Swiss apocalyptic metal band Abraham follows a tormented sonic pathway channeling raw energy and sheer despair through the enigmatic new album “Débris de Mondes Perdus”.
“Verminvisible” opens the album with painful screams cutting through a dense heavily distorted instrumental ensemble and the gritty guitars can easily lead to frantic & faster rhythmic blasts conveying dismal feelings.
“Blood Moon, New Alliance” immediately unleashes a hostile rhythmic rampage highlighting the rough guitar sound and the oppressive drumming yet you can perceive a pale melodic essence within the darkened atmosphere.
Darkness aptly descends on “Ravenous Is the Night” as the tempo often slows down drastically to emphasize the gloomy melodic guitar phrases destined to shine through the dissonant rhythmic maze.
There is an apparent calm on “A Celestial Funeral” as the grave melodic textures and the hazy post-metal formula can feel quite dominant but at times the caustic rhythmic section generates chaotic moments.
“Black Breath” embodies post-apocalyptic themes and collaborator Emilie Zoé amplifies the inner melancholia with ethereal vocals flowing through a hazy atmospheric dimension enriched by the moody guitar harmonies and the pulsating rhythm.
Far from music for the masses “Débris de Mondes Perdus” belongs to a dystopian world as Abraham confidently provide violent dynamics and unsettling vibes keeping in mind an emotive post-metal flair.
Category: Album Reviews 2022
Shape Of Despair – Return To The Void
Finnish funeral doom stalwarts Shape Of Despair invite you to embark on a contemplative journey through the perpetual darkness of the latest offering “Return To The Void”.
We bravely enter the void as the title track delivers majestic melodic crescendos fueled by the gelid guitar tonalities flowing gracefully through a crestfallen atmospheric ensemble embellished by angelic female vocals.
Within the cold cinematic soundscapes of “Solitary Downfall” guitars continue to combine beautiful forlorn melodies and crushing doom riffage following a painfully slow tempo while cavernous growls and ethereal vocals naturally express an emotional whirlwind.
On “Forfeit” the monumental drumming and the monochromatic guitar sound generate a perennial sense of hopelessness and oppressive rhythmic patterns in contrast with the captivating dreamy atmospheric breakdown.
Everything on “The Inner Desolation” matches the title focusing on a lugubrious blend of mournful melodic phrases and heavy doom laden guitar riffs once again surrounded by refined sorrowful atmospheric layers leading to a particularly haunting finale featuring melancholic vocal harmonies.
Channeling grief and infinite gloom throughout “Return To The Void” Shape Of Despair depict a darkened bleak world where heart wrenching melodic tapestries and monolithic doom progressions become seamlessly entwined.
Oh Hiroshima – Myriad
Swedish post-rock band Oh Hiroshima creates an enchanting melodic grandeur evoking an overwhelming melancholia on the latest immersive record “Myriad”.
“Nour” opens the album with a captivating darkened atmosphere focusing on a modern post-rock approach that naturally leads to hazy melodic crescendos skillfully adorned by intricate keyboards layers and bittersweet vocal harmonies.
Within the kaleidoscopic atmosphere of “Veil Of Certainty” guitars focus on energetic rhythmic patterns and distorted textures without sacrificing the eloquent melodic essence and the consequent sorrowful feelings.
“Ascension” relies on the soft vocal delivery and the comforting slow burning guitar melodies carefully entwined with refined atmospheric arrangements that will reach the acme with a series of dreamy rhythmic crescendos.
Showcasing an opulent composition “Tundra” gently unfolds like a blurry beautiful daydream through the exquisite melodic progressions and the extensive shimmering atmospheric nuances ultimately conveying sadness and nostalgia.
The intense emotional depth of “Myriad” is bound to move the listeners as Oh Hiroshima confidently craft breathtaking atmospheric soundscapes and lavish melodic tapestries enhanced by an irresistible darkened flair.
Kuolemanlaakso – Kuusumu
Featuring renowned vocalist Mikko Kotamäki of Swallow The Sun, Finnish death doom metal band Kuolemanlaakso returns after eight years to spread endless darkness and gloom through the intricate soundscapes of the new album “Kuusumu”.
Under a shroud of frost “Pimeys laski” begins a cathartic journey with gorgeous piano melodies that introduce a doom laden ensemble as guitars effortlessly shift from deeply mournful melodies to obscure riffage ultimately leading to faster harsh patterns.
“Katkeruuden malja” offers mystical melodic aesthetics highlighting the alluring darkened guitar tonalities surrounding a charismatic vocal duet featuring Lotta Ruutiainen of Luna Kills while the mighty rhythmic section generates intense epic vibes.
