Lantlos - .Neon

Neon is the second album from the German post metal/shoegaze band consisting on this release of multi instrumentalist Herbst and vocalist Neige. The blend of light and dark that is this genre is infused with jazzy chords in some of the softer parts to create an interesting contrast with the more blackened moments. The album plays with an almost soothing effect and is realised in an overall optimistic mood.


Tracklist:

1 Minusmensch
2 These Nights Were Ours
3 Pulse/Surreal
4 Neige de Mars
5 Coma
6 Neon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_ApaSELFUM

Website: http://lantlos.com/

Label: Prophecy Productions

Release Date: June 14th 2010

Wintercult - Neverending Selfhatred

Wintercult is a one man project from the Russian Federation in the depressive black metal genre. The production on this album is raw which furthers the atmosphere of misery that is unrelenting and oppressive. The vocals exist in the realm of suicidal agony and take the music to a place haunted by the demons of isolation and despair. The album cover is a perfect representation of the images conjured during a listen to this fine release.



Tracklist:

1 Frozen in Melancholy
2 Neverending Selfhatred
3 Submerged in Desolation
4 Nocturnal Silence
5 The Somber End

Website: http://www.myspace.com/wintercultofficial

Label: Unsigned

Release Date: December 7th 2010

Vigri - Pink Boats

Vigri is a five piece band from Reykjavik, Iceland and on this first self released album they deliver a dreamy, melancholy pop masterpiece. They seem to have an innate feel for haunting melodies that are all their own and the vocals shine with their immediately memorable sound. Apparently the album was mostly recorded with a laptop and one microphone in various places around Iceland including a restaurant, retirement home and church. This is amazing considering the quality of the recording. I feel lucky for having stumbled across this album and look forward to future releases.



Tracklist :

1 Awakening
2 Drag Down the Dark
3 Animals
4 Coin Finder
5 (fyrir) Skikkan Skaparans
6 Sleep
7 Maternal Machine
8 I Augsyn
9 Fume
10 These are the Eyes

Website : http://www.myspace.com/vigri

Label : independent   gogoyoko

Release Date : May 25th 2011

Altar of Plagues - Mammal

This second full length from Cork, Ireland's, Altar of Plagues brings an atmospheric black metal gem. With extended songs the band is able to cover plenty of ground and seamlessly blend black metal, post rock and ambient into a cohesive whole that draws you in and keeps you listening. The inclusion of a vocal lament by an elderly woman in a funerary custom during the third track adds to the weight of this listen. The mood is set early and captivates on this impressive release.



Tracklist :

1 Neptune is Dead
2 Feather and Bone
3 When the Sun Drowns in the Ocean
4 All Life Coverges to Some Center

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnjQKd7imq4

Website: http://www.altarofplagues.com/

Label: Profound Lore

Release Date: April 25th 2011