Embrace the power of the mountain, feel the magic of the Vanir, and hide in our magical forest from Ragnarök…
When talking about Nordic Folk Music, one usually thinks about bands from European soil; from Sweden, Norway, Russia, Germany, Scotland, you know… I am quite open-minded and I don’t get scared that easily anymore (I dwell around this planet for more than half a century in the meantime), but hey, a Viking / Folk act from Uruguay, of all places?
Because I am such an amazing, sympathetic, vivid, bright, virile, smart, professional, handsome and, above all, modest and humble reviewer (why are you sardonically grimacing?), I have the chance to meet some very sympathetic and kind musicians from all over our beautiful yet rotting globe. An example is Lawrence K., the guy behind the Dark Ambient / Dungeon Synth outfit Idylls Of The Last King. With pleasure and dedication, I wrote down my humble thoughts on some of the former releases.
Those who do follow the story of the Synthetic King and the Human Emperor: here is a next chapter within this exciting story. After the belief, or hope, to choose Utryn as his suitable successor, at a period of relative quietness and peace, Utryn suddenly shows up at the Emperor celestial palace. Both rulers discuss a future series of events that might turn the balance of power towards one of both. Conditions are discussed and soon battles and combats will be organized. What will be the outcome. Will Utryn, the Zealous Killer, survive and become the Vrozlydian Emperor’s successor?
When same-minded spirits, mutually-thinking brains sort of unphysically gather…
…nope, that’s not the opening sentence I am searching for. This time, it’s quite difficult for me to start this review, because, you know, I want to do more than just expressing my appreciation for this new recording, as well as for the artist behind it. I want to have the aural effort being ‘structured’ in an embodiment of respect, gratitude, recognition and comprehension, with the creator being granted for both his expressive kindness and sonic craftsmanship…
Some might recognize the name Ian ‘Mully’ Mullinger from his assistance with Vallenfyre (at that time, this band also included members from Brujeria, Paradise Lost and My Dying Bride). Others might know him from the EBM / Dark Techno / Synthwave project Electric Dragon.
This is a nice surprise. Two very fine and kind human beings from our beautiful planet joined forces to create a sonic effort together. By coincidence, both of them are crafted musicians as well, so this must work out well…
Or: The Silent Watchtower is the result of a collaboration in between the solo-projects Alphaxone (Mehdi Saleh from Iran) and Rojinski (Alexei Rojinski from some place on Mater Terra, or elsewhere within our huge Universe).
Introduction: released almost one year ago, but Thrash-fanatics: be prepared for another combo from Belgian soil about to conquer the planet…
Location: Liège (Belgium)
Current line-up: Kévin Lambert (drums), Ludovic Hubert (vocals & guitars), Morgane Greeven (bass), Sébastien Grätz (guitars)
Recorded: at Le Garage Créative Music
Mix & mastering: Psycho
Artwork: I think from the band itself; simple and characteristic yet effective!
(review written by Erik - thank you!)
I have to admit I’ve never been an eager fan of Stoner rock, and this album isn’t going to convert me. Although it’s not 100 % stoner, as I also discern vague elements of other metal styles.
Not that it’s that bad an album, but it’s just not my cup of tea. There’s not enough melody in the music, and sometimes it’s a bit of a cacophony. And I like my vocals clean and sharp, which isn’t the case here.
Location: Kansas City, Missouri (U.S.A.)
Members: Allen Gingerich (strings [and drum-programming?]) & Skyler Nohrenberg (vocals & lyrics)
Mix & mastering: Allen Gingerich
Artwork: no idea who created it, yet the cover painting is just stunning!!!
Type: digipack-CD
Duration: 32:32
Genre: Brutal Technical Death Metal
Recently I had the honor to be part of a jury within a contest / award organized by Unexplained Sounds Group’s chief Raffaele Pezzella. The most interesting thing was, of course, the ‘Music’ involved. I was trusted with several acts that contributed (for some of them I did write reviews in the past), others I just knew by name, and there were some projects I did not know yet at all.
