Ols is a one-woman neofolk project from Poland. This is her debut album.
This is a release that’s spiritually inspired by atmospheric black metal in some ways, (and also features cover versions of Katatonia and Agalloch tracks), but is musically separate from the style. Essentially a neofolk release, the album also takes influence from dark ambient and alternative rock/pop in places. Continue reading “Ols – Ols (Review)”
This is the ninth album by German rock band Mono Inc.
If you haven’t encountered Mono Inc. before, then I suggest you prepare yourself. This is a larger than life band that need to be approached in this context. Continue reading “Mono Inc. – Together Till the End (Review)”
Steve Moore, (Zombi man), turns his hand at creating another soundtrack. I don’t normally listen to soundtrack work, but as I like Zombi, I decided it was worth giving this one a try. I’m glad I did.
There are a lot of moods and feelings at play across the 86 minutes on this release. All of them are arguably cut-short in typical soundtrack style, leading to somewhat of a grindcore-feel, (only synth-based); there Continue reading “Steve Moore – The Mind’s Eye (OST)”
Teksti-TV 666 are an alternative rock band from Finland. This is a compilation album of sorts, consisting of three EPs that the band have previously released.
This is an interesting and irregular release. It’s kind of a mix of bubblegum-pop with Continue reading “Teksti-TV 666 – 1, 2, 3 (Review)”
Debutante is a solo-project from Switzerland and this is his latest EP of electro rock/drone/pop.
From the blurb – “An EP about anxiety, depression and crippling, petty envy.” So now you know. Continue reading “Debutante – EP3 (Review)”
Order of the Emperor are a hard rock band from The Netherlands, this is their debut album.
Influenced by old-school groovy hard rock, this is 41 minutes of rock bliss for fans of the old-school style delivered with a modern sheen. Continue reading “Order of the Emperor – Behold (Review)”
Russian Circles are an instrumental post-rock/metal band from the US. This is their sixth album.
Russian Circles are a band who have produced some thoroughly enjoyable albums over the years, ones that I regularly return to. Instrumental bands like this frequently leave me cold, as I all-too-often feel that something is missing Continue reading “Russian Circles – Guidance (Review)”
Shadow Hunters are a Norwegian rock band and this is their debut album.
Describing themselves as “modern energetic sci-fi rock”, I couldn’t come up with a better description so am quite happy to run with that.
The music is bright and full of sterling melodies and uplifting atmospheres. Continue reading “Shadow Hunters – A V A T A R (Review)”
Circle of Reason are a rock band from the UK. This is their latest release.
Circle of Reason play an interesting brand of modern rock that combines elements of the progressive and alternative styles into their tasty recipe. The end result is instantly-gratifying songs that nonetheless have that vital ingredient of longevity to them, meaning you’ll come back and listen to them again.
Continue reading “Circle of Reason – Faith or Theory (Review)”
Brimstone Coven are a Hard Rock band from the US. This is their second album.
Brimstone Coven worship at the smoky altar of all things 60s and 70s. Black Sabbath, Pentagram and Led Zeppelin may be obvious reference points, but there’s more going on here than you might expect and Black Magic is a well-rounded release that is greater than the sum of its influences.
This album has a pleasingly authentic sound, both in the recording and the vibes that seem to come off the music in heady waves.
The main vocalist’s voice suits the music well and there’s lots of catchy singing going on here, which works well with the equally catchy music. The band also employ multi-singer harmonies and put these to good use.
The music is instantly familiar and it’s easy to get into this and feel a pleasant buzz emanating from it. The songs contain so many good riffs and warm melodies that every song has something pretty damn special to offer.
Black Magic gives us 55 minutes of music to entrance and captivate. If you’re in the mood for this kind of thing then it really is up there with the best of them. With top-drawer songwriting and a decent amount of variety and moods to explore, this is a very enjoyable release.
I’m not always a huge fan of music that takes its inspiration from this era, (although bands such as Witchcraft, Agusa, Ecstatic Vision and Greenleaf have been known to frequent my playlist from time to time…), but when it’s done well and with enthusiasm and passion as it clearly is on Black Magic, the result is infectious and hard to ignore.
Highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 