Portland based dark rock trio Hoaxed has been working hard for three years to create an alluring collection of gloomy tunes on the new full-length “Death Knocks”.
“Where the Seas Fall Silent” features captivating rhythmic crescendos with a flamboyant taste for darkness and a delightful retro rock sound easily embellished by bewitching vocals.
The impactful track “Kill Switch” showcases a massive dosage of raw energy embedded into the rather catchy chorus and into every vitriolic guitar riff bound to produce big & loud grooves.
“Promised to me” manifests a sentimental melodic nature with a wistful vocal performance while the guitar riffs constantly maintain darkly hypnotizing tonalities to build a towering groovy momentum.
The dark romance of “Dead Ringer” comes from the recurring sophisticated cello melodies that gracefully surround the heavy weight of the doomed rhythmic backbone.
Haunting bass lines introduce you to the mystifying realm of “Wretched” where evocative vocal harmonies and relentlessly wicked guitar riffs invite you to headbang & dance with a subtle ghastly goth flair.
With the release of “Death Knocks” Hoaxed can fully showcase a distinct sonic identity inspired by artistic passion and diverse vintage rock & classic heavy metal influences.
Category: Album Reviews
Nytt Land – Aba Khan
Ritualistic Nordic folk band Nytt Land embarks on a new mesmerizing spiritual journey through the frostbitten soundscapes of “Aba Khan”.
An arcane ritualistic chanting opens the extrasensorial door to “Taiga” which favors a meditative state with primordial melodic crescendos.
It feels like travelling through the vast territories of Siberia as the monochromatic rhythmic core and the arcane chants of “Totem” could instantly hypnotize the listeners.
On “Mansi” shamanic drums and mystifying atmospheric waves surround the epic chants and the throat singing certainly evokes enigmatic vibes.
“The Oath” belongs to an ancient remote land where spirits rule as the pulsating tribal percussion and the cryptic atmospheric arrangements prepare another mysterious ritual.
The mystical final chapter “Tygir Tayii (Heavenly Sacrifice)” reveals magical melodic themes filled with crestfallen flute tonalities inspired by native elements.
“Aba Khan” is the authentic expression of an empowering ancestral culture and Nytt Land becomes your only trustworthy guide on this immersive sonic experience.
Slaughterday – Dread Emperor
For heavy powerhouse Slaughterday is fundamental to stay true to uncompromising old school death metal so inevitably they prepared an absolutely brutal assault on the new release “Dread Emperor”.
Within a dreadful sonic realm the ruthless rhythmic section of “Obliteration Crusade” would instantly trigger a massive moshpit while the guitar leads elegantly unveil a somber melodic flair.
Inspired by ancient horror tales “Astral Carnage” highlights the darkened energy of the skillful melodic guitar progressions emerging from a quite chaotic rhythmic ensemble.
The title track borrows the ominous heavy weight of doom metal to emphasize the dramatic nature of the slower monochromatic guitar work that will ultimately unleash a majestic solo.
Throughout “The Forsaken Ones” everything moves fast and the visceral guitar riffs successfully maintain a ferocious rhythmic march complemented by angered guttural growls.
It becomes a no frills groovy affair as “Dethroned” evidently focuses on the grinding guitar riffs that just seem unstoppable well supported by the precise drum blasts and the monolithic bass.
With extra speed and violence Slaughterday reach another milestone on the sixth album “Dread Emperor” and proudly continue to carry the torch for authentic classic death metal.
Sleeping Giant – The Beauty of Obliteration
Icelandic heavy psychonauts Sleeping Giant begin a thrilling sonic endeavor with the heavy weight of the debut album “The Beauty Of Obliteration”.
“Conqueror” explores familiar doom metal territories as the brooding guitar work effortlessly shifts from visceral riffs to slower mournful harmonies.
“Mobilizer Of Evil” goes straight to the point focusing on a relentless monolithic riffage to efficiently build aggressive grooves emphasized by the menacing growls.
“The Monk” maintains a belligerent attitude diligently relying on a solid rhythmic backbone while the guitar leads hold a gloomy melodic essence enhancing lugubrious tonalities.
