Category: Album Reviews

The Moon And The Nightspirit – Aether

Since many years Hungarian duo The Moon And The Nightspirit has created mythical folk music that aims to spellbind you once again with the opulent new album “Aether”. 

On the title track the mystical chants guide you through a magical sonic realm where the glowing atmospheric tapestries and the stylish acoustic phrases build enchanting rhythmic crescendos that have the power to take you far away from reality. 

“Kaputlan Kapukon Át” feels like being in the middle of the woods as the folk melodic splendor generates lavish multilayered acoustic progressions and luminous tonalities embellished by delicate vocal harmonies.  

The mood becomes darker on “Égi Messzeségek” as the acoustic arrangements naturally blend mysterious nuances and shimmering harmonies further emphasized by the pulsating rhythm and the contrasting emotions expressed by the vocal duet. 

Listening to “Asha” we’re dreaming the same dream as the wistful acoustic passages, the gorgeous strings and the graceful vocals create intricate melodic waves that can warm your heart. 

With “Aether” The Moon And The Nightspirit have reached a new milestone in their long standing career as all the tracks shine for the meticulous composition and flow like a daydream destined to linger in your mind. 

BPMD – American Made

The legendary Bobby Blitz of Overkill joined forces with Mike Portnoy of The Winery Dogs & Sons of Apollo, Mark Menghi of Metal Allegiance and Phil Demmel of Vio-lence for a new explosive music endeavor under the moniker BPMD and the debut album “American Made” is a full blown heavy metal party featuring covers of rock classics. 

For Ted Nugent’s “Wang Dang Sweet Poontang” Bobby Blitz makes a wild introduction with his signature vocal delivery and as soon as the instrumental ensemble takes the center stage with sharp guitar riffs and killer licks you can perceive a major positive energy.  

Aerosmith’s “Toys in the Attic” is filled with gritty riffs perfect for a heavy metal party amplified by Bobby’s charismatic vocal performance and the fast rhythmic section that ensures a constant groovy mood enriched by the impeccable guitar solo. 

“Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers” by ZZ Top is another wicked groovy tune that channels intense old school vibes with fiery rounds of soaring guitar riffs and wild shredding in proper heavy metal fashion. 

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Saturday Night Special” features a monumental classic metal formula combining bold rhythmic blasts and an overdose of eclectic guitar solos showcasing outstanding musicianship and the resulting massive grooves will certainly trigger instant headbanging. 

Blue Oyster Cult’s “Tattoo Vampire” acquires a darker rebellious momentum that builds super catchy fast dynamics with scorching guitar riffs, unrestrained drumming and Bobby’s savage vocals. 

“We’re an American Band” by Grand Funk Railroad is all about an entertaining classic heavy metal formula channeling major vintage vibes with vibrant rhythmic patterns and delightful melodic guitar progressions. 

It would be a blast seeing BPMD perform live the entire album “American Made” and listening to the reimagination of all these rock songs you can always perceive outpouring talent and enthusiasm.

Constellatia – The Language Of Limbs

South African post metal outfit Constellatia recently signed with Season Of Mist and the reissue of the debut album “The Language Of Limbs” now has the chance to attract a wider audience with darkly emotional soundscapes. 

“All Nights Belong To You” confidently follows a wistful instrumental pathway as the dreamy shoegaze atmosphere naturally embraces the crushing blackened rhythmic section and will reach the acme during the slower hazy passages embellished by angelic vocals. 

“In Acclamation” flows like a daydream as the ethereal atmospheric tapestries and the shimmering guitar melodies constantly evoke pure melancholia yet the rhythmic patterns can often evolve into fast & vicious blackened blasts before returning to a calmer contemplative ensemble. 

The eloquent melodic essence of “The Garden” emphasizes an intense sense of longing as guitars tend to focus on soft acoustic phrases, glowing progressions and compelling leads in contrast with the faster mournful rhythmic segments accompanied by desperate screams. 

Throughout “The Language Of Limbs” you will find a monumental blackened inspiration yet the opulent nostalgia infused melodies become the main focus as Constellatia never cease to express poignant feelings.  

Black Rainbows – Cosmic Ritual Supertrip

 

Italian legendary stoner rock trio Black Rainbows reaches a new milestone with the eighth full length “Cosmic Ritual Supertrip” and as the title suggests you will feel compelled to join this trippy roller coaster. 

“At Midnight You Cry” already unleashes the cosmic energy of the whole album with steady powerful guitar riffs that keep unrestrained grooves from beginning to end following an explosive stoner rock formula. 

“Radio 666” immediately feels like a ‘70s spacey jam with the perfect dosage of fuzzy guitar driven grooves, moody vocals and a subtle nostalgic flair enhanced by the entertaining hazy soloing. 

It’s time for total fuzz worship as “Hypnotized By The Solenoid” showcases massive psychedelic vibes through compelling melodic guitar progressions that will ultimately acquire addictive groovy tonalities leading to an extensive wild solo. 

