Back in February legendary artist Ihsahn released the EP “Telemark” showcasing a dark & blackened sound in contrast with the new EP “Pharos” which represents a reverse image that allows him to manifest a different side of his remarkable music vision. 

On “Losing Altitude” a mysterious aura surrounds the gentle guitar harmonies and the soulful vocals before entering a prog oriented sonic realm where a mix of epic arrangements and spacey atmospheric waves surround catchy passages enriched by detailed rhythmic dynamics. 

On “Spectre At The Feast” the intricate combo of keyboards and guitars can effortlessly create luminous soundscapes leading to a memorable chorus and ultimately the dazzling melodic licks of the charismatic guitar solo are destined to steal the spotlight. 

The title track is a majestic work of music that immediately stands out for the spellbinding melodic essence of the piano and the sophisticated prog dynamics while the sublime orchestrations and the solemn operatic choirs add irresistible epic darkened vibes. 

The cover of the iconic “Roads” by Portishead acquires a lovely hazy atmosphere that makes you space out instantly and the poignant vocal performance constantly emphasizes the immense melancholia of the melodic guitars. 

At this point of his exceptional career Ihsahn continues to prove to be a pioneer as the genesis of “Pharos” comes from a perennial desire to explore diverse styles to create eclectic soundscapes that can easily surprise the audience. 

After a 10 year hiatus British death/doom stalwarts Atavist return triumphantly with the monolithic full length “III: Absolution” which unleashes an overdose of crushing doom dynamics and profoundly melancholic melodies. 

On “Loss” the mellow somber rhythm emphasizes the crucial role of the heart wrenching violin melodies entwined with gorgeous guitar phrases to create a sublime melodic realm that will ultimately embrace a majestic heavier doom ensemble enhanced by tormented growls and extremely lugubrious tonalities. 

“Struggle” can easily spread an overwhelming darkness as the agonizing growls and the extreme heavy weight of the harrowing guitar riffs create a grave sonic realm where the funeral doom style is destined to thrive leading to painfully slow rhythmic dynamics. 

Surrounded by an understated mysterious atmosphere “Absolution” constantly evokes grim feelings as the stunning refined guitar melodies and the melancholic tonalities amplify the emotive themes while the monolithic rhythmic section continues to follow an obscure doom metal pathway that reaches a glorious acme with the ravishing violin harmonies. 

Atavist know exactly how to create a truly intense doom album in fact with deeply mournful progressions and a cathartic melodic essence. “III: Absolution” invites you to embark on a challenging emotional journey. 

Britain’s thrashers Shrapnel are on a mission to carry the torch for classic thrash metal unleashing a massive dosage of unrestrained guitar driven grooves on the new full length “Palace For The Insane”.

The atmospheric intro of “Might Of Cygnus” evokes a darkened tranquility with compelling melodic progressions yet the mood changes significantly when an inflamed rhythmic rampage generates super groovy thrash dynamics often spiced up by the charismatic guitar phrases and the skillful shredding. 

“Vultures Circle” offers a straightforward rhythmic assault characterized by a familiar ‘80s thrash formula that demands extra sharp guitar riffs and colossal drum blasts accompanied by fierce screams and killer guitar progressions. 

“Cannibal” showcases a no frills aggressive approach so the relentless rhythmic section and the hostile vocal delivery are always fueled by an ominous energy leading to raging guitar riffs and excellent solos. 

On the elaborate track “Begin Again” the gloomy atmospheric waves evoke deeply nostalgic feelings that favor slower contemplative moments as well as fiery guitar progressions and wild soloing that allow the band to truly show a remarkable musicianship. 

“Violent Now, Forever” is all about timeless old school thrash metal providing a generous dosage of untamed rhythmic patterns that once again highlight the crucial role of the fast ravenous riffage and the intriguing guitar leads. 

“Future Sight” gradually builds a rhythmic tension as the guitar work spontaneously shifts from venomous riffs to calm melancholic phrases and the resulting contrasting tonalities add variety to the main sonic pathway. 

