God Dethroned/The Judas Paradox/Reigning Phoenix Music/2024 Full Length Review

 

   Netherlands's  God  Dethroned  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  very  melodic  form  of  blackened  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "The  Judas  Paradox"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  Reigning  Phoenix  Music.

  A  dark  yet  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  the  vocals  bring  in  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls.  Clear  singing  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  synths  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording.  Clean  playing  is  also  added  on  a  couple  of  tracks  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  On  this  recording  God  Dethroned  remain  true  to  the  blackened  and  melodic  style  of  death  metal  that  they  have  established  on  previous  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Mythology  from  around  the  world,  Christian  History,  Occultism,  Demonology  and  the  Symbolism  Behind  Tarot  Cards.  

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  God  Dethroned  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  band,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Judas  Paradox"  "Black  Heart"  "The  Eye  Of  Providence"  and "War  Machine".  8  out  of  10.

  https://music.apple.com/us/artist/god-dethroned/56823032

https://www.facebook.com/goddethronedofficial/

https://www.instagram.com/goddethroned_official/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6ZhMLSh6Zx7EzqOPJBvkbr?autoplay=true

  

Paradise In Flames/Blindness/Xaninho Discos/Demoncratic Records/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Paradise  in  Flames  are  a  band  from  Brazil  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  with  elements  of  Brazilian  folk  music  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "Blindness"  which  will b e  released  in  July  as  a  joint  effort  between  Xaninho  Discos  and  Demoncratic  Records.

  Symphonic  sounding  keyboards  and  orchestration  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  while  clear  female  operatic  singing  and  choirs  can  also  be  heard  at  times  and  blast  beats  are  also  added  into  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs.

  Spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  on  a  few  tracks  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts   

  Tremolo  picking  and  also  be  heard  in  a  lot  of  the  faster  riffing  along  with  some  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  touches  of  Brazilian  bossa  nova.  Clear  male  vocals  are  also  added  on  some  of  the  tracks  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them. The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  a  philosophical  work  that  describes  religions  as  a  psychological  illness.  

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Paradise  In  Flames  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  symphonic  black  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Black  Wings"  "The  Cure"  and  "Angels  And  Devils".  8  out  of  10.

  Online Store - https://paradiseinflames.loja2.com.br/​

Bandcamp - https://paradiseinflames.bandcamp.com/​

Spotify - https://sptfy.com/QZRx         

Synopsis Interview

 

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

1. Yes, of course. We are SynopsiS, a Ukrainian group from the city of Kherson. In fact, we are more of a studio project than a group, because in almost 15 years of existence, we had only 3 live performances. I can also note that we are the first band in history in our city and district to play Sympho Black Metal. Cat (Igor Salivanov) is a permanent leader, band creator, musician, singer, bass guitarist, author of lyrics and music. The project also includes guitarist Andri Tomilov (nickname Funeral) and keyboardist Alexandr Ivanov (Alex). 

2.In 2023 you had released a new album, musically how it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

2. First of all, our new album differs in the language of performance. The previous two SynopsiS albums were in Russian. Due to the fact that Russia invaded Ukraine and started the ongoing war, it was decided not to perform in Russian and therefore this album is already in Ukrainian which is now the national language of Ukraine. It can also be noted that in musical terms, our new third album is different in style. We started playing pure Sympho Black Metal again, like on the first album, but this time with Dark Metal elements. It contrasts with the second EP of the album, which was essentially performed in the Death Metal genre.

3.From 2013 to 2022 there as no music being released, can you tell us a little bit more about what was going on during that time frame?

3. Yes, we've had an unannounced rather long pause, or even a crisis. It's hard to say. I had written future material for SynopsiS and actively thought about recording but there were some circumstances that prevented me from starting a new album. There were extremes, either a busy job or a total lack of funding for the studio. I had two more projects at that time: there was a studio Thrash-Punk Metal project "Infantry of Saboteurs", which existed from 2013 to 2019 and has 4 albums. There is also a fully functioning Industrial Gothic Rock band "Metameria", which has existed since 2015 to this day, has two albums, and many concerts played around the country, but now, because of the war, it has also become more of a studio project. Well, I also had two children, which also significantly affected the speed of my creative activity.

4.Some of your lyrics cover Satanism and Esotericism themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in those topics?

4. Since 2011, I began to study conspiracy and related sciences, and I also began to read a lot of esoterics. In fact, to date I have read most of the classics of esoteric authors. Also, at one time I was interested in various religions and beliefs. Maybe I was looking for myself because I was young and naive. In the end, I came to Satanism, studied the Bible of Satan and many other authors promoting Satanic teachings. Satanism turned out to be the closest and most suitable to me, from the inner and personal point of view of perception of the world. My texts in SynopsiS, in fact, are representation of all my life experience and worldview.

5.What are some of the other lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored over the years with your music?

