What bands/albums have you listened to recently?

A measured, melancholic rhythm. A guttural roar. Music that is sad and beautiful, like an autumn Grove, fragile like newly frozen ice on puddles, and at the same time merciless and sharp, like a katana. Dark, cold, lonely music.

Wow, impressive... I'll have to listen to it, because I like that kind of thing :cool:
After such a review, I'm almost afraid to write something of my own, but I'll try :)

Swallow The Sun (Finland, Death Doom Metal)

New Mooon (2009)
01. These Woods Breathe Evil
02. Falling World
03. Sleepless Swans
04. ...And Heavens Cried Blood
05. Lights On The Lake (Horror Pt. III)
06. New Moon
07. Servant Of Sorrow
08. Weight Of The Dead

A wonderful album, atmospheric, melodic. IMHO, it's the best thing they've released since 2003. Along with growling/screaming in the songs, there is also clean vocals. The tracks numbered 1, 2, 3, and 5 resonated the most.

Terhen (Finland, Death Doom Metal)

Eyes Unfolded (2007)
1. Influences
2. Six Months
3. Last Moments
4. What Truly Is Real
5. Wandering

Well, here's the same country, the same genre, but it sounds different. Although it's no less beautiful and melodic, it's just that both bands have their own individual sound. It's hard to single anything out, but I was pleased with the female vocals in the 3rd and 5th tracks.
The album is full-length (songs are 9-13 minutes long), it's the first and so far the only album for the band.

Amberian Dawn (Finland, Symphonic Power Metal)

River of Tuoni (2008)
1. River of Tuoni
2. Wings Are My Eyes
3. Lullaby
4. Valkyries
5. Fate of Maiden
6. My Only Star
7. Curse
8. Passing Bells
9. Sunrise
10. Evil Inside Me

Another Finnish band, another debut album, but a slightly different side of metal :) Here, on the contrary, everything is quite cheerful (although there is also a place for sadness), with excellent vocals from the soloist (who also writes the lyrics). However, the album is a bit short. In general, as an alternative to the somewhat forgotten Nightwish, Dark Moor, and Visions of Atlantis, it works quite well :) The most liked tracks are No. 1, 4, 5, and 9.