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.

Battle Beast – Circus Of Doom

Finnish heavy metal band Battle Beast returns triumphantly with the new explosive album “Circus Of Doom” promising big hooks and theatrical symphonic grandeur.
In the beginning the keyboards on the title track surprise you with a delicious darkened aura introducing a winning combo of galloping guitar riffs and sober operatic choirs that smoothly unravel around Noora Louhimo’s majestic voice.
“Wings Of Light” immediately showcases strong power metal vibes with an inflamed rhythmic rampage embellished by energetic guitar leads and elegant atmospheric tapestries leading to an irresistible chorus.
Throughout “Master Of Illusion” the glowing keyboards layers channel dazzling 80s vibes so you can expect a bit of nostalgia here while guitars naturally shift from crunchy riffage to refined melodic licks.
While “Where Angels Fear To Fly” can certainly keep a groovy momentum enhanced by the monumental keyboards arrangements a soothing melodic essence emerges through the luminous atmospheric textures.
The old school metal spirit thrives within the bouncy rhythmic patterns of “Freedom” once again enriched by Noora’s vibrant vocal harmonies while the solemn choirs can convey a dramatic depth.
“Place That We Call Home” feels like an anthemic power metal tune relying on the soaring guitar riffs and the pummeling drumming that will ultimately lead to a ‘ready for battle’ chorus emphasized by the high pitched vocal delivery and the imposing orchestrations.
On “Circus Of Doom” Battle Beast proudly continue to follow a successful classic heavy metal pathway packed with catchy power metal dynamics and evocative melodies that undoubtedly revolve around Noora’s striking vocal range.

Hypocrisy – Worship

It’s been a long time but Swedish melodic death metal veterans Hypocrisy are finally releasing the new full-length “Worship” staying true to their signature sound and extraterrestrial themes to pack a massive dosage of vicious grooves.
After a mellow acoustic intro the title track diligently prepares a violent rhythmic assault as the visceral guitar riffs and the extra speed constantly channel the ominous force of classic death metal.
Within the dystopian atmosphere of “Chemical Whore” the charismatic melodic guitar progressions and the galloping riffage acquire darkened tonalities following a slightly slower tempo while the growls still sound absolutely ferocious.
On “We’re The Walking Dead” the understated somber atmospheric layers emphasize overwhelming grim feelings consequently guitars shift the focus to refined melodic textures perfectly supported by the monolithic drumming.
The dramatic depth of “Children Of The Gray” leads to a balanced mix of dismal melodic phrases and soaring guitar riffs that can effortlessly maintain a memorable groovy momentum enhanced by the powerful chorus.
A cold melancholia lingers through “Bug In The Net” as the slower pace and the perennial bleak atmospheric ensemble highlight a contemplative melodic flow and even the growls sound more mournful.
“Gods Of The Underground” puts the spotlight on heavier aggressive grooves as the relentless sharp riffs unravel around Peter Tägtgren’s insane growls while the lead guitar work evokes grave emotions through flawless harrowing melodies.
After many successful records Hypocrisy proudly continue to follow a remarkable sonic vision that today generates a solid blend of sheer brutality and gloomy melodic tapestries on “Worship”.

Exodus – Persona Non Grata

Masters of thrash metal Exodus reach another milestone in their successful long standing career with the release of the crushing eleventh album “Persona Non Grata”.
The title track demonstrates that Exodus still have the necessary energy to create memorable thrash metal dynamics with an overdose of merciless guitar riffs marching fiercely through an explosive rhythmic maze definitely enriched by the impressive soloing.
“R.E.M.F” begins with a terrific combo of sharp riffage and monumental drums and the resulting raw energy gradually leads to a classic thrash metal formula that demands a crazy moshpit.
“Slipping Into Madness” continues to unleash massive grooves putting the spotlight on the vicious tones of the soaring guitars and the chorus will inevitably get stuck in your head.
“Prescribing Horror” presents a quite gloomy scenario focusing on the slower tempo and the mournful guitar melodies accompanied by a malevolent vocal delivery but you can still expect a fair dosage of hostile guitar riffs and elaborate leads.
The traditional thrash metal flair thrives within the gritty grooves of “The Years Of Death And Dying” highlighting the brilliant guitar work shifting from galloping heavy riffage to fancy intricate solos.
The southern flavor of acoustic guitars introduces another round of blazing grooves on “Lunatic Liar Lord” and once again the thrilling guitar solos offer diversity and technical prowess.
The anthemic thrash metal style of “Antiseed” generates faster abrasive rhythmic blasts featuring precise drumming and relentless ravenous riffs that reach the acme with an extensive wild guitar solo.
The unstoppable visceral guitar driven grooves at the core of “Persona Non Grata” will certainly satisfy the faithful acolytes as Exodus proudly stay true to their untamed thrash metal legacy exploring themes of societal degradation.