The title track returns to merciless rhythmic patterns constantly channeling the heaviest aspects of thrash metal as the guitar riffs diligently follow a faster menacing tempo amplified by the malevolent screams and enriched by the striking acrobatics of the solo. 

The headbanging galore is mandatory listening to the savage grooves of “Palace For The Insane” and Shrapnel certainly prove that thrash metal still holds an essential status within the modern metal scene. 

Uk black metal masters Winterfylleth this time return to their majestic heavy roots skillfully blending pure blackened fury and poignant emotions on the new full length “The Reckoning Dawn”.  

The harsh nature of “Misdeeds Of Faith” becomes immediately palpable as the cold guitar riffs guide you through a desolate soundscape and while the rhythmic section confidently unleashes an overdose of ravenous blasts the solemn chanting amplifies the epic vibes. 

Within a stark sonic realm “A Hostile Fate (The Wayfarer Pt. 4)” continues to follow a fiery blackened pathway with monumental rhythmic patterns yet at times the slightly slower tempo highlights the striking melodic guitar phrases to convey a poetic melancholia. 

“Absolved In Fire” spellbinds the listeners with the magical folk nuances of acoustic passages and violins but gradually the instrumental ensemble will return to major aggressive blackened grooves full of gelid galloping guitar riffs and malevolent growls. 

The title track goes straight to a hostile rhythmic rampage with the perfect dosage of obscure tonalities and punishing drums that inevitably create a dreary sonic realm yet guitars will eventually focus on a passionate melodic grandeur with slower elegant phrases. 

“In Darkness Begotten” features a menacing blackened formula channeling an imposing darkness through relentless guitar riffs and wintry atmospheric waves that leave you breathless while the cathartic finale fully embraces an enchanting melodic flair with the fragile beauty of violins.  

Besides the ominous blackened onslaught “The Reckoning Dawn” holds an understated atmospheric folk essence as Winterfylleth are always ready to embrace diverse tonalities and express contrasting emotions. 

Undoubtedly Ihsahn will always be remembered for his groundbreaking work with legendary Emperor and throughout the years as a solo artist he has explored diverse music styles with a dazzling avantgarde approach that today leads to the release of the new EP “Telemark”.

“Stridig” can deliver majestic blackened grooves even if the classic black metal vibes embedded in the fiery guitar riffs are destined to embrace a creative progressive essence enriched by the powerful presence of the saxophone and the consequent high degree of diversity ranges from introspective melodic moments, courtesy of the enticing melodic guitar work, to epic atmospheric waves.  

“Nord” shines for the aptly Nordic melancholy that shapes the grandiose atmosphere and the sorrowful melodic momentum which feels particularly vivid during the slower guitar phrases and the charismatic soloing while the rhythmic patterns can sound absolutely triumphant fueled by an intriguing blend of prog elements and malevolent blackened vibes certainly amplified by the venomous growls. 

The title track is a complex work of music as the prog dynamics become quite dominant leading to diverse tonalities, unpredictable tempo variations and extremely detailed guitar work while the atmospheric arrangements and the captivating saxophone melodies truly emphasize the epic splendor yet there will always be some ravenous black metal elements fully expressed by the viciously fast rhythmic patterns and the hellish growls. 

The EP also includes the cover of Lenny Kravitz’s hit “Rock and Roll is Dead” and Iron Maiden’s iconic “Wrathchild” which are quite entertaining tunes showcasing a lighter and even playful musical spectrum. 

Despite being a short EP “Telemark” manifests a fascinating creative force that simply cannot be overlooked and you can also perceive the strong presence of Ihsahn’s black metal roots which add a darker almost diabolical vibe to the elaborate soundscapes. 

For Italian extreme metal band Blasphemer a new chapter begins with the release of the full length “The Sixth Hour” conceptually based on the last day of Jesus Christ on the path that led him from the Gethsemane to Golgotha. 

“Let Him Be Crucified” begins with an anguished atmosphere that gives way to a rather hostile rhythmic ensemble filled with violent guitar riffs and cavernous growls that clearly manifest the blasphemous essence of the entire album. 

