Category: Album Reviews 2020

Fellwarden – Wreathed in Mourncloud

Featuring Fen frontman The Watcher and drummer Havenless, Fellwarden aims to captivate the listeners with the cathartic soundscapes and an epic black metal assault of the sophomore album “Wreathed in Mourncloud”.  

“Pathmaker” opens the album with graceful melodic tapestries evoking an intense sense of longing that will continue to linger through the spellbinding instrumental crescendos carefully created by elegant atmospheric layers and gloomy guitar tonalities yet later a tormented blackened momentum will take over with feverish riffage and obscure growls. 

The title track offers truly majestic soundscapes as the dreamy guitar melodies lead the way to a world of pure nostalgia before embracing a blackened maelstrom with tremolo picking, frantic drumming and fierce growls that will eventually evolve into imposing clean vocals that emphasize the epic atmospheric motifs. 

The intricate composition of “An Elder Reckoning” revolves around a compelling blend of monumental guitar riffs showcasing the darkest black metal roots and contemplative melodic passages that can bring you comfort while the inner nostalgia is always vivid within the atmospheric grandeur. 

“Upon Stone” shines for the profoundly melancholic soul that comes to life through the gorgeous piano melodies and the poignant atmospheric arrangements that constantly express earnest emotions and even uplifting vibes while a mysterious blackened aura continues to maintain a strong presence generating darkened guitar progressions and gelid tonalities. 

The beauty and strength of “Wreathed in Mourncloud” can be easily perceived through the sublime melodic crescendos perfectly entwined with a primal blackened force as Fellwarden passionately craft an inspiring sonic journey. 

Slift – Ummon

French power trio Slift embarks on a psychedelic trip across galaxies and otherworldly dimensions with the new full length “Ummon” so you better be prepared to space out like there’s no tomorrow. 

The title track feels like a wild heavy rock jam that can take you back in time as guitars have the perfect vintage sound delivering explosive dynamics and extensive fiery solos through a mystifying psychedelic atmosphere accompanied by powerful rocker style vocals. 

“It’s Coming…” ensures a trippy sonic experience as the moody guitar phrases flow like a colorful daydream channeling peaceful vibes while the rhythmic section keeps a steady charismatic stoner rock core enriched by the insanely intricate psychedelic arrangements. 

“Citadel On A Satellite” offers some elaborate heavier rhythmic patterns that highlight the presence of the monolithic guitar riffs and the untamed leads yet the psychedelic soul is often bound to prevail generating slower hazy melodic progressions.  

The monumental rhythmic rampage of “Hyperion” is fueled by the outstanding guitar work and a cosmic energy that lead to super groovy heavy rock segments as well as luminous melodic passages entwined with the pure psychedelia of the atmospheric waves. 

Listening to “Altitude Lake” can instantly induce a trance-like state as the soft guitar melodies glow like a beautiful dream surrounded by multilayered magical psychedelic nuances while the solid rhythmic section can still deliver a massive groovy momentum. 

The lengthy final track “Lions, Tigers And Bears” symbolizes the band’s sonic manifesto offering intense guitar driven grooves that channel colossal stoner rock vibes while the guitars and synths ultimately embrace a major psychedelic essence that could make you space out forever beyond time and space.  

You will feel immediately compelled to join the cosmic journey embodied by the edgy psychedelic stoner rock grooves of “Ummon” as Slift successfully showcase great passion and unrestrained creative force.  

Ahab – Live Prey

German purveyors of nautical doom metal Ahab continue their journey through the depths of the dark sea with the  first live release “Live Prey” featuring tracks originally released on their 2006 album “The Call of the Wretched Sea”. 

The lugubrious atmosphere of “Below The Sun” reveals an obscure force that emerges straight from the abyss generating a mix of funereal rhythmic patterns, gelid guitar tonalities and mournful melodies accompanied by cavernous growls. 

