Tag Archives: melodic death metal

Concert Review – Insomnium (The Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto, ON, 04/14/2024)

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The third night in a row of first-class heavy music in Toronto was a feast of melody and darkness, courtesy of one of the pillars of Nordic Melodic Death Metal.

OPENING ACTS: Wilderun and Omnium Gatherum

Last but not least, Sunday night was the final round of one of the most metallic weekends in the past few years in Toronto, once again at The Phoenix Concert Theatre, and this time with WILDERUN, OMNIUM GATHERUM and INSOMNIUM during their North American Tour 2024. For the third night in a row, Keith Ibbitson of Metal Paparazzi and I were there to cover another awesome event organized by Noel Peters of Inertia Entertainment, and with much better traffic conditions than Friday and Saturday, basically everyone was able to get to the venue way ahead to enjoy some chat with friends. have a few drinks, buy some merch, and obviously have a good time already with the opening act of the night, even with the doors opening earlier than the previous two days.

And the opening act this time was Boston, Massachusetts-based Symphonic Progressive/Folk Metal band WILDERUN, a band that I highly recommend for fans of Opeth. To be honest, I actually prefer Wilderun’s music to Opeth’s, as I’m not sure why exactly but they do sound heavier to me. Still promoting their 2022 album Epigone, the band formed of Evan Anderson Berry, Wayne Ingram, Daniel Müller and Jonathan Teachey put on a solid performance to the point there were even mosh pits when it’s not normal to see that type of reaction when the music played is a lot more progressive and smoother like theirs. The band even acknowledged that, saying it was the first mosh pit of the tour for them, proving how much Toronto enjoyed their show. Hence, if you want to enjoy their detailed, intricate creations, you can stream all of their albums on Spotify, and I honestly can’t wait to see Wilderun live again in the near future.

Setlist
Distraction II
Identifier
The Tyranny of Imagination
Far From Where Dreams Unfurl

Band members
Evan Anderson Berry – vocals, rhythm & acoustic guitars, mandolin, keyboards
Wayne Ingram – lead & acoustic guitars, backing vocals, keyboards, orchestrations
Daniel Müller – bass, hammered dulcimer, backing vocals
Jonathan Teachey – drums, backing vocals

The second band of the night needs no introduction. Hailing from the always beautiful Finland, Melodic Death Metal squad OMNIUM GATHERUM turned up the heat considerably Sunday night with their undisputed fusion of melody and violence, with their setlist encompassing songs from their whole career (all available on Spotify), including their 2021 album Origin, and their 2023 EP Slasher, with the opener Slasher already igniting some action on the floor section. The entire band sounded amazing during their set, but of course their forntman Jukka Pelkonen stole the show with his deep roars and his amazing interaction with the crowd, which obviously led to a warm and vibrant reaction from the fans. Also, their guitarists Markus Vanhala and Nick Cordle kicked some serious ass on stage, making each song even heavier and more striking, and please keep those names in mind as there was more of the duo right after Omnium Gatherum finalized their show.

Setlist
Slasher
Paragon
Reckoning
Sacred
Soul Journeys
Gods Go First
Planet Scale
Frontiers
White Palace
New Dynamic

Band members
Jukka Pelkonen – vocals
Markus Vanhala – guitars
Nick Cordle – guitars
Mikko Kivistö – bass
Aapo Koivisto – keyboards
Atte Pesonen – drums 

INSOMNIUM

It was just a little past 9pm when Finland’s own Melodic Death Metal masters INSOMNIUM hit the stage at The Phoenix Concert Theatre for another powerful performance, just as great as when they played in the city alongside Enslaved last year, with their setlist being very similar to that, obviously focusing on their 2023 album Anno 1696. The opener 1696, followed by Ephemeral and White Christ (and we do need an Insomnium/Rotting Christ co-headlining tour just so Mr. Sakis Tolis finally joins the stage with Insomnium to sing this beautiful song), were extremely intense, enfolding and dark, and the reaction of their avid fans was fantastic as well. Also, I must say that although Lilian and The Rapids are new songs, they already sound like classics live so good they are.

Now remember when I asked you to keep the names of Nick Cordle and Markus Vanhala in mind? Well, those two guy are on double duty this entire tour, being the guitarists for both Omnium Gatherum AND Insomnium. Markus has already been playing with Insomnium for quite some time, so nothing new about that, but Nick had to take the guitars duties last minute due to a very weird reason. Guitarist Jani Liimatainen simply “disappeared” from the map a few weeks ago (well, rumor has it that he’s spending some time with a girl in Brazil, and I feel like a reporter from TMZ by writing this here) and was therefore kicked out of the band, plus the fact I have no idea why Ville Friman is not touring with Insomnium this year, so it was up to Nick and Markus to be responsible for all riffs and solos during this entire tour. They’re doing a fantastic job, by the way.

After lots and lots of horns in the air, mosh pits, and a killer encore with The Primeval Dark, While We Sleep (and I might sound repetitive, but this song always sounds superb to my ears when I see the band live or when I listen to its studio version) and Heart Like a Grave, it was time for Insomnium to say goodbye to Toronto, but of course promising they’ll be back soon for another captivating show. You can stay up to date with all things Insomnium by clicking HERE, including their tour dates, and I don’t think you’ll want to miss one of the pillars of Nordic Melodic Death Metal when those beyond talented musicians pay your city a visit, right? And for me, after a wild weekend full of first-class metal music, I’ll have only a few days of break before I fly in the direction of the Metal Gods. Oh yeah.

Setlist
1696
Ephemeral
White Christ
Change of Heart
Lilian
And Bells They Toll
The Rapids
The Gale
Mortal Share
Song of the Dusk

Encore:
The Primeval Dark
While We Sleep
Heart Like a Grave

Band members
Niilo Sevänen – lead vocals, bass
Markus Vanhala – guitars, clean vocals
Nick Cordle – guitars, clean vocals
Markus Hirvonen – drums

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Concert Review – TÝR (Horseshoe Tavern, Toronto, ON, 04/03/2024)

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A pleasant (and rainy) night full of pirates, trolls and battle ballads for the delight of all fans of Folk Metal in the city of Toronto.

OPENING ACTS: The Dread Crew Of Oddwood, Aether Realm and Trollfest

Rain or shine, the Toronto metalheads are always there to support their favorite bands, which is exactly what happened this (very) rainy Wednesday night at the Horseshoe Tavern when THE DREAD CREW OF ODDWOOD, AETHER REALM, TROLLFEST and TÝR offered a folk feast full of pirates, trolls, goblins, orcs, beer mead and other whimsical creatures and objects during their Battle Ballads North American Tour 2024, a fantastic event brought to the city by the one and only Noel Peters of Inertia Entertainment. Of course, Keith Ibbitson of Metal Paparazzi and I couldn’t be left out of that party, and I must say I had an absolute blast seeing all those four bands for the first time ever in my life.

The first band to hit the stage was a “Pirate Folk Metal” crew beautifully named THE DREAD CREW OF ODDWOOD, which is in fact an acoustic pirate band, referred to by the band as “Heavy Mahogany”, from San Diego, California, United States, and they put on a very entertaining show for all concert goers who were already at the venue. Playing songs from all of their albums, including their brand new album Rust & Glory, those American privateers kicked some ass and turned up the heat inside the Horseshoe Tavern, therefore properly warming up the fans for the upcoming bands. If you’re curious to know more about their pirate music, go check their crazy tunes on BandCamp and on Spotify, including amazing songs that were part of their setlist like Give Me Your Beer and Giant Fucking Demon Crab, and let’s be honest, it can’t get any more pirate than this, right?

