Baltimore death metal band Misery Index explores the chaotic modern age through the unrestrained guitar driven grooves of the seventh full-length “Complete Control”.
It all begins with the somber contemplative arpeggios of “Administer The Dagger” that will gradually unfold a vitriolic rhythmic ensemble channeling the primal essence of death metal through the angered growls and the breakneck speed.
The title track easily demonstrates the band’s massive groovy approach with an overdose of sharp guitar riffs that will reach the acme with the refined darkened nuances of the charismatic solo.
“Rites Of Cruelty” relies on the feverish savage guitar riffs and the frantic drumming to create oppressive rhythmic patterns yet the solemn atmospheric tapestries add diversity and support the fierce vocal delivery.
Within the pitchblack sonic realm of “Conspiracy Of None” the slower passages and the compelling melodic accents emphasize the expression of grim feelings but the faster precise drums will ultimately unleash sheer fury.
“Reciprocal Repulsion” puts the spotlight on the grinding death metal formula of the merciless rhythmic section skillfully enriched by the sophisticated melodic licks and the shredding galore of the extensive guitar solos.
With a two decades career Misery Index continue to manifest a harsh sonic vision through hostile dynamics and critical lyrics that today spontaneously generate the twisted soundscapes of the new album “Complete Control”.
Category: Album Reviews
Devil Master – Ecstasies Of Never Ending Night
Rising from the dark underground metal scene Devil Master manifests a malevolent groovy sonic vision on the sophomore release “Ecstasies Of Never Ending Night” recorded live to analog tape to ensure an authentic raw sound.
Darkness is bound to descend on “Enamoured in the Throes of Death” which relies on gritty guitar riffs and tormented screams to enhance the rebellious attitude of the relentless rhythmic patterns.
On “The Vigour Of Evil” the inflamed rhythmic section fully embraces a savage groovy momentum with blackened tonalities and chunky riffage while the lead guitar work skillfully crafts appealing goth melodic nuances.
“Acid Black Mass” channels a primal fury through the frantic malignant rhythmic blasts diligently fueled by the fierce guitar riffs nevertheless you can often perceive an inner moody & harrowing melodic soul.
Surrounded by a dusty atmosphere “Abyss In Vision” favors a slower tempo to emphasize a hypnotizing gothic flair and the guitars acquire a rather catchy death rock approach.
On “Funerary Gyre of Dreams & Madness” the wild guitar riffs and the robust bass lines spontaneously generate an overload of creepy feelings and towering dynamics within a nocturnal realm.
“Precious Blood of Christ Rebuked” reveals a blasphemous mix of horror vibes and aggression through the raucous vocals and the unrestrained rhythmic rampage constantly highlighting obscure heavy energetic elements.
Undoubtedly magick reigns throughout “Ecstasies Of Never Ending Night” as Devil Master follows a rather darkened filthy pathway shaping an intriguing sonic identity that demands your attention.
Static Abyss – Labyrinth of Veins
Featuring Greg Wilkinson and Chris Reifert of legendary Autopsy, the new death/doom metal outfit Static Abyss promises sheer fury and overwhelming darkness with the release of the debut full length “Labyrinth Of Veins”.
“Feasting On Eyes” instantly unleashes a solid series of ferocious rhythmic blasts diligently fueled by the raw energy of the guitar work and the spiteful screams while the slower passages emphasize the ominous presence of doom elements.
“Nothing Left To Rot” can sound rather savage with extra fast drumming and visceral riffage but the grave doom guitar progressions inevitably evoke a sense of endless hopelessness.
The title track revolves around oppressive rhythmic patterns as the tempo slows down to enhance the monolithic weight of the doom approach through the bleak guitar tonalities and the consequent obscure quasi melodic phrases.
“Jawone Ritual” immediately acquires speed and anger through the relentless rhythmic section offering the expected dosage of vicious guitar riffs ultimately enriched by lugubrious twisted harmonies.
“Tectonic Graveyard” puts the spotlight on a cryptic doom metal style as the painfully slower guitar work renders everything darker and dreadful but there is still space for some raging groovy dynamics.
“Clawing To The Top Of The Dead” closes the album channeling the wrath of extreme metal through the hostile growls and the vitriolic riffage that will eventually evolve into a series of harrowing guitar leads.
Static Abyss proudly begins a gloomy sonic endeavor conveying brutality and desolation throughout “Labyrinth Of Veins” that will certainly satisfy fans of the glorious death & doom metal genres.
Ufomammut – Fenice
Italian power trio Ufomammut proudly reaches another milestone with the release of the ninth studio album “Fenice” which symbolizes a necessary rebirth through dedication and musical exploration.
“Duat” takes you to a distant dimension as the dense atmospheric intro features futuristic multilayered synths and cryptic vibes while the monolithic rhythmic section will soon engage in a wild jam session focusing on groovy guitar riffs and eclectic progressions that often acquire obscure doom tonalities.
