4 New Reviews ...
Absu- Abzu-CD (Candlelight Records)
This is not a new project on the scene they have been creating Blackened Occult Death metal for over 2 Decades now. So its no surprise to hear the combustive sonic assault of Absu. Those there have many several lineups one member Drummer/ Vox Proscriptor as been there all along. There are still many eastern elements to the Blistering Black metal and Extremely heavy Thrash styles that collide here. Absu have also alway had a very proggressive element going on with all they do and create. Abzu as a whole seems to have a much faster pace to it all. The split vocals between Proscriptor and Ezezu works very well with all that is going on. It has a very raw production as well and works for this release as it sounds like earlier releases . Absu always twist and turn in new directions. I do miss the more prog direction that last album had.. Though the thrash sound is so kicked up it mixes it out...
http://candlelightrecordingsusa.com/
Mournful Congregation- The unspoken hymns-CD (20 Buck Spin)
So this a band that I hold on par with bands like Thergothon, Skepticism, Ras Algethi, Funeral, Anathema, My Dying Bride, Dolorian, Evoken and Morgion for the Doom metal mantel.. These are a collection of out of print and rare early versions of tracks that just make the Doom/Death musical world a better place to be. Slow and Crushing .. Deep and Low and just down right epic in the way Doom metal is , was and always will be if done with honor and pride. How can you not love the flanged and delayed guitar and bass tones with Tortured and Maddening Growled and Screamed vocals. Molasses like percussion seals the deal for this reviewer. Doom is not short either all these songs are 8 + minutes long and its the way it should be. Depressive and Powerful I miss the days of Doom/Death
http://20buckspin.com/
Voyager- The Meaning of I-CD (Sensory Records)
So the 1st thing that comes to mind when I listen to this band from the land of OZ is If Nevermore was a prog rock band this is what they would sound like . If you mixed Warrel Dane on Vocals and had Oxiplegatz , Savatage and Rhapsody all back him then Voyager is this. There is an even more 70's Prog rock element going on all over this releases as well. Its so hard to been point what Voyager are doing . All I know that is fucking good, focused and catchy in the prog metal way. The Synths and guitars flow like a river of smooth whiskey into a wall of cold cold ice. The melody here is to stay for sure. This is not soft by any means I would never call it hardrock this is clearly metallic by nature. Voyager is about the layer of sound and arrangements as whole. I would love to see this live as I'm sure its even more poweful. Sensory clearly is the label of Prog metal now ...
White Willow- Terminal Twilight-CD (The Laser's Edge)
So this is 3rd time I've had the pleasure to hear the Avant Prog Rock meets Electronica meets Indie Rock sounds of White willow they so remind me of The Gathering meets Third and the Mortal with Layers of Ulver, Ayreon and later Period Elend.. There is a haunting Beauty in the female vocals and Male sung/ spoken vocals mixed with Prog, Electro, Rock and Avant elements in guitar, synths, drums. White Willow has this World Music element going with a strong love Dirty Rabbits, Bjork and Lana Lane . I know I seem to be going all over the place with the elements of this band but it really is that complex in nature and manner. White Willow are a project that will Enthrall as well as confuse, make you think and feel the sense of safety and protection all at the same time. Terminal Twilight is music for the theatre and beyond. I would close with this there are orchestral and Neoclassic elements going on but never moves in the full Dead can dance arena... This album is so so good..
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