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ILLUMISHADE Reveal New Album Details

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Swiss modern metal upstarts ILLUMISHADE unveil their magical sophomore record and Napalm Records debut, Another Side of You, out February 16 2024! Fronted by vocalist Fabienne Erni and guitarist Jonas Wolf (both of Eluveitie) and completed with orchestration and synths by film composer Mirjam Skal, bass by Yannick Urbanczik, and drums by Marc Friedrich, ILLUMISHADE skillfully balances all things both dark and light on Another Side of You.

On their new single cut from the new album, “Here We Are”, Erni’s radiant charisma shines brighter than ever with her crystal-clear vocal delivery. Wolf’s guitar work is as blazing and emotional as ever, while a fresh dose of modern prog brings a cutting edge to the band’s elaborate songwriting. The song impresses with a stomping chorus and an exciting variety in its middle passage, and arrives alongside a stunning music video.

ILLUMISHADE on “Here We Are”:
“‘Here We Are’ is an anthem to the essence of being in the here and now. It tells about accepting the legacy of history, acknowledging our current standing as a foundation from which we can move forward.”

Another Side of You is the successor to ILLUMISHADE’s acclaimed debut album, ECLYPTIC: Wake Of Shadows. The second coup showcases a more modern approach both lyrically and musically, while still transporting the listener into an immersive world rich with mesmerizing soundscapes (even enhanced by the Budapest Art Orchestra at certain points) and massive and dreamlike vocal lines, marking the perfect start of a brand new chapter for this promising outfit.

ILLUMISHADE add:
“Marking the beginning of a new era, our album Another Side Of You bridges the tangible and the ethereal. It’s an odyssey to the many facets of human emotion but also the challenges we all face in this ever-changing world. Another Side of You is about grounding in reality, yet also letting the music carry you to places unknown.”

Pre-order your copy of Another Side of You HERE:


Another Side of You Tracklisting:
1    Enter the Void    
2    ELEGY    
3    ENEMY    
4    In the Darkness    
5    Cloudreader    
6    Here We Are    
7    CYCLONE    
8    Fairytale    
9    The Horizon Awaits    
10   HYMN    
11   TWILY    
12   Riptide    
13   Hummingbird    
14   Verliebt (feat. Coen Janssen)

ILLUMISHADE are:
Fabienne Erni – Voice, Piano     
Jonas Wolf – Guitars     
Mirjam Skal – Orchestration / Synths    
Yannick Urbanczik – Bass            
Marc Friedrich – Drums
 
ILLUMISHADE online:
Instagram
Facebook
Website
Napalm Records

VOTE For Your Favorite Album of 2023!

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2023 has been a new Renaissance of music with new innovations and genre bending iconoclasts. I have been speechless one album after another this year. It’s been one of the best years for me for new releases that I absolutely love, and I know a lot of people are feeling the same way. I have my favorites and will definitely do a list later this month as the discovery of new music is ongoing.

BUT first, I want to hear from my fellow metal fans and connoisseurs of music! What do you think is the best album of 2023? Vote below or comment! I will do a separate review of the winner and post your responses! Just follow the link, no sign in required!

VOTE HERE: https://forms.office.com/r/jpWACrEyS7?origin=lprLink

Melodeath Juggernauts Hiraes Announce New Album

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HIRAES (feat. Former Members of Dawn of Disease & Critical Mess) Strike Back with Sophomore Melodic Death Metal Assault

New Album, Dormant, out January 26, 2024 via Napalm Records
Pre-Order HERE

Watch the Music Video for First Single, “Through The Storm”, HERE

photo by Lisa Ulferts
German-based melodic death metal formation HIRAES – featuring former members of Dawn of Disease and Critical Mess – will furiously kick off the new year with the release of their sophomore studio album, entitled Dormant, due out January 26, 2024 via Napalm Records!

Wasting no time, HIRAES have just unveiled the first single from Dormant – thunderous album opener “Through The Storm”. The track offers a glimpse into the variety of elements on the album, including powerful and varied drumming, poignant and melancholic melodies, infectious choruses, and breathtaking soundscapes – all complimented by Britta’s versatile vocals. 
 The band comments about the track and video:
“In a way, the video is a continuation of our first single, ‘Under Fire’, from the last album. It’s dedicated to a storm and its indomitable energy. Experience this debut single and join us as we navigate ‘Through The Storm’ together!“

The band adds: 
“We are far beyond proud to present our second album Dormant to you! The album will grab you with its intensity from the first second on and won’t let you go. We invested a lot of energy, dedication and passion to create this monumental and melancholic piece of melodic death metal. Having played countless shows over the last two years, Dormant captures the energy of HIRAES’ live performances and places the songs right between heart and gut. 

Once again, none other than the talented staff of Fascination Street Studios under the direction of Jens Bogren are responsible for the refinement of our sound. We are so much looking forward to unleashing Dormant upon all those metalheads out there!“
Watch the official video for “Through The Storm” HERE:

Compared to their lauded 2021 debut, Solitary, it’s immediately evident that HIRAES did not only grow within their sound due to countless live appearances, but have invested more time and energy into developing their sophisticated songwriting and production, leaning further into their own unique sound profile. Due to the use of varying keys and sonic elements, Dormant is undoubtedly fresh without sacrificing the nuances that caused their first album to connect so successfully with fans. With their very first offering, HIRAES already created an exciting new melodic death metal emergence, built upon a brutalized vocal attack, intense melodies and aggressive guitars. On Dormant, HIRAES  flexes their own trademarks in an intensified way, ranging from versatile drumming, catchy riffs and hymn-like melodies to enthralling soundscapes and the impressive vocal onslaught of singer Britta Görtz. Dormant is a stirring, intense and dynamic death metal affair that is both heavily brutal and dark, yet full of melodic melancholy. 

Pre-Order Dormant HERE!

Dormant track listing:
1. Through The Storm
2. We Owe No One
3. Undercurrent
4. Chance To Fail
5. About Lies
6. Come Alive
7. Ocean Child
8. Nightflight
9. Red Soil
10. Dormant

Set to be released on January 26, 2024,  Dormant will be available in the following formats:

– 1 CD Digisleeve (6page)
– 1 LP Gatefold solid royal blue
– Digital Album
HIRAES are:
Britta Görtz – vocals
Lukas Kerk – guitars
Oliver Kirchner – guitars
Christian Wösten – bass
Mathias Blässe – drums

HIRAES online:
Website
Facebook
TikTok
Instagram
Napalm Records

Canadian Melodic Metallers Lutharo Announce New Album and Release New Single

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LUTHARO Announces New Album Chasing Euphoria, Releases New Single
Watch “Time To Rise” HERE
Melodic metal outfit LUTHARO returns with a cacophony of all that is metal! The Canadian metallers bring forth their signature mixture of traditional heavy metal, melodic death metal, thrash metal and more on their latest effort, Chasing Euphoria, the follow-up to their critically lauded debut full-length Hiraeth. Due out March 15th 2024 via Atomic Fire Records, Chasing Euphoria is as destructive and violent as it is soaring and captivating. Pre-orders are available HERE. 

Today the band has also shared a new single and video for “Time To Rise.” The video is an intimate look inside behind the scenes at the band’s practice and rehearsal. 

The band elaborates on the album: “We are beyond excited to finally announce our second full length album “Chasing Euphoria” will be released on March 15th 2024! This album is very near and dear to our hearts as it has brought out the most emotion in us to date! We laughed, we cried and we put everything we have into this album. So when you listen to these songs, know you are taking a piece of us with you.”

And of the single, they share: “We are incredibly eager to finally introduce to the world our newest single “Time to Rise”. This one is a doozy. This song is not only one of the most emotional we’ve written but has pushed us FAR out of our comfort zone in so many ways. This song has endless layers to it but its most dominant subject matter is inner child trauma and how it affects us in adult life especially when it isn’t resolved or acknowledged. We hope that through this song our listeners can begin a learning journey just as we have through this writing process. To anybody reading this remember to give yourself some grace, you and the younger version of you deserve it.”

Chasing Euphoria features dynamic production from Lasse Lammert of LSD Studios (ALESTORM, GLORYHAMMER, WIND ROSE, SVARTSOT & more!) and striking cover art from Niklas Sundin (ARCH ENEMY, DARK TRANQUILLITY, DELAIN, & more!), with orchestral arrangements from Elliot Vernon (ALESTORM).

ABOUT LUTHARO: Formed in 2014, LUTHARO strive to sculpt an epic sound that sees aspects of power and death colliding, combining artfully crafted melodies, harmonies and precision with hard-hitting power and force. Members Krista Shipperbottom (vocals), Victor Bucur (guitar), John Raposo (guitar), Chris Pacey (Bass) and Cory Hofing (drums) may have found their groove on this new record, but don’t expect them to fall into a rut. LUTHARO opens the throttle all the way and barrels forward into new territories.
 
After releasing two EPs, LUTHARO pulled out all the stops on Hiraeth, the debut full-length album that was released on October 15th, 2021. Following their 2018 debut EP UNLEASH THE BEAST, and 2020 EP WINGS OF AGONY, Hiraeth saw the quintet push their compositional and performance skills further than ever before. What Hiraeth brought forth, Chasing Euphoria now amplifies. Expertly balancing hauntingly beautiful atmospheres with raw power and aggression. A fantastically epic journey that needs to be experienced to be believed.
 
Recorded by drummer Cory Hofing at Coho Studio, with additional recording by Thomas Ireland and mixing and mastering by Lasse Lammert of LSD Studio, Chasing Euphoria is out March 15th, 2024, via Atomic Fire Records. The band partnered with Niklas Sundin for the stunning artwork featured on the cover. 
 
Prepare your necks for a maelstrom of windmills as Chasing Euphoria is certain to provoke headbanging, boisterous pits and chanting singalongs. An aggressive touring schedule will give you plenty of opportunity to join them for an electrifying evening as the riffs and raucous beats pummel you. 
 
Shipperbottom’s earth-shaking vocal performance is impossible to ignore, from her thorny growls to soaring falsettos. – Metal Injection
 
…The Canadians’ self-released debut album is a primarily traditional metal record with bags of melody, shitloads of muscular power and large amounts of virtuoso musicianship….Bridging the gap between ancient and modern with admirable skill, LUTHARO have dropped one of this year’s most vital debuts. – Blabbermouth
 
Gatling gun riffage glues the listener to the wall, practically challenging you not to get out of your seat and bang that head, while huge melodies soar and dive in and out of that furious wall of noise. – Metal Observer

Chasing Euphoria Tracklist: 

  1. Gates of Enchantment    
  2. Reaper’s Call    
  3. Ruthless Bloodline    
  4. Time to Rise    
  5. Born to Ride    
  6. Bonded to the Blade    
  7. Chasing Euphoria    
  8. Creating a King    
  9. Strong Enough to Fall    
  10. Paradise or Parasite    
  11. Freedom of the Night
Lutharo Is:
Krista Shipperbottom – Vocals
Victor Bucur – Guitars, backing vocals
Chris Pacey – Bass
Cory Hofing – Drums
Jeff Wilson – Guitar (Live)

Connect with Lutharo HERE or at one of the links below:
Bandcamp: https://lutharoband.bandcamp.com/album/hiraeth
Website: https://www.lutharo.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LutharoOfficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lutharo_official/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lutharoband
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/38RQwSDbSq8ztizimX2vYp
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LutharoOfficial
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lutharo_official

Lord of The Lost Announces New Covers Album

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[Photo Credit: Jan Season]

The very first covers album by Germany’s #1 charting LORD OF THE LOST – honoring favorites by Michael Jackson, Judas Priest, Billy Idol & more!

Exactly one year after the release of their game changing #1 charting album, Blood & Glitter (Official German Album Charts), LORD OF THE LOST are coming back with their first ever covers album, Weapons Of Mass Seduction. The new album is a collection of songs that have inspired the band to bend genres. This double album wraps up the busiest and most successful year in the band’s history so far. In addition to storming the charts with their latest studio album, being invited by the legendary Iron Maiden as special guest on their European tour (again!), numerous sold-out headline shows, and opening gigs for Powerwolf and Amon Amarth, the band represented Germany at the Eurovision Song Contest Finals in Liverpool in May of this year. LORD OF THE LOST made it clear once again that they do not limit themselves when it comes to genre norms and influences. They’re wacky and weird and don’t follow any rules when it comes to music.