Setlist
Dead Man’s Medley
Leather Ship
Side Quest
Give Me Your Beer
Raise Your Pints
Binged and Purged
Giant Fucking Demon Crab
The Dread Crew of Oddwood
Lawful Evil

Band members
Wolfbeard O’Brady – accordion, whistles, vocals
Smithy Crow – bass, orchestral strings, vocals
Stark Cordwain – Irish bouzouki, whistles, vocals
Deckard Cordwain – mandolin, ukulele, vocals
Pete – drums

Then after a short break it was time for Greenville, North Carolina, United States-based Melodic Death/Folk Metal act AETHER REALM to bring an overdose of heavy music to the venue, which was getting packed by the minute. Playing heavy and fast songs from all of their albums including songs from their latest effort, titled Redneck Vikings from Hell, released in 2020, plus a brand new single named Should I?, the band inspired the fans to get into a sweet mosh pit, which obviously raised the temperature inside the venue considerably. I highly recommend you go after their music by streaming and/or buying their albums on BandCamp and on Spotify (or click HERE for all things Aether Realm), and don’t miss a chance to see the band live whenever they take your city by storm.

Setlist
Slave to the Riff
The Tower
Cycle
The Magician
Should I?
Swampwitch
She’s Back
Guardian
TMHC
The Sun, the Moon, the Star

Band members
Vincent Jones – vocals, bass, orchestrations
Heinrich Arnold – guitars, vocals
Donny Burbage – guitars
Tyler Gresham – drums

Sporting the weirdest and coolest costumes you can think of, and by that I mean pink flamingo costumes, Oslo, Norway’s own Folk Metal army TROLLFEST were absolutely perfect from start to finish, driving their fans crazy throughout their fantastic set and generating a huge mosh pit, including tons of beer-drinking, horns-raising tunes from their entire catalogue (which features albums with stunning names such as Flamingo Overlord), like Dance Like a Pink Flamingo and All Drinks on Me. The band spearheaded by frontman Trollmannen is a must-see for anyone who enjoys a wild fusion of heavy music, beer, trolls and flamingoes, and you can enjoy all that on BandCamp and on Spotify, or on any other streaming platform, and if you’re planning to go watch them live get ready for one of the wildest rides you’ll ever experience at a metal concert.

Setlist
Kjettaren mot strømmen
Happy Heroes
Dance Like a Pink Flamingo
Steel Sarah
Twenty Miles an Hour
Professor Otto
Renkespill
Piña Colada
Kaptein Kaos
Flamongous
Byttingenes Byttehandel
All Drinks on Me
Espen Bin Askeladden
Hevlette

Band members
Trollmannen – vocals
Mr. Seidel – guitars
Fabio Grimdrap – guitars
Böesse Basshöl Nybazist – bass
Bjørn Dugstad Rønnow – drums
Drekka Dag – saxophone
Fjernkontrollet – accordion, keyboards
Trollbank – bouzouki

TÝR

Finally, after three amazing bands, it was then time for the main attraction of the night to kick some serious ass and close the entire event on a high and brilliant note. Denmark/Faroe Islands’ Progressive/Folk Metal institution TÝR didn’t care about the small size of the stage and simply killed it, delivering a beyond fun setlist for their avid fans with songs like By the Sword in My Hand and Hail to the Hammer, plus the brand new songs Dragons Never Die and Hammered, from their upcoming new studio album Battle Ballads (to be released on April 14), sounding insane live. As mentioned for all other bands, you can have a very good time enjoying all of their creations on different streaming platforms like BandCamp and Spotify, and of course don’t miss their concerts if they ever hit your city because they’re an amazing live band, and of course Toronto is waiting with arms wide open for another explosion of TÝR in the city in the near future.

Setlist
By the Sword in My Hand
Dragons Never Die
Mare of My Night
Tróndur í Gøtu
Valkyrja
Ragnars Kvæði
Hammered
The Lay of Thrym
By the Light of the Northern Star
Hail to the Hammer
Regin Smiður
Axes
Blood of Heroes

Encore:
Sinklars vísa
Hold the Heathen Hammer High

Band members
Heri Joensen – vocals, guitars
Hans Hammer – guitars
Gunnar Thomsen – bass, backing vocals
Tadeusz Rieckmann – drums

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Album Review – Hiraes / Dormant (2024)

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Germany’s own rising metal force strikes back with their sophomore beast, a stirring, intense and dynamic Death Metal affair that is both heavily brutal and dark, yet full of melodic melancholy.

Formed in 2020 in the city of Hanover, the capital and largest city of the German state of Lower Saxony, the unstoppable Melodic Death Metal beast Hiraes strikes back with their highly anticipated sophomore effort, titled Dormant. Produced by the band itself, recorded at LCHQ Studio (vocals), Warehouse Studio (drums) and K-Sound Studio (guitars and bass), mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren and Ricardo Borges at Fascination Street Studios, and displaying a stylish artwork by the band’s own frontwoman Britta Görtz, Dormant is a stirring, intense and dynamic Death Metal affair that is both heavily brutal and dark, yet full of melodic melancholy, masterfully brought into being by the aforementioned she-wolf Britta Görtz alongside guitarists Lukas Kerk and Oliver Kirchner, bassist Christian Wösten, and drummer Mathias Blässe.

Futuristic sounds are quickly joined by the slashing riffs by Lukas and Oliver in Through The Storm, exploding into a feast of modern-day Melodic Death Metal led by the hypnotizing roars by Britta; followed by We Owe No One, one of the coolest songs of the current Melodic Death Metal scene where Britta and the boys are on absolute fire throughout its entirety, presenting amazing riffs supported by the rumbling bass and hammering drums by Christian and Mathias, respectively, being therefore perfect for their live performances. Then slowing things down a bit we have the ballad Undercurrent, while at the same time sounding epic, introspective and delicate, with Britta alternating between her trademark screams and gentle clean vocals; and back to a more visceral sonority it’s time for sheer heaviness spiced up by the striking riffs and solos by the band’s guitar duo in Chance To Fail, not to mention how bestial yet intricate the drumming by Mathias sounds. And the proof of the band’s musical evolution is offered to us all in About Lies, bringing forward almost seven minutes of top-of-the-line contemporary Melodic Death Metal, starting in an enfolding manner and growing in intensity until all spaces are filled with the band’s sharp sounds, resulting in a lecture in the style.

After such insane avalanche of heavy and melodic music, the band offers the cryptic, Stygian interlude Come Alive, a cinematic creation by Hiraes that will hold you in a dark embrace before they come crushing once again in Ocean Child, a hammering, multi-layered tune overflowing passion and hatred, with Britta vociferating rabidly nonstop supported by the headbanging beats by Mathias and the always caustic riffs by Lukas and Oliver, flowing into the breathtaking, menacing Nightflight, a violent onrush of metal music by the quintet that will smash your cranial skull mercilessly, with Britta’s soaring vocals matching perfectly with the electrifying riffage and solos by the band’s axe duo, and with Mathias once again pounding his drums in great fashion. They still have a lot of fuel to burn in Red Soil, a neck-breaking extravaganza bringing forward a massive wall of sounds, including hints of Melodic Black Metal, while also sounding mysterious and utterly obscure; whereas the title-track Dormant closes the album on a whimsical mode, not as striking as the rest of the album, but it’s still a solid composition full of love, rage and darkness.

