Atmosphere in Wayfarer’s world is a consequence of understanding the history of the genres they decided to meld, rather than relying on samples or insisting on flavor where there is none, like so many Black Metal artists tend to do. Take a sip of American Gothic.
Read more
Obsidian Tide – The Grand Crescendo Review
I can hear the seeds of Obsidian Tide’s voice forming on The Grand Crescendo. That is not to say that the influences cannot be clearly heard on the album. On the contrary, the soft/heavy dynamic and transitions lean heavily on Opeth still, sometimes even sounding like direct quotes. Prog Monday, anyone?
Read more
The Week In Metal, 2023 Week 42
Another week, another round of metal reviews in the bag. Words are tough, so we assembled the highlights. And if you want to read the latest reviews for the new offerings from Cirith Ungol, Myrkur, Reverend Michael Kristin Hayter, Sühnopfer, Tardigrade Inferno, and Dreamwell, you can do that too!
Read more
Dreamwell – In My Saddest Dreams, I Am Beside You Review
If Screamo and elements of Math and Hardcore variety meets Post-Rock build-ups sounds like your idea of a bad gimmick, perhaps Dreamwell’s sophomore album, In My Saddest Dreams, I Am Beside You will come as a pleasant surprise. Hopefully as a good dream.
Read more
Tardigrade Inferno – Burn the Circus Review
There are moments of clarity on Burn the Circus that show hints of potential. “Clockwork God”, for example, is an early highlight. Keyboards that sound like circus organs are used heavily, and it works, along with the frankly great riffs present. When Tardigrade Inferno lean into riffwriting, it shows their penchant for writing groovy, fun riffs. But in the end, will we find Cosmo nailed to the Ferris Wheel?
Read more
Cirith Ungol – Dark Parade Review
The Dark Parade has the ideal kind of throwback production. The album feels organic, warm but natural. The worst tendencies of retro producers – too much reverb and artificially roughing up the production – are mostly eschewed. RAISE YOUR SWORD!
Read more
Reverend Kristin Michael Hayter – SAVED! Review
Hayter’s name change to Reverend Kristin Michael Hayter is about switching focus toward healing rather than pain, and supplies ample reason for that change even if the music is a stone’s throw away from the Lingua Ingota project. The Christian Hater returns!
Read more
Myrkur – Spine Review
The elitist uproar about Myrkur’s debut was intense and a bit ridiculous, as even if the album is bad or not, it did manage to do enough to be called Metal. As in answer to this, Myrkur decided to prove all the naysayers right by transitioning into Folk songs on her subsequent albums. As Spine arrives, we should focus on what is important here: is Spine any good? Or is it spineless?
Read more
Sühnopfer – Nous sommes d’hier Review
Sühnopfer’s love of baroque themes makes itself known immediately in opening track “DSFR” with its classical guitar intro. These classical guitar motifs pop up throughout the course of the album, and they’re always a joy when they appear. Possibly unsavory baroque riffs.
Read more
