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)”

Verberis – The Apophatic Wilderness (Review)

Verberis - The Apophatic WildernessThis is the third album from Verberis, a black metal band from New Zealand.

I discovered Verberis on their 2022 album Adumbration of the Veiled Logos, and was very impressed. So when this new record appeared, it was with no small amount of excited interest that I hurriedly pressed play, eagerly to soak up its esoteric charms. Continue reading “Verberis – The Apophatic Wilderness (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)”

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)”

Wonderbox Metal End of Year List – Best Metal of 2023

Welcome to my annual attempt to make sense of the ridiculous amount of good metal albums out there, awaiting discovery by intrepid metal explorers.

2023’s best of list has been one of the more difficult ones to put together, placing-wise, which is one of the reasons that I’m posting it later than I usually do. Even more so than normal many of the slots are interchangeable, and I especially struggled with positions two-nine – if such a thing were possible, they all deserve to be higher! In the end I decided to stop overthinking it and go with my gut, but the usual caveat of these lists being very subjective and subject to change depending on mood, feelings, etc. is larger than normal here.

There are some notable acts missing form the below. Not because they’re not worthy of inclusion, but because there are only so many spaces to be had. In fact, I almost ended up limiting this list to 20, rather than the now-customary 30, as I found it really difficult to know who to include and who not to. In the end I went with the standard 30 so that I could promote a few extra bands, as they absolutely all deserve it.

As for the top position, I wasn’t expecting it to be filled by a band I’d never heard before, playing a style that I don’t listen to as much as I used to. However, I suppose after last year, I shouldn’t have been too surprised.

I do hope you enjoy this list and find some new music to obsess over. Like always, thanks for your support if you have ever visited this site before, and here’s to a great 2024 for as many of us as possible. Continue reading “Wonderbox Metal End of Year List – Best Metal of 2023”

Bull of Apis Bull of Bronze – The Fractal Ouroboros (Review)

Bull of Apis Bull of Bronze - The Fractal OuroborosThis is the second album from US black metal band Bull of Apis Bull of Bronze.

Brought to us by an ex-member of A God or an Other, The Fractal Ouroboros is an ambitious and bold work that’s utterly absorbing. Across an imposing 75 minutes Bull of Apis Bull of Bronze unleash music that is affecting like few others. Continue reading “Bull of Apis Bull of Bronze – The Fractal Ouroboros (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)”