French post-black metal band Decline Of The I begins a new spellbinding trilogy with the full length “Johannes” inspired by the output of Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard.
Within a mystical sonic realm “A Selfish Star” conveys darkened emotions through the seductive dreamy atmospheric arrangements, the angelic choirs and the exquisite guitar melodies that will often give way to a majestic heavier rhythmic ensemble clearly influenced by the ominous force of black metal.
“The Veil of Splendid Lies” skillfully combines blackened fury and sheer melancholia as the guitar work naturally shifts from visceral riffage to sombre melodic textures and the resulting contrasting feelings flourish in the midst of a refined multifaceted atmospheric ensemble.
A solemn arcane aura enriched by opulent classical accents surrounds the final opus “Diev Vide” which definitely embodies the darkest nuances recurring throughout the whole album as the mesmerizing guitar work focuses on a fragile melodic beauty that will become inevitably entwined with gelid blackened tonalities leading to intense rhythmic crescendos amplified by the tormented growls.
Throughout “Johannes” Decline Of The I showcases a magnetic creative force carefully blending cold blackened moments and stylish surreal atmospheres that emphasize the philosophical & contemplative themes.
Category: Album Reviews
Memoriam – To The End
Back in 2016 British death metallers Memoriam began a triumphant sonic endeavor that today proves to be simply unstoppable with the release of the fourth full length “To The End”.
“Onwards Into Battle” immediately puts the spotlight on the darkened tonalities of the alluring melodic guitar progressions which will gradually evolve into an inflamed groovy ensemble fueled by fierce riffage and monolithic drumming.
In the beginning “No Effect” conveys dramatic depth with sorrowful guitar phrases that will maintain a forlorn mood throughout the song but the excellent rhythmic section will have the chance to channel the ominous force of classic death metal.
The dark world of “Each Step (One Closer To The Grave)” is bound to highlight the band’s lugubrious doom influences as the captivating guitar melodies and the monumental riffs flourish within a dramatically slower rhythmic maze.
The title track enhances an anthemic death metal rampage with an overload of thunderous drums and vicious riffage accompanied by fiery growls while the inner doom essence naturally generates sombre melodic passages.
The gloomy grandeur of “As My Heart Grows Cold” leads to desolate atmospheric soundscapes amplified by the gorgeous melancholic guitar harmonies while the robust rhythmic section can easily create blazing grooves.
Just like the previous albums “To The End” proudly celebrates the glorious days of old school death metal yet Memoriam skillfully enrich such aggressive sonic realm with mournful doom elements and exquisite melodic accents.
Cryptosis – Bionic Swarm
Dutch extreme metal trio Cryptosis makes a triumphant debut with the full length “Bionic Swarm” which showcases an aggressive creative force but also a desire to freely explore diverse sonic territories.
“Decypher” relies on the majestic guitar work which effortlessly shifts from intricate progressions with darkened melodic hints to unrestrained riffage as the visceral rhythmic section often generates faster vicious patterns.
On “Prospect Of Immortality” the refined guitar melodies flourish within a grim atmospheric maze expressing somber feelings yet the bold rhythmic dynamics and the spiteful growls continue to channel the fury of extreme metal.
The monumental drumming of “Conjuring the Egoist” spontaneously generates inflamed dynamics yet the charismatic melodic guitar leads and the eerie atmospheric accents will enrich the merciless thrash oriented ensemble.
“Mindscape” dwells within a darkly epic dimension as the slower tempo favors harrowing atmospheric nuances and sorrowful blackened progressions therefore the melodic aspects of the guitar work become the main focus.
“Flux Divergence” can deliver loads of faster grooves as the classic thrash influence inevitably thrives through the massive drum blasts and the frantic guitar riffs that will lead to a fair dosage of intense shredding.
Formerly known as Distillator, Cryptosis confidently embrace a new audacious sonic identity that on “Bionic Swarm” ultimately leads to an intriguing blend of classic thrash metal, melodic progressions and futuristic atmospheres.
The Limit – Caveman Logic
Featuring members of legendary The Stooges, the founders of Doom Rock Pentagram, NYC Punk originators Testors and Portuguese metal band Dawnrider, The Limit channels the raw energy of heavy rock and punk on the explosive debut album “Caveman Logic”.
The wild party begins with “Kitty Gone” offering loads of gritty riffs and irresistible smooth leads while the inner punk vibes spontaneously amplify the groovy rhythmic rampage.
“Black Sea” relies on the magnetic force of the guitar work confidently delivering robust riffage and flamboyant soloing yet there is a lingering nostalgia generating darkened feelings enhanced by the moody vocal delivery.
“These Days” keeps the hard rock spirit alive with a natural blend of slick guitar riffs and soothing melodic accents ultimately leading to a series of memorable grooves.
