Phantasma - The Deviant Hearts

Phatasma is something of a symphonic metal supergroup featuring members of Delain, Serenity and Everon. Based around musical duets and a Disney-esque musical sensibility The Deviant Hearts is a surprisingly fun listen full of lush musical soundscapes and powerful compositions. This is more than just a symphonic metal record - it pushes boundaries and creates a sense of utter beauty that is hard to deny. Devilishly addictive and guaranteed to pull at your heart strings - this is what symphonic metal was meant to be about.

That being said - as good as Phantasma are there are definitely a few wrinkles to be ironed out - there could be more work on the vocals and some of the song structures feel a little too over the top. Of course - in some ways that simply adds to the beauty of what the band does. These guys rarely feel obliged to acknowledge their metal roots, and while there certainly are powerful metal moments the band seems to want to focus more on the lush melodies and aural magic that makes the band so cool. The interplay between male and female is stunning - it gives the and a level of depth that very few of their peers could match.

Simply put - despite the few struggles that come from being a newer band Phantasma still manage to do some pretty special and fun stuff on The Deviant Hearts. Full of its own drama and featuring a powerful story (because of course this is a concept record) this is an album that hints at an incredile potential. Phantasma are ridiculously exciting and will leave you wondering what more is to come from a band who seemed destined to climb the power metal ladder and one day maybe even reign supreme.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/PhantasmaProject?fref=ts

Draconian - Sovran

Draconian is a surprisingly tastefully done doom/symphonic/death metal/whatever band who have rapidly managed to capture my heart with their epic dirges and powerful vocal melodies. With a nice mix of growls and female cleans alongside a terrifying organ sound there is something strangely satisfying about what the band do on their latest full length - the almighty Sovran. The deeper you delve int other bands distinctive sound the mire you realize hat these uys are top notch musicians and composers with a potent vision.

While yes - here and there moments of modern metal sneak in, the majority of the record is powerful and filled with deep emotions. From the initial trudge on the album opener Heavy Lies The Crown it is immediately clear that on Sovran Draconian have been able to pull together a truly powerful sound. The sense of artistry behind the music is perpetually palatable and helps to give a wonderful braininess to the entire record. Though a lot of these tracks skew long the epic themes the band has chosen to embrace make it seem appropriate and never leave the listener bored but instead stunned by the iconoclastic and refreshing presentation of the music.

The fact of the matter is that doom metal is a pretty fucking crowded scene right now and Draconian have found a simple way to twist it and make it exciting. When you find out the band has been around for 21 years it makes sense that their sound is so mature, no younger band could really invoke something this powerful. Diverse and refreshing Draconian's time has come to take up their role as one of the lords of a scene that God forgot. The only question now is can you take the madness onto your own shoulders?

Find them on Facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/draconianofficial

Alustrium - A Tunnel To Eden

Miles ahead of its predecessor and triumphant in its immaculate conception Alustrium are back with A Tunnel To Eden a release that dazzles the listener with powerful synths, epic lyrics and some wonderfully chunky tech death whose sheer hard riffing majesty is impossible to ignore. What I'm trying to say is that Alustrium have found a darker reality and are unafraid of crushing the listener with powerful songwriting that requires many a listen to fully unravel. Alustrium get what progressive death metal can be, sure it's cheesy, but it's also frikkin' good.

Unlike many of their genre peers Alustrium seem to have a strong sense of their own humanity and this helps to lead to much more visceral music. Sure there are moments on A Tunnel To Eden that are super flashy and a couple moments where things feel a little bit corny, but as far as the songwriting goes these moments work. In fact one could argue that without these occasional moments of cheese Alustrium wouldn't be nearly as good. What A Tunnel To Eden does is encapsulate the listener and force them to stare at the monolith of their own inhumanity with its wealth of impossible to play riffs and bombastic moments that guide every song to a fist pumping oblivion.

