French atmospheric black metal band Regarde Les Hommes Tomber has crafted a ritualistic opus entitled “Ascension” which is the final chapter of a fascinating darkened trilogy that began back in 2013. 

“A New Order” can sound absolutely vicious unleashing an unrestrained rhythmic section full of wicked galloping guitar riffs showcasing powerful blackened tonalities while the tormented growls constantly channel an overwhelming despair amplified by the lugubrious atmosphere that dominates the grim melodic breakdown. 

On “The Crowning” a compelling mystical aura surrounds the slower ravishing guitar melodies that will recur throughout the song carrying a growing ominous force matched by the theatrical delivery of the anguished vocals and the crestfallen atmosphere but often the rhythmic section acquires a hostile faster pace delivering fierce blackened dynamics. 

On “Stellar Cross” the melodic guitars deserve the spotlight evoking immense melancholia and the coldest tonalities accompanied by a mix of hellish growls and dramatic clean vocals within a calmer bleak soundscape that often favors a blackgaze blurry atmospheric formula. 

“Au Bord Du Gouffre” relies on a steady blackened march as guitars follow a misanthropic rhythm crafting visceral riffage that makes you feel breathless while the darkest gelid melodies generate a hypnotizing momentum that emphasizes the strong presence of an appealing esoteric essence. 

Undoubtedly the sonic realm of “Ascension” is made of undiluted darkness as Regarde Les Hommes Tomber fearlessly and confidently manifest their mystifying vision embodied by an exceptionally bewitching atmospheric black metal ensemble. 

Joined by talented musicians mastermind Mike Hill begins a new thrilling chapter for Tombs releasing the darkened & ferocious EP “Monarchy Of Shadows”. 

Since the very beginning the title track is surrounded by a mysterious aura that introduces a massive blackened rhythmic section featuring tremolo picking and gelid guitar progressions accompanied by malevolent theatrical vocals clearly driven by a renewed obscure energy.   “Once Falls The Guillotine” relies on a groovy blackened rhythmic assault with an overdose of soaring guitar riffs while the inner enigmatic melodic essence channels ritualistic vibes with darkened tonalities and solemn vocals. 

“Man Behind The Sun” continues to unleash violent rhythmic patterns evoking the coldest black metal elements and the guitar work certainly stands out shifting from aggressive riffage to grim melodic phrases which will lead to a slower dramatic momentum emphasized by the decadent atmospheric accents and the vocal incantations. 

“The Dark Rift” aptly sounds extremely dark maintaining the same fiery blackened force that characterizes the other songs and conjures a balanced blend of harsh rhythmic dynamics and arcane keyboards arrangements. 

The sinister power of “Monarchy Of Shadows” is evident since the very first listening and Tombs deliver a rich cohesive sonic vision fueled by a majestic blackened approach that generates detailed ominous atmospheres and venomous rhythmic blasts. 

French blackened death metal masters Necrowretch arise from the hellish underground scene to follow new musical pathways and to craft the latest diabolical offering “The Ones From Hell”. 

“Pure Hellfire” begins with the enigmatic beauty of minimalist arpeggios but this apparent sense of tranquillity will fade away as soon as the sharp guitar riffs and the violent drumming take the spotlight dragging you through a fast unrestrained rhythmic maze. 

“Luciferian Sovranity” immediately unleashes an asphyxiating super fast rhythmic section confidently showcasing the primal blackened roots while the insane screams and the venomous leads inevitably amplify the ominous soundscape. 

The title track at times might sound slower with the subtle melodic approach of the guitar work in the midst of an obscure atmosphere but certainly doesn’t lose the classic black metal approach. 

The mysterious atmosphere of “Codex Obscuritas” opens the gate to the darkest realm and the mournful guitar tonalities lead to compelling melodic waves, hypnotic leads and doom tinged riffage while the tormented growls continues to emerge from the abyss. 

“Through The Black Abyss” offers a soothing desolate acoustic moment and later continues to blend darkened melodic progressions and lethal rhythmic blasts resulting in a wicked instrumental ensemble surrounded by a murky atmosphere. 

Drenched in darkness & blasphemy “The Ones From Hell” hits you in the face with chaotic blackened grooves but Necrowretch is also willing to embrace arcane atmospheres & melodies ensuring a higher degree of diversity. 

Japanese death metal band Defiled has created a fierce sonic assault on the latest release “Infinite Regress” so you better get ready to headbang relentlessly while listening to this album. 

