Finnish heavy metal band Battle Beast returns triumphantly with the new explosive album “Circus Of Doom” promising big hooks and theatrical symphonic grandeur.
In the beginning the keyboards on the title track surprise you with a delicious darkened aura introducing a winning combo of galloping guitar riffs and sober operatic choirs that smoothly unravel around Noora Louhimo’s majestic voice.
“Wings Of Light” immediately showcases strong power metal vibes with an inflamed rhythmic rampage embellished by energetic guitar leads and elegant atmospheric tapestries leading to an irresistible chorus.
Throughout “Master Of Illusion” the glowing keyboards layers channel dazzling 80s vibes so you can expect a bit of nostalgia here while guitars naturally shift from crunchy riffage to refined melodic licks.
While “Where Angels Fear To Fly” can certainly keep a groovy momentum enhanced by the monumental keyboards arrangements a soothing melodic essence emerges through the luminous atmospheric textures.
The old school metal spirit thrives within the bouncy rhythmic patterns of “Freedom” once again enriched by Noora’s vibrant vocal harmonies while the solemn choirs can convey a dramatic depth.
“Place That We Call Home” feels like an anthemic power metal tune relying on the soaring guitar riffs and the pummeling drumming that will ultimately lead to a ‘ready for battle’ chorus emphasized by the high pitched vocal delivery and the imposing orchestrations.
On “Circus Of Doom” Battle Beast proudly continue to follow a successful classic heavy metal pathway packed with catchy power metal dynamics and evocative melodies that undoubtedly revolve around Noora’s striking vocal range.
Category: Album Reviews 2022
Toundra – Hex
Spanish instrumental post-rock band Toundra reaches another milestone with the release of the eighth studio album “Hex” which always evokes intense emotions through immersive soundscapes.
Divided in three parts the monumental 22-minute-long track “El Odio” clearly showcases the band’s charismatic songwriting approach and embodies a fascinating introspective journey that aim to convey contrasting feelings seamlessly shifting from shimmering melodic progressions, enhanced by darkly soothing guitar tonalities, to elaborate rhythmic crescendos that ultimately acquire heavier distorted dynamics.
“Ruinas” begins with enchanting atmospheric tapestries and within a quite groovy rhythmic ensemble the guitar work definitely stands out for the complex proggy rhythmic twists and the bittersweet melodic passages.
“Watt” channels pure cosmic energy through a dreamy multilayered atmospheric maze enriched by the eclectic crystalline melodic phrases and by the delightful addition of the saxophone while the precise rhythmic section has a chance to generate an engaging heavier momentum.
Throughout “Hex” Toundra confidently explore poignant emotive themes embracing a cathartic musical vision that naturally leads to a balanced blend of contemplative melodies and energetic post-rock dynamics.
SOM – The Shape Of Everything
Doom pop collective SOM invites you on an immersive voyage through the evocative soundscapes of the brand new record “The Shape Of Everything”.
A graceful vocal delivery and glowing melodic progressions flow gently through the hazy atmospheric maze of “Moment” which often feels like a distant daydream occasionally spiced up by distorted crescendos.
“Animals” is destined to reach your soul with an overload of magical atmospheric arrangements and a quite catchy melodic ensemble that certainly relies on the soothing post-rock flair of the guitar work.
“Shape” continues to follow a minimalist rhythmic approach skillfully blending bright melodic aesthetics and heavier guitar riffs to convey a fascinating emotional depth further enhanced by the haunting vocals.
Within the misty atmosphere of “Heart Attack” guitars effortlessly shift from darkly groovy passages to melancholic slow burning harmonies that can easily make you space out.
As the title suggests “Son Of Winter” would be an ideal wintry soundtrack as the comforting nostalgia infused melodies and the otherworldly atmospheric layers create a cold dreamy sonic realm enriched by the subtle doom influences of the rhythmic section.
The music style of SOM might be hard to categorize but undoubtedly a delightful shoegaze inspiration contributes to the creation of the shimmering nuances and the introspective themes of “The Shape Of Everything”.
Aethereus – Leiden
Progressive technical death metal band Aethereus presents a thrilling modern sonic vision through the twisted soundscapes of the sophomore release “Leiden”.
An ominous atmosphere introduces the ravenous rhythmic assault of “Aberration” as the impressive guitar work delivers a relentless riffage but also focuses on refined melodies acquiring crystalline tonalities while the grand finale offers captivating orchestrations.