Today, the band unveils the opening track of their upcoming offering, an electrifying cover of Billy Idol’s “Shock To The System”! The song arrives with a perfectly fitting music video, underlining its attitude the best possible way. It’s a great cover and I was honestly impressed with the vocals as Billy Idol is an incredible singer. I didn’t expect to like it as I haven’t like their latest releases… but this cover is really well done. I wish the guitars were more pronounced and heavier, but it’s a polished 80’s sound that fits with the original.

Chris Harms on “Shock To The System”:             
“I remember exactly when I heard this song for the first time. I was 13 years old, it was summer and I was sitting in the back of the Opel Manta convertible in which I drove to the open-air pool with my older sister and her boyfriend. Rarely has the energy of a single song gripped me so much. We’d like to give a little bit of that energy back with our tribute to Billy Idol and this song through our cover and accompanying video.”

While the album is entirely covers, Weapons Of Mass Seduction confirms LORD OF THE LOST’s creative ability to make even unexpected songs their own, and further confirms their status. The covers album comes in various different formats – some of them containing a second CD with 11 covers that are already released or have been played live. The deluxe boxset includes a third CD with 10 acoustic tracks, exclusively available in this format.

Weapons Of Mass Seduction Tracklist:
CD 1

  1. Shock To The System (Billy Idol Cover)
  2. Unstoppable (Sia Cover)
  3. Smalltown Boy (Bronski Beat Cover)
  4. Turbo Lover (Judas Priest Cover)
  5. Hymn (Ultravox Cover)
  6. Give In To Me (Michael Jackson Cover)
  7. River (Bishop Briggs Cover)
  8. Somewhere Only We Know (Keane Cover)
  9. (I Just) Died In Your Arms (feat. Anica Russo) (Cutting Crew Cover)
  10. High (Zella Day Cover)
  11. House On A Hill (The Pretty Reckless Cover)

CD 2

  1. The Look (feat. Blümchen) (Roxette Cover)
  2. Ordinary Town (Celebrate The Nun Cover)
  3. Cha Cha Cha (Käärijä Cover)
  4. Judas (Lady Gaga Cover)
  5. Children Of The Damned (Iron Maiden Cover)
  6. Wig In A Box (Hedwig and the Angry Inch Cover)
  7. Bad Romance (Lady Gaga Cover)
  8. The Most Radical Thing To Do (The Ark Cover)
  9. This Is The Life (Amy MacDonald Cover)
  10. It’s A Sin (Pet Shop Boys Cover)
  11. Ordinary World (Duran Duran Cover)

CD 3 – Ltd Deluxe Edition only

  1. Starman (David Bowie Cover)
  2. Girl, You’ll Be A Woman Soon (Neil Diamond Cover)
  3. The Days Of Pearly Spencer (David McWilliams Cover)
  4. Hey You (Pink Floyd Cover)
  5. I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night (The Electric Prunes Cover)
  6. Where Do You Go To My Lovely (Peter Sarstedt Cover)
  7. Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season) (The Byrds Cover)
  8. In The Year 2525 (Exordium & Terminus) (Zager & Evans Cover)
  9. All I Have To Do Is Dream (The Everly Brothers Cover)
  10. Perfect Day (Lou Reed Cover)

Weapons Of Mass Seduction will be available in the following formats:             

  • 3 CD Boxset, incl 2 CD 6 pages Digisleeve (Ltd Deluxe Edition) and CD 3 incl 10 acoustic songs, exclusively available in the Deluxe Box + pink Sweatband with black logo, sharped patch and sticker – Napalm Records Mailorder and LORDSHOP exclusive – strictly limited to 1000 copies worldwide
  • 2 LP RECYCLED COLOR Vinyl – Die Hard Edition incl Slipmat, record butler and 12 inch booklet – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive – strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide
  • 2 LP RECYCLED COLOR Vinyl incl 12 inch booklet – LORDSHOP exclusive – strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide
  • 2LP Gatefold RECYCLED BLACK Vinyl
  • 2 CD 6 pages Digisleeve (Ltd Deluxe Edition), 12p booklet
  • 1 CD 6 pages Digisleeve, 12p booklet
  • Cassette (PINK w/ Black print) – Napalm Records Mailorder and LORDSHOP exclusive – strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide
  • Digital Album

