Category: Album Reviews 2020

Seven Spires – Emerald Seas

American quartet Seven Spires takes it to the next level with the ambitious sophomore album “Emerald Seas” which features a theatrical fantasy inspired concept and fascinating symphonic metal soundscapes. 

“Ghost Of A Dream” relies on a refined melodic approach with delightful guitar phrases that will ultimately lead to glamorous soloing and dazzling vocals surrounded by detailed symphonic arrangements that definitely highlight the epic aspects. 

“Every Crest” delivers powerful groovy rhythmic dynamics with a significant heavier momentum and even some vicious growls yet the melodic soul feels once again rather dominant as the passionate vocal harmonies and the vibrant guitar work naturally flow through the elegant symphonic tapestries.  

“Drowner Of Worlds” sounds a bit different and is destined to become a favorite track as the darker mood is deeply emphasized by the gothic flair of the solemn atmospheric arrangements, the decadent piano melodies and the intense blackened growls plus the rhythmic patterns confidently build faster borderline ominous grooves. 

“Silvery Moon” follows a ballad style as the mellow piano melodies and the subtle atmospheric layers become essential accompanied by a particularly charismatic & heartfelt vocal delivery and enriched by some polished guitar licks. 

“Fearless” returns to a heavier darkened instrumental ensemble so guitars acquire crunchy tonalities and the sinister growls emphasize the blackened nuances while a fragile melodic essence emerges through the gothic sonic realm with understated symphonic arrangements and soft vocal harmonies. 

“The Trouble With Eternal Life” is full of triumphant power metal inspired grooves spiced up by fancy guitar soloing and sophisticated symphonic textures that constantly embellish the soothing melodies and perfectly complement the charming vocals. 

Seven Spires definitely showcase their talented musicianship throughout the album and “Emerald Seas” holds the necessary enthusiasm and catchy vibes to get on your radar especially if you’re a lover of symphonic metal. 

Deathwhite – Grave Image

Dark metal collective Deathwhite has chosen to remain anonymous so far nevertheless the sophomore full length “Grave Image” is destined to reach a wider audience with compelling melodic textures and a profound sense of despair. 

“Funeral Ground” focuses on cold guitar tonalities to express dismal emotions through delicate harmonies and heavier doom tinged riffage accompanied by a soulful vocal delivery that enhances the extremely somber mood. 

On “In Eclipse” the rhythmic section diligently builds memorable grooves with sharp bass lines and catchy guitar riffs again evidently inspired by classic doom nuances and the mood feels quite emotional and nostalgic especially due to the presence of calmer guitar melodies. 

The title track marks another memorable moment depicting a dreamy melancholic sonic realm with passionate vocals and a wide range of refined guitar progressions that shift from gentle melodies to charismatic yet absolutely sorrowful leads. 

The bold guitar driven grooves on “Among Us” sound really catchy but also manage to maintain a darkened sense of desolation that is further emphasized by the graceful vocal harmonies and the scattered ethereal arpeggios. 

“Plague Of Virtue” follows a similar groovy pathway as guitars continue to hold a major role in the creation of a heavier momentum skillfully blending melo-death and doom elements that will ultimately embrace the accessible melodic essence of the catchy chorus. 

The fascinating final track “Return To Silence” might feel darker and utterly bleak with loads of elegant often heartwrenching melodies that will inevitably move the listeners yet there is still a fair dosage of engaging heavier rhythmic dynamics. 

Driven by sincere emotions and melodic gloom Deathwhite successfully evoke an  overwhelming melancholia throughout “Grave Image” which feels so comforting during these cold winter nights. 

 

Not My God – Not My God

Renowned musicians Tim Sköld and Nero Bellum have started an intriguing artistic collaboration with the new project Not My God and the eponymous debut album features a darkly experimental electro/industrial approach. 

“Fiction” was released as first single and in fact perfectly represents the darkened atmospheric composition that is a key element of the whole album and the vocals seem to float through the dense darkened electro layers like hallucination induced voices in your head.  

“Until The Pain Is Gone” belongs to a monochromatic sonic realm carefully built by multilayered electronic tapestries that in the memorable chorus evolve into industrial oriented rhythmic bursts.

“Snowing Discord” flows like a distorted daydream and sounds like a dark lullaby as some glowing melodic keyboards are added to the main blurry atmospheric layers accompanied by a bittersweet laid back vocal delivery. 

“Birthright” has a stronger rhythmic core with heavier and increasingly darker industrial elements that are particularly amplified by the subtle groovy chorus and naturally embrace the dancey electro beats. 

