Aberration “Refracture”

     On their debut album, “Refracture,” Aberration molds together a monstrous sounding death metal release that ventures down into the cataclysmic depths to achieve a profoundly malevolent sound. The Minneapolis, MN based band proves to be a formidable force that looks to violently reshape the perception of extreme music by offering up some mind bending brutality with each new track. 

    Working with Sentient Ruin on the release of their debut full-length album, Aberration confidently puts forth an album that does not fall into the run-of-the-mill modern death metal category. Very similar to other artists on Sentient Ruin, I find that Aberration’s skillful musicianship as well as their abhorrent approach to composing death metal, creates an unfathomably deafening sounding realm where the music grips you from start to finish. I reviewed the band’s first self-titled EP back in 2021 and I definitely remember being impressed by the band’s willingness to compose these unique agonizing riffs, while maintaining such a vividly haunting overall tone. Recently, they put out a split with fellow Sentient Ruin label mates, Diabolic Oath, which I also recommend checking out if you're into sinister sounding death metal.

    The new album features five tracks, but most of the songs on this album average around eight to ten minutes, so do not let the number of tracks think you are getting a short release. Actually, the longer tracks feature a plethora of dynamic compositions and dissonant chord structures to keep you constantly focused and wondering where the band will transition next after already laying down a mighty death metal barrage. There is definitely an unpredictable and eradicate side to their style of death metal, but of course that is why I think Aberration is such a fascinating extreme metal act. On the opening track, “Antithesis,” the band slowly rises from the abyss and then unleashes a punishing riff assault. The vocals give off this pestilent demonic vibe as the singer growls with tremendous ferocity, while your ears get completely pummeled by the intense blast beats. At the core of this album, the drummer maintains such a monumental presence and the recording of the drummers is something that I think was exceptionally executed throughout the album. 

    On the second track, “Wresting Vibrations,” you are violently thrown into this realm full of unorthodox arrangements and chord structures, which compliments the album’s dark entropic vision. I think, "Wresting Visions," was my favorite song off of the album because of the savagely aggressive sounding dissonant riffs. Along with most of the songs off of this album, you are almost overwhelmed by the complete chaos going on in terms of how the band frantically transitions from arrangement to arrangement, but eventually you become firmly acclimated to the sadistic unpredictable musical landscape. This was also the case with tracks like, “Interstitial Enmity” and “Blighted,” where the band deals out these insidiously bludgeoning riffs. At times the music slows down to allow the band to conjure up these thunderously agonizing rhythms that end up complimenting the singer's inhumanely unapologetic vocal delivering.

    From the album’s opening track until the last song, “Refracture,” I do honestly believe that Aberration did not disappoint in terms of intensity and unforgiving brutality. Overall, this is a strong debut album from a very ambitious extreme metal band. I am not surprised that Sentient Ruin is continuing to work with Aberration, especially given the label’s strong history of putting out profoundly decimating releases. One recommendation for Aberration would be to continue to explore those surrealistically dark and unorthodox compositions which make their debut album such a compelling extreme metal creation. In a world where we are overwhelmed with mindless simplicity from mainstream music, you really do appreciate a band like Aberration for their skillfully innovative extreme metal mindset. 

Check out the song "Interstitial Enmity" below (Album comes out March 22, 2024) : 

Sentient Ruin Bandcamp:

https://sentientruin.bandcamp.com/

ABERRATION / DIABOLIC OATH 7” Split “Divinations”

    After dominating 2023 as one of the most brutal and savage extreme music labels around, Sentient Ruin looks to continue their sadistic sonic reign of terror into 2024 by unleashing an unbelievably sinister 7” split called, “Divinations.” This new split features two talented up and coming extreme metal acts that have put out some insanely decimating releases in the past via Sentient Ruin. Aberration from Minneapolis, MN and Diabolic Oath from Portland, OR, are two fiendish and abhorrent bands that conjure up some wicked blackened death compositions to create these suffocating abyss like atmospheres that exude such a pestilent sounding aura. 

