Category: Album Reviews 2020

Nite – Darkness Silence Mirror Flame

Featuring current and former members of Satan’s Wrath, Dawnbringer and High Spirits, San Francisco based new band Nite is ready to present a bewitching sonic manifesto on the debut full length “Darkness Silence Mirror Flame” clearly inspired by traditional heavy metal. 

“Genesis” aims to build satisfying grooves with an impeccable classic heavy sound and loads of catchy guitar riffs while the raspy vocal delivery successfully evokes a primal blackened influence that certainly highlights the darker nuances of the instrumental ensemble. 

“The Way” goes straight to a soaring rhythmic rampage that naturally feels memorable due to the familiar heavy metal formula and the lead guitar work has the chance to properly shine delivering refined melodic phrases and flamboyant solos. 

“Lucifer” sounds deliciously wicked & catchy as the slower sorrowful rhythmic section conveys somber emotions and hypnotizing gothic rock nuances allowing guitars to focus on the creation of sultry melodic progressions.  

“Night Terrors” obviously features addictive nightmarish grooves that can instantly trigger headbanging but the brilliant guitar work truly deserves your utmost attention shifting from crunchy riffage to nostalgic harmonies that lead to dazzling licks and extensive majestic solos. 

You will find peace within the darkened melodic splendor of “Bright” as the atmosphere becomes extremely melancholic with tranquil arpeggios and passionate gothic tonalities until a fierce blackened oriented momentum takes over offering intense riffage and thrilling guitar solos. 

Nite confidently channel all the glorious dynamics of classic heavy metal and NWOBHM but also manage to maintain a spellbinding darkened aura throughout “Darkness Silence Mirror Flame”.  

Psychonaut – Unfold The God Man

Belgian psychedelic post-metal trio Psychonaut is a new band that deserves to be on your radar as the debut full length “Unfold The God Man” already showcases a captivating sonic manifesto enriched by excellent musicianship. 

The instrumental album opener “All I Saw As A Huge Monkey” feels like a wild jam session that marks a truly trippy beginning as the whole instrumentation undergoes a continuous inspiring evolution embracing diverse tonalities and styles while the majestic multifaceted guitar work is bound to impress all music connoisseurs shifting from heavy inflamed riffage to eclectic leads. 

On “The Story Of Your Enslavement” guitars confidently focus on a series of bold groovy riffs leading to massive heavier rhythmic dynamics amplified by spiteful screams that often evolve into darkened introspective clean vocals. 

“The Fall Of Consciousness” is a complex track that emphasizes a charismatic sonic diversity beginning with a spiritual atmospheric ensemble adorned by the soothing clarity of melodic guitars and the technical approach of the enticing soloing while the desperate screams and the grim energy of the galloping riffs generate a groovy momentum. 

“Celestial Dictator” will drag you into a cosmic realm where you’re bound to space out indefinitely guided by an ancestral chant and a tribal rhythm that introduces an opulent instrumental ensemble featuring monolithic rhythmic patterns, enigmatic style variations and an overdose of mesmerizing guitar progressions.   

The extra lengthy final track “Nothing Is Consciousless” can move the listeners with the exquisite melancholy of the flawless harmonious guitar passages and the comforting charm of the clean vocals consequently the meditative moments become quite prominent especially with the addition of the jazzy saxophone tonalities but the belligerent energy of the groovy rhythmic segments often demands your utmost attention. 

Undoubtedly “Unfold The God Man” is an excellent debut album that demonstrates mature songwriting skills as Psychonaut constantly show the clear intention to create an ambitious detailed opus that simply should not be overlooked and might even inspire you to reach a higher level of consciousness. 

Dwaal – Gospel Of The Vile

Norwegian doom/sludge metal band Dwaal invites you to embrace your inner darkness within the inescapable gloom of the debut full length “Gospel Of The Vile”. 

“Ascent” is surrounded by an eerie atmosphere that dictates painfully slow and mournful rhythmic dynamics offering murky guitar melodies with dreamy post-metal nuances accompanied by distant spacey vocals. 

The ominous tonalities of “Like Rats” increase a dystopian mood and the doom metal inspiration becomes stronger with the insane weight of the guitar riffs and the tormented growls while the scattered melodic phrases feel like a hymn to melancholia. 

