Across their longstanding career and prolific discography Paradise Lost have mastered the arts of darkness creating a perfect mixture of heaviness and shadowy melodies that continues to spellbind you on the new grand opus “Ascension”.
“Serpent On The Cross” represents doom metal at its finest with a high dosage of monolithic riffs adorned by the minor key fascination for grim melodies and wicked solos while Nick bravely channels a malignant alter ego with majestic growls.
Guitars choose an extremely sorrowful melodic pathway as softer dramatic tones always linger through the steady doomed rhythmic core of “Tyrants Serenade” and once again Nick naturally shifts from moody harmonies to perilous growls.
Feel the miserable weight of classic doom though the colossal guitar riffs and the crestfallen tonalities of the visionary track “Salvation” that certainly grabs your attention also for the elaborate lead guitar work.
“Lay A Wreath Upon The World” begins as an elegant acoustic elegy expressing a peaceful emotive approach yet everything leads to a consistent rhythmic evolution guided by Gregor’s skillful guitar leads.
“Savage Days” holds a warm soul as each guitar progression evokes pure melancholia rightfully reaching a grave melodic depth further enhanced by the tormented clean vocal performance.
Surrounded by an atmospheric fog “The Precipice” closes the album with tragic melodic splendor as the convoluted guitar melodies invoke darkness and despair impeccably accompanied by contrasting theatrical cleans and solemn growls.
Time passes by inevitably and the misery never stops but Paradise Lost stand their ground all the way through “Ascension” with impeccable musicianship and authentic creativity demonstrating that the everlasting strength of gothic/doom metal defies any possible trendy style.
Category: Album Reviews 2025
Katatonia – Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State
Renowned Swedish masters of melancholic heaviness Katatonia are offering solace to the loyal acolytes traveling through the vast dystopian soundscapes of the new album “Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State” guided by wisdom and eternal gloom.
“Thrice” spontaneously brings forth a proggy rhythmic core highlighting the band’s extraordinary musicianship and within a sea of cruel emotions guitars keep on floating with colossal riffs and elegant leads.
The grand theatrical flair beginning of “Wind of no Change” naturally leads to a contemplative melodic ensemble enhanced by the particularly obscure guitar tonalities and ultimately complemented by Jonas’ charismatic vocals.
“Temporal” wisely intertwines moments of impeccable rhythmic clarity, see how the drums carefully build a groovy rhythmic tension, and immersive melodic passages inevitably evoking grim feelings.
“Departure Trails” continues to explore an intense emotional spectrum as the soothing vocal delivery is rightfully emphasized by abundant darkly poetic guitar leads and mellow luminous keyboards.
Filled with a solemn atmospheric gloom and mystifying melodic waves “The Light Which I Bleed” reveals an intricate composition focusing on challenging rhythmic variations that obviously show an impressive technical guitar style.
To bring closure “In the Event of” spellbinds you with an endless melodic melancholia as the refined guitar phrases and the hypnotizing solo flow gently through futuristic multilayered atmospheric arrangements.
“Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State” seems the legit opus to celebrate Jonas Renkse’s sonic vision in constant evolution to perfectly shape a more personal style that can distinguish Katatonia from any other artist.
In Mourning – The Immortal
Swedish melodic death metal quartet In Mourning returns in excellent shape presenting a well balanced blend of melancholy and aggression on the new full length “The Immortal”.
“Silver Crescent” celebrates eternal gloom with a series of aptly mournful melodic phrases complemented by smooth clean vocals while the rhythmic section ensures potent & fast dynamics.
Within the darkened melodic grandeur of “Song of the Cranes” shines the stellar guitar solo and the harsh rhythmic blasts eventually give way to contemplative passages and gentle vocals.
“As Long as the Twilight Stays” immediately reveals a poetic essence through graceful intricate melodies in contrast with the extreme nature of the belligerent riffage courtesy of the eclectic guitar work.
The moody stylish melodic core of “The Sojourner” aims to move even the occasional listener highlighting the vibrant guitar progressions and the passionate vocal performance.
“The Hounding” closes the album with colossal heavy rhythmic dynamics amplified by gruesome growls and you can appreciate the technical guitar style shifting from violent riffs to airy harmonies.
In Mourning explore personal struggles and somber emotions through fascinating melodic themes yet successfully maintain a ravenous death metal approach and “The Immortal” represents a great addition to the band’s discography.
Messa – The Spin
Italian doom metal band Messa has already gained a lot of attention the ambitious brand new album “The Spin” perfectly expresses an artistic vision in constant evolution.
