Category Archives: Reviews

REVIEW: Neoheresy- Oblawa

March 29, 2017 darkartconspiracy Leave a comment

Neoheresy- Oblawa Review by Ekaterina K.

Neoheresy was brought into being in the year 2012. After recording the last material named Hellveto “Damnaretis”, it is time for a stylistic evolution resulting in the change of the project’s name.

The Music conception of the Neoheresy horde is directed towards monumental Black Metal with the influence of ancient folk and symphonic music as well as the lyrical, vocal part, and live drums. Some types of electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, synths and ethnical instruments are being used in this project.

The Musically Neoheresy has an emotional and hegemonic overtone due to the solo character of the performance.
As was mentioned in description, Neoheresy’s genre is black metal. But, surprisingly, there’s only a small part of their music consists from pagan black metal as we used listen to. “Oblawa” is more deep and diverse album with real atmospheric tunes, creating associations with obscurantism of Middle Ages, half-mysterious beliefs of people and witchery.

A lot of additional instruments, choir and symphonic parts create unique atmosphere. It all begins with an intro – “Preludium”, with horse’s hooves sound in the background which adds a bit of intriguing mystery. Vocals is worth to mention – from croak it goes to narrative, as in “Powróca… ” for instance, which catch the attention along with Polish lyrics.

What differs that album is that there’s no “standard” black-metal guitar riffs and characteristic “heaviness”. Guitar work itself is used as an additive, but perfectly fits in the songs structure. Choirs are presented almost in every song and they give certain volume and epicness to the album. Neoheresy found this golden mean – a lot of elements are used in songs, but sound is not overloaded. It’s hard to classify it to any black metal subgenres, as this album is too original and deep to fit in any frames.

Score: 5/5.

“Oblawa” was released in January 2017 by Elegy Records.

1.Preludium
2.Karzel0
3.Oblawa
4.Powróca…
5.Cmentaria
6.Dwa zywioly

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REVIEW: Keroscene – Our Time (Single )

March 9, 2017 darkartconspiracy Leave a comment

REVIEW: Keroscene – Our Time (Single ) by Carina Lawrence / Dark Art Conspiracy

London psychedelic rock act Keroscene are certainly ones to watch, being so early into their career they have already gained the support and attention from NME, Q magazine and more with their unique sound. Impressively they are yet to even release an EP or album, but have grown in popularity solely through their four singles, ‘Regret’, ‘Just Like Zero’, ‘I Can’t Do A Thing’ and ‘Like The First Time’.
Now they are back to create some more noise with their latest single, ‘Our Time’ which was recorded with Matt Peel, (Pulled Apart By Horses, Eagulls) which may be their best yet, again highlighting their ever expanding genre defining sound. The song itself is a bouncy vibrant track, aided by the guitar effects and synth sounds with complimentary resonant vocals, all wrapped in a fuzzy ambience giving it an upbeat vibe that is irresistible to the ear!
The song was written during the band’s days at their ‘Unit 4’ warehouse in West London, and again as the band have displayed before in previous tracks there is a deep meaning behind the lyrics, this time it focuses on the bands time there and how they developed: “Lyrically the song is inspired by everything currently happening in the world around us, both on a societal level with rapid changes in technology and politics and on a personal level. This apparent lack of tangibility of anything genuinely real in our digital world can sometimes make us feel bored and at odds with a sense of cultural stagnation”.

Keroscene have already shown through their singles that they are not afraid to experiment and explore their musical depth, it will be exciting to see what they do next!
Score: 4/5

https://youtube.com/kerosceneband/
https://www.facebook.com/kerosceneband/

Check out our review of their previous single, ‘Like The First Time’ https://darkartconspiracy.com/2017/01/11/keroscene-like-the-first-time-single-review/

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REVIEW: Wolfheart – Tyhjyys

February 23, 2017 darkartconspiracy Leave a comment

Wolfheart – Tyhjyys

Review by Ekaterina K. / Dark Art Conspiracy

Wolfheart releases its albums with stable pause, and distinguishes by their productive leader Tuomas Saukkonen, which has music career long before and include different music projects.

And this time, his main band Wolfheart offers a new album called “Tyhjyys”, which means “Empty” or “Emptiness”. So, let’s dive into this Finnish Emptiness.

Diving takes starts with melancholiac acoustic guitar turning into freezing riffs in “Shores of Lake” with shouts. “Boneyard” with firm Wolfheart sound and kind of a “hit” riffs, especially the first one, was right chosen for single and keeps exact its place in song order. It’s worth to mention that none of songs sounds out of place, everything is well placed in a right time. From this point, “Tyhjyys” doesn’t differ from previous band’s works – “Winterborn” and “Shadow world” – both of them have its well-made song order.

