Category: Album Reviews 2020

Temple Of Void – The World That Was

In the realm of underground metal death/doom outfit Temple Of Void already garnered a lot of attention and now with the release of the third full length “The World That Was” the band is ready to embrace a sonic evolution that inevitably leads to diverse experimental patterns.   

The sense of impending doom is clear throughout “A Beast Among Us” as the mournful rhythmic variations and the obscure growls naturally channel darkness & despair in the midst of a murky atmosphere further emphasized by the lugubrious tonalities of the mighty guitar work. 

On “Self-Schism” the rhythmic rampage is characterized by a hostile death metal inspiration yet the experimental approach leads to multifaceted nuances and the doom elements are palpable within the monolithic guitar progressions that will eventually evolve into mysterious melodic waves. 

The atmosphere of “Leave The Light Behind” immediately conveys futuristic and post-metal vibes that introduce a darkened instrumental ensemble filled with memorable dreamy guitar melodies accompanied by melancholic clean vocals in contrast with the scattered energetic rhythmic patterns of the groovy riffs.  

The title track returns to a classic gloomy doom grandeur as guitars acquire massive gothic tinged nuances to diligently craft alluring crestfallen melodies that are bound to express poignant emotions and become the dominant motif yet there is still space to unleash some significantly heavier charismatic rhythmic segments. 

On “The World That Was” Temple Of Void focuses on an intricate audacious composition that tends to go beyond the traditional formula of death/doom metal in order to achieve a unique sonic identity. 

Huntsmen – Mandala Of Fear

The music style of Huntsmen has been described as Americana metal but the band seems to aim for a wide range of diversity on the new ambitious double LP “Mandala Of Fear” which also tells a harrowing tale of survival and resilience. 

“Ride Out” packs a groovy fuzzy rhythm as guitars channel classic rock dynamics with subtle stoner tonalities that can sound quite intense during the faster segments while there is also a strong melodic core amplified by calm phrases and soothing vocals. 

“Colossus” has some desert rock vibes as the guitar tones become extra fuzzy with loads of moody riffs that tend to steal the spotlight and eventually lead to a darker & heavier rhythmic rampage enriched by spaced out atmospheric waves. 

The instrumental track “Atomic Storms” focuses on elaborate soundscapes offering a generous dosage of monumental guitar riffs supported by a significantly heavier rhythmic backbone and this bold groovy approach is enhanced by dreamy guitar melodies and psychedelic elements. 

On “A Nameless Dread” guitars acquire acidic tonalities and psychedelic vibes to craft wild faster rhythmic variations which can sound rather harsh with the addition of gritty screams in contrast with the sorrowful melodic moments and the soulful vocal harmonies. 

“Awake At Time’s End” evokes a melancholic serenity amplifying some post-metal nuances with dazed melodic guitar progressions and intricate solos while the borderline aggressive guitar riffs generate a fierce sludge oriented rhythmic momentum.  

The strength of “The Swallow” comes from the detailed composition which features cohesive rounds of monolithic rhythmic grooves embellished by nostalgia infused melodies fueled by the extremely somber guitar tones that can easily make you space out during the slower hypnotic passages.  

“Clearing The Sand” offers massive distorted guitar riffs that maintain a prominent sludge influence yet there is a recurring moody melodic sentiment further emphasized by the comforting vocal harmonies emerging through the thick rhythmic maze.   

Huntsmen confidently follow a variegated songwriting approach and even step out of their comfort zone to keep things interesting throughout “Mandala Of Fear” often shifting from spacey instrumental ensemble to absolutely epic arrangements. 

Candlemass – The Pendulum

When we think of doom metal the name Candlemass immediately comes to mind and this time the band returns with the EP “The Pendulum” which includes unused tracks cut from the latest full length “The Door To Doom” recording sessions.

The title track features all the beloved elements of classic doom metal with a somber acoustic prelude that introduces monolithic guitar riffs marching fiercely through the ominous atmosphere enriched by bewitching licks so the whole instrumental ensemble and the mood naturally match the band’s timeless legacy. 