5. In addition to Satanism, esotericism and conspiracy, SynopsiS texts very often tell a lot about war, history, the Middle Ages, our days and the future, prophecies

6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Synopsis'?

6. In general, SynopsiS is the first history textbook in Kievan Rus. I couldn't help but catch on to it, because in our case, in our lyrics, as I said earlier, both the past and the future and the present are illuminated. I found some kind of conceptual connection in all of this. And so, SynopsiS just seemed to me a good and successful unique name from one word that sounds good and is easily remembered. For example, just like the legendary "Immortal". 

7.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?

7. The cover depicts some kind of surrealism in a rough psychedelic form. From the very bottom we can see the underground world that exists under our earthly disk. It depicts a bunch of devils and its own separate sun of the underworld. From above, the bulk of the cover is occupied by our world, which on the cover depicts a scorched post apocalyptic desert. Well, from above we see a round aircraft of another intelligent race of architects.

8.Has the band done any live shows or open to the idea?

8. During our 15 years of existence, we had only 3 live performances: one in 2012, the second and the third almost at the same time - in the winter of 2021. All the performances were under the drum machine.

In fact, I always wanted SynopsiS to be a live band, but with time I realised that this is not possible, because we lived in a provincial small town, where the black metal culture is not particularly developed and there are few musicians in general, especially in our style. Then I actually lost the desire to become a live group and there were no opportunities for this. Now, since there is war in the country, I live in another city. Guitarist Funeral and keyboardist Alex stayed in Kherson, besides, we have been having disagreements lately. Now, I have two children for a long time, not enough time and because of all this, I think that SynopsiS will remain a studio project. I don't think we'll ever become a live group unless we can leave Ukraine or the war finishes.

9.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?

9. Yes, I wouldn't mind finding a label to cooperate with. I'm interested in promoting SynopsiS. I hope we can do something together. 

10.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of symphonic black metal?

10. It's hard for me to judge because firstly I don't follow it too much and secondly we don't have too much popularity. But, based on what I saw, the comments on the Internet are mostly flattering, positive. Many found our music cool, dark and interesting. 

11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

11. SynopsiS will continue to make music in the Sympho Black Metal genre, at least because I still have music in this style for the future. Maybe we will become a little more progressive and add elements of the industrial, but the general idea was and will be - Sympho Black Metal 

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

12. Styles: Sympho Black Metal, Sympho Black/Death Metal, Dark Metal, Black Metal. Groups: Cradle Of Filth, Dimmu Borgir, Behemoth, Hypocrisy, Immortal, Riul Doamnei, Carach Angren.

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

13. We take the best from our ideas, we make dark, daring, fierce conceptual and prophetic music. We don't issue an album every year or two years. We release albums like Mayhem - rarely but at the end of the creation process you will get a real darkness, a real true Sympho Black. SynopsiS is not going to stop, we have never thought so. The next few years we will bring surprises with our cool releases.

VKontakte | Bandcamp

Mourning Veil/Heresy Code/2024 Full Length Review

 

     Mourning  Veil  are  a  band  with  members  from  Iowa  and  Nebraska  that  plays  a  very  melodic  and  blackened  form  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2024  album  "Heresy  Code".

  The  sounds  of  fire  burning  and  classical  guitars  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  very  fast  and  brutal  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Black  metal  screams  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  recording  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  melody.

  Death  metal  growls  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  album  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  and  technical  style  along  with  the  tracks  also  mixing  in  a  good  amount  of  thrash  metal  elements,.

 All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  one  track  also  adding  slam  style  breakdowns  in  the  mid  tempo  sections  of  the  track  and  as  the  album  progresses  classical  guitars  also  make  a  return.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness,  death,  heresy  and  esoteric  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Mourning  Veil  are  a  very  great  sounding  brutal,  melodic  and  technical  blackened  death  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Gnostic  Deceiver"  "Closing  In"  Before  The  Clutches"  and  "Conspirators  Of  Atrocity  III:  Shameless".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.instagram.com/mourningveilband/

  

Living Inferno/Triumvirate/2024 Full Length Review

 

   Living  Inferno  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  plays  a  very  brutal,  melodic  and   blackened  form  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2024  album  "Triumvirate".

  Stringed  instruments  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  very  fast  and  brutal  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats.  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams  while  tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  faster  riffing  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Synths  can  also  be  heard  briefly  while  some  songs  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  back  up  shouts. When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style  along  with  the  tracks  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  melody.

  A  couple  of  song  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  clear  vocals  along  with  some  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing.  A  lot  of  the  music  also  takes  the  melody  of  the   90's   Swedish  bands  and  mixes  it  in  with  the  brutality  of  the  old  school  American  bands  as  well  as  remaining  very  modern  at  the  same  time.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness,  death,  horror  and  murder  themes  and  a  couple  of  songs  are  also  written  in  Finnish.

