Dimmu Bongir "Hvis Pipen Tar Oss" (2023)

 

 

What on earth is this? A stoner's parody of my beloved Dimmu Borgir? Perfect! Well, that's actually so... what comedic kicks are discernible through throaty howls and song titles, like Bongblåst, plays second fiddle to the music. The greenthumb humor is clearly an excuse to revel in early Symphonic Black Metal, which I happen to adore. With a rough around the edges production, Bongir capture the nostalgia in a bottle.

 

Reworking the For All Tid playbook, no surprises fluster this listener. Hvis Pipen Tar Oss plays a familiar beast, writing new incarnations steeped in its ancient architecture. Occasionally they encroach on plagiarism with a riff or melody, most notably with the opening guitars of Røk hans pip. Piano interludes, dingy acoustic guitar breaks and deep heathen vocals drop in Norwegian tongue just like Borgir did in their early days.

 

 Pagan Rips, a reference to Mayhem, holds astral swirly melodies and potent tunes uncannily close to The Kovenant. Its main hook a clear lift from the classic Bizzare Cosmic Industries. A win for this adoring fan but this does question what should classify as a cover or original? The song does eventually deviate in its own direction.

Another standout, Transylvanian Munchies, pays tribute in parody alone, to legends Darkthrone, who didn't venture into the Symphnoic avenue themselves. Its the one song where stars align. Throaty growls groan at just the right intensity to get its comical lyrics across. "And I'm Still Hungry" punchline a silly delight to smirk upon.

These appropriately named musicians Gahll, Tjalladdin and the all too obvious Hashiah, have done a stellar job resurrecting a niche sound with both passion and vigor. The project is clearly a love letter to this forgotten era. Their keyboard tones feel especially well selected, giving the record a soft freshness on that front.

Hvis Pipen Tar Oss has been a delight, a nostalgic reinvention reminding me of recent discovery Këkht Aräkh. Perhaps I should invest more time in seeking out other millennial musicians obsessed with 90s Black Metal. It never occurred to me that comedy could be a convenient excuse to launch such a project. Dimmu Bongir have done it to great effect and fortunately for me, another album lays in wait!

Rating: 7/10

Conquer Divide "Slow Burn" (2023)

 

Churning the Pop Metal formula through a dense wall of sound, American rockers Conquer Divide caught my ear with their empowered effeminate vocals sailing over meaty melodic Metal that's far from original, trendy for the times yet endearing. Overt influences present themselves through the likes of Spiritbox akin breakdowns and Bring Me The Horizon's in vogue glitchy electronics. Arriving at obvious intervals, between these blushes emerges a kind beast exercising personal demons. The usual themes of mental struggle and emotional short comings get channeled into cathartic screams and firm singing that spins a tune better than most of their contemporaries.

Slow Burn is far from perfect. A strong succession of bangers dissipates into a mediocre indulgence where cracks start to emerge. Wincing lyrics and underwhelming riffs crop up between an otherwise enjoyable atmosphere. Driven by soft distortion guitars woven with synth, dense floods of brooding, powerful sound wash by. There best moments play purely aesthetic, Castillo's vocal tune often defining its impact. Its a far cry from a captivating opening stint. Songwriting falls of a cliff, much of the preceding music rests on the albums excellent production. Instruments shy from the limelight, leaving the charm to linger on lyrical themes that are hit and miss.

There is clearly a lot of potential here. The opening songs offer much more musically. Although the backing instrumentation on verses mostly paints a blank slate for Castillo, they swell together with big upheavals in the catchy choruses and breaks. This is where Conquer Divide excel every time. A dynamic momentum emerges, propelling the themes of internal battle and personal woe into something antidotal and soothing. Its a very familiar formula yet well executed in their better stride.

Rating: 5/10

Fogweaver "Magelight" (2023)

Working with a typical set of Dungeon Synth keyboard tones, Its clear Fogweaver has mastery of the magic. With no surprises in wait, Magelight charms with its enchanting melodies. Located somewhere at the crossroads of soft esoteric murmurings, mystic natural beauty and joyous adventuring innocence, we arrive as a lonely wandering spirit, set to journey through these soothing sights of wonder, mystique and fantasy.