Due to the use of varying keys and sonic elements, Dormant is undoubtedly fresh without sacrificing the nuances that caused their first album to connect so successfully with fans, and if you want to put your hands on such awesome release you can purchase it from their own webstore, from Napalm Records in the US or in Europe, and by clicking HERE, or you can also stream it in full on Spotify. Don’t forget to also give Britta and the boys a shout on Facebook and on Instagram, staying up to date with all things Hiraes including their incendiary live dates. Dormant will certainly feature among the top metal albums of the year of 2024 due to its endless energy, superb musicianship, and first-class quality of its overall production, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for one of the most electrifying names of the current metal scene worldwide.

Best moments of the album: We Owe No One, Chance To Fail, About Lies and Nightflight.

Worst moments of the album: Dormant.

Released in 2024 Napalm Records

Track listing
1. Through The Storm 4:04
2. We Owe No One 4:11
3. Undercurrent 5:23
4. Chance To Fail 4:13
5. About Lies 6:50
6. Come Alive 1:54
7. Ocean Child 4:21
8. Nightflight 3:48
9. Red Soil 5:44
10. Dormant 5:11

Band members
Britta Görtz – vocals
Lukas Kerk – guitars
Oliver Kirchner – guitars
Christian Wösten – bass
Mathias Blässe – drums

Album Review – Lutharo / Chasing Euphoria (2024)

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One of the must-see names of the current Canadian scene is back with their breathtaking sophomore album, sounding as destructive and violent as it is soaring and captivating.

Bringing forth their signature mixture of traditional Heavy Metal, Melodic Death Metal, Thrash Metal and more, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada-based Melodic Death Metal outfit Lutharo returns with their sophomore opus (and strongest effort to date), titled Chasing Euphoria, following up on their critically acclaimed 2021 debut Hiraeth. Recorded by drummer Cory Hofing at Coho Studio, with additional recording by Thomas Ireland and mixing and mastering by Lasse Lammert of LSD Studio, and showcasing a stunning artwork by Swedish artist Niklas Sundin, Chasing Euphoria is as destructive and violent as it is soaring and captivating, inspiring us all for some vigorous headbanging, boisterous pits and chanting singalongs together with frontwoman Krista Shipperbottom, guitarist Victor Bucur, bassist Chris Pacey and the aforementioned drummer Cory Hofing.

The epic, cinematic intro Gates of Enchantment will set the stage for Krista and the boys to crush our souls in Reaper’s Call, presenting an amazing guitar job by Victor that sets fire to their music in the name of Melodic Death Metal, therefore resulting in a beyond thrilling start to the album. Their violent yet very melodious sounds keep hammering our cranial skulls in Ruthless Bloodline, with Cory dictating the song’s galloping pace with his heavy beats accompanied by the metallic bass by Chris; and get ready for another blast of sick riffs, thunderous bass and unstoppable drums in Time to Rise, with Krista once again showcasing all her vocal range with both her clean vocals and she-demon roars. In Born to Ride we’re treated to pure metal lyrics roared by Krista (“We’re striking the lights out stately / Let the banners fly / Sights never guided me before just stifled my might / Short circuited odds and judgment / With victory to taste / When the blind leads the blind, / You’re at the edge of a blade”) amidst a beyond exciting and incendiary sound perfect for hitting the highway, followed by Bonded to the Blade, a good song albeit not as dynamic as the rest of the album. Victor continues to deliver sheer adrenaline through his riffs and solos, though.

The title-track Chasing Euphoria will bring to our avid ears more of the band’s modern-day, electrifying Melodic Death Metal, with the soaring vocals by Krista walking hand in hand with the massive wall of sounds crafted by her bandmates; and the band then enhances their epicness to a whole new level in Creating a King, offering more of their crystal clear, visceral melodeath with Cory pounding his drums mercilessly from start to finish, resulting in the perfect song for some sick headbanging. There’s no sign of the band slowing down at all, as Strong Enough to Fall is another feast of Canadian Melodic Death Metal with the striking riffs and solos by Victor sounding venomous, enfolding us all in a Heavy Metal embrace. A futuristic start quickly evolves into a straightforward Melodic Death Metal attack by Lutharo in Paradise or Parasite, where Krista keeps delivering her trademark hypnotizing vocal lines while Chris and Cory build a strong base boosted by the song’s background orchestral elements; whereas the doomed bass by Chris ignites the closing tune of the album, titled Freedom of the Night, offering the listener seven minutes of fast-paced riffs and beats and the always sharp yet charming vocals by Krista, or in other words, it’s a more introspective creation by the band putting a climatic finale to their metallic feast.

Lutharo Chasing Euphoria Ultimate Bundle

Lutharo are definitely going places armed with Chasing Euphoria (both figuratively and literally speaking, as they’re gearing up for a massive tour across the United States and Canada), and if you want to show such awesome band from the current Canadian metal scene your utmost support, you can start following them on Facebook and on Instagram, always keeping an eye on their tour dates, subscribe to their YouTube channel and stream more of their breathtaking music on Spotify, and above all that, grab a copy of Chasing Euphoria from their own official website (including the more-than-special Chasing Euphoria ultimate bundle, featuring the album on limited edition pink and blue marble vinyl, a limited edition signed photo, an album T-shirt, a “Time To Rise” patch, a battle flag, and limited edition guitar picks), or you can also find your favorite version of the album by clicking HERE or HERE. Lutharo are definitely going to make a lot of noise worldwide armed with their new album, a cacophony of all that is metal, always chasing euphoria and inspiring us to bang our heads nonstop to the music by one of the best bands of the contemporary Canadian scene.

Best moments of the album: Reaper’s Call, Born to Ride, Creating a King and Paradise or Parasite.

Worst moments of the album: Bonded to the Blade.

Released in 2024 Atomic Fire Records

Track listing
1. Gates of Enchantment 1:13
2. Reaper’s Call 4:00
3. Ruthless Bloodline 4:12
4. Time to Rise 4:21
5. Born to Ride 3:52
6. Bonded to the Blade 4:33
7. Chasing Euphoria 4:31
8. Creating a King 4:08
9. Strong Enough to Fall 4:56
10. Paradise or Parasite 5:07
11. Freedom of the Night 6:45

Band members
Krista Shipperbottom – vocals
Victor Bucur – guitars, backing vocals
Chris Pacey – bass
Cory Hofing – drums

Guest musician
Jeff Wilson – guitars (Live)

Album Review – Eternal Storm / A Giant Bound to Fall (2024)

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A boundless, always-evolving Spanish Progressive and Melodic Death Metal outfit returns with their hugely ambitious yet still passionate and heartfelt sophomore album, a giant step ahead for the band and for the entire style.

