This is the third album from Italian progressive metallers Odd Dimension.
For an very rough idea of what The Blue Dawn sounds like, think of a metallic modern fusion of Dream Theater and Rush. It’s an imperfect description, but it gives you a decent idea of what to expect across the 64 Continue reading “Odd Dimension – The Blue Dawn (Review)”
Witchseeker are a heavy/speed metal band from Singapore and this is their second album.
Just look at that album cover! How Metal is that? It sets the scene nicely, so prepare yourself for Scene of the Wild‘s 38 minutes of glorious true heavy metal. Continue reading “Witchseeker – Scene of the Wild (Review)”
This is the fourth album from French post-black metallers Decline of the I.
After enjoying 2015’s Rebellion and 2018’s Escape, when Johannes appeared I knew I had to sample its dark wares. Armed with a new lineup formed around the band’s core artist, Johannes is a 51-minute journey into thoughtful mood-driven darkness.
These new songs are layered explorations of post-blackened detail and nuanced soundscapes. The music is multifaceted and textured, drawing in a range of influences to build on the band’s black metal foundations. The five songs on Johannes are each masters of their own creation, while still fitting into the whole, and provide the listener with a creative and rich landscape to explore.
Each song boasts a lot of content, with a wealth of good ideas and enriching sounds ably showcased by the band. There’s an epic streak to Decline of the I’s music, more apparent than ever in their latest work. Sometimes it’s hidden in plain sight, while at others it ascends to malevolent prominence. Either way, a certain amount of majestic grandeur is ever-present in the music, and it works very well indeed.
The band’s ability to blend sharp aggression with menacing atmosphere is very effective. I really like the use of guitars on this release. Some of of the riffs and blackened rhythms feel like they cut to the core, and combined with the skilful and inventive use of melodies, contribute to the thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying musical experience that these five songs offer. Lighter moments appear, balancing the blackened heaviness of the distorted sections. Existing somewhere between post-rock, jazz, and experimental atmospheric ambient minimalism, these parts may not be too common, but they add value to the songs.
Piercing screams are joined by darker growls and choral accents. The singers all do a great job, and, like the music, the vocals are very accomplished.
Despite how much I enjoyed both Rebellion and Escape, I think that Johannes is probably Decline of the I’s richest, most complete and well-realised work to date.
Very highly recommended.
Enforced are a thrash metal band from the US and this is their second album.
Enforced unleash 41 minutes of crossover death/thrash on Kill Grid, and it’s utterly devastating.
Enforced play a brutal form of thrash that has an old-school heart wrapped in a modern delivery. Taking elements of Continue reading “Enforced – Kill Grid (Review)”
This is the debut album from Udånde, a solo black metal band based in Slovakia, augmented by as session vocalist and drummer.
Now here’s an album to thoroughly scratch that modern black metal itch. Life of a Purist is atmospheric and melodic, without being entirely beholden to either Continue reading “Udånde – Life of a Purist (Review)”
This is the second album from Fuath, a one-man UK black metal band.
Here we have 42 minutes of atmospheric black metal in the vein of the 90s second wave. The promo blurb mentions bands such as Darkthrone, Mayhem, Burzum, Drudkh, and Windir, and these influences are well-represented Continue reading “Fuath – II (Review)”
This is the third album from Swiss black metallers Aara.
The melodic and atmospheric forms of black metal collide and collude on Triade I: Eos to produce 45 minutes of concept-themed music. Continue reading “Aara – Triade I: Eos (Review)”
Dvne are a progressive sludge metal band from the UK and this is their second album.
Etemen Ænka is the 67-minute follow up to 2017’s immensely enjoyable Asheran, and a release I’ve been greatly anticipating. If you’re a fan of bands such as Sorxe, Mastodon, The Ocean, Isis, Minsk, Inter Arma, and Neurosis, then Etemen Ænka is an album for you. Maybe even THE album for you. Continue reading “Dvne – Etemen Ænka (Review)”
This is the fifth album from one-man black metal band Mare Cognitum.
The artist behind Mare Cognitum is one of the absolute best in the genre when it comes to atmospheric black metal. I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing Phobos Monolith, Luminiferous Aether, and last year’s colossal Wanderers: Astrology of the Nine – Split with Spectral Lore, and his stellar Continue reading “Mare Cognitum – Solar Paroxysm (Review)”
This is the latest EP from Bound in Fear, a deathcore band from the UK.
Eternal follows up 2019’s The Hand of Violence with a crushing 23 minutes of new material. Across five tracks the band once more demonstrate that they can Continue reading “Bound in Fear – Eternal (Review)”
Wonderbox Metal 