Category: Album Reviews 2026

Temptress – hear

Dallas based heavy power trio Temptress skillfully blends diverse subgeneres and influences to produce the groove laden new album entitled “hear”.
“Narrows” is the proper soundtrack for your next party in the middle of the desert as guitars march fiercely borrowing the obscure tones of doom and the raw energy of classic heavy metal to create a massive series of crushing grooves.
“Edge” is an impactful track as the alluring female vocals obviously stand out for the harmonious delivery while the heavy weight of the guitars naturally relies on gritty steady riffage.
The moody grunge essence of “Now Or Never” can certainly entertain you as guitars choose acidic tonalities to fully express a rebellious spirit well supported by the quasi chaotic rhythmic blasts.
Surrounded by a wistful atmosphere “Be Still” holds a bittersweet melodic soul as fragile guitar phrases become entwined with the bold heaviness of the rhythmic section and the catchy chorus.
The instrumental finale “Out Of” embodies the band’s mellow side as it feels like a trippy daydream made of airy melodies flowing gently through a peaceful atmospheric maze.
Full of rocking passion, “hear” demands to be played loud under a hazy sky as Temptress proudly takes another crucial step towards a personal musical evolution.

Marianas Rest – The Bereaved

Finnish melodic death metal band Marianas Rest focuses on the expression of grim emotions to depict a deeply sorrowful sonic realm on the new majestic full length “The Bereaved”.
“Thank You for the Dance” opens the album with arcane chanting but the monolithic rhythmic section swiftly builds powerful dynamics enriched by the perennial nostalgia of the delicate melodic guitar leads.
A sense of desolation constantly emerges from the convoluted melodic territories of “Divided” and a mournful atmosphere surrounds the dreary yet quite groovy rhythmic crescendos.
The elegiac style of “Again into the Night” relies on recurring wistful guitar harmonies complemented by the mellow vocal delivery while an old school melodic death metal flair eventually leads to tormented rhythmic patterns.
On “Burden” the omnipresent epic atmospheric arrangements evoke poignant feelings and the consequent emotive turmoil defines the contrast between soothing melodic waves and harsh passages.
We are staring at the snow falling on the mighty mountains as “Pity The Living” takes us far away with an overdose of frostbitten heart wrenching melodic progressions ultimately evolving into a solemn extensive guitar solo.
Throughout “The Colour of You” crispy guitars shine for the alluring melodic themes and the impeccable leads enhanced by the classic combo of clean choirs and ruthless growls.
Inspired by the icy melancholia of the Baltic sea Marianas Rest tells a profoundly personal tale with an eloquent melodic approach and solid death metal roots.

ZU – Ferrum Sidereum

Italian jazz metal trio ZU proudly refuses to follow the rules, proposing a spiritual narrative and an experimental genre bending composition to create the new album “Ferrum Sidereum”.
The uneasy atmosphere of “Golgotha” takes us to a dystopian dimension as the thrilling combo of baritone saxophone and vitriolic guitars unleashes intricate rhythmic crescendos enhanced by a complex technical prog metal flair.
“Kether” goes through a gradual evolution starting with a laid back rhythmic structure surrounded by airy synth arrangements and eventually invoking a tribal energy to reach the instrumental acme.
“La Donna Vestita Di Sole” is characterized by various sophisticated progressive rock elements adorned by cinematic atmospheric layers while the shapeshifting harsh guitars build a dramatic rhythmic tension.
The minimalist melodies of “Fuoco Saturnio” feel like an enigmatic lullaby while the gritty guitar sound and the vitriolic rhythmic rampage bear the mark of obscure underground metal.
Immersed in a futuristic atmospheric realm “The Celestial Bull and the White Lady” challenges the audience with unexpected tempo & style variations yet somber melodies can smooth out the rough edges of the chaotic rhythmic core.
Through the magic psychedelia of the title track ZU courageously wanders through uncharted musical territories consequently the rhythmic ensemble deliberately shifts from hazy prog dynamics to massive heavier cryptic sections.
You can’t really unfold the musical puzzle embodied by the multi dimensional soundscapes of “Ferrum Sidereum” where ZU successfully elaborate a mystifying instrumental approach free of any boundaries.