Cephalic Carnage - Anomalies (2005)
Artist: Cephalic Carnage
Album: Anomalies
Year: 2005
Country: United States 
Style: Progressive Technical Deathgrind, Experimental, Hardcore/Sludgecore
[DarkEternal's Review]: Cephalic Carnage are probably one of the most chaotic and musically panoramical acts that I've ever heard. From the onset, their onslaught of technical grindcore drumwork and thick and quick guitar riffing creates an insane atmosphere that engages the senses of the listener. But Cephaliic Carnage are no ordinary grindcore band. Present throughout this album is constant experimentation in the realm of jazz; as opposed to the typical breakdowns found in genres such as metalcore, Cephalic Carnage have advented a new style of breakdown exclusive to their experimental deathgrind style. Also, notable in some songs is the utilization of hardcore vocals; at the same time, riffing reminiscent of sludgecore is used in many parts of the album. This simply adds to the experimental pathway that Cephalic Carnage have taken with Anomalies; they have shattered the boundaries that typically separate hardcore and sludgecore from their far more extreme musical counterpart as well as incorporating jazz structure into their breakdowns; essentially, Cephalic Carnage have taken what legendary bands such as Death, Atheist, and Cynic incorporated into their music (jazz structure in death metal) with the breakdown style of metalcore and combined them in their technical deathgrind style. All limits have been abolished here and Cephalic Carnage have created a truly engaging album that isn't afraid to dabble in ordinarily forbidden musical realms. A masterpiece, without a doubt.
[Tracks]:
1. Scientific Remote Viewing (2:18)
2. Wraith (2:50)3. Counting the Days (3:54)4. The Will or the Way (2:10)5. Piece Maker (5:35)6. Enviovore (3:01)7. Dying Will Be the Death of Me (4:41)8. Inside is Out (3:54)9. Sleeprace (2:45)10. Kill for Weed (2:17)11. Litany of Failure (2:25)12. Ontogeny of Behavior (9:49)
[Download]: Rapidshare
Suspyre - A Great Divide (2007)
Artist: Suspyre
Album: A Great Divide
Year: 2007
Country: United States 
Style: Progressive Metal, Jazz/Classical Fusion, Experimental
[DarkEternal's Review]: Suspyre are an incredible progressive outfit hailing from New Jersey, USA. Releasing A Great Divide on the relatively obscure Nightmare Records, they are largely unheard of even in the metal community. However, A Great Divide is simply too amazing to be ignored. Albums such as these truly accentuate the "progressive" aspect of progressive metal; Suspyre have created a masterpiece that combines technical and complex progressive metal guitar work and song structure with jazz and neo-classical music. Every track is absolutely brilliant as the ears of the listener are caressed by the very essence of progressive music. Suspyre have easily risen above the majority of their modern-day progressive metal counterparts with this release by remembering that there is no definite pattern that must be followed to create incredible progressive music; the result is a truly unique, interesting, and refreshing album that freely shatters barriers that often limit the quality of a musician's work. Heavy riffing coexists with melodies guitar passages, jazz is freely entwined with classical and folk influence, and Clay Barton's refined, tenor-tinged vocals preside over this contrasting musical harmony. Every single member of the band is extremely talented, with some being proficient in several different instruments, ranging from guitar to the saxophone to the Chapman stick. Through it all, the album is still very accessible and is not one that any progressive metal fan would want to miss.
[Tracks]:
1. Forever the Voices (1:12)
2. The Singer (9:00)3. The Spirit (3:19)4. Galactic Movements Backwards (9:51)5. Manipulation in Time (8:44)6. Resolution (2:39)7. April in the Fall (5:21)8. Subliminal Delusions (6:37)9. Bending the Violet (2:31)10. The Piano Plays at Last (6:03)11. Alterations of the Ivory (7:43)12. Blood & Passion (7:30)
[Download]: Rapidshare
Summer & more posts
Today, praise the powers, terminated my sophomore year and welcomed a well-deserved 3-month break. I realize that I haven't posted a new album for a while now, thanks to school and just general preoccupation with life, but there will be one coming up later tonight and the frequency with which I post them is certainly going to increase.