The title track can sound utterly diabolical with vicious growls and a perennial sense of anguish lingering through the bleak atmospheric textures and the heavy woeful rhythmic patterns but guitars also create some comforting melodic moments. 

“Obsidian Heart Burns” continues to concoct darkened themes with slow burning bass lines that foreshadow an impending doom which is bound to become stronger within the monolithic rhythmic maze while the dense atmospheric arrangements channel enigmatic vibes. 

It’s hard to believe that “Gospel Of The Vile” is a debut album because Dwaal already showcase tremendous songwriting skills and a striking sonic vision that seem to emerge from the darkest depths of the soul. 

The Birthday Massacre – Diamonds

With an extensive dazzling discography The Birthday Massacre continue to conquer our hearts with their unique blend of 80’s electronica and darkly enticing melodies that is destined to spellbind you once again with the latest full length “Diamonds”. 

Listening to “The Sky Will Turn” you will fall in love with the bewitching power of the atmospheric synths that gently surround the cool guitar phrases and Chibi’s comforting voice guiding you into a violet tinged dreamworld. 

The title track is meant to shine in the dark with a cinematic approach full of detailed atmospheric waves that feel like a darkened lullaby and the soothing vocals certainly amplify the resulting ethereal vibes. 

On “Run” the synths are extremely dominant delivering addictive electro beats that spice up the understated atmospheric layers and trigger a darkly danceable rhythmic ensemble intensified by the somber guitar tones. 

“Crush” makes you wanna cry but also makes you feel good as the atmosphere brings some borderline sinister nuances naturally enhanced by the darkened groovy guitar work while the calm bittersweet vocal harmonies add a delightful romantic flair.  

The band’s signature style flourishes throughout “Mirrors” as the industrial oriented synths influence the gritty guitar riffs generating an irresistible groovy and significantly heavier momentum that ultimately leads to a rather passionate chorus. 

The emotional gravity of “Parallel World” feels like a midsummer night’s dream amplifying the peaceful energy of the electronic elements and the radiant guitar work that creates haunting melodies yet also adds lovely crunchy riffs to ensure a memorable rhythmic momentum. 

The Birthday Massacre have always released catchy inspiring music in fact you can listen to each album without skipping a song and “Diamonds” continues to evoke the gorgeous darkness that characterizes the band’s artistic evolution with captivating soundscapes and sincere emotions. 

Novena – Eleventh Hour

Featuring frontman Ross Jennings of Haken new progressive metal/rock band Novena will certainly garner attention with the complex debut release “Eleventh Hour”. 

“22:59” begins with a luminous choral introduction swiftly followed by dazzling guitar melodies that channel a great positive energy while the main rhythmic section shifts from a laid back approach to flamboyant heavier proggy patterns matching the contrast between smooth clean vocals and aggressive growls. 

With a soulful ballad style “Sail Away” evokes a comforting serenity due to the minimalist piano melodies and whispered vocals surrounded by a dreamy melancholic atmosphere emphasized by the mellow rhythm. 

The stunning intricate track “Lucidity” is destined to become a favorite showcasing a remarkable complexity that leads to brilliant guitar progressions ranging from groovy riffage to exquisite melodies while the inspiring emotional motif is constantly expressed by the passionate vocals and the impeccable piano melodies.   

“Corazón” maintains an evident prog metal formula putting the spotlight on the stellar guitar work mainly focused on eclectic melodic passages accompanied by lovely multifaceted vocals while the final part becomes particularly playful and happy with warm Latin nuances and an irresistible dancey flamenco rhythm. 

On “The Tyrant” you will find thrilling syncopated rhythmic patterns so the intricate prog metal composition holds a dominant role with massive guitar riffs and stellar soloing accompanied by violent growls yet the ethereal melodic essence will always find a way to evoke peacefulness & melancholy with bittersweet clean vocals and gorgeous guitar phrases that seem to glow with a refreshing energy through the heavier rhythmic segments. 

