Crippled Black Phoenix – Sceaduhelm (Review)

Crippled Black Phoenix - SceaduhelmThis is the thirteenth album from progressive/post-rock band Crippled Black Phoenix.

Crippled Black Phoenix’s latest record is the 66-minute Sceaduhelm. Ranging from accessible chorus-driven delights to delicate atmospheric grace, and much around these, Sceaduhelm is as absorbing as it is high quality.  Continue reading “Crippled Black Phoenix – Sceaduhelm (Review)”

Reeking Aura – On the Promise of the Moon (Review)

Reeking Aura - On the Promise of the MoonReeking Aura are a death metal band from the US and this is their second album.

This is the follow up to 2022’s Blood and Bonemeal. With nine tracks and 32 minutes of material, On the Promise of the Moon is a shade shorter than the last record, while still possessing two more songs. This references Reeking Aura’s refreshed lineup, but Continue reading “Reeking Aura – On the Promise of the Moon (Review)”

Non Est Deus – Blessings and Curses (Review)

Non Est Deus - Blessings and CursesThis is the fifth album from German solo black metal act Non Est Deus.

Brought to life by the artist behind Kanonenfieber and Leiþa, Blessings and Curses contains 41 minutes of melodic black metal. Across this record the listener is treated to a Continue reading “Non Est Deus – Blessings and Curses (Review)”

Spirit Adrift – Infinite Illumination (Review)

Spirit Adrift - Infinite IlluminationThis is the sixth, and final, album from the US doom/heavy metal band Spirit Adrift.

So, the final Spirit Adrift album – the end of an era. Since 2016’s Chained to Oblivion, all  the way across a decade of doom and heavy metal, through Curse of ConceptionDivided by DarknessEnlightened in Eternity, and penultimately 2023’s Ghost at the Gallows, Spirit Adrift have Continue reading “Spirit Adrift – Infinite Illumination (Review)”

Blackbraid/Winterfylleth/Noctem – Rebellion, Manchester – 10/04/26 (Live Review)

Blackbraid Winterfylleth Noctem - Rebellion, Manchester - 10.04.26

Tonight’s show is sold out, and with good reason; Blackbraid and Winterfylleth is a potent combination. Add in Noctem too, and it’s sure to be a draw. It’s going to be a busy one tonight. Continue reading “Blackbraid/Winterfylleth/Noctem – Rebellion, Manchester – 10/04/26 (Live Review)”

Cnoc an Tursa – A Cry for the Slain (Review)

Cnoc an Tursa - A Cry for the SlainThis is the third album from Scottish folk black metal band Cnoc an Tursa.

Brought into the world by current/ex-members of Barshasketh and Ruadh, A Cry for the Slain contains 44 minutes of folk-enriched black metal. The promo blurb states that this is for fans of Primordial, Winterfylleth, Saor, and Forefather, so with that in mind, it’s Continue reading “Cnoc an Tursa – A Cry for the Slain (Review)”

Exhumed/Gruesome/Acid Vat – Rebellion, Manchester – 07/04/26 (Live Review)

Exhumed Gruesome Acid Vat - Rebellion, Manchester - 07.04.26

Exhumed and Gruesome touring together is a strong bill. With the singer of Exhumed pulling double duty in both bands, (vocals and guitar), it promises to be a great night of death metal fun. Continue reading “Exhumed/Gruesome/Acid Vat – Rebellion, Manchester – 07/04/26 (Live Review)”

Witch Ripper – Through the Hourglass (Review)

Witch Ripper - Through the HourglassThis is the third album from US stoner/sludge metal band Witch Ripper.

2023’s The Flight After the Fall was a thoroughly enjoyable progressive stoner sludge album, so it’s with some expectation that the coming of Through the Hourglass is greeted. Across 44 minutes of new material, Witch Ripper Continue reading “Witch Ripper – Through the Hourglass (Review)”

Archspire – Too Fast to Die (Review)

Archspire - Too Fast to DieThis is the fifth album from Canadian death metallers Archspire.

If 2017’s Relentless Mutation was a Big Deal, 2021’s Bleed the Future was a Really Big Deal. So, with a new drummer in tow, (from Oubliette), expectations are high for Too Fast to Die. Can Archspire rise to the occasion? Continue reading “Archspire – Too Fast to Die (Review)”