    When I heard Aberration and Diabolic Oath would be working together, I knew right away that this split was going to offer up some monstrous sounding compositions. Both bands really capture the pure dark essence of classic black/death metal music, which is why I think fans of extreme metal music will be instantly hooked once they hear the songs on this release. Out of the two songs featured on this split, I do not believe you can say that one is better than the other, because both bands equally deliver some gruesome skull crushing riffs and truly demonic vocal parts to paint these abysmal and catastrophic musical landscapes. 

Aberration

    Aberration’s song, “Divinations of Flesh,” starts off with a flurry of primate sounding blast beats and agonizing guitar work. The vocals are utterly insidious sounding, which definitely adds to the song’s ritualistically malevolent tone. I really liked when the music slowed down and gave off a very ominous sound that slowly shreds away at your sanity as you are dragged down in the nightmarish depths of infinite darkness. Diabolic Oath’s track, “Divinations of Wrath,” was also very ruthless sounding with its very unapologetic and abrasive arrangements. The entropic guitar parts vividly standout throughout the song, which does not surprise me given the band's previous releases which also happen to feature a plethora of brutal mind altering riffs. Plus, I thought the raw production quality made the band sound even more fearsome as the song progressed and the music continued to focus in on these vile sounding riff structures. 

Diabolic Oath

    Overall, both bands really complimented each other extremely well on this split, and it comes as no surprise that Sentient Ruin will be responsible for releasing this sinister offering to kick off 2024. I would say that this is but a small taste of the destructive blackened death metal talents that Aberration and Diabolic Oath have to offer, as both shall be releasing new full-lengths this year. From this new split release alone, I predict we are going to be hearing a lot of apocalyptically decimating releases form Sentient Ruin in 2024, and Aberration and Diabolic Oath are the first two bands to commence the cataclysmic extreme metal onslaught. 

Check out the full split below :

Sentient Ruin Bandcamp:

https://sentientruin.bandcamp.com/

Top Ten Albums of 2023 / Rob "The Metal Guy" Awards

As 2023 comes to an end, looks like it's time once again to reflect back on all the killer releases that helped me get through this crazy year. Overall, I would say that the world of hard rock, punk and metal continues to thrive, unlike the state of Hollywood which cannot seem to put out anything worth seeing right now. Disney is so bad right now that the only thing they did this year was give South Park a great idea for new content. In terms of music labels, I would say that the underground/independent labels once again proved to be an inspiring force by working extremely hard to promote some great artists this year. Sentient Ruin for example really made an impact throughout the year and I would trust them to lead the country right now more than the knuckleheads we currently have in charge. Yes, competent leadership is hard to come by these days and sometimes I wonder if I should run for office, because I know I cannot do any worse (Rob "The Metal Guy" 2024!).  In the end, I was rather pleased with the amount of solid albums that came out in 2023 and I really look forward to hopefully another year of great music...unless our president presses the wrong button thinking he is hitting the button to have his diaper changed. Anyway, here it is people, my top ten albums of 2023!

10. Shadows "Out for Blood"

This Chilean heavy metal act really draws from classic 80's metal elements, while coming up with some sinister lyrical themes. I definitely hear a lot Mercyful Fate influence on this record, but that is what I believe made it such a solid sounding release. The riffs are unbelievably catchy and hook you right away. Also, the vocals provide that utterly haunting touch to create this dark horror movie like atmosphere where evil is lurking around every corner. This album is one of many albums that came out from Sentient Ruin this year which really stood out and ended up being in my top ten. 

Link to my full review: https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2023/05/shadows-out-for-blood.html

9. Uranium “Pure Nuclear Death”

Uranium is an utterly devastating act and when I listened to this new release, "Pure Nuclear Death," I was blown away by the abhorrent compositions that combine industrial elements and black/death metal. Talk about a surrealistic extreme metal exploration! Uranium does not disappoint when pertaining to the pure Armageddon like atmospheres that leave you feeling suffocated by this massive wall of decimating distortion. 

