Nola thrash metal legends Exhorder are finally back, it’s been 27 years since they released an album but “Mourn The Southern Skies” definitely has the necessary strength to gain recognition and a genuine sound hard to find within the modern metal scene. 

The perfect way to start this album is delivering a ripper like “My Time” with plenty of infectious guitar riffs leading the way through a massive series of memorable grooves and the lyrical anger is as impactful as the instrumental ensemble. 

“Asunder” maintains classic thrash dynamics packing an overdose of crushing guitar riffs, killer soloing and consequent fiery grooves but certainly you can also perceive a swampy mood influencing some guitar tonalities and the vocals are still freaking enraged. 

“Yesterday’s Bones” offers another serious round of belligerent guitar driven grooves that keep the thrash element alive & vibrant and certainly showcases the band’s mature musicianship and refreshing passion also with the thrilling progressions and somber tones of the melodic guitar solos. 

“All She Wrote” is straight to the point unleashing scorching guitar riffs and a faster vigorous rhythmic section obviously accompanied by the intense vocal delivery as the mood gets wilder and the smooth chorus brings additional groovy vibes. 

The moody southern spirit is all over “The Arms Of Man” as warm melodic guitars become extremely dominant with some distinct sludge elements following less hostile yet still potent rhythmic dynamics.  

The lengthy title track is a quite elaborate work of music starting with an aptly mournful combo of acoustic harmonies and tasteful melodic passages that will influence the overall mood adding an epic flair yet there are still super groovy moments courtesy of the mighty rhythmic backbone and the fierce guitar riffs.

“Mourn The Southern Skies” has a lot to offer to all thrash metal acolytes around the world and Exhorder manage to engage the listeners with all kinds of memorable heavy grooves and melodic twists which feel like the right way to celebrate their comeback. 

 

Considered as one of the best bands in the scene Opeth have proudly released the long awaited 13th album “In Cauda Venenum”, undoubtedly an intricate progressive rock/metal opus that manifests an ongoing sonic evolution and is destined to put them in the spotlight once again. 

The complex approach of “Dignity” is immediately noticeable as the guitar work showcases a strong prog inspiration as well as subtle retro rock flavors delivering delightful melodic licks supported by an energetic rhythmic backbone while the softer soundscapes naturally unfold like a darkened fairytale with rich bewitching arrangements. 

Despite the precise execution and almost calculated style variations “Heart In Hand” still feels spontaneous packing some raw energy within the chunky riffage and monumental drumming while guitars freely shift from catchy harmonies to virtuoso soloing and even add major enigmatic psychedelic tonalities. 

A darkly soothing feeling lingers throughout “Lovelorn Crime” which begins with minimalist piano melodies and peaceful vocals and the consequent emotional catharsis is further emphasized by the nostalgia infused multilayered atmospheric arrangements and the flawless luminous guitar solo. 

“Charlatan” amplifies the technical prog aspects with a series of shapeshifting rhythmic patterns that ensure intense groovy moments as guitars tend to focus on heavier riffs and clever progressions embellished by flamboyant keyboards arrangements. 

“The Garroter” is another example of the high degree of diversity that characterizes the album as a distinct melancholic essence is embedded in the lovely acoustic phrases, the charming piano melodies and the soulful vocal delivery while the whole instrumentation will eventually acquire darkly playful tonalities and vibrant jazz influences. 

“All Things Will Pass” marks a majestic closure highlighting a sumptuous dramatic depth with a mixture of mellow dreamy melodies accompanied by ardent vocals and heavier rhythmic dynamics that can evoke the monolithic force of traditional doom leading to a particularly powerful finale with the addition of lavish keyboards. 

When it comes to Opeth there will always be fans missing their early extra darkened aggressive music style while the new acolytes learned to love them because of the fancy progressive songwriting and the magical artistic vision that here on “In Cauda Venenum” continues to impress with sophisticated soundscapes and impeccable musicianship. 

German rock overlords Kadavar always seem to come from another dimension as their music style defies space and time with an irresistible retro rock flair that acquires bewitching gothic twists on the new full length “For The Dead Travel Fast”. 

