Sabaton "Heros" (2014)

Sabaton are a Power Metal outfit from Sweden with a focus & inspiration on true war stories from the two world wars and other conflicts. Hero's is there 7th album since there inception in 99. I decided to give this a spin after a recommendation from a commenter here on the blog. What i found was a decent record, but it is unable to turn me onto Power Metal, which i have already struggled to click with.

This album was a refreshing break from the magic and fantasy themes so commonly explored in Power Metal. War & patriotism  is a bit of a touchy subject for me, however i found the lyrical content to be focused on the tales of soldiers who gave there life's for a cause, and this for me was enjoyable, however on "The Ballad Of Bull" i found myself a bit bemused. "Sometimes war is killing, sometimes its saving lives, its the judgment of fate, its nothing that man can dictate" No, just no. War is killing, war is made by man.

For me, the music behind the theme was pretty decent, but nothing special, there were not many moments that "blew me away" or stuck in my mind, and the leads/solos are pretty forgettable. The highlights for me were the rhythm guitar which was always solid, and the vocals! Joakim Brodén has a really distinctive voice, and i enjoyed the way his Swedish accent would leave its mark on some words, yet not others. It added a nice flavor to his mark on this record. Overall, pretty enjoyable but Power Metal still doesn't quite do it for me.

Favorite Tracks: Resist And Bite, To Hell And Back

Rating: 4/10

Photek "Form & Function" (1998)

I found Photek through the song "Rings Around Saturn". It was the only song featured in a football managing game i used to play, it would spin endlessly as i enjoyed the fantasy of taking my team to the top and winning the league. Maybe through this i have attached some positive emotions to this song, but better yet i think its a masterclass track that never gets dull. Maybe over 10 years had gone by and i would still dream of this song, so one day i decided to dig around and find out who's song this was. With music so easily accessible via YouTube it didn't take me long to track down this album, which comprises of two sides, the first a remix of the second half which i have never particularly enjoyed and have always been a little baffled as to the reasoning behind this, the remixes in my opinion add next to nothing to the original tracks. The second half consisting of 6 unique ambient Drum N Bass tracks.

These songs all follow a similar principle, clean cut drum loops and abstract noises, together they create a chilled atmosphere and memorable hooks despite there being no melodic or vocal leads present. This is music striped down to effect. Tracks like "UFO" & "Rings Around Saturn" inject so much into this minimalist form, magic is born from the intricate workings of drum samples that have been broken down and reformed with exquisite detail and glittery rhythms that drill deep into the mind. The is so much soul and craft on display in Rings, with beautiful abstract sounds resonating in and out of focus, providing such a dreary, trancy ambiance that is heavily contrasted, yet complimented by a ever restless drum sequence. UFO offers up some sublime sub bass drops that guide the drums through some eerie and alien sounds. Theres also a fantastic sample of a person reporting they are seeing flashing lights in the sky that really sets the tone well for this track.

All in all there are some sublime tracks here, but a lack of consistency, with just 6 songs and 6 remixes this one really falls short for me on the album listening experience. Rings Around Saturn is a true masterpiece i will never grow old of but the rest of whats on offer just falls short for me.

Favorite Tracks: Knitevision, Rings Around Saturn, UFO

Rating: 5/10

Napalm Death "Diatribes" (1995)

Napalm Death are a legendary, British and massively influential band in the world of extreme music, I'm quite unsure as to when it was i first discovered there music, but over the years i have grown very fond of there music and have found their discography to be quite varied. In the early days they were pushing the boundaries of sound with their sonic noise oriented Grindcore, and over the years they have dabbled with Death Metal, Grove Metal and other extremes. This was a record i had initially avoided after reading negative reviews, but having now grown to love this record i realize the negativity mainly stemmed from fans unhappy with a change of direction in the bands sound.

The album is not the most sizable of shifts in sound from 93's "Fear, Emptiness, Despair", a much darker, punkier vibe. Diatribes shifts to a clearer, more approachable mix, the drums are calmer (for Naplam) and adds some real kick to the grooving riffs that pop up throughout this album. Groove Metal may be the best genre to describe this record but doesn't give Napalm much credit for the variety this album offers.

There are many grooving head banging moments, but also its fair share of snaking riffs, atmospheric tracks like Cold Forgiveness and general variety in approach and style from track to track that gives this one a lot of replay value. Theres plenty to enjoy here for a fan of Metal and i have to mention a track "Finer Truths, White Lies" from the Greed Killing EP. Probably there best track of this era, a real bouncy thumper. I have no idea how i didn't make it onto the LP.