“Old Thunder” begins with contemplative gloomy melodies and darkened guitar tonalities but can also evoke the power of the stormy sea with the insane heavy weight of the precise rhythmic section surrounded by solemn atmospheric accents. 

The lengthy “The Hunt” can easily express grim emotions as the harrowing slow tempo constantly highlights the crucial role of the cold melodic guitar phrases, the monochromatic piano tones and the tormented chants but will often unleash crushing dynamics with monolithic doom riffage. 

Proving to be the undisputed sailors of slow heaviness, Ahab bravely explore the dark sea throughout “Live Prey” in order to deliver a monumental anthemic doom metal album.  

 

Mike LePond’s Silent Assassins – Whore Of Babylon

Symphony X bassist Mike LePond returns with his explosive side project Mike LePond’s Silent Assassins to satisfy your crave for pure heavy metal glory on the new full length “Whore Of Babylon”. 

“Dracul Son” unleashes all its inner dark power with bold guitar riffs following a frenetic rhythmic section proudly showcasing some old school vibes accompanied by a charismatic vocal delivery, flamboyant shredding and spooky keyboards arrangements. 

“Tell Tale Heart” offers majestic chunky bass lines and fiery guitar riffs that generate interesting variations and steady groovy rhythmic patterns that deserve to be played loud while the lead guitar work delivers some elaborate solos. 

With a strong epic flair “Night of The Long Knives” focuses on a soothing folk style with loads of passionate acoustic phrases and some ballad elements that demand a slower tempo to evoke poignant feelings and enhance the melodic soul. 

“Lady Bathory” relies on an anthemic classic metal approach with an overdose of mighty guitar riffs that can trigger instant headbanging and the sharp high pitch vocals perfectly match the raw energy of the impeccable rhythmic section. 

The mood of the title track grows calmer & darker with gloomy atmospheric layers and mysterious nuances while the guitar work stands out for the elegant melodic progressions and the exotic tonalities. 

“Avalon” marks a grand finale offering complex rhythmic segments that highlight the stellar musicianship as the convoluted bass lines, the brilliant guitar soloing and the retro vibes of the Hammond organ guide you through a sonic realm made of heroic tales and galloping grooves. 

The combo of classic heavy metal and epic power metal chosen by Mike LePond’s Silent Assassins will certainly attract fans of such beloved genres as “Whore Of Babylon” has the right dosage of bombastic energy to keep you entertained. 

Solaris – Un Paese di Musichette Mentre Fuori c’è la Morte

Italian noise post-rockers Solaris aim to impress the audience with the enigmatic nuances of the debut full-lenght “Un Paese di Musichette Mentre Fuori c’è la Morte”.

“Podio” feels spontaneous & rebellious with the heavy distortions of the fuzzy stoner rhythmic segments that naturally build wild grooves amplified by spiteful vocals and chunky bass lines. 

Listening to “Ezikmndrek” you can easily space out as the dreamy guitar melodies accompanied by emotive vocals evoke a delicate post-rock flair that naturally embraces the significantly heavier fuzzy riffs and the dense rhythmic crescendos. 

“Oro” holds a desert rock spirit with a captivating blend of introspective melodic passages that can feel ethereal like a daydream emphasizing the cathartic nature of the guitar work and bold rhythmic progressions that will lead to wilder stoner dynamics. 

You cannot escape the inner melancholia of “Marnero” which comes to life through the hazy guitar melodies and the laid back vocals that certainly enhance a contemplative mood yet the massive noise oriented rhythmic blasts and the heavier riffage can channel angered feelings that ultimately evolve into a spaced out finale. 

Newcomers Solaris confidently manifest an intriguing sonic vision that on “Un Paese di Musichette Mentre Fuori c’è la Morte” generates fierce distorted patterns and moody melodic waves. 

Dessiderium – Shadow Burn

Dessiderium is the personal creative outlet for Alex Haddad of Arkaik and Nullingroots and the new album “Shadow Burn” manifests an explosive blend of progressive and extreme metal. 

