Catacombe - Kinetic (2010)

Se olharmos com um pouco de atenção para o cenário metálico português, torna-se por demais evidente que, ao longo destes últimos anos, o número de bandas/projectos aumentou consideravelmente e que gozam de alguma exposição, pelo menos a nível interno com os regulares concertos que são organizados e a facilidade de gravação que hoje existe; por outro lado, dessa miríade de bandas, nota-se uma significativa ausência de trabalhos que se enquadrem na esfera em que se movimentam estes Catacombe: Post Rock/Metal. Polémicas e discussões à parte, o facto é que a década que findou ficou marcada indelevelmente por este tipo de sonoridade, muito por culpa (no bom sentido, está claro!) de nomes como Isis, Pelican, Neurosis, Explosions In The Sky ou Mono, antes de atingir um ponto que se aproxima muito rapidamente da saturação e onde, no futuro, somente a qualidade prevalecerá ou então quem soube trilhar a pulso o seu caminho.

Os nortenhos Catacombe, serão um dos poucos exemplos portugueses a enveredar por este tipo de sons, e após o lançamento do seu registo de estreia, o EP "Memoirs", em 2008, causaram algum burburinho, não só pela qualidade dos seus temas, mas também pela partilha de palco com nomes como os Minsk ou os Nadja; efeito sintomático, portanto.

O que, inicialmente, era um projecto a solo de Pedro Sobast, rapidamente evoluiu para o formato banda e é esse mesmo formato que apresenta hoje "Kinetic" (apesar de tudo estar sob a batuta de Sobast), o seu primeiro longa-duração, composto por sete temas que mais não são do que um desfiar de emoções, uma pintura sobre uma tela nua, que nos vai transportando por diferentes ambientes, cada um com a sua cor, ora mais doce e cândido, ora mais agreste. No fundo, o que aqui temos é o passo seguinte à estreia, só que recheado de temas com muito boa qualidade; novidades a nível musical aqui não abundam, mas nem sempre os bons discos se demarcam dos demais pela originalidade, mas sim por que são... bons! As influências continuam lá, mais ou menos esbatidas, consoante a obra de arte vai ganhando forma, sob a paleta de comando de seis cores nas mãos de Sobast. "Anna-Liisa", "Cavalgada Épica" ou "Mockba" serão as melhores pinceladas neste quadro belo, abstracto, mas onde as emoções são quase palpáveis. (16/20)

English:
If we look with a little attention to the Portuguese metal scene, it becomes obvious that, over recent years, the number of bands/projects has increased dramatically and that have a certain exposure, at least at home with regular concerts that are organized and ease of recording that exists today, on the other hand, this myriad of bands, there is a significant lack of works that fall within the sphere in which they move Catacombe: Post Rock/Metal. Discussions and polemics aside, the fact is that the decade just ended was indelibly marked by this kind of sound, much to blame (in a good way, of course!) names like Isis, Pelican, Neurosis, Explosions In The Sky or Mono before reaching a point rapidly approaching saturation, and where, in future, only quality will prevail or else who knew the pulse walk your way.
The northerners Catacombe will be one of the few portuguese examples to embark on this kind of sounds, and after the release of their debut recording, the EP "Memoirs" in 2008, caused some buzz, not only by the quality of his songs, but also by sharing the stage with names like Minsk or Nadja; symptomatic effect, therefore.
What initially was a solo project of Peter Sobast, quickly evolved into the band format and this is the same format that presents today "Kinetic" (after all be under the baton of Sobast), his first long-duration, composed by seven themes that are no more than a shred of emotion, a painting on a canvas bare, we will by carrying different environments, each with its color, sometimes more sweet and innocent, sometimes more harsh. Basically, what we have here is the step following the premiere, filled with themes that only with very good quality; news on music here not plentiful, but not always the good disks to demarcate the other for originality, but because they are ... good! The influences are still there, more or less blurred, depending on the artwork takes shape, under the command palette of six colors in the hands of Sobast. "Anna-Liisa", "Epic Ride" or "Mockba" will be the best strokes in this beautiful picture, abstract, but when emotions are almost palpable. (16/20)

Link: http://www.myspace.com/catacombeband 

Solitude Productions, BadMoodMan Music & Slow Burn Records - Novos Lançamentos (New Releases)

 

No seguimento da parceria de divulgação estabelecida com a Solitude Productions, BadMoodMan Music e a Slow Burn Records, anunciamos aqui os novos lançamentos destas labels.

