Obsidieth - Winter (Independent, 2013)

Track Listing:

1. Into The White (2.14)
2. Shallows Of The Ancestors (4.55)
3. A New Reign (4.34)
4. This Decadent Heir (4.07)
5. First Of The Nine (5.50)

Synopsis: For some reason I managed to overlook Obsidieth's debut "In Loss Of All", released in 2009, so my first encounter with the band is their new opus "Winter" and after just a couple of listens I have come away from it very impressed. This is melodic death metal done the right way, built around some very solid, heavy riffs and well placed keys that propel each song forward with momentum all the while keeping the balance just right. Obsidieth have also done a good job with the production which sounds full and well balanced and it gives the music the punch it requires so, overall, there is a lot to like here. "Winter" is certainly an enjoyable, albeit brief, listen showing Obsidieth to be one band to keep an eye on if they continue on this path.

www.facebook.com/obsidieth

Scorned Deity - Adventum (Independent, 2013)

Track Listing:

1. Adventum (3.03)
2. The Hand Of Will (5.18)
3. Preserver (4.02)
4. Ritus (1.38)
5. From A Lion Of Gold (4.16)
6. A Screever In Our Midst (4.21)
7. Pantastic (5.52)
8. Colors Shed (4.53)
9. Slowlamaka (4.50)
10. Bread Trails (1.51)
11. A Spectacle In Red (5.04)

Synopsis: Scorned Deity are another band with whom I wasn't familiar until now but their second release "Adventum" will certainly rank highly in my top albums of the year such is it's high quality. I've seen them described as melodic death metal however, if this is the case, it is one of the more aggressive takes on the style I have heard and it is also infused with a dark, blackened undercurrent that gives the music a decidedly harsher feel. Operatic vocals add another dimension and these are incorporated seamlessly at specific moments, as are keyboards, offering welcome atmosphere. Regardless of descriptions, "Adventum" is an outstanding effort and well worth the investment.

www.scorneddeity.com

Soulfallen - The Promise Of Hell (Grave New Music, 2012)

Track Listing:

1. The Birth Of Newfound Death (8.10)

2. Questions And Answers (3.48)

3. Ghosts (5.30)

4. Scars Aligned (4.07)

5. The Silence Of The Storm (6.18)

6. Cold Beneath The Sun (4.36)

7. Dead And Dying (3.46)

8. Bring Me My Demons (6.14)

9. At The Heart Of Dying (9.32)

Synopsis: Soulfallen return with their third album of melodic death metal based around simple yet effective songs embellished by orchestrations. "The Promise Of Hell" is certainly a darker album than it's predecessor however I have found that it doesn't have the same impact as "Grave New World" and it took me longer to appreciate its strengths. This is really just a minor issue as "The Promise Of Hell" is still an interesting release that will appeal to those who like downcast yet melodic death metal, particularly that from Finland.

http://www.soulfallen.com/

Cipher System - Communicate The Storms (Nuclear Blast, 2011)

Track Listing:

1. 7 Inch Cut (4.26)

2. Forget To Forgive (4.41)

3. Communicate The Storms (4.44)

4. Gods Terminal (3.42)

5. End My Path (3.49)

6. Objection (4.53)

7. The Stairway (5.29)

8. A Lesson Learned (5.16)

9. Project Life Collapses (3.57)

10. The Failure Starts (5.32)

Synopsis: Admittedly, I wasn't expecting much from Cipher System given the current state of melodic death metal and the lack of quality bands perpetuating the style. Still, I would rather be pleasantly surprised than disappointed and "Communicate The Storms" was indeed a welcome surprise. All the trademarks of melodic death metal are present but the songwriting is strong, there is the right balance between aggression and melody as well as a slightly modern edge to the music. After the disappointment of the latest In Flames album earlier this year, how the mighty have fallen, Cipher System offer hope that this style still has something to offer.

www.myspace.com/ciphersystem

Insomnium - One For Sorrow (Century Media, 2011)

Track List:

1. Inertia (3.43)

2. Through The Shadows (4.32)

3. Song Of The Blackest Bird (7.29)

4. Only One Who Waits (5.18)

5. Unsung (5.04)

6. Every Hour Wounds (5.24)

7. Decoherence (3.18)

8. Lay The Ghost To Rest (7.46)

9. Regain The Fire (4.26)

10. One For Sorrow (6.06)

Synopsis: Each new Insomnium album has seen them further refining their sound, the base elements remain the same however they manage to improve on them with each successive release. "One For Sorrow" is certainly no exception to this however it would also be their most consistent album yet. Insomnium have retained their inherent sense of melancholy, which is obviously an integral part of their sound, but they have also written a collection of songs that build upon strong melodies and well structured arrangements. No real surprises if you are familiar with their previous releases but that doesn't detract from what is a very strong work.

http://www.insomnium.net/