  In  my  opinion  Living  Inferno  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  and  brutal  blackened  death  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Carrion  Swarm"  "Into  The  Endless  Night"  and  "Written  in  Blood".  8  out  of  10.

  https://linktr.ee/livinginfernoofficial

Demande à la Poussière Interview

 

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?

Vince : Well, we’ve been on tour over a week in France just after the release of the album. It was great to meet the public and play new songs from Kintsugi. After a year of work on the recording without gigs we were really looking forward to playing live again. 

2.Recently you have released a new album, musically, how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

Vince : In my opinion, Kintsugi is less dark compared to the previous album. Maybe more doomy and sludgy I would say, that reminds me a bit of the first Demande A La Poussière, but we are still in the crossroads of different music genres. The main difference is the vocals done by Simon, our new singer, who brings something new for Demande A La Poussière. 

3.Can you tell us a little bit more about the lyrics that are present on the new album and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?

Simon: the lyrics are mainly about negative feelings from start to finish. The overall theme is about rebuilding yourself after having been destroyed by life itself, which can be viewed as optimistic, but every song is about all the excruciating mental pain you have to go through. Pain of loss, frustration, despair, … Neil wrote half of the songs, and I wrote the other half. My writing is more like, angry, coarse, straightforward. His style is more into metaphors, contemplation. There’s a duality, where one side tends to have some hope, and the other side denies every form of hope.

Over the years, my songwriting has improved quite a bit. Since I’m part of multiple bands, this is hard work all the way, but I’m having so much fun I often have trouble considering this as “work”.

4.I know the band's name means 'Ask (to) The Dust', in French, how does this name fit in with the musical style that you play?

Vince : This name was a kind of inspiration for the recording of the first album “Demande A La Poussière”, some lyrics directly come from the book of John Fante. It made sense back in the time to relate to this book. For the next ones the lyrics has been written by ourselves, talking about life and human sorrows. 

5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?

Vince : The artwork of Kintsugi is done by Vade Retro, two french, very talented guys. We really like their work for bands but also different festivals. They agreed to work with us for this new record and we are truly grateful. 

6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

Vince : We played a couple years ago with two great french bands, Svart Crown that sadly doesn’t exist anymore and Regarde les Hommes Tomber who recently opened for Behemoth. It was such a great moment for us. Our first gig was also with Decline Of The I, this one is a very special one too. 

We try to give the best experience for the public in our live shows, even in small venues, in terms of sound but also with a special light synchronized show and background video. I am personally a big fan of live music, especially in metal, we all  come to the show to see a special moment. That’s what we try to do each time. 

7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album/

Vince : Yes we are currently working on it. It’s not finalized yet, but we want to promote this album as much as possible. We are proud of what we achieved with the work we did on the show, so let’s hope we will manage to be booked in France and elsewhere.

8.The last 2 albums where released on 'My Kingdom Music', how would you compare working with this label 'Argonauta Records'?

Vince : The work of My Kingdom Music is beyond our expectation, we are truly grateful to be supported by Francesco. Without him, it would not be the same. We have a great confidence on his judgment.  And he does a huge work on the promotion coupled with the work of Agence Singularité our press agency. 

9.On  a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black, sludge, doom and post metal?

Simon: lots of people loved it. We had loads of positive feedback during our promotional tour.

On a worldwide view, I bet we fell in quite a number of foreign ears!

10.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?

Simon: My black metal project, Anthropovore, released two albums in February, and my other black metal band, Supplices, will release its second album this year. My thrash/death metal band, Muertissima, is currently working on its second album after a line-up change. My post-stoner band, Smoke, is working on its second album. My rock band, Circle of trust, is looking forward to record its first album. My punk/rock band, Dready, is aiming to do their first gigs very soon. I am also part of a deathcore project with a friend of mine, called CHAGS. I also have a solo post-black metal project called Arachnotrone, the first EP will be released this spring.

11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

Simon: more doom, more despair, more violence, more sludge, more grunge, and above all… More nasty riffs!

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles the band members are currently listening to nowadays?

Simon: I’ve always been a huge fan of bands like Midnight Oil, and I still listen to them from time to time. I also listen to a lot of hardtek, rap, stuff like that. In terms of metal, I’m more of an early 2000’s guy. But I always enjoy listening to something new!

Vince :  I listen to a lot of different music styles myself. I go from metal to jazz, I won’t list all the bands but it could be famous bands or upcoming ones. 

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Vince :  We would like to thank all the people following us on shows, the people we buy our record, all of this wouldn’t be possible without their support.

Simon: always remember, in dire times, there is always a light, whatever you name it.

https://www.facebook.com/DALPdoom

Synopsis/Pontifex Maximus/2023 Full Length Review

 

  Synopsis  are  a  band  from  Ukraine  that  plays  a  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2023  album  "Pontifex  Maximus".

