Draumar - Ein Wintermärchen

Genre : Instrumental ambient / Black metal

Ein Wintermärchen is mostly an instrumental release, with a vast majority of ambient parts using electronics, pianos, and deep synths lines. The other side of that release is a frostbitten black metal with very few lyrics, only a couple shrieks from time to time. The result is a successfully cold atmosphere. Even though it may become repetitive at times, pianos are the first thing that prevents the album from being boring. The melodic lines are beautiful and inspired, and they really make a great ambient, melancholic work. This album gets a good point at being quite unusual too, using dark ambient in front of metal influences, those latters still being efficient and well-done. A nice atmospheric work.

Check out Part IV and Part II. And follow Draumar on Facebook.

Mountains among us - Away with words [EP]

Genre : Instrumental post-rock

Away with words is, in my opinion, one of the best underground post-rock EP that came out this year. Tagging it post-rock is actually not enough, as those three songs take their roots into different influences and set different atmospheres. Introducing with slow minimalistic pianos, it quickly changes to a rich guitar-driven track. Melodies and riffs are totally stunning on that part, moving along on relaxing drums and ambient background lines including quiet drones. A serious highlight that ends by switching to a droning dark-ambient track, with spoken samples that set quite of a urban atmosphere. Although minimalistic, this ending fits perfectly, creating a subtle melancholic side. An EP that beautifully succeeds into setting diverse atmospheres and musical genres in quite a short time, making for an incredibly rich release!

Check out the main songs, In light bring us closer (shortened) and Still. And follow Mountains among us on Facebook. Away with words is available as a free listen and download on bandcamp.

Keretta - Vilayer

Genre : Instrumental post-metal

"Oh no, instrumental post-metal again!". Yeah, but no, believe me, Kerretta found their own identity. I wouldn't even be able to say how they can play post-metal with the regular elements without sounding just like the others. Maybe because they include some experimental touch, some unusual structures and riffs. Maybe because of their blasting melodies, or their loud bass lines. Sure, it's still instrumental post-metal. But such a catchy one, I mean... This is the kind that gives you a real punch, makes you want to headbang. Moving.

Maven fade and The square outside are good songs to feel that. And follow Kerretta on Facebook.