Doom metal quartet Pallbearer returns with the fourth full length “Forgotten Days” which promises to deliver a massive dosage of crushing dynamics without sacrificing the expression of genuine emotions.  

The title track delivers the expected dodge of monumental doom riffs and robust drumming which effortlessly create a majestic rhythmic core while the captivating guitar solo adds an elegant and quite somber melodic touch. 

The classic doom roots are still evident on “Riverbed” within the rhythmic maze that highlights the weight of the guitar riffs yet a poignant melodic essence is destined to flourish through the darkly soothing harmonies, the refined leads and the sorrowful vocals. 

Throughout the lengthy track “Silver Wings” the band shifts between the darkened force of the heavy riffage and the cathartic nature of the melodic guitar work which also emphasizes the bittersweet vocal delivery and the consequent profound sense of nostalgia at times will lead to slower downcast progressions and ethereal atmospheric textures. 

Even if the mournful doom flair feels dominant throughout “The Quicksand Of Existing” with an overdose of solemn & sophisticated progressions, guitars still have a chance to deliver faster groovy rhythmic blasts. 

In the beginning “Caledonia” maintains a harrowing heavy approach courtesy of a towering rhythmic section but guitars will eventually embrace an emotionally charged melodic ensemble leading to gentle acoustic moments. 

Listening carefully to “Forgotten Days” you will perceive a strong introspective nature that inevitably influences the traditional doom metal pathway as Pallbearer deliberately amplify the emotional aspects often focusing on a fascinating crestfallen melodic flair. 

Earlier this year doom metal legends My Dying Bride made a triumphant comeback with the acclaimed full length “The Ghost Of Orion” and now they are ready to please their faithful acolytes with the darkly alluring new EP “Macabre Cabaret”. 

The title track is a memorable work of art surrounded by the enticing darkness of the organ arrangements and the sombre atmospheric layers while the guitar melodies hold an irresistible gothic flair carefully mixed with the obscure weight of the doom rhythmic progressions and Aaron Stainthorpe’s dramatic vocal delivery evokes contrasting emotions through the bleak soundscapes.     

With an ambient/experimental composition “A Purse Of Gold And Stars” puts aside the heavy doom style to focus on the decadent beauty of the ethereal atmospheric tapestries and the elegant piano melodies that emphasize the emotional struggle expressed by the forlorn vocals. 

“A Secret Kiss” is a significantly heavier track that highlights the doom grandeur with dreadful growls and a series of grave rhythmic patterns constantly fueled by the darkened force of the guitar riffs and the monolithic drumming. 

In a realm of shadows and dark love, My Dying Bride successfully create a lavish melancholia infused opus and even if “Macabre Cabaret” is a short EP it still maintains the band’s signature style with undiluted passion. 

Featuring current and previous members of Dimmu Borgir, Morgoth, Nile, Napalm Death, and Susperia, Norwegian death metal collective Insidious Disease unleashes the first album in a decade “After Death” which celebrates a rebirth with an overdose of ravenous grooves. 

The obscure journey begins with the distant darkened tonalities of “Soul Excavation” that lead to a generous dosage of tight riffs supported by frantic drum blasts and vicious growls while the guitar solo delivers tormented melodic phrases. 

On “Divine Fire” the recurring melodic guitar work feels like a hymn to darkness and introduces a proper death metal sonic assault where the precise rhythmic section always has a chance to create relentless grooves.  

Throughout “Unguided Immortality” you will find a balanced mix of anguished melodic guitar licks and faster unrestrained rhythmic dynamics that certainly channel the glorious days of classic death metal.  

The angered mood of “Enforcers Of The Plague” is constantly fueled by the ruthless rhythmic section that ensures an aggressive death metal momentum perfectly matched by the hellish growls while the lead guitar work can add a mournful melodic flair. 

On “An End Date For The World” the robust riffage and the monumental drumming generate asphyxiating rhythmic patterns while the darkly melodic leads flourish within a dystopian atmosphere.  

