ALBUM REVIEW – SKELETAL REMAINS

Skeletal Remains – Fragments of the Ageless

Reviewed By: Billy Klare

Review Score: 8.5

Originating from California, Skeletal Remains first appeared on the death metal scene in ’11, quickly releasing their first full-length album Beyond the Flesh a year later in ’12. The debut was followed by Condemned to Misery in ’15, Devouring Mortality in ’18, and their most successful and critically acclaimed album The Entombment of Chaos dropping in ’20.

Guitarist and vocalist Chris Monroy is the only constant in the band appearing on every album. Rounding out the current line-up is guitarist Mike De La O (who was an original member in ’11 but stepped aside for personal reasons, returning in ’20), bassist Brian Rush and drummer Pierce Williams. The earlier Skeletal Remains records were clearly playing homage to old school death metal legends like Morbid Angel, Pestilence and Obituary. These influences were extremely evident on the earlier material and the band faced some criticism for lacking originality. That may have been fair criticism at the time, but I always felt Skeletal Remains still delivered strong enjoyable death metal despite wearing their influences on their sleeves.

Fast forward to ’24, Skeletal Remains are about to unleash their fifth full-length studio album, Fragments of the Ageless. 2020’s Entombment of Chaos revealed a significant step-up in overall musicianship and songwriting quality, and I’m happy to report that trend occurs again on Fragments of the Ageless. The brutality and intensity levels remain sky high, but the technical progression continues to elevate Skeletal Remains’ sound. Chris’s vocals have never sounded better. He’s maturing as a vocalist and developing his own unique delivery. I dig his barbaric raspy delivery and appreciate the fact that his vocals are clearly decipherable.

The rhythm section of Brian and Pierce delivers pummeling grooves, well placed tempo changes, and a good old fashioned unrelenting aural battering. The guitar work is outstanding. I love the tones, massive chunky riffs and dialed up technicality displayed in the solos. Lastly, the tracks contain addictive hooks and are catchy as hell. Any prior criticism that Skeletal Remains lack originality has been to put to rest… END of story! Fragments of the Ageless is a high-quality slab of death metal featuring the best of the old and new approaches to the genre.

‘Relentless Appetite’ is the perfect album opener launching at a brutality level of 110% from the very first note, but also incorporates plenty of hooks, powerhouse drumming, and a pinch of melody (primarily in the well-executed guitar leads). It’s immediately clear Chris’s vocal delivery continues to improve and he’s becoming a significant weapon in the Skeletal toolbox.

The savagery continues on ‘Cybernetic Harvest’ which begins with a vicious machine-gun drum bombardment and benefits from some well-placed slower tempo changes and excellent technical guitar bursts. The guitar shredding shines again on ‘To Conquer The Devout’ sitting nicely on top of the underlying musical chaos. Skeletal Remains incorporate some impressive thrash elements into ‘Forever In Sufferance’ which also features some cool thick groove-oriented riffing, vicious drumming, and intricate guitar work.

The guys are back in old school death metal mode on ‘Verminous Embodiment’ with plenty of mosh inducing hooks, ominous riffing, and a very strong vocal performance from Chris. ‘Ceremony Of Impiety’ is a brief minute and a half atmospheric instrumental that’s heavy on keyboards (played by bassist Brian Rush). It provides a welcomed break from the crushing intensity of the other tracks. This piece wouldn’t be out of place on a horror soundtrack.

One of my favorite tracks comes next, ‘Void Of Despair’ is brutal, speedy, catchy and successfully utilizes rhythmic changeups to great effect. The longest track on the album ‘Unmerciful’ is the most dynamic and epic, progressing through doom, mid and blast beat tempos, and features all the best components of the modern-day Skeletal Remains sound. The album, surprisingly, closes with the instrumental track ‘Evocation (The Rebirth)’ and it’s stunning. The overall feel is somewhat eerie and mysterious, with each band member given the opportunity to showcase their evolving technical musicianship. I love it.

