Album Review: Tony Martin - Thorns (Heavy Doom, 2022)

The new Tony Martin album holds several surprises. That was the first impression that I learned quickly as I streamed the new record.

Tony Martin offers a modern album with traditional undertones. Lots of surprises to be found on "Thorns".

It all already kicks off with the opener "As the world burns". It's a ultra-heavy track ripping it hard. Would you expect such a track after 15 years of silence ? Neither did I. Such a full yet fine and good listenable tune this particular one is. Expect power to the max.

"Black widow angel" holds the next bag of unexpected sounds. A midtempo and doomy grooving number. But in full contrast to this a very high vocal performance. Tony Martin still reaches high regions with his voice. Anyway this one is not easy to enjoy. It may feel a bit stressy to some people but sure it opens ears. I think it's not to be heard too often these days that such a mixture of sounds comes our way. A daring selection to be included on "Thorns".

And the next one will also keep listeners of unusual tunes heavily at the stereo. Once again the tempo is held low but it's more to give room for atmosphere. It's dark toned and coming in a more middle layered voice region. "Crying Wolf" starts out a bit balladesque way but few moments later progressive heavy moments come along.

The vocals are kept high and underline the extraordinary way, Tony Martin is able to perform in these days. The atmosphere goes up and down on this one and I think the fans will appreciate this track.

"Damned by You" continues in a more modern way with the band riffing and grooving in the background while the vocalist shares the vocals with his high notes - happily not all the time and more at the proper moments.

It's a great treat that a bit easier track follows. "No Shame At All" is far more light in every way. It's shorter, has a good riff anyway but can be enjoyed on the go also it's fine Rock music as well.

A ballad follows and shows that Tony Martin and his followers are able to perform to softer notes as well. A welcomed moment on the album to take a breathe and dream for some moments.

This is not the end, as already the eight track speeds and riffs up. The fun here comes from the various arrangements constantly changing groove, riffs, clear vocals and even growl passages. Three more songs are to be found on the disc and they are no fillers, too.

All in all it's a modern album providing heavy minds with great new content. Tony Martin has still a lot to offer in his voice and his songwriting abilities are great, too. The eleven tracks shown on "Thorns" are well worth a purchase.

The only downside are the high pitched vocals. They are great but can sometimes get a bit too much. Just check out "Run Like The Devil" and I think you'll agree.

The album is available digitally on all bigger streaming services and in a limited edition Digipak from Battlegod productions. 

Crystal Faith release detail-packed song about middle of life

Life is short. Crystal Faith have created a single that talks about reaching the middle of your lifetime and how this feels. That's at least how the music comes around to my ears.

The cover of Crystal Faith's single gives a good preview of what the lyrics are all about. (c) by Crystal Faith.

Besides being a great metal track with dirty rocking vibes in the vocals it's the small elements that let this song shine. There are several non-expected changes that pop up without warning that give "Middle of the road" this special something.

For instance after the first verse and chorus  the human heartbeat is included in a form that fits perfect as a bridge to the second verse. At another position a slow and relaxing part with pictures of the shore comes in before it all explodes into a bold guitar solo. Make sure not to miss out this gem and buy it at iTunes.

Take a look at the homepage to get to know more about this metal band based at Montreal, Qc, Canada. The band will reveal a new song every month so be sure to tune in or connect with them through the socials bookmarked at the very top right corner of the homepage.

Goth metallers Darkwell return with new album in September

It's great to see so many bands decide to come back again these days. Many of them had to take a break from things for various reasons but I think doing so is still much better than leaving it all behind. It leaves hope behind and hope is always something we all need at all stations in life I think.

So to come back to the topic austrian Gothic metallers of the legendary band called Darkwell will come back with a fresh album in September 2016. This time around former female vocalist Alexandra Pittracher will be back as well and take over vocal duties on the new album entitled "Moloch".

The new longplayer is set for release on 23rd of September via Massacre Records. The cover has already been released and can be seen below.

The cover of the new Darkwell album "Moloch", (c) by Jasmin Elisabeth Wanner, used with kind permission

In the meantime here's a clip from the past days as a reminder to all those who know the band already or as a introduction to everyone who's interested to get to know Darkwell.

As for me I like their dark mysterious and powerfull songwriting which is combined with the fragileness of the female vocals something which can create so much touching, haunting and chilling moments when listening to such music. It really leaves you behind with some emotions. The keyboards add also a good potion to this - I think it throws in a lot of atmosphere and widens the musical expression of the band.

Make sure to stay in touch with Darkwell through Facebook or subscribe to their Youtube channel so you won't miss out on further updates.