Bloody Falls/Amartia/Art Gates Records/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Finland's  Bloody  Falls  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  melodic  mixture  of  black,  death,  thrash  and  groove  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "Amartia"  which  was  released  by  Art  Gates  Records.

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  groove  metal  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to t hem.  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  and  when t he  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast b eats  can  also b e  heard.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  some  synths,  spoken  word  parts  and  back  up  shouts  also  being  utilized  on  a  couple  of  tracks.

   Clear  singing  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  as  well  as  another  song  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  and  a  couple  of  the  songs  are  also  long  and  epic  in  length,  elements  of  thrash  metal  can  also  be  heard  at  times.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Darkness,  Evil,  Violence  and  Death  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Bloody  Falls  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  black,  death  and  groove  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Sorrow  Is  My  Name"  "Mand  Undying"  and  "I  Met  My  Death".  8  out  of  10.

  https://artgatesrecords.com/artists/bloody-falls

https://youtu.be/LbsW2fdOYso     

Wandering Oak/Resilience/Fiadh Productions/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Wandering Oak  are  a  band  from  New  York  that  plays  an  epic  and  progressive  mixture  of  folk,  black,  thrash  and  heavy  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "Resilience"  which  was  released  by  Fiadh  Productions.

  Nature  sounds  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  Vocals  are  mostly  black  metal  screams  along  with  some  clean  singing  and  death  metal  growls  while  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats  can  also b e  heard  in  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  traditional  metal  style  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  melody.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  acoustic  guitars  also  bringing  in  elements  of  folk  music  when  they  are  utilized.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  progressive  sounding  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Folk  instruments  can  also  be  heard  briefly  as  well  as  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  also  showing  an  influence  of  thrash  metal,  spoken  word  parts  and  whispers  are  also  utilized  on  a  couple  of  tracks.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  nature  and  folklore  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Wandering  Oak  are  a  very  great  sounding  epic  and  progressive  mixture  of  folk,  black,  thrash  and  heavy  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "To  Fir  They  Fell"  and  "Snowbound".  8  out  of  10.

   Wandering Oak       

Beyrevra Interview

 

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

Yes, so Beyrevra was founded by M.S. and M.D. in 2018 after they met at the ‘Born to Rock Festival’. M.S. moved to Nuremberg during the songwriting process and became acquainted with me (S.L.) at a local metal club. At that time, four songs were nearly ready, and the rough concept and tone of the album were defined. A little later we had to look out for a drummer to complete Beyrevra for the moment and we met A.B. From now on, one and a half years of songwriting and elaboration were used to complete the instrumentals for the first album. In August 2020 we started recording our results at the ‘Mordor Sounds’ studio from Hannes Großmann (Tryptikon, Dark Fortress, etc.) and during the following year the vocals and keyboards were added. As you can imagine, the covid pandemic threw up our time schedule enormously, but in February 2022 we finally had a completely mastered album with ten tracks. The mastering was done by Magnus Devo Andersson from ‘Endarker Studios’. A release during lockdowns and no chance to play live anywhere was out of the question for us, so we had to be patient and used the time to search for a label that fits to us, and we signed with TrollZorn Records. September 2022 we finally played our first live gig together at the ‘Metal im Woid’ festival, and thenceforth several gigs in Germany and Czech Republic. 

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

 Musically, there is no difference. The EP was released by us before we signed with our label to have something to show when it comes to e.g. festival applications. All three songs from this EP are part of our full album. 

3. Your lyrics cover religious oppression and historical topics, can you tell us a little bit more about the subjects you have explored so far with the music? 

The historical references in our lyrics are shown in different ways. This can be seen in a specific case such as the life and death of Thomas Müntzer, a revolutionary priest during the German Peasants’ War, which is discussed in the song ‘Beheading the Truth’, as well as in very general topics such as the Christianization of Europe or the Inquisition. However, most of the content are fictional stories which are taking place in different historical periods.

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

Beyrevra is the name of a destructive incarnation of Shiva, the great god of Hinduism. We came across the name in the ‘Dictional Infernal’ and took it because it sounds cool, so there is no deeper meaning behind our name.

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

The artwork is a painting from ‘Northem Art’ and commissioned by M.S. in 2018. We wanted a colorful artwork and we were overwhelmed when we saw the result. All the little details and the overall tone of this picture are simply stunning. I think we couldn’t have a better cover for our first full length album. The original painting is now brightening up our rehearsal room. 

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

The best gig so far was certainly at the Schlichtenfest 2023. Everything was organized so well and all the staff there was great. The festival took place in a quite hilly forest after weeks of rain and we got stuck at the forest path with our truck during arrival, but we made it there on time. Despite the bad weather, many people came to see our show and we had so much nice conversations at the merch table afterwords. Truly a memorable day for all of us. On stage we don’t have any special outfits or gimmicks different to many bands nowadays, just pure and honest 60 minutes of music. M.D. has a very powerful stage presence and motivates the crowd as well as the rest of the band. 

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

Not yet. Sadly. We wanted to play our first live gig after the release at the ‘Rise of Trolls’ in Belgium but the event got cancelled. But we are working on a replacement release show, and we can give more information in the next weeks. 

8. The new album is going to be released on 'TrollZorn Records', how did you get in contact with this label? 

As mentioned before, we had a long time between the recording and the release. In this time, we applied to labels across Europe and TrollZorn replied that they were interested in releasing our album and after a few weeks of mail traffic we decided to visit the guys behind TrollZorn in their hometown so we can talk about everything. We got along great, drank a whole lot of beer together and in the following time the contract was signed. 

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

 Nearly entirely positive. It’s always a pleasure when someone who came across your festival gig by chance, tells you afterwards at the merch table that he really liked our show and music and when there will be an album to purchase. Also on social media we got many supporting messages and commentaries over the last two years and we are very happy that our hard work for all this is starting to pay off. 

