Kylesa - Time Will Fuse Its Worth (2006)

 Here we go again with my personal favorite band lately, Kylesa. This time I'll spent no time with introductions and stuff. Was the pointless "Intro" skipped and we would have an amazingly  straightforward opener, as the first actual track is. Of course, I'm referring to " What Becomes and End " and its instant, furious opening riff and lyrics, in an absolutely ex abrupto way. Harsh vocals from the lady of the band, Laura, once again accompanied with apocalyptical lyrics about endstime. By listening to this single song you'll get the first best impression about what it's coming next and, generally, about what this album is about. Diversity among the riffs and the tempo changes, as well as for the vocal duties, which are handled by three members like in their previous full-length, "To Walk A Middle Course" .
 Up next is " Hollow Severer" , an indisputably cacthy song especially because of the vocal patterns, handled by guitarist Philip Cope. Also, the "soft" break at the middle of the song worths a mention because of the trippy guitars and the excellent drumwork. "Where the Horizon Unfolds" is coming next, and  I think that this is the perfect title selection for this particular song. It starts off with an almost clean guitar melody and then it erupts! The first riff along with the full of anguish and anger screams and growls are simply DE-VA-STA-TING. However, the song gets more melodic by the time the vocal duties change once again, and guess whose turn is..mr. Pope's. Although I love this band, his vocals -most of the times- piss me really off. Anyways, it is a great song.
 And now, we've reached at the best song of the album, and my personal favorite, "Between Silence and Sound". A song that slowly progresses inside you as you're listening to it again and again. Again a repetitive clean guitar melody,which perfectly illustrates what the band's name means(a Buddhist term denoting delusory mental states), this time powered by leads that really give you a weird, negative feeling..Like being locked in a dark room, hearing nothing but your own thoughts and feeling nothing but pain and despair. As soon as the heavy part comes in, Laura grabs you from the face with her amazing vocal perfomance and makes you  forget all of the above and just relieve any burden possible by screaming. Apart from the plethora of emotions it manages to capture, this song also provides us with -possibly- the best lyrics the band has ever written. "Blood of ignorance continues to reign / It's automatic. The process the gain / On silent hands with silent demands / We see the end. We see the end." Yeah, not the most positive ones but this is reality.
 Following the peak of the album is an instrumental interlude with just the two drummers beating on their sets, nothing special. After the interlude come " Identity Defined " , a very interesting song and -once again-  catchy! What makes this song special is the constantly shifting riffing and vocal duties. Simply impressive teamwork and an awesome refrain. I must mention that I really like Pope's vocal approach on this one. " Ignoring Anger" opens with a weird riff, I don't know how else to describe. It seems that it is the song I like the least so, I 'm going to move on with the last actual track, " The Warning". And what a great closer that is! Nice lyrics and vocals (!) by mr. Pope, then comes the bassist's time to grab the microphone and show us his growling talents, while the riffing is getting really doomy. You've reached around the 3 minute point and you haven't sensed Laura's presence. Here comes her part, the climax of the song ,in my humble opinion, which comes as a salvation for the listener, who might have gotten a bit tired. Unfortunately, it doesn't last to long. The song ends in an annoying way, with Pope going really repetitve on the vocals. The album closes with a drum solo by the drumming duet. They did a really great overall job, combining many rythms and adding a little more heaviness to the already heavy compositions.
 I love this band and this record so much mainly because of the diversity, that keeps you far from getting bored, and the teamwork. This is a band in which every instrument - except for the bass - is handled by two or more members.Two drummers, two guitarists and three vocalists. And what's more impressive is the fact that they manage to keep them all well constructed and equally shared. A phenomenal album, a classic and personal favorite.
Download of the 2012 remastered version

Kylesa - To Walk a Middle Course (2005)

