…st beats while choirs create the circular hooks during “Time” while the follow-up “Two Wolves” could almost be set in a Nordic winter picturesque scene, the chants, folk meets keyboard/orchestral motion next to serene narrative, soothing words ideal in its middle of the album sequencing. It’s rare to hear a band effortlessly combine aspects of Therion, Nightwish, Epica, and Fleshgod Apocalypse while also taking into account movie soundtrack compos…
…you’re immersed deeper. “Marrusorg” is a tad more subdued, moving between low-key clean passages and immense distorted riffing. A calm before the proverbial storm, in some ways. By this juncture, the listener is fully ingrained by what Hamferð are providing. The vibe of impending disaster smoothly continues in the often hypnotic “Glæman” as Aldará continues to show a range of both voice and pure emotion that is difficult to give justice to in mer…
…rankie, creating that compelling audience participation movement in the follow-up passages, bassist Mark Grey setting a firm bottom end foundation for the alluring guitar/sax tradeoffs next to the keyboard programming to shine. The highlight track occurs after a brief “Hourglass (Shadowdancer Part 1)” interlude that sets the stage for “Shadowdancer” – the Middle Eastern textures creating this melodic, modern metal tribal dance element – Krista inj…
…o out there and tour. It was difficult to tour during that time and we didn’t want to sit on the record. We are excited to get out there and connect with fans and play a mix of both albums on this tour. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-xFlLRJh04&pp=ygUPa2lsbCB0aGUgbGlnaHRz https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcdrsLWExTY&pp=ygUPa2lsbCB0aGUgbGlnaHRz Kill the Lights on Facebook Kill the Lights official website…
…eans and extinction of orangutans for a few specific topics of note. Self-produced at their own Lucky Bob Studio, Afterlifelines contains 94 minutes of music that keeps the power/speed meets traditional and thrash angles sharp, while also reminding long-time followers of Rage’s ability to also add those classical/orchestral flourishes to create a highly engaging double recording. Raise your fists high! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqLkBO_ifwc h…
…Dokken – check out the specific elegance that penetrates the main riffs or comfortable lower verses to rising chorus for “Ombria (City of the Night)”. Arpeggio-laden licks fuel the subsequent gallop nature of “Sacrifice of Steel” – the supportive choir-oriented background vocals serving notice that the band aim to triumph with warriors searching for the light, seeking victory no matter what the cost. A nod to gone but never forgotten metal/hard ro…
…sover thrash – and could put Catbreath on the map. Let the claws climb the walls, eliminate those rats, and see where things go next. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynqQhO9ixCg Catbreath on Facebook…
…augments itself with elements that will bring in outside fans to enjoy what the band has done in putting the pieces together. An underrated act that is well-worth getting to know. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9v3C1oU6A0&pp=ygUGdmVudWVz https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHEoOe3x1rI&pp=ygUGdmVudWVz Venues on Facebook Venues on Instagram…
…rom Teutonic/North American cultural influences of the 80s and early 90s that may end up on a lot of best newcomer of the year lists. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4P67HHwJQbI Fatal Fire on Facebook…
…offers ardent followers of The Quill another landmark release that fits the ‘all killer/no filler’ category – plus could get some of the newer generation into the fold. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buhtK2KChdU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cULljc-2Jfk The Quill official website The Quill on Facebook…
…from Rosellini, bombastic and fantasy-driven atmosphere, and plenty of fist-to-the-sky riffing that is sure to rally fans of the genre. We took a few minutes to talk to Rosellini to see what defines this fresh act, as well as a broad discussion of nerd culture items such as video games, cosplay, and fantasy itself. Dead Rhetoric: You are in Alterium with some members of Kalidia, do you feel like you are continuing the essence of that band, in some…
…and if you love black metal then this is for you. Standout Tracks: “The Image Paradigm”, “Defossion Transcendence”, “Malevolence Supreme” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSDMxcTV7eQ Meister Leonhardt on Facebook…
…at’s rare at this point in one’s career. Shadow Soul keeps the discography rolling along as excellent as you’d hope for, as consumers patiently await the next offering. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-Jow7HnMyw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yC_bMameGNg Dead Head official website Dead Head on Facebook…
…all the difference. In the case of Daydream Illusion, they’ve created an ideal record that most power metal followers should have no trouble adding to their collections. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIoE5cr-4Ok https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLDYJ0jbN48 Thornbridge official website Thornbridge on Facebook…
…t nowadays every band makes at least three or four videos – they may be low-cost or low budget, or lyric videos. Back in the day in the 80s, you may have had a budget to only do one great video. You tried to portray a whole album with just one video. In this case we have released two videos – the opening track “For What Is Owed To Us”, and a second single “I Want the Darkness To Stop” – very different songs. The third and four videos will also be…
