The Blackwall - Spooky Tunes and Haunting Stories (2024)


The debut LP by The Blackwall was released on November 29th, bearing the self-explanatory title, "Spooky Tunes and Haunting Stories." This album features ten spooky stories narrated through haunting melodies and crafted into rock songs that will make you move, even with their murky atmosphere! The renowned artist Travis Smith, known for his work with Opeth and Katatonia, designed the album cover, perfectly visualizing this endeavor. The band members are George Lyberis: guitars, and vocals, and Alex Lagogiannis: bass, and vocals.

The album is comprised of 10 songs for 42 minutes of music. After a creepy and short intro "Haunting Tune", we have the opener, "The Devil's Discord", upbeat and catchy (it reminds me of Ghost), with inspired riffs and vocals. Definitely a great start for the album. A little slower and creepier, with a hint of Marylyn Manson, is the following track "Skal", Another very cool track, that slowly gets into your mind. "Maledictions" would serve as an ideal soundtrack for the closing titles of a horror film, featuring an impressive guitar solo in the second half. 

Almost Floyd is "Blue Tree Meadow", very atmospheric and with great vocals, while the following "Python" is almost like a slap on your face, with an aggressive riff and energetic drums (and another great solo). "Spooky Stories MMXXIV" reminded me of something in between Annihilator and Type O Negative, another very cool track with a catchy chorus. Slow and full of little tasty details is "Old Vinyl", before becoming aggressive (what a riff!) in the second part. Double bass, the usual creepy atmosphere, and a great chorus for "The Pumpkin King", while the final song, "The Witch", is almost 9 minutes long and with lots of interesting moments. The prog parts (nice surprise!), the metal vibes (another great solo), and the unexpected acoustic break in the middle, where the song slowly starts to fade.

"Spooky Tunes and Haunting Stories" is a very eclectic album, atmospheric, with a great sound and lots of different moments. The band's performance is perfect. The vocals are very personal and energetic/melodic depending on the moment, the drumming is dynamic and precise and the guitars are always inspired in all the moments, with arpeggios, solos, and arrangements in general. Give it a go by clicking on the Spotify player below and remember to follow The Blackwall on Instagram.