Dutch Pagan metal brotherhood Heidevolk proudly unleashes a new folkish collection of songs on the full length “Vuur Van Verzet” which promises to get you ready for the battlefield.

Like a story of revolt and resistance “Ontwaakt” brings you solemn warrior chants and fierce guitar riffing that build steady rhythmic dynamics but the highlights can be found in the pagan/folk detailed melodic tapestries featuring charming flutes & strings that continuously emerge throughout the song with undeniable magical vibes.

“A Wolf In My Heart” will become a favorite with a blend of crunchy riffage and enchanting violin while the whole tribe of warriors theme becomes extremely palpable in the various fervent chants and guitars also focus on widely accessible polished melodies.

“The Alliance” has a profound Viking essence with battle ready chants accompanying an upbeat riffage & drumming that does acquire some heavier dynamics in the midst of folk acoustic passages and calmer atmospheric nuances provided by violins.

On the inspired instrumental “Het Oneindige Woud” the band puts aside the usual galloping riffs to evoke enchanted soundscapes with the minimalist elegance of violins and acoustic guitars that put together graceful ethereal harmonies bearing a distinct folk spirit.

The ardent epic mood of “Gungnir” revolves around an empowering rhythmic backbone where guitar riffs keep a steady crushing groove embellished by sophisticated violins, subtle symphonic arrangements and fierce vocal delivery as we are still at the verge of a crucial battle.

The charismatic combo of violin and acoustic arpeggios hold a primary role on “Het Juk Der Tijd” creating the right archaic folk atmosphere that will fuel strong guitar riffs as well as more dramatic melodic textures.

While “Vuur Van Verzet” doesn’t deliver particularly sonic innovations it does shine for the passionate folk mood that will immediately take you to the middle of some unknown forest, most likely with bonfire and Vikings, and Heidevolk showcases an empowering cohesive songwriting approach.

Norwegian rockers Audrey Horne are known to be highly influenced by ‘70s – ‘80s rock/metal and such stylistic choice certainly continues to be the main focus on the latest full length “Blackout” skillfully packed with all kinds of catchy tunes.

With loads of positive verve “This is War” has what it takes to represent the album as guitar riffs & melodies steal the spotlight crafting enthralling grooves bearing a sparkling 80’s rock/metal mood and leading to a rather catchy big chorus.

“Audrevolution” still relies on super catchy guitar dynamics and crunchy bass lines add extra groovy elements to the upbeat uncomplicated yet absolutely entertaining rhythmic patterns while the guitar solo carries dazzling melodic quality.

The title track focuses more on blending captivating twin guitar harmonies and fancy stylish solos that demand the listeners’ attention while the overall rhythmic section is filled of easy retro classic rock elements resulting in a widely accessible track.

With loads of moody guitar melodies “California” holds a subtle dose of nostalgia and the retro rock style deeply influences the whole instrumentation but guitars also showcase a wild metal edge especially in the vibrant solos.

The danceable synths on “Satellite” reveal that the vintage rock vibe becomes even more palpable here as a slower smooth funky rhythm takes the lead constantly embellished by charismatic guitar work that builds explosive riffage and enticing leads.

“Naysayer” favors a memorable NWOBHM approach where enthusiastic guitars inevitably take the center stage delivering steady sharp riffing, another round of massive twin guitar melodic work and polished compelling solos.

Channeling the undiluted energy of retro hard rock “Blackout” should be played loud to fully enjoy its inner explosive dynamics as Audrey Horne demonstrate to be quite passionate about those familiar vintage tonalities that will satisfy any classic rock/metal lover.

Known as the true guardians of Middle Earth, Austrian duo Summoning returns with “With Doom We Come” which continues to draw inspiration from the myths of J.R.R. Tolkien and is certainly one of the most anticipated albums of 2018.

The mystical atmospheres of “Tar-Calion” open this new music journey channeling intense desolation with raw blackened guitar riffs completely surrounded by rich synth arrangements, theatrical vocals and magical folk elements that evoke the natural beauty of a remote forest in an enchanted land as the band here chooses to focus on refined melodic tapestries with scattered epic accents.

On “Silvertine” the atmosphere acquires obscure tonalities with steady melodic guitars that contribute to the creation of an exceptionally darkened mood further enhanced by traditional black metal growls and elegantly embellished by sumptuous orchestrations that include epic horns and melancholic piano.

“Carcharoth” features a spellbinding mixture of soothing minimalist instrumentation and rather grandiose atmospheric arrangements that once again tend to favor the band’s melodic side while ominous growls often emerge from familiar blackened depths.

