Category: Album Reviews 2020

Today Is The Day – No Good To Anyone

Experimental metal outfit Today Is The Day returns with the eleventh album “No Good To Anyone” which is a particularly cathartic opus for visionary mastermind Steve Austin as it also symbolizes his personal battle with pain and adversities. 

The title track is drenched in darkness due to the forlorn vocal delivery and the extremely somber psychedelic tonalities of the captivating guitar progressions which will evolve into heavier ominous riffs within a faster enigmatic rhythmic ensemble. 

On “Son Of Man” the overdose of fuzzy guitars leads to psychedelic twisted harmonies that might make you feel dizzy and the spontaneous blend of laid back grooves and heavier rhythmic blasts amplifies the grim feelings.  

“Burn In Hell” has the capacity to unleash some aggressive noise borderline death metal guitar riffs shifting from a moody slow paced approach to a dramatically faster and chaotic sonic realm. 

“Cocobolo” often focuses on mellow spacey guitar passages and calm vocals but there is also a quite fierce groovy momentum and such sonic diversity definitely emphasize the contrasting emotions. 

“Callie” sounds quite different as the glowing soulful guitar melodies become the main focus and the introspective vocals flow gently through the melancholic instrumental passages evoking even a fragile sense of hopefulness. 

The murky atmosphere of “Mercy” surrounds the monochromatic vocals and the fuzzy guitar riffs but later this anguished mood is spiced up by the rebellious attitude of the groovy rhythmic ensemble.  

On “Born In Blood” there is an increasingly darker vibe embedded in the slow burning guitar riffs that will eventually become wilder with intense spaced out tonalities and vibrant psychedelic accents. 

“Rockets And Dreams” is a longer track that offers loads of comforting dreamy guitar melodies and the emotive themes feel particularly strong in the midst of extremely trippy atmospheric layers. 

From all the darkness embodied by “No Good To Anyone” a message of love emerges triumphantly and you will instantly appreciate how Today Is The Day focuses on an innovative composition and a sincere emotional turmoil. 

Insect Ark – The Vanishing

Insect Ark features a powerful partnership between Dana Schechter (Swans) and Andy Patterson (ex SubRosa) and the new full length “The Vanishing” promises to be a hypnotic sonic experience so get ready to space out like there’s no tomorrow. 

“Tectonic” is surrounded by a blurry atmosphere with drone style sounds that enhance the darkened composition and the guitar work focuses on moody melodic phrases that shine through the steady monochromatic rhythmic patterns. 

On “Philae” the slow burning guitar melodies and electrifying distorted tonalities will induce a trance state and the soft rhythm surrounded by a perennial murky atmosphere amplify the cinematic approach. 

The smooth melodic guitars on “Danube” almost feel like a comforting lullaby even if the tonalities can often sound darker flowing gently through the mesmerizing atmospheric waves and the occasional rhythmic crescendos continue to maintain a dreamy mood. 

The title track tends to stay true to the ethereal vision of the whole album with the perfect dosage of gloomy & graceful melodies yet it showcases major experimental twists leading to borderline claustrophobic atmospheres and dissonant tones. 

Like a wild unpredictable journey “The Vanishing” could take you anywhere, maybe even to outer space, as Insect Ark invite you to join their personal daydream with trippy melodies and enigmatic atmospheres. 

Blood And Sun – Love & Ashes

With Blood And Sun multiinstrumentalist Luke Tromiczak has embarked on an inspiring music journey that today leads to the genesis of the sophomore full length “Love & Ashes”, a darkened neo-folk opus dedicated to kindred spirits and wanderers. 

“Resurrection Charm” marks a charismatic beginning as an arcane chant provides a darkly enigmatic introduction for the more accessible melodic ensemble offering rich melodic guitars and moody rhythmic crescendos accompanied by the theatrical vocals. 

“Dusk Century” has a softer & catchy melodic approach with graceful acoustic phrases embellished by luminous violins while the imposing baritone vocals naturally evoke darker sentiments. 

“By What Road” is a gorgeous work of music that delivers the perfect dosage of wistful feelings through the introspective vocal delivery and the exquisite intricate melodic tapestries courtesy of luminous strings and fervent acoustic guitars. 

On the title track there is a hypnotic brooding atmosphere that leads to a darker melancholic mood perfectly matched by the sorrowful vocal delivery while the enticing blend of warm violins and passionate melodic guitars maintains a spiritual folk approach. 

Listening to “Until The Dawn” feels like being in the middle of a pristine forest watching the stars and pondering about the meaning of life surrounded by haunting harmonious violins while the acoustic guitars can build an energetic yet soothing rhythmic rampage. 

It would be hard to resist the overwhelming nostalgia that Blood And Sun constantly evoke throughout “Love & Ashes” which is destined to captivate and comfort you with the magical beauty of the dark folk soundscapes. 

Drown – Subaqueous

Under the Drown moniker multi instrumentalist Markov Soroka has created the fascinating ambitious opus “Subaqueous” which dwells within a realm of darkness and light with a strong funeral doom inspiration. 

As soon as “Drowned VI: Mother Cetacean” begins we enter an underwater world lulled by the gentle sound of waves. The guitar melodies almost glow within the darkened doom ensemble which can feel quite lugubrious due to the cavernous growls and the monolithic riffs yet everything moves slowly favoring an immersive listening experience and the melancholic motif gains strength from the dreamy tonalities and the blurry atmospheric nuances particularly hypnotizing when accompanied by the ethereal violin during the finale.  

“Drowned VII: Father Subaqueous” can sound quite comforting with refined guitar melodies and the graceful violins that emphasize the introspective depth and might even hold a fragile sense of hope while in the midst of ambient tapestries and aptly aquatic sounds you will also find moments of extremely mournful and significantly heavier guitar riffs.  

Both the two lengthy tracks of “Subaqueous” maintain a classic funeral doom approach that evolves into ‘aquatic doom’ to fit the chosen conceptual themes as Drown takes you on a melancholic journey to the depths of the ocean. 

Seven Planets – Explorer

Heavy rock instrumentalists Seven Planets search for absolute freedom embarking on a cosmic journey into the unknown perfectly embodied by the cathartic grooves of the third full length “Explorer”. 

It feels good to space out listening to “Vanguard” as the excellent guitar work leads the way to big grooves and acidic melodies that showcase a warm bluesy approach as well as a taste for psychedelia. 

With a laid back atmosphere “Plain Truth In A Homespun Dress” focuses on elaborate slow burning guitar melodies that continue to channel a strong psychedelic flair and later the guitar work will also deliver some wild fancy progressions. 

It’s not surprising that the title track makes you dream of exploring new galaxies with the fluid atmospheric arrangements surrounding the spacey guitar phrases that once again will evolve into a more complex jamming session. 

“Seven Seas” continues to revolve around otherworldly themes and the desire to escape reality grows within the soulful bluesy guitar progressions and the bouncy bass lines that often emphasize the full blown psychedelic essence.  

The pace gets faster on “The Buzzard” and consequently the rhythmic section generates heavier bold grooves full of catchy & fuzzy riffs while the guitar leads still have the chance to craft evocative melodic waves. 

The cosmic force and the spaced out vibes of “Explorer” will make you feel dazed and happy as Seven Planets showcase their incredible musicianship and spontaneous jam style songwriting. 

Body Count – Carnivore

Ice-T’s pioneering rap metal band Body Count returns with the savage entertaining grooves and the spiteful lyrical themes of the seventh album “Carnivore”.  

The title track begins with an extremely somber atmosphere and slow darkened guitar phrases that will continue to recur through the significantly heavier rhythmic blasts and the consequent hostile grooves are certainly amplified by the inflamed soloing and the enraged lyrics. 

