Verilehto’s Aarnihauta

 

On their second album release, the Finnish melodic black metal band, Verilehto steps deeper into the shadows of their homeland’s folklore, crafting an album whose title  Aarnihauta feels less like a metaphor and more like a destination. 

The album opens with the track Surutta Tapettu, which starts with the soft whisper of wind, the crackle of a distant fire, and the haunting hoot of an owl.  The fragile calm is shattered in an instant as the music erupts.  The guitars carve out melodic yet aggressive patterns, while the vocals burst in like a wild, feral scream that is raw, unrestrained and mirrors something ancient, violent and alive.

Nälänhätä, the second track, emerges slowly, carried by heavy, elongated chords that hang in the air.  A steady, rising cymbal builds toward a quiet tension, drawing the listener deeper into the album’s shadowed world.  Beneath this slow burn, a twisting beat begins to coil and shift, giving the song an uneasy pulse.  When the vocals enter, they’re dark and guttural as well as taunting, almost enticing as if something ancient is calling. 

The third and title track of the album Aarnihauta unfolds like a clash of two melodies twisting around each other, duelling in a way that feels slightly out of sync yet strangely intentional.  Their tension creates a haunting pull, as if the song is being torn different ways.  The vocals rise from beneath this tangle in deep, raspy waves, carrying an imploring edge that feels almost desperate.

Kalman Sotajuokko, the fourth track on the album, opens with demented, spiraling drums that drive the song forward with a feverish pulse.  Screeching guitars slice through the chaos, their tone sharp and icy, while the riffs themselves are surprisingly intricate.  The vocals strike in deep, staccato growls, each one landing like a blow.

The fifth track, Tuhkaverho, drives forward on a heavy, syncopated rhythm that feels both forceful and hypnotic.  The guitars lock into a tight, pulsing groove while the drums carve out a pattern that keeps shifting just enough to stay unpredictable.  Two distinct vocal styles collide, one a deep, feral growl, the other a raspier, more melodic snarl.  Their duelling presence creates a tension that feels almost ritualistic.  

Syöjätär, the sixth track on the album, has frenzied drums that feel completely unrestrained, hammering forward.  The rhythm never settles, constantly shifting and surging.  Beneath this curated chaos, the vocals rise in dark, guttural waves.

The final track on the album is Virvatulet and it opens with enticing guitars that feel like they’re luring you deeper one final time.  Beneath them, the drums pulse with a throbbing, insistent rhythm, while the cymbals rise in shimmering crescendos that keep tightening the tension.  The instruments seem to battle and intertwine, ebbing and flowing.  Over this swirling and chaotic backdrop, the vocals take on a grisly yet surprisingly melodic edge.

This second album by Verilehto feels like a journey deep into the myth soaked forests of Finland.  The album is melodic, raw, and steeped in the eerie spirit of 90s black metal.  Every track carries its own blend of aggression and atmosphere, weaving together folklore, haunting melodies, and feral energy into something both chilling and beautiful.

 If you’re drawn to black metal that balances melody with menace, or if you simply want to lose yourself in a world of dark folklore and icy riffs, this album is absolutely worth stepping into. 

Links : YouTube : https://youtu.be/9Nv0osRDyyg?si=kU18FZuq3lvcw7Bw

Line-up: 

Janne Tuikkala - Guitar, Drums, Synths, songwriting

Janne Partanen - Vocals, lyrics 

Markus Räipiö - Bass & backing vocals

Album artwork was made by talented Awinita Alm and single artworks made by the band.  "Aarinahauta" video was filmed in 2024 and edited by Janne Tuikkala & Markus Räipiö.  Lyrics video by Janne Partanen.

Hautajaisyö ‘s Surun Paino

 

Hautajaisyö have just released their fifth album Surun Paino. This Finnish death metal group proves they’re nowhere near done evolving.  Rooted firmly in old school death metal, the band continues to weave in the razor edged speed of thrash and the icy darkness of black metal, creating a sound that feels both familiar and freshly unhinged.  This record shows them at their most confident, pushing deeper into chaos while sharpening the elements that have always defined their identity.

The new album by Hautajaisyö begins with the title track Surun Paino which has a storm of heavy percussion, each strike echoing like a ritualistic summons.  The vocals twist and contort into frightening, monstrous growls, growing darker and more deranged as the track unfolds.  Its slow and suffocating descent sets the emotional tone of sorrow and decay that defines the album.