Within the murky atmospheric realm of “Void Meridian” we’re traveling through time and space surrounded by slow burning melodies and groovy dynamics naturally leading to a sophisticated guitar solo.
A decadent romanticism fills the air on “Immolation” beginning with a moody piano piece complemented by sultry vocals while guitars add a touch of impending doom and take a well deserved spotlight with an elaborate solo.
“The Dress” focuses on bold guitar riffs and intricate melodic progressions with dominating brooding tonalities that spontaneously evolve into the bluesy warmth of the striking trumpet solo.
Invoking dark magic “Thicker Blood” offers catchy hypnotizing harmonies but the shapeshifting guitar work surprises you building increasingly heavier rhythmic dynamics fueled by timeless doom & extreme metal influences.
Throughout “The Spin” Messa constantly challenge themselves showcasing a meticulous songwriting approach and an eclectic style that evokes diverse influences, especially an alluring goth/ darkwave essence, that rightfully demands your attention.
In The Woods… – Otra
Norwegian avant-garde metal stalwarts In The Woods… pay homage to the natural beauty and essence of their homeland throughout the multidimensional melancholic world of the new studio effort “Otra”.
“The Things You Shouldn’t Know” has the power to hypnotize the listeners as the poignant main melodic themes express genuine emotions with alluring guitar progressions and contemplative vocals while the mighty rhythmic section can still acquire speed and aggression channeling darker forces.
A somber piano introduces the heavy energetic structure of “The Crimson Crown” centered around the contrasting feelings fueled by blackened harsh rhythmic blast amplified by vicious growls and deeply sorrowful melodic phrases.
The harmonious soul of “The Kiss and the Lie” is made of pure eternal melancholia as the gloomy guitar tonalities reach an evident emotional depth but you can also appreciate how the band’s primordial roots generate colossal ominous riffs.
You still get an overload of obscure energy during the twisted rhythmic rampage of “The Wandering Deity” yet it symbolizes a mystical album’s closure as the evocative melodic composition once again highlights a spiritual vision enhanced by a majestic theatrical vocal performance.
Inspired by the power of the river Otra running through the heart of Kristiansand, In The Woods… confidently embark on a wonderful journey through gloomy landscapes and the eclectic album “Otra” officially marks the beginning of a new era.
Electric Citizen – EC4
Cincinnati proto-heavy rockers Electric Citizen evidently accomplished a wise sonic evolution during the last seven years and proudly aim to impress the audience with the blazing retro style of the fourth studio effort “EC4”.
The impactful opening track “Mire” focuses on an ideal blend of spacey melodic phrases, hazy keyboards arrangements and powerful guitar driven grooves revealing a great band’s chemistry and a solid autistic identity.
“Static Vision” is a winner manifesting a hypnotizing composition filled with high octane riffs and dreamy melodic themes complimented by smooth vocals that can warm your soul.
Lysergic guitar melodies guide you through the eerie atmosphere of “Traveler’s Moon” further embellished by moody violin, darkened Hammond and bewitching vocal harmonies.
As the magical nighttime melodic nuances of “Moss” take you far away in time and space the guitar work surprises with eclectic progressions driven by the raw energy of heavy rock.
“Other Planets” is a triumph of vintage psychedelia as trippy keyboards and slow burning guitars create an intricate melodic maze reaching the acme with a wild acrobatic solo.
For your listening pleasure you should play “EC4” on an old fashioned turntable to really comprehend how Electric Citizen worked hard to become a leading act and rightfully celebrate the glory of classic heavy rock.
Hexvessel – Nocturne
Finnish black metal shapeshifters Hexvessel invite all travellers to join their journey to the nightside and manifest a convoluted artistic development with the majestic composition of the seventh full length “Nocturne”.
“Sapphire Zephyrs” is filled with a sense of solitude and gloom that you just cannot escape and you can easily appreciate the complex blend of melancholic piano melodies and overwhelming guitar aggression enriched by a charismatic progressive flair and adorned by theatrical operatic backing vocals.
The monolithic track “Inward Landscapes” features an epic approach with an imposing vocal delivery and intense rhythmic crescendos spontaneously leading to a cathartic acoustic momentum.
Hexvessel instantly summon the strength of nature on “Spirit Masked Wolf” favoring your spiritual growth with solemn vocals and tempestuous rhythmic dynamics celebrating an enigmatic blackened quintessence.
“Nigths Tender Reckoning” spellbinds the audience with a poetic vocal performance enhanced by the elaborate guitar work shifting effortlessly from glacial riffs to bittersweet melodic phrases.
