Hailing from the Bay Area, blackened heavy metal band Nite aims to conquer your cold soul skillfully blending glorious N.W.O.B.H.M dynamics and perennial darkness on the sophomore full-length “Voices Of The Kronian Moon”.
The album opener “Acheron” doesn’t waste any time as the bold rhythmic section fully embraces a memorable groovy momentum enriched by the captivating darkened guitar tonalities and the polished melodic leads.
The aptly nocturnal atmosphere of “Kronian Moon” puts the spotlight on the ominous vocal delivery and the bewitching melodic guitar work offering an overdose of charismatic licks and sorrowful phrases.
Darkness inevitably descends on “Liber ex Doctrina” which features an ideal combo of deeply mournful harmonious progressions and inflamed rhythmic patterns highlighting once again the striking guitar work.
On “Edge of the Night” an alluring somber intro leads the way to a significantly faster & heavier rhythmic rampage enhanced by a dazzling guitar solo yet an overwhelming melancholia is bound to flourish through the sophisticated melodic aesthetics.
“Thorns” proudly showcases major classic metal influences through the soaring guitar riffs and the triumphant drum blasts yet you can instantly perceive the obscure presence of gelid blackened nuances and lugubrious melodic textures.
Channeling a timeless heavy metal force Nite confidently continue to shape an intriguing sonic vision that thrives within the shadowy grooves of “Voices Of The Kronian Moon”.
Category: Album Reviews
Abbath – Dread Reaver
Norwegian black metal legend Abbath fearlessly emerges from the darkest depths to drag you through the frostbitten grooves of the ambitious third full-length “Dread Reaver”.
An ominous atmosphere surrounds the fast wicked rhythmic core of “Acid Haze” as the steady roaring guitar riffs and the flamboyant leads accompanied by ruthless growls easily amplify the coldest black metal roots.
“Dream Cull” surprises you with a decadent eerie acoustic intro swiftly followed by fiery rhythmic patterns that can still convey intense grim feelings due to the dominant darkened guitar tonalities.
“Myrmidon” relies on glorious black ‘n roll dynamics as the gritty riffage showcases an entertaining classic rock attitude but the extra speed of the crushing drums inevitably leads to a pitchblack heavier momentum.
Under a shroud of frost “The Deep Unbound” fully embraces an obscure flair as the unrestrained rhythmic section and the venomous growls channel a primordial blackened force embellished by the polished charismatic guitar solo.
The monumental title track triumphantly unleashes a mid-paced groovy blackened rhythmic rampage as the visceral combo of memorable guitar riffs and furious drumming simply seem unstoppable and the theatrical sinister vocals definitely evoke epic vibes.
Within the perennial Nordic darkness of “Dread Reaver” Abbath seems to focus mainly on an audacious black ‘n roll formula that spontaneously generates a solid series of malevolent grooves bound to trigger instant headbanging.
GGGOLDDD – This Shame Should Not Be Mine
Dutch band GGGOLDDD has been developing a unique sonic vision bravely exploring diverse styles & sounds and the result of this intense evolution is the new full length “This Shame Should Not Be Mine” which for vocalist Milena Eva becomes the rightful creative outlet to confront the trauma of her personal experience with sexual assault.
“Strawberry Supper” focuses on Milena’s haunting vocal delivery flowing gracefully through an enigmatic atmosphere that becomes darker as the rhythmic section gains momentum channeling heavier rock roots.
As unsettling vibes linger though “Like Magic” the instrumental ensemble seamlessly shifts from faster gritty blackened patterns fueled by the unrestrained guitar work to blurry electro layers that seem to emerge from a distant dimension.
Monochromatic vocals are floating through the pulsating beats of “Spring” naturally expressing painful feelings and the rhythm becomes quite frantic with an edgy mix of industrial accents and crunchy guitar riffs.
The strength of “Notes on How to Trust” relies on the captivating nature of the eerie atmospheric maze and the darkly magnetic rhythmic crescendos that perfectly complement Milena’s eclectic vocal performance.
On the title track the electro arrangements feel like a heartbeat and Milena’s eloquent vocals flourish through the opulent atmospheric tapestries that also maintain a cinematic darkened allure.
The impactful final track “Beat by Beat” creates irresistible and borderline feverish grooves with a fascinating combo of multilayered electronic nuances and inflamed guitar riffs emphasized by the poignant vocal harmonies.
Throughout “This Shame Should Not Be Mine” GGGOLDDD reach a striking emotional depth blending moody electronic textures and evocative melodies that defy any standard musical category and ultimately have the power to instantly spellbind the listeners.
Meshuggah – Immutable
Swedish tech-metal icons Meshuggah aim to impress with an ex novo creative force embarking on a dystopian journey through the labyrinthine soundscapes of the ninth studio album “Immutable”.
Surrounded by a dense futuristic atmosphere “Broken Cog” is ready to unleash an overdose of abrasive guitar riffs naturally leading to an elaborate rhythmic maze yet the slower passages favor an appealing eerie melodic essence.
