AL BUM REVIEW: Revel in Flesh - "Emissary of all Plagues"

By: Richard Maw

Album Review: Full Length

Date Released: 02/12/2016

Label: Cyclone Empire

This record is a simple proposition: death metal, of the old school Euro/Scandy variety- done well with vicious conviction and one that demands attention from even casual fans of the genre.

“Emissary of all Plagues” CD//DD track listing:

1). Emissary of all Plague

2). Casket Ride

3). Fortress of Gloom

4). Servants of the Deathkult

5). Torture Throne

6). The Dead Lives On

7). Lord of Flesh

8). Sepulchral Passage

9). Dead to this World

10). Doctor, Doctor (UFO cover)

The Review:

Revel in Flesh may sound like a throwback to the early 90's with the Dismember and Entombed (you could tell from the name, right?) buzz saw sound and aggression- but their melodic riffing hints at later genre examples and if you know that they have actually only been around for half a decade, well, it makes even more sense.

Revel in Flesh have quite the work rate and this full length beast follows up their last album from 2014 and several splits since then. This record is a simple proposition: death metal, of the old school Euro/Scandy variety- done well with vicious conviction. There are hooks here; the song and phrase “Fortress of Gloom” will enter your consciousness after only one listen and there is no mindless blasting. This is a dark record, but not without catchy elements. The opening title track sets the tone perfectly and there are nods to prior work on “Servants of the Deathkult”.

The band even throw in a cover of “Doctor Doctor” (yes, by UFO!) to close out the album- this is a lot better than you may think it would be, but still with a  little too much novelty factor for my liking. The heads down thrashing and blasting of “The Torture Throne” is where the band's strengths really lie and when Revel in Flesh really lay things down, they do so with aplomb. “The Dead Lives” on is another prime example of the band's furious sound.

The band keep things tight and focused, even on (relatively) longer songs such as “Lord of Flesh”- which is a doom laden delight worthy of Asphyx. Through faster material such as “Sepulchral Passage” through the latter stages of the record, the band don't ease off the gas. This isn't a front loaded record- it remains strong throughout. For my money, these guys along with Entrails are the best out there at this kind of death metal these days. Cyclone Empire have an ear and nose for this type of thing- the label has delivered quality albums again and again (when is the next Icons of Brutality album coming out?!) and this is another addition to their sterling back catalogue.

The album's closing original material is “Dead to This World” which utilises a longer playing time to good effect and allows the band to run through the gears while creating a deathly atmosphere. This is a very fine death metal record, quite simply, and one that demands attention from even casual fans of the genre. All hail Revel in Flesh- long may they reign.

“Emissary of all Plagues” is available here

Band info: facebook

FFO: Entrails, Dismember, Entombed, Puteraeon

Ereb Altor - "Blot - Ilt - Taut" (Album Review)

By: Daniel Jackson

Album Type: Full Length (Tribute)

Date Released: 26/02/2016

Label: Cyclone Empire

“Home of Once Brave” and “Twilight of the Gods” are both faithful renditions, and performed about as well as you could hope. The added heft of a modern production helps, but the execution is what really sets these covers apart, retaining a lot of what made the songs so great in the first place, and exuding a deep passion for the source material to boot.  They’re deeply affected and influenced by the subject at hand, and they’re got a strong enough grasp to really do the material justice. In that sense, a band succeeding more than they fail on a tribute album of this kind is quite the accomplishment.

‘Blot - Ilt - Taut’ LP//DD track listing:

1. A Fine Day to Die

2. Song to Hall Up High

3. Home of Once Brave

4. The Return of Darkness and Evil

5. Woman of Dark Desires

6. Twilight of the Gods

7. Blood Fire Death

Ereb Altor is:

Ragnar | Vocals, Guitars, Bass

Mats | Vocals, Bass, Guitars, Keyboards

Mikael | Bass, Vocals

Tord | Drums

The Review:

To say that Bathory are one of the most influential heavy metal bands in history is to state the obvious, but I’m doing it anyway. Whether you’re talking about the impact those first four Bathory albums had on bands like Mayhem or Darkthrone, or the important role albums like “Hammerheart” and “Twilight of the Gods” plays in the sounds of Primordial, Falkenbach, and so on; a big part of Bathory’s legacy resides in the incredible bands they’ve helped shape.

