The March Metal Reviews: A Journey Through Doom, Gothic, and Speed
As the sun's warmth intensifies, we reminisce about the chilly days of March, a month that brought a plethora of captivating releases in the metal realm. Among these, three albums stand out, each offering a unique and immersive experience that lingers long after the initial listen.
Ethereal Darkness - Echoes
Ethereal Darkness' 'Echoes' is a monolithic statement in melodic doom-death. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Rapture and Insomnium, the band crafts enthralling, melancholic tapestries that ensnare the sadboi within its grasp. The album's opening 11-minute magnum opus is a bold move, but it pays off, dunking the listener in a sea of darkness and forcing them to embrace negative emotions. This is a large-scale dose of majestic, mighty, and miserable doom, a mood piece that continues to resonate months later. I predicted Ethereal Darkness' rise to prominence, and they've certainly earned it.
The Silver - Looking Glass of Hymnal Blue
The Silver, a project born from the minds of Horrendous and Crypt Sermon members, presents a strange blend of atmospheric goth, post, black, and progressive influences. Their sophomore outing, 'Looking Glass of Hymnal Blue', showcases a honed sound and a tight integration of various elements. The album boasts a sense of grand melody and theatricality, yet it remains an extreme, jagged experience that can draw blood. Harsh and clean vocals collide as the music rises and falls in intensity, with creative ideas scattered throughout. The Silver's return suggests a long-term presence in the metal scene, and their unique sound is a pleasure to explore.
Hellripper - Coronach
Hellripper's 'Coronach' is a blackened speed maniac's dream, blending Venom-meets-Motorhead with Darkthone influences. The thrashy fury and straight-ahead attitude spice up technically sharp guitar work, driving the listener off the cliff into a funeral pyre. Despite the vibrant punk energy, the album isn't all crash and burn. It offers a restorative fix, providing a much-needed dose of Vitamin R when lethargy strikes. Hellripper's unique blend of speed and intensity is a thrilling experience, and their return to the fray is a welcome one.
These March releases showcase the diversity of the metal genre, from the somber and majestic to the fast and furious. Each album offers a unique journey, and they continue to resonate, leaving a lasting impression on listeners long after the initial listen.