Before I head off into the night I feel obligated to also comment on the sheer quality of the final three songs, the Illusion of Choice trilogy. Making up a half hour of the albums extended run time it represents everything Alustrium has come to be - extremely brainy and wonderfully heavy death metal that pushes the boundaries without ever becoming overtly challenging. A Tunnel To Eden represents years of hard work and the enormity of the travail can be felt in every riff. A treat to dig in too that gets even better with multiple spins Alustrium will leave you scraping your jaw off the floor.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/Alustrium?fref=ts

Sirenia - The Seventh Life Path

So, I'v never been into the whole gothic symphonic metal trip but I also haven't really given the genre a chance in a few years. Now that I've been presented with a new record from a band I never really listened too, Sirenia's The Seventh Life Path I see that things have come far since I was a long haired sixteen year old with a predilection for the occult. Now we find Sirenia crafting music epics that will capture the listeners imagination and carry them off on an epic and beautiful escapist journey into a finely constructed sound world that few could conceive.

As you delve into the magical sounds that Sirenia mastermind Morten Veland has crafted on this latest release it's hard to deny the all around mastery of the band. Sirenia have managed to hone a sound that is unique and yet also highly listenable. The goth rock fringes that provide flavor to a symphonic metal chassis are impressive. The thing is that Sirenia manage to convincingly add a sense of fun into some very serious epic music without making themselves seem silly. There is something transcendent about the wide open soundscapes that define tracks like Insania. Rather than relying on hooks (Not to say there aren't hooks) the pieces all seem to be building towards something greater which will ultimately grind the listener into the dirt.

Exploring this album is like falling into a strange fantasy world and exploring the cosmic triumph that it has to offer. Sirenia have created an all encompassing and charming work that can at once slam you into a wall and then suddenly blow your mind into a peaceful oblivion. The use of contradiction and pure poetry that defines this music is charming. It's easy to fall in love with what Sirenia do, and as I feel the waves of sound working their way into the twisted remnants of my mind I can't help but genuflect at the power within.

Find them on Facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/sirenia

Kamelot - Haven

Kamelot have always struck me as kind of dorky, but the thing is, these guys embrace it which in turn makes their music fun. On this latest record the band is perhaps at their most polished - crafting immaculate masterpieces that leave nothing to question, using heavy synths and soaring vocals to roar out and showcase the bands sonic abilities. Here's a group who are fully aware of what they're capable of and push themselves to the limit, creating power metal that comes off as strangely serious and genuinely intriguing.

The thing is, 2012's Silverthorn felt a little strange, merely because the band was only just starting to integrate their new vocalist Tommy Karevik. Now it feels like the band has really come into their own, fully using his capabilities and showcasing themselves not just as composers but musicians who know how to write to the strengths of each member. As Thomas Youngblood ages I get the sense that his compositions get increasingly epic in scale, and yet never can really be accused of being masturbatory. There is something distinctly tasteful about Haven and that keeps it refreshing as you explore its distinct soundworld.

As you fall into Kamelots distinct grooves and feel yourself carried off by the bands powerful choruses it's hard to deny that Kamelot is the rare band who manage to stir up something in just about everyone. Unafraid to experiment (As evidenced with some of the nifty effects used in tracks like the instant classic Insomnia) Kamelot continue to prove themselves as modern day power metal masters. Let the music carry you away - these guys seem to have the will and the know how to take the world by storm!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/kamelotofficial?fref=ts

Betoken - Beyond Redemption

Betoken is an interesting symphonic metal band from Italy. They feature an eight (!) person lineup and a sound that relies heavily on male vocals, yet with no growls. Already they're walking a couple lines that most of their peers might never touch on. Their is a certain sense of novelty, especially when a band has three full time vocalists like Betoken do. It leads to a layered sound with the ability to take on a distinctly different flavor for each verse. Their music is tightly polished and interesting to listen to, making Beyond Redemption a wonderful addition to the bands discography.

The inherently proggy elements of Betoken help to make them a little more interesting and create a serious musicians interest, but I think the band really gets going when they incorporate all three vocalists. They have a very distinct line up and when they use it to its full potential the band does some things I've never heard before. Any time that we are treated to a male/female duet I get goosebumps, it's a pity it doesn't happen more often. As is though, Betoken quickly prove their dominance as musicians and leave you begging for more. These guys have been at it for years and they really know how to craft a tight song to say the least.

