Wolfheart (2018) Constellation of the Black Light 'Review'

Band: Wolfheart

Country of Origin: Finland

Genre: Melodic Death Metal

Type: Full Length

Format: CD Digipak
Length Approx.: 42:00 min.

Release Date: 09-28-2018

Release Label: Napalm Records

IR Classification: Good (4.0 / 5)

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This is not the work of causation.

The Finnish band Wolfheart has returned with their newest album entitled "Constellation of the Black Light," and mastermind Tuomas Saukkonen is behind this impressive album, just five years ago the idea was conceived and now Wolfheart with four albums under his belt, this band have been consolidated within the melodic death metal scene and nowadays there are not many places where they reserve the right to comment on this band, this is not the work of causation, rather it is because persistence and consistency, the key that has opened doors to this formidable band.

The band is complemented by drummer Joonas Kauppinen, bassist Lauri Silvonen and guitarist Mika Lammassaari, this line-up has remained stable since 2014 when Tuomas Saukkonen ceased his activities in all his bands and previous projects (Before the Dawn, Black Sun Aeon and Dawn of Solace) to focus and develop the Wolfheart project as a full-time band.

"Constellation of the Black Light" brings together the classic sound of Wolfheart, the fine atmospheric passages able to transmit the coldest emotions, the down tuned guitar emanating a melancholic riff that drives you through your deepest and twisted feelings. Adding some truthful and intense death metal hooks, that’s enough to retain your attention for the next forty two minutes, the first piece "Everlasting Fall" has a grim acoustic guitar tone that are just the prelude before to kneel down to the immensity and magnitude delivered between an ambitious and entangling track, "Breakwater" comes with a fast melodic tremolo guitar and blasting drums while the growl and raspy vocals remain the same as previous recordings, but more reliable at interpretation, "The Saw" built in a folkish vibe full of melodies shifting pace and intensity majestically which make me feel more earth attached, "Forge with Fire" and "Defender" is truly a punch for its explosiveness both packed with extensive melodies, "Warfare" kicks off with an energetic drumming paired with overwhelming guitars and the last track is "Valkyrie" infused with an epic melancholic feeling carrying a beautiful aggression and unforgettable blasting.

The uniqueness of Wolfheart at songwriting goes beyond your expectations, the production is great, clear and tight, once again the band have proven their quality and endless inspiration, renewing effortlessly their legacy, if you are not familiar with Wolfheart well, this is a good point to start in a retrospective way.

Stay True… Stay Metal… Stay Brutal…

Track List:
01. Everlasting Fall │ 02. Breakwater │ 03. The Saw │ 04. Forge with Fire │ 05. Defender │ 06. Warfare │ 07. Valkyrie

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The Black Dahlia Murder (2017) Nightbringers 'Review'

Band: The Black Dahlia Murder

Country of Origin: United States

Genre: Melodic Death metal

Type: Full Length

Format: CD
Length Approx.: 33:00 min.

Release Date: 10-06-2017

Release Label: Metal Blade Records

IR Classification: Good (4.0 / 5)

Listen our review! (English)

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Impressively fast without regrets crushes everything around

Melodic death metal band The Black Dahlia Murder has just thrown at us, their eighth full length album entitled "Nightbringer" through Metal Blade Records, undoubtedly this is a record that shows their consistence within the genre and proof of that is the immense amount of followers around the world, accumulated during fifteen plus years and placing them as one of the best acts of Melodic Death metal from America, and I would dare to say that the only one! always moving forward and avoid stay for longer than they should be in safe ground, we can appreciate that since the beginning "Unhallowed" with divided views, "Miasma" struggling to convince, but it was until arrived "Nocturnal" that clear out any doubts, after that came out "Deflorate", "Ritual" and then to reach the pinnacle of their career they deliver "Everblack", then came out "Abysmal" which is not bad at all, however will live forever in the shadows of "Everblack".

"Nightbringer" contains nine tracks barely passing the mark of thirty-three minutes, in my opinion is some kind of short length album, but let's get to the point, this album kicks in with "Widowmaker" with a subtle and mysterious intro quickly as a lightning rumbles in your ears a fast riff not complicated but catchy, the double bass drum fit perfectly, the vocal job is outstanding showing a a very well educated throat shifting from deep gutturals to high screeches, next is "Of God and Serpent, Of Spectre and Snake" impressively fast without regrets crushes everything around, followed by "Matriarch" simply is an immaculate piece of unbridled dementia and a remarkable story line, "Nigthbringers" self titled album track offers the melody that distinguishes the sound of The Black Dahlia Murder, what else possibly I can say about this theme? "Jars" composed with a rhythmic and powerful riff, incorporates some background chorus, the guitar solo is magnificent almost by the end of the track, "King of the Nightworld" flirts lightly with a death 'n' roll feeling, something that we have already heard before in the repertoire of The Black Dahlia Murder, "Catacomb Hecatomb" aims to be the heaviest track of the album with a demolishing strength from the guitar work of Ellis and Brian is awesome, while Trevor delivers once again a vocal masterfully performance, "As Good as Dead" is totally devastating, the closing track is "The Lonely Deceased" drags you into an unmerciful stage of savagery, converging emotionally into a melodic chaos.

"Nightbringers" is able to offer a refreshing experience with their classical sound, few tricks here and there with memorable guitar solos, excellent drum work and why not to mention it, an incomparable vocal performance by Trevor perhaps the best that he has been able to deliver to date, I dare not say it is the best album by The Black Dahlia Murder, rather it is an album that uses its best weapons to attack the audience, something that is very prudent and leaves us wanting something better for the future.

Stay True... Stay Metal... Stay Brutal...

Track List:

01. Widowmaker

02. of God and Serpent, Of Spectre and Snake
03. Matriarch
04. Nightbringers
05. Jars
06. Kings of the Nightworld
07. Catacomb Hecatomb
08. As Good as Dead
09. The Lonely Deceased

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Omnium Gatherum (2016) Grey Heavens

Band: Omnium Gatherum

Country of Origin: Finland

Genre: Melodic Death metal

Type: Full Length

Format: CD
Length Approx.: 56:00 min.

Release Date: 02-19-2016

Release Label: Lifeforce Records

IR Classification: Moderate (3.4 / 5)

Listen our review! (English)

"Grey Heavens" explain by itself with a little risk or nothing the simplicity of elements used and abused

Omnium Gatherum hailing from Finland, this year they are offering their seventh full length "Grey Heavens" loaded with their singular style of Scandinavian melodic death metal, they has been around for the last twenty years, personally I consider this band becoming more notorious after their release "The Redshift" in 2008, which I consider it groundbreaking with promising elements, brightly blend of melodic and atmospheric to create exceptional soundscapes and later on with the strongly and successful "New World Shadows" in 2011, showing a more mature and progressive sound, powerful tunes, with a solid drumming, during 2013 they released "Beyond" which feels somehow static compared to their previous album and pretty much doesn't carry that energy expected.

Unfortunately Omnium Gatherum seems to be the counterpart for their countrymen Children of Bodom or even Insomnium, due to the lack of recognition to their trajectory, no matter how much incisive or expanded have been proved, they are still relegated within the sub-genre and probably "Grey Heavens" explain by itself with a little risk or nothing the simplicity of elements used and abused after "New World Shadows" ending with scattered but redeemable tracks along "Grey Heavens".

So, let's take the first track "The Pit" the clicking gun barrel precede, before hell breaks apart with ultra fast riffing and punishing blast beat and intense melody that settles with choruses, only to lash out remorseless towards the end, "Skyline" its musical structure is more heavier, dense and slower that the previous track, overflowing infectious riffing, growling vocals are stunning in this track, while the moderate use of keyboards works only to enhance and build passages in some sections, without fear this is the best and most emotive song in the album, "Frontiers" follows, here the intensity falls a little bit and melds with an unstoppable melody synths and guitars intertwine in a stellar exhibit where sound clashes and subtly it vanishes at the end, "Rejuvenate" comes with its keyboard base and noxious guitar work, crushing blast beats and pitiless vocals to engage the listener once again and prove them how melodic death metal should be played, "Foundation" is bursting very interesting due to the progressive side of the band but still melodic, the vocals are throaty and powerful, "The Great Liberation" stand out for the dark and imperative use of synths and contrasting with a masterfully guitar work that excels in riffing, last but not least to redeem is the instrumental "These Grey Heavens" beautiful acoustic guitar work evolves with catchy melodies and thrives as memorable and unique.