Immersed in pitch black darkness “Abysmal Flame” delivers a memorable triumphant groovy momentum with ominous growls, wicked rhythmic dynamics and extensive soloing once again highlighting the skillful guitar performance.
Throughout “The Beauty Of Obliteration” Sleeping Giant moves with self confidence and a taste for classic doom metal that naturally leads to a massive dosage of guitar driven grooves.
Ponte Del Diavolo – De Venom Natura
Emerging audaciously from the prolific underground metal scene Ponte Del Diavolo crafts the ritualistic, inevitably poisonous, sophomore opus “De Venom Natura”.
The macabre album opener “Every Tongue Has Its Thorns” leads to an arcane dimension through the esoteric vocal delivery and conjures primordial forces with a sinister rhythmic tension fueled by the extra fast drumming and the oppressive guitar riffs.
Darkness continues to descend upon our fragile hearts as “Spirit, Blood, Poison, Ferment!” begins a ruthless rhythmic march highlighting the raw energy of the guitar work and adding cryptic vibes with the ominous trombone and the seductive lyrical invocation.
Reminiscent of occult 70s rock “Il veleno della Natura” follows a mysterious sonic pathway with sultry harmonious passages and frenetic rhythmic crescendos embellished by the decadent romanticism of the Italian lyrics.
“Delta-9 (161)” invites you to join a profound spiritual trip dancing under the moonlight surrounded by hypnotizing guitar melodies, acidic tonalities and expansive doom laden grooves.
Indeed “De Venom Natura” holds a bewitching occult power that allows Ponte Del Diavolo to fully embrace eternal darkness and manifest their self proclaimed “blackened post‐punk” aesthetics.
Syberia – Quan tot s’apagui
Barcelona’s instrumental post-metal quartet Syberia embarks on a truly eloquent artistic journey crafting hypnotizing soundscapes throughout the brand new album “Quan tot s’apagui”.
The darkly cinematic first chapter “En la foscor una llum que brilla,” immediately manifests a fascinating post-metal inspiration as minimalist piano and languid melodic guitars evoke a profound sense of longing while the fierce rhythmic section is bound to unleash major aggressive dynamics.
The sonic narrative of “Dins la meva ànima la sang em bull…” showcases a sophisticated composition expressing an emotive turmoil as the fragile beauty of the harmonious guitars spontaneously evolve into heavier brooding rhythmic cascades.
Surrounded by a mysterious atmospheric aura “quan me’n vagi no em tanqueu els ulls.” gives way to contrasting emotions focusing on a well balanced mix of fragile melodic progressions and harsh rhythmic patterns fueled by the audacious speed of drums.
In the world of “Quan tot s’apagui” light and darkness become inextricably intertwined as Syberia meticulously blend detailed somber melodic tapestries and otherworldly atmospheric textures shaping a remarkable artistic and sentimental trajectory.
Jack Harlon & The Dead Crows – Inexorable Opposites
Within the heavy psych rock underground scene Jack Harlon & The Dead Crows aim to grab your attention with the charming lysergic soundscapes of the brand new album “Inexorable Opposites”.
“Moss” unfolds like a nostalgic daydream spontaneously mixing slow burning melodies and major gritty riffage within a properly fuzzed out atmospheric realm where vocals seem to emerge from outer space.
Throughout “Venomous” guitars invoke astral energy and a renowned heavy rock force to efficiently build abrasive grooves well supported by a monolithic rhythmic section.
“Mt. Macedon” once again puts the spotlight on the colossal guitar work acquiring acidic tonalities and melodic warmth to shape a series of hypnotizing rhythmic crescendos.
Contemplating about the duality of life “Dave Is Done” follows a blurry atmospheric pathway channeling a darkened spaghetti western mood with loads of somber & spacey melodic guitar progressions.
To fully express genuine emotions “To Die” offers an immersive psychedelic finale as mellow bluesy guitars and laid back vocals flow peacefully through a hazy atmospheric maze that belongs to a distant desertic land.