“The Devil’s Master” immediately showcases the darkened aura that surrounds the whole album as while the ‘70s rock influences remain strong with the overwhelming weight of the guitar riffs and plenty of groovy vibes the slower passages emphasize the captivating occult rock essence. 

On “Evil Forces” the vocals acquire creepy tonalities that certainly match the darker doom tinged instrumental passages but the rhythmic ensemble can always concoct catchy rock dynamics and generate an energetic momentum with the thrilling guitar soloing. 

“Children Of The Night” marks another intensely dark moment as the blend of gentle guitar phrases and trippy rhythmic bursts marching through hazy atmospheres will inevitably put a spell on you and within the perennial esoteric realm the heavier guitar riffage always feels entertaining. 

The hypnotic feelings behind “Dancing With The Dead” seem to come straight from a grave as guitars craft an overload of arcane melodies and darkly exquisite leads in the midst of obscure doom oriented rhythmic crescendos.  

“Long Forgotten Song” continues to convey a profoundly eerie mood mixing intense heavy doom guitar riffs and haunting slow paced melodies as the whole instrumentation seems to dwell within a supernatural limbo where gothic and vintage rock simply embrace while the softer vocal harmonies enhance the song’s dramatic depth.  

Kadavar have already demonstrated their exceptional songwriting abilities but this time the gothic horror concept generates a deeply mysterious sonic experience and “For The Dead Travel Fast” is not an ordinary collection of songs also because everything here constantly reminds you that “magic is everywhere”. 

It didn’t take long for Black Star Riders to garner attention since the release of the debut album “All Hell Breaks Loose” back in 2013 but now a new line-up and an untamed hard rock energy lead to the brand new album “Another State Of Grace”. 

“Tonight The Moonlight Let Me Down” makes you feel good with so many groovy guitar riffs leading to cohesive and fun rhythmic dynamics accompanied by smooth vocals. 

The title track can sound heavier as the guitar work is simply electrifying with massive grooves, flamboyant leads and tight riffage while the sing along chorus will get stuck in your head. 

“Underneath The Afterglow” keeps the grooves going and you know you will have a good time listening to this track as soon as the crunchy guitar riffs take over and the soloing adds extra glamorous elements. 

Featuring guest vocalist Pearl Aday “What Will It Take” has some nostalgic ballad style elements with accessible mellow guitar melodies that aim to emphasize the emotive power of the vocal duet. 

With heavier guitar riffs and fancy soloing “In The Shadow Of The War Machine” acquires some frenetic rhythmic patterns and even slightly darker tonalities but it still stays true to the catchy classic rock themes.  

“Poisoned Heart” goes straight to a catchy mood keeping things uncomplicated with the crispy sound of guitars that can easily deliver sweet melodies and groovy riffs accompanied by the confident vocal harmonies. 

With “Another State Of Grace” Black Star Riders can say to have crafted another anthemic collection of rock songs and while delivering grooves full of positive energy once again they showcase stellar musicianship. 

NorthTale is a new Swedish-American power metal supergroup formed by guitarist Bill Hudson vocalist Christian Eriksson and drummer Patrick Johansson who joined forces to genuinely create the music they love on the bombastic debut album “Welcome To Paradise”. 

The title track showcases the band’s straightforward power metal spirit delivering tons of bouncy guitar riffs, monstrous shredding and tasteful melodic passages that certainly benefit from the extraordinary musicianship and always ensure cohesive rhythmic segments. 

“Higher” stays true to classic power metal style with a big chorus and an engaging rhythmic core but what makes the song truly entertaining is the glorious lead guitar work that effortlessly shift from crispy harmonies to a neoclassical inspired shredding galore. 

“Follow Me” has an elegant symphonic flair courtesy of lavish keyboards arrangements and mixes energetic guitar riffs with passionate melodic phrases while the lead guitar once again aims to impress delivering extra sophisticated passages. 

“Shape Your Reality” is wilder & faster allowing the powerful rhythmic section to shine accompanied by a pleasant positive energy fully expressed by the vocals and enriched by the epic vibes of the keyboards layers and the sumptuous guitar work. 