The arcane sonic realm of “Nefarious Atonement” is filled with malignant guitar riffs and belligerent growls that seem to embody a tortured soul yet the harsh rhythmic segments will give way to a series of grave guitar melodies. 

Darkness descends throughout “After Death” as Insidious Disease confidently embrace a modern death metal approach that demands venomous guitar driven grooves and sinister vibes.

 

Norwegian black-prog metal pioneers Enslaved have reached another crucial milestone with the release of the ambitious 15th album “Utgard” which in Norse mythology is a landscape where the giants dwell but here represents something more complex or even a realm beyond your own consciousness. 

The solemn chants on “Fires In The Dark” easily convey a gelid atmosphere that matches the band’s Viking spirit and even if the acoustic phrases can add a melancholic shroud while some rhythmic patterns showcase follow an eclectic prog pathway the vicious growls and the inflamed guitar riffs still belong to a primal sonic realm.  

The faster rhythmic rampage throughout “Jettegryta” can certainly channel an arcane black metal essence further amplified by the intensity of the hellish growls yet there are some intriguing prog twists and dazzling keyboards arrangements which add diversity.  

“Sequence” relies on a series of robust guitar driven grooves skillfully entwined with intricate keyboards layers that can create a fascinating contrast between the darkened vibes of the riffage and the luminous atmospheric nuances naturally emphasizing the song’s introspective nature. 

While the raw energy of the fierce guitar riffs and the shattering blackened dynamics hold a significant role, “Flight Of Thought And Memory” offers glowing melodic crescendos and cathartic feelings clearly expressed by the soothing clean vocals and the hazy atmospheric arrangements. 

“Storms Of Utgard” gravitates towards a balanced mixture of complex prog oriented patterns that reach the acme with a particularly alluring guitar solo and savage darkened rhythmic segments amplified by the furious growls successfully evoking an emotional turmoil. 

The journey into and through “Utgard” can be challenging and at the same time enchanting as Enslaved courageously continue to follow a convoluted avant-garde sonic evolution which might often diverge from the style of their early discography but is definitely bound to pleasantly surprise the listeners.  

During the last decade Amaranthe have developed an explosive modern metal style that today aims to reach new heights with the inflamed energy of the latest full length “Manifest”.  

“Fearless” ensures the expected bombastic beginning of the album combining futuristic accents and heavy riffage to create robust rhythmic blasts while the chorus certainly sounds radio friendly with a polished melodic flair. 

“Make It Better” can feel quite aggressive as the powerful guitar riffs lead the way to a shiny electro infused sonic realm where all the vocalists have a chance to shine and build together a super catchy chorus. 

As the title suggests “Adrenaline” relies on energetic rhythmic patterns featuring monumental drumming and fancy guitar soloing but at the core you will find plenty of accessible pop elements emphasized by the dazzling keyboards. 

Featuring guest vocalist Noora Louhimo of Battle Beast “Strong” focuses on the fascinating vocal duet which can definitely express a sense of empowerment accompanied by shimmering synths arrangements and memorable rhythmic dynamics.  

On “The Game” the multilayered synths have a fundamental role generating a futuristic mood around the glowing vocal harmonies that amplify the inner melodic essence in contrast with the fiery riffage and the vicious growls. 

There is a darkened atmosphere lingering through “Archangel” which tends to focus on a heavier rhythm embellished by an overload of moody electronic accents while the big chorus manages to maintain catchy melodic vibes. 

“Die And Wake Up” is full of playful rhythmic dynamics unfolding around the excellent vocal interplay and obviously while the chorus continues to put the spotlight on Elize Ryd’s alluring voice the guitar driven heavier momentum is enhanced by Henrik Englund Wilhelmsson’s spiteful growls.  

Undoubtedly the strength of “Manifest” comes from the creative force of guitarist Olof Mörck and the charming blend of three different voices, in fact this release demonstrates that Amaranthe are steadily following a rather successful musical pathway. 

German heavy metal veterans Primal Fear reach another major milestone with the release of the 13th album “Metal Commando” revolving around heavy guitar driven grooves and darkened melodies. 