Amidst a meld of classic synths used by pioneers, familiarity paints itself within a luscious dreamlike production. Deep airy synths and apt reveb casts a mood inducing calmed atmosphere to melt into. Tranquil in spirit, yet cautiously animated, a layering of tuneful instruments and subtleties is delightful to indulge with. Arrangements feel inspired, meaningful, enriched by the visions guiding these artful compositions.

Venturing here after hearing Fogweaver on The Kingdom Is Ours, I found myself immediately persuaded and the magic persisted after numerous spins. Magelight has much to offer, from mystic melodies in scenic settings, to gloomy swells of bewitching fog. Its varying shades conclude with the ambitious Inien, pushing its keys towards noisy terror. A chilling reflection upon the same crashing waves it opened with.

Rating: 7/10

Labyrinthus Stellarum "Tales Of The Void" (2023)

  

Progenitor to Vortex Of The Worlds, this inaugural effort suffers the knowledge of its own infancy. In light of a stellar brilliance yet to come, this album rides high and mighty through the cosmos, somehow with the wind sucked from its sails. Lurching in the shadow of its successor, the precise mechanical rattle of stiff drum machines and shrill elongated howls paint an amateurish impression. Retroactive listening perceives blemishes to be ironed out, giving Tales Of The Void the impression of a demo.

Spending time within its galactic realm reveals a magnetic, indulging charm. Cruising song structures and epic astral melodies pull us adrift through the void without a care for reality. Leaning heavily on its exotic synth, striking me now as a xylophone drowning in reverberations, a leaner aesthetic makeup adorns these colorful songs. The crux of its magic emanates from these bright, steadily paced keyboard tunes, with the underlying rhythmic section driving intensities steady, grindy notation shifts.

With barely a peak or valley in sight, consistent mood stands a key strength. If any weakness is present, stints where synths step aside for other instruments often play dull. An impressive entry given its a narrower set of ideas playing out. The band establish their identity firmly at the offset. I can't help but feel I should of started here. As expressed, knowledge of the genius to follow tainted my view. Fortunately I've enjoyed this and have hopes the continue to evolve as musicians with a vision.

Rating: 7/10

Currents "The Death We Seek" (2023)

  

Seeking another record under the emerging Argent Metal label, I've landed with Currents' latest effort. The American outfit play Progressive melodic Metalcore tinged with Deathcore growls in their heavy outbursts. With a Djent adjacent sound, the dense wall of sound production occasionally strike hard, as Industrial synths and electronic oscillators chime in for that violent dystopian Mick Gordan inspired menace.

Ultimately however, The Death We Seek has a far more artistic vision in wait. Swinging between creative curated atmospheres of expressive epic and blunt force strikes of shunting aggression, the band forge a steady listen plunging into darkly places and offering respite to this desolate place the band conjure visions of.

The usual foray of chugging riffs and low end guitars are met with guttural growls and throaty screams. Decent by design, the spark emerges when these sudden shifts into the light arise. Aided by vocalist Brian Wille's soaring cleans, plucky melodies shift its unending intensity into uplifting strides, still chained to an overriding sense of doom.

On one level, the musical foundations seem rather atypical for this particulate niche of modern Metalcore. On another, the thick aesthetic craft and engaging songwriting amounts to a memorable experience. Distinct and consistent across its ten track, I found myself unable to pick favorite tracks, enjoying the record as a single entity. The Death We Seek isn't quite an Argent Metal record but in moments they do incorporate the hardened rhythmic ideals and synthetic aesthetics to great effect. 

Rating: 7/10

Silent Planet "Superbloom" (2023)

 

Here's an interesting release labeled under the emerging Argent Metal genre. For their fifth outing, Progressive Metalcore outfit Silent Planet pivot to a Djent driven aesthetic redesign of brutality, envisioned by producer Mick Gordan with his iconic Doom soundtrack eight years back. Shades of the bands Metalcore origins mostly remain in vocalist Garrett Russel's raging throaty shouts and bitting lyrical cadence. Otherwise, they have fully embraced a fusion of low end guitars with Industrial synths to layer on dense, rhythmic shunting of force as the driving component in the music.