When the songs really let the layers seep in and the vocal lines flourish, Betoken show that they are a truly special band. There is a lot of interesting stuff to dig in to here and this album is certainly worth a few listens. Betoken understand what symphonic is all about and their lush sounds will capture your imagination. Sure at times they seep into more traditional ideas, but as is, they've got so much cool stuff going on you can forgive a few slightly stagnant passages. A band with clear passion and dedication, Beyond Redemption has inspired me to check out the rest of this bands discography!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/betoken

Wind Rose - Wardens of the West Wind

Power metal has always been a hit or miss deal with me, in the sense that some of the bands' efforts to make epic compositions often work against themselves. This is especially the case if the production value of the recordings are unable to keep up with a bands' ambition. With the Italian Power Metal outfit Wind Rose and their sophomore album however, I am glad to say that these issues are nowhere to be found.
Having been joined by musician and producer Cristiano Bertocchi (Labyrinth) for bass duties, Wind Rose entered the studio to create an album that has little to envy from some of the genres' long-running heavyweights in terms of composition and production.

The band plays a form of symphonic power metal inspired by the likes of Gamma Ray and Blind Guardian, mixed with some folk metal elements that remind me of Ensiferum and Wintersun to some extent. The guitars mostly serve as a rhythm instrument that adds a heavy low end to the compositions, leaving the lead instrumental duties to the synths and orchestrations. We can appreciate the bands' focus on atmosphere and composition rather than flashy musicianship. There really isn't any instrument that sticks out in the songwriting, as every idea seems to have been perfectly integrated to serve the overall atmosphere and composition.  Every song has a nice progression that always pushes the compositions forward to keep things interesting. The vocal melodies handled by the very talented Francesco Cavalieri are supported by choir chants that further add to the catchiness and epic feel of the songs.

  

What we get from Wind Rose is a sophomore album that is well paced, well-orchestrated and superbly produced, an album. Wether you're a hardcore power metal aficionado or only an occasionnal listener of the genre like I am, this album is sure to strike a chord in the hearts of any heavy metal fan. Be sure to watch out for this band, as this release constitutes yet another reason to believe that we'll be hearing more from them in the future!

Be sure to check it out!

 

 

WIND ROSE 

Wardens Of The West Wind

Scarlet Records 
Release: 17 February 2015

Official Website
http://www.windroseofficial.com/index.html
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/windroseofficial
Scarlet Records
http://www.scarletrecords.it/

Liv Kristine - Vervain

Earlier this year I fell head over heels in love with Kari Rueslatten's magnificent Time To Tell I think now I have finally found a record that is not only on par with that masterwork but also brings in a metal side. Liv Kristine's new effort Vervain is a record that captures the imagination with soaring aria's, top notch songwriting, and a mix of male and female vocals that is wonderfully memorable. Vervain is the sort of record that you know will be special from the first song. This is artsy heavy metal at its finest and I don't want to stop listening to it!

I think the mix of delicate female vocals and powerful guitar parts is perfectly executed here. Whereas normally this sort of thing feels forced and contrived, Kristine manages to pull it off perfectly within the confines of her work. Songs like the eponymous track Vervain are driving without sounding pretentious making her record rather fun to listen too. The ooh ooh's and aah aah's that accent a lot of the songs also come across very nicely, adding to the majesty of the soudnscape and keeping things intricate and exciting. At the end of the day Liv Kristine has a simply beautiful voice and that's what keeps me coming back time and time again

Make no mistake Vervain is a masterpiece, and the fact that I normally despise female fronted symphonic metal and yet adore this record is evidence as to how tight Liv Kristine is. These are songs that wash over you and enhance the spirit. Kristine understands what we want out of symphonic metal and she deliver it with a profound skill that I think few of her peers could even dream of matching. Let these songs consume you, here is a woman who has done something incredibly special and along with her band are worthy of much honor and praise.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/LivKristineOfficial

Amberian Dawn-Magic Forest

In my symphonic metal phase back in those heady days of ninth grade I had thought Amberian Dawn were essentially a better version of Nightwish. Now I sit here with their new record Magic Forest in my inbox and I'm left to wonder what I've done to get here. This is a symphonic metal record that gets it. The songs aren't long or obnoxious, and while they do have a white woman wailing, its tastefully done. Amberian Dawn understand how to put in musical pulses, shifts and changes, pure symphonic artistry that any ear can enjoy, why, even my mother was impressed when she heard this record roaring out of my laptops speakers.

