...And Oceans - As In Gardens, So In Tombs

http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Symph Black

This is my introduction to ...And Oceans and I feel like they have a strong melodic death type of vibe. A lot of members belting out sounds so surreal. I cannot believe that I just discovered them. They have so many highlights to their music. The vocals hold screaming exceptionally. And the melodies are amazing. I don't really have any complaints about the album just that it's super intense and epic. They know how to incorporate magical sounds with no sense of letting up! The keyboards are in sync with the rest of the music and the tempos vary in an illustrious fashion. This whole album is tops with me.

One of the better albums of 2023 and it holds a great boon to their discography. There are variations to the songs. So are keyboard related but the most of what shows here is a vehement of a pinnacle sound that can only be ....And Oceans.

This whole album shows brutality with tremolo picking galore with the guitars and that is showing throughout. The vocals are hardcore screaming and intense. There's a lot of hate on here. And they seem to pull it off in their music and melodies. I believe there's 6 member lineup blasting away. This all encompassing gem has to be one of their best to date. Or at lease some of what I've heard. Don't cheap out and stream this, get the CD! You'll thank me for that because ...And Oceans is a top notch band that deserves to hold existence in the metal community! They need more followers!

These guys are among the best in the industry. They hold such an epic sound to them. The music compliments the vocals and the production quality is tops with me. These guys deserve a very good rating to this because it's phenomenal. Own the CD! (Death8699)

(Season of Mist - 2023)
Score: 80

https://andoceans.bandcamp.com/album/as-in-gardens-so-in-tombs

Count Nosferatu Kommando - Ultraviolence Über Alles

BACK IN TIME: recensione gentilmente concessa da Nihil Zine

#PER CHI AMA: Electro-Industrial

C.N.K. è il side project di Rheidmarr, cantante degli Anorexia Nervosa. Si tratta di un buon album di electro-industrial metal in cui le parti di chitarra (dalle ritmiche spezzate e molte accentate) rivisitano, in chiave modernistica, riff di retaggio thrash/death; in sottofondo poi, sono presenti delle melodie di tastiera che completano molto bene i brani e li rendono più particolari. La classica batteria è stata sostituita da una ritmica elettro-industriale completamente campionata e ben programmata che sostiene sempre poderosamente i brani. La voce, sempre un po’ effettata, è urlata, sporca e violenta. Per quanto riguarda il concept lirico, penso che il titolo del disco sia abbastanza chiaro e riveli le intenzioni belliche dei nostri. La produzione è buona ma se fosse stata un po’ più spessa e un po’ più “chirurgica”, i brani avrebbero reso ancor di più. Buon esordio con possiblità di ulteriori miglioramenti.

(Kodiak Records/Season of Mist - 2002/2009)
Voto: 70

https://thecnk.bandcamp.com/album/ultraviolence-ber-alles

Yattering - Human’s Pain

BACK IN TIME: recensione gentilmente concessa da Nihil Zine

#PER CHI AMA: Grind/Brutal Death

Fortunatamente la ripubblicazione del primo loro album, che fu apprezzata solo in Polonia, sarebbe stata solo la solita fortissima mazzata sui denti, invece con una cover dei Brutal Truth, una degli Slayer più brutali, e l’inserzione di un’altra bonus track, si rinforza questa dose di violenza. L’album è brutal grind, che aizza anche numerose digressioni di cieca ferocia, ed è in generale schizzato, secco, arido e sgraziato, con una voce straziata ed una cavernosa e profonda, forzata; strilla anche un urlo cupo. Il loro secondo album è più intricato. Questo è una soluzione, senza morbidezze, compatto, di isterie che maneggiano molteplici lame dalla batteria alle chitarre. Gli assoli spezzano la brutalità da riminiscenze thrash, ma più spesso esprimendo senso di disgusto mordace.

(Moonlight Productions/Season of Mist - 1998/2001)
Voto: 70

https://seasonofmistcatalogue.bandcamp.com/album/humans-pain

Carnival in Coal - Fear Not

BACK IN TIME: recensione gentilmente concessa da Nihil Zine

#PER CHI AMA: Avantgarde Death/Grind

Skizzati! È la prima cosa che mi è venuta in mente ascoltando il terzo album di questi due francesi attivi dal 1995. La Season of Mist li descriveva come se i Morbid Angel avessero una overdose di Mr Bungle. Beh, anche se dei Morbid Angel non se ne sente granchè e i Mr Bungle non li conosco (ma so cosa posso apettarmi dal leader dei Faith No More), mai messaggio promozionale fu più azzeccato. Per farvi capire la stravaganza dei Carnival in Coal mi vengono in mente solo i Solefald di 'Neonism', anche se dei Solefald solo in pochi momenti si riscontrano le sonorità e la genialità. Le composizioni dei due francesi sono meno fluide e un po’ troppo eterogenee; d'altronde come coniugare violentissimi stacchi grind con musichette da gameboy come in "Daaahhh!!", o brani brutal death con basi Disco Music anni '70 come in "1308.JP.08*"? Gli episodi migliori sono quelli in cui uniscono la furia del brutal con ritornelli funky rock come in "Yes, We Have no Bananas" e "Don’t be Happy, Worry!". Già dai titoli potete capire lo stato d’animo del disco ma non pensiate che i C.I.C. non facciano sul serio, nulla è lasciato al caso, sono precisi e la registrazione è ottima. Certo è un album molto difficile o, meglio, è difficile digerire un tale miscuglio di generi e sonorità ma a me è piaciuto molto.

