Tag Archives: mike wilson

Album Review – Orphans of Dusk / Spleen (2023)

Posted on by
Reply

Nine years after releasing their last offering, this New Zealand and Australia-based entity returns with their most mature album to date, one that should gather the world’s gothic-doom scene’s attention.

Ten years after the band’s inception, and nine since their last offering, the 2014 EP Revenant, New Zealander/Australian Gothic/Doom Metal entity Orphans of Dusk opens their goth-doom gasket again, coming back to life to present Spleen, their haunting new full-length album.  Mixed and mastered by Simon Cohen at Studios 301, and displaying a classy artwork by Moreno Matkovic (with additional artwork by Luciferium War Graphics, Irina Micic and the band’s own guitarist James Quested), the album picks up where Revenant left with a greater focus on dark hooks carried by excellent gothic vocals and guitar harmonies brought forth by Chris G on vocals, the aforementioned James Quested on the guitars and synths, and Mike Wilson on bass, supported by guest drummer Jonas Schütz (Cyclopean Walls, Sacrosanct, Diësis). The band’s most mature offering to date, and one that should gather the world’s gothic-doom scene’s attention, Spleen is highly recommended for fans of Type O Negative, Woods of Ypres and My Dying Bride, among others, offering the listener eight memorable songs with powerful riffs, weaving heaviness and beauty into a lush gothic atmosphere.

The vibrant and dense intro Welcome Black sets the tone for the rest of the album, darkening the skies and bringing sheer doom to our hearts before the band smashes our senses in Wasted Hero, with the sluggish, massive drums by Jonas dictating the song’s thunderous pace. Moreover, Chris’ deep vocals, most probably inspired by the unparalelled Peter Steele (RIP), match perfectly with the lugubrious riffs by James. In the somber I’m Going To Haunt You (When I Die) we’re treated to caustic lyrics growled by Chris (“Shadows grow over your own / A bitter chill descends, are you sure you are alone? / Such rage, it can defy the grave”) while Mike enhances the song’s density and darkness with his puissant bass lines; and it’s then time for a nine-minute aria exhaling melancholy and obscurity titled Aurora Australis, where the synths by James help the band generate an enfolding atmosphere. Needless to say, Chris is once again spot-on with both his enraged guttural and somber, clean vocals, sounding hypnotizing from start to finish.

The title-track Spleen keeps the atmosphere dense and muggy, blending the absolute heaviness of Doom Metal with the groovy feeling of Gothic Metal and Rock. It definitely feels like their personal “tribute” to Type O Negative, I might say, whereas Victim of a Vampire is even more touching and melancholic than its predecessors, a beautiful creation by Orphans of Dusk spearheaded by the minimalist but sharp guitars by James and the low-tuned bass by Mike. The instrumental interlude Magic Keys will then drag your soul to one final ride with Orphans of Dusk titled Falling Star, once again showcasing poetic words (“All alone but together we’re here at last / A violent zone, looking up to long black clouds / You wish upon a star”) embraced by a slow, heavy-as-hell goth-doom sonority. As a matter of fact, the CD version of the album comes with an exclusive bonus named A Spell of Bad Luck, definitely worth the investment in the physical copy, offering a nice hybrid of Gothic and Doom Metal where Chris’ deep vocals are nicely complemented by James’ keys and Jonas’ pounding drums.

Chris, James and Mike are eager to know what you think about their album, and you can easily get in touch with them via Facebook or Instagram and know more about the band, their plans for the future, tour dates and so on. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to their YouTube channel and to stream more of their music on Spotify, and above all that, to grab a copy of the excellent Spleen from their own BandCamp page, or from the Hypnotic Dirge Records’ BandCamp page or webstore (or click HERE for all things Orphans of Dusk). Gloomy, inspiring and extremely detailed, Spleen is a fantastic return to action by Orphans of Dusk, and may that represent just the first step as they restart their journey through the dark and grim lands of Gothic and Doom Metal.

Best moments of the album: I’m Going To Haunt You (When I Die), Aurora Australis and Victim of a Vampire.

Worst moments of the album: none.

Released in 2023 Hypnotic Dirge Records

Track listing
1. Welcome Black 1:44
2. Wasted Hero 8:18
3. I’m Going To Haunt You (When I Die) 6:37
4. Aurora Australis 9:07
5. Spleen 8:20
6. Victim of a Vampire 6:41
7. Magic Keys 2:22
8. Falling Star 6:52

CD Exclusive bonus track
9. A Spell of Bad Luck 5:29

Band members
Chris G – vocals
James Quested – guitars, synths
Mike Wilson – bass

Guest musician
Jonas Schütz – drums

Album Review – Isenmor / Shieldbrother (2020)

Posted on by
Reply

As the dawn of battle approaches, let’s join Isenmor’s shield wall and drink to glory together with such talented Gewyrdelic Folk Metal band to the sound of their breathtaking new album.