However, in some atmospheric elements appear – synth choir and piano parts in “World on Fire” for instance, which gives some “volume” to guitar lines. Then going deeper in winter emptiness with “The Flood” and its melancholic sounds of downtuned acoustic guitar, which turns then into so-“Wolfheartish” epic riffs with orchestra elements shining in between, creating an atmosphere of fatigue and a bit of nostalgia.

“The Rift” and “Call of the Winter” are continuing this tendency with orchestra lines flying together with instrumental ones and acoustic guitar interludes between riffs, bass line and intense drum ornament.

“Dead White” is differs from other songs on this album by quite fast and at the same time melodic rhythm, which didn’t slow its way during the whole song. The final part is “Tyhjyys” with Finnish lyrics, which echoes with the closure song of “Shadow World” – “Veri”.

Tyhjyys is the perfect clothing to this album of the same name – freezing emptiness has reached out its arm and took the listener to its freezing realm. Nothing exceptionally original or innovative, but still very catchy and atmospheric.

Wolfheart is still keeping the level and their own niche of melodic death metal, or winter metal, hehe. Their third album proved it.

Score: 5/5

“Tyhjyys” will be available via “Spinefarm Records” on 3rd of March.

Tracklist:
01. Shores Of The Lake Simple
02. Boneyard
03. World On Fire
04. The Flood
05. The Rift
06. Call Of The Winter
07. Dead White
08. Tyhjyys
Line-up:
Tuomas Saukkonen – guitar, vocals
Mika Lammassaari – lead guitar
Joonas Kauppinen – drums
Lauri Silvonen – bass, backing vocals

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REVIEW: Ephemerald – ‘I Bear Fire’ (single)

February 19, 2017 darkartconspiracy Leave a comment

Ephemerald – ‘I Bear Fire’ Single Review

by Carina Lawrence / Dark Art Conspiracy

Finnish metal band, Ephemerald although fairly new to the scene, having formed in 2016 are no strangers to the industry as collectively the members have a wealth of experience and touring. The members consist of by Joni Snoro (ex-Frosttide), Lauri Myllylä (ex-Frosttide), Vesa Salovaara (Vorna) and Juho Suomi (Apocryfal & Prayed and Betrayed). They are wasting no time building their reputation as they have recently signed a deal with Rockshots Records to release their debut single ‘I Bear Fire’. So what can we expect from this new band?!…

‘I Bear Fire’ quickly asserts its massive presence, aided by dark and eerie sounds. The fierce growled vocals amongst the in depth instrumentation is very effective, with the big orchestrations enhancing the melodies and ambience. The contrasting memorable clean vocals, paired with aggressive vocals is well placed and makes quite an impact. This is an unstoppable mighty force; what a way to showcase their sound with this huge debut single!

Fortunately the band are currently working on their full length album release, which is tentatively set for 2018. Until then enjoy ‘I Bear Fire’!

You can watch the official lyric video for the single below:

https://www.facebook.com/ephemeraldfin/ https://instagram.com/ephemeraldfin

Tweets by ephemeraldfin

https://youtube.com/EphemeraldFin

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REVIEW: September Mourning – Volume II

February 19, 2017 darkartconspiracy Leave a comment

September Mourning – Volume II Album Review

by Carina Lawrence / Dark Art Conspiracy

September Mourning is more than just a band, they are a transmedia dark creative project originally created by front-woman Emily Lazar and Top Cow founder/artists Marc Silvestri. Lazar takes on the persona of September Mourning on stage, a unique character who is a half-human, half-reaper hybrid who helps souls complete tasks they left unfinished before they died, taking place in multiple worlds. The story unfolds on different media platforms, the albums, comics and live shows. September Mourning are back to unveil more of their story with Volume II which is tied in with Volume I, featuring old and new tracks alongside each other. Buckle up to discover something completely different and intriguing…

‘The Collection’ is atmospheric, creepy and ambient, acting as the perfect introduction to set the stage and prepare you for what is to come…
‘Angels To Dust’ has a massive dysfunctional unhinged sound. Lazar’s vocals instantly draw you in, paired with electronic outbursts which are very effective before the heavy riffage and backdrop kicks in at the chorus. This is organised musical chaos at its best, with so much texture and depth all delivered in an intelligible and thrilling form.
First single ‘Eye Of The Storm’ which has racked up an impressive 100,000 views with the video to accompany it, (all within a month!) with their visual animations, something the band pride themselves on in art and storytelling. The song itself possesses a strong presence and forceful chorus, making it a must hear.
‘Before The Fall’ hooks you immediately with catchy riffs and ethereal vocals and effects which are well placed, as seen throughout. ‘Children Of Fate’ may well be the most meaningful and prominent song featured, as this is named after September Mourning’s fan base of the same name. Their dedicated fans helped them launch their graphic novel via a Kickstart campaign, helping take the band to a new dimension and level. This album is especially for the ‘Children Of Fate’ and the message within it portrays this. The song is bizarre and deliciously dark with a defiant sound that truly encompasses the fantasy story from their comic.

