German minimalist dark folk project Fields of Mildew explores sorrowful themes through the bleak melodic soundscapes of the latest record “The Complete Woes”.
In the dreamland of “Triad Of Incomplete Woes” it’s cold and dark as the graceful guitars fully embrace a sombre sonic vision creating magical progressions enriched by the haunting vocal delivery.
Following a stripped down rhythm “Nostalgia” is in fact a profoundly nostalgic track relying on the exquisite darkened guitar tonalities which naturally craft mesmerizing melodic crescendos destined to touch your soul.
The neo-folk influences of “A Nether World” emphasize a strong spiritual essence as the detailed guitar melodies flow like a fading dream and the comforting vocals convey genuine emotions.
“The Dawn Of Primal Fears” dwells in a limbo between perennial darkness and pale light where the peaceful vocals become your only guide through a monochromatic rhythmic maze embellished by hypnotic melodies.
While the musicians behind Fields of Mildew prefer to remain in the shadows their minimalist acoustic vision on “The Complete Woes” shines bright within a darkened desolate realm evoking an emotional whirlwind.
Category: Album Reviews
Gåte – Nord
Norwegian alternative folk band Gåte aims to express poignant emotions and epic vibes with the latest acoustic release “Nord”.
“Solfager og Ormekongen” welcomes you to a magical realm as the folk inspiration thrives within the graceful arpeggios and the eloquent violin melodies enhanced by a spellbinding vocal performance.
“Svik” might acquire darker tonalities putting the spotlight on the arcane flair of the percussion and the solemn choirs while the versatile vocals shift from fragile harmonies to a theatrical delivery.
The detailed composition of “Hemnarsverdet” relies on hypnotizing rhythmic patterns embellished by soothing violins and the passionate vocals sound like an ancient invocation as the Nordic spirit becomes quite powerful.
“Sigurd og Trollbrura” offers a captivating blend of dazzling violin phrases and intricate acoustic passages building an engaging rhythm and highlighting delightful folk nuances once again emphasized by the captivating vocals.
“Kjærleik” feels like a fading daydream conveying a sense of tranquility as the delicate vocals flow gently within the vivid acoustic ensemble which ultimately leads to an enticing rhythmic crescendo.
The intense final track “Sjåaren” manifests a glowing spiritual essence through the genuinely emotive nature of the mellow acoustic guitars and the haunting vocal performance.
The enchanting melodies of “Nord” belong to distant pristine landscapes as Gåte meticulously explore the Norwegian traditional music history focusing on a cathartic acoustic approach.
Unanimated – Victory In Blood
After over a decade Swedish melodic death metallers Unanimated dive into the darkest abyss to craft the malevolent soundscapes of the new crushing full length “Victory In Blood”.
Without any hesitation the title track engages in a violent rhythmic assault revolving around the unrestrained guitar riffs, the pummeling drums and the vicious growls while scattered grave melodic moments give you time to breathe.
“Seven Mouths of Madness” continues to follow a belligerent death metal pathway maintaining speed & aggression through the memorable savage guitar driven grooves that ultimately lead to a grim melodic finale.
“As The Night Takes Us” embraces a mournful atmospheric approach highlighting the refined melodic textures of the guitar work and the resulting harrowing feel continues to linger through the tormented rhythmic patterns.
“Demon Pact (Mysterium Tremendum)” ensures a heavier blackened momentum as an overdose of sharp riffs generate hellish rhythmic blasts that later tend to slow down a bit emphasizing the ominous guitar progressions and the sinister vocal delivery.
“XIII” puts the spotlight on memorable groovy riffs and delicious obscure tonalities while the atmospheric breakdown reveals a contemplative essence focusing on mellow arpeggios followed by a flamboyant guitar solo.
The somber final track “The Poetry of the Scarred Earth” explores melodic territories as the darkly alluring guitar phrases flourish within the fiery rhythmic ensemble which still has a chance to unleash some aggressive dynamics.
It took a long time but the return of Unanimated is bound to satisfy all melodic death metal acolytes as “Victory In Blood” confidently delivers a balanced mix of sorrowful harmonies and ruthless grooves.
