Moloken: Unveilance Of Dark Matter (The Sign Records) [Manus Hopkins]
Shouldn’t it be ‘unveiling,’ and not ‘unveilance?’ Oh, well. It doesn’t matter too much, considering this mix-up with the album’s title has no effect on its music, which still rocks. And besides, this isn’t the first instance of something like this in metal history (see Slayer’s Repentless). Moloken’s fourth full-length is stuffed with elements of a plethora of different styles, enough that the result should sound muddled and crowded, but it doesn’t. While death and doom are its main sounds, Unveilance Of Dark Matter also makes use of black metal stylings, as well as containing experimental progressive passages and hints of pretty much any metal style you can think of. It’s impressive how Moloken have made such good use of an array of sounds, and this album is stronger for it. 8/10
Big Scenic Nowhere: Vision Beyond Horizon (Heavy Psych Sounds) [Manus Hopkins]
Shouldn’t it be ‘unveiling,’ and not ‘unveilance?’ Oh, well. It doesn’t matter too much, considering this mix-up with the album’s title has no effect on its music, which still rocks. And besides, this isn’t the first instance of something like this in metal history (see Slayer’s Repentless). Moloken’s fourth full-length is stuffed with elements of a plethora of different styles, enough that the result should sound muddled and crowded, but it doesn’t. While death and doom are its main sounds, Unveilance Of Dark Matter also makes use of black metal stylings, as well as containing experimental progressive passages and hints of pretty much any metal style you can think of. It’s impressive how Moloken have made such good use of an array of sounds, and this album is stronger for it. 8/10
Big Scenic Nowhere: Vision Beyond Horizon (Heavy Psych Sounds) [Manus Hopkins]
As far as psychedelic stoner or desert rock goes, this supergroup project is pretty typical, and what stands out about this record is that it sounds like its fun for the musicians involved. Most of the tunes are pretty jammy, and while jam music isn’t everyone’s bag, this is at least well-done enough to be enjoyable, if not particularly exciting or fresh. Still, for what this is, it’s done well. There are some pretty catchy riffs, and there’s a good amount of variety on the record, with songs ranging from the aggressive “The Paranoid” to the gentle and atmospheric “The War Years.” Most of the songs contain some kind of trippy psychedelic passage as well, which is where a lot of that fun jam feel comes from. Overall, Big Scenic Nowhere have put out a solid album, even if it’s just a fun supergroup project. 7/10
Sycomore: Bloodstone (Argonauta Records) [Manus Hopkins]
French extreme metal trio Sycomore has a massive sound for three musicians, a true power trio in every sense of the term. Each member does more than pull his weight, all bringing a different intensity and character to these aggressive songs. The production also lets each instrument hold its own; nothing is buried in the mix and nothing is overbearing. It’s particularly nice to hear the bass, which is clean and precise, while articulate drum and guitar work are anything but predictable. A definite highlight on this album is “Power Of Romance,” which has probably the best riffage of any track on here. At nine tracks, the record is the perfect, not taking the risk of getting repetitive or running out of steam towards the end. It’s a promising album from a promising band. 8/10
Groblin And The Ballistics: S/T (Self Released) [Matt Bladen]
When I saw that this band blends Deathcore, Metalcore, Nu-Metal and Djent I must admit a little trepidation did come over me as this pretty much a list of my least favourite genres all together however I'll give anything a chance so I pressed play and the synths built up into a chunky palm muted riffs and roaring vocals, first track Sweet Dreams is a bit all over the place changing between fast and slow with breakdowns upon breakdowns as things shift wildly. This is typical djent/deathcore schtick frenzied and sometimes sounding like it's out of control, the more straightforward The Ordeal comes next again cut through with dense synths as Hollow Way is more atmospheric moving towards the end of the record. I didn't hate this as I thought I would with the exception of the first track this sits more in the djent style than that of deathcore and even Nu-metal. It's still not something I would listen to frequently but it's well played and produced by a band with obvious talent. If grunting grooves and breakdowns get you stomping then Groblin And The Ballistics will be your latest pit starter. 6/10
Sycomore: Bloodstone (Argonauta Records) [Manus Hopkins]
French extreme metal trio Sycomore has a massive sound for three musicians, a true power trio in every sense of the term. Each member does more than pull his weight, all bringing a different intensity and character to these aggressive songs. The production also lets each instrument hold its own; nothing is buried in the mix and nothing is overbearing. It’s particularly nice to hear the bass, which is clean and precise, while articulate drum and guitar work are anything but predictable. A definite highlight on this album is “Power Of Romance,” which has probably the best riffage of any track on here. At nine tracks, the record is the perfect, not taking the risk of getting repetitive or running out of steam towards the end. It’s a promising album from a promising band. 8/10
Groblin And The Ballistics: S/T (Self Released) [Matt Bladen]
When I saw that this band blends Deathcore, Metalcore, Nu-Metal and Djent I must admit a little trepidation did come over me as this pretty much a list of my least favourite genres all together however I'll give anything a chance so I pressed play and the synths built up into a chunky palm muted riffs and roaring vocals, first track Sweet Dreams is a bit all over the place changing between fast and slow with breakdowns upon breakdowns as things shift wildly. This is typical djent/deathcore schtick frenzied and sometimes sounding like it's out of control, the more straightforward The Ordeal comes next again cut through with dense synths as Hollow Way is more atmospheric moving towards the end of the record. I didn't hate this as I thought I would with the exception of the first track this sits more in the djent style than that of deathcore and even Nu-metal. It's still not something I would listen to frequently but it's well played and produced by a band with obvious talent. If grunting grooves and breakdowns get you stomping then Groblin And The Ballistics will be your latest pit starter. 6/10