Hailing from New York City purveyors of USBM Black Anvil fully showcase a malevolent blackened vision on the fifth full-length “Regenesis”.
“In Two” hits you in the face with the obscure power of the fiery riffage and the crushing drums but an inner mournful melodic essence tends to emerge through the gelid lead guitar work.
Within the enigmatic atmosphere of “8-bit Terror” guitars have a chance to focus on profoundly sorrowful tonalities besides the expected violent riffs easily enhanced by the visceral growls.
“Silver & Steele” follows a slower lugubrious tempo allowing guitars to carefully craft hypnotizing phrases and a charismatic solo emphasizing a gripping melodic gloom.
“NYC Nightmares” also favors a melodic approach through the coldest crestfallen guitar tones yet the monumental rhythmic section acquires extra speed to build thrilling blackened grooves.
“Grant Us His Love” doesn’t waste any time as the relentless guitar riffs spontaneously generate a solid series of menacing rhythmic patterns later enriched by epic vocals and solemn keyboards arrangements.
The title track proudly unleashes venomous rhythmic blasts accompanied by vengeful growls while the guitar leads can easily provide a fair dosage of haunting melodic accents.
While drawing inspiration from the darkest depths of traditional black metal Black Anvil focus inward with their songwriting to develop a distinctive style that today thrives through the sinister soundscapes of “Regenesis”.
Category: Album Reviews
Top 15 Records of 2022
Isafjørd – Hjartastjaki
Svart Records
In an old house with a broken piano Aðalbjörn Addi Tryggvason and Ragnar Zolberg join forces to create a deeply evocative debut album that feels like a spiritual voyage through frozen landscapes, so we eagerly wait for the next chapter.
Personal Favorite Track: Hjartastjaki
Amorphis – Halo
Atomic Fire Records
Finnish veterans Amorphis are simply unstoppable crafting another enthralling opus where dramatic melodies and fierce guitar driven grooves become naturally entwined.
Personal Favorite Track: Seven Roads Come Together
Watain – The Agony & Ecstasy of Watain
Nuclear Blast Records
This time Watain truly find the perfect equilibrium between gruesome blackened dynamics and haunting melodic motifs.
Personal Favorite Track: We Remain
Haavard – Haavard
Prophecy Productions
Mastermind Håvard Jørgensen creates the ideal wintry soundtrack through a truly hypnotizing acoustic ensemble.
Personal Favorite Track: Mot Soleglad
Candlemass – Sweet Evil Sun
Napalm Records
Candlemass continue to solidify their legacy so you can expect an overdose of mighty guitar riffs and consequent doom laden grooves.
Personal Favorite Track: When Death Sighs
Disillusion – Ayam
Prophecy Productions
Disillusion return triumphantly embracing a convoluted composition that naturally blends poetic melodies and harsh rhythmic dynamics.
Personal Favorite Track: Am Abgrund
Septicflesh – Modern Primitive
Nuclear Blast Records
Greek titans Septicflesh clearly dwell within the darkest sonic realm and the detailed orchestrations generate an extraordinary symphonic splendor.
Personal Favorite Track: Hierophant
The Halo Effect – Days Of The Lost
Nuclear Blast Records
Supergroup The Halo Effect carries the torch for the glorious Gothenburg melo-death scene providing plenty of melodic hooks and excellent musicianship.
Personal Favorite Track: In Broken Trust
Dark Funeral – We Are The Apocalypse
Century Media Records
As darkness descends inevitably, Dark Funeral stay true to their signature black metal style but also the gloomy melodic moments deserve your utmost attention.
Personal Favorite Track: When I’m Gone
Avatarium – Death, Where Is Your Sting
AFM Records
Once again Avatarium blend traditional doom metal elements and exquisite melodies plus Jennie-Ann Smith’s vocals are simply amazing.
Personal Favorite Track: A Love Like Ours
GGGOLDDD – This Shame Should Not Be Mine
Artoffact Records
GGGOLDDD continue to evolve fearlessly shifting from soothing harmonies to magnetic electronic layers to express an emotional whirlwind.
Personal Favorite Track: Like Magic
Therion – Leviathan II
Nuclear Blast Records
Therion return to their epic roots focusing on memorable heavy metal grooves and striking symphonic grandeur.
Personal Favorite Track: Lucifuge Rofocale
Elder – Innate Passage
Stickman Records
Elder bravely go beyond the realm of psych-rock demonstrating an eclectic songwriting approach enhanced by musical prowess.
Personal Favorite Track: Merged In Dreams – Ne Plus Ultra
Sylvaine – Nova
Season Of Mist
Sylvaine continues to show her abilities as multi-instrumentalist & composer and the result is a mesmerizing blackgaze oriented album.
Personal Favorite Track: Everything Must Come To An End
Venom Prison – Erebos
Century Media Records
Drawing inspiration from classic death metal Venom Prison are developing a unique twisted sonic vision that demands your attention.
Personal Favorite Track: Golden Apples Of The Hesperides
Haavard – Haavard
Under the banner of Haavard Norwegian guitarist and vocalist Håvard Jørgensen draws inspiration from his native land’s folklore to craft the enchanting eponymous acoustic album.
