OSR: April 9th, 2016

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From Argentina, Aeuphoria released Æthernal Velum back in January. It’s a pretty good albeit rather normal technical death metal album. What does set them apart, however, is their penchant for atmospheric passages on a few tracks, but they would gain much by developing the atmospheric side of their sound and embedding it in their tech-death songs as well so they don’t sound so bland.
The new Haken album, Affinity, is a pretty good progressive metal release. It doesn’t do anything groundbreaking, and not all songs are good at all. For example, “Earthrise” feels like a cheesy 80’s pop song… Read more

The Algorithm – Brute Force

In today’s world, the modern metal scene finds itself facing an odd paradox of being more diverse and varied than ever before, while also having a notably larger number of puritans than a lot of other music scenes. As such, the word “gimmick” gets thrown around way more than it has any right to be, and with an act like The Algorithm I’d say that finding this label tossed about is pretty much a given. However, with the release of its latest album Brute Force, The Algorithm not only completely dismisses the notion of being merely a “gimmick act” … Read more

Book of Sand – Occult Anarchist Propaganda & Elegy

Book of Sand is an experimental one-man band shrouded in mystery. Just trying to put a name on the person behind it would require an extensive investigation; for now, they refer to themselves only as “d”, or “dcrf”. Since 2009, they have nine releases, one of which being a split with The Skin Horse. Last year, I reviewed The Face of the Deep, which I described as unworthy of listening, but upon further reflection provides a unique albeit rather abstract experience, and can be enjoyed for what it is, simply.

Earlier this year, Book of Sand released two albums: … Read more

OSR: April 5th, 2016

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There is so much great music assaulting me that I feel submerged by it! I have a hard time keeping up with all the releases. Nevertheless, here we go with a third day streak of OSRs.

Sweden’s ᛒᛚᛟᛞᛊᛒᚨᚾᛞ (Blodsband) just released their latest album, Rungalder. It’s some pretty good atmospheric black metal where the vocals are put in the background rather than in the forefront, so we can better soak in the atmosphere crafted by the instruments. The only downside to me is the drums, which sound very synthesized. It would be a good idea to work on better… Read more

OSR: April 4th, 2016

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Well, that was quick! On this 4/4 day, let me share with you my latest discoveries!

After their 2012 album Demur, Visions return with Shake the Earth, and they’re not kidding. This is most probably their best work to date: melodic, progressive, hardcore, full of energy, good vibes, and great production! The album comes out on May 30th. I really like where they are taking their sound. Oh, The Mercury Tree… I’ve known then since their previous album, Countenance, but Permutations is nothing you should overlook. Through the years, they’ve developed their personal brand of progressive, avant-garde, art… Read more