German dark rock / metal visionaries Autumnblaze always demonstrated a sentimental devotion for dark songs and now they make a remarkable comeback with the gloomy soundscapes of the ninth album “Glut”.
Autumnblaze channel a palpable Nordic melancholia through the epic sonic realm of “Licht aus” delivering majestic guitar riffs and crestfallen harmonies.
“Kerkersonne” maintains a darkened rhythmic core but certainly favors fragility and warmth with a poignant vocal delivery and minimalist guitars.
“Heilung” presents a delightful poetic flair through graceful melodic progressions and comforting vocals highlighting a vulnerable side.
The refined dreamlike title track focuses on soft arpeggios and emotive vocals surrounded by hazy atmospheric tapestries.
“Der Idiot” chooses a more direct approach as feverish guitars spontaneously build impactful grooves yet you can appreciate the fascinating contemplative passages.
On “Geisteskind” guitars acquire darker tonalities to create a grim melodic grandeur and emphasize the emotional depth.
A visceral heaviness runs throughout “Albtraum” generating harsh rhythmic patterns amplified by tormented growls yet the recurring melodic motifs evoke spiritual clarity spontaneously leading to a mellow finale with wistful arpeggios.
“Glut” is the result of a thoughtful creative process as Autumnblaze fully embrace a distinct introspective style carefully blending primal rhythmic intensity and cathartic
Category: Album Reviews
Liminal Sky – All Tomorrow ‘s Darkness
Acclaimed producer Jaime Gomez Arellano and talented musician Daniel Knight begin a new exciting musical venture with Liminal Sky and the debut release “All Tomorrow’s Darkness” depicts an immersive journey through the bleak English countryside.
Liminal Sky confidently opens the album with the glowing melodies of “Some Other Time” expressing genuine sentiments through dreamy atmospheric arrangements and irresistible jazzy saxophone.
There is a subtle catchiness on “A Solitary Future” that easily attracts the listeners with balanced melodic crescendos and delicate arpeggios.
With an excellent production and a refined composition “In Some Secret Universe” flows like a beautiful daydream as the bittersweet vocals and shimmering arpeggios have the power to illuminate your surroundings.
“Penance” shines for the stark beauty of the intricate melodic guitars and the poignant vocal performance by Karin Park from Årabrot embellishing the haunting atmospheric dimension.
The title track evokes perennial melancholia as the spellbinding post – rock nuances of guitars flourish within the deeply contemplative atmospheric realm.
To create the extraordinary debut “All Tomorrow’s Darkness” Liminal Sky wrote and recorded in isolation at Orgone Studios focusing on poetic motifs and musical clarity.
Wailin Storms – The Arsonist
Wailin Storms are ready to present to the world their own Southern gothic rock style with the enigmatic fifth album “The Arsonist”.
A darkened dense atmosphere surrounds “Dead End” and echoes of distorted guitars become dangerously heavier ultimately leading to massive & loud rhythmic patterns amplified by rebellious screams in glorious post-punk fashion.
On “Heart of Mine” the charismatic vocals reach a contemplative depth well supported by the mellow guitar progressions while the eclectic rhythmic section can still impress the audience with increasing inflamed energy.
The title track aptly expresses ardent passion through warm bluesy melodic phrases and tormented rhythmic crescendos perfectly complemented by a rather dramatic vocal performance.
“The Wind” is filled with gritty guitar riffs which spontaneously generate a cohesive series of monolithic grooves until everything slows down to highlight a tragic melodic essence.
“It’s All Dark Now Where Your Eyes Used to Be” immediately reveals a stunning poetic melancholia with the gothic romance of melodic guitars, minimalist piano and calm vocals.
Attracted to fire and danger Wailin Storms confidently move forward solidifying their musical identity in the cryptic world of “The Arsonist”.
Todomal – Graveyards of Joy
Founded by veteran multi-instrumentalists Christopher B. Wildman and Javier Fernández Milla, Todomal meticulously shape their own doom creative pathway on the refined new album “Graveyards of Joy”.
The stylish first track “Mare Ignis” is characterized by an evocative atmospheric approach as sophisticated arrangements surround gloomy guitars and immersive melodic crescendos.
“Lucid Nightmare” focuses on groovy doomy dynamics to instantly grab your attention as soaring guitars deliver robust riffs and recurring elegant harmonies further amplified by multilayered dreamy keyboards and impeccable melancholic vocals.
The slow burning doom progressions of “Point of Coalescence” highlight the somber presence of crushing riffs and striking leads while the decadent atmospheric tapestries convey a significantly darker mood.
