While many are not familiar yet with symphonic metal act Beyond The Black they have been working hard to conquer a spot in the current scene and the ambitious new release “Heart Of The Hurricane” definitely aims to reach a wider audience worldwide.

“Hysteria” opens the album triumphantly drawing inspiration from the successful symphonic metal formula so the band puts together loads of atmospheric & theatrical arrangements simply entwined with tranquil guitar melodies, flamboyant soloing and energetic rhythmic sections.

While the title track begins with crunchy guitar riffing it will still maintain a fundamental catchy melodic core embellished by subtle atmospheric layers that favors Jennifer Haben’s pleasant vocal performance.

“Song For The Godless” amplifies the epic vibes with a massive dose of dramatic keyboards arrangements and certainly follows a familiar symphonic formula focusing on melancholic melodic splendor that allows Jennifer’s emotive vocals to shine.

The symphonic realm of “Beneath A Blackened Sky” features solemn operatic choirs and sumptuous keyboards but later goes back to an accessible melodic ensemble spiced up by the fancy guitar solo.

On “Fairytale Of Doom” guitars can become more dominant delivering fierce riffage and dazzling soloing within a powerful rhythmic crescendo yet the catchy chorus leaves behind the song’s darker & solemn vibes.

“Scream For Me” is another entertaining tune that offers bittersweet melodies and soothing atmospheres revolving around passionate vocals yet eventually adds heavier & wilder rhythmic moments to the emotional core.

“Freedom” immediately feels darker due to the occasional growls and steady crunchy guitar riffs marching through the highly somber atmospheric arrangements nevertheless the instrumental work maintains a vibrant melodic flow.

“Heart Of The Hurricane” is a safe album that contains all the key elements of symphonic metal therefore devoted lovers of this music genre will appreciate what Beyond The Black has diligently crafted.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0uEnxMCxUE

British trio Conan are already well known and appreciated for the trademark Caveman Battle Doom music style that is once again wildly unleashed on the new album “Existential Void Guardian” which also includes four bonus live tracks.

The unmistakable arcane misery of doom fills the atmosphere on “Prosper On The Path” as Conan creates a thick overwhelming rhythm through a series of menacing guitar driven grooves that diligently follow the thunderous drumming pace while the vocals become wretched screams emerging from some forgotten dark cave.

The monolithic pathway of despair continues with “Eye To Eye To Eye” as guitars deliver steady painful sludge tones with occasional bursts of fuzzy energy over fiercely rumbling drums, consequently the whole atmosphere remains absolutely dark.

The relentless fuzzy riffage of “Volt Thrower” aims to build massive stomping grooves surrounded by the right dosage of desperate doom tonalities yet this track feels more impactful due to faster plummeting rhythmic dynamics.

On the lengthy “Eternal Silent Legend” traditional doom elements lead the way through a desolate atmosphere full of heavy slow burning guitar riffs and harrowing melodic waves that inevitably drag the listeners through agonizing hazy progressions amplified by obscure sludge and tribal accents.

In case you had any doubts rest assured that what Conan put together on “Existential Void Guardian” is fiercely monolithic from beginning to end which might sound monotone to the random average listener while the true believers/fans will fully embrace the infamous Caveman Battle Doom.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kY8-Vhiq7w

On Sirenia’s ninth studio album “Arcane Astral Aeons” mastermind Morten Veland has carefully crafted for you another dazzling collection of songs and especially on this record Emmanuelle Zoldan proves to be the ideal vocalist for the band.  

“In Styx Embrace” opens the album in grandiose symphonic fashion with majestic arrangements & operatic choirs followed by aptly arcane & solemn melodic guitar work that sumptuously surround Emmanuelle’s shimmering vocals while Morten’s wicked growls amplify a faster harsh rhythmic crescendo.

Featuring guest vocalist Yannis Papadopoulos from Finnish band Beast In Black, “Love Like Cyanide” was released as first single and in fact it’s packed with sweet melodic hooks, the type that unconsciously get stuck in your head, nevertheless it’s not just about catchiness as there is a surprisingly intense blackened momentum that often emerges with an overdose of darkly abrasive guitar riffs and malevolent growls.

“Desire” focuses on melancholic melodies and dreamy atmospheric layers that naturally enhance Emmanuelle’s sultry vocal delivery, especially lovely during the brief very French moment which is surprisingly followed by the contrasting venomous black metal blasts.

“Queen Of Lies” offers a delightful mix of symphonic splendor with the right dosage of triumphant arrangements accompanied by theatrical choirs and heavier guitar riffs matched by Morten’s vicious growls staying true to Sirenia’s renowned music style.

“Aerodyne” is another enjoyable track focusing mainly on the band’s more melodic aspects with loads of refined atmospheric arrangements and smooth guitar work plus it’s really a pleasure to hear the nostalgic vocals performed by former Tristania singer Østen Bergøy.

“Glowing Embers” begins with deeply melancholic acoustic arpeggios that introduce an elegant symphonic sonic realm where lavish operatic choirs and Emmanuelle’s emotive vocal performance evoke intensely dramatic nuances enhanced by variegated opulent arrangements.

“Arcane Astral Aeons” truly benefits from the great band chemistry that probably fueled Morten’s creative force as on this album there is a perfect equilibrium between darkness and light, a world of contrasting feelings naturally embodied by the fascinating blend of symphonic melodies and harsh metal elements.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_q5d12n374

Winter metal is back and is here to stay as Finnish band Wolfheart, fronted by multi-instrumentalist Tuomas Saukkonen, return with the epic soundscapes of the new effort “Constellation Of The Black Light” which has all the elements and the intensity necessary to leave a mark in the current metal scene.

Already with the massive mini opus that is the album opener “Everlasting Fall” it becomes clear that this new music journey will be quite impressive. Starting with the perfect dose of immensely melancholic arpeggios and wintry atmospheric nuances Wolfheart creates an authentic Nordic soundscape later shaped by elegant orchestrations followed by the extra cold tonalities of sharp guitar riffs and more ferocious blackened rhythmic sections that will be aptly enhanced by monumental growls, yet an inspired melodic ensemble featuring soothing sorrowful lead melodic guitars will always emerge through such waves of remarkable faster relentless grooves.

Since the very beginning “Breakwater” unleashes pure blackened fury as frenetic guitar riffs dominate the song’s structure yet the enchanting softer acoustic moments and the refined orchestral tapestries lingering in the background continue to hold the same passionate melancholy that feels so crucial within the whole album.

When “The Saw” begins tempo is considerably slowed down to focus more on the emotive & sad melodies naturally crafted by waves of dismal guitar riffs, detailed acoustic harmonies and sophisticated orchestral arrangements but the band is also ready to offer several heavier instrumental dynamics and wrathful growls.

With roaring drums “Warfare” gets you ready for the battlefield with faster enraged grooves yet such aggressive approach and ardent feelings are ultimately balanced by the graceful melodic grandeur created by recurring charming lead guitars and sumptuous orchestrations.

Among fiery guitar riffs a profound melancholy is meant to have an essential role on the closing track “Valkyrie” where the vibrant melodic lead guitar work will certainly stand out for the poignant tonalities and the smooth musicianship surrounded by shrouds of cold nostalgia courtesy of emotional atmospheric arrangements and piano phrases.

In terms of songwriting Wolfheart has certainly reached higher levels as “Constellation Of The Black Light” is a triumph of harmonious darkness and heartfelt emotions, something you will desperately need to comfort you during the upcoming long winter nights.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om-wa3CqUr4