Foretoken - Triumphs

It's always cool to hear an American band with a wonderfully European sound. Such is the case with Virginia Beach's symphonic death metal duo Foretoken. Their new album Triumphs is nine tracks of horns raising madness. This is a band who understand the magic of the European death metal scene and whose clear vision and cutting execution makes for a record that is addictive and speaks to the power of this music. While they aren't reinventing the steel, this is certainly a record with a deeply powerful concept driving it forward. 

Triumphs impresses because of the overarching quality of the compositions. These are songs that are unrelenting and addictive. At best they are anthemic, with larger than life choruses getting devotees screaming along. It builds on a lot of elements of the bands debut whilst feeling far more professional and showcasing a sound that feels profoundly more polished. The end result is a record that is wonderfully addictive. Touches of melodic death metal and black metal really help to fill out the sound and give Foretoken a sound that is wholly their own. The synth padding also comes in to add a wonderfully epic touch to proceedings.

This is an album that is going to really charm a certain subset of metal fans looking for something more melodic and European in style. While this probably doesn't fit as much in the current US zeitgeist, this is definitely a group who would sit by side with their European peers, bands like Amorphis or Children of Bodom. It's an interesting approach and one that doesn't get nearly enough love these days. Triumphs is a blast and it's an album that is going to get fans of the underground excited, if you don't like it, you can leave the hall. 

Pre-order the album!

https://foretoken.bandcamp.com/

Nightfall - At Night We Prey

Symphonic blackened death metal about depression? Yeah that seems like a good time. Such is the case with the bombastic and charming poetry of At Night We Prey the first record in seven years from the masterful Nightfall. A record that deals with mental health in a very direct and brutal way, this is the bands strongest effort to date full of deep compositions and thoughtful approaches that make for a very interesting all around offering. It's a record that, while not reinventing the steel, finds a way to carve out a unique niche for itself. 

At Night We Prey features some truly excellent melodic hooks that sets the record in a league of its own. Toss in a few surprisingly big choruses and you start to get a sense of just exactly what Nightfall are trying to accomplish here. It's a record that is grandiose and powerful, but also very personal. A track like 'Darkness Forever' speaks to a sort of internal torment that you can't just make up. It's a pleasure to really get lost in the heavy riffing magic of this record and to find yourself basking in the production. The end result is a record that is as poetic as it is powerful, constantly leaning into exciting new ideas and conjuring up potent imagery. 

While there are moments of At Night We Prey that sound a bit dated (Like with most symphonic death metal if we're being honest) as a general rule, the record overcomes these limitations. Yes some of the ideas have been used before and obviously depression is not exactly a new topic, but still, the way that Nightfall delivers on At Night We Prey is thrilling. It's a delight to just sink your teeth into this madness and come to terms with the titanic and tormented offerings that the band has really been able to conjure up here. 

Pre-order the album!

https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/NightfallAtNightWePrey

Rise Of Avernus - Eigengrau

This has admittedly not been a great year for orchestral death metal, it's a genre that has kind of been on the decline in the last five years or so but every once in a while a band comes up who so perfectly understand the promise of Septicflesh and all of their peers that the become impossible to ignore. such is that status of Rise Of Avernus a band who perfectly encapsulate the idiom for symphonic death metal, adding doom metal elements and crafting something that is not only potent but also endlessly exciting. 

Filled to the brim with potent riffs and exciting orchestrations there is something endlessly addictive about Eigengrau it's the sort of record that really encourages you to sink your teeth into it and then discover the deeper meanings hidden within. There is a sense of fun that comes with the inherent dorkiness of this kind of music that simply can't be ignored. It quickly becomes clear that above all else, Rise Of Avernus are just out having a good time and that makes for some truly fun fucking listening. Yet within that there is a very real depth and the music takes itself seriously enough to at times border on transcendence.

With cinematic ideas clashing up against traditional death metal this is a record of dichotomies and one that often breaks away from tropes .Yet it also provides everything that you want from a band like Rise Of Avernus. It's bombastic and over the top with the same sort of burning power that made the genre so good in the first place. Losing yourself in the inherent drama is a rare treat and one which encourages you to revisit it time and time again. Compositional masters with neverending ideas - Rise Of Avernus really prove themselves with Eigengrau. 