One of the best of those bands is Ereb Altor, whose work falls under that restrained but powerful Viking metal sound that Bathory pioneered in the early 90s. Dating back to their very first album, and even at the first proper metal song on their debut, ‘By Honour’, Quorthon’s ghost looms large over Ereb Altor’s whole career to date. That this album is a full album of Bathory covers not only stands to reason, but also seemed inevitable.

The only minor surprise is that two songs from Bathory’s first three albums make an appearance, although when you consider there’s usually at least one darker song on each of the last few albums, it’s not completely out of character. Unfortunately, those are also the songs that are the least effective on ‘Blot - Ilt - Taut’. “Return of Darkness and Evil” is slowed down somewhat and given a disciplined death metal treatment. It leaves the song feeling more like an Unleashed song rather than a Bathory song, and as a result some of that wild, primal energy is lost.

With “Woman of Dark Desires”, the song is completely reimagined, keeping only the base arrangement and turning it into an almost goth metal song, more like early Moonspell than even their own trademark song. They earn points for trying something outside the box, and the song is fine on its own, but as a tribute to Bathory it feels out of place. Where the album really shines is in the covers of the ‘Blood Fire Death’, ‘Hammerheart’, and ‘Twilight of the Gods’ material. In their original compositions, Ereb Altor do a great job of updating the mid period Bathory formula, so the transition to simply performing Bathory songs is as natural as could be. The clear highlights of the album are the one-two combo of “Song To Hall Up High” and “Home of Once Brave”, along with “Twilight of the Gods”.

“Song To Hall Up High” get’s a slight facelift, becoming a full-fledged metal song here as opposed to the acoustic based original. The song loses none of its atmosphere, and it takes on an additional doom metal dirge quality in the process. “Home of Once Brave” and “Twilight of the Gods” are both faithful renditions, and performed about as well as you could hope. The added heft of a modern production helps, but the execution is what really sets these covers apart, retaining a lot of what made the songs so great in the first place, and exuding a deep passion for the source material to boot.

Covering legendary music is always a dangerous bridge to cross, and so many bands end up falling through creaky wood before they’re even halfway there. In Ereb Altor’s case, ‘Blot - Ilt - Taut’ reminds us of those pitfalls on a couple of occasions, but more often than not comes up with an ideal tribute. They’re deeply affected and influenced by the subject at hand, and they’re got a strong enough grasp to really do the material justice. In that sense, a band succeeding more than they fail on a tribute album of this kind is quite the accomplishment.

You can pick up a copy here. 

Band info: Facebook

Down Among The Dead Men - 'Exterminate! Annihilate! Destroy!' (Album Review)

By: Richard Maw

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 06/11/2015

Label: Cyclone Empire

‘Exterminate! Annihilate! Destroy!’ CD//DD track listing

01. Pyramids Of Mars
02. Warriors Of The Deep
03. The Oncoming Storm
04. The Ambassadors Of Death
05. Forged In Fire (ANVIL-Cover feat. guest vocals by Kam Lee)
06. Arc Of Infinity
07. Death Seed
08. War Machines
09. Unearthly Child
10. Tooth And Claw
11. Armageddon Factor
12. Protest And Survive (DISCHARGE-Cover feat. guest vocals by Bob Thunder & Donovan Spenceley)
13. Deadly Assassin
14. Exterminate! Annihilate! Destroy

Down Among The Dead Men is:

Dave Ingram | Vocals
Dennis Blomberg | Guitars
Rogga Johansson | Guitars/Bass
Erik R Bevenrud | Session-Drums (only on the album)

The Review:

Down Among The Dead Men return with this supremely brutal effort. Where their last self titled record was a feral exploration of death metal and crust, this is a better produced affair. From the first track ‘Pyramids of Mars’, it is obvious that the band has put some effort into perfecting their recorded sound. The mix job is very good- with the bass unusually audible underpinning the sound.

