If you haven’t yet seen, I’m also doing more quick video content covering these articles; check it out. But if you’re more the fleshed-out reading type, stick around as I shpeal about some amazing releases from the past month, from Latin America to East Europe.
Phendrana
Cathexis
Released via Frozen Archives
Based in Mexico City, Mexico
Graceful, yet blackened – this new record by vocalist / multi-instrumentalist Anuar Salum is stunning in terms of both atmosphere and dynamics. As a Mexican of Syrian-Lebanese descent as well, Salum explores themes of depression and existentialism through progressive rock, classical music, and post-black metal, while being joined by drummer Richard Schill (Dead By April, ex-Shining) with flute and saxophone performances of Adrián Terrazas-González (ex-The Mars Volta), and guest vocalist Daniel Droste (Ahab). Cathexis is genuinely, a beautiful and cathartic listen, perfect for whimsical metalheads who enjoy Middle Earth vibes.
FFO: Opeth, Alcest, Rivers of Nihil
‘Cathexis‘ available on Bandcamp and CD
Doomsday Astronaut
Origins
Self-released
Based in Sibiu, Romania
I’ve been hooked on the “Enemy” single by Doomsday Astronaut for months and finally am listening to this new full-length album… and I can’t believe how perfect these vocals are – they possess a tasteful rasp atop constant melodic hooks. Additionally, the guitarwork is phenomenal; every solo is a blessing. As I dive deeper, I discover that both the vocals and guitar are done by Waqas Ahmed… insane. All five songs on Origins are a blast of prog, 90’s metal, groove, grunge, djent, and shred (“Enemy” is hands-down the favorite kid of the litter, but the full package goes to further stylistic and emotional depths). This deserves way more attention.
FFO: Caligula’s Horse, Soundgarden, Haken
Space of Variations
Poisoned Art
Released via Napalm Records
Based in Vinnytsia, Ukraine
If Jinjer put Ukraine on the map for metal music, Space of Variations is strengthening that connection for a new generation. The metalcore act have actually been grinding for quite awhile, and they’ve definitely put heaps of that experience in this latest 12-track album. I was strapped in from the first-minute, as the arena production on opener “Tribal” calls out with excessive hype and vibes. Structurally, Poisoned Art tastes just like our modern metalcore contemporaries, but this band shines through on the experimental bits intertwined – festival synths, anxious riffs, 2am choruses. It’s all so energetic, intense, and catchy.
FFO: Bring Me the Horizon, Northlane, Veil of Maya
‘Poisoned Art’ available on Bandcamp, CD, and vinyl