The grand finale comes with the majestic opus “Prison Walls” that offers an insanely wide range of style and rhythmic variations starting with an overload of galloping catchy guitar riffs and smooth vocals. Later slower dreamy melodic tapestries will put the spotlight on the frustration and the struggle expressed by the narratives which are simply heart wrenching and we can all identify with such intense feelings. As the song continues to evolve, vocals become spiteful growls and guitars will ultimately embrace a darker and dramatically heavier approach which stands out for the precise rhythmic section while a sense of tranquility emerges through the poignant piano melodies, the elegant atmosphere and the alluring guitar phrases. 

There is a lot going on throughout “Eleventh Hour” which definitely showcases an eclectic prog composition and strong emotional themes as Novena will constantly surprise you with a high degree of sonic diversity and an amazing musicianship. 

Regarde Les Hommes Tomber – Ascension

French atmospheric black metal band Regarde Les Hommes Tomber has crafted a ritualistic opus entitled “Ascension” which is the final chapter of a fascinating darkened trilogy that began back in 2013. 

“A New Order” can sound absolutely vicious unleashing an unrestrained rhythmic section full of wicked galloping guitar riffs showcasing powerful blackened tonalities while the tormented growls constantly channel an overwhelming despair amplified by the lugubrious atmosphere that dominates the grim melodic breakdown. 

On “The Crowning” a compelling mystical aura surrounds the slower ravishing guitar melodies that will recur throughout the song carrying a growing ominous force matched by the theatrical delivery of the anguished vocals and the crestfallen atmosphere but often the rhythmic section acquires a hostile faster pace delivering fierce blackened dynamics. 

On “Stellar Cross” the melodic guitars deserve the spotlight evoking immense melancholia and the coldest tonalities accompanied by a mix of hellish growls and dramatic clean vocals within a calmer bleak soundscape that often favors a blackgaze blurry atmospheric formula. 

“Au Bord Du Gouffre” relies on a steady blackened march as guitars follow a misanthropic rhythm crafting visceral riffage that makes you feel breathless while the darkest gelid melodies generate a hypnotizing momentum that emphasizes the strong presence of an appealing esoteric essence. 

Undoubtedly the sonic realm of “Ascension” is made of undiluted darkness as Regarde Les Hommes Tomber fearlessly and confidently manifest their mystifying vision embodied by an exceptionally bewitching atmospheric black metal ensemble. 

Kvaen – The Funeral Pyre

Kvaen is the new solo project by Swedish musician Jakob Björnfot and the debut album “The Funeral Pyre” is characterized by a malevolent black metal approach and an overload of gelid tonalities. 

“Revenge By Fire” is a fierce album opener and certainly showcases massive blackened dynamics fueled by relentless riffage and blistering drums while towards the finale a bleak atmospheric ensemble adds a dramatic feel. 

The tempo slows down significantly on the title track to focus on crestfallen guitar melodies that will return often channeling grim emotions in contrast with the groovy momentum built by soaring guitar riffs and enriched by the charismatic soloing. 

“The Wolves Throne” aptly begins with wolves howling and a profound Nordic melancholy that generates compelling guitar melodies that will evolve into an extensive dazzling solo while the rhythmic section skillfully maintains solid blackened grooves. 

On “We Serve The Masters Plan” the mood becomes increasingly obscure due to the ominous guitar tonalities and the classic black metal essence is further amplified by diabolical growls while the monochromatic melodic phrases enhance the pensive vibes. 

There is an immense nostalgia lingering through “Hymn To Kvenland” as guitars follow a calmer pace and craft brooding melodies rather than vicious riffage and the resulting contemplative mood takes you far away probably in the middle of a remote forest.  

Even if “The Funeral Pyre” is the first studio effort crafted by Kvaen the chosen sonic vision already sounds strong and the prominent Nordic flair invites you to embark on a journey through desolate wintry soundscapes. 

Sicarius – God Of The Dead Roots

American black metal quintet Sicarius are ready to unleash a venomous sonic onslaught on the sophomore release “God Of The Dead Roots”. 

There is no escape as soon as the initial diabolical atmosphere of “BIA” gives way to belligerent heavy guitar riffs following a vicious fast rhythm confidently channeling the brutal elements of old school black metal.  

“Immortal Plight” continues to generate hellish blackened grooves with solid riffage and fierce drumming but somehow the lead guitar work manages to bring a glimpse of hope with a series of cold melodic phrases. 