There is a very impressive depth to the sound here. As on all of the bands records it's been proven yet again that these guys know how to compose great pieces. Note that word compose, Amberian Dawn is more than a group of songwriters, their tracks are layered and intricate. Interesting and engaging symphonic metal that leaves you asking questions beyond, do you think I have a shot with the singer? The shreddy guitar fills are also really fun, and certainly something you don't see enough of in metal these days. It certainly makes for a more interesting spin on things than a keyboard flourish or a drum fill. Amberian Dawn have mastered what it means to be a symphonic metal band and their star is only rising.

So turn on this record and fall into the beauteous voice of a lead singer who is more than a sex symbol. The way her voice trumpets over top of some of the coolest arrangements I have heard in symphonic metal in a good long while, it's simply transcendent. What more could you ask for from a band in such an overcrowded genre. Not only do they sound different, they have a level of fun, and passion behind them that sets them apart from legions of Epica and Nightwish hanger-ons. This is what this much maligned genre is all about, and if you don't get that, leave the hall.

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/amberiandawn

Meadows End-The Sufferwell

I haven't had some good symphonic death metal to review lately, it seems like the genre is going out of style. Meadows End seem determined to fight that though, bringing forth ungodly riffs and inhuman vocals on top of a rich orchestral palate provided by the bands talented keyboardist. Filled with wonderful grooves and a chunky bottom end, the bands new record The Sufferwell not only will smash in your face, it will leave you feeling broken and terrified, a thrall to the latent darkness of the world that surrounds us. In other words, this record gets the job done.

I think a large part of the appeal of The Sufferwell is the way that the band embraces the sheer bombast of their art form. Be it in the epic guitar lines found right off the bat with songs like Kings of Greed, or in the thrilling piano accompaniment that dominates the record, Meadows End take the listener on an adventure. Crashing over the waves on a boat made of steel has never been so fun. Meadows End may not be a power metal or viking metal band, but you often get the same vibe from the music, encouraging you to headbang and bring the mosh across the globe. At the end of the day, The Sufferwell does an incredible job of fusing melody with pure riffs, and this allows Meadows End to stand above their peers.

As I dig deeper into this record, for The Sufferwell is certainly not the kind of thing you 'get' on one listen, I start to get a sense for the enormous passion behind the music. No one has really done anything like Meadows End are doing before. Sure, comparisons can be made to groups like Septicflesh and their ilk, but if you really listen to it, Meadows End take it to a different level. So come over and dig in to the beautiful musical depth of a band who are writing their own rules and discovering their own brave new world, I think you're going to love it!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/meadowsend

Materdea-A Rose for Egeria

Female fronted folk metal band with both keyboards and a violin. Well then,. we're already off to a great start! The songs on A Rose for Egeria are often epic and very beautiful. The bands vocalist has a beautiful and rather thin voice and the interplay between the caressing female lines and some of the groovier guitar riffs is very well done. It's not overplayed, so when it does get used it adds flavor rather than coming off as a dull and overused gimmick. A Rose of Egeria is eleven tracks of well written and properly thought out symphonic folk metal, the kind of thing that restores my faith in the genre.

Part of the appeal of Materdea for me is the way that they manage to craft some really excellent melodic lines, seemingly out of thin air. For example, their is no real precedent for the introductory keyboard line in An Unexpected Guest but it is immediately recognizable and extremely memorable. There are also some very weird and strangely fascinating moments. Perhaps the most bizarre is Land Of Wonder which features the voice of a fairy, strange, but well developed. Materdea bill themselves as Elvish Metal and given the rather otherworldly magical feel of these songs, I can't think of a better label.

