Wothrosch – Odium (Review)

Wothrosch - OdiumThis is the debut album from Greek black metallers Wothrosch.

To open this review I’m just going to lazily reference the promo blurb, which states that Odium is for for fans of Septicflesh, Anaal Nathrakh, Shining, Behemoth, and Fleshgod Apocalypse. It also states, “Imagine the soundscape experience of Septicflesh clashing into the furiosity of Anaal Nathrakh: that is what Wothrosch sounds like.”

So now you know. Continue reading “Wothrosch – Odium (Review)”

Déhà – Decadanse (Review)

Déhà - DecadanseDéhà is a Belgian solo artist who plays in a vast multitude of bands, across a variety of styles. In his solo work alone he spans a wide range of genres. This album is his 26th, (I think).

Decadanse was unleashed into the world back in March, so I’m a bit late to this particular party, but what an insanely madcap and enjoyable party it is! Continue reading “Déhà – Decadanse (Review)”

Francis Root/Sconsacrata – Split (Review)

Francis Root Sconsacrata - SplitFrancis Root, (based in Norway), and Sconsacrata, (based in the UK), are both solo black metal acts who have teamed up for this split release, (both artists are also in sludge metal band Beggar).

Francis Root start us off, with 19 minutes of material. The style of the four songs we’re presented with is one that’s modern and progressive, with elements of electronica and industrial sewn into the music. Continue reading “Francis Root/Sconsacrata – Split (Review)”

House of Wolf and Crow (Shaidar Logoth/Herzegovinian/Horrid Litany) – Dawn of the Trident – Split (Review)

House of Wolf and Crow (Shaidar Logoth Herzegovinian Horrid Litany) - Dawn of the TridentHouse of Wolf and Crow is a music collective primarily focusing on midwest USA/Minnesota bands, in this case, Shaidar Logoth, Herzegovinian, and Horrid Litany. All three bands contribute one song, and the split release has a total duration of 19 minutes. Continue reading “House of Wolf and Crow (Shaidar Logoth/Herzegovinian/Horrid Litany) – Dawn of the Trident – Split (Review)”

Wonderbox Metal End of Year List – Best Metal of 2020

Almost every year I think about how challenging it is to compile a definitive best of list, and how subjective it is, etc. Although that’s still true for this collecting of albums, this year, however, has been easier than most. 2020 has been heavy on the black metal for me. It’s been my most reviewed genre, in all its myriad permutations, and this is reflected in the below list.

For the longest of times the bands in positions 5 and 6 vied for top position, but then October and November happened. All of a sudden, unexpectedly, these two months unleashed a wealth of quality, and stole the top four positions in a rampant display of blackened supremacy.

I hope you enjoy the below recommendations of mine and find something new to obsess over. Let me know how you get on.

Let’s dig in… Continue reading “Wonderbox Metal End of Year List – Best Metal of 2020”

Anaal Nathrakh – Endarkenment (Review)

Anaal Nathrakh - EndarkenmentAnaal Nathrakh are a UK black metal band and this is their eleventh album.

You’ve gotta love Anaal Nathrakh. Albums like A New Kind of Horror just keep on giving, and I’d pretty much recommend anything in their discography, (also check out The Whole of the Law and Desideratum). Endarkenment is another adrenaline-filled ride into darkness and ferocity. Continue reading “Anaal Nathrakh – Endarkenment (Review)”

Hadopelagial – Hadopelagial (Review)

Hadopelagial - HadopelagialHadopelagial are a German black metal band and this is their debut album.

Here we have 40 minutes of highly-aggressive modern black metal. Strap yourself in tight, because this is powerful, searing stuff. Continue reading “Hadopelagial – Hadopelagial (Review)”

This Gift Is a Curse – A Throne of Ash (Review)

This Gift Is a Curse - A Throne of AshThis Gift Is a Curse are a blackened sludge band from Sweden and this is their third album.

Here we have 45 minutes of hateful extremity that combines black metal, sludge, and hardcore. It’s violent, world-ending music that’s wreathed in both aggression and atmosphere most foul. Continue reading “This Gift Is a Curse – A Throne of Ash (Review)”

Damnation Festival – Leeds University, 03/11/18 (Live Review)

Damnation Festival 2018 Header

The UK’s Damnation Festival has once again rolled around, and it’s time for all good music fans to get themselves to Leeds and bask in the amazing lineup that the festival gods always seem to be able to pull together. As you can see from the above poster, this year boasted some great talent.

The running times I’ll post below, so you can get an idea of how the day ran. The festival was once again sold out this year, and really felt it. Continue reading “Damnation Festival – Leeds University, 03/11/18 (Live Review)”