Category: Album Reviews

Lord Of The Lost – Swan Songs II

Hamburg-based dark metal band Lord Of The Lost is proud to return to the music scene with the unique new album “Swan Songs II”, a symphonic music piece that offers a refined dark interpretation of classical music.

“Waiting For You To Die” features charismatic melodic textures that always bear a darkened even macabre mood with acoustic segments and melancholic strings but also a grandiose orchestration that gradually gains cinematic intensity.

“Lighthouse” amplifies a melancholic atmosphere with tranquil piano melodies while vocal delivery maintains soulful dark goth vibes accompanied by the soothing warmth of chamber orchestra arrangements.

“The Broken Ones” feels particularly dramatic following a theater piece structure with somber soft strings melodies bearing remarkable gothic accents and haunting atmospheric layers that at times emphasize bolder tonalities and sinister vocals.

“My Better Me” is an emotionally charged tune with sparkling dark romance tones embedded in the smooth dreamlike ensemble of piano and strings melodies.

“We Were Divine” starts with incredibly poignant fragile piano passages and the orchestral background provides classical grandeur as well as additional tragic atmospheres perfectly matched by low toned tormented vocals.

“From The Brink Of The Other World” shines for its inner absolutely gloomy charisma that evokes a distant gothic sonic realm elegantly embellished by delicate yet solemn orchestrations and exquisite violins.

On “Swan Songs II” you will not find heavy guitars or a standard metal/rock approach as Lord Of The Lost chooses to focus on ambitious operetta style orchestral arrangements which might sound too mellow to some stubborn listeners but certainly stand out as a mesmerizing theatrical experience to those who will keep an open mind.

BIG|BRAVE – Ardor

Montreal based trio BIG|BRAVE is ready to embark a new experimental journey on the latest effort “Ardor” which stands out for the elaborate rock dynamics and emotional waves.

Far from being categorized as music for the masses, “Sound” explores all kinds of music facets and atypical tempo variations often focusing on bold guitar riffs, drone textures and the fragile distorted beauty of violin. Like distant laments, vocals complement the post-rock main core channeling otherworldly soundscapes and instrumental passages evoke a somber introvert sonic realm.

On “Lull” the drone scenario is mixed with ethereal remnants of a forgotten melodic flow, vocals can become soft whispers or acute lamentations in the midst of gritty dissonant guitars, oscillating feedback and gloomy violins.

“Borer” delivers a wide range of surreal tonalities maintaining a traditional dirty rock distortion but flirting with dissonant textures that can even acquire a particularly heavy grave temperament surrounded by abstract atmospheric layers.

If you are looking for mind bending experimental music make sure to check out “Ardor” because BIG|BRAVE have perfected an unusual elegant approach in their continuous search for new unpredictable music styles.

Wolves In The Throne Room – Thrice Woven

Like ancient alchemists Wolves In The Throne Room experiment with primordial blackened elements and mythical concepts on the latest full length “Thrice Woven” which ultimately becomes an enigmatic entity that feeds off the dark energy of sounds and words.

Opening a mystical portal or the classic Pandora’s box “Born From The Serpent’s Eye” features the relentless asphyxiating dynamics of traditional black metal with the right dosage of tight guitar riffing, furiously blasting drums and distant fiery screams but this aspect never becomes overwhelming as the band intermittently chooses to focus on charismatic folk undertones channeling the energy of a forgotten magical forest with cathartic somber melodies enhanced by the dreamy chants performed by guest vocalist Anna von Hausswolff.

Ritualistic fires and thick mist hide unknown obscure creatures or something simply unnamable on “The Old Ones Are With Us” which stands out for the eerie chilling atmospheres as minimalist arpeggios and darkly dreamlike melodic guitars feel otherworldly intense. In general the wintry doom oriented approach, the hypnotizing atmospheric nuances and the highly heartfelt theatrical narratives/chants featuring Steve Von Till of Neurosis render this track absolutely fascinating and unforgettable.