The second track, Maan Nielemä , moves with a throbbing, seductive pulse that’s hypnotic at first before the tempo begins to twist and lurch in unexpected directions.  The vocals plunge into guttural depths, thick and monstrous, anchoring the chaos with a sense of looming dread.

Kuusi Kantajaa lashes out with frenzied drumming and a chaotic beat.   A strange metallic sound, sharp and unpredictable, gives the song a sense of mechanical madness.  The vocals plunge into terrifying depths, each growl sounding less human and more like some creature rising from the dark.  Everything feels unstable and delightfully unhinged, as if the song is constantly threatening to tear itself apart.

The fourth track Kasvoton Kuljettaja unfolds like an orchestrated cacophony, each instrument pulling in a different direction.  The music slowly gathers momentum, layering tension upon tension as if the whole song is assembling itself piece by piece.  The vocals erupt in a deep, guttural roar that is both commanding and genuinely unsettling.

The fifth track Hetki Viimeinen opens with crashing cymbals and pounding drums.  The rhythm stumbles and surges in a way that becomes mesmerising.  Over this chaotic pulse, the deep guttural vocals loom with a terrifying presence, deliberately slipping just out of sync with the beat.  That slight misalignment creates a dizzying tension that draws you deeper into the album’s twisted atmosphere.

Lyhyt Matka Hautaan, the sixth track on the album, opens with guitars that feel immediately unsettling.  They spiral in chaotic patterns.  That familiar metallic sound returns, scraping through the mix like grinding rusted machinery, adding an eerie edge to the frenzy.  The vocals drift between monstrous, deep growls and moments where something more human breaks through yet those human tones are no less terrifying.

Eloton begins with a slow, rhythmic steady pace.  The instruments move with a controlled restraint at first, letting the tension simmer just beneath the surface.  Then, without warning, the song erupts into a frenzy.  The vocals remain deep and guttural throughout, but here they take on a sharper edge, each growl landing like a warning.  There’s a sense of menace.  The contrast between the measured opening and the chaotic surge makes the whole track feel like a trap snapping shut, slow to lure you in but merciless once it strikes.

The last track on the album is  Haaskalinnut Minut Muistaa.  It crashes in with a harsh metallic edge, immediately throwing the listener into a world that feels dreadful but strangely intoxicating and out of sync.  Every element seems to lurch at its own angle, creating a warped, disorientating rhythm that pulls you deeper into its twisted gravity.  The vocals erupt in deep, hysterical growls, sounding less like a performance and more like something breaking loose from its restraints.  The track ends ominously with the eerie cawing of crows circling overhead. 

This album feels like a descent through a haunted soundscape, each track twisting deeper into chaos, sorrow, and shadow.  The band’s blend of old school death metal with blackened and thrash tinged elements creates a world that’s both feral and strangely beautiful. 

It’s an album that doesn’t just ask to be heard, it demands to be experienced.  If you’re willing to step into the darkness, you’ll find something unforgettable waiting inside.

Release Date : 20/03/2026 

Hautajaisyö:

Janne: vocals

Sami: guitars 

Simo: bass

Teemu: drums

Composition & arrangement: Hautajaisyö.

Lyrics: Janne Partanen.

Production, recording & mixing: Sami Lustig.

Mastering: Janne Tuikkala.

Artwork: Minttu Koskinen.

Promophotos: Sami Kettunen.

Music videos: Hautajaisyö 

Full album video: Janne Tuikkala

Links : 

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/share/1GGipMm4ms/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Repetition by Peak Flow

 

The new single Repetition by UK Post Punk/ Synth duo Peak Flow is a brooding collision of post punk tension and synth lit melancholy.  It plays like the soundtrack to a relationship on repeat.  Bright synths offer brief moments of clarity before the guitars swallow them in static. The melody seems to keep reaching upward even as something darker coils beneath, mirroring a relationship stuck in the same snake like looping argument.

The synths try to soothe, but the undertow of noise keeps dragging everything back into the conflict.  Grinding textures meet razor like synth lines, creating a tension that never quite resolves.  It’s the sonic equivalent of two voices locked in the same old clash, with equal parts of desire and frustration.  Repetition seems to stalk forward on industrial grit and nostalgic neon hued hooks.  It ultimately sounds like two people beautifully and abrasively circling the same emotional drain.  

