Album Review: Cyclocosmia – Immured

Vestal Virgins were not allowed to partake in sexual activities for vowing allegiance to their goddess, Vesta. One Vestal Virgin broke her oath and she was buried alive for it. 

Concert Review: Amaranthe, Cypher16, Smash Into Pieces @ H.O.M.E. Bar

Chicago and the Midwest received a warm visit from Sweden’s own Amaranthe as well as London metal quartet Cypher16 and alternative metallers, Smash Into Pieces. The night brought forth rather new experiences for both fans and the bands as the adrenaline and energy made room for plenty of memories and more. 

De Profundis – Frequencies EP

It’s always interesting when you encounter a band that has a different sound than many of the artists out there. You wonder if their sound is the first, maybe even wonder if their sound will usher in similar bands to come. While I cannot answer that theory, I can tell you that today’s artist does in fact have that new, fresh sound that is starting to become rare nowadays. De Profundis, is a Progressive Death Metal outfit from London, and have recently released their latest EP titled, Frequencies. The EP will give way to the group’s upcoming fourth album, TBA soon. A quick and intense listen, the 4-track, 20 minute EP encompasses surprises around every corner backed by uncompromising energy. Formed in 2005, the group’s initial sound catered to a more Doom Metal sound, which led them to release their first album in 2007. Playing as an opening act for many famous stages such as Bloodstock and March Metal Day, in turn, they opened for large name metal bands such as Iron Maiden and more. This led them to sign their first major deal with record label, Sony India. After a minor lineup change, 2010 saw the release of their sophomore album, A Bleak Reflection, which was released on another label, Kolony Records. A new sound to the group was born, and later that year, they co-headlined a festival in India, alongside Goth Metal Masters, Lacuna Coil. The following year, De Profundis, ended up opening for Rotting Christ. Their third album, The Emptiness Within, was born in which technicality became a major staple on the album, as well as overall in the group’s general sound. Before the release of today’s EP, the group embarked on a two-week trek supporting Marduk, and later on, the group toured on their own throughout Europe and The UK. 8 years after their debut at Bloodstock, the group returned to that stage once again recently, to unleash their new talents and showcase that they are becoming one of the UK’s forces within the Extreme Metal Scene.

[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W44iZ0FhhPs[/tube]

A highly unpredictable track kicks off the EP with A Strange Awakening. From time signatures constantly changing, to the twists, odds and ends, the track was hard for me to keep up with. I really liked the short bursts of blast beats, overall the track is heavy in complex progressive elements. I admired the speed and intensity of the next track, Illumination. There is some Doom in the track, keeping some slower tempos throughout, but once the track starts to get faster, the blast beats ensue, everything comes together. Also to mention, the Classic Death Metal aspect is assuredly not absent. Hints of Swedish Metal come forth in the next track, Singularity. Once more, the pace changes abruptly throughout, and the bass lines even get a definitive sound. A lengthier solo is included in the track, and the headbanging can commence. The final track is my personal pick of the EP. Crystal Mountain, has some Black Metal elements like a bit of a down tune, in addition to more variety and sounds. This is perhaps a mix of everything we’ve seen throughout this EP and more to end it all.

As mentioned, this was something fresher, and for me, a sound I certainly had to get used to. It’s not everyday I listen to something unique as De Profundis. While their music wasn’t memorable this time, it certainly indeed was extreme. Perhaps we will see more of their potential talent when their upcoming fourth album debuts. Stay Metal m/

Frequencies EP: 7/10

More information can be found on their Official Website, as well as their Facebook and Twitter Pages. Don’t forget to LIKE We Love Metal Dot Com on our Facebook page as well at www.facebook.com/welovemetal.

DragonForce – Maximum Overload

Well well, Ladies and Gentlemen, these guys certainly need no introduction, we all know who they are. We know what they are made of and we know what they can dish out. The most famous Power and Speed Metal sextet from The UK ever, DragonForce, are on the verge of releasing their most dynamic, versatile, perhaps heaviest and most talented album yet to date, and that may be an understatement. Officially scheduled  for release August 18th and 19th, Maximum Overload  gives me shivers after hearing it, which is undeniably incomprehensible. The soon-to-be sixth album, whom whose title captures the energy, is a direct fact. The album is close to an hour, if you purchase the regular edition, and the special edition is of course well over an hour with five additional tracks. All the tracks on the album range from over three minutes to close to seven minutes. In addition to many of the phenomenal aspects the album delivers, it is perhaps their most memorable one to date as well. Speaking of memorable and phenomenal, this is the first album which the band brought in a producer to help finish and finalize the album, which is very noticable. Trivium frontman, Matt Heafy, collaborated with the band on three of the tracks. This is the second album with new talented lead vocalist, Marc Hudson, who replaced former longtime frontman, ZP Theart, back in 2010, and this is the final album with longtime drummer Dave Mackintosh, whom left DragonForce earlier in June of this year and was with the band for a decade. New drummer, formally of Braindamage and Kill Ritual, Gee Anzalone, has joined the ranks as the group’s new full-time drummer. 

