UK atmospheric black metal pioneers Fen skillfully craft the elegantly convoluted new opus “Elemental Part One: Mourning Earth” focusing on grandiose atmospheric gloom and majestic crushing dynamics.
“Glacier” channels the band”s primordial extreme metal roots with a towering rhythmic section and unstoppable inflamed guitar riffs while otherworldly arpeggios bring a rather sentimental finale.
Within a dreamy atmospheric realm “Massif” celebrates a meditative melodic splendor focusing on sophisticated guitar progressions that seamlessly evolve into dramatic blackened crescendos amplified by merciless growls.
“Abyssal Plain” is filled with bleak emotions as graceful melodic guitars favor glowing post-metal nuances but inner dark forces ultimately unleash scorching faster rhythmic blasts.
“Moor” reaches a captivating gloomy acme as guitars naturally follow a forlorn melodic pathway enhancing a contemplative momentum with solemn clean vocals and opulent atmospheric waves yet a distinct blackened essence will inevitably lead to harsh rhythmic segments increasing speed and rage.
With the release of the enthralling artistic endeavor “Elemental Part One: Mourning Earth” Fen can fully manifest a visionary composition masterfully blending ominous heaviness and languid harmonious beauty.
Category: Album Reviews 2026
Ddent – Feeding the Void’s Luster
French hybrid post-metallers Ddent defy standard music categories presenting their own blend of sophisticated atmospheric themes and darkened dynamics on the new album “Feeding the Void’s Luster” captured live in the studio in two takes to enhance a spontaneous approach.
“Longue, obscure et triste lune” evidently belongs to an obscure parallel dimension where intricate guitars fully embrace raw tonalities to build a harsh rhythmic structure yet maintain a murky melodic essence.
Within the cryptic sonic realm of “Arzel” dominant guitars follow a primal instinct to deliver intense riffage certainly amplified by the ruthless growls but also meticulously craft hypnotizing gloomy melodic progressions.
The lengthy final chapter “Noir taureau de douleur” perfectly embodies a visionary composition focused on an immersive melodic ensemble with intriguing post-metal nuances and occasional rhythmic fury that highlights precise drumming and visceral riffs.
Driven by a remarkable creative spark Ddent confidently deliver the darkly convoluted sonic experience “Feeding the Void’s Luster” reminiscent of bohemienne poetry and fierce extreme metal.
Green Desert Water – Eerie Meadows
Spain-based power trio Green Desert Water celebrates the timeless glory of the 1970s heavy rock on the trippy new album “Eerie Meadows”.
Presenting a rather elaborate composition “Northern Lights” can easily spellbind you with sorrowful melodic phrases naturally leading to passionate crescendos and significantly heavier rhythmic patterns.
“The Blacksmith” highlights a perfect classic guitar sound that shines particularly in the glowing solo and the retro rock formula successfully generates plenty of memorable grooves.
The title track takes you to the ancient woods filled with mystifying nuances and the enhanced psychedelia of the slick guitar leads create energizing groovy dynamics.
“Holy Ground” grabs your attention with a balanced mix of cathartic melodic waves and irresistible guitar driven grooves proudly showcasing a beloved vintage sound.
Throughout “Meteora” dominant guitars run wild consequently monolithic riffs ensure a constant rhythmic entertainment that culminates in a charismatic solo yet you can perceive hints of melancholia in the smooth vocal delivery.
Without any hesitation Green Desert Water embark on a fascinating spiritual voyage jamming all the way through the psychedelic realm of “Eerie Meadows”.
Holissstik – Chapter I: This Endless Solitude
Holissstik emerges as a new force from mastermind Tor-Helge Skei of Trondheim’s experimental black metal band Manes and the debut album “Chapter I: This Endless Solitude” aims to push boundaries featuring more than 20 different collaborators.
In the beginning “The Rhythm of Silence” gradually crafts enigmatic atmospheric tapestries around ethereal vocals and the gloomy guitar sound enhances crucial dreamy melodic motifs that can also express uplifting sentiments.
“Reoccurring Dreams” implements electronics to create a surreal sonic realm where elaborate dystopian synths depict a darker gelid dimension and convoluted guitars deliberately evoke primal sonic elements.
