GATHERING OF KINGS – ENIGMATIC (Review by Varg The Mighty )

 

Today’s review is of Swedish Hard Rock band Gathering Of Kings’ new album.

This release offers some fresh Rock full of Swedish talent, interesting special guests and a sweet classic approach. While the core of the album is AOR, it has the energy of stronger Hard Rock and it often bursts into Heavy Metal territories.

The dreamy synths are well complemented by the upbeat riffs, virtuous solos and energetic vocal performances. While the full-length has some really catchy songs, others are exceedingly generic and feel like fillers. Despite that, the powerful songs outnumber the weaker ones. Thus, as a whole, it is a great album that will transport you back to the 80s in their full glory in a similar manner to The Night Flight Orchestra. My personal highlights are “Vagabond Rise” and “How The Mighty Have Fallen”.

I recommend this album to fans of AOR, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. My rating is of 9/10. 

VARG THE MIGHTY 

 

ABSOLUTE DARKNESS – FAILURE OF STATE ( Review by Varg The Mighty )

 

Today’s review is of American Thrash Death Metal band Absolute Darkness’ upcoming new album, out on August 27^th.

This release offers some powerful and mostly Death-leaning approach to the subgenre, although they also implement a fair amount of melody that balances the album’s energy.

In general, this is a furious assault begotten by anger, and it feels modern as it strays from the classical formula in some aspects, especially in the sound. While the general feeling is enjoyable and heads may be banged to this, there isn’t really any song that clearly stands out. My personal highlights are “Mob Rule” and the title track.

I recommend this album to fans of Thrash Death Metal. My rating is of 8/10.

VARG THE MIGHTY 

 

ULVHEDNER – LEGD ( Review by Varg The Mighty )

 

Today’s review is of Norwegian Black Metal band Ulvhedner’s album “Legd”.

This release offers some classic Norwegian Black Metal that powerfully channels the wrath of the 90s, and it also incorporates some Folk elements that mainly bring to mind Einherjer and Enslaved, as well as Belus-era Burzum.

As a result, the full-length doesn’t quite offer anything new, but it delivers a great amount of darkness and mysticism as can only be done from the cold north. Some songs are fast-paced and furious, while others are longer and more atmospheric with sweet chants, giving the release some equilibrated dynamism. My personal highlights are “Frostnatt” and “Vemodig”.

I recommend this album to fans of Norwegian Black Metal and Pagan Black Metal. My rating is of 9/10.

VARG THE MIGHTY