Published: June 18, 2019

New York's MAVRADOXA is like going to the woods,  those ancient places where you commune with the spirit of nature, but modern at the same time, not too far away, and with Wi-Fi. Although they have a lot similarities and share influences of bands that came before them, they're really trying to forge their own way, and that's something to be thankful for. In a time where many metal musicians get complacent and think emulating what they have heard before is the only way, sometimes seeing the forest, not for the trees is good for business.

“Maple” has a really strong beginning; straight to the point. It's done in a MAIDEN style, (don’t get me wrong, it's there.), and then the vocals blast in accentuating and influencing the whole aura. It's a long track, but one that I think you'll enjoy because it sounds like one constant piece, rather than just trying to wing a couple of ideas into an epic song. Quite enjoyable. “The Carrion Shade”: This one starts dark; dark as the woods of hell. Then, the blast of the drums start, and your feet arms and head start moving too. I really loved this track. At times it feels like ones at war,  and consequently, it  sometimes sounds like you’re dead hearing something from the afterlife. I've gone back to this track several times, and undoubtedly will return many times again.

“Nightmarrow” sounds like black n’ roll, and is catchy as hell.  It's obvious that they intended it to be this way to do it so, and even for over 9 minutes, this song has passages that transcends beyond time. It’s like going from the 70’s to current time, and then journeying back in time again.  Epic fat sounding drums throughout, and really good basslines and runs. “Black Crystal Snowfall” starts pretty slow, like a dissection, and then the raw black metal comes sweeping in. It's slow, but fantastically aggressive, with tempo changes that give a unique identity to the song.  Really full of atmosphere, and catchy atmospheres at that.

I have always been reluctant with black metal form North America, but I have to say this has been a pleasant surprise, and you really must give this one a listen for yourself. In all honesty,  hearing something like this in 2019, gives me hope for the future of metal and convinces me that we as listeners are in good hands.