RAPTURE „Futile”
The main point of this review and probably the whole idea behind this album is that “Futile” is the excellent album KATATONIA has forgot to record. RAPTURE comes from Finland and while none of the members of the band has anything to do with KATATONIA, they have made a carbon copy of it's “Brave Murder Day” and “Sounds of Decay” era style.
SUMMONING „Let the Mortal Heroes Sing Your Fame”
What do you think, how many people are there who never heard of “Hobbit” or “Lord of the Rings”? References to these great masterpieces have become usual in metal, and often leave the “lucky” buyer rather disappointed, because too many bands choose their name (or album title) in this way trying to draw attention while neither their music nor lyrics have anything to do with it (i.e. Cirith Gorgor, Ephel Duath, Gorgoroth, Morgoth, Nazgul etc…).
THY MAJESTIE „Hastings 1066”
Wow! On the first listen I was blown away. Epic power metal performed in an excellent manner with crystal clear production, mighty “Carmina Burana”-sque background choir signing, beautiful occasional female vocals and not so good male singer, hymnic melodies and multilayered arrangements.
RAKOTH „Tiny Deaths”
This release is very, very difficult for reviewing, because it presents some weird music, not by any chance an easy listen, but, on the other hand shows undeniable musical talent and originality. The inlay of the promo disk says: AN ECLETIC, MIND SHIFTING JOURNEY INTO ANOTHER WORLD FROM A BAND COMMITED TO PUSHING BACK THE BOUNDARIES OF ART.
EVOKEN „Embrace The Emptiness”
Funeral doom metal bands tend to fall into creative crisis, since there isn't much doubt about what musical elements to incorporate into music given this label. Thundering guitars, extremely slow pace, deep guttural tormented growls are almost mandatory.