Modern extreme metal quartet Obscura begins a new explosive chapter with the release of the sixth full-length “A Valediction” which is bound to impress the audience with an amazing virtuosic style.
“Forsaken” spreads immense melancholia with gentle arpeggios and subtle atmospheric layers that introduce an incendiary rhythmic ensemble relying on soaring riffs but the wild lead guitar work often steals the spotlight.
The title track offers steady aggressive rhythmic blasts with the perfect dosage of crunchy riffage and ruthless growls ultimately leading to an insane shredding that instantly grabs your attention.
“When Stars Collide” begins with fiery guitar driven grooves once again embellished by the neoclassical flair of the flawless shredding in contrast with the harmonious clean vocal delivery of the catchy chorus.
On “Devoured Usurper” an ominous essence generates a monolithic rhythm amplified by the cavernous growls and the darkened guitar tonalities that will evolve into charismatic technical solos.
The remarkable combo of dense bass lines and savage guitar riffs throughout “The Neuromancer” creates elaborate rhythmic patterns yet the excellent soloing successfully adds exquisite melodic textures.
In the beginning “Heritage” evokes dismal feelings through the fragile arpeggios and these emotive themes continue to emerge through the opulent melodic guitar leads even if the rhythmic section still has a chance to acquire extra speed and energy.
While the brutal death metal roots are still palpable undoubtedly Obscura focus on a majestic technical approach and instrumental precision to constantly build complex dynamics throughout “A Valediction”.
Category: Album Reviews
Häxkapell – Eldhymner
Founded by multi-instrumentalist Oraklet, the black metal project Häxkapell comes to life through the gelid soundscapes of the debut full-length “Eldhymner”.
On “Tomhetens lågor” the comforting cold melodic guitar work and the solemn clean vocal delivery evoke epic vibes but you can easily perceive an arcane blackened essence through the faster rhythmic segments accompanied by malignant growls.
Without any hesitation “Eldskapt” reveals a harsh rhythmic core fueled by the relentless tremolo while the slower soothing arpeggios and the exquisite violin harmonies add a magical folk flair leading to an elegant finale.
The darkened atmosphere of “Askans drottning” surrounds a mix of tasteful guitar melodies and crunchy riffs that will eventually generate belligerent dynamics enriched by the dramatic vocals and the fancy soloing.
An ominous essence lingers throughout “Häxkapellet” emphasizing the role of the somber & quite catchy melodic guitar progressions which naturally evolve into fiery traditional black metal blasts.
The final track “Sanningen” leaves behind the aggressive rhythm and seems to convey a pale sense of hopefulness through the dreamy atmospheric arrangements and the glowing arpeggios.
Deeply influenced by classic Swedish black metal Häxkapell begins an obscure journey dedicated to the element of fire leading to the ferocious dynamics and the mournful vibes of “Eldhymner”.
Thulcandra – A Dying Wish
After six years of silence, black death metal veterans Thulcandra unveil the fourth studio album “A Dying Wish” which relies on a classic sound effortlessly blending crushing dynamics and compelling melodies.
“Funeral Pyre” clearly embodies the band’s sonic vision beginning with soulful arpeggios and elegant melodies that will ultimately evolve into a faster obscure rhythmic rampage featuring big riffs and precise drumming.
Throughout “In Vain” the rhythmic patterns can sound quite violent nevertheless the melancholic allure of the intricate melodic phrases and the refined guitar solos is bound to grab your attention.
The cold atmosphere of “Nocturnal Heresy” naturally emphasizes the slower grim melodic tapestries yet the relentless rhythmic section continues to channel a ruthless death metal force amplified by the ferocious growls.
The endless darkness of “Devouring Darkness” thrives through the somber tranquility of the arpeggios and the frostbitten guitar tonalities ultimately generating a balanced mix of hostile rhythmic blasts and gloomy melodic passages.
On the title track the dramatic combo of soft arpeggios and sorrowful harmonies create desolate soundscapes in contrast with the visceral energy of the guitar riffs that can easily generate heavier and darker rhythmic twists.
Within the gelid sonic realm of “A Dying Wish” Thulcandra proudly stay true to a successful melodeath formula showcasing technical prowess shifting from aggressive grooves to crestfallen melodic aesthetics.
Monolord – Your Time To Shine
Swedish power trio Monolord confidently delivers a hypnotizing blend of monumental grooves and dreamy melodic tapestries on the highly anticipated new record “Your Time To Shine”.
“The Weary” marks an impactful beginning as the massive guitar riffs hit you in the face and the obscure power of doom leads to monolithic rhythmic patterns but the mellow passages accompanied by laid back vocals certainly evoke grim emotions.
“I’ll Be Damned” skillfully unleashes another round of irresistible heavy riffs that generates a colossal doom laden groovy momentum enriched by the charismatic guitar leads and the compelling gloomy melodic tonalities.