Favorite Tracks: My Own Worst Enemy, Just Rewards

Rating: 6/10

Fever Ray "Fever Ray" (2009)

Its always good to challenge yourself musically, In a search for some music out of my "comfort zone" i actually discovered something perfectly suited for me. This is Swedish singer/song writer Fever Ray's debut and only album, and its a work of art! Having recently discovered she is one half of The Knife i have certainly found something new to listen too, but lets talk about this record first.

This album represents an artistic craft of sound and soul, there is an air of ambiance and minimalism that is built out of detailed constructs of layered instrumentation extending through the rhythm, bass and synth in perfect unison. It produces some beautiful and memorable atmospheres that brings new understanding with each listen. Fever's voice glides over the gentle, absorbing instruments with a raw, charismatic charm that drives home the winning formula this album has.

This album provides many "moments" both lyrically and musically on this album, the lyrics are almost child like at times with Fever often focusing on the simplicity of wants and needs, with no consequence of reality. They make for some relate-able and memorable lines. There's also some great simple synth leads and hooks that jump out of the track and strike with such great timing to really drive home the tracks when they are at there peak. Fantastic songwriting.

Favorite Tracks: When I Grow Up, Triangle Walls, Concrete Walls
Rating: 9/10

Abnormality "Contaminating The Hive Mind" (2012)

In the Death Metal scene today there is a constant flood of new and emerging bands that, in my opinion, don't really offer much to the genre, or particularly go anywhere new or interesting. I thought Abnormality were one of those bands, I found there song "Monarch Omega" when browsing through the endless music videos youtube offers. Despite really enjoying that song, it took me some time to give this album a shot due to my prejudices with the scene.

Having finally got around to giving it a listen, i found was a solid record, one that doesn't try to be anything more that what it is, but delivers some memorable tunes. There is a very enjoyable creative approach to the riffing here that borders experimental at times, but doesn't stray to far from the bounds of the genre. It's a pretty typical Death Metal album, but it has an edge that will make you return when in that whiplash mood.

The recording of this album is crisp and clear, but nothing special, the guitars can be a bit muddy at times but overall the cohesion is good on these tracks, the drum kit has an especially punchy tone and a strong and pummeling presence in both the mix and the songs. Overall this is an easily enjoyed record.

Favorite Tracks: Monarch Omega, Taste Of Despair, Shooting The Messenger

Rating: 6/10

Casualties Of Cool "Casualties Of Cool" (2014)

Casualties Of Cool is a concept album by Devin Townsend & Ché Aimee Dorval. Being a big Towsend fan i was pretty excited for this album, however i have found myself distracted and have only gotten around to listening to it properly this week! At first listen i was quite impressed, but with further listens i found this record to lack the depth that would bring me back to listen again.

This record has a warm and loving tone soaked in re-verb and ambiance that very much compliments the voice of Dorval, however beyond the tone and sound there isn't much going on musically that is really interesting to me. Having listened to Ki & Ghost many times over i wonder if Devin's ambient charm has worn off on me with this record, but i don't think its that, there really isn't a lot of substance in the songs.

The opening track "Daddy" shows everything this record has to offer, but every track after this just continues in the same vibe with no "moments" like in this track where Dorval comes in with "Two by two they pass you by". Its the only part of this record that sticks in my mind, and with the 14 tracks that follow it doesn't happen again for me. Lovely sound, but something was missing in the musicianship for me.

Favorite Track: Daddy

Rating 4/10

Chelsea Wolfe "Pain Is Beauty" (2013)

This "review" is premature, i often like to reach a point with a record where i feel the music well and understand it. Right now I'm excited and drunk on the nectar of a new sound, a new niche has been carved in my mind. I don't yet fully understand it, but I'm entranced by its beauty and want to share it with the world.

The music of Chelsea Wolfe was recommend to me by a friend and all i know of her at this point is her music. She's got a stunning, ghostly voice with much passion and sadness that drifts like morning fog trough instrumentals so curiously poised between contrasting instrumentation that paints its own eerie and haunting place in time. This record has as a listening experience has been fruitful with 12 deep, rich and varied songs that are a pleasure for keen ears.

