Eleine – Dancing In Hell

Dark symphonic metal band Eleine aims to impress the audience with the explosive third full-length ”Dancing In Hell” which naturally combines all the elements of such a beloved genre. 

Subtle obscure vibes linger throughout “Enemies” as the guitar driven grooves can acquire grave tonalities enhanced by the darkened atmospheric arrangements while the melodic patterns focus on a catchy delivery. 

The title track offers a series of heavy rhythmic patterns fueled by the bold riffage and the robust drumming marching through symphonic orchestrations while the glowing melodic essence leads to softer vocals and graceful atmospheric waves. 

On “Ava Of Death” the whole instrumentation often focuses on heavy rhythmic blasts to emphasize the inner dark energy but the smooth vocal harmonies and the polished guitar solo sound widely accessible. 

On “Crawl From The Ashes” the mid paced rhythm and the mellow chorus ensure a catchy mood embellished by the elegant symphonic tapestries in contrast with the darker momentum and the malignant growls. 

The atmospheric textures on “Memoriam” evoke contemplative feelings unfolding around the melancholic vocal delivery leading to a memorable chorus accompanied by pleasant melodic guitars. 

The alluring gloom of the orchestral arrangements and the faster rhythmic rampage of “Where Your Rotting Corpses Lie” channel a seductive gothic flair consequently the spiteful growls and the monumental riffs will become more dominant. 

Featuring a familiar mix of growls and harmonious vocals “Dancing In Hell” certainly follows the successful symphonic metal formula as Eleine diligently blends luminous melodies and darkened grooves. 

Ages – Uncrown

Swedish black metallers Ages have worked meticulously to create the darkened gelid soundscapes of the sophomore release “Uncrown” constantly fueled by a mysterious Nordic force. 

The traditional black metal roots fully manifest throughout “Burn Them” as the tremolo picking naturally generates ominous rhythmic crescendos enhanced by the tormented growls and the sense of despair flowing through the slower melodic passages. 

While the cold guitar riffs on “Illicit State” always maintain a blackened essence the lavish atmospheric arrangements can convey a solemn mood that certainly embellishes the mixture of mournful melodies and fierce rhythmic blasts. 

On “A Hollow Tomb” smooth arpeggios and refined atmospheric tapestries can naturally evoke a profound melancholia that will inevitably linger even through the heavier lugubrious rhythmic patterns to emphasize the inner melodic essence. 

On “Undivine” the focus shifts to the comforting tonalities of the opulent melodic guitar work and the consequent grave feelings while the main rhythmic ensemble still relies on a significantly darker inspiration.  

“Pyres” closes the album offering an epic grandeur through imposing chants and sumptuous atmospheric layers while the bewitching guitar riffs & melodies skillfully focus on the dramatic depth of the frostbitten soundscapes conjuring arcane vibes. 

On “Uncrown” Ages aim to blend a raw black metal energy and a cathartic melodic soul leading to a captivating sonic realm filled with contrasting feelings and multifaceted tonalities.

Bombs Of Hades – Phantom Bell

Swedish metallers Bombs Of Hades have crafted the insanely groovy EP “Phantom Bell” which includes four new tracks characterized by multiple influences such as doom and death metal. 

The title track immediately unleashes a ravenous rhythmic rampage offering serious rounds of heavy guitar riffs that stand out for the entertaining crusty tones and the charismatic solo certainly adds a compelling variety.   

The winning formula of “Bridge Of Sighs” relies on super catchy rhythmic dynamics with raspy vocals and gritty guitar tonalities while the band’s multifaceted inspiration is emphasized by  darkened nuances and progressive elements during the excellent soloing. 

The cover of “Kamikaze” by Japanese rockers Flower Travellin’ Band features all kinds of heavy rock vibes with a robust rhythmic section while doomy guitar licks generate a profoundly darker & mysterious sonic realm amplified by the vicious growls. 

The final track is a cover of  “Lungs” by Townes Van Zandt and here the band tends to focus on a spaced out heavy rock approach so guitars are fueled by a trippy energy that triggers an extensive delightful psychedelic tinged solo. 

Listening to the EP “Phantom Bell” you can easily appreciate the overdose of raw energy and you will be curious to see what Bombs Of Hades will concoct on the next full length release. 

Misery Loves Co. – Zero

Back in 2000 Swedish industrial metal pioneers Misery Loves Co. reached the acme of their career with the influential album “Your Vision Was Never Mine To Share” and now they are finally back with the thrilling full length “Zero”. 

The atmospheric synths on “Suburban Break” have a cool industrial flair that influences the guitar work and the consequent super groovy rhythmic segments generating constant gritty riffs and moody feelings also well expressed by the somber vocal delivery. 

There is a darker mood running through the murky melodies of “A Little Something” which also amplifies the industrial approach during the energetic guitar driven grooves and vocals seamlessly shift from a melancholic delivery to fiery screams. 

“Fell In Love” will hypnotize you with lovely bleak guitar melodies and understated atmospheric arrangements that definitely feel darkly romantic also due to the slower hazy rhythm plus the vocals successfully channel an intense nostalgia. 

On “The Waiting Room” the instrumental ensemble feels darker than ever as the multilayered atmospheres belong to an apocalyptic desolate realm while guitars create compelling tormented melodies as well as primal industrial oriented heavier dynamics. 

The title track has a dystopian mood relying on steady reckless electro beats and darkened guitar tonalities leading to a memorable chorus and loads of vibrant rhythmic patterns that make you want to jump. 

“One Of Those Days” sounds extremely melancholic focusing on an enthralling sorrowful vocal performance and all the melodic guitar work clearly emphasizes the emotional themes yet there is still a groovy quasi rebellious momentum emerging throughout the song with a subtle dosage of raw industrial energy. 

In the golden days Misery Loves Co. crafted really cool music so it’s a pleasure to see that they still have that brilliant creative spark today and hopefully listening to the new effort “Zero” people will still appreciate their undisputable talent.