Link to my full review: https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2023/09/uranium-pure-nuclear-death.html

8.  Marduk “Memento Mori”

One of the most vicious and raw black metal acts around that has influenced so many young black metal bands over the years, really came out and offered up some utterly blasphemous cuts of savage black metal. I thought Marduk put together a solid album featuring some truly raw sounding black metal compositions, while not settling for overproduced substandard black metal riffs. I was rather pleased with this album and I hope to see Marduk continue to charge forward waiving the flag for intense and insidious black metal music. 

Link to my full review: https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2023/09/marduk-memento-mori.html

7. Decoherence "Order"

For Decoherence's third full-length album, "Order" the band went all out with more insane industrial noises mixed in with some harsh black metal elements to construct one mind altering release. The album is a dark exploration through these very unorthodox sounding riff structures, which creates some utterly entropic soundscapes. The experimentation and willingness to push the boundaries of extreme music is why I have always respected Decoherence, and I look forward to what they have in the works on future releases. 

Link to my full review: https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2023/07/decoherence-order.html

6.  Old Tower “Draconic Synthesis”

Following up Old Tower's 2021 release, "The Old King of Witches," an album that I greatly enjoyed, The Specter has returned with yet another sinister dungeon synth tale to lead minds astray and travel into the dark mysterious depth. The Specter is a genius when it comes to composing ambient dungeon synth arrangements, and I must say that the albums he has been come out with over the last few years have really stood out. Even though there are no lyrics, the sounds and synth arrangements create a profoundly dark synergy which slowly builds these vivid atmospheric tales. I cannot wait to get this on vinyl, as Old Tower's releases are a must have if you enjoy ambient/dungeon synth music. 

Link to my full review: https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2023/10/old-tower-draconic-synthesis.html

5.  Ch’Ahom “Knots of Abhorrence”

This album is a surrealistic venture into Mayan lore that draws you in like a malevolent jungle spirit possessing your mind as you slowly go insane from the pure blackened death bludgeoning. Ch’Ahom's ritualistic sound is perfectly captured on their debut album, “Knots of Abhorrence," and I would definitely consider this to be one the strongest conceptual releases to come out this year. Sentient Ruin was responsible from putting this out, and I think Ch’Ahom's sound and style perfectly fits in with the other bands in the Sentient Ruin roster. 

Link to my review: https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2023/10/chahom-knots-of-abhorrence.html

4. Ash Prison “Future Torn” 

This was yet another one of my favorite albums to be released on Sentient Ruin this year and it really took me by surprise. "Future Torn," is a killer debut album featuring some monstrous tracks that blend together industrial metal and black metal. If you are fan of early Ministry and abrasive black metal then this album will be that perfect combination of cold harsh sounding industrial rhythms and ear shattering heavily distorted guitar riffs. 

Link to my full review: https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2023/09/ash-prison-future-torn.html

3.  Night Demon "Outsider"

Night Demon's third full-length album took a turn into new territory by being band's first full blown concept album. Initially when I heard the first single,"Outsider," I did not think the band was going to be deviating too far from their core classic NWOBHM influenced sound, but when you listen to this album in its entirety you can really hear where the band took their time to make the album flow and tell a very fascinating story. From the musicianship to the songwriting, I truly believe Night Demon is one of the most talented acts around and deserves a lot of respect for the hard work they continue to pour into their recordings. 

Link to my full review: https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2023/03/night-demon-outsider.html

2.  Ceremonial Bloodbath “Genesis of Malignant Entropy”

Ceremonial Bloodbath is without question one of the most brutal and unforgiving acts around. The band's debut album which was released through Sentient Ruin in 2020, "The Tides of Blood," is an inhumanly insidious blackened death album that I consider to be one of the greatest extreme metal releases to come out in the past few years. For their follow-up release, the band did not disappoint one bit and the new material continues the bestial onslaught with even more ferocious riffs and decimating blast beats. When you look at this albums cover you see pure unholy devastation, which is exactly what you imagine when listening to the barbaric riffs and savage blast beats on this album/ 

Link to my full review: https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2023/10/ceremonial-bloodbath-genesis-of.html

1. Lathe of Heaven “Bound by Naked Skies” 

As someone who enjoys post-punk and new wave music, I was extremely impressed the first time I heard Lathe of Heaven's debut album, "Bound by Naked Skies." The songwriting is exceptional and the production on this album really captures that classic post-punk/new wave sound. Based out of NYC, Lathe of Heaven is a very talented act, and the band's sound reminded me a lot of Killing Joke, Joy Division and Echo & the Bunnymen, yet even though I heard a variety of influences I thought the band had very distinct and original sound. I have listened to this album almost everyday and I find that the music is written with such great substance to where you become profoundly drawn to the breathtaking chord progressions and captivating lyrics. 