“I Am Alive” opens the album with great energy as the inflamed guitar riffs and the fancy shredding introduce a flawless groovy sonic realm channeling an overdose of classic heavy metal vibes and the bold rhythmic section will embrace a melodic pathway during the catchy chorus. 

“Along Came The Devil” continues to unleash mighty guitar riffs supported by the precise rhythmic section that as expected will trigger instant headbanging while the vocals can effortlessly deliver devilish high pitch screams.

With a slightly slower tempo “Hear Me Calling” emphasizes the stellar melodic guitar work which naturally shifts from mellow harmonies to flamboyant soloing while the sing along chorus definitely amplifies the song’s emotive essence. 

“My Name Is Fear” is another wild track with a significant old school approach fueled by the massive chunky guitar riffs that obviously generate a series of powerful rhythmic dynamics enriched by melodic elements and the excellent shredding galore of the solo. 

Throughout “Howl Of The Banshee” guitars rightfully maintain the spotlight crafting a generous dosage of relentless riffage and melodic hooks especially evident during the charismatic solos and the memorable chorus. 

The lengthy final track “Infinity” offers recurring darkened contemplative atmospheric arrangements which amplify the intense melancholia that characterizes the refined guitar melodies and the poignant vocal delivery yet the untamed rhythmic patterns and the impressive guitar solos will also showcase a strong epic flair within the faster & heavier segments. 

Primal Fear have been around for 22 years and listening to “Metal Commando” you will quickly understand that they are still driven and inspired by a genuine passion for heavy metal that even today seems simply unstoppable. 

Australian blackened deathcore outfit Aversions Crown begin a new sonic endeavor with a finalized line-up and a ferocious energy on the latest full length “Hell Will Come For Us All”. 

The cold atmospheric intro on “The Soil” foreshadows the darkened vibes that surround the savage rhythmic section and the precise guitar riffs accompanied by belligerent growls constantly amplify the aggressive sonic pathway. 

On “Paradigm” the lead guitar work immediately showcases a technical flair leading to vicious rhythmic blasts well supported by the breakneck speed of the drums while a gloomy atmosphere will trigger a contemplative melodic breakdown. 

You simply cannot escape the darkness running through the title track as the mournful ambience introduces an unrestrained rhythmic assault filled with abrasive guitar riffs, ruthless drum blasts and spiteful growls yet the guitar leads add some fascinating melodic progressions. 

“Sorrow Never Sleeps” dwells within a somber atmospheric realm where guitars naturally acquire dismal tonalities to create crestfallen melodic crescendos but certainly the band doesn’t sacrifice the inner anger as demonstrated by the moments of sheer brutality concocted by an explosive rhythmic section. 

“The Final Judgement” brings closure with a dismal mood reminding us that the end is near so the dramatic atmospheric ensemble evokes grim feelings matched by the darkened guitar harmonies flourishing through the merciless rhythmic patterns. 

The world of “Hell Will Come For Us All” is filled with fury and sorrows as Aversions Crown focus on a visceral technical songwriting approach embellished by a fair dosage of impeccable melodic twists. 

Polish death metal icons Vader have been around for 37 years and are ready to begin a new chapter in their long successful history with the release of the 16th studio album “Solitude In Madness” which definitely proves that they have no intention to stop delivering merciless grooves. 

“Shock And Awe” announces an imminent destruction with the fast unrestrained march of the rhythmic section and through these massive bursts of fury the lead guitars effortlessly add variety with some charismatic licks. 

“Incineration Of The Gods” begins with precise drum blasts and the rhythm gradually acquires more speed and malevolent vibes amplified by the venomous screams and the sharp guitar riffs that will give way to a satisfying fancy solo.  

The obscure mood of “Sanctification Denied” is fueled by a consistent series of visceral rhythmic dynamics and the ominous guitar tones are bound to make an impact delivering fiery riffage and skillful shredding. 