Anna Murphy delivers gorgeous vocal harmonies on “Obsession Six” which reveals darkly alluring textures with a remarkable cryptic metal flair and the tragic atmospheric crescendos channel an ancestral ritualistic aura.
Throughout “Would You Take This Heart” expansive atmospheric arrangements surround the otherworldly vocal performance by Martyna Halas and the elegant melodic ensemble emphasizes a soothing emotional depth.
The cinematic title track flows gracefully like a nostalgic daydream spellbinding the audience with multilayered whimsical synths and hypnotizing vocals while the addition of raw guitars leads to an intense crescendo.
Holissstik’s hallucinatory soundscapes naturally come to life throughout “Chapter I: This Endless Solitude” as joined by a collective of exceptional artists Skei masterfully composes a cohesive opus characterized by transformation and creativity.
Irata – Human
North Carolina power trio Irata reaches a new milestone with the release of the massive full length “Human” which is the result of a thoughtful evolution characterized by a distinct heavy rock style and a subtle melancholia.
“Altar” introduces the band’s sonic manifesto with a strong rhythmic section and contemplative vocal harmonies matching the bittersweet melodic guitars.
“Confessions” acquires extra heaviness and confidence through the gritty guitar sound and the exciting groovy dynamics fueled by monumental drumming.
The raw energy of “Seeds” generates loud guitars and imposing bass riffs amplifying distortion and cool stoner vibes to build another groovy rhythmic ensemble.
“Slipped” adds a progressive touch delivering energetic riffage and syncopated rhythmic patterns fueled by precise drum blasts and monolithic bass lines.
“Daystar” brings a moody closure as mellow vocals express genuine sentiments and the recurring comforting melodies certainly highlight a reflective momentum.
Irata certainly aim to keep a spontaneous songwriting approach throughout “Human” shaping a personal vision that relies on a balanced mix of warm melodies and intricate riffing.
Dymna Lotva – Vyraj
Rebellious Belarus dissidents Dymna Lotva shape their own artistic evolution exploring diverse darkened territories and mythical realms on the inspiring fourth album “Vyraj”.
Listening to “Zory” we enter an obscure dimension where ruthless growls and incessant riffage remain dominant while the baroque keyboards accents emphasize a mysterious mood.
“Veha” channels the ritualistic vibes of obscure Nordic black metal with monolithic guitars and intense rhythmic blasts enriched by cinematic eerie orchestrations characterized by a cryptic folk inspiration.
“The Boat of Despair” is destined to conquer your heart immediately expressing eternal gloom with the exquisite gothic flair of decadent guitar melodies and sumptuous keyboards further enhanced by an extraordinary vocal performance courtesy of legendary Aaron Stainthorpe.
On “Niama Darohi” haunting synths meticulously prepare a theatrical atmospheric maze while dramatic growls and gelid guitar riffs build a satisfying blackened structure that culminates in a convoluted harmonious solo.
“Return My Coffin Home” ensures a cathartic grand finale choosing an epic melodic pathway for the polished guitars and conveying a perennial sense of longing with opulent atmospheric textures.
During their personal journey Dymna Lotva courageously manifest an expansive sonic vision that naturally overcomes boundaries leading to the kaleidoscopic soundscapes of “Vyraj”.
Warning – Rituals of Shame
After twenty years British doom metal band Warning is ready to deliver the proper crushing dynamics to celebrate the glory of doom on the new album “Rituals of Shame” written during a transformative period.
Without any hesitation the title track reveals the band’s colossal doom style as the potent rhythmic section hypnotize the audience maintaining a relentless funereal tempo enriched by the solemn vocals and the foreboding guitar leads.
“Stations” meticulously combines heaviness and emotional depth as doom laden guitars effortlessly shift from mournful melodies to intense riffage with recognizable old school sound.
“Night Comes Down” continues to follow a slow paced dirge to amplify monochromatic harmonies, cathartic melodic motifs and expansive darkened vibes through the impeccable dreary guitar work.