“Divide and Conquer” drags you straight into a chaotic sonic realm as the true death metal spirit feels absolutely dominant through the galloping rhythmic patterns confidently built by pummeling drums and crunchy guitar riffs. 

While maintaining a blistering groovy approach “Tragedy” stands out for the darkened mood and the technical guitar leads that often enrich the main hostile rhythmic ensemble diligently following the infamous aggressive death metal formula. 

The insane rhythmic core of “Masses In Chaos” certainly matches the title as the intense guitar riffs lead to ravenous grooves that just seem unstoppable and the cavernous growls manage to add some extra raw energy. 

“Aftermath” might be a short track but you cannot overlook the unrestrained riffage which combines claustrophobic vibes and a belligerent grindcore attitude leading to a groovy super heavy momentum. 

As you would expect “Ignorant” continues to rely on cohesive frantic rhythmic blasts and vicious growls ready to trigger a moshpit but there are some interesting atmospheric twists. 

On “Slaverobot” atmospheric layers add some cool ominous vibes to the massive spiteful rhythmic march that still follows a malevolent fast sonic pathway. 

The title track offers cold doom tinged guitar melodies which successfully brings some diversity within the furious combo of unrestrained riffs and wrathful drum blasts. 

Overall Defiled stay true to ferocious old school death metal dynamics therefore it’s not surprising to hear how on “Infinite Regress” they manage to keep it brutal  with evident enthusiasm and confidence. 

Dark metal collective Deathwhite has chosen to remain anonymous so far nevertheless the sophomore full length “Grave Image” is destined to reach a wider audience with compelling melodic textures and a profound sense of despair. 

“Funeral Ground” focuses on cold guitar tonalities to express dismal emotions through delicate harmonies and heavier doom tinged riffage accompanied by a soulful vocal delivery that enhances the extremely somber mood. 

On “In Eclipse” the rhythmic section diligently builds memorable grooves with sharp bass lines and catchy guitar riffs again evidently inspired by classic doom nuances and the mood feels quite emotional and nostalgic especially due to the presence of calmer guitar melodies. 

The title track marks another memorable moment depicting a dreamy melancholic sonic realm with passionate vocals and a wide range of refined guitar progressions that shift from gentle melodies to charismatic yet absolutely sorrowful leads. 

The bold guitar driven grooves on “Among Us” sound really catchy but also manage to maintain a darkened sense of desolation that is further emphasized by the graceful vocal harmonies and the scattered ethereal arpeggios. 

“Plague Of Virtue” follows a similar groovy pathway as guitars continue to hold a major role in the creation of a heavier momentum skillfully blending melo-death and doom elements that will ultimately embrace the accessible melodic essence of the catchy chorus. 

The fascinating final track “Return To Silence” might feel darker and utterly bleak with loads of elegant often heartwrenching melodies that will inevitably move the listeners yet there is still a fair dosage of engaging heavier rhythmic dynamics. 

Driven by sincere emotions and melodic gloom Deathwhite successfully evoke an  overwhelming melancholia throughout “Grave Image” which feels so comforting during these cold winter nights. 

 

Italian experimental metal outfit Nero Di Marte is devoted to the creation of distinctive hard to categorize soundscapes that seem to constantly evolve following a wild creative freedom throughout the new album “Immoto”. 

The cerebral complexity of “Sisyphos” proves that this is not music for the masses. The emotional vocal delivery and the otherworldly guitar melodies can take you far away creating an intense introspective momentum that leads to a particularly dreamy finale but there are also massive chaotic rhythmic segments fueled by borderline dissonant guitar riffs and faster drumming. 

The title track is another lengthy opus that fully showcases a multifaceted composition beginning with soft vocals and guitar harmonies that will gradually express vivid emotions through post metal oriented instrumental progressions that shift from mellow melodies to harsh rhythmic blasts. 

On “La Casa Del Diavolo” in the midst of a dense almost impenetrable atmosphere guitars craft enticing melodic textures and acquire darker tonalities with a strong post metal inspiration and once again the band effortlessly shifts from tranquil moments to significantly heavier prog influenced rhythmic crescendos. 

With a moody atmospheric approach and delicate guitar harmonies “Irradia” flows like a beautiful daydream yet even if the inner melancholia remains a key element the rhythmic section will eventually embrace a sharp heavier momentum accompanied by theatrical vocals.  

With an evident avantgarde approach on “Immoto” Nero Di Marte fearlessly aim to craft unique and even unusual instrumental progressions that also express a whirlwind of meaningful emotions. 

