Celebrating the obscure force of black metal, Greek band Lucifer’s Child and Brazilian veterans Mystifier join forces on the unholy split album “Under Satan’s Wrath”.
Mystifier open the album with the malevolent dynamics of “Death Beyond Holy Creation” showcasing hints of old school black metal through the unrestrained hostile riffage and the theatrical chanting embellished by the fancy melodic nuances of the guitar work.
The second original track “Under Inhumane Evil Spells” immediately unleashes a belligerent combo of monumental drumming and ravenous guitar riffs while the classic heavy metal vibes of the multiple extensive solos increase diversity.
Lucifer’s Child delivers a blasphemous offering with “Satan’s Wrath” focusing on the breakneck speed of the relentless drums and the oppressive guitar riffs to create a menacing rhythmic rampage that will morph into a brief ominous melodic ensemble.
On “Nova Tenebris” Lucifer’s Child fully embrace a ritualistic flair leading to the sheer brutality of the majestic blackened rhythmic blasts amplified by the visceral growls while the nocturnal atmospheric textures and the excellent gloomy melodic guitar work evoke arcane vibes.
Throughout “Under Satan’s Wrath” Lucifer’s Child and Mystifier have the chance to manifest their own distinct blackened vision spreading perennial darkness and hellish grooves.
Category: Album Reviews 2022
Die Apokalyptischen Reiter – Wilde Kinder
Formed back in 1995 German innovative band Die Apokalyptischen Reiter continues to fearlessly evolve on the latest thrilling full-length “Wilde Kinder”.
The explosive album opener “Von Freiheit will ich singen” relies on an elaborate groovy mix of crunchy guitar riffs and triumphant keyboards arrangements to create a truly energetic rhythmic rampage amplified by the harsh vocal delivery.
A bewitching gothic industrial mood feels quite dominant on “Volle Kraft” as the relentless gritty riffage ensures a stomping rhythm while the darkened atmospheric tapestries lead to cathartic slower passages.
The title track can easily unleash aggressive rhythmic blasts due to the wild heavy metal approach of the unrestrained riffage in contrast with the luminous keyboards and guitar harmonies during the atmospheric breakdown.
“Leinen los” conveys somber emotions through the soothing arpeggios and the delightful polished melodic guitar leads yet the occasional powerful rhythmic crescendos accompanied by vicious growls generate darker vibes.
Surrounded by a mysterious atmosphere “Euer Gott ist der Tod” reveals a faster ferocious rhythmic assault channeling a primal extreme metal inspiration and even the calmer guitar progressions acquire intense obscure tonalities enhanced by the theatrical vocal performance featuring guest vocalist Sabine Scherer.
“Der Eisenhans” maintains a robust series of vitriolic guitar driven grooves leading to a memorable solemn chorus but an enchanting nostalgia emerges through the dreamy atmospheric textures and the cold nuances of the fancy guitar solo.
Manifesting an aptly apocalyptic sonic vision throughout “Wilde Kinder”, Die Apokalyptischen Reiter skillfully deliver a balanced blend of inflamed grooves and profound melancholy that will certainly please all the “Reitermania” fans.
Vio-Lence – Let The World Burn
Returning as a full time band back in 2019, thrash metal veterans Vio-Lence are finally ready to release the first new material in 29 years on the vicious five-song EP “Let The World Burn”.
Without any hesitation “Flesh From Bone” unleashes insane grinding guitar riffs and fast hostile drumming following an old school thrash pathway and the extensive guitar solo diligently delivers some majestic acrobatics.
Throughout “Screaming Always” the relentless riffage and the spiteful screams demand extra speed and absolute fury but an appealing somber melodic ensemble eventually generates contemplative vibes.
The ruthless rhythmic onslaught of “Upon Their Cross” clearly relies on the colossal bass lines and the visceral guitar work providing diversity with a majestic shredding galore and keeping alive a beloved thrash metal legacy with abrasive riffs.
