Personal matters are one of many reasons why metal triumphs over what the mainstream tends to offer. The latest efforts from Canada’s, Throne To The Wolves, takes these issues that affect some of us and molds them with traditional and more modern elements. Continue reading “Throne To The Wolves – Tales From The Gallows”
I think it’s safe to say that Epica are one of the pioneers and possibly the Kings and Queen of symphonic metal. Their new EP, The Solace System, proves why that may be so while at the same time unleashing and outdoing themselves once again! Continue reading “Epica – The Solace System EP”
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How this band started is a pretty cool story actually and once you know where they come from, everything will explain itself and fall into place. The Debut EP from metallers, Xaon, is a revitalizing and fresh injection into the metal scene. Continue reading “Album Review: Xaon – Face of Balaam EP”
Today’s featured album and artist really gives me a punch in the face. After listening to Arcturon’s EP titled, Expect Us, they certainly captured the title of their EP. We can expect their musicianship to be threatening, aggressive and boastful in attitude as the tracks all present a devious affair. Founded in the mid 2000’s, Swiss death metal quartet, Arcturon, have previously released a few more albums before today. After looking at the groups history, they all have had previous experience in other projects, thus bringing their experienced talents together to form this bold death metal group. While they play death metal, they pretty much stay on track with modern death metal, not necessarily taking the traditional old school death metal route, rather taking it to their own tuning and liking, which I respect when an artist does that.
My Treasure wastes no time in putting the pedal to the metal. A hooky riff initiates the album then a thunderstorm waves in and the intensity ensues. After listening to this track, you’ll see how modern they are in their death metal technique. Vocalist, Aljosha Gasser, really lays down those gutterals, man. The title track of the EP is of course one of the better tracks. Though they don’t have a keyboardist in their main lineup, the track is really rich in ambient keys in the background, pair this with the killer blast beats, you get amazing eargasms. Once again, the vocals are pretty intense which remind me heavily of Deviuldriver vocalist, Dez Fafara, just crazy.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZiof4ZbE6c[/tube]
A Restless Soul takes on an almost astral approach, bringing in some light atmospheric pleasures throughout. The track doesn’t get as savage as the previous two, but still remains on the heavy route, showcasing a slightly tamer side of themselves. Not a bad track, check it out. Lastly, Rowan, returns with the extreme vocals that also bring in insightful lyrics. The hauntingly abundant ambience also returns in addition to piano in the background to add to the eerieness. The track is much darker than the rest, hands down.
This EP offers lots of elements throughout. What I enjoyed from it was the fact that their style and sound changed roughly in each track. Rather than trying to be the most brutal and fastest players from start to end, they offered that as well as their darker side, telling us that they can add some stimulating evil to their ranks. Though I love brutality as much as the next person, it’s respectable when a group switches it up, though I would have liked to have seen more aggressiveness. Nonetheless this EP is not too shabby at all. Like I said, it’s a modern approach to death metal and I had a few artists revolving through my mind throughout this album. I am sure in their next full-length release, we will probably see even more twists and variety. Stay Metal m/
Expect Us EP: 7/10
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As one sits on the distant shores of a foreign land, the atmosphere brings in a sense of peace. The calming waters, occasionally bringing in waves that crash and move back to sea. The air brings in a breeze as gray clouds slowly scatter and settle in for the moment. Birds scream and chirp away as a large, amassed object with white sails floats away, far into the distance as it blends in with the skies. What described the album cover, has also very well described the attitude of today’s album EP. Selene, are a fresh new Symphonic Metal band, hailing from the shores of the Emerald Isle, Ireland. A group that has been around for about a year and a half, their debut EP was released in July of last year with this EP being a bigger and more solidifying release. Their sound has drawn comparison to some of the bigger names in Symphonic Metal. As their debut EP, Among The Frozen, garnered positive reviews, Selene seek out to find and establish themselves in the metal world. In regards to their name, Selene, is the goddess of the moon, and sister to Helios, the god of the sun. Six tracks, twenty-six minutes of pleasing and gratifying, let’s take a dip into Paradise Over.