"Darting eyes and whispers revolve around me.."
Oh, Kylesa..! What an awesome band! How unique, unpredictable and variable!Their second full-length release, "To Walk Middle Course", has recently been my personal favorite and I feel like getting a kind of addicted to it. Although I've been a fan of the band for almost two years, this is the first time I feel this way, and, damn, it feels right!
 In this effort Kylesa combine their early hardcore-punk influences along with sludge and doom elements.Also, you can come across with some traces of psychedelia, especially during the seconds
of ambience between each song, something that makes the album flow better. At that particular point of their career Kylesa used to have a single drummer, however the drumwork on this album is pretty solid and does not lack of anything, really heavy percussion. The riffing is amazingly creative and unique in some tracks, such as the uber-catchy opening riff of "Eyes Closed from Birth". Others are bleak and slow, like the intro of  "Motion and Presence" and "Phantoms". Of course, some DOOM passages are always present as well as beatdowns.Vocalwise, I have really fallen in love with Laura's vocals (or rather screams?) on this album. She appears like being the "man" of this band, since her vocal approach is so harsh and hardcore influenced. That takes guts. As for the guys' vocal attempts I prefer more the deep guttural growls of the bassist (although I'm not sure if that's him) than the let's-say-singing of the other guitarist, which I consider the only drawback of this album.
 The lyrics..I really like them, even though they're not audible sometimes. As I said above I love Laura's vocal parts and apart from her style, that's because of the lyrics.
"The air rolls through me
Only to cultivate fog
We're smothered with blackened lungs
An internal smog
Have you ever known fear?
Have you ever felt fault?
Have you ever felt something?
Did you ever seem lost?" ( In Memory )
Simply stunning! In general, the lyrical themes on this album, just like in their entire career, vary from personal issues and inner struggles to abstract thoughts.
 Ten songs, a total running time of 40 minutes. Could be an enjoyable listen for everybody as the majority of the songs are kind of short and keep far from getting bored or something. I would recommend it to anyone keen on hardcore-punk influenced sludge metal and generally a fan of experimentation, cause these guys really tend to experiment a damn lot.
Standout tracks: "In Memory", "Fractured", "Motion and Presence", "Eyes Closed at Birth", "Phantoms"
Official site
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Cirith Ungol - King of the Dead (1984)

This band and album drew my attention around 2 years ago because of their name (It is translated as ''Pass of the Spider'' in Tolkien's Elvish language and of course refers to Shelob's lair from the Lord of the Rings books)and the awesome artwork that depicts the albino prince Elric from Michael Moorcock's eponymous books fighting the King of the Dead.So I decided to listen to this album and let me tell you it was really worth it!In fact I consider it to be one of the best heavy metal albums of all time.First of all the production isn't anything special but it is by all means good enough for you to feel the epicness of the album flowing through you.The guitar work is also really awesome with doomy riffs and really catchy melodic solos that send chills down your spine.The acoustic pieces in some songs like ''Finger of Scorn'' fit really well and help to create an amazing atmosphere.The vocalist sounds exactly like a banshee crying under a full moon mourning the death of a brave warrior.Not everyone likes his singing style but I couldn't help but love it.The lyrics are exactly what you'd expect from a band named ''Cirith Ungol''.That's right, their lyrics are mostly influenced by J.R.R Tolkien's books but they are also gloomy and dark,drawing inspiration from the work of Black Sabbath,making them one of the pioneering bands of doom metal.

So in conclusion I believe that Cirith Ungol's King of the Dead is a true landmark in the history of heavy metal though it didn't get all the recognition it deserved.I think all fans of traditional heavy metal should check them out.

Find info here: Metallum Page

Download at : Album Download

Black Knight - Master of Disaster (1985)

  These old dogs from Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada) drew my attention really recently, because of a good friend who reminded me to check them.
They truly amazed me with those heavy metal pounding riffs and the classic clean vocals of the 80's NWOBHM and Heavy Metal bands. Truly impressive and powerful sounds that, unfortunately remained underrated and forgotten (by some). Together with Virtue, I put this band in the list of the "Amazing but Underrated", as I believe that if they continued, they would make Heavy Metal diamonds! Black Knight, of course, worth a try and if you are the classic heavy metal type it will surely suit your tastes, as you will love the riffs and the epic-themed lyrics (even though they are not written somewhere, you can easily understand them in some songs).
 Unfortunately, this awesome band left only an EP and a compilation for us, which is more than stunning. Master of Disaster is surely an EP that would belong in the Heavy Metal Legacy, a piece of good, old, classic, Heavy Metal, so...make sure you check them out!
Download here: Mediafire Download
Find information here: Metallum Page

