Founded by Gildas Le Pape and joined by Frost of legendary Satyricon, Via Doloris honors the majestic legacy of Nordic metal forging its own charismatic sonic identity on the thrilling debut album “Guerre et Paix”.
Through the icy realm of “Communion” ominous guitars follow a perilous pathway leading to an ideal mix of venomous blackened grooves and enticing melodic progressions that certainly highlight an introspective vision.
“Un Franc Soleil” evokes sheer melancholia through the overwhelming bleak tonalities of the cascading guitar melodies and the consequent decadent crescendos ultimately embrace more energetic rhythmic dynamics.
Showing devotion to black metal’s formal foundations, “Omniprésents” builds obscure rhythmic patterns highlighting the murky guitar sound and the reckless speed of the monolithic drums until we take a deep breath and reach a hypnotizing melodic momentum.
You can perceive a primordial force behind the foreboding rhythmic wall of “Ultime Tourment” as aptly tormented guitar riffs and desperate growls amplify the inner blackened wrath in contrast with a dramatic wintry harmonious ensemble.
In the frostbitten world of “Guerre et Paix” Via Doloris confidently embarks on a gloomy artistic journey in search of meaning through claustrophobic soundscapes and surreal melodic waves.
Category: Album Reviews 2026
Witchcraft – A Sinner’s Child
Prolific Sweden’s iconic heavy rockers Witchcraft showcase their unstoppable creative force with the intimate composition of the new EP “A Sinner’s Child”.
With an exquisite vintage sound “Drömmen Om Död Och Förruttnelse” delivers a minimalist yet rather groovy proto-doom approach focusing on the raw energy of blazing guitars and charismatic vocals.
The title track features deeply melancholic vibes as the slow burning melodic progressions simply grab your attention without any special effects naturally complementing a particularly sincere vocal performance.
Throughout “Själen Reser Sig” you can perceive an authentic ominous doom flair embedded within the somber guitar work which rightfully focuses on the heavy weight of monolithic riffs.
The final chapter “Sinner’s Clear Confusion” defies space & time as it becomes an immersive sonic experience featuring poetic vocals and soulful guitar melodies.
Guided by visionary founder & vocalist Magnus Pelander, on “A Sinner’s Child” Witchcraft is ready to present a more vulnerable side choosing an emotionally melodic pathway.
Eihwar – Hugrheim
Electro Nordic folk vikings Eihwar have already gained worldwide attention and continue to shape a new mythological world through the magical soundscapes of the sophomore album “Hugrheim”.
The spiritual journey begins with “Nauðiz” offering uplifting rhythmic dynamics and strong tribal elements while acoustic guitars complemented by delicate vocal harmonies emphasize an ancestral folk essence.
At the center of “Freyja’s Calling” you will find mystifying chants that seem to evoke invisible forces and fervent rhythmic dynamics effortlessly create a perfectly danceable style.
Throughout “Skuggaríki” minimalist guitar lines are constantly surrounded by shadowy atmospheric arrangements that certainly amplify a darker cryptic vision.
The title track relies on a trance inducing rhythm embellished by otherworldly vocal harmonies to efficiently build a fiery march to war.
“Heill Óðinn” uses shamanic drums and theatrical contrasting vocals to hypnotize the listeners as the rhythmic crescendos increasingly acquire ritualistic vibes.
Rising from the mystical lands of “Hugrheim” Eihwar showcases a charismatic pagan imagery and courageously takes you to remote Nordic landscapes but also straight to a dancefloor, in viking fashion of course.
Temple Of Void – The Crawl
Death metallers Temple Of Void dwell into the deepest & darkest dungeons to unleash their new menacing full length “The Crawl” promising pure heaviness while showcasing diverse musical influences.
The title track is a vicious death-doom metal affair as the tight rhythmic section takes the center stage to deliver monumental blasts later evolving into a soulful melodic ensemble characterized by dreamy guitar tonalities.
The inner strength of “Thy Mountain Eternal” emerges from a murky atmospheric realm as the crepuscular guitar harmonies create intricate soundscapes that seamlessly entwine with vitriolic grooves.
“Soulburn” focuses on the monumental heavy weight of the guitar driven grooves but also acquires epic vibes as opulent orchestrations surround a flamboyant guitar solo.
