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Brian Eno & Beatie Wolfe - Luminal (2025)

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Luminal drifts quietly into your ear and mind like a half-remembered dream: Beatie Wolfe’s gentle guitar and hushed vocals float over Brian Eno’s atmospheric washes, evoking warm nostalgia. Each track unfolds slowly, as if time itself is stretching—a lullaby for insomniacs and art lovers alike. At moments it blooms into gentle country-tinged melodies, but it never loses its dreamy, introspective core. There’s a delicate tension between familiarity and curiosity: it's soothing, yet it prompts subtle emotional shifts. This album feels like a mindful pause—a moment to breathe, reflect, and feel anew. https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/brian-eno-amp-beatie-wolfe-luminal-and-lateral-albums-review/ https://www.brooklynvegan.com/album-review-pulp-more-lifeguard-comet-gain-mythologen-activity-brian-eno-beatie-wolfe-lake-ruth-jarv-is/ https://www.list.co.uk/news/brian-eno-beatie-wolfe-luminal-lateral-album-review-soothing-and-beautiful-46708 https://www.allmusic.com/album/luminal-mw00045070...

Gaahls WYRD - Braiding the Stories (2025)

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Braiding the Stories is not an album—it’s an incantation. Gaahl conjures emotions through fractured growls, murmured chants, and operatic howls, guiding listeners through a ritual of personal reckoning. The music weaves heavy atmospheres with haunting melodic motifs, more dreamlike than destructive. Each track unspools like a chapter in a myth, textured with dark ambiance and post-metal undercurrents. What remains is a spectral experience—intimate, philosophical, and deeply unsettling. https://www.chaoszine.net/gaahls-wyrd-announce-new-album-braiding-the-stories-release-new-video/ https://metalepidemic.com/gaahls-wyrd-braiding-the-stories-review/ https://www.metalbite.com/album/54733/gaahls-wyrd-braiding-the-stories https://www.sonicperspectives.com/news/gaahls-wyrd-announce-new-album-share-title-track/ https://allabouttherock.co.uk/gaahls-wyrd-braiding-the-stories-review/ https://wonderboxmetal.com/2025/06/06/gaahls-wyrd-braiding-the-stories-review/ Genre : Melodic...

Phase Transition - In Search of Being (2025)

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Phase Transition's debut album, In Search of Being , is a compelling fusion of progressive metal and symphonic elements, enriched by the unique inclusion of violin and female vocals. The album's five tracks showcase the band's technical prowess and emotive depth. "Dichotomy" sets the tone with its intricate arrangements, while "Becoming, (R)evolution" delivers a powerful blend of heavy riffs and melodic interludes. "Veil of Illusions" and "Shadows of Grief" highlight the band's ability to weave introspective themes with dynamic instrumentation. The closing track, "The Other Side," stands out with its seamless transitions between acoustic melodies and intense metal passages. Critics have praised the album for its ambitious composition and the band's potential in the progressive metal scene. The Prog Report: Phase Transition – In Search of Being (Album Review) The Prog Mind: Triple Feature: Phase Transition,...

Little Simz - Lotus (2025)

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Little Simz's sixth studio album, Lotus , is a profound exploration of personal growth and resilience. Drawing inspiration from the lotus flower's symbolism of blooming through adversity, the album delves into themes of betrayal, healing, and self-discovery. The production, led by Miles Clinton James, blends elements of jazz, soul, and experimental hip hop, creating a rich sonic tapestry. Tracks like "Flood" and "Blue" showcase Simz's lyrical prowess and emotional depth, while collaborations with artists like Sampha and Moses Sumney add layers of texture and nuance. Critics have lauded Lotus for its introspective narrative and genre-defying sound, solidifying Simz's position as a leading voice in contemporary music. The Guardian: Little Simz on breakthroughs, betrayal and becoming one of the UK's best-ever rappers The Times: Little Simz: Lotus review - lose the personal gripes and it's brilliant The Line of Best Fit: Little Simz...

Hailey Whitters - Corn Queen (2025)

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Hailey Whitters' fourth studio album, Corn Queen , is a heartfelt homage to her Midwestern roots, blending traditional country elements with modern storytelling. The 16-track collection delves into themes of small-town life, love, and personal growth, all delivered with Whitters' signature wit and authenticity. Tracks like "High on the Hog" and "Shotgun Wedding Baby" showcase her ability to craft relatable narratives, while collaborations with artists like Molly Tuttle and Charles Wesley Godwin add depth and variety to the album. Critics have praised Corn Queen for its clever lyricism and emotional resonance, noting Whitters' talent for capturing the complexities of everyday life in rural America. The album solidifies her position as a compelling voice in contemporary country music. PopMatters: Hailey Whitters Is the 'Corn Queen' of Iowa Entertainment Focus: Review: Hailey Whitters sings a love letter to the Mid-West, women and herself...

Rivers Of Nihil - Rivers Of Nihil (2025)

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Rivers of Nihil's self-titled fifth album marks a significant evolution in the band's sound, blending their technical death metal roots with progressive elements and melodic experimentation. The addition of guitarist Andy Thomas and the transition of Adam Biggs to lead vocals have infused the album with fresh dynamics. Tracks like "House of Light" and "Water & Time" showcase the band's willingness to explore new territories, incorporating saxophone and clean vocals to create atmospheric depth. While some critics feel the album occasionally leans towards predictability, others praise its cohesive structure and the band's commitment to pushing genre boundaries. Overall, the album stands as a testament to Rivers of Nihil's growth and adaptability in the modern metal landscape. Metal Blade Records: Rivers of Nihil to Release Self-Titled Fifth Full-Length May 30th Kerrang!: Album Review: Rivers Of Nihil – Rivers Of Nihil Sputnikmusic:...

Katatonia - Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State (2025)

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atatonia's thirteenth studio album, Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State , continues the band's exploration of melancholic soundscapes, blending progressive rock and gothic metal elements. The album showcases a balance between heavy riffs and atmospheric textures, with tracks like "Thrice" and "Lilac" highlighting this dynamic. Critics have noted the album's polished production and emotional depth, though some feel it treads familiar ground without significant innovation. The departure of co-founder Anders Nyström has led to a lineup change, with new guitarists Nico Elgstrand and Sebastian Svalland contributing to the band's evolving sound. Overall, the album has been received as a solid addition to Katatonia's discography, appealing to long-time fans and newcomers alike. Angry Metal Guy: Katatonia – Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State Review Bandcamp: Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State | Katatonia Heavy Bl...