Daxma – Unmarked Boxes
Inspired by the 13th century Persian poet Rumi, Bay Area atmospheric post-metal/doom band Daxma crafts immersive soundscapes within the fascinating darkened world of the sophomore opus “Unmarked Boxes”.
Surrounded by a dense atmosphere the monolithic album opener “The Clouds Parted” can easily hypnotize the listeners with the tragic beauty of the recurring fragile melodic guitars that become seamlessly entwined with robust doom inspired rhythmic patterns inevitably evoking grief & misery.
Within the lugubrious intricate realm of “Hiraeth” lies a glowing melodic essence enhanced by the ethereal vocal delivery, the refined classical nuances of the violin and the crestfallen guitar tonalities that gradually lead to mesmerizing progressions.
“Anything You Lose” instantly conveys an overwhelming melancholia through the subtle atmospheric nuances, the haunting guitar tonalities and the painfully slow melodies that eventually evolve into cathartic rhythmic crescendos acquiring distortion and intense doom influences while desolate harmonies will bring a peaceful closure.
A mystifying aura lingers through “Comes Back In Another Form” which offers an exquisite combo of sorrowful melodic tapestries and harrowing violin phrases while the monumental rhythmic section naturally shifts from harsh doom laden segments to calmer contemplative moments amplified by evocative atmospheric layers.
“Unmarked Boxes” constantly feels bleak and heart wrenching as Daxma ultimately search for a pale sense of hopefulness channeling dreamy shoegaze nuances and a mighty doom force.
Cynic – Ascension Codes
Despite many struggles Cynic returns triumphantly with the expansive musical vision and the futuristic soundscapes of the highly anticipated full-length “Ascension Codes”.
The ethereal atmospheric nuances of “The Winged Ones” begin a celestial voyage as the glowing guitar phrases flow gently following a spacey rhythm that often embraces striking technical prog elements leading to an intricate solo.
“Elements And Their Inhabitants” generates a heavier momentum as the precise combo of monumental drumming and crunchy riffage naturally create interesting rhythmic twists surrounded by luminous atmospheric layers.
The strength of “6th Dimensional Archetype” relies on the convoluted guitar progressions well supported by the eclectic rhythmic section and embellished by cinematic atmospheric textures and shimmering harmonies.
“Architects Of Consciousness” feels like traveling in outer space with a mix of robotic synths and hazy atmospheric accents accompanied by a soft vocal delivery while the excellent guitar work shifts from heavier riffs to fragile melodic passages.
“Diamond Light Body” follows a fascinating avant-garde pathway blending jazzy textures and an intense prog inspiration to craft shape-shifting rhythmic patterns and brighter melodic crescendos.
With a supernatural allure, especially evident in the code interludes, “Ascension Codes” takes you to a distant dimension as Cynic chooses a multifaceted progressive approach bravely exploring diverse musical territories and surprising the audience with loads of unexpected complex dynamics.
Top 15 Records of 2021
Cradle Of Filth – Existence is Futile
Legendary Cradle Of Filth reach another crucial milestone with the creation of a decadent gothic splendor that can leave you shattered and speechless.
Personal Favorite Track: Us, Dark, Invincible
Swallow The Sun – Moonflowers
Finnish doom masters Swallow The Sun skillfully spread endless gloom and express genuine emotions through exquisite melodies destined to warm your cold heart.
Personal Favorite Track: Moonflowers Bloom In Misery
Empyrium – Über den Sternen
Once again Empyrium manifest a majestic creative force and a poetic songwriting style that can take you far away from the dreadful reality.
Personal Favorite Track: The Wild Swans
Tribulation – Where The Gloom Becomes Sound
Within a darkened realm Tribulation continue to impress with a charismatic composition meticulously blending sinister grooves and alluring melodic textures.
Personal Favorite Track: Hour Of The Wolf
Moonspell – Hermitage
For Moonspell the time has come to embark on a memorable cathartic voyage and evoke poignant emotions through compelling darkened soundscapes.
Personal Favorite Track: Entitlement
Monster Magnet – A Better Dystopia
The one and only Mr. Wyndorf has put together an obscure selection of proto-metal and psych-rock covers in proper Monster Magnet trippy fashion and the result is simply irresistible.
