Grey Widow – I

I is the debut album from English group Grey Widow. The group was formed by members of other bands such as Dopefight, Parole, Thread and The Ergon Carousel and as such is seriously heavy. The album has an oppressive sound with snarling bass and anguished vocals with a distinct sludge metal style mixed with black and doom metal. Each track has a strong feeling of Despair and anger punctuating everything from the vocals to the drums and there is a somewhat distorted sound also in the mix which adds to the malicious atmosphere that permeates the album. The album gets more aggressive the further you progress with vi being a highlight and viii sounding like the onset of hell. Overall the album has an old school approach in that it sets out its theme and expands on it impressively but also manages to keep it minimalist, there is no filler here, no track to simply bulk up the numbers. What is here is dark, nasty, uncompromising, seething with rage and it wants to smash your head in. Fans of doom, sludge or just good metal in general will find plenty to love here and many may find their new favourite band. An excellent listen.

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Hammerstorm – The Lonely Wanderer

The Lonely Wanderer is the debut release from international Atmospheric / Black Metal duo Hammerstorm. Featuring Immortal Frost Productions’ very own Surtur on vocals and Slikver (Astral Winter’s Josh Young) handling all instruments this long running relationship has had a hand in some of the genres best work and this is a strong first release that deserves to be heard and indeed successful. Opening with ‘Mystics Of His Soul’ where Surtur screams over some medieval keyboard. It essentially acts as an intro to second track ‘The Lonely Wanderer’, which carries the same melody on keyboards but it soon takes a back seat to some traditional Black Metal guitars and frenzied drumming. ‘Along The Shades Of Darkness’ is a battle hymn that opens with combative percussion, speared with classic Black metal shredding from Slikver. Unfortunately, the momentum gained from previous songs is lost somewhat by long intros to most of the tracks. ‘Whispers From The Depths Of The Forest’ is a personal favourite due to the varied musicianship on it. The quickly executed guitar riffs are comparable to classic Iron Maiden. The only downside is that the lyrics seem slightly lost in the mix. Elsewhere ‘When Darkness Falls Upon Me’ leads the second half of the album. The opening drum track sounds misplaced though and lets the track down. However, after a minute and a half this is no longer the case and business is resumed. Well worth checking this one out.

Hammerstorm is:
Slikver (All instruments), Surtur (Vocals).

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Obscure Abhorrence

Wolvhammer / Krieg – Split 7″

This July will see much admired Broken Limbs Recordings release a mouth watering split featuring two of America’s finest bands in Wolvhammer and Krieg. Side A features Wolvhammer with their track ‘Slaves to the Grime’. This Minneapolis/Chicago blackened sludge quintet are due to release their third LP entitled ‘Clawing into Black Sun’ through Canadian label Profound Lore Records in the same calendar month as this offering. Therefore hardcore fans will undoubtedly be salivating with agitation at the prospect of two physical releases in such a short space of time. The track is six minutes of pummeling guitars that is carved only by the frenetic vocals of Adam Clemens. The guitars (in parts) are somewhat reminiscent of Danish, Funeral/Doom metal trio Black Wreath on their 2009 Magnum Opus ‘A Pyre of Lost Dreams’. A very strong offering altogether. Side B features New Jersey Black metallers Krieg’s ‘Eternal Victim’.  Once again the quality of the guitar playing is something that is of most prominence here. Having been around since 1995, these guys effortlessly convey a unique ambience that many bands strive, unsuccessfully for their whole career. There are indeed similarities in the sound of both acts, this is most likely due to the fact the bands have crossed paths in the past, Wolvhammer guitarist Jeff Wilson has previously played guitar with Krieg. There will only be 500 copies of the split 7″ available through the label so fans will need to act fast if they would like to own a physical copy.

Wolvhammer are:
Adam Clemens (Vocals), Jeff Wilson (Guitar), Brenden Seven (Guitar), Joe Noel (Bass), Heath Rave (Drums).

