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Symphonic Metal

Face the wrath of Moose Wrench’s synthesised surrealism through their latest single, Ginnel Dick

Not Dead Yet by Moose Wrench

Moose Wrench, a Leeds-based alternative outfit, propelled us into a vortex of macabre synthetics with their latest single, Ginnel Dick, from their debut album, Not Dead Yet. This track is an audacious escapade into the realms of electro-cyberpunk, infused with a Lynchian nightmare aesthetic and Kafkaesque surrealism. The song is a cacophony of genre-bending sounds that merge to form a unique auditory experience, making Moose Wrench a standout in the “dad-bod alt-core” scene, which they created because no other genre pigeon-hole is wide enough for the sheer insanity that ensues once you hit play.

After an 80s horror-adjacent intro, the single opens with a punchy, rolling beat reminiscent of Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster, setting the tone for what is to unfold. As the track progresses, it spills over into a psychedelically dark atmosphere, transforming the listening experience into something akin to a séance rather than a mere song. The symphonic synthscape towards the outro echoes the dramatic flair of a Cradle of Filth release, adding an operatic depth to the already rich sonic tapestry.

It’s a masterfully twisted orchestration that mocks conventional structures and sounds and is a testament to the trio’s ability to confront and creatively express life’s annoyances, from poor driving to the existential dread of mid-life. It is a must-listen for those seeking a fresh, unconventional sound.

Ginnel Dick will debut across all major streaming platforms on December 18th; in the run-up to the official release, purchase the single on Bandcamp.  

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Baroque Monody sludged up post-punk in their latest feat of gothic innovation, Pomegranate Wine

Pomegranate Wine by Baroque Monody

Two years may have passed, but there was no forgetting the Youngstown, Ohio duo Baroque Monody after we had the privilege of savouring their enticingly atmospheric alt-rock single, Plan 2021.

In 2023, their arcane elementalism is as sharp as ever in their latest single, Pomegranate Wine, which reinvented the nu-metal wheel through the scintillating rapped verses that follow an arrangement of pioneering symphonic sludged-up metal that contrasts Jennifer Rose’s beguiling vocal lines and the cold tones which implant post-punk nuances into the decadent sonic tapestry.

The absolute synergy which transgresses through the latest slice of sludged-up sanctuary established Rick Polo and Jennifer Rose as the ultimate dualistic powerhouse and superlative conduits of resonance for their audience who know the grip of desolation all too well.

Stream and purchase Pomegranate Wine via Bandcamp, and keep Baroque Monody on your radar for the release of their forthcoming EP.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Baroque Monody reaches the epitome of etherealism with their single, Plan 2021, feat Kellii Scott.

Plan 2021 (Feat. Kellii Scott) by Baroque Monody

Post-punk and symphonic metal converge in the darkened atmosphere of Baroque Monody’s latest single, Plan 2021, featuring percussionist Kellii Scott (Failure).

With Scott’s thrashing percussive flair, the heavy guitars and the etherealism of Jenifer Rose’s vocals as they emanate the same arcane allure of a 15th-century mystic, all of your senses will surrender to the sublimely-paced progressive furore in Plan 2021.

After making their debut in 2013, Baroque Monody has released two albums, and there is plenty more in the pipeline from the powerhouse duo. Save a spot on your radar.

Plan 2021 is available to stream and purchase via Bandcamp.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Sean Grinsell rocks psych and blues into his intense symphonic single, Rogue.

Sean Grinsell

Up and coming artist Sean Grinsell rocked psych and blues into his upcoming experimental single, Rogue. The doomy, scuzzy track carries the intense symphonic feel of FalKKonE along with licks of frenetic rock n roll that make the Black Keys sound as tame as Maroon 5.

The dramatic and edgy instrumental score is absorbing from start to finish; midway through the extended single, there’s a switch to chiptune style electronica before Grinsell shows his 50s rock n roll stripes once more. Any true fan of artful aural experimentalism will want to experience Rogue for themselves.

Rogue is the first song of five to be released from the EP, R is for Redemption, due for release on all major platforms from August 20th, 2021.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Billy Moffat has released his symphonic masterpiece, Through the Eyes of God, featuring Davie Brockett.

Scottish-born composer Billy Moffat brought plenty of his experience touring the globe with the show, One Night of Queen, to his latest release, Through the Eyes of God, featuring Davie Brockett on guitar.

Starting with dramatic neo-classic keys, there are no hints in the production to warn that the stunning crescendos will soon give way to over-driven scuzzed-up guitar solos that easily match the furore in an Apocalyptica track. Davie Brockett’s searing solos blazon the professional instrumental score with even more virtuosic stripes.

Though the Eyes of God is, quite literally, a jaw-droppingly symphonic masterpiece that will easily leave you ensnared by the sheer nuance and Moffat’s ability to compose a score that will put your rhythmic pulses under instant command.

The orchestral release is now available to stream via SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia