Category: Album Reviews 2020

Oldblood – Arms To The Sky

London blackened doom quartet Oldblood evokes grief & despair on the new EP “Arms To The Sky” conceptually inspired by the dropping of the atomic bomb over Hiroshima. 

You can immediately perceive an ominous aura surrounding “Kuebiko” as somber guitar melodies introduce a monolithic rhythmic section fueled by the oppressive weight of the riffs and the drum blasts while the slower moments highlight a pale sense of hopefulness and murky tonalities. 

On “Nuclear Blues” guitars can often acquire some robust sludge vibes to craft memorable groovy patterns following a rambunctious rhythmic rampage nevertheless the agonizing melodic segments and the obscure growls still evoke a grave doom essence. 

“Los Alamos” tends to embrace a sorrowful post-metal flair as the darkened guitar tonalities create hazy melodic passages following a dramatically slower tempo yet the heavier riffage will build intense doom oriented patterns. 

In the beginning “Alone” focuses on crestfallen harmonies that will continue to linger through the heavier monumental rhythmic ensemble and a dense darkness will inevitably become more dominant with the tormented growls and the fierce riffage yet a totally spaced out mood will lead to slow burning melodies and understated atmospheric textures. 

The sonic realm of “Arms To The Sky” is filled with anguish as Oldblood confidently channel the primal force of extreme metal to create a bold mix of crushing grooves and mournful melodic tapestries. 

 

Dark Buddha Rising – Mathreyata

Finnish “dark underlords of psychedelic drone” Dark Buddha Rising return with the visionary opus “Mathreyata” which embodies a mystical sonic realm destined to captivate the listeners.

“Sunyaga” already showcases the spiritual essence of the album with the hypnotic drone layers and the distant ethereal chants while the extra heavy guitar riffs follow a doomed pathway that inevitably generates monolithic rhythmic patterns amplified by the tormented screams.  

On “Nagathma” the monochromatic drone and the arcane tonalities generate a ritualistic atmosphere emphasized by the eerie vocals and the resulting darkened ensemble can easily make you space out yet the rhythmic section accompanied by anguished screams continues to channel a lugubrious doom force. 

The dense atmosphere of “Uni” belongs to an altered state of mind as the multilayered ambiance textures create surreal soundscapes where the steady drum beats convey a tribal dirge. 

It’s easy to get lost within the mysterious dimension of “Mahathgata III” as the drone and the otherworldly vocals create a murky atmosphere that triggers a cathartic momentum while the colossal guitar progressions march fiercely through a wall of impenetrable darkness and ultimately evolve into a chaotic rhythmic maze. 

Listening to “Mathreyata” we stand at the edge of the abyss as Dark Buddha Rising craft enigmatic soundscapes and crushing dynamics with a remarkable meditative approach.

Macabre – Carnival Of Killers

The triumphant return of Macabre arrives with the release of “Carnival Of Killers” just in time for their 35th anniversary announcing that a creepy carnival in the company of serial killers is coming to town.  

It’s not surprising to see that “Your Window Is Open” has a quite gruesome mood as the death metal dynamics ensure brutal rhythmic patterns with tight riffage and fast drumming enriched by excellent guitar leads. 

“Joe Ball Was His Name” sounds certainly entertaining with the baritone vocal delivery and the carnivalesque rhythm while guitars still have a chance to deliver strong riffs and fancy leads.  

”Stinky” has a palpable nightmarish mood with a robust rhythmic section that generates chaotic and aggressive segments that will eventually become more playful and catchy. 

“Richard Speck Grew Big Breasts” is definitely a hilarious title nevertheless the rhythmic blasts sound quite serious channeling a strong primal energy in extreme metal fashion. 

Everything feels dark and spooky on “Slaughter House” with the ominous vocals and the sharp riffage marching fiercely and successfully maintaining a belligerent old school death metal approach. 

The monumental drumming on “The Lake Of Fire” dictates an overload of merciless grooves spiced up by the charismatic guitar solo and the vocals become tormented screams to highlight the horror motifs. 

“The Wheels On The Bug” might sound like a lovely nursery rhyme but the band is ready to unleash a savage rhythmic assault enhanced by the powerful death-gore growls. 

The psychotic sonic realm of “Corpse Violator” hits you in the face with loads of fiery guitar riffs, a generous dosage of wild shredding and crunchy rhythmic patterns. 

“The Murder Mack” closes down this insane carnival with maniacal screams and a series of hostile guitar riffs following a viciously fast tempo but there is still space for some memorable guitar solos. 

On “Carnival Of Killers” each track tells a murderous tale and Macabre’s songwriting style further amplifies the vivid horror vibes with a morbid sense of humor and massive bloodthirsty grooves.    

Lykantropi – Tales To Be Told

Swedish psychedelic folk rock collective Lykantropi takes you back to the rock and folk music of the glorious early ‘70s with the new full length “Tales To Be Told”.

The traditional folk vibes linger through “Coming Your Way” which combines soothing luminous flute harmonies and catchy guitar melodies that stand out for the authentic retro tonalities.  

