When iconic musicians that contributed to the creation of Gothenburg metal scene join forces you can expect great things, in fact The Halo Effect returns with the sophomore album “March Of The Unheard” taking another evolutionary step forward within the glorious melodic death metal realm.
“Conspire To Deceive” is filled with high octane energy as the cold rhythmic dynamics masterfully produce triumphant grooves and Mikael Stanne shows what it means to be a restless passionate vocalist with majestic growls.
In impeccable melo-death style “Cruel Perception” represents contrasting emotions effortlessly juxtaposing darkly contemplative melodic guitars and a raw rhythmic tension.
The excellent rhythmic structure of “What We Become” naturally leads to heavy unforgiving grooves complemented by visceral growls yet the most interesting elements are the deliciously darker melodic passages.
As drums often dictate a faster crushing rhythm “Forever Astray” adds some modern synths accents to the soaring guitars yet Mikael steals the spotlight with elegantly introspective clean vocals matching a moody melodic composition.
Tempo slows down on the poetic track “Between Directions” as Mikael delivers a truly poignant vocal performance that emphasizes the stylish melodic guitar work and the airy atmospheric arrangements.
“A Death That Becomes Us” focuses on a rather catchy & somber chorus and the mid tempo melodic themes can be further enhanced by the crispy guitar sound and the solemn atmospheric nuances.
The band’s chemistry here is a big deal as The Halo Effect use their talents to seamlessly blend harsh rhythmic rampages, a much needed uplifting attitude and a soothing Nordic melancholia that render “March Of The Unheard” a true melodic death metal anthem.

Leaving behind a troubled situation the glorious artistic rebirth of reverend Marilyn Manson is embodied by the intoxicating new opus “One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1”.
As an invitation to a mysterious ritual the title track dwells within a distorted dreamy soundscape where vocals unleash pure passion and guitars acquire a sinister flare inducing a profound self-reflection.
“No Funeral Without Applause” showcases a mellow heart yet we inevitably feel lost within a dark fairytale where Manson freely shifts from fragile vocals to wild screams well supported by the 90’s alt-rock vibes of the attractive guitar work.
It would be natural to start obsessing over “As Sick As The Secrets Within” as this track feels intimate and deliciously wicked at the same time focusing on an elegant melodic composition and the perfect dosage of gritty rhythmic dynamics.
“Death Is Not A Costume” relies on an addictive chorus but mainly reveals lugubrious tonalities through dismal guitar harmonies and hazy atmospheric arrangements that allow Manson’s voice to express moody emotions.
“Sacrifice Of The Mass” slows down to fully showcase an introspective side as Manson’s tormented vocal delivery skillfully complemented by bittersweet arpeggios seem to float within an opulent obscure atmospheric realm.
Like a full blown rockstar and irreverent icon Marilyn Manson successfully reshapes his mischievous artistry and satisfies his faithful acolytes with the intellectual force of the darkened grooves of “One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1” and we eagerly await the next chapter of this tumultuous musical endeavor.

In the crowded metal scene French blackgaze pioneers Alcest will always stand out for innovative composition and fascinating spiritualism, as a result the highly anticipated record “Les Chants De L’Aurore” clearly manifests striking creative abilities.
“Komorebi” is certainly the legit product of the band’s well tested formula putting in the center uplifting shoegaze motives without forgetting the inner darker side embodied by faster intense rhythmic dynamics.
Throughout “Améthyste” guitars choose delicate tonalities to meticulously weave dreamy melodies and magnetic crescendos leaving space to the genuine expression of emotional themes while the harsh vocals obviously reminisce of cryptic black metal influences.
It feels like sleeping on the cold grass under a starry night as the airy arpeggios of “L’Enfant de la Lune” flow gently around you and Neige’s soothing vocal style perfectly complements the intricate guitar phrases and the delightful atmospheric arrangements.
“L’adieu” moves sinuously representing a truly haunting finale focusing on poetic minimalist harmonies and evocative chants that belong to a distant dimension or maybe a limbo between life and death but certainly not the real world here and now.
On the 7th opus “Les Chants De L’Aurore” Alcest bravely open a gateway to the spiritual world with an elegant sonic vision bound to move the audience.

