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.
Category: Album Reviews 2026
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.
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