After four battle-worn years of work, countless setbacks and even greater victories, the long-awaited debut full-length from Baltimore, Maryland-based Gewyrdelic Folk Metal band Isenmor, beautifully titled Shieldbrother, has finally seen the light of day, delivering tales of glory, sorrowful tales of woe and of course an “obligatory” Folk Metal drinking song, showcasing an incredible evolution in the sound crafted by Nick Schneider on lead vocals and violin, Tim Regan on the guitar, Mike Wilson on bass, Jon Lyon on keys, and newcomers Pete Lesko on lead guitar, Mark Williams on violin and David Spencer on drums compared to their 2015 EP Land of the Setting Sun. Produced by Mike Wilson, Mark Williams and Tim Regan, mixed by Tim Regan and mastered by Dan Swanö at Unisound, the album offers the listener a breathtaking blend of metal, orchestral and folk music, combining intricate violin leads and rich vocal harmonies with a strong guitar-driven Folk Metal base inspired by the stalwarts of the genre including Týr, Ensiferum and Eluveitie, bringing to life the history and legends of the Anglo-Saxon and Germanic peoples while inviting us all to join the band’s shield wall and drink to glory with them.

Isenmor’s dual violin attack begins in full force with Battle Scarred, with Nick already screaming manically while Mike and David make the earth tremble with their respective bass jabs and classic beats in an awesome hybrid of Viking and Folk Metal, whereas the title-track Shieldbrother sounds even more infuriated and vicious, with its lyrics reeking of Viking Metal (“Kin by blood and kin by shields / Strong stones set in a fleshen wall / Ring oaths kept in foot torn earth / Blood binds sealed among thirsting dust”) while also showcasing an amazing guitar work done by both Pete and Tim. And the strident violins by Nick and Mark dictate the rhythm in the dark Mount Badon, a sluggish and somber creation by Isenmor where all vocals and backing vocals exhale melancholy. It’s indeed a well-crafted ballad, albeit not as inspiring as the rest of the album, and those American Vikings get back to their trademark violin-infused metal madness by blasting the thrilling Furor Teutonicus, once again presenting a fantastic sync between Nick’s demented roars and David’s unstoppable drums.

Drink to Glory is one of those fast, short and extremely fun compositions that will inspire all fans of Viking, Folk and Epic Metal to drink a pint of mead while slamming into the circle pit, with Nick and Mark being on fire with their violins accompanied by Mike’s rumbling bass, and we’re treated to more of their adventurous lyrics (“In the deep dark wild you wander / Far from home amidst the trees / Suddenly you smell a stench that / Leaves you weak and on your knees”) in Kings of the Cold Mountains, boosted by their frantic music while the keys by Jon bring balance to all the aggressiveness flowing from the band’s riffs and beats. Then get ready to headbang to Wanderlust, another classic Vindlandic Viking Metal tune where Nick’s growls are nicely supported by all backing vocals, slashing riffs and their undisputed violin extravaganza, followed by a breathtaking 17-minute musical journey entitled Sigurd’s Song, changing its shape and form as the adventure progresses, with their violins “crying” majestically nonstop while the band also brings to our ears hellish roars, old school Viking Metal beats, harmonious background keys and endless epicness, ending the album in the most exciting way possible.

This fun, action-packed, violin-infused voyage through the lands of Viking and Folk Metal can be streamed in its entirety on Spotify, but of course I highly recommend you purchase the album from the band’s own BandCamp page, from Apple Music, or from Amazon, and don’t forget to also follow the band on Facebook and on Instagram, as well as subscribe to their YouTube channel for more of their vibrant metal music. As the dawn of battle approaches, let’s show our utmost support to Isenmor by joining their shield wall, becoming part of their tales of war, glory and death, and remaining always eager for more of their beer drinking, prancing and fighting music like the amazing collection of battle hymns offered to us all in Shieldbrother.

Best moments of the album: Shieldbrother, Furor Teutonicus and Drink to Glory.

Worst moments of the album: Mount Badon.

