Hulder – Verses in Oath (Review)

Hulder - Verses in OathThis is the second album from US one-woman black metal band Hulder.

2022’s The Eternal Fanfare grew on me over time the more I listened to it, so I’ve been looking forward to Verses in Oath. I’m pleased to say that it has met my expectations. Continue reading “Hulder – Verses in Oath (Review)”

The Infernal Sea – Hellfenlic (Review)

The Infernal Sea - HellfenlicThe Infernal Sea are a black metal band from the UK and this is their fourth album.

Following on from 2015’s The Great Mortality and 2020’s Negotium Crucis, Hellfenlic contains 43 minutes of new material for us to eagerly get our grubby hands on. To me, The Infernal Sea are a standout band in the UK scene, and Hellfenlic simply reinforces their exalted status. Continue reading “The Infernal Sea – Hellfenlic (Review)”

Narbeleth – A Pale Crown (Review)

Narbeleth - A Pale CrownThis is the sixth album from Cuban black metallers Narbeleth.

I always enjoy a new Narbeleth release. If you haven’t already, make sure you check out 2014’s A Hatred Manifesto, 2015’s Through Blackness and Remote Places, 2017’s Indomitvs, and 2021’s Svmma Cvm Nox Arcana, as all are records worthy of your attention if you enjoy second wave black metal. Continuing the trend of releasing albums with seven originals and one cover song, (Satyricon in this case), A Pale Crown contains 45 minutes of material for black metal devotees to savour. Continue reading “Narbeleth – A Pale Crown (Review)”

Abhoria – Depths (Review)

Abhoria - DepthsAbhoria are a black metal band from the US and this is their second album.

Featuring members of the mighty Ashen Horde, Depths is the 45-minute follow up Abhoria’s 2022’s self-titled record. There’s a new vocalist this time around too, (from In the Company of Serpents), who delivers a visceral performance throughout, with savage screams and world-swallowing growls. Continue reading “Abhoria – Depths (Review)”

Andracca – To Bare the Weight of Death (Review)

Andracca - To Bare the Weight of DeathAndracca are a black metal band from the UK and this is their second album.

To Bare the Weight of Death clocks in at 39 minutes long and showcases a capable band playing a style they clearly love. Andracca weave the their dark magic through a mixture of melodic malevolence, bleak blackened fury, sinister atmosphere, and classic icy might. Continue reading “Andracca – To Bare the Weight of Death (Review)”

Serpents Oath – Revelation (Review)

Serpents Oath - RevelationSerpents Oath are a black metal band from Belgium and this is their third album.

Following quickly on from last year’s AscensionRevelation contains 47 minutes of new material for lovers of the classic blackened style. Continue reading “Serpents Oath – Revelation (Review)”

Suel – Venomous Curse (Review)

Suel - Venomous CurseSuel are a German black metal band and this is their debut album.

Venomous Curse brings us 45 minutes of classic black metal, influenced by the second wave of the 90s. Continue reading “Suel – Venomous Curse (Review)”

Ritual Clearing – Penitence (Review)

Ritual Clearing - PenitenceThis is the debut album from US black metallers Ritual Clearing.

Penitence contains 38 minutes of dark hostility. This is black metal that’s raw and hateful, delivering aggressive music shrouded in blades, spikes, and darkness. Ritual Clearing are ones to watch. Continue reading “Ritual Clearing – Penitence (Review)”

Asagraum – Veil of Death, Ruptured (Review)

Asagraum - Veil of Death RupturedThis is the third album from international black metallers Asagraum.

After thoroughly enjoying 2017’s Potestas Magicum Diaboli and 2019’s Dawn of Infinite Fire, (especially the latter), Veil of Death, Ruptured is one I’ve been looking forward to. It has surpassed my expectations too, let me tell you that now. Continue reading “Asagraum – Veil of Death, Ruptured (Review)”

Voidescent – Dust and Embers (Review)

Voidescent - Dust and EmbersThis is the debut album from Spanish black metallers Voidescent.

Dust and Embers contains 47 minutes of modern black metal that combines elements of the classic style with a more contemporary vision. Voidescent’s first album is imposing and accomplished. Continue reading “Voidescent – Dust and Embers (Review)”