Austrian black metal band Anomalie takes you far away from existential struggles and embraces the wild peace of an ancient forest on the latest shamanic offering “Tranceformation”.
“Trance I: The Tree” begins a spiritual voyage with a darkly ethereal atmosphere enhanced by the theatrical clean vocals and the arcane tonalities of the mesmerizing melodic guitar progressions that gradually evolve into a more aggressive rhythmic rampage.
The peaceful sound of nature introduces the blackened groovy ensemble of “Trance II: Relics” as the untamed riffage and the monolithic drumming unravel around the fiery vocal performance by Nornagest of Enthroned while the slower refined passages convey immense melancholia.
The ancestral flair of “Trance IV: Nemesis” could aptly induce a trancelike state and guitars craft an enthralling melodic flow accompanied by solemn vocals evoking overwhelming crestfallen emotions yet the charismatic rhythmic section will eventually deliver a fair dosage of venomous blasts.
Featuring majestic guest vocals courtesy of Sakis Tolis of Rotting Christ, “Trance V: Cerulean Sun” acquires ominous vibes channeling the raw energy of classic black metal through a visceral rhythmic assault but during the finale the cathartic melodic essence of the haunting violin phrases can instantly spellbind the listeners.
Anomalie skillfully shape a mystical sonic vision that spontaneously generates an alluring blend of inflamed blackened dynamics and contemplative melodic aesthetics throughout he new opus “Tranceformation”.
Category: Album Reviews 2021
W.E.B. – Colosseum
Greek symphonic extreme metallers W.E.B. embrace an ambitious obscure sonic vision within the convoluted soundscapes of the fifth full-length “Colosseum”.
An endless darkness is destined to triumph on “Dark Web” as decadent symphonic tapestries surround the malignant rhythmic rampage and the merciless growls while the lead guitar work will evoke grim feelings with a brief tasteful melodic breakdown.
“Murder Of Crows” shifts the focus to a poetic melodic essence as guitars carefully craft melancholic progressions enhanced by refined atmospheric arrangements yet the mighty rhythmic section is ready to unleash faster punishing blasts.
The title track begins with slow burning guitar phrases and theatrical vocals inevitably conveying a sinister mood and the solemn symphonic elements continue to embellish the inflamed rhythmic ensemble and the lavish melodies.
Something evil lurks in the dark as “Dominus Maleficarum” immediately manifests a venomous rhythmic approach highlighting the menacing blackened influences of the soaring guitars enriched by the darkly majestic atmospheric layers.
“Exaudi Luciferi” would be a perfect horror movie soundtrack relying on riveting symphonic orchestrations, creepy narratives and a slower ominous tempo that constantly amplifies a fascinating dramatic depth.
Throughout the intricate sonic realm of the new album “Colosseum” W.E.B. are developing an intriguing formula that seamlessly blends ferocious blackened dynamics and captivating symphonic grandeur.
Exodus – Persona Non Grata
Masters of thrash metal Exodus reach another milestone in their successful long standing career with the release of the crushing eleventh album “Persona Non Grata”.
The title track demonstrates that Exodus still have the necessary energy to create memorable thrash metal dynamics with an overdose of merciless guitar riffs marching fiercely through an explosive rhythmic maze definitely enriched by the impressive soloing.
“R.E.M.F” begins with a terrific combo of sharp riffage and monumental drums and the resulting raw energy gradually leads to a classic thrash metal formula that demands a crazy moshpit.
“Slipping Into Madness” continues to unleash massive grooves putting the spotlight on the vicious tones of the soaring guitars and the chorus will inevitably get stuck in your head.
“Prescribing Horror” presents a quite gloomy scenario focusing on the slower tempo and the mournful guitar melodies accompanied by a malevolent vocal delivery but you can still expect a fair dosage of hostile guitar riffs and elaborate leads.
The traditional thrash metal flair thrives within the gritty grooves of “The Years Of Death And Dying” highlighting the brilliant guitar work shifting from galloping heavy riffage to fancy intricate solos.
The southern flavor of acoustic guitars introduces another round of blazing grooves on “Lunatic Liar Lord” and once again the thrilling guitar solos offer diversity and technical prowess.
The anthemic thrash metal style of “Antiseed” generates faster abrasive rhythmic blasts featuring precise drumming and relentless ravenous riffs that reach the acme with an extensive wild guitar solo.
The unstoppable visceral guitar driven grooves at the core of “Persona Non Grata” will certainly satisfy the faithful acolytes as Exodus proudly stay true to their untamed thrash metal legacy exploring themes of societal degradation.
Aephanemer – A Dream Of Wilderness
Toulouse based symphonic melodic death metal act Aephanemer aims to raise the bar with the multifaceted composition and the theatrical flair of the third full-length “A Dream Of Wilderness”.