The album artwork by Dan Seagrave is striking and representative of the underlying music and tone. Interestingly, the band noted the artwork ultimately inspired some of the musical themes and lyrical content. The tracks were recorded using a mix of home and professional studios and the band had a clear desire to have the drums as imposing as possible. Once the guys completed the recordings, everything was sent to Sweden for mixing and mastering by studio whiz Dan Swano (Asphyx, Incantation). The final product sounds fantastic, the drums are imposing – mission accomplished, and everyone is positioned well in the mix with a nice balance between the traditional old school death metal sound and a slight modern approach more suited to the album’s newer progressive elements.

In conclusion, Skeletal Remains have once again elevated their death metal game. The perfectly executed Fragments of the Ageless has solidified their leadership position amongst the newer generations of death metal peers. They still retain all the best elements of old school death metal but continue to mature by elevating their songwriting, increasing technicality levels, and introduceing new components to the Skeletal sound. I’m a big fan of this album and give it an 8.5/10 rating. Highly recommended if you enjoy high quality crushing death metal and appreciate a band striving to improve as musicians.

Fragments of the Ageless will be released March 8th via Century Media Records. Preorder your copy here!

ALBUM REVIEW – NORTH SEA ECHOES

North Sea Echoes – Really Good Terrible Things

Reviewed by: Eric Valaer

Review Score: 8.5

Vocalist/lyricist Ray Alder and guitarist/songwriter Jim Matheos truly need no introduction whatsoever. These two stellar progressive metal titans have been playing together in Fates Warning since 1987. They both have a multitude of other side projects. I want to get right to the album review of their latest side-project which they contributed together.

Open Book
This is their first single off of Really Good Terrible Things. I discovered the song and video thanks to YouTube. It is an atmospheric piece which is ideal for an album opener. The guitar tone and effects are drawn from Jim Matheos. His distinguished style along with Ray Alder’s impressive range and voice let the listener know they are on a journey. The guitar theme is memorable yet patient. The chorus really lifts you up.

Flowers In Decay
New Wave music had an influence on this tune. Matheos implements a vibrato effect on the clean channel which is a trademark of his. Alder’s voice and the programming gel with the guitar.

Unmoved
Here’s the second single (another wise choice in my humble opinion). The arpeggios performed on the nylon-string guitar are the motor behind this song. The music displays contentment. However, the lyrics are on the other end of the spectrum. Here’s one of many phenomenal choruses on this release!

I’m tired of waiting here for the world,
To change around me every year.

Throwing Stones
This is what happens when Fates Warning, OSI, and Jim Mathoes/Ray Alder solo all intersect. Wow, what a vocal melody during the chorus. It’s arguably the strongest chorus on the album!

Empty
It feels good to hear some chugging guitar. The programming before hand is reminiscent to The Gathering (Souvenirs-era). The ‘live’ drums amplifies the energy during this one.

The Mission
Electricity bubbles from this piece. This is the first track that utilizes live drums and programming. Alder displays a masterclass on how to elevate a song by his singing during the chorus. The guitar playing is excellent too.

Where I’m From
The first sixty-seconds of this tune could be used in a dramatic movie. The verses are abstract with Jim’s blending of guitar parts with unique effects and some low key programming. His creativity and the song as a whole are more impactful while using ear buds.

We Move Around The Sun
What an emotional song! The tension during the chorus when Ray sings the word ‘Around’ absolutely hits you…This is easily the most glass half full tune on Really Good Terrible Things.

Touch The Sky
The layering of guitars and guitar parts had me mesmerized after the first listen (possibly a few more times?). Creative songwriting and emotive vocals are a ‘win/win’. The amount of percussion is just right for this song. Matheos’ use of slide adds another dimension to ‘Touch The Sky’. Adler’s singing especially during the bridge is a gem!

No Maps
Disconnected is one word that a) fits the description of the verses b) has some history with FW 😉 During an interview, Ray states that originally a train sound was going to run throughout the whole song. He went on to state that lyrically, him and Jim thought it would be cool if they wrote about what life would be like of a never-ending traveler (hobo). The soundscapes, lack of drumming, and piano give the tune a Neo-New Age tinge. While this song might not appear to be a typical closing song, it feels like a track that is gradually wrapping up the album.

