New Reviews 1/22/2011


Architects (UK)- The Here and Now-CD (Century Media)

Yes this has a very metalcore element to it and a screamo element. I really think this is the evolution of bands like Dillinger Escape Plan, Kill Switch Engage, Inflames, Deadguy etc . Where the add a more melodic / commercial element to the Post Hardcore sound. Architects are catchy as hell to say the least and musically very talented in the structure and arrangements. They seem to like to add the element of Sunny day Real-estate or My Chemical Romance.  The Here and Now could be an anthem for the new 20 something generation that is lost by digital realms and still trying to have a real rock and roll lifestyle. Power material  that is as thought provoking as mature in themes.

http://centurymedia.com/


Hexvessel- Dawnbringer-CD (Svart Records)

Wow a total Neofolk release in the vein of  A World Serpent or Tesco release.. Lush acoustic and clean bard like vocals from Kvohst of DHG/ Code fame . This is like a twisted journey down a road that Blood Axis, Spiritual Front or even King Andrew might have taken in the late 90's early 2000's . Love that its as mystical and it is dissident and blue grass in nature. Its something you may have heard in the 60's folk movement at times. Love the flowing strings they are almost heart breaking at times. If you like Anthony and the Johnstons then this is for you. Black metal man gone folk shocking to say the least..

http://svartrecords.com/




Deicide- To hell with God-CD (Century Media)

With Glen Benton what are you expecting to get . If you say one of the most kick ass Death Metal albums in years from Decide . Something about this line up and Century Media seeming to support them has awaken the beast from years gone by. I can hear the venom in Benton voice which has been missing in both Deicide and Vital Remains.  You can hear all the pieces of the puzzle  soaring guitars, brutal bass lines and a drumming frenzy produced to perfection and a bit of a complexity that was there in the early to mid period releases from the Roadrunner years.. The Anti Christian element could not be more in your face with this releases. If you want a Tampa/ Florida Death/Thrash force look no further then Deicide .. Welcome back .

http://centurymedia.com/ 




Srodek-Forfall-CD ( A Sad Sadness Song)

At times you hear an album and say its has touched you to very core and with Srodek I think it has even gone beyond that . This seems to be a solo project of Svarti Loghin member. This is so much more sinister then I was ready for. Its slow and plodding in Ethereal Post Black metal way. If you like bands like Xasthur and Twilight or the realms bands like Krieg or Negura Bunget and your going to get the Burzum  comparisons as the droning and hypnotic black metal elements are all there. Srodek is something that really sucks you in and will not let you out even at then end of the release you want to go back for more.  Forfall is perfect for those cold winters nights with the candles lit and the rituals about to begin...

http://atmf.net/







Shroud Of Despondency-Dark Meditations In Monastic Seclusion-CD (Self Released)
Right now this is the furthest from a black metal release ever. It have more in common with Tenhi or Anathema on the 1st track then anything even Blackened or metal.. Its all acoustic and introspective. The second track on other hand still not black at all sounds like a brutal death metal band on there 1st demo expressing the hate and frustration just of this. I hear more Folk, Prog and Death metal then black metal though at moments of the album the vocals do get to a very tortured BM style. There is more experiment-ion then anything else going on with the overall musical outtakes. The production on the metallic track is very raw to say the least . I would have thought they would not want something to bass heavy and oddly effected. Shroud of Despondency is really over the place with this release. They have a fondness for what Agalloch or Katatonia have been doing for a few yrs now. Mixing the nature based folk elements with Extreme metal and electronics. I really don't know if its working here but its interesting none the less. Give them a change they maybe that band the wins you over.I really like the more folk side of this band its much more impressive..
www.myspace.com/shroudofdespondency




Dornenreich- Flammentriebe-CD (Prophecy Productions)


Ok so there a few bands that just floor me with each and ever release. Bethlehem, Neurosis, Ulver  well you get the point Dornenreich is another one of those forces. Mix elements of Doom, Black, Prog, Jazz , Noise and Folk and your getting somewhere close to the sickness that this band is. If you could make a viking, doom and black metal band all merge into one band then add elements of pain, madness and mental illness you may have the formula for this unit of masterful song writer. I can not even come close to full words on how amazing this band really is. Its a war on my very being not to shake with excitement for a new Dornenreich release. The are very much in what I would call Dark Metal realm (Deinonychus, Shining, Bethlehem,  The Vision Bleak, Beyond Dawn).  Flammentriebe is a massive undertaking to say the least. Its Orchestral, Bombastic, fragile, bleak and thought provoking all in the same song. Prophecy should sign this band to lifetime contract as they never fall short on this reviewer. Dornenreich thank you once more..


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