Septicflesh – Modern Primitive

Greek extreme metal titans Septicflesh have carefully shaped a unique sonic vision that today thrives within the magnificent blend of striking symphonic tapestries and immense fury of the brand new full-length “Modern Primitive” featuring a continuous collaboration with the Philharmonic Orchestra of Prague.
The inflamed album opener “The Collector” shines for the warm Mediterranean nuances of arpeggios and strings but the ruthless combo of unrestrained guitar riffs and malevolent growls is often bound to prevail within a pitchblack dimension.
On “Hierophant” the breathtaking solemn orchestrations and the cinematic atmospheric moments naturally enrich the crushing rhythmic onslaught which relies on the colossal guitar work and the precise drumming.
“Neuromancer” meticulously crafts spellbinding acoustic harmonies before engaging in an aggressive approach constantly fueled by the memorable fiery guitar riffs yet there will be more peaceful moments emphasizing a stunning melodic flow accompanied by passionate clean vocals.
“Coming Storm” reveals an obscure flair through the feverish orchestrations and the soaring riffage following a brutally fast tempo until an impeccable cinematic breakdown conveys major epic vibes featuring majestic choirs.
“Modern Primitives” demands your attention unleashing an overdose of monumental grooves and complex guitar progressions skillfully adorned by the elevated symphonic arrangements and the luminous atmospheric accents.
“A Dreadful Muse” focuses on impressive harsh dynamics as the scorching guitar riffs and the insane drum blasts feel very dominant marching through a dramatic atmospheric ensemble while the guitar leads showcase a poignant melodic essence.
As Septicflesh manifest a thrilling creative force and a remarkable musical prowess through an intricate composition, “Modern Primitive” dwells within a sonic realm of contrasting feelings where the undiluted darkness of death metal and the gripping symphonic elegance magically become entwined.

Watain -The Agony & Ecstasy of Watain

The unholy ascension of Swedish black metal icons Watain continues through the darkest depths of the majestic seventh studio album “The Agony & Ecstasy of Watain”.
Within the oppressive darkened realm of “Ecstasies In Night Infinite” visceral riffage and feverish drum blasts begin an unstoppable wild hunt through a twisted rhythmic maze adorned by the charismatic guitar leads.
The perilous journey continues with “The Howling” revolving around a primordial blackened force that successfully acquires addictive groovy black ‘n roll dynamics through the frostbitten guitar riffs and the tormented melodic licks.
The slightly slower tempo and the atmospheric gloom of “Serimosa” emphasize an ancestral spiritual essence as guitars have the chance to meticulously craft hypnotizing lugubrious melodic tapestries within a malignant rhythmic ensemble.
A decadent melodic flair lingers throughout “Before The Cataclysm” as guitars effortlessly shift from sheer brutality to intricate bewitching harmonies inevitably conveying tumultuous feelings and amplifying a fascinating dramatic depth.
A mysterious aura surrounds “We Remain” as extraordinaire guest vocalist Farida Lemouchi (Ex The Devil’s Blood, now in Molasses) delivers a spellbinding performance emphasizing the arcane power of the refined melodic guitar work reaching the acme with a cathartic solo.
“Septentrion” triumphantly follows an ominous blackened pathway as the malevolent growls express immense fury and the relentless guitar riffs diligently create monolithic rhythmic patterns enriched by exquisite sinister melodic phrases.
With a 25 year long career Watain aim to reach the equilibrium between sublime melodies and endless darkness while conjuring an intense black metal magic that will leave you shattered wandering through the gelid grooves of “The Agony & Ecstasy of Watain”.