Links:

Bandcamp : https://peakflow1.bandcamp.com/

YouTube : https://youtube.com/@peakflowband?si=0cixhuCDt32HcTTz

From Refugee to Composer: The Inspiring Journey of Remal Felistini

In a world where music often serves as a universal language, Remal's story stands out as a testament to the transformative power of art. Born into the challenging circumstances of a refugee, Remal's journey from the back of a truck in Lebanon to the prestigious halls of the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) is nothing short of extraordinary.

Remal's early years were shaped by the harsh realities of being a refugee. At the age of 14, he began to understand the stark differences in how he was treated compared to other citizens. Living in poverty and exposed to the trauma of war, Remal found solace in music. "Music was a comfort for me," he recalls.  Without access to musical instruments, his voice became his primary instrument, a gift he attributes to a higher power.

Remal's father played a significant role in nurturing his love for music. As they traveled through Lebanese villages selling goods, his father would sing using a microphone, turning mundane moments into musical experiences. "He kind of had an influence on me, so I would listen to him, and when I'm listening to him, I'm learning at the same time," Remal explains.   This early exposure to classical Arabic music left a lasting impression on Remal. Additionally, reciting the Quran helped him develop his vocal skills and connect deeply with his faith. 

Remal's journey was fraught with challenges. After moving to Australia as a refugee, he was deported back to Lebanon, where he battled cancer. Despite these setbacks, his determination never wavered. Upon returning to Australia, he pursued a degree in finance but soon realized his true passion lay in music. Encouraged by a friend, he enrolled in music courses at a TAFE and later at the prestigious performing arts school, WAAPA 

At WAAPA, Remal immersed himself in the study of classical composition. The rigorous training and exposure to advanced music theory allowed him to develop his unique musical identity. "For the first time ever, I'm sitting down in a class being who I was born to be," he reflects. His journey through WAAPA was marked by a deep appreciation for the intricacies of music, from the Baroque period to modern orchestration. 

Remal's experiences have fueled his desire to give back. He reflects on the absence of arts education in the United Nations school he attended and expresses a desire to introduce music education to refugee schools and marginalised groups sometime in the future.  Remal believes that art can provide a powerful means of self-expression and healing. His advice to marginalised individuals aspiring to pursue music is simple yet profound: "Believe in yourself and your ability to express yourself. Focus on your art, and the world will respect you for it" 

Today, Remal is leveraging social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok to share his musical journey and connect with a broader audience. He is currently working on his first symphony, blending various musical elements, including rock and electronic genres, to create a unique sound.

 Remal's story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of music. His journey from a refugee to a composer is an inspiration to all, encouraging us to embrace our passions and overcome the obstacles in our path.

Links : 

Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artist/56HUu1uqAiJgfOFBCVwzST?si=WR6TgCEBQ-yakVljd0lm-Q

YouTube : (1445) REMAL FELISTINI - YouTube

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/remal_felistini?igsh=c3Jtc3E2MjNlenRj

 

Don’t Die In Your Sleep by Peak Flow

“The track is remembering the sudden passing of a close friend and the feeling of total loss, guilt and helplessness” 

Peak Flow 

A haunting new anthem of loss by UK Post-Punk Goth duo Peak Flow delivers raw emotion through synth- driven darkness.  Don’t Die In Your Sleep, the latest offering from Peak Flow stands as both a sonic triumph and paradoxically the exploration of an emotional devastation.  The track serves as a memorial to sudden loss, channeling grief through the band's signature blend of 80s nostalgia and contemporary darkness.

The foundation of Don’t Die In Your Sleep is built on punchy, synth-driven hooks that immediately recall the neon-soaked atmosphere of the 80s alternative scene.  The synthesised melodies cut through the mix creating an almost hypnotic pulse that draws listeners into the emotional undertow, mirroring the internal turmoil of grief. These moments of sonic friction serve as perfect metaphors for how loss disrupts the rhythm of daily life.

The dark vocals float above this instrumental tension delivering lyrics with a vulnerability that feels both intimate and universal.  What elevates this track beyond mere emotional catharsis is its unflinching examination of survivor's guilt and helplessness.  By grounding their sound in 80s aesthetics while addressing contemporary themes of loss the duo creates a bridge between eras. This isn't nostaglia for nostalgia's sake, but rather a recognition that certain emotional truths are timeless, even as the sonic palette evolves.  Peak Flow has crafted something that honors both their departed friend and the ongoing struggle of those left behind.  It's a song that demands to be felt rather than simply heard, and in that demand lies its greatest strength.

