Wonderbox Metal

Abigail Williams – A Void Within Existence (Review)

This is the sixth album from US black metal band Abigail Williams.

Brought to us by current/ex-members of bands such as Aborted, Changeling, Chrome Waves, Fear Factory, The Faceless, Lord Mantis, Nachtmystium, Vale of Pnath, and Wolvhammer, a lot of experience and skills has gone into A Void Within Existence. In fact, due to the members, I’m amazed I’ve never listened to Abigail Williams prior to this new album. I’ve heard the name many times, but this is my first exposure to their brand of black metal. Continue reading “Abigail Williams – A Void Within Existence (Review)”

Azathoth’s Dream – Solitary Forest Necromancy (Review)

This is the second album from US black metallers Azathoth’s Dream.

Solitary Forest Necromancy contains 36 minutes of 90s synth-heavy atmospheric black metal. If the classic, atmosphere-rich blackend style is to your taste, then this is for you. Me? I really like this. Continue reading “Azathoth’s Dream – Solitary Forest Necromancy (Review)”

In the Company of Serpents – A Crack in Everything (Review)

In the Company of Serpents are a doom metal band from the US and this is their fifth album.

I’ve enjoyed watching In the Company of Serpents ply their heaviness over the years. From 2014’s Merging in Light, to 2017’s Ain-Soph Aur, to 2020’s Lux, the band have always put releases out that hit the spot for me. Now, five years after their last album, we have the 44-minute A Crack in Everything to satiate our need for sludge/doom soundscapes. Continue reading “In the Company of Serpents – A Crack in Everything (Review)”

Impureza – Alcázares (Review)

This is the third album from French death metal band Impureza.

Following on from 2017’s La Caída de Tonatiuh, (which seems like it came out an age ago), Impureza have now returned with the 49-minute Alcázares. If you’re interested in death metal with flamenco elements, and enjoy bands like Behemoth, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Hate Eternal, and Nile, then this is for you. Continue reading “Impureza – Alcázares (Review)”

King Witch – III (Review)

This is the third album from UK doom/heavy metal band King Witch.

King Witch play classic doom and heavy metal spliced with equally vintage grunge and heavy rock. It’s a very effective mix, showcasing the band’s songwriting skill as they deliver 44 minutes of the good stuff. III is a high quality record through and through. Continue reading “King Witch – III (Review)”

Dimscûa – Dust Eater (Review)

This is the debut album from UK post-metal band Dimscûa.

It’s unlikely I would have come across this if it wasn’t for the organiser of Damnation Festival‘s enthusiastic endorsement for it on the brilliant 2 Promoters 1 Pod. I’m glad I did though, as it’s a corker. Dust Eater is a 32-minute post-metal/sludge tour de force. Continue reading “Dimscûa – Dust Eater (Review)”

We Lost the Sea – A Single Flower (Review)

This is the fifth album from Australian post-rock band We Lost the Sea.

A Single Flower contains 70 minutes of expressive instrumental post-rock. It’s a huge work, culminating in a 27-minute finale that’s an entire world unto itself. We Lost the Sea weave deep emotion into the very fibre of A Single Flower, providing the listener with an experience to remember. Continue reading “We Lost the Sea – A Single Flower (Review)”

Meth Leppard – Gatekeepers (Review)

Meth Leppard are an Australian grindcore band and this is their second album.

Gatekeepers is a 10-track, 15-minute kick in the face. Meth Leppard offer up an intense dose of brutality that should find fans of bands like Axis of Despair, Insect Warfare, Leng Tch’e, Maruta, Nasum, Pig Destroyer, and Rotten Sound quite happy. Continue reading “Meth Leppard – Gatekeepers (Review)”

Vintras – Timescarred (Review)

Vintras are a UK black metal band and this is their debut album.

Here’s a tasty blackened treat from earlier in the year that you really need in your life. Brought to us by members of Ageless Summoning, Ashen Horde, Evilyn, Norse, Of Spire and Throne, Sluagh, Somnium Nox, and Virulent Depravity, I couldn’t help but expect good things from Vintras. And believe me, Timescarred does not disappoint. Continue reading “Vintras – Timescarred (Review)”

Beyond Mortal Dreams – Devastation Hymns (Review)

This is the latest EP from Australian death metal band Beyond Mortal Dreams.

Oh my, it’s somehow been 11 years (!) since I last caught up with Beyond Mortal Dreams, (Dreaming Death and Lamia). This ends now, with the appropriately named Devastation Hymns. I was impressed with both of those early releases, so I definitely intend to check out what I’ve been missing at some point. For now though, we have this new 31-minute release – five original songs and a Forbidden cover. Continue reading “Beyond Mortal Dreams – Devastation Hymns (Review)”