French post-rock band Lost In Kiev aims to manifest their feelings concerning pressing environmental issues through the cinematic composition of the new album “Rupture”.
The harmonious soul of “We Are” comes alive through the delicate guitar phrases ultimately leading to heavier borderline chaotic rhythmic patterns enhanced by the eclectic synthesizers.
On “Squaring The Circle” guitars can embrace softer tonalities as well as wilder riffage emphasizing the expression of contrasting emotions and building a palpable rhythmic tension.
“Another End Is Possible” conveys a profound melancholia as the fragile arpeggios flow gracefully through a dreamy atmospheric ensemble while distorted guitars generate gripping rhythmic crescendos.
On “Solastalgia” the multifaceted synths can surprise you with moody electro layers and the mellow guitar sound depicts a desolate world until the rhythmic section picks up speed and rough distortion.
The title track once again highlights the emotive nature of the entire album focusing on gloomy guitar melodies that gradually morph into quasi frantic dynamics.
Recorded in a live-setting “Rupture” is filled with genuine emotions and raw energy as Lost In Kiev choose a multilayered songwriting approach skillfully shifting from hazy melodies to futuristic arrangements.
Category: Album Reviews 2022
Isafjørd – Hjartastjaki
Featuring extraordinary artists Aðalbjörn Addi Tryggvason and Ragnar Zolberg, the new Icelandic post-rock band Isafjørd takes you on a contemplative journey through the icy soundscapes of the debut release “Hjartastjaki”.
“Mín Svarta Hlið” instantly captivates the listeners with fragile piano melodies and bittersweet guitar tonallities unfolding around the vivid vocals that never fail to express genuine emotions.
The title track continues to embrace a sublime cinematic approach featuring bleak rhythmic patterns and heart wrenching atmospheric tapestries further emphasized by the poignant vocals.
On “Kuldaró” the exquisite piano and Ragnar’s delicate voice lead you through a desolate landscape while the sudden presence of distorted guitars skillfully adds diversity with heavy riffage.
You can lose yourself within the darkened dreamy atmosphere of “Njálssaga” which certainly stands out for the reflective melodic aesthetics and the raw energy of the mesmerizing guitar solo.
For the grand finale “Andvök” evokes pure Nordic melancholia through the subtle piano and the shimmering atmospheric textures surrounding another charismatic vocal duet while guitars will ultimately craft hypnotizing rhythmic crescendos.
The passionate vocal performances and the enthralling multilayered atmospheric arrangements created by Isafjørd definitely have the power to take you to a frozen valley far away from the dreadful reality as “Hjartastjaki” is destined to become the perfect soundtrack for neverending winter nights.
Goatwhore – Angels Hung From The Arches Of Heaven
Renowned as one of the most ruthless extreme metal bands, Goatwhore returns triumphantly with a collection of malevolent anthems on the new studio album “Angels Hung From The Arches Of Heaven”.
“Born Of Satan’s Flesh” constantly delivers a gruesome rhythmic assault fueled by the expected hellish force of the punishing drums and the unstoppable guitar riffs ultimately leading to a blistering solo.
There is no hesitation as “The Bestowal Of Abomination” offers another unrestrained round of blasphemous rhythmic patterns always enhanced by the visceral growls and the charismatic guitar work.
The title track relies on the memorable guitar riffs to build diverse monumental grooves while a mysterious melodic essence will arise whenever the tempo slows down a bit leading to a piano finale.
Featuring a mix of thrash & blackened elements “The Devil’s Warlords” maintains a faster rhythmic rampage putting the spotlight on the malignant energy of the relentless guitars and the vengeful growls.
The perilous music journey continues with “Weight Of A Soulless Heart” where guitars add diversity with loads of tasteful sinister melodic leads within the main aggressive rhythmic structure.
“And I Was Delivered From The Wound Of Perdition” represents an ideal closure beginning with a solemn acoustic intro swiftly morphing into a crushing rhythm that doesn’t need a persistent breakneck speed to leave a mark and in fact the refined melodic elements are bound to captivate the listeners.
Listening to “Angels Hung From The Arches Of Heaven” you can definitely expect plenty of furious grooves executed with precision and bloodlust as Goatwhore draw from a wide array of influences but always look forward.
Strigoi – Viscera
Formed by mastermind Greg Mackintosh of legendary Paradise Lost, Strigoi continues an obscure music journey that today generates the pitchblack soundscapes of the sophomore release “Viscera”.
The unsettling atmosphere of “United in Viscera” naturally leads to lugubrious doom laden rhythmic patterns highlighting the excellent guitar work shifting from slower melodic accents to sophisticated leads.
“An Ocean of Blood” focuses on the visceral riffage and the bleak guitar tonalities to build a palpable rhythmic tension with a blackened inspiration inevitably enhanced by the guttural growls.