Everything feels impossibly dark and melancholic on the title track as the tempo slows down dramatically and the mournful guitars focus on the creation of enthralling melodic progressions leading to a mystical grand finale embellished by super trippy psychedelic accents.
In the beginning “The Siren Of Yersinia” focuses on a bold rhythmic rampage but an immense nostalgia is destined to emerge through the refined melodic guitars and the heartfelt vocal performance until the fuzzy riffage gradually evolves into a glorious solo.
Monolord proudly manifest an expansive sonic vision that can naturally lead to alluring spacey rock dynamics but certainly continue to channel an ominous doom force through the majestic grooves of “Your Time To Shine”.
Helheim – WoduridaR
Legendary Norwegian viking metal band Helheim proudly embrace their darkest roots through the ominous soundscapes of the eleventh full-length “WoduridaR”.
Under a shroud of frost guitars gradually build vicious rhythmic dynamics throughout “Vilje av stål” while the passionate clean vocals and the recurring somber melodic phrases convey an epic mood.
The title track packs a groovy momentum as the massive blackened guitar riffs and the ravenous growls hold a crucial role while the ancient Viking themes come to life through the theatrical chants.
On “Åndsfilosofen” compelling melancholic arpeggios introduce a dark & gelid rhythmic rampage fueled by the faster hostile drumming and later the atmospheric arrangements and the guitar leads will channel a somber melodic essence.
Drenched in darkness “Tankesmed” naturally favors grave guitar tonalities and blackened rhythmic patterns enriched by an elaborate solo and arcane atmospheric accents.
Surrounded by a cold contemplative atmosphere “Det kommer i bølger” shifts the focus on a grandiose dramatic depth featuring nostalgic tonalities, intricate melodic guitar progressions and poignant chants.
The Norse spirit rightfully becomes a dominant element within the harsh sonic realm of “WoduridaR” as Helheim continue to celebrate their Viking heritage blending solemn melodies and aggressive rhythmic blasts.
Negură Bunget – Zău
Romanian black metal pioneers Negură Bunget pay homage to the legacy of drummer and mastermind Gabriel “Negru” Mafa releasing the final album “Zău” which rightfully symbolizes a labour of devotion and the culmination of a mesmerizing sonic vision.
“Brad” instantly feels like a mystical journey as the traditional instruments and the cinematic keyboards layers craft an eerie atmospheric grandeur ultimately leading to an impeccable blend of harsh rhythmic patterns and somber melodic guitar progressions while the finale conveys a pale peacefulness featuring ethereal female vocals and dreamy harmonies.
The enchanting flutes of “Iarba Fiarelor” take you far away to a forgotten misty forest and the soothing atmospheric waves gradually evolve into a darker sonic realm as the untamed guitar riffs and the ravenous growls channel a primordial blackened force.
On “Obrăzar” the lush atmospheric arrangements evoke the stark beauty of Transylvanian landscapes and continue to enrich the inflamed rhythmic ensemble fueled by the aggressive drumming and the ominous guitar tonalities.
Within the transcendental atmosphere of “Tinerețe Fără Bătrânețe” the frantic rhythmic section unleashes faster obscure patterns while the slower intricate guitar progressions evoke grim feelings amplified by a theatrical vocal delivery.
“Toacă Din Cer” begins with hypnotizing tribal percussion and unfolds like an arcane legend through the darkened allure of the guitar work effortlessly shifting from savage riffs to grave phrases while the traditional instruments create a cathartic finale.
As Negură Bunget carefully crafts the final chapter of the majestic “Transylvanian Trilogy” and a memorable tribute to Gabriel “Negru” Mafa the listeners will inevitably feel compelled to join the spiritual voyage perfectly embodied by “Zău”.
Ghost Bath – Self Loather
Atmospheric black metallers Ghost Bath begin a new tragic journey crafting desolate soundscapes on the fourth full-length “Self Loather”.
Featuring guest vocalist CJ McMahon of Thy Art Is Murder, “Hide From The Sun” is filled with grief and suffering as the untamed riffage channels a blackened fury to build a massive rhythmic rampage but the bleak melodic passages hold a dominant role leading to a final heart-wrenching piano piece.
On “Shrines of Bone” the rhythmic section can easily acquire extra speed and rage fueled by the relentless guitar riffs yet a dreamy melodic essence is destined to emerge through the minimalist arpeggios.
“Sanguine Mask” relies on desperate screams and mournful guitar progressions to create an asphyxiating sonic realm surrounded by murky atmospheric waves reaching the acme with a crestfallen piano & strings combo.
“A Crystal Lattice” immediately hits you in the face with the sheer brutality of the blackened rhythmic blasts but soon guitars will embrace a harmonious approach evoking poignant emotions.