“Over Rover” often channels a darkened doom essence with the weight of the slow riffage that will ultimately evolve into a high octane punk influenced rhythmic galore.
Throughout the title track the vocal performance manifests a true rocker attitude surrounded by the charismatic guitar work that easily builds delightful rhythmic patterns with a combo of bold riffs and charming leads.
The strength of “Fleeting Thoughts” certainly comes from the addictive chorus fueled by the extra catchy rhythmic dynamics and the rough vocals once again embody an untamed punk heritage.
“When Life Gets Scorched” stands out for the appealing mix of reflective nuances and energetic rhythmic segments while the vibrant rock flair of the guitar solo definitely deserves your attention.
Certainly “Caveman Logic” is a truly passionate and entertaining heavy rock album fueled by an amazing collaboration between the talented veteran musicians behind the new sonic endeavor The Limit.
Dvne – Etemen Ænka
Scottish progressive metallers Dvne audaciously explore diverse sonic pathways to craft majestic soundscapes on the sophomore full length “Etemen Ænka”.
“Enûma Eliš” manifests a complex songwriting approach that naturally blends darkened tonalities and extra heavy rhythmic dynamics highlighting the excellent guitar work while the opulent atmospheric arrangements emphasize an emotional turmoil.
The immersive nature of “Court Of The Matriarch” quickly comes to life through the recurring luminous melodic phrases and the ethereal atmospheric waves yet the rhythmic section often embraces a strong prog inspiration leading to impressive technical patterns.
“Omega Severer” offers alluring melodic movements and charismatic guitar soloing accompanied by comforting clean vocals conveying a profoundly introspective mood yet the song’s shapeshifting nature will generate contrasting moments as the fierce riffage takes the center stage.
“Sì-XIV” focuses on a series of elaborate guitar progressions that can effortlessly create monumental grooves amplified by the tormented screams in contrast with the cathartic blend of fragile melodies and dreamy atmospheric accents.
“Mleccha” follows a melancholic post-metal direction as the soulful guitar melodies surrounded by hazy atmospheric textures naturally craft a shimmering sonic ensemble that will ultimately evolve into intense & heavier rhythmic crescendos.
The sumptuous final track “Satuya” relies on a convoluted composition that generates a world of profound contrast as guitars seamlessly shift from glowing delicate harmonies to savage riffs spiced up by technical prog elements and supported by a robust rhythmic section in the midst of a darkened atmospheric realm.
“Etemen Ænka” is characterized by heavy & intricate instrumental patterns but it becomes evident that the synths and the ambient sounds hold a crucial role allowing Dvne to add a rich atmospheric depth that emphasizes the sci-fi thematics.
Eyehategod – A History of Nomadic Behavior
Veteran hardcore/sludge band Eyehategod returns with the long anticipated new full length “A History Of Nomadic Behavior” depicting a world of chaos and hypocrisy.
“Built Beneath The Lies” opens the album with a series of acidic & wild grooves that highlight a raw sludge energy amplified by the dark tonalities of the riffage and the enraged screams.
On “The Outer Banks” the massive guitar riffs lead the way to a dismal sonic realm that will ultimately embrace faster rough rhythmic patterns fueled by the pummeling drums.
“Fake What’s Yours” offers another solid round of gritty guitar riffs and ominous vibes so you can perceive a perennial sense of impending doom.
The groovy mood of “High Risk Trigger” celebrates a renowned swampy sludge/doom style as guitars and drums deliver heavy dynamics without any hesitation accompanied by chaotic feedback.
The instrumental ensemble on “The Trial Of Johnny Cancer” feeds off paranoia and delusions so the guitar work constantly emphasizes the dirty sound and the old school approach.
“Circle Of Nerves” sounds rebellious and dystopian as the monumental guitar riffs march through a doom laden realm and the desperate vocals express disgust and fury.
The dirty sound and the extra chunky riffs throughout “A History Of Nomadic Behavior”definitely match the turmoil and anger expressed by the lyrics as Eyehategod choose a songwriting approach inevitably influenced by the current events.
Cosmic Reaper – Cosmic Reaper
North Carolina based psych-doom band Cosmic Reaper is ready to make you space out like there’s no tomorrow with the monumental self-titled debut full length.
The hypnotizing soundscapes of “Hellion” come alive through the monolithic guitar riffs, the darkened tonalities and the massive fuzzy bass lines that inevitably emphasize the doom worshipping spirit of the whole album.
In the fuzzed out world of “Stellar Death” guitars can easily create a constant groove with an extra gritty sound that amplifies the retro style of the robust rhythmic dynamics while the slower passages ultimately evoke major bewitching vibes.
Throughout “Wasteland II” the extra heavy combo of bass & guitars sets a proper stoner doom mood definitely amplified by the constant fuzz overload and the appealing vintage flair of the extensive soloing.