Following up on the release of their 2019 debut album Come the Tide, which was a shockingly accomplished, poignant and evocative album which many still regard to be one of the highlights in the style, Spanish Progressive/Melodic Death Metal outfit Eternal Storm returns to the battlefield four years later with their sophomore opus, titled A Giant Bound to Fall, a worthy effort that doesn’t betray their sound nor dilute it. Produced by the band itself, recorded at The Empty Hall Studio (vocals, guitars, bass) and at Sadman Studio (drums), re-amped, mixed and mastered by Dan Swanö at Unisound, and displaying a sinister artwork by Leoncio Harmr (with logo by Christophe Szpajdel of Lord of the Logos), the album is far more nuanced, multifaceted and even feels darker than their debut installment, all masterfully brought into being by Daniel R. Flys on lead vocals, guitars, keyboards and bass, Jaime Torres on the guitars, vocals, keyboards, bass and fretless bass, and Daniel Maganto on bass, additional guitars and additional vocals, plus guest musicians Gabriel Valcázar (Wormed, Ernia) on drums and percussion, and Jaboto Fernández (Nexus 6, TodoMal) on additional keyboards and synths, being recommended for fans of Be’lakor, Dyssebeia, Insomnium, and Dark Tranquillity.

Guest Roberto Bustabad (Varunian, Ovakner, Rvinas) brings some noise and additional synths to the opening tune An Abyss of Unreason, starting in an ethereal manner as the drums by Gabriel arise from the underworld, exploding into a dissonant and experimental hybrid of Black and Death Metal where Daniel R. Flys roars manically nonstop, offering us all endless progressiveness and multiple layers of unique sounds and tones in a true aria of darkness. Then featuring guest vocalist Sven de Caluwé (Aborted), A Dim Illusion is another melodious yet visceral and somber creation by the band, a more progressive version of the music by Insomnium highly recommended for some vigorous headbanging to the piercing riffage by Daniel R. Flys and Jaime; and after such intense and bold tune it’s time for a soothing, serene sonority in There was a Wall, bringing forward elements from modern-day Doom Metal, in special in the sluggish beats by Gabriel, while Daniel R. Flys, Jaime and Daniel Maganto extract sheer groove and feeling form their stringed axes. Their mesmerizing feast goes on in Last Refuge, featuring guests Kheryon on additional vocals and Paul R. Flys on violin, a ten-minute journey through the realms of Progressive and Melodic Death Metal showcasing another amazing job done by all band members, with Daniel R. Flys once again leading his horde with his anguished screams.

It’s then time for a gentle, enfolding interlude titled Eclipse, generating a delicate atmosphere to the sound of minimalist guitar lines (albeit going on for a bit too long, but nothing that takes away its vibe), setting the tone for Lone Tree Domain, with guest Eloi Boucherie (Vidres a la Sang, White Stones) on additional vocals, an even more intricate, detailed and visceral creation by Eternal Storm, with their guitar riffs getting boosted by the rumbling bass by Daniel Maganto, sounding beautiful and impactful at the same time. The trio keeps embellishing the airwaves with their complex yet captivating sounds in The Sleepers, featuring Dan Swanö on additional vocals, a Progressive Death Metal aria alternating between deep, enraged moments and atmospheric passages, exploding into the infernal The Void, a lecture in Death Metal infused with progressive, technical and blackened elements tailored for admirers of the genre, with the superb drumming by Gabriel enhancing the song’s punch while Daniel R. Flys roars like a beast, always accompanied by the thunderous bass by Daniel Maganto. Lastly, we’re treated to the title-track A Giant Bound to Fall, featuring Sergi “Bobby” Verdeguer (Persefone) on additional vocals, beginning in a futuristic, whimsical vibe while also offering more of the band’s harsh and demolishing sounds, bringing peace and hope to our damned hearts and, therefore, putting a stunning finale to the album.

A Giant Bound to Fall is a giant step ahead in the logical direction, for the band and for the entire style. There is little doubt that this hugely ambitious and more importantly still passionate and heartfelt album will go down as another towering landmark in the genre, and if you want to show Eternal Storm all your support you can start following the band on Facebook and on Instagram, stream their music on Spotify, on YouTube and on any other streaming platform, and above all that, purchase a copy of the album from their own BandCamp page, as well as from the Transcending Obscurity Records’ webstore as a CD (in the US and Europe) or as a very special CD + shirt combo (also in the US and Europe). The storm of Progressive and Melodic Death Metal available in the new album by such talented band from Spain definitely deserves a detailed listen by all of us, and I can’t wait to see what’s next in their boundless and always evolving career.

Best moments of the album: An Abyss of Unreason, Last Refuge and The Void.

Worst moments of the album: Eclipse.

Released in 2024 Transcending Obscurity Records

Track listing
1. An Abyss of Unreason 13:35
2. A Dim Illusion 7:18
3. There was a Wall 5:07
4. Last Refuge 10:00
5. Eclipse 4:06
6. Lone Tree Domain 9:27
7. The Sleepers 6:27
8. The Void 6:27
9. A Giant Bound to Fall 6:46

Band members
Daniel R. Flys – lead vocals, guitars, keyboards, bass
Jaime Torres – guitars, vocals, keyboards, bass, fretless bass
Daniel Maganto – bass, additional guitars, additional vocals

Guest musicians
Gabriel Valcázar – drums, percussion (session)
Jaboto Fernández – additional keyboards and synts
Roberto Bustabad – noise and additional synths on “An Abyss of Unreason”
Sven de Caluwé – additional vocals on “A Dim Illusion”
Kheryon – additional vocals on “Last Refuge”
Paul R. Flys – violin on “Last Refuge”
Eloi Boucherie – additional vocals on “Lone Tree Domain”
Dan Swanö – additional vocals on “The Sleepers”
Sergi “Bobby” Verdeguer – additional vocals on “A Giant Bound to Fall”

The Year In Review – Top 10 Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Albums of 2023

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“Whatever your age may be, when you go to a heavy metal gig, you’re a teenager again.” – Rob Halford

I believe that quote from the Metal God himself perfectly represents the year of 2023 for most of us metalheads, including of course myself and my buddy Keith Ibbitson of Metal Paparazzi as we’ve been to countless metal gigs this year (and you can see detailed reviews with amazing professional photos for each one of them HERE), keeping our inner fires burning during such difficult times for the entire world. A never-ending economic crisis that’s dragging tons and tons of people to poverty everywhere, the Russo-Ukrainian War that persists for almost two years now, the extremely sad and inhumane Gaza–Israel conflict, all environmental disasters that in the end are all mankind’s fault, and so on. On the heavy music side, we witnessed the final concert ever by KISS, the end of great bands like The Agonist and Betraying the Martyrs, and the deaths of Sebastian Marino (former guitarist of Overkill and Anvil), Michael “Majk Moti” Kupper (former guitarist of Running Wild), Jon Kennedy (former bassist of Cradle of Filth and former vocalist of Hecate Enthroned), Hiroshi “Heath” Morie (bassist of X Japan), Charlie Dominici (former vocalist of Dream Theater), and several other talented musicians.

Despite all those losses, it was a very good year for heavy music, as bands kept fighting for rock and metal no matter what, putting on fantastic albums and memorable tours for us fans, with some already voicing their dissatisfaction against Live Nation and Ticketmaster for their sky-rocketing ticket prices, shady fees, and an obscure ticket reselling “mafia” running in the background that inflates those prices even more. In 2024 we’ll surely (and hopefully) see more of this insurgence against their ticket monopoly, and while we wait for that let’s enjoy The Headbanging Moose’s Top 10 Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Albums of 2023, excluding EP’s, best of’s and live albums, offering our avid ears the perfect soundtrack to every single moment in our lives, even if that moment is the apocalypse.

