Featuring Brant Bjork and Nick Oliveri, renowned as founder members of legendary Kyuss, Stöner begins a new sensational desert rock jam on the sophomore release ”totally…”.
“A Million Beers” relies on the raw energy of the magnetic rhythmic section to create loads of fast explosive grooves symbolizing an ideal joyride through the Mojave desert.
“Strawberry Creek (Dirty Feet)” delivers the expected dosage of dirty riffs well supported by the vibrant drumming and spiced up by the contrasting vocal delivery by Brant and Nick.
“Space Dude & The Burn” features the perfect vintage guitar sound and the consequent galloping riffage can easily generate monolithic grooves while the slower and a bit darker breakdown gives way to a series of wild guitar leads.
“Turn It Around Now” is another memorable track that instantly makes you feel dazed & confused with the intense fuzzy riffage and the slow burning guitar progressions emphasized by Brant’s laid back vocal performance.
“Great American Sage” grabs your attention with the moody guitar phrases and the robust bass lines blending warm bluesy tonalities and a hazy heavy rock approach that spontaneously leads to an extensive charismatic solo.
Once again Stöner drags through the desert to party all day long packing dusty melodies and irresistible grooves throughout ”totally…” with an authentic psych stoner rock attitude.
Category: Album Reviews
Venus Principle – Stand in Your Light
Featuring former members of Crippled Black Phoenix and active/former members of At The Gates, Ison, Tacoma Narrows Bridge Disaster and Louise Lemon, British/Swedish psychedelic/progressive rock collective Venus Principle is ready to impress the audience with the spellbinding soundscapes of the debut album “Stand In Your Light”.
Within the dreamy atmosphere of “Rebel Drones” darkly soothing guitar melodies follow a contemplative pathway and eventually acquire fuzzy undertones to build enticing rhythmic crescendos accompanied by an evocative vocal duet.
The intricate melodic ensemble of “Barricades” puts the spotlight on the warm guitar leads and Daniel Änghede’s emotional vocal delivery while the solid rhythmic section has a chance to embrace a hypnotizing psychedelic approach.
“All These Words” naturally combines hazy atmospheric textures and eloquent guitar phrases which emphasize the catchy prog rock elements and the glowing vocal performance can easily channel bittersweet emotions.
“Shut It Down” shines for the immersive melodic tapestries and the ethereal atmospheric arrangements conveying pure melancholia while Daisy Chapman’s delicate voice easily enhances the memorable chorus.
Surrounded by a blurry atmosphere “Drag Nets” continues to manifest a moody melodic soul through graceful vocals while guitars can craft heavier & darker rock dynamics embellished by the elegant saxophone.
The poignant title track favors a slower and softer tempo to highlight the delightful vocal performance flowing gently through a multilayered atmospheric daydream.
Considering the talented artists behind Venus Principle it’s easy to appreciate the detailed composition that generates truly captivating melodic waves throughout “Stand In Your Light” which is destined to instantly grab your attention.
Black Void – Antithesis
Featuring mastermind Lars Are Nedland, renowned for his work in legendary Borknagar, Black Void symbolizes the flipside of his melodic hard rock band White Void and clearly manifests a visionary punk/black metal approach on the new album “Antithesis” inspired by the philosophical works of Friedrich Nietzsche.
The crust punk energy of “Void” leads to a belligerent rhythmic rampage yet a soulful melodic essence is destined to emerge through the melancholia infused guitar harmonies and the soothing clean vocal delivery.
On “Reject Everything” the harsh guitar riffs take the center stage generating impactful grooves enhanced by the ravenous growls but as the tempo slows down a bit the moody atmosphere reveals a dramatic depth.
“Death To Morality” focuses on an irresistible groovy blackened momentum constantly fueled by the soaring guitar riffs and the primal growls by guest vocalist Hoest of Taake in contrast with the calmer clean vocals and the cold melodic textures.
“No Right, No Wrong” skillfully combines savage rhythmic blasts evoking a perennial darkness and eloquent melodic accents that effortlessly emphasize catchy vibes and refined guitar tonalities.
Featuring spiteful growls courtesy of Sakis Tolis of Rotting Christ “Dadaist Disgust” channels an obscure blackened force through the unrestrained riffage and the breakneck speed building an intense rhythmic tension enriched by some smooth melodic guitar leads.
Dwelling within a metaphysical dimension Black Void never fails to unleash pure aggression and constantly demands your attention with the twisted rhythmic patterns of “Antithesis”.