“Snakes Of Goliath” relies on addictive guitar riffs that stay true to the band’s infamous signature style and the extremely somber & solemn vocal delivery keeps on amplifying the obscure atmosphere while later a slightly vintage groovy momentum fuels more energetic rhythmic progressions. 

“Porcelain Skull” is a memorable track that continues to follow a catchy grim doom approach focusing on mighty guitar riffs and a darkened chorus that unleash a generous dosage of raw energy and all kinds of gloomy feelings leading to the climatic guitar solo. 

While “The Pendulum” includes only few tracks it serves the purpose of reminding the audience that Candlemass continue to write monumental doom songs driven by a consistent creative force. 

Dool – Summerland

Dutch dark rockers Dool continue their inspiring spiritual and musical journey on the sophomore full length “Summerland” which is the result of a beautiful evolution destined to conquer a wider audience. 

“Wolf Moon” has an accessible melodic essence that shines under the moonlight for the darkened guitar tonalities expressing grim emotions constantly emphasized by Ryanne van Dorst’s mesmerizing vocal performance and naturally the chorus becomes highly addictive with the catchy heavier guitar phrases. 

Following a moody rhythmic rampage “God Particle” offers elaborate multilayered guitar harmonies filled with exotic tonalities and a subtle surf rock inspiration yet a spellbinding darkness lingers throughout the fascinating instrumental progressions emphasized by the intense soloing and the opulent vocals featuring backing vocalist Farida Lemouchi of The Devil’s Blood & Molasses. 

The title track acquires shimmering dreamy post-rock nuances with a bewitching guitar work that shifts from slow ethereal passages to intoxicating melodies that make you feel like you’re wandering freely within another dimension and Ryanne’s hypnotic voice becomes your ideal spiritual guide. 

“The Well’s Run Dry” is a memorable track that stands out for the seductive darkened aesthetics carefully crafted by the delightful melodic progressions enriched by passionate guitar leads and audacious rhythmic variations while the ominous spoken words courtesy of Okoi Jones from Bölzer certainly intensify the mysterious flair. 

On “Be Your Sins” a thrilling psychedelic quintessence deeply influences the guitar tones leading to soaring grooves and mystifying melodies that will reach the acme with the fervent chorus while the vibrant psychedelic Hammond organ solo performed by renowned keyboardist Per Wiberg adds an overdose of trippy rock vibes.  

“Dust & Shadow” marks a sublime grand finale as lavish atmospheric arrangements and alluring vocals conjure an otherworldly sonic realm where enchanting guitars evoke sheer melancholia with darkly soothing melodies and enthralling soloing that will ultimately evolve into an unforgettable ravishing rhythmic crescendo.  

If you enjoyed the magical soundscapes of the debut album “Here Now, There Then” you will inevitably fall madly in love with “Summerland” as Dool fully embrace their darkened charismatic identity through stellar songwriting and fascinating introspective motifs. 

Irist – Order Of The Mind

As the modern metal scene continues to flourish worldwide, emerging band Irist aims to impress the audience with the groovy debut full length “Order Of The Mind”. 

“Eons” begins with an overdose of belligerent rhythmic blasts full of abrasive guitar riffs and harsh growls that definitely express a profound anger yet a dramatic essence is bound to emerge with sophisticated melodic phrases. 

“Burning Sage” can sound quite hostile as the heavy approach is fueled by a precise punishing rhythmic section nevertheless the band confidently adds intriguing technical variations and calmer contemplative guitar melodies. 

“Severed” is another interesting track that revolves around diverse tonalities and styles and the guitar work seems to amplify a progressive approach in order to craft a balanced mixture of aggressive riffage and introspective melodic depth. 

“Dead Prayers” immediately unleashes brutal guitar driven grooves with hints of traditional death metal consequently the rhythmic segments sound absolutely vicious also due to the fast drums marching fiercely through the darkened atmosphere while guitars will eventually add some grim melodic accents. 

The title track has a straightforward approach that focuses on venomous hardcore elements leading to a series of particularly merciless rhythmic patterns that create a chaotic sonic realm further amplified by the enraged vocal delivery. 

