Battle Dagorath – Abyss Horizons

Atmospheric spectral black metal band Battle Dagorath begins a visionary journey into the third eye on the new full length “Abyss Horizons”.

The lengthy track “Incantation Of The Vortexx” marks a perilous descent through hellish depths as the mystifying atmosphere effortlessly leads to contemplative soundscapes while the obscure guitar tonalities are bound to generate an overdose of faster and extremely cold blackened progressions.  

“Phantasmal Eye Of Dreams” feels like a solemn ceremony as the cryptic vibes grow stronger through the hazy atmospheric arrangements that surround an unrestrained black metal rhythmic rampage while the recurring slower melodic moments feature magical guitar phrases and mysterious vibes. 

Within a gelid atmospheric ensemble “Conjuring The Starwinds” marks an intense blackened assault as the relentless guitar riffs accompanied by tormented growls create asphyxiating dynamics until the melodic essence emerges conveying comforting otherworldly feelings through the calmer bewitching guitar melodies. 

“Twilight Of The Cold Sun” continues to embrace a somber melodic soul as the peaceful guitar harmonies flow gently through a rich atmospheric ensemble expressing spiritual vibes and  dreamy feelings in contrast with the massive blackened force that will inevitably lead to a chaotic ominous momentum. 

The instrumental final track “Saturnian Moons” focuses on surreal multilayered atmospheric arrangements that aim to channel the glowing cosmic energy necessary to complete a transcendental journey traversing the boundaries of this dimension. 

Following the arcane pathway of spectral black metal Battle Dagorath confidently combine menacing rhythmic patterns and epic atmospheric waves to create the impenetrable darkened sonic realm of “Abyss Horizons”. 

Nexion – Seven Oracles

Icelandic black metallers Nexion invite you to join an obscure journey through the coldest depths of existence on the debut release “Seven Oracles”. 

The title track is drenched in darkness as the gloomy guitar tonalities naturally generate a cohesive series of intense blackened grooves and the resulting ominous vibes are always enhanced by the malevolent growls yet when the rhythm slows down bewitching guitar melodies have the chance to evoke mournful emotions. 

“Revelation Of Unbeing” immediately showcases an aggressive approach with inflamed drum blasts while guitars at times focus on darkened melodic progressions leading to strong contemplative vibes before returning to a malignant rhythmic rampage. 

“Sanctum Amentiae” stands out for the occult flair of the compelling guitar melodies that emphasize the immersive nature of the song but will soon embrace a diabolical sonic realm with the perfect dosage of funereal guitar riffs and imposing rhythmic dynamics. 

The intricate “The Last Messiah” closes the album channeling the obscure glory of traditional black metal with fierce & fast rhythmic patterns yet once again the frostbitten guitar tonalities have the ability to amplify the dramatic depth with brooding melodic crescendos. 

The mythical & spiritual motifs behind “Seven Oracles” come to life through the balanced mixture of mysterious melodic waves and pure fury proving that Nexion have meticulously and passionately crafted an intriguing debut album. 

Ison – Inner – Space

Ison is a particularly intriguing new project started by the talented multiinstrumentalist Daniel Änghede of Crippled Black Phoenix and vocalist Heike Langhans of Draconian and the debut full length “Inner – Space” invites you to join them on a fascinating cosmic journey.

The title track takes you far away, maybe to an astral plane or even another galaxy, with the cinematic approach featuring tasteful multilayered arrangements and lovely guitar harmonies that evoke a rare sense of tranquility surrounding Heike’s absolutely spellbinding voice. 

The striking emotional duet with guest vocalist Neige of Alcest is the highlight of “Radiance” which feels aptly luminous like a distant nostalgic memory that you keep trying to hold close to your heart as it flows through the delicate melancholic maze of atmospheric ensemble and soothing guitar melodies.  

“Equals” is made of dreams and pale lights as the enchanting atmospheric arrangements and Heike’s gentle vocals surround you and keep you warm while the slow burning guitar melodies seem to spread an intense cosmic energy. 

On “The Fifth World” Heike’s celestial vocal harmonies guide you through a spacey journey surrounded by the ethereal tonalities and the profound melancholy of the lavish atmospheric synths channeling a dreamy shoegaze inspiration.  

On “Everything’s About To Change Forever” the vivid beauty of the elaborate cinematic arrangements can evoke gloomy feelings as well as uplifting vibes and Heike’s sincere vocal delivery certainly emphasize the introspective depth. 

While the music style of Ison might be hard to categorize it’s easy to fall in love and basically space out listening to the magical soundscapes and kaleidoscopic emotions that render “Inner – Space” an immersive sonic experience. 

The Howling Void – The Darkness At The Edge Of Dawn

Ryan Wilson’s The Howling Void has composed the elegantly gloomy sixth album “The Darkness At The Edge Of Dawn” delivering slow paced darkened nuances and contemplative atmospheres.

With a grim yet peaceful state of mind “Distant Shores” pays homage to decades of dark/doom metal with solemn atmospheric vibes and minimalist at times ethereal melodic passages vividly depicting desolate soundscapes but guitars can also acquire heavier dynamics.

The title track is filled with crestfallen melodic patterns where obviously guitars and keyboards arrangements hold a dominant role diligently weaving soulful harmonies through immense melancholic atmospheres yet this song features additional lovely sonic variations such as the tasteful jazzy twist of sweeping guitars in the cathartic breakdown.

Inspired by familiar doom dynamics “Silence And The Setting Sun” stands out for the intricate guitar work capable of delivering mellow introvert melodic moments as well as some traditional doom oriented riffage constantly surrounded by bleak atmospheric layers and occasional whispered vocals evoking a wintry feeling that you just cannot dismiss.

It is certainly impressive that all instruments and vocals are performed solely by Ryan Wilson and his haunting songwriting feels absolutely genuine on “The Darkness At The Edge Of Dawn” which will appeal to lovers of doom and profound melancholy.