Vektor - Outer Isolation (2011)

 Coming back with Vektor from Tempe, Arizona as promised. Those guys surely gave us more than we could stand with the release of this album. Great basslines, great lyrics matching with the kind of the music (as always), technical guitar riffs, solos and drumming. The result of all these together? Sci-fi Thrash of course!
 What is stunning with the songs of this album is the duration of the songs, which is kinda long for thrash songs (some songs last 7 or 8 minutes and more), but they still remain interesting and at a really, really fast tempo!
 Also, there are some songs (Tetrastructural Minds, Venus Project, Fast Paced Society) which were previously released with Demolition, but they have undergone some changes that I find satisfying, although both versions are amazing!
 Outer Isolation is an album that you should really check out if you haven't done so yet and if I were to tell my opinion, I consider it the best album of 2011 if not the best thrash album of the coming decade!
 Support the band and go see them live if you are lucky!
 You can find band info here: Metallum Page, Facebook Page
 Download here: Mediafire Download

Vektor - Black Future (2009)

 Vektor arrived from Tempe, Arizona with a demo called Nucleus in 2004, but it wasn't until their first album Black Future that came out in 2009 and made a striking appearance with mind melting riffs, technicality and sci-fi lyrics, that made them more popular and gave a new idea of the Thrash genre...the Sci-Fi Thrash!
 The main idea of Black Future is to take you to another dimension, probably inside a laboratory or in a spaceship, with really detailed dictation used in the lyrics that are connected with a feeling of science fiction and fast technical riffs and drumming.
 However their perfectly matching lyrical themes and riffs, a lot of people insist on the fact that DiSanto's vocals do not match with the band, but on the contrary I believe that there could not be better vocals for a band like this, as they seem to make their songs more realistic, more intense, giving you the clearest idea of what the lyrics mean.
 Other material of the band that you should listen to is Demolition, (Dave DiSanto said that it was a demo, though it seems like an album) which contains some songs that were later released with Black Future and Outer Isolation that is also an album you should listen to and it's their later album released in November 2011, for which I'm going to make a review later this month.  
Support them if you like them and go see them live if you are that lucky!
You can find information about the band here: Metallum Page, Facebook Page.
Download here: (File Deleted, you can find it on Rockbox)

The Ash Eaters

 The Ash Eaters is one of the most impressive and interesting bands I've lately heard of and I consider myself extremely lucky for giving them a chance and checking them out.So,I'm writing this review cause I hope that you might feel the same sometime!The main reason for me to fall in love with them(and especially their "Ruining You" album) was their absolutely unique approach and the fact that they manage to compose catchy and memorable pieces (or riffs at least) despite their unorthodox ways.

 It is really hard to describe their music and so would be the genre classification,but who cares about labels?Just listen for yourselves and gradually you'll get lost in a maze of dissonance.The rythms created by the discordant guitar patterns are constantly changing which leads you to the impression that this band consists of mentally sick members.They must be really insane for coming up with so complicated structures.The guitars are tight and along with the overall weird production may give you the feeling of frostbite or being in a cold,almost frozen lake at the midwinter..yeah,it would be really COLD.The riffs are up- and sometimes mid-paced,bathed in melancholy and nostalgia,always played in a cold, frosty-style.Some of them feel like turning into music a serial-killer's way of thinking..trully an astonishing experience!

