USBM veterans Wolves In The Throne Room depict a futuristic world where humanity vanishes and nature reclaim everything through the cryptic soundscapes of the highly anticipated new opus “Estuary”.
We get lost instantly though the nocturnal landscapes of the title track as mythological themes emerge through the dense atmospheric noise and vitriolic guitars effortlessly build a menacing wall of sound well supported by unrestrained drumming and cavernous growls.
The decadent composition of “Knights Of Tiamat” adds exquisite gothic nuances to the ravenous blackened rhythmic core therefore a veiled atmospheric obscurity constantly surrounds the feverish guitar movements and a lugubrious melodic essence creates an inspiring contemplative momentum.
The ritualistic intro of “Foretold In Reflections” leads straight to an ancestral dimension where the sinister power of guitars generates slower dramatic progressions enriched by the mystifying vibes of the multilayered mysterious orchestrations.
“Ghosts Among the Obelisks” represents an intense mystical journey as incandescent guitar riffs and relentless drums guide you through a perilous rhythmic maze maintaining an ominous extreme metal approach but enhancing the epic spirit with sumptuous atmospheric tapestries.
Choosing wisely raw primordial energy and analog production techniques, Wolves In The Throne Room are free to explore the darkest depths of metal and the inevitable downfall of mankind in the realm of power and magic perfectly embodied by “Estuary”.
Category: Album Reviews 2026
Avrak – Avrak
Founded in November 2023 by guitarists Anders Hegna and Ted Skjellum, known as Nocturno Culto of the mighty Darkthrone, Avrak conjures the forces of darkness to create the majestic self-titled debut album.
“Forever Mountain” is a quite impactful opener as abrasive guitar riffs proudly lead the way to satisfying doom laden grooves perfectly complemented by the raucous vocal delivery yet dreary melodic moments continue to emerge through the dense rhythmic ensemble.
“Unborn” seriously delivers some addictive rhythmic blasts that will demand a faster menacing tempo while guitars inevitably amplify darker tonalities enriched by recurring ghastly doom progressions and malevolent growls.
The impending doom of “Long May The Lums Reek” generates a monolithic rhythmic backbone as guitars fiercely unleash harsh riffs with distinct blackened accents but also focuses on slower epic melodic moments to accompany a solemn vocal performance.
“Varde” steals the spotlight with the fervent approach of storming magnetic guitars that can easily maintain a turbulent groovy core through incessant riffing fueled by a frostbitten powerful sound.
Building a fierce heavy metal assault “The Rift” relies on massive loud riffage and thunderous drumming but you can always perceive a sinister presence especially embedded in the somber lead guitar work.
Avrak begins a courageous journey skillfully combining major classic heavy metal and shadowy doom elements to fully manifest their personal sonic direction and eclectic composition bound to instantly impress the modern underground scene.
Jess By The Lake – Human
Known as the former vocalist of Jess And The Ancient Ones, Jasmin Lempinen continues to focus on her solo career presenting her fascinating artistic vision on the new Jess By The Lake album entitled “Human” recorded fully analog to achieve an authentic sound.
“Jaleihou” flows spontaneously like an unapologetic jam session and guitars aptly choose a delightful vintage sound that emphasizes a glorious rock essence building brighter catchy rhythmic patterns around Jasmin’s charismatic vocal performance.
The groovy rhythmic core of “Wandering Kind” highlights a highly energizing riffage and fiery drumming yet there is a profoundly nostalgic melodic mood amplified by warm vocals.
On “Sister” moody guitars deliberately embrace a mellow ballad style with soulful bluesy tonalities and seductive leads that can generate electrifying rhythmic crescendos.
The intricate track “How Could You Tell” relies on the strong rhythmic section showcasing a rebellious rocker attitude while the atmospheric quality of the slower passages evokes sheer melancholia with eloquent whispered vocals.
“Holy Grove” offers a mystical grand finale as airy atmospheric waves are entwined with gritty guitar riffs characterized by understated darker nuances and Jasmin’s magical voice guides you safely through a hazy rhythmic maze.
Exploring the human soul and expansive musical territories Jess By The Lake looks for honesty and confidently follows a personal sonic pathway that now leads straight to the cathartic soundscapes of “Human”.
Mother Of Millions – T
Greek progressive metal band Mother of Millions raises the bar releasing the ambitious full length “T” which feels like a cinematic metal experience where genuine emotions and elaborate prog dynamics naturally become entwined.
“The Wound” begins a captivating odyssey as sweeping guitars immediately demonstrate massive technical prowess and sound clarity providing fierce riffage and convoluted melodic lines that convey a deeply melancholic mood.