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Krieg are:
Neill Jameson (Vocals), D. Weston-Ball (Guest Vocals), A. Poole (Guitar), D. Zdanavage (Guitar, Bass), J. Dost (Drums).

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Broken Limbs Recordings

Weltschmerz – Odium Humani Generis

Weltschmerz (more or less translated as, world-pain or world-weariness) is a Black Metal band originating from Amersfoort in The Netherlands. Having been playing together since early 2009, Odium Humani Generis is the groups inaugural full length, having previously released a handful of recordings including their debut EP Cry For War. Opening track ‘Ab Æterno’ is a classic black metal outburst, boasting an attractive mixture of slow and fast guitars that set the tone of the record. The brooding ‘None of Us Will See Heaven’ culminates in a crescendo of blast-beats and irate guitars. Elsewhere, tracks such as ‘Geschrei in der Nacht’ and closing track ‘The Night is My Domain’ are further highlights of note. The dazzling artwork is another remarkable piece by Polish painter, Zdzisław Beksiński, it complements the album’s sound perfectly. Overall Odium Humani Generis is a favourable debut that the band seem to have taken their time to record just the way they wanted. Having played a smattering of live shows already this year, the group will undoubtedly benefit on album number two. Weltschmerz will play Switzerland in November, check them out if you can.

Weltschmerz are:
Hreim (Vocals), Hræsvelg (Guitar, Bass), Eitr (Guitar), Valr (Drums).

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Immortal Frost Productions

Scutum Crux – The Second Sun

The Second Sun is the debut album of British Black Metal group Scutum Crux. ‘Reign of Apzu’ starts the album as an instrumental piece that has a militaristic sound akin to music that an army would march to. Fitting perhaps as it leads to ‘Chaos Ritual’ a blisteringly fast track that is destined for live show highlight status.  The sound of the band is similar to Cannibal Corpse with guttural, snarling vocal work paired with machine gun drums and riffs.  ‘Demon Scutum’ carries on with this style to great effect as does ‘Invocation of Powers’ that has a disorienting stop/start pacing broken up by some heroic drum and guitar shredding.  ‘View from Niburu’ is the albums second instrumental piece and is a moody electronic track that would not sound out of place in Blade Runner.  ‘Under the Second Sun’ is slower paced than the other songs on the album but compensates for an initial lack of urgency with a more sinister opening before going into high gear. ‘Black Winter’ is a more brooding track with a more reserved pacing than its predecessors but still has moments of eye watering speed. ‘Horus’ is the final track and is another instrumental.  The Second Sun is an impressive first album with excellent guitar and drum work to help the band differentiate themselves from others in the black metal genre. If you are on the hunt for a new band Scutum Crux is a good place to start.

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Scutum Crux is:

Demiurge (Vocals, Guitars), Svarth (Drums), Nebullah Q (Bass).

HellHate – Retsonretap

Retsoretap is the debut EP from East Ukrainian Black Metallers Hellhate. The group is made up of Ugrum (Guitar, Vocals), the brilliantly named Rabid Blasphemer Noxious (Bass) and Drummer Bloodsucker. ‘Hellhate’ is first with slow brooding guitar work that gradually builds over its short running time and plays like a teaser for ‘Retsonretap’ which has a much more classic black metal/rock sound referencing other groups like Black Sabbath with its mix of guitars and drums. ‘Up to the Stench’ has a frantic pace complemented by Cradle of Filth style shrieks and deep primal bass drums along with impressive string work. Elsewhere, ‘Your Pain is my Bread’ is yet another fast paced number that has an undercurrent of malice running through it, giving it an aggressive tone.  ‘Incense smells not better than Crap’ completes the EP with another furious track with Ugrum’s vocals easily carrying the song to its conclusion. Overall the impression of this EP is that the group has found what they are trying to accomplish soundwise but are still tinkering with each component to fully realise their vision. Retsonretap is well worth a listen if you’re a follower of Black Metal and are looking for a new group to sink your teeth into. They have real talent to be certain but it feels as though they may be holding back somewhat from fully delivering what they’re obviously capable of.  Perhaps, subconsciously the trio are withholding the best for the full-length?  Only time will tell.