Unfortunately "Grey Heavens" feels inconsistent and contains many tracks as fillers only, degrading the songwriting and affecting the overall performance of the album, however I can't condemn Omnium Gatherum for been attached so deeply to their equation, newcomers to the sub-genre may be glad with the outcome.

Stay True… Stay Metal… Stay Brutal...

Track List:

01. The Pit

02. Skyline

03. Frontiers

04. Majesty and Silence

05. Rejuvenate

06. Foundation

07. The Great Liberation

08. Ophidian Sunrise

09. These Grey Heavens

10. Storm Front

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Amon Amarth (2016) Jomsviking

Band: Amon Amarth

Country of Origin: Sweden

Genre: Melodic Death metal

Type: Full Length

Format: CD Deluxe Edition
Length Approx.: 52:00 min.

Release Date: 03-25-2016

Release Label: Metal Blade Records

IR Classification: Excellent (5 / 5)

Listen our review! (English)

Jomsviking can be defined as brutal and melodic with a beautiful concept

Amon Amarth began their journey twenty four years ago, however I did found them four years later, when visiting my local store they were playing their first EP "Sorrow Throughout the Nine Worlds" and I was shocked, never before I was heard something like that, since that moment I was fascinated for these vikings, record after record, they haven't let me down at all, always with their unique formula has been able to craft and deliver a state of ecstasies with their melodic and brutal sound, but "Jomsviking" is not only that! For very first time in their career Amon Amarth bring to us, a very strong and unforgettable conceptual album, here Amon Amarth tells us a love story about a young man who finds his beloved woman married to another, arousing his anger and commit murder, he is being forced to flee in the midwinter, but swore to return to win her back and take revenge and that is just the beginning of a beautiful story where every track has its own personality and complement each other, taking you through disgrace, adventures, tragedies to conclude with a sad end, lyrically this the opus master of Amon Amarth.

Certainly something was bugging us, it was the curiosity to know who will replace their long time drummer Fredrik Andersson and finally got unveiled within three days before the official release of "Jomsviking" there is not better choice than Jocke Wallgren better known for his work at (Valkyrja, October Tide) at least he is the right man, to cover their upcoming US tour which kick off next April seventh in San Diego, California.

"Jomsviking" open with "First Kill" this track set everything in this opus master with sharp riff, Johan Hegg add his powerful and raw growls, the blasting and accurate drums by Tobias Gustafsson (Vomitory) are impressive, yes! you read right he was the drummer session, who helped Amon Amarth to record this album, "Wanderer" brings the grooving guitars of Olavi Mikkonen and Johan Söderberg with exceptional rhythms and solos, "On a Sea of Blood" is a full attack, relentless and furious the track have enough power to light up the moshpit, "One Against All" is a clear statement of hate and men resolution, undoubtedly the galloping riff owns this cut, while "Rise Your Horns" gives a breathe with its mid pace riffing and infectious vocals, only to let "The Way of Vikings" arrives with an epic feeling the story here tells us the tragedy of two men, who are best friends determined to fight, "At Dawn's First Light" Hegg dialog opens threatening and delves in easily recognizable riffage alike Maiden's style, even the bass line very alike to Harris, "One Thousand Burning Arrows" structured with heavy and dense riffage over a rhythmic section of bass and drums that collide and contrast with beautiful guitars elevated with cutthroat vocals, infuse enough energy to take the last breath before heading to the end, "Vengeance Is My Name" is faster than the previous track which is more oriented to their roots, "A Dream That Cannot Be" subtly welcomes the beginning of the epilogue featuring Doro Pesch, as guest the guitar work is intense and allows the dueling vocals of Hegg and Pesch to elaborate an unthinkable end for the two lovers of the story, "Back on Northern Shores" the last chapter with a mid pace riff and a melody in the background, Hegg snarls to tell the epic finale  with the proper dose of aggression and imagination, drenched in sadness and a fateful but grandiose end.

Amon Amarth's tenth studio album is the living proof that a steady line-up with a common core are capable to reach anywhere, without divagate in nowhere but always evolving their sound to the next level, "Jomsviking" can be defined as brutal and melodic with a beautiful concept, the band was able to create a fantastic story that inspire the listener to devour the album from the beginning to the end, this album becomes to be probably one of the best metal albums of the year and an iconic conceptual album for the years to come.

