Doodswens – Lichtvrees (Review)

Doodswens - LichtvreesThis is the debut album from Doodswens, a black metal band from the Netherlands.

Doodswens play black metal infused with the spirit of the Scandinavian second wave, and delivered with contemporary passion and mood-focused impact. Think a combination of the traditional old-school Darkthrone sound combined with the grim darkness of acts like Xasthur and Gnaw Their Tongues. Continue reading “Doodswens – Lichtvrees (Review)”

Oriflamme – L’égide Ardente (Review)

Oriflamme - L'égide ArdenteThis is the debut album from Canadian black metal band Oriflamme.

Oriflamme’s black metal combines furious intensity with atmospheric appeal. When the band play fast they play with fire and vigour, but when they slow down is when the real dark magic happens. Continue reading “Oriflamme – L’égide Ardente (Review)”

Starer – 18° Below the Horizon (Review)

Starer - 18° Below the HorizonThis is the debut album from Starer, a one-man black metal band from the US.

Brought to us by a member of Bihargam, Starer is a different proposition from that band, and offers 45 minutes of modern darkness for the listener to become absorbed by. Continue reading “Starer – 18° Below the Horizon (Review)”

Bestialis – Ritus (Review)

Bestialis - RitusThis is the debut EP from German black metallers Bestialis.

Ritus provides 17 minutes of black metal, and serves as a good introduction to the nefarious talents of Bestialis. The band’s style is rooted in traditional black metal, but also contains elements of more modern styles too. As a very rough Continue reading “Bestialis – Ritus (Review)”

Somniate – The Meyrinkian Slumber (Review)

Somniate - The Meyrinkian SlumberSomniate are a black metal band from Czechia and this is their debut album.

Containing members of bands such as Brutally Deceased, Self-Hatred, Mallephyr, and Heaving Earth, The Meyrinkian Slumber is a different proposition than most of Somniate’s component bands, and gifts us with 32 minutes of modern black metal instead. Continue reading “Somniate – The Meyrinkian Slumber (Review)”

Craft – White Noise and Black Metal (Review)

CraftCraft are a Swedish black metal band and this is their fifth album.

Although the album title might suggest a combination of blistering black metal and heartless noise assaults, it’s actually 42 minutes of the former rather than the latter. Of course, this is no bad thing. Continue reading “Craft – White Noise and Black Metal (Review)”