Lis Er Stille - Apathobvious (2007)
Artist: Lis Er Stille
Album: Apathobvious
Year: 2007
Country: Denmark 
Style: Post-Rock
[Transcendency's Review]: This album may present something quite different to any regulars to our blog. This is the first full release from Danish Post-rockers Lis Er Stille. The album is a powerful showcase of one of rock's most overlooked sub-genres. The musicianship is inspired, with special mention going to the work done on the piano. The vocals, like the rest of the music, have an ambient sound to them, yet are still filled with power and emotion at the climax of the music. The first track, Præludium, provides an excellent introduction for what is in store for the listener. The ambient build up leads perfectly into a beautiful piano solo in the first track. Lis Er Stille definitely subscribe to the Godspeed You! school of post-rock, with almost chilling ambient sections being layered with strings, vocals and guitar work, to reach an incredible musical zenith. The whole album is perfectly composed and arranged, keeping the listener tantalized throughout. This is definitely a must for those looking to expand their musical horizons.
[Tracks]:
1. Præludium (2:23)
2. Lorelei (12:14)3. Land Mítt (1:12)4. Hvalfangeren (13:28)5. Trasition (7:20)6. Lys Over Tid (10:54)7. Spurven (2:52)8. Fyri Framman (10:01)
[Download]: Megaupload
Lacrimosa - Elodia (1999)
Artist: Lacrimosa
Album: Elodia
Year: 1999
Country: Germany 
Style: Gothic Metal, Symphonic Metal, Neo-Classical Metal
[DarkEternal's Review]: Even in the obscure, sub-genred world of heavy metal, neo-classical acts such as Lacrimosa often go unnoticed. Elodia is a charged album with several emotional high points reflected in masterful execution of orchestral instruments. Deep bass male vocals are accompanied by beautifully melodic female singing at moments that often parallel the music. The piano plays a vital role in many songs as well, doing what pianos do so well: creating an entirely separate orchestra, so to speak, among the predominantly stringed and wood instruments that make up the meat of the music in this album. Sanctus, definitely a highlight of the album, incorporates spine-tingling church choir-esque vocals. There really isn't much more to say, other than that this album is beautifully arranged and beautifully executed; certainly, a gem among neo-classical works today. Both fans of metal and fans of classical music will immensely enjoy this album. The two genres are extremely similar in many ways (in fact, metal song structure is completely based on that of classical music), and Lacrimosa intergrate them perfectly.
[Tracks]:
1. Am Ende Der Stille (8:09)
2. Alleine Zu Zweit (4:18)3. Halt Mich (3:59)4. The Turning Point (4:59)5. Ichverlasse Heut Dein Herz (8:32)6. Dich Zu Töten Fiel Mir Schwer (8:01)7. Sanctus (14:13)8. Am Ende Stehen Wir Zwei (5:50)9. Und Du Fällst [Bonus Track] (5:03)[Download]: Megaupload
Candlemass - Epicus Doomicus Metallicus (1986)
Artist: Candlemass
Album: Epicus Doomicus Metallicus
Year: 1986
Country: Sweden 
Style: Classic Doom Metal, Heavy Metal
[DarkEternal's Review]: Posted by request. Easily Candlemass' best work, EDM is a doom metal classic. From the beginning of the haunting, sorrowful strumming of Solitude to the close of the epic A Sorcere's Pledge, Epicus Doomicus Metallicus is a masterpiece filled with heavy riffing, expert songwriting, and baritone vocalization that perfectly accompanies the atmosphere. No heavy metal fan can afford to miss this extraordinary work of art. You will not be able to die in solitude without listening to it. Because I am going to haunt you.