(Season of Mist - 2001)
Voto: 75

https://www.facebook.com/CinCofficial

Destroyer 666 - Wildfire

http://www.secret-face.com/

  #FOR FANS OF: Black/Thrash

The music on here is what takes it away. And the vocals as well. Similar sound quality to this release. It's got a slight reverb/echo to it. It makes the album sound more grim and dark. I enjoyed this whole album so I got the CD of it. I figure the sound quality will be better than the digital music. Which it is! All the songs are killer. If I were to pick a few tracks, I'd say check out "Live and Burn", "Hymn to Dionysus" and "Die You Fucking Pig!" All of the songs are good though, mostly up-tempo with a few tracks that were somewhat slow, but still catchy as all hell. The music is what took it away on here (like I previously said).

The guitars are a mixture of tremolo picking with that echo that I talked about. But it seems as though some songs are fast, yet they take a break from that speed especially on "Tamam Shud." That one is a little slower than the rest.

They've done well in their discography, being consistent the whole way though their musical career. I felt that this one is a little stronger than their latest 'Never Surrender'. I like both releases just this one seems a little tighter.

The production quality was good just the tracks have that echo I talked about which makes the release darker and more fierce. All the songs are catchy and the leads were pretty strong as well! The rhythms are what did it for me and the vocals. I think that they do really well with their musical efforts. They are aggressive and underground just the way that they want to be (I presume). I'm not much for the lyrical concepts but the music just takes it all away for me. The guitars are furious and fast and they're catchy as all hell. These guys know how to make phenomenal black/thrash metal! (Death8699)

I'm glad that I've finally heard more of this band, 'Wildfire' is a gem in their discography! They know that their fans await every passing release!

(Season of Mist - 2016)
Score: 77

https://www.facebook.com/destroyer666page

Terrorizer - Hordes of Zombies

http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Death/Grind, Napalm Death

Brutal and fast, this full-length covers it all. With a female guitarist that whales on the riff-writing. She didn't appear on their newer release the 'Caustic Attack' which is unfortunate. The vocals are totally guttural and fit well with the music. They're definitely grind on here with death metal vocals. The riffs are dynamite and spellbinding. The music is what hits home with me. I've found the riffs not only fast, but catchy as well. They set the tone for the whole album. And Pete behind the set is right on target (as usual). They don't call him "Commando" without reason. He's way dynamite on here as well!

The sound quality was top notch on here as well. I'm surprised that they didn't get higher ratings on this one. It's a a lot like older Napalm Death of the 90's. The riffs sound a little like those of Napalm back then before they just turned to noise-core.

The music is what took it away for me. The songs are just fast and ferocious as well as noteworthy! I like the voice mixed with the guitar. They knew what they were doing in an approach to this record. They are without Jesse (RIP 2006) and Oscar who forgot all the lyrics so I've heard. I'm not sure if he does vocals for any metal bands anymore. I don't really have any complaints about this release. I'm just bummed that their status is "On Hold" meaning basically they're done. I'm giving the album a "73" and I said in my previous review of their newer release 'Caustic Attack' the same rating. Both are pretty much equally good.

If you're a fan of death/grind then this album is for you. It has all the elements and characteristics of what a death/grind release is supposed to sound like. And not discounting female guitarists she was really good and tight. Wish that she played on their follow-up! (Death8699)

(Season of Mist - 2012)
Score: 73

https://terrorizer.bandcamp.com/album/hordes-of-zombies

Destroyer 666 - Never Surrender

http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Black/Thrash

This is actually my introduction to the band, so as you can see I'm way behind in their discography. This one perked my ears up. And I'm in huge contrast to the average scores giving this one a "80" rating. I thought that it was very interesting of a release. They flourished their black/thrash metal throughout this recording. The riffs were fresh, the production strong and the vocals are way better than tolerable. These guys know how to get it done musically. The music itself really impressed me. And the voice to the album just went so well with the guitars and drums. There was a little echo effect with the voice which made it darker as an album.

I thought all the songs were well constructed. Definitely a band that knows what their doing. Leads were crystal clean and the shred was totally there. The mixing/recording had the music sounding a little darker than what they may have wanted but overall a great record.