So Materdea have managed to rise up, masters of a genre that has often been called overcrowded. Their unique niche is one that many bands have tried to work their ways into, but none have succeeded. These Italians are only going up, they are one of the most exciting pagan metal acts on the scene. With over 5,700 facebook likes already they are clearly pretty huge on their local circuit. As their songwriting gets even better (How they could do that I'm not sure) I am sure they could very easily become a massive internationally touring name.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/MaterDea

Polarys-The Va'adian Chronicles

Gloriously nerdy and speaking to the human condition, this is what power metal is about, and this is what French power metal legends Polarys talk about with their new record, The Va'adian Chronicles. A clear labor of love and a product of many hours of hard work, not just in the studio, but also the mixing booth, this is a simply inspiring record. Transcending many of the tropes of their peers, Polarys take it all to an extreme to produce something epic, powerful, and touching. This is the sort of purely triumphant power metal the world needs more of.

Part of what makes The Va'adian Chronicles so impressive is the progressive nature of the record. There are a lot of little melodic germs that come up again and again, and a lot of the songs follow very unique structures. The thirteen minute long epic, A Secret Revealed is perhaps the best example of that, a song in four parts that just spirals into the soul. See, this is power metal with no holds barred, eighty minutes of undying glory as we ride forth into a brave new world of aliens, starships, and battles. The narrative structure of The Va'adian Chronicles is pretty straightforward, and very exciting, this is the sort of thing that will stand the test of time.

I'll simply say it's shocking to me that Polarys are not more popular than they currently are, these guys understand what power metal is about in a way that almost no other band on the scene today does. As you explore the vivid universe crafted by the band you have to admit that Polarys are true metal lords, guys with fresh new ideas that you won't soon forget. Epics like Cybernetic Wars speak to the heart and prove that sci-fi themed power metal still has a lot of cool stuff going on. This is one of the most fun and dynamic records I've heard all year, The Va'adian Chronicles is a masterpiece, so go out, and fall in love!

Find Polarys on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/polarysmetal

Veraeuridice

Female fronted Italian language symphonic metal? And it actually sounds pretty dynamic and exciting? Who'da thunk it? Veraeuridice are actually a fair cut above their peers, with flashy production, this is a band who really understand what they want to do with their music. Veraeuridice are a pleasure listen too because they get symphonic metal, and when they bring it out you know that it's about to get real. If you want the kind of band who stick to the maxims of the genre yet still manage to make something exciting and fun, well then search no more, Veraeuridice is the group for you, and I for one think that they could seriously start popping in the near future. With an EP under their collective belts and more sure to come, this is the sort of music that gives me hope for a much maligned genre. These guys understand the bombast and magic that should go into this kind of music and bring it to the fore making Veraeuridice a must-listen for any symphonic metal fan in 2014!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/VeraEuridice

Evenoire-Herons

Herons are beautiful, mystical creatures, often associated with all sorts of wonderful things in pagan mythology, and above all with a certain beautiful elegance. Evenoire see to understand that and communicate it with their new record, appropriately titled Herons. While this may not be genre breaking or paradigm shifting, Herons certainly proves Evenoire to be talented musicians and skilled songwriters with some interesting ideas on how to bring their sound to the next level. Mysterious and passionate, this is what female fronted symphonic metal should be about.

One of my favorite aspects of Herons is the way that the band mixes in the occasional folk melody to the sound. The flute playing in particular adds a lot of flavor to tracks like When the Sun Sets. This is something that not a lot of their peers can claim, in fact, it reminds me a bit of Midnattsol. I also like the wonderful piano parts whose tinkling melodies and soaring atmospherics add a lot of flavor to the pieces. Add in some chunky riffs that are often in 5/4 and you start to find yourself in a mystical place, enamored with a sound that simply gets more complex as you dig deeper into it. This is the kind of thing that proves the eternal magic behind Herons.

To finish, if you want symphonic metal fronted by a veritable dark angel, you have come to the right place. Evenoire know how to compose some very tight melodic metal that explores some fresh new ideas while staying within the maxims of the genre. I think that with a bit more development of their folk side these guys could really start to do something special. As for now, let these five Italians swoop you up in their arms and carry you off to the stars. Herons is a pleasure to listen too and it leaves the listener in thrall, begging for more.

