This is the latest EP from Bezwering, a black metal band from the Netherlands.
Containing an ex-member of Wederganger, Dwalingen is a 12-minute release that showcases Bezwering’s uncommon take on black metal across two tracks. Although you can hear second wave elements for sure, there’s a stronger dose of first wave influence than you typically find in contemporary bands. Continue reading “Bezwering – Dwalingen (Review)”
This is the debut album from UK blackgaze band Æl-Fierlen.
Æl-Fierlen play an evocative form of blackened Gothic metal, (for lack of a better term), that incorporates atmospheric black metal, doom, blackgaze, and folk into a compelling musical framework. Containing 34 minutes of music, All Is Far Away is an underground gem of an album. Continue reading “Æl-Fierlen – All Is Far Away (Review)”
Tithe are a death metal band from the US and this is their third album.
Tithe’s previous record – 2023’s Inverse Rapture – was a hybrid extreme metal album that was difficult to pin down genre-wise, although that didn’t stop it from being a satisfying and enjoyable listen. Communion in Anguish focuses Tithe’s sound, pushing up the lethal aggression and dark atmosphere to new heights. Continue reading “Tithe – Communion in Anguish (Review)”
Krigsgrav are a black metal band from the US and this is their eighth album.
Stormcaller is the 52-minute follow up to 2023’s well-received Fires in the Fall. Krigsgrav have already proven their worth at this point, so I was looking forward to what this new record brought. Continue reading “Krigsgrav – Stormcaller (Review)”
Slomatics are a doom metal band from the UK and this is their eighth album.
Ever since hearing 2016’s amazing Future Echo Returns, I’ve been a huge fan of Slomatics, (also, if you haven’t already, check out Canyons and Strontium Fields, as well as these splits – here and here). Slomatics are one of the best doom bands around in my humble opinion, which means I’ve been really looking forward to Atomicult. Continue reading “Slomatics – Atomicult (Review)”
This is the fourth album from French heavy rockers Appalooza.
The successor to 2023’s The Shining Son, The Emperor of Loss contains 50 minutes, (with bonus track), of Appalooza’s characterful hard rock. Blending the classic rock, stoner, alternative, and grunge styles together into a collection of compelling songs, Appalooza have once again hit that sweet spot that most modern rock bands easily miss. Continue reading “Appalooza – The Emperor of Loss (Review)”
This is the fifth album from Nailed to Obscurity, a melodic metal metal band from Germany.
Following on from 2019’s Black Frost, Generation of the Void brings us 58 minutes of new material from Nailed to Obscurity. The band have been busy since their last record, refining their sound, delivering a comprehensive musical package that sees them stepping up their game to the next level. Continue reading “Nailed to Obscurity – Generation of the Void (Review)”
This is the debut album from US death metallers Ritual Mass.
Cascading Misery brings us a filth-ridden 41 minutes of hideous death metal darkness, replete with a crushing dose of doom. Ritual Mass dominate through a terrifying blend of ferocity and dread-inducing atmosphere. Continue reading “Ritual Mass – Cascading Misery (Review)”
This is the twelfth album from French one-man black metal band Esoctrilihum.
It’s always a pleasure to get a new Esoctrilihum release. If you’re familiar with the artist’s past work, (such as 2018’s Pandaemorthium (Forbidden Formulas to Awaken the Blind Sovereigns of Nothingness), 2021’s Dy’th Requiem for the Serpent Telepath, 2022’s Consecration of the Spiritüs Flesh, 2023’s Astraal Constellations of the Majickal Zodiac, or 2024’s Döth-Dernyàlh), you’ll know that you never quite know quite what to expect from this prolific and idiosyncratic artist. What does the 87-minute Ghostigmatah – Spiritual Rites of the Psychopomp Abxulöm have in store for us? Continue reading “Esoctrilihum – Ghostigmatah – Spiritual Rites of the Psychopomp Abxulöm (Review)”
This is the third album from Cult Burial, a blackened death metal band from the UK.
Following on from 2020’s Cult Burial and 2023’s Reverie of the Malignant comes Collapse of Pattern, Reverence of Dust, which brings us a new 42 minutes of Cult Burial’s blackened malevolence. Continue reading “Cult Burial – Collapse of Pattern, Reverence of Dust (Review)”
Wonderbox Metal 