I realize that not everyone has access to Spotify or YouTube to test this one out. It's everything and more of a recording that's solid. I enjoyed this whole album entirely. The music just took over and I've been happy to own this now, not just digital streaming.

These guys have a huge discography behind them. And it's good that they've come out with new music and in no way lacks ingenuity. I like this whole album and what it's done for me as a fan. It makes me want to own more of their LP's. I will, but I just regret that I didn't get into them sooner. I kind of overlooked them hearing very little of their music then I broke through and picked up 'Never Surrender' on CD. More than happy with it. They flourish in the genres coming together as one. It's a little tricky putting black/thrash together and making it a solid release. But they're experienced so they know what they're doing.

"Mirror's Edge" and "Rather Death" are some songs that are highlights of the album. Not to mention the title-track. Look into this! (Death8699)

(Season of Mist - 2022)
Score: 80

https://soundcloud.com/destroyer666music

Abbath - S/t

http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Black Metal

I thought that this release is actually better than their new LP because it sounds less like Immortal and more like Abbath's band. So on here, you hear what Abbath had in store with listeners, not Immortal. I liked it the whole way through. They have some catchy songs. I liked this from start to finish, even though not everything I liked about it. I liked the aura and atmosphere it has to it. It's a little bit eerie in a way. The guitars and vocals are the favorites of mine out of everything on here. The recording quality was good, pretty top notch if I might say so at least. I just thought a little of it is kind of flat sounding, but not too bad.

Abbath sounds like their holding the sound of their own whereas 'Outstrider' sounds too much like Immortal. Of course Abbath's vocals can't be duplicated so he'll always sound like himself. He changes up a little bit on here but not too much. The music is just astounding, especially track one. The songs are pretty much all killer and pack a punch to them. I don't think they ever let up at times. A lot of the riffs are technical. And original sounding as all hell. Abbath came up with some KING guitar pieces he really delved into creativity city. I don't doubt that it took some time to write the music to this one.

The sound of most of the vocals were grim but that's what makes his voice not duplicated in black metal. Though the latest Immortal with Demonaz was sounding pretty much like Abbath for that record. I still think it can't be replicated. And the riffs are sweet the whole way through. It's too bad he didn't carry this sound to the latest Abbath. It would've been better not to sound like his former band. On here, he just tears it up. The whole release is killer. Even the bonus tracks. I liked this one the whole way through. There wasn't anything that I'd change on here. It's definitely monumental.

The only reason why I knocked off some points is because I thought the recording could've sounded a little bit better. Nevertheless, they get an 80. Probably one of the better recordings in 2016. I can't believe it's been that long before he's had this record out. But anyway, for him to be still active in the metal genre is good. He's quite an outstanding musician. His lead guitar work could be a little bit better but still, his songwriting is exceptional. One of my favorite black metal musicians. As long as he keeps making music, I'll be happy with that. Give this one a listen to! (Death8699)

(Season of Mist - 2016)
Score: 80

https://abbath.bandcamp.com/album/abbath

Watain - Lawless Darkness

BACK IN TIME:
http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Black Metal

What an original, differently paced tempos, fast/medium/slow black metal, it's all inclusive work! Screaming in pain, songs are lengthy, dark and depressing. You can hear everything in this production/mixing. Some songs are groove laden and catchy. One long album, but interesting nevertheless. Tremolo picking galore, and riff-tastic. The vocals mix well with the music. Atmospheric. Some lead guitar here, but not really that much. Mostly rhythm guitars, which is fine by me. Their lyrical concepts aren't very interesting just the music hits home with me. That and their vocals. It's hard to like certain black metal bands because of crappy vocalists.

The mood the whole way through is very dark, but then again the title of this album is 'Lawless Darkness'. If I had to pick one Watain album out of their entire discography, this one would be it. Not because of anyone else's opinion or scores on here, but because this one really hits home with me. Everything about this album is amazing and it all fits into place. Black metal isn't even close to being my favorite genre because most of it is quite depressing. However, this I do appreciate. The guitars here are really thrashy. That's another reason why I like the album. And the fact that there are no keyboards or synthesizers. Those (to me) damage my ratings.

The vocals sound a bit like Legion (ex-Marduk, ex-Devian). A lot of black metal vocalists are grim sounding to go along with the dark music. Most of the concepts too are Satanism or the Occult. But the focus here is mainly the music. The riffs are original and not entirely fast and furious. They're mostly dark riffs. Dark but amazing. I haven't heard a good black metal album this good lately except the new Mayhem and Darkthrone, Dark Fortress as well. But this has its own unique sound. I beg to say that this is the only Watain album I'll own unless they produce something that's groundbreaking over the next few years.

