Vaiya – Remnant Light (Review)

VaiyaThis is a re-release of the 2014 album from one-man black metal band Vaiya from Australia.

Featuring three songs, each 13 minutes in length, Remnant Light is atmospheric black metal with a bleak demeanour and a grim personality. Continue reading “Vaiya – Remnant Light (Review)”

Lorn – Arrayed Claws (Review)

LornLorn are an Italian black metal band and this is their latest EP.

Apparently this is an EP, but at 40 minutes in length it’s longer than some albums.

The artwork firmly caught my eye when this appeared; as soon as I saw the cover I knew I had to listen to it. I’m glad I did. Continue reading “Lorn – Arrayed Claws (Review)”

Fen – Winter (Review)

FenFen are a UK progressive black metal band and this is their fifth album.

Fen combine atmospheric, progressive and post-black metal into their beguiling music. Taking the appropriate elements of each and using them to suit their own purposes, the music on Winter is expansive and full of dark vision. Continue reading “Fen – Winter (Review)”

Manetheren – The End (Review)

ManetherenThis is the fourth album by Manetheren, a black metal band from the US.

Here we have 62 minutes of atmospheric black metal with dark, nihilistic, apocalyptic themes.

Manetheren’s approach to black metal is one of layering. Various Continue reading “Manetheren – The End (Review)”

Palace of Worms/Ecferus – Split (Review)

Palace of Worms EcferusThis is a split between Palace of Worms and Ecferus – two US one-man black metal bands.

Both of these bands are ones that I really enjoy, and both have a history of quality releases, (check out The Ladder, Prehistory and Shamaniacal Essence), so when I found out they were sharing a split release, the expectation levels rocketed up. Continue reading “Palace of Worms/Ecferus – Split (Review)”

The Great Old Ones – EOD: A Tale of Dark Legacy (Review)

The Great Old OnesThe Great Old Ones are a black metal band from France and this is their third album.

Boasting a larger and more comprehensive production than ever before on their latest release, The Great Old Ones sound as great as their name implies. Bold, grand and aggressively majestic, EOD: A Tale of Dark Legacy is an album to explore and be afraid of, for the dark delights it contains are not for unwary travellers. Continue reading “The Great Old Ones – EOD: A Tale of Dark Legacy (Review)”

Ande – Het Gebeente (Review)

AndeThis is the second album from Ande, an atmospheric black metal solo project from Belgium.

We have already encountered Ande’s 2015 debut Licht, and now it’s time to take a look at the follow up.

Longer by about 15 minutes than the first release, Het Gebeente is a more mature, confident and assured selection of dark hymns.

Starting off with a piano intro, the remaining five songs, (the sixth is different), mix the second wave of black metal with Continue reading “Ande – Het Gebeente (Review)”

Todesstoss – Ebne Graun (Review)

TodesstossTodesstoss are a German black metal band and this is their eighth album.

After releasing 2015’s challenging and unusual Hirngemeer, Todesstoss are now back with their latest release, which features one 48 minute track.

Just like its predecessor, Ebne Graun is a sprawling, mind-shattering release full of discordant black metal, rampant experimentation and peculiar personality. Continue reading “Todesstoss – Ebne Graun (Review)”

Kjeld/Wederganger – Split (Review)

Kjeld WedergangerKjeld and Wederganger are both black metal bands from the Netherlands. They have teamed up for this split release.

Kjeld are the opening band on this split. 2015’s Skym was cold and evil black metal in the Scandinavian style. On this release they contribute 17 minutes of music in the form of three songs. Continue reading “Kjeld/Wederganger – Split (Review)”

Au Champ des Morts – Dans la Joie (Review)

Au Champ des MortsAu Champ des Morts are a French black metal band and this is their debut album.

This is contemporary black metal that has a firm foundation in the traditional style, but updated for the modern day with post-black metal, atmospheric and blackgaze influences.

Dans la Joie is full of emotive and Continue reading “Au Champ des Morts – Dans la Joie (Review)”