For over thirty five years Canadian cosmic-metal warriors Voivod have followed a unique and often unusual music pathway leading to groundbreaking songs that shook the metal scene and now they are ready to surprise you again with the 14th studio album “The Wake”.

You feel lost in outer space when “Obsolete Beings” begins with bizarre suspenseful tones swiftly followed by a solid round of guitar riffs bearing an old school thrash influence but there is also a soothing melodic streak and soloing with evident dissonant accents.

On “The End Of Dormancy” guitars focus on calmer melodic nuances but soon will offer challenging prog metal oriented rhythmic segments following odd tempo variations and a post apocalyptic mood amplified by technical guitar soloing, consequently towards the end of the song you might start feeling a bit dizzy.

“Orb Confusion” is a mind trip featuring an engaging rhythmic core full of frantic dissonant progressions yet nothing feels forced as technical guitars march fluently well supported by sharp bass lines and precise drumming while vocals acquire a hectic theatrical delivery.

“Always Moving” might seem a ‘normal’ song due to the soothing melodic ensemble provided by crystalline guitars yet with strong prog vibes the feverish rhythmic sections offer loads of unexpected dissonant dynamics and sudden tempo variations.

“Sonic Mycelium” gives you a chance to really space out for over 12 minutes as this epic track is constantly shapeshifting blending dreamy nuances and nightmarish vibes because you are still stuck in a chaotic sonic realm. The flamboyant guitar work certainly stands out for the audacious proggy riffage following sophisticated rhythmic dynamics and adding brighter melodies to such multifaceted core that will surprise the audience once again with the lavish string arrangements in the song’s classical outro.

Far from being an average album “The Wake” represents a new refreshing and definitely intricate chapter in Voivod’s career, a cosmic journey with dystopian visions especially expressed by the ever changing sonic textures and dissonant moments.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ToK9VLJcxU

Fairly new to the metal scene dark metallers Witherfall are ready to impress with the latest album “A Prelude To Sorrow”, a majestic emotional opus written about the tragic loss of the band’s drummer and friend Adam Sagan.

With a deeply darkened mood and a need for speed “We Are Nothing” delivers a series of intricate harsh progressions as guitar riffs and thunderous drumming march ardently through solemn atmospheric vibes and vocals sound particularly wild with memorable high pitch delivery. But this lengthy track offers many surprises in terms of structure and style adding heart-wrenching tonalities during an acoustic breakdown deeply amplified by genuinely melancholic guitar leads and sorrowful vocals and such sombre moment is followed by a brilliant technical prog inspired piece featuring a faster tempo and blistering guitar dynamics.

On “Moment Of Silence” abrasive guitar riffs and gloomy melodic splendor become the main focus leading to complex technical segments that follow fast borderline aggressive drums while the chorus acquires classic metal tonalities and highly dramatic vibes.

“Communion Of The Wicked” continues to deliver some strong heavy guitar driven grooves naturally amplified by massive drum blasts yet the extremely darkened aura will enhance the underlying melodic mood especially expressed by the soulful vocals, the fascinating crispy guitar soloing and the brief nostalgic acoustic moments.

“Ode To Despair” shifts the focus to minimalist acoustic soundscapes that smoothly convey fervent emotions yet there will be darker & heavier segments featuring another solid round of guitar riffs and dazzling technical soloing.

A vivid sense of melancholia sets the mood on “Vintage” where the band skillfully blends tranquil acoustic passages, fiery rhythmic sections and progressive twists resulting in another diverse sonic maze while the final part focuses on an exquisitely flamboyant guitar solo that could go on forever with its memorable shredding galore and mesmerizing melodic intensity.

Listening to “A Prelude To Sorrow” you will instantly appreciate and fall in love with the stellar musicianship and the intense passion behind such eclectic composition as Witherfall embarks on a dramatic music journey inevitably filled with grief and darkness.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_LUai2NYMQ

Formed in 1996 Finnish melo-death metallers Omnium Gatherum have always been devoted to the Scandinavian blend of melancholy & brutality that will never fail to be relevant and appreciated worldwide, therefore it will be easy to fall in love with the strong emotions behind the new effort “The Burning Cold”.

“Gods Go First” doesn’t waste time and hits you right in the face with rhythmic blasts of traditional death metal yet the band is also ready to delight the fans with intense shredding moments and a series of smooth & dismal guitar melodies which will rightfully take the spotlight throughout the tight rhythmic segments.

On “Refining Fire” there is a demand for speed and bold grooves as the recurring darkened mood is always matched by ferocious growls and galloping guitar riffs but as expected a melodic soulful ensemble will bring hints of positive yet profoundly contemplative vibes.

“Rest In Your Heart” might sound like a ballad since tempo is significantly slowed down and the beloved cold melancholy is extremely emphasized with the addition of atmospheric textures and dominant somber melodies but there is still a fair dosage of crunchy guitar riffs throughout the song’s structure.

The gloominess of “Be The Sky” is immediately evident with soothing melodic splendor and will influence deeply all the nostalgic tonalities and gentle poetic guitar harmonies in the midst of enraged growls and precise rhythmic patterns.  

“Driven By Conflict” can sound rather vicious focusing on sharp guitar riffs and a simply crushing rhythmic section that thrive on accelerated tempo and heavy grooves without compromising the melodic spirit embodied by the lead guitar work.

The closing track “Cold” is full of triumphant melancholy that reminds us why we love melodic death metal so much. Starting with the immense gloom of atmospheric layers and sweet arpeggios the song unfolds seamlessly to reveal that irresistible darkness that inevitably dominates the vibrant melodious guitar progressions and the moody rhythmic dynamics.

Certainly on “The Burning Cold” Omnium Gatherum shows the ability to compose alluring melodies but besides the consequent inner sadness this album repeatedly builds a climatic aggressive momentum fully embracing the classic Nordic melo-death trademark.  
The Burning Cold