Polish Black/Post-Metal band Defying has released
their latest album "Wadera," recorded in 2023 at "Heinrich House
Studios" by Filip Hałucha. Formed in 2008 in Olsztyn, Poland, the band's
lineup includes Tomasz Semeniuk, Paweł Siemaszko, Piotr Stępiński, and Szymon
Stadniczeńko. They previously released "Nexus Artificial" in 2014 and
"The Splinter of Light We Misread" EP in 2016. "Wadera"
signifies their musical evolution and commitment to pushing genre boundaries.
French Symphonic Metallers HARTLIGHT have unleashed
their 5th single and accompanying video, "The Land Of The Star," from
their upcoming 2024 album "As Above, So Below." This release
showcases a surprising fusion of Heavy, Prog, Symphonic, Power, and Gothic
elements. Described by the band as an exploration of the pilgrimage of
Saint-Jacques de Compostelle, the song symbolizes the beginning of the
alchemical journey, set against a backdrop of fast-paced, powerful Metal
instrumentation and the captivating vocals of Noémie Marie. The debut
full-length album promises epic, uplifting, and noble Metal symphonies that
resonate with timeless grandeur, inviting listeners to embark on a luminous
voyage of hope and enlightenment.
Canadian metal band UNLEASH THE ARCHERS announced
their upcoming album "Phantoma," set for release on May 10, 2024, via
Napalm Records. The album follows protagonist Phantoma, a Phase 4 / Network
Tier 0 unit, on a journey through a dystopian future Earth dominated by AI.
Their previous album, "Abyss," won the JUNO Award for Metal/Hard
Music Album of the Year in 2020. The band released their second single,
"Ghosts In The Mist," which blends modern guitar with 80s arena rock,
featuring a catchy chorus and heavy breakdowns. The track also includes footage
from various festivals the band performed at, showcasing familiar faces and
energetic performances. UNLEASH THE ARCHERS described the track as synth-heavy
with intense death vocals, offering something for everyone to enjoy.
SKELETAL
REMAINS - Fragments of the Ageless
Century Media Records
Heavily influenced by DEATH and OBITUARY, much like
their previous recordings ("Devouring Mortality" & "The
Entombment of Chaos"), this release showcases more of their own distinct
sound. The vocals have also undergone a noticeable change, with less echo and
reverb, resulting in a more grueling tone. The last two releases were solid,
and this one is certainly another winner. The leads are chaotic, the rhythms
are filled with chunky riffs, and the recording quality is top-notch. These
musicians have crafted a creatively rich offering for death metal fans.
Combining the essence of the last two releases results in this ultimately
creative masterpiece. Additionally, it features a cover of Hate Eternal's
"Messiah of Rage."
Overall, this release is fast-paced and tight,
delivering a thrilling experience. The band appears to be on the cutting edge,
showing a greater level of maturity compared to their previous works. Clocking
in at 45 minutes, it's far from boring, offering high energy and great riffs
throughout.
While not particularly focused on metal lyrics, I find
the album captivating as long as the music and production quality are
excellent, which they certainly are in this case. The album's riffs are
intriguing upon closer examination, showcasing excellent musicianship
throughout.
I particularly enjoy the crunchy guitar tone, and the
highly technical leads with a touch of reverb/delay add depth as they navigate
the fretboard. The overall sound quality is superb, with the drums standing
out. This album is a complete masterpiece, with nothing to detract from or add
to its brilliance. It's evident that this album is utterly brutal,
demonstrating the band's maturation and their commitment to pushing death metal
to new heights with each successive release. The precision in the guitar work
is noteworthy, and it's clear that these native Californians have elevated the
brutality, truly coming into their own with this release.
Ryan “Death8699” Fanucchi
Enter the grand domain of HAMMER KING, the regal force
in metal. Titan Fox, former vocalist of Ross The Boss, commands this mighty
outfit. Their latest offering, "König und Kaiser", is a relentless
anthem, enriched by the presence of The Tribune from fellow label mates,
Warkings. This formidable title track is accompanied by a daring music video,
heralding the imminent arrival of their forthcoming studio album. Mark your
calendars for this Friday, March 22, when Napalm Records unleashes this opus
upon the world. Prepare for a majestic journey through ten tracks of
electrifying power metal, promising an unforgettable auditory adventure!
HAMMERFALL,
Built To Last (2016)
Napalm Records
Το δέκα το καλό;
Όχι
σαν απόδοση, απλά είναι το 10ο των Σουηδών epic/power metal θεουληδων. Προς
Θεού (της metal) δεν είναι το καλύτερο τους. Είναι πάντως ένα δυνατό, μία απ'
τα ίδια, σαν τα περισσότερα τους μετά το Renegade του 2000 (το τρίτο τους
άλμπουμ). Οι πέντε μάστορες υπό την ηγεσία των Joacim Cans κι Oscar Dronjak, σε
δέκα από ΟΚ ως έξοχα κομμάτια. Που ' ναι η εποχή του 1997 που ο φίλος Αντωνης μου έγραφε την κασέτα με το
πρώτο τους που είχε βγει τότε, Glory to the Brave!... Οι Hammerfall έχουν
σταθερή απόδοση, τόσο που πλέον είναι...μια απ' τα ίδια όπως είπα πιο πάνω.
Έστω, αξίζουν της προσοχής μας.
English
Text:
The tenth album, huh?
Not exactly their magnum opus, just another addition
to the discography of the Swedish epic/power metal titans. For the love of
metal gods, it falls short of their best work. However, it still holds its
ground, offering a solid effort akin to much of their post-2000 output since
Renegade (their third album). With Joacim Cans and Oscar Dronjak at the helm,
the band delivers ten tracks ranging from decent to outstanding. Ah, the
nostalgia of 1997 when my friend Antonis handed me their debut cassette fresh
off the presses, Glory to the Brave!... Hammerfall maintains a steady
performance, almost predictably so, now becoming somewhat predictable, as
mentioned earlier. Yet, they remain worthy of our attention.
Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης
Serbian Progressive Stoner/Groove Metal band Verzija 2
has unleashed their latest sonic offering with the release of their single
"Neposredna Opasnost." Recorded at the esteemed "MARK
Studios" by Miloš Marković and Tom Brechtlein, this track embodies the
band's signature fusion of heavy riffs and infectious grooves. Formed in 2012
in Belgrade, Serbia, Verzija 2 comprises Aleksandra Marković on vocals and
bass, Miloš Marković on guitars, and Dejan Nikolić on drums. Together, this
power trio channels the essence of their city's storied past, weaving a musical
tapestry of gritty intensity, thunderous rhythms, and mesmerizing vocals,
creating an immersive sonic experience that resonates deeply with listeners.