Released in 2020 Independent

Track listing
1. Battle Scarred 5:11
2. Shieldbrother 6:35
3. Mount Badon 4:06
4. Furor Teutonicus 4:42
5. Drink to Glory 2:44
6. Kings of the Cold Mountains 3:17
7. Wanderlust 3:49
8. Sigurd’s Song 17:15

Band members
Nick Schneider – lead vocals, violin, mandolin on “Kings of the Cold Mountain” and “Drink to Glory”
Pete Lesko – lead guitar
Tim Regan – guitar, vocals, additional keys and sequencing
Mike Wilson – bass, vocals, additional rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar on “Wanderlust” and “Sigurd’s Song”, mandolin on “Kings of the Cold Mountain”, additional keys and sequencing
Mark Williams – violin
Jon Lyon – keys, vocals
David Spencer – drums

Guest musicians
Carter Cassedy – additional lead guitar
Keith Williams – cello on “Sigurd’s Song”

Album Review – Isenmor / Land of the Setting Sun EP (2015)

Posted on by
2

It’s time to fight, dance around the fire and get drunk to the Vinlandic Folk Metal by this brand new American band.

Rating5

ISENMOR - Land of the Setting Sun cover artWhen you think of Folk Metal or Viking music, I bet your mind travels immediately to the fascinating Scandinavia, in special to Finland where many amazing bands such as Finntroll, Ensiferum, Korpiklaani and Turisas were bred. However, it seems those fresh winds are turning to North America through the Vinlandic Folk Metal by American band Isenmor, who before being just a band are proud to be a tribute to Vinland, the region of the northeastern coast of North America that was visited in the 11th century by Norsemen led by Leif Ericsson, and named from the report that grapevines were found growing there. You’re not going crazy, there’s a band playing Folk Metal that wasn’t born in Scandinavia or another European country, but in the United States, and those guys definitely know what they’re doing.

Formed in May 2014 and after releasing their first demo in the same year, this Maryland-based band offers now to their fans their first EP, entitled Land of the Setting Sun, where of course you’ll find good heavy music strengthened by classic themes and tales of battle, adventure, sorrow and infinite amounts of drinking. And in order to make things even more likeable and amusing, Isenmor have not only one, but TWO crazy violinists, Nick Schneider and Miles Waldman, who will put you to dance to the sound of their frenetic instruments. In other words, are you ready to have some pints with this unique American sextet?

The opening track, Death is a Fine Companion, is also my favorite one of all five, and don’t you agree that the name of the song truly incorporates the Viking spirit? Anyway, this exciting chant showcases a strong Folk vein with a Death Metal sounding that increases the music’s electricity, with its chorus making me want to grab my sword, shield and beer (or even mead) mug and sing it along with the band (“Death is a fine companion / When he comes for the foe / But keep your welcome warm / When he comes for you”). Singing about death and the journey of a warrior to Valhalla, the slow and melancholic Folk tune Pyre presents to the listener a great chemistry between the violin duo, whose lines transpire the throes of death, and all other instruments, especially the guitar riffs by Tim Regan and the beats by BG Drakeley.

Land of the Setting Sun is perfect for dancing around a fire pit with your loved ones, with both harsh and clean vocals blending perfectly with what the band is proposing with the music, while So Willingly Deceived deserves to be part of the soundtrack of the next Thor movie. It’s a beautiful Viking semi-ballad about the burdens of being a true warrior (“Hear the Thunder in the Sky / The sound of Donar’s mighty strikes / Through all the Nine worlds he rides / As he defends all of mankind”), with highlights to the violins together with the keyboards dictating the rhythm and sadness of the song.

ISENMOR band photoAnd finally, there’s nothing better than a fast and joyful song about drinking to conclude a Viking album, which is the case in The Old Mead Hall. Fans of Folk Metal will have a good time during Isenmor’s live performances, enjoying a cold beer while listening to this delightful display of camaraderie and a fun celebration of victory. The whole band is on fire in this song, but it’s the violins that end up standing out once again for our total delight.

It doesn’t really matter if you have Viking blood flowing through your veins or not, you should go check their Facebook page and also buy their brand new EP at their BandCamp page, as there are many cool options available worth your hacksilver. The full BandCamp digital EP includes acoustic versions of “Pyre” and “So Willingly Deceived”, while the CD version includes covers of Ensiferum’s “In My Sword I Trust” and Eluveitie’s “Havoc”, as well as the aforementioned acoustic songs. And did I mention there’s an “IsenPackage” which also includes a pint glass with the Isenmor logo emblazoned upon it and an Isenmor t-shirt? To sum up, what are you waiting for to grab your sword, dance around the fire pit with your close friends and get completely drunk to the music by Isenmor?

Best moments of the album: Death is a Fine Companion and The Old Mead Hall.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2015 Independent

Track listing
1. Death is a Fine Companion 4:24
2. Pyre 4:34
3. Land of the Setting Sun 5:15
4. So Willingly Deceived 5:00
5. The Old Mead Hall 3:35

Band members
Tim Regan – guitar, vocals
Mike Wilson – bass, vocals
Nick Schneider – violin, mandolin, vocals
Miles Waldman – violin
Jon Lyon – keyboards, vocals
BG Drakeley – drums

https://youtu.be/zQ6BzIzbAw8