By Carina Lawrence
Swedish theatrical rockers Ghost are back with their sixth opus, ‘Skeletá’, with founder Tobias Forge’s latest alter ego, Papa V Perpetua, signifying a new chapter for the band, which may be their most captivating offering yet.
Continue reading ALBUM REVIEW: GHOST – ‘Skeletá’
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
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”
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’
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