“Emptiness” certainly maintains a robust rhythmic rampage with all the moshpit friendly riffs but the lead guitar work is destined to steal the spotlight crafting majestic shredding and alluring darkened melodic phrases.  

“Final Declaration” goes straight to a ferocious rhythmic assault based on an old school death metal formula in fact guitars are always ready to induce instant headbanging with energetic riffs and masterful soloing. 

The mid-tempo rhythm of “Bones” still favors crushing guitar driven grooves accompanied by the absolutely menacing vocal delivery but this is not just a chaotic sonic realm as the lead guitar work has the capacity to diversify the main patterns with sophisticated melodic progressions. 

Those already familiar with Vader’s extensive discography will be pleased to see that “Solitude In Madness” stays true to the band’s legendary death metal legacy providing the expected generous dosage of ruthless dynamics. 

In the realm of occult rock Witchcraft holds an influential status but on the new acoustic album “Black Metal” founder and sole remaining member Magnus Pelander chooses a different direction focusing on a minimalist and deeply emotive approach. 

“Elegantly Expressed Depression” perfectly represents the grim and probably depressing feelings of the whole album as the sheer beauty of the monochromatic acoustic passages surrounds Magnus’s solemn vocal delivery creating a quite intense emotional turmoil. 

“Sad People” might in fact make you feel sad due to the slow & quiet mournful guitar phrases that highlight the essential role of the heart wrenching vocals. 

“Grow” is a longer track that manages to channel some darkened vibes while maintaining a relaxed stripped back acoustic approach shifting from extra mellow arpeggios to understated rhythmic crescendos that match the contrasting emotions expressed by the vocals. 

On the brief final track “Take Him Away” the acoustic phrases and the whispered vocals create a simply contemplative atmosphere. 

From an album entitled “Black Metal” you might have expected some ominous heavy grooves instead Witchcraft focuses exclusively on a gloomy acoustic ensemble so in the end this new release turns out to be widely accessible. 

Beloved pioneers of gothic/doom metal Paradise Lost have been creating unforgettable music for 32 years and now it’s time to reach another crucial milestone with the spellbinding gloom of the new full length “Obsidian”. 

“Darker Thoughts” opens the album with the melodic splendor of melancholic arpeggios and eloquent strings before entering a majestic gothic metal realm where the ominous growls and the fascinating darkened tonalities of the guitar soloing enrich the memorable rhythmic ensemble. 

“Fall From Grace” immediately grabs your attention with a monolithic doom metal formula offering an overdose of dismal groovy segments carefully built by the mix of crunchy riffs and captivating nostalgic guitar progressions that constantly convey a grim emotional turmoil. 

The moody rhythm of “Ghosts” makes you want to dance under the moonlight and the absolutely catchy goth mood is deeply amplified by the gloomy chorus and the haunting beauty of the melodic guitar phrases. 

While “The Devil Embraced” often features ethereal harmonies accompanied by heartfelt clean vocals the rhythmic section will soon embrace a mournful doom metal pathway with heavier monumental guitar riffs enhanced by the cathartic nature of the elaborate solo. 

“Forsaken” is surrounded by the evocative darkened aura of the delicate atmospheric waves that always emphasize the gothic grandeur of the fiery guitar progressions and the groovy rhythmic blasts. 

With a slower rhythm “Ending Days” takes the chance to highlight poignant feelings through the melancholic clean vocal delivery and the lavish melodic guitar work effortlessly increases the dramatic depth with wistful phrases and inflamed soloing. 

The perennial eerie atmosphere of  “Ravenghast” intensifies the mesmerizing obscure essence embedded in the lugubrious rhythmic crescendos and the solemn guitar work crafts an overload of ravishing dynamics that clearly follow a mighty doom metal inspiration. 

“Obsidian” can easily conquer your broken soul as Paradise Lost perfectly keep a balanced blend of heavier doom patterns and bewitching melodic progressions conjuring their influential legacy but also confidently moving forward to embrace a natural evolution that ultimately proves that after so many years they are still essential within the current metal scene.