Emperor – Wonderbox Metal

Lamp of Murmuur – The Dreaming Prince in Ecstasy (Review)

This is the fourth album from US solo black metal band Lamp of Murmuur.

The Dreaming Prince in Ecstasy is the follow up to 2023’s well-received Saturnian Bloodstorm. The latter was a record that only improved over time, and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing songs from it, (and other releases), performed live when I saw Lamp of Murmuur at 2024’s Fortress Festival. All of this is to say, I’ve been looking forward to this new record. Continue reading “Lamp of Murmuur – The Dreaming Prince in Ecstasy (Review)”

Achathras – A Darkness of the Ancient Past (Review)

This is the debut album from black metal band Achathras.

A mysterious entity, formed by veterans of the scene apparently, Achathras certainly know their stuff. A Darkness of the Ancient Past contains 43 minutes of classic 90s black metal, and it’s pretty damn good. Continue reading “Achathras – A Darkness of the Ancient Past (Review)”

Der Weg Einer Freiheit – Innern (Review)

This is the sixth album from German black metal band Der Weg Einer Freiheit.

Innern is the greatly anticipated follow up to 2017’s Finisterre and 2021’s Noktvrn, the latter placing prominently on my 2021 end of year list, (which in retrospect Finisterre should also have done in 2017). It’s safe to say that I’ve been excitedly looking forward to this new record, especially after seeing the band at last year’s Fortress Festival. Continue reading “Der Weg Einer Freiheit – Innern (Review)”

Imperishable – Revelation in Purity (Review)

Imperishable are a death metal band from the US and this is their debut album.

Brought to us by current/ex-members of Aurora Borealis, Enthean, Hate Eternal, Malevolent Creation, Nile, and Olkoth, Imperishable have a wealth of experience available to them. What do they do with it? They unleash the 32-minute Revelation in Purity, and you’d better get out of its way, lest you be left a bloody smear on the floor. Continue reading “Imperishable – Revelation in Purity (Review)”

Execrari – Desolation Manifest (Review)

This is the debut album from US black metal band Execrari.

Containing a member of Relentless, Execrari’s style is rooted in black metal’s second wave, while also showing some contemporary influences and progressive, melodic, and avant-garde tendencies. Desolation Manifest has come out of nowhere to really impress. There are six songs, spanning 47 minutes, and each track is a powerful reminder of just how potent black metal can be in the right hands. Exciting even, despite its ancient roots. Continue reading “Execrari – Desolation Manifest (Review)”

Praesider – Enter the Praesidium (Review)

This is the debut album from UK black metallers Praesider.

Enter the Praesidium contains 48 minutes of old-school symphonic black metal. Praesider’s music evokes such a strong sense of nostalgia in me for the 90s that it’s almost overwhelming. Make no mistake though, Praesider are a skilled bunch and know their subject matter inside out. Continue reading “Praesider – Enter the Praesidium (Review)”

Aeon Winds – An Ode to the Mountains (Review)

This is the fourth album from Slovakian black metal band Aeon Winds.

An Ode to the Mountains contains 60 minutes, (with bonus track), of symphonic black metal. Aeon Winds play in the older style, recalling bands such as Aquilus, Emperor, Limbonic Art, and Midnight Odyssey. Continue reading “Aeon Winds – An Ode to the Mountains (Review)”

Iku-Turso – Wolfheart (Review)

This is the latest EP/mini-album from Iku-Turso, a Finnish/Dutch black metal band.

Brought to us by current/ex-members of From the Vastland, Khanus, and Order of Nosferat, Wolfheart contains 30 minutes of material, consisting of four original tracks and an Emperor cover. Iku-Turso play old-school black metal, steeped in the lore of the Scandinavian second wave. Continue reading “Iku-Turso – Wolfheart (Review)”

Shrine of Denial – I, Moloch (Review)

This is the debut album from Turkish blackened death metal band Shrine of Denial.

On I, Moloch Shrine of Denial offer up 31 minutes of blackened death metal that delivers a mix of blunt force and arcane might. It’s a quality album that doesn’t outstay its welcome. Continue reading “Shrine of Denial – I, Moloch (Review)”

Barshasketh – Antinomian Asceticism (Review)

Barshasketh are a black metal band from New Zealand/Scotland and this is their fifth album.

I first encountered Barshasketh on their 2015 split with Void Ritual, and then again on their 2017 split with Outre. Both primed me for the emergence in 2019 of the formidable Barshasketh, which ably demonstrated what the band could do across a full length. Well, it may have taken the best part of six years, but Barshasketh have now returned with the 44-minute Antinomian Asceticism, and let me tell you, it’s lethal. Continue reading “Barshasketh – Antinomian Asceticism (Review)”