Featuring guest vocalist Riley Gale of Power Trip “Point The Finger” confidently unleashes relentless thrash metal dynamics and the contrasting vocal deliveries perfectly express all the eloquent feelings and the undiluted wrath.  

The indisputable groovy force of “Bum-Rush” comes from the tight rhythmic section while the lead guitar work is always ready to deliver fiery soaring licks and the social awareness lyrical message definitely increases the song’s inner passion. 

In the beginning “Another Level” feels a bit gloomy due to the captivating somber tonalities of the melodic guitars but the untamed rage is always present in the strong vocals which also features guest vocalist Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed. 

“When I’m Gone” might sound a bit softer mainly due to the presence of the mellow emotional vocal delivery courtesy of Amy Lee of Evanescence but there is still a fair dosage of fury embedded in the hardcore approach of the bold guitar riffs. 

“The Hate Is Real” is full of harsh guitar driven grooves spiced up by some fast ravenous guitar licks and fueled by a massive classic thrash metal momentum that easily matches the perennial outrage of the lyrics plus the chorus will get stuck in your head. 

Ice-T always speaks frankly and the rightfully angry lyricism remains a key element from beginning to end on “Carnivore” adding an overdose of raw energy to the massive belligerent grooves that Body Count executes with unrestrained enthusiasm. 

Karg – Traktat

Karg started as a one-man project by J.J. of Harakiri For The Sky and the new addition to the extensive discography is the 7th studio album “Traktat” which revolves around eloquent atmospheric black metal soundscapes and immense melancholia. 

“Irgendjemand Wartet Immer” can truly express an emotional whirlwind with a mixture of gelid guitar melodies and poetic atmospheric multilayers flowing freely through the main blackened and at times borderline enraged rhythmic sections.

The gorgeous melodic tapestries of “Stolperkenotaphe” depict a wintry sonic realm full of pure melancholy courtesy of delicate arpeggios, elegant classical arrangements and cold guitar tonalities and such cathartic ensemble often feels like a fading dream. 

On “Alaska” the monochromatic screams channel despair and misery but the melodic guitar work seems to glow through the heavier rhythmic patterns always embellished by the dreamy atmospheric layers. 

On “Alles Was Wir Geben Mussten” the anguished screams and the soaring guitar riffs constantly channel a raw blackened energy leading to sharp rhythmic crescendos while the clean melodies and the subtle atmospheres enhance the introspective depth. 

“Tod, wo bleibt dein Frieden?” continues to rely on a contemplative blackgaze sonic formula and offers a multitude of fragile melodic moments that tend to steal the spotlight evoking wistful feelings especially through graceful arpeggios and soothing atmospheric tapestries.  

Shifting from luminous shoegaze melodies to extremely darkened black metal blasts on “Traktat” Karg crafts a personal immersive journey that allows emotions and music to naturally embrace. 

Black Royal – Firebride

Finnish obscure sludge metal band Black Royal inspired by witch hunts and paganism celebrates darkness on the sophomore album “Firebride” which promises to deliver all kinds of crushing grooves and much more. 

“Coven” immediately manifests a softly brooding atmosphere that introduces an overload of chunky guitar riffs and fiery licks that create massive grooves certainly inspired by a classic doom formula while the diabolical growls channel the aggressive approach of death metal.  

“Pagan Saviour” keeps an accessible slower doom metal pace that puts the spotlight on the grave tonalities and the melodic aspects of the compelling guitar work while the hostile growls tend to add major devilish vibes. 

“Gods Of War” spontaneously follows an old school modus operandi that puts loud and soaring groovy guitar riffs at the center of the energetic rhythmic section embellished by the darkened melodies and the haunting atmospheric accents. 

On the title track the grooves never stop as guitars proudly unleash particularly heavy riffage leading to a rough sludge momentum emphasized by the aggressive death metal style growls while the tasteful guitar melodies follow a hypnotic darkened sonic pathway.  