The bass sound is indeed a treat; hear it in all its glory on the opening of ‘The Oncoming Storm’. The band still specialise in focused and short songs with death metal, crust punk and grind core all thrown together to make an aggressive melting pot- hear ‘The Ambassadors of Death’ for proof. In a week where we lost Martin “Kiddie” Kearns of Bolt Thrower to the great gig in the sky, it is quite heartening to note that Dave Ingram carries on the Bolt Thrower tradition with these alumni of Paganizer et al; the songs are focused, sometimes fast, sometimes slow and always with maximum impact. ‘Forged in Fire’ is a good example of the band's slower side, showcasing their groove and some downbeat sentiments along the way.

Tracks such as ‘Arc of Infinity’ and ‘Death Seed’ are back to business as usual- with grooves present along with the requisite d-beat pacing. ‘War Machines’ sees Ingram treading familiar title territory as the band whip up a storm behind him. The record has settled into a nice groove at this point- over the fourteen tracks, most songs come in between two and three minutes in length, with the punk spirit intact over the course of riffs and time changes aplenty. ‘Tooth and Claw’ epitomises this “Motorhead crossed with Discharge and Bolt Thrower” approach, but equally the same could be said of ‘Armageddon Factor or ‘Protest and Survive’. Essentially, with the exception of ‘Forged in Fire’, the record's consistency is its strength. You know what you are getting from the opener to the closing one two combination of ‘Deadly Assassin’ and the title track- good quality, lean and focused death metal with crust punk infused through it to the core. This is a storming sophomore effort and a worthy addition to all of involved band members' discographies.

‘Exterminate! Annihilate! Destroy!’ is available here

FFO: BOLT THROWER, BENEDICTION, VOMITORY, DAWN OF DECAY, DISCHARGE, PAGANIZER

Band info: facebook | bandcamp

Feral - 'Where Dead Dreams Dwell' (Album Review)

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 29/05/2015

Label: Cyclone Empire

‘Where Dead Dreams Dwell’ CD//DD//LP track listing:  

1.  Swallowed by Darkness
2.  Creatures Among The Coffins
3.  As The Feast Begins
4.  Suffering Torment
5.  Carving The Blood Eagle
6.  Inhumation Ceremony
7.  The Crawler
8.  Overwhelmed
9.  Mass Resurrection
10.Succumb To Terror

Feral is:

David Nilsson | Vocals
Viktor Eriksson | Bass
Markus Lindahl | Guitar
Roger Markström | Drums

Review:

Feral play death metal. That's right: death metal with a chainsaw running through the amps and a bass that is strung with rusty barbed wire that has ripped a hole in the speakers to make that bass sound that sandpapers your ears.

It is Swedish death metal, nothing more and certainly nothing less. The fact that harbingers of talent Cyclone Empire Records have signed these guys speaks volumes. Cyclone Empire usually know a winner when they hear one (I still play Icons of Brutality's “Between Glory and Despair” on a regular basis) and they are not wrong here. Opener “Swallowed by Darkness” lets you know how this one is going to go and that early inkling is consolidated by “Creatures Among The Coffins”- a heavy, immediate and neck snapping track that just stomps out of the speakers.

“As The Feast Begins” is atmospheric of intro and brutal of main body, while bringing the tempo down to Asphyx speed for a while. It is thrashing and barely restrained stuff, played with conviction. The band do not stray from the Swedish death metal template too much; the songs are either flat out thrash workouts with some melodies thrown in or they are slightly more expansive with tempo changes and atmosphere creeping in here and there. “Suffering The Torment” and “Craving The Blood Eagle” sum up the record neatly, to be quite honest. It is rage filled and honest death metal of a superlative nature.