“Sirens’ Fall” is undeniably one of the strongest tracks as the fancy keyboards and the impeccable guitar licks amplify the neoclassical vibes that constantly add a theatrical momentum to the old school power metal dynamics. 

“If Angels Are Real” continues to channel the glory of power metal through the anthemic guitar driven grooves and the bright vocal delivery but inevitably the neoclassical splendor will remain the highlight of the song with a majestic combo of flawless guitars and striking keyboards. 

“Even When” closes the album with a softer ballad style mood, a must have even in the power metal realm, leading to melancholia infused vocals flowing through graceful atmospheric tapestries and symphonic accents. 

Obviously you can tell that “Welcome To Paradise” is the work of experienced and talented musicians and that the genesis of NorthTale comes from a strong desire to carry the torch for the golden era of power metal which is what you will find on this album from beginning to end. 

California-based metal outfit Carnifex worked hard for three years to create the 7th studio album “World War X” which aims to raise the bar in terms of sonic diversity experimenting with multiple extreme metal elements besides classic deathcore.  

The title track is a blistering album opener where vicious screams and hostile rhythmic patterns drag the listeners into an apocalyptic scenario and while the relentless guitar riffs easily lead to sheer brutality there are also interesting symphonic arrangements.  

“This Infernal Darkness” can truly channel unrestrained rage through the precise thunderous rhythmic ensemble yet a moment of ethereal peace takes over the song’s finale with a pleasantly soft piano melody. 

Featuring guest vocalist Alissa White Gluz of Arch Enemy “No Light Shall Save Us” will eventually put the spotlight on the contrast between tormented growls and introspective cleans flourishing through a modern mixture of abrasive guitar riffs and satisfying melodic phrases particularly enhanced by the somber tonalities of the guitar solo. 

“All Roads Lead To Hell” features the talented guitarist Angel Vivaldi so it makes sense to focus on the shredding overdose of the extraordinary guitar solo marching through the extremely wrathful rhythmic segments. 

On “By Shadows Thine Held” the merciless fast drumming dictates a rather savage momentum that is also clearly expressed by the borderline dissonant rhythmic variations while lead guitars have the task to brighten the mood with the elaborate soloing. 

With “World War X” Carnifex often choose to step out from the comfort zone of deathcore certainly without sacrificing the main massive angered themes but showing their ability and desire to push genre boundaries. 

Original Rhapsody members Luca Turilli and Fabio Lione reunited to finally release their debut album “Zero Gravity (Rebirth And Evolution)” which marks the triumphant beginning of a new band and the development of an exciting musical vision. 

“Phoenix Rising” is a bombastic album opener creating a suspenseful mood with a combo of electro layers and nostalgic piano melodies that will evolve into an inflamed symphonic metal ensemble with massive operative choirs and flawless theatrical vocals surrounded by the sophisticated guitar work that shines for the luminous tonalities as well as the cohesive heavier riffs. 

“D.N.A. (Demon And Angel)” features guest vocalist Elize Ryd of Amaranthe leading to an intense duet with Fabio Lione while the instrumental passages tend to favor catchy bright guitar melodies, magnificent multilayered symphonic arrangements and solemn choirs. 

The title track is characterized by a major theatrical momentum emphasized by the complex vocal harmonies & choirs and the dazzling details of the sumptuous symphonic tapestries flourishing through the main guitar driven rhythmic core. 

“Decoding The Multiverse” offers another elaborate mixture of lavish operatic elements and elegant symphonic arrangements that constantly embellish the crunchy rhythmic sections plus the lead guitar work showcases an irresistible neoclassical flair .

With lyrics in Italian and poignant vocals “Amata Immortale” feels like a classical opera that reaches an incredibly dramatic pathos through the elegant piano melodies and the tragic melancholia expressed by the lavish vocals. 

“Arcanum (Da Vinci’s Enigma)” surprises with the initial futuristic quasi dystopian atmosphere but later the grand symphonic themes return with the radiant orchestrations and the flawless guitar leads while at times vocals and piano manage to convey calmer nostalgic vibes. 

With “Zero Gravity (Rebirth And Evolution)” this new incarnation of Rhapsody clearly aims to represent a modern symphonic metal opus that certainly benefits from the excellent musicianship and impeccable production.