With a slower enigmatic mood “Nerve” offers a poignant melodic ensemble that feels quite dominant as the elegantly sorrowful guitar phrases and the resulting gloomy emotions linger even through the heavier monumental rhythmic passages.  

Keeping a solid modern metal approach with various recognizable influences, Irist constantly showcase a refreshing enthusiasm about creating music and “Order Of The Mind” naturally becomes a quite pleasant sonic journey. 

Grift – Budet

Swedish autumnal folk/black metal band Grift channels immense melancholy on the third full length “Budet” which invites you to explore your mind and soul through lavish contemplative soundscapes. 

“Barn Av Ingenmansland” depicts a fascinating gloomy world where subtle atmospheric layers and traditional instruments rely on a sentimental folk approach in contrast with the harsh blackened inspiration behind the guitar work and the anguished vocals. 

“Ödets Bortbytingar” can sound quite obscure with the grim energy of the fast blackened rhythmic segments while the introspective depth is emphasized by the evocative violins that create the perfect dosage of heartwarming harmonies.  

The passionate melodic guitar work and the soothing violins on “Vita Arkiv” generate a wistful sonic realm that will inevitably move the listeners and feels quite dominant even if the desperate vocals and the increasingly darker rhythmic variations often take the center stage.  

“Oraklet i Kullabo” invokes the spirit of nature to craft a poetic melodic ensemble that amplifies the minimalist folk inspiration of the acoustic passages leading to peaceful feelings until the blackened guitar riffs bring a significant dose of raw energy. 

An exquisite sense of nostalgia lingers throughout “Budet” but you can also perceive moments of sheer despair as Grift successfully express an emotional whirlwind through the opulent atmospheric and melodic composition. 

Gotthard – #13

Swiss rockers Gotthard have been around for 28 years selling millions of records worldwide and now with the new album “#13” they proudly show an undiluted passion for rock ‘n’ roll. 

“Bad News” has an entertaining sleazy rock mood fueled by the gritty energy of the rhythmic rampage built by bold guitar riffs and obviously the wild rock spirit is perfectly embodied by the vibrant vocal delivery. 

“Every Time I Die” is another catchy track that delivers a generous dosage of fervent rhythmic progressions and the guitar riffs keep alive a classic hard rock sound with solid riffage and fancy shredding.  

“10.000 Faces”maintains a traditional rock approach full of groovy guitar riffs that naturally generate engaging rhythmic patterns emphasized by the memorable big chorus and the perfect rocker style vocals. 

“Better Than Love” has a nostalgic atmosphere so the tempo slows down a bit to match this softer emotive mood emphasized by the catchy chorus yet guitars can still concoct fiery riffs and a rather wild solo. 

“Man On A Mission” will become a favorite immediately as guitars this time focus on warm bluesy tonalities and glowing melodic passages to enrich the classic rock formula leading to a slow burning rhythm accompanied by soulful vocal harmonies. 

“No Time To Cry” begins with a heartfelt ballad style evoking a sheer melancholia that will linger through the subtle atmospheric arrangements while guitars eventually pick up speed with loads of bouncy riffs and flamboyant leads.

The final track “Rescue Me” features lovely acoustic passages that enhance a sentimental motif while the captivating vocal delivery and the dazzling lead guitar work convey a thrilling hard rock flair. 

“#13” is everything you would expect from veteran rockers Gotthard demonstrating that they have no intention to stop creating super catchy hard rock anthems and still hold an influential status within the current music scene. 

Aara – En Ergô Einai

Swiss atmospheric black metal trio Aara is ready to unleash the sophomore release “En Ergô Einai”, a tormented sonic journey conceptually inspired by the Age of Enlightenment in eighteenth century Europe. 

“Arkanum” opens the album with an ethereal atmospheric intro featuring soulful arpeggios courtesy of Vindsval of Blut aus Nord & Yeruselem but the misanthropic blackened essence will take over with the increasingly darker rhythmic rampage built by vicious guitar riffs and punishing drums while the scattered moody harmonies express extremely somber feelings and even epic vibes. 

