Review by Adam M on August 30, 2016.

SubRosa plays a very post take on the metal genre, but with overt doom tendencies. There are cascading riffs that have power and elegance within them that take this genre to the next level.

This is a form of metal that bands like Isis and Cult of Luna have perfected and it is seen to be taken in a different direction here. The songs are generally more open-ended than what those bands perform. The winding passages are freer to explore every nook and cranny possible because the band goes in more directions and doesn’t rely on the same guitar riff as those bands mentioned. This is certainly a very adventurous listen that explores new sonic territories around every corner. The band seems to have mastered loudness control as they let these songs drift into portions that brilliantly display the power of the guitar riff as well as other strings. Moments of the single track Wounds of Warden completely enrapture the listener with glittering use of the guitar. The female vocals are not at the level of the guitar riffs, but still provide a nice counterpoint to what’s going on instrumentally. The overall effect is awe inspiring and will completely win over the listener. SubRosa has put together an album that is as challenging as it is rewarding. It will take multiple listens to allow the guitar riffs to become enveloped in the brain, but this album is more than worth the effort.

For This We Fought The Battle Of Ages has an array of moments that are not to be taken with a grain of salt. They are massive and crushing in their effect. This album is simply a monster and must be consumed as such. The music is huge and all-consuming, but could still be refined further in the future. This is one band that I’m excited for what will come and will keep my ears open for what is offered.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Review by Felix on April 29, 2020.

Hexenbrett is back! Following hot on the heels of the vinyl release of "Erste Beschwörung", the first full-length of the new force of occult metal takes the same line as its predecessor. Josto Feratu and Scarlettina Bolétte, the duo behind Hexenbrett, capture the atmosphere of horror and combine it with a many-sided musical formula, including unorthodox black metal, deathrock and a massive dose of pathological insanity. The artists don't shy away from opulent, almost bombastic moments, they connect solemn parts with the cruel voice of the charismatic lead vocalist, and they like to give full speed whenever it suits the material. The result is another highly original album, even though the sixth track seems to originate from the dusty archive of the Danish King where "two little girls" wait for salvation. In addition, 'The Spider Song' is a cover and one can discuss whether the borrowing of other people's ideas expresses a high degree of originality. However, these details cannot hide the fact that "Zweite Beschwörung" spreads a very individual flair. The album sounds heavy yet pretty melodic, atmospheric yet powerful, adventurous yet clearly defined and quite innovative yet musty.

"Zweite Beschwörung" works as a whole, but it also scores with absolutely outstanding tracks. If we neglect the intro, the cover version and the horror interlude 'Ein Kind Zu Töten II' (by the way, pretty stupid title), then we have a hit rate of 50 percent. Three of the remaining six tracks (this is 50%, right? I wasn't that good in maths) possess larger-than-life elements that maybe / probably / surely will make them to classics of the duo. The first one is the heavy, riff driven 'Spalovac Mtrvol'. It creeps cumbersomely out of its nightmarish dungeon; a flickering guitar sets in and is supported by a heavy and merciless sound frame. The dynamic chorus is anything but cheesy, nevertheless, it keeps sticking in the ear in a matter of seconds. And the best is yet to come: an absolutely stirring outburst of velocity follows the chorus. Slightly unexpected is that a rockstar-like guitar solo has also found a place in this song, but even this narcissistic trip works. Everything fits perfectly together – and isn't it a great gift that both 'La Tumba De Las Muertos Vivientes' and 'Blutige Seide' also invite to a perfect listening experience while distancing by far the solid compositions of thousands of amazed competitors. I don't want to describe these songs as detailed as 'Spalovac Mtrvol' in order to maintain the tension. However, expect a gloomy atmosphere, excellent flows, gargantuan choruses and a lead singer who sovereignly commutes between all dark and mentally disturbed emotions mankind knows. Moreover, rest assured that the further tracks also have – apart from marginal weaknesses – many fascinating moments.

A very expressive element in the sound of "Zweite Beschwörung" is generated by the background vocals, or, to be more precise, the back vocals-like synths. They create a lot of atmosphere. Without being totally different to those that appear constantly (and slightly tiring) on each and every Graveland release, they are livelier and less pregnant with meaning. However, the lead vocals also must be mentioned one more time. In German fairy tales, it's always the devious stepmother that nearly compulsively tortures the helpless, innocent children with perfidious cruelty. Since my childhood, I asked myself where the equally evil stepfather dwells. Now, finally, I have met him. The vocals express exactly this insidious abnormality the Teutonic stepmothers are obviously well known for. Unfortunately, the voice has to struggle in order to be heard, the balance between them and the instruments leaves room for optimization. Either way, the vocals fit the music excellently and create a strong feeling of morbidity.

