Tag Archives: Metal Zenith

Dialith is an Epic Symphonic Power Metal band from Danbury, Connecticut. Formed in 2015, Dialith made an impact with their 2019 debut album, Extinction Six. Blending Epic Orchestral arrangements with enrapturing Melodeath riffs, Dialith aims to breathe new life into the Symphonic Metal genre with tracks that draw inspiration from varied sources, from Death Metal to Pop music to Arabic and Celtic Folk music. Alter is the continuation of Dialith’s 2021 EP Atrophy, the second in what will be a trilogy of EPs that culminate in a full album. To accomplish these sounds, they use heavy riffing interlaced with delicate lead and fill work, heavy-handed bass, intricate drumming, and Simone Simons’ inspired vocals to craft a special alloy of Metal that is unique to them.

February 17, 2024, a night of technical issues and a concert that overcame all of those issues to rock your brains out. The Iron Maidens ruled the night and Elizabeth’s Furnace rocked out. Fun for all on a cold Saturday night in Winchester, VA.

Apotheus is a four-piece Progressive Metal band from Portugal that loves to weave tales to take you on a musical and lyrical journey. Very cinematic in their approach to songwriting, Ergo Atlas is a concept album that is part two of a story Apotheus is writing based on the works of Isaac Asimov. A single concept album can be very difficult to write as it requires thematic elements to carry the story through all the music and lyrics. The musical themes are every bit as important as the lyrical ones. Carrying this across more than one album increases the difficulty and is not something to be tried without a clear vision guiding the project. Apotheus has achieved something few bands dare to try.

Out Of Darkness is a Florida-based four-piece band operating primarily in the Classic Power/Progressive Metal realm, though that is nowhere close to everything they bring to bear on this record. The songs are shaded with Modern and Melodic Metal, bringing a classic sound into the new age. Initially formed in 2020 by Brent and Eric, they have expanded their line-up to include Dan and Bill, rounding out the sound. After releasing their debut EP, Seize The Day, in 2020, Out Of Darkness took time to craft their debut full-length LP and make sure they got everything to sound exactly as they wanted it to. The result is a very solid offering that has everything from gentle, ballad-like tones to a distinct heaviness that will immediately burrow into your brain.

Sabotage India is a five-piece band very much in the 80s Thrash Metal vein of music with a modern take on the genre. You can hear the Exodus, Slayer, and Testament influences in some of the songs. Using two guitars, they achieve a lot of speed with the riffing and use a single lead guitar for more of the finesse and power. The lyrics are centered on things like making sure you know they are here to stay and mean business and getting revenge against those who fail to believe. Sabotage India aims to impress with speed and heaviness combined to make you pay attention to the music just as much as to the words being sung, so take a little time and dig in, listen to both, and just appreciate the glory that is Pishach.

All four bands crushed it. No two bands filled the same space musically, but they all gave the crowd something to take home with them. Whether that was just memories or new merch, everyone left with a piece of the show. Nights like this are special because these are not touring shows. There is just something wonderful about a one-off show that may not ever happen again. The unique mixture of styles comes together for one evening of Metal Worshipping, then fades into history, lovingly brought forth in the memories of those fortunate enough to witness the moment.

Visions Of Morpheus was originally formed as a solo project by Jeff Pearson but has grown into a full-fledged band. Their debut album, Lost Within, was released in November 2023. Hailing from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, they join a long line of Canadian Progressive rock and metal bands in exploring vast soundscapes meant to stimulate more than just the ears. This is more of a full-body experience as you wander through haunting melodies and heavy rhythms, influenced by the hyperactive interplay between the guitars and keyboards, supported by nuanced rhythms and wrapped around vocals that range from delicate to bombastic.

Dishumanized is a solo project formed due to some of the inherent turmoil found in establishing a band; heavy line-up rotation and the chaos this creates when trying to build a band and brand at the same time. Harald Berger turned his energy and passion into something he had complete creative license over, something that would allow him to realize his vision Sometimes you just have to take control because constant change dilutes the message you are trying to get across. Having played in many different bands and gathering various influences from all his previous work, Harald has brought together Death and Thrash Metal with NWOBHM, Classic Rock, and more to create a Fusion Metal that is both unique and almost timeless.

Finnish four-piece Modern Melodic Death Metal band Volucrine is set to release their fourth full-length album, ETNA this month. Focusing on the human experience and the challenges of merely existing in this age, they craft songs that use both clean and harsh vocals together with catchy riffs and heavy rhythms to get their point across. Formed in 2014, they have built a following for both their brutal records and killer live shows, taking the heaviness to a new level with stage shows known for their energetic performances. With a decade of experience under their collective belt, they have figured out who they are and how they want to sound, crafting a unique tone with both the instruments and words.

Lutharo is a female-fronted Power/Death/Epic Metal band hailing from Canada. Ten years into their career, they’ve released two EPs and two LPs. Chasing Euphoria is the second (soon-to-be-released) LP. Chugging rhythms and frenetic riffs combine with delicate interludes, clean and harsh vocals, and killer compositions to create a massive soundscape that will wash over you, drowning you in glorious noises that sweep you off the shore into the depths of a musical fantasy land. Take a deep breath before the first song ends, you will need it as the rest of the album will work to take that last breath away. The stunning speed and accuracy of the songs will leave you wanting more. This is one of those records that will stick with you for years to come.