“Surusta meri suolainen” often follows a slower tempo embracing a lugubrious doom grandeur and naturally reaching a dramatic depth through the opulent atmospheric keyboards and the arcane guitar progressions unfolding gracefully around passionate clean vocals yet the faster rhythmic segments can unleash sheer fury amplified by the vicious growls.
“Surun sinfonia” tends to focus on gripping melodic tapestries to express an overwhelming melancholia enhanced by the theatrical narratives while a traditional doom force is destined to thrive within the heavy & ominous rhythmic crescendos.
The memorable final track “Tulessakävelijä” evokes an ancestral Nordic spirit and reveals an energetic approach through the soaring guitar riffs, the powerful growls and the consequent monumental grooves elegantly embellished by ethereal vocal harmonies and sumptuous atmospheric layers.
The doom roots feel strong within the gelid world of “Kuusumu” yet Kuolemanlaakso skillfully embrace an expansive artistic vision leading to a stunning blend of inflamed dynamics and compelling harmonious arrangements.
Dagoba – By Night
Over the years French quartet Dagoba has been exploring diverse musical territories and the result of this artistic evolution today is embodied by the modern metal approach of the brand new record “By Night”.
“The Hunt” has a subtle dystopian feel successfully combining futuristic electro arrangements and frantic grooves amplified by the ferocious growls yet the polished guitar leads surrounded by cold atmospheric textures can express a somber melodic essence.
“Sunfall” can certainly deliver a massive harsh rhythmic rampage diligently fueled by the crunchy guitar riffs and the fast drum blasts but grim feelings are bound to emerge through the clean vocals and the luminous atmospheric accents.
“Bellflower Drive” marks an impactful moment as the whole rhythmic section confidently engages in aggressive patterns yet the chorus adds catchy vibes with soulful melodic nuances ultimately leading to a solemn atmospheric finale.
“City Lights” amplifies even more the catchiness with the winning combo of galactic electro layers and robust riffage yet the softer atmospheric passages convey a darker contemplative mood.
“Nightclub” features recurring glowing keyboards arrangements revealing a softer approach but the fiery drums often pick up speed releasing extra raw energy.
On “The Last Crossing” the band proudly showcases significantly heavier roots as the gritty guitar riffs and the visceral growls keep a steady groovy momentum that surely would trigger a moshpit.
As darkness inevitably lingers throughout “By Night” Dagoba are able to balance accessible melodic hooks and heavier dynamics that can definitely reach a wide audience.
Immolation – Acts Of God
Death metal veterans Immolation triumphantly channel a timeless & beloved old school style on the 11th studio album “Acts Of God” and you better be ready for an absolutely ferocious sonic assault.
“An Act Of God” consistently unleashes merciless dynamics through the monumental drumming and the relentless riffage yet within this frantic realm the stellar lead guitar work increases diversity with tasteful quasi melodic progressions.
The world of “The Age Of No Light” is aptly pitchblack as the cavernous growls guide you through an oppressive rhythmic maze skillfully embellished by pale melodic accents and flamboyant soloing.
“Noose Of Thorns” initially follows a slower tempo to emphasize the obscure guitar nuances destined to linger even when the impeccable rhythmic section gains the expected ravenous energy to build colossal grooves.
“Blooded” runs on a mighty rage that inevitably generates monolithic rhythmic patterns fueled by the abrasive combo of harsh guitar riffs and intriguing leads that once again manifests creativity and complexity.
“Overtures Of The Wicked” creates a chaotic sonic realm in proper death metal fashion with unrestrained drumming and visceral riffage but there are some interesting rhythmic twists leading to a glorious guitar solo.
On “Let the Darkness In” the fierce rhythmic section can naturally maintain a memorable groovy momentum but guitars will have a chance to deliver refined dismal melodic progressions emphasizing a perennial darkness.
There is a lot going on throughout “Apostle” as the blazing technical approach becomes dominant focusing on an overload of convoluted hostile rhythmic blasts amplified by the menacing growls.
Undoubtedly Immolation choose to stay true to their signature New York death metal sound consequently the strength of “Acts Of God” relies on the untamed rhythmic fury and the charismatic guitar work.
Eight Bells – Legacy Of Ruin
Experimental blackened doom band Eight Bells begins a musical and emotional exploration through the hypnotizing soundscapes of the ambitious third record “Legacy Of Ruin”.
Surrounded by a murky atmosphere “Destroyer” opens the album with haunting vocal harmonies and wistful arpeggios that will soon evolve into a heavier rhythmic ensemble showcasing an inflamed blackened flair fueled by visceral guitar riffs and mournful tonalities.
An immense melancholia lingers through “The Well” as the enticing melodic blend of gloomy guitars, dreamy piano accents and elegant violin reveal an intense emotional depth yet ominous black metal influences will occasionally take over generating aggressive rhythmic blasts.