On “Mirklands” soft piano melodies introduce a gloomy sonic realm that is certainly filled with unadulterated darkness yet offers loads of ethereal harmonies in the midst of opulent atmospheric layers and distant echoes of distorted guitars.

The particularly lengthy album closer “With Doom I Come” definitely relies on the vivid atmospheric aspects of Summoning’s music style as kaleidoscopic keyboards craft an endless series of magical hazy progressions bearing a dark aura as well as cinematic quality, absolutely amplified by epic chants and mysterious whispers, that continuously channel mystical and mythical vibes.

Even if remnants of primordial black metal infuse the whole album there is nothing insanely heavy on “With Doom We Come” as Summoning brings a shroud of frost and pure poetic gloom constantly evoking surreal soundscapes that will keep you company through these long winter nights.

After the worldwide touring success performing Sepultura’s iconic opus “Roots” Max and Iggor Cavalera, joined by talented guitarist Marc Rizzo, decided to record Cavalera Conspiracy’s new album “Psychosis” which is definitely inspired by their past work in Sepultura but features also a rather entertaining industrial twist.

“Insane” marks an absolutely fierce beginning that sees the band in excellent shape as precise punishing drums and infectious guitar riffs craft a thrash oriented wall of sound while sharp guitar melodies & solo add nightmarish vibes through the claustrophobic rhythmic blasts.

“Terror Tactics” doesn’t take a break as groovy old school thrash rhythmic dynamics trigger subtle nostalgic vibes. Max screams with renewed passion through the deadly marching patterns while chaotic atmospheric accents lead to a tribal riffing style and intriguing guitar work.

On “Spectral War” Iggor’s drumming keeps alive a certain tribal force and while the main rhythmic section maintains a quite heavy attitude there are few interesting industrial influences that generate modern atmospheric tonalities and enigmatic vibes.

Feeling violently dizzy “Judas Pariah” has a traditional death metal essence that requires relentless rhythms, monolithic guitar riffing and vicious growls that follow an almost breakneck speed with immense fury that suddenly yet seamlessly evolves into a more atmospheric somber sonic assault with remarkable haunting nuances.

Despite its chaotic noisy end “Excruciating” initially feels almost comfortable with an overdose of fiery distortion and crushing rhythms meant to generate intensely irrational moshpits and in the midst of this monumental groove Marc delivers a cathartic moody guitar solo that matches the mystical atmospheric background.

Listening to the massive energy behind “Psychosis” you will notice that the Cavalera brothers truly made efforts to deliver music diversity on this album fairly channeling the glorious early years of Sepultura as well as some modern underground metal flavors.

German death metal act Dawn Of Disease has crafted the newest release “Ascension Gate” keeping in mind the band’s primordial extreme metal influences and offering a more modern melodic approach inevitably fueled by introspective melancholy.

At the very first listening “Perimortal” gives you a taste of the melo-death attitude that dominates this album. The remarkable guitar work should never be ignored as the crunchy fast paced rhythm always leaves space for loads of dreadful refined melodies carefully embedded in the entertaining solos.

The title track feels like a melancholic melodic death metal anthem as it begins with solemn atmospheric quality that simply embraces the intense growls cutting through a soulful crescendo of dramatic guitar melodies.

On the darkened track “Akephalos” you can definitely perceive the weight of Swedish death metal influence as the accelerated rhythmic patterns acquire harsh tonalities yet guitars also provide absolutely vibrant melodies.

Staying true to fashionable Nordic melancholy “Fleshless Journey” might be the most emotional song of the album as, despite being filled with extreme grooves, melodic guitars maintain a primary role crafting several contemplative moments with pleasantly impressive musicianship and sonic clarity.

“Mundus Inversus” certainly features a fair dosage of unrestrained rage with massive guitar driven grooves and tight rhythmic patterns yet, as it often happens throughout the album, guitars reach a terrific gloomy acme constantly and confidently creating deliciously sorrowful melodies.

Overall, “Ascension Gate” manages to include some of the brutal fundamental elements of traditional death metal yet Dawn Of Disease skillfully raises the bar introducing epic vibes and exquisite melodic textures.

Belgian metallers Evil Invaders proudly release the sophomore album “Feed Me Violence” which confidently proves to be more than just a revival sensation even if the main core features nostalgic anthems exceptionally executed in proper traditional speed metal style.

“Mental Penitentiary” is such a savage opener focusing on a well-structured tight fast paced rhythm and impressive musicianship clearly showcased in the complex guitar work and the incredibly entertaining riffs.