“Glittereyzed” begins with captivating psychedelic tinged nuances that make you feel slightly dazed but gradually the excellent rhythmic section will embrace a significantly heavier pathway crafting monumental guitar driven grooves. 

The gritty guitar riffs and the savage drumming of “Sacred Graal” spontaneously generate massive catchy dynamics that can trigger instant stomping & headbanging channeling the magical power of vintage heavy rock. 

“Searching For Satellites Part I & II” holds a darkened soul within the somber tonalities of the spaced out acoustic guitars that will acquire an understated energy flourishing through the surreal psychedelic atmospheric waves.   

“Fire Breather” closes the album with major psychedelic cosmic accents and an inflamed groovy momentum fueled by the memorable guitar solo and the monolithic riffs that showcase also an intriguing doom inspiration. 

Black Rainbows confidently keep a heavy delightful approach throughout “Cosmic Ritual Supertrip” which obviously is all about massive psychedelic stoner grooves ideal for a live show in the middle of the desert. 

Wolftooth – Valhalla

Stoner metal riff worshippers Wolftooth aim to impress the underground metal scene with loads of memorable guitar driven grooves on the sophomore full length “Valhalla”.

“The Possession” doesn’t waste any time as guitars deliver monumental riffs with a distinct old school approach that inevitably generates a cohesive series of bold grooves and charismatic leads while the powerful vocal delivery also emphasizes the traditional heavy metal inspiration. 

The title track continues to highlight the twin guitar action with explosive riffage perfectly supported by the groovy drumming but the intense melodic progressions tend to steal the spotlight with epic vibes and nostalgic nuances. 

The adventurous spirit of “Fear For Eternity” comes to life through significantly heavier & faster rhythmic patterns demanding instant headbanging while the lead guitar work unleashes some wild shredding through a subtle doom tinged ensemble. 

“Scylla & Charybdis” combines a stoner metal flair and classic heavy metal to craft colossal groovy dynamics as guitars proudly offer robust riffs and smooth harmonies that will ultimately lead to an extensive grandiose solo. 

“Crying Of The Wolves” still channels an intense energy with a generous dosage of crunchy riffage yet tends to favor a somber melodic essence with the soothing vocal delivery and the glowing guitar harmonies that will often embrace a gloomy doom pathway. 

Needless to say the main focus throughout “Valhalla” is the creation of massive guitar riffs and Wolftooth also successfully channel all the glory of 70’s and early 80’s NWOBHM with a classic songwriting approach and authentic passion. 

Ulthar – Providence

Bay area blackened death metallers Ulthar have created a vicious sonic onslaught on the sophomore release “Providence” that will drag you into an obscure world where all hope is inevitably lost. 

The dystopian mood of “Undying Spear” thrives within the technical instrumental progressions revealing an eclectic approach that will ultimately evolve into crushing blackened dynamics with an overdose of abrasive guitar riffs and malignant growls.  

The title track immediately unleashes a brutal rhythmic ensemble channeling some old school death metal elements fueled by unrestrained riffs and pummeling drums yet such hostile sonic realm becomes more interesting with the addition of dissonant patterns and twisted guitar phrases. 

“Cudgel” holds an enigmatic soul within the vitriolic rhythmic assault that seems to emerge from the hellish depths of black metal with the fury of the monumental riffs and the diabolical growls while the lead guitar work often amplifies darkened tonalities and sharp technical accents. 

“Narcissus Drowning” can sound absolutely devastating due to the fast menacing rhythmic rampage featuring venomous blackened riffage but in this chaotic realm guitars are always able to provide diversity with elaborate gloomy progressions. 

Once again on “Humanoid Knot” the savage rhythmic blasts lead to insane malevolent grooves that seem simply unstoppable while the technical guitar work is destined to grab your attention with multifaceted or even unexpected dynamics. 

Ulthar fully embrace the nightmarish vision symbolized by “Providence” which certainly follows an ominous extreme metal inspiration but also provides an intriguing variety in terms of sound and technical musicianship.

Okkultokrati – La Ilden Lyse

Norwegian black metal/punk cult Okkultokrati embarks on a wild ride through darkness on the latest full length “La Ilden Lyse” which feels like the perfect soundtrack for the unappreciated and unwanted all over the world. 

Darkness inevitably descends on “Thelemic Threat” as the massive gritty guitar riffs lead the way to a blackened sonic realm further enhanced by the savage rhythmic section and the malevolent vocals.  

“Grimoire Luciferian Dream” is in fact a diabolical affair as the occult vibes flourish through the darkened atmosphere surrounding the rebellious & catchy rhythmic patterns full of raw guitar riffs and ominous instrumental twists. 

You can perceive a wild punk spirit throughout “Kiss Of Death” yet everything feels dark and cold as the harsh riffage diligently follows a malignant blackened pathway accompanied by tormented growls and murky atmospheric textures. 

“Mother Superior” unleashes decadent black ‘n roll dynamics built by a steady untamed rhythmic section yet the groovy riffs are often entwined with bewitching guitar melodies and haunting atmospheric layers. 