Links :

Bandcamp : https://peakflow1.bandcamp.com/

YouTube : https://youtube.com/@peakflowband?si=MFnyw6hM5UitbSQJ

Fracture by Silence Embrace

 “Initially it was about personal turmoil but it's also a reflection of the current state of the world, the slow descent  into degradation the US has been going through. “

Silence Embrace 

Featuring guitar samples from Greg Melnyk and Hieronymous Boschian like, delightfully portentous artwork by Alex Cezarz, the new track by dark industrial Ohio based band, Silence Embrace feels like the anthem for the ominous ride towards a post industrial wasteland.  

A symphony of corrosive and visceral beats and fierce, ominous vocals, Fracture plunges the listener into a dark and bristling soundscape.  Fracture isn’t just a cry in the dark but it is the dark crying back, its voice thick with static and foreboding  dreams.  It’s an anthem for the dystopian now.  

Links : 

Band camp : https://silenceembrace.bandcamp.com/

Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/track/2fOBlSR9jxLgmoB3T3TFor?si=3w1RLEjeQ06TFemtjkV1og

The Black Maria by Attrition

 

The Black Maria by British Darkwave pioneer group ATTRITION, is a haunting and immersive album that takes listeners on a journey through the shadows of the human experience. With a diverse range of styles, from industrial to gothic to dark ambient and a hint of nostalgia the album showcases the band’s versatility and depth.  The first track “The Promise” is an atmospheric track that lyrically delves into the themes of surrender and silence with whispered vocals adding to the overall sense of foreboding expectation.  “The Great Derailer” intertwines, snippets of political speech and the voices of disillusioned and concerned citizens. The juxtaposition of the dark, ambient melodies with the harsh industrial beats mirrors the conflict between hope and despair that often accompanies political discourse.  Delving deep into the intricate dynamics of human relationships “The Switch“ has a  hypnotic beat with seductive and provocative vocals.  “Pillars II” is an enthralling track that has melodic female vocals weaving beautifully with the layered ambient acoustic panorama.  The dreamlike mood and undulating soundscape of the song create a sense of introspection.    “The Alibi” is a daring and unconventional musical journey that defies expectations at every turn. The song begins with a childlike, almost off-kilter rendition of "Here Comes the Bride," setting the stage for what unfolds as a cacophony of sounds and delicious chaos.  The listener is swept up in a frenetic and confusing carnival-like atmosphere. The song, that is a riot of sounds, takes yet another unexpected turn, as a cacophony of vocals joins the mix, adding to the sense of chaos and confusion. The result is a wild and exhilarating musical ride that leaves the listener both exhilarated and slightly disoriented.  From the moment “The Reprisal” begins you get the sense of something lurking just beyond sight, something watching and waiting.  As the song unfolds, strange sounds and voices interject, adding to the sense of unease and paranoia evoking the notion of  the presence of something just out of reach.  The song builds creating a palpable sense of tension and suspense that is as thrilling as it is unnerving.  “The Zero Hour” hauntingly blends Darkwave ambience and industrial sounds with beautiful menacing  piano melodies and an enigmatic spoken soliloquy.  The mysterious ambience and vocals of the song  blur the lines between past, present, and future hinting at something just beyond the listener’s grasp.  The title track of the album “The Black Maria”  begins with chilling muffled industrial sounds creating a  sense of unease and foreboding.  Haunting high-pitched vocal floats eerily around the listener, creating a sense of disorientation and uncertainty. The gritty and dark male vocals seem to be giving a desolate sermon giving the sense of something lurking just beyond reach that is dark and malevolent.

The album The Black Maria sees ATTRITION founder Martin Bowes working with female vocalists including Emke from Black Nail Cabaret, Yvette from Vaselyne, Joanne Wolf and most notably the return of original ATTRITION vocalist Julia.  The album also includes special guest appearances from Alia Miroshichenko (Subterranea) Annie Hogan (Marc and the Mambas etc) on Grand Piano, Vancorvid and Marietta Fox on Violins, Ian Arkley (My Silent Wake, Guillotine Dream) on Guitar, Steve Clarke (Futumche/Octogoth) on additional guitar/bass, and Kris Force on Cello. 

The Black Maria is dedicated  to the Memory of Kerri Bowes (1982 - 2022)

The album The Black Maria  traverses the depths of the human soul and is sure to resonate with anyone  who has loved, lost and found beauty in the darkness. 

Links :

https://attritionuk.bandcamp.com/album/the-black-maria

https://open.spotify.com/album/0txU2xDGOrY8uyDcHQdPFV?si=n4uFT6PVT-iVpmh0htDNig

https://www.thecagestudios.co.uk/