Evoking strong occult vibes “Nekromanteia” focuses mainly on slower arcane guitar progressions surrounded by a dense esoteric atmosphere so lead guitars also have the opportunity to craft some mournful melodies. 

The title track features demonic growls and intensely obscure rhythmic patterns diligently built by super fast drumming and crushing guitar riffs that successfully maintain an uncompromising black metal ensemble that eventually evolves into a calmer mysterious momentum. 

“Scythe Bearers” delivers another relentless dosage of unrestrained blackened blasts that seem simply unstoppable yet there are some brief slower and absolutely cryptic moments. 

The asphyxiating sonic realm that Sicarius create on “God Of The Dead Roots” is certainly not for the faint of heart as the band keeps on delivering merciless blackened grooves that might make you feel shattered and desperate. 

Lucifer – Lucifer III

After a series of successful tours Lucifer settled back in the studio to craft the dark magic embodied by the third release “Lucifer III” and continue to proudly carry the torch for timeless vintage rock. 

The guitar riffs on “Ghosts” successfully generate memorable grooves with a delightful gritty sound and while the atmosphere feels quite dark due also to the addition of gothic tinged keyboards Johanna’s vocals evoke a comforting melancholy. 

“Leather Demon” features a slower nostalgic approach focusing on darkly soothing arpeggios energized by the raw distortion of the lead guitar work and accompanied by sultry vocals which feel particularly captivating during the super catchy chorus. 

The eponymous track “Lucifer” picks up speed with guitars taking the center stage to craft alluring melodic phrases and deliciously darkened catchy riffs that lead to a series of addictive grooves around Johanna’s passionate vocal delivery. 

“Coffin Fever” showcases enticing doom nuances that naturally embrace the sorrowful guitar tonalities evolving into a thrilling combo of feverish licks and galloping riffs while eventually a seductive darkness will take over with understated obscure atmospheric vibes. 

The haunting grand finale arrives with “Cemetery Eyes” which often focuses on gorgeous dreamy guitar melodies that emphasize the profound sense of melancholia fully expressed by the soulful vocals yet the rhythmic section still manages to deliver exciting classic rock dynamics that reach the acme with the stylish guitar soloing. 

Listening to “Lucifer III” we witness the third coming of Lucifer as they really worked hard to create a wicked collection of catchy rock songs spiced up by horror themes and enchanting vocals that are bound to put a spell on you. 

 

White Stones – Kuarahy

We are all familiar with the work of Martin Mendez as bassist of Opeth but now he is embarking on a different music endeavor with the new project White Stones which reveals an intriguing death metal oriented manifesto on the debut album “Kuarahy”. 

While on “Rusty Shell” the primal energy of death metal is naturally embedded in the wicked guitar riff and the cavernous vocal delivery the lead guitar work tends to stand out crafting exquisite melodies with a dazzling prog flair. 

On “Drowned In Time” the arcane atmosphere and the spacey melodic textures take you far away while later the eclectic heavier rhythmic section becomes enriched by enigmatic tonalities and sharp guitar phrases. 

“The One” features another round of prog oriented rhythmic variations and the consequent interesting instrumental patterns highlight the multifaceted tonalities of the excellent guitar work while the venomous growls constantly keep alive the death metal roots.  

“Guyra” continues to focus on the development of unique sounds within an obscure tribal atmosphere that makes you feel closer to ancestral legends and matches the mystical nature of the guitar melodies and the shapeshifting rhythmic patterns which showcase a compelling creative force. 

With a slower pace “Infected Soul” offers darkened otherworldly melodic tapestries that emphasize the dominant role of the cathartic guitar work that will also deliver sharp riffage and remarkable proggy style soloing when the rhythmic section acquires a faster ominous energy. 

The shorter final track “Jasy” definitely emphasizes the connection with Martin’s birthplace in Uruguay as the arcane vibes grow stronger due to the magical atmospheric arrangements and the glowing ethereal guitar melodies.  

Even if White Stones embodies a return to death metal for Martin the intricate soundscapes of “Kuarahy” go beyond the classic approach of this genre exploring diverse tonalities and styles that thrive within a spiritual darkened realm.