• Posted By: Dark Emperor
  • Comments: 0

Scar Symmetry – The Unseen Empire (2011)

cover

After their overly formulaic “Dark Matter Dimensions”, the band returns with a very interesting release with “The Unseen Empire”. It seems that the band somewhat changed a bit their ‘musical formula’ and now diluted their sound with some Male-fronted Gothic Rock/Metal influences.

While the traditional epic chorus sections are a staple of this album, we also have different sounding melodies that make this band… well… more melodic. The technical brilliance of the band is also pushed back a bit and while we do get some brilliant guitar sections, the focus is more on the catchiness of the songs.

  • Posted By: Dark Emperor
  • Comments: 0

Sylosis – Edge of the Earth (2011)

cover

Getting rid of the Metalcore-ish crap that influenced their near perfect debut album “Conclusion of an Age”, Sylosis returns sans previous vocalist with the crushing and mind-blowing sophomore release “Edge of the Earth”. If you thought the first one was pretty good, wait until you listen to this one.

With the band’s front man Josh Middleton now handling the vocals, Sylosis has become more vicious and will surely please any Thrash/Melodic Death Metal fan out there. This release features endless amounts of brilliant Thrash riffs and melodic sections that will pummel you into submission.

  • Posted By: Dark Emperor
  • Comments: 0

Leaves’ Eyes – Meredead (2011)

cover

After their over-produced previous release “Njord”, I was hopping to see the band bouncing back with a more natural and real sound. To my surprise, Leaves’ Eyes did exactly this with “Meredead”. In this album we are treated to 12 tracks of beautiful sounding music (and no over production) that will surely remind you of a ‘modernized’ version of “Vinland Saga” (my favorite album of the band).

Opening with the majestic “Spirit’s Masquerade”, the band will blow you away with lush choir arrangements and powerful guitars. Liv’s voice is as amazing as ever and in this song it’s very nicely surrounded by the choir and string instruments, this song alone made me forget about “Njord” instantly.  The chorus section of “Étaín” makes this song very enjoyable and a very typical Leaves’ Eyes styled song.

  • Posted By: Dark Emperor
  • Comments: 0

Cynthesis – DeEvolution (2011)

cover

Progressive wizards the Tipton brothers (Zero Hour) come together once more with vocalist Erik Rosvold (ex-Zero Hour) in this very ambitious project of Progressive Rock/Metal brilliance. Cynthesis debut album “DeEvolution” sets new standards for this gathering of musicians in a very trippy and atmospheric context.

With the quality of musicians in this project there is little doubt that the music will be extremely good, and this is immediately confirmed in the opening track “The Man without Skin”. In this song we are treated to Jasun’s wizard-like guitar skills and atmospheric elements that create a very futuristic and interesting atmosphere.

  • Posted By: Dark Emperor
  • Comments: 0

Midnattsol – The Metamorphosis Melody (2011)

cover

Three years after the release of their sophomore album “Nordlys”, Midnattsol returns with their masterful Gothic Metal release “The Metamorphosis Melody”. Providing over 55 minutes of music, the band shows more signs of maturity and the abilitie to create very effective songs.

Driven by the enchanting vocals of Carmen Elise Espenæs, the album opens with the album title track and you can quickly hear the massive guitar sound (for a Gothic Metal band) being surrounded by magical keyboards. Since the first song we can hear the excellent production behind this release and the raw power that the band tries to transmit with their sound.

  • Posted By: Dark Emperor
  • Comments: 0

Year of the Goat – Lucem Ferre (2011)

cover

Keeping the flam alive of 60’s and 70’s Psychedelic Rock, today we have the Swedes of Year of the Goat and their debut MCD “Lucem Ferre”. In this action packed 4 song release, the band shows their chops at creating dark anthems of pure evil just the right old-school vibe.

With the opening track “Of Darkness”, the band immediately turns back the pages of time and involves you in a magical atmosphere that only very few band’s can achieve these days. The guitars are spot on and the overall pacing of the song is just perfect. The vocals are greatly executed and the layering added provides the typical vibe for the genre.

Pages

Recent Image Galleries