The Spin, released yesterday, hot off the press, which I cannot help but define as the best work of a promising and already solid career.

 An album pervaded by a dark atmosphere worthy of the most intimate emotional torments, gothic, esoteric, elevated by the fantastic voice of occult priestess Sara Bianchin, their true crown jewel.

Messa’s fourth album, The Spin, is hailed as their best work yet, blending doom metal with diverse influences like stoner, jazz, and blues. The album features powerful guitar work and haunting vocals by Sara Bianchin. Praised for its dark and emotional atmosphere, The Spin stands out in the Italian metal scene as a solid and promising release. Dive into Messa’s The Spin for a deep, dark doom metal experience unlike any other!

 'With Love From A Padded Room' could represent the archetype of this phantom genre.

 The Boston band strings, as if they were beads of a macabre rosary, a row of drops of dark and coagulated blood.

This review explores 'With Love From A Padded Room' by Crippling Alcoholism as a potential archetype of the imagined 'Murder Pop' genre. Combining dark, macabre themes with catchy pop elements, the album uses a prison setting to weave stories of despair and madness. The creative partnership behind the record brings together mathcore influence and a desire for catharsis beyond jazz. The result is a haunting, emotionally gripping concept album with powerful lyrical imagery and music. Dive into the dark world of 'With Love From A Padded Room'—listen now and experience the eerie blend of storytelling and catchy pop.

 Cristina Scabbia’s vocals are experiencing a second youth, as is Andrea Ferro, who has now completely embraced scream and growl.

 "Sleepless Empire" is a very well-made work, a result of the journey of the core of a group that, after thirty years, demonstrates it has not stopped growing.

Lacuna Coil returns with their 10th studio album Sleepless Empire after a five-year gap, presenting a dark and sophisticated gothic metal work. The album highlights Cristina Scabbia’s revitalized vocals and Andrea Ferro’s intense growls, with powerful bass and notable guest artists. Thematically, it explores hope and despair within a turbulent modern world. The review praises the band’s growth and the album’s balance between past influences and new directions. Dive into the dark and powerful world of Lacuna Coil’s Sleepless Empire—listen now and experience their gothic evolution!

 "Here, rather, we witness a hand-to-hand assault against the progressive world that today, for convenience, we call 'woke.'"

 "This first official chapter is shrouded in a dark and controversial aura! Not even Marduk and Mayhem managed to be so mephistophelic."

Deviate Ladies' 1997 album Religious as Our Methods is a provocative gothic rock and metal blend that critiques modern progressive culture. The album channels influences from Sisters of Mercy and Christian Death, featuring daring spoken word pieces and theatrical elements. While controversial in theme, the music is recognized as a sonic masterpiece of its era. The band mixes metal riffs with gothic atmospheres and delivers a unique underground experience. Dive into the dark, provocative world of Deviate Ladies and experience a gothic classic that challenges modern norms.

 Patriottismo Psichedelico shatters with a grin the illusion of anesthetic peace by making one appreciate the joys and glories of conflict and a raw truth.

 Post Contemporary Corporation now showcases an aerial and sidereal after-punk nature, yet equally dimmed by a disturbing angst neue deutsche welle.

Patriottismo Psichedelico by Post Contemporary Corporation is a dark, intricate neofolk album blending industrial and avant-garde sounds. It critiques European society, politics, and spiritual decay with intense emotional and intellectual depth. The album evolves from their 2006 debut, offering a refined yet explosive aesthetic that challenges listeners. It presents a bleak but profound vision of modernity through complex allegories and sonic experimentation. Dive into the dark and provocative world of Patriottismo Psichedelico—listen now to experience an intense neofolk journey like no other.

 Joe Papa’s mighty operatic voice has never been more of a protagonist, at its absolute interpretative peak.

 One must drown in these sounds, endure them passively...

Controlled Bleeding's Music for Gilded Chambers is a powerful and intense album blending austere melodies with experimental noise. Joe Papa’s operatic voice stands at its interpretative peak, driving majestic and sculptural compositions. The album explores themes of sacredness, ancient rituals, and sonic tension without losing melodic intimacy. Listeners are invited to immerse themselves and endure the complex and sublime soundscape. Dive into the transcendent soundscapes of Controlled Bleeding’s Music for Gilded Chambers and experience a unique musical journey.

 The vocal mastery of Lucas Lanthier, the bard who tells the world the surreal and unsettling tales born from the group’s common unconscious, blends with the musical originality of Michale and Daniel Ribiat.

 The symphonic parts present here, true homages to listeners, make 'Quatorze Exemples Authentiques Du Triomphe De La Musique Décorative' a dazzling jewel, unparalleled, in the showcase of the band’s triumphs.

Cinema Strange's third album, Quatorze Exemples Authentiques Du Triomphe De La Musique Décorative, stands out as a unique and innovative work in the death rock and dark cabaret scene. The album blends theatrical vocals by Lucas Lanthier with rich instrumental and symphonic elements. Its artistic originality defies easy comparison to other goth bands. Key tracks like 'Intermezzo: Bright Violet Euphoria' highlight the band's mastery and creativity. This album represents a true gem and a high point in the band's discography. Listen to Cinema Strange’s captivating blend of death rock and dark cabaret—explore the album and immerse yourself in its haunting beauty!