Personal Favorite Track: Mr. Destroyer
Jess And The Ancient Ones – Vertigo
Occult rockers Jess And The Ancient Ones will put a spell on you with lysergic doom tonalities and addictive grooves emphasized by a brilliant vocal performance.
Personal Favorite Track: Burning Of The Velvet Fires
Therion – Leviathan
In the chaotic metal scene Therion will always stand out for the sublime symphonic grandeur and the mystical flair of the convoluted sonic vision.
Personal Favorite Track: Nocturnal Light
Anomalie – Tranceformation
The shamanic blackened style of Anomalie is bound to grab your attention and the spiritual essence feels particularly strong within the mesmerizing melodic ensemble.
Personal Favorite Track: Trance V: Cerulean Sun
Stöner – Stoners Rule
Brant Bjork, Nick Oliveri and Ryan Güt jam like there’s no tomorrow in the middle of the desert and you should join them because desert rock rules.
Personal Favorite Track: Tribe/Fly Girl
Monolord – Your Time to Shine
Swedish power trio Monolord consistently provides an overdose of spacey dynamics and doom laden grooves that can easily hypnotize the listeners.
Personal Favorite Track: The Siren Of Yersinia
Lucifer – IV
Lucifer rises and shines bright delivering the perfect dosage of catchy heavy rock grooves and occult vibes emphasized by sultry vocals.
Personal Favorite Track: Wild Hearses
Jinjer – Wallflowers
It’s easy to understand why Jinjer is the hottest modern metal band as they confidently embrace an eclectic super heavy prog style enhanced by impressive vocals.
Personal Favorite Track: Wallflower
The Vintage Caravan – Monuments
Icelandic rockers The Vintage Caravan showcase a mature soulful songwriting approach focusing on a glorious retro rock formula.
Personal Favorite Track: Forgotten
Rivers Of Nihil – The Work
With remarkable musical prowess and a complex composition Rivers Of Nihil depict a world filled with glowing melancholia and sheer fury plus the saxophone always sounds delightful.
Personal Favorite Track: The Tower (Theme from ‘The Work’)
Hypocrisy – Worship
It’s been a long time but Swedish melodic death metal veterans Hypocrisy are finally releasing the new full-length “Worship” staying true to their signature sound and extraterrestrial themes to pack a massive dosage of vicious grooves.
After a mellow acoustic intro the title track diligently prepares a violent rhythmic assault as the visceral guitar riffs and the extra speed constantly channel the ominous force of classic death metal.
Within the dystopian atmosphere of “Chemical Whore” the charismatic melodic guitar progressions and the galloping riffage acquire darkened tonalities following a slightly slower tempo while the growls still sound absolutely ferocious.
On “We’re The Walking Dead” the understated somber atmospheric layers emphasize overwhelming grim feelings consequently guitars shift the focus to refined melodic textures perfectly supported by the monolithic drumming.
The dramatic depth of “Children Of The Gray” leads to a balanced mix of dismal melodic phrases and soaring guitar riffs that can effortlessly maintain a memorable groovy momentum enhanced by the powerful chorus.
A cold melancholia lingers through “Bug In The Net” as the slower pace and the perennial bleak atmospheric ensemble highlight a contemplative melodic flow and even the growls sound more mournful.
“Gods Of The Underground” puts the spotlight on heavier aggressive grooves as the relentless sharp riffs unravel around Peter Tägtgren’s insane growls while the lead guitar work evokes grave emotions through flawless harrowing melodies.
After many successful records Hypocrisy proudly continue to follow a remarkable sonic vision that today generates a solid blend of sheer brutality and gloomy melodic tapestries on “Worship”.
Anomalie – Tranceformation
Austrian black metal band Anomalie takes you far away from existential struggles and embraces the wild peace of an ancient forest on the latest shamanic offering “Tranceformation”.
“Trance I: The Tree” begins a spiritual voyage with a darkly ethereal atmosphere enhanced by the theatrical clean vocals and the arcane tonalities of the mesmerizing melodic guitar progressions that gradually evolve into a more aggressive rhythmic rampage.
