This week’s Heavy Music HQ reviews include releases from As The World Dies, Bloodywood, Calyces, Cradle Of Filth, Dissocia, Drudkh, Gotthard, Katla, Lordi, Pyramid Mass, Rush, SpiritWorld and Wythersake.
The ratings are on a 5-star scale.
As The World Dies – Nebula (Reaper)
As The World Dies have solidified their lineup with their sophomore album, Nebula. Their 2022 debut, Agonist, had many notable guest vocalists contributing to a style of death metal that admirers of groups like Bolt Thrower and Autopsy would instantly recognize. Now free to go off on their own, the band incorporates keyboards on Nebula that gives the music a gothic/progressive presence.
“I Am The One” and “Dark Oblivion” use them the best, falling in line with their cosmic lyrical setting. There are striking atmospheric choices made in the first half of Nebula, though they can’t retain that feeling past the album’s halfway point. A pair of seven-minute songs drag, and it takes until the grim “Final Resting Place” to get back on track. By then, Nebula is essentially over, leaving more of what could’ve been than what was.
Rating: 3
(Dan Marsicano)
Bloodywood – Nu Delhi (Fearless)
Three years ago, the Indian folk metal trio Bloodywood blessed us with their debut album Rakshak. They have blessed us once again with their latest release Nu Delhi. Building off of the success of their last album, Bloodywood bring back their unique hybrid of traditional Indian folk elements with modern metal style to bring a unique sound to the scene.
From start to end, Nu Delhi is a high-octane rollercoaster that does not let off the gas. The blend of traditional Indian instruments and cultural elements like in “Tadka” makes each track really feel like it’s coming from the heart. “Bekhauf” stands out as a real blending of cultures with supporting vocals provided by Japanese metal stars Babymetal. It is hard to surpass an already stand out album like Rakshak, but Bloodywood have managed to do that and more with Nu Delhi.
Rating: 4.5
(Dalton Husher)
Calyces – Fleshy Waves Of Probability (Dry Clean)
Five years ago, the Greek band Calyces emerged with Impulse To Soar. The Athenian progsters build on and expand from their debut with Fleshy Waves Of Probability.
From opener “Swirling Towards The Light,” Calyces bring the heaviness and technicality of modern prog while injecting moments of classic prog rock. The songs are constantly shifting, blending both melodic singing and some harsh vocals. “Lost In Phrase” is balladesque, while “Voices In The Gray” is heavy and relatively direct. And while their musicianship is top-notch, Calyces doesn’t forget to bring melody and hooks that help make the songs more memorable. That makes Fleshy Waves Of Probability a compelling and engaging release.
Rating: 3.5
(Chad Bowar)
Cradle Of Filth – The Screaming Of The Valkyries (Napalm)
It has been more than 30 years since Cradle Of Filth burst upon the scene with their debut album The Principle Of Evil Made Flesh. They quickly became one of extreme metal’s most high-profile bands, generating plenty of controversy along the way. The Screaming Of The Valkyries is their 14th studio album, and first with guitarist Donny Burbage and keyboardist/vocalist Zoe Marie Federoff.
CoF’s trademark blend of extremity, melody, atmospheric orchestrations and Dani Filth’s distinctive vocals are clicking on all cylinders. Tracks like “The Trinity Of Shadows” are dynamic, ominous and catchy. They change up tempos and intensities, adding even more variety, as does Federoff’s vocal contributions on songs such as “White Hellebore.” One of the more intriguing tracks is “You Are My Nautilus,” a dramatic number utilizing spoken word and harsh vocals with its gothic underpinnings augmented by ’80s style guitar harmonies and solos. The Screaming Of The Valkyries wraps up with “When Misery Was A Stranger,” mixing in some thrashy riffs alongside the symphonic majesty. The album delivers what the band’s fans expect, while adding in a few new twists and turns along the way.
Rating: 4
(Chad Bowar)
Dissocia – To Lift The Veil (Willowtip)
Dissocia are the duo of Daniel R. Flys (Persefone, Eternal Storm) and Gabriel Valcázar (Wormed, Cancer) that embarks on a trippy journey of progressive death metal with To Lift The Veil. Their debut album goes from a merciless affair to synthy dance beats, sometimes having both overlap each other as they do in the wild ending to “Samsara.”
Between the use of synths, the stealthy inclusion of violins in closer “Out Of Slumber” and Flys’ multipronged vocal range, To Lift The Veil doesn’t fall into the trap of being ordinary. Even an interlude like “Evasion” has a soulful sway that makes it as relevant as the rest of the record. Dissocia appeals to the open-minded sector of the metal world, those who like being surprised by unusual songwriting.
Rating: 3.5
(Dan Marsicano)
Drudkh – Shadow Play (Season Of Mist Underground Activists)
The long-running and enigmatic Ukrainian black metal band Drudkh are back with their latest album, Shadow Play. It’s a bit longer than their last two albums, 2018’s They Often See Dreams About The Spring and 2022’s All Belong To The Night, but is in a similar vein.
The album unfolds deliberately, with the lengthy intro “Scattering Ashes” setting the stage for the “April,” a briskly paced and heavy number. Drudkh write long songs, with three of album’s six tracks cracking the double-digit mark. Their brand of black metal is atmospheric, and though there’s a lot of repetition when it comes to riffs, the catchiness of those riffs makes the extended instrumental sections move right along, such as on “The Exile.” Like previous Drudkh albums, Shadow Play requires patience to fully absorb, but is well worth the effort.
