Thron are a German melodic black metal band and this is their second album.
Thron play professionally-recorded black metal influenced by the second wave, with bands such as Dissection, Dimmu Borgir, Naglfar, Necrophobic, and Marduk worthy of mention as decent starting points for Abysmal. Continue reading
Vihamieli are a Finnish black metal band and this is their second album.
Hymns of Deity is the follow up to 2017’s Kuolevain Veri Uinuu Ikuisuuteen, which was an enjoyable trip into traditional second wave waters. Continue reading
Oubliette are a melodic black metal band from the US and this is their second album.
As well as featuring members of bands such as Enfold Darkness and Inferi, Oubliette also have a member of the always impressive Battle Path in their ranks. Oubliette are a somewhat different proposition than the expansive post-metal of the guitarist’s other band, however. Continue reading
This is the third album from Australian black metallers Mesarthim.
2016’s .- -… … . -. -.-. . was an album I really enjoyed, so this new full-length is very gratefully received. The Density Parameter, however, is something else entirely. Continue reading
This is the debut EP from Swedish black metal band Blood Worship.
Here we have 21 minutes of cold, venomous black metal. The promo blurb says that it’s for fans of Dissection, Naglfar, Marduk, and Satyricon, and it’s hard to disagree with that assessment. I’d also throw in a bit of A Grand Declaration of War-era Mayhem regarding some of the band’s riffs too, although this is largely a more minor aspect of their sound. Continue reading
Hoth are a melodic black metal band from the US and this is their third album.
Astral Necromancy takes the listener on a 50-minute trip through a cosmic abyss of sorts. An ambitious and vast release, the songs are sparkling and multifaceted as they tear through their playing time. Continue reading
Magister Dixit are a melodic black metal band from Canada and this is their sixth album.
Featuring members of Spirit of the Forest, Their Blood, Their Sweat, Their Tears contains 50 minutes of melodic/symphonic black metal, played with gusto and delivered with passion and a hunger for war. Continue reading
Coiled Around Thy Spine are an Italian/US death metal band and this is their debut album.
Here we have some scorching melodic death metal, full of blisteringly hot leads and molten solos. In many ways the guitar is the real star of this show, and across 50 minutes of bright, energetic material, it shines brightly. Continue reading
Ails are a US black metal band and this is their debut album.
Featuring two members of the mighty Ludicra, Ails have produced 41 minutes of melodic depth and blackened substance. Continue reading
This is the second album from French black metallers Abduction.
I liked Une Ombre Régit les Ombres a lot, so now that the band have returned with album number two, it’s time to get reacquainted with their characterful brand of black metal. Continue reading
