CYNIC - ReTRACED E.P. (2010)

genre : electro/indie pop/rock

similar bands : Radiohead, Archive
origin : USA
strong spot : production, arrangements

weak spot : I guess this EP will sound strange even to open-minded metal fans

Cynic are one of my favourite bands, not only for their old album but for ''Traced in Air'' as well. This EP contains 5 tracks from ''Traced in Air'' that are re-arranged and re-mixed. This work is by no means metal, but it is perfect for fans of Radiohead and in general experimental electro pop/rock bands. It's summer, so it is a good recommendation for relaxation.

8 out of 10 goatheads

http://www.mediafire.com/?0fnwht2zlmn

A FOREST OF STARS - OPPORTUNISTIC THIEVES OF SPRING (2010)

genre : psychedelic avant-garde black

similar bands : Nachtmystium, Alcest, King Crimson, Oranssi Pazuzu
origin : UK
strong spot : original style, clever use of flute

weak spot : there are lots of useless pauses between the songs (or in the middle of the songs)

If you like the above mentioned bands you should highlight A Forest of Stars.

8,4 out of 10 goatheads

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NACHTMYSTIUM - ADDICTS : BLACK MEDDLE Pt. 2 (2010)

genre : psychedelic black

similar bands : A forest of Stars, Alcest, Black Sabbath
origin : USA
strong spot : original style, awesome production

weak spot : no obvious weak spot

Black Meddle Pt. 1 was missing a certain something but this one is exactly as it should be. First of all the production is much more raw, cult, less digital and much closer to the 70's rock style. The compositions are more mature and the black metal elements more discrete. The blend between the 70's psychedelia and black metal avant-gardism is almost perfect here. Hmm, I would expect sth like this from some Scandinavian folks...

9 out of 10 goatheads

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SAATTUE - VUORONERI (2009)

genre : atmospheric,melodic doom/death

similar bands : Swallow the Sun, Katatonia, In Vain, Ghost Brigade
origin : Finland
strong spot : songwriting

weak spot : Finnish lyrics sound strange + I don't understand a thing

Nice doom death from Finland. You know, polished production, gloomy melodies, sad atmosphere, clean and death vocals etc. Enjoyable.

8,5 out of 10 goatheads

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(DOWNLOAD)