Category Archives: Reviews

REVIEW: Cyclocosmia – “Immure EP”

February 8, 2017 darkartconspiracy Leave a comment

Cyclocosmia – “Immure EP”

Review by Carina Lawrence / Dark Art Conspiracy

Cyclocosmia is a progressive doom metal project from London, UK comprised of Aliki Katriou (vocals) and multi-talented James Scott (songwriter/producer) who plays all the instruments throughout. The duo also collaborate with guest musicians all over the world. Their debut album ‘Deadwood’ received critical acclaim and now they are looking to equally impress with their latest offering, new EP, ‘Immured’. The EP has a concept and doesn’t follow the norm, as you are meant to listen to it as a continuous 17 minute song, rather than individual tracks. It follows the story of a Roman Vestal Virgin who is condemned to live burial for breaking her vows. The bleak story certainly helps feed their impressive and unique symphonic doom…

‘Immured Part I’ opens on an ethereal, alluring yet alarming note, simply setting the scene for what lies ahead…’Part II’ kicks right off in symphonic glory with beautiful and dark clean vocals from Aliki Katriou, with savage screams in contrast from James Scott, but the balance is just right, and the results are both shocking and stunning.
Part III is on the angelic side initially before the heavy guitars accompany and showcase some solid and resonant tones, giving the song a lot of depth. The vocal variations offer even more diversity and give it a slightly deranged sound in the greatest sense. There is a lot going on here but it still manages to remain coherent and float seamlessly along in harmony. It is a very captivating and immersive sound that will surely lure you in…

The final chapter in this dark story, ‘IV’ starts with an eerie and delightful acoustic guitar section which complements Aliki’s high pitched and sorrowful vocals perfectly. James displays his impressive guitar capabilities further, amongst the epic drawn out doom symphonies with demonic growls laced throughout. It is cleverly structured and layered, making it a must hear. It offers tranquillity and angst all in one offering, something which the EP displays wonderfully throughout its dark emotional and thought provoking endeavour.

Score: 4/5

INFO:
Label: self-released
Release Date: January 27th, 2017
Genre: symphonic/doom metal
Country: UK

TRACKLIST

1. Immured Part I
2. Immured Part II
4. Immured Part III
5. Immured Part IV

http://www.cyclocosmia.com/

https://www.youtube.com/user/Cyclocosmia

https://www.facebook.com/cyclocosmiaband

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REVIEW: Thormesis- Trümmerfarben

February 6, 2017 darkartconspiracy Leave a comment

Thormesis- Trümmerfarben

Review by Ekaterina K. / Dark Art Conspiracy

Label:  MDD Records
Release Date:  February 10th, 2017
Genre:  Pagan Black Metal
Country:  Germany
Running Time:  55 min

After their impressive return in march 201 5 with their “Freier Wille – Freier Geist” album, the southern German Pagan Black Metallers THORMESIS present their fifth longplayer called “Trümmerfarben” in early 2017. Musically, they continue where they left off with the predecessor album. „Trümmerfarben“ is a logical progression of the chosen path. Great melodies in a vicious and frosty, black metal-worthy sound, pave the way through the songs. The album appears in an impressively Digi-Pack, illustrated by Hubert Dürr (Internus), while the cover has been done by Bloodboy.

„Trümmerfarben“pleases listeners with strong material at joint of pagan and black metal. Instrumental epic intro with this opus of Thormesis. Guitar work and composition in general are at a good level, and that’s album’s advantage. However, they are between genres they play, Thormesis, melodicism is inherent for song structures, standard for black metal tremolo riffs are diluted with solos and riffs themselves sometimes come close to the rock ‘n’ sound. It’s even possible to catch the notes reminiscent of Kvelertak, for example. Although there’s nothing original from technical and compositional point of view and structure in general is the same, from song to song, album sound solidly. Vocal – extremely intense high scream, in principle, is suitable for music, but becomes monotonous at some point. The use of clean vocals in the end “Waheelas Fährte” caused persistent association with Månegarm, and the song itself is the “hit” of the album. Well, it can be said, that Thormesis’ „Trümmerfarben“ successfully unites black metal rawness, pagan atmosphere and melodicism. Album is available via MDD Records.

