Pacific Northwest’s dark black metal band Hulder embarks on a perilous voyage through the arcane soundscapes of the new ambitious full length “Verbolgen”.
Listening to “The Crowning” we enter a pitchblack dimension where savage guitars maintain a cold rhythmic structure yet the fast menacing drum blasts will slow down to highlight the ghastly presence of opulent orchestrations.
Darkness descends upon us inevitably as “Thy Binding Oath” channels classic black metal dynamics through the raging guitar riffs and the ravenous growls surrounded by mystifying atmospheric arrangements.
The title track constructs a punishing rhythmic assault fueled by the expected relentless riffage yet you can appreciate the exquisite melodic textures of the guitar leads and the sumptuous keyboards.
In the atmospheric abyss of “…And We Shall Sing” an orchestral gloom surrounds lugubrious guitar progressions that can easily lead to dramatically faster epic segments amplified by cavernous growls.
“In Blood And In Earth” follows a medieval pathway with the ancestral pagan folk vibes of the arpeggios and the frostbitten melodic accents while the monumental rhythmic section acquires speed and aggressiveness.
“Verbolgen” evidently embodies the detailed obscure blackened vision that Hulder is shaping meticulously to conquer the underground scene.
Category: Album Reviews
Temple of Dread – Dreadspawn Dominion
Brutal death metal veterans Temple of Dread return in excellent shape to deliver an overdose of colossal malevolent grooves throughout the new full length “Dreadspawn Dominion”.
The title track unleashes a ruthless rhythmic march and there’s no time to escape as vicious guitar riffs and angered screams seem unstoppable.
“Hybrid Horde Eternal” easily maintains a punishing rhythmic core bound to evolve into a dramatic slower momentum characterized by monolithic funereal guitar progressions.
“Death March” promises uncompromising rhythmic blasts fueled by monumental drums and venomous riffage but guitars also impress the audience with darkened acrobatics that express inner dismal feelings.
Within the haunting atmospheric ensemble of “Scorched by Cosmic Fire” guitars skillfully craft refined melodic leads but drums will ultimately dictate breakneck speed and chaotic dynamics.
“Artisan of Oblivion” provides another round of pure rhythmic fury focusing once again on the relentless guitar riffs and a satisfying classic extreme approach.
“Infernal Eternity” brings an obscure closure as ominous atmospheric textures surround the mighty doomed guitar work showcasing prowess through the extensive intricate soloing.
As their reputation grows Temple of Dread proudly carry the torch for old school death metal all the way through “Dreadspawn Dominion” with insane heaviness and genuine devotion.
Fen – Elemental Part One: Mourning Earth
UK atmospheric black metal pioneers Fen skillfully craft the elegantly convoluted new opus “Elemental Part One: Mourning Earth” focusing on grandiose atmospheric gloom and majestic crushing dynamics.
“Glacier” channels the band”s primordial extreme metal roots with a towering rhythmic section and unstoppable inflamed guitar riffs while otherworldly arpeggios bring a rather sentimental finale.
Within a dreamy atmospheric realm “Massif” celebrates a meditative melodic splendor focusing on sophisticated guitar progressions that seamlessly evolve into dramatic blackened crescendos amplified by merciless growls.
“Abyssal Plain” is filled with bleak emotions as graceful melodic guitars favor glowing post-metal nuances but inner dark forces ultimately unleash scorching faster rhythmic blasts.
“Moor” reaches a captivating gloomy acme as guitars naturally follow a forlorn melodic pathway enhancing a contemplative momentum with solemn clean vocals and opulent atmospheric waves yet a distinct blackened essence will inevitably lead to harsh rhythmic segments increasing speed and rage.
With the release of the enthralling artistic endeavor “Elemental Part One: Mourning Earth” Fen can fully manifest a visionary composition masterfully blending ominous heaviness and languid harmonious beauty.
Ddent – Feeding the Void’s Luster
French hybrid post-metallers Ddent defy standard music categories presenting their own blend of sophisticated atmospheric themes and darkened dynamics on the new album “Feeding the Void’s Luster” captured live in the studio in two takes to enhance a spontaneous approach.