No instrumental prelude, as we go straight into the heavy thrash and speed with the opening track, The Game. The first track of the album in addition to being the first released single, The Game, is one of the heaviest tracks on the album. Trivium’s, Matt Heafy, guest-stars in the track as he lends his vocals to scream and back frontman, Marc Hudson. Blast beats, speed, and harsh breakdowns make my head bang to oblivion. The track definitely ventures into one of their more unique atmospheres. Tomorrow’s Kings, enters with a meloncholic tone, then takes off with the speed metal. The track, truer to their Power Metal side, also dishes out a fast and addicting chorus. The barrage of galloping, which is only standard in DragonForce, comes with Marc Hudson’s vocals that are a notch up or two. No More, is another one of the tracks in which Matt Heafy, guest stars. The incredibly addicting chorus is hard to get out of my mind, and the backup vocals add an eargasmic touch. The fastest track yet, the ‘Force’ style blast beats, make way to a calmer and harmonious melodic bit, but nonetheless we are finished off by swiftness once more. Three Hammers, continue the Power Metal journey and hints of Medieval aspects, this is Power Metal after all. The track overall takes a break on speed and the brakes are put lightly. The vocals bring in a perfect anthem setting, and the group vocals come in together in the strong chorus. The brakes are let go in the last half and Herman Li and Sam Totman go bazerk once again. A Powerful, Epic atmosphere arrive that intensifies the album and gives us another outlook on the band. Symphony of the Night, rounds up the first perfect half of the album. Quite a different intro is presented, and a Majestic Chorus overtakes assuredly. Is that palm-muting I hear in their picking style? More arpeggios are crammed into the track, as the solo is a burst of sweeps, no whammy, bends or melodious terms. Once again, the vocals shine high and mighty.

[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fb7F3SU5BRw[/tube]

The Sun Is Dead, has some pretty average verses, but Marc Hudson, saves the track with his amazing vocal range and sentimental chorus. A steadier, and calmer change of pace is around for the first half of the track, and the emotional guitars lend a string that brings the track another level up. A progressive ambience finishes off the track, for had it not been for the end half and vocals, I would have passed on this track. Way to save the track DragonForce! Defenders, is the second single of the album and third out of the three tracks that Matt Heafy guest-stars in. Going back to the opening track, this track takes on a similar path and style. The track is certainly more melodic than The Game, especially in the chorus and a darker more epic atmosphere shows itself for a moment, and the backing vocals from the band, make the track title more realisitic mentally, in addition to being also one of the heaviest tracks of the album. Extraction Zone, is the most video-game influenced track to date. A perfect replication of video-game sound effects, pacman noises and background music, show us one of their super-talented sides. The vocals also are one of the more important aspects, but that video-game piece astounds me. City of Gold, is the weakest track of the album, still a good track, but compared to the rest of the album, its not as fierce and in your face as the majority of the album has been thus far. The track has a happy-metal feel to it, if you know what I mean. The closing track of the album, is actually a cover of Johnny Cash’s, Ring of Fire. The lyrics are untouched, and the track remains almost as true to the original, except it is done DragonForce style! Aside from the assumed speed, the track was not changed at all for those sensitive to the track, no addition of solos or lyrics. Depending on the fan, the cover is either worthy or not, but personally it is a classy way to end Maximum Overload. 

As mentioned, this is perhaps their most talented, diverse and dynamic album to date. After hearing it, please come back and tell me you do not agree. From start to end, each second of the album is nothing but ear candy. This album is going to go in my collection of albums that I can listen to from start to end, without skipping any tracks. If you haven’t guessed, DragonForce is one of my favorite bands and I say falls in my Top Ten all-time bands. I could care less if you think that is ridiculous or silly, you can’t deny each and every one of the members is a master of their instrument. In terms of the bonus tracks, I would have added two of the five bonus tracks to the main album, as they are strong and exceptionally deserving. The main factors of the album, for me are the unique and original addicting chorus’ that each song brings. Marc Hudson’s vocals, are strong and exceptionally epic. He is one of the groups strong hands, and I hope they do not let him go or departs. Keyboard solos are less present, as the album is of course more guitar driven. As with Inhuman Rampage, that was more keyboard oriented, this album is not, or at least as much. With this being the final album with Dave Mackintosh on drums, who knows what the next album will sound like? More blast beats? (If possible?), perhaps more technical drumming with odd signatures? Any of that is possible. The band will be touring through The UK and Europe through the Fall, and then ending the year with a tour with Epica. I am pretty positive they will make their rounds here early next year, so start saving up your money to see the Glory that is DragonForce. What else can I say about a band we have seen deliver unheard of and whopping talent over and over again? When August 18th and 19th roll around and you pick up their sixth album, think of the guy on the cover, for your brain too, will be on Maximum Overload! Stay Metal m/

Maximum Overload: 9.5/10

More information can be found on their Official Website, as well as their Official Facebook and Twitter Pages. Please don’t forget to ‘LIKE’ We Love Metal Dot Com on our Facebook Page as well, and stay tuned as We Love Metal interviews DragonForce!