The musical journey of Sum of R started back in 2007 as an instrumental project by Reto Mäder and now featuring a full line up the new visionary release “Lahbryce” is bound to impress the listeners with a remarkable avant-garde approach.
“Sink As I” begins a dreamy journey as a dense atmospheric ensemble surrounds the slow burning guitar phrases channeling a psych doom energy that ultimately leads to monochromatic blurry rhythmic crescendos enhanced by shattering screams.
“Borderline” evokes hazy post-metal nuances as the delicate guitar melodies flow gracefully through a mysterious atmosphere yet a grave doom force will generate significantly heavier rhythmic patterns.
“Hymn For The Formless” aims to instantly spellbind you seamlessly blending dystopian drone accents and melancholic guitar harmonies embellished by moody vocals in contrast with the darker crescendo fueled by the sheer despair of the obscure growls.
Throughout “144th” a shimmering post-metal essence unfolds gently as the enthralling guitar work carefully crafts soulful melodic passages while the enigmatic finale can make you feel dizzy with quasi chaotic electro layers.
“Lust” focuses on the immense nostalgia of the gorgeous melodic motifs emphasized by the darkly soothing guitar tonalities and the ethereal atmospheric textures yet the resulting daydream feel is often interrupted by the vicious growls and the frantic rhythmic blasts.
“Lahbryce” has the power to take you far away from the dreadful reality as Sum of R deliberately create a hypnotizing sonic realm skillfully combining fragile melodies and heavy elements.
Category: Album Reviews 2022
Konvent – Call Down The Sun
Two years after a triumphant debut release Danish blackened death doom band Konvent is ready to conquer a wider audience with the fiery grooves and the perennial darkness of the sophomore record “Call Down The Sun”.
Funereal bells introduce the menacing world of “Into The Distance” which relies on the heavy weight of the monochromatic guitar riffs and the cavernous growls to build unstoppable harsh doom laden rhythmic patterns.
“Sand Is King” instantly evokes desolation and despair as the colossal guitar riffs and the hammering drums become the main focus generating a monolithic rhythmic ensemble in proper traditional doom fashion.
On “Grains” the mighty guitars can certainly unleash raw energy amplified by the ferocious screams cutting through the bleak atmosphere and the consequent ominous nuances are easily enhanced by the slower progressions.
“Fatamorgana” dwells within a harrowing sonic realm where everything feels inevitably hopeless due to the grim guitar tonalities and the hypnotizing riffage emphasized by the spine chilling chanting emerging from the darkest depths of an ancestral abyss.
“Harena” marks a grand finale being the most elaborate track with increased diversity as the classical elegance of spellbinding violin and cello harmonies create a gelid atmospheric gloom around the lugubrious rhythmic section.
Spreading undiluted darkness and sheer fury, Konvent proudly invoke the arcane forces of doom and death metal to deliver an overdose of obscure grooves throughout “Call Down The Sun”.
Slægt – Goddess
Danish black/heavy metallers Slægt are ready to impress the metal scene with a distinct obscure sonic vision that today generates the twisted soundscapes of the new full-length “Goddess”.
The ominous atmosphere of “Deceived by an Amethyst” introduces an intense groovy blackened rhythmic rampage constantly fueled by the soaring guitar riffs while the wildly charismatic solos clearly showcase a timeless heavy metal flair.
Within the pitchblack dimension of “Hunt Again” the darkened guitar sound leads the way to a cryptic rhythmic maze shifting from faster & ferocious blasts, easily amplified by the venomous growls, to the dazzling classic metal style of the extensive solos.
“Fealty, Thunder Whip” begins with bleak atmospheric textures but as soon as the edgy guitar work takes over the rhythmic patterns become quasi chaotic due to the subtle discordant elements in contrast with the hypnotizing melodic accents of the slower passages.
The title track manifests a fascinating esoteric essence with an intriguing blend of retro rock vibes and arcane atmospheric nuances leading to slower dramatic moments and the excellent guitar work has a chance to shift the focus to an epic melodic grandeur.
Throughout “Goddess” Slægt continue to channel a primal blackened force but can easily surprise the audience with a remarkable experimental approach that combines a wide range of musical influences.
Spiral Skies – Death Is But A Door
Swedish heavy psych rockers Spiral Skies embark on a spellbinding voyage channeling glorious vintage vibes through the hypnotic soundscapes of the sophomore record “Death Is But A Door”.
“The Endless Sea” opens the album with Frida’s otherworldly vocal harmonies flowing through dreamy arpeggios but soon the charismatic rhythmic section acquires fuzzy energy to craft an overload of groovy patterns.
“While The Devil Is Asleep” evokes delightful 70’s rock influences as the band successfully maintains an ideal balance between riveting melodic aesthetics and magnetic grooves amplified by the classic guitar sound.
On “Somewhere In The Dark” guitars acquire decadent darkened tonalities and the fiery riffage spontaneously generates irresistible grooves adorned by a sultry vocal performance and warm melodic accents.
