Album Reviews
Carrion Vael: Slay Utterly: 3
In their fifth album, "Slay Utterly," the band members Travis Lawson Purcell, Alex Arford, Trenton Limburg, Ryan Kurder, and Matt Behner continue their partnership with Unique Leader Records. The album features strong tracks, starting with "19(fucking)78," which showcases a mix of complex melodies, intense riffs, and catchy moments. "Truth or Consequences" begins calmly with Flamenco influences and then shifts to powerful rhythms and contrasting vocal styles. "1912" includes elements of Symphonic Death Metal and Deathcore, while "30 on 9" alternates between fast and slow sections. "40 Echoes Upon the Parlor" highlights the vocalist's range with various techniques. "Lord of 74" builds intensity, blending calm vocals and explosive energy. "Bisection 47" incorporates keyboards and dark clean vocals, and "Black Chariot" features sharp riffs and roars. Overall, the album impresses with its mix of influences and powerful sound.
Architectural Genocide: Malignant Condition: 3
Houston's Architectural Genocide has released their second album, Malignant Cognition, five years after their debut, Cordyceptic Anthropomorph. This new album is even darker and more intense, adding a terrifying quality to their already brutal sound. It begins with 'Precursor To Bloodshed', which sets a tone of hidden violence, leading into 'Coercion Into Carnality', a track that pulls listeners into a world of horror and madness with its unpredictable shifts.
The relentless aggression continues through tracks like 'Trophies For My Murders', which combines slow tension with savage attacks, and 'Zed Requiem', which tortures with its lack of empathy. The climax is found in 'Stuffed Under Floorboards', showcasing a mix of chilling atmosphere and powerful riffs. The album features artwork by Rudi Yanto and Den Yudi, perfectly capturing its dark essence. Malignant Cognition will be released by Comatose Music on January 16th, and it has been mixed and mastered for maximum effect, promising a brutal start to the New Year in the death metal scene.
Beyond The Black: Break The Silence: 2
Beyond the Black returns with their album Break the Silence, three years after their self-titled fifth album. This new work combines electronic influences with their established symphonic sound, creating a unique blend. The album focuses on themes of communication and includes several languages across different tracks, offering something special.
The band shows more confidence in exploring new styles compared to their previous album, Horizons. Listening to the full album highlights the group's efforts in merging various elements. Opening with "Rising High," the album features multiple languages, catchy segments, and powerful vocals from Jennifer Haben. The title track follows, showcasing a modern edge mixed with symphonic elements and big choruses.
Standout moments include "The Art of Being Alone," featuring a duet with Chris Harms, and "Let There Be Rain," which incorporates The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices, creating a remarkably catchy chorus. "The Flood" dives into electronic sounds with dance-worthy energy, while "Can You Hear Me" features guest vocals from Asami of Lovebites, adding depth to the sound.
The album closes with "Weltschmerz," a reflective ballad that showcases Haben's stunning vocals. Overall, Break the Silence is a strong entry in symphonic/modern metal and sets a high standard for the year ahead with its energetic melodies and powerful message.
Rating Scale
​
4 = Excellent
3 = Good
2 = Fair
1 = Poor
Omnium Gatherum: May the Bridges We Burn Light the Way: 3
After nearly 30 years in melodic death metal, Finnish band OMNIUM GATHERUM releases their tenth album, "May the Bridges We Burn Light the Way". Formed in 1996, they blend heavy metal, Gothenburg-style melodic death, and progressive elements, earning the nickname “Adult-Oriented Death Metal”.
The album showcases founding guitarist Markus Vanhala’s vision, highlighting ice-carved riffs, blazing solos, dynamic rhythms, creative keyboard use, and powerful vocals. Vanhala describes the process as challenging, especially during the pandemic, but it led to a moment of rediscovery for the band.
The lead single, “The Last Hero,” delivers a strong message of resilience. The album's title was inspired by a phrase seen on a stranger’s hoodie in a Chinese airport, resonating with the band’s journey. The album explores themes of dreams, addiction, and urban chaos, with tracks like “Walking Ghost Phase” and “Ignite the Flame”.
The recording took place in various Finnish studios, including industrial locations. Vocals were produced in Sweden by Björn 'Speed' Strid of Soilwork, enhancing the album's sound. Mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren and Tony Lindgren, the album runs just under 45 minutes, offering continuous energy. This is a furious ride for the Death Metal afficionado.
