Black metal – Page 197 – Wonderbox Metal

Interview with Arallu

Arallu are a band that have been releasing quality music for almost 20 years, and their fifth album, Geniewar, sees the band losing no momentum or creative power. It’s an engrossing listen, and by rights the band should be at least twice as popular as they actually are. With that in mind, let’s take the time to catch up with Arallu and find out a bit more about what makes this very individual black metal band tick…

Introduce us to Arallu!

Hello from Jerusalem.

Arallu was founded in Jerusalem, in the middle of the conflict between the religions around the old city of Jerusalem in the 90s. When you live as the terror is surrounding you. Want it or not, it inspires you whatever you do. Continue reading “Interview with Arallu”

Sarcoptes – Songs and Dances of Death (Review)

Sarcoptes are a black metal band from the US. This is their début album.

This record makes me feel nostalgic. The band play a classic style of black metal that incorporates elements of the 90s symphonic style alongside a few thrashier bits here and there. It really does take me back to the early days of bands like Cradle of Filth, Emperor, Bal-Sagoth, Hecate Enthroned, Dimmu Borgir, etc.

The singer has Continue reading “Sarcoptes – Songs and Dances of Death (Review)”

Seedna – Forlorn (Review)

Seedna are an atmospheric black metal band from Sweden. This is their third album.

I like music like this; some of my favourite albums are those where it sounds as if the band are taking the listener on a journey, and Forlorn is very much a release like this.

Seedna play atmospheric black metal that’s big on emotional content and Continue reading “Seedna – Forlorn (Review)”

Arallu – Geniewar (Review)

This is the fifth album from this Israeli black metal band.

Ever since I first heard Satanic War in Jerusalem back in 2002, it was immediately apparent that there was something different, something special, about Arallu’s music. Sure, it was black metal and contained recognisably black metal components, but there was also something extra that the band had. They’ve nurtured and developed it over the years, and every time I hear them I’m reminded of just how individual they are.

So basically, we get black metal in the recognisable format, but twisted with Continue reading “Arallu – Geniewar (Review)”

Behexen – The Poisonous Path (Review)

This is the fifth album from this Finnish black metal horde.

There’s something remarkably pure about Behexen that manages to encapsulate everything I like about orthodox black metal, without ever becoming stale or tired.

There’s a lot of music on The Poisonous Path; 58 minutes of utter Continue reading “Behexen – The Poisonous Path (Review)”

Dark Funeral – Where Shadows Forever Reign (Review)

This is the sixth album from this Swedish black metal institution.

With a new lineup, (including a new vocalist), this is the first Dark Funeral album in seven years, and it lands with the impact of a swinging broadsword.

Make no mistake; this is Continue reading “Dark Funeral – Where Shadows Forever Reign (Review)”

Blakk Old Blood/Black Devotion – Split (Review)

Blakk Old Blood are from Switzerland and Black Devotion are from the US. Both bands play Black Metal and have teamed up for this split release, each contributing one song.

Blakk Old Blood start Continue reading “Blakk Old Blood/Black Devotion – Split (Review)”

Eggs of Gomorrh – Rot Prophet (Review)

Eggs of Gomorrh are a Swiss Black Metal band. This is their début release.

Eggs of Gomorrh play Black Metal with a touch of Death Metal, especially in the vocals, which are as deep and cavernous as they come.

With an unrelentingly bleak sound, the Continue reading “Eggs of Gomorrh – Rot Prophet (Review)”

Enoid – Exilé aux Confins des Tourments (Review)

This is the seventh album from this Swiss black metal solo project.

As soon as I press play my attention is hooked by what blares out of the speakers. It’s scything, sharp Black Metal with a tight sound and enough frosted melodies and dark aggression to cut deep into the most jaded of hearts.

Kind of like Anaal Nathrakh crossed with Continue reading “Enoid – Exilé aux Confins des Tourments (Review)”

Sulphur – Omens of Doom (Review)

This is the third album from Norwegian black metallers Sulphur.

Here we have an interesting release that combines a few different things into one. Omens of Doom is black metal that adds progressive, sometimes quirky, layers onto the razor-sharp modern style that it employs. Some elements of death metal and the avant-garde get a look in too, all incorporated into the comprehensive song structures.

Continue reading “Sulphur – Omens of Doom (Review)”