1. UADA – Crepuscule Natura (REVIEW)
One of the rising stars of the current Melodic Black Metal scene returns with their majestic fourth album, unleashing upon us five sonic vessels.
Best song of the album: Retraversing the Void

2. Cattle Decapitation – Terrasite (REVIEW)
Fear the devourer of earth in the form of the brand new and absolutely majestic album by California’s own Deathgrind masters.
Best song of the album: We Eat Our Young

3. Overkill – Scorched (REVIEW)
One of the pillars of old school Thrash Metal will scorch the earth to the sound of their breathtaking new album.
Best song of the album: The Surgeon

4. Hellripper – Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags (REVIEW)
Behold this infernal storm of Blackened Thrash Metal by a one-man army deeply rooted in his Scottish origins.
Best song of the album: Goat Vomit Nightmare

5. Viscera – Carcinogenesis (REVIEW)
UK’s own Technical Death Metal/Deathcore monster returns with their striking sophomore album.
Best song of the album: Sungazer

6. Cannibal Corpse – Chaos Horrific (REVIEW)
The mighty Corpse is back with another pulverizing album of old school, undisputed Death Metal, blasting gore, blood and violence.
Best song of the album: Chaos Horrific

7. Primal Fear – Code Red (REVIEW)
German Power Metal masters are back with their thirteenth opus, a hard-hitting metal lesson and living proof of the healing power of music.
Best song of the album: Play a Song

8. Werewolves – My Enemies Look and Sound like Me (REVIEW)
The most savage Blackened Death Metal band from Australia returns to the battlefield in full force with an even more demented offering.
Best song of the album: I Hate Therefore I Am

9. Vomitory – All Heads Are Gonna Roll (REVIEW)
All heads are gonna roll to the sound of the infuriated new album by one of the most important bands in the history of Death Metal.
Best song of the album: Raped, Strangled, Sodomized, Dead

10. Marduk – Memento Mori (REVIEW)
One of the pillars of Swedish Black Metal is back with a devilish new album, reminding us that we all must die.
Best song of the album: Blood of the Funeral

And here we have the runner-ups, completing the top 20 for the year:

11. Angelus Apatrida – Aftermath (REVIEW)
12. Immortal – War Against All (REVIEW)
13. Blackbraid – Blackbraid II (REVIEW)
14. 4ARM – Pathway to Oblivion (REVIEW)
15. When Plagues Collide – An Unbiblical Paradigm (REVIEW)
16. Hrothgar – Rise of Ragnarök (REVIEW)
17. Mystic Prophecy – Hellriot  (REVIEW)
18. Tsjuder – Helvegr (REVIEW)
19. Hyperia – The Serpent’s Cycle (REVIEW)
20. Sarcoptes – Prayers to Oblivion (REVIEW)

In addition to all that, let’s bang our heads with our Top 10 EP’s of 2023 to prove once and for all that not all great albums of the year have to be so long. The EP’s from this list are simply awesome, showcasing the band’s talent and their ability to sound epic even if the music lasts for only a few minutes.

1. Imperial Demonic – Beneath the Crimson Eclipse (REVIEW)
2. Spectral Lore – 11 Days (REVIEW)
3. Admire the Grim – Rogue Five (REVIEW)
4. Saint Vermin – Together as None (REVIEW)
5. Lost Brethren – Dimensional Rift (REVIEW)
6. Cryptosis – The Silent Call (REVIEW)
7. Nemesism – Nemesism (REVIEW)
8. Decompose To Ashes – In The Eternal Silence (REVIEW)
9. Dysease – Era of Decay (REVIEW)
10. Throat Locust – Dragged Through Glass (REVIEW)

Do you agree with our list? What are your top 10 albums of 2023? Also, don’t forget to tune in every Tuesday at 10pm BRT on Rádio Coringão to enjoy the best of classic and underground metal with Jorge Diaz and his Timão Metal, and every Thursday at 8pm UTC+2 on Midnight Madness Metal e-Radio for the best of underground metal with The Headbanging Moose Show! And if you lost some of our latest special editions of The Headbanging Moose Show, including our Top 20 Underground Albums of 2023 – Parts I and II, go to our Mixcloud page and there you have hours and hours of the best of the independent scene, sounds good?

Metal Xmas and a Headbanging New Year! See you in 2024!

And before I go, I need to talk once again about Savage Lands, a nonprofit featuring members of Megadeth, Sepultura, Obituary and other legends of metal to support forests in Costa Rica, who released an amazing single titled The Last Howl back in November. The Last Howl is a howling tribute to the howler monkey, which are endangered in Costa Rica. The song features Savage Lands co-founders Sylvain Demercastel and Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth), as well as support from John Tardy (Obituary), Andreas Kisser (Sepultura), Poun (Black Bomb A) and Etienne Treton (Black Bomb A). 100% of the song royalties will help fund nature sanctuaries, establish green zones and other land preservation projects in Costa Rica. Having said that, why don’t you go and make a nice donation to the cause, and learn more about Savage Lands on their official website? I’m sure Sylvain and Dirk, plus everyone else involved in this magnificent project, will love to receive that Christmas gift from you!

Album Review – Ewiniar / Another World (2023)

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Croatia’s own Melodic and Gothic Rock and Metal real-life couple will take you on a new distinctive sonic journey to the sound of their exciting sophomore album.

Two years after the release of their debut album Burning the Night, Split, Croatia-based Melodic/Gothic Rock/Metal duo Ewiniar is back with their sophomore effort, titled Another World, representing their commitment to reinforcing the band’s standing as a noteworthy musical entity. Produced by the band’s own Marin Tramontana, and mixed and mastered by Theodor Borovski at Slaughtered Studio, the album once again depicts the perfect synchronicity between the real-life couple formed of Katarina Tramontana on vocals and the aforementioned Marin Tramontana on the guitars, bass and keyboards, this time supported by session drummer Hugo Ribeiro, offering audiences another distinctive sonic journey recommended for fans of the most melodic and delicate side of heavy music.

As atmospheric as it can be, the duo invites us all on a whimsical voyage in the opening tune Shattered Illusion, with Katarina already showcasing her vocal potency accompanied by the classy riffs and keys by Marin, whereas Your Name is a Melodic Rock and Metal creation bringing to our ears more of the couple’s charming, captivating sounds, even presenting hints of the music played by HIM and Lord of the Lost, with guest Hugo sounding precise on drums as usual. Marin’s bass lines bring an extra touch of groove to Cyanide, flirting with Alternative Metal, and that fusion of sounds ends up working really well, consequently boosting Katarina’s vocals considerably; followed by Sister Moon, keeping the ambience dark and delicate, with Martin and Hugo’s groovy kitchen reverberating in the air. And once again venturing through the realms of Gothic Rock and Metal, Katarina will mesmerize us all with her vocals in Mistaken, supported by the stylish keys by Marin.

