Review: Iris Divine – Karma Sown
Apr 19
A review of progressive metal band Iris Divine’s new album, Karma Sown.
Review: Apostate – Time of Terror
Mar 23
A review of ‘Time of Terror’, the new album from Ukrainian death-doom band Apostate.
Top Ten Heavy Metal Albums of 2014
Feb 09
Although it didn’t feel as though there were many memorable heavy metal releases in 2014, I will say that it felt stronger that the previous year so hopefully that marks an ongoing trend into ‘15. A big difference this last year were the ‘big releases’ that failed to impress; whereas ‘13 was mostly just a glut of anything and the few that did stand out came from debut bands, ‘14 was marked by several anticipated albums that just didn’t live up to the excitement. At The Gates, Cavelera Conspiracy, and The Haunted being examples, especially since the two Swedish groups in the bunch were putting out ‘comeback albums’. The strong genre in this list definitely seems to be on the proggier side of things, with solid outings from Opeth, Soen, Ne Obliviscaris, and others. Vainaja – Kadotetut This thundering platter of death represents some of the best from the gloomier side of metal for a year which featured a surprisingly strong outing for doom. This album has a cloud of grief and despair thick enough to choke a manically depressed elephant, but it isn’t just atmosphere and slow tempos here; there are some seriously heavy-hitting tracks that will pummel your brain thanks to a penchant for death ‘n roll flair. Soen – Tellurian For a year with little in expectations, anything was up in the air. Come mid year, most reviewers and fans of metal were left justified in that ambivalence when left with a paltry few stand-out releases and a large swath of unimpressive and largely forgettable albums, even ones from heavy-hitters in the industry and some greatly anticipated ‘come-back’ groups leaving listeners meh’d. Personally, I was looking forward to Soen’s new album with a great deal of fan-boy glee, but I also didn’t expect it to be blowing many minds; the Tool-worship of their debut release was definitely enjoyable, but wasn’t exactly helping the band break much new ground. Then came Tellurian. This is an album that sees the band completely coming into their own and creating something unique and special. Tool-channeling gone, the group has crafted an engrossing set of progressive music that flows front to back with impressive song-writing and stellar musicianship. I honestly can’t say that there are any stand-out tracks on Tellurian, but that’s a good thing; this is an album you sit down and listen to in its entirety because you’ll be...
New Music Watch: Aeron’s Wake
Jul 27
New Music Feature: Aeron’s Wake EP Instrumental Celt Metal from Windsor, Ontario might seem to be a bit of an incongruity, but then again that’s hardly seemed to matter for the genre nowadays (I’m looking at you…uh…90% of all folk/celt/viking/troll/pirate/leprechaun/unicorn bands!). What makes Aeron’s Wake stand out, however, is the fact that they place their focus on–now get this–the music. There’s no pastiched fiddle fiddler stuck in the background to add just enough ‘world’ flavored soundbits to justify stamping average melo-thrash as ‘folk’; the bowed instrument is actually a foremost feature in the compositions. Not to mention the fact that it’s a real live warm human body filling out the position rather than a glorified Casio keyboard (again, looking at you 90%…). There’s enough going on here to justify the label, including progressions with often more classical leanings than modern, and no songs about finding Greenland to distract from them. Go ahead and check these boys out, I promise there’s no trolls, swamp witches, drunken pirates, or Swiss guys pretending to be Irish involved.Aeron’s Wake:WebsiteFacebook Aeron’s Wake by Aeron’s...
Review: A Sense of Gravity – Travail
Mar 16
A Sense of Gravity’s first record is a well crafted and expansive conglomeration of progressive hard rock, heavy metal, and jazz fusion that has a guaranteed shelf life of many, many spins on the player.