Lyrically, one of the big take aways I had was the reflection and passing of time. With the first two singles being on the mellower side, I didn’t expect much heavy music. I for one am happy that Ray and Jim released a joint album which is slower, diverse, experimental and very melodic. From beginning to end, there isn’t any filler. Outstanding job Ray and Jim!

Really Good Terrible Things is available on February 23rd via Metal Blade Records.

ALBUM REVIEW – DARKSPACE

Darkspace – Darkspace II

Reviewed By: Jason Deaville

Review Score: 7.5

In space, no one can hear you scream. This marketing slogan for the original Alien movie (released all the way back in ’79) may be scientifically correct. Further explained, space is a vacuum, which means it contains almost no matter. The word vacuum comes from the Latin word for empty. Sound is carried by atoms and molecules. In space, with no atoms or molecules to carry a sound wave, there’s no sound. With this in mind, how is it possible that the cosmic echoes and haunting screams of Swiss psychedelic/atmospheric/spatial black metallers, Darkspace, resonate through the deepest, darkest recesses of the cosmos? Let’s find out!

The triumvirate that is Darkspace (Wroth – guitars/vocals, Zhaaral – bass, vocals, and newest member Yhs – guitars, vocals) are gearing up for their long-awaited return to earth after almost a decade since their last transmission. They will emerge from the void on February 16th via Season Of Mist with their brand new album, Dark Space-II. With them, they bring a non-stop 47-minute voyage that drifts far beyond the earthbound realm of black metal. Fractal electronic samples slice through layers of extraterrestrial drones. Vocal transmissions, like whispers from the outer reaches, seamlessly intertwine with the chilling mix, adding a haunting dimension to this celestial configuration.

Dark Space -II loosely deviates from the course set by Darkspace on their previous four albums, experimenting with different sonic textures. But while the mysterious trio still venture into uncharted aural territories, Dark Space -II never leaves their familiar realm of atmospheric, ambient black metal. The programmed drums are sequenced in such a way that it carries the music over light years, like a transmission emerging out of the depths of a stellar-mass black hole to be intercepted and dissected by beings of unknown origins. The guitars echo with a cold and clinical melody while the vocals fluctuate between a raspy, growled iciness and a cybernetic snarl.

Unlike previous albums, Darkspace-II strikes an equilibrium never before heard. Typically, the band either rage with a fury befitting a Type I Supernovae or they drift into a relatively calm region of the universe that inspires a more ambient, trippy, serene singularity. This duality of chaos and coherence serves the album well, not unlike a competent cosmic horror movie that leaves the active participant on the edge of their seat never knowing what lurks in the icy cold blackness.

It’s difficult to further dissect this album, as it contains only one continuous track. This works in its favour, as the seamless transmission never fluctuates too much, which, in turn, keeps the listener’s attention focused and immersed in the cosmic waves of blackened interstellar metal. This is an album to throw on when pondering the vastness of the cosmos, as it is the perfect soundtrack to the unknown and the unobservable of this universe we call home.

Darkspace -II will reach Earth on February 16th via Season Of Mist.

ALBUM REVIEW: FIREWIND

Firewind – Stand United

Reviewed by: Jim Harrison

Review Score: 9.5

Power metal Icons Firewind are set to release their anticipated new album ‘Stand United’ on March 1, 2024.

Coming off their last release, a live showcase titled ‘Still Raging – 20th Anniversary Show’ in September of 2023, it’s great to get a new release so early in 2024.

Guitar virtuoso Gus G, vocalist Herbie Langhans, bassist Petros Christo and drummer Jo Nunez have created a body of work that tackles the issues of the day with the direction that we need to ‘Stand United’ rather than at odds with each other.

The fantastic artwork created by Costin Chioreanu echos the message with the multitude of faces making this so poignant. The first track ‘Salvation Day’ gets right to the point with massive guitar riffs, strong vocal performance and a pounding drum and bass beat giving you some insight what this album is all about.

