Album Review: Empyrium’s Über Den Sternen (Prophecy)

Since Empyrium’s inception in 1994, the music of the German band has evolved from progressive doom / black metal to classical-influenced dark folk. With their sixth record, Über Den Sternen (translating as “Above The Stars”), they have “finally reconciled [their] vintage sound from the early days with the acoustic expression of the later Empyrium,” according… Continue reading Album Review: Empyrium’s Über Den Sternen (Prophecy)

Bandcamp Friday, the DIY Edition

It’s no surprise that the pandemic has made home recording a necessity, or at least a more fruitful pastime, for many folks. This #bandcampfriday, check out some musicians who took creative matters into their own hands. Marq the A$tronaut, “Satanic Girls” This lively single by Connecticut guitarist and producer Marq the A$tronaut, a.k.a. Mark Lyon… Continue reading Bandcamp Friday, the DIY Edition

Nikita’s 2020 Albums of the Year

by Nikita Alekseyevich Khrenov Absolutely sucked, no mistake about it. Going into this year I thought this list would be a cakewalk but as I started to revisit some of the records from the previous weeks, I was quickly overwhelmed by the sheer amount of quality music that was churned out. That being said, here… Continue reading Nikita’s 2020 Albums of the Year

EP Review: A Whisp of the Atlantic by SOILWORK

by Nikita Alekseyevich Khrenov As awful as 2020 has been to everyone, at least we have new music from Soilwork to ease the pain, even if it’s only momentarily. These guys have been cranking out high quality melodic death metal for over two decades and judging by this EP, they’re not slowing down anytime soon.… Continue reading EP Review: A Whisp of the Atlantic by SOILWORK

Black North’s The Lost Year: Volume 1

Following their 2019 acoustic single “Time,” Black North is putting some more skin in the game with the two-track EP The Lost Year: Volume 1.  The eastern Connecticut trio (featuring Bill Bates on guitar and vocals, Stephanie Lussier on bass and vocals, and John Tolmie handling drums) has been a staple at local shows since… Continue reading Black North’s The Lost Year: Volume 1