Weapons Of Mass Seduction features a wide range of songs from different eras and genres performed in true LORD OF THE LOST style, all surprisingly fitting for the band and hence forming a cohesive collection of covers. Classic heavy metal track “Turbo Lover”, originally by Judas Priest, meets modern pop hits in songs such as Sia’s “Unstoppable”, Bishop Briggs’ “River” and Zella Day’s “High”. Ultravox’ “Hymn”, followed by Michael Jackson’s legendary “Give In To Me” and Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know”, expand the multifaceted selection even further. With added rougher elements such as heavier vocals, Bronski Beat’s captivating 80s electro pop hit “Smalltown Boy” gets a dark makeover in the hands of LORD OF THE LOST. The unit’s cover of another legendary 80s song, “(I Just) Died In Your Arms“, features a guest appearance from rising singer-songwriter Anica Russo, who also took part in Germany’s ESC 2023 preliminary round Unser Lied für Liverpool (EN: Our Song for Liverpool). An emotional version of The Pretty Reckless’ “House On A Hill” closes Weapons Of Mass Seduction impactful.

A special 2CD edition of the new covers album provides a cross-cut of covers previously released or already covered live over the course of LORD OF THE LOST’s career. Among them are the Roxette cover “The Look” feat. Blümchen – already known from Blood & Glitter – “Children Of The Damned”, a homage to Iron Maiden, with whom LORD OF THE LOST experienced intense times during the last two years, and the cover of the Finnish ESC song “Cha Cha Cha” by Käärijä – sung by Chris Harms completely in Finnish.
 

Get Your Copy of Weapons Of Mass Seduction NOW!

The Templars Are Back! Serenity Lives On

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Serenity Small group photo 2023

One of my all time favorite bands is coming back in 2023 with more historical excellence and a new writer/guitarist/vocalist to round out this Power Metal band. Serenity is lesser known than its brother band Warkings, but still as bombastic and catchy. The band began in 2004 with Georg Neuhauser leading the charge and honestly they’ve had a rocky road for nearly two decades. There’s something about this band’s melodies and unique storytelling that just engraves in your heart, and now more than even with this new lineup. The talent in this band exceeds its previous renditions and the songwriting is as haunting as ever. Everything Marco Pastorino touches turns into something profoundly greater than gold. Based on the singles, this album is a fresh start for the band and may ignite the forge fires once again. Review coming in November! What do you think of the new singles?

Temperance Hermitage: Daruma’s Eyes Hermitage Part 2 Review 2023

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Release date 10/20/2023

A band I have been listening to for a decade is back in 2023 with half a new lineup and new sound that has utterly stunned me. With the departure of two key components of the band in early 2023, I thought Temperance were doomed. This Italian Symphonic Power Metal outfit that has been a dark horse for too long has pulled through the trials and reinvented themselves with the most powerful lineup I’ve heard in a long time. I am a huge Power Metal fan, and no stranger to the majority of the new characters in the band, and I can say this record will bring them to the top of the game. Original founder and bassist Luca Negro has leveled up with clinical powerful drummer Marco Sacchetto and the smooth vocals of Michele Guaitoli since 2018 (Visions of Atlantis) and guitarist and epic vocalist Marco Pastorino (Serenity). Though, the newest member was a complete surprise to me. Kristin Starkey, an American Professional Opera and Metal dual vocalist has redefined the female vocal role of the band. Her vocals have brought a smokey darkness and smooth contralto vocals with staggering Power Metal screams. Based upon the singles, I knew this might be my album of the year. Temperance has delivered amazing music over the years, but Daruma’s Eyes PT 2 is just exalted beyond all expectations. I am a sucker for concept albums, and this storytelling delight delivers. It is also narrated and features chuggy punching rhythm guitars by the Dutch Wizard of Prog, Arjen Lucassen of Ayreon and Star One.