The Hammond takes the center stage on “Deliverance” enhancing an irresistible vintage flair and a deeply contemplative mood around the sentimental vocal delivery and the opulent guitar melodies.
The title track relies on an ideal mix of grave doom riffs and heart wrenching arpeggios that maintain a captivating melodic flow once again perfectly complemented by intricate atmospheric textures.
“Graveyards of Joy” closes a deeply personal trilogy reaching a fascinating emotional depth as Todomal confidently craft a collection of dark songs with enthralling cinematic motifs and poignant melodies.
Mortem – Mørketid
Norwegian black metal pioneers Mortem helped shape the infamous black metal’s second wave and now the release of “Mørketid” marks a strong comeback evidently driven by obscure forces.
The title track celebrates endless darkness with intense rhythmic fury yet the faster venomous guitars must slow down to put the spotlight on the baroque keyboards generating a bewitching melodic flow.
“The Mighty Odious” celebrates the early sound of Scandinavian black metal with soaring guitar riffs and ravenous growls while solemn keyboards arise from shadowy depths to emphasize a brooding classical flair.
“Skyggeånd” conveys nightmarish vibes often demanding hyper speed and the ominous guitar progressions accompanied by ghastly multilayered keyboards ultimately lead to a cryptic atmospheric momentum.
The towering rhythmic section on “Ditt Ødes Ære” proudly channels hostile traditional black metal roots while the mighty combo of guitars and keyboards spontaneously craft sinister melodic passages culminating with a savage solo.
Throughout “Mørkets Ormebol” opulent keyboards maintain a crucial role creating eerie atmospheric tapestries around the main malevolent rhythmic core effortlessly fueled by menacing riffage and monochromatic tonalities.
Originally known as the Norwegian cult band which preceded Arcturus, Mortem brings to life the original incarnation of epic black metal through the labyrinthic frostbitten soundscapes of “Mørketid”.
A.A. Williams – Solstice
Multi talented artist A. A. Williams embraces darkness and poetry on the new immersive full length “Solstice” destined to reach the soul of the audience.
“Poison” opens the album with a sultry mix of evocative vocals and gritty guitar riffs which amplifies a groovy attitude in the midst of a dense atmospheric ensemble.
“Wolves” demands your attention offering smooth arpeggios, exquisite vocal harmonies and fervent melodic crescendos to fully express an incessant emotional turmoil.
Williams shows a vulnerable side without any hesitation on “Hold It Together” choosing a minimalist composition that focuses on comforting vocals and delicate piano melodies leading to opulent rhythmic dynamics.
Williams ‘ warm vocals guide you safely through the dreamy soundscapes of “Outlines” which continues to emphasize authentic emotions with a distinct post-rock spirit and the gelid beauty of the classical piano.
“It Won’t Rain Forever” once again highlights how the eloquent emotive themes naturally come to life through the poignant voice & piano combo further enriched by the sentimental echoes of whimsical rhythmic progressions.
Within the melodic gloom of “The Gentle Harm” the cathartic vocal performance is perfectly complemented by the elegant piano and the monochromatic guitars often acquiring appealing darker tonalities.
Drenched in endless melancholia “Solstice” symbolizes a passionate creative outlet that certainly puts the spotlight on Williams’s alluring voice and fascinating intimate musical vision.
Solace – Fading Failing Ruin
Celebrating the anniversary of their 30th year as a band Solace presents their monumental stoner doom manifesto and apocalyptic vision on the intense fifth studio album “Fading Failing Ruin”.
“Spiral Will” marks a powerful beginning providing the necessary heaviness to build memorable rhythmic dynamics but guitars and vocals also showcase a magnetic melodic flair.
The lengthy trippy track “Wrath’s Object (The Big Fall)” introduces a warm psychedelic atmospheric realm featuring hazy melodies and tribal percussion while dominant guitars will take over focusing on loud monolithic riffs and gritty sound.
Without futile special effects “Beyond Below” relies on the heavy weight of the rhythmic section constantly fueled by electrifying guitar progressions and powerful vocals.
“Malengine (The Scaffold)” emphasizes a nostalgic mood contemplating on a grim reality and consequently revealing a sorrowful melodic soul through the slow burning guitars and the softer vocal harmonies.
On “Ridden” guitars become simply unstoppable, celebrating the glory of stoner doom and showcasing excellent chemistry with an overdose of rebellious riffs and sophisticated leads keeping a wild groovy attitude.
With maturity and experience Solace take inspiration from the earliest days of metal and reach a new milestone confidently delivering massive grooves and hypnotic vibes throughout ”Fading Failing Ruin”.
