Shrine of Denial – I, Moloch (Review)

Shrine of Denial - I, MolochThis 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 - Antinomian AsceticismBarshasketh 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)”

Pestilent Hex – Sorceries of Sanguine & Shadow (Review)

Pestilent Hex - Sorceries of Sanguine & ShadowPestilent Hex are a black metal band from Finland and this is their second album.

After 2022’s enjoyable The Ashen Abhorrence, Pestilent Hex have now returned with the 46-minute Sorceries of Sanguine & Shadow. Continue reading “Pestilent Hex – Sorceries of Sanguine & Shadow (Review)”

Wraithfyre – Of Fell Peaks and Haunted Chasms (Review)

Wraithfyre - Of Fell Peaks and Haunted ChasmsThis is the debut album from Wraithfyre, a UK solo black metal band.

On Of Fell Peaks and Haunted Chasms the artist behind Wraithfyre delivers 37 minutes of old-school symphonic black metal. It’s good stuff, and has clearly been created by somebody that knows the style well. Continue reading “Wraithfyre – Of Fell Peaks and Haunted Chasms (Review)”

Aklash – Reincarnation (Review)

Aklash - ReincarnationThis is the fourth album from UK black metal band Aklash.

According to the promo blurb, Aklash “…cite Drudkh, Wolves in the Throne Room, and Judas Priest as key influences”, which sounds like an interesting enough mix to me to merit further investigation. That description doesn’t quite do Reincarnation justice though, as Aklash’s music is diverse and rich. Continue reading “Aklash – Reincarnation (Review)”

Inherits the Void – Scars of Yesteryears (Review)

Inherits the Void - Scars of YesteryearsThis is the third album from French one-man black metal band Inherits the Void.

Hot on the heels of last year’s The Impending Fall of the Stars, the artist behind Inherits the Void has returned with 44 minutes of new material with Scars of Yesteryears. Are you concerned about the lack of time between releases? Don’t be, as Scars of Yesteryears is a cracking album. Continue reading “Inherits the Void – Scars of Yesteryears (Review)”

Ogasawara – The Age of Stars (Review)

Ogasawara - The Age of StarsThis is the debut album from solo US black metal band Ogasawara.

The Ages of Stars is a 35-minute concept album that ably showcases what the artist behind Ogasawara is capable of. If you’re looking for a well-crafted black metal album that covers a few different bases, then this is for you. Continue reading “Ogasawara – The Age of Stars (Review)”

SIG:AR:TYR – Citadel of Stars (Review)

SIG AR TYR - Citadel of StarsThis is the fifth album from Canadian black metal band SIG:AR:TYR.

The promo blurb tells us that Citadel of Stars is for fans of Bathory, Primordial, Falkenbach, Emperor, and Agalloch. This sets the scene nicely for what SIG:AR:TYR have to offer, and should also hopefully speak to how accomplished this album is too. Continue reading “SIG:AR:TYR – Citadel of Stars (Review)”

Whoredom Rife – Den Vrede Makt (Review)

Whoredom Rife - Den Vrede MaktWhoredom Rife are a Norwegian black metal band and this is their fourth album.

Containing an ex-member of Keep of Kalessin, Whoredom Rife bring us a scathing slice of classic Norwegian black metal. Den Vrede Makt delivers 50 minutes of material played with authentic passion and lethal skill. Continue reading “Whoredom Rife – Den Vrede Makt (Review)”

Griffon – De Republica (Review)

Griffon - De RepublicaThis is the third album from French black metallers Griffon.

I enjoyed 2020’s ὸ θ​ε​ό​ς ὸ β​α​σ​ι​λ​ε​ύ​ς, so knew I wanted to check out De Republica when it appeared. Across 37 minutes Griffon once again demonstrate their mastery of historically themed black metal. Continue reading “Griffon – De Republica (Review)”