Daruma’s Eyes PT 2 is a massive wall of sound with melodies swirling through and emotively telling the story. I’m honestly in disbelief of how much they have tastefully crammed into one record. Each vocalist plays a different part, but comes together perfectly and expertly. Daruma opener is an assault of range and operatic vocals the band is known for delivering, but this is just explosive on a whole other level. On slow song, In “Search of Gold”, the range of these vocalists really shines and delivers emotionally profound music. “Welcome to Hermitage” contains many vocalists with Celtic and glaringly high vocalist Fabienne Erni (Eluveitie, Illumishade) and Laura Fella of Faun who brings elvish smooth vocals and a classic folk sound. Fabienne fits the explosive talent so well and brings another octave of vocals that balances everything out so well. The ladies of Switzerland also feature on Join Me, which is just a beautiful melodic track with heavy instrumentation. Epic track after track continues with No Return, Into the Void, and Darkness is Just a Drawing. No Return brings a sea-shanty sing along beat that is excellently catchy and just solid group vocals on the choruses. “Where We Belong” is a piano, vocal, string ballad that has a Meatloaf Rock Opera sound of tear-jerk nature, and it’s simply brilliant. The orchestration on this record is flawless, expertly highlighting each theme of every track and easy on the ears providing melody and a epic vibe throughout. The attention to detail on this record is virtuoso quality. I just can’t find anything wrong with it. I put Power Metal under high scrutiny, and Daruma PT 2 is at the highest level you can go in the genre.

Daruma PT 2 album is one of those Power Metal albums that make you want to get up off your ass and get you working out or just achieving your goals. Temperance have always been about empowerment and self fulfillment, but following Viktor’s journey is a whole other level of beauty and awestruck emotion. I don’t want to spoil too much about the story for those who ordered the book, but it’s incredibly well done. This record is absolutely clinical from start to finish. Each instrument reflects that Italian Classical refinement and the talent is truly unbelievable. I think their sound has bloomed overall into something huge and incomparably. I think the addition of Starkey is a huge attribute to what makes this record a new cornerstone in Power Metal. Her gorgeous tone, her perfect delivery, and style is so unique and stand out through the entire album. I’m hard pressed to find a vocalist at this level and caliber of raw talent. She has brought this band new life and profoundness that it has so long deserved. She works so well with Michel and Marco, every singer really compliments each other and there’s not a single gap or weakness. 2023 is not over, but this is a huge contender for album of the year for me. I seriously cannot wait to see this band continue with Kristin and Marco, because if they continue on like this, Temperance will no longer be a dark horse and become legendary to the likes of Unleash the Archers, Nightwish, and Helloween.

Rating 10/10

https://www.temperanceband.com/

https://temperanceofficial.bigcartel.com/

https://www.instagram.com/temperanceofficial

Crypta Shades of Sorrow 2023 Review

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Crypta Full Band 2023

Brazillian Death Metal band Crypta has been a hot topic of 2023 with their unbelievably good festival sets and playthroughs for the new album “Shades of Sorrow”. Crypta is a happy accident, formed by two ex members of famed Nervosa, Fernanda Lira (bass, vocals) and bombastic drummer Luana Dametto. The two parted from Nervosa due to creative differences, and I think it was ultimately for the best. Fernanda really deserved more creative license, and she has proved it in their new album tenfold. As you may know, I am not a Death Metal or Thrash Metal fan, so I normally steer clear of anything that combines the two. However, Crypta goes beyond the ideologies of elitism and have forged their own deeper, darker, more interesting sound that really converted me to be a fan. I am late to the party on reviewing it, because at first, I had no idea where to start. This is way out of my wheelhouse music-wise and I didn’t think there would be a point to me reviewing it, but the lack of coverage of this album has absolutely stunned me. I have not seen this album get half the recognition it deserves, Whether it is Elitism, Sexism, our just bad promotion, this album has fallen in the background in Metal press.

