearly retains an aggressive old school death metal approach as the absolutely merciless rhythmic section seems unstoppable but the guitar leads manage to add variety with fiery shredding and prowess. 

“The Path Of The Totalitarian” certainly doesn’t slow down in fact the frantic tempo dictates precise drum blasts and abrasive guitar riffs accompanied by cavernous growls while the elaborate tasteful soloing can bring some mournful melodic accents. 

“Hedonistic” begins with sharp progressions that soon evolve into a straightforward series of violent death metal dynamics and the technical features are definitely amplified by the eclectic lead guitar work.  

Throughout “The Lament Configuration” guitars can channel cold tonalities and an enjoyable  subtle melodic temper especially evident during the excellent solo while the savage rhythmic segments still pay homage to a timeless death metal legacy. 

Undoubtedly covering legendary Death’s “Flattening Of Emotions” is a great choice and the whole band is up to the task delivering fierce technical progressions with an authentic death metal approach. 

The guitar work certainly tends to stand out and keep everything more interesting throughout “Phylogenesis” and in the end it’s evident that Abysmal Dawn are beginning a new chapter with the right enthusiasm. 

Perchta – Ufång

Perchta is a new Austrian music project inspired by alpine nature, culture and myth and the debut full-length “Ufång” embodies a ritualistic composition that takes you far away from the modern lifestyle. 

On “Erdn” the enigmatic atmosphere introduces a visceral blackened rhythm yet the galloping guitar riffs and the ominous growls are often interrupted by moody folkish harmonies that emphasize the connection with ancestral traditions. 

“Åtem” prepares an arcane ritual with mellow arpeggios and epic chants that will eventually embrace heavier rhythmic dynamics highlighting the mixture of calmer folk tapestries and primal black metal influences. 

The tribal percussions on “Gluat” continue to amplify the ritualistic style of the whole album while the tremolo picking and the creepy growls inevitably increase the inner darkness in the midst of a mysterious atmosphere. 

The lengthy track “Wåssa” offers some magical acoustic harmonies and passionate clean vocals that emphasize a dramatic depth while distorted guitars successfully channel a dark metal essence with mournful melodic progressions.  

“Winta” evokes a peaceful bond with nature focusing on traditional folk instruments to craft glowing harmonious passages and to put the spotlight on the powerful theatrical vocals. 

Perchta has no interest in making music for the masses in fact “Ufång” aims to create a mystical sonic realm where pagan worship, folk nuances and blackened elements entwine in order to keep alive ancient traditions. 

Bombs Of Hades – Phantom Bell

Swedish metallers Bombs Of Hades have crafted the insanely groovy EP “Phantom Bell” which includes four new tracks characterized by multiple influences such as doom and death metal. 

The title track immediately unleashes a ravenous rhythmic rampage offering serious rounds of heavy guitar riffs that stand out for the entertaining crusty tones and the charismatic solo certainly adds a compelling variety.   

The winning formula of “Bridge Of Sighs” relies on super catchy rhythmic dynamics with raspy vocals and gritty guitar tonalities while the band’s multifaceted inspiration is emphasized by  darkened nuances and progressive elements during the excellent soloing. 

The cover of “Kamikaze” by Japanese rockers Flower Travellin’ Band features all kinds of heavy rock vibes with a robust rhythmic section while doomy guitar licks generate a profoundly darker & mysterious sonic realm amplified by the vicious growls. 

The final track is a cover of  “Lungs” by Townes Van Zandt and here the band tends to focus on a spaced out heavy rock approach so guitars are fueled by a trippy energy that triggers an extensive delightful psychedelic tinged solo. 

Listening to the EP “Phantom Bell” you can easily appreciate the overdose of raw energy and you will be curious to see what Bombs Of Hades will concoct on the next full length release. 

Secrets Of The Moon – Black House

For many years Secrets Of The Moon have been developing an eclectic artistic vision and the inflamed creativity behind the seventh full length “Black House” further demonstrates their ability to convey a darkly emotional ensemble that deserves your utmost attention and might even help you to escape reality. 

Featuring guest vocalist Jules Näveri of Enemy of the Sun, “Sanctum” opens the album conjuring a gelid darkened sonic realm with the fragile beauty of the moody guitar melodies and the intense vocals flowing freely through a gothic tinged rhythmic crescendo that doesn’t really need extra speed to make a memorable impact.  

It’s so easy to fall desperately in love with “Don’t Look Now” as the dense multilayered atmosphere fills the air with a seductive darkness amplified by the soulful vocal delivery and the impeccable guitar phrases can effortlessly evoke a spellbinding melancholia. 

On “He Is Here” everything flows like a daydream within a surreal atmospheric world and the shimmering melodic guitars move sinuously around the poignant vocal harmonies while at times the rhythmic section will generate tumultuous dynamics.  

The introspective depth of “Cotard” is quite evident as the extremely gloomy guitar phrases become an essential part of the intricate composition yet the charismatic rhythmic variations can effortlessly intensify the darkened ardor of the memorable chorus. 

Darkness continues to prevail on the title track which features some subtle blackened elements embedded in the fiery guitar riffs leading to a wilder rhythmic rampage and an impressive flamboyant solo plus the recurring irresistible guitar progressions are destined to get stuck in your head. 

“Mute God” crafts an overdose of gorgeous sorrowful melodies fueled by the wistful guitar tonalities and the eerie atmospheric accents that will ultimately build a bold rhythmic tension while the vocals, featuring Thomas Helm of Empyrium & Noekk, acquire a vibrant spiritual fervor during the super catchy chorus. 

Trying to categorize the music style of “Black House” seems rather futile as Secrets Of The Moon continue to embrace a captivating evolution that today leads to an intoxicating opus offering genuine emotions, exquisite darkened nuances and addictive melodic tapestries.

Turmion Kätilöt – Global Warning

Finnish electro metal band Turmion Kätilöt has been around since many years but now they really have a chance to reach a wider audience with the new bombastic album “Global Warning”.

“Naitu” immediately showcases a wild blend of styles beginning with a mix of futuristic atmospheric layers and epic accents swiftly followed by an explosive rhythmic rampage full of gritty guitar riffs but also loads of positive energy due to the fun electro beats. 

The mood of “Kyntövuohi” definitely feels darker as the guitars engage in a faster hostile rhythm borrowing the dystopian themes of industrial metal emphasized by the imposing harsh vocals while the synths always add dancey vibes. 

The synths acquire some ‘80s influences throughout “Kuoleman juuret” generating a full blown party mood with uplifting rhythmic bursts yet there is a nostalgic flair leading to some slower sentimental moments. 

On “Syvissä vesissä” the role of the multilayered electro arrangements increases and the synths acquire a pulsating robotic sound while guitars tend to stand in the background maintaining a steady groove. 

“Sano kun riittää” feels calmer with lullaby sounds and soft choirs that introduce some elegant atmospheric textures before entering a more savage rhythmic rampage with heavier elements and crunchy guitar riffs. 

“Syntisten laulu” offers a stomping galore blending bold guitar riffs and moody electro layers yet the consequent fiery rhythm can evolve into smooth quasi melancholic moments amplified by the softer atmospheric tapestries. 

“Mosquito A la Carte (To Be Continued 5)” sounds quite different as the experimental approach mixes unexpected exotic dance styles with a belligerent industrial groove resulting in a quite playful track.  

Undoubtedly “Global Warning” would be best enjoyed in a party metal environment with very loud speakers as Turmion Kätilöt successfully created a collection of catchy tunes fueled by a massive industrial raw energy.