The title track immediately showcases strong blackened roots as the abrasive guitar riffs and the spiteful growls diligently follow a merciless rhythmic pathway that could leave you breathless yet such savage core is often embellished by elegant atmospheric tapestries. 

On “Soul Bursting” gentle piano harmonies introduce a series of elaborate rhythmic patterns that clearly channel massive extreme metal roots with vicious riffage and menacing growls yet a glowing melodic soul always emerges through soothing guitar harmonies and understated atmospheric arrangements.  

The prog dynamics flourish throughout the bold rhythmic rampage of “Cosmic Limbs” leading to charismatic guitar progressions and flamboyant soloing yet the technical death metal influences are still crucial generating faster aggressive segments. 

“Sage In Yearning” still relies on a heavy belligerent rhythm that just seems unstoppable with unrestrained drum blasts and fiery riffage while the luminous atmospheric arrangements evoke a distant dreamy world. 

“God’s Throat” has a technical edgy approach as guitars alway deliver frenetic riffs but also tend to generate unexpected rhythmic twists and gloomy melodic phrases within the rich and variegated atmospheric ensemble. 

“Shadow Burn” can certainly unleash an inflamed sonic assault with breakneck speed, proggy elements and hostile grooves yet Alex aims to show also his genuine emotions that render the whole album quite interesting and enjoyable. 

Acherontas – Psychic Death – The Shattering of Perceptions

Acherontas are renowned in the New Wave of Greek Black Metal scene and the time has come to begin a new chapter with the obscure soundscapes of the eighth studio album “Psychic Death – The Shattering Of Perceptions”. 

“Paradigms Of Nyx” conjures undiluted darkness with a ferocious blackened rhythmic assault amplified by the tormented growls and the theatrical narratives while the ominous guitar riffs and inflamed leads seem to emerge straight from hellish depths. 

The occult vibes of “Kiss The Blood” flourish through the intense guitar progressions channeling an immense melodic gloom and a primordial black metal force while the ritualistic vocals and the mysterious atmospheric arrangements hold a crucial role within the intricate composition. 

The title track shifts to a slower grave tempo that highlights the hypnotizing guitar work generating a bewitching melodic splendor and increasing the spiritual essence in the midst of a dense mystifying atmosphere. 

Darkness descends throughout “Coiled Splendor” which truly feels like an arcane ritual as the atmospheric layers surround the blistering blackened soul embodied by the relentless riffage and drumming yet the guitar leads can elegantly create spellbinding melodic progressions. 

The captivating elaborate guitar melodies on “Magick Of Mirrors” become the dominant element leading to a perennial darkened immersive momentum that could even bring spiritual enlightenment and the solemn spoken words seem to hold an inscrutable magical power that could open the doors of perception. 

“Psychic Death – The Shattering Of Perceptions” incarnates a mystical journey through the ancient routes of divination as Acherontas meticulously craft monumental blackened grooves and enigmatic melodic tapestries. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRYjjr_U1-c

Mushroomhead – A Wonderful Life

Renowned for their explosive live shows and their cool masks Mushroomhead are ready to reach another crucial milestone with the release of the massive new album “A Wonderful Life” which unleashes the expected fiery industrial rampage but also showcases a catchy melodic flair. 

“A Requiem For Tomorrow” begins with solemn operatic choirs that introduce a stomping rhythmic core filled with crunchy guitar riffs surrounded by moody futuristic electronic layers that create darkly entertaining soundscapes. 

“Madness Within” manifests a heavier approach as the abrasive guitar riffs become more prominent marching through the darkened atmospheric layers and the resulting raw energy is further amplified by the savage vocal delivery.  

“The Heresy” often focuses on lavish atmospheric waves and melancholic piano melodies that highlight the emotional vibes of the passionate vocal duet but the rhythmic section can manage to deliver subtle catchy dynamics.  