The Hellacopters – Eyes Of Oblivion

Swedish iconic rockers The Hellacopters make an explosive comeback delivering irresistible grooves on the first full-length in 14-years entitled “Eyes Of Oblivion”.
“Reap A Hurricane” fully showcases a timeless rocker style with an overload of big & loud guitar riffs and flamboyant soloing leading to a memorable chorus that makes you wanna party all night long.
“So Sorry I Could Die” instantly conveys pure nostalgia and romanticism with the charismatic bittersweet vocal performance surrounded by the warm bluesy guitar progressions and the dazzling piano melodies.
Without any hesitation the title track returns to an energetic rhythmic rampage focusing on a successful combo of edgy guitar riffs and wild leads naturally channeling a glorious retro rock style.
“Beguiled” easily provides another super catchy chorus and an ideal dosage of guitar driven grooves enriched by a fervent solo and bright piano tonalities.
The slower tempo of “The Pressure’s On” evokes somber feelings and puts the spotlight on the melancholia infused guitar melodies and the soulful vocal delivery.
The party is still on as “Try Me Tonight” emphasizes a rebellious spirit with the addictive passionate chorus and the slick guitar work well supported by the cheerful stomping rhythmic section.
Despite the long hiatus The Hellacopters will certainly please their faithful fanbase and confirm their influential status with the supercharged vintage rock vibes of “Eyes Of Oblivion”.

Die Apokalyptischen Reiter – Wilde Kinder

Formed back in 1995 German innovative band Die Apokalyptischen Reiter continues to fearlessly evolve on the latest thrilling full-length “Wilde Kinder”.
The explosive album opener “Von Freiheit will ich singen” relies on an elaborate groovy mix of crunchy guitar riffs and triumphant keyboards arrangements to create a truly energetic rhythmic rampage amplified by the harsh vocal delivery.
A bewitching gothic industrial mood feels quite dominant on “Volle Kraft” as the relentless gritty riffage ensures a stomping rhythm while the darkened atmospheric tapestries lead to cathartic slower passages.
The title track can easily unleash aggressive rhythmic blasts due to the wild heavy metal approach of the unrestrained riffage in contrast with the luminous keyboards and guitar harmonies during the atmospheric breakdown.
“Leinen los” conveys somber emotions through the soothing arpeggios and the delightful polished melodic guitar leads yet the occasional powerful rhythmic crescendos accompanied by vicious growls generate darker vibes.
Surrounded by a mysterious atmosphere “Euer Gott ist der Tod” reveals a faster ferocious rhythmic assault channeling a primal extreme metal inspiration and even the calmer guitar progressions acquire intense obscure tonalities enhanced by the theatrical vocal performance featuring guest vocalist Sabine Scherer.
“Der Eisenhans” maintains a robust series of vitriolic guitar driven grooves leading to a memorable solemn chorus but an enchanting nostalgia emerges through the dreamy atmospheric textures and the cold nuances of the fancy guitar solo.
Manifesting an aptly apocalyptic sonic vision throughout “Wilde Kinder”, Die Apokalyptischen Reiter skillfully deliver a balanced blend of inflamed grooves and profound melancholy that will certainly please all the “Reitermania” fans.

Immolation – Acts Of God

Death metal veterans Immolation triumphantly channel a timeless & beloved old school style on the 11th studio album “Acts Of God” and you better be ready for an absolutely ferocious sonic assault.
“An Act Of God” consistently unleashes merciless dynamics through the monumental drumming and the relentless riffage yet within this frantic realm the stellar lead guitar work increases diversity with tasteful quasi melodic progressions.
The world of “The Age Of No Light” is aptly pitchblack as the cavernous growls guide you through an oppressive rhythmic maze skillfully embellished by pale melodic accents and flamboyant soloing.
“Noose Of Thorns” initially follows a slower tempo to emphasize the obscure guitar nuances destined to linger even when the impeccable rhythmic section gains the expected ravenous energy to build colossal grooves.
“Blooded” runs on a mighty rage that inevitably generates monolithic rhythmic patterns fueled by the abrasive combo of harsh guitar riffs and intriguing leads that once again manifests creativity and complexity.
“Overtures Of The Wicked” creates a chaotic sonic realm in proper death metal fashion with unrestrained drumming and visceral riffage but there are some interesting rhythmic twists leading to a glorious guitar solo.
On “Let the Darkness In” the fierce rhythmic section can naturally maintain a memorable groovy momentum but guitars will have a chance to deliver refined dismal melodic progressions emphasizing a perennial darkness.
There is a lot going on throughout “Apostle” as the blazing technical approach becomes dominant focusing on an overload of convoluted hostile rhythmic blasts amplified by the menacing growls.
Undoubtedly Immolation choose to stay true to their signature New York death metal sound consequently the strength of “Acts Of God” relies on the untamed rhythmic fury and the charismatic guitar work.

