At the beginning of 2024, Ember Belladonna released her debut full length album ‘The Grove’. It was an undeniably smart collection of tunes, mixing elements of goth, metal and folk, showcasing great flute work. Taking the flute beyond its usual prog rock space, Ember created a musical landscape of her own: sometimes dark but without feeling oppressive, but often otherworldly. The album presented songs that had a heart that could be easily orchestrated, but often felt very different – and more distinctive – than the several hundred Nightwish clones filling the globe.
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EMBER BELLADONNA – The Grove
The flute has often been a pivotal instrument within prog rock – Jethro Tull have much to answer for, but other bands like Focus and Tempest were never shy of making the instrument a core part of their arrangements – but its gentle sounds aren’t always associated with metal. In that regard, flautist Ember Belladonna’s debut album fills an important gap in the market. Its eight songs dart between different styles – from flawless new age sounds, to deep gothic grooves, to riff driven jigs – but Ember’s deft playing holds everything together with ease, and presents a classic tone that would be just as home on more of a classical oriented outing.
IMPLODERS – Imploders EP
Formed during the first Coronavirus lockdown of 2020, Toronto’s Imploders crank out classic sounding hardcore in a very early 80s style. In just five songs, their debut release is hard, fast and brutal, and often far better than your average DIY thrash-punk. Despite an unfussy approach, there’s nothing about the material that seems cheap or wantonly trashy. Quite the opposite, in fact; it’s almost as if every note has been put together with the underlying thought of how Keith Morris, Ian MacKaye and John Doe might’ve approached things. In short, this debut delivers six minutes of the most perfect hardcore; a sharp set of sounds that are absolutely guaranteed to thrill lovers of the style.
Striker return with new single ‘Deathwish’
With a new line up and very melodic approach, the new look Striker sound absolutely fantastic on their current single ‘Deathwish’. The first new music from the band since their award winning ‘Play To Win’ album in 2018, the new track blends late 80s guitar riffs with a massive AOR chorus, resulting in a performance that calls back to the genre’s glory years.
Shot Down Twice share new video
Canadian rockers Shot Down Twice are set to release their self-titled EP in January 2022. In the meantime, they’ve shared a new video for ‘Talk To Me’.