Superbloom has a clear artistic vision I haven't fully clicked with, an aesthetic smothering, powerful and intense yet often lacking melody and memorability. Its meaty slabs of rhythmic assault seem to miss out on the groove or elastic sway others like Meshuggah have used to bring me around. Behind theese jolting punts of guitar noise, darkly synths lay interwoven, reinforcing momentum and often providing a luminous sense of color. Its sadly just aesthetic dressing in absence of melody. Occasionally swift arpeggios emerge, or swelling chords but always lacking a hook.

The best moments come in climaxes, where intensity surges with a luminous stream of color blooming through its dense synth design. A peak blesses the album on its title track conclusion, tying a bow on its conceptual nature as "I'll rest for now in the Superbloom" leads into a stunning glide of epic proportion. These ascending sections were my favorites among a looping slog of sporadic fret-board leaping riffs that carried little meaning beyond the fist throwing aggressions of jolting Djent guitars.

In conclusion, I've spent enough time to acknowledge Superbloom's class yet find myself not fully sold on this new aesthetic direction. Its gorgeous to listen to but the songwriting suffers as its tracks drift into mood, rather than casting one under its spell to march to its beat. The idea of Argent Metal has its merits but until it delivers something truly innovative in terms of song writing, it will mostly feel like cosmetics.

Rating: 6/10

Mountain Realm "Greyshadow Ruins" (2023)

Imbued by the powers of thematic suggestion, Greyshadow Ruins' sleeve artwork and track titling aptly fits the dusky, seldom mood that awaits within. An array of Casio and Korg akin keyboard synths greets us, whispering cautious tales of what once lurked in this now abandoned place. Dressed in glum, dusty aesthetics, each of these brief stints ventures upon forgotten tales and mythic settings to fulfill its titles promise.

Mountain Realm takes an even handed approach, an acute balance of mystic synth tones, edging towards a minimalist design at times. I most adored this eerie, curious magical glistening sound that emerged from blurry shadows on tracks like Crystal Pool, Goblin Cave, Pyre & Mana Flask. Its other half, a more traditional castly vibe, conjures familiar nostalgia's with a smidge of Wizzards and Orcs battle fever.

Dungeon Synth has been thoroughly explored by this traveler, not much surprises me now. Competent executions of familiar inspirations like this are enjoyable but leaves me stumped when it comes to finding words. I end up repeating myself, as does a fair bit of this record in terms of retreading territory. There is potential here, yet currently it fits well within the confines of expectation from a genre I adore but lacks progression.

Rating: 5/10

Wargasm "Venom" (2023)

 

With refined stylistic focus, Wargasm return, honing in on their own antagonizing identity. With additional ferocity, the spirit of a Nu Metal revival is in the air. With Venom, a consistent streak of Gold Cobra era Wes Borland guitar riffs guides their Electro-Punk mania to gratifying bursts of aggression. The duo strip out the genres tired downtrodden spirit, infusing it with obnoxious club drums, dizzying studio manipulations and generalized chaos. Underpinned by an enthused energy fit for the stage, most these cuts play with visions of them tearing it up in front of a lively crowd.

Fred Durst shows up for a massive, bouncy collaboration, making influences clear and known. Its a fantastic endorsement. These big riff songs tend to be the standouts. A string of early tracks lacked these guitar elements and it didn't land the same. When the unhinged rage and jilted grooves collide, this pair are in their element. Later in the record the metallic side gets explored in varying intensities to great enjoyment. I've enjoyed Venom immensely but I'm keen to see them mature and take these ideas further.

Rating: 7/10

Applefish "Luminous" (2023)

 

This third of three leaves me with less to remark but Applefish has caught my attention and made it onto my coveted Temporal Focus playlist. Luminous is a lighter companion, less suggestive of its theme despite the track titling signaling intent. Lofty ruminations suspend animation and linger within a sparkling display of apt synths and familiar ambiguities. Each song is a flavor of calm, occasionally drifting into serenity.

