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REVIEW: Emptybrook – Self titled EP

April 15, 2017 darkartconspiracy Leave a comment

REVIEW: Emptybrook – Self titled EP by Carina lawrence / Dark Art Conspiracy

Emptybrook are a sludge metal act from Finland who formed in 2015. They are inspired by Finnish low budget movies from the 1970’s and 80’s and the short summers in their home country. They inject an organic and raw sound into their sound and showcase this in their debut self-titled EP…

Opener ‘Repeat’ pulls you in with bouncy groovy tuneful riffs, accompanied by crashing drums, and belligerent vocals that are short and make a high impact. This is a hard hitting and surprisingly melodic introduction to the band…

The brilliant comically titled, ‘The Grand King Of Fuckery’ is heavy as hell, with its stomping sludge sounds offering a complimentary backdrop to the evil harsh vocals – this will surely have you head banging and will be a great extreme live anthem.

‘A Song For The End Of Days’ features drawn out sinister guitars, and sounds like something serious is going down. This is the most beastly song so far with vocalist, Ollijuhani sounding very pissed off and fed up. This has a slower pace, driven by a heavy rhythm that is almost chilled out, in contrast to the full on vocals, and finishes on some nice ambient guitar work, making it memorable.

The winner for funniest titled song goes to ‘Smoking Weed With Numbskull Emptybrook’ poking fun at themselves, and not being too serious lyrically. Initially they look to cause your ears distress with a high pitched alarming sound, before it batters you with its heavy sludge weight. It turns out to be rather upbeat sounding musically for this genre, due to its tone and fast pace, giving it a lighter vibe in this short offering.

Closing song, ‘Hit The Wall Or Hit The Ground’ takes things down a notch, before picking up to deliver a pummelling final blow to end this debut EP.

This is a solid and rather enjoyable EP, the band should be proud of their inception, especially with them getting the right balance of humour, seriousness and melodies to soften the harshness of the genre, making it must hear for sludge metal fans.

Score: 3.5 / 5

Emptybrook’s Self-titled debut cassette/digital release is released on April 17th 2017.

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REVIEW: Tethra – Like Crows For The Earth

April 13, 2017 darkartconspiracy Leave a comment

REVIEW: Tethra – Like Crows For The Earth by Carina Lawrence / Dark Art Conspiracy

Italian doom metal act Tethra formed in 2008 and released their first full length debut ‘Drown Into The Sea’ in 2013, which was a concept album focused on water and continued the theme started on their first EP ‘At The Gates Of Doom’, about a passage between life and death. Now in 2017 they are back with their sophomore full length ‘Like Crows For The Earth’, which was recorded and mixed by Matt Stancioiu (Labyrinth) and mastered by Greg Chandles (Esoteric). They are ready to take their sound to the next level and show how they have evolved since their debut…

The intro ‘Resilience’ is positive yet sorrowful and sets the scene wonderfully for what is to come, being very melodic and tempting, leaving you eager to hear more. It paves the way for first full track, ‘Transcending Thanatos’ which picks up where it left off before frontman, Clode Tethra demonstrates his versatile vocals, from dark growls to melodic charismatic clean vocals, which is quite alluring and stands out in the doom genre, with an gothic vibe shining through. The instrumentation accompanies the tones brilliantly, from dark gloomy moments to hopeful acoustic sections.

Instrumental ‘Prelude to Sadness’ helps create the desired atmosphere and offers a break in between songs and sees us arrive at, ‘Springtime Melancholy’ which is extremely ambient and rather beautiful, with Clode using his vocals well against the vibrant instruments. There is a great balance of dark and light, which is intelligently structured and makes a high impact, going from serene to head banging worthy moments, as well as a full blown doom rage thrown in to keep you on your toes. This is a stand out track, and a great unconventional soundtrack or anthem for Spring.

‘Deserted’ introduces a more exotic sound initially, which goes into dark sounding sonic riffs which drive it, and offer plenty of hard hitting rhythms throughout. This may well be one of the heaviest songs featured so far, as it contains more screamed growls, alongside the signature gothic doom vocals. The stripped back interlude ‘Subterranean’ is well placed and is easily Clode’s best vocal performance, with elegant acoustic guitar as backup, giving it a sinister but flourishing sound. ‘The Groundfeeder’ focuses on the heavier side, tying in with ‘Deserted’ and keeps the momentum going…

‘Synchronicity of Life and Decay’ sees some of the most ambient instrumentation, including a slick tuneful guitar solo, in what is their shortest song, showing they can deliver a quick hard blow. While ‘Earthless’ soars on, with the band in their element with fast paced melodies, going between slower calm parts and then effortlessly going full swing again. This is another stand out track for me.

Saving their title track for last, ‘Like Crows For The Earth’ truly encompasses all their best characteristic sounds, being a perfect and solid representation of their album and sound, making it a fine choice to end on.

Considering this is rooted in doom and death, this is a joy to listen to, as it is surprisingly diverse, melodic and positive for this genre. ‘Like Crows For The Earth’ highlights that Tethra aren’t afraid to think outside of the box, and for their efforts they should be more widely accepted, as this is more accessible than most doom/death metal offerings, giving it the edge. Most of the songs are around six or seven minutes long, but all very well crafted and consistent throughout, progressing naturally along the way. The use of instrumentals interspersed shows their musicianship further, and aids their more sonic and consuming sound, which is layered nicely to balance it out, and gives them their unique sound. If you are a fan of gothic doom/death metal this is a must, but even if you aren’t you may be in for a nice unexpected treat!

Score: 4/5

Tracklist for ‘Like Crows For The Earth’:

Resilience (Intro)
02. Transcending Thanatos
03. Prelude to Sadness
04. Springtime Melancholy
05. Deserted
06. Subterranean (Interlude)
07. The Groundfeeder
08. Entropy
09. Synchronicity of Life and Decay
10. Earthless

The album was released in Europe on February 11th via Sliptrick Records, with a US release in the pipelines on July 23rd.

https://www.facebook.com/TethraHell

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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: 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:

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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…