As the rhythmic core dictates intense speed “The Twin Stranger” attracts the audience with wicked guitar acrobatics accompanied by malevolent guttural growls while enticing melodic progressions naturally lead to a contemplative breakdown.
Without any hesitation Temple Of Void conjure obscure forces manifesting a potent death-doom essence yet continue to shape a personal sonic identity throughout “The Crawl”.
Moon Far Away – Acou
From the North of Russia Moon Far Away follow a gothic folk pathway to genuinely depict ancient tales throughout the visionary fifth album “Acou”.
After an enigmatic intro the title track evokes a luminous serenity with angelic vocal harmonies and the comforting warmth of the acoustic progressions.
The dreamy composition of “Soulofkey” relies on a recurring melodic phrase naturally embellished by magical folk elements.
“To Count Her Names” invokes an ancestral inspiration to deliver deeply melancholic acoustic passages enhanced by theatrical vocals.
Surrounded by a celestial atmosphere “What Way Your Rose Grows?” creates a spontaneous connection with nature through delicate arpeggios and a haunting vocal duet.
The hypnotizing power of “How Do the Moons Walk on Grain” comes from the immersive approach offering airy multilayered atmospheric nuances and monochromatic rhythmic patterns.
As Moon Far Away meticulously craft a cathartic sonic realm “Acou” also symbolizes a profound spiritual journey through remote wintry landscapes exploring the depths of your soul.
Necrofier – Transcend Into Oblivion
From the prolific black metal scene in the USA Necrofier rises confidently spreading perennial darkness and absolute fury on the new full length “Transcend Into Oblivion”.
Without hesitation the thunderous rhythmic section of “Fires of the Apocalypse, Light My Path I” unleashes savage extreme dynamics fueled by the colossal combo of blackened guitar riffs and epic leads.
“Fires of the Apocalypse, Light My Path II” continues to dig deeper into dark depths delivering unstoppable frantic rhythmic blasts as guitars move sinuously under a cryptic atmospheric shroud.
Ritualistic vibes emerge throughout “Servants of Darkness, Guide My Way II” and after a ruthless rhythmic assault the mournful guitar solo shifts to gelid melodic tones leading to an immersive acoustic grand finale.
You cannot escape the oblivious world of “Servants of Darkness, Guide My Way III” which is full of mystifying atmospheric elements, raging guitar riffs and lugubrious melodic phrases.
“Horns of Destruction, Lift My Blade III” shines for the nocturnal mood favoring apocalyptic grooves amplified by wrathful growls, baroque orchestrations and sinister melodic guitar progressions.
The cinematic last chapter “Toward the Necrofier” overcomes some boundaries with an experimental composition resulting in decadent atmospheric waves and grim melodic crescendos.
Inspired by classic Norwegian black metal, Necrofier are evidently driven by primordial forces and their uncompromising approach ultimately creates the obscure sonic realm of “Transcend Into Oblivion”.
What Awaits Us – Redshift
What Awaits Us continues its distinctive style with the release of their new album, Redshift, where overwhelming heaviness and sweeping melodies blend harmoniously. This full-length album contains nine songs, each with its own unique character.
“Etched In Concrete” bursts open without a moment of hesitation. The track launches straight into a hammering tempo, the screamed vocals hit with real force—raw. Despite its speed and aggression, the song keeps a strong melodic thread running through it, giving the chaos a sense of direction and emotional weight.
“Disinhibition” wraps the listener in a slightly mystical atmosphere right from the start. The screamed vocals cut through with real power, yet the track never loses its melodic backbone. The guitar lines weave in perfectly, adding texture and movement. When the chorus hits, the layered backing vocals elevate everything, making the song feel fuller and more immersive. And that final section—absolutely wild, the kind of ending that leaves an imprint.
“Everchanger” opens with a melodic intro that quickly evolves into a faster, driving rhythm. The transition feels natural yet energizing, pulling you deeper into the track. The interplay between the guitars is especially striking—tight, intricate, and nicely braided together. Beneath it all, the rhythmic section goes absolutely off the rails in the best way, delivering a level of precision and intensity that pushes the whole song to another level.
“Burning Cloud” immediately stands out thanks to its impressive drum work—tight, forceful, and constantly pushing the track forward. Midway through, the song slips into a slower, melodic bridge that opens up the atmosphere and sets the stage for a shift into a more mid‑tempo groove. Then the chorus comes crashing back in with renewed impact.