On “Nadir” the monochromatic vocals enhance a spiritual essence and you can even perceive a pale sense of hopefulness as the soft melodic progressions and the poignant darkened guitar tonalities ultimately lead to cathartic rhythmic crescendos.
“Premonition” marks a grand finale highlighting an arcane energy and an elaborate composition which combines ghastly doom melodies and harsh blackened rhythmic patterns featuring relentless tremolo and tormented growls.
Eight Bells confidently follow a multifaceted enigmatic sonic pathway that can easily grab your attention, shifting from evocative melodies to obscure dynamics within the darkened realm of “Legacy Of Ruin”.
Arð – Take Up My Bones
Founded by multi-instrumentalist Mark Deeks, known for his work with black metal stalwarts Winterfylleth, the new monastic doom metal project Arð manifests an epic sonic vision on the debut release “Take Up My Bones” conceptually inspired by the legendary relics of the famous Northumbrian saint Cuthbert and their long journey.
“Burden Foretold” combines solemn chanting and the heavy weight of traditional doom metal while the slower passages can instantly captivate the listeners with the stark beauty of enchanting cello melodies within a brooding atmospheric ensemble.
Following a slow mournful tempo the title track creates an enigmatic mood with theatrical chants and lugubrious guitar tonalities that naturally lead to crestfallen melodic crescendos embellished by the delicate piano.
Surrounded by an arcane atmosphere “Raise then the Incorrupt Body” unfolds a fragile melodic essence through compelling acoustic phrases, graceful keyboards arrangements and a soft vocal delivery enriched by the immense nostalgia of the guitar leads and the cello.
On “Only Three Shall Know ” evocative monastic chants introduce a majestic darkened sonic realm where a meticulous mixture of sublime classical accents and funereal doom laden guitar riffs create a striking dramatic depth.
Throughout “Take Up My Bones” Arð embrace a detailed composition to tell intriguing stories and myths of their native land blending a harrowing doom metal force and alluring melodic tapestries.
Voivod – Synchro Anarchy
Canadian progressive sci-fi metal veterans Voivod reach a significant milestone with the release of the 15th studio album “Synchro Anarchy” taking you on a spacey trip through a visionary sonic realm.
On “Paranormalium” the discordant guitar riffs and the intricate leads seem to belong to an alternate universe but as the precise rhythmic section gains groovy vibes and speed you can perceive a familiar thrash essence.
The title track can surprise you with loads of twisted rhythmic dynamics fueled by the mighty guitar riffs and the prog drumming style yet there is an inner eerie melodic flair that can generate a catchy momentum.
Offering soothing arpeggios “Mind Clock” acquires a darker aura but there will be drastic tempo variations as the gritty guitar riffs eventually lead to a faster & frantic rhythm that can make you feel dizzy.
“Holographic Thinking” begins with unstoppable heavy riffage characterized by an old school approach yet the guitar work can also deliver complex progressions and a tasteful solo which showcase stronger prog metal influences.
“Quest For Nothing” provides a fair dosage of robust thrash grooves highlighting the heavier tight rhythmic section and the consequent raw energy is further amplified by the angered vocal delivery while the slower finale holds a hypnotic melodic flair. .
Voivod clearly demonstrate that after 40 years of existence they still have a lot to say and their unique music style today spontaneously leads to the eclectic & surreal world of “Synchro Anarchy”.
Hangman’s Chair – A Loner
French doom rock band Hangman’s Chair takes you on a dystopian trip through the decadent outskirts of Paris and the gloomy world of the latest full-length “A Loner”.
Focusing on a compelling emotional depth “An Ode To Breakdown” relies on the darkened guitar tonalities to craft harrowing melodic crescendos within a hazy atmospheric maze while the bold riffs & drumming can easily build a memorable groovy momentum.
Channeling grave emotions “Who Wants To Die Old” begins with hypnotic minimalist melodies accompanied by soulful vocals but the rhythm gradually acquires a darker energy through the irresistible fuzzy guitar riffs.
“Supreme” can easily convey an overwhelming melancholia as the dreamy post-metal influences feel stronger leading to slow-burning melodic progressions and murky atmospheric layers spiced up by scattered fiery grooves.
“Loner” feels hopeless and beautiful as we enter a subtle atmospheric daydream filled with wistful harmonies yet the rhythmic section will eventually engage in catchy goth inspired dynamics.
“A Thousand Miles Away” certainly embodies the album’s immense tristesse through the recurring monochromatic melodies and the consequent desolate soundscapes that will evolve into robust guitar driven grooves fueled by the significantly heavier riffage.
Throughout “A Loner” Hangman’s Chair inevitably evoke solitude and despair, shaping an honest sonic vision that naturally shifts from mournful doom elements to shimmering atmospheric splendor.
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