Christian Death – Evil Becomes Rule
Gothic death rock pioneers Christian Death embark on a gloomy sonic journey exploring intellectual themes and diverse music styles throughout the new full-length “Evil Becomes Rule”.
Within the dramatic atmospheric ensemble of “The Alpha And The Omega” Valor Kand’s voice becomes your spiritual guide while guitars often acquire a raw energy to create groovy rhythmic patterns.
“New Messiah” relies on the contrasting textures of the gritty guitar riffs and the vibrant acoustic phrases while Maitri’s vocals easily enhance the darkened catchy vibes.
A fascinating gothic flair lingers through the moody melodic waves and the monochromatic bass lines of “Blood Moon” reaching the acme with the seductive vocal harmonies of the addictive chorus.
“Beautiful” puts the spotlight on Maitri’s bewitching vocals flowing through a darkly gripping blend of graceful atmospheric tapestries and dazzling melodic crescendos.
“Rise And Shine” showcases a sinister vision through the irresistible faster & heavier rhythmic segments enriched by the charismatic vocal interplay and the melancholic atmospheric arrangements.
“Who Am I (part 1)” stands out for the hypnotizing combo of elegant violins and warm arpeggios yet the rhythmic section can acquire an obscure essence ultimately leading to a delightful melodic guitar solo.
Christian Death inevitably lure you through a realm of darkness and poetry as “Evil Becomes Rule” grabs your attention with sultry melodic aesthetics and a timeless goth essence.
Septicflesh – Modern Primitive
Greek extreme metal titans Septicflesh have carefully shaped a unique sonic vision that today thrives within the magnificent blend of striking symphonic tapestries and immense fury of the brand new full-length “Modern Primitive” featuring a continuous collaboration with the Philharmonic Orchestra of Prague.
The inflamed album opener “The Collector” shines for the warm Mediterranean nuances of arpeggios and strings but the ruthless combo of unrestrained guitar riffs and malevolent growls is often bound to prevail within a pitchblack dimension.
On “Hierophant” the breathtaking solemn orchestrations and the cinematic atmospheric moments naturally enrich the crushing rhythmic onslaught which relies on the colossal guitar work and the precise drumming.
“Neuromancer” meticulously crafts spellbinding acoustic harmonies before engaging in an aggressive approach constantly fueled by the memorable fiery guitar riffs yet there will be more peaceful moments emphasizing a stunning melodic flow accompanied by passionate clean vocals.
“Coming Storm” reveals an obscure flair through the feverish orchestrations and the soaring riffage following a brutally fast tempo until an impeccable cinematic breakdown conveys major epic vibes featuring majestic choirs.
“Modern Primitives” demands your attention unleashing an overdose of monumental grooves and complex guitar progressions skillfully adorned by the elevated symphonic arrangements and the luminous atmospheric accents.
“A Dreadful Muse” focuses on impressive harsh dynamics as the scorching guitar riffs and the insane drum blasts feel very dominant marching through a dramatic atmospheric ensemble while the guitar leads showcase a poignant melodic essence.
As Septicflesh manifest a thrilling creative force and a remarkable musical prowess through an intricate composition, “Modern Primitive” dwells within a sonic realm of contrasting feelings where the undiluted darkness of death metal and the gripping symphonic elegance magically become entwined.
Somali Yacht Club – The Space
Ukrainian post-rock/metal band Somali Yacht Club expands their thoughtful sonic vision through the melancholia infused soundscapes of the third full-length “The Space”.
The darkened tonalities of “Silver” lead to a hazy rhythmic ensemble that often embraces dramatically heavier dynamics embellished by a comforting vocal delivery and recurring peaceful guitar melodies.
Within the blurry atmospheric realm of “Pulsar” guitars naturally shift from intense fuzzy rhythmic crescendos to graceful luminous progressions enhancing the presence of emotive themes and a pensive melodic flow.
The softer passages of “Echo of Direction” highlight the darkly immersive harmonies and the dense atmospheric textures while the glowing guitar tones will occasionally evolve into a fierce groovy momentum fueled by the gritty riffage.
The lengthy final opus “Momentum” showcases a multifaceted rhythmic approach that spontaneously generates monolithic heavy patterns adding darker doom elements yet the eclectic guitars can fully unfold a dreamy melodic grandeur through warm evocative phrases enhancing a compelling emotional depth.
Throughout “The Space” Somali Yacht Club never fail to convey a deeply contemplative mood emphasizing a cinematic composition influenced by contrasting post-metal nuances.
Misery Index – Complete Control
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”.
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.
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