Conceptually based on Norse mythology “Angrboda” is definitely a complex track where the tale of heartbreak and foreordained destruction is matched by a mixture of mysterious atmospheric keyboards layers and mournful slow melodic guitars that aptly evoke absolutely bleak winter landscapes and perennial obscure tonalities.

“Mother Owl, Father Ocean” is a full blown atmospheric track or simply a transcendent breakdown that emerges as an enticing spiritual piece with Anna’s ethereal vocal delivery and introduces the Cascadian black metal force of “Fires Roar In The Palace Of The Moon” which closes the album lost in an archaic realm of immense darkness with a no frills blackened guitar driven assault always embellished by grandiose yet intensely gloomy atmospheric & melodic segments.

Many will rejoice and inevitably feel attracted to the perilous power of the black metal brutal tunes that Wolves In The Throne Room return to fully embrace but “Thrice Woven” offers much more than that, as the band carefully crafts solemn ominous melodic textures and arcane atmospheres that render this album particularly intriguing.

 

Then Comes Silence – Blood

There might be a real goth rock revival going on this year and Swedish band Then Comes Silence joins the retro rollercoaster flirting with all things dark on the fourth full length “Blood”.

“The Dead Cry For No One” feels moody and extremely gloomy in proper goth fashion with spacey darkened guitar melodies that soon pick up a charming retro groove tied to an extremely catchy chorus. Immediately all these charismatic dark tonalities remind of many unforgettable ‘80s goth rock bands such as Joy Division and Sisters Of Mercy, yet Then Comes Silence does hold a personal identity.

“Strange Kicks” follows the same beloved music pathway packing all possible dark vibes in the groovy guitar riffs and drum beats further enhanced by vocalist/songwriter Alex Svenson’s charming vocal delivery.

“My Bones” feels cold and nightmarish with low whispered vocals and hypnotizing melodic guitars surrounded by absolutely entertaining spooky synth layers and the whole catchy dark rock galore prepares you for the last macabre dance party before a certain downfall.

The theatrical track “Choose Your Poison” will make you space out with an overload of trippy slow guitars and dreamy atmospheric arrangements in a love & death scenario.

“Good Friday’ continues to channel all the vintage goth elements we always loved and generates a steady melodic crescendo with attached profound atmospheric darkness and bittersweet danceable grooves.

“Warm Like Blood” offers loveable decadent atmospheric waves with the right dosage of gloomy romance and vocals acquire a surreal darkened energy in the chorus.

It would be really hard to resist the vintage goth rock / dark wave/post-punk flavors of “Blood” as every lascivious melody here is meant to spellbind the listeners and trap them forever in this darkened nostalgic limbo.

Impure Wilhelmina – Radiation

Swiss post-hardcore veterans Impure Wilhelmina have been a prolific band for 10 years and the emotionally charged new full length “Radiation” aims to surprise the audience pushing music boundaries.

On “Great Falls Beyond Death” a somber mood dominates the song’s themes as loads of diverse guitar melodies embody darkened emotions with smooth gloomy tonalities.

“Sacred Fire” features groovy guitar riffs progressions but the whole instrumentation maintains a rather dark spirit as the main melodic core elegantly evokes a profound sadness that becomes overwhelming during the mellow breakdowns.

“Meaningless Memories” feels like a hymn to absolute melancholia with mournful vocals and refined guitar melodies that maintain a dark rock delivery and in general the guitar work showcases complex dramatic textures with a genuine emotive approach.

“Bones and Heart” offers some modern rock upbeat grooves and energetic rhythmic dynamics where cohesive guitar melodies evoke a brighter hopeful mood.

With renewed intensity “Murderers” returns to a darker sonic realm as guitars incessantly craft particularly gloomy vibes further emphasized by borderline dramatic desperate screams.