  Symphonic  sounding  keyboards  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent amount  of  melody  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.

  Death  metal  growls  can  also  be  heard  at  times  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  amount  of  90's  influences  as  well  as  remaining  modern  at  the  same  time.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  one  song  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  clear  vocals  and  when t he  music  finally  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard.

  Synopsis  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  symphonic  and  mid  tempo  sounding.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Ukrainian  and  cover  History,  War,  Esotericism  and  Satanism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Synopsis  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Діти  Із  Бруду"  "Земля  Скляних  Веж"  and  "Рефлексія".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOyX_o9-pKI

VKontakte | Bandcamp

Bloodcross Interview

 

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

Bloodcross is a metal band that was started a few years ago. We incorporate a lot of different musical elements from black metal, neoclassical metal and traditional heavy metal. While not exactly a new or unique mix of elements, I think our sound is not one you'll hear from every other band.

2.You have your first full length coming out in July, musically how does it differ from your previous demo?

The album, Gravebound, is more melodic, varied and technical than the demo and quite a leap forward in my own view. While "more technical and more melodic" doesn't automatically mean that the music is better, of course, I believe that for us it represents refinement and evolution of the same elements that were already on the demo.

3.The band formed out of the ashes of 'Angelscourge', what was the decision behind splitting that band up and forming a new one?

Bloodcross forming out of the ashes of Angelscourge is correct in some ways but needs a bit of clarification. Angelscourge never quit per se, but has been on hold for a few years due to some of the members having other things to do.  Both bands share some members but not all.

Bloodcross is a different band that is less black metal and more of a hybrid as far as influences go.

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?

Most of the songs on the album have different themes and are about various specific topics. The themes of death, afterlife and underworlds of different mythologies are the most common themes but there are also tracks that are about something completely different. 

For example, one song on the album is based on certain Western films and a particular Yngwie Malmsteen inspired song is about various people in history who have been accused of making a deal with the devil for their musical talent.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Bloodcross'?

There isn't any truly deep meaning behind the name. Personally, I'm fascinated by blood in an aesthetic and thematic sense and it's also kind of a reference to an Angelscourge song.

6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?

It's designed by a great Mexican artist by the name of Nestor Avalos. I discovered them when I was browsing through album artwork from other bands, looking for a suitable artist for our album. 

The artwork itself relates to the title track of the album, Gravebound, and its lyrics. He created the artwork based on the lyrics and various other art references I sent to him.

7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?

We've only played a few shows thus far but I'd say they have all been good. If I had to pick the best one, it would probably be our latest since we played with awesome bands like Jävelin and Beatrix.

We try to be energetic and also play well since our music has some technical elements that don't sound very good if played poorly.

8.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?

Not right now but I'm sure some will come up.

9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of melodic black metal?

The album isn't out yet so we haven't had that much feedback but everything I've heard so far has been positive. That usually tends to be the case with smaller bands, of course. You usually start to see more negative feedback when a band gets popular.

10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

I've written some new material after the album was recorded (which was a year ago, in fact) and I'd say it's in the same style as Gravebound. What it's going to be like in a few years, I cannot say. Maybe even more traditional heavy metal influences? 

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

From my own perspective as the songwriter, the most important and obvious influences would be Dissection, Necrophobic, Dark Funeral, Children of Bodom, Yngwie Malmsteen and Iron Maiden. 

As for what I'm currently listening to, it's mostly power metal, traditional heavy metal, guitar virtuoso music and popular music from the 80s. Extreme metal I listen to less than I used to.

12.Does Occultism play any role in your music ?

Yes and no. I'm not an occultist but I'm very interested in occult and esoteric topics in a scholarly sense. That does find its way to the music and lyrics sometimes.

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts? 

Stay tuned for our album Gravebound and I hope you like it as much as we do. I am personally very pleased with the result and I'm excited that the album is finally getting released.

Regards,

Aleksi/Bloodcross

www.facebook.com/bloodcrossmetal 

Gorgonchrist/And Justice For Balls/Road To Masochist/2024 Full Length Review

 

  United  Kingdom's  Gorgonchrist  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  mixture  of  black,  sludge  metal  and  crust  punk  and  this  is  a  review  of   their  2024  album  "And  Justice  For  Balls"  which  will b e  released  in  July  by  Road  To  Masochist.

  A  very  heavy  crust  punk  and  d  beat  orientated  style  starts  off  the  album  while  the  vocals  are mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  mixed  in with  some  shouts.  Tremolo  picking  can  also be  heard  in  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Elements  of  sludge  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  album  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style  along  with  the  tracks  also  adding  in a   good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  the  album  progresses  a  lot  of  the  vocals  also  go  into  more  of  a  growling  direction,  clear  singing  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  all  of  the  music  sticks  to  a  heavier  direction.