Featuring tormented vocals courtesy of Graf of Psychonaut 4, “Sinew And Vein” follows a slower monolithic rhythm amplified by the obscure guitar work that can naturally evolve into melancholic phrases.
The arcane atmospheric ensemble of “For It Is A Veil” gives way to a rather aggressive rhythmic assault yet once again guitars will shift the focus to a shimmering melodic sound enhancing the emotive themes.
With “Self Loather” Ghost Bath continue to shape their own sonic identity confidently combining ominous dynamics and gelid melodic aesthetics which inevitably express overwhelming grim feelings.
Aeon – God Ends Here
Swedish death metallers Aeon aim to impress the extreme metal scene with the ominous & vicious onslaught embodied by the new full-length “God Ends Here”.
“Liar’s Den” is filled with brutal guitar driven grooves well supported by the incendiary strength of the untamed drumming ultimately leading to a solemn finale courtesy of majestic orchestrations.
You simply cannot escape the malevolent soundscapes of “Church Of Horror” as the fury and speed of the colossal rhythm section hold a dominant role while the guitar leads rightfully add some charismatic technical elements.
“Deny Them Eternity” puts the spotlight on the edgy technical accents and the darkened tonalities of the guitar work which successfully increase diversity within the main relentless rhythmic core.
The title track slows down a bit to emphasize the epic atmospheric layers and the ominous tones of guitars which deliver a massive series of complex progressions through a monumental rhythmic maze.
“Let The Torturing Begin” revolves around venomous growls, big spiteful guitar riffs and pummeling drums diligently building anthemic death metal dynamics spiced up by the fancy melodic flair of the solo.
“Queen Of Lies” marks a memorable finale as the visceral rhythmic patterns and the malignant growls march fiercely through an arcane atmosphere enriched by another round of excellent melodic leads.
From beginning to end “God Ends Here” proves that despite the long gap between records Aeon still has the necessary passion and anger to deliver a solid death metal opus embellished by elegant atmospheric interludes.
Kayo Dot – Moss Grew On The Swords And Plowshares Alike
Founded by mastermind multi-instrumentalist Toby Driver, Kayo Dot bravely continue to push boundaries and their enigmatic songwriting approach embraces heavier & darker tonalities on the latest full-length “Moss Grew On The Swords And Plowshares Alike”.
Surrounded by a mystifying atmosphere “Brethren Of The Cross” manifests a burgeoning creativity mixing twisted rhythmic segments fueled by crunchy guitar riffs and shimmering melodic phrases, consequently the vocal delivery channels contrasting feelings shifting from soothing harmonies to vicious screams.
The glowing melodic passages on “Void In Virgo (The Nature Of Sacrifice)” simply feel like a beautiful fading daydream as the shoegaze flair of the deeply melancholic tonalities and the understated atmospheric waves surround a particularly heartfelt vocal performance.
“Get Out Of The Tower” puts the spotlight on the charismatic lead guitar work as the resulting wild licks flow through a rather chaotic rhythmic maze enhanced by the monolithic nature of the bold bass lines and the raw emotions of the tormented vocals.
The obscure atmospheric layers of “The Necklace” convey a dystopian vision amplified by the steady pummeling drums and the desperate screams yet the dreamy essence of the smooth arpeggios can evoke a pale sense of peacefulness.
With a fascinating avant-garde vision Kayo Dot takes you far away from a dreadful reality as the shapeshifting soundscapes and the surreal atmospheric ensemble of “Moss Grew On The Swords And Plowshares Alike” seem to belong to a parallel universe.
Khemmis – Deceiver
In the last few years doom metal band Khemmis has impressed the chaotic metal scene garnering interest worldwide with a unique sonic vision and the highly anticipated studio album “Deceiver” emerges triumphantly from the darkest depths.
“Avernal Gate” begins with graceful arpeggios swiftly followed by a monumental rhythmic rampage that highlights the charismatic guitar licks and the heavy weight of the doom riffage enriched by mournful melodic accents and a particularly passionate vocal delivery.
The mighty doom essence of “Living Pyre” thrives within the hypnotic rhythmic maze which often puts the spotlight on the elaborate guitar work shifting from furious heavy riffs to poignant melodic phrases.
The desolate soundscapes of “Shroud Of Lethe” revolve around soothing clean vocals and melancholic melodic segments embellished by a series of brilliant solos yet the primordial doom elements eventually take over leading to a ominous heavy momentum certainly amplified by the ruthless growls.
On “The Astral Road” a profound sense of nostalgia becomes palpable within the gloomy melodic ensemble in contrast with the super groovy rhythmic dynamics and the soaring guitar progressions proudly channeling a glorious classic heavy metal flair.
The ambitious journey of Khemmis today naturally leads to the cerebral and sorrowful composition behind “Deceiver” which inevitably expresses an emotional struggle through monolithic grooves and dramatic melodies.
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