Founding member and composer/guitarist of Dodecahedron Michel Nienhuis embarks on a dystopian journey with the new band Autarkh which instantly manifests a radical sonic identity on the debut release “Form In Motion”.
“Turbulence” stays true to the title as the twisted rhythmic patterns and the abrasive riffage can create an asphyxiating sonic realm that at times embraces a futuristic approach with the addition of multilayered synths.
“Cyclic Terror” focuses on convoluted dissonant dynamics and heavily distorted tones that definitely emphasize the industrial inspiration while the hazy atmospheric textures become entwined with the aggressive blasts.
“Introspectrum” immediately unleashes a chaotic rhythm generating massive industrial grooves fueled by the cryptic electronic beats and the angered vocals within a moody atmospheric ensemble.
The distorted reality of “Lost To Sight” leads to obscure tonalities and visceral rhythmic segments accompanied by tormented growls & screams surrounded by unusual robotic sounds.
“Alignment” continues to combine harsh metal elements, diverse electronic layers and even subtle atmospheric nuances that ultimately create tumultuous soundscapes and uneasy feelings certainly amplified by the ravenous screams.
With Autarkh Michel Nienhuis follows an eclectic sonic evolution and certainly aims to push boundaries throughout “Form In Motion” channeling the fury of extreme metal and the enigmatic vibes of industrial.
Category: Album Reviews
Wheel – Resident Human
Helsinki-based prog metal band Wheel is ready to impress the audience with cathartic soundscapes and stellar technical musicianship on the brand new full length “Resident Human”.
A charming melancholy lingers throughout “Dissipating” as the delicate melodic phrases flow like a fading daydream around the emotive vocal delivery and will ultimately evolve into a series of complex prog dynamics fueled by monolithic drumming and crunchy riffage that will simply delight any music connoisseur.
“Movement” marks an impactful moment as the brilliant guitar work tends to focus on the creation of memorable heavier grooves maintaining an elaborate prog approach that naturally leads to unexpected rhythmic twists.
The intricate track “Hyperion” emphasizes the inner contrasting emotions and truly showcases the band’s prowess as the sophisticated guitar progressions can shift from luminous harmonies during the slower contemplative passages to heavier crescendos offering sharp somber tonalities amplified by a majestic rhythmic section.
A grim atmosphere introduces the emotional turmoil embodied by the title track which relies on shapeshifting rhythmic patterns highlighting the impeccable drumming while guitars confidently deliver a striking blend of groovy riffs and mesmerizing melodic progressions.
Exploring human nature and constantly manifesting an intense creative force within the convoluted & fascinating progressive realm of “Resident Human” Wheel rightfully have the chance to solidify their status in the modern prog metal scene.
Nightfall – At Night We Prey
After seven years of absence Greek melodic death metal band Nightfall returns triumphantly with the new darkened offering “At Night We Prey” blending opulent melodies and ravenous grooves.
“Killing Moon” opens the album with an overdose of memorable guitar riffs characterized by gelid melodic accents while the belligerent rhythmic section is ready to unleash savage faster grooves fully showcasing a harsh musical direction.
“Witches” instantly channels obscure vibes as the aggressive drumming and the primal force of the guitar work effortlessly create a nightmarish sonic realm further amplified by the vicious growls.
“Giants Of Anger” still dwells within a pitchblack realm fueled by an intense groovy momentum yet the rhythm slows down as guitars tend to focus on mournful melodic phrases accompanied by the theatrical vocals.
On “Meteor Gods” the melodic aspects become dominant as the slower contemplative passages emphasize the gothic aesthetics of the guitar melodies and the enticing solo in contrast with the scattered heavier dynamics.
A mysterious gothic aura surrounds the title track as dramatic spoken words and dreamy melodic phrases introduce a fiery rhythmic ensemble amplified by the robust riffage and the arcane chanting.
The nocturnal vibes of “Wolves In Thy Head” come to life through the menacing rhythmic patterns and the furious growls that inevitably convey a primordial strength which often becomes entwined with the gothic tinged melodic grandeur.
Without any hesitation Nightfall follow a darkly alluring sonic pathway which today on “At Night We Prey” leads to the monumental combo of extreme metal influences and compelling melodic tapestries.
White Void – Anti
Featuring Lars Are Nedland of Borknagar and Solefald, dark rockers White Void manifest an extremely eclectic sonic vision deliberately inspired by diverse subgenres on the debut release “Anti”.
“Do. Not. Sleep.” stands out for the overdose of catchy melodies and the darkened tonalities channeling alluring retro vibes enriched by the intricate keyboards layers and the hard rock style of the guitar solo.