The extremely groovy title track can leave you shattered and helpless as the scorching guitar riffs simply seem unstoppable leading to savage rhythmic dynamics while the slower ominous passages aptly feature a nightmarish speech.
Ultimately “Let The World Burn” has the power to instantly trigger a brutal moshpit and symbolizes a true rebirth as Vio-Lence proudly stay true to their authentic thrash metal legacy and have a chance to manifest a massive energetic creativity.
Messa – Close
Italian doom rockers Messa begin a new exciting musical chapter and aim to spellbind the listeners with the eclectic composition of the latest offering “Close”.
On “Suspended” the Fender Rhodes piano intro creates a darkly alluring atmosphere that naturally gives way to an intriguing blend of monolithic guitar riffs and lavish jazzy passages adorned by Sara’s enchanting vocal harmonies.
The impactful track “Dark Horse” revolves around feverish rhythmic patterns highlighting the dazzling vintage flair of the guitar work which effortlessly shifts from unrestrained heavy riffage to soulful melodic phrases.
An overwhelming nostalgia lingers though “Orphalese” as the mellow jazzy saxophone introduces a dreamy sonic realm where Sara’s voice floats gracefully through the contemplative melodic progressions embellished by warm Mediterranean flavors.
“Rubedo” fully showcases heavy rock influences as guitars diligently deliver big fuzzy riffs that will evolve into quasi chaotic rhythmic segments following the drumming’s extra speed while the crispy melodic essence emerges from the eloquent slower passages and the sultry vocal performance.
“If You Want Her To Be Taken” shines for the deeply melancholic mood certainly emphasized by the soothing vocals and the smooth guitar leads yet the riff-worship approach becomes dominant during the monumental groovy crescendos.
The inner darkness of “Serving Him” generates bewitching occult rock nuances within a gripping melodic ensemble and the robust rhythmic section can easily amplify familiar heavier doom elements enriched by an extensive stylish guitar solo.
Undoubtedly Messa pay homage to their glorious classic doom rock roots but embrace a multifaceted songwriting approach that ultimately leads to the opulent hypnotizing soundscapes of the new full-length “Close”.
Agathodaimon – The Seven
After many years of silence, German dark metallers Agathodaimon make a triumphant comeback with the seventh studio album “The Seven” bound to please their faithful acolytes with a charismatic blend of sheer brutality and melodic elegance.
The aggressive album opener “La Haine” showcases a primordial blackened formula through the vitriolic mix of ravenous riffage and unrestrained drums yet the polished guitar melodies accompanied by soulful clean vocals instantly evoke an overwhelming melancholia.
“Wolf Within” immediately unleashes a solid series of groovy blackened dynamics easily enhanced by the hellish growls while the sophisticated atmospheric textures ultimately lead to a cathartic melodic momentum.
Featuring a malevolent vocal performance by former vocalist Romanian Vlad Dracul, “Mother of all Gods” offers a rather ominous approach as the relentless guitar riffs amplify a savage black metal inspiration while the lavish symphonic arrangements lead to softer poetic passages.
Within the darkened sonic realm of “In my Dreams (Part 2 – In Bitterness)” the rhythmic section engages in faster obscure dynamics yet the passionate clean vocals and the mournful guitar melodies emphasize a contemplative mood.
Drenched in darkness “Kyrie / Gloria” continues to rely on the successful combo of frostbitten rhythmic blasts and sorrowful melodic guitar progressions enriched by the solemn baritone vocal delivery and the opulent orchestrations.
The majestic final track “The Divine” highlights the role of the intricate symphonic tapestries and the poignant piano harmonies as everything becomes increasingly darker due to the crestfallen guitar tonalities that often morph into a harsh blackened rampage.
Symbolizing a true rebirth “The Seven” naturally shifts from a ferocious rhythmic assault to an fascinating dramatic depth as Agathodaimon look forward proudly manifesting an ex novo creative force.