 A couple of tracks offer some curiosity and mystique but nothing dramatic. The opening Star Trails is my favorite, taking the slow elongated swell of these synth arrangements and gracing them with a looping melody that drags the soundscape reluctantly over a powerful yet subtly delivered chord arrangement. This level of craft seemed lacking elsewhere but each song works with a different energy.

Rating: 5/10

Applefish "Pale Blue Dot" (2023)

Another champion of Spotify's algorithm, Applefish's astronautical perspective immediately captivated my attention. One for my Temporal Focus playlist, these reflective droning ambiences contrast shimmering Ethereal tones with earthly sounds. From footsteps dragged across a beach, to trickling water or the chirping of birds, most these songs pair natural scenic impressions within suspended swells of lofty ambiguous synths that cast a memorizing calmness from even its tense outings.

 

The aura is impeccable, soft bass rumbles and airy voices drift through its drifting formless presence. Melody is absent, notes arise, groan and sink, yawning on temporal stretches. From dramatic to soothing, these captivating swells all conjure emotions fit for the overview effect its title suggests. Only its final track Return To The Tribute induces a cycling electronic melodic tune, which beaks the magical balance as it sees the record out. Pale Blue Dot has a powerful introspective spell to fall under.

Rating: 7/10

Myrkur "Ragnarok" (2023)

 
Danish outfit Myrkur had a busy 2023. Not only Spine but this TV show soundtrack too. Surprisingly, Ragnarok is the more straightforward of the two. Rocking rural stints of Heathen Metal, guitars frequently drop in with overdriven power chords, chunky rhythms and a touch of Doom Metal lurches. Bruun's Scandinavian tongue roots its viking feeling when in spoken demeanor, her ascensions into charming sung passes feel like a softly symphonic charm to dress up the rather dirty, gritty guitar tones.

Each Metal song alternates with an orchestrated alternative, softer instrumentation, often keyboards, pianos and strings. Odins Sang offers a Nordic folk chant over primitive percussion. For the mesmerizing Modgunns Tema, a different direction. Deeply calming, mysterious and natural, the gentle lonely notes that glimmer in its lingering reverb feel like a tribute to first light over a pristine snow swept forest.

This shuffling variety is refreshing, creating quite a journey. Initially I was drawn to its softer side but the Metal tracks have a charm in their simplicity. The aesthetic is spot on for conjuring pagan visions and rural hardships worshiping ancient gods. Its subtly impressive and a firm reminder of why I'm still interested in what they might do next. Although completely fitting, Ragnarok is still candidly bewitching, even more so Spine.

Rating: 7/10

My Top 10 Music Discoverys In 2023

 
Another year, another remark on changing habits. Last year I wrote the more posts than ever, this year I wanted to tone that down and be selective. A lot of my discoveries have been through playlist exploration on Spotify, with less getting the album treatment I would then bring to the blog. Despite that, these new unearthed artists have been solid, with perhaps one exception...

(10) Sleep Token

As the currently hyped band in Metal discussion circles, I was strangely not impressed by the metallic elements on display. It was the singers expression, demeanor and passion that slants in other directions. This is what found me about their music. Are You Really Okay? is the one track that gripped me deeply and happens to be the albums least popular. On that song, I hear a intense meaning, with gravity and weight to it. I'd like to hear them lean into that more.

(9) Bal-Sagoth

There were many more records than the one I covered here, Bal-Sagoth have a fun, fantasy slash cosmic breed of Symphonic Metal. I've now found my way in and could of explored their back catalog. It would have been fun to write about but with a narrow evolution across the years I decided to leave this one brief.

(8) Apashe

This record is on the cutting edge of expression, pulling from opposite ends of the musical spectrum and finding genuine harmony. Apashe even pulls in some rappers to rhyme on his Classic EDM mash ups. Its brilliant, one artist I will be following closely in the future!