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/riseofavernus/

Septicflesh - Codex Omega

Septicflesh, now there's a motherfucking band. It's hard to believe that these guys have put out ten records now, and furthermore, that this latest offering Codex Omega should be there best yet is even more impressive. A band who have always been progressing and evolving this latest release seems like a natural continuation on all the band has done over the years and speaks to their massive and bombastic vision, a vision that we can't overstate because there is simply so much included in their facemelting sound.

I think the beauty of Septicflesh has always been that the band perfectly balances the power of old school death metal, as evidenced in their 1990's roots with the cutting edge of death metal. The soaring keys that define a track like Portrait help to showcase the incredible magic of this band. The ethereal folky melodies of some of these tracks counterbalanced with the transcendent choruses and epic songwriting only goes to show that symphonic death metal has a sense of meaning that is impossible to match in its peers. Codex Omega is the sort of record that bands define themselves by and which will push Septicflesh into a new era of grandeur.

It's hard to fully wrap your head around all that Septicflesh have done here. While they certainly have never really been my thing I also really love their vision and the drive behind the band. There is a certain grandiose majesty to these tracks that can't help but to mesmerize the listener. With this record Septicflesh have brought themselves to a noble new level and it's easier than ever to understand why this band got so big in the first place. So come out, delve into the journey and embrace the madness that has come to define this legacy.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/septicfleshband/?ref=br_rs

Zornheym - Where Hatred Dwells And Darkness Reigns

Zornheym's latest release caught my attention not only because of the terrific cover art but also because symphonic death metal isn't something I always listen seeing as I favor the old school. I was treated to an entertainingly heavy and enjoyable listen to a band that seems to have a good grip on what they are doing. The album is very polished in all aspects-the production, the musicianship, the vocals, and so on, providing it with a clean yet consistently heavy sound that is refreshing to hear, especially in contrast with the blood and bile soaked death metal on the opposite end of the genre.

The album gets off to a decent start, the first two tracks being above average, but I wasn't blown away yet. It wasn't until the third and fourth songs that the album really kicks into high gear, introducing a barrage of blast beats, solid keyboard scales, and sweeping riffs that just seemed to be much better than what they were in the first two songs. This brings me to the conclusion that this is an album you have to sink into and that can work either in favor of the band or hurt their listeners, thankfully this definitely turned out to be the former and once I really comprehended the music, I was truly able to enjoy what I was hearing. The albums ends with an almost eight minute epic that really ices the cake on this terrific record with a searing choir and apocalyptic guitars marching to the beat of the pounding, machine gun percussion. The artwork gave me a very appropriate idea of the atmosphere and vibe, giving me the illusion this was a train that could go off the rails at any moment but always stays composed.

I had not been familiar with Zornheym before and may never have had I not received this copy. It's safe to say that I'm glad I gave this a chance because this release is a solid, clean, heavy, and enjoyable listen for any fan of death metal, no matter what subgenre you prefer. I look forward to seeing what else this group has in store.

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/zornheym

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

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

Septic Flesh - Titan

Symphonic Death Metal is oddly underrepresented as a genre. Sure there are tons of melodic death metal bands with keyboardists who throw in the odd symphonic bit here and there for style, but few take the idea to its extreme with fully orchestrated death metal opuses. With the release of “Titan” Septic Flesh have once again proven to be an exception to this rule.

Perhaps taking a note from fellow Mediterranean death metallers Fleshgod Apocalypse (whom they are currently touring with) Septic Flesh have amped up the symphonic aspect of their music to eleven on this one, with the sound of swelling strings and thundering trumpets being as prevalent as that of blast beats and machine gun guitars. This proves a huge boon to the album as a whole and certainly helps it stand out from previous Septic Flesh releases a bit better than it might otherwise.

This is not of course to say that there isn't some blood boiling death metal ferocity on this album. Tracks like “Burn” and “Prototype” are brimming with ferocity, which when mixed with the grandeur of the albums sound makes for a very compelling aesthetic. The traditional Septic Flesh style is certainly there when it comes to riffs and song arrangements, although there are some surprises such as the Cradle of Filth like melodic riffs later in “Burn” and the gypsy violin and harpsichord interlude in “Order of Dracul”.

