Creating art out of trauma is a painful but ultimately therapeutic process, and if that art or music can in turn provide the same kind of solace and understanding for other victims of abuse, then its all the more rewarding. Johnny Bottos tells his story in a unique and empowering way, with the pure poetry, sheer weight, and musical precision of Crown Of Thorns.
Metal
Unexpectedly vast medieval rock and contemporary spoken vocals of increasing passion – HOLYMAMI captures a wholly unique sound and style, with the iconic Kirby.
German Nu-Metal outfit SCHUTZHUИD, known for their euphoric arrangements and collaborative approach to modern music, showcase the very best of their creative presence and power, with the iconic storytelling and intense musicality of Woodstock ’99.
To celebrate the release of his debut EP Biting The Hand That Feeds, we caught an interview with Christian Metal artist Feet in the Fire.
We talk about the inspiration for making the project, the bible stories behind the songs, and the challenges of intertwining the intensity of heavy metal with the peaceful living of Christian Faith.
Haunting solo piano keys guide us provocatively into the mix, before a fully-loaded ambient to electronic metal realm backs up the sheer desperation and changing pace of Mike’s vocal.
The Touch Of Time is conceptual by nature, but entirely free from lyrics – gifting listeners their own unique experience and escapism as they delve into these melodic and intense to euphoric compositions.
Pyrophobia screams out on behalf of an unrelenting lust for life. Far more than just a song, the release presents a rich tapestry of sonic exploration and power, and in the process offers an original and addictively evocative journey.
Lifelong metal devotees Friday Dies have released a plethora of original music under their name, uniting the muggy haze of grunge with the pace and evolutionary composition of progressive metal – a quality that stands insanely tall for the single Of Wizards and Witches.
For me, tracks like this are few and far between – the vibe is that of an early 2000s alternative rock approach, but the songwriting and personality breathe new life into the delivery; resulting in an independent style that’s honest, provocative, and naturally an earworm.
Backed by another fireside set of visuals, juxtaposition is a crucial aspect of the artistry of Björn Donath. The music presents an ambient to heavy metal arrangement but at a surprisingly mellow, cinematic tempo, the scene feels arena-ready and boldly passionate, yet the setting is calm, collected, ready to relax. The whole thing utilises polar opposites to captivate its audience, and the result is a rather perfectly timed three-plus minutes of expressive and modestly evolving emotion.
Perhaps perfectly titled for the sheer grip and escapism of its make up, Distorsión in tiene veins has the impact and power of a classic Pendulum track, but also the humanity and roar of a timeless heavy metal performance. The two styles could prove chaotic and incompatible in the wrong hands, but something about CiDiaH’s clear passion and appreciation for both allows this release to feel like a match made in heaven.
For the hard rock fans with a passion for the gritty and melodic uniting under a purposeful songwriting blanket of expression – Kansas artist and musician Luke Fitzgerald has captured a sublime sound and style, with the evocative and addictive pace and presence of Lost My Mind.