“The Stumbling Block” certainly maintains a lugubrious mood from beginning to end as guitars craft profoundly darkened melodic phrases in the midst of a relentless rhythmic assault inspired by the obscure depths of death metal. 

On “Lord Of Lies” the precise drumming dictates a breakneck rhythm inevitably generating a chaotic momentum while the guitar work shifts from unrestrained riffage to intriguing & menacing licks.  

“I.N.R.I.” features some tasteful mournful guitar melodies that naturally add dramatic depth but don’t sacrifice the savage aspects of the faster belligerent rhythmic segments which still follow a wicked death metal pathway. 

The title track confidently relies on a ferocious rhythmic section but often focuses on the ominous tonalities of the lead guitar work accompanied by agonizing screams that tend to enhance the tragic vibes.  

On “The Deposition” the dramatic nuances seem to gain more attention leading to an inescapable torment fully expressed by the understated melodic lead guitars emerging through the asphyxiating rhythmic ensemble. 

Throughout “The Sixth Hour” Blasphemer are certainly eager to keep an uncompromising brutality that stays true to their blackened death metal pathway and thrives within the underground scene but also manage to deliver some bewitching melodic twists. 

Hampshire doom metal trio Witchsorrow is ready to unleash a solid collection of uncompromising hymns to darkness on the latest full length “Hexenhammer”.

The title track belongs to the darkest depths of doom metal fiercely and confidently packed with an overdose of super heavy guitar riffs, evidently inspired by timeless doom masters such as Candlemass and Cathedral, which later embark on a downward spiral while maintaining cohesive grooves but also delivering occasional funereal melodic progressions.

“The Devil’s Throne” continues to offer massive guitar driven grooves that bear the hellish doom mark as extremely thick riffs gallop wildly following a faster often more aggressive rhythmic ensemble.

The unholy textures of “Demons Of The Mind” create an intensely darkened sonic realm where obscurity increases as heavy guitar riffs take the center stage accompanied by ominous howling vocals that at times become even more desperate and scorned to match the infinite gloom of dramatically slower hypnotic doom dynamics.

There is no light or hope within the lengthy epic final track “Like Sisyphus” as a series of detailed doom crescendos bearing monumental nightmarish tonalities create passionately tenebrous grooves but guitars will eventually follow painfully slow rhythmic variations confidently dictated by thick bass lines through a hazy darkened realm.

Arising from the void “Hexenhammer” doesn’t require any special effect to fully express its inner demons and darkened tonalities as Witchsorrow are clearly devoted to authentic traditional doom metal.

For over twenty years British icons Orange Goblin have been truly devoted to the noble art of heavy metal and their irresistible blend of doom & stoner continues to influence and inspire the metal scene as well as the fans. With the latest effort “The Wolf Bites Back” the band returns in excellent shape ready to fearlessly & proudly unleash a collection of powerful songs with nihilist lyrical themes.

The chunky guitar riffs of the witchery themed album opener “Sons Of Salem” inevitably lead to blazing stoner grooves and everything becomes rather hectic as guitars seem just unstoppable until the solo brings extra fuzzy melodic hooks.

The title track begins with somber arpeggios yet this is not a simple melancholic tune as bursts of anger will emerge through the untamed heavy guitar riffs that must be played loud and the raucous vocal delivery certainly enhances the steady gritty rhythmic dynamics.

The super thick bass lines of “Swords Of Fire” conjure impending doom & consequent desolation and are soon joined by the right dosage of darkly monumental guitar riffs before giving way to the abrasive energy of a faster rhythmic crescendo.

Guitars become all bluesy and laid back on “The Stranger” which features a slower mellow pace to smoothly focus on opulent melodic guitar work and the organ’s vintage rock tonalities yet this is a moody track that will eventually embrace a proper stoner groove picking up speed & intensity.

While “Burn The Ships” displays right away a familiar infectious stoner groove a spacey introspective momentum will take over when guitars naturally shift from a wild riffing galore to a rich darkened melodic ensemble accompanied by soulful narratives.