“Printemps” certainly embodies the whole album’s poetic spirit as the rich acoustic guitars create an irresistible melodic flow and magical folk rhythmic dynamics.
“Heartwood” offers minimalist heart wrenching acoustic harmonies while the viola and the atmospheric arrangements bring darker ancestral tonalities.
“Snøhetta” captures the haunting essence of dark folk through the mournful guitar sound floating through a mystifying atmospheric ensemble.
Following a faster tempo “Eastwood” takes you to a pristine wintry landscape and the violin adds a graceful classical flair to the eerie atmosphere.
“Niende Mars” relies on an elegant blend of soothing strings and flawless contemplative arpeggios that gradually create a dramatic atmospheric crescendo.
Featuring a passionate vocal performance by Kristoffer “Garm” Rygg of legendary Ulver “Mot Soleglad” instantly captivates the listeners with the melodic gloom and the cold tones of the intricate guitar work.
On “Athena” the spellbinding violin and cello movements perfectly complement and amplify the crestfallen acoustic phrases.
As an ideal winter soundtrack “Haavard” constantly conveys a profound Nordic melancholia through the detailed atmospheric tapestries and the soulful acoustic passages which definitely showcase an elaborate songwriting style.
Elder – Innate Passage
Prog-psych rock veterans Elder once again aim to push boundaries embarking on an introspective sonic journey on the sixth full-length “Innate Passage”.
“Catastasis” depicts a surreal sonic realm through the recurring delightful harmonies and the understated atmospheric textures in contrast with the heavy weight of the wilder rhythmic rampage effortlessly enriched by the intricate guitar soloing.
The convoluted track “Merged In Dreams – Ne Plus Ultra” features a peaceful rhythm with chunky bass lines and wistful melodies flowing gently through borderline futuristic synths layers yet guitars can build a heavier momentum with galloping riffage and flamboyant leads towards a majestic finale.
“The Purpose” holds a contemplative mood as the melancholic guitar phrases and the dreamy synths arrangements become naturally entwined and even if the resulting enthralling melodic motif remains the main focus the eclectic rhythmic section will add some darker dynamics.
After more than 15 years Elder have developed a distinctive songwriting style further emphasized by the brilliant musicianship that render “Innate Passage” a delightful sonic experience.
Kampfar – Til Klovers Takt
Norwegian black metal stalwarts Kampfar spread perennial darkness through the menacing soundscapes and the mythological flair of the brand new release “Til Klovers Takt”.
Within the lugubrious sonic realm of “Lausdans Under Stjernene” the lavish & cryptic atmospheric arrangements enhance a dramatic depth around the harsh blackened rhythmic core fueled by the ravenous combo of dismal riffage and monolithic drum blasts.
“Flammen Fra Nord” can sound absolutely chaotic as the black metal elements become dominant dictating vicious guitar riffs and breakneck speed while the slower passages put the spotlight on the mournful tonalities and the tormented vocal delivery.
“Rekviem” unleashes immense wrath through the relentless tremolo picking and the consequent series of aggressive blackened rhythmic patterns in contrast with the classical style of the sumptuous keyboards.
Throughout “Dødens aperitiff” guitars seem to arise from the darkest abyss generating a decadent rhythmic march in the midst of a solemn atmospheric ensemble but also manage to craft a captivating melodic gloom.
Ancient stories and eerie atmospheric tapestries are at the center of “Til Klovers Takt” but Kampfar staying true to their sinister roots certainly never fail to deliver a monumental furious black metal assault.
Candlemass – Sweet Evil Sun
Grammy-nominated Swedish doom metal legends Candlemass triumphantly embrace the classic style of their early years throughout the smoky soundscapes of the highly anticipated new studio offering “Sweet Evil Sun”.
“Wizard Of The Vortex” opens the album in perfect epic doom fashion centered around the heavy weight of the guitar riffs enhanced by Johan Langquist’s imposing voice and ultimately reaches the acme with the somber melodic accents of the flamboyant solos.
The energetic title track relies on the impeccable rhythmic section to provide the ideal dosage of irresistible guitar driven grooves and the rising organs naturally add enigmatic tonalities.
Featuring a stunning vocal duet with Jennie-Ann Smith of Avatarium “When Death Sighs” consistently provides monolithic doom dynamics while the gloomy melodic essence of the chorus will instantly grab your attention.
The intricate track “Devil Voodoo” begins with cold melancholic arpeggios unfolding around a dramatic vocal delivery and inevitably leading to galloping guitar riffs and a majestic doom laden rhythmic ensemble.
On “Crucified” the theatrical grim vocals can definitely amplify a profound melancholia yet the mournful guitar melodies swiftly evolve into a colossal rhythmic rampage following the heavier drum blasts.
“Sweet Evil Sun” is bound to please the band’s faithful fanbase as Candlemass proudly return to their roots and after almost 40 years still have the passion and the ability to create a monumental collection of doom anthems.
Hiss From The Moat – The Way Out Of Hell
Italian extreme metal band Hiss From The Moat contemplates on life struggles through the menacing guitar driven grooves of the latest offering “The Way Out Of Hell”.
