Anagnorisis – Caregriever (Review)

Anagnorisis - CaregrieverAnagnorisis are a post-black metal band from the US and this is their fourth album.

Caregriever brings together a variety of extreme metal elements into a compelling 41-minute post-blackened framework. Anagnorisis have been absent a decade, but Caregriever gives us reason to be thankful they have returned, albeit in dark circumstances. Continue reading “Anagnorisis – Caregriever (Review)”

Wolves in the Throne Room – Estuary (Review)

Wolves in the Throne Room - EstuaryThis is the eighth album from US black metallers Wolves in the Throne Room.

Wolves in the Throne Room, kings of atmospheric black metal, have returned. Across 48 minutes of expressive, mood-rich music, Estuary once again reinforces their claim to the crown. Is Estuary the album so many people want it to be? Continue reading “Wolves in the Throne Room – Estuary (Review)”

Firtan – Helios (Review)

Firtan - HeliosFirtan are a German black metal band and this is their fifth album.

Following on from 2022’s Marter and 2024’s Ethos, Helios brings us 60 minutes of well-crafted atmospheric black metal and post-blackened might. It is a record that reeks of high quality. Firtan have obviously put a lot of energy and care into its creation, and the results pay off. Continue reading “Firtan – Helios (Review)”

Fluisteraars – Jacht der Mysteriën (Review)

Fluisteraars - Jacht der MysteriënThis is the sixth album from black metal band Fluisteraars, who are from the Netherlands.

Jacht der Mysteriën blesses us with three tracks equalling 42 minutes of music. Fluisteraars have a well-developed personality, and Jacht der Mysteriën is surely one of their more idiosyncratic releases. The music may ultimately be atmospheric black metal, but it’s an atypical expression of the style for sure. Continue reading “Fluisteraars – Jacht der Mysteriën (Review)”

Tynebound 2026 – Anarchy Brew Co, Newcastle upon Tyne, 05/09/26-06/09/26 (Live Review)

Tynebound 2026 Header Graphic

It’s the inaugural Tynebound, brought to us by the lovely Reaper Agency. It’s a sister festival of this year’s Reaper Festival, and if it’s even half as good as that was, this weekend will be a smashing success. With a great lineup over both days, it’s time to embrace the northern darkness. Continue reading “Tynebound 2026 – Anarchy Brew Co, Newcastle upon Tyne, 05/09/26-06/09/26 (Live Review)”

Fen – Elemental Part One: Mourning Earth (Review)

Fen - Elemental Part One Mourning EarthFen are a UK black metal band and this is their eighth album.

Following on from 2023’s Monuments to Absence, Fen have now returned with 47 minutes of new material in the form of Elemental Part One: Mourning Earth. As the name might suggest, this is the first part of two. Continue reading “Fen – Elemental Part One: Mourning Earth (Review)”

Cairiss – Wilderness (Review)

Cairiss - WildernessThis is the debut album from UK black metal band Cairiss.

A decade after 2016’s EP Fall comes its long-awaited follow up Wilderness. Fall was a notably strong first release, one that excelled in its own right, but that also dripped in potential for the future. Sadly, nothing ever came of it. Until now. With 42 minutes of new material from Cairiss, and a refreshed lineup, can Wilderness satisfy the probably unfairly high expectations put upon it? Continue reading “Cairiss – Wilderness (Review)”

Miserere Luminis – Sidera (Review)

Miserere Luminis - SideraThis is the third album from Canadian black metallers Miserere Luminis.

Miserere Luminis contain members of Conifère and Gris, and on Sidera they bring us 51 minutes of highly affecting atmospheric black metal. This is an uncommon journey that’s presented before you. Will you avail yourself of the gifts that Sidera has to offer? Continue reading “Miserere Luminis – Sidera (Review)”

Astral Alchemy – Weaving Chilling Magical Dreamworlds (Review)

Astral Alchemy - Weaving Chilling Magical DreamworldsThis is the debut album from US black metal band Astral Alchemy.

Weaving Chilling Magical Dreamworlds unleashes 39 minutes of multifaceted black metal on the world. Astral Alchemy revel in the creation of an alluring mix of the ancient and the modern, leading to a record that captures the strengths from both remarkably well. Continue reading “Astral Alchemy – Weaving Chilling Magical Dreamworlds (Review)”