Hellhate are:

Ugrum (Vocals & Guitars), Noxious (Bass), Bloodsucker (Drums)

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Serpent Eater – Hyena

Serpent Eater are purveyors of Black Metal, Death Metal and Doom.  The five-piece have their roots firmly set in Cologne, Germany and have been creating music since 2011.  The band do not reveal their Christian names, instead they go by their initials.  The band race out of the traps with smashing beats and pummelling guitars abound on opening track ‘Ebola’.  Elsewhere, ‘Last Cold Word’ is a slower moving behemoth, incorporating meandering rhythms and prowling guitars, backed by rugged drum work from CM.  Title track ‘Hyena’ is a sludge soaked slice of bleak rampancy,  just shading five minutes.  This is probably the best example of the musical versatility of the band, as they switch seamlessly from Black, Death and Post Hardcore with ease.  ‘Trepanation Nation’ has an achingly vicious groove that is to die for, it is another strong contender for track of the album.  It fades out exquisitely, leaving the listener yearning for more of these delightfully frenzied sounds.  A few more tracks here would have been most welcome.  However, hopefully there will be loads more to come from this exciting young band in the near future.

Serpent Eater are:
RGD (Bass), CM (Drums), DW (Guitars), DS (Guitars), GR (Vocals).

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Australasia – Vertebra

Another recent addition to the Immortal Frost Productions family is Italian Post Rock/Black Metal project, Australasia.  This is the second release from the Cisternino project and first for the Belgian label, incidentally you can check out and download the debut here.  ‘Aorta’ and ‘Vostok’ are two incredibly uplifting chunks of black metal, interwoven with celestial keys and post rock guitars.  Things saunter along nicely until track three, ‘Zero’ arrives and grips you, demanding your attention.  It covers several genres, mainly post rock but has a beautiful indie-style beginning that is complemented by some subtle xylophone sampling.  Other tracks of note include the domineering presence of ‘Volume’ and the slow burning procession of the records longest and final track ‘Cinema’.  I must admit, I was a little surprised by the genre, considering it is released on a predominantly Black Metal label.  However, in saying that, I am more than glad to have been introduced to Australasia and the the incredibly talented musicianship of band creator, Gian Spalluto.  This may not suit all hardcore Black Metal fans as there is quite a lot more melodies and some female singing.  This is no bad thing, far from it.  Give Australasia the time befitted to check out this unique act and its wide reaching style and you will not regret it.

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Immortal Frost Productions

Dead Becomes The Sun – The Last Eclipse

The Last Eclipse is the debut E.P from Dead Becomes The Sun.  The project is the creation of it’s sole member Nahash.  The Frenchman described his musical themes as those of ‘introspection and spiritual rising’.  On ‘The Sun Is Dead’ the multi instrumentalist flexes his muscle, against a wall of epic blast beats.  The best track on the release, ‘Of Fire & Dust’ is the sound of Nahash at his most brutal best, with an intro that is infectious and reminiscent of Bay Area thrashers Machine Head before unleashing itself into a frenetic, classic Black Metal rhythm.  ‘The Abyssal Void’ is another short track with a menacing and trembling intro that breaks the E.P up halfway through, it has seemingly been cut from the same cloth as that of opening track ‘Fear The Light’.  In conclusion, this is a very impressive release from another exciting prospect discovered by the consistently excellent Immortal Frost Productions.

Dead Becomes The Sun is:
Nahash: (All instruments & vocals).