Within the futuristic atmospheric ensemble of “The Innocent” a majestic rhythmic section often arises with sharp riffing and bold drumming in contrast with the combo of solemn vocals and shimmering melodies.
On “The Ascent” theatrical narratives float freely within an idyllic atmospheric realm highlighting the crucial expression of an emotionally charged communication as guitars skillfully craft enthralling harmonious progressions.
“The One” returns to an anthemic heavy metal style accelerating the rhythm to let guitars run wilder accompanied by grand baroque orchestrations yet the sentimental themes are still present in the elegant violin phrases.
“The Circle” is surrounded by multilayered haunting atmospheric tapestries naturally evoking contemplative feelings accompanied by evocative choirs but the rhythmic core intensifies heavier proggy textures generating gripping crescendos.
The accomplished complex structure of “The Sun” holds a mystifying power as the arcane vibes of the opulent atmospheric arrangements gradually lead to more aggressive guitar riffs, darker dramatic tonalities and extra speed yet you can always perceive a soothing melodic essence.
Listening to “T” from beginning to end you can appreciate how Mother of Millions deliberately combine introspective melodic themes and flawless technical execution resulting in a detailed mix that can certainly reach a wider audience.
Stoned Jesus – Songs to Moon
Heavy progressive trailblazers Stoned Jesus present to the world “Songs to Moon”, the second chapter of a truly ambitious trilogy that symbolizes a thoughtful exploration of music and emotions.
The unrestrained album opener “Under The Skin” drags you through shadowy soundscapes where the monolithic rhythmic section can showcase a fiery heavier side without any hesitation unleashing empowering riffage and pummeling drums.
On “ZYX” you can appreciate a softer side with recurring somber acoustic lines accompanied by laid back sentimental vocals but there is space for some monumental grooves easily fueled by a lovable gritty guitar sound and embellished by brighter catchy leads.
The instrumental track “Syzgy” chooses a cathartic atmospheric pathway as luminous keyboards naturally embrace an intriguing blend of understated arpeggios and exquisite guitar phrases expressing pure melancholia.
“Jackal” favors hypnotic darkened nuances and downcast feelings to emphasize the slow burning power of the guitar melodies that inevitably evolve into a rather aggressive syncopated rhythmic ensemble with a remarkable cerebral prog metal approach.
Stoned Jesus reveal a sophisticated introspective songwriting with a subtle touch of magnetic stoner rock following a distinct inspiration that depicts a gripping emotive palette throughout “Songs to Moon”.
Graveyard – Fever
Gothenburg’s very own rockers Graveyard have always demonstrated an ardent devotion to heavy psych rock and the magnetic brand new opus “Fever” reconfirms their influential status with electrifying grooves and captivating vintage splendor.
The album opener “Back From The Grave” doesn’t waste any time and clearly reveals an energetic approach that would never need any special effects favoring raw heavily distorted tonalities through the monolithic guitar riffs and the consequent abrasive rhythmic patterns.
On “Tongue Tied” the colossal galloping rhythmic section takes the center stage focusing on significantly heavy dynamics with doom laden riffage and tasteful guitar leads perfectly complemented by a wild vocal performance.
“A Better Cut (Note To Self)” aptly maintains a feverish rhythmic structure certainly enhanced by the gritty guitar tones and the super fuzzy phrases while the fervent vocals can also express nostalgic feelings.
“Year Of The Horse” immediately stands out for the meaningful rhythmic blasts following a high-velocity trajectory as obsessive guitars deliver a constant fuzzed out riffage until elegant warm melodies create a brief yet deeply sorrowful breakdown.
“Dead Note” spreads immense melancholia through mellow vocals and bluesy slow burning harmonies but guitars continue to push the fuzz pedal hard and spontaneously reach a glorious groovy momentum culminating with an extensive hypnotizing solo.
Graveyard naturally convey the inflamed spirit of timeless heavy rock fully embracing a no frills impactful composition with an authentic retro sound giving life to the irresistible groovy soundscapes of “Fever”.
Xasthur – Open To Misinterpretation
Conceived by vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Scott Conner in the year 1995, Xasthur proudly continues to disregard any musical trend following an individual yet organic artistic evolution that today generates an ambitious full length aptly titled “Open To Misinterpretation”.
Exploring the darkest depths of the human soul “Put You Out Of Your Misery” focuses on a spellbinding neofolk essence as guitars craft intricate melodies but nothing is predictable here.
“Mantras of Delusion” evokes a palpable depressing mood through shapeshifting tormented rhythmic segments yet the mellow guitar sound feels quite comforting.
Accepting the possibility of being misread once more “Impersonating the Impostors” conveys a sense of solitude through a somber acoustic march well supported by solid bass lines.