“Time” opens the portal to a distant hazy dimension as the haunting guitar melodies follow a contemplative tempo that puts the spotlight on Frida’s enchanting voice yet the instrumental ensemble eventually embraces an occult flair and spacey fuzzy rock elements.
“Mirror Of Illusion” stands out for the seductive melodic splendor as the stunning vocals convey wistful feelings and the enticing guitar progressions flourish within a slow burning rhythmic maze ultimately evolving into a memorable fervent crescendo.
With the release of “Death Is But A Door” Spiral Skies definitely raise the bar manifesting a bewitching sonic vision that skillfully blends melancholia infused melodies and inflamed retro rock dynamics.
Crowbar – Zero And Below
New Orleans sludge metal pioneers Crowbar make a majestic comeback with the doom laden grooves and the genuine emotional depth of the highly anticipated new record “Zero And Below”.
“The Fear That Binds You” doesn’t waste any time as the heavy chunky guitar riffs effortlessly build crushing grooves and downtuned progressions to complement Kirk Windstein’s grave vocal delivery.
Following a doomed sonic pathway “Confess To Nothing” highlights the fundamental role of the robust rhythmic section and the fiery guitar work acquires menacing darkened tonalities to express dismal feelings.
“Chemical Godz” is filled with sharp guitar riffs leading to a quite harsh momentum yet the slower mournful progressions amplify gelid melodic nuances keeping in mind a traditional doom approach.
The slow burning track “Denial Of The Truth” begins with obscure guitar riffs and the consequent hypnotizing rhythmic maze generates overwhelming grim emotions enhanced by the dramatic vocal harmonies.
Throughout “Reanimating A Lie” a fuzzy energy fuels the heavy weight of the intense riffage and the steady monolithic rhythmic patterns that later acquire more aggressive vibes leading to faster dynamics.
The title track diligently keeps a balanced mix of massive heavy guitar riffs and hypnotizing soulful melodic phrases creating a gloomy sonic realm that certainly emphasizes a contemplative composition.
Undoubtedly Crowbar will not disappoint their devoted acolytes as “Zero And Below” holds all the crucial doom elements and the swampy sludge dynamics that cemented the band’s influential status over the last three decades.
E-L-R – Vexier
Swiss doomgaze trio E-L-R channels pure cosmic energy to meticulously craft dreamy soundscapes throughout the sophomore album “Vexier”.
“Opiate The Sun” will inevitably hypnotize you through a mysterious atmosphere that seamlessly evolves into an immersive rhythmic ensemble fueled by the exquisite darkened guitar tonalities and the forlorn melodic accents.
On “Three Winds” the rhythmic section reveals an obscure blackened inspiration following a faster tempo and emphasizing the dominant role of the abrasive guitar riffs while the distant chanting and the gloomy melodic progressions add a captivating mystical flair.
Throughout “Fleurs Of Decay” the mood shifts from a harsh momentum to contemplative passages as guitars skillfully create a monochromatic rhythmic maze and the consequent loop of darkened hazy progressions could induce a trance state.
Emerging from a distant dimension “Forêt” embraces ritualistic vibes through the arcane percussion while the lysergic guitar work evokes mesmerizing shoegaze influence but also a strong primordial doom force ultimately leading to monolithic patterns that will morph into an otherworldly atmospheric finale.
“Vexier” symbolizes an adventurous voyage as E-L-R confidently combine enigmatic psychedelic nuances and surreal darkened atmospheric textures to instantly spellbind the listeners.
MIdnight – Let There Be Witchery
Following a blasphemous sonic pathway Midnight is ready for another reckless ride providing an overdose of catchy & creepy grooves throughout the fifth full-length “Let There Be Witchery”.
“Telepathic Nightmare” opens the album with an appealing sinister mood and the vitriolic rhythmic rampage relies on a frantic blend of black and speed metal putting the spotlight on the unstoppable crunchy guitar riffs.
Filled with spiteful screams “In Sinful Secrecy” constantly unleashes raw energy and the consequent untamed grooves are spiced up by the tasteful classic metal flavors of the lead guitar work.
“Nocturnal Molestation” sounds as nasty as expected putting the spotlight on the rebellious attitude of the vocals emphasized by the belligerent rhythmic section and the wild guitar solo is bound to grab your attention.
Like a party in a graveyard “More Torment” conveys eerie vibes and the robust guitar riffs naturally acquire some delicious darkened tones ultimately generating another round of groovy dynamics.
“Devil Virgin” is basically packed with bouncy guitar riffs and spontaneous grim leads creating an irresistible nightmarish rhythmic ensemble that could be rightfully used for a splatter movie soundtrack.
The morbid catchiness of “Szex Witchery” generates galloping rhythmic blasts inspired by a traditional speed metal formula as once again the malicious guitar riffs hit you in the face while the grand finale shifts to utterly somber progressions.
