Norwegian avant-garde metal stalwarts In The Woods… pay homage to the natural beauty and essence of their homeland throughout the multidimensional melancholic world of the new studio effort “Otra”.
“The Things You Shouldn’t Know” has the power to hypnotize the listeners as the poignant main melodic themes express genuine emotions with alluring guitar progressions and contemplative vocals while the mighty rhythmic section can still acquire speed and aggression channeling darker forces.
A somber piano introduces the heavy energetic structure of “The Crimson Crown” centered around the contrasting feelings fueled by blackened harsh rhythmic blast amplified by vicious growls and deeply sorrowful melodic phrases.
The harmonious soul of “The Kiss and the Lie” is made of pure eternal melancholia as the gloomy guitar tonalities reach an evident emotional depth but you can also appreciate how the band’s primordial roots generate colossal ominous riffs.
You still get an overload of obscure energy during the twisted rhythmic rampage of “The Wandering Deity” yet it symbolizes a mystical album’s closure as the evocative melodic composition once again highlights a spiritual vision enhanced by a majestic theatrical vocal performance.
Inspired by the power of the river Otra running through the heart of Kristiansand, In The Woods… confidently embark on a wonderful journey through gloomy landscapes and the eclectic album “Otra” officially marks the beginning of a new era.

Finnish black metal shapeshifters Hexvessel invite all travellers to join their journey to the nightside and manifest a convoluted artistic development with the majestic composition of the seventh full length “Nocturne”.
“Sapphire Zephyrs” is filled with a sense of solitude and gloom that you just cannot escape and you can easily appreciate the complex blend of melancholic piano melodies and overwhelming guitar aggression enriched by a charismatic progressive flair and adorned by theatrical operatic backing vocals.
The monolithic track “Inward Landscapes” features an epic approach with an imposing vocal delivery and intense rhythmic crescendos spontaneously leading to a cathartic acoustic momentum.
Hexvessel instantly summon the strength of nature on “Spirit Masked Wolf” favoring your spiritual growth with solemn vocals and tempestuous rhythmic dynamics celebrating an enigmatic blackened quintessence.
“Nigths Tender Reckoning” spellbinds the audience with a poetic vocal performance enhanced by the elaborate guitar work shifting effortlessly from glacial riffs to bittersweet melodic phrases.
Listening to the short yet eloquent track “Concealed Descent” we take a break from reality and bask in the moonlight lulled by heartwrenching acoustic melodies and contemplative soft vocals.
We search for enlightenment throughout “Phoebus” following blindly the fascinating vocal harmonies that naturally reach a palpable emotional depth in contrast with the chaotic rhythmic rampage inevitably fueled by an obscure energy.
At times “Nocturne” feels like a decadently romantic operetta with an abundance of classical references yet the mighty black metal spirit can always arise as Hexvessel audaciously invoke ancestral forces to capture the essence of night.

Australian black metal duo Austere fearlessly dives into a dark desolate sonic realm with the new full length “The Stillness of Dissolution”.
“Dissolved Exile” instantly covers everything under a shroud of frost as the gelid guitar’s sound and the somber melodic crescendos reminisce of a beloved depressive Scandinavian approach.
Surrounded by a murky atmosphere “Rusted Veins” unfolds a particularly groovy rhythmic core with the right dosage of relentless guitar riffs enriched by compelling melodic leads.
“The Downfall” slows down to focus on mellow dreamy nuances complemented by a dramatic clean vocal delivery that will shift to desperate screams followed by crushing riffs to remind us that darkness will always prevail.
Staying true to the title “Storm within My Heart” conveys an emotional turmoil with a series of violent rhythmic progressions and the fragile beauty of the crestfallen melodic guitar work, ultimately airy arpeggios lead to a perfectly bleak album’s closure.
Throughout “The Stillness of Dissolution” Austere never cease to show their strong roots in early Norse black metal as well as a fascinating darkened melodic essence to portray a world of perennial melancholia.

