Author Archives: RockmusicRaider

Scardust – Strangers (2020) – Review

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When Scardust’s Sands of Time hit our shores in 2017, we knew that we had something special on our turntable. This was (and still is) one stellar piece of Progressive and Symphonic Metal that ultimately bubbled to the very top of RMR’s annual ten commandments of that same year. And those are some mighty big shoes to fill for any follow-on record.

So, along came Strangers in this unholy year of 2020. Now, I admit that – at first – we got a little hot under our collar. Because a first spin did not quite deliver that warm and … [...] Click to raid more!

Draconian – Under a Godless Veil (2020) – Review

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A few months after the RockmusicRaider blog really took off, Draconian‘s Sovran happened. This is probably THE record that shaped our take on Doom and Gothic Metal in any significant way. And way more than their famous brethren Paradise Lost or My Dying Bride ever would.

Chiefly, Sovran impressed us with this sludgy heaviness. This sepulchral march towards the ultimate state of sadness. Something that immediately connects with your inner sorrow. But it is also true that this record was and still is relatively close to the aforementioned two of the Peaceville Three and distinct Melodic Death Metal masters.… [...] Click to raid more!

Grimorte test the Esoteric Ascendance!

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We enjoyed those records before. Those that hook their steely claws straight into your flesh, once they’re roaring out of the gate. And they won’t let loose anymore until you suffered through their brand of Extreme Metal, want it or not.

And it’s not because they’re bad, it’s because the stuff these bands strut fascinates the hell out of the audience. Grimorte‘s Esoteric Ascendance is one of those records that pulled us straight down into that darkly ominous abyss it inhabits.

The duo1 – Kieran Scott (Ashen Grove) and Lewis Borthwick (Archierophant) – step out into that doom-laden, … [...] Click to raid more!

Wobbler – Dwellers of the Deep (2020) – Review

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I just browsed these age-old progressive rock pieces. You know, all those bands from back in the ’70s that didn’t quite know what to do with their talent.

Because their fare refused to fit the woozy woo-woo of the day, nor would it mix with the disco nerds. And let’s just forget about the harsher realms of an emerging Hard Rock and early metal scene.

Now, I kinda nursed the idea to scrutinize the old prog rock masters some more and finally get some of ’em on the blog. But this project didn’t quite materialize yet, and boy do I … [...] Click to raid more!