By Carina Lawrence
Norwegian metal multi-instrumentalist Kathrine Shepard is the talented visionary behind the musical project Sylvaine. With four albums and one split EP released, Sylvaine’s sound takes you on ethereal soundscapes. With this new EP, ‘Eg Er Framand,’ she goes on her most introspective and delicate journey, exploring her rich Norwegian heritage and traditions.
Continue reading EP REVIEW: SYLVAINE – ‘Eg Er Framand’
By Carina Lawrence
Australian dark folk/blackgaze project SULDUSK, founded by the gifted Emily Highfield, released their debut album, ‘Lunar Falls’ in 2019, impressing the masses, including Napalm Records, who signed them to their roster in 2023. Now, with the sophomore release titled, ‘Anthesis’, they are continuing to enthral and expand their unique and fascinating sound, which covers dark folk, prog, doom, blackgaze and black metal elements, a wild and eclectic mix!
Continue reading ALBUM REVIEW: SULDUSK – ‘’ANTHESIS”
Our core staff of 2023 has chosen their top 10 album releases of this year, although there are a few overlaps, it seems our favorites hit almost every corner of the heavy, dark and alternative music world!
Samuli’s Top 10
Carina’s Top 10
Serena’s Top 10
By Carina Lawrence
Conquer Divide returns with their highly anticipated sophomore album ‘Slow Burn’, and it was worth the eight-year wait following their self-titled debut album.
The opener ‘Atonement’ injects a quick heavy hit from the off with bassist/vocalist Janel Duarte asserting her aggressive vocals before clean vocalist Kiarely Taylor comes in with beautiful melodies and a nice hefty breakdown to close. The track has a perfect balance of fierceness and catchy melody and makes for a brilliant start and introduction for long-time fans and new ones.
Continue reading ALBUM REVIEW: CONQUER DIVIDE – ‘SLOW BURN’
By Carina Lawrence
Swedish progressive metallers hit harder with their sixth album, ‘Memorial,’ which is more aggressive and potent yet always melodic and alluring in keeping with their signature style.
Continue reading ALBUM REVIEW: SOEN – ‘MEMORIAL’
Rating: 4/5
Welcome Rootbrain! Their debut album Breakwater has finally released today (June 14, 2023) after much anticipation! The band is comprised of music scene veterans, including members of Triptykon, Profane Omen and Kuolemanlaakso.
Jules Näveri – vocals
V. Santura – lead guitar
Hurja Helle – rhythm guitar
Thomas Wright – bass
Fat Tony – drums
No frills, Breakwater is a solid album. Old school sound with a fresh coat of paint and anguish, embellished with occasional wisps from the members previously existing bands. Rootbrain consider themselves “Black Grunge”, which is definitely the sound at the core of it all, but there are also constant bursts and streams from every corner of metal, rock and alternative music . The easy flow of ballad breakdowns, electrifying solos, groovy melodies, doomy riffs, heart wrenching harmonies and chill acoustic interludes keeps your ears, mind and soul on edge. Throw all of those things into a blender with a shot of whisky, sunshine, and the notion that this world is going down in flames- and you have Breakwater. I couldn’t imagine a better time of year for this album to have been released than the beginning of summer. Listening to it makes me want nothing more than to lounge in the sun and drink to the end of the world. The album is equally as diverse in lyrical themes, bending from rage to sorrow to power to pain, reflecting the soul of the writer, and the world surrounding them. A positive reflection of the fucknesses of life. Acceptance of the shitty state of the world with a grin. A view of a dystopian hell through rose colored glasses.
Breakwater is saturated with the vibe of guys making music for the sake of music and friendship. Guys who love what they do, and recorded the most professional and intricate jam session ever. In their bio, they describe themselves as a “band built on brotherhood” and this album smacks you in the face with that notion. I can almost see their live show with intense jamming, jokes, tricks, and a laid back but professional stage presence where they are all in sync with each other as well as the audience. This album really makes me want to experience them live. Now. No… like, yesterday!
review by: Serena Solomon
Dark Art Conspiracy 
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