SP. 042-10 Shattered Hope – Absence

(release date 20.12.2010)

The first full-length album of a Greek band representing the result of a long artistic way. High-quality atmospheric doom death metal in the very traditions of the genre features outstanding melodies, musical diversity and virtuosic performance. Additional vocals feature guest appearance of frontmen of such bands as Saturnus and Ataraxie. An instrumental part includes guest appearance of violins and cello.

 SP. 043-10 Helllight – …And Then, The Light Of Consciousness Became Hell…

(release date 20.12.2010)

The third album of a Brazilian band demonstrates the further progress of the musicians. Six epic tracks featured on the album are filled with deep tragic passion created by solid guitar sound and rich keyboards. Dense sound and interesting melodies distinguish the album among their other works. Piano interludes, mid-tempo fragments and clean vocals make the new album of HellLight an outstanding example of funeral doom death metal.

BMM. 039-10 Raventale – After

(release date 15.12.2010)

The fourth album of the famous Ukranian project Raventale demonstrates artistic evolution of its only member hidden beneath Astaroth name. On the one hand the new work named “After” continues the tendencies of the previous album with its mood and concept; on the other hand this is a standing alone masterpiece progressing from black/doom metal style to depressive black realm. The ideas behind this album demonstrate author’s thoughts about eternity and its decay, about the cyclic nature of life and being, about the destruction of this reincarnation cycle by the nature itself. Without any doubt the album can be treated as the best album of Raventale that has been ever created. The gold-plated CD with pit-art comes with a booklet printed on a golden paper which makes “After” a must-have item for your music collection and an outstanding present for any adept of the genre.

BMM. 040-10 Amber Tears – The Key To December

(release date 15.12.2010)

The long-awaited second album of the most famous Russian pagan/doom metal band Amber Tears being one of the best representatives of Russian pagan scene. Having started their way as followers of the cult Belorussian band Gods Tower Amber Tears demonstrate their own unique face at the second album “A Key for December”. Basing on folk motives and lyrics featuring folk tradition the musicians added doom death metal elements with all their slowness and weight to their music. The Russian traditional musical instrument gusli appearing on the album underlines the mental connection of Amber Tears work with traditional Russian music which is organically fused with modern melodic doom metal features. This album is indeed a milestone!

BURN 006-10 A Cold Dead Body – Harvest Years

(release date 16.12.2010)

Debut A Cold Dead Body’s album “Harvest Years” is a trail through 9 steps, from the "Semen" to the "Divinity". There is a story inside the album, not just music and words. Music and words create the atmosphere, but the written story has the sense of the whole album. It's a concept about a journey, about human ambition, about the conflict between humanity and nature, it's a concept based on the sense of life, technology and the meaning of death. Recorded and mixed at: Mushroom Studio, by Enrico Berto. Mastered by James Plotkin (Khanate, Sunn O))), Isis, Pelican, Earth). One of the best acts around. Must have!! CD released in Cardboard (Mini LP) Sleeve pack.

BURN 007-10 Catacombe – Kinetic

(release date 18.12.2010)

Debut album of Portuguese band Catacombe uniquely combines modern metal and post rock. Developing the ideas of their first EP “Memoirs” the band makes a pronouncing step of their way of creating memorable sound. The music features fine guitar passages, heavy riffs and complex melodic constructions. The album was recorded in January/March 2010 at Soundvision Studios. Mastering is performed by James Plotkin (Isis, Khanate, Pelican, Earth). The CD comes in noble Cardboard (Mini LP) Sleeve.

