Valfreya/Dawn Of Reckoning/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Montreal,  Quebec's  Valfreya  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  moving  away  from  the  folk  metal  style  of  earlier  releases  and  going  for  more  of  a  symphonic  and  melodic  blackened  death  metal  direction  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2024  album  "Dawn  Of  Reckoning".

  Symphonic  sounds,  choirs  and  violins  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  are  vocals  are  mostly  grim  yet  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  growls  can  also b e  heard  at  times.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in a   great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Death  metal  growls  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  the  tracks  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  pars  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.    

  Classical  guitars  can  also  be  heard  one  a  couple  of  songs  along  with  a  couple  of  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  A  couple  of  songs  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  female  vocals  as  well  as  some  spoken  word  parts  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  a  concept  album  based  upon  the  Nose  Goddess  Hel  as  she  brings  malice  and  justice  to  humanity.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Valfreya  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  and  symphonic  blackened  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Rise"  "The  Fall"  "The  Fallen  Keys"  and "Reus  Es".  8  out  of  10.

  https://linktr.ee/valfreyaofficial

Lyric Video - “The Rise” - https://youtu.be/2Y8VIg37iMg​

Lyric Video - “Le Périple” at https://youtu.be/vRHbtl3o1OQ  

Les Chants Du Hasard/Livre Quart/2024 Full length Review

 

  France's  Les  Chants  Du  Hasard  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  an  orchestral  and  operatic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2024  album  "Livre  Quart"  which  will  be  released  in  June.

  Orchestra  sounds  and  chants  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  high  pitched  black  emtal  screams  a  few  seconds  later.  The  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  operatic  vocals  and  choirs  while  also  adding  in  a  lot  of  symphonic  and  classical  music  elements  and  at  times  the  recording  also  brings  in  a  very  ritualistic  atmosphere.

  The  whole  album  also  avoids  the  use  of  any  traditional  instruments  except  for  the  harsh  vocals  bringing  that  style  onto  the  recording.  Female  vocals  are  also  added  on  some  of  the  tracks  along  with  some  growls  also  being  utilized  at  times   as  well  as  one  of  the songs  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  On  this  recording  Les  Chants  Du  Hasrd  focuses  more  on  a  extreme  and  orchestral  style  of  opera  as  well  as  mixing  in  black  metal  vocals to  create  something  very  different.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  French  and  cover  the  writings  of  Charles  Baudelaire.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Les  Chants  Du  Husard  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black  metal,  orchestra  and  opera  music,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Parmi  Les  Poussieres"  "Sous  La  Mitre  De  Fer"  and  "Les  Ombres  Vagabondes".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/leschantsduhasard

https://www.instagram.com/hasard_malivore

https://leschantsduhasard.bigcartel.com

https://leschantsduhasard.bandcamp.com      

Pontifex/From The Pale Mist/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Pontifex  are  a  band  from  Florida  that  plays  a  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  with  elements  of  ambient,  death  and  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2024  album  "From  The  Pale  mist".

  Ambient  style  synths  start  off  the  album  while  also  introducing  symphonic  sounds  which  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  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  vocals  also  add  in a   mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  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.

   Elements  of  thrash  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  and  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with  one  of  the  tracks  also  being  an  instrumental  as  well a s  the  music  also  mixing  in  both  old  school  and  modern  touches.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  mystery themes.

  In  my  opinion  Pontifex  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  mixture  of  black,  death  and  thrash  metal  with  elements  of  ambient  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  REOCMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Festering"  and  "Abyssal".  8  out  of  10.

  https://youtu.be/srVAty5dWkc

https://open.spotify.com/track/6FW3pN2D59Cq6vzzRlKGd

https://pontifex.bandcamp.com/album/from-the-pale-mist

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555978000917

https://www.instagram.com/shadowspireband/ 

Voha/Majestic Nightsky Symphonies/Void Wanderer Productions/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Voha  are  a  solo  project  from  Croatia  that  plays  a  very  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "Majestic  Nightsky  Symphonies"  which  was  released  by  Void  Wanderer  Productions.

  Symphonic  sounding  keyboards  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  it  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  while  the  riffs  also  add  in a   great  amount  of  melody  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  Most  of  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  mid  90's  era  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  as  well  as  one  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  and  one  song  is  also  an  instrumental.