Score: 4/5

Line-up:
Velsir: Vocals, Guitars
Travos: Vocals, Guitars
Berucas: Bass
O.D: Drums

TRACKLIST
1 . Intro – Aetas Nova
2. Trümmerfarben
3. Waheelas Fährte
4. Lodernd Flammen
5. Die Klagen der Einöde
6. Verblasst
7. In Stille wachen die Toten
8. Im Herbst trugen sie mich fort
9. Outro – Vale

LINKS:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thormesis

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REVIEW: Fall Of Carthage – The Longed-For Reckoning

February 5, 2017 darkartconspiracy Leave a comment

Fall Of Carthage – The Longed-For Reckoning

Review by Carina Lawrence / Dark Art Conspiracy

This German thrash trio came together in 2014 to push boundaries and create something unique and genre defying. And in a short space of time have proven that this is not just a side project of Arkadius Antonik (SuidAkrA, Realms Of Odoric) and Martin Buchwalter (Perzonal War), who brought Sascha Aßbach on vocals, after a long absence from the music scene. They released their debut album ‘Behold’ in 2015 and now in 2017 they want to take their sound even further with their sophomore album, ‘The Longed For Reckoning’. Dark Art Conspiracy were proud to premiere the new album before the release…

Opening track and first single ‘Fast Forward’ breaks us in with a delicate, beautiful and eerie intro before the full darkness is unleashed and packs a hefty punch, with hints of other popular hard rock/metal bands such as Five Finger Death Punch coming through. The crashing drums and rapid chunky riffs drive the song with fierce and powerful vocals from Sascha Aßbach which fit in perfect harmony with the heavy backdrop of carnage…
‘Sick Intentions’ is a relentless slab of heaviness with wicked guitar riffs and ferocious and skilled drumming giving it a very belligerent sound. The chorus is reigned in for effect, but makes a massive impact which is very memorable. Their delivery has industrial and raw elements, offering great variety in and within each song. ‘Swept To The Edge’ is an infectiously catchy head banging anthem which possesses such authority and all-consuming presence, this see’s the band at their best.
They offer some breathing space amongst the brutality and mix things up by switching to a serene yet slightly unnerving sound with the likes of ‘Complete’ being reassuring and almost therapeutic, with lines such as “Breathe In, Breathe Out” before the full instruments kick in for high impact – this is cleverly structured and delivered. The band have many surprises up their sleeve…
The interestingly titled, “Whodini Peckawood” goes back to the rap metal vibes seen earlier and ties in with ‘Complete’ offering a more stripped back approach. This is a bad ass rap with limited vocals largely consisting off “Whodini motherfucker, peckawood motherfucker” conveyed in an unhinged manner, before trailing off into what sounds like a ritualistic tribe chant…well that was unexpected…
They truly flourish when they are rampaging on the heavier side with must hear songs, ‘Paint In White’ and ‘Bury The Crisis’ which features anthemic gang vocals that keep adrenaline running high.
Final track, ‘Black December’ embraces the best parts of the band’s sound, and therefore makes a forceful lasting impression once more.
Sascha Aßbach is an interesting and impressive vocalist, managing to combine elements of many legendary metal front-men such as Corey Tayler, Robb Flynn and even a touch of Phil Anselmo, this is a compliment, however on the other hand, it makes it slightly harder to define the bands signature sound with many comparisons flying about, but on the whole they do maintain their ground and signature flair.
This second release offers many different sounds, making it largely experimental, ranging from industrial vibes to rap and even a glimpse of grunge thrown in for good measure. It should appeal too many, however it may leave some metal heads a little bemused, but generally it provides something for everyone, and shows the band aren’t afraid to digress and explore other territories, rather than just a full blown thrash assault. Whatever direction they do, whether it be a rap medley or an all hell breaks loose metal anthem, they are giving it their all and should be highly praised for this.

Score: 4/5
https://www.facebook.com/FallOfCarthage/

https://fallofcarthage.com/

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REVIEW: Kladovest – Ignitiate

January 31, 2017 darkartconspiracy Leave a comment

REVIEW: Kladovest – Ignitiate

Review by Ekaterina K./ Dark Art Conspiracy

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Tracklist:
1. Hermit Dungeons
2. Beneath The Reaper Shadow
3. Shore Of Ancient Moons
4. Carved In Scars…
Line-up:
Dmitriy K. – music, all instruments
Gjenfard – vocals
Vintrald – lyrics
Kladovest is a Slavic Neopagan concept signifying the “well of knowledge” that can be compared to the Akashic records in theosophy and related esoteric schools.
From the first note it lugs away into the deeps of melancholic canvas.

Imagination immediately creates the branches of the trees that have their leaves long lost. Dirty guitars vary with atmospheric clean ones, and sharp and fast riffs – changed by slow and stringy like a spider web, ones.

As “Shore of Ancient Moons” clean guitar parts are beaded on a lackluster thread of main black-metal riff. Embittered, collapsing on the verge vocal, gives the impression that the voice, reaching the edge, falls into the deep and disappears from the musical cloth. But it throws and shouts words till the end.

There is nothing original or new that Kladovest came up with, but together it turned out to be magical in its own desperation.

Score: 5/5 definitely.

”Ignitiate” is available via No Colors Records.

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REVIEW: Courtesans – Better Safe Than Sober EP!

January 29, 2017 darkartconspiracy 2 Comments

Courtesans – ‘Better Safe Than Sober’ EP review

Review by Carina Lawrence / Dark Art Conspiracy

Courtesans are a four piece doom pop act hailing from London, UK. Their unique sound embraces many styles and subtleties to capture the best elements of each including grunge, alternative rock and electronic, which results in their genre bending and innovative sound. Following the release of their widely received debut album, ‘1917’ and their successful Pledge Music campaign in 2016, they aren’t holding back in any way and are ready to solidify their stamp in the scene further with their highly anticipated new E.P ‘Better Safe Than Sober’ out March 31st.

