Category: Album Reviews 2020

Cabal – Drag Me Down

Back in 2018 Danish band Cabal impressed the underground metal scene with the shattering debut album “Mark of Rot” and now the time has come to spread even more darkness and brutality with the sophomore release “Drag Me Down”. 

Featuring Jamie Hails of Polaris the title track has an asphyxiating atmosphere that influences the ferocious march of the crunchy guitar riffs and the relentless screams simply amplify such tormented instrumental assault. 

“It Haunts Me” features Kim Song Sternkopf of Møl and the vocals sound absolutely angered matching the heavy belligerent rhythmic patterns while the cold doom laden atmospheres add subtle harmonies and at the same time enhance the song’s inner darkness. 

A solemn obscure atmosphere lingers throughout “Sjælebrand” and the weight of the abrasive guitar riffs following a slower tempo further emphasizes the doom inspiration while the spiteful screams still stay true to an aggressive formula. 

“The Hangman’s Song” can deliver a venomous sonic assault with faster punishing drum blasts and the guitar work effortlessly delivers a cohesive series of hostile riffs but also adds a fair dosage of mournful tonalities. 

“Bitter Friend” features the talent of Matt Heafy of Trivium and packs monumental groovy dynamics that require immediate headbanging as the guitar riffs fiercely cut through the dystopian atmospheric arrangements. 

“Demagogue” revolves around a ruthless rhythmic core with intense riffage that will leave you breathless and hopeless until everything slows down a bit to favor lugubrious quasi melodic guitar progressions and mysterious atmospheric textures. 

Overall Cabal successfully manages to maintain a super violent approach throughout “Drag Me Down” amplifying a frantic deathcore inspiration but the recurring haunting atmospheres show that there is a desire to step out of a predefined music category. 

Telepathy – Burn Embrace

Instrumental post-metal quartet Telepathy showcases a major creative force on the third album “Burn Embrace” which aims to captivate the listeners with brooding multifaceted soundscapes.

The gloomy atmosphere of “Eternal Silence” gradually introduces a poignant rhythmic crescendo with variegated soothing guitar melodies that will embrace some harsh tonalities following faster aggressive drum blasts before returning to a harmonious contemplative ensemble. 

The post-metal formula behind “Black Earth” leads to cathartic guitar melodies flourishing through the dense atmosphere in contrast with a heavier rhythmic core that often builds tension with the addition of bold riffage while the finale emphasizes the song’s dreamy nature. 

“The Void In Aimless Flight” offers a good representation of the band’s kaleidoscopic sonic pathway as guitars spontaneously shift from sorrowful  melodic textures to intricate progressions that tend to amplify wistful feelings but also can generate groovy dynamics with a fair dosage of darker and heavier rhythmic patterns. 

The title track feels like the end of a daydream as the cinematic approach leads to minimalist crestfallen guitar melodies and lavish atmospheric tapestries that emphasize an introspective depth. 

With the release of “Burn Embrace” Telepathy confidently showcase evocative songwriting skills and a darkened melodic essence that will certainly garner more attention within the current underground metal scene. 

Katatonia – City Burials

We were certainly concerned when Swedish masters of melancholy Katatonia announced a sudden hiatus therefore the new album “City Burial” is undoubtedly a highly anticipated release and the stunning result of a constant sonic evolution destined to immediately spellbind all the faithful acolytes. 

“Heart Set To Divide” focuses on an overwhelming melancholia so Jonas Renkse’s heartfelt vocals rightfully steal the spotlight flourishing through the fragile atmospheric tapestries while guitars meticulously concoct rich melodic progressions that generate catchy rhythmic crescendos and fancy phrases. 

On “Behind The Blood” you can perceive bleak feelings but guitars swiftly build a super groovy energetic momentum emphasizing a memorable rocker style with galloping chunky riffs and explosive leads that gradually evolve into a brilliant shredding galore. 