  Voha  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  symphonic  and  epic  in  the  late  90's  tradition.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  a  concept  album  that  cover  a  theme  of  a  dark  lord  and  a  sorcerer  that  helps  him  regain t he  power  of  evil  to  forge  new  atrocities.  

  In  my  opinion  Voha  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Raven  Cry"  and  "Crimson  Tears".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.instagram.com/voha.official/      

  

Lamentari/Ex Umbra In Lucem/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Lamentari  are  a  band  from  Denmark  that  plays  a  very  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  with  elements  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2024  album  "Ex  Umbra  In  Lucem".

  Choirs  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  orchestra  and  symphonic  elements  which  also  mixes  in with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  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  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  goof  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  some  death  metal  growls  also  being  utilized  at  times,  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  some  classical  and  acoustic  guitars  also  being  added  on  a  few  songs,  spoken  word  parts  and  whispers  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

  Lamentari  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  aggressive  and  symphonic  sounding  as  well  as  adding  in  elements  of  death  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  death  and  apocalyptic  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Lamentari  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  black  metal  band  with  elements  of  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Tenebrae"  and  "Arcanum  Ignis  Animae".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/lamentari  

https://www.instagram.com/lamentari_band/  
https://cult-of-lamentari.bandcamp.com  

https://hyperfollow.com/lamentari     

Exodikon 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?

Jozsef Posfai: We just had our album release show on 29th March in Hungary, which really was a blast!

We are also planning some domestic Hungarian club concerts and festival appearances in the foreseeable future. More to follow in the autumn.

 

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

JP: I believe it is more coherent, if we consider it from a musical point of view, it encapsulates well our current progress on creating our own path in the fields of black/death metal.

 

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?

JP: This album is about analyzing Chaos from different life situations and through several emotional points of view. Speaking of manipulation, revolution, uprising, descent, all routes back to Chaos as the leading force beyond the gates.

 

4.From 2011 to 2021 there was no music coming out, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?

JP: In a nutshell, we went on a hiatus, so everyone could concentrate on building his own career and existence. After we succeeded, we could restart to feed our craving for playing music . 

 

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

JP: Exodikon covers a section of the Greek drama, where the choir draws the short conclusions of the story. At least in Hungarian. We wanted to find a meaningful name, and we felt Exodikon could be a perfect fit.

 

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

JP: The cover photo is made by a Hungarian artist called Bence Száraz. We gave him almost free hands in creating the album art, our key message to him was to try and capture sonic chaos in a picture. I believe he did a great job though!

 

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

JP: I would say our album release show was one of the highlights of the band's existence. Moreover, it was a great honour for us to share the stage with Mayhem in 2022 and I am Morbid in 2023 as an opening act!

Speaking of stage performance, our main focus is to deliver our music and lyrics as perfect as possible. We want to create an atmosphere where people can face their inner demons, to let them sink in their own dark minds. So it's more about catching feelings rather than overwhelming visuals.

 

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

JP: Yes, mainly in Hungary, but we are also willing to sail on international tides in the foreseeable future. You can find all the firmed concert dates on our Facebook site! 

 

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

JP: What actually reached us was quite positive, so cannot complain so far!

 

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

JP: It's hard to predict it in an exact manner, but I believe we will continue our path in black/death metal maze.

 

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?

JP: It's easier to describe what we are actively listening. Apart from my all-time favourite i.e. Dissection I'm recently into the post-black genre, and listen to bands such as Les Discrets, Karg, Harakiri for the Sky, Ellende, Heretoir and Groza.

 

Attila István Hekele: I have many favourite bands, like Suffocation, Morbid Angel, Terrorizer, Nile, Death, Dying Fetus, Obscura, Necrophagist, Vader, Korpse, Mortician, Dead Congregation, Cannibal Corpse, Anaal Nathrakh, Slayer, Sepultura, Destruction, Sodom, Emperor, Der Weg Einer Freiheit, Darkthrone, Dark Funeral, Immortal, Celtic Frost, Triptykon, Dissection, Christian Epidemic

 

Gábor Dávid Borhidi: Necrophagist, Morbid Angel, Death, Suffocation, Cryptopsy, Vile, Malevolent Creation,

Impalement, Dark Funeral, Dissection, Immortal, Mgla,  Nordjevel.