On their fourth album “Inexorable Opposites” self proclaimed psychedelic western rockers Jack Harlon & The Dead Crows unleash a groovy cosmic energy to embark on a proper trippy & spiritual sonic voyage and you’re all invited to join.
Lord Elephant – Ultra Soul
Italy’s psychedelic doom instrumentalists Lord Elephant aim to impress the audience channeling the glorious spirit of classic heavy psych rock throughout the moody soundscapes of the sophomore release “Ultra Soul”.
Opening the album with determination “Electric Dunes” already manifests the band’s strong psych rock attitude delivering loads of soulful melodic phrases that make you space out easily and intense rhythmic crescendos.
The impactful track “Gigantia” aptly relies on monolithic loud guitar riffs to maintain a solid groovy momentum that will naturally evolve into extensive darker progressions showcasing old school doom influences.
“Black River Blues” is a trippy heavy rock doom affair as colossal guitars acquire the power to hypnotize you with bewitching melodic tonalities and surprise you with variegated crushing rhythmic patterns.
Within the multidimensional sonic realm of “Astral” a fiery cosmic energy flows through the heavy drum blasts and the extensive kaleidoscopic guitar leads enriched by shimmering psychedelic atmospheric elements.
Evidently on “Ultra Soul” Lord Elephant carry the torch for an exquisite vintage style and proudly jam their way through the chaotic underground scene.
Ritual Arcana – Ritual Arcana
Featuring the legendary godfather of doom Scott “Wino” Weinrich, power trio Ritual Arcana lights the candles and prepares a distinct ritualistic experience with the release of the self-titled debut full-length.
The eponymous track at the same time opens the album and obviously a spiritual door with a slick retro style and extensive majestic guitar leads that manifest a beloved classic doom inspiration.
Throughout “Summon The Wheel” guitars build massive acidic grooves embellished by multiple wicked solos while the high priestess SharLee LuckyFree inevitably puts a spell on you with a moody vocal performance.
“Berkana” focuses on the occult side favoring a slow burning rhythm and cryptic tonalities fueled by the omnipresent monolithic guitar riffs and the bewitching vocal harmonies.
“Mistress Of Change” successfully maintains a supernatural aura as massive doom laden guitars lead the way to anthemic heavy rock dynamics and haunting melodies.
“Subtle Fruits” evokes a mystifying cosmic energy through recurring hazy guitar leads and a subtle wicked catchiness emerges from a towering groovy momentum.
“Wake The Goddess” relies on a sultry rhythmic core and a rebellious spirit to create a darkened yet widely accessible tune, so you can expect loads of galloping fuzzy & loud guitar riffs and wilder leads.
Invoking supernatural forces Ritual Arcana enters the occult rock scene with the right attitude and delivers an overdose of seductive & mysterious guitar driven grooves.
Textures – Genotype
After a hiatus of seven years Dutch prog metallers Textures return in excellent shape to deliver a modern revitalized sonic vision perfectly embodied by the eclectic new album “Genotype”.
The crispy guitar sound of “At the Edge of Winter” guides you through a majestic ensemble of vitriolic rhythmic blasts and cathartic atmospheric waves naturally unfolding around a flamboyant duet featuring guest vocalist Charlotte Wessels.
“Measuring the Heavens” offers an ideal dosage of technical guitar acrobatics and heavily distorted progressions surrounded by immersive atmospheric arrangements and epic accents.
The multilayered synths of “Nautical Dusk” convey a mystifying futuristic mood embellished by the impeccable soloing while the empowering guitar riffs and the precise drumming maintain a visceral rhythmic assault.
“Vanishing Twin” favors an emotive approach highlighting the passionate clean vocal performance yet the heavy prog metal approach remains crucial leading to relentless guitar riffs and ruthless screams.
The final chapter “Walls of the Soul” showcases an elaborate composition that generates highly energetic rhythmic patterns courtesy of the aggressive riffage in contrast with the dramatic melodic essence of the elegant guitar phrases.
The cohesive strength of “Genotype” relies on the meticulous blend of luminous melodic themes and inflamed technical dynamics demonstrating Texture’s desire to impress an audience of music connoisseurs.
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