Today we finish rounding up the releases for April before moving on to some different content. After that, I’m hoping that I’ll have enough to put together a selection for this month as well. As for this selection, it’s a colorful mix of caustic death metal, exciting retrothrash and space ambient.
Midnight Odyssey – Ruins of a Celestial Fire
In April, australian Midnight Odyssey surprise released an ambient only album titled Ruins of a Celestial Fire. While the second part of the Biolume trilogy had to be delayed due to the current situation, sole bandmember Dis Pater got to work on some space ambient. Inspired by “70s Kosmische Musik and pulp science-fiction” fans of the project will know what to expect. Exceeding the 60 minute mark in true Midnight Odyssey fashion, the album crafts gentle synth melodies that guide through the vast celestial soundscapes. Those interested in Dis Pater’s black metal ventures, can check out Midnight Odyssey’s new split with Igric and Aeon Winds.
Black Curse – Endless Wound
Next up is a death metal supergroup, featuring members of Blood Incantation, Spectral Voice and Primitive Man. If that sounds like it’s going to be crushing, filthy death metal of the most evil variety then you’re completely right. Endless Wound is the debut album by Black Curse and features just about 40 minutes of demented black death. The cover artwork by Denis Forkas Kostromitin is an accurate depiction of what it’s like to listen to this album. A caustic furnace of ceaseless hellfire that cremates you alive.
Warbringer – Weapons of Tomorrow
Three years after Woe to the Vanquished, US retro-thrashers Warbringer return with Weapons of Tomorrow. Unconcerned with reinventing the wheel, Warbringer keep doing what they do best. Weapons of Tomorrow is a gauntlet of oldschool thrash assaults and though the instrumentation is not to be understated, John Kevill’s lyrics are the real highlight here. Still all about war and the struggle for power, Kevill’s lyrics are a cynical blast. The album does overstay its welcome slightly, clocking in at 50 minutes, but it’s a thoroughly solid affair. However, tracks like Firepower Kills and Glorious End make one wish the entire album was as outstanding.