“What A Shame” conveys a sinister yet playful mood with eerie atmospheric arrangements and baroque harpsichord accents surrounding a series of smooth rhythmic segments that emphasize the darkened melodies but will eventually evolve into a heavier spiteful momentum. 

At times “I Am The One” can sound quite mellow with a spacey multilayered atmosphere and soothing vocals but the rhythmic section can definitely pick up speed and deliver a fair dosage of stomping guitar riffs and thunderous drums. 

“The Flood” follows a softer sonic pathway that emphasizes the vocal skills and the expression of poignant emotions through the contemplative piano harmonies and the lovable melodic crescendos. 

“Where The End Begins” leaves behind the heavy industrial rampage and puts the spotlight on a bittersweet emotive ballad style with soulful vocals and melancholia infused guitar melodies flowing gracefully within the elegant atmospheric ensemble.  

“Sound Of Destruction” dwells within a dystopian sonic realm that spontaneously amplifies the gritty industrial elements with chunky riffage and the consequent fiery rhythmic blasts and angered vocals march through mysterious atmospheric waves. 

Certainly “A Wonderful Life” is a solid addition to Mushroomhead’s discography as it has the power to make you feel good with the energetic approach of industrial metal but also shows that the band has a genuine desire to expand their music vision. 

Nexion – Seven Oracles

Icelandic black metallers Nexion invite you to join an obscure journey through the coldest depths of existence on the debut release “Seven Oracles”. 

The title track is drenched in darkness as the gloomy guitar tonalities naturally generate a cohesive series of intense blackened grooves and the resulting ominous vibes are always enhanced by the malevolent growls yet when the rhythm slows down bewitching guitar melodies have the chance to evoke mournful emotions. 

“Revelation Of Unbeing” immediately showcases an aggressive approach with inflamed drum blasts while guitars at times focus on darkened melodic progressions leading to strong contemplative vibes before returning to a malignant rhythmic rampage. 

“Sanctum Amentiae” stands out for the occult flair of the compelling guitar melodies that emphasize the immersive nature of the song but will soon embrace a diabolical sonic realm with the perfect dosage of funereal guitar riffs and imposing rhythmic dynamics. 

The intricate “The Last Messiah” closes the album channeling the obscure glory of traditional black metal with fierce & fast rhythmic patterns yet once again the frostbitten guitar tonalities have the ability to amplify the dramatic depth with brooding melodic crescendos. 

The mythical & spiritual motifs behind “Seven Oracles” come to life through the balanced mixture of mysterious melodic waves and pure fury proving that Nexion have meticulously and passionately crafted an intriguing debut album. 

Aversio Humanitatis – Behold The Silent Dwellers

Spanish black metal outfit Aversio Humanitatis will drag you into the darkest abyss with the monolithic soundscapes of the latest full length “Behold The Silent Dwellers”. 

Throughout “The Weaver Of Tendons” the rhythmic section can spontaneously unleash an overdose of inflamed blackened dynamics with faster brutal drumming and relentless riffage while the lugubrious melodic progressions and the consequent grave feelings lead to an intense contemplative momentum. 

“The Sculptor Of Thoughts” immediately generates a lethal blackened assault with the fierce rhythmic patterns fueled by the untamed drumming and the ominous guitar tonalities that can trigger hostile riffage as well as deeply mournful melodies enriched by the dramatic vocal delivery. 

“The Wanderer Of Abstract Paths” depicts a hopeless world through the monumental rhythmic maze offering borderline dissonant riffage and passionate grim guitar phrases that easily emphasize the darkened tonalities and the ferocious black metal roots. 

“The Scribe Of Dust” is an invitation to embrace the darkness as the whole instrumental ensemble still channels the coldest black metal elements with merciless rhythmic segments but the guitar work tends to follow a gloomy sonic pathway with fascinating darkened harmonies flowing through a desolate sonic realm. 

Aversio Humanitatis proudly manifest a primordial force that you can constantly perceive running through the fiery blackened grooves within the dystopian realm of “Behold The Silent Dwellers”.