“Psychostasia” aptly amplifies a hypnotizing psychedelic flair generating insanely trippy slow burning passages accompanied by hazy vocals yet a significantly heavier rhythmic rampage is bound to take over through the monumental drum blasts and the bold fuzzy guitar riffs.
“Metamorphoenix” can instantly spellbind you with a cathartic combo of blurry synths tapestries and exquisite nostalgia infused guitar melodies flowing gently like a bittersweet daydream that will evolve into a darker crescendo.
On “Pyramind” the riff worship becomes dominant as the mighty guitar work effortlessly channels a magnetic doom force while the synths maintain an enigmatic atmospheric ensemble filled with enthralling psychedelic textures.
As “Fenice” triumphantly rises from the ashes Ufomammut embarks on a cosmic journey manifesting an ex novo creativity through intense psych rock nuances and groovy doom elements.
Alunah – Strange Machine
British heavy rockers Alunah are ready to put a spell on you with a refreshing blend of warm melodies and doom infused grooves through the latest full length “Strange Machine”.
Beginning with surreal psychedelic sounds the title track manifests a fiery energetic rock approach providing a super catchy chorus and memorable rhythmic patterns enriched by the bewitching tonalities of the dazzling guitar solo.
“Fade Into Fantasy” takes you far away shifting the focus to the spacey guitar melodies and the moody psychedelic accents that meticulously craft dreamy soundscapes emphasized by the graceful vocal harmonies.
“Broken Stone” highlights the crucial role of the excellent rhythmic section as the thick bass lines and the robust riffage naturally embrace a groovy momentum that will evolve into a slow-burning super trippy breakdown.
“The Earth Spins” follows an irresistible doom rock pathway as the stellar guitar work courtesy of Shane Wesley of legendary Crowbar thrives within a delightful darkened atmosphere enhanced by the versatile vocal delivery and the deeply melancholic melodic progressions.
A darkly alluring melodic essence flourishes through the hypnotizing melodies of “Teaching Carnal Sins” but the charismatic guitar work always delivers big groovy riffs with an appealing retro rock sound.
The strength of “Strange Machine” relies on the addictive vintage vibes and the multifaceted composition as Alunah continue to shape a captivating sonic identity.
Incite – Wake Up Dead
Arizona thrash metallers Incite proudly unleash sheer fury through the massive grooves of the new studio effort “Wake Up Dead” featuring a solid collection of new and remastered tracks.
“Fuck With Me (Wake Up Dead)” guarantees instant headbanging as the mighty rhythmic section constantly maintains a ruthless approach fueled by the relentless guitar riffs and the ravenous growls.
“War Soup” begins with appealing darkened atmospheric nuances and instantly stands out for the insane groovy momentum revolving around the vitriolic riffage and the charismatic aggressive vocals featuring legendary Max Cavalera.
In the midst of a ferocious thrash metal assault “Sucker Punched” offers some slightly slower passages to emphasize the grim vibes of the guitar leads ultimately reaching the acme with a wild solo.
“Deadbeat” relies on frenetic rhythmic patterns and spiteful screams to convey a rebellious mood easily amplified by the hammering drum blasts and enriched by the fiery guitar shredding.
“Mental Destruction” surprises you with a sorrowful acoustic intro that swiftly evolves into a robust rhythmic ensemble with an overdose of gritty guitar riffs and angered vocals.
The previously released track “The Slaughter” diligently follows a successful thrash metal formula generating a no frills destructive rhythmic rampage through the unstoppable harsh guitar riffs.
Driven by passion, Incite bravely continue an explosive music journey channeling an old school thrash metal force that today leads to the savage groovy dynamics of “Wake Up Dead”.
Watain -The Agony & Ecstasy of Watain
The unholy ascension of Swedish black metal icons Watain continues through the darkest depths of the majestic seventh studio album “The Agony & Ecstasy of Watain”.
Within the oppressive darkened realm of “Ecstasies In Night Infinite” visceral riffage and feverish drum blasts begin an unstoppable wild hunt through a twisted rhythmic maze adorned by the charismatic guitar leads.
The perilous journey continues with “The Howling” revolving around a primordial blackened force that successfully acquires addictive groovy black ‘n roll dynamics through the frostbitten guitar riffs and the tormented melodic licks.
The slightly slower tempo and the atmospheric gloom of “Serimosa” emphasize an ancestral spiritual essence as guitars have the chance to meticulously craft hypnotizing lugubrious melodic tapestries within a malignant rhythmic ensemble.
A decadent melodic flair lingers throughout “Before The Cataclysm” as guitars effortlessly shift from sheer brutality to intricate bewitching harmonies inevitably conveying tumultuous feelings and amplifying a fascinating dramatic depth.
A mysterious aura surrounds “We Remain” as extraordinaire guest vocalist Farida Lemouchi (Ex The Devil’s Blood, now in Molasses) delivers a spellbinding performance emphasizing the arcane power of the refined melodic guitar work reaching the acme with a cathartic solo.
