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:
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…
British Alt rockers, Courtesans who like to break the norm with their unique sound which has elements of doom, grunge and pop. They have gained mass attention from the media and music lovers alike for their innovative and exciting sound.
The band have just dropped their latest new video single taken from their upcoming and highly anticipated EP, ‘Better Safe Than Sober’.
Check out the dark alluring and hypnotic new video which accompanies the mood and tone of the song perfectly making it very powerful and captivating:
The new single Mesmerise is taken from their upcoming new EP Better Safe Than Sober which is out March 31st.
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.
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
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.
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
Dark Art Conspiracy 
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