Final days society - Noise passes, silence remains

Genre : Post-rock

Post-rock coupled with ethereal vocals is something that's quite usual. However, Final days society seem to be masters of such a recipe. Actually, this album is one of the richest in the genre, not because it has many unexpected influences or crazy ideas behind the usual elements, but just because it's perfectly arranged, with stunning melodies that fit perfectly altogether, and vocals that stay intimate and catchy at a time, sometimes dreamy, sometimes more rock-oriented. All this makes Noise passes, silence remains a very clever release, calming yet energic at times, for a band which is for sure going to become a reference in the genre.

Check out mostly instrumental Scalar fields and (The) Fire. And follow Final days society on Facebook.

Other reviews from Final days society:
   - Ours is not a caravan of despair

Jakob - Cale:Drew

Genre : Instrumental post-metal / Drone

We've already been talking about Jakob here. Well, they're for sure one of the most interesting post-rock/post-metal acts nowadays. At least, they really set a coherent and solid atmosphere, not falling into childish or boring sounds. Maybe it is because of the drone-esque influence in their mix, the cold, yet rich melodies, or the stunning walls of sound they use. Sure, labelling Jakob with only post-metal is not enough to tell how deep their sound is, as they don't go the dreamy way, but more the darker, deeper, mature way into instrumental ambient music. However, that doesn't mean there's non-stop distortion here, as tracks often switch from light and clean melodies to crushing chords and drones, back and forth. And that's what makes it so intense.

Don't get what I mean? Just listen to what I mean, with Controle and Semaphore. And follow Jakob on Facebook.

Other reviews from Jakob:
   - Solace
   - Subsets of sets

Immanu El - They'll come, they come

Genre : Post-rock / Dream-pop

Take the most ethereal post-rock you can imagine, and add, on top of this, dreamy and calming vocals. This is a mixture that's not so unusual, however Immanu El seem to master this one quite well. Of course, do not expect blasting riffs or lightspeed drumming, this would be off-topic here. Still, this release offers a nice load of intensity, in some way, as it doesn't get repetitive or boring (once you like that kind of music, that is). And if you enjoy restful music, beautiful melodies, yet not falling in a childish atmosphere, I'd say you have to dig this album a little.

Check out Home and I know you so well for a taste of it. And follow Immanu El on Facebook.

Lönndom - Viddernas tolv kapitel

Genre : Neofolk

Former folk black band, Löndom switched to acoustic music with this release, and that didn't prevent them from doing a great work. Keeping male choirs and traditional swedish singing, they set an interesting neofolk, closer to traditional music than just acoustic nature-bound soundscapes. Therefore, they mostly use cold melodies and atmospheres, along with nature-sounds samples. In terms of instrumentation, it's mostly guitar-driven. Vocals are the most unusual part, as those are not always meant to sound "good". What I mean with that, is that Lönndom are not afraid to keep it very close to traditions, with that kind of campfire singing, when nothing was meant in a technical way. For sure, you'll need to get used to those viking-esque vocals before enjoying this album.

Would you mind giving it a listen, Höstdagar and Skaldekonst om ljusets återkomst are really nice songs. And follow Lönndom on Facebook.

MAGI - 33rd degree [EP]

Genre : Instrumental post-metal / Drone

MAGI's sound is difficult to describe with words. First, you need to know it's definitely ambient music. This EP features a single 25 minutes long track, consisting in distorted soundscapes, drone elements, heavy yet calming atmospheres. What is really impressive here is the ability to set a perfect ambient track with such elements, as 33rd degree shows a world devoid of light, frozen landscapes, but not an agressive way. Yes it's loud, yes it's distorted, not especially melodic, but it's not brutal in any possible way. So if you enjoy post-metal, drones, walls of sound, all this merged in an ambient way, check this release out.

Check out a couple excerpts of this track, Part I and Part II. And follow MAGI on Facebook. 33rd degree is entirely available as a free listen and download on bandcamp.

Skogen - Svitjod

Genre : Folk black metal

Maybe Skogen have some pagan elements in their sound... and usually I wouldn't recommand such a genre. But there's some very mature feeling in this release, not to forget a sincere black metal, with strong riffs, powerful vocals, and anything else you could ask. Sure there's some viking influence in there, but it's definitely not meant in a happy and childish way. Maybe it just comes from the swedish vocals which remind of that genre. Maybe it comes from the couple male choirs that appear from time to time, but in a very unusual way for such a genre, those are well-executed. At least, this album gives a new hope, and is interesting as a good non-gloomy non-depressive folk black. Svitjod is really an album you should listen to.

Vinterriket is a very pleasant, slow and epic listen, and you may enjoy Midnattens glimrande stillhet for some more agressivity. And follow Skogen on Facebook.

Other reviews from Skogen:
   - Vittra

Stielas storhett - Expulsè

Genre : Post-black metal

One word comes to mind, "rich". Yeah, this album is surprisingly rich, in term of influences, emotions, genres and sounds. Though supposed depressive, it isn't really the case. But if you're looking for melodic post-black, with riffs that get stuck in your head after listening to it, you should check Expulsè out. Major non-metal influence here is some really enjoyable jazzy parts that come as introductions of fillers, and if vocals are just fine without showing a real emotion, instrumentation is really interesting and perfectly executed. Worth a listen, for sure.

Give it a try with Expulse and Two lifeless months, both being very good songs. And follow Stielas storhett on Facebook.