With this album and Entrails forthcoming effort “Obliteration” landing in my possession the same week, I didn't know which one to listen to more. “Inhumation Ceremony” is furious in delivery and features demonic leads to go with the brutally stomping verse and chorus sections. As the record progresses through “The Crawler” and “Overwhelmed” you will notice that there is no let up and no dip in quality. It is common these days for albums to outstay their welcome, but this mob keep things focused over ten tracks. There is no filler and no fat, just riff after riff and strong refrain after strong refrain. Some tracks such as “Mass Resurrection” may be longer than others, but the focus is not lost and the longer playign time just means more twists and turns, but not too many. Maelstrom finisher “Succumb to Terror” is a suitably brutal end to this very strong album. If you are a fan of the Swe-death genre, this record is a must. It's relentlessly beautiful in its own grotesque and noisy way.

Words by: Richard Maw

‘Where Dead Dreams Dwell’ is available here

For more information:

Like: www.facebook.com/feralswe | Official: www.feral.se 

Shakhtyor - 'Tunguska' (Album Review)

Album Type: Full-Length

Date Released: 24/04/2015

Label: Cyclone Empire

‘Tunguska’ CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Baryon 09:43
2. Pechblende 03:42
3. Zerfall 10:28
4. Schlagwetter 07:01
5. Tunguska 07:24
6. Solaris  09:50

Shakhytor is:

Christian Müller | Bass
Nils Langbehn | Drums
Christian Herzog | Guitars, F/X

Review:

Shakhtyor return with more rumbling post/alt. Metal instrumentals. The German group follow up their self titled opus with six tracks of morbid complexity and darkness. Opener “Baryon” sets the tone with creepy dynamics and truly devastating bass sound.

“Pechblende” offers up a sound effect laden intro and then more angular instrumental sounds over its (relatively) short playing time. All of the tracks here are over seven minutes in length except for this one.

“Zerfall” is ominous and brooding and builds a real atmosphere before punishing sections of grinding riffage. “Schlagwetter” mines similar inspiration and again uses dynamics amidst the carnage to de-construct and rebuild. The title track is a noisy beast while the nigh on ten minutes of “Solaris” finishes this impressive album strongly and allows the musicians to spread their wings further for the playing time.

If you like this type of thing (fans of Today is The Day is a possible reference point) then you will love this album... if you are not a fan instrumental post metal then it won't change your mind, even though it should. In short, this is a fine album of heavy and atmospheric instrumental post metal. I welcome it.

Words by: Richard Maw

‘Tunguska’ is available here

For more information:

Listen: www.shakhtyor.bandcamp.com 
Like: www.facebook.com/shakhtyorband

Paganizer - Twenty Years in a Terminal Grip (Best of) (Album Review)

Album Type: Compilation

Date Released: 28/11/2014

Label: Cyclone Empire

‘Twenty Years in a Terminal Grip (Best of)’ CD//LP//DD track listing:

CD1: The Band´s Faves

1. Nailed Forever
2. Bleed Unto Me
3. Among The Unknowing Dead
4. Scandinavian Warmachine
5. Even In Hell
6. You Call It Deviance
7. Frontier Cthulhu
8. Life Slips Away
9. Meateater
10. Colder
11. Just Here Rotting
12. Landscapes Made Of Human Skin
13. Crusader
14. On Your Knees
15. The Cadaverous
16. Beyond Redemption
17. Mass Of Parasites
18. No Divine Rapture
19. Their Skin Suits Me

CD2: Rarities, Demos & Unreleased Stuff

1. Natures Bleeding
2. Religious Cancer
3. Viking Hammer
4. Blood On The Axe
5. Ode To The Horde
6. The Cyclone Empire
7. This Place Is Rot
8. Gasmask Obsession
9. Abortion Van
10. Hell Is Already Here
11. Massdeath Maniac
12. Army Of Maggots
13. Flesh Collector
14. The Morbidly Obscene
15. The Festering Of Sores
16. The Return Of Horror
17. Born To Be Buried Alive
18. Carbonized Resurrection
19. Flesh Nest
20. Vaken Mardröm
21. Nothing Really Matters
22. This Place Of Dying
23. Morbid Warfare
24. Grinded And Exiled V 1.0
25. Fleshnaut V 1.0
26. Buried Alive
27. NY Ripper

Paganizer is:

Rogga | Guitars, Vocals
Dennis | Lead Guitars
Matte | Drums
Martin | Bass

Review:

Paganizer may well be the best Scandi-Death metal band that you haven't heard of. Swe-Death in the true definition of the term, the band have remained vital since the mid 90's and have stayed true to the real death sound and vibe, too. They have not re-routed to sell-out, unlike some other lesser bands I can think of...

