Category Archives: Reviews

REVIEW: CORPSIA – GENOCIDES IN THE NAME OF GOD

June 26, 2017 darkartconspiracy Leave a comment

REVIEW: CORPSIA – GENOCIDES IN THE NAME OF GOD by Carina Lawrence / Dark Art Conspiracy

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Brazilian thrash trio Corpsia have unleashed their debut album ‘Genocides In The Name Of God’. Following this release they are bringing their fierce sounds to Europe in September to unveil their new songs in the live setting, so 2017 looks to be a big and busy year for them.

The first single and opening track ‘Purgatory Scum’ begins with a dark and eerie acoustic guitar intro which builds in suspense before it all kicks off with pounding drums and fast furious riffs. This is a strong and powerful start to the debut with killer guitar work.

The title track is brilliantly belligerent and charges on throughout with great heavy rhythms and effective drums to accompany that are perfect for headbanging along too. This is simply crushing.

‘Holochrist’ again revisits the sinister vibes of the opener with creepy guitar work before going into full thrash mode, with hard-hitting riffs and strong consistent instrumentation, as seen throughout the album. The stand out ‘Snakes’ features resonant riffs and great tones. It has all the key elements of a top metal track and contains some of the best and memorable guitar work.

Closing song ‘Returns’ is a hefty slab of finely crafted thrash and may be one of their strongest offerings yet, making a powerful end to this debut.

This is a coherent and consistent debut album which has a lot of aggression and force behind it, which should appeal to both old school thrash and modern thrash fans as it embraces both. Corpsia should be proud of this full-length as it’s a strong release and it will be exciting to see what they produce next and how they expand.

SCORE: 3.5/5

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REVIEW: Nightland – Obsession

June 19, 2017 darkartconspiracy Leave a comment

Review: Nightland – Obsession by Ekaterina K. / Dark Art Conspiracy

NIGHTLAND released their first EP “Knights Of The Dark Empire”, which had a great success among the audience, especially for its release party in Bologna (31st October 2011) in which they used for the first time scenographic elements. Back in studio, Nightland recorded their second EP named “In Solemn Rise”, that will be released in December 2012.

On the next album, called “Obsession” they changed their folk/power sound towards more aggressive one with bombastic orchestrations on the edge of Symphonic and Death Metal. As press-release states, album sounds dark, dramatic, sometimes unearthly with majestic musical digressions. The musical concept behind “OBSESSION” is a deep romance concerning the instability of the human mind derived from fears, obsessions and paranoia. So, how does the band shape this into music?

It all starts with an intro “Benediction to Madness” leading to the “Tolkinish” epicness, suitable as a soundtrack for some heroic and battle movie. It gives a hunch of what solemn and huge orchestrations should we expect during the whole album. Worthy to mention, that all of them are perfectly written and fit into the main instruments. Nor orchestrations, nor drums, bass or guitars are above one another, their sound stays on the same level and are perceived equal in a perfect harmony. Choir parts are good example of bringing even more solemnness to symphonic parts and sound still isn’t overloaded, despite of having a lot layers of different instruments and details in the music canvas. Symphonic work echoes with the ones of Hollenthon or even Epica at some point, whose parts are “lighter”. Or some power and folkish elements as in “Last Dance of Treacherous Mind” reminding Turisas. Carcass of intense riffs is still strong and don’t lose in between symphonic parts. They remind listener that the core genre is Death metal with its riffs, volumetric bass and aggressive drum work.

Nighland’s “Obsession” is good example of merging symphonic music with more aggressive one. As the result, we received strong and balanced album with 9 absolutely different songs with complex structure. Great work done, but regarding that it’s a debut album (even re-released with bonus-tracks) , it’s value rises.

Tracklist:

Benediction to Madness
Dreamless Life
A.R.E.S.
Icarus
Alpha et Omega
Cradle of Sufferance
Obsession
Quod Vita Celat, Mors Revelat
Last Dance of a Treacherous Mind
A.R.E.S. (Orchestral)
Icarus (Orchestral)

SCORE: 5/5.

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REVIEW: Sorrow Plagues – Homecoming

May 30, 2017 darkartconspiracy Leave a comment

Sorrow Plagues is the brainchild of British musician David Lovejoy, who typically delivers atmospheric black metal. This new album ‘Homecoming’ marks Lovejoy’s second album and this time he dares to explore and venture into unexpected territory, expanding his elaborate black metal, this time throwing in elements of post-rock and more mainstream sounds.