I would vouch to say that this sat on my CD shelves for quite some time before I decided to re-listen to it as of recently. I was appalled by the music. Of course, not the lyrics but solely the music. Just simply invigorating and awe-inspiring. I'm not sure why it just sat there, this is one black metal album that's worthy of praise. And dynamite in the whole more than an hour of playtime. I would say support the band, but I would caution you this if you're sensitive to black metal in its' entirety, download it on Spotify or listen to it on YouTube because it might not be suitable for everyone that likes metal. It is a MONUMENT to me and I say support the band by buying the CD. Just a warning. Enjoy! (Death8699)

(Season of Mist - 2010)
Score: 85

https://www.facebook.com/watainofficial

Sólstafir - Ótta

#PER CHI AMA: Experimental Metal

La sottile linea adamantina che avvicina gli elementi Ragnarǫk del viking black metal islandese al post metal metereocratico con tinte nebbiolin-folk, non può non transitare attraverso i suoni nu-sludge-ambient dei Sólstafir e la voce geyser-grohl dello spudorato Aðalbjörn Tryggvason. Collocabile grosso modo a metà strada tra Lars Von Trier che ascolta in cuffia 'Alternative 4' degli Anathema e Michael Gira che sbraita la frase “Sigur rós 'sti maròn”, rompendo un banjo sulla zucca del casellante di Reggio Emilia, questo album nei fatti è affascinante almeno quanto l'immagine di un branco di lupi che sbrana il cantante degli Ulver durante una maestosa aurora boreale. Vi ho incuriosito, dite la verità. (Alberto Calorosi)

(Season of Mist - 2014)
Voto: 85

https://solstafir.bandcamp.com/album/tta

Archspire - Bleed the Future

http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Techno Death

What a jumpstart to the nerves in the intro to this album. Totally killer from where they left off with their previous release ('Relentless Mutation'). I won't dig back into earlier work namely 'The Lucid Collective' but their previous and now this just is simply amazing! The riffs own this release and the way the vocals are able to go alongside the music is just amazing. I'm not overly into technical death metal, but this band I've been following. The music is what grapples me. I think their previous had more catchy riffs than this one but I still think that they're hacking it with this release 'Relentless Mutation' will probably remain my favorite though.

The way that they piece songs together is just beyond belief. I understand that people aren't too into their gig but still I like this band. They have a way of arranging music that's just so catchy and innovative. Their album is about 30 minutes but with the drums going in hyperspeed and guitars playing insane riffs 30 minutes is enough (I believe). I made sure to get a physical copy of this album because I just figured that anything they put out there I like. You've got to be into the riffs fast and furious or cut short then acoustic tones. It's quite variable. I do admit that the drums are on overkill, but I'm still digging the album.

Season of Mist had some great bands/releases on this record label of last year, I'm just loving the production and mixing. They are top notch with extreme metal! It's a love/hate relationship with Archspire and I happen to love them. They've got extraneous talent that shouldn't be overlooked! Seriously, they seem to make this look or sound easy. Maybe they have had so much practice with the riffs and overall music that they can put together some like 'Bleed The Future'. Stay open minded with the band, they've really got so much to offer. I'm amazed at their talent and energy. All of the band members contributed equally!

It just couldn't be streaming this, I had to have it! Since most kids all they know is streaming music or other people that just got rid of their CD's altogether. Not me, I want to contribute to bands whos fans are why they make music, well mostly it's that way. Just Armageddon has been released here, utter pandemonium. The past two releases I'm loving entirely. The riffs do it all for me absolutely! This band doesn't seem to let up with ferocity. They're not everyone's cup of tea but they sure are with me! Do yourself a favor if you're not going to buy it, make an effort to at least stream it and see what you think! (Death8699)

(Season of Mist - 2021)
Score: 84

https://archspire.bandcamp.com/album/bleed-the-future

Sólstafir - Svartir Sandar

BACK IN TIME:

#PER CHI AMA: Experimental Metal

Un intrigante spleen introduce la prevedibile, poderosa galoppata a pelo nudo su strati di ossidiana incandescente e, in chiusura, un sofferente, epico landscape-wave da vesciche sui talloni: i panorami emozionali e la riuscita attitudine (ma solo quella) progressive di "Ljós í Stormi" aprono programmaticamente (come già accadde con "I Myself the Visionary Head" su 'Masterpiece of Bitterness' e, in precedenza, "Goddess of the Ages", stavolta in chiusura di 'Köld') questo tumultuoso joküll sonoro. Con l'eccezione della splendida ballata post-rock "Fjara", con tanto di ardito ritornello "abba-esque", il resto di 'Andvari', il primo di due dischi qui contenuti, espande o contrae gli elementi di "Ljós í Stormi" con la galoppante "Þín Orð" e la sofferente "Kukl". Spetta invece alle contrapposte epiche "Melrakkablús" e "Djákninn" ("Svartir Sandar" permettendo) il valoroso compito di traghettare, non senza qualche tollerabile lungaggine, il secondo disco 'Gola' nella direzione di un melodismo forse meno sussultorio ma senz'altro più ondulatorio. In altre parole, verso quel capolavoro indiscutibile e preterintenzionale che tre anni più tardi prenderà il nome di 'Ótta'. (Alberto Calorosi)