[Tracks]:
1. Solitude (5:37)
2. Demon's Gate (9:12)3. Crystal Ball (5:22)4. Black Stone Wielder (7:36)5. Under the Oak (6:54)6. A Sorcerer's Pledge (8:11)
[Download]: Megaupload
Týr - Eric the Red [Re-Release] (2003)
Artist: Týr
Album: Eric the Red [Re-Release]
Year: 2003
Country: Faroe Islands 
Style: Progressive Viking Metal, Folk Metal
[DarkEternal's Review]: Hailing from the largely unheard of Faroe Islands, Týr are truly a unique band. Among the numerous viking and folk metal acts out there, Týr are the only one that I have come across that emulate the traditional folk music of Denmark and Scandinavia in such a beautiful, epic, and majestic manner. The Edge perfectly opens this album by establishing the naval, viking-esque mood that remains throughout the rest of this journey. Heri Joensen's vocals are absolutely amazing in this album; their epic beauty truly accentuates the theme. In addition to concentrating on vikings and Norse mythology, the band also covers traditional Faroe songs and hymns on this album; really, a rare find that is masterfully done to boot. The guitars are rather melodic and have a proggy tinge to them; this is probably best examplified in the light-hearted The Wild Rover, which contains a bright, blistering solo. Do yourself a favor and download this album; absolutely anyone can get into it and it's a real treat for viking/folk metal fans.
[Tracks]:
1. The Edge (7:44)
2. Regin Smiður (6:08)3. Dreams (5:34)4. The Wild Rover (4:12)5. Stýrisvølurin (6:57)6. Ólavur Riddararós (4:37)7. Rainbow Warrior (5:28)8. Ramund Hin Unge (4:31)9. Alive (7:27)10. Eric the Red (7:41)11. God of War [Bonus Track] (6:23)12. Hail to the Hammer [Bonus Track] (3:49)
[Download]: Megaupload
Control Denied - The Fragile Art of Existence (1999)
Artist: Control Denied
Album: The Fragile Art of Existence
Year: 1999
Country: United States 
Style: Technical/Progressive Metal
[DarkEternal's Review]: Considering the immense contribution that musical genius Chuck Schuldiner provided for the world of metal, it's a shame that his side project, Control Denied, only yieled one full-length album before Schuldiner's unfortunate death in 2001. Nevertheless, the result is a probing, insightful progressive metal masterpiece. Schuldiner takes the progressive elements that so heavily influenced his more famous band, Death, and expounds upon them immensely. Hooking up with Tim Aymar, Death bandmates Shannon Hamm and Robert Christy, and bassist Steve DiGiorgio, Schuldiner and company created a beautiful album that allows technical and emotional elements to harmoniously co-exist as Aymar pours his heart into singing about the realities of life and society. Schuldiner's extremely creative guitar playing remains the backbone of timely music that everyone can relate to; in fact, for those familiar, the lyrics mirror those of Death's Symbolic and The Sound of Perserverance albums. Progressive metal fans, as well as those of Chuck Schuldiner, will not want to miss this album.
[Tracks]:
1. Consumed (7:23)
2. Breaking the Broken (5:40)3. Expect the Unexpected (7:16)4. What If...? (4:29)5. When the Link Becomes Missing (5:16)6. Believe (6:09)7. Cut Down (4:50)8. The Fragile Art of Existence (9:36)
[Download]: Megaupload
Lake of Tears - Forever Autumn (1999)
Artist: Lake of TearsAlbum: Forever Autumm
Year: 1999
Country: Sweden 
Style: Doom Metal, Gothic Rock, Acoustic
[DarkEternal's Review]: Despite Lake of Tears' constant style shuffling, Forever Autumn is a masterful release, blending doom metal riffing with clean baritone vocals, acoustic guitar passages, piano and cello ensembles, and even some classic rock elements. The lyrics focus mostly on, you guessed it, nature and introspection. This may sound similar to Agalloch's The Mantle, but the albums are quite different in that this one is far less dark and uses less of the heavier doom metal elements, such as growled vocals and extremely depressing themes. It's a very beautiful album and very enjoyable to listen to despite what mood you may be in. I strongly urge you to check them out; and please, support the band if you like the album.