“Vanishers” feels distant from the band’s heavy doom roots as the synths become very dominant to highlight the introspective depth and the cold melodic guitars surrounding a fascinating ethereal duet featuring guest vocalist Anni Bernhard. 

The gloomy splendor of “City Glaciers” relies on slow burning guitar melodies and gelid tonalities that embrace the poignant vocal delivery but will eventually shift to a harmonious yet absolutely groovy ensemble during the chorus. 

“Flicker” offers an elaborate blend of sinuous atmospheric waves and dreamy melodic guitars that naturally enhance the contemplative essence yet the fiery rhythmic section often dictates heavier monumental grooves. 

“Untrodden” continues to maintain a delicious brooding melodic approach with shimmering atmospheric layers and soothing guitar harmonies while the extensive soaring guitar solo brings an overdose of groovy rock magnitude that will captivate the listeners. 

Everything you love about Katatonia’s music is right here on “City Burials” which is a simply addictive opus as the band’s outpouring charisma is evident within the intricate gloomy soundscapes which constantly express authentic emotions. 

Ritual Dictates – Give In To Despair

Formed by Justin Hagberg of 3 Inches of Blood and Ash Pearson of Revocation the new band Ritual Dictates is ready to showcase a menacing sonic manifesto with the debut release “Give In To Despair”.

“Dominance And Will” prepares a savage rhythmic assault with scorching guitar riffs and punishing drums so the grindcore vibes feel quite dominant yet a groovy heavy rock flair eventually takes over with gritty and much calmer progressions. 

“Given To Despair” offers some catchy guitar riffs marching through the hostile rhythmic segments leading to a major black ‘n roll mood yet the song will shapeshift once again to embrace melancholic guitar melodies and contemplative atmospheric textures.   

The abrasive guitar riffs on “Last Phase Of Life” channel some primal ominous energy that dictates an overdose of icy tonalities and blackened rhythmic blasts while the malevolent growls perfectly match this darker mood.  

“Poisonous Proclamation” goes straight to a merciless rhythmic rampage with vitriolic guitar riffs and super fast drumming that leave you breathless while the chunky bass lines will suddenly introduce a significant change of pace favoring a classic rock inspiration. 

“Aperiam In Porta” tends to focus on aggressive rhythmic patterns yet a darkened aura will allow guitars to slow down in order to deliver fancy progressions following a classic heavy metal formula.  

“Extinction” can sound utterly brutal as the chaotic instrumental rampage and the spiteful growls conjure extreme metal dynamics often interrupted by slower and definitely more accessible grooves featuring memorable guitar riffs. 

In terms of styles Ritual Dictates seem to rely on a main fast and furious grindcore blueprint but also aim to blend many different influences consequently the whole album “Give In To Despair” manage to offer some surprising elements. 

Hexvessel – Kindred

Psychedelic forest folk rockers Hexvessel embark on a mystical journey that leads to the darkly immersive soundscapes of the latest full length “Kindred”. 

There is a gloomy tranquility lingering throughout “Billion Year Old Being” which begins with minimalist acoustic phrases that will evolve into heavier brooding doom tinged rhythmic progressions and the resulting arcane essence is often emphasized by the haunting choirs and the moody psychedelic accents. 

With a groovy enigmatic rhythm “Demian” showcases a strong ‘70s influence as the guitar work delivers sinister prog rock passages shifting from harrowing melodic textures to a rather fiery darkened solo. 

The mysterious atmosphere of “Phaedra” conveys a moody introspective mood with the trippy approach of the guitars creating sultry melodies and vibrant leads perfectly enhanced by the dramatic vocal delivery. 

“Kindred Moon” evokes comforting folk vibes with the intense melancholia of the mellow acoustic guitars and the resulting multilayered melodic tapestries naturally amplify a calmer contemplative mood. 

The peaceful vibes of “Magical & Damned” aptly revolve around magical atmospheric arrangements and shimmering folk guitar melodies that can easily take you far away and certainly express poignant feelings.  