Stay True… Stay Metal… Stay Brutal...

Track List:

01. First Kill

02. Wanderer

03. On a Sea of Blood

04. One Against All

05. Rise Your Horns

06. The Way of Vikings

07. At Dawn's First Light

08. One Thousand Burning Arrows

09. Vengeance is My Name
10. A Dream That Cannot Be
11. Back on Northern Shores

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Voices of Ruin (2015) Born from the Dark

Band: Voices of Ruin

Country of Origin: US

Status: Active

Genre: Melodic Death Metal

Type: Full Length

Format: CD
Length Approx.: 49:00 min.

Release Date: 10-17-2015

Current label: Independent

Release label: n / a

IR Classification: Good (3.9 / 5)

Listen our review! (English)

A record vastly rooted in the Gothenburg early sound with a twist of traditional thrash metal

Voices of Ruin emerges again from the Southern California scene with a devastating follow up of their debut album released back in 2010, titled "Into Oblivion", five years passed to deliver their newest production titled "Born from the Dark" which was released few weeks ago, I'm still in shock after several listening to this album, many can point out that Melodic Death metal is no longer a mainstream and such bands who still dwelling within the sub genre, they lack of originality they might be right, but who cares? there is one thing those who dare to point out can't denied, those bands carry on the passion, the intensity and the fury, with crushing riff and lethal rhythm sections they are capable to recapture the essence of Gothenburg sound at the beginning of the nineties and Voices of Ruin are among those bands they invoke bands like Dark Tranquillity, In Flames, Amon Amarth as their influences.

Voices of Ruin have their headquarter in Costa Mesa, California; this five piece metal act was formed in 2008 by brothers Tom Barrett in guitars and Dave Barrett as vocalist, the band is complemented by Wally Myers as bassist, Steve Carlton in rhythm guitar and Lonnie Vanhorn behind percussion duties, "Born from the Dark" was recorded at Trench Studios and Ruin Sound & Recording, the album was produced by Voices of Ruin and Scott Fuller, (Abysmal Dawn, Annihilated) only to mention some of his previous works, it was engineered, mixed and mastered by Scott Fuller, framed by the exceptional cover art of talented Par Olofsson (Exodus, Immortal, Abysmal Dawn) are in his catalog.

Voices of Ruin, delve their sound into catchy guitar riff to drench with melodic waves and pummeling drums to infringe the brutality you has been craving for, "Born from the Dark" doesn't fail at all but neither reaches the pinnacle, with subtle changes of pace, they accomplish to take you in a memorial journey while you keep head banging with the stunning guitar work of Tom Barrett, "The Awakening" opens this album with distressing guitar riff, it suddenly becomes more intense with structured melodies and guttural vocals that shatter your senses, "The Black Horizon" made of intricate guitar riff and a heavy rhythm section it works perfectly to display the melodic vocal range of Dave Barrett, the ruthless percussion's by Lonnie Vanhorn keep up with the pace and the bassist Wally Myers weaves dense notes adding a sense of robust melody, "Death's Design" start with soft and melodious riff, that turn into a revival of the purest Melodic Death metal, resembling At the Gates or In Flames the dueling guitars stand out for the ferocious discharge of melodies and brutality blended so unsurpassed, "Fallen" is the following track and simply does that the emotion and intense head banging last longer than you would expect, at some point mentally you wouldn't believe from where it comes the embracing hell, but you let yourself go with the burning fire, it seems like Voices of Ruin leave the best tracks for the second half of the album, "Exiled... Into Darkness" the longest track doesn't let you down, rich guitar riff display their repertory and some tricks come out to keep you engage, the closing track "Blacked Out" kicks off with an intro of subtle drum and melodious bass to fuse with shredding guitars and vicious growling vocals, this is a track that never decline the intensity or balance of the whole record.

It is clear for me that Voices of Ruin have defined their sound through time blending somewhat their influences vastly rooted in the Gothenburg early sound with a twist of the traditional Thrash metal, what I really enjoy of this album is how they manage to pull a very well balance, clean and intricate production, this goes for all the record labels, here is plenty of talent to support, what are you waiting for? And you fans of the sub genre come join them! You won't be disappointed.

