mementomori

 "Vertikal is without a shadow of a doubt the confirmation of the worth of an ensemble that can boast the status of a leading force in the post-hardcore realm."

 "Once there was 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,' today there is 'Vicarious Redemption,' already a classic of our times."

Cult of Luna’s Vertikal is hailed as a top-tier post-hardcore and post-metal album of 2013, marked by refined composition and futuristic, cold atmospheres inspired by Fritz Lang’s Metropolis. The Swedish band shows maturity, technical skill, and emotional depth across its lengthy, complex tracks, solidifying their role as genre leaders after the decline of peers. Highlights include the epic 'Vicarious Redemption' and the emotionally charged 'In Awe Of.' Despite near perfection, the album’s polish occasionally hints at self-indulgence but ultimately succeeds in both entertaining and challenging listeners. Explore Cult of Luna’s Vertikal and experience a groundbreaking journey in post-hardcore and metal innovation.

 Fans of the band can rest easy: Antonius Rex's latest work retains the most typical ingredients of its creator's horrific 'poetics.'

 'Hystero Demonopathy' aims to interpret the pathologies typically associated with the female psyche in the past in a paranormal key, pointing them out as disturbing manifestations/incursions of the Devil.

Antonius Rex's 2012 album 'Hystero Demonopathy' marks a continuation of Antonio Bartoccetti's explorations into gothic and horror-infused progressive rock. Although it lacks some of the fullness of past works, its dark, arcane atmosphere and thematic focus on female psyche pathologies as paranormal phenomena provide a compelling and unsettling listening experience. The album's complex arrangements, contributions by the artist's son Rexanthony, and chilling narrations create a unique and evolving soundscape. Fans of dark ambient and horror prog will appreciate its deep, mysterious ambiance. It is a work that grows richer on repeated listens. Dive into the dark and mysterious world of Antonius Rex’s 'Hystero Demonopathy'—listen now and experience its chilling prog depths.

 Esben and the Witch touch upon our existence, and it doesn’t matter if it’s only for a moment.

 Rachel Davies captivates for her skill and because she doesn’t need to do somersaults to assert herself.

The review praises Esben And The Witch's 2013 album for its evocative blend of dark wave, post-punk, and dream-pop. Rachel Davies’s vocals are subtly powerful without being showy, complementing a mature, atmospheric sound. The album captures a balance of emotional depth and sonic precision, weaving folklore and mystical themes throughout. Though not groundbreaking in innovation, it delivers a haunting and memorable listening experience. Discover the haunting beauty of Esben And The Witch’s music—listen to 'Wash The Sins Not Only The Face' today!

 It’s the artistic genius of Van Zandt that emerges forcefully across the grooves of these nine ballads.

 A heartfelt act of recognition with which they have... engaged in live performances and now finally becomes official with this release.

This tribute album by Scott Kelly, Steve Von Till, and Wino honors Townes Van Zandt's legacy with faithful acoustic renditions. Von Till's performances stand out for their maturity and emotional depth, while Kelly's are more restrained, and Wino brings a rougher desert blues edge. The album highlights Van Zandt's brilliant songwriting and poetic intensity. Overall, the album is a sincere expression of reverence for a cult folk figure. Listen to this heartfelt tribute to Townes Van Zandt and discover raw acoustic beauty from renowned musicians.

 Blood and sh*t, insects and mud, rage and disenchantment, decay and irony, fuzz fuzz and more fuzz: there are plenty of reasons to get excited over the new recording project.

 It’s no longer enough to spit in the face of the system with your dissent, you should do more, strive more, go beyond the obvious and sacred invective.

Quintale, the fifth album by Bachi da Pietra, delivers a raw, gritty fusion of stoner rock, punk, and blues with heavy fuzz and distorted riffs. The album is musically strong, featuring aggressive, powerful tracks alongside some weaker ballads. Vocalist Giovanni Succi’s lyrics are critiqued as crude and inconsistent, sometimes bordering on pretentiousness without clear depth. Collaborations and production by Giulio Ragno Favero enrich the sound. The band’s energy remains fierce despite some uneven moments. Dive into the gritty world of Bachi da Pietra’s Quintale—listen now and experience their unique blend of raw rock and blues intensity!