‘Skin & Bones’ has strong rhythms that is bound to get you moving, especially along with its anthemic singalong chorus. Keeping up the momentum and following on perfectly is latest single ’20 Below’, which is infectiously catchy, layered with melodic guitar riffs and has the components of a solid rock favourite, especially live.
‘Superhuman’ is an action packed exceptionally memorable song, with irresistible beats and rhythms, they certainly triumph yet again with this track which deserves to be in the spotlight. You won’t be able to get this song out of your head! The ending sounds like a subliminal message, but actually offers a motivational message in keeping with their vision.
Closing song, ‘Til You See Heaven’ has a brilliant dark ambience, which is beautiful and haunting, managing to bring all the best elements of their all-consuming sound as a perfect reflective ending. The album is very thought provoking so you need some time to digest this stunning journey, so this is a wise song to end on.
One of the most powerful things about music is escapism and to forget everything else and just be overcome by the music, September Mourning take this to the highest degree with their clever and intriguing fantasy story, and even though it is based on fictional characters and events, the messages are relatable in the real world also, giving them even more depth and creativity. The fact that they intertwine Volume 1 with the new offerings in the second chapter is well constructed and aids the storytelling further, with the new and old complimenting each other to get the full picture. This is truly an epic and inspiring masterpiece which I am very glad to have discovered, for those that aren’t familiar with this band, I strongly urge you to listen and be enthralled by their music and dark ventures…

Score: 5/5

http://www.septembermourning.com/
https://www.facebook.com/septembermourning/

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REVIEW: Insanity Cult – of Despair and Self-Destruction

February 11, 2017 darkartconspiracy Leave a comment

Insanity Cult – of Despair and Self-Destruction

Review by Ekaterina K. / Dark Art Conspiracy

Insanity Cult were created back in 2011 by Έκπτωτος (Lead Guitar) and Sacrilegious (Vocals) as a means of deeper inner expression and exploration. In 2012, Beleth (Drums) and Buer (Bass) joined the line up, while Vohamon (Rhythm Guitar) joined a year later in 2013.

Throughout the years the band experimented intensely with their sound and ripened both musically and ideologically, thus new elements were added while some others were removed. The general sound however, was always based around melodies and feelings of melancholy, nihilism, hatred and despair. The first EP “Insanity Be My Kvlt“, which was a raw rehearsal recording, was released in January of 2014, followed by the release of the debut full-length album “As My End Unfolds…” in April of 2015. Now, the band’s second opus is to be released in 11th february of 2017.

To characterize this album can be one word – it’s color of grey, which pretty matches the cover. Grey, addictive melancholy begins with a prologue – “The Light That Drowned Itself” and it felt throughout the album. Tremolos, blast beats and high, hysterical scream are the main elements characterizing this album. However, in some places main carcass is diluted by interesting combinations, as for instance, in the “IX”, clean guitar and scream made a good combination, which add more atmosphere “Interlude-The Bitter Wind of Remembrance” divides album on two parts by its monotonous melody which, however, fits well and doesn’t sound out of place. On the contrary, it aggravates melancholic and fatigue mood of the album. The second part, which consists from three songs is more measured and slow. Band has been progressed in songwriting and composition, releasing an album with good mixing of atmosphere of despair and frozen carcass of black metal riffs.

Score: 4/5

Tracklist :
Prologue – The Light That Drowned Itself
Seeds of Lesser Gods
All Now Are Wounds
IX
Interlude – The Bitter Wind of Remembrance
In My Abysmal Dreams
Birth of Eos
Sinister Lights and Manic-Depression
Line-up :
Έκπτωτος (Lead Guitar)
Sacrilegious (Vocals)
Buer (Bass)
Vohamon (Rhythm Guitar)
Beleth (Drums, Programmation)
Genre : Black Metal (Traditional)
Label : Ogmios Underground (http://www.ogmiosug.fr)
Release date : February 11th, 2017 (Digipak CD, 6 panels, 8-pages booklet)
Bandcamp : https://insanitycult.bandcamp.com/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/pages/Insanity-Cult/132447746817441?sk=timeline
Google+ : https://plus.google.com/106645682742381902176
YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsQ4Sl_iY9HHxITN_lfaMJg