We have previously shared a little bit about the Pro Hater remix of Durden. Since then, the full ‘Sense of Self’ album has been remixed and released, and we promised to share a little something about the rest of the tracks as well. So here we are. If you’re a hardcore metalhead, who only wants to listen to music with heavy guitars, kickass drumlines, and screams, this review is NOT FOR YOU. Because Durden, as we’ve previously explained, is not your typical metal band to begin with, and these remixes definitely aren’t metal. That makes us wonder if we should review this at all. We decided to, regardless, because the original album is weird and wonderful in its own nu-metal/rap-metal way, whatever you want to call it, and these remixes might open up the metal scene to other audiences as well. People will always have an opinion regardless of what we write. So, after this disclaimer, let’s dive into these 5 new remixes.
It has been a while, but we haven’t forgotten this release by Amsterdam-based alternative grungy band Molton Grove. Having seen this band play live before, and knowing their infectious energy, I was happy to see a first release from the band. Join me in the Grove for some feel-good music.
An old-school release belongs on an old-school format. That’s what Bladecrusher must have thought with the release of their latest EP. The band produced a limited edition on 7” vinyl for Death, Revenge, War. which you should buy just for the artwork alone. While I certainly love the sentiment, I tend to listen to my music on Spotify. So I got my old, crappy headphones to get into the old-school mood as I explored Death, Revenge, War.
With an album release show last weekend, Dutch metallic hardcore band Lies! released their latest album Mind Pollution. While the full album plays the same amount of time as the 3-track EP Velozza released last month (around 14 minutes), the album consists of 9 full tracks. Hardcore-sized, full tracks, that is. The longest track on the album is the title track ‘Mind Pollution’, clocking in at 2 minutes. Get ready for 14 minutes of raw brutality with this new album by Lies!
It has already been a while since Velozza released their latest EP “Bankrupt the Republic’. If you, like me, haven’t heard these three brand-new tracks yet, let’s dive into them together. Bankrupt the Republic is just 12 minutes of high-energy music, perfect for a little break. So put on your headphones and let’s press play!
About Velozza
Velozza is a four-piece thrash metal band from the southern parts of the Netherlands. The band released their first full-length Apocaholic in 2021 (read the review here). Cue fast-paced riffs, tight drums, and an old-school sound. Of course, we had to listen to their new music as well. Last year the band has played some nice gigs, being part of the Metal Battle preliminaries as well. Bankrupt the Republic is the latest chapter on their road to greatness.
Bankrupt the Republic
The EP starts of with the title track. The band recorded a video for this track as well, and if the music alone doesn’t convince you of their energy, the video definitely will. This track is exactly what we hoped to find on this release; raging old-school thrash metal. Right off the bat, this song is one big headbanging moshpit party. In the video we can see the band enjoying themselves as well; the energy coming through the music is certainly displayed on stage as well. By the way, the video is just as high quality as the recording and certainly worth a view.
From Bankrupt the Republic, we head into Poltical Rot. This might have been a typo on Spotify since Political Rot makes more sense. Again the high energy seeps through the track, but a little more groove and melodic guitar solos are featured on this track. With the current state of the Dutch government, Political Rot seems like a very current track. Leave it to the metal bands to rebel against the man and tell us what’s wrong with the world. For fans of Psychostick, the chorus part of this track reminded me of that party band.
With the final track, War is my Sheperd, Velozza gives us a glimpse in their inspiration. This cover by Exodus fits the other two tracks on this EP perfectly. I have to say I like Velozza’s version better than the original because their vocals are a lot nicer to listen to in my opinion.
Final Thoughts
Bankrupt the Republic is another fun record by these thrashers. These tracks will certainly appeal to the broad metal community, as it’s everything you expect from a metal band. Loud, fast, screaming guitar solos and moshpits. With just three tracks, I can’t really name a favorite. But because of the video, I’d say check out the title track for this EP.
Oceans Above is the debut album by The Color of Rain, or TCOR for short. The Color Of Rain is a new progressive black metal project from the Netherlands. The band has quite a unique sound in the (Dutch) black metal community since their music is influenced by post-black, jazz, rock, and progressive music. That makes for an interesting blend of Black Metal. Also, a sound that will appeal to more than just the Black Metal community. We were very excited after hearing the first track, The Cult of the Cosmic Flood, so we’re happy to hear the full album!
MetalFromNL has previously listened to Von Mollestein for a review, and has since then followed the band and their endeavors. If you’ve read the review, you know Von Mollestein isn’t your usual cup of tea. More like a cup of whiskey, lit on fire, topped off with some motor oil. If you’re into dark, horror and ebm, Von Mollestein might be the band for you. We sent the band some questions to get to know them a little better.
Solarcycles have been working on their music for a while, but I didn’t notice them till they released Raven’s Call earlier this year. The band previously released the EP ‘Ethereal Storms’ in 2017 but now they’re back with a full length album, Lunar, and some video’s to go along with that. We’ve previously mentioned tracks from this upcoming album in our MetalFromNL Tiplijst and on our socials as well, and we’re thrilled that they’ve finally released their album. Let’s see what Lunar has to offer us!