 Productionwise the guitars are dominating and the drums and the vocals(when present) are laid back on the mix.As for the vocals,(they are absent in the "Ruining You" album) they're uniquely performed as the music in general.Two of their last three releases,"The Cruel Side"(EP) and the "Ruining You" album,are phenomenal executions of claustrophobic, -mostly-instrumental, chaotic post-black(?) mixed with blues and post-punk elements(just for the sake of giving a possible genre classification) that really got me instantly.I hope they'll do the same for you.
Recommended tracks:"Ruining You","No Road Back","Lightning Strikes"The Cruel Side (EP) (2011)
@bandcamp
download (320)
Ruining You (2012)
@bandcamp
download (320)

OM - Advaitic Songs (2012)

 Meditation and spirituality are the words that could best describe this album, as Al Cisneros didn't disappoint us for one more time. Advaitic Songs is the last album of OM released in July 2012. In this specific album, more instruments are added (mostly traditional ones from a variety of countries), the style is more melodic and calm, but the lyrics remain really interesting, just like most of the OM songs. Even though the songs of this album lack the intensity and the distorted bass-lines, they do not differ from the original style of OM. The artwork follows the concept of the previous two albums, as it is a visual hagiography of John the Baptist.
 It is a truly impressive album, consisted of interesting compositions and lyrics. Personally, I really admired the instrumental variety used in every song of the album. I suggest you buy it, or better, go see the band live! You can find information about the band here: Metallum Page. Download here: Mediafire Download. Support them if you like them!

  

Ghast - May the Curse Bind (2008)

 Originating from Swansea, Wales, and previously known as Souldust, Ghast is a trio that has a great potential of establishing their name in the Underground scene. "May the Curse Bind" is their first full-length release and consists of 5 lengthy songs of crushing doom and grimness.
 In my opinion their main advantage, if we were to compare them with the millions of other typical black metal bands, is that they capture a feeling of epicness, misery and anger in the same time. Apart from this, their songwriting abilities are astonishing as they continue to keep you interested thoughout every single song, even if you're listening to "Pale Robe", that even though it is a rather monotonous and repetitive piece of funeral doom-like procession, it still stands out as the most mournsome and miserable one. There are some fast passages that might remind you of old-school Darkthrone (such is the opening riff of "Crawl,Brighted and Afraid" ) and some mid-paced more groovy in a Celtic Frost/Darkthrone (again!) - worshipping way (like those heard in "Give your Wrists" and "Hexed and Moon" ). Overall the musicianship is pretty solid, the drums keep up with the rythm set by the well composed guitar-riffs, of course, some blast beats are present. Something that caught my attention was the THICK basslines. They're seriously thick, adding a sludgy tone to the weeping, discordant (in a good way) guitar-riffs. As for the vocals (or rather screams), they seem to describe the pain and anguish of a man in solitude or trapped in a dark and moist basement, and that's what totally suits with the general feeling of despair that surrounds the music. The guitars are simply awesome. Low-tuned, obscured by the thickness of the bass, dragged and trapped into a mud of dismay created by themselves, but gentle(in a mournful way) and touching at times. The
production fits the music in a perfect way as well.. it's simply putrid and filthy.
 I would stongly recommend to all of you to check this band, if you're a fan of old-school black and doom metal and you like something that exceeds the standards of the oversaturated black metal scene. As I said in the beginning, they have a great potential of even reaching the top and I hope that they'll do so. Standout tracks? The whole album, but "Give your Wrists" is my personal favorite. Support!
Download
Band's Facebook Metallum

Elder - Spires Burn/Release EP (2012)

 Back with one of the favorites, Elder gave us a clear idea of what is going to follow by releasing this stunning EP some months ago, as I've already said.
 Truly impressive bass, melodic solos that bring a feeling of nostalgia, epic lyrics and a fantastic artwork (personally, one of my favorites) take you back in time with a magical way, the way Elder want to! By the time you will have listened to Spires Burn, it's going to get stuck in your head for days! Release is a less, let's say, intense song, but the melodic parts are striking, as the style remains the same in both songs.
 As I don't have nothing more to say, I assure you that it surely is an interesting EP that I suggest you buy it!
 You can find information about the band here: Facebook Page and Bandcamp Page or here Metallum Page and you can download the EP from here: Mediafire Download. Support them if you like them!

