A shorter week of New Music Mondays this week, as we really start to approach the end of the year. Still, we have three awesome albums to check out together!
Kaos Krew: Blackout
We’ve already checked out this awesome album! Check out our review here!
Therion: Leviathan III
The Swedish symphonic/death metal band are back with their epic 19th album, and (obviously) third in their Leviathan trilogy. I’ve not seen a band quite this consistent in their output in a while, given that these three parts came out a year apart. It hasn’t at all diminished the quality of their releases, either. Somehow we missed reviewing the last one but it’s a great album. This one is arguably even better. The atmosphere created on tracks like ‘Ruler of Tamag’ or ‘Baccanale’ is incredible, almost having black metal inspiration as much as the other two genres. Meanwhile, when it goes heavy on tracks like the opener and ‘?’, it’s crushing and feels really earned.
Every track I’ve named already is a massive highlight of the album. Really though, there isn’t a bad track on the album. Heck, ‘An Unsung Lament’ almost gives off musical theater/Christmas vibes, both in the best possible ways. Honestly, they are immediately one of my favourite bands in the genre as they are just so damn interesting to listen to. You never know where they’re going to go; be it brutal metal, chanting operatic stuff or straight up hard rock. I can’t even begin to imagine how fantastic this is live! If you’re into epic power/symphonic stuff, you have to check this out! 9/10
Ringarë: Of Monumentous Endless Night
Time for some atmospheric black metal, and a release that really blurs the line between EP and album. Yes, it’s over 40-minutes in length, but it’s also just four tracks long! Still, it’s made it onto this series, so clearly it’s enough of an album!
It’s hard to take each track individually here, as it would be too much of a disservice to the others. And, with how proggy the duo also are, it feels like each track is multiple different parts and concepts, all coming together not just to make each song, but the album as a whole. Don’t get me wrong, it is certainly not my usual listen, but damn if I can’t appreciate the writing and talent that has gone into creating the album. Especially when it’s just TWO PEOPLE, that’s insane. Plus, the clean vocals smattered throughout are really interesting, and have a powerful impact given how infrequent they are.
I’m sure this will make black metal fans very happy, and I certainly wouldn’t turn it off if it ever came on. I’m also sure I’ll make a few angry with this, but I want to make it as much personal preference as how much I respect the music so… 6.5/10