“Zeitgeist” emphasizes a genuine emotional whirlwind and sorrowful feelings as vocals aptly acquire a grim delivery and guitars concentrate mainly on lavish multifaceted melodic nuances leading to the absolutely sparkling vibes of flamboyant solos.

So the world is a disaster and Orange Goblin scream louder to express their total frustration through the raw addictive energy of “The Wolf Bites Back” which will definitely reconfirm their essential status in the metal scene.
The Wolf Bites Back

The fact that British band Voices features members of Akercocke should already trigger your curiosity and the new full length “Frightened” is bound to generate interest with precise musicianship and an uncompromising desire to explore several music styles in order to achieve a unique sonic identity.

“Unknown” immediately showcases otherworldly textures & atmospheres that hold a darkened soul that will often emerge with the chaotic strength expressed by a punishing riffing & drumming combo and hellish screams through the prog influenced tempo variations and consequent intricate instrumental segments that tend to catch you off guard.

While in the beginning “Rabbits Curse” offers soothing melodic flavors and an exquisite darkly baroque atmosphere featuring baritone theatrics accompanied by piano & arpeggios soon an insanity crescendo will lead to several style and tempo variations that certainly bear the mark of prog metal, especially emphasized by the guitar and drum work, yet the band goes beyond any standard music category.

It’s love at the very first listening when “IWSYA” starts with the sheer beauty of acoustic guitars and strings surrounded by precious ethereal atmospheres that instantly favor a poetic intensely melancholic mood that will eventually allow a more obscure rampage fueled by nightmarish screams and blackened guitar driven rhythms.

The complex drumming at the core of  “Dead Feelings” will inevitably contribute to the creation of several intricate progressive and often dissonant moments with the addition of particularly tormented vocals nevertheless this track also showcases elegant melodic textures with a distinct gothic inspiration.

The primary rhythmic section of “Funeral Day” might feel harsher due to the super thick guitar riffs but as the band continues to explore variegated sonic territories the monumental heavier tonalities effortlessly blend with somber guitar melodies and gothic tinged atmospheric arrangements.  

Channeling an irresistible melancholic darkness “Footsteps” features sumptuous orchestrations and gentle melodic progressions elegantly emphasized by mournful classical violins and an intense gloomy vocal delivery that work harmoniously to create a perennial gothic splendor.

“Frightened” is an album that will always keep you guessing due to its inner eclectic nature as Voices deliberately and effortlessly craft multiple unexpected contrasting sonic textures with a highly diverse songwriting approach.
Frightened

This time British band Winterfylleth has decided to explore traditional English folk music to the fullest extent paying homage to Ancient Britain and the result is the poetic acoustic album “The Hallowing Of Heirdom”.  

“The Shepherd” sets the mood with archaic atmospheric chants that certainly scream folk at the very first listening and this mood is further amplified by a serene melancholic series of minimalist arpeggios joined by the pure melodic beauty of strings.

“Æcerbot” continues to channel peaceful yet strong emotions as smooth acoustic phrases, exquisitely elegant cello & violin melodies and solemn chants truly channel magical folk nuances.

“Elder Mother” could not sound more melancholic with stripped down acoustic tonalities embellished by graceful violin leads that create another surreal atmospheric experience.

The calm tonalities of “Embers” feel extremely somber favoring again enchanting acoustic guitars floating through sober atmospheric layers.

“Latch To A Grave” is made of pure melancholy with subtle otherworldly darkened strings arrangements and lavish acoustic passages resulting in a highly cinematic music piece with enticing spiritual vibes.

Surrounded by luminous atmospheres “The Nymph” is filled with theatrical flavors with soft spoken words, inspired choral harmonies and the vibrant instrumental passages featuring violins and acoustic guitars.

The title track feels particularly mournful with hazy atmospheres and super slow acoustic guitars constantly enriched by the classical splendor of violin & cello and a solemn choral crescendo.

“The Hallowing Of Heirdom” will definitely stand out for the exceptionally delicate melodies that always evoke melancholic yet opulent soundscapes as Winterfylleth draws inspiration from ancient folklore and pastoral poetry to create a heartfelt collection of songs.

The Hallowing Of Heirdom