The Ritual Aura – Heresiarch (Review)

The Ritual Aura - HeresiarchThis is the fourth album from The Ritual Aura, a death metal band from Australia.

I enjoyed 2015’s Laniakea and 2016’s colossal Tæther, but I never realised until recently that they also had a 2019 album, (Velothi), that I’ve never heard. Well, Heresiarch offers a great opportunity to see what The Ritual Aura are up to in 2023. With a new lineup since I last caught up with them, (including a member of Tómarúm), and 56 minutes of new material, what does Heresiarch assail us with? Continue reading “The Ritual Aura – Heresiarch (Review)”

Earthside – Let the Truth Speak (Review)

Earthside - Let the Truth SpeakThis is the second album from US progressive rock band Earthside.

Let the Truth Speak is a 78-minute odyssey of contemporary progressive rock and metal. Built around a core of the main band, these musicians are augmented by a range of guest musicians and vocalists, (including the singer of Tesseract). Continue reading “Earthside – Let the Truth Speak (Review)”

Euchridian – Philia (Review)

Euchridian - PhiliaThis is the debut EP from international doom metal band Euchridian.

It’s taken me a while to get round to this one, but I’m glad I finally did. I knew I wanted to give it a go due to Euchridian featuring current and ex-members of Barshasketh and Of Spire & Throne, both bands worthy of your time. Continue reading “Euchridian – Philia (Review)”

Sâver – From Ember and Rust (Review)

Sâver - From Ember and RustThis is the second album from Norwegian post-metal band Sâver.

Sâver made a good impression on me with their 2021 split with Psychonaut, so this new release was a great opportunity to see what they are capable of with a full album to play with. Continue reading “Sâver – From Ember and Rust (Review)”

Mephorash – Krystl​-​Ah (Review)

Mephorash - Krystl​-​AhThis is the fifth album from Swedish black metallers Mephorash.

It has been four long years since 2019’s colossal Shem Ha Mephorash first graced the world with its infernal presence, and we’re now due a new emanation from this esoteric act. Behold Krystl-Ah! Yes, Mephorash have gifted us with 67 minutes of new material, and once again, Mephorash have created an impressive album that’s absolutely huge in more ways than one. Continue reading “Mephorash – Krystl​-​Ah (Review)”

Night Crowned – Tales (Review)

Night Crowned - TalesThis is the third album from Swedish black metal band Night Crowned.

I thoroughly enjoyed 2021’s Hädanfärd, and my appreciation for its dark charms has only increased over time. Tales gives us 43 minutes of new material, and I have been looking forward to hearing what it has to offer. Continue reading “Night Crowned – Tales (Review)”

Vastum – Inward to Gethsemane (Review)

Vastum - Inward to GethsemaneThis is the fifth album from Vastum, a death metal band from the US.

It’s a rather shocking ten years since I last heard Vastum, (2013’s Patricidal Lust), so getting reacquainted with the band’s music is long overdue. I’m glad I did, as Inward to Gethsemane is a monster. Continue reading “Vastum – Inward to Gethsemane (Review)”

Heretoir – Nightsphere (Review)

Heretoir - NightsphereHeretoir are a post-black metal band from Germany and this is their third album.

Nightsphere contains 42 minutes of atmospheric post-black metal. Heretoir have an emotive, textured delivery, and across this album they seriously impress. Continue reading “Heretoir – Nightsphere (Review)”

Damnation Festival 2023 – BEC Arena, Manchester, 04/11/23 (Live Review)

Damnation Festiva 2023 - PosterIt’s Damnation o-clock once more! This is always such a good festival to attend. The line up is an interesting and varied one, with some bands I’m less interested in, some that are an essential experience, and some frustrating clashes. I missed some great bands today, unfortunately, but that’s always going to be the case with such a jam-packed festival. Continue reading “Damnation Festival 2023 – BEC Arena, Manchester, 04/11/23 (Live Review)”

Enevelde – En Gildere Død (Review)

Enevelde - En Gildere DødThis is the second album from Enevelde, a Norwegian solo black metal band.

2020’s Enevelde was an enjoyable record that made a good impression. Now the artist behind Enevelde has returned with 39 minutes of new material, showcasing the sort of well-rounded black metal that’s a definite cut above the norm. Continue reading “Enevelde – En Gildere Død (Review)”