Ancient Sky (2009)

 Psychedelic and romantic, those fellers from Brooklyn, New York released a really, really fascinating album someday back in 2009. The album has the same name as the band and, however its rather ugly (truth must be told) artwork, it consists of some songs that could really suit you, if you're the bluesy, psychedelic type in need of some moody songs followed by some intensity too. Together with some good drinking stuff, this album can be a great friend for a night of bad mood. I suggest that you give 'em a try whenever you are in the mood of listening to such songs and I promise you people, you won't be disappointed. You can find them here: Bandcamp Page and you can also download their album from here: Mediafire Download Support them if you like their stuff!

Ramesses - We Will Lead You to Glorious Times ( EP ) 2005

"Sub zero,echo drone.." "We Will Lead You to Glorious Times"  is the first EP released by Ramesses,the Dorset,UK based doom trio.I first checked them because of their close relation with UK stoner/doom legends, Electric Wizard, as the founding bassist,Tim Bagshaw, and the beast behind the drumkit,Mark Greening, went on to form Ramesses soon after their departure from Electric Wizard back in 2003.Tim took up the guitars and Adam Richardson,member of Lord of Putrefaction,the first incarnation of Electric Wizard,handled the vocal and bass duties.Unlike their previous band,now they're producing a more dark hybrid of DOOM,based on their influences,mixing it with blackened sludge elements and death growls as well.
The first track I ever heard of this particular album and band in general,is "Witchampton",which I consider being one of the greatest tracks ever composed.It opens with a clean,haunting guitar,which travels you back in time when castles,witches and sorcery existed.As soon as the drums kick in it gradually evolves into a masterpiece of doom/death.The vocals are simply awesome,consisting only of growls that help the listener to capture and understand the full meaning and feeling of the lyrics,which are astonishing as well."Holy life,hollow bones.Sightless eyes..overthrown. Only life perished smiles.." At about the sixth minute of the track,everything slows down and here comes the best part,an absolutely torturous DOOM passage that continues until the song ends.A dark,sorrowful melody accompanied by one of Adam's best vocal perfomances.."Two drops for eternity.."Up next is "Master your Demons".The opening riff is nothing but a typical doomy riff,like those used constantly by EW.Around the one and a half minute comes the best part of the song,mixing a simply beautiful melody with a blast beat in a black metal way ,until the third minute when the opening riff reappears and it continues like this,fading out 'til the end.
"Ramesses II" is the third song and it's damn heavy!Starts off with a weird drum-beat followed by a sludgy doom riff that forces to bang your fuckin' head.A solid composition,like the rest of the tracks, in which Adam's vocals shine once again as well as Mark's drumwork.
Last but no least.."Black Domina",and how could it be with a title like this,huh?Just like the opening track it breaks in with a clean guitar riff,but in that case it is a more gentle riff,more melodic.It is a long,epic closure of a magnificent album,which is strongly diffused by the feeling of jamming.Around the sixth minute comes,like in the first track, a moment of total doom,accompanied by some leads and of course Adam's growls!
All in all, as a whole it is a great release,worth hearing and buying,if possible,but since it is sold out you can always use this link(Mediafire download) for at least downloading it.Support the band and get yourself informed here:Metallum page or Official site.

Elder - Dead Roots Stirring (2011)

 Elder is one more new band that I put all my hopes on for the successful perpetuation of the metal genre. With a heavy stoner/doom sound and some traces of psychedelia, coming from Fairhaven, Massachusetts, these guys arrived with a surely bright future, as they already gave us the idea about what follows by releasing the EP Spires Burn/Release few months ago. About Dead Roots Stirring, the connection between the songs is astonishing and the riffs magical, as by just listening to the first song (that its riffs are more than fascinating) you're gonna end up having listened to the whole album...more than once! It's a band worth promoting and if you would ask me, I would surely put them in my top 10 band list. You can find the band's information here: Metallum Page or Bandcamp Page Download here and support if you like it: Mediafire Download

Portal - Outre (2007)