Find Evenoire on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/evenoire

Temperance-S/T

Temperance is a female fronted symphonic metal band, yet, they are not just another in the horde. This female fronted symphonic metal band was the kid who beat up all of the other kids on the playground at school and then talked the teacher . What makes me say that? Simply the crushing and destructive riffs, abrasive growls, and charming mixtures of male and female vocals. These Italians have gone out and created something much more exciting and dynamic than their peers are capable of and it is allowing them to soar high and mighty.

From the first track you know that Temperance are something different, and their unique, destructive vibe is hard to keep up, they certainly drop it at times. But when the band really comes out and lays down a huge riff with a tight chorus, you know they are special. They don't mess with things like polished growls, no, there is a harsh beauty here that reflects the brutality of a world made of hate. As previously mentioned though, these are spiced up with a really well done mix of male and female vocals, while the growls are only peripheral this is a main aspect to the sound. The mixture keeps the record interesting and fresh, the sort of dynamic not many other bands choose to play with.

In other words Temperance are not a band who play by the rules, nor are they especially predictable, and as I go through the record, I get the sense that they kind of revel in it. Temperance are bringing something new to the table, but they have to be careful with this gift, when they fall into generic formulas things get boring fast. Yet they have shown a lot more potential than most others on the scene and I'm willing to give them a shot. Prepare yourselves though, these guys just might surprise you, unapologetic and heavy, I'm curious to hear how they develop in coming years!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/temperanceofficial

Diabulus in Musica-Argia

So when I first Argia, the new record from Diabulus in Musica, on, I was immediately struck by the classical opening track Et Ressurexit (Libera Me), yet while it may have been an impressive technical achievement it was still pretty standard symphonic metal fare. Then the first riff of From the Embers kicked in and I knew I was in for something special. Diabulus in Musica are impressive because though they respect the maxims of female fronted symphonic metal, they drive forward with a raw power that few of their peers have which allows them to really stand out.

One of my favorite aspects of this record is the wonderful arrangements, the keyboard parts are brilliantly put together, providing a powerful backing for the soundscapes. On top of that, the electric and bass guitars roar ahead with a blatant dedication to heaviness that is hard to get over. They give the entire thing a frightening crunch and make sure Diabulus in Musica don't lose sight of their metal roots. The final element that makes this record truly special is the use of choirs to fill out the sound. It gives the entire thing a very tasty and epic feel and wonderfully compliments INSERT's voice, leaving the listener wholly satisfied, in thrall to the beauty of the music.

With With Argia Diabulus in Musica have started to form a special and heart rending release, the sort of record that fully engages the mind with the way it is developed and orchestrated, distinctly interesting and prone to being picked apart. There are a lot of exciting layers to the music here, much more than can be dealt with in any one review. Instead, Argia is a journey, requiring the listener to dig in, and find his own salvation through triumphant layers of symphonic metal mastery. This is what female fronted symph metal should sound like, and Argia proves that Diabulus in Musica are truly lords of the genre.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/diabulusinmusicaofficial

Delain-The Human Contradiction

Delain have long stood out as one of the Netherlands  strongest symphonic metal acts, and one of their best groups period. This new record of their The Human Contradiction is simply more evidence to showcase the enduring power of a band who seem bred to succeed, metal warriors who craft epic and interesting soundscapes built on contrasts of dark and light, male and female, clean and growled. The Human Contradiction is an incredibly interesting listen and will keep any fan of modern metal headbanging and contemplating for many a spin.

From the first this record is engaging because Delain have really come to a new head in their songwriting skill. These compositions are often shorter, but still feel epic in scale. Delain understand how to craft some truly wonderful pieces that engage the listener. The ethereal spin that Delain put on their music is beautiful in its own way. It gives the group a drive and an attack that not a lot of their symphonic metal and goth rock contemporaries can really touch on. Charlotte Wessels has improved her voice too, the performance on The Human Contradiction is easily her best yet and will keep you going for hours. Furthermore, the duality between her voice and the male cleans and growls is very interesting and will keep the listener very engaged.

