Ellende – Todbringerin (Review)

Ellende - Todbringerine This is the fifth album from Ellende, a solo black metal band from Austria.

I’ve heard of Ellende for a while, but this is my first encounter with the band. I have to say, I wish I’d paid more attention earlier, as this is sterling stuff. Todbringerin contains 50 minutes of expressive black metal. Continue reading “Ellende – Todbringerin (Review)”

Alcest – Les Chants de l’Aurore (Review)

Alcest - Les Chants de l'AuroreThis is the seventh album from French post-black metallers Alcest.

Les Chants de l’Aurore contains 44 minutes of new music from the legendary Alcest. This is a band that many people hold a special place in their heart for, and a new album is a big deal in certain circles. So the question is, have Alcest delivered or disappointed? Continue reading “Alcest – Les Chants de l’Aurore (Review)”

Cistvaen – At Light’s Demise (Review)

Cistvaen - At Light's DemiseThis 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)”

Vemod – The Deepening (Review)

Vemod - The DeepeningThis 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)”

Underdark – Managed Decline (Review)

Underdark - Managed DeclineUnderdark are a post-black metal band from the UK and this is their second album.

Following on from 2021’s Our Bodies Burned Bright on Re-Entry, Underdark have now returned with the 41-minute Managed Decline. Continue reading “Underdark – Managed Decline (Review)”

Wolves in the Throne Room – Crypt of Ancestral Knowledge (Review)

Wolves in the Throne Room - Crypt of Ancestral KnowledgeThis 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)”

Numeron – Road to Valhalla (Review)

Numeron - Road to ValhallaThis is the second album from Indonesian post-black metal band Numeron.

Road to Valhalla is a 43-minute exploration of atmospheric black metal and blackgaze, delivered in a post-black metal package that’s passionately performed. Numeron have produced a well-crafted slice of expressive darkness. Continue reading “Numeron – Road to Valhalla (Review)”

Lesath – There Is a Profound Sense in Which We Are Isolated (Review)

Lesath - There Is a Profound Sense in Which We Are IsolatedThis is the fourth album from Indian one-man post-black metal band Lesath.

There Is a Profound Sense in Which We Are Isolated offers 43 minutes of post-black metal. It’s essentially a mix of atmospheric black metal, post-rock, and shoegaze. At least, as a rough description of the material here that suffices. Continue reading “Lesath – There Is a Profound Sense in Which We Are Isolated (Review)”