Awesome August assemblies, from the likes of Inquisition, Running Wild, Meshiaak and beyond…
Inquisition – Bloodshed Across The Empyrean Altar Beyond The Celestial Zenith
by Ailo Ravna
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGdbsGFrvbY]
Columbian power duo Inquisition returned with the modestly named Bloodshed Across the Empyrean Altar Beyond the Celestial Zenith – the band’s most accessible effort to date, without being one which sacrifices any of the band’s unrivaled sense cosmic grandeur, fiercely defends their position as one of black metal’s mightiest forces. With a flurry of mind-bending riffs, spiraling incantations and frontman Dagon toning down his throaty croaks; Bloodshed… majestically strides into the upper echelon of 2016 releases – truly a beast of epic proportions.
Meshiaak – Allegiance of Thieves
by Joshua Bulleid
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tln_ZKt611g]
I gave Allegiance of Thieves a fairly glowing review when it came out, but I think I may have understated just how outstanding it really is. This is a record that only gets more and more impressive with each listen, and there’s not a dull or weak moment to be had anywhere on it. Each of Meshiaak’s noted members give career-best performances here, and the overall, collaborative result is one which outranks the entirety of their collective, recorded output.
Running Wild – Rapid Foray
by Shawn Miller
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFmX-CqzKW4]
While not quite the grand and glorious return to form that fans have been waiting for over two decades for, Rock ‘n’ Rolf seems to be moving closer and closer to what we all want. Sure, there a few overly saccharine numbers on board that overdo the hard rock sensibility that plagued the band’s last two albums, but Running Wild’s piratized, plundering German power metal is there in spades. Tracks like “Black Bart” and “Bloody Island” see Running Wild returning to something listenable and damn enjoyable, and the album is littered with catchy choruses and punchy riffs. Rapid Foray is an album that won’t end up in my year-end list – and it really shouldn’t be my album of the month – but it’s amazing that Running Wild is even beginning to regain that spark they once had and it’s gotten me excited for what comes next.
Lacrimas Profundere – Hope Is Here
by Evan Mugford
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9RwuXvGXGk]
Lacrimas Profundere, in Latin: ‘to shed tears.’ These Germans have been strolling around Germany (as Germans are wont to do) for some time now. They released their debut album, …and the Wings Embraced Us, way back in 1995, and, well, it’s pretty far removed from their eleventh, and latest, album, Hope Is Here, which – mind you – this reviewer is all the more grateful for. Gone are the melodic doom, death and gothic silk-curtain finagling, and loud and proud is the band’s wholly confident and consistently affective, gothic alternative rock/metal approach. While the vocal duties of Rob Vitacca may not be everyone’s tasse de thé, his charismatic and subtle delivery reflects the entirely relaxed and damnably sexy brilliance of Hope Is Here. Ideal for fans of Ours, A Perfect Circle, and perhaps even Katatonia.
Marsh Dweller – The Weight of Sunlight
by Neil Bird
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cio08RSJNYw]
Marsh Dweller came out of nowhere for me. The one man band formed a few years back but The Weight Of Sunlight is their debut album, and grabbing it on a whim proved to be quite a good idea as it immediately became a very interesting listen and quite addictive. The brighter lead work calls to mind Obsequiae in some respects, although the band does not follow the same medieval approach as them, while the mid-paced and melodic approach manages to create some good atmosphere and helps add effective emotive qualities as well. I was very impressed and surprised by this album, and while there may be other albums in August that garner more praise or recognition, the sheer aspect of being fascinated by an unknown band – as opposed to enjoying another release by an established act – is something that always feels special.
Espionage – Wings of Thunder
by Alex Melzer
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBYU8OC4huU]
When it comes to young and exciting new bands, the Australian, traditional metal scene is as vibrant as they come. Together with bands such as Taberah, Elm Street or Bane of Winterstorm, Melburne’s Espionage are at the spearhead of the movement, with their latest EP Wings of Thunder being an energetic romp through the metal of the 80s. Unadulterated, fresh and unabashedly traditional – Espionage join the ranks of Striker, Visigoth and other young bands in their mission to keep traditional metal alive and kicking for years to come!