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Morn Guruth – Weltekel

Although they are now a three-piece (Yannik Mücke joined the fold in 2012) The Depressive Black Metal act Morn Guruth has been the project of founding member, Kane Bittruf.  Formed in Upper Franconia, Germany back in April 2010, this debut full-length has been a while in the making.  ‘The Darkened Empire of Death’ opens the record with a classic black metal riff that flows nicely, and just as the momentum is beginning to gather pace the tempo drops rather unexpectedly halfway through.  The introduction of synths towards the end of the track sets up second track ‘Worthless’ perfectly.  With simple but effective drums the track features some haunting vocals from Bittruf.  Although the lyrics are in German, the chilling shrieks of the vocalist leave little doubt about what the subject matter is for this record.  Incidentally, Bittruf also provided the entire artwork for Weltekel.  Stand out track ‘Destrudo’ is much the same as it’s predecessor however the guitars win it over.  Elsewhere, piano features heavily on title track ‘Weltekel’.  ‘Im Nichts’ and the aptly named ‘Insignificant’ let the album down somewhat and given that there are thirteen tracks in total on the album, perhaps these are more filler less killer. As the age-old saying goes, less is more.  Following track ‘Leben – wider Willen’ ensures that this is only a minor blot on the notepad.  With ferocious drumming and the main lurking guitar rythym that ignites the tempo once again.  Bittruf is undoubtedly a very talented musician with a lot of interesting and refreshing ideas.  However, perhaps he has tried to cram as many ideas as possible onto Weltekel.  Overall this is a very good album, it will be interesting to see what path Morn Guruth embark upon on album number two.

Morn Guruth are:
Kane Bittruf (Vocals, All Instruments), Yannik Mücke (Drums) and Yannik Kulla (Bass, Guitars)

Talheim Records
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Written in Torment – Bellum Omnium Contra Omnes

Bellum Omnium Contra Omnes is the debut full-length from Harrogate’s Written In Torment.  The album theme is based on war and the effect that it has on the human race since the beginning of time.  ‘Earth Decimated’ bursts out of the traps with some ferocious blast beats and a buzzing guitar riff.  The impressive thundering drums drive the music onwards with relentless fury.  Sole member Leviathan keeps the tempo high for the bulk of ‘Eternities of Suffering Endured’ with bold guitars that are soaked in classic Black Metal traits.  Sombre keys endeavour to pierce through the barricade of guitars, this could be the artists take on a signal of peace in its constant struggle with war and abhorrence.  The lightning fast solos here resonate the melodic genius of fellow countrymen Iron Maiden and sound fantastic against the double bass drum work.  ‘Descent into Total Madness’ is yet another highlight on Bellum Omnium Contra Omnes.  Here again, Leviathan has managed to paint a bleak picture of civilisation through the times, with the blizzard of guitar feedback set against the inescapable advancement of the percussion.  ‘Solitude’ opens with an ominous guitar riff which gives way to classic black metal shredding, it’s a noteworthy track that snakes and meanders imperially.  Other songs that deserve special mention here include ‘Grief’ and the rampaging stampede of ‘A Pig Hung in Golgotha’.  Awesome British Black Metal that has been well worth the seven year wait.

Glorious North Productions
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Lebensnacht – Syksyn Kuoleminen

Syksyn Kuoleminen (Dying of Autumn) is the new album from German Black metal one man band Lebensnacht. The overriding theme of the album is Autumn and dying and that it eventually leads to death and Winter. It opens with ‘Herbsttag’ a brooding narration with the sound of rain in the background that leads into ‘Welkes Leben’ a track that opens with some slow bass that’s joined by Robert Brockman’s solemn vocals that gradually builds into anguished cries. He’s backed up by some impressive guitar work in this track lending to the theme of autumn and dying. Next up is ‘Herbststerben’ that begins at a gentle pace that then turns into an awesome anthem with angry vocals raging at the inevitability of Winter and death. ‘Weiße Einsamkeit’ follows as an acoustic instrumental piece accompanied by the sounds of Autumn winds and it works well as a break in the aggression before ‘Lebenswinter’ returns to the anger with a fast paced track with wailing vocals. ‘Kuolema’ begins with a bass line that instantly reminded me of some of the bass work in Metallica’s Black album that continues the theme of despair against the onset of Winter with mournful yet aggressive vocals. ‘Päättyminen’ is the final track and is surprisingly peaceful considering the aggression and despair that came before it. It adds a serene sound and is a good way to finish the album. Syksyn Kuoleminen is a highly impressive work that encapsulates the forboding nature of Autumn and what it heralds and its recommended to fans of Ambient Black Metal. Syksyn Kuoleminen has the same grim message as Game of Thrones’ infamous saying “Winter Is Coming”