“Waste of Eternity” certainly remains drenched in darkness yet the thoughtful acoustic passages reveal an understated harmonious glow.
The final chapter “Death Can Heal” can challenge the audience with subtle dissonance and twisted rhythmic variations but the detailed acoustic progressions maintain a hypnotizing monochromatic melodic flow.
Drawing inspiration from Nordic folk Xasthur moves confidently through the coldest landscapes expressing bleak feelings and fully embraces the darkened acoustic composition of “Open To Misinterpretation”.
Bees Made Honey in the Vein Tree – In Between Strides
German quartet Bees Made Honey in the Vein Tree welcomes you to the dreamland of the new full length “In Between Strides” which presents a deeply personal doomy post-rock style destined to gain attention.
The hazy atmospheric maze of “Departure” perfectly symbolizes the band’s manifesto so you can appreciate how the hypnotic psychedelic lines keep on floating gracefully accompanied by whispered vocals but guitars can also showcase heavier distorted tones.
“Elisa” evokes peaceful sentiments as languid guitars and bittersweet piano move sinuously within a surreal atmospheric realm and these expansive ethereal progressions gradually reach an opulent rhythmic crescendo.
“Return, Precipice” can acquire darker nuances amplifying the presence of a classic doom flair as guitars confidently unleash raucous riffage building a quasi chaotic rhythmic ensemble in contrast with the dramatically slower murky melodic segments that obviously trigger spacey feelings.
Bees Made Honey in the Vein Tree continue to shape a distinct musical pathway that throughout “In Between Strides” leads to organic shoegaze atmospheric waves and major harsh dynamics.
Devil Master – Bloody Dreams
From a pitchblack abyss in old Philadelphia Devil Master triumphantly arise to deliver a supernatural opus conjuring the forces of darkness on the uncompromising third album “Bloody Dreams”.
As soon as you hit play “You Worms’ Vain Delusions” leaves you breathless providing palpable horror vibes through a savage rhythmic march with a taste of rebellious punk that later gives way to a flamboyant guitar solo.
“Trembling at Dusk” belongs to a nightmarish world where creepy distorted sounds announce an obscure presence and guitars bravely move through the dense darkness offering relentless violent riffs evidently amplified by the ruthless growls and the arcane doom flair.
In the cryptic sonic realm of the title track you might get lost easily as guitars enhance malevolent tones to efficiently build a rambunctious rhythmic assault with an acidic punk attitude and a wild passion for inflamed blackened grooves leading to a theatrical witchy narration.
On the final invocation “Farewell Waltz to Unfortune’s Palace” the band doesn’t refrain from showing a mystifying folk flair and somber melodic themes yet the irreverent rhythmic section will take over with unrestrained grave guitar driven grooves spiced up by the appealing nocturnal tonalities of the keyboards.
As Devil Master embark on a thrilling journey descending all the way to hellish depths through the decadent and quite irresistible “Bloody Dreams” we might have the same dreams or actually nightmares.
Temic – Ceiba
International super group Temic shapes a personal contemporary progressive metal style on the brand new album “Ceiba” focusing on glowing melodic motifs and majestic instrumental acrobatics.
On “Ashes” sumptuous keyboards evoke major epic vibes around the energetic riffage and the extremely catchy chorus adds uplifting feelings while the exceptional technique that characterizes the opulent guitar leads certainty steals the spotlight.
“Ceased To Be” acquires dramatic nuances offering enthralling harmonies perfectly matched by the solemn vocals while guitars masterfully keep an engaging rhythmic momentum often increasing heaviness and speed.
The elaborate structure of “Casting Stone” generates an unstoppable series of belligerent rhythmic blasts fueled by faster angered drumming and razor sharp riffing naturally leading to an insane guitar solo.
Since the beginning “Parting the Waves Inside” reaches a palpable emotional depth with eloquent vocals accompanied by a soothing piano piece swiftly followed by a monolithic rhythmic core as guitars fully embrace fierce tones and a glorious technical approach.
Throughout “Alone” Temic show their vulnerable side focusing on the contemplative beauty of the charming melodic phrases and the sentimental vocal delivery following a softer rhythmic pathway that still holds a stylish progressive flair reaching the acme with a dazzling guitar solo.
“As Long As We Last” immediately stands out for the dreamy atmospheric arrangements that emphasize the emotive essence of the shimmering guitar melodies and the dramatic vocal performance yet the precise rhythmic section delivers some complex thunderous grooves.
Excellent technical skills and a refined composition are at the center of “Ceiba” but Temic also chooses to explore themes of loss and grief aiming to express sincere emotions.
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