I know, roughly 35 years ago, Martin Eric Ain was still living (R.I.P.) and Tom G. Warrior was asking "are you morbid?", but don't confuse the Hellhammerian morbidity with that of Hexenbrett. The Swiss cult sent greetings from the sulphurous pits of hell, while here the protagonists emerge as true kings of subtle horror. You sit comfortably in your wing chair, the best place of your cleared living room? Well, this status will change quickly, because the feeling of fear will come crawling in and will take possession of you. The output's relatively warm sound was just produced to keep the listener in a false sense of security. Thus, it's better to leave your living room. Don't listen alone to this work, do it together with someone else. The best partners for this listening session are the grim reaper, the corona virus or a sadistic mother-in-law with a stable frying pan she likes to shatter on your head. Anyway, what really counts is that this formation is back and therefore I generously turn a blind eye on the blatantly attention-grabbing album title. Violence against children sucks completely, but this pitch-black, abysmal material is fantastic. Just inhale the four and a half minutes called 'Blutige Seide' and you will be infected by the sound of this goose bumps causing entity called Hexenbrett.

Rating: 8.9 out of 10

Review by JD on August 7, 2011.

Confused... as I sit here to write a review for The Sunwashed Avenues, that is where I am at. This is a band that defies all logic... and that is not in a good way. I have just finished the album for the 5th time and I am as confused as a Amish man who has found himself at a Gwar concert.

Stapling together so many influences can cause a lack of focus and this band has indisputably no focus. Songs runs the gambit from a sort of Death Metal attack... to old school Punk that just plods along aimlessly, these guys bring every influence to bear and yet never does very much with it. I have to admit that I really get stoked when a band can do a whole variety of different styles, but not when it seems so muddled together. The Sunwashed Avenues seem not to be on the same page.

The musicianship is very impressive, as is the production and packaging, but that never hides the fact that this band is all over the place, to the point that they probably have no clue to what they are doing. Artistic and vision aside, all great art needs something that binds it all together into one - and there is nothing that is making this band into what the potential of the talent they have.

Some might find something in the album they like, but confusion and the fact that there is no true direction to see - even that might be short lived. As much talent that The Sunwashed Avenues have, doubt if it could save the album. My advice is to skip the album, and hope that when the next album is released, they all play as one.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 5
Production: 8
Originality: 5 (confusion is not original)
Overall: 6.5

Rating: 6.5 out of 10

Review by JD on August 7, 2011.

Confused... as I sit here to write a review for The Sunwashed Avenues, that is where I am at. This is a band that defies all logic... and that is not in a good way. I have just finished the album for the 5th time and I am as confused as a Amish man who has found himself at a Gwar concert.

Stapling together so many influences can cause a lack of focus and this band has indisputably no focus. Songs runs the gambit from a sort of Death Metal attack... to old school Punk that just plods along aimlessly, these guys bring every influence to bear and yet never does very much with it. I have to admit that I really get stoked when a band can do a whole variety of different styles, but not when it seems so muddled together. The Sunwashed Avenues seem not to be on the same page.

The musicianship is very impressive, as is the production and packaging, but that never hides the fact that this band is all over the place, to the point that they probably have no clue to what they are doing. Artistic and vision aside, all great art needs something that binds it all together into one - and there is nothing that is making this band into what the potential of the talent they have.

Some might find something in the album they like, but confusion and the fact that there is no true direction to see - even that might be short lived. As much talent that The Sunwashed Avenues have, doubt if it could save the album. My advice is to skip the album, and hope that when the next album is released, they all play as one.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 5
Production: 8
Originality: 5 (confusion is not original)
Overall: 6.5

Rating: 6.5 out of 10

Review by JD on August 7, 2011.

Confused... as I sit here to write a review for The Sunwashed Avenues, that is where I am at. This is a band that defies all logic... and that is not in a good way. I have just finished the album for the 5th time and I am as confused as a Amish man who has found himself at a Gwar concert.

Stapling together so many influences can cause a lack of focus and this band has indisputably no focus. Songs runs the gambit from a sort of Death Metal attack... to old school Punk that just plods along aimlessly, these guys bring every influence to bear and yet never does very much with it. I have to admit that I really get stoked when a band can do a whole variety of different styles, but not when it seems so muddled together. The Sunwashed Avenues seem not to be on the same page.

The musicianship is very impressive, as is the production and packaging, but that never hides the fact that this band is all over the place, to the point that they probably have no clue to what they are doing. Artistic and vision aside, all great art needs something that binds it all together into one - and there is nothing that is making this band into what the potential of the talent they have.

Some might find something in the album they like, but confusion and the fact that there is no true direction to see - even that might be short lived. As much talent that The Sunwashed Avenues have, doubt if it could save the album. My advice is to skip the album, and hope that when the next album is released, they all play as one.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 5
Production: 8
Originality: 5 (confusion is not original)
Overall: 6.5

Rating: 6.5 out of 10