While the rhythm section of “Entelechie” doesn’t feel constantly frantic it still holds a massive blackened force due to the soaring guitar riffs but the enthralling melodic progressions become the highlight of the song showcasing a mystical flair and grim emotions. 

“Telôs” is an ambitious track that emphasizes a solemn grandeur with celestial atmospheric arrangements & choirs that surround the ominous frenetic rhythmic section and ultimately lead to the spiritual essence embodied by the elegant melodic guitars. 

“En Ergô Einai” reminds you of the finite nature of man and his creations so the whole album is inevitably drenched in darkness and with an elaborate songwriting Aara successfully creates a darkened philosophical opus. 

Crematory – Unbroken

After almost thirty years and an extensive discography Crematory continue to carry the torch for European gothic metal and show their unstoppable creative force once again on the new massive release “Unbroken”.

The title track features belligerent growls and constantly delivers inflamed stomping grooves with a strong Neue Deutsche Härte influence so the industrial gritty sound of the guitars feels very dominant. 

“Rise And Fall” offers somber keyboards arrangements and a generous dosage of classic gothic tinged guitar melodies diligently following a darkened softer rhythm and the presence of emotive clean vocals clearly emphasizes the melancholic mood. 

On “The Kingdom” the guitar work focuses on the creation of sorrowful melodies amplified by the nostalgic vocal delivery and the crestfallen vibes of the subtle atmospheric layers but there is also a slightly heavier rhythmic momentum accompanied by fierce growls. 

“Inside My Heart” is the must have ballad full of nostalgia and passionate melodies so guitars deliver soothing arpeggios and the ethereal atmospheric arrangements surround the heartfelt vocals particularly captivating during the catchy chorus. 

On “The Downfall” the industrial flair triggers some heavy guitar driven grooves following an energetic rhythmic section but there is still space for melancholia as the guitar soloing brings darkened polished harmonies. 

The prominent electro vibes of “My Dreams Have Died” lead to an entertaining dark & dancey rhythm and consequently enhance the industrial aspects of the song while the smooth clean vocals easily emphasize the inner melodic sentiment. 

“Voices” has some memorable electro beats that add an edgy industrial verve to the main instrumental progressions that once again skillfully blend melodic phrases and tight riffs accompanied by fiery growls and harmonious clean vocals. 

“As Darkness Calls” relies on catchy gothic metal nuances consequently guitars are focused on the expression of a familiar melodic melancholia balanced by the groovy riffage just like the vocal duet continues to manifest contrasting feelings with clean delivery and growls. 

As the lyrics suggest, Crematory have no intention to stop fighting and “Unbroken” is a straightforward sonic manifesto full of darkened grooves, industrial dynamics and sincere passion. 

Lychgate – Also sprach Futura

UK-based progressive black/doom metal band Lychgate pushes boundaries on the latest release “Also sprach Futura” which dwells within a dystopian realm where spiritual vibes and darkened aesthetics are destined to thrive. 

The dense atmosphere of “Incarnate” constantly spreads darkness with dissonant nuances and the mix of baritone vocals and ominous growls matches the intense gloom expressed by the blackened rhythmic blasts and the opulent guitar melodies. 

The baroque flair of the organ continues to craft eerie atmospheres on “Progeny Of The Singularity” and guitars engage in relentless riffage spiced up by flawless intriguing technical variations while later theatrical vocals emphasize the calmer decadent melodic grandeur before returning to a darker & faster chaotic rhythmic ensemble.  

“Simulacrum” tends to favor an exquisite dramatic depth with melancholic atmospheres and grave guitar harmonies but at some point such brooding ensemble will evolve into frantic rhythmic patterns fueled by the inflamed blackened guitar tones. 

“Vanity Ablaze” focuses on the technical approach of the excellent guitar work which effortlessly crafts hypnotic melodic phrases leading to a contemplative momentum enriched by the trascendental organ tonalities while the full blown heavy blackened riffs amplify the increasing obscurity. 

While “Also sprach Futura” is a short offering all four tracks have the ability to impress the listeners as Lychgate confidently explore philosophical themes and elaborate soundscapes ultimately reminding you that the future is rather dark.