All in all, The Human Contradiction is Delain really coming into their own as musicians, rising above their past limitations and creating something that really is the voice of the soul. Four albums in Delain have managed to put out a stunning, heart stopping statement that keeps your ears on edge as you take a roller coaster ride across beautiful soundscapes, guided by the soaring might of Ms. Wessels. Prepare yourselves, once this record starts to really get out there it will take the world by storm, Napalm Records have done good getting this band, and now Delain will triumph.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/delainmusic

Hecate Enthroned-Virulent Rapture

Think back my friends, to the 90's, twas a dark time yes, but one band stood out and conquered many, that band was Hecate Enthroned. Well, now, after a nine year hiatus, they are back and are better than ever. Roaring into your speakers their new record Virulent Rapture is a powerful and fitting successor onto their previous releases. The bombastic black metal might of old is back, and the occasional death metal riff helps to keep things brutal and violent. Crashing out of the starting gate with the might of metal titans of old, this is black metal.

One of my favorite aspects of the record is undeniably that which makes Hecate Enthroned so singular. The use of choirs and orchestras is simply magnificent, very much in order with their grand old style. It shows that on Virulent Rapture Hecate Enthroned have lost none of their old school might. This is a sort of ideal comeback album, showcasing the effects that made Hecate Enthroned so good in the first place. Toss in some blazing fast riffs and sick vocal lines and you immediately see how majestic this band truly is. The guitar playing in particular is very tight, it often drives the music to new heights, giving the band a whole new glory behind them.

In closing, Hecate Enthroned have still got it, they drive things to unholy speeds and brings the bands music to a whole new level. Black metal for the ages, destructive blast beats for the master of men and howling vocals ripped from hell allow for the sound to prosper, and explode into your ears. Toss in the unholy symphonic parts and you have something truly special, these guys understand how to craft lush soundscapes that are immediately contrasted  by the frostbitten black metal might of the band. Suffice to say, The record kept me in a virulent rapture of my own.

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/HecateEnthroned?fref=ts

Ygodeh

Now here is a symphonic death metal band to be reckoned with. Ygodeh have a crushing sound that pulverizes ear drums as it crashes through the heavy portions, yet that can also be beautiful and almost spiritual. A band of contradictions, Ygodeh pull it all off with aplomb. Their new record The Experiment Interrupted represents a band who know how to put together a variety of sonic elements to create something new and exciting. The way they use their orchestral parts to add tension is impressive. I really love the way they then fuse this perfectly with the death metal sections. Very few bands can claim to have this kind of musical skill, and Ygodeh transcend the common boundaries. Long story short, the songwriting is brilliant and the pieces easy to listen to. These guys don't make the common symph death mistake of creating a sound that is so esoteric it alienates potential fans, yet the musical chops are clearly excellent. Suffice to say, I would like to hear more from these guys, they certainly know how to create some of the best symphonic death metal on the market today, so what's stopping them from becoming huge?

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/ygodeh/app_204974879526524

Levania-Renascentis

Some of you may remember Levania from previous reviews I've written of them. For the uninitiated, LEvania is a powerful gothic metal band who bring their music to a new level by using all sorts of intertwined vocal melodies to create a triumphant music that breaks boundaries with its powerful and dynamic sound. Their new record Renascentis which is easily their best album yet. Heavier and more bombastic than anything they have previously released Renascentis shows Levania is well on their way to an ultimate triumph, a new way of looking at metal.

As I mentioned before the highlight of this record is the mix of vocal styles. While the female cleans dominate their are also a lot of male cleans and even death growls. These all intertwine to create something very interesting and fresh. Levania have a lot of cool new ideas, and this mixing of vocal styles is one of the best, I'd like to seem them make even more use of it in the future. Meanwhile the riffs on this record strike me as a lot punchier and more aggressive than on their last release. This obviously is a good thing as it really engages the listener. Yet, these guys have not completely gone heavy, the magical keyboard parts on songs like Spiral show the old symphonic magic is still there.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a gothic metal record that doesn't confine itself to the maxims of the genre but instead finds a new way to explore the music then Renascentis is the album for you. One of the most creative gothic metal bands out there the future seems very bright for this young quintet. These Italians definitely have the innovation to go far and hopefully Wormholedeath Records (Their label) can help push them to get the recognition they deserve. If nothing else Renascentis will go down in metal history as a killer record!

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Levania/79684453130