46 releases, 7 highlights: this week is packed!

The first time I stumbled across Finnish prog metal band Somehow Jo was around three years ago, when they released the single (and hilarious video) for their song ‘Alcoholiday’, so I naturally mistook them for a fun/parody band. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but I was positively surprised with their new album “Scales and Details” displaying a much more mature and dare I say ‘serious’ own brand of prog metal. You’ll still find the occasional tongue-in-cheek reggae rhythm in songs like ‘When It Falls’, but overall I can’t shake off the idea that “Scales and Details” sounds a bit like a fun and relaxed version of modern Norwegian prog metal bands like Rendezvous Point or Arkentype. The slightly nasal timbre of singer Christian Sauren takes a moment to get used to, but once you got into it you can’t imagine Somehow Jo with a singer that doesn’t sound exactly like that. Despite my initial statement of ‘seriousness’, “Scales and Details” is still quite a fun affair and I can’t wait to see Somehow Jo live on their upcoming European tour with One Morning Left and Crosschains. Dario

Do you like fat, bouncy riffs, powerful vocals (equally impressive in clean and scream mode), the occasional nasty breakdown and some Unprocessed-like guitar noodling here and there? And all that served with a slick, modern production? Then you’ve come to the right place with “Arcanum”, the debut album from young Cologne-based trio Æries. Emerging at the worst possible of times, namely the beginning of the pandemic, they were able to snatch some support slots for the mighty Jinjer in Germany during 2020 with just a few singles out, which already says a lot about the top notch quality at hand. Now with the album out, they are ready to take on Euroblast Festival in their hometown in two weeks, and hopefully many more stages after that. Djent, proggy metalcore and catchy modern prog metal in a convincing package, that’s what you’ll find in “Arcanum”. Dario

Fresh blood from Australia. Releasing a string of singles after their debut album Eventide from 2018, Sydney’s Reliqa are back with a 23 minute EP that doesn’t care about genre conventions or playing it safe. Incorporating both rapand also full on electronic elements into their progressive metal onslaught, not shying away from putting djent and neo-classical/baroque stylings onto the same release, they mix all these seemingly disparate influence to a thoroughly thought through amalgam that just works, despite any misgivings you might have from just reading it on paper. And I think there are several reasons for that: super solid songwriting, top notch performances, a super heavy and slick production and lastly their sheer conviction and confidence with which they create their very own and highly innovative sound. Imagine Spiritbox and Voyager throwing all genre-constraints overboard and making a truly genre-defying baby bastard. Despite the name of the EP “I Don’t Know What I Am” I’m sure they do know who they are. They are Reliqa and they are uniquely awesome. Or awesomely unique. Whichever way you choose, just listen to them. Dario

And now for something completely different… New York based experimental avantgarde jazz rock supergroup of sorts Titan to Tachyons are back with their sophomore effort “Vonals”. Featuring some insane drumming from Imperial Triumphant/John Zorn drum-madman Kenny Grohowski, a double bass attack from Matt Hollenberg (also John Zorn) and the legendary Trevor Dunn (Mr. Bungle, Fantômas, Tomahawk) and dissonant guitar antics from bandleader/composer Sally Weaver, “Vonals” is just as chaotic but also jaw-droppingly good as one would expect from such a line-up. If you’re not into jazz/fusion madness or can’t handle your dissonance, stay away from Titan to Tachyons. This is for all those who are craving some crimsonesque cacophonic chaos! And their hunger shall be satiated. Dario

Just as idiomatic as the title of their 2019 debut album “Become Ethereal”, Norwegian Blackgazers of Sundrowned are back with a new EP called “Glacious”. Dive into their frosty atmospheric post metal soundscapes that give you as much chills as a comforting sense of serenity and peace. The ethereal sounds of a few layered Cellos in the outro of the title track are just the icing on the cake. Wonderful stuff even for me as not the biggest fan of this type of music, there’s always some exceptions that I somehow always ‘get’. Or do they get me? Probably both. A mutual musical understanding. Dario

After going acoustic on “Sigil” earlier this year, Australian instrumental solo artist James Norbert Ivanyi gave his guitars some rest, powered up his analogue synths and surprises us with “The Sine Intimidation”, a full on synth affair that harkens back to the psychedelic krautrock jams of Tangerine Dream and the likes in the 70s. The production is very tasty and Mike Avenaim’s drums are the icing on the cake. Have a nice trip (down memory lane), no need to feel intimidated by these sine waves! Dario

Completing these wild and eclectic 7 highlights of the week is “Chimerapolis”, the new EP from French one-man project Creature. And it’s a very eclectic one in itself, as it combines avantgarde black metal with French hip hop. Yes, that’s correct. No typo. Just the facts. And oddly enough, it works in a very strange way. Only complaint would be that the drums are programmed again, Baard Kolstad’s guest drums on the previous full length Creature album “Éloge de l’Ombre” elevated the overall sound so much. Anyways a weird little release for daring experimentalists who like to look over their musical event horizon. Très ‘Machiav​é​lique’. Dario