This two CD package is astonishingly good value. You get 46, yes that is forty six!!! tracks of the finest death metal. If you like your Entombed (first two records), ATG and particularly Dismember and Grave, then this is a must have if you don't have the band's previous albums. It is the perfect soundtrack to a long journey as there is no need to adjust your stereo or MP3 player- just press play and enjoy the next couple of hours.

Clearly, at 46 tracks there is no way I am going to give you a song by song run down, going into where the best riffs are etc. (although ‘Bleed Unto Me’ does have an awesome section at the 4min mark...). You get the key tracks off their albums and EPs (‘Scandinavian War machine’ is present as are many lesser known titles). The production, of course, varies- spanning as it does the late 90's to the present day. It is uniformly good and suited to the material, though- the snare and bass may be heavier here and weaker there, but overall the band has kept the quality high and retained a signature sound of chainsaw guitars and consistently deathly vocals throughout. Roger “Rogga” Johansson has clearly kept his hand on the rudder at all times as his voice and guitar lead the band through all eras and line-ups.

The material is sometimes blast beat fast (‘On Your Knees’) and sometimes more groove based (the same track!) and offers up traditional Swedish death metal. This is completely distinct from the US version of death metal offered by Cannibal Corpse, Immolation, Morbid Angel etc.

There are melodies here in the guitars and lots of grit as well. Overall, it is more organic than its US brethren. Song themes run the gamut of horror (‘Their Skin Suits Me’) to social comment (‘Religious Cancer’, ‘Crusader’, ‘Natures Bleeding’) to more uniquely Norse concerns (‘Viking Hammer,’ ‘Blood on The Axe’, ‘Ode to The Horde’).  Simply put, there is something for you here if you like Scandi-death. For those of you out there who have the major Entombed releases but are unsure as to how to proceed from there, this compilation is a fine start, may I also recommend Entrails if you continue your education in Swedish hate?

The superb label Cyclone Empire is paid tribute to in the track featuring their name, and rightly so, too. CE is the best death label around in my opinion- they consistently offer high quality releases from underground bands. Long may that continue? Whether your tastes are for Dutch death dealers Icons of Brutality or the Scandinavian darkness of Paganizer, the label caters to your needs. All hail!

With tracks as good as ‘Gasmask Obsession’ and ‘The Return of Horror’, any self respecting death metal fan cannot afford to be without some Paganizer in their collection. With Dismember gone and Entombed's status unclear this is the perfect band to fill the void. Good quality stuff and good value as well. This is 46 tracks of deathly delight that you shouldn't pass up. Excellent.

Words by: Richard Maw

You can pick up the CD here.

For more information:

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Isole - The Calm Hunter (Album Review)

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 28/11/2014

Label: Cyclone Empire

‘The Calm Hunter’ CD/DD/LP track listing:

1.  The Calm Hunter (08:23)
2. Dead To Me (The Destroyer Part I) (05:44)                      
3. Into Oblivion (07:15)
4. The Eye Of Light (07:45)                                                                      
5. Perdition (06:55)
6. Alone In Silence (07:03)
7. My Regret (The Destroyer Part II) (07:57)                    

Bio:

With their first releases, ISOLE were able to secure an excellent reputation within the doom metal underground. They have elevated their status even further with their three albums released by Napalm Records.

After "Born from Shadows" it was yet again time to move on and ISOLE signed with German label Cyclone Empire for album number six.

ISOLE’s new piece of art “The Calm Hunter” impressively maintains their well-earned position and lays any doubts as to their superiority to rest. The Swedish quartet understands more than any other band how to effectively merge hypnotic melodies with viscous guitar lines.

