Mnajdra – In the Name of the Goddess (Review)

Mnajdra - In the Name of the GoddessThis is the second album from US black metal band Mnajdra.

Following hot on the heels of last year’s self titled debut comes In the Name of the Goddess; 50 minutes of apocalyptic modern black metal. Mnajdra’s malefic music has ascended to a higher level of spectral might with this new album. Continue reading “Mnajdra – In the Name of the Goddess (Review)”

Ceremony of Silence – Hálios (Review)

Ceremony of Silence - HáliosThis is the second album from Slovakian black/death metal band Ceremony of Silence.

Five years after 2019’s malignant Oútis, Ceremony of Silence have returned with the 36-minute Hálios. An album of atmospheric brutality, Hálios expands on and further develops the strengths of Ceremony of Silence’s debut album. Continue reading “Ceremony of Silence – Hálios (Review)”

Scarcity – The Promise of Rain (Review)

Scarcity - The Promise of RainScarcity are a black metal band from the US and this is their second album.

The successor of 2022’s well-received Aveilut, The Promise of Rain contains 40 minutes of new material from Scarcity. Brought to us from a band that features members of Anicon, Glorious Depravity, Krallice, Pyrrhon, Seputus, Weeping Sores, and Woe, Scarcity have a wealth of experience in the realms of extreme metal that they bring to bear here to good effect. Continue reading “Scarcity – The Promise of Rain (Review)”

Parfaxitas – Weaver of the Black Moon (Review)

Parfaxitas - Weaver of the Black MoonThis is the debut album from Parfaxitas, an international black metal band.

Weaver of the Black Moon is brought to us by members of Manetheren, Sinmara, Suffering Hour, Whoredom Rife, Wormlust, which means that you can immediately be assured that Parfaxitas know what they’re doing. Continue reading “Parfaxitas – Weaver of the Black Moon (Review)”

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)”