[Tracks]:
1. So Fell Autumn Rain (5:22)
2. Hold On Tight (4:06)3. Forever Autumn (5:55)4. Pagan Wish (4:23)5. Otherwheres (3:54)6. The Homecoming (5:15)7. Come Night I Reign (3:50)8. Demon You/Lily Anne (4:21)9. To Blossom Blue (8:15)
[Download]: Megaupload
The Firstborn - The Unclenching of Fists (2005)
Artist: The Firstborn
Album: The Unclenching of Fists
Year: 2005
Country: Portugal 
Style: Black Metal
[DarkEternal's Review]: The Firstborn are a black metal band from Portugal that incorporate dark oriental themes into their music, with lyrical matter often focusing on rituals and obscure oriental mythology. In addition to your rapid-fire drumwork and guitar associated with black metal, the songs often include eerie chanting and creepy string and wood fragments. This album is rather exceptional; definitely a cut above your standard black metal. I highly recommend the download.
[Tracks]:
1. Torn from Within (Awakening) (3:34)
2. To Roam the Endless Plains (3:43)3. Perception (2:04)4. Path of the Mindwalker (5:41)5. Voyage (4:20)6. Fire Channels (3:09)7. Movement for Practicing the Way (1:28)8. The Roaring Voice of the God of Death (4:34)9. Of Time and Its Absence (5:26)10. Ten Offerings to Mahakala (4:20)11. Golden Libation (1:28)12. Absolute (3:18)13. The Unclenching of Fists (16:47)
[Download]: Megaupload
Vesperian Sorrow - Discography
Saturnus - Discography
Artist: Saturnus
Album: [Discography]
Year: 1996, 2000, 2006
Country: Denmark 
Genre: Doom Metal
[DarkEternal's Review]: Saturnus are one of my favorite bands of all time; in fact, they are only second to Opeth and possibly Death. They easily make the most beautiful doom metal I've ever heard. It's very difficult to describe how their style of doom metal is different from your standard fare, but the atmosphere seems to be a combination of deep introspection, sorrow, and melancholy blended with an accepting intellect and rationalness. In any case, it has to be heard to be experienced. The contrast between harsh vocals and soft, spoken ones in a melancholy atmosphere is absolutely thrilling. The guitars are put to use extremely well and play a huge role in creating the breathtaking atmosphere of this music. This is easily the most emotional and beautiful music I've ever heard. Ever. Saturnus will take your breath away if you've never experienced music this good before, and I recommend the band to absolutely anyone. Martyre and Veronika Decides to Die are their best albums, each in their own respect. Martyre is more melodic, atmospheric and lyrically avante-garde while Veronika concentrates more on delivering refined growls and solid doom metal riffs, but both are amazing. Any album is definitely worth the download and the listen.
Paradise Belongs to You (1996)
[Tracks]:
1. Paradise Belongs to You (10:13)
2. Christ Goodbye (8:09)
3. As We Dance the Paths of Fire and Solace (1:40)
4. Pilgrimage of Sorrow (9:15)
5. The Fall of Nakkiel (Nakkiel Has Fallen) (5:05)
6. Astral Dawn (7:52)
7. I Love Thee (8:33)
8. The Underworld (9:25)
9. Lament For This Treacherous World (7:28)
[Download]: Megaupload
Martyre (2000)
[Tracks]:
1. 7 (1:42)
2. Inflame Thy Heart (6:42)
3. Empty Handed (4:12)
4. Noir (5:34)
5. A Poem (Written in Moonlight) (5:42)
6. Softly on the Path You Fade (7:08)
7. Thou Art Free (4:37)
8. Drown My Sorrow (6:51)
9. Lost My Way (4:47)
10. Loss (In Memoriam) (6:50)
11. Thus My Heart Weepeth for Thee (6:13)
12. In Your Shining Eyes (2:36)
[Download]: Megaupload
Veronika Decides to Die (2006)
[Tracks]:
1. I Long (10:53)
2. Pretend (6:24)3. Descending (9:03)4. Rain Wash Me (7:21)5. All Alone (6:18)6. Embraced by Darkness (6:43)7. To the Dreams (5:46)8. Murky Waters (6:37)
[Download]: Megaupload
Agalloch - The Mantle (2002)
Artist: Agalloch
Album: The Mantle
Year: 2002
Country: United States 
Style: Acoustic/Folk, Experimental, Doom Metal
[DarkEternal's Review]: Agalloch's 2002 offering, The Mantle, is a beautifully atmospheric album that incorporates doom metal growls and melodic guitar passages. Acoustic guitar passages are also used quite liberally and are usually extensive. The album is easily among one of the more beautiful that I've heard. Its lyrical matter focues mainly on earth imagery and nature and it perfectly accompanies the music. It's a very dark album with a feel of loss, despair, and intense introspection. This makes it very enjoyable to doom metal fans, but really, anyone could immerse themselves in the dark acoustic passages of this 68-minute epic.
[Tracks]:
1. A Celebration for the Death of Man... (2:24)
2. In the Shadow of Our Pale Companion (14:45)3. Odal (7:39)4. I Am the Wooden Doors (6:11)5. The Lodge (4:40)6. You Were But a Ghost in My Arms (9:14)7. The Hawthorne Passage (11:18)8. ...And the Great Cold Death of the Earth (7:14)9. A Desolation Song (5:08)
[Download]: Megaupload
Anorexia Nervosa Nihilistic Orchestra - Drudenhaus (2000)
Artist: Anorexia Nervosa Nihilistic Orchestra
Album: Drudenhaus
Year: 2000
Country: France 
Style: Symphonic/Neo-Classical Black Metal
[DarkEternal's Review]: Rarely does one find a black metal band hailing from France, but Anorexia Nervosa do and their breathtaking combination of fast, energetic classical instruments and black metal fury makes for a truly unique, creative, and very well-done album. The atmosphere is dark and gloomy but at the same time very energetic and frenzied, making for an immersing musical experience. This can be described as nothing less than a major accomplishment in the world of metal; indeed, a diamond in the rough of the often monotonous black metal scene. The lyrical matter is very dark, brooding, and sometimes even satirical, with song titles such as God Bless the Hustler and Dirge and Requiem for My Sister Whore. Overall, any metal fan will definitely enjoy this album and even those who enjoy classical or neo-classical music will be pleased by the upbeat instrumentation that defines the Anorexia Nervosa Nihilistic Orchestra. Amazing.
[Tracks]:
1. A Doleful Night in Thelema (4:56)
2. The Drudenhaus Anthem (5:13)3. God Bless the Hustler (4:35)4. Enter the Church of Fornication (5:33)5. Tragedia Dekadencia (6:30)6. Diving White Light of a Cumming Decadence (4:32)7. Dirge and Requiem for My Sister Whore (4:15)8. The Red Archromance (5:59)[Download]: Megaupload
Stream of Passion - Embrace the Storm (2005)
Artist: Stream of Passion
Album: Embrace the Storm
Year: 2005Country: Netherlands 
Style: Progressive/Gothic Metal
[DarkEternal's Review]: First of all, any project by Arjen Lucassen is amazing by default. That being said, I was pleasantly surprised when I heard this band. Its prog/gothic metal fusion style features the dark, female-fronted overtones of gothic metal accompanied by prog-metal instrumentation and structure. Bovio has an amazing voice and it was a wise decision on Arjen's part to create a band fronted by her. The album is very atmospheric and often chilling and Arjen has once again created another masterpiece. He mentioned that the purpose of this album was to allow Bovio to experiment with her vocals; the result is quite pleasing, and I imagine that another album in which she has refined and concentrated her vocals in a specific direction will be even better. I definitely recommend this album to absolutely anyone, because it is the type of music anyone can enjoy, but especially fans of Lucassen's other projects.
[Tracks]:
1. Spellbound (3:35)
2. Passion (5:21)3. Deceiver (5:09)4. I'll Keep on Dreaming (3:45)5. Haunted (4:31)6. Wherever You Are (5:08)7. Open Your Eyes (5:14)8. Embrace the Storm (4:12)9. Breathing Again (3:38)10. Out in the Real World (4:32)11. Nostalgia (3:08)12. Calliopeia (5:39)
[Download]: Megaupload