About Solarcycles
Solarcycles started out in 2015. They play a doomy, melancholic version of (melodic) folk metal. The band has a strong connection to nature, and their music calls for emotional acceptance and unity with the world around us. If you look at their website, their communication online, and their videos, it’s clear that this connection with nature and the mystical, Celtic vibe isn’t just for show. Musically, the band seems to draw inspiration from melodic bands like Before the Dawn, Nightwish, and Celtic music.
A good vocalist can make or break a band. With Solarcycles, while all the musicians are more than capable, Sacha’s vocals are the thing that will carry this band to great heights. I’m also gonna give a special mention for the violin parts by …. The combination of the haunting violin melodies and the unique sound of Sacha’s voice is what makes Solarcycles stand out. All too often, the Dutch accent is prominent in the vocals. With SolarCycles I had to do a double take the first time I heard them to make sure they were actually from the Netherlands. Also, Sacha’s voice reminded me a lot of the Cranberries. They have a very distinct Celtic tone, which even without the rest of the band would take their music into the folk realm.
The album
Lunar is heavy on the emotional side. The combination of the vocals and the choice of chord progressions and tempo really invoke a sense of melancholy, and on some tracks, hope. Since the whole album is about nature and our place in it, that makes sense to me.
The album starts with the track Nature’s Blessing, a track that reminds me of old Nightwish tracks, or maybe Evanescence. The violin melody and the vocals alternate nicely and the whole is supported by guitars that aren’t too in your face and a nice orchestration. The instrumental break halfway through the song is a nice change of pace.
From Nature’s Blessing, we dive into Raven’s Call, a track that has been previously released. Even after hearing the rest of the album, this track might still be my favorite by this band. The whole track has that Scandinavian sound that made me wonder where this band was from in the first place. It has that gloomy melancholy vibe that is more common in the north, and I’m curious to see how this album will be received in those regions. The part that really makes this track for me though, is the chorus. The unique qualities of Sacha’s voice and vocal melodies are really prominent in this track. If you only listen to one track from this album; pick Ravens Call.
Ode to the Forest starts off on a quieter note, with nature sounds in the background and a mellow, 3/4th beat. This is the first track where we hear some grunts from I presume one of the guitarists as well. Again in this track an instrumental break to showcase the rest of the band.
Immeasurable Fog was already previously released as well, and it’s again a slower, more moody/gloomy track. I didn’t quite like it when it was first released, and it’s still not my favorite. I think my problem with the track is that it’s a bit too monotone. Also, I’m just not a big fan of ballads, which this track clearly is even though it has a guitar solo at the end.
Luckily for me, with Moonlit Fields Solarcycles picks up the pace again. The piano on the track reminds me of Nightwish again, however, the main riff is clearly folk-metal inspired.
After Moonlit Fields, however, the rest of the album became a bit blurry to me. It might be because the tracks all start to sound a bit the same at some point. Rivers of Light feels more hopeful and less gloomy than some of the other tracks. This track also features the grunts again. On a positive note, Moonblind starts off on piano and sounds like the intro could be from Ludovico Einaudi. This might very well be my second favorite track. Especially when the track kicks into gear after the first verse.
Wrath of the Sea is the heaviest track on the album, also because the guitars are more prominent on it. It feels nautical right off the bat with the chord progressions. Bind the Circle starts off in the same way most tracks have. What sets this track apart though is the heavier break in the middle of the track. Grows then Dies is the final track of the album. A final track to showcase the vocals, piano, and of course some guitar solos
Final Verdict
Solarcylces truly is a unique sound in the Dutch metal community. It’s also nice to see some (well done) symphonic/melodic folk metal to balance the heavier stuff that gets released nowadays. It brings back memories of the times when Nightwish, Evanescence, Within Temptation and folk bands like Omnia were still reigning. However, to be completely honest, after a few tracks, it doesn’t excite me as much as it did when I first heard Raven’s Call. It might be because the tracks might sound a little too much the same. It might also be because the violin has more interesting melodies than the guitars. However, highlights of the album for me are Raven’s Call, Moonblind, and maybe Moonlit Fields. If you only listen to one track from this album, I’d say listen to Raven’s Call.
Tracklisting
Nature’s Blessing
Raven’s Call
Ode to the Forest
Immeasurable Fog
Moonlit Fields
Rivers of Light
Moonblind
Wrath of the Sea
Bind the Circle
Grows then Dies
Where to find Solarcylces
You can find Solarcycles on their own website (it’s beautiful, check it out!), on Facebook, or in our database.
The Color of Rain is a new player in the Dutch Black Metal scene. Their debut album ‘Oceans Above’ is getting a lot of positive feedback, even before the official release on November 7th. MetalFromNL asked the band some questions about their origin, their inspiration, and the influence of the pandemic on their music. Check this interview to get a glimpse of what to expect from the band’s debut album!
If you’re in need of a smoke- or coffee mosh break during your workday, look no further! Finger Collector Crew gives you 15 minutes of happy moshing respite from your boring workday and leaves you with enough energy to smash out your day. Or your boss. Or your pc. Actually, these 15 minutes filled with happy aggression just leave you wanting to smash stuff. Moshpit in the breakroom, anyone?