“Where You Go, You’ll Bring Nothing” offers an intriguing blend of moody guitar melodies and groovy rhythmic segments accompanied by the melancholic vocal delivery which feels particularly captivating during the slower passages.
Throughout “All Chains Rust, All Men Die” the vintage flair feels quite strong within the bluesy guitar progressions, the smooth soloing and the multilayered atmospheric keyboards while the rhythmic section is fueled by compelling darkened tonalities.
“The Fucking Violence Of Love” naturally channels multifaceted influences through the enticing blend of groovy rock riffage and the classic nuances of the charismatic guitar leads accompanied by bewitching keyboards arrangements.
The elaborate composition of “The Air Was Thick With Smoke” generates contrasting tonalities as the keyboards hold a dominant role creating magical atmospheric waves and 80s inspired dazzling layers to embellish the rhythmic ensemble while the guitar leads skillfully add sophisticated melodic aesthetics.
Conceptually based on Albert Camus’ Absurdism, “Anti” can effortlessly evoke sultry darkness and memorable hooks as White Void begin an exciting sonic endeavor destined to garner interest within the current rock/metal scene.
-(16)- & Grime – Doom Sessions Vol.3
Heavy Psych Sounds proudly presents the new split EP “Doom Sessions Vol. 3” featuring L.A. based sludge metallers -(16)- and Italian filth mongers Grime.
On the first track “Tear It Down” -(16)- combine monolithic riffage and insanely groovy rhythmic patterns so you can expect an intense heavy momentum while the slower breakdown acquires a darkened introspective atmosphere.
-(16)- continues to channel their strong sludge roots on “Death On Repeat” which relies on the mighty rhythmic ensemble to deliver fiery guitar riffs and monumental drumming often following a faster tempo amplified by the ravenous vocal delivery.
“Piece Of Flesh” fully manifests Grime’s obscure sonic vision as the asphyxiating rhythmic section embraces a menacing combo of speed and aggression easily emphasized by the twisted growls.
“Sick Of Life” dwells in a world of darkness and destruction as Grime constantly channel the raw energy of death metal to unleash a solid series of fierce guitar driven grooves enhanced by ominous tonalities.
Like the previous chapters “Doom Sessions Vol. 3” marks a truly entertaining sonic experience that this time gives you a chance to check out the diverse music styles of -(16)- and Grime.
Acid Mammoth – Caravan
Greek doom metal band Acid Mammoth will take you on a fuzzed-out trip with the crushing riffs and the vintage flair of the brand new full length “Caravan”.
“Berserker” immediately manifests the album’s harrowing mood as the doom worshipping style comes to life through the heavy rhythmic patterns and the raw energy of the guitar work that can also craft captivating fuzzy melodic leads.
“Psychedelic Wasteland” aptly adds moody psychedelic accents to the lugubrious slow rhythmic ensemble which is obviously fueled by the robust doom riffage and the mighty drumming while the lead guitar amplifies the bewitching vibes with extensive intriguing progressions.
“Black Dust” can make you space out easily with its intense stoner spirit and also properly channels the glory of traditional doom as the alluring obscure tonalities feel quite dominant constantly generating monumental guitar riffs, fuzzy soloing and witchy vibes.
Acid Mammoth confidently follow a doomed sonic pathway on “Caravan” providing an overdose of monolithic guitar driven grooves within a heavy & dark sonic realm.
Five The Hierophant – Through Aureate Void
British instrumental band Five The Hierophant manifests an enigmatic sonic vision and a sophisticated songwriting approach on the sophomore full length “Through Aureate Void”.
As we enter the void “Leaf in the Current” conveys a mystical grandeur with blurry atmospheric textures unfolding around the magnetic melodies of the jazzy saxophone accompanied by gritty guitar riffs and psychedelic accents.
“Fire from Frozen Cloud” begins with spellbinding saxophone melodies moving sinuously through a dreamy atmospheric maze that will soon evolve into an eclectic sonic realm with the addition of heavier rhythmic segments and darkened tonalities.
The drone atmosphere of “Berceuse” could induce a trance like state while the saxophone naturally creates a soothing melodic splendor and the shimmering arrangements evoke an apparent sense of tranquility.
On “The Hierophant (II)” the tribal percussions channel an arcane essence while the saxophone delivers twisted jazz infused phrases and contrasting softer melodies in the midst of an increasingly colder and darker atmosphere.