“Longue, obscure et triste lune” evidently belongs to an obscure parallel dimension where intricate guitars fully embrace raw tonalities to build a harsh rhythmic structure yet maintain a murky melodic essence.
Within the cryptic sonic realm of “Arzel” dominant guitars follow a primal instinct to deliver intense riffage certainly amplified by the ruthless growls but also meticulously craft hypnotizing gloomy melodic progressions.
The lengthy final chapter “Noir taureau de douleur” perfectly embodies a visionary composition focused on an immersive melodic ensemble with intriguing post-metal nuances and occasional rhythmic fury that highlights precise drumming and visceral riffs.
Driven by a remarkable creative spark Ddent confidently deliver the darkly convoluted sonic experience “Feeding the Void’s Luster” reminiscent of bohemienne poetry and fierce extreme metal.
Green Desert Water – Eerie Meadows
Spain-based power trio Green Desert Water celebrates the timeless glory of the 1970s heavy rock on the trippy new album “Eerie Meadows”.
Presenting a rather elaborate composition “Northern Lights” can easily spellbind you with sorrowful melodic phrases naturally leading to passionate crescendos and significantly heavier rhythmic patterns.
“The Blacksmith” highlights a perfect classic guitar sound that shines particularly in the glowing solo and the retro rock formula successfully generates plenty of memorable grooves.
The title track takes you to the ancient woods filled with mystifying nuances and the enhanced psychedelia of the slick guitar leads create energizing groovy dynamics.
“Holy Ground” grabs your attention with a balanced mix of cathartic melodic waves and irresistible guitar driven grooves proudly showcasing a beloved vintage sound.
Throughout “Meteora” dominant guitars run wild consequently monolithic riffs ensure a constant rhythmic entertainment that culminates in a charismatic solo yet you can perceive hints of melancholia in the smooth vocal delivery.
Without any hesitation Green Desert Water embark on a fascinating spiritual voyage jamming all the way through the psychedelic realm of “Eerie Meadows”.
Holissstik – Chapter I: This Endless Solitude
Holissstik emerges as a new force from mastermind Tor-Helge Skei of Trondheim’s experimental black metal band Manes and the debut album “Chapter I: This Endless Solitude” aims to push boundaries featuring more than 20 different collaborators.
In the beginning “The Rhythm of Silence” gradually crafts enigmatic atmospheric tapestries around ethereal vocals and the gloomy guitar sound enhances crucial dreamy melodic motifs that can also express uplifting sentiments.
“Reoccurring Dreams” implements electronics to create a surreal sonic realm where elaborate dystopian synths depict a darker gelid dimension and convoluted guitars deliberately evoke primal sonic elements.
Anna Murphy delivers gorgeous vocal harmonies on “Obsession Six” which reveals darkly alluring textures with a remarkable cryptic metal flair and the tragic atmospheric crescendos channel an ancestral ritualistic aura.
Throughout “Would You Take This Heart” expansive atmospheric arrangements surround the otherworldly vocal performance by Martyna Halas and the elegant melodic ensemble emphasizes a soothing emotional depth.
The cinematic title track flows gracefully like a nostalgic daydream spellbinding the audience with multilayered whimsical synths and hypnotizing vocals while the addition of raw guitars leads to an intense crescendo.
Holissstik’s hallucinatory soundscapes naturally come to life throughout “Chapter I: This Endless Solitude” as joined by a collective of exceptional artists Skei masterfully composes a cohesive opus characterized by transformation and creativity.
Irata – Human
North Carolina power trio Irata reaches a new milestone with the release of the massive full length “Human” which is the result of a thoughtful evolution characterized by a distinct heavy rock style and a subtle melancholia.
“Altar” introduces the band’s sonic manifesto with a strong rhythmic section and contemplative vocal harmonies matching the bittersweet melodic guitars.
“Confessions” acquires extra heaviness and confidence through the gritty guitar sound and the exciting groovy dynamics fueled by monumental drumming.
The raw energy of “Seeds” generates loud guitars and imposing bass riffs amplifying distortion and cool stoner vibes to build another groovy rhythmic ensemble.