  On  this  recording  Gorgonchrist  takes  black,  sludge  metal  and  crust  punk  and  mixes  them together  to  create  a  very  diverse  yet  heavy  release.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Darkness  and  Humor  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Gorgonchrist  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  sludge  metal  and  crust  punk,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Toaster  Inferno"  "Legs  of  A  Penguin"  "Satanic  Cunt  Slicer"  and  "Dr-Lovefire".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/gorgonchrist

https://gorgonchrist.bandcamp.com/

https://youtu.be/IN_DQuTKdms   

Drunkelweizen Interview

 

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

Being our debut album, I would assume we fall into the "never heard of before" category for most! Haha. Drunkelweizen is what we are proud to call "Drunken Folk Metal" and is a blend of metal styles along with classical and folk influences. The name itself was brewed from an inside joke between  founding members/life long friends, and our love of beer.

2.You have an album coming out in September, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

We were really inspired by some of the pioneers of folk metal such as Korpiklaani, Trollfest, and Ensiferum, to name only a few, that made us want to play a similar style of music. However, we also wanted to incorporate our backgrounds being classically trained to our black/death metal roots. We really wanted to blend havey metal with big orchestral arrangements, and varying vocal styles to ensure each track stands apart while being cohesive as an album.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?

Our debut album is an ode to those in history whose life was ever entwined with the godly nectar, alcohol. From legendary poet to notorious outlaw turned folk hero, spectacular miracles or a death that coined an unfortunate phrase, these songs are an homage to the legacy they brewed. Our opening songs tell the tale of such individuals throughout history, whereas the final songs are offered in tribute to those we did not recount, and fueled by their memory and more than a few drinks of our own.

4.I know that the bands name is related to alcohol, can you tell us a little bit more about the types of alcohol the band members consume?

We are primarily beer connoisseurs, however we appreciate most forms of alcohol. Except for gin. Never gin. Here in Portland Oregon we have quite a few craft breweries offering up a wide selection from hefeweizens (though we are partial for the true German imports), IPAs, or barrel aged stouts.  Honorable mention goes out to mead and bourbon!

5.Can you tell us a little bit about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?

Similar to our music, the artwork is a bit out of the norm for your standard metal album. It depicts our Beer Guarding Gnome - who as you would guess, guards our beer - on his own voyage through the ages as a Pioneer of Alcohol.

6.Has the band done any live shows or open to the idea?

Drunkelweizen has yet to hit the stage but are open to the possibilities. Currently, we would love to find potential members for live violin, brass, woodwinds, or other unique/interesting instruments we could incorporate with our music both live and on future releases.

7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?

Thus far we are enjoying drinking some beers and making whatever we feel like musically. If an opportunity came around, we would certainly be interested in the possibilities.

8.On  a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of folk metal?

Folk metal is interesting here in the states, as it isn't quite as common for the general metal population. For an older folk metal project of ours, it wasn't uncommon for new fans to think we were from some far distant land. As for Drunkelweizen and on a worldwide level, we are still waiting to see how exactly it is received. Here's to hoping listeners will lift up a glass for a toast with us!

9.Do any of the band members have experience playing in other bands or groups?

All the current members have played both together and with other projects in the past. I would say the more interesting tale would be for our upright bassist who is also part of a bagpipe ensemble. I hope to never be in the room while they are performing, but kudos to them and any that endure it.

10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

We are already digging into our sophomore album and want to continue to feature a variety of various metal styles. Some tracks will be the heaviest to date, while others will have even more melodic and orchestral elements. Lyrically we will be venturing into a wide variety of topics where nothing is off limits.

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

All forms of metal from black, death, folk, power, and every conceivable sub-genre that exists these days. Between members, there likely isn't a style of music (non-metal) that at least one of us listens to, and we hope to find ways to tie it to our music in future releases.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

We have an initial teaser track (Pioneers of Alcohol Medley) live now on most streaming platforms and will be releasing photos, lyrics, songs, and more info as we near the debut album release. We would like to lift our steins to you and your readers for the time and hope everyone enjoys the music! Cheers!

Cheers!

Chris (Lead vocals/guitar for Drunkelweizen)

facebook.com/drunkelweizen

https://twitter.com/drunkelweizen

https://www.instagram.com/drunkelweizen/

www.youtube.com/@Drunkelweizen

https://drunkelweizen.bandcamp.com/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/62dZbLDdYy8BYzktXD27E1

https://soundcloud.com/drunkelweizen

Mycena Interview

 

1. Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?

Currently, we are still promoting our latest album "Serendisarray" and brainstorming concepts for our next album. I've also switched focus to my other musical projects (Vrhovec, Grinded Grin, Acid Hags). We've started collecting ideas, riffs, and themes for the new album. Once we gather a good number, we'll begin compiling and arranging them into a concept that best suits the new album. We plan to start working on the album this fall, and the writing and recording process is expected to take about six months.