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Astral Winter – Perdition

Astral Winter is the solo project of Atra Vetosus front-man Josh Young.  Perdition is his follow up to well-received 2011 debut Winter Enthroned and is more experimental than its predecessor.  Opening track ‘The Rain Falls Upon This Distant Land’ is a beautiful acoustic guitar instrumental track that precedes ‘An Endless And Vast Horizon’ which again has the overdubbing of sounds of nature and wind set against ethereal keyboards.  Listeners who are familiar with Young’s previous album Winter Enthroned may be surprised to learn that there are no heavy tracks on Perdition. I for one was taken aback at first and kept expecting the eruption of classic black metal blast beats, however it never came.  Don’t be put off by this though as there is some very good music on offer.  This album is perfect music to kick back and relax to after a long day.  A refreshing and welcome piece of work that deserves to be heard.  Stand out track has to be ‘Disappearing into Nights Embrace’, which is a sombre acoustic lament from Young.  ‘Pillars of Creation Descend into Ashen Ruin’ brings the record full-circle to an eerie conclusion, with the sound of barren wastelands in the grip of a storm.

Astral Winter is:
Josh Young (All instruments).

Perdition is available now via Immortal Frost Productions.

Sterbenzeit – L’Oltrenotte

Sterbenzeit is an Italian three piece black metal group that has undergone various changes in personnel and influences since their inception back in 2009.  Having recently inked a new deal with highly respected black metal label Immortal Frost Productions, this will be their second full-length release in total and follow up to 2010 debut Werdet Leiden.  The band name is an intentionally misspelled version of the German expression ‘time to die’.  Opening track ‘Tempo Di Morte’ builds gently before and is immediately reminiscent of Burzum and the classic guitar style that has served Varg Vikernes so well.  With a static heavy clean guitar outro that is as equally lamentable as it is pensive.  Quickly followed by ‘Nel Tramonto Discese Lo Sguardo’ a slow moving number which takes a few listens to bear auricular fruit.  However, having done so I would rate it as one of the best tracks on this seven track release.  The horrifying shrieks of Necromorg on ‘La Via Degli Sfavillii’ has elements of Moloch and is truly frightening.  Other tracks include ‘Teogonia’ and closing track ‘L’Oltrenotte’, which has been cut from the same cloth as the aforementioned ‘Nel Tramonto Discese Lo Sguardo’.  Here’s hoping they embark on a tour in support of this release as I am confident that it would go down well in a live atmosphere.

Sterbenzeit are:
Necromorg (Guitars and Vocals), Marfik (Bass),  Mistyr (Drums).

Immortal Frost Productions.

Slidhr – Deluge

As blessed as Ireland is and no doubt always will be musically, the Emerald Isle has never been awash with an ample amount of truly great black metal bands in recent years, you could probably count them on one hand.  However, quality not quantity is more important as they say and thankfully this release from Dublin duo Slidhr cannot come quick enough for a fan base that often misses out on the chance of sampling such acts in a live setting.  Slidhr is a river in Hel, its the land of the dead according to Norse mythology and the music is suitably bleak as a result.  The claustrophobic allure of the intro to opening track ‘Wielding Daggers’ explodes in a brume of apocalyptic tempestuousness thanks to the vocal talents of J. Deegan.  ‘Hex’ powers through with epic swagger and ends somewhat abruptly, no bad thing though as the equally impressive ‘Earth’s Mouth Opens’ roars out of the speakers with apocalyptic beats provided by the proficient drum work of the truly talented drummer B. Einarsson.  The horrifying screams on the opening seconds of ‘Symbols Obscuring’ are rousing and stay with the listener long after listening.  Overall this is a very impressive release from a very exciting young act.  They deserve further attention from fans and critics alike.