Link to my full review: https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2023/09/lathe-of-heaven-bound-by-naked-skies.html

Rob “The Metal Guy” Awards

Label of the Year: Sentient Ruin

Best Live Performance: My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult at the Ritz in San Jose, CA

EP of the Year:  Eternal “Faceless Evil”

Most Brutal Album Cover of the Year: Ceremonial Bloodbath “Genesis of Malignant Entropy”

Music Video of the Year: Night Demon "The Wrath" 

Up and Coming Artist of the Year: Sin Offering (Check out their EP "Charnel House")  

Manga of the Year: Mao by Rumiko Takahashi 

Biggest Douche of the Year: Tony Khan the head of All Elite Wrestling (If he does not win Booker of the Year from that schmuck wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer, then at least he wins something…) 

Ceremonial Bloodbath “Genesis of Malignant Entropy”

    Sentient Ruin has already released a plethora of unfathomably brutal releases this year, however Ceremonial Bloodbath’s sophomore release “Genesis of Malignant Entropy,” is the apex album when pertaining to raw inhuman brutality. Based out of Vancouver BC, Canada, Ceremonial Bloodbath’s savage scorched-earth blackened death metal style is on a completely different level, and the band's new material looks to take the underground metal community by overwhelmingly unapologetic force. 

    Ceremonial Bloodbath's debut full-length album which was also released through Sentient Ruin, “The Tides of Blood,” is a monstrous sounding release featuring some unbelievably pestilent sounding cuts of gruesome blackened death metal along with some extremely insidious lyrical themes. If you enjoy pulverizing sadistic music similar to that of Bestial Warlust, Blasphemy, Archgoat and Beherit, then you will be instantly hooked by Ceremonial Bloodbath’s music. On this new album, these ruthless Canadian extreme metal musicians come up with even more apocalyptically devastating tracks by continuing where they left off on, “The Tides of Blood,” and going further into the deafening chaotic sounding realms of unspeakable demonic horror. 

    From the instant you start listening to this album, you feel as though you have stepped into some unholy wasteland where there is still this inhumanly savage sounding massacre taking place. The opening track, “The Ritual of Unholy Descent,” establishes a haunting atmosphere of pure surrealistic sounding horror to paint this lifeless dominion which has been incinerated through mass slaughter. On the second track, “Exhumation of the Ominous,” the band aggressively launches into a destructive sounding arrangement featuring some feverish drumming and savage riffs. The drumming on this album is utterly ear shattering and adds to the album’s catastrophic vision by fueling the band’s abhorrent drive with gruesome bone crushing rhythms. 

    Along with the primordial rhythms and barbaric guitar playing, I thought the vocals on this album were really sinister sounding and perfectly complimented the compositions. During the third track, "Bloodlust Raids of Vengeance,” I really thought that the hateful sounding vocals damned your full attention as the band hacked away at these sickening riff progressions. Another area of this album that I thought the band excelled at was incorporating some of those Bolt Thrower like lead parts into the bludgeoning mix, especially the frantic guitar solo towards the end of, “Bloodlust Raids of Vengeance.” One of the my favorite songs off of the album, “The Boneless One,” is another entropic exploration into the blackened death metal void that paints a horrendously bestial landscape where all light has been devoured by dark ageless entities. 