 Nightglory oozes sensuality, elegance, and class from every pore, but deprives us of the more experimental and menacing aspect of the Emilian formation.

 The songs of Nightglory are potential chart hits that, if not labeled as Kirlian Camera, would quite sadden me, despite their admirable craftsmanship.

Kirlian Camera’s album Nightglory marks a clear departure from their industrial roots toward accessible, synth-pop sounds with standout vocals by Elena Alice Fossi. While professionally crafted and elegant, the album feels predictable and overly polished, lacking the experimental and darker elements that characterized the band's earlier work. New guitar contributions add texture, and notable covers add dramatic flair. Despite its quality, Nightglory may leave longtime fans wanting more innovation. Discover Kirlian Camera’s Nightglory and explore their elegant yet approachable synth-pop journey.

 "This album might even like you a tad more, because in this more balanced and refined work, we find a Laird further matured."

 "Listening to Burials Foretold therefore requires neither effort nor patience; just see how gems glide away on the delicate wave of hypnotic arpeggios and soothing vocal intertwining."

Unto Ashes’ Burials Foretold celebrates the band's 15th anniversary with a refined acoustic neo-folk album. The music blends dark-wave and ethnic folk influences with mature songwriting. The album features the return of key vocalists and avoids synthetic sounds for a natural, evocative atmosphere. Though smooth and flowing, its subtle depth may require attentive listening to be fully appreciated. Overall, it remains a pleasant and worthy release for fans of the genre. Discover the mature and evocative sounds of Unto Ashes in Burials Foretold—listen now and experience their neo-folk evolution.

 Rover is undoubtedly one of those albums that end up appealing to you even if on paper you wouldn’t bet a dime on them.

 Regnier evidently lacks a sense of moderation, but in his case, such a deficiency constitutes a strength.

Rover's debut album surprises with its retro and emotionally charged pop, blending influences from iconic bands like the Beatles, Bowie, and Muse. Despite initial skepticism about the artist's image and hype, the album proves to be musically strong with versatile vocals and well-crafted arrangements. The record flows smoothly with standout tracks featuring dramatic falsetto and rich instrumentation. Rover, aka Timothée Regnier, shows impressive musicianship by performing most instruments himself. Ultimately, this album wins over listeners despite its anachronistic style and marketing-driven persona. Discover Rover's debut and experience a bold mix of nostalgic pop and powerful vocals – listen now!

 "I don’t like albums sung half in one language and half in another; and I don’t like albums sung in Italian where the words are not clearly understood."

 "Honesty, dedication, ambition, good intentions, without a genuine intellectual, spiritual, artistic depth, evidently are not enough to elevate Rose Rovine e Amanti beyond the ranks of mediocrity."

This review explores 'Demian,' the 2009 album by Rose Rovine e Amanti, highlighting its unique blend of Italian neo-folk, cabaret, and rock elements. While acknowledging the musical skill and originality, the reviewer criticizes the mixed Italian-English lyrics and unclear vocal delivery. The album's strong Christian themes and cultural identity are noted, though the lyrics lack emotional depth. Overall, the work is seen as interesting but flawed, appealing mainly to niche listeners of apocalyptic and Italian folk. Discover the unique blend of Italian neo-folk and rock in 'Demian'—listen now and explore Rose Rovine e Amanti's distinct sound.

 Rarely has there been such an imbalance between notoriety and importance in terms of music historiography.

 Aux Volontaires Croix de Sang... can be found, and thus listened to, and we will certainly not be disappointed.

Les Joyaux de la Princesse's Aux Volontaires Croix de Sang is an essential yet elusive work in martial-industrial music. Erik Konofal’s composition offers a perfect mix of electronics, classical music, and historical voices. The album evokes French interwar period memory with elegance and depth. Despite its challenging nature, listeners experience a powerful, immersive journey through history. This 2007 release remains accessible among the project’s otherwise rare catalog. Discover the haunting elegance of Les Joyaux de la Princesse by listening to Aux Volontaires Croix de Sang now.