Bloodhunter – Sons Of The Abandoned
Spanish melodic death metal powerhouse Bloodhunter has already reached the international extreme metal scene and now takes another crucial step to conquer more with the ambitious multi-layered album “Sons Of The Abandoned”.
The majestic album opener “The Devils Own” puts the spotlight on charismatic vocalist Diva Satanica confidently delivering malignant growls to complement the fiery mix of vitriolic riffs and glowing guitar harmonies.
“Threshold Of Hell” presents an obscure vision with a palpable brutal death metal essence and nocturnal atmospheric arrangements amplified by the decadent vocal performance courtesy of legendary Fernando Ribeiro from Moonspell also adding an exquisite gothic touch.
“Ephemeral Youth” diligently manifests the band’s sonic identity building a merciless rhythmic assault and dictating hyper speed while the impressive guitar solo showcases a detailed technical approach.
The potent title track hits you in the face with a bold series of vicious guitar riffs while the leads focus on contrasting polished melodies expressing uplifting sentiments.
“The Path That Never Ends” emphasizes a major epic flair with an empowering vocal performance featuring Laura Guldemond from Burning Witches accompanied by flamboyant guitar progressions and a groovy rhythmic pulse.
“Masters Of Deceive” relies on harsh blast beats and tormented growls but guitars can fully embrace emotionally charged motifs to create a compelling melodic ensemble.
With “Sons Of The Abandoned” Bloodhunter bravely face their own inner demons finding clarity and creativity in a solid mix of sophisticated melodic themes and savage grooves.
Moonspell – Far From God
Portuguese pioneers Moonspell return triumphantly to offer the dark romantically tragic opus “Far From God” inevitably destined to spellbind and conquer the chaotic metal scene with a glowing contemporary sound and a timeless decadent essence.
The title track quickly became a hit single and you immediately recognize Moonspell’s personal gothic metal vision as flawless guitars and grave drums meticulously structure captivating rhythmic patterns surrounded by opulent keyboards motifs that emphasize the addictive atmospheric gloom and the Baudelairian melancholia of the evocative clean vocals.
“The Great Wolf In the Sky” fearlessly combines poetry and extreme metal elements through the impeccable blend of seductive melodic guitars, haunting strings and imposing rhythmic patterns effortlessly amplified by a theatrical vocal performance.
“Your Promise Of Light” marks another impressive moment as shadowy guitar tonalities emphasize an intoxicating gothic composition evoking pure nostalgia in the midst of a dramatic atmospheric ensemble.
“Our Freedom to Fall” holds an inflamed groovy soul yet the catchiness of the crispy guitar progressions doesn’t sacrifice the necessary ancestral fury symbolized by the precise and significantly faster drumming.
Within the atmospheric mystique of “Reconquista” expansive keyboard themes guide you through eerie soundscapes and guitars take the center stage with deliciously darkened melodies and primal riffage perfectly complemented by Fernando’s unique vocal abilities.
Representing Gothic Metal in its purest and glorious form Moonspell disregard any current trend demonstrating a striking ex novo creativity but at the same time authentic devotion to their majestic signature style that renders “Far From God” a sincerely passionate work of art.
Mortiis – Ghosts of Europa
Norwegian artist Håvard Ellefsen known as the enigmatic musical entity Mortiis embraces a visionary experimental approach that never ceases to evolve and evidently defies standard categorization generating today the cinematic new album “Ghosts of Europa”.
The title track depicts a surreal atmospheric ensemble where warped electro beats and mystical melodic waves gently unfold around fascinating vocals and often convey surprising uplifting sentiments.
Drenched in endless melancholia “The Faith That Fades Away” spellbinds even the occasional listeners with a poignant vocal delivery and darkly mesmerizing atmospheric arrangements naturally leading to thrilling rhythmic crescendos with the addition of gritty noise guitars.
In the beginning “Transcending Morpheus” reveals ancestral ritualistic vibes focusing on solemn choirs and the cathartic rhythmic patterns naturally acquire enticing darkwave textures.
“Tundra, Heart of Hell” takes you straight to the dancefloor relying on the distorted echoes of raw guitars to build electrifying grooves in industrial fashion enriched by dense atmospheric multilayers.
With an addictive dark rock flair “Farewell Romero” amplifies gloomy vibes with an intricate blend of dystopian electronic soundscapes and magnetic fuzzy guitars perfectly complemented by a wild vocal performance.
After over a thousand sessions Mortiis proudly refuses any rules and ultimately finds the ideal creative liberation within the hypnotizing sonic realm of “Ghosts of Europa”.
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