Listening to the short yet eloquent track “Concealed Descent” we take a break from reality and bask in the moonlight lulled by heartwrenching acoustic melodies and contemplative soft vocals.
We search for enlightenment throughout “Phoebus” following blindly the fascinating vocal harmonies that naturally reach a palpable emotional depth in contrast with the chaotic rhythmic rampage inevitably fueled by an obscure energy.
At times “Nocturne” feels like a decadently romantic operetta with an abundance of classical references yet the mighty black metal spirit can always arise as Hexvessel audaciously invoke ancestral forces to capture the essence of night.
Austere – The Stillness of Dissolution
Australian black metal duo Austere fearlessly dives into a dark desolate sonic realm with the new full length “The Stillness of Dissolution”.
“Dissolved Exile” instantly covers everything under a shroud of frost as the gelid guitar’s sound and the somber melodic crescendos reminisce of a beloved depressive Scandinavian approach.
Surrounded by a murky atmosphere “Rusted Veins” unfolds a particularly groovy rhythmic core with the right dosage of relentless guitar riffs enriched by compelling melodic leads.
“The Downfall” slows down to focus on mellow dreamy nuances complemented by a dramatic clean vocal delivery that will shift to desperate screams followed by crushing riffs to remind us that darkness will always prevail.
Staying true to the title “Storm within My Heart” conveys an emotional turmoil with a series of violent rhythmic progressions and the fragile beauty of the crestfallen melodic guitar work, ultimately airy arpeggios lead to a perfectly bleak album’s closure.
Throughout “The Stillness of Dissolution” Austere never cease to show their strong roots in early Norse black metal as well as a fascinating darkened melodic essence to portray a world of perennial melancholia.
Lucifer’s Child – The Illuminant
After a seven year slumber Greek black metallers Lucifer’s Child emerge from the darkest depths to offer a ritualistic sonic experience with the release of the crushing new full length “The Illuminant”.
“As Bestas” begins like an occult opus with enigmatic guitar tones that will continue to evoke a tragic melancholia culminating with a glorious solo and as soon as drums acquire extra speed a rhythmic urgency takes over.
The darkened dimension of “The Serpent And The Rod” is filled with a borderline oppressive rhythmic brutality showing the power of the band’s black metal roots complemented by sinister atmospheric arrangements.
With a cathartic composition “Ichor” might be the highlight of this album as you can fully appreciate the melodic evolution of the excellent guitar work moving sinuously through the cryptic rhythmic crescendos rightfully fueled by the crispy towering riffs.
The uncompromising strength of “Curse” comes from the malevolent yet rather catchy guitar riffs and the consequent impactful grooves enhanced by visceral growls are definitely meant to be played loud.
“And all is prelude” represents a final intense ritual as the atmosphere becomes dense and malignant around the sober vocal narrative and the lugubrious guitar progressions that once again choose to follow a decadent melodic pathway.
“The Illuminant” dives straight into an emotional abyss as Lucifer’s Child confidently unleash their primal blackened instincts producing majestic grooves but at the same time reveal a shadowy melodic essence.
Avatarium – Between You, God, the Devil and The Dead
In the last decade Swedish doom/hard rock maestros Avatarium successfully have been forging a darkly compelling sonic pathway that continues to shine with elegance and creativity on the latest studio effort “Between You, God, the Devil and The Dead”.
“Long Black Waves” sounds like a legitimate hymn to the enigmatic side of doom metal as murky guitar riffs efficiently build heavy rhythmic progressions but Avatarium also show a brooding melodic essence focusing on slow burning leads and deeply passionate vocals.
A stylish piano piece accompanied by Jennie-Ann Smith’s bewitching voice reveals the immersive melodic soul of “My Hair Is On Fire (But I’ll Take Your Hand)” while guitars can naturally mix tenebrous tonalities and virtuosity.
“Lovers Give A Kingdom To Each Other” almost feels like a melancholic ballad as the band unravels a mesmerizing vocal performance and warm bluesy acoustic passages floating gracefully through an otherworldly atmospheric realm.
“Being With The Dead” is a hymn to the band’s glorious classic doom roots as guitars confidently unleash towering riffs while the emotional quality of the chorus is rightfully emphasized by crestfallen melodic progressions.
Throughout “Until Forever And Again” you can clearly feel the heavy weight of the majestic riffage sincerely adorned by impeccable vocal harmonies that can even convey a decadently romantic mood.
The doom metal legacy is safe and sound within the gloomy world of “Between You, God, the Devil and The Dead” yet Avatarium never refrain from introducing diverse elements to skillfully maintain a refreshing songwriting approach.
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