Pure Wrath – Bleak Days Ahead (Review)

Pure Wrath - Bleak Days AheadThis is the fourth album from Indonesian one-man black metal band Pure Wrath.

Bleak Days Ahead is the 41-minute folow up to 2022’s well-received Hymn to the Woeful Hearts. The artist behind Pure Wrath has returned, accompanied by a cast of associates that bring drums, additional vocals, and saxophone to the table. Continue reading “Pure Wrath – Bleak Days Ahead (Review)”

Portrayal of Guilt – …Beginning of the End (Review)

Portrayal of Guilt - ...Beginning of the EndPortrayal of Guilt are a blackened hardcore band from the US and this is their fourth album.

…Beginning of the End is the sound of Portrayal of Guilt pushing their sound harder and deeper. Across 31 evocative minutes, the band reach across genres and styles to grasp what they want in an unyielding iron grip. …Beginning of the End brings a lot to the table. Continue reading “Portrayal of Guilt – …Beginning of the End (Review)”

Blood Countess – Imperatrix Sanguinis (Review)

Blood Countess - Imperatrix SanguinisBlood Countess are a black metal band from the UK and this is their second album.

After Blood Countess’s absolutely savage performance at this year’s Reaper Fest, it’s now time to see what they’re capable of on record. Can Imperatrix Sanguinis capture the band’s blood-soaked raw vitality across its 39-minute running time? Continue reading “Blood Countess – Imperatrix Sanguinis (Review)”

Night Vigil – The Hamlet (Review)

Night Vigil - The HamletThis is the third album from solo Greek black metal band Night Vigil.

This is an easy band for fans of Auriferous Flame, Mystras, and Spectral Lore to take an interest in, as the same artist behind these bands is also the one behind Night Vigil. The Hamlet contains 35 minutes of material, and it’s not Continue reading “Night Vigil – The Hamlet (Review)”

Foghazer – He Left The Temple (Review)

Foghazer - He Left The TempleThis is the debut album from Foghazer, a German solo blackened trip hop band.

Yes, you read that right – blackened trip hop. He Left the Temple boasts 32 minutes of the sort of music that makes scouring the depths of the extreme metal underworld worth doing. The artist behind Foghazer demonstrates an enviable ability to smash genres together in such a way that Continue reading “Foghazer – He Left The Temple (Review)”

Doodswens – Doodswens (Review)

Doodswens - DoodswensThis is the second album from Doodswens, a black metal band from the Netherlands.

Doodswens comes to us with a refreshed lineup, (including a member of Dödsrit/Ossaert), and 37 minutes of occult black metal. Doodswens know how to put on a live show, but how does this Continue reading “Doodswens – Doodswens (Review)”

Non Est Deus – Blessings and Curses (Review)

Non Est Deus - Blessings and CursesThis is the fifth album from German solo black metal act Non Est Deus.

Brought to life by the artist behind Kanonenfieber and Leiþa, Blessings and Curses contains 41 minutes of melodic black metal. Across this record the listener is treated to a Continue reading “Non Est Deus – Blessings and Curses (Review)”

Blackbraid/Winterfylleth/Noctem – Rebellion, Manchester – 10/04/26 (Live Review)

Blackbraid Winterfylleth Noctem - Rebellion, Manchester - 10.04.26

Tonight’s show is sold out, and with good reason; Blackbraid and Winterfylleth is a potent combination. Add in Noctem too, and it’s sure to be a draw. It’s going to be a busy one tonight. Continue reading “Blackbraid/Winterfylleth/Noctem – Rebellion, Manchester – 10/04/26 (Live Review)”