“Joy of Sacrifice” intensifies the otherworldly themes focusing on the sheer beauty of the pensive acoustic phrases leading to an enchanting melodic ensemble accompanied by softly reassuring vocals. 

Undoubtedly the highlight of “Kindred” is the fascinating esoteric pathway that Hexvessel choose to follow with a rare spiritual energy so while they maintain a laid back composition every song is filled with a darkened energy that is destined to spellbind the listeners.

Endless Forms Most Gruesome – Endless Forms Most Gruesome

Juuso Raatikainen of Swallow the Sun and Manne Ikonen of Ghost Brigade have joined forces to create the new intriguing music project Endless Forms Most Gruesome and the debut eponymous release promises a massive dosage of sludge/death metal grooves. 

“The Watchers” offers cohesive rounds of chunky guitar riffs and the consequent rhythmic dynamics often acquire extra heavy mournful sludge/doom elements emphasized by the venomous growls.  

There is a malevolent essence lingering throughout “A Thousand Years in Hell” with the increasing tension built by the impeccable rhythmic section and the dense atmospheric textures certainly amplify the expression of grave feelings. 

“Goat” creates an alluring melodic gloom with a dramatic clean vocal delivery and loads of lovely mournful guitar phrases that will ultimately embrace a darkly contemplative momentum yet the groovy sludgy spirit can often trigger monumental rhythmic crescendos. 

“Viral Bloodlust” is constantly fueled by a quite obscure energy that generates monolithic groovy guitar riffs with fuzzy tonalities so the sludge vibes feel quite dominant while the slower moments evoke a profound melancholia with delicious darkened guitar melodies. 

“Free Fall from Womb to Grave” manifests an intricate grand finale focusing on a poetic blend of subtle atmospheric tapestries and wistful guitar melodies that create a refined dreamy ensemble yet with an intense fuzzy energy the rhythmic section will still craft memorable riffage and savage drum blasts. 

Even if Endless Forms Most Gruesome just started their music journey you can easily perceive the talent and experienced musicianship that lead to the thrilling guitar driven grooves of their debut album. 

Oranssi Pazuzu – Mestarin Kynsi

Critically acclaimed Finnish psychedelic black metal wizards Oranssi Pazuzu open the doors of perception on the fifth full length “Mestarin Kynsi” which goes beyond standard music categories feeling more like an insane trip full of colorful surprises and enigmatic nightmares. 

“Ilmestys” immediately conjures an unsettling atmosphere with the obscure experimental approach of the synths creating an apocalyptic slow burning ensemble emphasized by the creepy growls and the murky rhythmic crescendos. 

There is an apparent calm on “Tyhjyyden Sakramentti” due to the psychedelia infused synths and the melodic guitars yet a chaotic rhythmic rampage is destined to take over combining blackened gritty riffs and frenetic industrial style arrangements. 

“Uusi Teknokratia” has a cold groovy essence with a blend of abrasive guitar riffs and opulent mystifying electronic layers that ensure a series of artsy and even dissonant rhythmic variations while the malevolent growls seem to emerge from a distant hellish abyss. 

The experimental composition thrives within the eclectic soundscape of “Kuulen Ääniä Maan Alta” that revolves around moody borderline futuristic electro beats that will acquire tumultuous industrial elements leading to claustrophobic rhythmic segments embellished by the psychedelic nuances of the synths. 

Oranssi Pazuzu basically reminds you that it’s the right time to jump through the rabbit hole but who knows if you’ll ever manage to get out because it just seems really easy to get lost within the mysterious twisted sonic maze of “Mestarin Kynsi”. 

Solothus – Realm Of Ash And Blood

Finnish death/doom metallers Solothus dwell within a world of darkness and despair on the third full length “Realm Of Ash And Blood”.

Accompanied by obscure cavernous growls the ominous weight of the rhythmic section on “Father Of Sickness” clearly showcases a traditional doom inspiration while the excellent melodic guitar leads successfully add variety and dismal feelings. 

