Classic Black Metal – Wonderbox Metal

Lamp of Murmuur – The Dreaming Prince in Ecstasy (Review)

This is the fourth album from US solo black metal band Lamp of Murmuur.

The Dreaming Prince in Ecstasy is the follow up to 2023’s well-received Saturnian Bloodstorm. The latter was a record that only improved over time, and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing songs from it, (and other releases), performed live when I saw Lamp of Murmuur at 2024’s Fortress Festival. All of this is to say, I’ve been looking forward to this new record. Continue reading “Lamp of Murmuur – The Dreaming Prince in Ecstasy (Review)”

Afsky – Fællesskab (Review)

This is the fourth album from Danish solo black metal band Afsky.

If you aren’t familiar with Afsky, make sure you also check out 2018’s Sorg, 2020’s Ofte Jeg Drømmer Mig Død, and 2023’s Om Hundrede År. None will disappoint. Which leads us to Fællesskab, and its 45 minutes of new material. Can the artist behind Afsky maintain his winning streak of quality black metal albums? Continue reading “Afsky – Fællesskab (Review)”

Achathras – A Darkness of the Ancient Past (Review)

This is the debut album from black metal band Achathras.

A mysterious entity, formed by veterans of the scene apparently, Achathras certainly know their stuff. A Darkness of the Ancient Past contains 43 minutes of classic 90s black metal, and it’s pretty damn good. Continue reading “Achathras – A Darkness of the Ancient Past (Review)”

Sarastus – Agony Eternal (Review)

This is the third album from Finnish black metallers Sarastus.

Agony Eternal contains 42 minutes of material, and is brought to us by current/ex-members of Iron Harvest and Order of Nosferat. Sarastus unleash their classic black metal might in no uncertain terms across these nine songs. It’s Finnish melodic black metal, played with cold fury and a fiery heart. Continue reading “Sarastus – Agony Eternal (Review)”

Blackbraid – Blackbraid III (Review)

This is the third album from US black metal solo act Blackbraid.

Following on from 2022’s Blackbraid I and 2023’s Blackbraid II, Blackbraid III contains 52 minutes of music, (including a Lord Belial cover), and continues to meet the benchmark of high quality black metal that its predecessors set. Continue reading “Blackbraid – Blackbraid III (Review)”

Azathoth’s Dream – Solitary Forest Necromancy (Review)

This is the second album from US black metallers Azathoth’s Dream.

Solitary Forest Necromancy contains 36 minutes of 90s synth-heavy atmospheric black metal. If the classic, atmosphere-rich blackend style is to your taste, then this is for you. Me? I really like this. Continue reading “Azathoth’s Dream – Solitary Forest Necromancy (Review)”

Vintras – Timescarred (Review)

Vintras are a UK black metal band and this is their debut album.

Here’s a tasty blackened treat from earlier in the year that you really need in your life. Brought to us by members of Ageless Summoning, Ashen Horde, Evilyn, Norse, Of Spire and Throne, Sluagh, Somnium Nox, and Virulent Depravity, I couldn’t help but expect good things from Vintras. And believe me, Timescarred does not disappoint. Continue reading “Vintras – Timescarred (Review)”

Iku-Turso – Wolfheart (Review)

This is the latest EP/mini-album from Iku-Turso, a Finnish/Dutch black metal band.

Brought to us by current/ex-members of From the Vastland, Khanus, and Order of Nosferat, Wolfheart contains 30 minutes of material, consisting of four original tracks and an Emperor cover. Iku-Turso play old-school black metal, steeped in the lore of the Scandinavian second wave. Continue reading “Iku-Turso – Wolfheart (Review)”

Sepulchral Curse – Crimson Moon Evocations (Review)

This is the third album from Sepulchral Curse, a Finnish death metal band.

Sepulchral Curse have never let me down yet. Ever since discovering their dark brand of extremity on their 2016 EP At the Onset of Extinction, they have loomed large in my mind as quality purveyors of blackened death metal. Their first two albums – 2020’s Only Ashes Remain and 2023’s Abhorrent Dimensions – were both extremely enjoyable, so we turn to their third one with great expectations. Continue reading “Sepulchral Curse – Crimson Moon Evocations (Review)”

Gràb – Kremess (Review)

Gràb are a German black metal band and this is their second album.

Containing ex-members of Dark Fortress and Winterfylleth, Gràb play classic black metal with a heart that belongs to the 90s. They do this it exceedingly well too. Continue reading “Gràb – Kremess (Review)”