The EP kicks off with new video single, ‘Mesmerise’ which immediately masks us in an dark enthralling ambience, aided by the effects and isolated vocals, with resonant instruments to give extra oomph, and when it peaks at the crescendo you truly are taken under there mesmerising allure. The end is particularly powerful and defiant with more angsty vocals, leaving you hooked and ready for more…
‘Feel The Same’ keeps us guessing with a rap style intro, before a sweet melodic alternative pop chorus comes in, going between the transition between the two genres, which is excellently constructed and is highly effective. The talking sections get more emotive and bleak as it progresses with the instruments helping to reflect the tone. This is cleverly portraying a dark meets light sound.
‘John Doe’ sounds eerie and desolate, making an atmospheric start, with soft pleasant stripped back vocals to accompany. Again the beats and melodies grow effortlessly and seamlessly along. It possesses a strong presence that is soaring and all consuming, and the same can be said of all the tracks featured on the EP, making it easy to get lost in the diverse sounds.
‘Knowhere’ is instantly heavier sounding from the off, portraying their doom rock influences more so with catchy dark riffs all wrapped in a dance trance vibe, with great sonic sounds throughout.
Last song, ‘The Tide’ goes back to their trip-hop sound which comes off as vulnerable and helps add extra depth and complexity to their invigorating style. The structure and use of sounds is intelligible and immense, flowing like a calm ocean current, leading up to a full blown tidal wave. This is a very appropriate way to describe their immersive sound also.
This E.P toys with your musical expectations and senses in the greatest sense, defying what you know and creating something different and exciting. It is irresistibly dark and captivating and leaves you thirsty for more.
Score: 5/5
‘Better Safe Than Sober’ is released 31st March 2017.

Courtesans are:
Sinead La Bella – Vocals
Saffire Sanchez – Guitar
Agnes D. Jones – Bass
Vikki Frances – Drums

Website – www.thecourtesans.org
Facebook – www.facebook.com/thecourtesans
Twitter – https://twitter.com/the_courtesans
You Tube – http://www.youtube.com/user/CatrionaVillenhardt/videos Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/courtesans/

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REVIEW: Quintessenz- To the Gallows

January 26, 2017 darkartconspiracy Leave a comment

Review by Ekaterina K. / Dark Art Conspiracy

In 2010, Quintessenz was formed as a one-man-project by Genözider.(Bulldozing Bastard,Vulture,Luzifer). After the first Demo in 2011. The First EP under the banners of “Evil Spell Records“, namely “Okkult Metal Spell” from 2012, was a contiunuation to this kind of Metal . Rough sound, simple Riffs,Fuck-off-attitude! In 2013 the first Album “Back to the Kult of the Tyrants” comes out and was a complete dedication to the “First Wave of Black Metal“ Bands like Venom,Celtic Frost and Hellhammer.
The new Album “To the Gallows” goes one step further and is more melodic. The development results in more complex song structures, many details in songwriting and surprises the listener with unawaited elements that gives an in depth experience. They ́ve added a lot of influences from classical heavy metal this time full of variety in the songs which are often hymnic melodic, but also aggressive without denying their roots.
Straight to the edge and very in your face Quintessenz’s second album crashes on the listener’s head their uncompromised sound from the first song – “Zeitgeist Verreke.” Abrupt drums, harsh vocal and raw guitars are making a good…Quintessenz. Influenced by heavy metal melodic solos, as in ‘Sounding the Funeral Bell” or “Endless Night” for example, bring diversity to raw riffs in early thrash’n’black metal traditions, which at some moments get closer even to crust. Aggressive harsh yelling switches to clean vocals gives dramatic drop to the dirty sound. Especially it gets its high point in “Endless Night” when vocal mixed with acoustic guitar sound and then turns into slow guitar solo. Worthy to mention eastern-type melody, which gives an exotic breeze to “Seth” and then continues in fast riffs during the whole song. Need to mention interesting elements like recitative in beginning of “To the Gallows” and female vocal, which gives more atmosphere to this song. Songs’ structure is also diverse, changes in tempo and guitar work make album more complex and deep. “To the Gallows” is made smoothly, all songs are on their place and don’s stand out, though this album can’t be described as monotonous. Strong and quite interesting release.
Score: 4/5

TRACKLIST
01 Zeitgeist Verrecke
02 Of Majestic Shores
03 The Claws Of Nosferatu
04 Her Spell
05 Sounding The Funeral Bell
06 To The Gallows
07 Endless Night
08 Seth
09 Gloomweaver
10 Cursed By Moonlight
”To the Gallows” has been released in January 1st via Evil Spell Records.