The first song to kick things off is new single ‘Departure’ which opens on a resonant upbeat and impressive guitar intro. It immediately possesses a dreamy and ethereal atmosphere, aided through the textured instrumentation. The buoyant sounding instruments give it a more mainstream vibe, but Lovejoy’s dark distant shouts lurk in the backdrop to balance the light and the dark. The instruments remain at the forefront and make for a very compelling and impactful start. The song is about self-actualization and leaving behind the things that are holding you back in life, so it takes you on a great reflective path and the tones match this. Coming in at over seven minutes long, it is a rather epic introduction and scene setter for the album.

‘Disillusioned’ flows on nicely from the opener and again has that all consuming far-reaching sound, in what is the longest song featured on the album. It has a grand feel to it, with an air of optimism as before, which is very refreshing to see in this black metal rooted album. It is questionable if this can even be categorised as this at times, at is so serene and beautiful throughout, but maintains a dark essence through the bleak vocals.

‘Isolated’ has some of the most memorable and catchy riffs going, keeping up the light very positive sound, whilst ‘Irreversible’ packs a harder punch with a large almost symphonic sound. It is extremely tuneful, with great rhythms which further highlight Lovejoy’s technical skills. First single ‘Relinquish’ soars from the off and dances around in epic glorious tones with menacing anguished screams to accompany, something there is no shortage off throughout, but it works wonderfully.

To close this insightful and cathartic journey is the title track ‘Homecoming’ which opens on an atmospheric quiet intro before later throwing in a curveball in the form of unexpected saxophones – definitely not something you expect to find on a metal album. This certainly stands out, and is both very pleasing and confusing. It ends on some of the most depthful and layered instrumentation seen on the album, making for the perfect closer.

This is not your typical black metal act, this is something new and exciting and should certainly be praised for this interesting exploration of sounds. It is very meaningful and layered through the instrumentation and lyrics, which looks at many aspects of the human experience, including death, loneliness and regret. The focus of the album is about finding strength and resolution through these difficult situations. This takes you on an unforeseen path and is a pleasure to listen to, whilst contemplating life and letting the resonant tones wash over you and take you away into a dream state. Lovejoy should be proud of what he has accomplished here.

SCORE: 4/5

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REVIEW: Danzig – Last Ride (Single)

May 30, 2017 darkartconspiracy Leave a comment

DANZIG release their second single ‘Last Ride’ from the new album ‘Black Laden Crown’ which came out on May 26th 2017. DANZIG is the outlet for Glenn Danzig, a singer-songwriter and musician from New Jersey who impressively is the founder of the well-known and popular punk rock act Misfits, as well as Samhain.

The new single ‘Last Ride’ slowly creeps along in a dark and sorrowful manner, with penetrating powerful vocals from Glenn Danzig, and fuzzy ambient guitars, executed by Tommy Victor, which escalate in intensity and skill as it draws to a close, ending on a high. This is one corpulent bluesy doom offering that you have to hear.

SCORE: 4/5

You can watch the audio video for the new single here:

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REVIEW: From Eden To Exile – Modern Disdain

May 29, 2017 darkartconspiracy Leave a comment

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Northampton Modern metallers From Eden To Exile have been rapidly building a name for themselves since their inception. Early in their career they secured a slot at the ‘New Blood’ stage at Bloodstock festival in 2015 and have played alongside heavyweight acts such as Trivium, Black Label Society, Cannibal Corpse and more. They show no signs of slowing down and are ready to make an even bigger impact with their anticipated debut album ‘Modern Disdain’…

First track ‘Gospel Untold’ is a metal whirlwind, as its crushing, powerful and unforgiving, aided by the stomping heavy guitars and overall impressive guitar work, hellish commanding vocals and strong dark melodies. This makes quite an impressive with this first offering.

Title track ‘Modern Disdain’ again delivers belligerent vocals, fast driven riffs, and defiant and strong lyric statements such as “worked like slaves, if you look at the facts, mankind was born to kneel”, with yet more impressive blistering guitar work again from Tom Kelland and Mike Bell.

Single ‘Volatile’ is vast and tense with charged vocals and guitars. The melodic tones give it a hopeful vibe through the instrumentation, as well as offering up some head banging worthy breakdowns. This acts as a perfect summary of the album.

