Author: Angela Block

Album Review: REZN — “Solace”

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Known for creating an alluring juxtaposition of heavy psych melodies and airy cosmic sonics, REZN is here with their fourth full-length release Solace.  Bringing a more refined and robust sound while remaining true to their roots, this release may be the band’s best yet.  Ever teetering on the line between psych and doom, both genres are detected here.  Swirled into this heavy base is a mix of ethereal instrumentation including synths, sax, flute, and rainstick.  Lighter instrumentals gently carry listeners in soothing waves while doom laden riffs and thunderous drumming grounds with a comforting weight.  Solace is an album to explore and enjoy the ebbs and flows of sound created by this talented quartet. 

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Album Review: Hail the Void — “Memento Mori”

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Taking inspiration from the land of which they hail and bringing the dark forestial allure into their doom laced with sludge, classic rock, and psych, British Columbia trio Hail the Void have returned with their second full length release Memento Mori.  Following their 2020 self-titled self-released debut, the band is now under Ripple Music after being hand picked by current Ozzy Osbourne bassist Rob “Blasko” Nicholson.  Pushing their boundaries and expanding on their already established sound, these eight tracks are full of atmospheric passages, hazy doom riffs, wailing vocals, crashing drums, and killer guitar solos.  The consistent flow of each makes for a mellow and expertly crafted album. 

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Album Review: FVNERALS — “Let The Earth Be Silent”

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Combing through devastating darkness searching for shards of light while sonic walls surround with pulsating slow drums, steadily strummed chords, and echoing vocals.  This cavernous mood is unique to dark ambient doom duo, FVNERALS, who have returned with their most haunting release yet, Let The Earth Be Silent.  Marking their third full length release and 10 years of existing in the metal scene, this album is not to be missed.  It has everything established fans of the band are drawn to while diving further into an abyss of gloom making this their heaviest album to date.  Lighter elements still remain including ethereal vocals to add a balance and depth which is something to experience and feel through these emotive compositions.  

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Album Review: Tribunal — “The Weight of Remembrance”

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Flickering candles make shadows dance around the room as rain steadily taps on the windows.  Lightning flashes momentarily illuminating impossibly dark skies.  The storm continues, seemingly unending.  Gothic doom duo Tribunal conjures these images through their haunting music.  Making their mark with their impressive debut, The Weight of Remembrance, these seven tracks swirl to envelop listeners and bring them in.  Vast soundscapes are created by the two members of the band—Soren Mourne contributing bass, cello, vocals and Etienne Flinn contributing guitar, vocals—while guest musicians provide some extra dramatics and rhythms.  This up and coming band has started their discography off strong with this dark and beautiful debut.

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Album Review:  Anti-Flag — “Lies They Tell Our Children”

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Starting off the new year with a righteous bang, punk powerhouse Anti-Flag is here with their thirteenth album Lies They Tell Our Children.  This release is predictably energetic, expressive, and excellent.  Anti-Flag is always ready to fight for what is right and this album thematically focuses on major world issues including the need for universal healthcare and environmental preservation.  Capturing the urgency and power of the music, each track title is in all caps driving home the messages.  Adding a sense of community and comradery, a number of guest vocalists are featured throughout the album including Brian Baker of Bad Religion.  Lies They Tell Our Children is another success in an impressive discography from a legendary band.  

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