“Amygdala” leans into a more progressive sound without sacrificing any of its heaviness. It is instantly catchy, with an interesting blend of technical guitar work that keeps the ear engaged. The breakdown hits hard, adding weight and contrast, while the slower section dips almost into doom‑metal territory, giving the track a darker, more atmospheric edge.
“Mirage” opens with a blend of keyboards and guitar that immediately sets an almost otherworldly tone. When the drums enter, they do so with a complex, nuanced touch that adds depth without overwhelming the mood. The vocals create a perfect contrast—raw emotion cutting through the smooth instrumental layers. What follows is a beautifully crafted melodeath track, one that feels both powerful and deeply emotional.
“Vanish Into Gray,” released in 2025 and featuring Aleksi Rautiainen from Split Iris, is a deeply melodic track built around an important message about mental health. The interplay between the two voices is seamless, each one amplifying the emotion of the other. It’s a song where the feelings run so strong that the listener can sense both the pain and the flicker of hope woven through it. The only real flaw is that it ends too soon—music carrying this much weight deserves to linger longer.
“…Event Horizon” is a remake of the track originally released on their 2015 album, and it hits even harder with the evolved line‑up behind it. The song is fierce and unhinged in all the right ways—a strong, almost chaotic burst of energy. The keyboards offer brief moments of breathing space, creating contrast before the tempo surges forward again. The pre‑chorus builds beautifully, stacking tension and suspense, and the whole track showcases an impressive level of technical precision.
“Hell Above,” released as a single in 2024, is a fast, powerful, absolutely kick‑ass track. The guitars lock into a driving groove that contrasts sharply with the rhythmic patterns and vocal delivery, creating a tense atmosphere. It is one of those songs that hits hard from the first second and never lets up.
The album delivers a modern, polished production, commanding choruses, and an intense surge of energy that together shape a powerful and contemporary sound.
Recommended for anyone who loves melodic death metal and deathcore with modern undertones.
https://linktr.ee/whatawaitsus
Stam1na – Apnea
Finnish band Stam1na returns with their eleventh album, Apnea, a work that touches the deepest chords of the soul, perfectly balancing the band’s signature sound with experimentation.
The album opens with the intro Pohjoinen lehto, a short but incisive 1:53 track that immediately establishes a melodic and progressive tone. The song moves quickly, almost breathlessly, just when you think you have figured out where it is going, the finale takes a surprising turn, ending abruptly.
Opas bursts in with deliciously intricate guitar work and a fast, driving tempo that is unmistakably Stam1na. The harsh vocals hit with full force, then give way to a melodic passage carried by a calm, clean voice before the intensity surges back again. The chorus has this almost otherworldly lift — a melody that transports you somewhere else entirely. Subtle wind‑like orchestration in the background adds an unexpected atmospheric layer that deepens the whole experience.
Golem is the album’s first single and is already considered a hit. It is classic Stam1na through and through: tight, energetic, and unmistakably Stam1na’s signature style. The chorus is incredibly catchy, the kind that gets stuck in your head after just one listen and practically makes the entire audience want to sing along.
Satiiri opens with a dark atmosphere, then suddenly accelerates into lightning-fast riffs, very thrash metal. The vocals are mostly shouted, raw, and abrasive. Occasional trumpet lines cut through the distortion, creating a surreal, satirical atmosphere, as if the song was commenting on itself; the bass line towards the end is also enjoyable.
Käärmeennyrkki, released as the second single from the album is clearly more experimental than the first, demonstrating the band’s willingness to push boundaries. Despite the heavier, more progressive elements, the chorus opens up into something surprisingly melodic that serves as a solid anchor for the song’s structure. The keyboard work stands out: unusual textures, clever layering, perhaps even unexpected tones. The song blends aggression and complexity without losing coherence; thrash energy meets progressive experimentation, resulting in a piece that feels both adventurous and well-structured.
Easily one of the album’s strongest tracks, perhaps even my favorite, Lahja leaves a deep emotional impression without ever feeling heavy. The clean vocals bring a warm touch and create a beautiful contrast with the sharper, more aggressive elements surrounding it. The guitars cut through with a shattering style, the harshness makes the melodic parts shine even brighter. There is a moment where the keyboards veer into a subtle “synth-wave” vibe. The chorus opens up into something heartfelt and memorable. The structure evolves naturally, keeping the listener engaged from start to finish, for almost six minutes, yet it feels like it passes in a heartbeat.
