Metal maniacs, rejoice! I'm proud to present to you: CALLIOPHIS; signed via Solitude Productions, hailing from the glory of Germany - performing Death/Doom Metal, on their sophomoric release entitled "Cor Serpentis" (released March 27^th, 2017).

Since formation in 2006; the quintet in question have only 1 album behind them, I'm introduced to their 2^nd deliverance: "Cor Serpentis". Using the amalgamation of Death/Doom Metal into one intricately designed package, CALLIOPHIS distribute an atmospherically ambient juxtaposition - contrasting with harmonic melodies and distinguishable characteristics that differentiate with hard-hitting riffs and brutally guttural growls. 6 extensive tracks; ranging at around 01:02:16, the quartet provide a solid slab of constructive songwriting adroitness while attributing in a savage & sinister sound production. Opening up with "The Cleansing" the band deliver a 9:42 slice of malicious instrumentation and distinctive musicianship, complex dexterous duo - Martin on Rhythm Guitars & Matthias on Lead Guitars, showcase an organic aesthetic of menacing riffs that showcase efficient amounts of unprecedented devilment.

Thomas consistently growls and grunts with full force, which is evident in "Yuki Onna". CALLIOPHIS emphasize in a conceptual piece of liquid substance; while there's the Death Metal brutalization, you also have the gloomy Doom Metal aerosphere shrouding the project - Imagine walking around in a nearby forest with this blasting at your earphones. So far, there's no immediate Death Metal - until the final few minutes, as the ambience pummels you with groovy riffs and hooks. "Edge Of Existence" is the second longest song at 11:21s, and demonstrates an atmospheric acoustic-like riff at the beginning - until more Doomy Death crushes your being. Powerhouse crushers Florian on drums & Marc Mühlhausen on bass flourish with a unique formula of formidable proficiency and a rhythmic coherency, there is a lot of originality and memorability here as all members perform with a gloomy presence that captivates you intensely.

There is a diabolical dominance in the 3^rd longest song "Munk (Heart Of Stone)" at 10:55 more of the aforementioned, while dragging you asunder into bitterness absolute. Deadly and mesmerizing intricacies including twin guitar riffs, and more dismal doom noise that rumble with bass development - transitioning with grizzly growls and deadly screams of steel (when needed). There is a lot of cohesive actions to the implemented sub-genres that makes this an inviting record, especially in the next shortest song "Seven Suns". Featuring marching drumbeats, and monstrously destructive elements including synths, slab dragging riffs & unearthly vocalization. Concluding "Cor Serpentis" with "Isolation", which opens up with one of the most agonizing screams I've ever witnessed. I am overall compelled to say that this is what Death/Doom Metal should sound like; there is no uncompromising speediness - just an isolating feeling in a dark abyss never ending.

Worth checking out.<