As Five The Hierophant confidently embrace an experimental sonic pathway “Through Aureate Void” offers an intriguing blend of cryptic dark metal and jazzy harmonies that can easily make you space out.
Varmia – bal Lada
Polish pagan black metal band Varmia channels strong Baltic roots blending traditional ethnic instrumentation and ravenous grooves on the third full length “bal Lada” which was recorded live in an old manor in Northern Poland.
“Bielmo” immediately manifests an obscure essence though the blackened guitar progressions and the malignant growls following harsh rhythmic patterns embellished by the compelling folk style of the traditional instruments.
Within the darkened world of “Upperan” the aggressive rhythmic section continues to channel a primal black metal force while the slower mournful passages and the technique of “whitevoice” clean-singing adds captivating ritualistic vibes.
The recurring chants and tribal accents on “Zari Deiwas” clearly emphasize the pagan & folk nuances while the main rhythmic ensemble follows a visceral blackened pathway with the relentless guitar riffs and the ominous mood.
“O” takes you to an ancestral land as the instrumentation of the Baltic Rites, the technique of “whitevoice” and the spiritual essence of the chanting become the main focus accompanied by the raw energy of the guitar work.
The impossible darkness of “Głody” is constantly fueled by the hostile rhythmic approach and the grave guitar tonalities while the traditional Baltic elements and the clean vocals naturally add epic vibes.
“Ten Blask Co Po Nim Śmierć” stands out for the cathartic melodic guitar phrases and the elegant atmospheric arrangements that inevitably evoke sheer nostalgia and create an introspective momentum in contrast with the tormented nature of the faster rhythmic dynamics.
Varmia passionately pays tribute to their ancient traditions consequently the arcane nature of “bal Lada” is destined to influence and enrich the blackened sonic realm.
Marianas Rest – Fata Morgana
Finnish melodic death metal band Marianas Rest is ready to spread immense melancholia with the release of the third studio album “Fata Morgana” channeling a renowned Nordic gelid music style.
On “Sacrificial” the cold understated atmospheric intro leads to a dismal world where the gorgeous melodic guitar progressions convey overwhelming grave emotions that will inevitably move the listeners while the death metal inspiration triggers a heavier combo of galloping riffage and enraged growls.
The gloomy atmosphere of “Glow From The Edge” surrounds the elegant guitar melodies which rightfully become the main focus effortlessly evoking wistful feelings and wintry tonalities further enhanced by the theatrical narratives.
“Pointless Tale” stays true to the Finnish melodic death metal legacy as the charming darkness expressed by the excellent guitar work and the mournful rhythmic crescendos revolve around an irresistible mix of harsh riffs and hypnotizing melodic phrases.
The title track begins with monolithic rhythmic patterns channeling an obscure doom essence amplified by the desperate growls yet the fragile beauty of the refined atmospheric arrangements entwined with dreamy guitar harmonies can convey a cathartic feel.
A perennial melancholia continues to prevail throughout “South Of Vostok” as the mesmerizing atmospheric splendor enriches the tormented & heavy rhythmic segments while once again guitars hold a fundamental role crafting enticing and absolutely heart wrenching melodic passages.
Darkness and poignant emotions are destined to thrive within the sombre sonic realm of “Fata Morgana” as Marianas Rest carefully blend monumental doom/death metal elements and alluring melodic tapestries.
Wolfheart – Skull Soldiers
After the successful release of the full-length “Wolves Of Karelia” last year, Finnish death metal band Wolfheart continues to show an unstoppable creative force with the EP “Skull Soldiers” which includes two new tracks and two special rarities.
The title track takes you straight to a bloody battlefield as the unrestrained riffage and the hostile drum blasts generate a harsh rhythmic ensemble enriched by the charismatic licks of the guitar solos while the atmospheric arrangements aptly add solemn vibes.
Listening to “Hereditary” you can instantly perceive an intense rage as the faster aggressive rhythmic patterns amplified by the insanely vicious growls become the main focus marching through the somber nuances of the gelid atmospheric layers while the melodic guitar solo leads to a contemplative acoustic momentum.
The acoustic version of “Aeon of Cold”, released on the album “Shadow World” back in 2015, revolves around minimalist arpeggios and sorrowful vocals evoking a captivating melancholia.
The last track is a live version of “Reaper”, released on “Wolves Of Karelia”, which fully embodies the blend of wintry soundscapes and fierce rhythmic dynamics.
Once again pack leader Tuomas Saukkonen proves to be a prolific composer as “Skull Soldiers”, inspired by heroic battles, channels the monumental energy that characterizes the winter metal style of Wolfheart’s recent offerings.