The title track features classic rock nuances as the guitar work naturally shifts from gritty riffage to smooth melodic phrases accompanied by a magical vocal delivery and celestial atmospheric accents. 

On the intricate track “Kom ta mig ut” the mellow guitar progressions and the glowing flutes evoke a beautiful pastoral world far from the actual reality while the bittersweet vocals can easily evoke a profound nostalgia. 

The strength of “Spell On Me” comes from the delicious occult rock mood that leads to bewitching vocals and a subtle darkened flair while the guitar work delivers edgy melodic patterns enriched by a charismatic solo. 

You can still perceive a moody rock soul within the rhythmic segments of  “Världen går vidare” yet the dreamy atmosphere and the warm & spacey melodic essence will take you to a different world probably in the middle of the woods. 

Throughout “Tales To Be Told” Lykantropi confidently channel the spirit of wilderness to create a cathartic sonic realm characterized by an irresistible vintage style and enchanting folk soundscapes. 

Cadaver – Edder & Bile

Featuring renowned musicians Anders Odden and Dirk Verbeuren, Cadaver celebrate their triumphant comeback manifesting a brand new venomous sonic vision on the full length “Edder & Bile”. 

“Morgue Ritual” could not sound more aggressive as the rhythmic section concocts a series of fast & brutal grooves with a familiar death metal approach and the crazy shredding galore of the guitar solo can leave you breathless. 

Featuring Jeff Becerra of Possessed, “Circle Of Morbidity” relies on relentless riffage and malignant growls marching fiercely through the towering ruthless rhythmic patterns enriched by the mournful tonalities of the lead guitar work. 

“Feed The Pigs” features the guttural  growls of Kam Lee of Massacre and you simply cannot escape the belligerent rhythmic rampage fueled by the thunderous drum blasts and the visceral guitar riffs. 

The sonic assault of “Final Fight” creates an asphyxiating rhythmic ensemble that constantly expresses angered feelings easily amplified by the hellish growls and the savage guitar work. 

The title track continues to follow a no frills death metal pathway as the precise drumming demands breakneck speed and pure rage yet guitars will have a chance to deliver some somber rhythmic twists.  

“Let Me Burn” is still filled with raw energy yet the slightly slower ominous tempo allows guitars to craft a fair dosage of intriguing darkened phrases which will reach the acme with some inflamed shredding. 

The sonic realm of “Edder & Bile” sounds quite chaotic and hostile as Cadaver confidently deliver unrestrained guitar driven grooves channeling the devastating force of old school death metal.  

Autumnblaze – Welkin Shores Burning

Dark rock duo Autumnblaze celebrates a wonderful comeback with the new release “Welkin Shores Burning” which effortlessly conveys a deeply melancholic realm that can touch your soul. 

Surrounded by a bleak atmosphere “Planets” puts the spotlight on the charismatic vocal performance and the resulting somber feelings are definitely enhanced by the mellow arpeggios and the graceful melodic crescendos. 

Like a beautiful daydream “Explosions” can make you space out with the enticing minimalist beauty of the guitar phrases, the shimmering atmospheric waves and the soothing vocal delivery that continues to express poignant emotions. 

On “One Breath” the smooth arpeggios and the gentle rhythmic progressions acquire exquisite darker tonalities which naturally lead to an overwhelming melancholia emphasized by the warm vocals. 

The glowing atmospheric tapestries of “The Burning Sea” become prominent in the creation of a fading dream filled with an impossible sense of nostalgia and a subtle shoegaze essence matched by the soft vocals and the comforting guitar melodies.  

“Autumn Wings Behold” clearly doesn’t need special effects to craft memorable rhythmic patterns as the dazzling mix of arpeggios and electric guitars adds some catchy vibes to the contemplative mood. 

“Flamedoves” continues to amplify the minimalist yet intense songwriting approach and you can appreciate the alluring blend of bright harmonies, glistening atmospheric textures and nostalgia infused motifs unraveling around the passionate vocal performance.

On “Welkin Shores Burning” Autumnblaze embark on an introspective journey that allows the rich melodies to flow like a darkened neverending dream and constantly highlights the emotional nature of the detailed songwriting. 

Pulchra Morte – Ex Rosa Ceremonia

Following a strong debut release back in 2019, doom metal band Pulchra Morte is ready to raise the bar with the sophomore album “Ex Rosa Ceremonia” inspired by the philosophical concept of spiritual and mental renaissance.  

“The Serpent’s Choir” marks a strong beginning as the monumental riffage generates venomous rhythmic patterns enriched by the charismatic lead guitar work and the ominous flair is definitely amplified by the intense choir featuring dozens of contributors from many awesome metal bands. 

The arcane atmosphere of “Knife Of The Will” is constantly fueled by the imposing growls and the grave guitar tonalities that lead to a balanced blend of bold riffs and crestfallen melodic phrases that successfully evoke an appealing gothic essence. 

Embracing a slower melancholic splendor “Prince Among Shadows” relies on the comforting acoustic harmonies and the melodic gloom of the lead guitar work yet you will find a heavier hostile momentum embodied by the towering drums and the vicious growls. 

