Tag Archives: Reviews

Krysthla reveal minor mystery video and new UK tour dates

April 3, 2017 darkartconspiracy Leave a comment

Krysthla have revealed ‘The Minor Mystery Of Death’, the third single and official music video from their new album ‘Peace In Our Time’ which is released this Friday, 7th April.

Guitarist Neil Hudson says of the track: “The Minor Mystery Of Death is about embracing the end. Death is an absolute certainty and we’re living lives that seem like they’re going to last forever until it’s too late and your mortality is thrust into your hands. “We’re very precious towards our lives but don’t actually live them.”

Peace In Our Time was influenced by Krysthla’s 2016 European tour with Decapitated – with Hudson revealing that one experience on the road will live with him forever:

“On the Greek border, I saw a refugee girl stood on the other side of the motorway while we were parked up getting fuel. She saw us looking over at the thousands of grubby tents cooking the inhabitants in the scorching heat and fixed her eyes on me for a few seconds. “I gave her a nod. She jumped over the barrier and ran over the motorway to the garage, dodging traffic on her way. She walked over, looked me straight in the eye, said something in Syrian and gave me a highfive and hugged my leg. “I left a bit of me behind that day. We sobbed in the van as we left. It was utterly heart breaking to hear the hum of bodies murmuring in the boiling sun.” Hudson adds: “The album is influenced heavily, and almost solely by the fact I am a father. With so much unrest and violence in the world, it’s easy to turn your back and pretend none of it has an impact on your life. “Or somehow because it’s a long way from home it’s someone else’s problem. War does not sleep. War does not stop. It doesn’t choose who dies and who lives. But the people who light the fire and fan the flames do.”

The new album ‘Peace In Our Time’ is released 7th April via PHD.

Krysthla live:

9th April – Coventry, Maccov@The Arches

17th April – Peterborough, The Met

21st April – Bolton, The Alma

22nd April – Warrington, The Brewhouse

28th April – Cardiff, Fuel

5th May – High Wycombe, Phoenix

6th May – Worthing. Bar 42

7th May – Bournemouth, The Anvil

12th May – Inverness, Mad Hatters

13th May – Dundee, Beat Generator

14th May – Edinburgh, Bannermans

26th May – Northampton, King Billy Rock Bar

27th May – London, The Devonshire Arms

28th May – Leicester, Uprising Aftermath @ The Firebug

3rd June – Kettering – The Prince

24th June – Norwich, B2

1st July – Milton Keynes, Craufurd Arms

22nd July – Gloucester, Amplified Festival

#darkartconspiracy #metal #music #news

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Synaptik Release New Video Single For ‘The Incredible Machine’ Taken From New Album “Justify & Reason” Out Now!

March 10, 2017 darkartconspiracy Leave a comment

British heavy metal five-piece, Synaptik from Norwich, UK have had a brilliant and busy year already, having signed with DeFox and Heart Of Steel records as well as landing a US deal with Divebomb records and re-releasing a remixed heavier version of their hit debut album, “The Mechanisms of Consequence” on 30th January, and they are set to make an even bigger impact with their sophomore album, “Justify & Reason” which is released today (March 10th).

To promote the release of their anticipated new album they have just dropped an official lyric video for new single, the mighty melodic and extremely technically skilled “The Incredible Machine”, which features guest vocals from Meyrick de la Fuente (Exist Immortal).

Vocalist, John Knight commented on working with Meyrick de la Fuente who also produced the new album at Floodgate Studio. Saying: “(Meyrick’s) Vocals on the chorus brought my original melody line to life, our vocals complimented each other well. It added a further dynamic which creates more melody that helps hammer home what the new album is all about; melody, aggression and emotion. It’s perfect as the opening track and sets the standard for the rest of the album.”

Knight also talked about the lyrical meaning behind the new single, ‘The Incredible Machine’:
“Lyrically the song describes the human brain. The inner workings of the mind to a large extent remain a mystery. It’s extraordinary, our entire experience of life, all our mental experiences; they all result from the activity of chemistry in our brain, the activity of neurotransmitters and neurocircuits, synaptic signals sparking, a hundred billion nerve cells coordinate our physical actions. Quite literally mind blowing.”

Check out the powerful and ambient video below!

New album “Justify & Reason” is described as “A collection exhibiting real finesse, true technicality but not at the expense of neck-snapping riffs and a progressive air that’s both bracing and intimidatingly menacing”.

Synaptik are very experienced and skilled musicians and as a result have had the pleasure of sharing the stage with the likes of Iron Maiden, Exodus and Onslaught. They have also recently been added to the immense Mammothfest UK line-up alongside headliners Rotting Christ, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Lawnmower Deth and more. Mammothfest currently looks like this:

Tickets for the festival are available here: Tickets are available here –www.mammothfest.uk/store

‘Justify & Reason’ is out now (March 10th 2017) via Snakes On Fire Records (UK), Divebomb Records (US).

Check out our 5/5 review of their ‘Justify & Reason’ album at: https://darkartconspiracy.com/2017/01/25/review-synaptik-justify-reason/

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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: 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…

Score: 5/5

http://www.septembermourning.com/
https://www.facebook.com/septembermourning/

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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.