"Confessions of a Serial Killer" is also worth noting as by far the most interesting track on the album and possibly one of the best tracks from Septic Flesh to date. The combination of incredibly heavy riffs with strange unsettling orchestration and eerie lulls in the heaviness culminates in a truly frightening and engrossing listening experience, and the immense talent of Christos Antoniou shining through more than ever.

While the album doesn't break much new ground when it comes to the metal aspect of Septic Flesh’s sound, it certainly pushes the symphonic aspect farther than it’s gone before and take’s the band into new and interesting territory.

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/septicfleshband

Seal of Solomon-I The King

Wormhole Death Records have put out some truly top notch acts in the last few years and Seal of Solomon, a melodic death metal band from Turkey, is simply the latest in a growing tide of excellent groups. Their new record I The King is a testament to the enduring power of a genre that many have cast by the wayside. With the parting of Angela Gossow from Archenemy the world seems to be searching for some new melodic death metal icons and it seems to me at least that Seal of Solomon could very well step up to the plate and be that very band.

The thing that really sets Seal of Solomon apart is the fact that they really know how to write songs. The way this drives their music forward is impressive. See, Seal of Solomon go beyond the traditional melodeath formulas and bring in elements of symphonic and black metal. This makes for a record that is a lot more intellectually stimulating than most other melodeath releases. The soundscapes created here are pretty unique too. Not a lot of bands can produce something with sounds this clear and direct. Seal of Solomon grasp the significance and beauty of the genre in a way that few of their peers do, and this is what gives I The King the power it needs to triumph.

Filled with evil, yet also primal beauty, I The King is the sort of record that proves the enduring magic of symphonic and melodic death metal. These Turkish gentlemen tap into something greater, something more, with I The King transcending the stale world of their everyday lives and coming into something darker, harsher, and, frankly, magical. I'm excited to hear how this band develops, and seeing as they already have a an EP , I will definitely be checking out the back catalog. As for now, I leave you with this, with a little luck, Seal of Solomon could really become the next big thing in melodeath.

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

Septicflesh-A Fallen Temple

Yes, I know I usually do new albums, but Septicflesh have elected to rerelease their 1998 classic A Fallen Temple. The fourth album from these heavy metal lords, A Fallen Temple catches Septicflesh at a rather interesting time in their development. With both re recordings of some of their original works as well as some of their most forward thinking and innovative work. Universally viewed as one of their finest releases A Fallen Temple captures something more. Showing the incredible diversity and power of death metal, sounding still fresh and beautiful sixteen years later.

Yet, there are still some aspects that could be polished. For example, some of the growls feel shockingly uncouth in regards to the rest of the music. It creates a strange dichotomy that is at first hard to grasp. Yet once you reach the end of the record they have become somehow endearing. Bits and pieces of the production too feel a tad off, and I think with real instruments rather than the synthesized ones that dominate this record. Still, Septicflesh overcome all of this with A Fallen Temple it showcases the bands sheer songwriting ability as well as their incredible development. They way that they evolved as musical geniuses is never better captured than on this release.

In closing, these thirteen tracks (and a single version) represent some of the best and most developed classically inspired death metal that I have ever heard. Septicflesh captured their spirit with A Fallen Temple but showcased how they could still develop, and develop they did. I think that A Fallen Temple deserves recognition as a death metal masterwork. Proof of the incredible power that one of the worlds most incredible groups known to the underground had, and will always have over us kids who just want something loud, proud, and, in Septicflesh's case, beauty.

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

Fallen Fate-Into the Black

Now here is something unique and interesting, a death metal record that is distinctly modern in sensibilities despite still being pure and powerful. The electronic and symphonic elements do more than merit their place on this record, they drive it to new extremes, give the music a new power, and generally make things more interesting. Into the Black serves as proof that this type of super polished and immaculate death metal can still crush skulls. This is modern death metal at its finest, explosive and passionate, the sort of release that will pulverize bones in a way that none of their competitors can touch.