The cold nocturnal atmosphere of “For The Dead Travel Fast” feels like a charming hymn to darkness also due to the presence of a mix of arcane choirs and delicate vocals performed by Saara Samane of Sapata while guitars shine for the charismatic doom tinged melodies emerging through the monolithic rhythmic patterns. 

In reality it’s not easy to categorize the dark & groovy music style of Black Royal but we can definitely say that “Firebride” is characterized by an overwhelming ominous energy that has the potential to conquer many acolytes. 

The Spirit – Cosmic Terror

German blackened death metal band The Spirit is still a new name in the burgeoning underground metal scene but the sophomore full length “Cosmic Terror” is characterized by an intense creative force that will easily attract more listeners. 

“Serpent As Time Reveals” goes straight to a menacing rhythmic assault which aims to showcase the darker and heavier aspects of the band’s sonic pathway in fact even if there are some scattered melodic leads guitars tend to favor a blackened approach further amplified by the constant fast pace and the ravenous growls. 

“The Path Of Solitude” emphasizes that exquisite Nordic melancholy through the recurrent elegant melodic guitar phrases & soloing yet the massive rhythmic section still focuses on aggressive groovy patterns.  

The enraged rhythmic dynamics of “Pillars Of Doom” lead to an overdose of cohesive blackened grooves but such perennial fury is well balanced by the comforting gelid guitar melodies and the somber tonalities. 

The instrumental title track doesn’t really deviate from the chosen formula as the savage rhythm still relies on a blistering black metal inspiration to deliver terrific grooves while following a slower pace the delightful melodic guitar work expresses grim feelings and adds variety to the sorrowful atmosphere. 

Throughout “Cosmic Terror” the relentless guitar driven grooves always hold a dominant role allowing The Spirit to showcase their skillful musicianship supported by a solid production and an energetic songwriting. 

Sylosis – Cycle Of Suffering

Back in 2016 Sylosis embarked on an indefinite hiatus so the brand new full length “Cycle Of Suffering” feels particularly important for the band as it celebrates a triumphant comeback and marks the beginning of an exciting chapter. 

Undoubtedly “Empty Prophets” is a spiteful album opener that deliberately channels a primal anger through abrasive guitar riffs and precise drumming yet there’s always an evident introspective depth fully expressed by the understated atmospheric arrangements and the darkened guitar melodies. 

In the beginning the pale atmosphere of “I Sever” evokes a sheer melancholia that will ultimately take the spotlight during the final part with passionate guitar melodies while the belligerent approach of the main rhythmic core focuses on frenetic guitar progressions. 

The title track offers a cohesive series of infectious thrash grooves full of sharp guitar riffs & leads and the rage is still palpable within the fierce rhythmic patterns and the hostile screams while the melodic guitars deliver some compelling smooth phrases. 

Even if “Invidia” has a quite somber mood recurring through the subtle atmospheric layers and the glowing guitar leads the rhythmic segments can sound fast and vicious keeping an explosive thrash momentum.  

“Idle Hands” offers grandiose grim melodies fueled by the extremely melancholic guitar tonalities and the excellent musicianship while the intense rhythmic blasts can naturally lead to terrific grooves without the need for breakneck speed. 

“Apex Of Disdain” once again is ready to hit you in the face with a skillful heavy rhythmic section and the consequent fury is evidently matched by the fiery screams while lead guitars add memorable opulent melodies with an impressive technical prog approach. 

“Abandon” embodies a dramatic grand finale as the whole instrumentation focuses on slower contemplative moments enhanced by a bittersweet clean vocal delivery and graceful atmospheric arrangements while the guitar work acquires luminous nuances crafting impeccable melodies.

You will find plenty of majestic & ferocious guitar driven grooves throughout “Cycle Of Suffering” but Sylosis also manage to balance such chaotic sonic realm with a fair dosage of detailed refined melodic tapestries.