“Nevermore” could induce a trance like state with an addictive electro rampage that relies on a wide array of wild distorted sounds and trippy rhythmic variations, an ideal backbone for the intense grim vocals. 

“Right Now” manifests some cool post-apocalyptic vibes as the moody electro arrangements successfully keep a constant darkly fervent rhythmic ensemble that ultimately leads to dystopian industrial grooves. 

“Cold Black” matches the title as the gelid atmosphere is characterized by a tenebrous flair that generates loads of creepy sounds following a perennial gloomy rhythm and vocals seem to lurk in the dark.  

This is just the beginning for Not My God but both Tim Sköld and Nero Bellum are experienced artists in the underground industrial scene so it’s not surprising to see that this debut album already showcases a vibrant creative force generating a murky & catchy collection of songs. 

 

Diabulus In Musica – Euphonic Entropy

Spanish symphonic metal band Diabulus In Musica have been around for a while and through the years they have perfected a catchy & majestic sonic formula that fully comes to life with the theatrical new full length “Euphonic Entropy”.

The symphonic wonderland embodied by “Race To Equilibrium” features sumptuous orchestrations and a fiery rhythmic rampage as guitars deliver solid catchy riffs to accompany the scattered darker moments amplified by a faster tempo and aggressive growls nevertheless the lavish operatic vocals & choirs are always in the spotlight. 

“The Misfit’s Swing” stands out for the playful swing style rhythm that leads to diverse melodic nuances yet the symphonic essence is still present with impeccable operatic vocals and elegant multilayered arrangements. 

On “In Quest Of Sense” the mood gets quite dramatic with somber choral parts, melancholic lead vocals and refined orchestrations while the rhythmic section still focuses on heavier guitar driven grooves.  

The understated atmospheric layers on “Otoi” feel like a soothing soundtrack for a folk fairytale while the polished guitar melodies and the flawless emotive vocal delivery evoke the harmonious aspects of symphonic metal. 

“Our Last Gloomy Dance” sounds like a masquerade ball with a waltz style rhythm surrounded by the darker yet grandiose tonalities of the detailed orchestrations and the inner gloom is certainly matched by the mysterious aura of the choir and the dramatic operatic delivery. 

On “Blind Muse” thunderous drums and bold guitar riffs often take the center stage keeping a strong heavy momentum even if the song’s melodic soul is constantly enhanced by the orchestral splendor and the heartfelt vocal harmonies. 

Creating the right mood for a night at the opera “In The Vortex” relies exclusively on rich multi layered atmospheric arrangements that evoke sheer melancholy as well as triumphant vibes and emphasize the classical style of the dazzling operatic vocals.

Diabulus In Musica stay true to the signature elements that have rendered symphonic metal an exceptionally successful genre worldwide so if you’re a fan you will find plenty to love on the latest offering “Euphonic Entropy”. 

 

Nero Di Marte – Immoto

Italian experimental metal outfit Nero Di Marte is devoted to the creation of distinctive hard to categorize soundscapes that seem to constantly evolve following a wild creative freedom throughout the new album “Immoto”. 

The cerebral complexity of “Sisyphos” proves that this is not music for the masses. The emotional vocal delivery and the otherworldly guitar melodies can take you far away creating an intense introspective momentum that leads to a particularly dreamy finale but there are also massive chaotic rhythmic segments fueled by borderline dissonant guitar riffs and faster drumming. 

The title track is another lengthy opus that fully showcases a multifaceted composition beginning with soft vocals and guitar harmonies that will gradually express vivid emotions through post metal oriented instrumental progressions that shift from mellow melodies to harsh rhythmic blasts. 

On “La Casa Del Diavolo” in the midst of a dense almost impenetrable atmosphere guitars craft enticing melodic textures and acquire darker tonalities with a strong post metal inspiration and once again the band effortlessly shifts from tranquil moments to significantly heavier prog influenced rhythmic crescendos. 

With a moody atmospheric approach and delicate guitar harmonies “Irradia” flows like a beautiful daydream yet even if the inner melancholia remains a key element the rhythmic section will eventually embrace a sharp heavier momentum accompanied by theatrical vocals.  

With an evident avantgarde approach on “Immoto” Nero Di Marte fearlessly aim to craft unique and even unusual instrumental progressions that also express a whirlwind of meaningful emotions. 

Archon Angel – Fallen

Archon Angel is a new exciting project featuring former Savatage and Circle II Circle vocalist Zak Stevens and producer/guitar player Aldo Lonobile of Secret Sphere, the result of this collaboration is embodied by the powerful debut album “Fallen”.