On “To Suffer (The Way You Do)” the robust rhythmic section effortlessly creates fierce grooves yet once again the irresistible gothic essence emerges through the melodic leads which will reach the acme with an intricate guitar solo. 

Conjuring pure darkness the title track can sound absolutely ferocious due to the diabolical growls and the faster extreme metal dynamics while the mournful atmospheric waves and the cold melodies convey profound sorrowful feelings.  

The heavy weight of classical doom remains at the center of Pulchra Morte’s sonic vision that is clearly undergoing an intriguing evolution within the realm of crushing grooves and poignant melodies of “Ex Rosa Ceremonia”. 

Auðn – Vökudraumsins fangi

Icelandic atmospheric black metal band Auðn portrays the sheer beauty of wintry desolate landscapes blending harsh tonalities and dreamy melodies on the latest offering “Vökudraumsins fangi”. 

In the beginning “Einn um alla tíð” offers bittersweet acoustic arpeggios that introduce a fiery blackened momentum leading to savage guitar riffs, monumental drumming and desperate growls that channel an inner torment yet an eloquent melodic flair comes to life through the elegant melodic passages. 

The darkened atmosphere of “Birtan hugann brennir” feels quite comforting during sleepless winter nights as the majestic guitar work steals the spotlight fully embracing an overwhelming melancholia that leads to a refined melodic ensemble.  

The elaborate dynamics of “Verður von að bráð” can unleash a ferocious blackened force constantly fueled by the memorable riffage and the faster drum blasts yet the atmospheric nuances and the melodic guitars continue to emphasize an alluring emotional depth. 

On “Næðir um” we enter a gelid melodic realm where the slower nostalgic guitar phrases seem to glow floating through the mystifying atmosphere but the inflamed rhythmic section can often channel a ruthless blackened momentum.  

“Ljóstýra” feels like a beautiful daydream as the mellow melodic guitars express an eternal sense of longing that in factl lingers throughout the song even if the heavier frostbitten rhythmic segments spontaneously acquire obscure tonalities. 

Showcasing an intricate composition the title track closes the album focusing on sweeping evocative melodic progressions that once again highlight the exquisite guitar leads that effortlessly express somber feelings keeping in mind the stark beauty of the volcanic soil in Iceland. 

Listening to “Vökudraumsins fangi” we feel stuck in a perennial state of delusion as Auðn confidently follow a fascinating artistic evolution to craft immensely melancholic soundscapes and cold blackened grooves.

Botanist – Photosynthesis

Post-black metal collective Botanist is renowned for the avant-garde songwriting approach and the themes related to plants and flowers in fact the new concept album “Photosynthesis” invites you to enter the Verdant Realm.  

Listening to “Light” you can immediately perceive the clarity of the sound as the omnipresent luminous keyboards create soothing soundscapes in contrast with the harsh tonalities of the intricate rhythmic dynamics. 

“Water” begins with minimalist melodies but swiftly embraces a wilder rhythmic crescendo and as the electrified hammered dulcimer substitutes the guitars the resulting frenetic passages unravel around the poignant vocal delivery. 

On “Dehydration” the gentle hammered dulcimer phrases and the ethereal atmospheric arrangements bloom triumphantly within the heavier rhythmic maze definitely amplified by the ravenous screams and the consequent emotional turmoil. 

“Bacteria” surprises the listeners with unusual rhythmic twists fueled by the monumental drumming and the subtle blackened essence while the comforting melodies seem to glow through the darkened soundscape. 

“Oxygen” marks a grand finale creating a dreamy sonic realm as the surreal post-rock flair leads to delightful cinematic layers and glowing melodic textures accompanied by ethereal vocals flourishing through the significantly heavier rhythmic patterns.  

The unique nature of “Photosynthesis” is already evident in the botanic themes and following a distinct creative pathway Botanist focus on a convoluted composition where light and darkness become inevitably entwined. 

BleakHeart – Dream Griever

Denver doomgaze band BleakHeart share a haunting multifaceted sonic vision on the debut full length “Dream Griever”. 

“Ash Bearer” is surrounded by a darkly ethereal atmosphere and the sultry vocals can evoke a sense of perennial longing in the midst of a hypnotic melodic realm until the guitar riffs acquire hazy tonalities in order to generate heavier dynamics. 

A whirlwind of intense emotions lingers through “The Visitor” as the multilayered synths create a fascinating daydream while guitars effortlessly shift from glowing melodies to monumental arcane riffs channeling a classic doom essence. 

Listening to “The Dead Moon” we are stuck in a limbo between dream and reality as the slow burning guitar phrases and the contemplative atmospheric waves perfectly craft alluring darkened aesthetics embellished by the graceful vocal delivery.   

The title track conveys a profound melancholia as the wistful piano melodies become entwined with the minimalist guitar harmonies surrounded by a shimmering atmosphere while in the finale the whole instrumentation gains an obscure energy that demands enigmatic psychedelic effects and monolithic riffage. 

Reflecting on the absurdity of the human condition, BleakHeart confidently begin a cathartic sonic voyage that aims to spellbind the listeners with moody & dreary soundscapes.