Genre/Influences: Industrial, metal, crossover.

Background/Info: The new Seraphim System album was released at the end of 2016. After the two self-released albums “Luciferium” is the third official full length by this American formation.

Content: Digital World Audio likes crossover bands and Seraphim System in a way matches with bands such as Rave The Requiem and the new-signed Deconbrio. I’m not saying that they all sound the same, but there’s a similar taste to mix electronics and metal guitar riffs. “Luciferium” sounds pure crossover and potential sources of inspiration might be Skinny Puppy, Ministry and related bands.

The work is powerful although sometimes driven by slow rhythms. But the real power is hidden in the guitar and the dark, tormented atmosphere hanging over the songs. The vocals feel a bit like an ambassador of evil forces. I guess the title of the work is not really of a coincidence.

+ + + : “Luciferium” sounds like a modern crossover production. The oppressive guitar riffs and dark, haunting atmospheres create a fascinating and somewhat disturbing sensation. You get the impression awakening in hell. I’ve a little preference for the slower cuts, on which the atmospheric side comes really through. The final part of the work is absolutely well-crafted and successful. The last song “Alive” evolves towards an amazing final revealing outstanding sound treatments and total power. Last, but not least I also want to mention the great and artistic artwork of this digipak format.

– – – : Seraphim System is not the most accessible band for a wider audience although they can convince electro- and metal fans. The sound formula is nothing new and in the purest good-old crossover style.

Conclusion: Seraphim System became an established and recognized formation in their genre. “Luciderium” is devilishly good!

Best songs: “Alive”, “Chaos”, “Serpent”, “Undoing”.

Rate: (8).

Band: www.facebook.com/seraphimsystem

Label: www.digitalworld.audio /   www.facebook.com/DigitalWorldAudio

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com

DWA signed act Rave The Reqviem have released a 3-track digital single, “Mono Heart”, taken from their forthcoming album. The single includes 2 non-album “b-sides” next to the title track.

And good to know, the single is also available as limited edition lathe-cut transparent vinyl 7″ – or ultra-limited double-vinyl 7″ besides the regular download which you can get ahold of right here on Bandcamp. You can check the different trackless right here.

“Mono Heart”, like the rest of the band’s upcoming second album, was mixed and mastered by André Alvinzi (of Swedish metal studio Fascination Street). Alvinzi ‘s previous credits include the mixing and mastering of albums by Insomnium and The Forsaken, keyboards and additional programming for bands such as Amorphis, Angra and Moonspell, and the 5.1 surround sound mix of the latest At The Gates album (assisted by Linus Corneliusson).

Listen to the single below and download it here:

Regarding the 2 “b-sides”, first of all there’s the alternate mix of “Mono Heart” which was engineered by Johan Ramström of RamPac – the songwriting/production duo known for producing artists such as Swingfly and Crashdiet. Working primarily with top level Swedish mainstream artists, RamPac have been involved in several productions featured in the Swedish Eurovision Song Contest.

The second non-album bonus track comes in the shape of symphonic ballad “The Antedilvvian Lvllaby” – which serves as a vehicle for both the melancholic side of Filip Lönnqvist’s songwriting and the solo vocal talents of Carola Lönnqvist. Co-produced by Egosoft GmbH video game music composer Alexei Zakharov (whose talents also feature on the upcoming second album),”The Antedilvvian Lvllaby” presents a very different sound of the band.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

Chief editor of Side-Line – which basically means I spend my days wading through a relentless flood of press releases from labels, artists, DJs, and zealous correspondents. My job? Strip out the promo nonsense, verify what’s actually real, and decide which stories make the cut and which get tossed into the digital void. Outside the news filter bubble, I’m all in for quality sushi and helping raise funds for Ukraine’s ongoing fight against the modern-day axis of evil.

side-line.com