‘Stand United’ is one of my favourite songs which has a massive power metal sound right from the wicked guitar intro. The catchy chorus will make this a fan favourite live. ‘Destiny Calling’ the lead single released as a teaser for fans during their European tour. This track has it all with a killer groove and a smoking guitar solo. ‘The Power Lies Within’ is a heavy song with thick groovy sound showcase Gus G’s flawless guitar ability. This is another personal favourite of mine.

Tracks ‘Come Undone’ and ‘Fallen Angel’ both are pre release singles that have more of a progressive sound and killer drum beats. Again the guitar solos are phenomenal on these tracks. ‘Chains’ is a super catchy song and the intro is reminiscent of Judas Priest. Langhans vocals are strong and Gus G creates a cool chugging sound leaving an ear worm.

‘Land of Chaos’ gives you a total ass kicking. The killer guitar intro and solo, thumping drums and bass mixed with a heavy vocal performance gives off a more traditional sound making this the heaviest track on the album. Langhans snarl is a a cool addition giving this track a darker sound. ‘Talking In Your Sleep’ is a Romantics cover and a fun addition to this album. It brings this song to another level and is heavy as hell.

The last song on the album ‘Days Of Grace’ completes the album with a song that creates an immersive listening experience. The acoustic guitar intro mixed with an impressive vocal range gives you the notion of a ballad but Gus G’s ripping solo changes the direction of the song bringing in a heavier groove that gives this track such a cool sound.

Firewind consistently creates groundbreaking material and this new release is evidence of this.

Musically, vocally and lyrically this album checks all the boxes and you can tell this band is a tight knit unit that love what they do.

This album spans many metal genres and I recommend it to all metal fans looking for a relevant release in 2024. Play it at eleven.

Stand United is set to release March 1, 2024 via AFM Records.

ALBUM REVIEW – INFECTED RAIN

Infected Rain – Time

Reviewed by: Georgina Strilakos

Review Score: 9.0

Moldova’s Infected Rain return with their massive sixth Nu Metal creation, Time, on February 9, 2024, via Napalm Records. Following their very successful album from 2022’s Ecdysis—which received great acclaim and debuted in the Top 20 US Music charts. An eclectic studio album that pushes the envelope in the modern metal scene

The Moldovan band has been active since 2008. Throughout its journey, the group has stood out for its ability to think outside the box and bring originality to the metal scene with its kaleidoscopic sound.” The band’s music often combines various metal subgenres, incorporating elements of alternative, nu-metal, and metalcore. Lena Scissorhands’ powerful and versatile vocals, coupled with the band’s dynamic instrumentation, contribute to their distinctive musical identity and ability to constantly try new things.

Time is yet another example of their approach. The album track list, which has already been revealed, is going to feature twelve new songs. Each track allows the band to experiment with different ideas, highlighting the incredibly broad scope of this record. The flagship single, ‘Never To Return’, is a very good introduction to the aesthetics of this album. The song features cinematic ambient tones, as well as brutal guitar, riffs, and diverse arrangements with somewhat of a progressive feel. With a penchant for theatrics and storytelling, the band managed to create a very immersive album with a strong sonic narrative behind it.

It is not always easy to add something new to the conversation when it comes to metal music, but Infected Rain has something to say. Fans of bands such as Jinjer, Arch Enemy, Lacuna Coil, and Otep should most definitely give this album a shot! Bands like these have helped and continue to help shape the sound of contemporary metal music, drawing outside the lines and bringing more variety to the scene.

Thankfully, this band set out to stay pretty prolific over the past few years, even in spite of the obvious challenges many artists have had to face in the not-too-distant past. Infected Rain strikes as a band on a constant quest to expand its sound and raking in new influences to keep treating fans to something special. It’s always very interesting to hear metal bands that are open to incorporating ideas and sounds that are not commonly associated with metal music. This fusion brings the genre to new places and helps come up with a more original sound for the artist. Time fits this category!

Find out more about Infected Rain here and stay tuned for the upcoming release of this remarkable new studio work!