The title track marks a truly memorable beginning with the perfect dosage of passionate piano melodies and atmospheric arrangements surrounding catchy rhythmic dynamics that are constantly enriched by Zak’s charismatic voice channeling the authentic spirit of classic metal. 

The strength of “The Serpent” comes from the darkened vibes of the heavy groovy rhythmic core that relies on sharp riffage and glamorous soloing embellished by multilayered understated orchestrations and such captivating ensemble naturally suits the fierce vocal delivery. 

The bittersweet piano melodies of “Under The Spell” immediately evoke a sheer melancholia yet the groovy guitar riffs confidently maintain an engaging bold rhythmic momentum and the vibrant counterpoint vocal parts are simply irresistible. 

The atmospheric layers on “Twilight” become dramatically darker and the opulent symphonic orchestrations gain a rather dominant role within the song’s structure while the impeccable rhythmic section continues to focus on a solid series of heavier guitar driven grooves.  

The old school heavy metal approach is particularly vivid on “Faces Of Innocence” which relies on a winning blend of heartfelt melodic textures and glowing keyboards layers intensified by the flamboyant guitar soloing and the exquisite vocal harmonies. 

The epic final track “Return Of The Storm” will easily become a favorite beginning with enticing melancholia infused piano melodies that put the spotlight on the stunning counterpoint vocal choirs and the consequent darkly melodic grandeur will remain essential as the lavish symphonic orchestrations continue to shine through the faster energetic rhythmic patterns. 

Archon Angel demonstrate to have already a clear sonic pathway in mind and on “Fallen” Zak’s unforgettable signature vocal style paired with a pure classic metal essence and progpower elements at times might remind you of the glorious days of Savatage so the fans worldwide will enjoy listening to this album and probably will feel a bit nostalgic. 

 

Konvent – Puritan Masochism

Danish death/doom metal quartet Konvent is ready to spread undiluted darkness and impress the underground metal scene with the malevolent debut album “Puritan Masochism”. 

The title track depicts a pitchblack sonic realm with the crushing weight of the guitar riffs surrounded by a nightmarish atmosphere naturally emphasized by the cavernous growls and the monochromatic melodic passages. 

On “World Of Gone” vocalist Rikke Emilie List continues to deliver terrific growls that seem to emerge from hellish depths and the dismal guitar tonalities successfully channel a primal doom force through the imposing riffage and the forlorn melodies. 

The funereal slow motion of “Bridge” favors mournful guitar melodies that inevitably create a sense of desolation that will always linger through the constant monolithic rhythmic segments and the diabolical growls. 

“Waste” begins another dark journey with ominous bass lines swiftly followed by aggressive rhythmic grooves that confidently combine the primordial elements of doom and death metal and the consequent tormented vibes are definitely amplified by obscure screams. 

“Ropes pt. II” reminds you that there is no escape from darkness as the familiar combo of super heavy rhythmic blasts and guttural vocal delivery clearly channels the band’s extreme metal influences while guitars can also focus on dramatically slow burning melodies channeling a sense of despair further emphasized by the enigmatic atmospheric finale. 

Undoubtedly each and every song on “Puritan Masochism” is drenched in darkness as the murky nuances of classic doom are extremely dominant and Konvent are still at the beginning of their career but already seem sincerely devoted to such timeless subgenre. 

Blasphemer – The Sixth Hour

For Italian extreme metal band Blasphemer a new chapter begins with the release of the full length “The Sixth Hour” conceptually based on the last day of Jesus Christ on the path that led him from the Gethsemane to Golgotha. 

“Let Him Be Crucified” begins with an anguished atmosphere that gives way to a rather hostile rhythmic ensemble filled with violent guitar riffs and cavernous growls that clearly manifest the blasphemous essence of the entire album. 

“The Stumbling Block” certainly maintains a lugubrious mood from beginning to end as guitars craft profoundly darkened melodic phrases in the midst of a relentless rhythmic assault inspired by the obscure depths of death metal. 

On “Lord Of Lies” the precise drumming dictates a breakneck rhythm inevitably generating a chaotic momentum while the guitar work shifts from unrestrained riffage to intriguing & menacing licks.  

“I.N.R.I.” features some tasteful mournful guitar melodies that naturally add dramatic depth but don’t sacrifice the savage aspects of the faster belligerent rhythmic segments which still follow a wicked death metal pathway. 