(7) Marconi Union

Discovered via a podcast on dealing with anxiety, the Weightless composition embodied all I've heard and loved about ambient music's calming magic. I've not gone much further than the one album but this discovery was a blessing and it firmly anchored the idea of having "go to" music for when feeling anxiousness creeping in.

(6) Këkht Aräkh

A love letter to early 90s Black Metal, Ukrainian one man band Këkht Aräkh actually pulls off the impressive act of avoiding nostalgia and capturing the magic of that era. You could slip in some of these songs alongside Burzum and Darkthrone to an unsuspecting friend and they might not be none the wiser!

(5) Gunship

It was a good time to get into this Synthwave act, as later in the year a new record after a five year gap would become a favorite! This duo left Fightstar with a clear musical vision that;s made for some fantastic neon lit nightlife vibes. Synthwave can quite often feel tired and cliche but this pair made it feel fresh again!

(4) Health

I'm late to Health. They have been around for sometime. Somehow I didn't get pulled in to recently and although I'm not head over heals with their sound, it has a real persuasion when its not your soul focus but the mood setter. In that environment, the downtrodden dystopian atmospheres weigh powerful and heavy.

(3) Potatohead People

Jazz Hop has been re-imagined by many with obvious techniques and tropes, so I was surprised to hear this duo escape that fate. Its a familiar feeling yet this pair of producers bring class, adding in expressive instrument leads between the melodic beat loops. Top stuff.

(2) $uicideboy$

Another double act, these two are a calling cry for an overlooked generation. So much topicality speaks to the struggles of those worse off in a supposedly wealthy society. Themes of mental health and drug abuse are so open and honestly spoken about, its hard not to be drawn to the positivity that comes from facing these demons openly.

(1) Janelle Monáe

This is what kicked my year off, Archandroid! Its been with me ever since. I rarely give a 10 to something that isn't from my formative years. Only three records or so records within the liftime of this blog. This album certainly challenged that form, what a fantastically eclectic assembly of lively sounds, driven by catchy, meaningful words to tie its animated energy together. Janelle has since recreated this genius only  in flashes but in this moment its pure class. Bravo!

My Top 10 Albums Of 2023

Listening habits have changed, I've put more time into creating and as a result, my shortlist was literally these ten albums. I've passed over quite a few records from old favorites too, instead opting to keep an eye on newer artists but even then its familiar names emerging on the list this year.

(10) Aaron Cherof "Minecraft: Trails & Tales (Original Game Soundtrack)" (2023) link

The fallout with C418's timeless soundtrack is saddening but in his shadow, Mojang have managed to pluck some exceptional artists that suit the games atmosphere. This latest addition grows on me with each listen and as the year grew, each return to these new tracks proved how great they were.

(9) Dreamstate Logic "Starbound" (2023) link

One for the temporal playlist, Starbound has a flavor not all distinctive but lasting. As the year went on I found myself drifting back to its magic which turns out to be one of the strongest calmers in Dreamstate Logic's now extensive catalog.

(8) The Tiberian Sons "Anthems Of Liberation" (2023) link

Soundtrack to my ice boat racing, I may now never return to it without visions of skidding across frozen blocky landscapes. The musics tone is familiar but wonderfully animated, that crossover between Progressive and VGM again yielding magic. Its nice to see this group branching into their other soundtrack passions.

(7) Enter Shikari "A Kiss For The Whole World" (2023) link

I commented earlier on passing over old bands still pumping out records. Now twenty years into their legacy, Enter Shikari are one I can't pass up and I'm happy to see them find that youthful spirit again after experimenting with a more subdued approach.

(6) Post Malone "Austin" (2023) link

Its not here for its status as an album but the few favorites that emerged from Austin have been absolute ear worms, bringing hot and uplift over and over. Post has always been a keen talent but here you can hear him actualizing the vision of a songs expression and backing it up with melodic candy.

(5) Gunship "Unicorn" (2023) link

Clearly brilliant but trailing off towards its conclusion, the strong songs of Unicorn has again been ear worms. With Spotify's auto shuffle pushing them after finishing other records, they have become favorites this year. It feels like they really timed this one well, waiting for inspiration to strike after a few years.