The peaceful sound of nature introduces the blackened groovy ensemble of “Trance II: Relics” as the untamed riffage and the monolithic drumming unravel around the fiery vocal performance by Nornagest of Enthroned while the slower refined passages convey immense melancholia.
The ancestral flair of “Trance IV: Nemesis” could aptly induce a trancelike state and guitars craft an enthralling melodic flow accompanied by solemn vocals evoking overwhelming crestfallen emotions yet the charismatic rhythmic section will eventually deliver a fair dosage of venomous blasts.
Featuring majestic guest vocals courtesy of Sakis Tolis of Rotting Christ, “Trance V: Cerulean Sun” acquires ominous vibes channeling the raw energy of classic black metal through a visceral rhythmic assault but during the finale the cathartic melodic essence of the haunting violin phrases can instantly spellbind the listeners.
Anomalie skillfully shape a mystical sonic vision that spontaneously generates an alluring blend of inflamed blackened dynamics and contemplative melodic aesthetics throughout he new opus “Tranceformation”.
W.E.B. – Colosseum
Greek symphonic extreme metallers W.E.B. embrace an ambitious obscure sonic vision within the convoluted soundscapes of the fifth full-length “Colosseum”.
An endless darkness is destined to triumph on “Dark Web” as decadent symphonic tapestries surround the malignant rhythmic rampage and the merciless growls while the lead guitar work will evoke grim feelings with a brief tasteful melodic breakdown.
“Murder Of Crows” shifts the focus to a poetic melodic essence as guitars carefully craft melancholic progressions enhanced by refined atmospheric arrangements yet the mighty rhythmic section is ready to unleash faster punishing blasts.
The title track begins with slow burning guitar phrases and theatrical vocals inevitably conveying a sinister mood and the solemn symphonic elements continue to embellish the inflamed rhythmic ensemble and the lavish melodies.
Something evil lurks in the dark as “Dominus Maleficarum” immediately manifests a venomous rhythmic approach highlighting the menacing blackened influences of the soaring guitars enriched by the darkly majestic atmospheric layers.
“Exaudi Luciferi” would be a perfect horror movie soundtrack relying on riveting symphonic orchestrations, creepy narratives and a slower ominous tempo that constantly amplifies a fascinating dramatic depth.
Throughout the intricate sonic realm of the new album “Colosseum” W.E.B. are developing an intriguing formula that seamlessly blends ferocious blackened dynamics and captivating symphonic grandeur.
Exodus – Persona Non Grata
Masters of thrash metal Exodus reach another milestone in their successful long standing career with the release of the crushing eleventh album “Persona Non Grata”.
The title track demonstrates that Exodus still have the necessary energy to create memorable thrash metal dynamics with an overdose of merciless guitar riffs marching fiercely through an explosive rhythmic maze definitely enriched by the impressive soloing.
“R.E.M.F” begins with a terrific combo of sharp riffage and monumental drums and the resulting raw energy gradually leads to a classic thrash metal formula that demands a crazy moshpit.
“Slipping Into Madness” continues to unleash massive grooves putting the spotlight on the vicious tones of the soaring guitars and the chorus will inevitably get stuck in your head.
“Prescribing Horror” presents a quite gloomy scenario focusing on the slower tempo and the mournful guitar melodies accompanied by a malevolent vocal delivery but you can still expect a fair dosage of hostile guitar riffs and elaborate leads.
The traditional thrash metal flair thrives within the gritty grooves of “The Years Of Death And Dying” highlighting the brilliant guitar work shifting from galloping heavy riffage to fancy intricate solos.
The southern flavor of acoustic guitars introduces another round of blazing grooves on “Lunatic Liar Lord” and once again the thrilling guitar solos offer diversity and technical prowess.
The anthemic thrash metal style of “Antiseed” generates faster abrasive rhythmic blasts featuring precise drumming and relentless ravenous riffs that reach the acme with an extensive wild guitar solo.
The unstoppable visceral guitar driven grooves at the core of “Persona Non Grata” will certainly satisfy the faithful acolytes as Exodus proudly stay true to their untamed thrash metal legacy exploring themes of societal degradation.
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