New Music Albums (Worldwide)

[YanZZah]

Band: Swallow The Sun
Album: Emerald Forest and The Black Forest
Genre: Doom Metal / Goth Metal / Melodic Death Metal
Year: 2012

Track Listing:
01. Emerald Forest And The Blackbird
02. This Cut Is The Deepest
03. Hate, Lead The Way
04. Cathedral Walls (feat. Anette Olzon)
05. Hearts Wide Shut
06. Silent Towers
07. Labyrinth Of London (Horror Pt. IV)
08. Of Death And Corruption
09. April 14th
10. Night Will Forgive Us

Impressive if not mediocre, thats what i would say to the entire album. 'This Cut is The Deepest' my oh my loving the lyrics of Mikko Kotamaki with an absolute singing. IMO group has practised hard to come up with something dark, melodic and less doom-y. 'New Moon' their last album was more of a doom metal and went straight to top 10 doom metal of that year.

The first song and title track: “Emerald Forest and the Blackbird” opens slowly, but brings pretty soon rougher elements. That creates a special atmosphere. It’s interesting to hear the way music and vocals are keeping perfect pace together. In a way it creates something that I find poetic. This song is almost ten minutes long. It’s a pleasure to sit back, with closed eyes, and drift away by the music.One of the songs that made a lingering impression on me is “This Cut is the Deepest.” A part of it’s charm is; it stays simple yet so very moving. It begins with easy and good sounding guitars. That together with Mikko Kotamäki’s vocals really manages to bring such a melancholic and special feeling. Strong lyrics and melody create something more. It is hard to translate all my feelings in words regarding this one.

The first single from the album is “Cathedral Walls.” It features Anette Olzon from Nightwish. I would call it ‘a ballad with a bite’. Frontman Mikko is telling the story with soft sounding vocals, carried by a slow melody that caress you ears. He is soon followed by Anette as she temporary takes hold of the microphone. The mix of vocals fits beautifully. In the middle of the song Mikko’s voice changes, grows roughly and the music changes too: a dark and intense atmosphere. It is interesting to hear Anette’s light voice again followed by a very balanced instrumental ending.Beautiful illustration of my inner feelings

Emotional vocals matched and executed successfully. Perfect instrumental presentation from rain fall, church bells, wind noise to Christian chants, the whole mass of music sound spectacular . Guitar play was impressive and so does the drum work. Won't compare this to 'New Moon' as this is something different more dark synth than rest can think of.

My pick:

This Cut is the deepest
Cathedral WallsSilent Towers
April 14th

Not to Miss:

Night Will Forgive Us

Sum: Green Ballads, Black Acoustics sound, White neat clean vocals and easy tearful melodies.

Rating: 4/5​

 

[Ranger Taffles]

Band: First Aid Kit
Album: The Lion's Roar
Genre: Folk / Country
Release: 2012
Country: Sweden

Tracklist:

1. The Lion’s Roar
2. Emmylou
3. In The Hearts Of Men
4. Blue
5. This Old Routine
6. To A Poet
7. I Found A Way
8. Dance To Another Tune
9. New Year’s Eve
10. King Of The World

Comments: Turns out Swedish can do more than metal.

A Swedish sister-duo doing country folk music? Believe it or not, it's incredibly good. I'm not a big fan of country tunes but this one was an instant puller. First thing that catches your attention are the western vocals. The melodies and the harmonies sync so beautifully to it. Clearly influenced from the likes of Fleet Foxes, they speak out their inner folk language proudly. There's a lot of diverse instrumentation here. Like banjos, marching drums, other weird stuff. Adds a lot of country flavour to the mix. But what really impressed me were the lyrics. Along with songwriting, the sisters build up exciting folk tales that just leave you listening on and on. Songs like In The Hearts Of Men and To A Poet are the "stand-out" examples of it. There's also a variety of themes here. Sometimes it's cheerful, other times it's bluesy. A strong effort no doubt.

Rating: 4/5

 

[Lars]

So good. So good. So very very beautiful. To A Poet is my favourite song from the album. Love that you shared this amazing album.

 

[YanZZah]

Band: First Aid Kit
Album: The Lion's Roar
Genre: Folk / Country
Release: 2012
Country: Sweden

Yum! Here we are dealing with a happy exceptionally admirable folk, romantic, hysterical, bitter-sweet melodic sound. so happy people do like mellow mesmeric country folk music.