Solitude Productions & Slow Burn Records - Novos Lançamentos (New Releases)

 

No seguimento da parceria de divulgação estabelecida com a Solitude Productions e a Slow Burn Records, anunciamos aqui os novos lançamentos destas labels.

 

SP. 040-10 Septic Mind – The Beginning

(release date 30.11.2010)

A debut album of a Russian band Septic Mind. They presented themselves to the audience at Moscow Doom Festival V, performing at the same stage with Esoteric, Pantheist and Jack Frost, and attracting attention of the fans of the genre. Being followers of Esoteric the musicians evolve from traditional funeral doom to different experiments. Septic Mind have remastered their demo record providing really extreme sound progressing from powerful guitar riffs through noise effects to atmospheric keyboard interludes reflecting the mail concept of the album, the coldness and infinity of cosmos.

 

SP. 041-10 Who Dies In Siberian Slush – Вitterness Of The Years That Are Lost

(release date 30.11.2010)

The first full line-up album of the project recently appeared as one-man-band. This is the first officially issued work of the band: some tracks were featured at early demo recordings, but now they are reviewed and performed with supreme power and quality. Recording and mastering were performed at Primordial Studio (Abstract Spirit, Revelations of Rain, Comatose Vigil).

“Bitterness Of The Years That Are Lost” presents uncompromising music combining Doom Death and Funeral Doom in the vein of My Shameful. The album features guest appearance of vocalists of Comatose Vigil, Amber Tears, Elnordia, Abstract Spirit.

 

BURN 002-10 Talbot – Eos

(release date 01.12.2010)

The first full-length album of Estonian duet Talbot attract attention by its originality: the although the music is played without a guitar, it features fine melodies and solid sound, while sound blast created by bass and drums can serve as a standard for other modern bands. Talbot music features elements of various music genres from post rock to traditional doom metal thus creating unique atmosphere and memorable sound. The CD as a digipak. Limited edition 500 copies.

 

BURN 003-10 The Death Of Her Money – You Are Loved

(release date 01.12.2010)

 

New work of British band The Death Of Her Money features traditions laid in their previous albums while demonstrating higher level of songwriting and sound performance. The album is kept in the vein of best representatives of modern post metal scene. First 500 copies come in digipak format.

 

BURN 004-10 The Deadists – Time Without Light

(release date 05.12.2010)

Swedish band The Deadists cannot be definitely classified: featuring sound elements of such different bands as Black Sabbath, Entombed, Hawkwind, High On Fire, Sleep, The Melvins и Neurosis they created their own unique sound. Fans of modern metalcore will love their powerful guitar riffs.  Persent EP “Time Without Light” unlike its digital version features hidden track “Blizzard Of Nails”. Mastered by Goran Finnberg (Dark Tranquillity, In Flames, Opeth, M.A.N.).

BURN 005-10 Steny Lda – Steny Lda (Walls of Ice)

 (release date 05.12.2010)

With their self-titled debut album (Steny Lda) Walls of Ice introduce themselves as one of the best representatives of actively developing Russian post metal scene. All eight album compositions create a single canvas with heavy guitar riffs, melodic interludes and solos pierced with atmosphere of estrangement, gloom and reign of northern frost, winter and primal nature.

Links: http://www.solitude-prod.com/

           http://slowburn.ru/

Fading Waves & Starchitect - Split (2010)

Este split é o primeiro rebento da Slow Burn Records, novo braço editorial da Solitude Productions, desta feita virada para a promoção do post-metal e sonoridades similares.

E tratando-se de post-metal (para alguns, uma designação maldita), de facto um rótulo bastante abrangente no seu significado e bastante desgastado pela tremenda quantidade de projectos que têm surgido ao longo destes últimos anos, pegamos neste trabalho com algum cuidado, sem expectativas muito altas. E acabamos por sentir um sabor agridoce durante a audição desta dúzia de temas.