The album's main focus is undeniably the heavy riffs and ISOLE’s trademark with vocal harmonies, but also a continuation of the path leaning towards a more progressive touch along with occasional digressions into more aggressive realms, where growls and vicious drumming reign. As such, even the epic tracks remain tantalizing and require one's complete attention, so as not to miss the fine details of this musical masterpiece. The dark euphonious landscapes created on “The Calm Hunter” and the stories where death and despair always is present will haunt your minds for a long time.

The four Swedes guarantee genuine and essential progressive doom metal. Get it now and lose yourself

Isole is:

Daniel Bryntse | guitars, vocals
Jimmy Mattsson | bass, vocals
Crister Olsson | guitars, vocals
Jonas Lindström | drums

Review:

Within the first few notes of hearing the title track "The Calm Hunter", and before looking at the biography, I knew right away these guys were Swedish. There is a distinct Scandinavian metal sound, not quite Black Metal, not quite Prog, and not quite Doom.

Isole seems to blend these styles together coupled with, what I can only describe as "very European harmonies". It seems to be their knack.

They called themselves "Epic Doom", and I’m not sure if that completely fits. To my American ears, when I think of Doom, I think of tempos that are traditionally slower than what Isole is delivering.  Perhaps "Prog Doom" might be more fitting? There ARE moments in their songs where the tempo does slow right down, and is plodded along with the harmonies I spoke of earlier, only to swing back up-tempo into more of a prog-metal theme such as the second track, "Dead to Me".

Track three, ‘Into Oblivion’ starts out as much more of a "traditional doom" pacing, but quickly adds keys and adds that smearing of Scandinavian Metal sound. If you're not a fan of Black Metal, mainly because of the vocals, then Isole might just be what you're looking for. They do tend to run into the "epic" style, that somewhat reminds me of early Mercyful Fate, without King Diamonds ultra-high range, but with the same sense of almost operatic musings. 

I'll be honest; I did not fall fanatically in love with this album. However, I can quickly and easily tell you that it does have something for everyone who loves metal or heavy music in general. The guitar tones are right where they should be. Big, distorted and loud. The drums are good and snap right into double-bass beats for a few moments right where they should when the band launches into that "Swedish Metal" cut-time. Really, the question is "Will you dig the vocals", because that is where you either will or will not like Isole.

Everything else falls into place here.

The instrumentation on the album falls right into place and sounds precisely like it should. That is to say, I almost expected the guitars, drums and bass to sound exactly like they do. It works. This not to say "predictable", but rather, that they provide what is needed.

So...back to the vocals. They ARE good. The harmonies DO really work, but like all music, this is where subjectivity comes in. If you like the kind of sound where more progressive epic vocal harmonies set against a dark background gets you going, then you're going to like this band, and this latest effort. If you prefer much more growly and "traditional" vocals, you will be disappointed, but it seems like Isole have used the vocal sound as the centrepiece to the dish they are serving. I think it works, and I will totally give credit where it is due. Their sound is polished and shined up for presentation. Again that can very much work for or against them, depending on who is listening.

Words by: Mike Borsum

You can pick up a copy here

For more information:

www.forevermore.se

www.facebook.com/Isoleofficial

http://cycloneempire.bandcamp.com/album/the-calm-hunter

Autumnal - The End Of The Third Day (Album Review)

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 17/10/2014

Label: Cyclone Empire

‘The End Of The Third Day’ CD/DD track listing:

1.   A Tear from A Beast (09:09)
2.   One Step…And the Rest of Our Lives (11:47)
3.   The Head of the Worm (09:28)
4.   Man’s Life Is the Wolf’s Death (07:18)
5.   Resigned To Be Lived (10:38)
6.   The Storm Remains the Same (04:59)
7.   Don’t Leave Me Now (SUPERTRAMP-Cover) (07:30)
8.   Father’s Will (10:26)

Bio:

AUTUMNAL was formed in Madrid, in 1998, by Ricardo and Javier de Pablo, being considered the cornerstone of Iberian metal both by fans and media, a must hear and crucial reference among bands within this genre that has slowly increased their fan-base with each release and each intense live performance, no mattering the pace.  Through different changes in the line-up and different stages in the band, 3 different EPs and 2 full-length albums have been the result of years of experiences and hearts full of passion; a catalog of mainly self-produced works slowly built, attracting media and fans and submerging them in a true, unique atmospheric universe.

