Four years after their collaborative release
"Goditha - The Rock Opera," the Athens-based duo returns with a new
epic venture titled "Captain Hawk: Ghosts of the Sea." Elina Englezou
pens and Bob Katsionis orchestrates, mixes, and produces this cinematic power
metal opus. The album promises a thrilling journey with pirate-themed metal
riffs, soaring guitar solos, cinematic arrangements, and robust choruses.
Featuring a stellar cast of Greece's finest metal vocalists and accompanied by
a dynamic four-voice choir, the album delivers a captivating experience.
Producer Bob Katsionis admires Englezou's relentless dedication to her craft,
highlighting her singular creative vision in composing, orchestrating, and
producing the entire project. "Captain Hawk" offers a power metal
escapade that blends fantasy and adventure, available for streaming, digital
download, and physical editions.
Οι
Ιρλανδοί στην πέμπτη προσπάθεια τους, και πλέον σε καθαρό Blackened Doom Metal
χρώμα, είναι πλέον στα καλύτερα τους. Αυτό το άλμπουμ το πήρα είδηση χάρη στο
βίντεο για το The Coffin Ships κομμάτι. Έχοντας κατά νου ότι τα πρώτα δύο τους
άλμπουμ είναι αμιγώς Black Metal, εδώ με τα τόσα folk και doom στοιχεία,
γίνεται το breakthrough τους. Το ομώνυμο κομμάτι του cd αγγίζει τα δέκα λεπτά,
Golden Spiral, Tragedy's Birth και Cities Carved in Stone είναι στιγμές που
μένουν.
English
Text:
Ethereal Beauty Unveiled.
In their fifth endeavor, the Irish musicians, now
steeped in the raw essence of Blackened Doom Metal, have reached their
pinnacle. It was through the captivating video for 'The Coffin Ships' that I
stumbled upon this album. Departing from their earlier pure Black Metal roots,
here they seamlessly blend folk and doom elements, marking a significant
breakthrough in their musical journey. The eponymous track of the album unfolds
over ten mesmerizing minutes, while 'Golden Spiral,' 'Tragedy's Birth,' and
'Cities Carved in Stone' etch unforgettable moments into the listener's soul.
This release has its highs and lows. While it features
some noteworthy peaks, they aren't quite sufficient to warrant an "A"
rating. There are plenty of Pantera-esque riffs throughout, seemingly utilizing
the same tuning as Dimebag (likely drop D). However, Pat O'Brien delivers
commendable solos and rhythms. While lacking standout moments, there's still
enough quality to merit a "B" rating. Although I'm not extensively
familiar with this band, their 2019 release collectively earned a score of "91%,"
sparking my interest in exploring more of their catalog. Despite my
reservations about this particular release, primarily due to its inability to
fully captivate me, the music itself doesn't quite achieve the level of
excellence I expected.
The vocals range from aggressive yelling to cleaner
tones, complementing the music effectively. Pat handles guitar duties on most
tracks, possibly with some guest appearances. Certain songs incorporate vocal
effects like reverb or echo.
Beyond the Pantera influences, the album as a whole is
a commendable effort. Pat's journey, including his departure from Cannibal
Corpse due to legal and addiction issues, and subsequent return, adds a layer
of intrigue. While his involvement with Exhorder last year suggests a continued
commitment to music, his dedication to this band's distinct metal style is
admirable. They possess a collection of riffs that leave an impression.
The album's energy, coupled with the synergy between
guitars and vocals, keeps the momentum going. Overall, I found this album
enjoyable and a testament to the band's talent. While their discography isn't
extensive, they've carved out a niche, and one can only hope they'll continue
to evolve and endure in the metal scene.
Swedish Melodic Death Metal band Begravd, known for
their powerful sound, recently dropped their latest single, "Lullaby of
Obliteration." The track, recorded, mixed, and mastered at "Studio
Death House" by Fredrik Joakimsson, showcases the band's signature intensity.