Stay True… Stay Metal… Stay Brutal...

Track List:

1. The Awakening

2. Scars (Of My Sanity)

3. The Black Horizon

4. A Ghost Inside

5. Death's Design

6. Fallen

7. Exiled... Into Darkness

8. Blacked Out

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Berserker (2015) Dark Worlds Collide

Band: Berserker

Country of Origin: Lithuania

Status: Active

Genre: Melodic Death metal / Folk metal

Type: Full Length

Format: Digital

Length Approx.:  44:00 min.

Release Date: 01-18-2015

Current label: Independent

Release label: Independent

IR Classification: Good (4.3 / 5)

Listen our review! (English)

Melodic death metal with folk passages harmonized by strong and powerful female vocals

Berserker is a Lithuanian band formed in the capital city Vilnius in the beginning of 2009, they play a Melodic Death metal with some Folk passages, the band is currently integrated by vocalist Agnieška Volček, bassist Roman Semionov, guitarist and backing vocals Kšištof Jusel, keyboardist Kristina Herman, drummer Georgijus Kirilovas and guitarist Mažvydas Vrubliauskas, I have to mention that Agnė Petruškevičiūtė and Vera Bukina played the keybords and flute respectively, however, both departed from the band, after the recording.My first impression when I started to listen to Berserker was like somehow I was able to transport myself in one of those mythic battlefields where mankind has to fight for their own destiny, against themselves, against their own demons, where despair is ruthless, dejected by the darkness that haunts them, while gnawing their own fear and the battlefield is tinged with blood, but at the end mankind prevails, thanks to the courage of few ones who risk and expose their inner and give, a new beginning to mankind.

So with such an apocalyptic vision, I prepare myself to dive into Berserker recording, the first track is an "Intro" in the vein of a pure epic movie, that work really good for me, because set my mind for what's coming, a whole load of musicianship that achieve to move some sensitive cells, the second track is the self titled album "Dark Worlds Collide" here is where things turn up interesting a melody keyboard opens follow by thunderous drums and a galloping bass, while guitars sounds are present to hear a beautiful voice shining, the music is extraordinary, but Agnieška voice is strong and powerful, please don't expect the classic symphonic voice like Tarja or Simone, Agnieška she has her own attributes, the backing vocals are present only to give her deeper accent, "Warhell" start with a war soundtrack which allow the marching drums appear, while the flute added a subtle touch to keep the guitar galloping pace, mesmerizing vocals makes this cut very intense, growl vocals that lead to a subsequent guitar solo well executed, "Madness Machine" the folkish guitar riff in the album accompanied by the sweet flute, builded with simple but effective, musical structures to allow a perfect synchronization between clean vocals and guitar riff, next is "The Day Human Died" an explosive track from the beginning where dynamics change a little bit, creating a subtle battle between clean vocals and harsh vocals, where the listeners wins at the end, the guitars comes with sharp riff, aiming to perpetuate in the time, "Wolf" is a powerful ballad filled with emotions that puts you in a dimension where you are vulnerable, but proves their versatility, "Prelude" is a shores soundtrack, waves hitting the wall of rocks, the wind blowing while thunders lights the skies, only to make way for two of the best tracks from this album "Viking Ship" starts with a folk intro to move you to something easy to recognize in the vein of Amon Amarth riff and the folk passages of Finntroll with the furious vocals of the valkyrie Agnieška, the guitars plays at galloping pace faster, harder while the story is being told and it blends with a sweet flute.

The closing track is "Mūšis už Žemę" which means "(Battle for Earth)" completely sung in lithuanian and for that reason should not be underestimated, this track makes a clear statement, that metal may sound unrelenting even in their own language of origin, basically the last track falls in the same scheme, prolonging the ecstasy, created by Berserker; The album was recorded and mixed in Muzikos Laboratorija studio by Rimtautas Piskarskas.

To finish my review I want to emphasize the quality and level that show Berserker regarding their songwriting, producing a solid, strong debut album and will surely enter more than one list of the best albums of the year.

Stay True... Stay Metal... Stay Brutal...

Track List:

1. Intro

2. Dark Worlds Collide

3. Warhell

4. Madeness Machine

5. The Day Human Die

6. Wolf

7. Prelude

8. Viking Ship

9. Mūšis už Žemę

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