Danish existential prog metal band Only Human proudly enters the metal scene with the apocalyptic vision of the debut album “Planned Obsolescence”.
Surrounded by an enigmatic atmosphere “Drift” highlights a mature musicianship focusing on a hypnotizing melodic ensemble with a variety of fluent crispy guitar phrases.
On “The Sun and the Moon” the poetic vocal delivery and the shimmering guitar progressions emphasize poignant melodic themes yet the rhythmic section will acquire extra heaviness & speed.
“Steep Descent” instantly showcases a modern technical progressive approach confidently blending fiery grooves, intricate guitar acrobatics and warm piano harmonies.
“Aspire” is filled with bittersweet emotions as peaceful vocals accompany melancholic guitar progressions ultimately evolving into a luminous guitar solo.
“Breach” depicts a dystopian dimension through syncopated rhythms diligently built by aggressive drumming and visceral riffage until otherworldly multilayered synths evokes wistful feelings.
Within the bleak reality of “Planned Obsolescence” Only Human present to the world their personal sonic manifesto through contemplative melodies and strong technical skills.
Category: Album Reviews 2026
Varmia – lauks
For the release of the new album “lauks” Polish black metal band Varmia has prepared an obscure Baltic rite skillfully combining traditional ethnic instrumentation and relentless extreme dynamics.
As darkness descends upon us “czarne drogi Xsiężyca” constantly unleashes a malevolent force through the insane speed of the chaotic rhythmic patterns and the wrathful screams.
You cannot escape the primal blackened essence of “zwykli zmarli” as raw guitar riffs inevitably generate an oppressive mood emphasized by enigmatic chants.
“niekrwi” hits you in the face with hellish rhythmic blasts and ravenous growls until the tempo slows down dramatically to reach a lugubrious melodic momentum.
“der tot Adalbert” adds a theatrical flair to the spiteful black metal formula with quasi paranormal chanting and mournful melodic waves emerging from a ghastly limbo.
“korona” showcases a visceral classic blackened approach favoring unstoppable hostile drumming and ominous guitar tonalities enriched by cryptic tribal accents.
In the underground subversive scene Varmia continue to follow a darkened mystical pathway leading to “lauks” which delivers an audacious black metal assault and at the same time pays homage to their strong Baltic roots.
Desert Storm – Buried Under The Weight Of Reason
Hailing from Oxford, England, Desert Storm presents their monolithic blend of stoner, sludge & doom with the insane heavy weight of the new full length “Buried Under The Weight Of Reason”.
“Newfound Respect” evokes a sense of impending doom as colossal grim guitar riffs lead the way to a solid series of empowering grooves easily amplified by a thunderous vocal delivery.
Surrounded by a subtle trippy atmosphere “Shamanic Echoes” takes you to arid landscapes as the slick guitar leads emphasize an attractive ‘70s acidic mood and gradually evolve into majestic rhythmic dynamics.
“Woodsman” shows a deeply nostalgic side with warm arpeggios yet this mellow melodic ensemble will morph into a highly distorted groovy rhythmic core.
Without any hesitation “Cut Your Teeth” delivers plenty of grinding rhythmic blasts and the elaborate guitar work effortlessly shifts from vicious riffage to eloquent melodic lines.
Maintaining a higher rhythmic tension “Twelve Seasons” relies on galloping gritty riffs with the crucial support of stomping drums and reaches the acme with a flamboyant guitar solo.
With great confidence Desert Storm channel the glory of stoner/doom to fully develop a personal songwriting approach that throughout “Buried Under The Weight Of Reason” naturally generates pure heaviness but also a surprising vulnerability.
Via Doloris – Guerre et Paix
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.
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.
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