Listening to “Antigone” you can appreciate the sophisticated symphonic arrangements that constantly surround the inflamed guitar progressions with hints of glowing power metal influences in contrast with the faster passages accompanied by aggressive growls.
The engaging rhythm of “Le Radeau de La Méduse” is naturally fueled by the soaring guitar riffs and the fierce drumming but the triumphant atmosphere and the intricate leads ultimately create a compelling melodic grandeur.
Like a French operetta “Roots And Leaves” features rich atmospheric textures and solem choirs while guitars can effortlessly shift from wild riffage to convoluted neoclassical phrases that emphasize the somber melodic essence.
On “Panta Rhei” the guitar work continues to impress with a charismatic blend of heavy riffs and elegantly harmonious leads evoking bittersweet emotions while the opulent orchestrations maintain an impeccable classical style.
The title track can unleash a majestic heavier rhythmic rampage easily enhanced by the ravenous growls yet the extensive sumptuous symphonic layers ultimately lead to a deeply dramatic atmospheric momentum.
As Aephanemer smoothly develop a remarkable sonic identity that could definitely put them on your radar “A Dream Of Wilderness” showcases a darkened soul skillfully embellished by refined symphonic tapestries.
Glassing – Twin Dream
Blackened post-hardcore band Glassing manifests a multifaceted sonic vision depicting a bleak reality through the darkened soundscapes of the third full-length “Twin Dream”.
Surrounded by a gelid atmosphere “Spire” focuses on a chaotic rhythmic rampage constantly fueled by the abrasive riffage and the desperate screams yet as the tempo slows down guitars meticulously craft poignant melodic progressions.
On “Burden” the dissonant sound of the mighty rhythmic section can easily generate oppressive grooves while the lead guitar work has the chance to follow a moody melodic pathway ultimately leading to slower desolate passages.
On “Absolute Virtue” the monumental drumming immediately picks up speed to deliver an aggressive rhythmic assault while the convoluted guitar progressions evoke despair and grief flowing through a murky atmosphere.
The title track emphasizes crestfallen feelings with contemplative atmospheric tapestries, calmer clean vocals and comforting melodic guitar phrases channeling dreamy shoegaze influences that will ultimately evolve into a distorted frantic finale.
“Amongst the Stars” builds savage dissonant grooves with the impactful post-hardcore flair of the raw guitar sound yet there is still space for some soothing nostalgia infused melodies.
An overwhelming melancholia lingers through “At Long Last” as the melodic guitar work acquires ethereal tonalities floating sinuously within a blurry atmospheric maze and the vocals become distant whispers enhancing the emotive themes.
Within the gloomy world of “Twin Dream” you can always perceive contrasting emotions as Glassing embrace hazy shoegaze aesthetics yet can also confidently build visceral rhythmic blasts.
Mother Iron Horse – Under The Blood Moon
Stoner-sludge metal band Mother Iron Horse aims to put a spell on you channeling a strong occult spirit through the massive grooves of the sophomore release “Under The Blood Moon”.
Throughout “The Devil’s Work” you can feel classic heavy rock nuances as the roaring guitars deliver an overdose of gritty riffs consequently the bold rhythmic section leads to an unstoppable groovy momentum.
On “Nocturnal Eternal” the rhythmic core acquires obscure doom elements highlighting the extra heavy riffage that will later embrace a monumental stoner style enriched by a solid series of charismatic leads.
The title track continues to revolve around an overload of wicked guitar riffs and the vocals become vicious screams within a wild rhythmic ensemble while the calmer passages feature quasi melodic slow-burning progressions.
“Samhain Dawn” sounds particularly interesting beginning with a slower arcane rhythm that inevitably evokes occult rock vibes as something supernatural might lurk in the dark but there’s still space for some robust groovy dynamics.
“Samhain Night” diligently explores sludgy territories as the monolithic riffs unleash pure raw energy easily amplified by the savage screams but a bewitching melodic essence is bound to emerge through tasteful guitar phrases.
Within the witchy sonic realm of “Under The Blood Moon” Mother Iron Horse confidently focus on the creation of crushing guitar driven grooves often evoking the ominous force of traditional doom metal.
Mortiferum – Preserved In Torment
Doomed death metal band Mortiferum fully embraces an obscure sonic vision that today leads to the oppressive soundscapes of the sophomore album “Preserved In Torment”.
The asphyxiating atmosphere of “Eternal Procession” is constantly amplified by the cavernous growls and evokes a timeless doom essence as the dismal guitar sound leads to a wicked combo of captivating melodic undertones and crushing riffs.
Following a straightforward death metal approach “Exhumed From Mortal Spheres” acquires a malevolent speed fueled by the vicious drumming and the corrosive riffage that will give way to an elaborate guitar solo.