It’s then time to slow things down and invest in a more pensive, melancholic sound in the serene ballad Indifference Begins, with Marin once again extracting delicate yet piercing sounds form his guitar, accompanied by the slow and steady beats by Hugo. Only Darkness Remains is another Gothic Metal extravaganza by such talented couple, presenting minimalist guitar lines, classic beats and the trademark charming vocals by Katarina, followed by Never Again, a thrilling song with an 80’s vibe, in special in its riffs and bass lines, that should sound amazing if played live one day. Needless to say, Katarina steals the spotlight on vocals once again. Then their second to last blast of finesse and dark sounds, titled Shadows Still Align, brings forward more of their 80’s and 90’s-inspired Melodic Death and Gothic Metal the likes of Dark The Suns, Insomnium and Aeonian Sorrow, with Hugo dictating the pace behind his drums; and there’s no better way to end the album than with another power ballad by Katarina and Marin, entitled Watching the Night Go By, exhaling passion, darkness and melancholy to the stunning vocals by Katarina and the Paradise Lost-fueled riffs by Marin.

In summary, Katarina and Marin nailed it once again with Another World (which is by the way available for a full listen on YouTube and on Spotify), moving forward in their career and showcasing an evolution in their sound while of course still being loyal to their musical roots presented in their debut album. Hence, don’t forget to give the duo a shout on Facebook and on Instagram to let them know how much you enjoy their music, and obviously to grab a copy of Another World from their own BandCamp page, inspiring them to keep embellishing the airwaves and to keep guiding us to different worlds to the sound of their melodious and delicate music.

Best moments of the album: Your Name, Cyanide and Never Again.

Worst moments of the album: Mistaken.

Released in 2023 Independent

Track listing
1. Shattered Illusion 3:29
2. Your Name 3:34
3. Cyanide 3:52
4. Sister Moon 4:14
5. Mistaken 3:44
6. Indifference Begins 4:37
7. Only Darkness Remains 4:35
8. Never Again 3:55
9. Shadows Still Align 4:10
10. Watching the Night Go By 3:56

Band members
Katarina Tramontana – vocals
Marin Tramontana – guitars, bass, keyboards

Guest musician
Hugo Ribeiro – drums

Interview – Denis (A Dark Reborn)

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Let’s join guitarist Denis from A Dark Reborn somewhere out in space to talk about their new album Last Echo, his passion for heavy music, and much more in this futuristic interview to The Headbanging Moose.

Denis (A Dark Reborn)

The Headbanging Moose: Hello from Canada! How are you doing? Thanks for your time for this interview. Let’s start with an intro to the band for the ones who know nothing about A Dark Reborn, how about that? Could you please let us know more about the band, when you started, and any other details worth mentioning?

Denis: Hello, nice to meet you! I’m Denis, rhythm guitar of the band. First of all, thank you for your interest and desire to get to know us, it is a pleasure that you want to get to know us from so far away!! So I’ll tell you a little about us. The band began to weave Lur around 2019, perhaps a little before, preparing things at home, while looking for people to accompany them in this madness. First Ivan (the bassist) appeared, shortly after Thomas (lead guitar) came in and later I, Denis came in as rhythm guitar along with the first drummer. However, there have been a couple of drummer changes, until today’s definitive lineup, with Saül becoming part of this family. We are a band with a good mix of influences that range from the most extreme metal, prog, hardcore,… through the classics and I could even say that some connotations of pop, blues,…

THM: Now let’s talk about your brand new album Last Echo and the concept behind it. You mentioned that the album is “about a space trip to a new life”. Can you tell us more about that? And what are the main differences from your 2022 album The Light?

Denis: Well, I’ll start with the differences between My Light and Last Echo. Mainly, the first album was a download of ideas, sensations, thoughts, influences… we reached a very beautiful symbiosis as a band and we were able to mix everything in a way that worked very well, in our opinion. The Last Echo album, as you say, is a journey escaping an apocalypse or whatever you want to call it. We are the last habitants of the earth, and we go out in search of a new home, and this album explains a little how we feel about each other, internal, personal conflicts, between us, while we arrive at the destination… or not, hahahaha

THM: You also had a few words about the futuristic artwork by renowned artist Gustavo Sazes, saying that “it reflects that new world to discover, decadent, desolate and dark, but still harbors hope.” How easy was it to work with such great artist, and how long did it take for you to reach the final artwork?

Denis: Well, the truth is that it was relatively easy to reach the final work. By making this album in a block of three parts and each of them with a different cover, it was easy to evolve each part until reaching the last one. We also knew that Sazes likes this type of theme, so it was quite easy to share ideas and understand each other.

THM: What were the biggest challenges faced by the band during the recordings of Last Echo? Is there anything that is not exactly like you planned in the final version of the album?

Denis: To tell the truth, the biggest challenge in recording this album was the time we had. We all know that record labels give you release dates and things like that, and perhaps that was the biggest challenge. It should be said that every time we go to the studio with Raúl Abellán, he always gives us a little twist to always look for a little more of ourselves and help us evolve both as musicians and as people. But yes, the biggest handicap was combining time together with wanting to make a concept album of this type. If I’m honest, I think we wouldn’t change anything on the album, since if we changed something, it wouldn’t be the same, no matter how little difference there was, it would be something else, and the truth is we are very proud of how it turned out.

Album Review – A Dark Reborn / Last Echo (2023)

THM: What would be favorite songs from Last Echo? You can’t say you love them all because I already know that, but if you had to choose maybe two or three songs that truly represent the band in the album, which ones would you pick?

Denis: Hahaha good question! Well, look, one of them is definitely Last Echo, for me it is a song that I listen to today in my headphones, in the car… and I can’t quite believe that we are the ones who played that song, it seems like any other song to me, another international band or I don’t know, hahahaha. Another one that I really like to play live is The Flight, I think it has a lot of strength, and it retains that part with evolved prog atmospheres from the first album and to finish with a third I would say Delirium, it has that tapping part that takes me to I don’t know where, for my rhythmic music it’s really fun to play.

THM: I saw that you just played in the beginning of November on the first edition of Bloody Fest in Spain, and that you have another bunch of live concerts scheduled between January and May all over Spain. How excited are you for those shows, and can we expect to see A Dark Reborn playing outside of Spain, maybe for example at some European festivals during the summer next year (or even here in Canada)?

Denis: Indeed, the first presentation concert of Last Echo was at Bloody Fest, and the truth is that it was very fun, and the response from the people who came to see us was spectacular. Well, we are eager to get back into the van and put in the miles. We really want to present the new album to the world and our show. We have dates until the month of May, but we are waiting to see if we close any more, to see if there are any festivals, and we really want to cross the border to Europe, and be able to get to Canada… oh my god!! That would be wonderful, I hope!! Although we know from listening to Spotify, for example, that we are being listened to a lot in the USA, so who knows.

THM: How’s the underground scene in Spain right now in your opinion? I mean, I’m always reviewing new albums by several amazing Spanish bands from Black and Death Metal to Metalcore and Hard Rock, but as you’re living and breathing the scene you might have some special comments about it. Also, apart from A Dark Reborn, which other Spanish bands should we keep an eye on?

Denis: Well, I will tell you that Spain is still a Latin country, which is why the underground scene, whether metal or hiphop or things like that, is difficult to stand out. You have to play the key very well, and be in the right place, with the right people and at the right time. That doesn’t mean that there are BRUTAL bands, with a lot of talent at the starting gate waiting for their turn, really! I could suggest to you friend bands such as Ankor, Violblast, Erio, We Exist Even Dead… and I left many out. I’m telling you, there is an impressive level of underground bands in this country!