With a slower & darker rhythm “Planet Eater” can easily induce a trancelike state as you simply cannot escape the monstrous heavy ensemble fueled by the monochromatic doom tonalities of the guitar riffs while the moody vocals seem to emerge from a distant alternate dimension.
Listening to Cosmic Reaper’s debut album you are bound to enter a hazy sonic realm as they confidently embrace a renowned fuzzy pathway inspired by the glorious days of stoner doom.
The Crown – Royal Destroyer
Swedish death metal band The Crown celebrated the thirtieth anniversary in 2020 and now is ready to deliver an overdose of impactful grooves throughout the tenth full length “Royal Destroyer”.
Staying true to the title “Let The Hammering Begin!” unleashes an overwhelming rage following a fast menacing rhythm constantly fueled by hostile drum blasts and extra heavy guitar riffs channeling an insane thrash metal energy.
Since the beginning, the monumental rhythmic section on “Motordeath” crafts enraged dynamics channeling the raw energy of 90s death & thrash metal enriched by a series of charismatic & groovy guitar progressions.
“Ultra Faust” embraces a slower creepy mood as the darkened tonalities of the guitar work can evoke a sense of impending doom that will ultimately evolve into an aggressive rhythmic assault amplified by the savage growls.
On “Glorious Hades” a mysterious atmosphere introduces robust rhythmic patterns yet a darkly alluring melodic essence will emerge through the mournful guitar phrases and the sophisticated solo.
The classic melodic death metal style of “We Drift On” leads to a balanced mix of somber guitar progressions demanding a slower contemplative rhythm and inflamed riffage fully conveying darkened vibes.
“Beyond The Frail” returns to a faster blistering rhythmic ensemble relying on crushing guitar riffs and spiteful growls to generate memorable grooves while the finale acquires ethereal tones with haunting arpeggios.
Undoubtedly the core of “Royal Destroyer” revolves around the fury of the massive rhythmic section and the relentless riffage yet The Crown manage to add some dramatic melodic textures to such extreme metal formula.
Enforced – Kill Grid
Virginia-based crossover metallers Enforced proudly channel the menacing force of extreme metal on the brand new release “Kill Grid”.
“The Doctrine” opens the album with obscure tonalities that certainly foreshadow a fiery sonic assault as guitars deliver a winning combo of crunchy riffs and wicked soloing supported by the thrash vibes of the bold rhythmic section.
“Uxo” continues to unleash insane rhythmic patterns following pummeling drum blasts and the consequent enraged mood is inevitably cemented by the malignant growls and the raw energy of the guitar work.
The darkened atmosphere and the dismal guitar tonalities of the title track lead to a slightly melodic & lugubrious ensemble but the apparent calm will vanish as the rhythmic section gains extra speed fueled by the monumental drumming.
Staying true to classic thrash metal “Curtain Fire” focuses on the creation of massive groovy dynamics that once again highlight the dominant role of the glorious shredding and the sharp riffage.
The final track “Trespasser” properly embodies a relentless thrash style with the necessary belligerent tempo and the overload of ferocious guitar riffs spiced up by another solid round of memorable leads.
You simply cannot escape the ravenous sonic realm carefully crafted by Enforced as the unstoppable riff driven grooves that characterize “Kill Grid” are bound to trigger constant headbanging.
Taake / Helheim – Henholdsvis
Infamous Norwegian black metal band Taake returns with the new interesting release “Henholdsvis” which is the third and last installment of a series of split-10”s this time featuring labelmates and Viking Black Metal pioneers Helheim.
Drenched in gelid darkness “Brotne Bein og Mannefall” inevitably showcases Taake’s dreadful blackened style as the malignant guitar riffs immediately create an asphyxiating sonic realm while the slightly slower progressions and the desperate growls evoke an overdose of tormented feelings.
On “Ein Baat i Foss” Taake fully embraces an insanely groovy black ‘n’ roll pathway within a wintry atmosphere where unrestrained rhythmic patterns are constantly fueled by the primal force and the obscure tonalities of the guitar work.
Helheim contributes with a cover of Taake song “Orkan” from the album “Noregs Vaapen” which showcases a different direction with mournful clean vocals surrounded by mysterious yet also comforting vibes that highlight the darkened melodic guitar progressions.
Helheim’s second track is a cover of Emperor’s “Heksesabbat / Witches Sabbath”, originally released on the tribute album “A Tribute to Emperor – In Honour of Icon E”, and here the band fully channels a primordial blackened essence as the gritty guitar riffs and the diabolical screams thrive within an arcane atmospheric ensemble.
Despite being a short album “Henholdsvis” manages to properly celebrate black metal and darkness as Taake and Helheim certainly crafted a unique collaboration.