Watched the Ghost Town on a russian site few months back and it was a great feeling listening these Swed ladies. Folk music gets even better with much talented voices. Definitely 'To a Poet' is an awesome track. my pick is 'The Lion's Roar', so heart tearing emotions.

An album for those who know what music is and how to appreciate damn quality music.

I M P R E S S I VE​

 

[Ranger Taffles]

Band: Sajid and Zeeshan
Album: The Harvest
Genre: Indie Pop / Rock / Fusion
Release: 2012
Country: Pakistan

Tracklist:

1. Good Ol' Days
2. Start with a Scratch
3. Walk on Air
4. Black As White
5. The Clue
6. Brought to Life
7. Cause and Effect
8. Everything Changes a.k.a Out of My Way
9. East Off West
10. We Make Up To Break Up
11. Personal Beast
12. Feather Punch
13. I Hope We Remain
14. Dive Into My Sea
15. Desperation
16. Sanity

Comments: A light of hope for Pakistani Music ..

One of the few releases from Pakistan that should live and suit any age. Back when Walk on Air released I was excited but this went beyond my expectations. A true universal release. Sajid and Zeeshan have released their masterpiece. There's so much here. Every track is sung in English but it's not your typical Western approach. And it's not a horrible clash of cultures. Improvised in every beautiful way. I've heard everything here. It's a spaced out fusion. Tasteful, diverse, classy. Every track has it's background of influences.

This duo is overpowered with talent. Way too underrated. Sajid, being the vocalist and the songwriter has just blown away my mind. Vocals have improved in every way. Definitely more crisp but with more feel as well. His instrumentation is just gorgeous stuff. All the guitar-work done by him is just awesome. The dude knows how to groove a rhythm. And then how can we forget Zeeshan? Zeeshan being the mastermind of the duo, has done one helluva of job at producing. The mix of actual instruments with upbeat beats is just grand stuff. Furthermore, he knows how to sync-up tracks in a natural flow. A very smooth listen.

I won't lie, 16 tracks were a bit too much but the album itself is living off it. I absolutely love most of the stuff on this. You won't hear this on tv or radio. But tracks like Start with a Scratch and The Clue are on my daily playlist. This needs exposure. Everyone should at least stream their album at their Reverbnation page. Recommended to everyone. Can't wait for this album to hit the stores. They have my full support.

Rating: 4.5/5

 

[Muaaz]

Downloading "The Lion's Roar". Will post impressions after I've listened to it.

"The Harvest" is next on the list.

 

[Lars]

I don't know where to share this, the now listening thread is hidden somewhere deep in the chit chat stash, the beautiful music is i don't know, indie thread is about videos (why?).

But, this is share-worth; Beach House has just dropped their first single Myth off their upcoming album Bloom.

 

[Majawar]

Awesome song man. The ups and down along death voice makes the song unique and perfect for all kind of mood. The soft touchy voice seems like firmly griping your heart. 5/5 for the song.

 

[YanZZah]

indie thread is about videos (why?)

does this means no audio versions are to be posted in indie[K]ator thread. my oh my do i have to tell each n every bit before opening a thread.

people are most welcome to post audio+video (promotional and non promotional versions) of indie songs as far its genuine.

 

[Ranger Taffles]

Damn this thread lacks releases. Must .. try .. to .. contribute .. from now .. on.

Band: Christian Mistress
Album: Possession
Genre: Heavy Metal / Doom / Hard Rock
Release: 2012
Country: USA

Tracklist:

1. Over & Over
2. Pentagram and Crucifix
3. Conviction
4. The Way Beyond
5. Possession
6. Black to Gold
7. There is Nowhere
8. Haunted Hunted
9. All Abandon

Comments: If Black Sabbath happen to really tour this year, then this is the band that should open for them.