Darkher – The Buried Storm
English doom folk outfit Darkher fully embraces an evocative cinematic approach to create the immersive soundscapes of the sophomore full-length “The Buried Storm”.
On the eerie album opener “Sirens Nocturne” Jayn Malven’s otherworldly voice guides you through a dense atmospheric maze embellished by the stark beauty of the classical violin phrases.
Through the desolate world of “Lowly Weep” the ethereal atmosphere will morph into heavier doom laden rhythmic crescendos fueled by the mysterious distorted guitars and the monolithic drumming.
Like a hypnotizing dirge or a dark lullaby “Love’s Sudden Death” focuses on the lugubrious guitar tonalities and the heavy weight of doom metal influences to create monochromatic progressions adorned by the soft vocals that evoke a decadent romanticism.
“Immortals” constantly conveys immense melancholia through the mesmerizing vocal performance and the poignant arpeggios floating gracefully within a dreamy atmosphere ultimately leading to spellbinding rhythmic patterns revolving around a vibrant blend of impeccable strings and moody guitar harmonies.
The dramatic depth of “Fear Not, My King” becomes palpable as a dreary atmospheric ensemble surrounds the crestfallen cello tones and the delicate vocals while the gelid guitar progressions certainly increase the inner sinister vibes.
As Darkher delve deeper into a kaleidoscopic sonic realm where darkness and light become inevitably entangled “The Buried Storm” has the power to hypnotize you instantly and touch your soul.
Nite – Voices Of The Kronian Moon
Hailing from the Bay Area, blackened heavy metal band Nite aims to conquer your cold soul skillfully blending glorious N.W.O.B.H.M dynamics and perennial darkness on the sophomore full-length “Voices Of The Kronian Moon”.
The album opener “Acheron” doesn’t waste any time as the bold rhythmic section fully embraces a memorable groovy momentum enriched by the captivating darkened guitar tonalities and the polished melodic leads.
The aptly nocturnal atmosphere of “Kronian Moon” puts the spotlight on the ominous vocal delivery and the bewitching melodic guitar work offering an overdose of charismatic licks and sorrowful phrases.
Darkness inevitably descends on “Liber ex Doctrina” which features an ideal combo of deeply mournful harmonious progressions and inflamed rhythmic patterns highlighting once again the striking guitar work.
On “Edge of the Night” an alluring somber intro leads the way to a significantly faster & heavier rhythmic rampage enhanced by a dazzling guitar solo yet an overwhelming melancholia is bound to flourish through the sophisticated melodic aesthetics.
“Thorns” proudly showcases major classic metal influences through the soaring guitar riffs and the triumphant drum blasts yet you can instantly perceive the obscure presence of gelid blackened nuances and lugubrious melodic textures.
Channeling a timeless heavy metal force Nite confidently continue to shape an intriguing sonic vision that thrives within the shadowy grooves of “Voices Of The Kronian Moon”.
Abbath – Dread Reaver
Norwegian black metal legend Abbath fearlessly emerges from the darkest depths to drag you through the frostbitten grooves of the ambitious third full-length “Dread Reaver”.
An ominous atmosphere surrounds the fast wicked rhythmic core of “Acid Haze” as the steady roaring guitar riffs and the flamboyant leads accompanied by ruthless growls easily amplify the coldest black metal roots.
“Dream Cull” surprises you with a decadent eerie acoustic intro swiftly followed by fiery rhythmic patterns that can still convey intense grim feelings due to the dominant darkened guitar tonalities.
“Myrmidon” relies on glorious black ‘n roll dynamics as the gritty riffage showcases an entertaining classic rock attitude but the extra speed of the crushing drums inevitably leads to a pitchblack heavier momentum.
Under a shroud of frost “The Deep Unbound” fully embraces an obscure flair as the unrestrained rhythmic section and the venomous growls channel a primordial blackened force embellished by the polished charismatic guitar solo.