Formed in 2020 in Lund, Sweden, by Kristoffer Schultz (Guitars) and Fredrik
Joakimsson (Bass), Begravd gained momentum with the addition of Adonis Fredrik
(Vocals). Currently on the lookout for a drummer and a second guitarist, once
their lineup is complete, they are poised to dominate live stages with their
electrifying performances.
Luxembourgian modern death metal band Inhuman Rampage
has unleashed their latest single "Brotherhood" from their upcoming
album "Savage". Recorded at "Kohlekeller Studios" by Kai
Stahlenberg, the band, formed in 2011, consists of Patrick Wagener (Vocals), Pierrot
Brotons and Jonas Lippert (Guitars), and Malte Janik Jöris (Drums). Following
their debut EP "Pathfinder" in 2014, they toured Europe with
"All Misery" and released their debut album "Funeral March"
in 2019, which led to performances in South America and Europe.
"Brotherhood" serves as a prelude to their forthcoming album,
promising a relentless fusion of brutality and melody that defines their sound.
The ASKA band holds a cherished position in my musical
journey, for they were the inaugural group to extend their trust to my
then-nascent webzine, BEHIND THE VEIL, by sharing their material for review. It
was a time when we were but fledglings in the vast landscape of the heavy metal
scene. Notably, the material they entrusted us with was none other than their
magnificent and, to me, seminal album entitled "Avenger."
Since those formative years, ASKA has traversed
musical realms, unveiling subsequent works, the latest being the 2013 release,
"Fire Eater." Now, 11 years on, ASKA resurfaces with their latest
opus, aptly titled "Knight Strike." Perhaps, the delay can be
attributed to George Call, the band's vocalist and guitarist, who, in the
intervening period, lent his talents to outfits such as OMEN, BANSHEE, and
CLOVEN HOOF.
Upon delving into their latest offering, one is
immediately struck by ASKA's steadfast commitment to their distinctive
heavy/power metal sound, despite the passage of time. Their sonic lineage
undoubtedly traces back to legends like IRON MAIDEN and JUDAS PRIEST, yet when
pondering domestic comparisons, echoes of LIZZY BORDEN reverberate within my
mind. These references serve not only to delineate their sonic identity but
also to underscore the unmistakable imprint ASKA has left on the metal
landscape.
Of particular note is the track "Soul
Stealer," where ASKA deftly interlaces hard rock elements, evoking
influences reminiscent of AC/DC and BULLET. It is a composition that resonates
deeply, standing as a testament to the band's artistic versatility and
innovative spirit.
In essence, with "Knight Strike," ASKA not
only meets but exceeds expectations, offering a tour de force of U.S.
heavy/power metal replete with vigor, melody, and fervor. George Call's vocals,
a sublime fusion of Coverdale's grit, Defeis's range, and Lizzy Borden's
theatricality, further elevate the sonic tapestry, infusing it with depth and
resonance. This album is a masterful amalgamation of diverse sounds and emotions,
inviting listeners on a captivating sonic journey.
So, here's to immersing oneself in the sonic tapestry
woven by ASKA, where each listen unveils new layers of intricacy and emotion,
reaffirming their status as stalwarts of the metal realm.
Billy Morrison, the accomplished British guitarist and
songwriter, is gearing up for the release of his new album, "The Morrison
Project." Featuring 12 electrifying tracks and guest appearances from
music legends like Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol, and Steve Stevens, this album is
highly anticipated in the rock music scene.
The excitement builds with the release of the second
single, "Crack Cocaine," on March 21, 2024. Featuring Osbourne's
iconic vocals and co-written by Morrison and Stevens, the song delivers a
powerful message with its raw energy and intense lyrics. The accompanying music
video, starring Paris Jackson alongside the musicians, adds another layer of
allure to the narrative.
As fans eagerly await the album's release on April 19,
2024, "Crack Cocaine" serves as a tantalizing preview of the musical
brilliance to come. With its captivating rhythms, blistering guitar solos, and
unforgettable vocals, Billy Morrison proves once again his prowess in the realm
of rock music. Stay tuned for more from "The Morrison Project," a
testament to the enduring power of collaboration and creativity in the
industry.