Hræ – Þar Sem Skepnur Reika (Review)

Hræ - Þar Sem Skepnur ReikaHræ is a one-man Icelandic black metal band and this is his debut album.

Hræ’s brand of black metal is dark and menacing, with an experimental edge that reeks of dissonant malevolence. Continue reading “Hræ – Þar Sem Skepnur Reika (Review)”

Sunnudagr – Le Silence (Review)

Sunnudagr - Le SilenceThis is the debut album from French black metallers Sunnudagr.

Le Silence features 36 minutes of Scandinavian-influenced black metal. It’s capably forged from a second wave base and then enhanced with a contemporary edge. Continue reading “Sunnudagr – Le Silence (Review)”

Foretoken – Ruin (Review)

Foretoken - RuinThis is the debut album from US black/death metal band Foretoken.

So, you fancy a good-sized chunk of Scandinavian death metal? That’s no problem, take your pick. What’s that? You also want a decent black metal influence to be felt? That’s easily done. Now you want a take on the style that’s highly melodic too? Sure, Continue reading “Foretoken – Ruin (Review)”

Monthly Overview – the Best of August 2020

August came and went, and left us with some top tunes to enjoy. Here are a selection of those that I’ve particularly liked… Continue reading “Monthly Overview – the Best of August 2020”

Cult of Lilith – Mara (Review)

Cult of Lilith - MaraCult of Lilith are a death metal band from Iceland and this is their debut album.

After a decent wait, we finally have the follow up to the early promise of 2016’s Arkanum. Between the two releases the band have picked up a new singer and filled out to an entire band, so that only one member remains from that first EP. Mara is largely the sound of a new entity. Continue reading “Cult of Lilith – Mara (Review)”

Atramentus – Stygian (Review)

Atramentus - StygianThis is the debut album from Atramentus, a doom metal band from Canada.

Stygian is a monster of dark funeral doom. Three tracks sprawl out over 45 minutes, promising nothing but glacial moods and barren hopelessness, and delivering. There are two colossal songs that bookend a shorter ambient piece. Continue reading “Atramentus – Stygian (Review)”

Dratna – Druid Winds & the Fall of the Celtic Gods (Review)

Dratna - Druid Winds & The Fall of the Celtic GodsThis is the latest EP from UK one-man black metal band Dratna.

This EP contains 24 minutes of atmospheric black metal. The style reminds me of the late 90s/early 00s quite strongly, but has enough of its own personality to justify its own existence. If you imagine a mix of bands such as Windir and Vinterriket, then you’ll be on the right lines. Continue reading “Dratna – Druid Winds & the Fall of the Celtic Gods (Review)”

Noctem Aeternus – Landscape of Discord (Review)

Noctem Aeternus - Landscape of DiscordNoctem Aeternus is a one-man atmospheric black metal band from Argentina.

Although Landscape of Discord was originally released in 2019, this is an album worth getting to know now that it’s being released by a label, (Naturmacht Productions). Continue reading “Noctem Aeternus – Landscape of Discord (Review)”

Ancient Gate – Empire Beyond Dusk (Review)

Ancient Gate - Empire Beyond DuskAncient Gate are an Argentinian black metal band and this is their second album.

Now here’s an album that really reminds me of the 90s. Yep, this is raw, underground, second wave worship through-and-through, and if you’re a fan of the style that’s no bad thing. Continue reading “Ancient Gate – Empire Beyond Dusk (Review)”