Rating: 3.5
(Chad Bowar)
Gotthard – Stereo Crush (Reigning Phoenix)
Stereo Crush is the fourteenth album from Switzerland’s premier hard rock band Gotthard, and the album delivers just what fans might expect. Despite the lack of major surprises, Gotthard dabble in various musical ideas in an effort to keep the album interesting.
Hard-hitting tunes, catchy choruses, Hammond-embellished rock, strong melodies and of course the obligatory power ballad; all this and more makes Stereo Crush an enjoyable if unoriginal listen.bOf particular intrigue are the album opener “AI & I” (with its pounding riff) and “Rusty Rose” (boasting great guitar solos). So make sure you take a copy of Stereo Crush with you on your next road trip.
Rating: 3.5
(Chris Galea)
Katla – Scandinavian Path (Napalm)
Scandinavian Path, the debut full-length from the Danish band Katla, is a noisy album that has a very raw side to it. There is a catharsis to these songs that is appealing and makes the work even better. There is also some subtlety to the sounds that makes it a chill listen.
The overall impact of the work is felt strongly through the raw power of the songs. This isn’t really black metal, but has the feeling of it. There is also an industrialized element to the tracks that makes them exciting. If there is a flaw to be found here it is in how the album is too raw and not rich enough to be really interesting. It thus falls into the rut of being somewhat generic sounding. The slow pace doesn’t really get the listen overly excited about the songs. While it is a hypnotic listen, it could be more exciting.
Rating 3
(Adam McAuley)
Lordi – Limited Deadition (Reigning Phoenix)
Finnish masked monsters Lordi can always be counted for albums that are creative and fun. That’s the case with the band’s latest opus Limited Deadition, which has a theme of ’80s toys.
Hard rock/metal songs like “Legends Are Made Of Cliches” and “Syntax Terror” are interspersed with “SCG” chapters about action figures, TV shows and parody commercials. Lordi write catchy songs with lyrics that are sometimes cheesy, sometimes hilarious and always memorable, and Mr. Lordi’s gruff vocals are unmistakeable. Limited Deadition doesn’t break much new ground, but the execution, or should I say the Hexecution, is on point.
Rating: 3
(Chad Bowar)
Pyramid Mass – Gargling Rot (Ossien)
Richmond, Virginia has spawned a lot of bands over the years, from GWAR to Lamb Of God to Municipal Waste and many others. It’s also the home of Pyramid Mass, who follow-up their 2023 full-length debut Monolith with the EP Gargling Rot.
There’s a lot of variety in the record’s five songs. Instrumental opener “Unrest” is mostly noisy doom, while “Prestige” incorporates black metal, sludge, hardcore and experimental moments. A cinematic interlude interrupts the extremity of “Abhorrent Passage” and continues for the entirety of “Spectre.” Pyramid Mass manage to pack a lot into the less than 20-minute EP. There’s something unexpected and interesting around every corner.
Rating: 3.5
(Chad Bowar)
Rush – Rush 50 (UMe/Mercury/Anthem)
It’s hard to believe it has been a decade since Rush’s last live performance, and 13 years since their final studio album Clockwork Angels was released. As you can probably guess from the title, Rush 50 collects 50 tracks from throughout the legendary trio’s career. It’s available in numerous configurations including the four CD edition and seven LP version.
The career-spanning anthology includes some of their greatest hits along with live tracks and previously unreleased material. The live songs range from several recorded in 1974 all the way through the previously unreleased last number from their final live show in Los Angeles in 2015. There are classics like “Tom Sawyer,” “Fly By Night” and “Working Man” along with more obscure songs and even their debut single “Not Fade Away” from 1973. Two live tracks from 1974 also feature original drummer John Rutsey. Rush 50 is a great representation of the entirety of the band’s career from beginning to end.
Rating: 4
(Chad Bowar)
SpiritWorld – Helldorado (Century Media)
Riff upon riff upon riff upon riff… that’s a fitting way to describe SpiritWorld‘s music for those interested in the band’s fascinating evolution. Starting as a country/punk outfit, they have now evolved into one of the heaviest hardcore/thrash metal bands. Their 2022 album Deathwestern was a stunning and commendable work. Now, Helldorado serves as both a continuation of the previous album and a nod to the band’s country/punk roots.
Like its predecessor, Helldorado ruthlessly delivers a collection of groovy, raw riffs that ignite the bloodiest mosh pits while also bravely exploring Western themes through folk-punk and alternative country tunes. However, while the album attempts to be a worthy follow-up to Deathwestern, it falls short of creating a distinctive hardcore/thrash soundscape and feels reminiscent of the countless hardcore albums released every year. Still, if you’re looking for an album that gets you fired up, Helldorado is here for you.
Rating: 3.5
(Arash Khosronejad)
Wythersake – At War With Their Divinity (Scarlet)
Wythersake have condensed their symphonic black/death metal to its barest form on At War With Their Divinity. The songs of the past going seven to nine minutes are gone, as they have sliced down the lengths for maximum effect. The blossoming orchestration and heavenly choirs have their place, though the fierceness of the music has been significantly elevated.
That is done in all aspects of the band, from the paring down of melodic vocals to tempos that could best be described as unstoppable. Instrumental “Gotterdammerung” puts the neoclassical guitar solos in control, and “The Autumnal Passing” follows that track up with a measured delivery that highlights the keyboards and programming. This stretch of At War With Their Divinity shows that Wythersake can do more than smash away.
Rating: 3.5
(Dan Marsicano)