Their is a sort of raw ferocity behind some of these songs that really drives things to the next level. I think part of what makes this release so special for me is the way that the symphonic keyboards help to pad out the riffs and give girth to the guitar parts. The end result of this is music that is very listenable and really pumps you up with rock and roll energy. The only band that I could at all compare Fallen Fate to is At The Gates or perhaps Septicflesh, they have the same raw attack mixed with something more, something greater and more majestic. Not a lot of records manage to reach out and touch the listener as Fallen Fate do and it really makes them into something special, something more.

In closing, if you want death metal of the highest caliber that is bringing the genre forward and showcasing a new and bright future for the music then this is the record for you. Fallen Fate know how to write solid death metal tunes and gets head banging and mosh pits moving. Their unique brand of throat tearing symphonic metal is poised to take the world by storm. I for one am very excited to see where Fallen Fate bring their trademark sound. With Lamb of Gods grooves and Triviums bombast Fallen Fate have a tight and accurate sound, prepare yourself for the metal destruction of our times.

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

Diabolical-Neogenesis

Diabolical have been around since 1996, veterans of seventeen years of death metal madness. Their new record Neogenesis is a rager, bombastic and brutal, reaching out and touching the soul with a neverending flow of hatred and power, the kind of thing that will rip your heart out and drown it under layers of riffs, and oftentimes symphonic madness. Yet do not think Diabolical have lost their sheer hatred, Neogenesis has plenty of that, they bust out of the gate and grab your skull, crushing it within a grasp made of undiluted liquid steel.

The thing is, Diabolical have always been a little different, for years they have been honing a trademark sound that will keep you going for hours on end. Neogenesis is their fifth release and the most polished to date. More than this, this is a concept record telling a powerful and moving story, it is Diabolicals most rounded work to date. This is not just an album but a novel, and the immensity of the travail, this record goes beyond, something greater than what many of their contemporaries could ever dare to do. Diabolical may have always been off the beaten path, but now they are back with a vengeance, proving their brilliance once again, triumphing over the listener with sheer death metal magic.

In conclusion, Neogenesis is one of the most impressive records I have ever heard. Not just from a musical standpoint (Which is on its own impressive) but from the sheer amount of work that must have gone into this record. It seems like we'll be hearing a lot more from these guys in the near future, the members focus seems to be back on the band and Diabolicals star is rising once more. Crafted by musical virtuoso's into a glorious overture to the neverending magic of death metal. I for one am very excited to see where these guys go next, their sound is passionate and unique, who knows where they could go in the future?

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

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

Dawn of Tears-Act III: The Dying Eve

Not a lot of bands make it to a third album, groups place themselves out of the competition after a while, they just can't take the stress. Even huge modern bands today like Kvelertak and Pallbearer don't have 3 full lengths out! So what does it mean when a group does have three records out? Simply that they know what they want to do, how they want to do it and most importantly WHO they want to do it with. Dawn of Tears latest release Act III: The Dying Eve is even more proof of that with stellar and beautiful songwriting that mixes cruel growls with lush female vocals and glorious soundscapes.

What makes this album special for me is the way the musicians come together to create glorious proggy soundscapes topped off with symphonic metal stylings all the way through. Yet these riffs can not be placed in any one genre box, they are too punchy for black metal, and too bright for death metal. Act III: The Dying Eve is heavy and that's all there is to it. I really like the songs that mix in a bit of female cleans into the whole thing, it makes the music more interesting and keeps the listener engaged. Meanwhile the excellent guitar leads add a lot of solid melodies to the tracks and give songs like Prize Denied a certain girth that goes beyond their relatively short duration. A final note, the keyboards here are truly excellent, they couch everything in a symphonic metal soundscape that speaks legions to the groups talent.

To finish it off, what I'm trying to say is that the good folk in Dawn of Tears know how to make heavy metal that does not subscribe to a particular genre box but is just its own thing. They create music in its purest form, as a logical extension of the soul. Their sounds are beautiful and luscious, while some of the riffs may be brutal heaviness is not the goal here, it is merely an accent for something greater. Suffice to say Act III: The Dying Eve makes me want to go back and check out the rest of the Dawn of Tears discography, and quite honestly, you should too!