“The Gallows’ Promise” immediately conveys a darkened sonic realm with mournful phrases swiftly followed by monolithic rhythmic patterns that can unleash dramatically heavier dynamics and remind you of an impending doom. 

On “Below Black Waters” the elaborate guitar work and the slow monumental rhythm generate a gloomy grandeur enriched by extremely sorrowful melodic passages that naturally lead to a passionate guitar solo. 

The grand finale is embodied by the lengthy “A Rain Of Ash” which stands out as the most complex track of the album offering an overload of sharp guitar riffs and charismatic leads well supported by a groovy rhythmic ensemble that will eventually slow down to highlight a particularly dramatic doom oriented momentum enriched by an extensive enthralling solo. 

Throughout “Realm Of Ash And Blood” Solothus confidently show their skilled musicianship and stay true to a lugubrious blend of doom & death metal that maintains a fair balance between harsh grooves and forlorn melodic progressions. 

Omega Infinity – Solar Spectre

Multiinstrumentalist Tentakel P. of Todtgelichter and vocalist Xenoyr of Ne Obliviscaris joined forces to create the new obscure music project Omega Infinity and the debut release “Solar Spectre” seems to be fueled by an intense cosmic energy. 

Since the very beginning “Mars” delivers a relentless blackened rhythmic assault with belligerent riffage and drumming accompanied by cavernous growls so such harsh ensemble might leave you shattered while the experimental approach provides a mix of frenetic industrial vibes and suspenseful atmospheric layers.  

On “Jupiter” the rhythmic section often amplifies a menacing industrial mood and while the resulting breathless patterns enhance the hostile tonalities of the guitar work the rich ambient layers convey an overwhelming galactic darkness. 

“Neptune” focuses mainly on a multilayered ambient composition and ethereal vocals to create contemplative cinematic soundscapes while the gelid tones of the gritty rhythmic momentum still evoke dismal emotions.

Everything gets darker as “Saturn” returns to a quite chaotic pathway featuring some dominant post apocalyptic industrial motifs that enrich the ominous energy of the tumultuous rhythm and the ferocious growls. 

The blackened rhythmic blasts on “Terra” just seem unstoppable leading to a quite oppressive mood with an overload of frantic guitar riffs yet some moody quasi melodic guitar progressions manage to tone down these aggressive dynamics. 

Omega Infinity define their music style as ‘void metal’ but certainly the extra heavy segments of “Solar Spectre” showcase a strong black metal inspiration naturally surrounded by a dark ambient aura generating an enigmatic sonic realm. 

Nicumo – Inertia

Finnish band Nicumo spreads immense melancholy through the Nordic melodic soundscapes of the third full length “Inertia”. 

On “Three Pyres” the cold guitar tonalities and the passionate clean vocals immediately evoke grave feelings also enhanced by the understated atmospheric accents yet the robust guitar riffs generate an energetic momentum that highlights heavier melo-death influences. 

You can easily recognize a familiar Finnish metal style throughout “Dark Rivers” as guitars effortlessly shift from polished melodic phrases to galloping riffs maintaining a well balanced catchy rhythmic ensemble while the growls certainly amplify the darker vibes. 

“Mother And The Snake” begins with a perfect dosage of heartfelt vocal harmonies and sorrowful guitar melodies that will eventually give way to cohesive rounds of super groovy guitar riffs following a faster rhythmic rampage. 

Surrounded by an understated darkened atmosphere, “Time Won’t Heal” focuses on an emotive approach that intensifies the bittersweet melodic guitar progressions and the resulting profound melancholia is further enhanced by the soothing clean vocal delivery. 

The elegant nostalgic realm of “Black Wolf” relies on charming rounds of wistful arpeggios expressing forlorn feelings yet at times the rhythmic section will acquire enough speed and primal energy to deliver some significantly heavier dynamics. 

Undoubtedly “Inertia” feels like a lovely collection of catchy songs as Nicumo creates an alluring gothic tinged melodic ensemble that allows them to express a genuine emotional turmoil.