Aara – Wonderbox Metal

Starer – Ancient Monuments and Modern Sadness (Review)

This is the fourth album from Starer, a one-man black metal band from the US.

Since appearing out of nowhere with the wonderful 18° Below the Horizon in 2021, the artist behind Starer has been busy. We’ve had two subsequent full lengths, (2022’s The What It Is to Be and 2023’s Wind, Breeze, or Breath), and a plethora of other smaller releases. he’s now back with the 49-minute Ancient Monuments and Modern Sadness, and it’s a cracking record. Continue reading “Starer – Ancient Monuments and Modern Sadness (Review)”

Sea Mosquito – Majestas (Review)

This is the second album from UK black metallers Sea Mosquito.

Majestas contains 44 minutes of esoteric black metal. As a rough starting point, think of a compelling mix of bands such as Aara, Blut Aus Nord, Inherits the Void, Deathspell Omega, Labyrinthus Stellarum, Mare Cognitum, Selbst, and Vorga, although Sea Mosquito do offer up an experience that’s their own. Continue reading “Sea Mosquito – Majestas (Review)”

Oskoreien – Hollow Fangs (Review)

This is the third album from US black metal band Oskoreien.

After enjoying both previous Oskoreien albums, it’s come as a surprise to discover that I never actually reviewed either of them. Hollow Fangs is a great opportunity to remedy this, and it’s Oskoreien’s first outing as a full band too. Hollow Fangs contains 39 minutes of new material, so let’s dive in. Continue reading “Oskoreien – Hollow Fangs (Review)”

Blood Abscission – I I (Review)

This is the second album from black metal band Blood Abscission.

I I contains 41 minutes of black metal that’s melodic and atmospheric. However, this is such a simple description for something so exceptional. Blood Abscission have created a record that’s destined to stay with me for some time. Holy crap this is good. Continue reading “Blood Abscission – I I (Review)”

Wonderbox Metal End of Year List – Best Metal of 2024

Yes, it’s list season once more, so gather round and witness some of the best metal that 2024 had to offer!

2024 was a fantastic year for metal, and that’s an understatement. I thought 2023 was one of the weaker years for metal releases, overall. As such, putting last year’s list together, although challenging as it always is, was relatively effortless compared to this one. I don’t think I’ve agonised over placings more any other year. In the end, similar to last year, I just decided that enough was enough and I needed to just stop needlessly obsessing. Continue reading “Wonderbox Metal End of Year List – Best Metal of 2024”

Aara – Eiger (Review)

This is the sixth album from Swiss black metal band Aara.

A new Aara album is always a cause for celebration. I’ve been a big fan of everything they’ve put out so far, (check out Triade I: Eos, Triade II: Hemera, and Triade III: Nyx), so expectations are high for Eiger. Continue reading “Aara – Eiger (Review)”

Acathexis – Immerse (Review)

This is the second album from Acathexis, an international black metal band.

Acathexis is given dark life by Jacob Buczarski(, the artist behind the amazing Mare Cognitum), the insanely prolific Déhà, (COAG, Cult of Erinyes, Silver Knife, Slow, We All Die (Laughing), and many others), and a singer from some bands I don’t know, (Dany Tee, from Los Males del Mundo and Seelenmord). Immerse may only have four songs, but with a total duration of 50 minutes, there’s a lot here to delve deeply into. The album is Well-named, and the songs are sprawling and immersive. Continue reading “Acathexis – Immerse (Review)”

Taubrą – Therizo (Review)

This is the debut album from Taubrą, a Swiss/Norwegian black metal band.

Featuring members of Aara, Forgotten Tomb, Modern Rites, Porta Nigra, and Thron, Therizo contains 41 minutes of old-school black metal. Think of a combination of influences from acts such as Mayhem, Immortal, Behexen, Tsjuder, Marduk, and Gorgoroth, and you’ll be on the right lines. Continue reading “Taubrą – Therizo (Review)”

Thron – Dust (Review)

Thron are a black metal band from Germany and this is their fourth album.

Now boasting the drummer of the mighty Aara in their ranks, Dust contains 55 minutes of accomplished black metal. I haven’t caught up with the band since 2018’s Abysmal, so it’s good to hear what they’re up to once more, and I have not been disappointed. Quite the opposite, in fact. Continue reading “Thron – Dust (Review)”

Aara – Triade III: Nyx (Review)

This is the fifth album from Swiss black metal band Aara.

Another year, another Aara record, and I’m very happy about this. Triade III: Nyx is the final instalment in the trilogy that brought us Triade I: Eos from 2021 and the stellar Triade II: Hemera from last year. Continue reading “Aara – Triade III: Nyx (Review)”