“Shades of Sorrow” is my pick for most surprising album of the year. This album is absolutely fantastic, maybe one of the greatest of the Death Thrash genre in years. Crypta have insane technicality and unique progression in their flavor of this genre. The depth of talent knows no bounds in each member, and they come together and blend different influences to create something truly like nothing else on the planet. The depth of their music and darkness throws me back to Death’s Chuck Shuldiner, which is one of the highest compliments you can receive in Death Metal. The sinking darkness, the despair, the overall ambience to this record just envelopes you entirely. When you listen to it, you can’t think about anything else, and that is a great thing. “Shades of Sorrow” is catharsis at the ultimate heaviest and aggressive level. It is laden with aggression and reflection, completely anger personified. This album will get you up and arm you with mauls of thorns. There’s nothing hooky, cheesy, or over produced about this album. It is a true Death Metal record with riffs and vocals that will sink into you for months. It is chest-pounding and addictive song after song.

“The Other Side of Anger” is just absolutely fantastic and searing. Luana is at the top of her game with blast beats, groove, and ride rhythms for days that highlight every single note on the guitar. Her aggression and rhythmic savvy remind me of a young Gene Hoglan. This is clinical Death Metal drumming with just the best snare sound on “Trial of Traitors”. Luana kills it on this album and might be my drummer of the year. Fernanda is a powerhouse of ranged growls and screams with diction and clarity. It’s somehow catchy, without too much repetitiveness. It’s Progressive, but Thrashy. It encompasses so many influences and new sounds I have never heard before, even almost a tribal rhythm on some tracks. It is truly hard to explain the depth of this record. But, to get a scope of it, the track “Stronghold” is sure to blow you away. This track is one of the best to come this year, in my opinion. It is just a bull through a crowd of people that pummels and wrecks everything in its wake. You have to listen to this song, even if this music isn’t your thing.

Another aspect of the album I massively appreciate is the guitar solos. For a while now, guitar solos are few and far between in Modern Metal, but good god these guitarists have brought solos back to Thrash. They are blistering tapping melodic solos that sound so sinister. The guitars capture the mood so well and blend with the vocals expertly. They’re clean but not processed. This is just raw blistering talent that I rarely ever hear in this genre. Taina and Jessica play so well off of each other, intertwining solos and melodic lines of dual guitars that hit you right in the gut. They play fast, but you can hear every single note in the chord. It’s as if everyone in the band has been playing together for twenty years. No amount of production can create that level of audible chemistry.

“Shades of Sorrow” is a 10/10 album for me, and I don’t typically love this kind of music, but I LOVE this record and everything about it. This band is immensely talented and you’re truly not going to believe how good they are live. This album deserves way more credit than it has received and I hope overtime people will find the brilliance of Crypta.

Shades of Sorrow by Crypta 2023

https://www.instagram.com/cryptadeath/

https://www.cryptaofficial.com/

SONATA ARCTICA ARE BACK! New Single “First In Line”

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Sonata Arctica 2023 group photo

It has been four years since Finnish Symphonic Power Metal band Sonata Arctica have graced our ears with Metal. They’d been on an acoustic tear for awhile, but are coming back with a “Power Metal laden album” in early 2024. I will have that review of the album ASAP, but for now here’s a promising new single to whet your appetite. Listen down below and let me know what you think in the comments!

Frontman Tony Kakko explains: “This is the first power metal song I wrote for the forthcoming album which is laden with them. Its demo title was ‘First In Line’ and I managed to stick with it. The song handles the worry about raising a new generation of people with or rather letting an electronic screen – namely tv, pad or some such – do a big part of raising this generation of human beings. We think that we buy ourselves time with these gadgets, but are these devices the right “nanny” for our kids or should we maybe slow down a bit, read books, teach that happiness can be and often is something we reach by stopping and letting go of constant stimulation of all our audiovisual senses? In ways, we are flying blindly with these things. Things are advancing too fast in many ways…”

I love this concept and totally reflect the sentiment of needing to slow down time in this modern world. I love this band and this song just cements everything I love about them.

Information provided by friends at https://bravewords.com/news/sonata-arctica-return-with-new-single-first-in-line-european-tour-kicks-off-this-week