(Season of Mist - 2011)
Voto: 75

https://solstafir.bandcamp.com/album/svartir-sandar

Carnation - Where Death Lies

http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Brutal Death

Follow-up from 'Chapel of Abhorrence' and not a bad one to say the least! The music is "B" average in my humble opinion. I just thought that I'd write about the first release to pave way into developing verbiage on their next album here, 'Where Death Lies'. So, songwriting wise they're pretty keen on ingenuity and unique riff-writing. It no longer sounds like Corpsegrinder on vocals, it's sounds more like Alex via Krisiun. But in any case, all of this was worth a listen to or more! I'm happy to say all 9 tracks were good given their reputation on the first one with writing good songs. I think the diversity is here, too.

I like the overall sound to this album, the quality at least. And everything seems to fit well. It isn't all fast it's got the aggression to it, but then again has it's mild pieces as well. But overall, good death metal. Good in the sense of diversifying. I like that about this, it makes it so much more interesting as a listener and fan of their music. I can say that the name of the band is a little atypical for death metal, but ok I get it. So yes, 'Where Death Lies' was actually referred to me by a fellow friend and I pretty much liked it upon my first listen to this. I think their songwriting or riff-writing is all unique. And good leads to say the least.

Production quality was awesome be it that all of the music and vocals were mixed in properly. This album was about long enough (40 minutes) but I would've liked more. That in a sense is alright. I didn't take off points for that fact. But yeah, Carnation has some guitar work that is pretty innovative. The brutality factor is there as well! But about as good as the first release. I'm convinced that listening to it more and more makes me like it even more and more. They have such a way of writing the riffs that are damn cool and interesting. Hearing all of this makes me want to refer others to this album, ABSOLUTELY.

If you've got a listen to on Spotify, I think it's enough to make you want the CD itself. Even if you don't, you can still take a listen and draw your own conclusion about the quality of this release. If not, that's alright. But at least you'd given it a chance. If you've liked it, maybe if you collect CD's you'd want this alongside your collection. I had to get the CD because I though similar of what I thought about the first album. And that was the quality of the riffs and recording. I've much become a fan of this band and I'm looking forward to future releases by them to add to their utmost sense of quality in songwriting. Check it out! (Death8699)

(Season of Mist - 2020)
Score: 74

https://carnation.bandcamp.com/album/where-death-lies

Carnation - Chapel of Abhorrence

http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Swedish Death, Grave

Not that far-off from the voice resembling that of to which is Cannibal Corpse's frontman in the 5-piece Belgium based band, Carnation. I've been listening to this quite a bit and the guitars undoubtedly sound like Sweden revisited in the death metal bound band here. I've gotten the courage to take a shot at venting about this debut LP. I've had to capture the whole essence of the album which I've held in high esteem. That is, since day 1 that I got it a physical copy. Not only because I collect CD's, but because I prefer supporting the band and the music industry as a whole. I did not, however see the same greatness in their new release (2020).

If they could do this one again I'd greatly appreciate it! The music and voice is what drew me in and I do like the fact that there are 5 members here because there's more devotion time-wise to the overall outcome. I've found that not only is the music superb, but the rest of the effort by each and all members to be indigenous to this masterpiece debut. The guitar riffs sunk deep in my brain and it seemed that everything put forward to here (music, vocals, bass, production & mixing) to be a wholeheartedly great effort to the band's musical entourage. They grasp in what it takes to be given greatness by a musical protégé.

The tempos are all different but it's a straightforward sound that ultimately is their own showing the much talked about Swedish sound (which I covered) but the vocals sounding that to of Cannibal Corpse's frontman, Corpsegrinder. But they have their own sort of twist here the musical aspect hits home with stunning work. Stunning in the sense I mean originality of the guitar tracks even though they do show a lot of their influences are not Belgium based but Swedish based. They really make their units toned with their pedal which makes that sound I've been discussing here thereof.

If Carnation sounds too much like the flower, you're mistaken. It's this Belgium based death metal act that's got their own sense in this genre. Yes you can be a modern day listener that doesn't want to buy CD's anymore then fine! You can check this out of YouTube or Spotify. But to capture the supreme essence, get the physical copy and blare it out of your boombox! These guys needed more of an introduction to better equip you to what a debut should and does sound like on here. With musical influences that are diverse, Carnation racks it up with one helluv a punch that easily resonates. Check it out! (Death8699)

(Season of Mist - 2018)
Score: 78

https://carnation.bandcamp.com/album/chapel-of-abhorrence

Craft - White Noise and Black Metal

http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Swedish Black

Dark, depressing and grim is the atmosphere of this LP. They keep it really underground to say the least. The music isn't really too fast, but has some good riffs I'd say more than here or there. The vocals make the music even more dark. I'd have to say that everything on here isn't something that you'd want to listen to if you're melancholic. So yeah, the riffs I like a lot and the aura of the album. The intensity is there, too. It's a pretty diverse release musically. I like what I'm hearing. But it's not something that I'd say I'd get the CD to. Maybe, maybe in time. My genres aren't too keen on black metal.

