Review: Velnias - Sovereign Nocturnal

“Sovereign Nocturnal” consists of three epic nature-inspired tracks of Pagan / Down-tempo / Folky Black Metal. Although this looks like an EP (and is also priced as an EP), it is actually more like a full length album as the tracks are such lengthy compositions. However, it is easy to see why the tracks had to reach such proportions of length. The emphasis here is most certainly on gradually building towards Post-Rock / Post-Metal style crescendos whilst also creating a sombre and majestic atmosphere. The subtle development of the shadowy atmosphere here is something that certainly can’t be achieved through break-neck speeds or crudely thrown together melodies. VELNIAS use mature song-writing techniques (border-lining on progressive), making use of many moody acoustic passages and slow, sorrowful riffs that gradually build and shift throughout each track. Although it is possible... Post Continued Here

Review: Year of No Light - Nord

When it comes to influential bands such as NEUROSIS, there are many who wish to imitate their sound, some are predictable perhaps even a little dull, but others such as the French YEAR OF NO LIGHT show some real promise in their own right. Despite the undeniable similarities to stalwarts such as CULT OF LUNA, ISIS et al, “Nord” is full of soaring epic melodies, avant-garde effects and blistering screamed hardcore vocals that really tend to linger in the memory. Yes, YEAR OF NO LIGHT make no secret of their influences but their talent for epic songwriting cannot be overlooked. One of the elements that makes NEUROSIS so successful (when considering their later releases) is their aptitude for building amazing atmospheres through layer upon layer of slowly building walls of sound and sludgy feedback. YEAR OF NO LIGHT also manage to pull this off with ease while also maintaining their... Post Continued Here