(4) Old Tower "Draconic Synthesis" (2023) link

Dungeon Synth has become somewhat stale with my explorations of what its got left to offer. I keep eyes on a few artists and really felt that Old Tower stepped up with another maturity of sound design that yielded some fresh other worldly expressions.

(3) Myrkur "Spine" (2023) link

The uncanny feeling covers has subsided given some research into the musics originality and now I've just been enjoying how curiously strange and wonderful its chemistry is. Bruun is clearly pulling inspiration from different genres and how it all comes together has been endearing and a joy to listen.

(2) Narrow Head "Moments Of Clarity" (2023) link

With nostalgia being on plentiful supply in these times, its great to hear a band so masterfully craft inspirations of times past with a spirit and charisma that escapes that nostalgic grasp. Narrow Head have banging riffs and write songs that don't serve the past but compliment it. Everything came together so well with Moments Of Clarity. Many of its songs have been on rotation through the year.

(1) Olivia Rodrigo "Guts" (2023) link

Often singing about topics quite distant from my own experiences, Olivia's presence, expression and musicality has an allure hard to ignore. Like with Sour, she can pull you in with catchy pop chorus and sincere divulges of personal distresses that paint a picture. This outing, everything felt tightened up and finely tuned, while maturing lyrically too. Guts has me enjoying her catalog while anticipating where she will go next!

Arkhtinn "三度目の災害" (2023)

  

 Pulling no surprises, another intense installment of Symphonic Black Metal plunges into a familiar abyss. Using blast beats as its unrelenting propellant, rattling drums steer an unending wall of sound. Screams howl and distortion guitars roar. Choral keys gleam towards the night sky with an undying sense of rising epic. On occasion, glistening patterns of synths sparkle with astral wonder. The music sways, rarely taking its foot of the gas, predictably finding its way back to calamitous climaxes.

The second of its two twenty minute plus halves is more gratifying. The texture of its ferocity a dangerous concoction. Hopeful lead guitars tinge with shimmers of positive melody yet shrouded by a grim blackness. Its followed by glittery ascending, descending cosmic synths, an interesting arrangement stiring the pot on this frightening brew. After calms and void circling plummets pass by, the lead guitars return to unite the narrative, culminating in a last stand full of dying screams and relentless pounding that gives way to a bleak aftermath of pale distortions.

This track defines itself as the better of two but ultimately feels somewhat stale in the wake of all the other albums before it. Arkhtinn has mastered their own sound but now that mastery offers little new other than the comforts of returning to familiar footings.

Rating: 6/10

Health "Rat Wars" (2023)

  

Housing four cuts from Ashamed, Rat Wars has been a swift brake in. Retaining their distinct flavor of broody, downtrodden dystopian atmospheres, Health navigate morose and self defeating emotions through the soft, sullen, effeminate voice of Jake Duzsik. Lyrically dark and dejecting, they eerily drift in the cracks of fiery Electro-Industrial pounding. Its inebriating, an alluring chemistry, entrancing and gripping yet on examination, a glum reality composed of crumbling urban sprawl and self abuse.

Many of its thudding kick and bassline grooves feel reminiscent of youthful days, hellbent on escaping ones demons through drugs, enjoying the dance while ignoring the imminent suffering. These entrancing drives of rhythm often feel like falling down a rabbit hole of self delusion. Only (Of All Else) and (Of Being Born) take the foot off the gas, the later sobering up its magnetic march with a grim groan of reality from an earth acoustic guitar to conclude the song. The other explores an acoustic limbo, the plucked strings hold off a frenzy of tense distant synths, ready to unleash in an instant.

 The record is finely crafted, its instruments oozing with texture and intensity, matched wonderfully to serve this nihilistic vision. I fumbled on first listen as Demigods struck me with Deja-Vu. Although not perfectly similar, the same melody can be heard playing out on Old Tower's Moonchamber track. Its amusing how memory works, instantly plucking it out of the darkness. Just a curious footnote for my experience with this darkly persuasive record. Its impressive, will have to seek out more from Health.

