CRADLE OF FILTH - DARKLY DARKLY VENUS AVERSA (2010)

genre : symphonic black

similar bands : Cradle of Filth
origin : U.K.
strong spot : characteristic sound

weak spot : songwriting is not as good as in some of their previous albums, no new elements are presented here, the band presents sth we've heard from them multiple times

Updated review: This decade Cradle of Filth have become a ''love it or hate it'' band. Some think they are posers and ridiculous, while others think they are a bunch of phenomenal songwriters that have crafted their own characteristic style and sound. I tend to agree with the second view and I have to admit that CoF are very creative, they release an album every second year and they never came up with a horrible album. Hmm, until now... Their new album presents nothing new, the music sounds stale, the band's performance sounds numb, the compositions are monotonous and 100% predictable, the orchestral parts sound fake and artificial, the lyrics target the ''Twilight'' fans. I remember once, I was having a talk with a guy from Septicflesh(support band for CoF America tour) and he told me that Dani seems tired from music and touring. ''Godspeed...'' was fresh and inspiring but this one is completely hollow and pointless. If you remove the synths, you 'll get an album similar to Thornography but even worse when coming to songwriting.

6 out of 10 goatheads

Download here:

http://btjunkie.org/torrent/Cradle-Of-Filth-Darkly-Darkly-Venus-Aversa-2010-JonnyBeans/43589fab628c7ba2646b459a5ada82392ad61605039c

HOLLOW - CYNOPTIC ESCHATON E.P. (2010)

genre : symphonic black/death

similar bands : Vesania, Hermh, Dimmu Borgir
origin : Canada
strong spot : hmm

weak spot : hmm

Symphonic black/death stuff with a progressive twist.

8 out of 10 goatheads

PREVIEW myspace

Download here:

http://www.bunalti.com/?p=146133

ETHEREAL BLUE - ESSAYS IN RHYME ON PASSION AND ETHICS (2010)

genre : avantgarde, progressive black/death

similar bands : Opeth, Katatonia, Enslaved, Agalloch, Dustynation, In Mourning
origin : Greece
strong spot : songwriting, wide diversity of vocals

weak spot : production could be better, a couple of melodies are a bit too happy for a metal band

Sometimes I am proud about some of my findings, these hidden treasures of aural joy (!), and this band is one of them. Ethereal Blue are a really interesting and talented band, a bit unknown and underrated though. They combine the progressive performance of Opeth and the melancholic vocals of Katatonia and My dying Bride, adding bits and pieces of their own inspiration and tendency to experimentation. Despite the fact the songs are a bit long (8 to 10 mins) the music is not stale and constantly moves to different directions, making their progressive-ness joyful and not boring.

8,8 out of 10 goatheads

PREVIEW myspace

Download here:

http://ins-vast.blogspot.com/2010/09/ethereal-blue-greece-essays-in-rhyme-on.html