The solemn ominous intro of “Hollow” swiftly evolves into crushing grooves and while maintaining a classic doom approach the insane drum blasts ensure a faster blackened rhythmic structure.
“Bathed in a Black Sun” offers an intriguing blend of sinister guitar phrases and murky atmospheric waves while the wicked riffage consistently creates a series of harsh rhythmic crescendos.
The mood becomes quite dramatic on “Byzantine Tragedy” as guitars march fiercely and often acquire extra speed through a mournful atmospheric maze embellished by delicate chanting.
There is no hope and certainly there is no light within the mysterious atmospheric ensemble of “Iron Lung” as the heavy weight of the guitar riffs and the somber melodic lines constantly amplify a doom flair.
Throughout “Viscera” Strigoi meticulously shape a deeply darkened sonic vision crafting malevolent rhythmic patterns and evoking pure misery with an evident doom metal influence.
Darkthrone – Astral Fortress
Norway’s finest and legendary duo Darkthrone doesn’t really need a formal introduction and the new enigmatic studio album “Astral Fortress” is the legit product of an ongoing sonic evolution blending variegated heavy metal influences.
“Caravan Of Broken Ghosts” begins with crestfallen acoustic phrases and guitars gradually acquire lugubrious doom tonalities enhanced by tormented vocals still following a slower tempo with occasional raw rhythmic blasts.
The strength of “Stalagmite Necklace” certainly relies on the primal approach of the memorable guitar work and the extremely gloomy tonalities enriched by fragile atmospheric arrangements conveying wintry vibes.
At the center of the album lies the lengthy cryptic opus “The Sea Beneath the Seas of the Sea” which combines moody atmospheric textures and gritty riffage generating doom laden rhythmic patterns and some faster blackened blasts.
Everything is inevitably dark within the mysterious atmosphere of “Eon 2” but the fiery guitar riffs can easily evoke a glorious heavy metal essence to build solid groovy dynamics.
With the release of “Astral Fortress” Darkthrone just seems unstoppable and continues to solidify their legacy as Nocturno Culto and Fenriz embark on another obscure journey channeling old school black metal and classic doom.
Avatarium – Death, Where Is Your Sting
Swedish doom metal band Avatarium bravely continues to shape a unique sonic identity on the fifth record “Death, Where Is Your Sting” focusing on an ideal blend of darkness and poetry.
The bittersweet romance of “A Love Like Ours” lingers through the elegant violins and the exquisite atmospheric tapestries while guitars create darkened slow burning melodic crescendos to complement Jennie-Ann Smith’s impeccable vocal performance.
On “Stockholm” the guitar riffs instantly acquire a traditional doom flair enhancing the eerie atmosphere in contrast with the deeply melancholic acoustic phrases and the heart wrenching vocal harmonies.
The mood becomes darker as “God Is Silent” focuses mainly on fierce doom laden rhythmic patterns fueled by the monolithic drumming and the heavy weight of the guitar riffs which ultimately lead to an extensive blistering solo.
“Nocturne” features a wilder rhythmic rampage highlighting the dominant role of the gritty guitars yet there is an inner melodic soul bound to emerge within the softer chorus and the harrowing solo.
The instrumental final track “Transcendent” spellbinds the listeners with wistful atmospheric arrangements and warm acoustic passages that will naturally evolve into a mournful doom rhythmic ensemble embellished by classical violins.
From beginning to end “Death, Where Is Your Sting” successfully showcases a diverse composition revolving around Jennie-Ann’s exceptional vocals as Avatarium aim to express profound emotions without forgetting their strong doom metal roots.
Disillusion – Ayam
German avant-garde pioneers Disillusion embrace a fascinating sonic evolution reflecting on existential questions on the latest eclectic record “Ayam”.
The monolithic opus “Am Abgrund” showcases a complex composition putting the spotlight on the brilliant guitar work shifting from deeply melancholic melodies enhanced by the soulful vocals and the elegant atmospheric tapestries to absolutely fiery rhythmic patterns that can easily grab your attention and express contrasting emotions.
Surrounded by multi-layered hazy atmospheric textures “Tormento” shifts the focus on the speed & fury of the perfect combo of hammering drums and vitriolic guitar riffs ultimately leading to a wild proggy solo.
“Abide The Storm” can effortlessly deliver some harsh rhythmic blasts while the mellow passages featuring wistful guitar melodies and a gentle vocal delivery evoke pure poetry reaching the acme with a charismatic solo.
The magical atmosphere and the compelling melodies of “From The Embers” can take you far away once again emphasizing an emotional approach while guitars certainly have the force to create sophisticated leads and inflamed riffage.