Rating: 7/10

Apashe "Antagonist" (2023)

An album of distinction and merit, Antagonist emerges from our times as a triumphant victor of eclectic musical tastes. Transcending obvious machinations, the Belgium musician unites the ages. The tight, bright and snappy percussion of EDM and blaring bass synths walks with Classical, Baroque and Renascence era music. With grace and vision these compositions revel in a found chemistry across two periods. Working in junction with the Prague Symphony Orchestra, songs are fully materialized. No scotch tape sampling and manipulation, these tracks were written for the real thing!

Apashe has a knack for understanding limelight, which elements are taking focus and how the narrative is steered by them. As such, stern strings within a strong symphony imposes powerful emotional sways and dramatic narratives. Hard percussion picks up the slack, allowing for stellar pivots into jolting groove and dance floor drive.

The arsenal is impeccable, from haunting shrill choirs to low-end dirty bass wobbles, all instruments, virtual or performed, have stunning fidelity. A case of fidelity highlighting how well built the foundations of these songs are. Apashe finds his own persuasive voice through this unlikely fusion, a word perhaps undermining of how sweetly this tracks ebb and flow. Chemistry is ever-present, at all degrees of emphasis on the aforementioned genres. I'm fondly reminded of IGORRR's brutal abominations.

Moving with another ace hidden up the sleeve, the thumping kick snares groves have a knack to subtly transform with a Hip Hop sensibility. As such, a handful of rappers pop into the fold at opportune times, delivering energizing verses. He gets a great one out of an aging Busta Rhymes. The record has a lot of guests, with a variety of singers lending their voices. At the mid point this soured a touch with sombre singing on Kyptonite and Rise At Nightfall lacking a connection with the instrumentals behind.

Its a minor blemish on a fantastic outing that revels with a sinister energy in its best moments. More grandiose thematic in nature, I found myself enjoying the spectacle immensely but not developing those deeper connections. Something about its flavor just lacked an infectious edge to wedge these songs in like ear worms. Fortunately, it does nestle in a couple of bangers! Apashe is one to keep a close eye on!

Rating: 7/10

Sierra "A Story Of Anger" (2023)

 

Introduced via a collaboration with Health, this French artist fits snugly into the dark electronic music I've been exploring of late. Not fully Synthwave, Aggro-tech or Electro-Industrial, Sierra rests in an inviting middle-ground. With brooding tones, she embarks on gloomy venture through moody indulgences broken up by bursts of dance adjacent energetic movement. Her voice is quite underwhelming, a half spoken presence muttering musings under her breath, occasionally mustering strength of presence. Soft and pleasant, it gets by but lets the focus fall on the instrumentals.

These virtual synths deliver snappy oscillated wave forms in range. From buzzing baselines to jittering melodies, an angular intensity lands these crisp arrangements fit for dystopian night life. Percussion is tight, hard thuds groove off claps and snares, always titled with an Industrial texture. Airy atmospheric synths drift in the gaps of these plucky arrangements, levers that can be dialed for the required direction.

As an album, its a fair listen, an overcast tone is set and explored but nothing much leaps of the page. With exception to Power, a collaboration with Carpenter Brut's who's excellence shines again. Bring about some urgency, sizzling melodies play off background sirens with sinister satisfaction. The albums best track, no doubts.

Rating: 5/10

Crosses "Goodnight, God Bless, I Love U, Delete." (2023)

 

I was drawn to this project by Chino Moreno of Deftones, the vocal half of this dynamic duo. Drawing inspirations, moods and textures from the likes of Dream Pop, Electro-Industrial and Gothic, Ethereal adjacent music, the pair attempt to carve a distinct niche. Crosses, however, seem inescapable of Moreno's instrumental chemistry. His harmonies relate to melody and rhythm with an all to familiar cadence.