    Throughout this entire album I do not believe that the band ever failed to deliver a profoundly brutal sounding piece of music. Tracks like “Caustic Invocation” and “Dissonance of Morbidity,” convey such ferociously festering emotions that you become hopelessly trapped in this distorted sounding bombardment. I would say, “Mutilation of Sacrifice” is another exceptional cut of morbid brutality that appeared on the band’s 2021 demo titled, “Mutilation of Sacrifice.” I think the song perfectly fits into this album’s abysmal theme by really putting an emphasis on those agonizing riff sections as well as the blistering lead parts. For the final track on the album, “The Invocation of the Tomb of Mankind,” the band concludes by creating these terrifying cinematic sounds that makes you feel as if you are standing all alone on a deserted dark plain after witness some tragic event unfold. This feeling of complete solitude and frightening isolation is a surprising way to end an album after hearing such crushing sounding arrangements, but in the end that is what I think makes this final track vividly standout. 

    Overall, “Genesis of Malignant Entropy,” is an extremely sadistic offering and ventures into an even more hellacious direction musically, which is saying something given how much profoundly dark abhorrent energy can be heard on the band's first release. In my opinion, Ceremonial Bloodbath is one of the most destructively omniscient sounding blackened death metal acts around, and they have really worked hard to achieve a malevolent sound. I highly recommend that you check this album out as I do believe, “Genesis of Malignant Entropy,” will be making its way on some top ten lists for this year, because when all is said and done there is no denying this band’s truly raw ritualistic blackened death metal talents. 

Check out the song "Bloodlust Raids of Vengeance" below:

Sentient Ruin Bandcamp:

https://sentientruin.bandcamp.com/album/genesis-of-malignant-entropy

Ceremonial Bloodbath Bandcamp:

https://ceremonialbloodbath.bandcamp.com/music

Ch’Ahom “Knots of Abhorrence”

    There is much to be said about the raw surrealistic brutality which Ch’Ahom diabolically explores throughout their debut full-length release, “Knots of Abhorrence.” The band’s sadistic blend of savage ritualistic bestial blackened death metal with mind bending progressive elements creates a vividly abhorrent tale that travels deep into the dark jungles where malevolent forces dwell amongst the ancient mysterious ruins. 

    What impressed me most from these German extreme metal musicians was how well they captured the album’s theme by incorporating some ritualistic tribal noises to create these haunting hallucinogenic moments right before they would launch into a brutal sounding blackened death metal onslaught. The monumental riffs sections mixed with the constant nerve shattering rhythms from the band’s insanely talented drummer, really establishes this violent and unpredictable extreme sounding atmospheres. 

    From the very beginning of this album until the end, each of the five tracks hooks you with such aggressively raw force. The profound sonic exploration into the ancient Mayan lore and ritualistic themes is what I picked up right away when I started listening to the first track, “Xibalba.” You become completely frozen with fear by the primitive drum sounds and ceremonial flutes as if you are walking into a spiritual ritual that begins to unfold into something even darker once the gritty guitar distortion slowly creeps in and eventually kicks into a monstrous death metal assault. Ch’Ahom does a really great job when pertaining to how they transition from the slow riff sections to the more intense arrangements where you feel as though you are being viciously torn apart as the music ruthlessly evolves. 

    The band's fiendish and horrifying extreme metal mindset continues on the second track, “Chavín de Huántar,” which is another pulverizing piece of metal music featuring some utterly deafening rhythms along with some insanely frantic guitar solos. The lead guitar playing throughout this album is another crucial factor in establishing such an unfathomably brutal sound, and in my opinion the lead parts on, “Path to Ixtab,” perfectly compliments the juggernaut sized riffs. “Path to Ixtab,” is an extraordinary bestial beatdown that contains some really agonizing arrangements which reminded me of bands like Beherit, Necrovore and Archgoat. 

    The final two songs on the album, “Knots of Abhorrence I and Knots of Abhorrence II,” are both solid tracks containing more fearsome riffs and decimating drum parts, yet the band keeps standing out amongst most modern metal bands by passionately pursuing their sinisterly creative vision. I really believe that the overall execution and production on the final two tracks solidifies this album as one of the best extreme conceptual releases to come out this year.  Towards the end of, “Knots of Abhorrence II,” you start feel as though everything around you is imploding as the lead guitarist tears through these entropic sounding scales. 