Well,I am the other administrator of this blog,the second Vigilant on this "Soulside Journey" and this is Portal.Hailing from the vast and infertile lands of Australia,the band has been on the experimental death metal scene since 1994,being pioneers of the genre in the country.What comes to my mind when I think of Portal is.. CHAOS,pure chaos. Think of Obscura-era Gorguts,as for the chaotic part,Deathspell Omega,Mitochondrion and of course Impetuous Ritual,which is a project run by members of Portal and as it has been stated:"While the band is often thought of as a side-project of Portal, Impetuous Ritual was actually formed before either member joined Portal on their respective duties." Bear in mind that their approach is way too experimental,because of the extremely down-tuned guitars and the constant blast beats.Also,the vocals do worth a reference cause they're low-pitched growls almost as bass as the wall of sound produced by the guitars,which may give you the feeling of being drowned into a swamp.So,if you decide to give a chance,be prepared to take part in  a claustrophobic experience brought to you by those Australian veterans and do NOT forget to check out Impetuous Ritual's first album "Relentless Execution of Ceremonial Excrescence"!
Recommended tracks:"Heirships","Black Houses","13 Globes".
download here(320):Μediafire Download

Temple

 Temple is a new band from Phoenix, Arizona with a really stunning debut album called On The Steps Of The Temple released in 2012.
 The first time I listened to them, was by luck, while searching bands in Bandcamp and by the time I heard the first tunes of Mountain, I wouldn't feel good with my self not hearing what's more that this band can give me. And yes, I was pretty stunned by the end of the album!
 The progressive and successful idea of connecting various kinds of music together, just like black, death, doom and post, really got me and the songs, one after another, have something different to offer to the listener. A fascinating atmospheric moment, dark feelings or depression, due to the imposing riffs and compositions are a bunch of examples, I could give.
 Even though it is an instrumental album, you can easily hear their music whisper in your ears what those fellers could be thinking of the moments they were composing the album...something truly, truly dark and evil!
 I personally believe that this band should be promoted and continue with more astonishing albums.
Check them out here: Temple on Bandcamp
Download and support if you like it: Mediafire Download

About the uploads.

 I do not intend to sell or intercept any musical material. I just upload bands' albums that I like, admire and are influences to me. Also, I believe it is a way of promoting their material and making more people want to listen to them. If there are going to appear problems with that, I will just delete the files and continue the blog by only reviewing their material.

Virtue

 Even though they were late in the NWOBHM era, Virtue released an outstanding EP that I couldn't stop listening to when I first met it (there have been days I couldn't stop singing "Hideawaaaay!"). I believe that if these guys didn't split up they would do miracles, and you can easily understand this by listening to this EP, that, yeah, it is a British Heavy Metal miracle!
They firstly recorded a demo and then an EP, but I found it better to combine both in a file. Download and support if you like it: Mediafire Download

The Re-stoned - Analog (2011)

 These Russians are surely promising with their bluesy elements that take you back to the nostalgic decade of 70's. Analog's songs kinda remind of some old, classic and  "dusty" space jams, but with a more, let's say, modern style mixed with some stoner rock influences, which I personally like and admire. If you like bluesy stuff as much as the variety of the effects used in a song, it will surely suit your tastes. You can check the album here: Bandcamp Page and you can find information about the band here: The Re-stoned facebook .Download here and support if you like it: Mediafire Download

Thorns

Have you ever felt like you are trapped in space, in a psychedelic, rather claustrophobic condition? Well, listening to Thorns you are going to have this type of experience by just paying attention to those imposing riffs written by Snorre W. Ruch and Hellhammer's drumming (yeah, there's nothing more to say about this) that cause awe and take you far away into a cosmos yet unknown. There are more to say about the striking vocals of Bjorn Dencker (Aldrahn) and Satyr that lead to a chaotic feeling of rage and psychotic wrath. What's more, the lyrics couldn't suit more with the kind and the type of the album's music.
 If I were to choose the ultimate Industrial/Black Metal album Thorns would win the first place for me. Listen to the album, pay attention to the lyrics(!) and the riffs and buy it if you find it great. If you ask me...it surely is otherworldly material! 
Download here and support if you like: Mediafire Download
Album info: Metallum Page