Hangman’s Chair – A Loner

French doom rock band Hangman’s Chair takes you on a dystopian trip through the decadent outskirts of Paris and the gloomy world of the latest full-length “A Loner”.
Focusing on a compelling emotional depth “An Ode To Breakdown” relies on the darkened guitar tonalities to craft harrowing melodic crescendos within a hazy atmospheric maze while the bold riffs & drumming can easily build a memorable groovy momentum.
Channeling grave emotions “Who Wants To Die Old” begins with hypnotic minimalist melodies accompanied by soulful vocals but the rhythm gradually acquires a darker energy through the irresistible fuzzy guitar riffs.
“Supreme” can easily convey an overwhelming melancholia as the dreamy post-metal influences feel stronger leading to slow-burning melodic progressions and murky atmospheric layers spiced up by scattered fiery grooves.
“Loner” feels hopeless and beautiful as we enter a subtle atmospheric daydream filled with wistful harmonies yet the rhythmic section will eventually engage in catchy goth inspired dynamics.
“A Thousand Miles Away” certainly embodies the album’s immense tristesse through the recurring monochromatic melodies and the consequent desolate soundscapes that will evolve into robust guitar driven grooves fueled by the significantly heavier riffage.
Throughout “A Loner” Hangman’s Chair inevitably evoke solitude and despair, shaping an honest sonic vision that naturally shifts from mournful doom elements to shimmering atmospheric splendor.

Kataklysm Live at Metro in Chicago

Canadian death metal titans Kataklysm return to perform live in full force on the current ‘North America Moments’ tour with Dark Tranquillity and Nailed To Obscurity. As true stage veterans Kataklysm proudly unleashed a heavy hitter setlist during their show at the Metro in Chicago including “Underneath The Scars”, “Focused To Destroy You” and “The Killshot” from the crushing latest record “Unconquered” and of course favorite songs like “Taking The World By Storm” and “The Black Sheep” instantly triggered a moshpit.

Nailed To Obscurity Live at Metro in Chicago

German melodic death/doom metallers Nailed To Obscurity recently released the brand new dark & melancholic single “Liquid Mourning” via Nuclear Blast Records and for the first time embarked on a massive North American tour supporting labelmates Kataklysm and Swedish titans Dark Tranquillity. During their live performance at the Metro in Chicago Nailed To Obscurity definitely conquered new acolytes delivering a captivating blend of aggressive grooves and sorrowful melodic grandeur with a memorable setlist that included the latest full length title track “Black Frost”, the new single “Liquid Mourning”, “The Aberrant Host” and “Desolate Ruin”.

Celeste – Assassine(s)

French avant-garde black metal band Celeste embarks on an immersive journey through the harrowing soundscapes of the latest record “Assassine(s)”.
On “Des Torrents De Coups” the fiery combo of untamed riffage and monumental drumming generates hostile rhythmic blasts that seamlessly become entwined with the stark beauty of the contemplative melodic guitar progressions.
“Nonchalantes de beauté” relies on the savage screams and the raw energy of the precise rhythmic section to amplify a profound sense of despair yet the monochromatic guitar tonalities eventually evolve into gloomy melodic tapestries flowing gently through a blurry atmosphere.
“Il a tant rêvé d’elles” showcases a primordial approach as the gritty guitar sound and the sludge influences lead to heavier & faster rhythmic segments yet an immense melancholia is destined to emerge through the decadent post-metal melodic flair.
“Elle se répète froidement” rightfully puts the spotlight on the haunting melodic guitar phrases and the shimmering atmospheric accents yet the band doesn’t refrain from channeling pure brutality through an inflamed rhythmic rampage.
“Le cœur noir charbon” demands your attention as the visceral guitar riffs naturally build an intense rhythmic tension within a quite frantic sonic realm emphasized by the ruthless growls in contrast with the fragile atmospheric arrangements and the ethereal vocal harmonies courtesy of guest vocalist Emily Marks.
Throughout “Assassine(s)” Celeste have the ability to perfectly balance mysterious atmospheric nuances and aggressive blackened blasts inevitably conveying grim emotions and sheer passion.