Parfaxitas – Weaver of the Black Moon (Review)

Parfaxitas - Weaver of the Black MoonThis is the debut album from Parfaxitas, an international black metal band.

Weaver of the Black Moon is brought to us by members of Manetheren, Sinmara, Suffering Hour, Whoredom Rife, Wormlust, which means that you can immediately be assured that Parfaxitas know what they’re doing. Continue reading “Parfaxitas – Weaver of the Black Moon (Review)”

SIG:AR:TYR – Citadel of Stars (Review)

SIG AR TYR - Citadel of StarsThis is the fifth album from Canadian black metal band SIG:AR:TYR.

The promo blurb tells us that Citadel of Stars is for fans of Bathory, Primordial, Falkenbach, Emperor, and Agalloch. This sets the scene nicely for what SIG:AR:TYR have to offer, and should also hopefully speak to how accomplished this album is too. Continue reading “SIG:AR:TYR – Citadel of Stars (Review)”

Wormwood – The Star (Review)

Wormwood - The StarWormwood 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)”

Sidus Atrum – Розірване Небо (Torn Sky​) (Review)

Sidus Atrum - Torn SkyThis is the third album from Ukrainian black metal band Sidus Atrum.

2022’s Spiral of Life made a strong impression on me, and I really enjoyed it. This makes Розірване Небо (Torn Sky) one I’ve definitely been looking forward to. On Torn Sky Sidus Atrum have expanded to a duo, bringing us 37 minutes of new music. Continue reading “Sidus Atrum – Розірване Небо (Torn Sky​) (Review)”

Jours Pâles – Dissolution (Review)

Jours Pâles - DissolutionThis is the third album from French black metal act Jours Pâles.

Jours Pâles’ debut album Éclosion was a surprise hit of 2021 for me, and while 2022 follow up Tensions was a worthy successor, it was released too late in the year to impact upon list season. So, now we have 46 minutes of new material to work through on Dissolution, how have Jours Pâles fared this time around? Continue reading “Jours Pâles – Dissolution (Review)”

Naxen – Descending into a Deeper Darkness (Review)

Naxen - Descending into a Deeper DarknessThis is the second album from Naxen, a German black metal band.

Descending into a Deeper Darkness is the follow up to 2020’s Towards the Tomb of Times, and contains 43 minutes of new material that’s spread out over four sprawling tracks. Naxen were already a quality band before this, but Descending into a Deeper Darkness sees them raise their standards even higher. Continue reading “Naxen – Descending into a Deeper Darkness (Review)”

Amiensus – Reclamation: Part 1 (Review)

Amiensus - Reclamation Part 1This 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)”

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)”

Aristarchos – Martyr of Star and Fire (Review)

Aristarchos - Martyr of Fire and StarThis is the second album from Scottish black metallers Aristarchos.

Following on from 2021’s self titled debut, Martyr of Star and Fire brings us 33 minutes of new material. I’m still none the wiser as to whether Aristarchos is the product of a full band or just an individual, but either way, it’s a band that continues to progress and impress. Continue reading “Aristarchos – Martyr of Star and Fire (Review)”

Mountain Shadow – Mountain Shadow (Review)

Mountain ShadowThis is the debut album from US black metal band Mountain Shadow.

Mountain Shadow play atmospheric black metal and their self titled record contains 53 minutes of material. It might not be what you’re expecting though, as Mountain Shadow have created something a little different in some ways on these eight tracks. Continue reading “Mountain Shadow – Mountain Shadow (Review)”