A promising band that showcases its skills in all grit. Dark, heavy, loud and proudly charismatic. I feel that this band rightfully belongs in the 70's. But one that remains clearly original from the rest. The analogue "lo-fi" sound definitely resonates their tribute to their heroes. Being a female-fronted group, Christine Davis' vocals definitely play a big part in this. Maybe it's for me but the vocals felt hit-or-miss. I mean there are parts where it felt the verses were dragging on and then there were parts where I was just absorbed in her words. Thankfully, the band itself keeps the listener hooked on. Absolutely loved the loud meaty bass while the guitars were surprisingly keeping the rhythm strong. And by strong I mean, noisy but layering the whole song. Where as the drumming held the backbone of every track on the album. It was the real push to the whole album. Now what issues I had with this original gem? There were few tracks that kinda belong to the "skip/pass" category. And for me, they're in the first half of the album. But, and this is what I wanna really highlight, I love, totally dig the second half of the album. Tracks like Haunted Hunted and Black To Gold are just way too hard to forget. So I ain't gonna lie, been some time since I really enjoyed the Occult side of Hard Stoner Rock.

Rating: 3.5/5

 

[HOTSHOT]

[MENTION=8376]YanZZah[/MENTION] The new album of POTF is already released. When you going to review it?

 

[YanZZah]

listened only two tracks from POTF's temple of thoughts album. will review it once a complete go through of each track.

 

[Ranger Taffles]

[MENTION=8376]YanZZah[/MENTION] What have you gotten me into!

Band: Kids
EP: Kids (Self-Titled)
Genre: Electronic Pop
Release: 2012
Country: Sweden

Tracklist:

1. My Sincerest Apologies
2. Exhale
3. This is Heartland
4. Yours
5. Two Hearts Forever

Comments: And to everyone I hurt Uh-ah-a-aa / Ayeeeeeeeee sincerely apologise And to all the firends I lost along the waay / Uh-ah-a-aa OOOhhhh it's killing me now!

A promising effort by this imaginative Swedish electro-duo. The opening track does the job for the whole EP. Stands out tremendously. The raunchy guitar tone matches incredibly well with the synth-pop beats. And to top it off Maria's snarly vocals charm throughout the entire track. Full marks for My Sincerest Apologies. Unfortunately, the rest don't carry the similar flow. Maybe it's me but every following track, except for the last one, lost all its upbeat mix of electro and that ass-kicking guitar. I really digged the last track, but by then I was kinda bummed out. Still it's free to download, and appreciation should be given. After all, there's killer potential in the duo. Praying they don't tone down the rhythm, I'm excited for their full-length release.

Rating: 3/5

 

[YanZZah]

Not really listened the other tracks by kids. Kids song itself was enough to praise these newcomers. pretty amazing yeh.

Band:
Killing Joke
Album:
MMXII
Genre:
New Wave / Post Rock / Punk Rock / Alternative / Goth Metal / Industrial Metal
Year:
2012
Country:

Tracklist:

1. Pole Shift
2. Fema Camp
3. Rapture
4. Colony Collapse
5. Corporate Elect
6. In Cythera
7. Primobile
8. Glitch
9. Trance
10. On All Hallow's Eve

It's hard typing in for a review with my chipped nail finger that happened an hour ago. An unexpected injury with blood pouring out, toothpaste ointment, waterproof band aid but the sound of old blokes eased my pain. A proof that not all old men have trouble rising to the occasion. Post-Punk maven in their 50's have created an epic soundtrack to the upcoming end of the world MMXII, a Roman numerals for 2012.

A speechless, yet enigmatic voyage (cythera) in a convertible drive machine with soaring super-smart sermons of Jaz Coleman's and trademark vocal boom plus Walker's instantly arresting axework, the ironically named Youth's sublime bass with pulsing synths, a treat to listen. This 15th promo album had a force pushing all new age punk rockers back to the audience seats. A realisation what true dark punk/alt.metal can do after a decade ... a new breathe in a dull exercise. Gosh this record primobile, On Hallow Eve, Corporate Elect, has moved me with a high degree of synchronized pulsation.

Each track is a killer. I mean it the whole album is a BOMB. If tracks like Fema Camp and Pole Shift are what the Apocalypse is gonna sound like. Good reviews all'round. Brilliantly shaped to the extreme level of love caress an attachment that won't fade out for years. Will say bring that sh!t awn!!!

Top Tracks:

Don't ask play from start and keep listening before dooms day.

Just superb.