Undoubtedly Midnight delivers once again an addictive collection of malignant tunes that demands to be played loud as “Let There Be Witchery” can instantly induce a savage moshpit with devilish hooks and massive guitar driven grooves.
Allegaeon – Damnum
For over fifteen years technical death metal band Allegaeon has worked hard to develop a distinct sonic vision that today shines brighter on the sixth album “Damnum” providing the ideal balance between sheer fury and enticing melodic splendor.
In the beginning “Bastards of the Earth” makes you feel at peace with a soothing series of arpeggios but an obscure force will bring an overload of abrasive rhythmic patterns easily amplified by the angered growls and the fierce technical riffage.
“Of Beasts and Worms” enhances a contemplative mood with mellow acoustic passages accompanied by a heartfelt clean vocal delivery but everything changes as the hostile rhythmic section takes over and the lead guitar work delivers acrobatic progressions.
“Called Home” sounds particularly fascinating focusing on emotional depth and recurring cathartic melodic textures emphasized by glowing atmospheric accents nevertheless the fiery guitar riffs acquire darker tonalities to build robust grooves.
Surrounded by a haunting atmosphere “The Dopamine Void Pt. 1” embraces dazzling prog dynamics but this sense of tranquility disappears as soon as “The Dopamine Void Pt. 2” unleashes violent rhythmic blasts diligently fueled by the breakneck speed and the relentless guitar riffs channeling a primal death metal force.
Within the darkened realm of “Only Loss” guitars effortlessly create complex enraged progressions well supported by the ruthless growls and the precise drumming but you can still perceive a dismal melodic essence.
Ultimately “Damnum” is the product of an intense sonic evolution as Allegaeon constantly showcase great creativity and impressive musicianship but also choose to explore a variety of emotive themes through eloquent lyrics.
Dark Funeral – We Are The Apocalypse
Swedish black metal titans Dark Funeral make a triumphant comeback embracing an intricate songwriting style to create the ideal soundtrack for the end of the world on the highly anticipated seventh full-length “We Are The Apocalypse”.
You simply cannot escape the immense fury of “Nigthfall” as the inflamed rhythmic section immediately unleashes a tight series of blackened grooves fueled by the raw energy of the relentless guitar riffs and the venomous growls nevertheless you will find a fair dosage of tasteful melodic accents.
On “Let The Devil In” the ritualistic vibes of the monolithic drums lead the way to an ominous realm where the scorching guitar riffs generate insanely groovy dynamics without the need for extra speed in fact the sorrowful progressions are destined to instantly captivate the listeners.
Drenched in darkness “Nosferatu” relies on a majestic blackened force to consistently deliver an untamed rhythmic rampage while the slower sophisticated guitar phrases and the sinister narratives amplify the cryptic mood.
The composition of “When I’m Gone” shifts to a decadent atmospheric ensemble enriched by the refined guitar melodies expressing sheer melancholia yet you can still find visceral rhythmic patterns easily enhanced by the ruthless growls.
As the drums acquire massive speed “Beyond The Grave” delivers a malevolent rhythmic assault and the robust guitar riffs simply seem to emerge from the darkest depths of black metal while during the breakdown the melodic textures reveal mournful feelings.
Everything is impossibly obscure on the title track as the menacing combo of unrestrained drum blasts and sharp riffage can leave you breathless and shattered once again putting the spotlight on the glorious guitar work.
Dark Funeral diligently continue to craft memorable black metal anthems staying true to their influential legacy but also increasing diversity throughout the frostbitten soundscapes of “We Are The Apocalypse”.
Sylvaine – Nova
Multi-instrumentalist composer Sylvaine is ready to impress once again the burgeoning blackgaze scene with the rich kaleidoscopic composition and the darkened poetry of the brand new album “Nova”.
“Mono No Aware” at times follows a particularly obscure pathway leading to fast aggressive blackened patterns amplified by the pummeling drums and the venomous screams in contrast with the wistful guitar phrases that will open a portal to an enchanting dreamy world where Sylvaine’s graceful voice becomes your faithful guide.
“Nowhere, Still Somewhere” perfectly embodies a haunting melodic daydream as the spellbinding arpeggios flourish within a soothing atmospheric ensemble and naturally evolve into deeply melancholic rhythmic crescendos that showcase a delightful shoegaze inspiration enriched by the heartfelt vocal harmonies.
“Fortapt” pays homage to Sylvaine’s Norwegian roots evoking magical folk nuances through nostalgic minimalist arpeggios that can take you far away from the dreadful reality while the lavish melodic tapestries become increasingly darker with the addition of feral screams and gritty riffage.
A darkly romantic vision unfolds delicately through “Everything Must Come To An End” focusing on an exquisite combo of fascinating somber guitar melodies and eloquent vocals adorned by the classical splendor of violin and cello.
Undoubtedly Sylvaine still channels a primordial blackened essence but fully embraces an intimate songwriting approach to manifest a glowing rebirth meticulously crafting the alluring soundscapes of “Nova”.
You must be logged in to post a comment.