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/DAWNOFTEARS

Dark Revenge

Oh Russian death metal, how I love you, with your precise chords and arpeggiated licks that simply melt my face off every time, there is so much to enjoy. Dark Revenge is just another group in this great tradition, with flashy riffs and epic song structures these guys are easy to fall in love with. Toss in some very intelligent lyrics that deal with some of the issues of society its easy to connect with Dark Revenge. The group does not shy away from tossing in some melodic death metal style piano or guitar hooks to get the listener engaged and honestly, it works, I can't really complain about Dark Revenge's unique attack and how they use it to blast their way into your skull. I think my favorite part though is the symphonic trappings that the keyboard freely adds to songs like Death. It makes the band seem greater and more powerful, pushing their music to a new level on their epic quest for something more. With a new single out now called Catastrophic off their 2013 EP Atlantis Prime the future should be bright for these metal masters!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/darkrevengeband/app_2405167945

Deals Death-Point Zero Solution

Deals Death is a powerful melodic death metal band from Gothenburg (because where else?) Their symphonic inspired brand of melodeath is ever interesting and filled with all sorts of powerful At the Gates styled fills. Yet the band puts in their own elements into this 11 track epic, a veritable testament to the enduring power that melodic death metal can have on a grizzled old metalhead like me. With powerful and lush songs the burning might of Deals Death is not to be trifled with, a band who know how to take the melodic approach to the next level their latest release Point Zero Solution is the best melodeath record of the year (So far)

What makes this band so interesting for me is their whole approach to riffing. Sure there are a lot of In Flames inspired moments, but they are heavily accented by huge keyboard parts, adding in dabs of Septicflesh. The whole symphonic death metal feel of some of these songs gives the record a much more intelligent feel. And anyway, it keeps things fresh, not nearly enough bands do stuff with Symphonic Death Metal these days. The whole epic feel is accentuated by long guitar lines that help to take the pieces to whole new levels and show the musicians soaring over all of their contemporaries. Perhaps the song that best depict this is Facing the Echoes with its most excellent keyboard part.

A record with tight riffing and a punchy attack that is fused with a much more bombastic side Point Zero Solution is just a blast to listen to and showcases a band in their prime, who after half a decade of hard works are reaping the benefits of their travails. Spinefarm have done good in signing these melodeath hopefuls, its about time that we uncovered this generations answer to the old melodic death metal lords. In sum, this is a band who are giving us new hope in a dark time and showing the world that one of the 90s greatest genres still has a lot of kick and their new record only proves the groups raw talent.

Find them on Facebook!

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

Erimha-Reign Through Immortality

I have long thought that Blackened Death Metal is one of the hardest genres of music to pull off. Yet the symphonic sounds of Erimha are definitely among the best. The band tried to make music in one of the most complicated genres of metal and succeeded with flying colors. Taking a best of symphonic black metal and pvre death metal their new record Reign Through Immortality is a surprisingly addictive ride through epic soundscapes and powerful riffs. An album that will melt your face off but also impress you with its beautiful songwriting their is a lot of listening to be had here!

What really makes this record special is the dynamic and powerful songwriting heard throughout. The way the black metal shrieks fit over the death metal riffs is truly something to be reckoned with. The symphonic edge is also really cool, it creates a veritable wall of sound, crafting insurmountable soundscapes that will simply inundate your ears with heavy metal glory. It all culminates in the ten glorious minutes that are Metempsychosis, the albums ultimate track which is also its best. With a great mix of cleans and shrieks it provides a roaring finish too one of the best blackened death metal records of the year.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a record that rips yet is also epic then this is the album for you. With swirling riffs, spiraling solos and simply great songwriting Reign Through Immortality has rapidly found a place in my heart. One of the best records in its genre to come out in a while I'm excited to see what the future holds for Erimha. Suffice to say, Victory Records did good in signing them, their music definitely needs to be shared with the world. Their is too much power and violence here to be ignored. Be sure to check it out when it drops July 9th!

Find Erimha on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/Erimha

Interview with Cub3

So you may remember my recent review of French death Metal lords Cub3. Suffice to say I was very excited to get the opportunity to interview them. Here are the questions they answered for me! Enjoy!