“Light The Shortening Fuse” showcases a quite aggressive approach as the dominant crunchy riffage dictates an unrestrained rhythmic rampage enhanced by the venomous growls while the intricate guitar leads create darkened melodic aesthetics.
On “Ligature Marks” the colossal rhythmic section ensures a ruthless groovy momentum fueled by the undisputable technical prowess and embellished by the refined lighter nuances of the magnetic guitar progressions.
“They Move Below” begins with deeply melancholic acoustic phrases but a monumental heavier ensemble is bound to take over as guitars unleash a meticulous mix of vitriolic riffs and complex proggy dynamics.
Throughout “The Faultless” guitars steal the spotlight effortlessly shifting from harsh riffage to moody progressions emphasized by solemn vocals maintaining an ideal balance between a familiar extreme metal inspiration and a will to push boundaries.
“Armies Of The Preposterous” delivers a massive rhythmic onslaught acquiring extra speed and the precise guitar work focuses on discordant tonalities and menacing patterns conveying grim feelings.
The instrumental final track “Past Tense” leaves behind the savage heavy frenzy to bring closure with haunting themes and eloquent acoustic passages.
After three decades Meshuggah continue to evolve fearlessly challenging the listeners and manifesting an expansive musical vision that defies space and time through the convoluted realm of “Immutable”.
Sum of R – Lahbryce
The musical journey of Sum of R started back in 2007 as an instrumental project by Reto Mäder and now featuring a full line up the new visionary release “Lahbryce” is bound to impress the listeners with a remarkable avant-garde approach.
“Sink As I” begins a dreamy journey as a dense atmospheric ensemble surrounds the slow burning guitar phrases channeling a psych doom energy that ultimately leads to monochromatic blurry rhythmic crescendos enhanced by shattering screams.
“Borderline” evokes hazy post-metal nuances as the delicate guitar melodies flow gracefully through a mysterious atmosphere yet a grave doom force will generate significantly heavier rhythmic patterns.
“Hymn For The Formless” aims to instantly spellbind you seamlessly blending dystopian drone accents and melancholic guitar harmonies embellished by moody vocals in contrast with the darker crescendo fueled by the sheer despair of the obscure growls.
Throughout “144th” a shimmering post-metal essence unfolds gently as the enthralling guitar work carefully crafts soulful melodic passages while the enigmatic finale can make you feel dizzy with quasi chaotic electro layers.
“Lust” focuses on the immense nostalgia of the gorgeous melodic motifs emphasized by the darkly soothing guitar tonalities and the ethereal atmospheric textures yet the resulting daydream feel is often interrupted by the vicious growls and the frantic rhythmic blasts.
“Lahbryce” has the power to take you far away from the dreadful reality as Sum of R deliberately create a hypnotizing sonic realm skillfully combining fragile melodies and heavy elements.
Konvent – Call Down The Sun
Two years after a triumphant debut release Danish blackened death doom band Konvent is ready to conquer a wider audience with the fiery grooves and the perennial darkness of the sophomore record “Call Down The Sun”.
Funereal bells introduce the menacing world of “Into The Distance” which relies on the heavy weight of the monochromatic guitar riffs and the cavernous growls to build unstoppable harsh doom laden rhythmic patterns.
“Sand Is King” instantly evokes desolation and despair as the colossal guitar riffs and the hammering drums become the main focus generating a monolithic rhythmic ensemble in proper traditional doom fashion.
On “Grains” the mighty guitars can certainly unleash raw energy amplified by the ferocious screams cutting through the bleak atmosphere and the consequent ominous nuances are easily enhanced by the slower progressions.
“Fatamorgana” dwells within a harrowing sonic realm where everything feels inevitably hopeless due to the grim guitar tonalities and the hypnotizing riffage emphasized by the spine chilling chanting emerging from the darkest depths of an ancestral abyss.
“Harena” marks a grand finale being the most elaborate track with increased diversity as the classical elegance of spellbinding violin and cello harmonies create a gelid atmospheric gloom around the lugubrious rhythmic section.
Spreading undiluted darkness and sheer fury, Konvent proudly invoke the arcane forces of doom and death metal to deliver an overdose of obscure grooves throughout “Call Down The Sun”.
Slægt – Goddess
Danish black/heavy metallers Slægt are ready to impress the metal scene with a distinct obscure sonic vision that today generates the twisted soundscapes of the new full-length “Goddess”.
The ominous atmosphere of “Deceived by an Amethyst” introduces an intense groovy blackened rhythmic rampage constantly fueled by the soaring guitar riffs while the wildly charismatic solos clearly showcase a timeless heavy metal flair.
Within the pitchblack dimension of “Hunt Again” the darkened guitar sound leads the way to a cryptic rhythmic maze shifting from faster & ferocious blasts, easily amplified by the venomous growls, to the dazzling classic metal style of the extensive solos.