 To this day, Meyrink is an author I cyclically return to read. Each time, reading his texts, I make new discoveries.

 'The White Dominican' is a standout album that I regard as on the same level as the aforementioned and exceptional debut.

Il Segno del Comando closes their trilogy with 'The White Dominican,' a dark-prog album inspired by Meyrink's esoteric novel and Taoist philosophy. Featuring atmospheric organ sounds and echoes of 70s Italian prog, the album stands out as a spiritual and musical journey. The reviewer highlights its strong symbolic references, varied track moods, and high-quality production, ranking it among the band's best works. Dive into the mystical world of Il Segno del Comando and experience 'The White Dominican'—a must-listen for prog and esoteric music fans!

 I don't hesitate to define “Il sogno e l'incubo” as one of the most beautiful musical tributes I’ve ever listened to.

 The booklet of Il sogno e l’incubo. Vita e opere di H.P. Lovecraft is simply spectacular.

Il sogno e l'incubo is a beautifully crafted tribute album dedicated to H.P. Lovecraft, featuring diverse musical interpretations of his iconic works. The album's booklet boasts impressive artwork and detailed insights into Lovecraft's influence. Notable artists like Paul Roland and Death SS contribute tracks inspired by Lovecraft’s mythos. This collection stands out as a must-have for fans of supernatural and dark music. Its rich iconography and thematic depth make it an unforgettable experience. Explore this extraordinary Lovecraft tribute album and dive deep into the dark musical universe inspired by the master of cosmic horror.

 Cadaveria’s voice reveals great expertise in transitioning from growl to clean singing.

 I highly recommend this album, which I just purchased directly from the band’s website.

Cadaveria's sixth album, Emptiness, expertly blends gothic, black, melodic death, and heavy metal into twelve engaging tracks. The album is characterized by dynamic riffs, atmospheric moods, and versatile vocals by Cadaveria. Highlights include the Italian-sung 'La Casa dell'Anima' and the emotionally charged title track. Recommended for fans of quality black-gothic metal. Listen to Cadaveria's Emptiness now and dive into a captivating blend of gothic and black metal!

 Controlled Bleeding, a perpetually schizophrenic entity, always in search of something else, moves within vast sonic territories.

 The album in question... represents one of the happiest chapters of their discography, as well as a kind of litmus test of the various styles deployed by the group.

Controlled Bleeding’s Songs From the Drain is a dynamic and eclectic album blending industrial noise, goth rock, ambient, and psychedelic elements. The review highlights the band's evolution from austere power electronics to a diverse sonic journey, driven by Joe Papa’s distinctive voice. This album serves both as a compilation and a representation of their experimental breadth. With standout tracks delivering powerful atmospheres and emotive intensity, the album is considered one of the happiest chapters in the band’s vast discography. Dive into Controlled Bleeding’s experimental soundscapes—listen to Songs From the Drain and explore a boundary-pushing musical journey!

 Evergrey are a guarantee, we know that by now.

 'Reawakening' blends everything well, suspended between gothic metal, autumnal atmospheres, ’80s and modern sounds, for me the best track of the album.

Evergrey's 13th album, 'A Heartless Portrait (The Orphéan Testament),' introduces subtle but effective changes that refresh their melodic metal style. Guitars are smoother, synths less exaggerated, and an 80s flavor adds charm without full nostalgia. Standout tracks include 'Reawakening' and 'Wildfires,' blending gothic and modern elements. Though not revolutionary, the album balances new and classic Evergrey sounds, delivering a solid and convincing metal experience. Listen to Evergrey's latest album and explore a fresh yet familiar journey through melodic metal mastery.

 Their eighth album has its own identity and doesn’t present particular stylistic surprises, but that’s how it should be.

 More than other times, a unique identity and atmosphere emerge, which this time is sadder and colder than usual.

Rammstein's 'Zeit' continues their signature blend of industrial and electronic rock without major stylistic changes. The album is characterized by dark, cold atmospheres and thoughtful lyrics exploring time's passage. It features strong tracks like 'Zick Zack' and the ballad-like 'Zeit,' maintaining the band's unique identity. Overall, it's a solid release that stands out as potentially their best since 'Reise Reise.' Discover the depth and power of Rammstein's 'Zeit'—listen now and experience their dark industrial rock at its finest.

 'Futile' is a gem that cannot at all be out of place within any collection of doom metal records and related genres.

 The highest peak ever reached by the latter, namely a wall of sound with crystalline class aiming to literally pierce the listener’s heart as only an ice arrow could.