‘Victim’ keeps up the heat and momentum as seen throughout, with a tense build up and extremely melodic riffs with punishing and effective screamed vocals from Matt Dyne. This is a stand out track for me, as it offers up more diversity than some of the previous tracks. Whilst ‘The Dreamer’ shows some of the best guitar work seen so far, demonstrating their talents further. This is a resonant and all round impressive strong track that is a must hear.

Self-named song ‘From Eden To Exile’ is groove ridden and a great one to let loose too, and again breaking things up a bit and showing something a bit different is ‘What You’ve Done’, which features some interesting rhythms and unpredictable turns.

Closing song ‘Sentiment’ sets out to demolish once again in this last tumultuous blow, largely helped by the effective ambient instrumentation.

This is a very hefty extreme metal album that gives you non-stop intensity, massive breakdowns and strong snarling demanding vocals throughout. From Eden To Exile clearly, execute their craft and impressive musicianship with this debut.

SCORE: 4/5

From Eden To Exile’s debut album ‘Modern Disdain’ is released 2nd June, via Attic Records/PHD.

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REVIEW: Karkaos – Children Of The Void

May 18, 2017 darkartconspiracy 3 Comments

REVIEW: Karkaos – Children Of The Void by Carina Lawrence / Dark Art Conspiracy

Melodic extreme metal act Karkaos from Canada formed in 2003 and quickly built a formidable presence in their home country following their successful 2011 EP ‘In Burning Skies’ and then in 2014 they unleashed their full-length debut ‘Empire’ to help solidify this further. Now they return with their new, to be self-released album ‘Children Of The Void’ which features a new and unstoppable line-up with vocalist Viky Boyer and drummer Justine Ethier at the helm. To add more power to this anticipated release they enlist some guest musicians in the form of Lindsay Schoolcraft from Cradle of Filth and Morgan Lander from Kittie.

Opening intro track ‘Babel’ is very atmospheric and dramatic, building suspense with a determination and glimmer of hope that increases as it draws to an end, making it the perfect way to gear you up for what is to unfold…

‘Skymaster’ explodes to life with a massive symphonic sound, blitzing guitars and fast drums, with Viky Boyer’s compelling and impressive vocals fitting the relentless instrumentation and the contrasting fierce vocals from guitarist, Vincent Harnois wonderfully. This is overwhelming but in a brilliant, huge and all-consuming way.

First single ‘Kolossòs’ is crushing from the off, with a haunting intensity aided especially by the vocal delivery and keys. This is indeed colossal in every way, and it helps that it features immense guest vocals from Morgan Lander of Canadian metallers Kittie. This is an unstoppable and divine offering that encapsulates the album and the band’s sound.

Title track ‘Children Of The Void’ is immediately ambient and features many tempo changes, but never loses its fluency. The charging verses are intense and the whole song shifts between beautiful twists and turns, and enthrals with slick and impressive guitar as seen throughout the album, the nature and the vibe of the song feels very unified.

‘Tyrants’ blasts into action with alarming symphonic sounds and growled vocals. Again the band play to their strengths hitting you from every direction and overloading you, with clean, brutal, sinister hushed tones and gang vocals adding, even more depth which the album is simply brimming with.

The final offering ‘Bound By Stars’ is beautiful and eerie with passionate heartfelt lyrics from Viky. It is the longest song in length, giving it an epic feel through strength and duration, as well as the ever melodic resonant tones and soaring solo guitar work from Samael Pelletier that he exhibits throughout.

This is a fantastic attack on the senses, which is captivating, exhilarating, suspenseful, yet brutal. It is excellently structured and features impressive musicianship from the whole band. There is such depth and intelligence, through intricate fine details, that it most certainly need to be stuck on repeat to help process and appreciate every moment. This is massively majestic and leaves a lasting impression and asserts that Karkaos are a band to watch out for.

SCORE: 5/5

‘Children Of The Void’ is self-released on 26th May 2017.

Album Pre-Order available on Bandcamp at https://karkaosofficial.bandcamp.com/album/children-of-the-void-pre-order

Track Listing:
1. Babel
2. Skymaster
3. Kolossòs
4. Let the Curtain fall
5. Pale
6. Children of The Void
7. Rêverie
8. Tyrants
9. Where Mushrooms Grow
10. Lightbearer
11. The Beast
12. Bound By Stars