The guitars are really original riff writing wise. They seem to keep the rest of the instruments in flux and yes, there are some points where the music is a little bit fast and fierce. They change tempos up quite a lot. And a lot of tremolo picking with the guitars. Definitely neat in composition style. I like the way they put the music together. Of course more songs would've been nice but this is 42 minutes and the music just is balls out intriguing. I liked all of the songs on here. There's a little biased in me saying so because I'm a former guitarist. But yeah, all of the music on here is damn well good!

The production as I discussed has made the album even more dark. The sound quality is good and the mixing superb. I recently heard of this band and definitely liked what I heard. There aren't many tracks on here that have a lot of vocals which is alright a lot of it is guitar work not so much voice. But that's alright, seems like the concept is to get the guitar riffs to be overpowering in most of the music. It's definitely their concept or way of writing on here. Seems to be the focus on most of the songs on here. As I have listened through the album, the music (as stated) is the main focal points. There seems to be mostly just music.

I like this release but I thought that they needed more vocals to it to keep it more well rounded. But in any case, I still give it a "B" rating. They definitely are a good band and this album has put them in the category of some awesome black metal. I have this on my phone and find that listening to it closely the music was definitely the primary highlight than anything else. They just needed to add to the music with more vocal tracks. That's my only beef with the release. I thought that most of the riffs were really cool. And the sound quality was good. Loved the guitars a lot and the atmosphere. Check it out! (Death8699)

(Season of Mist - 2018)
Score: 78

https://craftofficial.bandcamp.com/album/white-noise-and-black-metal

Abbath - Outstrider

http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Black Metal, Immortal

The Immortal-esque sound is all there it seems to be a combination of 'Damned In Black', 'Sons of Northern Darkness' and a tint of way back when 'At The Heart of Winter' came out. Though the synthesizers were not overpowering. The riffs seem to be pretty strong on here and it's a blend of those albums (to me). The only thing that doesn't pack the punch are the drums since Horge still was with Immortal though now their status is disputed. Abbath came up with some pretty darn good riffs here. Pure Norwegian black metal and Abbath seems to blend it with some sounding like blackened thrash.

I would venture to say that this one could've been longer in length but it's nevertheless a good follow-up the the self-titled album. I suppose fans for now should follow this band rather than Immortal now that their status is on hiatus. Both Abbath albums have been good, this one a bit better than their debut. If you're a guitar player I'd say the riffs are what's key to follow on here. Abbath does a good job in that department as well as the vocal department. Not so much in the leads, though he puts in a good effort. This album is rather slow in tempos, though there are some fluctuations but not too much.

The sound quality is damn good with a little aura that is grim. This one isn't too intense of a release I'd say it's way catchy. Not only that, but the frontman of Immortal's older lineup. Abbath's vocals are unique and cool, making the album and band sound better than a lot of other black metal bands. I'm glad that there's no real synthesizers on here, but the atmosphere is dark. Like I said, it's sort of blackened thrash metal but with a tint and aura of black metal mixed in. I like it, I like the vibe here. Abbath seems to have improved on lead guitar, but he could've left that part out. So be it, however.

This is definitely an album to check out if you like black metal in general or Immortal with Abbath in the band. This one is a definite "B" rating to me, but if the leads were out I would've raised the rating. Definitely is worth picking up because the music on here is so awesome. And the Immortal influence that I touched upon gets listeners entranced. At least, it did to me. Hopefully Abbath will continue to make music since he's 47 now, he won't retire for years on end. The guy has a lot of riffs put down and 'Outstrider' is just a small dose I'm sure of what he has left for us. Check it out now! (Death8699)

(Season of Mist - 2019)
Score: 75

https://www.abbath.net/

Dagoba - What Hell Is About

BACK IN TIME:

#PER CHI AMA: Cyber Thrash, Fear Factory, Slipknot, Pantera

All'epoca dell'uscita di questo lavoro si parlò di new sensation dalla Francia, i DAGOBA! Devo ammettere di essermi avvicinato a questa band con molto scetticismo, convinto di trovarmi al cospetto dell’ennesima clone band dei vari act svedesi/americani dediti all’ormai ipersvalutato death/thrash e invece tatah. Co somma gioia per il sottoscritto e gran furore da parte di questi baldi giovani, vi ripropongo il loro secondo album 'What Hell is About'. Dopo un primo non brillantissimo Mcd, la band transalpina, con una serie di concerti alle spalle con Fear Factory, Machine Head e Samael, sfodera in questo caso una più che discreta prova con un melting pot di generi, che vanno dal death/thrash al nu metal, passando attraverso soluzioni elettro cibernetiche un po’ scopiazzate dalla band di Dino Cazares & Co, ed altre trovate spesso interessanti. Dodici tracce intense e violente, che investono l’ascoltatore con quel sound potente, diretto, cristallino, dal mosh frenetico, dal refrain accattivante, vero crocevia di stili. Strano passare dalla prima parte vicina al sound dei Fear Factory, a brani di slipknotiana memoria (sentitevi “Cancer”) o ascoltare una song come “It’s All About Time”, che ci mostra in apertura la durezza, la compattezza e la perizia tecnica del quartetto francese per poi avvicinarsi a certe soluzioni sonore vicine agli Arcturus, soprattutto per quanto riguarda l’uso della voce. Il disco viaggia comunque su questi binari, mostrandoci una band valida e tonica, pronta già allora a spaccare i fondelli ai colleghi d’oltreoceano. Era ora che qualcuno provasse a rischiare qualcosa in un genere che ormai non aveva più nulla da dire. Questi marsigliesi invece con un uso sapiente delle tastiere, l’impiego dell’elettronica (da urlo certi samples utilizzati) e una buona dose di incazzatura, sono riusciti ad arricchire uno stile musicale ormai destinato a sprofondare nelle sabbie immobili. Un plauso va anche alle vocals, con il cantante abile nel passare da growl violentissime ad una voce calda e pulita sulla scia di quanto fatto dagli In Flames. Talentuosi questi Dagoba, fin dalle loro prime batture. (Francesco Scarci)

(Season of Mist - 2006)
Voto: 72

https://www.facebook.com/dagoba13

Dawn of Relic - Night on Earth

BACK IN TIME:

#PER CHI AMA: Swedish Death, Arch Enemy

Dalla Finlandia, vi presento i Dawn of Relic e il loro terzo e ultimo lavoro prima che se ne perdessero completamente le tracce. 'Night on Earth' è un album uscito originariamente nel 2005 e ristampato più volte negli anni a seguire, anche se francamente non ne capisco il motivo. Il melodic black metal sinfonico degli esordi in questa release lascia definitivamente il posto ad uno swedish death metal influenzato in primis da Arch Enemy e in secondo luogo anche dalla melodia fulgente degli In Flames (periodo centrale della loro discografia). Il platter, ottimamente prodotto, offre però solo 30 minuti scarsi di musica, con un sound che ha ben poco da essere ulteriormente approfondito, essendo molto vicino alle band sopraccitate. In “Birth”, la quarta traccia, è ben rimarcabile una forte influenza proveniente dai Sentenced, per quelle sue malinconiche e al tempo stesso frizzanti melodie che emergono dalla chitarra. Ottima, come sempre per i gruppi del nord Europa, la prestazione dei singoli musicisti, non sufficiente però a sollevare un lavoro che in taluni frangenti risulta essere anonimo e noioso. Pensavo che la performance di questi ragazzi finlandesi potesse rappresentare un punto di svolta della loro carriera, per riuscire ad emergere dal sempre più affollato calderone della scena death melodica, ma punti vincenti questo disco ne ha davvero ben pochi: ottimo il songwriting, buona la prestazione del cantante, così come accennavo all’ottima prova dei singoli musicisti. Gli assoli sono anche piacevoli e le ritmiche straripanti, troppo poco però, per riuscire a fare il salto di qualità agognato. Peccato poi, per lo scarso utilizzo delle keys, capaci invece di impreziosire il sound dell’intero lavoro: affascinante infatti, l’ultimo brano del lotto, dove accanto ad una chitarra particolarmente ispirata si affianca anche una delirante tastiera. A differenza del precedente 'Lovecraftian Dark', qui non hanno trovato posto neppure le vocals femminili da fare da contraltare ai growl maschili. (Francesco Scarci)

(Season of Mist - 2005)
Voto: 60

https://myspace.com/dawnofrelicmusic

The Old Dead Tree - The Water Fields

BACK IN TIME:

#PER CHI AMA: Death/Gothic

Avevo particolarmente amato gli esordi dei The Old Dead Tree, per quella ventata di freschezza, portata nel panorama gothic death, che di certo non stava vivendo una fase positiva della sua storia. Continuando con il loro stile personale, la band transalpina continua a proporre il perfetto connubio tra heavy gothic emozionale e una spruzzatina di death metal. Devo ammettere però che l’inizio di 'The Water Fields' non mi ha convinto più di tanto: i primi due pezzi infatti, sono abbastanza scontati e sconclusionati; dalla terza traccia “Dive” in poi però, la situazione inizia a migliorare sensibilmente. La band ritrova l’ispirazione degli esordi, quando 'The Nameless Disease' sconvolse il mondo con quelle sue splendide melodie graffianti e per la calda voce di Manuel Munoz. In questo terzo lavoro, ormai datato 2007 che rappresenta ancora l'ultimo album per i nostri, le chitarre continuano a tessere linee dure e malinconiche al tempo stesso, con la voce di Manuel che si rincorre alternando il raro growling con la sua incredibile timbrica pulita. Trattandosi di un concept album sull’autoironia e sulla necessità da parte di alcune persone di fuggire dalla realtà o rimanere passive in stati d’ansia, l’album rispecchia umoralmente questi argomenti, passando da momenti di rabbia ad altri più meditativi, dove spesso, l’unico vero strumento rimane la voce di Manuel. Disperazione, angoscia e rabbia si alternano in una girandola di emozioni, un’altalena di suoni e colori gravitanti attorno ad atmosfere decadenti e ad altre più incalzanti. Gli Old Dead Tree si confermano cosi ottimi musicisti, dalle idee valide e abbastanza originali. Per i nostalgici del gothic, per i metallari classici e per coloro che ancora attendono un nuovo album targato The Old Dead Tree. (Francesco Scarci)

(Season of Mist - 2007)
Voto: 75

https://www.facebook.com/The-Old-Dead-Tree-22976508359/

Drudkh - Їм часто сниться капіж (They Often See Dreams About the Spring)

#FOR FANS OF: Post Black, Wolves in the Throne Room

Drudkh's first full-length album since 2015 shows a band shaking off the frost of an unforgiving winter with a fresh tumult that leaves trees shuddering and strings screaming, quaking the earth with a monstrous sound lurking high above the timbers and swaying in the winds. Moments of fury erupt from clay and rocks as each appendage of this Ukrainian quartet strives to elaborate on specifics in its style while maintaining its consistent overall quality in engaging atmosphere and mesmerizing cycling, a gigantic gallop of the forest's foremost advocate embodied in a titan of black metal artistry. A motif of decay and resurrection has been a mainstay of Drudkh's songwriting throughout its fifteen year career, best exemplified by sullen guitar passages that reach their solstices in hateful highs before returning to depressive drawling lows as they recycle and replant their roots. Yet it is in the blends and blotches that Drudkh finds its most uncorrupted cultivation, a dreamlike blur that seems improvisational but is actually a carefully approximated sound, something where a contributing moment may seem muddled and misshapen but applies itself as a perceptibly necessary attribute into the larger scheme.

Near the second half of “У дахів іржавім колоссю... (U Dakhiv Irzhavim Kolossyu…)”, the drums kick up with a tantalizing blast beat as a backdrop of heaving guitar trills to the tone of a lonesome bird calling out for a companion. The lead sawing across the top shreds bark and sinew with the dull patter of a distant woodpecker following such violence. Blast beating comes with the frequency of clouds during a blustery summer day, the wind high in the atmosphere as shade darkens the sun and quickly passes by to bring back Sol's full intensity. Such captivating landscapes are painted in meditative and calculated brushstrokes, as though the mixtures of colors and blending definition of impressionist painting is lent its own audible backdrop, a prominence in this gallery of sound delightfully shown in the final pieces on the album. “За зорею, що стрілою сяє (Za Zoreyu Scho Striloyu Syaye…)” blows winds of a familiar anthem, the crisp air of autumn reprising its role in contrast to spring, conjuring the swift streaks of oranges and yellows in Monet's “San Giorgio Maggiore at Dusk” in order to share in the theme of 'The Swan Road' or 'Autumn Aurora'. “Білявий день втомився і притих (Bilyavyi Den’ Vtomyvsya I prytykh… )” brings a signature scramble to its precipice with sawing guitars, shrilly screaming through banks of foggy distortion and blending, calling out through the morning mist in primitive mention of Monet's “Impression, Sunrise” to raise a fresh levy of barbarian warriors, echoing goodbyes across placid waters walled in by rising rocky cliffs. The quiet melody of the lead guitar longingly mires its melancholy footing in the sopping mud of a springtime low tide. As the boat disappears in the distance the sun begins to burn off the fog, opening the cloistered world to the beauty of expanse, the allure of adventure, and the hope of a successful raid and lucrative future.

'Їм часто сниться капіж (They Often See Dreams About the Spring)' is Drudkh elaborating in all the right places while sticking to its tried and true formula. The heady atmosphere blending blotches of noisy notation, imposing and transfixed on the spirit of nature, can find itself falling into the background of the mind at times, but always returns to a path that fiercely draws attention to itself in the right moments. Giving sound to an already muddled style that captures the eye when closed and the mind when dreaming, Drudkh has always maintained a soft spot for impressionist art, providing tangible texture throughout its lower fidelity career. With the cleanliness of its production throughout this latest foray into a stand-alone full-length, the band has smoothed out its canvas while providing a more vibrant color palette for its digitized display. (Five_Nails)

 

(Season of Mist - 2018)
Score: 75

https://drudkh.bandcamp.com/album/they-often-see-dreams-about-the-spring