Rating: 4.5/5​

 

[YanZZah]

Band:
Poets of The Fall
Album:
Temple of Thought
Genre:
Alt.Metal / Alternative / Alt.Rock
Year:
2012
Country:

Track-list:

01. Running Out of Time
02. Temple of Thought
03. Cradled in Love
04. Kamikaze Love
05. The Lie Eternal
06. Skin
07. The Distance
08. Show Me This Life
09. Morning Tide
10. The Ballad of Jeremiah Peacekeeper
11. The Happy Song

Helsinki Rock heroes in the music business for many years with the last three or so jarring 48 months with satisfactory albums, finally released quite extraordinary release. Disc contains 11 beautiful tracks that demonstrates less metal descants but for the most part it's hard rock, with a quite calming rock ballads Cradle of Love, Skin & Morning Tide. Album opening is not so great its like you've missed a splash of cold water on your glum face, totally come and go segment. Then comes a surprising title track with low gentle guitar strings followed by ingenious lyrical pull from Markus, a treat to listen.

The Lie Eternal the best song on the album with exquisite lyrics and melodies so striking with atmospheric hooks. I think the whole album is brilliant except the first and final, rest is impressive. Best musical approach after Carnival of rust and a carbon copy factor of Signs of life can be heard so often, a total pleasure to listen.

The song that's been raped for so many of times is none other than The Distance. so perfect, nice tempo with a hug able moment close to 2.16min so electrifying. Never tired of listening this song. so beautiful.

Rating: 4/5 ​

 

[HAMMER of THOR]

[MENTION=8376]YanZZah[/MENTION]

dude recommend me some headbanging music... emphasis on HEADBANGING...

 

[YanZZah]

@HoT try checking 'Chimaira - The Age of Hell' best head banging album of 2011. definitely my fav death metal/ear grinder album.

 

[Lars]

Beach House - Bloom

This is a must listen. Quite possibly, my album of the year. If anyone has been a fan of Beach House, loved the '10s Teen Dream, then expect a mighty surprise.

Recommended Songs: Wild, Myth, The Hours
Genre: Alternative

 

[YanZZah]

Band:
Storm Corrosion
Album:
Self Titled
Genre:
Alternative / Progressive Rock / Experimental
Year:
2012
Country:

Tracks:


01. Drag Ropes
02. Storm Corrosion
03. Hag
04. Happy
05. Lock Howl
06. Ljudet Innan



Two of metal's biggest progressive nerds, Opeth's Mickael Akerfeldt & Porcupine Tree's Steve Wilson have teamed up for one of the year's most anticipated progressive/experimental releases.

suited well for a suspense filled soundtrack especially Drag Ropes.

Only problem is, it's not metal but purely a traipsed experimentation for unconventional sound. believe it or not this whole ethereal thing is growing on me. There's no growl, blast beat or distorted guitar to be heard just the six epic tracks on this cinematic and totally bizarre ode to the 70's are as dark as anything in the progressive realm.

Who you chose @ Necro & Ahmad.

Rating: 4/5


​

 

[Majawar]

Artist: Evans Blue
Title: Graveyard Of Empires
Genre: Alternative Metal
Release date: 2012
My score: 4/5

Tracklist:
01. This Time It’s Different (03:29)
02. Crawl Inside (03:35)
03. Thank You (03:42)
04. Beyond The Stars (03:42)
05. Graveyard Of Empires (03:49)
06. Alone Not Lonely (03:24)
07. In The Shadow (03:30)
08. Live To Die (03:41)
09. Destroy The Obvious (03:48)
10. Warrior (04:05)
11. Underwater (03:25)
12. Halo (03:41)


Comments:
At last I’ve broken the ice and gave this 42 minutes album a go after recommendation from a class fellow. J
Well this Canadian band has surprised me 4[SUP]th[/SUP] time with their rhythmic melodies and after listening to this I’m sure alt. isn’t dead. And honestly after Kevin Matisyn departure I thought this band is R.I.P. but after listening to this I’m quite sure band has found their sound with Dan Chandler.
As expected, EB had their signature intricate elements also in this album moreover they have returned with quite strong melodies and more screams but the balance was well maintained between both. The band’s music with some bombshell ingredients which you don’t usually find in especially Rock bands nowadays makes this album unique. Some of my favorites are This Time it’s Different (the single which was released last year), Crawl Inside, awesome soft Piano Title Song, Live to Die a pure sensational track, Underwater which made me feel like I’m drowning as the song proceeded and at last Warriors which had a combination of lyrics and the peaceful piano but the guitars in the track brought the song alive.

So if you are into bands like BB, Evanescence, Cryoshell, etc. This album will confidently amaze you.

Spoiler: show