Dutch rock band Dool has quickly conquered a solid niche within the metal scene with a truly hypnotizing sonic manifesto that defies any obvious trend and simplistic categorization now reaching another crucial evolutionary milestone with the release of the intricate album “The Shape of Fluidity”.
“Venus In Flames” is meant to be a powerful hit song as Raven’s wild vocals easily enhance the dark rock flair and guitars masterfully maintain pure catchiness shifting from inflamed heavy riffage to the soothing melodic hooks of the chorus.
“Self-Dissect” describes how everything is constantly changing around and inside of us through a darkened melodic maze that ultimately evolves into a series of savage guitar driven grooves putting the spotlight on the excellent musicianship.
The title track evidently symbolizes fluidity as the stylish gloomy melodic themes gracefully unfold around towering passionate vocals and emphasize an inherent emotional turmoil while the rhythmic ensemble effortlessly delivers colossal crescendos.
Throughout “House of a Thousand Dreams” guitars acquire dramatic tonalities with strong doom metal influences creating gelid melodic phrases and the band’s intense chemistry naturally leads to a perfect rhythmic equilibrium.
Enigmatic harmonies flow gently through the mystical realm of “Hymn for a Memory Lost” while majestic guitars successfully channel timeless gothic nuances and the resulting intoxicating melodies are meant to guide you through an otherworldly experience.
“The Hand of Creation” focuses on an eclectic vocal performance surrounded by opulent moody melodic waves meticulously crafted by impeccable guitar phrases and the soft rhythmic variations highlight the song’s introspective depth.
Guided by Raven van Dorst’s unique voice and fueled by a perfect band’s chemistry, Dool are bound to impress the audience once again with a captivating songwriting approach and blazing twisted creativity that render “The Shape of Fluidity” a truly heartfelt musical experience reminding us that nothing ever stays the same.
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Masters of horror metal The Vision Bleak tell hypnotizing tales of mystery on the new one-track album “Weird Tales”, an ambitious musical opera where darkness is destined to overpower your sentiments paying homage to groundbreaking authors such as H. P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe.
The extraordinary multiinstrumentalist duo Schwadorf e Konstanz produces a masterful composition that is seamlessly divided into internal chapters following a universal darkly alluring leitmotif belonging to a stylish theatrical realm. Guitars often take the center stage to deliver colossal rhythmic dynamics with the perfect dosage of dark metal riffs and the additional aggression of the spiteful growls yet you constantly perceive the macabre poetry behind the convoluted melodic progressions aptly accompanied by a solemn clean vocal delivery.
As purveyors of quality music The Vision Bleak proudly showcase an arcane devotion for baroque symphonies and classical elegance there is always a magical combo of melancholic piano melodies, delicate strings and detailed arpeggios holding a distinct spiritual force that can take you far away from a dreadful reality and brings closure with a peaceful atmospheric ensemble.
“Weird Tales” is darkly majestic opus that can challenge and easily captivate the listeners with a multitude of style variations sinuously shifting from deeply obscure grooves to enchanting melodic splendor.

Finnish dark folk band Tenhi aims to spellbind the audience with the cathartic acoustic composition of the first record in 12 years entitled “Valkama”.
“Saattue” takes you far away from the modern world with the enchanting power of the mellow acoustic crescendos and the monochromatic vocal delivery surrounded by soothing atmospheric waves.
Throughout the title track intricate guitar melodies flourish within an elegant atmospheric ensemble creating peaceful soundscapes.
“Laineinen” evokes immense melancholia through the darkened allure of the acoustic phrases and the classical violin.
“Hele” constantly maintains a somber folk mood and the poetic piano & violin melodies ultimately enhance a palpable dramatic depth.
“Ulapoi” belongs to an ancestral realm featuring a perfect combo of crestfallen melodic guitars and magical violin movements that emphasizes contemplative themes.
“Elokuun linnut” moves the listeners with the sheer beauty of nostalgic piano melodies floating gently through dreamy atmospheric arrangements.
“Aina sininen aina” focuses on otherworldly chants and recurring graceful piano harmonies while the thick bass lines & drums meticulously build slow burning rhythmic patterns.
As Tenhi fully embrace a cinematic songwriting approach “Valkama” symbolizes a spiritual journey through the frozen landscapes of the Land of the Thousand Lakes.

After over a decade Danish melodic death/doom band Saturnus begins a new musical endeavor evoking overwhelming melancholy throughout the highly anticipated full-length “The Storm Within”.
The majestic title track feels like a cathartic journey through stormy waters as the bittersweet arpeggios and the graceful piano provide comfort while the deeply mournful guitar work channels the heavy weight of classic doom metal.
The dramatic composition behind “Chasing Ghosts” constantly generates exquisite melodic tapestries as guitars focus mainly on elaborate refined leads emphasized by poetic spoken words.
On “Closing the Circle” ethereal atmospheric arrangements and dreamy arpeggios convey a sense of perennial longing and once again guitars demand your attention with fascinating somber tonalities leading to a charismatic solo.
“Truth” amplifies the contemplative themes as the classical beauty of the piano creates a mesmerizing melodic flow that gradually evolves into massive doom rhythmic patterns fueled by the robust riffage and the cavernous growls.
As Saturnus confidently embrace an intricate songwriting approach “The Storm Within” can hit you in the face with crushing dynamics yet a gorgeous melodic essence is always destined to flourish expressing genuine emotions.