The title track confidently relies on a ferocious rhythmic section but often focuses on the ominous tonalities of the lead guitar work accompanied by agonizing screams that tend to enhance the tragic vibes.  

On “The Deposition” the dramatic nuances seem to gain more attention leading to an inescapable torment fully expressed by the understated melodic lead guitars emerging through the asphyxiating rhythmic ensemble. 

Throughout “The Sixth Hour” Blasphemer are certainly eager to keep an uncompromising brutality that stays true to their blackened death metal pathway and thrives within the underground scene but also manage to deliver some bewitching melodic twists. 

T.O.M.B. – Thin The Veil

For over twenty years T.O.M.B. have been spreading darkness with an enigmatic approach and continue to follow a blasphemous music pathway today with the sixth full length “Thin The Veil” which also features collaborations with Hellhammer of Mayhem, Maurice “Mories” de Jong of Gnaw Their Tongues, Andy Winter of Winds, Craig Smilowski formerly of Immolation, and Duncan McLaren of Venom Wolf.

“No Return” has an esoteric essence naturally embedded in the murky atmospheric layers and the asphyxiating blackened rhythmic assault is constantly fueled by manic speed and ominous guitar tonalities. 

The blurry mournful sounds of “Pestilence” seem to emerge from a forgotten dark abyss as guitars offer insidious riffs & leads blending black metal and noise elements through a desolate atmospheric maze. 

The title track relies on faster hostile rhythmic patterns channeling primal black metal roots and the occult vibes increase dramatically when the slower tempo highlights the presence of mysterious atmospheric waves. 

“Decapitation Of The Gods” combines the apocalyptic vibes of industrial with the relentless brutality of black metal as guitars unleash aggressive riffage and gelid tonalities within a chaotic sonic realm. 

“Lunar Reckoning” could not sound darker and the necromantic growls certainly match such mood within the mystifying rhythmic ensemble enhanced by the solemn drumming and the monochromatic guitar tones. 

On “Hellmouth” the vocals sound like an arcane incantation that also reminds you that you’re stuck in a hellish world surrounded by murky atmospheric layers and oppressive rhythmic blasts characterized by dissonant noise elements. 

On “Thin The Veil” T.O.M.B. keep everything as obscure as possible mixing harsh black metal elements and cryptic atmospheres that certainly belong to the darkest corners of the underground metal scene. 

Sepultura – Quadra

Since their inception Brazilian legends Sepultura have successfully developed a groundbreaking irresistible sonic identity that for thirty five years has been gradually evolving into a complex creative force that today generates the majestic new album “Quadra”. 

The darkened essence of “Isolation” is dramatically enhanced by epic symphonic elements that will soon give way to a groovy series of massive thrash rhythmic blasts featuring abrasive guitar riffs, pummeling drums and towering growls. 

“Means To An End” immediately focuses on an unrestrained rhythmic rampage so the band’s signature thrash dynamics sound quite dominant leading to moshpit inducing grooves enriched by refined yet absolutely ravenous lead guitar work and a cathartic tribal momentum. 

“Last Time” stands out for the charismatic guitar work that since the very beginning showcases a modern progressive flair yet the rhythmic section definitely channels the undiluted rage of thrash metal with relentless guitar riffs accompanied by the perfect dosage of hostile growls. 

The mood changes on “Guardians Of Earth” beginning with soulful acoustic guitar harmonies followed by majestic operatic choirs that introduce a faster rhythm meticulously built by precise drumming and eclectic guitar phrases that will reach the acme with an inspiring solo so the thrash elements are still present but naturally embrace the evocative progressive composition. 

“The Pentagram” is an intense instrumental track that allows you to truly appreciate the stellar musicianship and also highlights a compelling sonic diversity as guitars shift from vitriolic riffage to complex prog oriented soloing constantly supported by a powerful impeccable rhythmic backbone. 

“Agony Of Defeat” is definitely a sophisticated track that evokes a profound melancholia with the somber elegance of the memorable intricate guitar melodies and the passionate clean vocal delivery and such fervent feelings are also expressed by the eloquent symphonic arrangements. 

Featuring guest vocalist Emily Barreto “Fear, Pain, Chaos, Suffering” carefully blends haunting melodic guitar progressions and fierce rhythmic segments generating a majestic groovy momentum in the midst of a profoundly darkened atmosphere. 

“Quadra” often manages to maintain an aggressive thrash metal momentum reminiscent of the early breakthrough discography but Sepultura are not really trying to rely exclusively on the same winning formula as they prove to be eager to move forward therefore you can expect some cool experimental ideas throughout the album.