Anna minun olla heikoin lenkki returns to the band’s signature fast-paced style: the riffs are sharp and engaging, the chorus is memorable and melodic, and the wild and technically impressive guitar solo becomes one of the song’s highlights. It includes a short but very cool bass highlight. The keyboards also have their moment, adding color to the whole track.
Begins with a moody, spacious intro that sets a reflective tone, Toivonkipinä snaps into high speed almost without warning, the contrast gives the track a jolt of energy and unpredictability. The tempo changes several times, keeping the song lively and progressive. The vocals shift from clean to raspy in a powerful and expressive way. There is a beautifully crafted melodic section that draws on progressive influences. The final moments fade into something enigmatic and evocative, leaving the listener with a lingering sense of wonder.
Apnea serves as the album’s closing track and absolutely feels like a final chapter, enveloping the entire journey in a calm yet emotionally charged atmosphere. It moves at a slow tempo, allowing every sound to breathe. The clean vocals are soft, expressive, and deeply moving. Keyboards are central: lush textures, delicate melodies, perhaps even subtle pads. The drums feel big and cinematic, adding depth without breaking the calm.
This album is certainly one of the band’s finest works; Stam1na aren’t afraid to experiment while maintaining their trademark.
Vreid – The Skies Turn Black
After five years of silence Norwegian stalwarts Vreid leave any uncertainty behind and courageously find renewed inspiration and creativity to craft the new monumental album “The Skies Turn Black”.
“From These Woods” packs an aggressive rhythmic ensemble with a distinct blackened aura and a perfect band’s chemistry plus you will fall in love with the stark beauty of the gelid guitar melodies and the deeply emotive piano piece.
The title track reveals audacious 90s thrash influences so caustic guitars maintain the center stage to build diverse groovy dynamics easily emphasized by the ravenous growls that will evolve into passionate clean vocals driven by a fascinating melodic essence.
“Loving the Dead” focuses on an overwhelming Nordic melancholia with a mellow harmonious composition featuring elaborate sorrowful atmospheric waves and an eclectic vocal performance courtesy of Agnete Kjølsrud of Djerv.
Within the grim sonic realm of “Chaos” Vreid inevitably follows a perilous blackened pathway leading to ominous guitar riffs, brutal drum blasts and scornful growls surrounded by an epic atmosphere.
“Echoes of Life” explores deeply contemplative themes resulting in a cathartic melodic grandeur where the mournful guitar progressions and the minimalist acoustic accents are perfectly complemented by the poetic vocal delivery.
On “The Earth Rumbles” darkness prevails bringing closure with an untamed series of blistering black ‘n roll grooves while the solemn atmospheric arrangements unfold gracefully around a memorable convoluted guitar solo.
Vreid is certainly one of Norway’s most enduring metal bands and throughout “The Skies Turn Black” demonstrates an empowering artistic vision that naturally draws strength from their renowned Sognametal roots.
Black Lung – Forever Beyond
Baltimore’s veteran rockers Black Lung are ready for another thrilling flight into space which takes you straight to the captivating sonic realm of the fifth album “Forever Beyond”.
“Traveler” emerges from an alternate dimension bringing an overload of fuzzed-drenched guitars complemented by a strong vocal delivery and soothing melodic phrases revealing colorful trippy vibes.
The expansive atmospheric ensemble of “Savior” favours an introspective essence yet the energizing rhythmic core often takes over with classic groovy rock vibes plus the extensive variegated guitar solo certainly grabs your attention.
On “Border Hoarder” the eclectic guitars choose warmer tonalities to craft enchanting melodic progressions naturally leading to a series of robust rhythmic patterns reminiscent of a glorious desert heavy rock formula.
This memorable trip comes to a legit conclusion with the immense melancholia of “Scum” as the grandiose guitar work follows intense harmonious variations and contemplative themes with expansive soloing and inflamed riffs.
Power trio Black Lung successfully reaches another milestone with the release of “Forever Beyond” delivering the right dosage of gripping guitar driven grooves in proper spaced out fashion.
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