Australian black metal duo Austere makes a majestic comeback with the release of “Corrosion Of Hearts”, the first record in 14 years destined to spread desolation and immense gloom.
“Sullen” certainly embodies the band’s own depressive black metal formula and showcases delightful shimmering blackgaze influences featuring stunning melancholia infused guitar melodies that ultimately lead to intense rhythmic crescendos.
“A Ravenous Oblivion” continues to follow a somber sonic pathway highlighting the mournful melodic tapestries and the moody atmospheric textures while the rhythmic section creates monolithic and often frantic blackened patterns clearly amplified by desperate screams.
The understated atmospheric nuances of “Pale” evoke a sense of wistfulness that constantly lingers through the forlorn guitar phrases accompanied by softer vocals therefore the rhythm tends to slow down to emphasize the contemplative mood and the dreamy blackgaze essence.
The reformed duo Austere appears in excellent shape as throughout “Corrosion Of Hearts” they successfully blend an emotional approach and captivating melodies while maintaining an evident Norse black metal inspiration.

Under the banner of Haavard Norwegian guitarist and vocalist Håvard Jørgensen draws inspiration from his native land’s folklore to craft the enchanting eponymous acoustic album.
“Printemps” certainly embodies the whole album’s poetic spirit as the rich acoustic guitars create an irresistible melodic flow and magical folk rhythmic dynamics.
“Heartwood” offers minimalist heart wrenching acoustic harmonies while the viola and the atmospheric arrangements bring darker ancestral tonalities.
“Snøhetta” captures the haunting essence of dark folk through the mournful guitar sound floating through a mystifying atmospheric ensemble.
Following a faster tempo “Eastwood” takes you to a pristine wintry landscape and the violin adds a graceful classical flair to the eerie atmosphere.
“Niende Mars” relies on an elegant blend of soothing strings and flawless contemplative arpeggios that gradually create a dramatic atmospheric crescendo.
Featuring a passionate vocal performance by Kristoffer “Garm” Rygg of legendary Ulver “Mot Soleglad” instantly captivates the listeners with the melodic gloom and the cold tones of the intricate guitar work.
On “Athena” the spellbinding violin and cello movements perfectly complement and amplify the crestfallen acoustic phrases.
As an ideal winter soundtrack “Haavard” constantly conveys a profound Nordic melancholia through the detailed atmospheric tapestries and the soulful acoustic passages which definitely showcase an elaborate songwriting style.

German avant-garde pioneers Disillusion embrace a fascinating sonic evolution reflecting on existential questions on the latest eclectic record “Ayam”.
The monolithic opus “Am Abgrund” showcases a complex composition putting the spotlight on the brilliant guitar work shifting from deeply melancholic melodies enhanced by the soulful vocals and the elegant atmospheric tapestries to absolutely fiery rhythmic patterns that can easily grab your attention and express contrasting emotions.
Surrounded by multi-layered hazy atmospheric textures “Tormento” shifts the focus on the speed & fury of the perfect combo of hammering drums and vitriolic guitar riffs ultimately leading to a wild proggy solo.
“Abide The Storm” can effortlessly deliver some harsh rhythmic blasts while the mellow passages featuring wistful guitar melodies and a gentle vocal delivery evoke pure poetry reaching the acme with a charismatic solo.
The magical atmosphere and the compelling melodies of “From The Embers” can take you far away once again emphasizing an emotional approach while guitars certainly have the force to create sophisticated leads and inflamed riffage.
“The Brook” marks a gloomy album closure as the passionate vocals flow gracefully through a delicate atmospheric ensemble while the darkened guitar tonalities and the enchanting piano naturally generate gripping melodic crescendos.
The multi-dimensional sonic realm of “Ayam” can always surprise you as Disillusion skillfully blend opulent cinematic soundscapes, enchanting melodies and aggressive death metal elements to create a memorable work of music.