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.
Category: Album Reviews
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.
Goatwhore – Angels Hung From The Arches Of Heaven
Renowned as one of the most ruthless extreme metal bands, Goatwhore returns triumphantly with a collection of malevolent anthems on the new studio album “Angels Hung From The Arches Of Heaven”.
“Born Of Satan’s Flesh” constantly delivers a gruesome rhythmic assault fueled by the expected hellish force of the punishing drums and the unstoppable guitar riffs ultimately leading to a blistering solo.
There is no hesitation as “The Bestowal Of Abomination” offers another unrestrained round of blasphemous rhythmic patterns always enhanced by the visceral growls and the charismatic guitar work.
The title track relies on the memorable guitar riffs to build diverse monumental grooves while a mysterious melodic essence will arise whenever the tempo slows down a bit leading to a piano finale.
Featuring a mix of thrash & blackened elements “The Devil’s Warlords” maintains a faster rhythmic rampage putting the spotlight on the malignant energy of the relentless guitars and the vengeful growls.
The perilous music journey continues with “Weight Of A Soulless Heart” where guitars add diversity with loads of tasteful sinister melodic leads within the main aggressive rhythmic structure.
“And I Was Delivered From The Wound Of Perdition” represents an ideal closure beginning with a solemn acoustic intro swiftly morphing into a crushing rhythm that doesn’t need a persistent breakneck speed to leave a mark and in fact the refined melodic elements are bound to captivate the listeners.
Listening to “Angels Hung From The Arches Of Heaven” you can definitely expect plenty of furious grooves executed with precision and bloodlust as Goatwhore draw from a wide array of influences but always look forward.
Strigoi – Viscera
Formed by mastermind Greg Mackintosh of legendary Paradise Lost, Strigoi continues an obscure music journey that today generates the pitchblack soundscapes of the sophomore release “Viscera”.
The unsettling atmosphere of “United in Viscera” naturally leads to lugubrious doom laden rhythmic patterns highlighting the excellent guitar work shifting from slower melodic accents to sophisticated leads.
“An Ocean of Blood” focuses on the visceral riffage and the bleak guitar tonalities to build a palpable rhythmic tension with a blackened inspiration inevitably enhanced by the guttural growls.
The solemn ominous intro of “Hollow” swiftly evolves into crushing grooves and while maintaining a classic doom approach the insane drum blasts ensure a faster blackened rhythmic structure.
“Bathed in a Black Sun” offers an intriguing blend of sinister guitar phrases and murky atmospheric waves while the wicked riffage consistently creates a series of harsh rhythmic crescendos.
The mood becomes quite dramatic on “Byzantine Tragedy” as guitars march fiercely and often acquire extra speed through a mournful atmospheric maze embellished by delicate chanting.
There is no hope and certainly there is no light within the mysterious atmospheric ensemble of “Iron Lung” as the heavy weight of the guitar riffs and the somber melodic lines constantly amplify a doom flair.
Throughout “Viscera” Strigoi meticulously shape a deeply darkened sonic vision crafting malevolent rhythmic patterns and evoking pure misery with an evident doom metal influence.
Darkthrone – Astral Fortress
Norway’s finest and legendary duo Darkthrone doesn’t really need a formal introduction and the new enigmatic studio album “Astral Fortress” is the legit product of an ongoing sonic evolution blending variegated heavy metal influences.
“Caravan Of Broken Ghosts” begins with crestfallen acoustic phrases and guitars gradually acquire lugubrious doom tonalities enhanced by tormented vocals still following a slower tempo with occasional raw rhythmic blasts.
The strength of “Stalagmite Necklace” certainly relies on the primal approach of the memorable guitar work and the extremely gloomy tonalities enriched by fragile atmospheric arrangements conveying wintry vibes.
At the center of the album lies the lengthy cryptic opus “The Sea Beneath the Seas of the Sea” which combines moody atmospheric textures and gritty riffage generating doom laden rhythmic patterns and some faster blackened blasts.
Everything is inevitably dark within the mysterious atmosphere of “Eon 2” but the fiery guitar riffs can easily evoke a glorious heavy metal essence to build solid groovy dynamics.
With the release of “Astral Fortress” Darkthrone just seems unstoppable and continues to solidify their legacy as Nocturno Culto and Fenriz embark on another obscure journey channeling old school black metal and classic doom.
Avatarium – Death, Where Is Your Sting
Swedish doom metal band Avatarium bravely continues to shape a unique sonic identity on the fifth record “Death, Where Is Your Sting” focusing on an ideal blend of darkness and poetry.
The bittersweet romance of “A Love Like Ours” lingers through the elegant violins and the exquisite atmospheric tapestries while guitars create darkened slow burning melodic crescendos to complement Jennie-Ann Smith’s impeccable vocal performance.
On “Stockholm” the guitar riffs instantly acquire a traditional doom flair enhancing the eerie atmosphere in contrast with the deeply melancholic acoustic phrases and the heart wrenching vocal harmonies.
The mood becomes darker as “God Is Silent” focuses mainly on fierce doom laden rhythmic patterns fueled by the monolithic drumming and the heavy weight of the guitar riffs which ultimately lead to an extensive blistering solo.
“Nocturne” features a wilder rhythmic rampage highlighting the dominant role of the gritty guitars yet there is an inner melodic soul bound to emerge within the softer chorus and the harrowing solo.
The instrumental final track “Transcendent” spellbinds the listeners with wistful atmospheric arrangements and warm acoustic passages that will naturally evolve into a mournful doom rhythmic ensemble embellished by classical violins.
From beginning to end “Death, Where Is Your Sting” successfully showcases a diverse composition revolving around Jennie-Ann’s exceptional vocals as Avatarium aim to express profound emotions without forgetting their strong doom metal roots.
You must be logged in to post a comment.