Not intent on exploring new vocal territory, the best of the twos chemistry aligns in the same space Deftones' magic sparks from. The record's most striking tracks could be mistaken for Deftones remixes. Is this a complaint? Absolutely not, just a clear observation. One half of whats to enjoy is firmly rooted in a familiar setting, which Moreno executes with that typical alluring charm. His brilliance never seems to tire.

Crosses' other half, Shaun Lopez, brings character and distinction. Exploring the aforementioned genres' moods, he guides songs with bold, striking percussion. Modern in crisp intensity and rhythmically jolting, groove or bounce aren't words that comes to mind. Steady tempo and snappy aesthetics seem to be key motivators. Shuffling crisp, bold strikes, they land resolute on swift attack and minimal reverbs.

These drum lines come counteracted by melancholic melodic instruments, often virtual but housed in enough echo and reverb to paint ambiguities. The atmospheric touch leans towards soft and darkly shadows, breeding self-indulged emotion reflections. Often Ethereal in tone, they brood without catchy melodies. That falls to Moreno, who most often plays a role of light peaking through sombre clouds.

This chemistry varies track to track, almost all its ideas evoke loose relations to the broad spectrum of Post-Punk evolution in music. For all its explorations, this seems just shy of greatness. Invisible Hand, which plays like a Deftones' remix, sets a high ceiling the rest of the record doesn't live up to. When it comes close, its Moreno's mainstay I'm reminded of. EL-P turns up for a fantastic collaboration. I'm sure he had a hand in the tracks baseline. A cracking listen for fans of anything mentioned here.

Rating: 6/10

Plini "Mirage" (2023)

 

Pure joy! With no complaints and no surprises, Plini returns on another triumphant roar of Jazzy, melodic, Progressive Metal. Again, five finely curated tracks swell with colorful creativity. His distinct style as a lead guitarist remains firmly intact. Ever exciting and exuberant, a perpetual craft of inspired music pours fourth from its intensities. From slabs of rhythmic Djent groove, to caressed calms of soothing tunes, his music navigates its peaks and valleys masterfully, crooning with fond luminosity.

Mirage has left me lacking words not uttered before. Plini is an artist firmly rooted on intrinsic motivations, servicing the gods of creativity with respect. Every second of this album feels so expressive and intentional, as does most of what came before. For the first time I didn't sense new terrain. Its awe a familiar one, joyous, bright and uplifting yet a familiar friend. I will certainly enjoy this level of output for time to come but mirage leaves me curious as to if this artist has new ideas yet to unearth.

Rating: 7/10

Myrkur "Spine" (2023)

After the aptly name Folkesange, Danish outfit Myrkur return to the Black Metal tinged aesthetics of their origins. Spine muddies the waters with an uncanny sense akin to a "covers album". Like Humans sets this striking tone, the "talk to me like humans do" chorus arises from a rubble of darkly guitar rumblings and morose pianos nestled in a foggy, swampy drone. The cadence and melodies of Amalie Bruun carry an elevated yet contrasting spirit, rhythm and rhyme akin to catchy yet emotive Synthpop.

Continuously, her knack for lyrical delivery evokes this peculiarity again and again. Other elements suggested similar feelings too. The tense, tick tock alike synth lines of Mothlike and its gleaming flush, a rapid melodic guitar solo that erupts from an initial dark rumble, this too felt like a differing origin brought to to serve a peculiar chemistry.

As the album runs, many inspirations are woven into its fabric. A strange mix of hazy subdued extremity and light shining through gloomy clouds. Blazing Sky brings the bloat and bombast of a sludgy Doom Metal riff to the mercy of Brunn's earthly, gentle voice. Again, its illuminating pivot into a catchy chorus gives this unshakable sense of an original piece re-imagined through a dark and contrasting genre.

After many spins and much pointless research, I've learned of this records authenticity and grown to adore its peculiar position. It speaks volumes to its chemistry as these magnetic songs carry multiple spirits in tandem. The band have yielded a record that doesn't fallen into any typicality or genre pitfalls. Gracefully, they brew great music with their own unique spirit. Its been a breath of fresh air to say the least!

Rating: 8/10