Wormwood are a Swedish black metal band and this is their fourth album.
It’s great to have some new Wormwood material out in the wild. 2021’s Arkivet was a notable album, so The Star is one I have been anticipating. Across 47 minutes Wormwood prove that Arkivet was no fluke. Continue reading “Wormwood – The Star (Review)”
This is the fourth album from US black metallers Amiensus.
Amiensus are a band I’ve really enjoyed watching the development of over the years. 2012’s Restoration was an early highlight, but every release has offered something tasty from the band. Whether this is the stripped back classic approach of 2017’s All Paths Lead to Death, or the standout Abreaction, which rightfully made it onto my 2020 year end list, Amiensus always seem to have something meaningful to say. Continue reading “Amiensus – Reclamation: Part 1 (Review)”
This is the debut album from UK atmospheric black metallers Cistvaen.
I like this form of atmospheric black metal, and I like it even more when it’s played with a weighty doom component, as it is here. The promo blurb mentions bands like Agalloch, Fen, My Dying Bride, Alcest, Insomnium, Wolves in the Throne Room, and Winterfylleth, amongst others, so this should give you a good starting point for approaching the 58 minutes of music on At Light’s Demise. Continue reading “Cistvaen – At Light’s Demise (Review)”
This is the latest EP from US black metal band Obsidian Tongue.
I’ve never properly reviewed anything by Obsidian Tongue, although I did love 2020’s Volume III and included it here. My very brief overview of “Highly accomplished atmospheric black metal with a voice of its own.” still applies, and The Stone Heart is definitely one to check out if you’re a fan of bands such as Agalloch, Wolves in the Throne Room, Wilt, Alda, etc. Continue reading “Obsidian Tongue – The Stone Heart (Review)”
This is the second album from Norwegian black metallers Vemod.
The Deepening contains 48 minutes of dark blackened worldscapes. It’s the sort of record that is worth exploring in a thorough and comprehensive manner, as there are many rewards to be had within its beautifully coated exterior. Continue reading “Vemod – The Deepening (Review)”
This is the debut album from US black metal band Yfel.
Across the 40 minutes of music on Beneath the Mountain’s Vigil Yfel reveal themselves as very capable purveyors of atmospheric black metal. Continue reading “Yfel – Beneath the Mountain’s Vigil (Review)”
This is the fourth album from Scottish epic black metallers Ruadh.
Oh dear, it’s taken me an obscene amount of time to finally check out Ruadh, after thoroughly enjoying them at this year’s Reaper Festival. Ah well, better late than never, and 1296 has definitely been worth the wait. Continue reading “Ruadh – 1296 (Review)”
This is the latest EP from US black metal band Wolves in the Throne Room.
A new Wolves in the Throne Room release is always a cause for celebration, even if it’s not a full album. Crypt of Ancestral Knowledge provides us with two new songs, a remix, and an ambient outro. Let’s dig in and see what this is all about. Continue reading “Wolves in the Throne Room – Crypt of Ancestral Knowledge (Review)”
This is the second album from black metal solo act Blackbraid.
Blackbraid I was a very enjoyable album, which showcased the work of a talented new artist. Now though we have the immense Blackbraid II to absorb ourselves in. With a length of 66 minutes,(which includes a Bathory cover), it’s almost double the duration of its predecessor, and reveals that Blackbraid’s debut was no one-hit wonder. Continue reading “Blackbraid – Blackbraid II (Review)”
Wilt are a Canadian black metal band and this is their third album.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Wilt’s past material, (and bought the T-shirt too), so to say that I have been looking forward to Huginn is an understatement. Both 2015’s Moving Monoliths and 2018’s Ruin are exemplars of atmospheric black metal, and the new release Huginn is no exception. Continue reading “Wilt – Huginn (Review)”
Wonderbox Metal 