The small companion story for this release sets the mood nicely and offers a sparse exposition. Especially the scribbling sounds provide a storytelling aspect as well. The mysterious journey meanders through crashing waves towards vast expansive ocean horizons with occasional horns sounding unsettling and eerie, mimicking the solitude on open waters. The effectiveness of this release relies mostly on its atmosphere rather than melodies but for that the intended ambiance is clearly discernible.
The variety of the styles and moods certainly adds to the peculiar strangeness of this album. The characteristic slow stomping beats are still there but occasionally complemented by darkwave and even EBM passages. Really makes you think what these cretaceous beasts were up to back then. The album ends with a slow and distorted ambient piece to complete the confusion. At the end of it all, the entirety feels slightly disjointed but the confluence of weirdness ties everything together neatly.
The newest ONDES album once more offers a gentle flow through calm and clear wintry forests. The occasional percussion provides the otherwise serene ambiance with tension and contrast which leads to a more active and engrossing experience. The clash of the earthly and powerful drums seemingly stemming from the mountains and the celestial synths proves to form a satisfying atmosphere.
Call to Arms is a thundering triumph celebrating barbarism and raw might in its purest essence. A very overpowering album with a very satisfying soundscape and epic melodies. Rather simple in execution which works really well with such a crude archetype of dungeon synth. An entertaining listen which does not require the utmost concentration.
The melodies on this album are really varied, ranging from uplifting and pleasing to dark and near-twisted passages. The bass in particular being a highlight of most of the songs. Really powerful and complementing the guitar in a way not often found especially in black metal. Beautiful acoustic parts and sublime clean vocals complete the spell. This is just a very well-crafted album in all regards with a very immersive atmosphere and proficient musicianship.
The foray into the black metal realm seemingly was only a matter of time. While the still heroic and battering synth sections take a step back to make way for the guitars they are by no means a mere byproduct. The riffs have an aggressive and unbridled edge to them without losing the sense of melody and appropriately paced progressions. The occasional spoken word further helps with immersion and the album in its entirety is a well-crafted symbiosis between black metal and dungeon elements.
A wonderfully apt selection of artists to cover the despondent and crestfallen spirit of the Souls franchise. Tremendous and powerful passages are joined by short bonfireside bard performances and oppressive ambient sequences. This split is really diverse in terms of execution, from desperate boss battles to traversing perilous caves until finding respite in the light, everything is there and I am often reminded of the unique atmospheres the games create.
Nimbifer forge an abrasive and dense album with their debut. The slower passages truly showcase the raw intensity of the atmosphere before the fast melodies take over again. It is a gratifying interplay between the suddenly erupting storming lead melodies and the repressive shadows of the underlying rhythm guitar. All the instruments sound amazing and organic with no element being overshadowed by another one.