Slidhr are:

J. Deegan (Strings & Vocals), B. Einarsson (Drums).

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Debemur Morti Productions.

Àrsaidh – Roots

Scottish act Àrsaidh (meaning “Ancient” and “Archaic” in Gàidhlig) is the brainchild of sole member A. who founded the project back in 2012.  He plays his own mouthwatering brand of atmospheric black metal, with a Celtic twist.  Lyrically the artist deals with topics including Scottish heritage and sorrow.  From the very first listen the epic grandeur of title and opening track ‘Roots’ immediately grabs the listener’s attention.  Transporting the listener to ancient Alba in a whirlwind that lasts close to seventeen minutes of metallic aural bliss.  ‘Carved In Stone’ is dark yet soaring and has some magnificent sing-along parts that would no doubt sound fantastic with a crowd screaming back in unison.  A. Has a great voice for this particular style of metal and it really suits the album perfectly.  There is very little negative to say about Roots as a whole album.  The general consensus here at Feedback is that we would not be at all surprised should this generate much greater anticipation than is normally generated for a release in this particular if somewhat overcrowded genre.  And four songs spread over approximately fifty minutes of medieval tinged metal is good value for money, well worth purchasing.

Roots is available through Darker Than Black Records.

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Nonexistence – Antarctica

Antarctica, one of the bleakest, most cold and isolated places on this great planet of ours is the the title for the second album from Nonexistence.  The band is the project of Austrian artist Philip Santoll, and is a record that has been receiving a positive response from fans and critics alike.  With crunching guitars and varied vocal performances this is one of parent label Candlelight’s most eagerly anticipated releases of 2013.  The album was recorded at One Man Army Studio, Finland and produced by Tuomas Saukkonen (Black Sun Aeon), who also provided session drums and bass for the album.  And it is a very strong performance from Saukkonen at that.  Santoll’s ear shattering growls allow the listener to visualise the sheer vastness of the record titles namesake; a lonesome uninhabited and windswept wilderness.  With lancing rhythms and thunderous solid beats from the aforementioned Saukkonen, this is an extremely good album with an extensive array of melodies.  Album highlights include opening track ‘Hope Dies First’, the spectral brilliance of ‘Shroud Of Distress’ and the effervescent guitar performance of Santoll on ‘Here Is Nowhere’.  Closing with the uplifting yet rebarbative procession of ‘Starless Aeons’ the album does not outstay it’s welcome, it is just shy of fifty minutes in total.  One of the best releases this year to date, and one that will keep you coming back time and time again.

Nonexistence is:
Philip Santoll (Guitars, Vocals, Programming)

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Candlelight Records.

Atra Vetosus – Voices From The Eternal Night

Melodic Black Metal quintet Atra Vetosus are back with their first full length album and the follow up to their 2011 demo, A Palace Shrouded In Emptiness.  Australia has certainly been producing some excellent metal music in recent years and this Tasmanian quintet have been racking up rave reviews for the past couple of years.  Opening track ‘Skies Of Obsidian Rain’ evokes memories of Cradle of Filth on their classic 1996 album, Dusk… and Her Embrace.  This is followed by a new version of ‘A Palace Shrouded In Emptiness’, which originally appeared on their first demo of the same name.  In fact all three songs that appeared on their demo are given a revamp of sorts, with ‘Nocturnal Winds’ and ‘Far Beyond’ which is different in that it is the albums outro getting the spruce-up treatment.  These are indeed superior versions of already great songs.  Having said that, they could have left the original songs untouched, as they seem to have enough in their arsenal without resorting to re-recording songs barely two years old.  ‘Spirit Of The Forgotten Woods’, which incidentally is currently free to download on the bands website, is another well executed slice of black metal, with a fine vocal performance from Thorodan.  If possible, try to catch them live on their upcoming album launch appearances, sadly only Australian dates have been confirmed so far.