Album Reviews
Carrion Vael: Slay Utterly: 3
Travis Lawson Purcell and his band, including Alex Arford, Trenton Limburg, Ryan Kurder, and Matt Behner, deliver their fifth album, "Slay Utterly," under Unique Leader Records. The album showcases a remarkable range of technical proficiency and musical diversity, beginning with the dynamic track "19(fucking)78," which features complex melodies, aggressive riffs, and clean vocals. Following is "Truth or Consequences," characterized by a calm introduction influenced by Flamenco rhythms leading to explosive sections, highlighting the band’s skill and contrasting vocal styles.
The album continues with "1912," which incorporates elements of Symphonic Death Metal and Deathcore, particularly in its impactful central break. "30 on 9" presents a blend of rapid and slower riffs, while "40 Echoes Upon the Parlor" unleashes a variety of vocal techniques amidst aggressive musicality. "Lord of 74" builds intensity from a slow start, unleashing powerful energy with vocal harmonies enriching the sound. The track "Bisection 47" embraces Technical Death Metal influences, featuring keyboard support and brief moments of calm before energetic sections return. Lastly, "Black Chariot" features intricate riffing and a strong conclusion combining clean and harsh vocals.
Overall, "Slay Utterly" stands out for its relentless energy and blending of genres, revealing the hard work and commitment of Carrion Vael's musicians in creating a powerful auditory experience.
Architectural Genocide: Malignant Condition: 3
Houston's Architectural Genocide has released their second album, Malignant Cognition, five years after their debut, Cordyceptic Anthropomorph. This new album is even darker and more intense, adding a terrifying quality to their already brutal sound. It begins with 'Precursor To Bloodshed', which sets a tone of hidden violence, leading into 'Coercion Into Carnality', a track that pulls listeners into a world of horror and madness with its unpredictable shifts.
The relentless aggression continues through tracks like 'Trophies For My Murders', which combines slow tension with savage attacks, and 'Zed Requiem', which tortures with its lack of empathy. The climax is found in 'Stuffed Under Floorboards', showcasing a mix of chilling atmosphere and powerful riffs. The album features artwork by Rudi Yanto and Den Yudi, perfectly capturing its dark essence. Malignant Cognition will be released by Comatose Music on January 16th, and it has been mixed and mastered for maximum effect, promising a brutal start to the New Year in the death metal scene.
Beyond The Black: Break The Silence: 2
Beyond the Black's latest album, Break the Silence, is a fusion of electronic elements and symphonic sound, featuring a communication theme with multilingual tracks. The album opens with "Rising High," showcasing energetic vocals by Jennifer Haben. The title track contrasts heavy grooves with symphonic parts, while "The Art of Being Alone" includes a duet with Chris Harms. "Let There Be Rain," featuring The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices, offers a catchy chorus. Notably, "The Flood" and "Can You Hear Me," with guest vocalist Asami, present a dance-worthy energy. The highlight, "Hologram," delivers addictive riffs, and the reflective ballad "Weltschmerz" closes the album. Break the Silence stands out in Beyond the Black's discography, delivering impactful melodies that resonate with contemporary global themes.
Rating Scale
​
4 = Excellent
3 = Good
2 = Fair
1 = Poor
Omnium Gatherum: May the Bridges We Burn Light the Way: 3
After nearly 30 years in melodic death metal, Finnish band OMNIUM GATHERUM releases their tenth album, "May the Bridges We Burn Light the Way". Formed in 1996, they blend heavy metal, Gothenburg-style melodic death, and progressive elements, earning the nickname “Adult-Oriented Death Metal”.
The album showcases founding guitarist Markus Vanhala’s vision, highlighting ice-carved riffs, blazing solos, dynamic rhythms, creative keyboard use, and powerful vocals. Vanhala describes the process as challenging, especially during the pandemic, but it led to a moment of rediscovery for the band.
The lead single, “The Last Hero,” delivers a strong message of resilience. The album's title was inspired by a phrase seen on a stranger’s hoodie in a Chinese airport, resonating with the band’s journey. The album explores themes of dreams, addiction, and urban chaos, with tracks like “Walking Ghost Phase” and “Ignite the Flame”.
The recording took place in various Finnish studios, including industrial locations. Vocals were produced in Sweden by Björn 'Speed' Strid of Soilwork, enhancing the album's sound. Mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren and Tony Lindgren, the album runs just under 45 minutes, offering continuous energy. This is a furious ride for the Death Metal afficionado.