The monumental title track triumphantly unleashes a mid-paced groovy blackened rhythmic rampage as the visceral combo of memorable guitar riffs and furious drumming simply seem unstoppable and the theatrical sinister vocals definitely evoke epic vibes.
Within the perennial Nordic darkness of “Dread Reaver” Abbath seems to focus mainly on an audacious black ‘n roll formula that spontaneously generates a solid series of malevolent grooves bound to trigger instant headbanging.
GGGOLDDD – This Shame Should Not Be Mine
Dutch band GGGOLDDD has been developing a unique sonic vision bravely exploring diverse styles & sounds and the result of this intense evolution is the new full length “This Shame Should Not Be Mine” which for vocalist Milena Eva becomes the rightful creative outlet to confront the trauma of her personal experience with sexual assault.
“Strawberry Supper” focuses on Milena’s haunting vocal delivery flowing gracefully through an enigmatic atmosphere that becomes darker as the rhythmic section gains momentum channeling heavier rock roots.
As unsettling vibes linger though “Like Magic” the instrumental ensemble seamlessly shifts from faster gritty blackened patterns fueled by the unrestrained guitar work to blurry electro layers that seem to emerge from a distant dimension.
Monochromatic vocals are floating through the pulsating beats of “Spring” naturally expressing painful feelings and the rhythm becomes quite frantic with an edgy mix of industrial accents and crunchy guitar riffs.
The strength of “Notes on How to Trust” relies on the captivating nature of the eerie atmospheric maze and the darkly magnetic rhythmic crescendos that perfectly complement Milena’s eclectic vocal performance.
On the title track the electro arrangements feel like a heartbeat and Milena’s eloquent vocals flourish through the opulent atmospheric tapestries that also maintain a cinematic darkened allure.
The impactful final track “Beat by Beat” creates irresistible and borderline feverish grooves with a fascinating combo of multilayered electronic nuances and inflamed guitar riffs emphasized by the poignant vocal harmonies.
Throughout “This Shame Should Not Be Mine” GGGOLDDD reach a striking emotional depth blending moody electronic textures and evocative melodies that defy any standard musical category and ultimately have the power to instantly spellbind the listeners.
Meshuggah – Immutable
Swedish tech-metal icons Meshuggah aim to impress with an ex novo creative force embarking on a dystopian journey through the labyrinthine soundscapes of the ninth studio album “Immutable”.
Surrounded by a dense futuristic atmosphere “Broken Cog” is ready to unleash an overdose of abrasive guitar riffs naturally leading to an elaborate rhythmic maze yet the slower passages favor an appealing eerie melodic essence.
“Light The Shortening Fuse” showcases a quite aggressive approach as the dominant crunchy riffage dictates an unrestrained rhythmic rampage enhanced by the venomous growls while the intricate guitar leads create darkened melodic aesthetics.
On “Ligature Marks” the colossal rhythmic section ensures a ruthless groovy momentum fueled by the undisputable technical prowess and embellished by the refined lighter nuances of the magnetic guitar progressions.
“They Move Below” begins with deeply melancholic acoustic phrases but a monumental heavier ensemble is bound to take over as guitars unleash a meticulous mix of vitriolic riffs and complex proggy dynamics.
Throughout “The Faultless” guitars steal the spotlight effortlessly shifting from harsh riffage to moody progressions emphasized by solemn vocals maintaining an ideal balance between a familiar extreme metal inspiration and a will to push boundaries.
“Armies Of The Preposterous” delivers a massive rhythmic onslaught acquiring extra speed and the precise guitar work focuses on discordant tonalities and menacing patterns conveying grim feelings.
The instrumental final track “Past Tense” leaves behind the savage heavy frenzy to bring closure with haunting themes and eloquent acoustic passages.
After three decades Meshuggah continue to evolve fearlessly challenging the listeners and manifesting an expansive musical vision that defies space and time through the convoluted realm of “Immutable”.
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