Juxtaposition is the theme that hits me hard on these tracks. There is a unique balance in the song writing, where the uplifting, more positive instruments can be offset by a contrasting sound or use of re-verb / low-fi recording techniques to create an eerie and unsettling undercurrent found throughout the songs in this album. Chelsea's ethereal voice soaks these tracks with emotional deeps that give me goosebumps every time. The instrumentals here are unlike anything I've heard before, and her voice trumps it all.

Favorite Tracks: We Hit A Wall, The Warden, Sick, Kings

Rating: 8/10

Panopticon "Roads To The North" (2014)

Black Metal has a strange characteristic, diversity. For a genre so dark, aggressive and rebellious, it is quite amazing how varied its sound is and how many other styles have been successfully fused with it. Maybe the musical boundaries it pushed were big ones. Either way it is often i am listening to a new Black Metal record and hearing something new and interesting. This record is a great example.

Panopticon brings some unique diversity to the "folk" element which is no stranger to Black Metal, however here the folk isn't viking or Norwegian as we have often heard it, Panopticon is from a mining town in Kentucky and brings the sounds and instruments of their culture into the extremes in perfect harmony. The opening of the 3 part epic "The Long Road" an instrumental folk piece, brings you into the heart of a mining town, only for the drums to tear into a blistering blast beat in part 2... and it works!

This record not only fuses the folk element into Panopticons sound but each of the songs bring riffing styles and techniques from all across the metal spectrum. The opening track brings riffage reminiscent of the Metalcore / Deathcore era from a few years back and there are moments of Melodic Death Metal throughout. This record displays fantastic musicianship and has me seeking out further material to enjoy. A recommendation to any Black Metal fan who likes the less traditional sounds it can bring.

Favorite Tracks: The Long Road, The Echoes Of A Disharmonic Evensong

Rating: 7/10

Aeons Confer "The Soul Of The Universe" (2003)

This may just be one of the best records you've never heard in the world of symphonic black metal. Aeons Confer are a German band who's brief activity in the early 2000's yielded 2 EPs, this one being the first. Clocking in at just 17 minutes across 6 tracks this record delivers 3 blistering, thrashy and aggressive tracks that execute a sublime balance between the progressive metal elements and the symphony that moves from the background to the forefront effortlessly. Along side these are 3 symphonic interludes that really thicken listening experience and enrich the astral theme this band deliver.

This EP is a tight execution of some very well written songs that have stuck with me as a favorite for over 10 years. When i discovered this record Aeons Confer were a localized band with a website i some how managed to stumble across. Since then they have been a lost gem, unable to obtain there second EP release in late 03 they have been a band i often check back in with and search the web in hop of finding there second release.

It seems very fitting that on this day that i write my thoughts on a record, that has given me 10 years of listening pleasure, that a search reveals they have got it back together and released a new album and the Mirror Heart EP on bandcamp. I am very much looking forward to hearing them both :-)

Favorite Songs: All

Rating: 8/10

Opeth "Pale Communion" (2014)

This review will be short and sweet. Over 20 years Opeth have delivered 10 fantastic albums, all staying true to there unique vibe that is immediately identifiable. This being there 11th album, is one i had strong hopes for, and they were certainly met.

This album is their second without the death metal element that once made them stand out from other bands and the reality is its not missed. Opeth know how to write music, whatever pallet it is with. Pale Communion sounds like a mix of Heritage and Wateshed, with a more matured sense of pace and progression. In a nutshell, its exactly what you'd expect as an Opeth fan.

Favorite Songs: Moon Above Sun Below, Goblin

Rating: 4/10

Erang "Another World Another Time" (2013)

If i remember correctly, I discovered the music of Erang through a PM on youtube. This was just when Erang released his first album and it is always nice to get a recommendation, but its something a bit more special when you can communicate with the artists directly, one of the many great things about this internet age. Since then i have closely followed and enjoyed everything hes released.

I picked this album to review because its my favorite, make sense right? Its also the most important Erang record from my perspective. On this record the musical themes and sounds of  the "Tome era", the ambient, eerie dungeon synth, evolve, flourish and become much more matured. This progression continues with the next two albums, but for me here is where it started.

Dungeon Synth is an unrealized genre, for its untimely history and nieche. I find it difficult to describe in words where this music goes, probably because it is "other worldly" and ancient. The appeal is in the mystery of what and where these forgotten places are, and Erang on this album and beyond really expands on where this genre can go.

Favorite Tracks: The Kingdom Of Erang, The Foresters Grandson, Forever Lost In An Endless Dream

Rating: 6/10