Back in 2017 Cellar Darling shared their powerful music vision with the debut album “This Is The Sound” and now the time has come to embark on a new journey symbolized by the sophomore full length “The Spell” which is also a dark fairytale telling the story of an unnamed girl who falls in love with death.  

The album opener “Pain” aptly puts a spell on you with the magical folk arrangements and hurdy-gurdy melodies accompanied by the elegant vocal delivery leading to peaceful feelings in contrast with the heavier rhythmic momentum fully expressed by the crunchy guitar riffs.

While on “Death” guitars can often acquire heavy darkened tonalities the compelling melodic depth comes from the otherworldly flute melodies and the lavish multifaceted vocal harmonies that shift from the catchy delivery of the chorus to the softer introspective delivery.

The title track features immensely melancholic soundscapes as the whole melodic ensemble craft intricate instrumental passages that benefit from the mixture of daydreaming folk nuances and somber guitar work while Anna’s simply spellbinding vocals render this track particularly sophisticated.  

On “Burn” guitars have a delicious edgy rock mood that leads to heavy and utterly eerie grooves following bold rhythmic dynamics but there are also dramatic moments enhanced by the darkly heartfelt melodies and dreamlike atmospheric arrangements.

“Insomnia” shines for the heavier prog influences of the galloping guitar riffs and the eclectic rhythmic variations without sacrificing the inner pensive melodic nature that once again is intensely emphasized by the impeccable warm vocals and the ethereal piano passages.

“Drown” can feel like an immersive sonic experience as well as a dreamy ballad with subtle atmospheric accents and the calming sound of the sea but also features profoundly darkened themes amplified by the gritty guitar riffage in the background while the hurdy-gurdy obviously adds a graceful folk aura.   

On “Death Pt. II” emotions become an essential part of the song that inevitably acquires a profoundly melancholic mood allowing Anna’s voice to take the spotlight with a particularly moving performance accompanied by the sheer beauty of enchanting piano melodies.  

In just few years Cellar Darling have already developed a unique music style that becomes even more fascinating and complex blending edgy prog elements and magical folk themes on “The Spell” which ultimately confirms that the band has great potential to stand out in the current metal scene.

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

So many have been waiting for a new full length by renowned Finnish metallers Children Of Bodom and finally the time has come for “Hexed” to unleash the expected brilliant shredding within the band’s signature melo-death sonic realm.

“This Road” is a quite energetic album opener starting immediately with frenetic guitar driven grooves amplified by massive drum blasts but certainly the opulent keyboards arrangements and the cool guitar licks stand out throughout the song with fascinating somber tonalities.

“Under Grass And Clover” has a stronger positive energy as guitar leads and keyboards here channel major catchy ‘80s influences nevertheless vocals sound as enraged as possible just like the crunchy guitar riffs.

In the beginning “Hecate’s Nightmare” feels like a creepy lullaby with dominant gothic tinged atmospheres and borderline diabolical growls surrounded by the refined keyboards tapestries that add subtle symphonic accents while the charismatic guitar soloing relies on flamboyant shredding and classic metal vibes.

On the title track the lavish melodic combo of keyboards and guitars this time showcases exquisite neoclassical accents leading to a theatrical grandeur that naturally embellishes the fierce instrumental dynamics and the galloping extra heavy guitar riffs.

The composition of “Say Never Look Back” combines explosive grooves and melodic phrases as once again smooth guitars and keyboards work harmoniously to craft sophisticated instrumental passages often characterized by cold darkened nuances.

“Soon Departed” enhances a dramatic momentum allowing the slightly slower melancholic guitar work to take the center stage and deliver loads of catchy bittersweet melodies in contrast with the scattered harsh rhythmic segments and rather angered vocals.

Children Of Bodom confidently add some eclectic twists constantly emphasized by the impressive musicianship on “Hexed” but also tend to follow the successful music formula that has generated great interest throughout the years.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-K8b-y3eDg

Mastermind Anton Kabanen continues his bombastic music endeavor with the band Beast In Black and is ready to deliver a brand new ‘80s melodic power metal galore on the sophomore album “From Hell With Love”.

On “Cry Out For A Hero” there is a lot of positive energy embedded in the anthemic power metal guitar riffs, the nostalgia infused melodies and the enjoyable upbeat rhythm that of course will reach the acme with the rather flamboyant shredding of the guitar solo.

The title track sounds more cheesy pushing on the danceable synth pop arrangements to embellish the main classic power metal core so often the rhythm is a bit slower and extra melodic leading to a triumphantly catchy chorus.  

“Repentless” relies on a full blown symphonic grandeur with loads of solemn keyboards and the warrior metal attitude of the majestic choirs that emphasize the powerful blend of crunchy guitar riffs and polished melodic textures.

The expected mellow ballad “Oceandeep” focuses on folkish elements, profoundly melancholic melodies and subtle atmospheric arrangements creating a mellow dreamy soundscape to support the dramatic vocal delivery.

On “This Is War” there are slightly darkened accents running through the traditional power metal patterns while guitar riffs and drums become noticeably heavier accompanied by a bold vocal performance and the atmospheric breakdown will evoke intense nostalgia.

The spirit of ‘80s heavy metal becomes utterly dominant on “No Surrender” so such familiar winning formula dictates solid rounds of chugging guitar riffs marching through up-tempo rhythmic patterns and the must-have fancy melodic soloing with extra shredding power.

Beast In Black plays it safe and everything on “From Hell With Love” follows a similar ‘80s influenced power metal pathway that was at the center of the composition of the debut album “Berserker” therefore you won’t find any innovative surprises here but a solid collection of catchy songs.  

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8qWbowzwZU