Atra Vetosus are:
Josh “Thorodan” Gee (Vocals), Josh “Slikver” Young (Guitars/Vocals/Composition, Damon Parker (Guitars), Matthew Lopez (Bass), Joseph Bound (Drums).

Voices From The Eternal Night is available now via Immortal Frost Productions.

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Immortal Frost Productions.

Inter Arma – Sky Burial

Having signed to Relapse Records last year, Richmond Virginia’s Inter Arma have been acquiring some very positive reviews from all corners of the globe.  Sky Burial is the quintets second full-length album, since their beginning back in 2006 and it fuses doom, psychedelic sludge, grind and black metal.  The thundering opening riff of ‘The Survival Fires’ is Inter Arma sounding like a herculean sea beast that has just been angrily awoken from its deep slumber.  This is immediately followed by ‘The Long Road Home (Iron Gate)’ which is a beautiful, smoke-tinged instrumental that leaves you wishing it was only twice as long.  ‘The Long Road Home’ is a fast paced, blast beat ridden whopper of a track and meanders through several different styles throughout the course of the song.  ‘’sblood’ sounds like KoЯn vocalist Jonathan Davis fronting Mastodon.  Elsewhere, the predominantly acoustic tones on ‘Love Absolute’ are scintillating in their simplicity.  Closing track ‘Sky Burial’ features a wonderfully bedraggled snaking riff which builds to a furore of further choppy guitar work and ascending vocals from Mike Paparo that awakens memories of Mastodon on their fourth studio album Crack the Skye.  Sky Burial is undoubtedly the early pacesetter for album of the year in our opinion.  The bands hard work seems to have paid off and they have taken the sophisticated approach of not rushing into releasing their major label debut.  Here’s hoping they will get the recognition that they unquestionably deserve.

Inter Arma are:
T.J. Childers (Drums), Steven Russell (Guitars), Trey Dalton (Guitars), Mike Paparo (Vocals), Joe Kerkes (Bass).

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Celtachor – Nine Waves From The Shore

Nine waves from the shore is the debut album from Dublin based group Celtachor. The group combine black/doom and Folk Metal influences into their sound to forge their own distinct style. The group considers themselves the Narrators of Irish Mythology (The Irish equivalent of Amon Amarth if you will) and they perform their songs with the same drive and Passion as the Mighty Nords.  Kicking things off is an Epic ten minute assault ‘The Landing: Amergins Conquest’ followed by ‘The Battle of Tailtin’ which reinforces the similarity to the Scandinavians using ancient tales to drive some impressive guitar shredding and deep Primal drums.  The inclusion of traditional Irish instruments like the Irish Whistle and the Bodhran (Think Handheld drum) add character to the tracks and give a unique sound that’s greatly welcomed.  Vocalist Stephen Roche belts out the lyrics with passion and is backed up by stellar guitars and drums.  And special mention must go to the Albums one instrumental track ‘Tar éis an Sidhe’ which uses the traditional instruments to brilliant effect to create a beautiful haunting track that is ethereal and mysterious as well as somewhat mournful. ‘Sorrow of the Dagda’ also features an awesome last five minutes similar to the songs on Metallica’s Death Magnetic with long solos gradually winding down the song to a sombre conclusion.  This is a highly impressive opening album from the group and lays some firm foundations for their follow up work.  The similarities to Amon Amarth are what lured me in (A Love of Mythology, epic tunes) but give Celtachor some time to really define themselves and their sound and they could go toe to toe with the Vikings.  And wouldn’t that be something to see!

Celtachor is:
Stephen Roche (Vocals, Irish Whistle, Bodhran), David Quinn (Guitar), Emile Quigley (Bass), Anaïs Chareyre (Drums), Fionn Staffort (Guitar, Irish Whistle).

Official site.