“Teacher” marks a super gloomy sentimental finale as the slow burning guitars favor dramatic melodies and theatrical vocals emphasizing a deeply sorrowful rhythmic dimension.
With the release of “Rituals of Shame” Warning makes a strong comeback and proves the relevant role of classic doom metal in the current scene.
Emptiness – Nowhere Speaks
Since 1998 Emptiness have been expanding their enigmatic music style and exploring diverse extreme metal territories, now the new album “Nowhere Speaks” is the rightful result of years of experimentation and transformation.
“The Threat” conveys a claustrophobic mood as aggressive guitars channel a sinister blackened force and hypnotic vocals guide you safely through the shadowy atmospheric maze.
Drenched in darkness the title track combines dense atmospheric synths and dismal melodic phrases while the monumental rhythmic section relies on savage extreme metal dynamics.
“Words To Wind” becomes a dreamlike experience with appealing moody guitar melodies flourishing in the midst of a mysterious atmosphere destined to evolve into a faster chaotic structure.
“When The Whole Arrives” symbolizes a visionary post-blackened death metal essence as murky atmospheric tapestries surround edgy guitars and vitriolic blast beats just seem unstoppable.
The gelid structure of “All For Nothing” unfolds spontaneously through introvert guitar progressions and fierce drumming demanding ruthless speed within a dystopian atmospheric realm.
Emptiness proudly disregards genres and categories following a personal avant-garde darkened sonic pathway that leads straight to the surreal soundscapes of “Nowhere Speaks” shielded by the external dreadful world.
Autumnblaze – Glut
German dark rock / metal visionaries Autumnblaze always demonstrated a sentimental devotion for dark songs and now they make a remarkable comeback with the gloomy soundscapes of the ninth album “Glut”.
Autumnblaze channel a palpable Nordic melancholia through the epic sonic realm of “Licht aus” delivering majestic guitar riffs and crestfallen harmonies.
“Kerkersonne” maintains a darkened rhythmic core but certainly favors fragility and warmth with a poignant vocal delivery and minimalist guitars.
“Heilung” presents a delightful poetic flair through graceful melodic progressions and comforting vocals highlighting a vulnerable side.
The refined dreamlike title track focuses on soft arpeggios and emotive vocals surrounded by hazy atmospheric tapestries.
“Der Idiot” chooses a more direct approach as feverish guitars spontaneously build impactful grooves yet you can appreciate the fascinating contemplative passages.
On “Geisteskind” guitars acquire darker tonalities to create a grim melodic grandeur and emphasize the emotional depth.
A visceral heaviness runs throughout “Albtraum” generating harsh rhythmic patterns amplified by tormented growls yet the recurring melodic motifs evoke spiritual clarity spontaneously leading to a mellow finale with wistful arpeggios.
“Glut” is the result of a thoughtful creative process as Autumnblaze fully embrace a distinct introspective style carefully blending primal rhythmic intensity and cathartic
Liminal Sky – All Tomorrow ‘s Darkness
Acclaimed producer Jaime Gomez Arellano and talented musician Daniel Knight begin a new exciting musical venture with Liminal Sky and the debut release “All Tomorrow’s Darkness” depicts an immersive journey through the bleak English countryside.
Liminal Sky confidently opens the album with the glowing melodies of “Some Other Time” expressing genuine sentiments through dreamy atmospheric arrangements and irresistible jazzy saxophone.
There is a subtle catchiness on “A Solitary Future” that easily attracts the listeners with balanced melodic crescendos and delicate arpeggios.
With an excellent production and a refined composition “In Some Secret Universe” flows like a beautiful daydream as the bittersweet vocals and shimmering arpeggios have the power to illuminate your surroundings.
“Penance” shines for the stark beauty of the intricate melodic guitars and the poignant vocal performance by Karin Park from Årabrot embellishing the haunting atmospheric dimension.
The title track evokes perennial melancholia as the spellbinding post – rock nuances of guitars flourish within the deeply contemplative atmospheric realm.
To create the extraordinary debut “All Tomorrow’s Darkness” Liminal Sky wrote and recorded in isolation at Orgone Studios focusing on poetic motifs and musical clarity.
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