Occult heavy rockers Lucifer descend upon us with the blazing force of the unholy new release “Lucifer V”.
“At The Mortuary” instantly takes you back to the golden age of 70’s heavy rock as the infectious guitar riffs run wildly through an inflamed rhythmic ensemble while an eerie doom inspiration inevitably leads to dramatic atmospheric textures.
The seductive decadence of “Slow Dance in A Crypt” leads to slow burning melodic waves and you can appreciate how the darker guitar tones are easily adorned by the bittersweet vocal harmonies and the catchy chorus.
With a morbid playful title “A Coffin Has No Silver Lining” focuses on the unrestrained sizzling guitar riffs that spontaneously build groovy dynamics enhanced by a perfect vintage sound.
“The Dead Don’t Speak” is another entertaining tune revolving around monumental guitar riffs destined to grab your attention and while you’re having fun the overall ghastly mood reminds you that something creepy might be lurking in the darkness.
With the final track “Nothing Left To Lose But My Life” we enter a captivating melancholic realm where Johanna’s eloquent vocals enrich the warm melodic themes while the guitar work can still acquire an energetic momentum leading to an excellent solo.
As Lucifer proudly conjure the darkened & groovy essence of classic doom/heavy rock the strength of “Lucifer V” evidently comes from the bewitching guitar driven grooves and Johanna’s charismatic vocal performance.

British death-doom indisputable masters My Dying Bride give new life to a timeless genre that defies time and space creating the unforgettable gloomy grandeur of the 15th studio album “A Mortal Binding”.
“Her Dominion” drags you through a desolate sonic dimension where weeping violins comfort your weakened heart in contrast with the heavy hitting guitar riffs that carry the torch for majestic doom metal cutting through the oppressive atmospheric layers
The epic single “The 2nd of Three Bells” is a gothic splendor affair as decadent atmospheric layers surround Aaron’s hypnotizing clean vocals before mournful guitars deliver an overdose of powerful doomed riffs leading to a palpable ominous rhythmic tension and violent grooves.
You will inevitably succumb to the eternal darkness of “The Apocalyptist” manifesting a colossal rhythmic backbone focused on heavy guitar tones executed in perfect doom fashion and adorned by recurring heart-wrenching harmonious violins.
The album’s dramatic closure is perfectly symbolized by “Crushed Embers” which celebrates eternal solitude & grief presenting convoluted atmospheric textures where violins flow gently carrying a touch of classical elegance and a pale light becomes visible despite the asphyxiating heavy weight of the towering guitar riffs and the tragically poetic vocal performance.
The band’s faithful acolytes will instantly fall under the spell of “A Mortal Binding” as My Dying Bride carefully weave melodic threads and crushing dynamics to celebrate once again the overwhelming misery and the perennial melancholia of their signature doom sonic vision.

Swedish heavy rock masters Graveyard embark on an unforgettable sonic journey through the hypnotizing melodic waves of the first record in five years simply entitled “6”.
The album opener “Godnatt” features a captivating series of bittersweet melodic themes that put the spotlight on the masterful guitar work and perfectly complement Joakim Nilsson’s moody vocal performance.
You feel comfortably wrapped by the warm melodic lines moving sinuously through “I Follow You” and the fuzzed out guitar phrases run wild & free to ultimately build sensational rhythmic crescendos.
“Breathe In Breathe Out” focuses on a slow burning melodic flow emphasizing the compelling vocal harmonies and the charming vintage guitar sound reaching the acme with an extensive impeccable solo.
Loads of energetic blasts emerge throughout “Just A Drop” as guitars and fiery drums meticulously generate trippy rhythmic patterns while the soulful melodies maintain the album’s minimalist vision.
“Rampant Fields” still showcases a glowing ballad style with a memorable melancholic chorus enhanced by Joakim’s soothing vocal delivery and definitely enriched by the psychedelic textures of the simmering Hammond.
Formed in Gothenburg in 2006 Graveyard continue to demonstrate passion and creativity developing an elaborate songwriting approach that now spontaneously leads to the bluesy & hazy soundscapes of “6”.

Norwegian black metal titans Immortal embark on a new musical journey through the frostbitten soundscapes of the long awaited 10th studio album “War Against All”, composed and performed by Demonaz.
Like a declaration of war the title track just seems unstoppable as the monumental drums build a perilously fast rhythmic core enhanced by the malevolent combo of insane growls and visceral guitar riffs.
Throughout “Wargod” the crunchy guitars spontaneously lead to groovy dynamics without an exaggerated speed but certainly maintaining a gelid black metal approach embellished by a softer contemplative momentum.
“Return To Cold” takes you to a remote forest surrounded by dramatic atmospheric textures and guitars skillfully combine compelling somber melodies and fierce riffage.
The instrumental track “Norlandihr” revolves around a cold blend of Nordic melancholia infused melodic waves and inflamed blackened rhythmic blasts that emphasize the masterful guitar work.
Within the gloomy realm of “Blashyrkh My Throne” a mournful melodic essence emerges through recurring refined arpeggios nevertheless the vicious growls and the unrestrained guitars generate blistering rhythmic patterns.
Undoubtedly Immortal stay true to their majestic black metal legacy delivering sheer fury and undiluted darkness throughout “War Against All” which will instantly please their loyal acolytes.