 

Ferenc Pósfai: Death

 

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

JP: Nothing, just to thank you for the opportunity for this interview! All the respect goes to such webzines like you who still carry the fire of metal! All the best to you!

www.exodikon.com
www.facebook.com/exodikon
www.instagram.com/exodikonofficial
Spotify: SpotifyExodikon

Ossilegium Interview

 

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

Since we wrapped up the album, we’ve begun working on the next release - a split with an old friend’s band. We’ll release more details later on this!

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

Doing a full length was a challenge in and of itself. I'd been involved in full lengths in the past but had yet to manage the songwriting and production on a full length. That aside, we were able to incorporate some interesting song structures, more instruments in the ambient tracks, and some challenging production techniques.

3. A lot of your lyrics cover sci-fi and fantasy literature and games, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these topics? 

I love a good story. It is interesting to me, to take a character or setting from a book, and examine it through a song. For the new record, we drew from a few different inspirations for the album: we continued the theme of "ascendency to undeath" from our previous release, "Behold... The Glory of Undeath," we touched upon the Diabolic Pact made with the Powers of Hell and one Urbain Grandier , we explored a darker corner of Greek Mythology, just to name a few things. As far as video games are concerned, I wouldn't say that video games are an inspiration for lyrics (that would be in poor taste in my opinion) . I do get inspired by the atmosphere and soundtrack of video games from time to time, like Diablo I and II for instance. I definitely learned some chords from "Tristram Theme" and paid attention to how the soundtrack created tension throughout the game without being obtrusive.

4.Originally the band was called 'Empyreus', what was the cause of the new change and also the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Ossilegium'?

In 2019, a few of us that were recently in another band together wanted to keep playing tunes together, and I had a bunch of songs that didn’t get used from Empyreus, so we started playing those songs. Once we decided that we were going to make a go of it, the name change was brought up, as there were almost no original Empyreus members left, and the new music definitely had a different feel - I was on board, after a short deliberation. We decided to pool a bunch of names together and go from there. Ossilegium was a name I had hanging around, along with a few other choice names for projects I was considering starting. Ossilegium was the standout choice. 

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

The artwork is a photo by Simon Marsden. His work is iconic. This photo in particular is called “Gothic Window, Castle Bernard, County Cork, Ireland.” I knew that I wanted to use one of his photos for this record, and as I was browsing through the pictures he had available, this one in particular stood out. It seems almost like a gateway to some underrealm. Mr. Marsden had a unique gift for making his subjects seem surreal and otherworldly.

6.Currently there are only 2 members in the band while you had more members in the past, are you open to expanding the line up again in the future or do you choose to remain a duo?

We are rehearsing with two new members to complete the lineup,and things are going well. We anticipate a return to live shows sometime this summer. 

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 got to play Metal Threat Festival at about this time last year (mid April) - that was an intense show! Playing with the big names that were also on the bill created a lot of pressure to perform at the top of our game. We’ve also had plenty of shows with great bands that have come through our city. I would describe our stage performance as honest. We’re there, first and foremost, to give a great performance of our songs. I would say that we deliver our music in a stoic and somber fashion.

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

 

We are still working on things with the new members, so we haven’t booked anything yet. I expect us to be back on stage this summer, if things continue going as well as they have.

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

We haven’t had much exposure worldwide, but the feedback we have received has been positive thus far. Hopefully we’ll be able to secure a stronger presence out there soon enough!

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

My biggest goal for our next work is to have a distinct narrative through the work. I also want to incorporate more traditional instruments - for example, in “The Heart of Darkness,” on the new album, I used a Nashville-Strung 12 string, a mandolin, and acoustic guitars with an interesting synth plugin and electric bass guitar. I was really pleased with the dark and dramatic atmosphere that was conjured through those instruments.

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?

It’s no secret that our biggest influences are many of the Swedish Black Metal bands from the 90’s. Not just the big names like Watain, Marduk, or Dissection that everyone knows, there were so many great bands that just didn’t get as much traction back then like Dawn, Unanimated, The Black, and Sacramentum (the list is quite long, honestly. We have an “influences” playlist on spotify, check there for an in-depth accounting, if that’s your thing). Many of those same bands are certainly more well-known now than ever before. I’m also a huge fan of early heavy metal like Deep Purple, Uriah Heep, and Scorpions, and as much NWOBHM as I can get my greedy hands on.

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

Yes! - make sure to check out “The Gods Below,”  available May 3 via Personal-Records.

https://personal-records.bandcamp.com/album/the-gods-below