Eclectic Vibes
by Andrew Frey
Amorphis - Skyforger
AmorphisSkyforger
Label: Nuclear Blast Records
Finding new ways to awaken my inner Viking! Invigorating anthems with their signature Scandinavian folk metal approach reverberate a dark, powerful beauty and majesty unmatched. This third round with singer Tomi Joutsen integrates a broad stroke of vocal styles with increased progressive rock elements to their musical palette.
• Amorphis Website • Amorphis WikiArkaea - Years In The Darkness
ArkaeaYears In The Darkness
Label: E1 Entertainment
Terse, intense and vibrant industrialized death metal from Fear Factory alumni Raymond Herrera and Christian Old Wolbers. Although incorporating proven Fear Factory stylings which fans will certainly enjoy overall I find the release safe, repetitive and formulaic.
• Arkaea WikiVintage Burning - Disturbing The Balance
Vintage BurningDisturbing The Balance
Label: dbmusic
Explosive and intense metal blasting through the musical sediment with serious emotional release. Vocalist ‘Ames’ shows off a nice range of her vocal abilities from growls and screams to soaring and smooth. Overall however, the abundance of lead and backing screamo vocals detracts from the grooves and quickly turns enjoyment into annoyance.
• The Vintage Burning FacebookWarbeast - Krush The Enemy
WarbeastKrush The Enemy
Label: Housecore Records
Blistering old school thrashing metal delivered at break neck speed and with maximum intensity. I wax nostalgic as I hear vocalist Bruce Corbitt (ex-Rigor Mortis) grate and growl the lyrics as in days long gone by. Produced by label head Philip Anselmo.
• Warbeast Website • Warbeast FacebookGamma Ray - To The Metal!
Gamma RayTo The Metal!
Label: Earmusic
Seeking to bridge the gap between past and present, these classic German speed metal minstrels deliver their 10th studio album in 21 years. Although the album manages to occasionally get me in the groove and will certainly please their fans, it simply doesn’t express anything that I haven’t heard numerous times before.
• Gamma Ray Website • Gamma Ray Facebook • Gamma Ray WikiLamb of God - Hourglass
Lamb of GodHourglass
Label: Epic Records
To celebrate 15 years as a band LOG releases this 3 volume package on multiple formats and versions including vinyl and USB drives. Cherry picking the best and favorite of their early years, the Epic years and rare oddball tracks this anniversary release shows off the raw drive and musical ambition that made this band thrive.
• Lamb of God Website • Lamb of God Facebook • Lamb of God WikiCEPHALIC CARNAGE - Misled By Certainty
CEPHALIC CARNAGEMisled By Certainty
Label: Relapse
Cascades of extreme metal come pouring forth from the instruments of this furious and hard working Colorado concoction. After hammering down the grind on the first dozen tracks of their sixth Relapse release, they end with the epic length, genre spanning “Repangaea.”
• CEPHALIC CARNAGE Website • CEPHALIC CARNAGE Facebook • CEPHALIC CARNAGE WikiAtrocity - After The Storm
AtrocityAfter The Storm
Label: Napalm Records
One of my long time favorite experi-“metal” bands, this German group has explored many facets of musical and cultural heritage over the years. Their exploration continues by refining their folk fancies, expanding on their impressive song structure, and again including the amazing vocals of Yasmin (frontman Alexander Krull’s sister). Powerful, invigorating, and unique.
• Atrocity Website • Atrocity Facebook
Therion - Les Fleurs Du Mal
TherionLes Fleurs Du Mal
Label: End Of The Light
Over-the-top orchestral metal has never sounded so good! Formed in the late 80s as a death metal band, this Swedish outfit has survived a bevy of member changes to produce this opus of intense and well-executed orchestral metal of the highest order, and once again redefining the genre. Bravo!
• Therion Website • Therion Facebook • Therion WikiBaroness - Purple
BaronessPurple
Label: Abraxan Hymns
They ascended to top of the metal heap with their masterpiece Yellow and Green, only to be thrust into temporary oblivion by a tragic bus accident, resulting in among other things fractured vertebrae and near limb amputation. This broke the band into pieces causing the loss of 2 members and a lot of momentum. Their return, Purple, finds their angst, wounds and determination woven into another tantalizing musical tapestry of intense emotion pounding and atmospheric groovy refrains while offering a home to two new members and their own record label. Wish the production was better. (8) yourbaroness.com
• Baroness Website • Baroness Facebook • Baroness WikiOpeth - In Cauda Venenum
OpethIn Cauda Venenum
Label: Nuclear Blast
Delightfully delicious, dynamic and intense musical drama from Sweden’s one and only Opeth! Their 13th release is a double, offering these 10 engaging and enrapturing progressive rock and metal compositions sung first and foremost in Swedish, but then also including with English accompaniment. Every listen unveils new layers of breathtaking delicacy, interesting interludes and amazing musicianship. Bravo!
• Opeth Website • Opeth FacebookBabymetal - Metal Galaxy
BabymetalMetal Galaxy
Label: Cooking Vinyl
Nothing short of a fascinating anomaly in the world of music, the chart topping (recently #1 on Billboard’s Top Rock Albums chart) Japanese group Babymetal mixes the vocals and choreographed movements of a trio of cutesy teeny bopper type girls with anthemic, super heavy, metal music. This release is a loose concept album about being dispatched to distant parts of the universe. After headlining performances at many prestigious festivals around the world, who knows which part of the universe they will explore next?
• Babymetal Website • Babymetal FacebookView More
Viewing Page 1 - of 2