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

We have already started to work on our second album and at the moment it is quite hard to say where this process will take us. Of course there are always things you can make different or better and although we are happy with our result from the first recording, there is still room for improvement. 

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? 

I think it’s obvious that our music was mainly influenced by the 1990s old school Melodic Death Metal wave from Scandinavia, especially Sweden, and also some Black Metal bands from this time. Bands like In Flames, Darkthrone, Hypocrisy, Insomnium, Dissection, Unanimated, and many more are bands we still enjoy listening. 

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

At first, we would like to thank you for the interview and TrollZorn for making all this possible. We can no longer wait for February 29th! See you then

https://www.facebook.com/BeyrevraOfficial

https://www.instagram.com/beyrevraofficial

https://beyrevra.bandcamp.com

Satarial/Dance Of Steel: Invocation Of Dragon/Sleaszy Rider Records/2024 EP Review

 

  Russia's  Satarial has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  mixture  of  folk  and  pagan  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  ep  "Dance  Of  Steel:  Invocation  Of  Dragon"  which  will  be  released  in  February  by  Sleaszy  Rider  Records.

  Throat  singing  and  clear  vocals  start  off  the  ep  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  ritualistic  feeling  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  Folk  instruments  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  all  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.

  Grim  black  metal  screams  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  when  the  music  speeds  up.  Female  vocals  can  also  be  heard  on  a  couple  of  tracks   along  with  the  guitar  leads  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  when  they  are  utilized  and  most  of  the  recording  sticks  to  a  mid  tempo  direction.

  On  this  recording  Satarial  brings  in  a  very  ritualistic  style  of  folk  and  pagan  black  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism  and  Slavic  Paganism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Satarial  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  folk  and  pagan  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  the  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Dance  Of  Steel:  Invocation  Of  Dragon". 8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/satarialofficial/  

Vesperian Sorrow/Awaken The Greylight/Black Lion Records/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Vesperian  Sorrow  are  a  band  from  Austin,  Texas  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  very  atmospheric  and  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "Awaken  The  Greylight"  which  will  be  released  in  April  by  Black  lion  Records.

  Symphonic  sounds  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  Some  of  the  tracks  are  also  long  and  epic  in  length  while  the  vocals  are  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  the  music  also  having  its  atmospheric  moments  and  clear  singing  can  also  be  heard  at  times.

 

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  some  of  the  faster  riffing  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  as  well  one  song  also  introducing  spoken  word  parts  onto  the  album.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  realms  of  the  cosmos,  sorrow,  sadness  and  darkness.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Vesperian  Sorrow  and  if  you  are  a f an  of  atmospheric  and  symphonic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "As  The  Pillars  Were  Raised"  "A  Dire  Fight  For  The  Black  Fragment"  "Who  Dwells  Within  The  Blight  Moon"  and  "Awaken  The  Greylight".  8  out  of  10.

  http://vesperiansorrow.bandcamp.com/

http://www.facebook.com/vesperian
https://www.instagram.com/vesperiansorrowofficial/
Spotify
Apple Music

Eye Of Fenris/The House Of Hades/2023 Full Length Review

 

  Eye  Of  Fenris  are  an  international  band  with  members  from  Denmark,  Portugal  and  the  United  States  that  plays  viking  metal  with  elements  of  black  and  melodic  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2023  album  "The  House  Of  Hades"  

  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  the  vocals  are  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  clean  singing  can  also  be  heard  at  times.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  song  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats.  Elements  of  thrash  and  groove  metal  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  a  couple  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  synths  can  also  be  heard  briefly  which  also  adds  in   touch  of  industrial  and  most  of  the  album  sticks  to  a  mid  tempo  direction  and  one  track  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  folk  instruments.

  Eye  Of  Fenris  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  viking,  black  and  melodic  death  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Greek  Mythology  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Eye  of  Fenris  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  mixture  of  viking,  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Spartans  Rise"  "The  Labyrinth  Of  Minos"  {"Medusa's  Lair"  and  "All  Hail  Hades".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.youtube.com/@EyeofFenris

https://www.tiktok.com/@eye.of.fenris

https://www.facebook.com/eyeoffenris

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4mMRnBBJgh1qfHh0Qm1YqO

https://eyeoffenris.bandcamp.com/

https://soundcloud.com/eye-of-fenris

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/eye-of-fenris/1697536262

https://www.deezer.com/en/artist/221726425

https://www.amazon.com/music/player/artists/B0CBW5R18S/eye-of-fenris  

  

Hand Of Kalliach/Corryvreckan/Prosthetic Records/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Scotland's  duo  Hand  Of  Kalliach  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  Celtic  form  of  folk  metal  with  elements  of  melodic  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "Corryvreckan"  which  will  be  released  in  February  by  Prosthetic  Records.

  Nature  sounds  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  clear  vocals  a  few  seconds  later  while  synths  are  introduced  onto  the  recording   a  few  seconds  later  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  as  well  as  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  the  harsh  vocals  add  in  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  progressive  sounding  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  touches  of  Scottish  folk  music,  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  most  of  the  tracks  stick  to  a  mid  tempo  direction.

  On  this  recording  Hand  Of   Kalliach  takes  their  Celtic  folk  metal  style  into  more  of  a  modern,  melodic  and  progressive  direction.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  inspired  by  an  ancient  Irish  text  "Cormac's  Glossary".

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  Hand  Of  Kalliach  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  Celtic  folk  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Three  Seas"  "Cirein-croin"  "Unbroken  You  Remain"  and  "Of  Twilight  And  The  Pyre".  8  out  of  10/.

  https://www.facebook.com/HandOfKalliach