“Endless Cycle Of Rebirth” immediately unleashes brutal drum blasts dicatting a faster tempo, consequently guitars provide an overdose of extra heavy riffage ultimately leading to a slower refreshing breakdown featuring enticing jazzy influences.
“Shrouded In Kaleidoscopic Skin” begins with interesting dissonant phrases and might sound less menacing naturally evolving into striking guitar progressions and fancy soloing that definitely highlight the technical prowess while the outro surprises with a decadent combo of grand piano and violin melodies.
On “The Living Abyss” soothing piano and glowing guitar harmonies convey a profound dramatic depth destined to linger through the solemn atmospheric arrangements and the elaborate prog oriented rhythmic ensemble which will often acquire savage technical elements.
Throughout the majestic final track “Upon Infinite Seas” a theatrical darkened aura leads to immersive slower moments enriched by a compelling guitar solo and delicate arpeggios while the accurate rhythmic section inevitably manifests sheer brutality engaging in hostile convoluted dynamics amplified by ruthless growls.
“Leiden” noticeably relies on the consistent technical approach emphasizing the excellent musicianship yet Aethereus aim to go beyond the tech death metal realm with the addition of dazzling classical & symphonic aesthetics.
Pridelands – Light Bends
Australian metalcore band Pridelands is finally ready to impress the audience with a mix of sheer anger and soulful atmospheric tapestries on the debut full length “Light Bends”.
“I Reach Into Your Heart” can instantly evoke bittersweet emotions through the heartfelt vocal harmonies yet the bold combo of inflamed rhythmic patterns and futuristic synths ensures a heavier momentum.
On “Parallel Lines” the rhythmic section easily channels raw energy leading to a solid series of harsh grooves amplified by the edgy screams in contrast with the ethereal atmospheric textures.
The slower tempo on “The Lake Of Twisted Limbs” emphasizes the passionate clean vocal performance surrounded by shimmering atmospheric arrangements yet once again the band manages to seamlessly add more aggressive dynamics.
“Safer Here” embraces an emotive ballad style focusing on hazy atmospheric nuances and poignant feelings that effortlessly lead to crispy melodic crescendos.
“Heavy Tongue” channels massive metalcore vibes through the significantly faster & explosive groovy segments fueled by super crunchy guitar riffs and consequently the vocals become vicious screams.
The final track “The Sun Will Find Us” clearly embodies the band’s sonic vision as the haunting melodic aesthetics naturally evolve into a vicious rhythmic ensemble featuring crushing guitar riffs.
As Pridelands begin an exciting sonic journey they already manifest a cohesive songwriting approach shifting from glowing harmonies to impactful grooves throughout “Light Bends”.
Big Scenic Nowhere – The Long Morrow
Featuring renowned musicians Tony Reed of Mos Generator, Bob Balch of Fu Manchu, Gary Arce and Bill Stinson of Yawning Man, Californian progressive heavy rock supergroup Big Scenic Nowhere makes a triumphant comeback with the striking sophomore album “The Long Morrow” which is the result of a three-day jam session tracked in Joshua Tree in the fall of 2019.
“Defector (of Future Days)” marks a memorable beginning as the big guitar riffs can effortlessly generate a magnetic groovy momentum embellished by charismatic soloing and soulful melodic accents.
The heavy rock spirit of “Murder Klipp” thrives within the groovy rhythmic patterns fueled by the steady crunchy riffs ultimately leading to a quite catchy chorus while during the melodic breakdown the glowing guitar phrases flow like a nostalgic daydream.
“Lavender Bleu” instantly evokes wistful feelings through the calmer vocal harmonies and the fascinating melodic guitar work yet at times the rhythmic section will fully embrace a desert rock mood with significantly heavier dynamics.
For almost twenty minutes the majestic title track takes you on an introspective journey focusing on intense groovy segments, intricate and often trippy synths arrangements courtesy of Per Wiberg and alluring melodic lines floating freely through a hazy atmospheric maze further enriched by the mesmerizing essence and the wild licks of the extensive guitar solos.
The veteran artists behind Big Scenic Nowhere are definitely able to channel a remarkable creative force throughout “The Long Morrow” leading to a kaleidoscopic progressive rock ensemble that demands your attention.
Nocturnal Graves – An Outlaw’s Stand
Australian extreme metal outfit Nocturnal Graves proudly spreads darkness & brutality throughout the ominous new album “An Outlaw’s Stand”.
The album opener “Death To The Pigs” makes a ferocious statement generating visceral rhythmic patterns with monumental drumming and abrasive riffage while the guitar leads create satisfying flamboyant progressions.