2. In April you had released a new album, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

On our previous albums, we relied heavily on improvisation. We didn't have finished themes, and they were recorded spontaneously when we all got together without prior arrangements or rehearsals. It was classic jamming. Our new album "Serendisarray" took about a year to record, spread across 10 sessions, with constant work on the concept. Every riff was tested and refined to fit the concept. Some songs started with a guitar riff, while others began with a drum pattern.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?

Some of the lyrical themes include Nostradamus' predictions, Pythagoras and Pythagorean teachings, cosmic chaos and serenity, and emotional disturbances and passions. Progress as a songwriter is very evident in Mycena. However, since Mycena isn't the only band I'm in, the writing styles intertwine and improve through my other projects, making everything look different when I return to Mycena. With each album, the writing style evolves, and the art of songwriting is honed into the unique expression that each of us possesses.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Mycena'?

The name Mycena was taken from a hallucinogenic mushroom, which perfectly fit the initial concept of a psychedelic band. An added bonus is that no one had used this name for a band before. Nowadays, it's challenging to find a super cool band name that hasn't already been taken.

5. Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?

The artwork for the album was created by the phenomenal artist Vhan. It perfectly represents the album, which has chaos as its main theme, with a psychedelic touch, space, mantra, the human in the center, and the third eye—everything you can hear and feel on the album.

6. Currently there are onyl 2 members in the band. are you open to expanding the line up or do you prefer to remain a duo?

Currently, we are a duo when creating the album, but for concerts and recording, we have several musicians who join us depending on the concept of the concert or album. Moving forward, we will continue writing and recording as a duo, serving as the core idea center, and then we will use session musicians to enrich the album's sound.

7. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?

The best concert, in my opinion, was in Koprivnica at FUNK Day when the festival was held outdoors. There were six of us on stage, and we created quite a scene with tons of smoke. I wore a white rabbit mask while playing the synth.

8. Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?

No, we don't tour; we only play occasional concerts at local festivals. We don't have that obligation or need because we are on our own label, and we don't make a living from music. But we live for music.

9. Currently the band is singed to 'Olde Scratch Records', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

Olde Scratch is my label, covering all my bands and allowing me to keep everything under one umbrella. It's easier to reach journalists and promote our music, and the audience knows what to expect when they see an Olde Scratch release.

10. On  a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your albums by fans of underground music?

With the exception of one of my black metal project, Mycena has reached the furthest of all my endeavors. The response has been phenomenal and very surprising. Both journalists and the audience have reacted excellently. It's a great motivation for us to continue our work.

11. Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

I think we'll be moving towards less improvisation in the future and aim to work more on concept and arrangement. Our goal is also to ensure each song has vocals and melody, while still embracing tension through dissonance. That's our current plan, and we'll see in a few months how much of it we can achieve and how well our current ideas will come to life.

12. What are some of the bands or musical styles that you are currently listening to nowadays?

My all-time favorites are Croatian Seven That Spells, Oranssi Pazuzu, Deathspell Omega, King Crimson, and Master Musicians of Bukkake. They embody that psychedelic dissonance with a unique atmosphere that I crave when listening to and creating music.

13. Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Nothing more, thank you very much for the interview, and thanks to everyone for listening to the "Serendisarray" album :)

(Aleksandar Vrhovec, Mycena)

https://mycena.bandcamp.com/album/serendisarray
https://youtu.be/STyy8PQ-fvc?si=eZm794NnY5bnSmK1

Locusts And Honey Interview

 

For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

Stephen: We are a doom band from the UK.

Tomás: I’ll go along with that! With some black metal and dark ambient flourishes. 

So far you have released one album, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

Stephen: It's a sort of blackened funeral doom with a cinematic bent. There's more of a mix of influences and styles in there than that, but essentially we wanted to write and play slow, heavy, bleak and sorrowful metal.

Tomás: I went for a dense, suffocating, wall of sound production style… not sure I achieved this but it was certainly my intention.

Both of the band members are also involved with other bands and projects, what is it that you bring into the music of 'Locusts And Honey' that you have not been able to do with your other groups?

Stephen: Slow, heavy music has been a go-to for me since I was a kid. My previous bands have been on the sludge side, so it's been great to shift over to doom. It's a different palette to work from and can be very emotionally charged. In the last few years I've had to come to grips with some mental health stuff, so it's a great release for me.

Tomás: I too have been playing loud music since I was young, black metal in particular. I currently have two other working projects, Gergesenes and Penitent Whisper. They are black metal and dark ambient respectively. I wanted to be freer of some of the constraints self imposed within those genres when starting Locusts and Honey I guess. 

Your lyrics are inspired by the bog bodies that were found in Denmark and Ireland, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?