THM: There’s this game I like to play sometimes with the bands interviewed here called “The Time Capsule”, where I ask the bands to list 10 songs from 10 different bands or artists to be saved in a time capsule for all future generations. Would you like to play that? And please, tell us the reason for selecting each song, of course.

Denis: Hahaha very good, let’s get to it then. You make it difficult but we are going to propose some!

1. Heaven Shall Burn – Endzeit
2. Mastodon – More Than I Could Chew
3. Get The Shot – Ultimate Warfare
4. Upon A Burning Body – The Island Of Lost Dreams
5. Jinjer – I Speak Astronomy
6. Amorphis – Brother And Sister
7. Soziedad Alkoholika – Tiempos Oscuros
8. Memento Mori Hardcore – Lleida Hardcore
9. Septicflesh – The Collector
10. Orbit Culture – North Star Of Nija

Well look, for future generations, we are going to wait for the future, hahahaha. At least me, I am a person who is guided a lot by sensations and moods, and that is what my playlists are based on. I don’t usually listen to individual songs. I prefer to listen to a band’s entire album. It seems to me that they have that way. meaning all the songs. Therefore, let’s wait until next year if you feel like it and look at this question again and talk about it, what do you think?

A Dark Reborn

THM: You have an amazing new album, a very exciting tour coming in 2024, you’re always working hard on your videos, and so on. Having said that, what’s next for A Dark Reborn? What else can we expect from the band in the coming months and years?

Denis: Thanks a lot for your comment on the album!!!! You can expect a lot of work and dedication from the band, we want to take great care of that, to always be able to transmit and get as close as possible to the person listening to us. We want to make it easy to reach each one of you. We hope to go as far as possible; we want to take on the world, we really want to go out and share with you everything we have. And above all you can expect effort and a lot of passion, which is a fundamental piece of this band, the passion for what we do. Well, we are fulfilling our dreams, what else could I say?

THM: Thanks again for your time! Feel free to send a final message to our readers, where to buy your music, and anything else you would like to say here!

Denis: Well, first of all, I would like to thank you again for wanting to meet us from so far away, for us it is an honor. I hope I can get to that side of the world soon and be able to say hello and share some beers!!!! For those who want to listen, know that we are on all digital reproduction platforms, be it Spotify, YouTube… and if you would like to support us with some merchandising, we have an online store on the Art Gates Records label, or if you prefer, you can write to us a DM on Instagram, Facebook, and we will be happy to chat with all of you and help you with everything you need! I repeat, thank you very much for the attention and the opportunity!!

Links
A Dark Reborn Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify | Linktree

Metal Chick of the Month – Anni Kokkonen

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Your love is poison… Running through my veins!

As it’s getting colder and colder in the Northern Hemisphere, we needed a metal lady for the month of December who’s not only used to this chilly, frosty weather, but who can also warm up our hearts with her undisputed talent, charisma and passion for heavy music. Hailing from the beautiful land of ice and snow, commonly referred to as Finland, she’s the lead singer for Symphonic/Melodic Power Metal band Nevicate, and for Symphonic/Melodic Groove Metal band Stormbreaker, as well as a lyricist and a pianist, always putting a huge smile on our faces and inspiring us to raise our horns with her powerful voice and whimsical keys. If you have no idea who Anni Kokkonen is, get ready to be stunned by one of the must-see names of the current underground scene in Finland, taking you on a wild journey through the realms of Melodic Metal in her homeland.

Anni started her career in music as the vocalist for Joensuu, Finland-based Symphonic/Melodic Power Metal outfit Nevicate (which by the way means “snowfall” in Italian) back in 2014, when the band was actually formed. Sometimes labeled as a band that plays “Pop Metal”, the music by Nevicate projects a great deal of musical features including modern EDM, classically orchestrated “drama-music” and dark, mystical Nordic atmospheres, or in other words, it’s a mixture of symphonic tones, pop vibes and electronic elements, with all lyrics revolving around psychological themes, dealing with the fragile human mind and wounds caused by adversity, resulting in a blend of feminine power, masculine headbanging and melancholic moodiness. So far, the band formed of our diva Anni Kokkonen on vocals, Lassi Porali on the guitars and backing vocals, Lumi Ollila on keyboards and backing vocals, Oskari Hevonkoski on bass and Toni Manninen on drums released their self-titled debut demo in 2016, followed by the singles Shattered, in 2017, The Surface, in 2019, and Dewdrops, in 2021, with Anni being responsible for the vocals and lyrics in all of them.

The band began to gain more ground in 2015 after participating and getting more encouragement in a project called Rock Academy in Joensuu, during which the band developed their own personal sound that reaches both catchy and heavy spheres. Having a strong musical background which can be heard from their meandering song arrangements and rigorous co-playing, all band members exploit both their steady musical knowledge and the emotion and interpretation entailed by years of playing experience. If you want to explore in more detail the mystical world ruled by Nevicate, you can find them on Facebook, Instagram, BandCamp, Spotify, and YouTube, where by the way you can watch their videos for the songs Dewdrops, The Surface, and Shattered, as well as other nice videos of making of’s and playthroughs. No idea at all if the band is on hold, if they called it quits, or if they’re just taking their time before their next release, but one thing is certain, and that is we need more of the music by Nevicate.

We can all say that right now Anni is fully focused on her Symphonic/Melodic Groove Metal band Stormbreaker, playing melodic but deliciously aggressive metal music. Founded in 2021 in Joensuu, the band currently comprised of Anni alongside veteran musician Petri Tarvainen on vocals, Jaakko Kauppinen and Tomi Virtanen on the guitars, Tatu Heikkinen on bass and Sami Ratilainen on drums was originally formed as a solo project of Petri Tarvainen, employing a host of familiar traits including a dynamic male and female vocal approach, stunning musicianship, and classic arrangements, being therefore recommended for fans of Arch Enemy, Beast In Black and Nightwish, among others. Earlier this year the band released their debut effort, a four-track EP overflowing adrenaline, harmony and rage entitled Vengeance, available for a full listen on YouTube, Spotify, BandCamp, Tidal and Apple Music, or click HERE for all things Stormbreaker.

Apart form her amazing work with Nevicate and Stormbreaker, we can also enjoy Anni and her hypnotizing vocals as a guest backing vocalist in the 2022 six-track EP Age of Mist, by Joensuu-based Melodic Death Metal band Cerebral Mist. The band is currently inactive due to the death of founding member Antti Parviainen in February 2018, with Age of Mist being finished posthumously by the remaining members of the band four years later to honour him and his work. Hence, you can enjoy the music by Cerebral Mist and celebrate the life of the deceased Antti Parviainen by listening to the EP in its entirety on BandCamp, on Spotify, or on YouTube. Furthermore, you can also enjoy Anni’s powerful vocals as a guest in the single Singularity (available on BandCamp, on Spotify, on YouTube, and on other streaming services), released in 2019 by Finnish Melodic Death Metal act Decrowned.