It’s hard to believe that we had to wait over eight years but finally Swedish deathglam masters Deathstars make a glorious comeback unleashing pure energy and undiluted darkness throughout the new full-length “Everything Destroys You”.
“This Is” revolves around bombastic rhythmic patterns featuring a winning combo of gritty guitar riffs, industrial style electro layers and rich atmospheric textures ultimately leading to a super catchy chorus.
“Anti All” is surrounded by a cold atmospheric ensemble that highlights recurring somber tones and contemplative harmonies but the rhythmic section gradually picks up speed & strength to build some abrasive grooves.
The title track tends to follow a slower tempo skillfully blending gloomy multilayered synths and memorable rhythmic dynamics around Whiplasher Bernadotte’s baritone vocal delivery which also amplifies a sinister mood.
“Between Volumes and Voids” packs a punch with an overdose of relentless crunchy guitar riffs and the chorus is absolutely addictive embellished by delicate female backing vocals and refined atmospheric tapestries.
“The Infrahuman Masterpiece” begins with deeply melancholic melodies and often puts the spotlight on the fascinating atmospheric waves nevertheless guitars are always ready to craft plenty of robust grooves.
On “Angel of Fortune and Crime” the industrial flair becomes evident through the wicked heavier guitar work amplified by nightmarish vocals and enriched by an appealing mix of dramatic atmospheric arrangements and futuristic electronic accents.
In the end you won’t be able to resist the stomping rhythmic galore and the seductive gothic vibes of “Everything Destroys You” and even if it took a while Deathstars proudly manifest a wild creative force.

Thrash metal legends Overkill have been around for four decades and the release of the twentieth studio album “Scorched” clearly demonstrates that they are still unstoppable staying true to their legacy while expanding their sonic vision.
The title track stands out for the flamboyant guitars leading the way to a merciless rhythmic assault fueled by the monolithic drumming and obviously Bobby Blitz amplifies the savage old school thrash metal spirit with his signature screams.
Throughout “Goin’ Home” the charismatic guitar leads can maintain sorrowful melodic vibes nevertheless the abrasive riffage and the extra speed inevitably generate colossal thrash grooves.
The towering rhythmic section on “The Surgeon” unleashes sheer fury as the fast chunky guitar riffs demand constant headbanging and the solo adds some pleasant fancy licks.
Surrounded by a darkened aura “Twist Of The Wick” certainly highlights the musical prowess through the impeccable variegated guitar work shifting from scorching riffs to elegant slightly melodic leads enriched by solemn choirs
On “Wicked Place” the relentless guitars continue to build insanely energetic grooves and wicked leads around Bobby’s ravenous vocal performance ultimately leading to a sinister atmospheric grand finale.
“Fever” still packs plenty of classic thrash grooves to ensure a full blown moshpit yet the slower passages add a dramatic depth with contemplative atmospheric arrangements and nostalgic guitar phrases.
As the title aptly suggests on “Scorched” Overkill are literally ready to set everything on fire proudly delivering all the expected massive thrash grooves with the addition of tasteful melodic accents.

Swedish icons In Flames are ready to begin a new successful musical journey with the highly anticipated album “Foregone” which clearly represents the future of the band exploring wider modern metal territories without necessarily forgetting their glorious melodeath roots.
Listening to “State Of Slow Decay” you can perceive the massive heaviness of the earlier days as the monolithic rhythmic section goes on a savage rampage to create harsh dynamics enhanced by the insanely aggressive growls.
“Foregone Pt. 2” features recurring sorrowful arpeggios emphasizing the passionate clean vocals nevertheless guitars have the chance to acquire heavier tones generating powerful rhythmic blasts.
The mellow passages of “Pure Light Of Mind” highlight a sophisticated melodic composition as the crispy guitar phrases smoothly unravel around Anders Fridén’s impeccable vocal performance.
As the title suggests there is a darkened essence lingering through “In The Dark” relying on the strength of the fierce guitar riffs yet all the mighty grooves ultimately lead to a rather catchy chorus.
With a loud & groovy rhythmic core “A Dialogue in b Flat Minor” is meant to be played live and please a big crowd as guitars fully embrace a luminous modern sound especially evident in the radio friendly chorus.
“End The Transmission” closes the album returning to angered themes that demand vicious growls and unrestrained guitar riffs to build a generous dose of hostile rhythmic patterns reminiscent of an old school formula.
With the release of “Foregone” In Flames definitely appear in excellent shape working hard to perfect their distinct songwriting style combining memorable guitar driven grooves and elegant melodic motifs.