Progressive extreme metal band Aenimus is ready to share with the world the crushing dynamics and the lavish melodic tapestries of the sophomore album “Dreamcatcher” which is conceptually inspired by horror novels and movies.

“Before The Eons” has its brutal moments channeling sheer technical death metal majesty with super tight riffage and precise drumming yet the song is full of enthralling melodic guitar leads characterized by luminous tonalities and graceful emotions that naturally match the dreamy moments.

“Eternal” offers audacious deathcore twists to the steady ferocious sonic assault featuring the expected progressive technical approach of the guitar riffs & fancy melodic soloing marching confidently through odd tempo variations while growls and clean vocals aim to convey contrasting feelings.  

“The Ritual” begins with a darkened suspenseful atmosphere and will soon continue to deliver frenetic rhythmic patterns where the intense guitar work tends to stand out for the skillful technique and savage riffing that will eventually give way to gloomy melodic solos and a solemn symphonic grand finale.  

Extreme speed and a fierce death metal core are fundamental on “The Dark Triad” yet the band often leaves behind such aggressive approach to craft arcane atmospheric textures that surround another round of brighter and stylish prog oriented guitar soloing .

“The Overlook” immediately unleashes loads of merciless grooves as fiery guitar riffs follow insane rhythmic variations supported by a wicked bass & drums combo until tempo slows down dramatically to put the spotlight on the major guitar shredding.  

The instrumental title track holds a cinematic approach that tends to leave behind any sign of rage to allow the melodic guitar work to truly shine and deliver loads of tasteful crispy progressions through mysterious atmospheric waves without an exaggerated technical approach.

With the release of “Dreamcatcher” the future of Aenimus definitely looks bright as the band put a lot of effort in the creation of a solid collection of songs that stands out for the technical musicianship and the refined melodic aesthetics.

Back in 1999 mastermind Tobias Sammet created the critically acclaimed all-star rock opera Avantasia that certainly has garnered a great success worldwide and the new ambitious opus entitled “Moonglow” represents another fascinating milestone with conceptual themes inspired by dark romanticism and Victorian tales.  

“Ghost In The Moon” marks a grandiose beginning effortlessly blending accessible melodic moments featuring the sheer elegance and melancholy of classical piano pieces, majestic orchestrations and an inner classic rock attitude that emerges through the polished guitar work. The whole composition and fancy execution here aim to constantly showcase the proper theatrical approach of a rock opera that will truly shine as a live performance.

The upbeat grooves of “Book Of Shallows” combine the bombastic energy of power metal and traditional heavy metal as guitars maintain a dominant role delivering tight & faster riffs as well as tasteful melodic progressions while the whole instrumental ensemble is definitely enriched by the multifaceted vocal performances which this time feature Hansi Kürsch of Blind Guardian, ex Masterplan Jørn Lande, Ronnie Atkins of Pretty Maids and Mille Petrozza of Kreator.

The dramatic nuances of “The Raven Child” lead to refined orchestrations that allow the poignant vocals of Hansi Kürsch and Jorn Lande to take the center stage. While this lengthy song always maintains an underlying mellow gloom, it features several compelling style variations with particularly opulent arrangements channeling classical & symphonic inspiration and wilder heavy moments with sharp guitar riffage and enthusiastic groovy rhythmic sections.

The unmistakable voice of Geoff Tate is a perfect fit for the nostalgia infused tonalities of “Invincible” which focuses mainly on the expression of passionate feelings with graceful atmospheric arrangements and ballad style soft piano melodies.

On “Alchemy” suspenseful atmospheric textures introduce a compelling blend of soulful melodies and memorable guitar driven grooves while Geoff Tate never disappoints with an incredible vocal performance that naturally enhances the progressive aspects of the elaborate instrumental passages.

On “The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn” the vocals performed by Ronnie Atkins, Jorn Lande, Eric Martin, Bob Catley and Geoff Tate certainly provide a high degree of diversity within the sophisticated composition where rich multi layered arrangements surround a widely accessible melodic ensemble while keeping a traditional power metal approach with triumphant guitar riffs and flamboyant soloing.

Avantasia confidently deliver another passionate music experience and the majestic detailed composition behind “Moonglow” leads to an intricate work of music that has the ability to take you far away with its compelling melodic splendor and so many charismatic vocal performances.

Swedish metallers Soilwork are certainly renowned worldwide for their explosive melodeath style and the highly anticipated full length “Verkligheten” proves once more the band’s relevant status in the modern metal scene with a genuine creative force.

No one could doubt the thunderous charisma of “Arrival” as guitars skillfully embrace heavy dynamics crafting furious riffs amplified by fiery growls but the song’s strength relies also on the poignant melodies, later emphasized by the smooth soloing, and the irresistible chorus.

There are so many cold melancholic melodies on “Full Moon Shoals” that naturally evoke an emotional whirlwind enriched by Björn’s dramatic clean vocals yet this track packs some majestic groovy moments with the right dosage of sharp riffage and fancy guitar soloing.

“The Nurturing Glance” conveys contrasting feelings as calm guitar melodies sound utterly nostalgic yet the faster bouncy grooves are full of positive energy that will be further enhanced by the memorable catchy tonalities of the vibrant chorus.

Featuring guest vocalist Alissa White-Gluz of Arch Enemy growling in the background,  “Stålfågel” revolves around a colder & darker sonic vision with somber atmospheric arrangements, gloomy guitar nuances and loads of crispy bittersweet clean vocals.

On “Witan” a heavier momentum generates plenty of inflamed guitar riffs and borderline ferocious rhythmic dynamics yet the chorus offers vivid melancholy infused melodies.

The dramatic nature of “The Ageless Whisper” comes from the refined guitar melodies and solo flowing through dreamy atmospheres that will eventually give way to a blend of anthemic rock vibes and harsher dynamics.

Featuring the intense growls of guest vocalist Tomi Joutsen of Amorphis “Needles And Kin” engage the listeners with stylish Nordic tonalities leading to extremely enraged guitar driven grooves following a faster roaring rhythm while Björn delivers impeccably heartfelt vocal harmonies.

Since the first listening “Verkligheten” will inspire you with its inner catchy mood and move you with the several melodic moments as Soilwork deliberately disregard any current metal trend to confidently deliver a collection of songs that will give you a chance to escape reality.