Stephen: Tom messaged me and said he was getting inspired by the bog bodies and asked if I wanted to be involved in what he was writing. So I started reading up on the phenomenon a bit. There's still a lot of mystery around the sacrificial practice, but also a lot we can deduce. However, when I heard the music Tom had written, what I heard was dark but very human and relatable, and immediately it made me think of how death sharpens our appetite for living, especially living well.

Tomás: The inspiration came from a reading of Glob’s seminal The Bog People: Iron-Age Man Preserved. If I’m honest it was the grainy photos therein that really affected me. Some rereading of Seamus Heaney’s bog poems, The Grauballe Man was perhaps the starting point. I visited the National Archaeology Museum in Dublin a few years back - viewing the remnants of those bodies on display there whilst suffering from a corruscating hangover left me wanting to create something for some reason! 

What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Locusts And Honey'?

Stephen: It's a Biblical reference that Tom used for a previous project of his, and we both still quite liked how it sounded.

Tomás: Yes, the name was used almost twenty years ago for a rather maudlin slowcore project I had at the time. I mainly resurrected it to avoid the rigamarole of settling on a new name. Somewhat strangely, the two friends I was working with back then are now in this current version of the band. 

Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?

Tomás: The artwork was created for us by Samuel Guillet or Sam Rictus (https://www.instagram.com/samrictus). Sam was given a fairly loose brief to be honest - I’m very happy with how it turned out and strongly recommend others to check out his work. 

Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you open to expanding the line up or do you prefer to remain a duo?

Stephen: We’ve recently been recruiting for a full line-up, which is great. When you get the right people it's a real pleasure to come together to create music, and I'm pretty excited to see the impact it will have for us in the near future.

Tomás: Yes, we have nearly solidified a full conventional band lineup. 

The album was released on 'Hypaethral Records', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

Tomás: I sent the recording to various labels who I felt may be interested in working with us. I had heard some of the bands on Hypaethral before, like QAALM. so I was happy when Chris from Hypaethral said he was interested and it has been a pleasure to collaborate with him ever since! I’ll actually let Chris chime in himself here and let him give you some further information…

Chris: We started up Hypaethral Records back in 2012, with the goal of helping underground bands get their music out in physical and digital formats. We mostly work with doom and blackened metal. Locusts and Honey have been the first international band that we’ve worked with (outside of North America), which was an exciting new step for the label. 

Tomás sent me a cold email with a stream for the full EP and I knew immediately that it was something that we wanted to release. It absolutely blew me away on the first listen!

On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of underground metal?

Stephen: The feedback I've got so far has been pretty positive. I think a lot of people understood what we were going for with the record and the band in general, and that is incredibly gratifying. We’re extremely grateful for all the support and love we’ve received so far.

Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

Stephen: I see us just slowly evolving. We have a strong idea of the themes and feelings we want to evoke with our music, so however we progress it will be with these in mind.

Tomás: We have been writing new material with our new members. A totally new approach and one I am personally enjoying very much. I hope the future involves new music and touring too. 

What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Stephen: Our influences are pretty varied, but I suppose the most apparent influences would be the likes of Bell Witch, Cough, Corrupted, The Body, Asunder… I don't ever have a band or record in mind when I'm writing, I just trust the influence of the music I love will come through naturally, filtered by my own thinking and emotions.

As to what I'm currently listening to, I quite often go back and listen to old favourites. At the time of writing this, I’ve just revisited the small but cracking discography of Carol Ann. Of new releases on the heavier side of things that I've been enjoying, there's Thou’s Umbilical, Cowardice’s Atavist, Simian Steel’s Missing Fucking Link… But it's always down to where my mood takes me.

Tomás: I feel I have less of the conventional ‘doom’ influences than perhaps Stephen does. I guess I draw most of my influences from the black metal spectrum… I have been close to the genre since I was a teenager in the mid nineties. Much as I have tried with lots of recent raw black metal it does still feel like my primary influences are those names from the Norway we all know so well. Also, I guess The Caretaker, William Basinski, Deathprod have influenced our more ambient moments.

I don’t listen to huge amounts of new heavy music I must say. That said, I enjoyed watching Sanguine Relic and Black Cilice play in London the other evening… Some other stuff I’ve recently enjoyed listening to of late have been Myriam Gendron, Warren Zevon, Jackie Edwards, Joanna Sternberg, Carme Lopez, Spirogyra, Washington Phillips, Tucker Zimmerman, Peter Bellamy… always a lot of Dylan too & lots of classical music - I’m getting on in years. 

Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts? 

Tomás: Many thanks for the interview and interest. 

https://instagram.com/_locustsandhoney_

Drunkelweizen/Pioneers Of Alcohol/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Drunkelweizen  are  a  band  from  Portland,  Oregon  that  plays  a  drunken  form  of  folk  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2024  album  "Pioneers  of  Alcohol"  which  will  be  released  in  September.