As Impure Wilhelmina continues to evolve exploring new sonic territories “Radiation” is the result of a substantial darkened songwriting approach that focuses mainly on melancholy infused intricate melodic textures.

CyHra – Letters To Myself

New band CyHra might be considered a supergroup as it features ex-Amaranthe vocalist Jake E, former In Flames guitarist Jesper Strömblad and bassist Peter Iwers and Alex Landenburg, current drummer of Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody. Therefore the bombastic debut album “Letters To Myself” is really the product of well-known talented musicians that share the same music vision and passion.

“Karma” starts with electro pop vibes followed by recognizable melo-death guitars that keep a somber mood even when the radio friendly chorus leans towards a more positive outlook.

On “Heartrage” Jake E delivers impressively passionate vocals that channel a multitude of bittersweet emotions, especially in the fervent chorus and romantic breakdowns, while guitars skillfully offer a series of memorable melodic hooks.

In the beginning “Here To Save You” feels particularly melancholic with understated arpeggios but soon crunchy guitars lead the scene with groovy tonalities and powerful blasts that culminate with a charismatic shredded solo.

The title track becomes loud and distorted as delightful guitar melodies & riffs take the center stage delivering super catchy grooves while Jake E chooses a more luminous emotionally charged vocal delivery.

“Dark Clarity” features a classic melodic metal approach with a borderline ballad style structure embellished by modern electro/ambiance accents and again the whole music formula relies on some killer polished melodic hooks that inevitably get stuck in your head.

“Black Wings” is another catchy tune that acquires dramatic melodic textures with simple dreamy harmonies amplified by a Jake E’s poignant vocals and a winning combo of lovely melancholic guitar phrases & flamboyant solo.

Like a resurrection or a second chance to show the world that these musicians can join forces to create something spontaneously sincere and emotional, CyHra packs “Letters To Myself” with the energetic spirit of rock/metal and loads of addictive widely accessible melodic hooks.

Ne Obliviscaris – Urn

Among modern metal bands, Australian Ne Obliviscaris have proven to be seriously devoted to the creation of complex fascinating music and the latest full length “Urn” showcases a versatile and visionary songwriting that meticulously blends compelling classical passages, ominous blackened accents and technical prog prowess.

“Libera (Part I) – Saturnine Spheres” opens the album with soft classical nuances that naturally evolve into a diverse ensemble of powerful prog tempo variations carefully built by fast precise drumming and intense eclectic guitar work. Ne Obliviscaris bravely explores an incredible range of music styles resulting in a rather unique composition where guitars deliver both crunchy extreme metal influenced riffing and elegantly polished melodies. The violin will always have a significant role throughout the album and here enhances the melodic aesthetics while the mixture of bright clean vocals and enraged growls amplifies the band’s music duality.

It would be simply impossible to resist the classical enchanting beauty of the evocative violin instrumental piece “Libera (Part II) – Ascent Of Burning Moths”. This short yet highly charismatic track complements the previous part I and delivers a tranquil multitude of ethereal decadent tones.

The brilliant theatrical composition of “Intra Venus” showcases again the band’s passionate music approach and undeniable talent. This is another quite complex track featuring multiple changes of scenario as guitars fervently accelerate the rhythm channeling the extreme depth of black metal but also shine for the excellent technical progressions and melodies matched by impeccable wild violin solos.

On “Eyrie” with magnificent classical beauty graceful violin and acoustic phrases evoke a luminous dreamlike atmosphere accompanied by calm soulful vocals. Such peaceful moment is followed by remarkable obscure growls marching through a heavy guitar driven crescendo that create the expected  dramatic contrast and the song’s variegated textures continue to unfold with an overdose of tight technical prog riffs and somber magical violin melodies.

The heavier enigmatic moments always enhanced by flawless venomous growls continue to have a large presence on “Urn” but it will be very easy to fall desperately in love with the sophisticated classical violin that constantly adds captivating intensity to each song.