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Not only a fantastic vocalist, Anni is also a skillful pianist who does improvisations and covers on her Instagram profile @piano_b_onfire, and as Anni states in the profile herself, she plays the piano “just for fun”. As a matter of fact, I’m pretty sure the fact Anni can play the piano so well is extremely helpful for her when it comes to writing music for any of her bands, and speaking about her influences, she mentioned her own feelings as one of the driving forces in her writing process. “Usually, my current life situation gets me to write down my feelings which gradually develop into a lyric form. Also, whenever I’m touched by some other things that can make me put my thoughts on paper,” commented our Melodic Death Metal diva.

It’s also important to mention how dynamic the duo of Anni and Petri is for Stormbreaker, with Anni not only doing the clean parts in paradox to Petri’s harsh growls, but also showcasing her more venomous side and doing some screams as well, again proving how versatile her vocals can be. Her vocals will remind you of a young Doro Pesch at times, ad also of the iconic Kimberly Goss (of bands like Sinergy and Avernus), and all that range and versatility can be appreciated in all of its glory when Anni hits the stage, as she truly loves to perform live. “Live performances are one of the most important things to us. They tell the listeners what the band is truly about and can easily reach new fans at the same time. And to me being on stage is the best part of doing music,” she commented.

Anni doesn’t only love to be on stage and bring her music to life in front of an audience, but she also believes music videos are another crucial part of any band. “Music videos are a great way to promote bands in order to get gigs, and making them can give new exciting experiences which is always great and motivational,” she said, and we must all agree it’s always great to see a charismatic performer like her on screen, right? And lastly, when asked in one of her interviews if she prefers physical copies like CD’s, LP’s and cassettes, or if she’s a fan of digital downloads, she actually answered both are necessary in our world today. “Both have their pros and cons. Digital downloads are easy to share and spread all over the world but of course it’s a different matter to put an actual CD on a shelf. That’s why we like to make physical copies as well so we can really feel our accomplishment in our own hands.” Hence, what are you waiting for to buy the music by Anni’s amazing bands in digital or physical format, or even both? I’m sure she’ll be more than happy with that, inspiring her to keep creating thrilling and beautiful music, always embellishing the airwaves of her homeland Finland and anywhere else where good music is appreciated with her striking voice.

Anni Kokkonen’s Official Instagram
Anni Kokkonen (piano)’s Official Instagram
Stormbreaker’s Official Facebook page
Stormbreaker’s Official Instagram
Stormbreaker’s Official YouTube channel
Nevicate’s Official Facebook page
Nevicate’s Official Instagram
Nevicate’s Official YouTube channel

“Live performances are one of the most important things to us. They tell the listeners what the band is truly about and can easily reach new fans at the same time. And to me being on stage is the best part of doing music.” – Anni Kokkonen

Album Review – Dark The Suns / Raven And The Nightsky (2023)

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A three-piece act from Finland will embrace you with their fifth full-length album, taking you on a 50-minute journey through the realms of Death, Gothic and Doom Metal with a strong melodic vein.

Originally founded as a one-man project by Finnish vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Mikko Ojala back in 2005, and after some lineup changes through the years plus a seven-year hiatus from 2013 until 2020, the now three-piece Melodic Death/Gothic Metal entity Dark The Suns has just unleashed upon us their fifth studio album, entitled Raven And The Nightsky, the follow-up to their 2020 effort Suru Raivosi Sydämeni Pimeydessä. Overflowing beautiful piano melodies and dark vocals, all carefully crafted by the aforementioned Mikko Ojala on vocals, guitars and drums, Jani Moilanen on the guitars and clean vocals, and Inka Ojala on bass and keyboards, Raven And The Nightsky will take you on a 50-minute journey through the realms of Death, Gothic and Doom Metal with a strong melodic vein highly recommended for admirers of the music by Insomnium, Draconian and Before the Dawn, just to name a few.

The heaviness of the drums by Mikko make a beautiful paradox with the whimsical keys by Inka in the opening tune Adamantine, sounding very detailed, multi-layered, and alternating between more metallic moments and ethereal passages, whereas in Phoenix they blend the more Gothic, obscure music by bands like HIM and Paradise Lost with their Melodic Death Metal sound, displaying a great job done by Mikko and Jani on the guitars. In Kun Aallot Kallioihin Murtuu, or “when the waves break on the rocks” from Finnish, a pounding, sinister intro gradually evolves into another atmospheric feast by the trio led by the delicate keys by Inka, who also delivers sheer heaviness through her low-tuned bass in an amazing fusion of Melodic Death Metal with contemporary Doom Metal; and they keep embellishing the airwaves in Aurora, with Mikko’s deep, darkened growls adding an extra touch of malignancy to the overall result. Then featuring Paavo Laapotti (Before the Dawn) as a guest vocalist, Raven is another solid creation where the guitars by Mikko and Jani walk hand in hand with Inka’s massive bass lines.

The second half of the album begins in a melancholic, pensive mode with the doomed Shadows Upon the Broken Hearts, showcasing sluggish beats, stylish keys and deep, obscure vocals, albeit a bit too generic if compared to the rest of the album. Swans of the Frozen Waters carries a beautiful name for a song, with Mikko and Jani slashing their guitars with tons of feeling and passion while Mikko hammers his drums nonstop in a fantastic display of Melodic Death and Doom Metal; followed by The Sea of Sorrow, perfect for headbanging alone in the dark, with Inka once again adding her share of finesse to the music through her keys while her bass sounds as heavy as it can be. We then face Under the Northern Lights, in the vein of the latest works by Finnish titans Insomnium, blending Death and Doom Metal with an ethereal atmosphere while Mikko steals the spotlight with his Stygian vocals and classic beats. And closing the album the trio offers us all the most obscure, grim of all songs, titled In Mist of the Night, where Blackened Doom elements invade all empty spaces in the air, not to mention the beauty in the guitars by Mikko and Jani is truly outstanding.

Such powerful, pensive and deep album from the always beautiful Finnish scene is available for a full and detailed listen on YouTube and on Spotify, but in order to show your true support and admiration for Dark The Suns you can purchase a copy of the album from their own BandCamp page or by clicking HERE. Also, don’t forget to follow the band on Facebook and on Instagram for news, tour dates, and other nice-to-know details about the band. Mikko, Jani and Inka did a beyond stunning job in Raven And The Nightsky, from the album title to its cover, from the opening song to the last second of the closing one, and I’m sure as soon as they realize how much fans of Gothic and Doom Metal love all songs found in the album they’ll keep creating great music for our ears, which means we’ll fortunately never see them on a hiatus again.

Best moments of the album: Adamantine, Kun Aallot Kallioihin Murtuu and Swans of the Frozen Waters.

Worst moments of the album: Shadows Upon the Broken Hearts.

Released in 2023 Inverse Records

Track listing
1. Adamantine 4:37
2. Phoenix 5:07
3. Kun Aallot Kallioihin Murtuu 4:37
4. Aurora 5:54
5. Raven 4:42
6. Shadows Upon the Broken Hearts 4:36
7. Swans of the Frozen Waters 4:05
8. The Sea of Sorrow 5:48
9. Under the Northern Lights 5:24
10. In Mist of the Night 5:16

Band members
Mikko Ojala – vocals, guitars, drums
Jani Moilanen – guitar, clean vocals
Inka Ojala – bass, keyboards

Guest musician
Paavo Laapotti – vocals on “Raven”