In 2006, the release of  “Grey Universe”, the band’s first full-length album presented via Xtreem music, brought about a new stage in which the highest praise from world-wide media and fans has prevailed, being the key for opening new opportunities in different countries (Portugal, The Netherlands, Ireland) with important bands like ANATHEMA, MORGION, KATATONIA, DRACONIAN, ISOLE or SATURNUS, and for being featured in Metal Magazines such as Rock Hard, Metal Hammer and among countless webzines world-wide.

“The End of the Third Day” (Cyclone Empire - 2014; recorded by Carlos Santos -Sadman Studios, Spain-, and mastered by Jens Bogren -Fascination Street Studios, Sweden) will set the future for a step further. This second full-length album turns to be the perfect gathering of melancholic harmonies with epic passages and deep tones, always sounding like the caress of a dark, melodic and doomed hammer, demolishing walls and breaking souls.  Records like this happen when music and feelings come straight from the heart.  AUTUMNALs heart-crushing passages are back, opening a new stage to come... Be ready for more, be ready for AUTUMNAL.

The Band:

Javier de Pablo | Vocals
Julio Fernández | Guitars
Ricardo de Pablo | Drums
Miguél Ángel Gutiérrez | Bass
  

Review:

Within the first few seconds of putting this album on, the first thing that came to mind was Type O Negative. Look, every band has a sound that wears its influences on its sleeve. All musicians do it. We can't help it. I would be damned surprised if the late Peter Steele wasn't an influence on Autumnal. There’s nothing wrong with that. Making a comparison to such a band is actually a compliment. However, in the best of cases, the band makes an effort to distinguish itself from that more established sound. 

Autumnal does exactly that and the first track, "A Tear from a Beast", is a good melodic song, which while dark, doesn’t quite get to smashing up the place. It seems the song prefers to keep a mellower vibe. That vibe persists until about halfway into the second song, "One Step, and the Rest of our Lives", when suddenly, it shifts into a full-blown metal song with double bass and the angry growling vocals so many bands use. Just as quickly it slows back somewhat, and goes back to the melodic vibe again, and ultimately fades into a piano piece.

I like a good song that builds up, blitzes, and slows back down at the end. Autumnal uses a lot of musicality to what they are doing. It's rare to hear an unknown band (to me that is) produces an album with as much polish as this album. There is no trace of that "Raw Sound" so many bands have these days and that can be a good or a bad thing depending on who you are. I, myself prefer a little rawness, a little bit of that ‘Garage’ sound. A little dirty, if you will. Autumnal is not that band.

Good music paints a picture. It could be a picture of fat lady who refuses to smile. If you like portraits of said fat ladies, then you'll appreciate that painting. Autumnal paints deep, haunting pictures, using some interesting musicality and instruments. Even a violin crops up. This is absolute "Melodic Metal". While it does "get up and start smashing things" like a good metal song should, most of their songs return to the melodic almost Gothic vibe they start in. One thing is clear; you won’t be expecting a Supertramp cover.  I wasn't.  Yet, a pretty solid cover of "Don't Leave Me Now" comes up. Not bad. They don't exactly do a "straight up" cover of it, and I can appreciate that. I much prefer when a band make it their own and Autumnal certainly does that with this tune.

Ok, enough fluff.  If I had any criticisms about Autumnal "The End of the Third Day", it would be the length of most of the songs. Other than the Supertramp song, most of these clock in at 9 or 10 minutes or more. Don't get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with epic-ness.  I appreciate the work and artistry it takes to make each song flow together for that long, but....perhaps today's fast paced world, the internet and a bit of ADHD has killed my attention span, because to be honest, I get a little bored after about 7 minutes of your song, no matter who the hell you are. That’s just me.