With the avant garde project Thy Catafalque mastermind Tamás Kátai has always chosen a distinctive experimental approach inspired by diverse and even contrasting genres and as a result the new album “Naiv” is bound to constantly surprise the audience.  

“A Bolyongás Ideje” prepares you for a wild ride with a strong blackened rhythmic rampage that highlights the heavier tonalities of the guitar work while the somber vocals and the understated atmospheric arrangements successfully maintain a rather fascinating darkened mood. 

The arcane harmonious beauty of “Embersólyom” tends to favor a mystical folk spirit as the soft atmospheric layers and the comforting piano melodies channel a graceful melancholia lingering even through the heavier rhythmic segments.   

On “A Valóság Kazamatái” futuristic electro arrangements become the main focus with crazy synths and an incredibly variegated range of sounds paired with harsh industrial oriented guitar riffs and contrasting peaceful introspective melodies. 

There’s a lot going on “Vető” as the evident eclectic composition generates exotic melodic waves and entertaining, often unexpected, electronic rhythmic patterns while the more traditional metal elements still find a way to emerge with some intense guitar riffs. 

“Szélvész” certainly has an elaborate structure that once again aims to maintain a multifaceted soundscape yet the massive guitar driven grooves hold a dominant role and will become quite memorable accompanied by the perfect dosage of dreamy atmospheres and obscure rhythmic blasts. 

Certainly diversity is one of the key elements that render “Naiv” such a unique opus so distant from any predefined music category as with an excellent musicianship Thy Catafalque bravely manipulate sounds and explore various subgenres to fully express their creative force. 

In the mountains of North Carolina Bask have been working meticulously to craft the third full length aptly entitled “III”, an opus lyrically inspired by folklore and mythology destined to leave a mark with a striking progressive rock flair and hypnotizing soundscapes. 

“Three White Feet” is a great way to start the album with enchanting guitar melodies channeling nostalgic vibes matched by the heartfelt vocal delivery and showcasing impeccable musicianship while the solid rhythmic section will have the chance to deliver heavier sludgy segments. 

“New Dominion” goes straight to charismatic groovy moments featuring intense riffage and powerful drum blasts but such monumental rhythmic backbone is always enriched by proggy elements and glowing guitar melodies. 

“Stone Eyed” conveys a comforting sense of melancholia through intricate melodic waves as guitars shine for the exquisite dreamy tonalities yet there are also thrilling rhythmic crescendos that benefit from the addition of the irresistible psychedelic organ. 

The cinematic final track “Maiden Mother Crone” shifts to a glowing folk mood fully expressed by the gentle banjos melodies and the fragile nostalgic atmosphere accompanied by a particularly spellbinding vocal performance. 

Focusing on a detailed songwriting approach Bask have created something truly unique and passionate on “III” as each song tells a fascinating story through multifaceted melodic textures and a distinct Southern rock feeling. 

On the seventh full length “Colours In The Sun” Australian quintet Voyager aim to reach a wider audience demonstrating interesting songwriting skills that lead to an eclectic blend of catchy pop flavors and technical heavy rhythmic patterns. 

The music style of “Colours” definitely fits the title as guitars and keyboards craft bright comforting melodies with a strong 80’s pop flair yet there are many technical prog twists within the solid rhythmic section that seamlessly lead to significantly heavier dynamics. 

On “Severomance” the 80’s vibes feel quite prominent with the multilayered keyboards and the accessible melodic chorus featuring a luminous vocal delivery in contrast with scattered crunchy guitar riffs. 

“Brightstar” follows a similar pathway as keyboards continue to be essential in the creation of cinematic soundscapes that channel uplifting vibes matched by the passionate vocals and the glowing proggy guitar melodies. 

Featuring an impeccable performance by guest vocalist Einar Solberg of Leprous “Entropy” could easily become a favorite due to the emotive nature of the vocal harmonies and also there are complex prog oriented instrumental passages that focus on the charismatic melodic guitar work. 

The 80’s synths feel utterly strong on “Reconnected” creating all kinds of entertaining electro beats that will occasionally evolve into moody atmospheric layers while the rhythmic section can generate fierce heavy patterns with tight guitar riffs and precise drumming. 

“Water Over The Bridge” is probably the heaviest track unleashing steady raw energy through the intense djent style guitar riffs and the prog rhythmic twists while the soothing vocals and the subtle atmospheric arrangements maintain a pleasant melodic essence. 

Undoubtedly there are many refreshing ideas behind the versatile composition of “Colours In The Sun” and Voyager seem to have developed a tasteful polychromatic formula that will satisfy music connoisseurs.