    Sentient Ruin will be responsible for releasing this ritualistic blackened death metal beast upon the metal world, so make sure to mark your calendars for November 3rd when the album is to be released. “Knots of Abhorrence,” is a strong debut album and Ch’Ahom is a band that demonstrates some truly talented extreme music making skills. Also, the creativity that went into developing the album's lyrical themes is another reason why this album makes for a solid listening experience from start to finish. I highly look forward to how the band will build off of this album's strong execution and vivid lyrical themes on future releases, but for now I shall rejoice in the ceremonial sonic carnage that can be heard on this debut album. 

Check out the track, "Knots of Abhorrence I," below:

Sentient Ruin Bandcamp:

https://sentientruin.bandcamp.com/

Old Tower “Draconic Synthesis”

    From out of the pestilent dark esoteric shadows comes an ominous new recording from Old Tower titled, “Draconic Synthesis.” On this new release the one-man dungeon synth artist known as, The Specter, continues to establish Old Tower as one of the most profound dungeon synth and ambient acts around by creating terrifyingly gloomy atmospheres where all light is devoured by a supreme dark presence. 

    “Draconic Synthesis,” is slightly similar to previous Old Tower releases in which The Specter composes these vividly haunting landscapes that convey a very cinematic like feel. Old Tower’s previous full-length album, “The Old King of Witches,” was a sinisterly mesmerizing tale that took listeners into an almost otherworldly dark sounding realm featuring some unbelievably bone chilling sounds and spectral synth arrangements. The early Old Tower releases definitely focus on a more old school dungeon synth approach, which I would say pays homage to acts like Mortiis and Secret Stairways. However, with each new album I cannot but stress how The Specter’s malevolent vision has started to venture into an even more nightmarish direction, thus making the new recordings profoundly haunting at times. 

    On this new album, The Specter dives deep into the shadowy soundscapes that can be heard on past recordings, but this world seems to be even more mysterious and even more diabolic as you listen to each song. The album’s opening track,“Draconic Arcanum,” slowly begins with these hauntingly uncomfortable noises, as if you are slowly entering a bleak underground world hidden from the rest of normal society. As the ritualistic sounds begin to take form you sense a monstrous force rising from the depths waiting to lead you further into the ancient inhuman landscape beyond. There was something about this opening song which eventually put my mind at ease towards the end of it, yet also had me highly anticipating what frightful sounds would be conjured up following this beginning track. 

    The second song, “Spirit Vessel,” definitely takes on a more old school dungeon style by emphasizing these blaring medieval noises to create a triumphantly evil composition. For the third track,“Gateway to the Serpent’s Dimension,” I felt as though the music took on a more ethereal sound, especially when pertaining to the very captivating synth arrangement which made me feel like I was floating through a celestial void and into an unspeakable dominion where some greater force slumbers in the shadows. A lot of the arrangements on this album really do an impressive job heighten the album’s striking cinematic sound with the most profound example being the Gregorian like chanting during the song, “Sacred Carvings.” That song sent chills down my spine and instantly grips you with its surrealistic musical elements. 

    Another song that also really caught my attention was, “Draugr Armada.” This track was one of the most realistic pieces of music on the entire release by utilizing sound effects to compliment the song's theme. As the eerie atmosphere completely surrounds you like a sinister fog, you can also hear the sounds of water splashing behind the other layers of sound. I could imagine a fleet of grotesque phantasmal ships moving across a blackened sea as I listened to the track. After listening to this song, I thought it could have very well been the album's finale, however, the actual last track on the album, "Crafting the Symmetry of Aeons," was yet another really extraordinary piece of music. I would describe, "Crafting the Symmetry of Aeons," as a more dynamic ambient experiment that still compliments the previous tracks, but goes beyond the boundaries of dungeon synth. At first you are left wondering where the music is headed and then all of a sudden from the gloomy trenches you step into this horrifying mind bending synth wave like section which reminded me of something you might hear in a John Carpenter film. 