…d,” containing notably thumping bass workmanship via Stefano Franceschini. Complexity in technicality and composition shines in the tensely engaging “Atto quarto, the Horror Paradox,” with guitarist Enrico Schettino showcasing some of his finest creative juices. Said example is the longest entry on Unextinct, while also being the most diverse. Dr. Di Lorenzo – to those unaware, he’s a doctor who fittingly specializes in Audiology and Phoniatrics –…
…the drums. Or doom riffs with exquisite lead breaks unfolding next to multi-octave low to upper register vocals in the best King Diamond-esque tradition for standout track “The Thief’s Candle”. Katte and Max Povver showcase numerous licks, tricks, rhythms and harmony situations that captivate, with that classic meets neoclassical touch that Iron Maiden or early NWOBHM followers devour – one listen to their work in “The Baleful Baron” or the title…
…t. They somehow continue to up the stakes with their sound and push it into more massive and powerful states without losing the grounded, emotional impact that they have showcased over the years. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKDYgHYhncM&pp=ygULbGVhdmVzIGV5ZXM%3D https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtbXMgmIwC0&pp=ygULbGVhdmVzIGV5ZXM%3D Leaves’ Eyes on Facebook Leaves’ Eyes on Instagram…
…ifferences in this album compared to Despondent Death from 2015 and the follow-up Abhorrent Disease released in 2019? Perez: Defiance was written in a very different way. First of all, the pandemic happened, so everyone had the time to work on music. Especially during 2020, we had a lot of time to do what we love, we got to develop everything way more, these riffs and songs into advanced music. We have been playing together for a while, so we have…
…me and again. The main vocal presence from Frank Urschler has more of a mid-range folk-ish nature to his verses, the unison choirs keep the choruses easily attainable for even the most fearful audience singers of the world. Most will be hard pressed not to be screaming / vocalizing to the key hooks for “Altar of Illusions” or the Blind Guardian-esque “Empty Shell” (think Tales from the Twilight World-era here), the former alluring musically on its…
…n as a non-metal entity, the quality of songwriting, performances, and chemistry between the five-piece is worthy of more exploration (and more records). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JY2OVRMOS0s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRoJKiYs6YM Holler on Facebook…
…uses and leads into unrestricted musical territory, which shouldn’t surprise anyone who has followed Sylvaine, and this EP is full of examples on why she remains such an enigmatic figure. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oKsDurzt88&pp=ygUIc3lsdmFpbmU%3D https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UJvn6T13cs&pp=ygUIc3lsdmFpbmU%3D Sylvaine on Facebook Sylvaine on Instagram…
…ongest points is actually their ability to really get into your head with slower, mid-tempo riffs that blur some doomy, sludgy lines and couple them with powerviolence attitude and ethos, such as on the title track and “Slow Heat.” It’s this balance of balls to the wall abrasion and energy with oddly intriguing slow downs that take that abrasion into different and memorable directions that thrusts BRAT above some of their grindy breathren. BRAT ma…
…beckoning for more. The Search Won’t Fall… keeps the steady ascension in place, ready to assault stages far and wide to convert more metalheads in the process. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKOwHggGnrg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p62kXs9hBeQ Critical Defiance on Facebook…
…o desire a group that stands true to the ideals of the genre – but doubt creeps in that Midnight Forces will be more than a local favorite. Time will tell. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rRXa9sxd0Q https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrHoW6-59d4 Inner Axis on Facebook…
…. I may also say Escuela Grind, seeing them inspired me to want to start a band. Dead Rhetoric: What’s on the agenda for BRAT over the next year or so to promote the record? Moate: We are currently lining up some tours, some fests. That will be announced in the coming months. Selfish: We have a four-day run coming up in March, but we will have more tours and fests later this year. Moate: We also have four dates announced with Millions of Dead Cops…
…or blemish on an otherwise very strong Wounds album, so enjoy! Standout Tracks: “Dismember and Devour”, “In the Maw of the Beast”, “Birth of a New Light” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBrhzSpXWSE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjFDEpAd0e8 Wounds on Facebook…
…ements one could want in a multi-pronged metal outfit today – once again highlighting the strength, passion, and tenacity of the Canadian metal movement to the world. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc4chbzZ0Ww https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wl5SfC-oTMI Lutharo official website Lutharo on Facebook…
…Slayer / Kreator textbook, the energy palpable even when settled into a mid-tempo comfort zone. A Savonian twist (a la “Toxic Waltz” / Exodus) comes into focus for “War”, gang-vocals plus double kick aspects along with some sinister point/counterpoint riffing provides numerous aural hooks to cause incessant headbanging sequences. An acoustic flamenco-oriented instrumental section takes the otherwise heavy groove-laden “Into the Void” into a left f…
…vania, things of that nature. We don’t have anything on the books, and we want to be on the West Coast for September/October. That’s about it for right now. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deQwH7NN03A https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rdV2udd3kk Leather Lung on Facebook…