While the whole EP was quite enjoyable and unique, a few of the tracks grew on me and deserve recognition. The opener, Facing The Mirror, opens with a sensual piano hook, with seconds later the rest of the instrumentals coming in, in a neoclassical and epic way. The Symphonic opera add an additional boost of strong elements. Overall, the track keeps a beautiful ambience, sending out a steady pace of rhythm and tempo. The confident vocals that lead vocalist, Shonagh Lyons, showcases are perfect for this genre of music. Not Enough, became one of the favorites, as it’s heavily keyboard infused presence set the right attitude. Another bonus on this track, is the stronger double bass that is throughout the chorus, in addition to the memorable and gratifying vocals.
[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrya-Yy9cz8[/tube]
The title track of the album is the best track hands down. Paradie Over, though being the shortest track at 3:30, all the groups best assets come together to show off a more epic and edgier side of Selene. If it’s headbanging that you’ve been craving in this album, this is the track to check out. This is where the group gets a little wilder in their works. Fade Away, follows a similar demeanor as the previous track. More piano, harder riffs, double bass, we finally revert to a heavier sound with these two tracks, while mainting an almost Fantasy-like lyrical theme. Lastly, the final track, Hourglass Fading, is appropriately deemed as the ballad of the album. With it being the last track, it’s ambience is perfect for its track placement. The moving piano and emotional guitar from lead man, John Connor, and the vocals play beautifully together. The slower drums from Cameron Ashlund-Glass are perfect for the track. A more intimate and slower ending, the hourglass slowly fades away.
While the album wasn’t as wild and fierce as other bands within the Symphonic Metal genre, the exquisite chorus’ and soothing verses smoothly embellished an easier transition into the album. You never hear of metal coming from Ireland, but with it’s nickname of The Emerald Isle, every track on this EP proved that the music is executed well with what one would imagine Ireland to be. Selene, being around for only a year and a half now, I hope their official debut album makes a mark on the charts. They have the capability and knowledge to create some impressive and genius sounds, I know I will be looking forward to their debut EP. Another group under my radar, Selene, are on their way to land on the shores of the masses. Paradise Over will be released exclusively through BandCamp October 17, and everywhere else October 24, 2014. Stay Metal m/
Paradise Over EP: 8.5/10
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The unity that heavy metal has among everyone is a strong force. Whether it is cultural differences, different beliefs, or what have you etc, the power of Heavy Metal brings us together as one. Today’s artist was formed along those lines, for the distance and location of each member is widespread internationally. After about a year of hard work and file exchanging, Modern Melodic Death Metal quintet, Meridian Dawn, have released their debut EP titled, The Mixtape. The band’s members come to us from The US, Belgium and Finland, while their headquarters are based in the States. A studio was constructed at frontman, Antony Hämäläinen’s home, to record most of the album, and then finally the album was sent to be mixed and mastered in Gothenburg, Sweden. The EP brings a most defninite modern approach with a Classic Death Metal influence, hence the members coming from bands such as: Firewind, Nightrage, Into the Moat, and Remembering Never. Five tracks, just over twenty minutes of delectable tunes.