“Broken Dreams In Isolation” becomes more dramatic as enticing guitars successfully create lavish melodic textures while the variegated rhythmic section and the blistering screams maintain the expected bold thrash/speed patterns.

The title track is simply raw & heavy as guitar riffing and drum blasts follow a frenetic tempo while in the midst of such chaotic rhythmic intensity lead guitars repeatedly gain the deserved spotlight with enthralling creative solos.

“Oblivion” rightfully favors smooth melancholic moments with emotionally profound melodic guitars but also doesn’t hesitate to bring back sharp classic speed metal riffing galore following an intensely faster tempo to trigger immediate headbanging.

Showcasing truly mature musicianship and composition “Among The Depths Of Sanity” features stylish music diversity effortlessly shifting from dramatic atmospheric passages to an inflamed crescendo of massive guitar riffs and assertively unleashing a crushing thrash sonic assault let ultimately embellished by a charismatic shredding guitar solo.

Evil Invaders definitely have the ability to channel the golden days of speed/thrash metal and “Feed Me Violence” is filled with entertaining diversity but also stays true to the genre’s main elements with fierce thunderous strength.

Straight from a realm of pure darkness German gothic/dark metal outfit Nachtblut emerges with the new release “Apostasie” symbolizing a new chapter as the band adds an industrial twist to the signature music formula.

“Multikulturell” shines for the exquisitely dark atmospheric quality that naturally evokes a nightmarish scenario with eerie yet sumptuous orchestrations matched by diabolically gothic vocals and irresistibly darkened groovy guitars.

“Lied Für Die Götter” features the understated elegance of classical flute and acoustic passages that create plenty of subtle harmonies carefully entwined with crushing guitar riffs and a gothic oriented mood.

Refined piano melodies and pure melancholy mark the beginning of “Amok” but soon this track evolves into a massive industrial anthem with super catchy electro layers and simply unstoppable groovy rhythmic guitars resulting in a wildly energetic gothic/industrial hybrid.

“Frauenausbeiner” feels more like straight goth ‘n roll with a series of simple guitar driven grooves and a general rock party vibe that slightly diverge from the usual intense darkness which is still present in smaller dosage in the somber bass lines and the rather malicious devilish screams.

“Einsam” stands out for the classical piano passages that flawlessly evoke a fairytale mood and a dreamy sonic palette bearing symphonic accents with elegant borderline romantic atmospheres that reach the expected acme with guest vocalist Aeve Maurell’ s delicately enchanting vocal delivery.

The title track begins with solemn symphonic orchestrations that will continue to offer a triumphant theatrical background while a darkened bolder temperament becomes palpable with loads of crunchy guitar riffs and sinister vocals.

Full of enthralling dark melodies as well as more enraged industrial grooves “Apostasie” can even become addictive at times and Nachtblut demonstrates to be quite comfortable with such renewed variegated music style.

Among young emerging bands, Italian symphonic metal act Sleeping Romance has the opportunity to stand out with the sophomore release gracefully entitled “Alba” which confidently blends solemn orchestrations and the blasting force of classic power metal.

Starting with melancholic piano melodies “Where The Light Is Bleeding” proceeds with exceptional clarity through rather sumptuous orchestral layers and keeps a somber melodic core with simple crunchy guitar riffs, a lullaby style soft breakdown and a refined catchy chorus.

“Lost In My Eyes” offers modern symphonic flavors immediately reminiscent of other popular bands such as Epica and Within Temptation. This track mainly focuses on a widely accessible series of sparkling melodies built by smooth guitars and classical atmospheric arrangements inevitably enhanced by vocalist Federica Lanna’s soothing vocal delivery.

“Forgiveness” acquires darker atmospheric nuances but also holds a soulful mellow core that favors elegant melodic guitar work without sacrificing a stronger power metal riffage while Federica’s delicate vocals deliver a more sentimental mood.

Effortlessly shifting between darker atmospheric vibes and luminous moments, “My Temptation” crafts several bewitching melodic passages with the expected fair dosage of dazzling guitar tones, inspired orchestrations and melancholy infused vocals & operatic choirs.

The title track basically includes all the charming features that characterize the whole album as a subtly majestic symphonic mood is carefully embedded in the guitar work and orchestral layers while the guitar driven rhythm showcases neoclassical accents but also a fair modern catchiness.

“Alba” certainly follows the successful music formula of renowned symphonic female fronted bands without additional unique or innovative elements, nevertheless Sleeping Romance diligently performs each song with utter sincerity and attention for stylish details.