If you are not a fan of epic 9 minute melodic metal songs, don’t bother with this album.

If you do like that sort of thing, then you'll be sorry if you don't check this out. The use of violins and piano along with the moments of double bass drums and riffing goes well, and not a sour note is to be heard. I may not be a true fan of this style of music, but I know when it's being played well and this record is an example of that. 

Words: Mike Borsum

You can pick up a copy here

For more information:

www.facebook.com/Autumnaldoom
www.soundcloud.com/autumnalband

Ophis - Abhorrence in Opulence (Album Review)

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 5/9/2014

Label: Cyclone Empire

‘Abhorrence in Opulence’ CD/LP track listing:

1. Disquisition Of The Burning (14:54)

2. Among The Falling Stones (12:53)

3. A Waltz Perverse (09:16)

4. Somnolent Despondency (11:52)

5. Resurrectum (11:49)

Bio:

OPHIS [greek: serpent] was founded in the German harbour city of Hamburg in late 2001, as an outlet for its members very own darker sides: an abyssic immersion of slow monolithic Doom Metal and raw, nihilistic and staggering old school Death Metal.

The band steadily became a solid institution among Doom-fans worldwide, collecting a loyal following by constantly playing live all over Europe. After the release of their debut album “Stream of Misery” in 2007, OPHIS toured with Pantheist and Skepticism. Their sophomore record “Withered Shades” (2010)

was praised by the press as one of the best Death/Doom records of the past decade and even won the 2nd place in Metalstorm’s “best extreme Doom album award”, and followed by a tour alongside Ahab and Esoteric.

Recently, Cyclone Empire re-released the debut album and the first EP as a compilation entitled “Effigies of Desolation”, which was accompanied by yet another European tour, this time with Evoken.

OPHIS is musically rooted in the early 90s, yet NOT a retro band, as they push their musical progress onward with every release. This tension grants OPHIS their own niche in a scene dominated by trends, which the band always refused to follow. Lyrically OPHIS are – unusual for a Doom band – observers of society, sometimes even with political undertones. But also personal lyrics dealing with the inner struggles of the members can be found.

The Band:

Phil | guitar, vocals

Martin | guitar

Olly | bass

Nils | drums

Review:

Doom/death straight out of the den of iniquity that is Hamburg, Ophis bring the noise from the off. Having been around for well over a decade, these boys know their business. ‘Disquisition of The Burning’ is slow moving and all distorted bass and sludgy guitar work. The vocals are of the Hooded Menace doom school- low and slow. Some nice double tracking with a higher screech can be heard too and this adds to the expansive sound. The track is nearly fifteen minutes long and this sets the standard for what follows.

‘Among The Falling Stones’ is mournful and melancholy as well as being hate filled to the brim. The album is starting to develop into a real misanthropic delight at this point. At nearly thirteen minutes, there is a lot of room for some chugging riff play along with discordant melodies and crawling despair.

‘A Waltz Perverse’ has a clean guitar intro before things get really filthy over its nine minutes plus length. The track has some faster sections and pinch harmonics here and there to ring the changes. This is positively speedy compared to the earlier tracks. The feel of Dragged Into Sunlight springs (or crawls or slithers) to mind- horrifying stuff for sure!

‘Somnolent Despondency’ sounds just like the title- eerie and mournful while being panoramic in sound and scope. Good solo, too. Listening through this track is an endurance test in itself. It is relentlessly bleak and hostile. Bravo, Ophis, bravo...

‘Resurrectum’ delivers the coup de grace of this aural execution. It is a slow burner (no surprise, there) and builds up nicely with some glowering guitar work that gets heavier and then heavier again. The bass sound is a joy (in a way) throughout- low and dirty with the right amount of distortion. There are some cool rhythmical motifs on display here and double bass drums where they need to be.

No doubt about it, Ophis are masters of their craft. Veteran misanthropes serving up a cold main course of hatred. A fine and bleak album; perfect for the slide towards winter.

Words by: Richard Maw

You can get it here

For more information:

www.ophisdoom.de

www.facebook.com/pages/Ophis/113159458768736