Eshtadur – Mother Gray

Hailing from Colombia Eshtadur is ready to release into the world a genuinely powerful blend of melodic death metal with the latest effort “Mother Gray”.

“Belong To Nowhere” immediately showcases a massive death metal approach with the right dosage of ferocious guitar riffs and brutal guttural growls yet the highlights are to be found in the elegantly somber orchestral layers that evoke epic vibes.

“Cornered At The Earth” starts with intense fury as the rhythmic backbone unleashes fast guitar riffs & drums while melodic guitars channel a darkened atmosphere and symphonic arrangements add a triumphant classical touch.

“Desolation” feels absolutely gloomy with thick bleak atmospheric darkness and melancholic piano melodies that introduce a sharp array of mournful guitar melodies and relentless desperate screams.

With a slower tempo “March Of The Fallen” evokes an overwhelming desolate scenario as sinister atmospheric arrangements set the mood followed by dramatic vocals and funeral doom oriented guitar melodies.

Overall, on “Mother Gray” Eshtadur diligently crafts a high impact guitar driven assault containing all the beloved elements of melodic death metal and renders everything more interesting with the addition of grandiose symphonic details.

Taake – Kong Vinter

Acclaimed Norwegian band Taake is proud to unleash the coldest music creation of the year aptly entitled “Kong Vinter” on which mastermind Hoest does a truly impressive job playing all instruments himself. With confidence and mature songwriting fluidity, Taake embarks on a cryptic music journey daring to explore the primordial depths of black metal and add devilish groovy rock twists to the renowned formula.

“Sverdets Vei” is certainly fueled by the readily identifiable obscure black metal roots as guitar riffs run savage accompanied by fierce growls yet the gritty rock spirit tends to become more dominant with quite accessible spacey grooves.

“Huset i Havet” channels nightmarish atmospheres as the guitar driven rhythm relentlessly bends standard music & tempo structures mixing harmonious Nordic nuances and irresistible fuzzy rock ’n’ roll passages.

“Havet i Huset” might speed up tempo for a while with breathless riffing crescendo in proper black metal fashion and additional cold guitars obsessively build a diabolical rock groove.

“Fra Bjoergegrend mot Glemselen” is a particularly complex moody track with a tasteful ensemble of diverse music styles starting with introvert mournful glacial riffs that inevitably gain speed and fury followed by elegantly slower wintry melodies and surprisingly charismatic vintage rock moments.

A perfect soundtrack for the upcoming freezing winter nights when solitude and sadness become instantly palpable and overwhelming “Kong Vinter” evokes the icy natural beauty of Scandinavia with cathartic melodies as well as the extreme darkness of traditional black metal.

Five The Hierophant – Over Phlegethon

Instrumental trio Five The Hierophant is ready to debut in the music scene with the avant-garde obscure music opus “Over Phlegethon” which showcases a haunting blend of post metal and psychedelic rock.

Precise instrumental passages on “Queen Over Phlegethon” continuously evoke hazy soundscapes but nothing is random here as the band pushes ordinary music boundaries skillfully crafting a hypnotic overdose of bleak intricate atmospheres and guitars juxtaposed with vibrant saxophone passages.

On “Vampire” guitars acquire a sludge acidic rock mood while the stunning saxophone melodies cut through a thick psychedelic mist and the whole instrumentation focuses on the creation of multifaceted unique melodies.

“Der Geist Der Stets Vernein” features a series of elaborate sonic textures, including ambient and drone elements, which bear a carnivalesque mood.  The jazz oriented saxophone melodies are actually listenable and fancy but the whole instrumentation often delivers complicated atypical themes and dissonant tonalities while guitars acquire a more traditional gritty metal sound.

The enigmatic nature of “Over Phlegethon” might appeal exclusively to a select audience but Five The Hierophant truly impress the listeners with an understated and highly heterogeneous music style supported by a combination of unusual instruments such as djembe and rag-dung.