Bloodstock Festival –LIVE REVIEW by Carina Lawrence
Bloodstock festival continues to grow each year, with 2024’s event being their biggest yet. This was evident by selling out weekend tickets and Saturday day tickets, a mighty achievement that was well deserved and expected considering the magnitude of the line-up.
Download Festival –LIVE REVIEW by Carina Lawrence / Dark Art Conspiracy
Download Festival 2024 marked the 7th one I have been to. Still, for the first time, I arrived on Wednesday the 12th of June, two days before the arena and main music started, as I usually would arrive very early on the first day of the arena opening. It was nice to experience the other festival activities on Wednesday and Thursday, the 13th of June, such as chilli eating contests, axe and paddle bushcraft demonstrations and some bands playing in the Doghouse. I especially enjoyed seeing Bleed Again from Brighton, a local band I am very familiar with and was proud to see them crushing it, headlining the Takeover Stage with a good turnout. There was also lots of comedy, including on Thursday with Andrew O’Neill’s History Of Heavy Metal sketch, which was a highlight pre-main festival, which was entertaining and took you through the milestones of metal with Andrew playing the heavy hitters on guitar and adding some funny quips in the mix to a packed tent. The two days before the arena opened was also lovely weather, perfect for sitting around in camp, enjoying a few drinks, and enjoying the atmosphere; it’s just a shame that the weather took a turn for the worst on Friday, 14th June, just in time for the main event!
Continue reading LIVE REVIEW: DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL, DONNINGTON PARK UK – 14th JUNE-15t JUNE 2024
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”
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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