    As some who has followed Old Tower for a while now, I thought, "Draconic Synthesis," was a very creative and unique musical offering. Honestly, The Specter's ability to tell these haunting surrealistic stories is getting better and better with each new release. I personally was a huge fan of, "The Old King of Witches," so I was pleased to hear that same approach and willingness to experiment on this new album along with some old school dungeon synth touches thrown in at times. No matter what seems to be happening in the world of music, Old Tower continues to be that dark resilient force standing against all adversity and thriving in the ruins of solitude crafting these extraordinarily vivid ambient tales to let our imaginations wonder amongst the ghoulish archaic depths of untrodden realms. 

Check out the song "Draugr Armada" below :

Old Tower Bandcamp:

https://oldtower.bandcamp.com/album/draconic-synthesis

Infinite Rising “Awakening”

    Just as our galaxy is a place that has fueled human curiosity and inspired wondering minds, the Italian trio Infinite Rising combines their fascination for space and Sci-Fi movies with a passion for progressive rock and metal music that traverses through a plethora of captivating musical landscapes. The band’s debut album, “Awakening,” is a dynamic sounding instrumental release which combines technical talent with breath taking cinematic like touches. 

    Musically, Infinite Rising seems to be very efficient in terms of their technical talents, reminding me of such acts as Scale the Summit and Animals as Leaders. They really do an impressive job at building such complex compositions through the use of various time signatures as well as riff structures. The three band members, Federico Albanese (guitar), Silvia Pistolesi (bass) and Alessandro Formichi (drums), have really great chemistry and the music flows with a graceful synergy. “Awakening,” is a very refreshing release that not only demonstrates the group’s highly skilled technical talents, but also their keen compositional efforts and ability to have everything flawlessly come together. 

  The album features six tracks with the opening song called, “Nocturnal Skywatchers.” From the very beginning of the song, you can tell that these three musicians are extremely creative when pertaining to how they use their instruments to tell this complex progressive story without any words. Also, the production and recording quality adds so much to band’s sound and really highlights the guitarist’s brilliant tone. Plus, the bass parts during the track sounded so fluid and vibrant to compliment the mesmerizing guitar notes and precise drum rhythms. On the second track, "Cosmic Sunset," the band begins with some frantic scale runs and eventually transitions into a more metal sounding jam. I thought the lead guitar playing was very virtuosic and it really demanded your attention as the guitarist shredded throughout the composition. 

  As a huge fan of Rush, I really liked the bass playing on the third track, “Perpetual Mood,” which reminded me of Geddy’s playing on albums like “Roll the Bones” and “Counterparts.” That bass tone just hits you with such bombastic force, while at the same time offering up these funky and unbelievably catchy fills. The drumming is also very well executed and on the fourth song, “Orbital Inclination,” the different time signatures and rhythmic patterns has your head completely spinning. It can be very challenging to come up with instrumental tracks, as sometimes you might get overwhelmed by the constant tempo changes along with the endless technical arrangements. However, Infinite Rising did a solid job keeping everything sounding tight and making sure they did not deviate too far from their vision. 

  Personally I thought the final two songs on the album were the most fascinating pieces of music with the fifth song, “Eternal,” being a truly profoundly progressive science fiction themed odyssey. I am a huge fan of atmospheric elements and I thought the band incorporated some haunting celestial atmospheric sounds to compliment the dynamic arrangements. The final song on the album, “Emotion Galaxy,” features a spectacular piano arrangement, which allows the conclusion of this album to be a very soothing experience. Again, I thought the overall execution when pertaining to how they went about arranging their songs was without a doubt one of the band’s greatest accomplishments on this release. 

  When looking back at the entire release, “Awakening,” is an unbelievably creative and skillfully crafted album that brings together progressive rock and metal elements to explore infinite sounding possibilities. I would highly recommend this album to anyone who enjoys progressive instrumental rock and metal music, because when there are no words the music allows your mind to create these mental images and drift away into the comforting complex melodic landscapes. I look forward to more music from Infinite Rising and I hope the band digs deeper into some of the musical concepts I heard on the fifth track, “Eternal,” as that is easily the best song off the album in my opinion.
Even though there are still mysteries about the galaxy which we do not yet know, Infinite Rising is able to provide us with a soundtrack to listen to as we ponder about the vast starry frontier above us. 

Check out the video for the song "Cosmic Sunset" below:

Infinite Rising's website:

https://infiniterising.co/