“Fealty, Thunder Whip” begins with bleak atmospheric textures but as soon as the edgy guitar work takes over the rhythmic patterns become quasi chaotic due to the subtle discordant elements in contrast with the hypnotizing melodic accents of the slower passages.
The title track manifests a fascinating esoteric essence with an intriguing blend of retro rock vibes and arcane atmospheric nuances leading to slower dramatic moments and the excellent guitar work has a chance to shift the focus to an epic melodic grandeur.
Throughout “Goddess” Slægt continue to channel a primal blackened force but can easily surprise the audience with a remarkable experimental approach that combines a wide range of musical influences.
Spiral Skies – Death Is But A Door
Swedish heavy psych rockers Spiral Skies embark on a spellbinding voyage channeling glorious vintage vibes through the hypnotic soundscapes of the sophomore record “Death Is But A Door”.
“The Endless Sea” opens the album with Frida’s otherworldly vocal harmonies flowing through dreamy arpeggios but soon the charismatic rhythmic section acquires fuzzy energy to craft an overload of groovy patterns.
“While The Devil Is Asleep” evokes delightful 70’s rock influences as the band successfully maintains an ideal balance between riveting melodic aesthetics and magnetic grooves amplified by the classic guitar sound.
On “Somewhere In The Dark” guitars acquire decadent darkened tonalities and the fiery riffage spontaneously generates irresistible grooves adorned by a sultry vocal performance and warm melodic accents.
“Time” opens the portal to a distant hazy dimension as the haunting guitar melodies follow a contemplative tempo that puts the spotlight on Frida’s enchanting voice yet the instrumental ensemble eventually embraces an occult flair and spacey fuzzy rock elements.
“Mirror Of Illusion” stands out for the seductive melodic splendor as the stunning vocals convey wistful feelings and the enticing guitar progressions flourish within a slow burning rhythmic maze ultimately evolving into a memorable fervent crescendo.
With the release of “Death Is But A Door” Spiral Skies definitely raise the bar manifesting a bewitching sonic vision that skillfully blends melancholia infused melodies and inflamed retro rock dynamics.
Crowbar – Zero And Below
New Orleans sludge metal pioneers Crowbar make a majestic comeback with the doom laden grooves and the genuine emotional depth of the highly anticipated new record “Zero And Below”.
“The Fear That Binds You” doesn’t waste any time as the heavy chunky guitar riffs effortlessly build crushing grooves and downtuned progressions to complement Kirk Windstein’s grave vocal delivery.
Following a doomed sonic pathway “Confess To Nothing” highlights the fundamental role of the robust rhythmic section and the fiery guitar work acquires menacing darkened tonalities to express dismal feelings.
“Chemical Godz” is filled with sharp guitar riffs leading to a quite harsh momentum yet the slower mournful progressions amplify gelid melodic nuances keeping in mind a traditional doom approach.
The slow burning track “Denial Of The Truth” begins with obscure guitar riffs and the consequent hypnotizing rhythmic maze generates overwhelming grim emotions enhanced by the dramatic vocal harmonies.
Throughout “Reanimating A Lie” a fuzzy energy fuels the heavy weight of the intense riffage and the steady monolithic rhythmic patterns that later acquire more aggressive vibes leading to faster dynamics.
The title track diligently keeps a balanced mix of massive heavy guitar riffs and hypnotizing soulful melodic phrases creating a gloomy sonic realm that certainly emphasizes a contemplative composition.
Undoubtedly Crowbar will not disappoint their devoted acolytes as “Zero And Below” holds all the crucial doom elements and the swampy sludge dynamics that cemented the band’s influential status over the last three decades.
E-L-R – Vexier
Swiss doomgaze trio E-L-R channels pure cosmic energy to meticulously craft dreamy soundscapes throughout the sophomore album “Vexier”.
“Opiate The Sun” will inevitably hypnotize you through a mysterious atmosphere that seamlessly evolves into an immersive rhythmic ensemble fueled by the exquisite darkened guitar tonalities and the forlorn melodic accents.
On “Three Winds” the rhythmic section reveals an obscure blackened inspiration following a faster tempo and emphasizing the dominant role of the abrasive guitar riffs while the distant chanting and the gloomy melodic progressions add a captivating mystical flair.
Throughout “Fleurs Of Decay” the mood shifts from a harsh momentum to contemplative passages as guitars skillfully create a monochromatic rhythmic maze and the consequent loop of darkened hazy progressions could induce a trance state.
Emerging from a distant dimension “Forêt” embraces ritualistic vibes through the arcane percussion while the lysergic guitar work evokes mesmerizing shoegaze influence but also a strong primordial doom force ultimately leading to monolithic patterns that will morph into an otherworldly atmospheric finale.
“Vexier” symbolizes an adventurous voyage as E-L-R confidently combine enigmatic psychedelic nuances and surreal darkened atmospheric textures to instantly spellbind the listeners.
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