“Septentrion” triumphantly follows an ominous blackened pathway as the malevolent growls express immense fury and the relentless guitar riffs diligently create monolithic rhythmic patterns enriched by exquisite sinister melodic phrases.
With a 25 year long career Watain aim to reach the equilibrium between sublime melodies and endless darkness while conjuring an intense black metal magic that will leave you shattered wandering through the gelid grooves of “The Agony & Ecstasy of Watain”.
The Hellacopters – Eyes Of Oblivion
Swedish iconic rockers The Hellacopters make an explosive comeback delivering irresistible grooves on the first full-length in 14-years entitled “Eyes Of Oblivion”.
“Reap A Hurricane” fully showcases a timeless rocker style with an overload of big & loud guitar riffs and flamboyant soloing leading to a memorable chorus that makes you wanna party all night long.
“So Sorry I Could Die” instantly conveys pure nostalgia and romanticism with the charismatic bittersweet vocal performance surrounded by the warm bluesy guitar progressions and the dazzling piano melodies.
Without any hesitation the title track returns to an energetic rhythmic rampage focusing on a successful combo of edgy guitar riffs and wild leads naturally channeling a glorious retro rock style.
“Beguiled” easily provides another super catchy chorus and an ideal dosage of guitar driven grooves enriched by a fervent solo and bright piano tonalities.
The slower tempo of “The Pressure’s On” evokes somber feelings and puts the spotlight on the melancholia infused guitar melodies and the soulful vocal delivery.
The party is still on as “Try Me Tonight” emphasizes a rebellious spirit with the addictive passionate chorus and the slick guitar work well supported by the cheerful stomping rhythmic section.
Despite the long hiatus The Hellacopters will certainly please their faithful fanbase and confirm their influential status with the supercharged vintage rock vibes of “Eyes Of Oblivion”.
Lucifer’s Child/Mystifier – Under Satan’s Wrath
Celebrating the obscure force of black metal, Greek band Lucifer’s Child and Brazilian veterans Mystifier join forces on the unholy split album “Under Satan’s Wrath”.
Mystifier open the album with the malevolent dynamics of “Death Beyond Holy Creation” showcasing hints of old school black metal through the unrestrained hostile riffage and the theatrical chanting embellished by the fancy melodic nuances of the guitar work.
The second original track “Under Inhumane Evil Spells” immediately unleashes a belligerent combo of monumental drumming and ravenous guitar riffs while the classic heavy metal vibes of the multiple extensive solos increase diversity.
Lucifer’s Child delivers a blasphemous offering with “Satan’s Wrath” focusing on the breakneck speed of the relentless drums and the oppressive guitar riffs to create a menacing rhythmic rampage that will morph into a brief ominous melodic ensemble.
On “Nova Tenebris” Lucifer’s Child fully embrace a ritualistic flair leading to the sheer brutality of the majestic blackened rhythmic blasts amplified by the visceral growls while the nocturnal atmospheric textures and the excellent gloomy melodic guitar work evoke arcane vibes.
Throughout “Under Satan’s Wrath” Lucifer’s Child and Mystifier have the chance to manifest their own distinct blackened vision spreading perennial darkness and hellish grooves.
Die Apokalyptischen Reiter – Wilde Kinder
Formed back in 1995 German innovative band Die Apokalyptischen Reiter continues to fearlessly evolve on the latest thrilling full-length “Wilde Kinder”.
The explosive album opener “Von Freiheit will ich singen” relies on an elaborate groovy mix of crunchy guitar riffs and triumphant keyboards arrangements to create a truly energetic rhythmic rampage amplified by the harsh vocal delivery.
A bewitching gothic industrial mood feels quite dominant on “Volle Kraft” as the relentless gritty riffage ensures a stomping rhythm while the darkened atmospheric tapestries lead to cathartic slower passages.
The title track can easily unleash aggressive rhythmic blasts due to the wild heavy metal approach of the unrestrained riffage in contrast with the luminous keyboards and guitar harmonies during the atmospheric breakdown.
“Leinen los” conveys somber emotions through the soothing arpeggios and the delightful polished melodic guitar leads yet the occasional powerful rhythmic crescendos accompanied by vicious growls generate darker vibes.
Surrounded by a mysterious atmosphere “Euer Gott ist der Tod” reveals a faster ferocious rhythmic assault channeling a primal extreme metal inspiration and even the calmer guitar progressions acquire intense obscure tonalities enhanced by the theatrical vocal performance featuring guest vocalist Sabine Scherer.
“Der Eisenhans” maintains a robust series of vitriolic guitar driven grooves leading to a memorable solemn chorus but an enchanting nostalgia emerges through the dreamy atmospheric textures and the cold nuances of the fancy guitar solo.
Manifesting an aptly apocalyptic sonic vision throughout “Wilde Kinder”, Die Apokalyptischen Reiter skillfully deliver a balanced blend of inflamed grooves and profound melancholy that will certainly please all the “Reitermania” fans.
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