1349 – The Wolf and the King (Review)

1349 - The Wolf and the KingThis is the eighth album from Norwegian black metallers 1349.

1349 boast current/ex-members of Gorgoroth, Keep of Kalessin, Mortem, and Satyricon in their ranks, and they provide us with 39 minutes of Norwegian black metal in the form of The Wolf and the King. Continue reading “1349 – The Wolf and the King (Review)”

Spectral Wound – Songs of Blood and Mire (Review)

Spectral Wound - Songs of Blood and MireThis is the fourth album from Canadian black metallers Spectral Wound.

Songs of Blood and Mire boasts 44 minutes of lethal black metal. Stylistically we’re talking a mixture of the Norwegian, Finnish, and Canadian scenes, so if you’re a fan of bands such as Behexen, Forteresse, Gorgoroth, Sargeist, Tsjuder, etc., then this is for you. Continue reading “Spectral Wound – Songs of Blood and Mire (Review)”

Hulder – Verses in Oath (Review)

Hulder - Verses in OathThis is the second album from US one-woman black metal band Hulder.

2022’s The Eternal Fanfare grew on me over time the more I listened to it, so I’ve been looking forward to Verses in Oath. I’m pleased to say that it has met my expectations. Continue reading “Hulder – Verses in Oath (Review)”

The Infernal Sea – Hellfenlic (Review)

The Infernal Sea - HellfenlicThe Infernal Sea are a black metal band from the UK and this is their fourth album.

Following on from 2015’s The Great Mortality and 2020’s Negotium Crucis, Hellfenlic contains 43 minutes of new material for us to eagerly get our grubby hands on. To me, The Infernal Sea are a standout band in the UK scene, and Hellfenlic simply reinforces their exalted status. Continue reading “The Infernal Sea – Hellfenlic (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)”

Aeternus – Philosopher (Review)

Aeternus - PhilosopherThis is the ninth album from Norwegian black/death metal band Aeternus.

Aeternus, (who contain current and ex-members of bands such as Gorgoroth and Gaahls Wyrd), play an expressive form of dark death metal that gains extra depth and substance from esoteric black metal components. On Philosopher, Across 39 minutes of material, Aeternus showcase their art’s efficacy in no uncertain terms. Continue reading “Aeternus – Philosopher (Review)”

Taubrą – Therizo (Review)

Taubrą - TherizoThis is the debut album from Taubrą, a Swiss/Norwegian black metal band.

Featuring members of Aara, Forgotten Tomb, Modern Rites, Porta Nigra, and Thron, Therizo contains 41 minutes of old-school black metal. Think of a combination of influences from acts such as Mayhem, Immortal, Behexen, Tsjuder, Marduk, and Gorgoroth, and you’ll be on the right lines. Continue reading “Taubrą – Therizo (Review)”

Cvinger – Doctrines by the Figures of Črnobog (Review)

Cvinger - Doctrines by the Figures of ČrnobogCvinger are a Slovakian black metal band and this is their third album.

It’s been ten years since Cvinger’s debut EP Monastery of Fallen, so now seems like a good time to see what they’re up to on their third album. With a promo blurb that mentions bands like 1349, Marduk, Mayhem, Gorgoroth, and Morbid Angel, you have a pretty good starting point for Cvinger’s hostile, yet mood-rich assault. Continue reading “Cvinger – Doctrines by the Figures of Črnobog (Review)”

Servant – Aetas Ascensus (Review)

Servant - Aetas AscensusThis is the second album from German black metal band Servant.

Aetas Ascensus contains 48 minutes of black metal played in the old-school Scandinavian way. Competent in both the melodic and symphonic styles, Servant’s music is effortless to enjoy if you’re a fan of the cold blackened arts. Continue reading “Servant – Aetas Ascensus (Review)”

Ondfødt – Det Österbottniska Mörkret (Review)

Ondfødt - Det Österbottniska M​ö​rkretThis is the fourth album from Finnish black metal act Ondfødt.

I always enjoy catching up with Ondfødt. 2014’s Hexkonst, 2019’s Dödsrikets Kallelse, and 2021’s Norden are all records that I enjoyed, so it made sense for me to want to check out Det Österbottniska Mörkret too. I’ll say upfront that this has turned out to be Ondfødt’s most professional, accomplished, and enjoyable record. Continue reading “Ondfødt – Det Österbottniska Mörkret (Review)”