“Command for Conflict” consistently relies on the extra speed of the hostile rhythmic section to convey an oppressive mood yet when the tempo slows down guitars have a chance to deliver some quasi melodic licks.
“Law of the Blade” offers an overload of menacing guitar riffs and the consequent sheer fury is certainly amplified by the cavernous growls and enriched by the lugubrious tonalities of the charismatic guitar solo.
Bearing the malignant mark of classic death metal “Beyond the Flesh” unleashes fast unrestrained guitar driven grooves that simply seem unstoppable until the gripping extensive guitar solo takes the center stage.
Without any hesitation the title track provides a ruthless sonic onslaught through the malevolent energy of vitriolic riffs and frantic drums while later an obscure atmosphere will highlight the darkened allure of the guitar leads.
Within the apocalyptic sonic realm embodied by “An Outlaw’s Stand” Nocturnal Graves never fail to deliver the expected dosage of merciless dynamics constantly channeling a primal death & black metal force.
Infected Rain – Ecdysis
Moldovan modern metal band Infected Rain begins a new exciting journey through the futuristic sonic realm of the latest release “Ecdysis”.
Surrounded by visionary multilayered synths “Postmortem Pt. 1” prepares a harsh rhythmic assault relying on Lena Scissorhands’ visceral growls to amplify the hardcore force of the crunchy riffage in contrast with the recurring bittersweet melodic passages.
The enhanced brutality of “Fighter” comes from the faster savage rhythmic patterns and the consequent groovy momentum seems unstoppable but there is still space for a calmer breakdown accompanied by soulful vocals.
Throughout “Longing” gritty guitars and fiery drums can easily generate solid grooves yet the multifaceted electro elements certainly add diversity creating subtle dreamy moments to express genuine emotions.
Featuring guest vocalist Heidi Shepherd of Butcher Babies “The Realm of Chaos” will definitely stand out for the thrilling vocal performance embellished by the alluring darkened atmospheric nuances floating through a quite ruthless rhythmic core.
Channeling unrestrained metalcore influences “Everlasting Lethargy” can hit you in the face with vicious rhythmic blasts while Lena shows her versatile vocal skills shifting from hostile screams to soothing lullaby harmonies during the glowing atmospheric passages.
“Nine, Ten” leaves behind any sign of brutality to focus on a surreal atmospheric ensemble evoking a daydreaming state through shimmering synths and a profoundly melancholic vocal delivery.
“Postmortem Pt. 2” begins with hazy atmospheric layers and graceful vocals leading to a more melodic composition to emphasize haunting feelings but the bold rhythmic section can still unleash heavier dynamics with some tasteful proggy accents.
In the last few years Infected Rain have developed a catchy blend of aggressive grooves and deeply emotional melodic textures that today continues to flourish within the intense soundscapes of “Ecdysis”.
Wilderun – Epigone
Progressive metal band Wilderun bravely defies standard musical categories on the new ambitious opus “Epigone” constantly surprising the audience with an eclectic songwriting style.
“Woolgatherer” embodies an adventurous spirit through a remarkable blend of diverse influences beginning with a subtle cinematic atmosphere accompanied by soulful whispered vocals that introduce a melodic wonderland featuring glowing guitar progressions and fragile acoustic passages evoking delightful folkish vibes yet a darker mood will emerge within the faster harsh rhythmic ensemble.
“Passenger” is characterized by a strong prog metal inspiration leading to a convoluted rhythmic maze fueled by a striking mix of crunchy riffage and luminous melodic guitar leads enriched by epic orchestrations and solemn choirs while the fiery growls and the untamed drumming can certainly channel a primal extreme metal force.
“Identifier” conveys immense melancholia with the recurring gentle arpeggios and the resulting cathartic melodic essence continues to linger through the refined guitar phrases yet the precise rhythmic section will create dazzling prog dynamics and significantly heavier & enigmatic segments highlighting the versatile guitar work.
“Distraction II” emphasizes an elaborate prog approach as guitars rightfully take the center stage delivering colossal riffs embellished by the grand operatic flair of the symphonic arrangements & choirs ultimately leading to a rather chaotic darker finale.
The opulent dreamy atmospheric arrangements of “Distraction III” take you far away from the dreadful reality and the charismatic guitar work crafts a series of alluring melodies while a heartfelt minimalist acoustic piece brings closure.
Shifting from surreal soundscapes to twisted rhythmic patterns, “Epigone” is destined to impress all music connoisseurs as Wilderun showcases excellent musicianship embracing an ideal escapism.