Without any hesitation the title track unleashes pure brutality through the abrasive riffage and the breakneck speed amplified by the gruesome growls yet the guitar solo adds diversity with gloomy melodic accents.
You cannot escape the total darkness of “Staring At The Abyss” as the precise drumming and the tormented guitar riffs effortlessly lead to a solid series of technical rhythmic dynamics.
“The Killing Of Innocence” still sounds absolutely harsh with perennial insane drum blasts while guitars engage in some interesting acrobatics to produce a wild shredding solo.
“A Gallows Of Mirrors” doesn’t even give you time to breathe as the galloping ruthless guitar riffs and the consequent mighty grooves just seem unstoppable.
Within the misanthropic sonic realm of “The Magnificent Vision” the malevolent rhythmic section skillfully maintains speed and aggression until the sophisticated guitar solo showcases a polished sound.
Hiss From The Moat stay true to a vicious high speed blackened/death metal formula generating the expected overdose of crushing grooves throughout “The Way Out Of Hell”.
Therion – Leviathan II
During their successful 35 years career Therion have developed a perfect blend of symphonic grandeur and mystifying gothic metal and now they reach another significant milestone with the release of “Leviathan II”.
“Litany Of The Fallen” has an evident epic flair as the solemn operatic choirs perfectly complement the sharp guitar riffs and the cinematic atmospheric arrangements.
“Alchemy Of The Soul” mainly focuses on deeply melancholic guitar melodies and the soulful violin enriched by the delicate vocals yet the rhythmic section can acquire heavier tones through the bold riffage.
“Lunar Coloured Fields” has a classical operetta flair with a dramatic vocal delivery and understated orchestral layers but at times the atmospheric ensemble can manifest a significantly darker essence.
The mood changes on “Lucifuge Rofocale” as the energetic guitar riffs become more dominant following a classic heavy metal inspiration amplified by the powerful male vocals while the choirs maintain a flawless symphonic approach.
“Hades And Elysium” embraces a mellow yet intricate composition as the refined orchestrations and the soothing melodic phrases unfold gently around the poignant vocal duets.
A mystical aura surrounds “Codex Gigas” which naturally shifts from enigmatic atmospheric layers to a harsh darkened rhythmic momentum easily emphasized by Thomas Vikström’s intense vocals.
With “Leviathan II” Therion choose to please their loyal acolytes staying true to their signature symphonic metal formula so you can expect opulent orchestrations, impeccable vocal performances and plenty of catchy heavy metal elements.
Lost In Kiev – Rupture
French post-rock band Lost In Kiev aims to manifest their feelings concerning pressing environmental issues through the cinematic composition of the new album “Rupture”.
The harmonious soul of “We Are” comes alive through the delicate guitar phrases ultimately leading to heavier borderline chaotic rhythmic patterns enhanced by the eclectic synthesizers.
On “Squaring The Circle” guitars can embrace softer tonalities as well as wilder riffage emphasizing the expression of contrasting emotions and building a palpable rhythmic tension.
“Another End Is Possible” conveys a profound melancholia as the fragile arpeggios flow gracefully through a dreamy atmospheric ensemble while distorted guitars generate gripping rhythmic crescendos.
On “Solastalgia” the multifaceted synths can surprise you with moody electro layers and the mellow guitar sound depicts a desolate world until the rhythmic section picks up speed and rough distortion.
The title track once again highlights the emotive nature of the entire album focusing on gloomy guitar melodies that gradually morph into quasi frantic dynamics.
Recorded in a live-setting “Rupture” is filled with genuine emotions and raw energy as Lost In Kiev choose a multilayered songwriting approach skillfully shifting from hazy melodies to futuristic arrangements.
Isafjørd – Hjartastjaki
Featuring extraordinary artists Aðalbjörn Addi Tryggvason and Ragnar Zolberg, the new Icelandic post-rock band Isafjørd takes you on a contemplative journey through the icy soundscapes of the debut release “Hjartastjaki”.
“Mín Svarta Hlið” instantly captivates the listeners with fragile piano melodies and bittersweet guitar tonallities unfolding around the vivid vocals that never fail to express genuine emotions.
The title track continues to embrace a sublime cinematic approach featuring bleak rhythmic patterns and heart wrenching atmospheric tapestries further emphasized by the poignant vocals.
On “Kuldaró” the exquisite piano and Ragnar’s delicate voice lead you through a desolate landscape while the sudden presence of distorted guitars skillfully adds diversity with heavy riffage.
You can lose yourself within the darkened dreamy atmosphere of “Njálssaga” which certainly stands out for the reflective melodic aesthetics and the raw energy of the mesmerizing guitar solo.
For the grand finale “Andvök” evokes pure Nordic melancholia through the subtle piano and the shimmering atmospheric textures surrounding another charismatic vocal duet while guitars will ultimately craft hypnotizing rhythmic crescendos.
The passionate vocal performances and the enthralling multilayered atmospheric arrangements created by Isafjørd definitely have the power to take you to a frozen valley far away from the dreadful reality as “Hjartastjaki” is destined to become the perfect soundtrack for neverending winter nights.