“The Dying Grass Moon” is an invitation to worship the moon as the nocturnal nuances become stronger within the immense gloom conveyed by an addictive blend of feverish blackened guitar riffs and intense eerie atmospheres. 

Okkultrokrati keep the fire burning throughout “La Ilden Lyse” without any hesitation and with a defiant attitude that spontaneously generates an overdose of blackened guitar driven grooves.  

In The Company Of Serpents – Lux

Denver-based doom band In The Company Of Serpents explores philosophical and esoteric themes around the notion of a Prima Materia behind everything in the manifest universe on the darkened new album “Lux”. 

“The Fool’s Journey” is in fact an immersive sonic journey beginning with mystifying atmospheric tapestries and soothing harmonies that will evolve into a massive doom tinged instrumental ensemble offering a bold series of heavier rhythmic patterns entwined with overwhelming mournful feelings. 

“The Chasm At The Mouth Of The All” changes the scenario choosing a slower tempo to highlight a darkly warm sound and the western nuances of the compelling guitar progressions that reminisce of a laid back desert jam session yet the rhythmic section and the vocals can often channel heavier dynamics. 

“Lightchild” is surrounded by an enigmatic dark aura that leads to spacey guitar melodies but soon picks up speed and significant sludge vibes that ultimately generate monumental riffage and groovy rhythmic patterns. 

The mystical atmosphere of “Prima Materia” conveys a bewitching darkened sonic realm where moody acoustic passages bring back a strong western flow following a hazy rhythmic ensemble that will fully embrace a solid sludge formula with gritty guitar riffs and fierce bass lines. 

The obscure music pathway of “Lux” perfectly matches the complex lyrical concept as In The Company Of Serpents can certainly unleash crushing sludge dynamics but also aim to surprise you with a multifaceted melodic soul. 

Acârash – Descend To Purity

Back in 2018 Norwegian band Acârash impressed the underground scene with the debut album “In Chaos Becrowned” which focused on charismatic blackened dynamics and enticing occult nuances that now continue to flourish triumphantly on the sophomore release “Descend To Purity”.

The title track immediately drags you into a hellish sonic realm that might leave you shattered as the ominous yet absolutely catchy guitar work accompanied by tormented growls successfully channel the darkest vibes and an inflamed black metal essence. 

Within the impenetrable darkness of “Desecrate. Liberate.” the raging guitar riffs supported by fierce drumming and bold bass lines ensure plenty of malevolent groovy patterns enhancing a wild black ‘n roll spirit destined to spellbind the audience. 

On “Goat, Skull, Ritual Fire” the monolithic guitar riffs emphasize lugubrious doom influences and hypnotizing esoteric nuances that lead to darkly alluring rhythmic crescendos enriched by the classic approach of the charismatic heavy rock solo. 

“Below Ceremonial’ definitely holds a ritualistic mood fueled by the diabolical & theatrical growls and the cold guitar tonalities that create memorable arcane crescendos with thrilling riffage and obscure melodic phrases. 

“Three Knives” is surrounded by a mysterious doomed aura that constantly amplifies the darkened spiritual essence and influences the guitar work which acquires slower mournful tonalities but at times will evolve into colossal blackened rhythmic bursts.

Acârash proudly manifest their visionary blackened doom with an inspiring primal force that throughout “Descend To Purity” never fails to generate soaring grooves and darkly introspective soundscapes. 

Temnein – Tales Of Humanity And Greed

French melodic death metal band Temnein invokes a darkened spirit and explores myths & legends on the new bewitching full length “Tales Of Humanity And Greed”. 

“The Blind And The Greedy” offers an unrestrained rhythmic rampage with sharp guitar riffs showcasing the heavier aspects of the album’s sonic manifesto while the lead guitar work can create memorable melodic progressions with cold tonalities and grim feelings. 

On “The Knotted Bag” the skillful rhythmic section builds an energetic momentum leading to charismatic grooves amplified by the vicious growls yet the subtle atmospheric arrangements contribute to the creation of grandiose melodic crescendos. 

“I Am Davy Jones” immediately conveys a melancholic soundscape with slow comforting harmonies but even if the melodic tapestries remain crucial throughout the song the instrumental ensemble will often deliver fierce melo death dynamics with heavier galloping guitar riffs. 

The darkened energy of “A Few Drops Of Blood” is constantly fueled by the fiery rhythmic patterns yet this time you can clearly perceive a captivating progressive inspiration in the eclectic lead guitar work that tends to focus on excellent technical progressions. 

“Yuki Onna” holds a darker flair as the malignant growls and the hostile guitar riffs channel the primal force of extreme metal while the intricate melodic waves amplify the brooding atmosphere with haunting guitar tonalities. 

“Scums Of Hamelin” at times leaves behind the heavy rhythmic approach to favor sorrowful melodic nuances and gentle harmonies therefore the glowing contemplative moments will definitely stand out for the complex and deeply melancholic guitar progressions flourishing through the epic atmospheric arrangements. 

With “Tales Of Humanity And Greed” Temnein have crafted a cohesive blend of dramatic melodies and inflamed rhythmic blasts diligently following the glorious pathway of classic melodic death metal.