  Ocean  and  thunder  sounds  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  folk  instruments  a  few  seconds  later  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  Acoustic  guitars  are  also  added  on  some  of  the  tracks  while  the  harsh  vocals  also  bring  in  more  of  a  grim  black  metal  style.

  Clear  pagan  metal  style  vocals  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  death  metal  growls  can  also  be  heard  at  times.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  album  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats,  some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  

  Drunkelweizen  plays  a  style  of  folk  metal  that  also  mixes  in  elements  of  black  and  death  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  alcohol  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Drunkenlweizen  are  a  very  great  sounding  folk  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Robinhood  Of  Moonshine"  "Pioneers  Of  Alcohol"  and  "Ein  Frosch".  8  out  of  10.

  facebook.com/drunkelweizen

https://twitter.com/drunkelweizen

https://www.instagram.com/drunkelweizen/

www.youtube.com/@Drunkelweizen

https://drunkelweizen.bandcamp.com/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/62dZbLDdYy8BYzktXD27E1

https://soundcloud.com/drunkelweizen    

Mycenia/Serendisarray/Olde Scratch Records/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Mycena  are  a  duo  from  Croatia  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black  metal,  stoner  rock,  jazz,  avant  garde,  experimental,  psychedelic  and  prog  rock  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "Serendisarray"  which  was  released  by  Olde  Scratch  Records.

  Psychedelic  sounding  synths  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  clean  sections  also  take  the  music  into  more  of  a  progressive  direction  when  they  are  added  in  the  music.

  High  pitched  black  metal  screams  can  be  heard  briefly  while  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  elements  of  stoner  metal.  at  times  the  music  also  gets  very  experimental  and  avant  garde  sounding  along  with  a  lot  of  the  vocals  adding  in  more  of  a  spoken  demonic  style,  saxophones  and  clarinets  are  also  added  on  some  of  the  tracks.

  The  album  also  adds  in  a  few  instrumentals  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  when  they  are  introduced  into  the  music,  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  and  most  of  the  songs  stick  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction.   The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  esoteric  themes.

  In  mu  opinion  Mycena  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black,  stoner  metal,  jazz,  avant  garde,  experimental,  psychedelic  and  prog  rock  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Lacrima  Futurum"  "Erato"  and  "Apatheia".  8  out  of  10.

  https://mycena.bandcamp.com/album/serendisarray

https://youtu.be/STyy8PQ-fvc?si=eZm794NnY5bnSmK1 

Octoploid/Beyond The Aeons/Reigning Phoenix Music/2024 Full length Review

 

  Octoploid  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  plays  a  very  melodic  and  progressive  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  with  elements  of  psychedelic  rock  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "Beyond  The  Aeons"  which  will  be  released  in  July  by  Reigning  Phoenix  Music.

  Nature  sounds ,  keyboards  and  folk  instruments  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a very  melodic  style  while  the  vocals  are  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams  and  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  psychedelic  and  70's  progressive  rock  are  also  mixed  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  Clear  vocals  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  album  along  with  some  tracks  also  adding  in    small  amount  of  clean  playing.

    When  the  music  finally  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  along  with  one  song  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  and  most  of  the  album  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  humanity  and  mythology  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Octoploid  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  and  progressive  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  with  elements  of  progressive  rock  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Dawns  In  Nothingness"  "Shattered  Wings"  and  "A  Dusk  Of  Vex".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/octoploidmusic

https://www.instagram.com/octoploidmusic
https://twitter.com/octoploidmusic
https://www.tiktok.com/@octoploidmusic

https://www.reigningphoenixmusic.com/artists/octoploid        

Breaths/Self Titled/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Richmond,  Virginia's  solo  project  Breaths  has  returned  with  a  new  album  which  shows  him  moving  away  from  the  post  black  and  doom  metal  elements  of  earlier  releases  and  focusing  on  a  heavier  shoegaze  style  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  and  self  titled  2024  album  which  will  be  released  in  July.

  Atmospheric  sounding  synths  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  a  shoegaze  direction  while  all  of  the  drum  beats  are  programmed.  Vocals are  done  in  more  of  a  clear  style  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  heavier  riffing  also  shows  an  influence  of  doom  metal.

  Elements  of  post  and  alternative  rock  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  clean  playing  is  also  a  very  huge  part  of  th4e  album.  The  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  along  with  the  guitar  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  when  they  are  introduced  into  the  music  and  the  whole  album  also  sticks  to  a  slower  direction.

  On  this  recording  Brteaths  focuses  more  on  a  heavy  shoegaze  style  as  well  as  adding  in  the  heaviness  of  shoegaze  at  times.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  cover  personal  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Breaths  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  shoegaze,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Fade  Apart"  "Dream  Walking"  "Hide  In  Starlight"  and "Embody".  8  out  of  10.

  https://breaths.bandcamp.com/album/breaths