Hagoroth – Hagoroth (Review)

Hagoroth - HagorothHagoroth are a black metal band from an unknown location, and this is their second album.

No information is available as to whether Hagoroth is a full band or a solo venture. Either way, Hagoroth play black metal with progressive and avant-garde tendencies, and it’s really rather special. Across 38 expressive minutes, Hagoroth reveals itself to be a carefully curated blend of aggression, atmosphere, emotion, and exploration. Continue reading “Hagoroth – Hagoroth (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)”

Inferno – The Anthropic Sophisms (On the Heights of Despair) (Review)

Inferno - The Anthropic Sophisms (On the Heights of Despair)Inferno are a black metal band from Czechia and this is their ninth album.

2013’s Omniabsence Filled By His Greatness, 2017’a Gnosis Kardias (of Transcension and Involution), and 2021’s Paradeigma (Phosphenes of Aphotic Eternity) were all strong releases of an esoteric nature. With four new songs that expand across 41 amorphous minutes, Inferno have arrived once more with The Anthropic Sophisms (On the Heights of Despair) to show the world their inscrutable vision for blackened darkness. Continue reading “Inferno – The Anthropic Sophisms (On the Heights of Despair) (Review)”

Kostnatění – Přílišnost (Excess) (Review)

Kostnatění - Přílišnost (Excess)This is the second album from US solo extreme metal band Kostnatění.

2023’s Úpal was a notable record, standing out from the crowd with its atypical approach to black metal. Now comes Přílišnost, and it’s a refined beast of uncommon extremity we find ourselves faced with. Continue reading “Kostnatění – Přílišnost (Excess) (Review)”

Kamra – Unending Confluence (Review)

Kamra - Unending ConfluenceKamra are a black metal band from Slovenia and this is their second album.

Kamra have a member of Assumption in their ranks, and Unending Confluence contains 41 minutes of music. This is black metal influenced by the old-school, but dragged by lethal dissonance into the modern era. Continue reading “Kamra – Unending Confluence (Review)”

Vörnir – Av Hädanfärd Krönt (Review)

Vörnir - Av Hädanfärd KröntThis is the debut album by international black metal band Vörnir.

Brought to us by current/ex-members of Chaos Moon, Dagger Lust, Häxanu, Krieg, Triumvir Foul, Osgraef, Ringarë, Skáphe, Wormlust, and many, many, many more, Vörnir is a new band with a wealth of experience. All of which made me very interested to check out the 38 minutes of material on Av Hädanfärd Krönt. Continue reading “Vörnir – Av Hädanfärd Krönt (Review)”

Hasard – Abgnose (Review)

Hasard - AbgnoseThis is the second album from one-man black metal band Hasard.

This is the 46-minute follow up to 2023’s Malivore, which showcased the artist behind Hasard’s vision for dark, nightmarish black metal. Abgnose contains an idiosyncratic form of dissonant avant-garde black metal, one that’s enriched with dark orchestral symphonics as part of its journey into the abyss. Continue reading “Hasard – Abgnose (Review)”

Execrari – Desolation Manifest (Review)

Execrari - Desolation ManifestThis is the debut album from US black metal band Execrari.

Containing a member of Relentless, Execrari’s style is rooted in black metal’s second wave, while also showing some contemporary influences and progressive, melodic, and avant-garde tendencies. Desolation Manifest has come out of nowhere to really impress. There are six songs, spanning 47 minutes, and each track is a powerful reminder of just how potent black metal can be in the right hands. Exciting even, despite its ancient roots. Continue reading “Execrari – Desolation Manifest (Review)”

…And Oceans – The Regeneration Itinerary (Review)

...And Oceans - The Regeneration ItineraryThis is the seventh album from Finnish black metallers …And Oceans.

I thoroughly enjoyed 2023’s As in Gardens, so in Tombs, so I’ve been eagerly awaiting The Regeneration Journey. On their new album, …And Oceans deliver 47 minutes, (54 minutes with the bonus tracks), of their compelling black metal. Buckle up, as it’s going to be a furious ride. Continue reading “…And Oceans – The Regeneration Itinerary (Review)”

Imperial Triumphant – Goldstar (Review)

Imperial Triumphant - GoldstarThis is the sixth album from US avant-garde black/death metal band Imperial Triumphant.

Imperial Triumphant always make a fascinating record. Check out any of their albums, (such as 2020’s Alphaville or 2022’s Spirit of Ecstasy and you’ll be in an unfamiliar world of avant-garde experimentation and gilded individuality. Continue reading “Imperial Triumphant – Goldstar (Review)”