Os primeiros sete temas são a cargo dos Fading Waves, mais um one man project, que tem em Alexey Maximuk o seu mentor e alma criativa. E, ao longo de pouco mais de trinta minutos, o que vai brotando das colunas são exercícios de post-metal (ok, já chega de post...) convencional, atmosférico e com as habituais descargas de peso, dando a entender que para estes lados se consumiu avidamente os trabalhos dos Mono, Isis, Callisto e Cult Of Luna. A base dos temas aqui incluídos é, genericamente, instrumental, surgindo alguns momentos vocalizados dispersos e sempre diluídos na massa sonora presente.

Sem trazerem nada de novo, regendo-se pelos padrões criados e estabelecidos por outros, os Fading Waves acabam por mostrar demonstrar que assimilaram bem esses conteúdos, espelhando-os em temas simpáticos e entretidos; no entanto, faltará algo mais para algo mais para se destacar. (12/20)

A segunda parte do split é reservada aos ucranianos Strachitect, e é bastante diferente do que se ouviu para trás. Um som menos polido, mais agreste, mais alternativo até, chegando mesmo a roçar o indie, por momentos. Onde poderíamos encontrar a contemplação e o sonho em Fading Waves, aqui está a urgência do agora e a severidade dos temas, sem candura.

Em "Beauty Of Sin", temos um travo a sludge sempre presente ao longo do tema, acabando por ser a melhor malha das cinco com que participam neste trabalho, a par de "No It".

Apresentam uma boa qualidade instrumental, com um baixo bem pulsante e uma bateria segura, suportando toda a estrutura musical, dando espaço para um trabalho de guitarra bastante eficaz e diversificado, dando alguma complexidade às músicas. A grande falha acaba por ser o registo vocal, onde não abunda a afinação, num registo muito screamo, levando a que as composições, no geral, percam dimensão, para além da necessidade da criação de algumas malhas que fiquem no ouvido.  (11/20)

English:
This split is the first offshoot of Slow Burn Records, new publishing arm of Solitude Productions, this time facing the promotion of post-metal and similar sounds.
And in the case of post-metal (for some, a damn designation), a label actually quite comprehensive in its meaning and heavily eroded by the tremendous amount of projects that have emerged over recent years. We studied this case with some care, without very high expectations. Then again, we feel a bittersweet taste in the hearing of a dozen themes.
The first seven issues are the responsibility of Fading Waves, another one-man project, which takes Alexey Maximuk as its mentor and creative soul. And just over thirty minutes, what we hear from the budding columns are exercises in conventional post-metal (okay, enough of post...), atmospheric discharges and with the usual weight, implying that for this band has eagerly devoured the work of Mono, Isis, Cult Of Luna and Callisto. The basis of the themes included in this album is, generally, instrumental, emerging a few vocalized moments, which are dispersed and diluted in the mass noise always present.
Without bringing anything new, governed by standards created and established by others, Fading Waves eventually demonstrate that they have assimilated those contents well, mirroring in friendly and entertaining themes, however, something else is missing to make them stand out..(12/20)
The second part of the split is reserved for ukrainian Strachitect, which are quite different from what we heard earlier. A sound less polished, wilder, more alternative too, and even skimming the indie moments. Where we could find the contemplation and dream in Fading Waves, here there is the urgency of now and the severity of the issues, without candor.
In "Beauty Of Sin", we have a catch of the sludge always present over the album and ultimately to be the best song among the five ones which are part of this work, along with "In It".
This band shows a good instrumental quality, with a pulsing bass and a safe sound of drums, supporting the entire musical structure, making room for a very effective and diverse guitar work, with some complexity to the songs. The major flaw turns out to be the vocal register, where the pitch doesn’t abound, this record is very screamo, leading the compositions, in general, to lose dimension, beyond the need to create some loops that stay in your ear. (11/20)

Links: http://www.myspace.com/fadingwavesband

          http://www.myspace.com/starchitect

          http://slowburn.ru/lang/eng/category/news/