Through the murky atmosphere of “Caudex Of Flesh” guitars carefully craft a solid series of funereal progressions conveying a sense of impending doom favored by the painfully slower tempo yet the hostile rhythmic section can still build a malignant assault in classic death metal fashion.
On “Mephitis Of Disease” the sharp riffage and the aptly tormented growls march fiercely through a pitchblack dimension and the rhythmic ensemble can seamlessly shift from dramatic doom laden passages to insanely faster grooves.
Within the world of endless darkness depicted on “Preserved In Torment” Mortiferum diligently focus on extremely heavy riffage and lugubrious rhythmic dynamics proudly channeling the ominous force of extreme metal.
Madmess – Rebirth
Psych-rock band Madmess is finally ready to embark on an unforgettable sonic voyage through space and time with the massive trippy soundscapes of the debut full-length “Rebirth”.
Listening to “Albatross” you’re surrounded by a peaceful cosmic energy as the band skillfully engages in an endless jamming session that certainly highlights the versatile guitar work shifting from glowing melodies to unexpected twisted dynamics well supported by the monolithic bass lines.
Within the kaleidoscopic realm of “Mind Collapse” guitars continue to steal the spotlight with a captivating blend of dense fuzzy riffage and moody progressions emphasized by a magical psychedelic flair leading to slower contemplative moments.
The title track feels like a cathartic experience beginning with dreamy harmonies that quickly evolve into a monumental rhythmic ensemble showcasing a magnetic groovy soul and without losing the inner melancholia the intricate & wild guitar solos are destined to impress the listeners.
“Stargazer” stands out for the irresistible groovy momentum as following thunderous drum blasts guitars have a chance to unleash electrifying heavier riffs and convoluted leads that can make you feel dizzy before returning to the immense nostalgia of the enthralling spacey melodic textures.
Certainly Madmess have worked hard to develop the spellbinding vision embodied by “Rebirth” which has the power to make you space out instantly with an elaborate style, excellent musicianship and an authentic heavy psych-rock spirit.
Dold Vorde Ens Navn – Mørkere
Emerging from the darkest depths, Norwegian black metal collective Dold Vorde Ens Navn confidently follow an ominous pathway to craft the debut full length “Mørkere”.
“Jeg vil ha det mørkere” has the power to drag you to the abyss as the aggressive combo of relentless riffage and pummeling drums inevitably create an obscure rhythmic maze without sacrificing a memorable groovy momentum.
Following a mid-paced tempo “Løgnens abstinenser” still relies on a raw blackened force certainly amplified by the raspy growls while the sombre melodic guitar work accompanied by theatrical chants immediately evoke an ancient Nordic spirit.
The beginning and the grand finale of “Ensomhetens rytter” feature the sheer beauty of melancholic elegant strings while the rest of the song unleashes a full blown blackened rhythmic assault following the faster monumental drumming.
“Er det måneskinn” showcases an opulent composition as the dramatic orchestrations and the haunting melodic tapestries become the main focus and guitars skillfully deliver crestfallen progressions.
“Syke hjerter” brings closure with a sophisticated melodic approach as eerie guitar phrases and wistful arpeggios ultimately create a gelid sonic realm consequently the histrionic vocal performance shifts from vicious growls to solemn chanting.
Consisting of veterans of the renowned black metal scene Dold Vorde Ens Navn stay true to their Norwegian heritage unleashing ferocious rhythmic dynamics yet never refrain from exploring emotive themes through the darkly alluring soundscapes of “Mørkere”.
Altareth – Blood
For Swedish stoner doom band Altareth the time has come to release the debut full length “Blood” characterized by darkened tonalities and an irresistible vintage flair.
The title track immediately manifests the album’s obscure essence as a dense arcane atmosphere surrounds the extremely heavy riffage and the gloomy melodic guitar leads well supported by the monumental drumming.
You can easily perceive a strong traditional doom influence on “Satan Hole” as the raw energy of the thick guitar riffs lead the way to a sinister yet quite catchy rhythmic ensemble that can acquire enigmatic trippy vibes during the slower passages.
The nocturnal nuances of “Moon” create a darkly mystical sonic realm where guitars effortlessly generate a groovy momentum with massive fuzzed-out riffage but also deliver soft dreamy melodic phrases accompanied by an aptly lunatic vocal delivery.
“Empty” often follows a painfully slow sludgy tempo so the mood becomes rather lugubrious as the heavy weight of the rhythmic section and the mournful slow-burning melodic guitars depict a world of desolation and misery.
Altareth proudly channel the timeless glory of 70s doom metal and heavy rock to craft a thoughtful mix of darkened soundscapes and monolithic guitar driven grooves throughout “Blood”.