Band: Hällas | Album: Panorama | Genre: Progressive rock, Hard rock | Bandcamp
I saw this record getting a lot of hype online, and I can’t say that I get it. On a structural level, at least, the opening epic is well-built, and the occasional fun twist does occur. But my biggest issue with this release is the sound palette. This sounds like schlock-rock acts from the ‘70s and ‘80s tried their hand at prog. The vocalist reminds me of Dave Cousins of Strawbs, which is different, at least. But I don’t particularly like Journey or Foreigner or Styx, and these guys are clearly drawing a lot of influence for that particular vein of cheesy arena rock. Everything is overblown and uses trite, tired musical tropes. That results in an exhausting listen. Oddly, the four shorter songs on this album feel much more tedious and drawn-out than the 21-minute opener.
Score: 62/100
Band: JUZZ | Album: JUZZ (II) | Genre: Progressive rock, Jazz-fusion | Bandcamp
Juzz, a jazzy instrumental six-piece from Galicia, has put out their sophomore album. It’s similar in tone and style to their debut, if perhaps a bit more rock-oriented. Moods morph fluidly across this album’s runtime, ranging from hard-rocking numbers to Tangerine Dream-inspired space-synth passages. These songs also show greater focus than their debut, so I am happy to see that evolution in their writing style.
Score: 80/100
Band: Liquid Pennies | Album: Cope | Genre: Psychedelic rock | Bandcamp
This three-song, 19-minute EP is a bit of a mixed bag. The title track is fantastic, featuring excellent dynamism and a powerful buildup. “Floating Mote” meanders too airily for my liking and really kills the momentum of things. But the closing “Long Fuse” is tense and exciting while also featuring some engaging electronic elements.
Score: 71/100
Band: Moriya | Album: Indestructible Space | Genre: Post-metal | Bandcamp
Khabarovsk-based Buddhist post-metallers Moriya are back with their third full-length release. Indestructible Space continues with their singular style. Tibetic and Mongolic influences abound, with throat-singing and Himalayan percussion playing prominent roles. The ritualistic feel of this record is incredible, with themes repeating and weaving together. Some spacy electronic elements are deployed on certain tracks to great effect, as well.
Score: 88/100
Band: Sykofant | Album: Leaves EP | Genre: Progressive rock | Bandcamp
Leaves consists of three songs, but the first two function more as brief introductions for the 16-minute epic that closes things out. Pink Floyd’s influence looms large, with many guitar lines sounding like they came straight off Wish You Were Here or The Wall. The overall tone is fairly heavy with some mild blues touches. It’s a strong composition that zips by feeling faster than it is.
Score: 77/100
Band: Void Paradigm | Album: Tout Ira Mieux Sans Nous | Genre: Avant-garde metal | Bandcamp
The new album from Void Paradigm consists of just two massive tracks. The core of these songs is based primarily in sludge and doom metal, but an adventurous spirit elevates this record. Chords are bizarre and rhythms are unpredictable. These two epics cover a lot of ground, but all of it is underpinned by their exciting and unhinged riffs.
Score: 84/100
The Elite Extremophile 