French Prog Metal band Fractal Universe poses some interesting questions regarding this sub-genre of Metal on their new album, The Great Filters (M-Theory Audio).
Tag Archives: Jazz
PODCAST: Tom Osman Interviews Zachary Ezrin of Imperial Triumphant Discussing Their “Goldstar” Album
In this new episode, Ghost Cult’s own Tom Osman chats with Zachary Ezrin of Imperial Triumphant! Their highly-anticipated new album Goldstar is releasing via Century Media on March 21st, 2025! Zachary discusses the new album, the evolving sound and songcraft of the band, why they opted for shorter songs on this album, working with Dave Lombardo, and Tomas Haake of Meshuggah, Fritz Lang and “Metropolis” influence on the artwork the band favors, and much more!Continue reading
ALBUM REVIEW: Imperial Triumphant – Goldstar
Innovative avant-garde trio Imperial Triumphant are back, and once again the sprawling metropolis of New York City provides the backdrop. Showing the opulence, greed and decadence of the rich and shameless as a stark contrast to the grime and squalor of the less privileged is something the band already has down to a fine art but sixth full-length studio release Goldstar (Century Media Records) manages to refine it even further.Continue reading
MY FAVORITE CONCERT MEMORY: Charles Kieny of CKRAFT Goes from Metal to Jazz
CKRAFT 2025 Photo by Manuel Braun
We have returned with our feature My Favorite Concert Memory for the first time in 2025. We welcome in an artist we dig and ask them to recall a treasured musical memory. In this new edition; Charles Kieny of Paris France-based CKRAFT recalls how he converted from Nu Metal and Extreme Metal to an awakening to Jazz. The band released their latest and sophomore album, Uncommon Grounds on January 17, 2025.
ALBUM REVIEW: Venamoris – To Cross Or To Burn
Suppose the spirit of Dorothy Vallens from David Lynch’s surrealist, noir classic Blue Velvet could be transported into a Trip-hop-inspired, dark, Electro-Rock album in 2025. In that case, it’s hard to think of a more fitting home than To Cross Or To Burn (Ipecac Recordings) – by Paula and Dave Lombardo under their Venamoris moniker. Continue reading
CONCERT REVIEW: Leprous – Annex Void – Nighdrator Live at The Crofoot
Pontiac is a northern suburb of Detroit known for having colorful nightlife and last Tuesday evening proved why. Their downtown was a buzz with streets closed and stages set up. The Crofoot, an acclaimed entertainment complex, was hosting a community concert series with hundreds of locals gathered. The venue was also hosting Norway’s own Leprous who is on a headlining tour promoting their new album, Melodies of Atonement (InsideOut Music). Having provincial rap acts perform outside and having a hot, progressive band play inside showed off the versatility and innovation of the beloved music venue. Continue reading
ALBUM REVIEW: Trelldom – …by the shadows…
On …by the shadows… (Prophecy Productions), Norway’s Trelldom shows how Satan can find subtle ways to drag the listener into hell. Continue reading
ALBUM REVIEW: Leprous – Melodies of Atonement
Leprous is a band that stands apart from other progressive acts. Their ability to effortlessly experiment while remaining exceptionally grounded in their superior signature and skillful sound is uncommon. This Norwegian five-piece has been labeled as unique and is known to be creatively inventive within the heavy music sphere. Each record they make manages to explore new ground and deliver world-class wonders. They are about to release their eighth full-length record, Melodies of Atonement (InsideOut Music) and its distinctively different approach compared to their previous works proves once again how aptly ingenuous the band is. Continue reading
CONCERT REVIEW: Abbath – Imperial Triumphant – Black Anvil – Final Gasp Live at Gramercy Theatre
New York City’s Gramercy Theatre was the epicenter of a black metal storm on a late spring night, with Abbath headlining the night in support of his “Dread Reaver” North American tour. The intimate venue, packed to the brim with die-hard fans, became a cauldron of raw energy and dark atmospheres, punctuated by the thunderous performances of the opening acts: Final Gasp, Imperial Triumphant, and Black Anvil.Continue reading
ALBUM REVIEW: Painted Shield – Painted Shield 3
Painted Shield are notable for featuring Stone Gossard (Pearl Jam/Mother Love Bone/Green River) on guitar and a bunch of friends. Painted Shield’s origins can be traced to 2014 when it was suggested by Daniel Field a mutual friend of Mason Jennings and Gossard that the two work together. They put out a 7” single “Knife Fight”/Caught in a Mess” and then…nothing, until the pandemic hit in 2020.Continue reading