Corpus Diavolis – Elixiria Ekstasis (Review)

Corpus Diavolis - Elixiria EkstasisThis is the fifth album from Corpus Diavolis, a French black metal band.

I enjoyed 2017’s Atra Lumen and 2021’s Apocatastase, (which I honestly thought I had reviewed), so when the promo for Elixiria Ekstasis appeared I wanted very much to be able to get to it. Alas, it was not to be, as sadly there just isn’t enough time in the world. However, as I like Corpus Diavolis I eventually made the mistake of listening to it – a mistake, only because it’s damn good and I knew I had to write about it – which is why, despite this coming out in March, you’re reading this now. Continue reading “Corpus Diavolis – Elixiria Ekstasis (Review)”

Selbst – Despondency Chord Progressions (Review)

Selbst - Despondency Chord ProgressionsThis is the third album from solo black metal act Selbst, originally from Venezuela, and now Chile.

Following on from 2020’s Relatos de Angustia, Despondency Chord Progressions contains 44 minutes of new material. The artist behind Selbst, (also in Animus Mortis), is aided on this release by the drummer of Aversio Humanitatis/Eternal Storm, and has created something quite special. Continue reading “Selbst – Despondency Chord Progressions (Review)”

Kvadrat – The Horrible Dissonance of Oblivion (Review)

Kvadrat - The Horrible Dissonance of OblivionThis is the debut album from Greek black/death metal band Kvadrat.

The Horrible Dissonance of Oblivion is a 44-minute leviathan that swims through dark, dissonant waters with the self-assured skill of an apex predator. Combining black and death metal into a monster of dissonant nightmare, the artist behind Kvadrat’s skill in delivering this style is impressive and rewarding. Continue reading “Kvadrat – The Horrible Dissonance of Oblivion (Review)”

Sacrificial Vein – Black Terror Genesis (Review)

Sacrificial Vein - Black Terror GenesisSacrificial Vein are a black metal band from the US and this is their debut album.

Containing the singer of Nothingness in their ranks, Sacrificial Vein play avant-garde/dissonant black metal. Black Terror Genesis is a 47-minute journey into darkness. Continue reading “Sacrificial Vein – Black Terror Genesis (Review)”

Aberration – Refracture (Review)

Aberration - RefractureThis is the debut album from US death metal band Aberration.

Hot on the heels of January’s split with Diabolic Oath comes the hideous 42-minute Refracture. After that release, I was looking forward to hearing more from both bands, but I wasn’t expecting something so soon. Continue reading “Aberration – Refracture (Review)”

Hecatoncheir – Nightmare Utopia (Review)

Hecatoncheir - Nightmare UtopiaThis is the debut album from Slovakian death metal band Hecatoncheir.

Hecatoncheir play dissonant death metal, with a sharp blackened edge, and an injection of harsh sludge venom. Nightmare Utopia is a 32-minute album of abrasive nastiness, in the best of ways. Fans of bands such as Convulsing, Deathspell Omega, Ingurgitating Oblivion, Nightmarer, and Ulcerate will not want to miss this. Continue reading “Hecatoncheir – Nightmare Utopia (Review)”

Lvme – Of Sinful Nature (Review)

Lvme - Of Sinful NatureThis is the second album from international black metal band Lvme.

Of Sinful Nature contains 45 minutes of esoteric and mysterious black metal. Taking influence from traditional black metal and then incorporating modern elements into it, Lvme’s music will be of interest to fans of bands such as Funeral Mist, Deathspell Omega, Mayhem, Dødsengel, Nightbringer, Verberis, and Blaze of Perdition. Continue reading “Lvme – Of Sinful Nature (Review)”

Rüyyn – Chapter II: The Flames, the Fallen, the Fury (Review)

Rüyyn - Chapter II The Flames, the Fallen, the FuryThis is the debut album from French solo black metal band Rüyyn.

Chapter II: The Flames, the Fallen, the Fury offers the listener 43 minutes of well-crafted black metal to absorb and digest. Rüyyn’s music is accomplished and rewarding. Continue reading “Rüyyn – Chapter II: The Flames, the Fallen, the Fury (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)”

Pyrkagion – The Katechon and the Unending Fire (Review)

Pyrkagion - The Katechon and the Unending FireThis is the debut EP from US black metal band Pyrkagion.

The Katechon and the Unending Fire is a 26-minute EP consisting of two tracks. Brought to us by members of Bell Witch, Human Effluence, and Hissing, Pyrkagion deliver a strong lesson in modern black metal. Continue reading “Pyrkagion – The Katechon and the Unending Fire (Review)”