Find Cub3 on Facebook! 
https://www.facebook.com/cubegroupe

Can you introduce your band?

Cub3 is a french Death/Ambient (etc...) Metal band, formed in 2009 – Members of cube met when their own previous band failed.... A self produced demo was recorded in early 2010, and allow the band to hit the stage during july 2010 until August 2012,  supporting bands like : BETRAYING THE MARTYRS, DARKNESS DYNAMITE, JENX, SINSCALE, DO OR DIE, ANONYMOUS, ORTARGOS, OFFENDING, MAGOA.

Your new album Identité just came out, can you tell me a little about it?

New and first album. It was like an Odyssey.  The phase of recording was really long and hard...Everyone in the band have a full time job and it was not an easy thing to take holidays at the same time... it is was our first self produced LP, and  we really pushed ourselves to give the best we can at this moment. Only Mastering was realised at MIX’EM ALL STUDIO. We really want to work with Franck HUESO, because we really enjoy his work on hacride’s and klone’s record, and his silky beard.

What were the messages you wanted to communicate in the lyrics?

Our lyrics are enough clear, most of the time, to be understood...some song is about failing, other about rising.  

What inspires your music?

Listen to our music, and tell us :)

How did you get your unique sound? Who were your main influences?

Franck Michaël, Tool, Andrea Bocceli, Rammstein, Jean Luc Lahaye, Static x, and many more.

How did the album creation process go?

Fine , thank you :)

What makes this album truly special for you?

Because it’s our first !

Do you have a favorite song off this album?

VS and Ces Morts Qui Marchent for coherence between music and synth/samples. In the end, each song is different so we don’t have really a favorite one.

How do you plan to tour in support of this album?

We’re creating a tour to support the release of the album ( expected in September) with Alchemy Agency. We’re looking for organisation which can book us for October to December.

How will you develop your sound in the future?

We already have several ideas in our heads, but now, it’s time to promoting IDENTITE.

What is the future of Cub3?

We hope to play as many shows as possible

What do you love so much about music?

Beer, composing, being on stage. and caressing the tabby mole

Any last words of wisdom?

Save bamboo - Eat a panda

Cub3-Identité

Cub3 is an intense french death metal band who understand what it is to be brutal and simultaneously epic sound. Their riffs have a great hardcore vibe with touches of nu-metal tossed in here and there for good measure. Add in some epic keyboards and guitar synths and you have yourself one of the best french metal albums of 2013. Their understanding of that which is both evil and epic in scale is something that you rarely come across in death metal today. Their new record Identité should appeal to death metal fans across the globe the future seems bright for Cub3. 

What I think really sets this record apart is the way the vocal rhythms fit in with the guitar parts. The way the riffs nicely coincide with the sung patterns is incredible. This record serves as a potent reminder to the fact that French is one of the best languages for extreme metal vocals. On the hardcore tinged riffs of these tracks the French language just helps to make the music that much more enjoyable and generally excellent. The songwriting is pretty stellar too, I love how the powerful keyboard lines and epic riffs provide a sort of unholy respite from the general brutality of the music. 

In conclusion, if you're looking for one of the better albums to come off the European continent this year then Identité is the record for you. With these eleven tracks Cub3 prove themselves as promising musicians who have the potential to become something truly great. Identité is one of the most fun and interesting death metal records to come out in 2013 and it promises good things to come. Yet another testament to the general excellence of M&O Records I hope to see Cub3 live in Paris sometime in the near future! Their grand sounds and general bombast are not to be missed!

Find them on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/cubegroupe

Alpthraum

Alpthraum is a stellar symphonic progressive metal act. Their new album Chronophage is a testament to the magic of the genre. With a dark mix that could be described as a harsher version of Between the Buried and Me Alpthraum create beautiful progressive epics that push the boundary on one of metals most technical genres. With a wonderful combination of harder moshing bits and more finely crafted technical parts. They flow together seamlessly to create a whole that is both glorious and gritty, it has a mind shattering power to it that is hard to forget. In sum Aplthraum is something all music nerds will want to check out, you will not be disappointed!

Check out Alpthraum on facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/Alpthraum