Rapture's 1999 debut album 'Futile' delivers a powerful blend of melodic death doom metal infused with gothic and dark atmospheres. The album explores themes of isolation and light versus darkness through melancholic, well-crafted tracks. Notable for its mixture of clean and whispered vocals alongside metallic passages, 'Futile' stands out for its originality and emotional depth. Fans of bands like Katatonia and October Tide will appreciate its majestic, cold intensity. The closing power ballads highlight the band's songwriting skill and emotional impact. Listen to Rapture's 'Futile' and immerse yourself in the melancholic depths of melodic doom metal today!

 Among these are surely the legendary Celestial Season, a group that... represented the Dutch response to the gothic sound coming from the land of Albion.

 Imagine the aforementioned Bride but less morbid and less verbose.

Celestial Season's debut album Forever Scarlet Passion represents a romantic and gothic approach to doom metal, distinct from classic Sabbath-style doom. The album blends melancholic melodies, growled and clean vocals, and emotive violin parts, drawing favorable comparisons to My Dying Bride while retaining originality. Though not as refined as their later classic Solar Lovers, this release offers a pleasant listen for fans of 90s doom and gothic metal. Standout tracks include 'Cherish My Pain,' 'Ophelia,' and 'For Eternity.' Dive into Forever Scarlet Passion and experience the heartfelt gothic doom that defined a Dutch metal legend.

 Entering the world of Cultus Sanguine is a painful experience, a long ordeal that traverses the darkest and most tormented sides of human existence.

 ‘Il Sangue’ is the epitome of darkness and bad taste, endowed with a Luciferian flair and undoubtedly the most impressive of the bunch.

Cultus Sanguine's debut album Shadows' Blood showcases an original mix of doom metal, black metal, and death rock with a deeply morbid atmosphere. The review highlights its painful, dark themes centered on death, praising key tracks like "Il Sangue" and the unique use of keyboards and vocals. The album is deemed a painful, unsettling journey best suited for dark, rainy days. Overall, it's recognized as an impressive underground masterpiece. Dive into Cultus Sanguine's Shadows' Blood and experience its haunting darkness—listen now and explore this underground gem!

 "A Fair Dream Gone Mad is overall characterized by dreamlike atmospheres that plow the ground for true walls of sound."

 "You’re still trying to find the truth you buried inside..."

In the Silence’s debut album A Fair Dream Gone Mad is a melancholic blend of alternative prog metal with gothic undertones. The review highlights evocative dreamlike atmospheres, expressive vocals by Josh Burke, and skilled instrumentation, especially the drums and guitar solos. Though the bass work is minimalistic and one track feels repetitive, the album is recommended for fans of Katatonia, Opeth, and similar bands. Overall, it’s a compelling listen for those who appreciate emotional and technical metal. Dive into the haunting melodies of In the Silence and explore A Fair Dream Gone Mad today!

 "Good blood doesn't lie, this latest member also stands out and knows how to do honor,"

 "Bruciando Venezia is not just a remarkable track but a small universe of emotions, colors, and shivers."

This review celebrates Le Vene Di Lucretia's debut album as a notable contribution to the Italian deathrock genre. The band impresses with powerful Italian lyrics, evocative atmospheres, and strong instrumental work. The reviewer highlights influences from key deathrock bands and praises the album's emotional depth. A personal live experience underscores the band's impact and skill. Dive into the haunting world of Le Vene Di Lucretia and experience the essence of Italian deathrock today!

 Cinema Strange softly knocks on the door of our minds once again, gifting us the entrance key to their delightful, seductive, and sinister microcosm.

 Like a meteor crashing onto earth at supersonic speed, Cinema Strange crosses the membrane of our unconscious primarily through their alien and disturbing appearance.

Cinema Strange's 2002 album The Astonished Eyes of Evening offers a captivating blend of deathrock and batcave styles with a theatrical and dreamlike atmosphere. The band creatively mixes gothic storytelling reminiscent of fairy tales and grotesque imagery. Vocalist Lucas Lanthier's wide vocal range is complemented by intricate instrumental work from the Ribiat brothers. Tracks vary from haunting lullabies to hypnotic electronic marches, reflecting the band's distinctive artistic identity. The album is praised for its enchanting, unsettling, and stylistic richness. Dive into the haunting world of Cinema Strange—listen to The Astonished Eyes of Evening now and discover a hypnotic gothic journey.

 "Militia Christi made their appearance on the Goth scene, giving birth to a spectrum that hovers over multiple atmospheres: dark wave, electro, ambient, esoteric, industrial."

 "The album’s front cover depicts the crucifixion of Christ... making them choose to learn, to delve into the microcosm of Ordo Militia Templi."

The review revisits Militia Christi's debut album Ordo Militia Templi, highlighting its intricate fusion of gothic, dark wave, electro, and ambient sounds. Emphasizing the album's mysterious aura and esoteric religious references, the review applauds its originality and thematic depth. The tracks are described as evocative and richly layered, offering a profound critique of Christianity without resorting to satanic imagery. The album invites listeners into a dark, immersive soundscape shrouded in symbolism and anonymity. Dive into the enigmatic world of Militia Christi’s Ordo Militia Templi and experience a unique gothic musical journey.