[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDFJXrzjacM[/tube]
Thieves, kicks off the EP in a diverse way. A classic influence launches the album, and a plethora of generically heavy blast beats appear at various points. The melodic aspect of the guitar like the tapping really add another spin to the track. The track is not technical in any way, its satisfyingly heavy with just the right amount of attunement brought forth. For you speed freaks, the second track will get you headbanging. Fever Syndrome, gives us a harsher look and sound from the band. Occasional slower breaks are set in motion with a steady progression. The eargasmic harmonies are astounding and the track finishes on a speedy note. I really dig this one. Dressed In Ice, features Jake E of Amaranthe. Still heavy, this is one of the more intimate tracks, you can call it. The astral aspects of the guitar add a pleasurable ambience, and once again the harmonious guitars appear and finish off the pleasant track. The next track, I Don’t Wanna Be, from the get-go is an immediate influence of classic death metal. The track is a tribute to the late Peter Steele of Gothic Pioneers, Type O Negative. Bits of Punk are found as well, and follows a tradional song making process, but that does not deter the harshness this track can bring. Throw in a killer kickass shredding solo and a powerful track is born. I really enjoyed this one. Lastly, the track, Descent, was written by Industrial Metal icons, Fear Factory. The track performed by Meridian Dawn, is a tribute to Fear Factory. Simplistic in structure and rich in modernness, nothing out of hte ordinary is featured here. An average track to finish off the EP, the last song only adds to the vast variety these guys can conquer.
[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKkP06yahHM[/tube]
The production and mastering prospects of this EP are above and beyond for an EP. Related to what I had said earlier, it’s interesting to see artists collaborate and when they make a supergroup, usually great things happen. Overall the album brought to me a new refreshing view on metal, and helped me expand upon the modern sound. Everything from the unique riffs, repeatedly harmonious pinnacles, and distinct shifting vocals created a memorable album. This is not your typical metal album, upon listening you will be able to tell. Their musical style is imaginative and cannot be replicated. Stay Metal m/
The Mixtape EP: 9/10
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A first for me, and probably many of you international metalheads out there, today we take a little trip over to India. India you say? Yes, for a Death and Thrash outfit by the name of Halahkuh have released their EP titled, Desecration. Immensely heavy and rapid tracks are what they deliver to the metal world. After listening to the EP, boy I have surely underestimated them. Who knew such vulgarity and destruction could come from a land of rich and passionate Religion and Culture? The name of the band comes from the name of one of the descendants of the famous Mongol ruler, Genghis Khan. His presence and intensity is a major inspiration for the heaviness of this EP. For those appreciative of metal with meaning, their music speaks about the harshest moments and struggles we face in real everyday life. Some of the artists that inspire them include: Sepultura, Slayer, Vader, Kreator and Behemoth, among a few more. Four Tracks, Fifteen Minutes, lets do this.
Just over two minutes, the first track, Ordeal is a typical metal opener. An epic atmosphere brings in a warning of what is to come. The slower but suspenseful start takes us through smoothly to the next track, Sacrilege. The heaviness can officially begin. The progression and rhythms the track brings fluctuate from slow and stready to speedy and progressive. The screams are held for long, I hope the singer doesn’t damage a vocal cord. This track is more on their thrash side and they mean business. The proceeding track, Possessed Strangulated and Enslaved, is a perfect blend of their speedy death metal talents. The riffs are extremely addicting and once again, there is not one slow moment throughout. I could not get enough of the solo, such harmonic melody for a death metal band. These guitar players have noticably studied their craft. Lastly, the track, In Extremis, goes to the heavy headbangers. I was headbanging from the get-go. Probably the heaviest riffs are found here, the fastest drumming techniques are here, and the most evil of vocals are experienced as well. Throw in some melodic death metal elements for more pleasure and a few bass drops for heavy momentous affairs. A fade out of the final scream closes this vulgar and vigorous EP.
[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGMeuUM_kNg[/tube]
If this is a taste of what Metal from India is like, I want some more doses, stat! Again, an underestimated EP that is making me very much looking forward to when this album is released. Not one boring moment throughout this EP, and various elements of surprise and variety all perfectly mixed to deliver positive driving results. The solos were killer, the breakdowns were satisfying which did not cross over into the core regions, a major plus there. What more could I have expected from this EP. If this is what we are expecting from Halahkuh, boy are we in for a treat. These guys will assuredly be under my radar. Stay Metal m/
Desecration EP: 9.5/10
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The Metal Alchemy 