“Slipped” adds a progressive touch delivering energetic riffage and syncopated rhythmic patterns fueled by precise drum blasts and monolithic bass lines.
“Daystar” brings a moody closure as mellow vocals express genuine sentiments and the recurring comforting melodies certainly highlight a reflective momentum.
Irata certainly aim to keep a spontaneous songwriting approach throughout “Human” shaping a personal vision that relies on a balanced mix of warm melodies and intricate riffing.
Dymna Lotva – Vyraj
Rebellious Belarus dissidents Dymna Lotva shape their own artistic evolution exploring diverse darkened territories and mythical realms on the inspiring fourth album “Vyraj”.
Listening to “Zory” we enter an obscure dimension where ruthless growls and incessant riffage remain dominant while the baroque keyboards accents emphasize a mysterious mood.
“Veha” channels the ritualistic vibes of obscure Nordic black metal with monolithic guitars and intense rhythmic blasts enriched by cinematic eerie orchestrations characterized by a cryptic folk inspiration.
“The Boat of Despair” is destined to conquer your heart immediately expressing eternal gloom with the exquisite gothic flair of decadent guitar melodies and sumptuous keyboards further enhanced by an extraordinary vocal performance courtesy of legendary Aaron Stainthorpe.
On “Niama Darohi” haunting synths meticulously prepare a theatrical atmospheric maze while dramatic growls and gelid guitar riffs build a satisfying blackened structure that culminates in a convoluted harmonious solo.
“Return My Coffin Home” ensures a cathartic grand finale choosing an epic melodic pathway for the polished guitars and conveying a perennial sense of longing with opulent atmospheric textures.
During their personal journey Dymna Lotva courageously manifest an expansive sonic vision that naturally overcomes boundaries leading to the kaleidoscopic soundscapes of “Vyraj”.
Warning – Rituals of Shame
After twenty years British doom metal band Warning is ready to deliver the proper crushing dynamics to celebrate the glory of doom on the new album “Rituals of Shame” written during a transformative period.
Without any hesitation the title track reveals the band’s colossal doom style as the potent rhythmic section hypnotize the audience maintaining a relentless funereal tempo enriched by the solemn vocals and the foreboding guitar leads.
“Stations” meticulously combines heaviness and emotional depth as doom laden guitars effortlessly shift from mournful melodies to intense riffage with recognizable old school sound.
“Night Comes Down” continues to follow a slow paced dirge to amplify monochromatic harmonies, cathartic melodic motifs and expansive darkened vibes through the impeccable dreary guitar work.
“Teacher” marks a super gloomy sentimental finale as the slow burning guitars favor dramatic melodies and theatrical vocals emphasizing a deeply sorrowful rhythmic dimension.
With the release of “Rituals of Shame” Warning makes a strong comeback and proves the relevant role of classic doom metal in the current scene.
Emptiness – Nowhere Speaks
Since 1998 Emptiness have been expanding their enigmatic music style and exploring diverse extreme metal territories, now the new album “Nowhere Speaks” is the rightful result of years of experimentation and transformation.
“The Threat” conveys a claustrophobic mood as aggressive guitars channel a sinister blackened force and hypnotic vocals guide you safely through the shadowy atmospheric maze.
Drenched in darkness the title track combines dense atmospheric synths and dismal melodic phrases while the monumental rhythmic section relies on savage extreme metal dynamics.
“Words To Wind” becomes a dreamlike experience with appealing moody guitar melodies flourishing in the midst of a mysterious atmosphere destined to evolve into a faster chaotic structure.
“When The Whole Arrives” symbolizes a visionary post-blackened death metal essence as murky atmospheric tapestries surround edgy guitars and vitriolic blast beats just seem unstoppable.
The gelid structure of “All For Nothing” unfolds spontaneously through introvert guitar progressions and fierce drumming demanding ruthless speed within a dystopian atmospheric realm.
Emptiness proudly disregards genres and categories following a personal avant-garde darkened sonic pathway that leads straight to the surreal soundscapes of “Nowhere Speaks” shielded by the external dreadful world.
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