“The Brook” marks a gloomy album closure as the passionate vocals flow gracefully through a delicate atmospheric ensemble while the darkened guitar tonalities and the enchanting piano naturally generate gripping melodic crescendos.
The multi-dimensional sonic realm of “Ayam” can always surprise you as Disillusion skillfully blend opulent cinematic soundscapes, enchanting melodies and aggressive death metal elements to create a memorable work of music.
Behemoth – Opvs Contra Natvram
Polish extreme metal titans Behemoth make a majestic return with the sophisticated obscure realm of the twelfth studio album “Opvs Contra Natvram”.
You cannot escape the blasphemous force of “Malaria Vvlgata” as the relentless riffage and the hammering drums easily create an asphyxiating rhythmic rampage.
The mood changes a bit on “The Deathless Sun” as the guitar leads & charismatic solos acquire enigmatic tonalities generating quasi melodic moments emphasized by the triumphant chorus without sacrificing the inner blackened fury.
On “Ov My Herculean Exile” guitars focus on slower passages and the consequent decadent atmosphere naturally evokes tormented feelings further enhanced by the dramatic vocal delivery.
“Once Upon A Pale Horse” offers ominous melodic phrases highlighting the somber guitar work yet the precise drumming proudly delivers a fair dosage of memorable blackened grooves.
“Thy Becoming Eternal” stays true to a devilish black metal formula with unstoppable guitar riffs and extra speed but certainly benefits from the solemn choirs to convey a mysterious flair.
“Versvs Christvs” shows a contemplative and refined songwriting approach as the sheer beauty of classical piano accompanied by whispered vocals introduce a solid series of aggressive rhythmic patterns enriched by a savage guitar solo.
Over the course of three decades Behemoth bravely forged an uncompromising sonic vision that today continues to symbolize rebellion and individuality throughout the labyrinthine soundscapes of “Opvs Contra Natvram”.
Ruby The Hatchet – Fear Is A Cruel Master
American trailblazers Ruby The Hatchet aim to reach new levels pouring cosmic psych rock energy throughout the new record “Fear Is A Cruel Master”.
The band’s heavy rock roots are evident on “The Change” which relies on the raw energy of the sizzling guitar riffs to build powerful grooves definitely embellished by the vintage tonalities of the multilayered keyboards.
On “Primitive Man” guitars immediately engage in infectious riffage with irresistible fuzzy tones and often pick up speed to deliver a strong rhythmic rampage enhanced by the Hammond accents.
The haunting vocal duet is at the center of “1000 Years” which chooses a bittersweet melodic pathway bound to move the listeners emphasizing the warm guitar phrases while the keyboards and riffs still hold a strong psych rock essence.
The subtle atmospheric intro of “Soothsayer” naturally leads to memorable blazing rhythmic patterns as guitars showcase stoner rock vibes and once again the Hammond takes you back in time with a sensational retro flair.
“Amor Gravis” focuses on the unstoppable gritty guitar riffs and the consequent high octane grooves yet the softer hazy passages and the sultry vocals can easily evoke pure nostalgia.
Paying homage to the true spirit of rock ‘n roll, Ruby The Hatchet proudly show their abilities and passion delivering a successful combo of bold riffage and spacey harmonies throughout”Fear Is A Cruel Master”.
The Halo Effect – Days Of The Lost
Featuring extraordinary musicians Gothenburg’s newest melo-death metal supergroup The Halo Effect proudly releases the highly anticipated debut album “Days Of The Lost”.
The golden days of melo-death metal are perfectly represented by the infectious riffage of “Shadowminds” which marks a memorable beginning combining an overdose of harsh guitar riffs, sweeping melodic phrases and modern atmospheric tapestries.
The title track picks up a faster energetic tempo enhanced by the hammering drum blasts and Mikael Stanne’s visceral growls while the crispy guitar leads and the excellent solo focus on a polished melodic essence.
During “Conditional” the slower moments clearly emphasize a gloomy mood through elegant guitar phrases but the precise rhythmic section certainly has the chance to provide proper death metal patterns.
“In Broken Trust” skillfully showcases an ideal balance between fiery guitar driven grooves and cathartic melodic passages within a refined atmospheric ensemble consequently the soulful clean vocals amplify a beloved Nordic melancholia.
The poetic strings intro of “Last Of Our Kind” swiftly leads to a quite aggressive rhythmic rampage highlighting the perfect combo of relentless riffage and gruesome growls featuring guest vocalist Matt Heafy of Trivium.
Staying true to an irresistible melo-death formula “The Most Alone” brings a contemplative closure with a captivating series of darkened melodic crescendos and soothing wintry guitar tonalities.
“Days Of The Lost” is bound to conquer all acolytes of the legendary Gothenburg melo-death scene with plenty of melodic hooks as The Halo Effect never fails to showcase true passion and brilliant musicianship.