Obelyskkh – The Ultimate Grace of God (Review)

Obelyskkh - The Ultimate Grace of GodThis is the fifth album from German doom metallers Obelyskkh.

Ahh, finally Obelyskkh have returned to dispense mammoth-sized doom to the masses. The Providence came out in 2017, which was an age ago, and 2013’s Hymn to Pan was even further back in the mists of time. So, what do Obelyskkh have to offer in 2023? Continue reading “Obelyskkh – The Ultimate Grace of God (Review)”

Lumen ad Mortem – Upon the Edge of Darkness (Review)

Lumen ad Mortem - Upon the Edge of DarknessLumen ad Mortem are a black metal band from Australia and this is their debut album.

Upon the Edge of Darkness is a 42-minute second wave symphonic black metal journey, played with grim determination and blackened intensity. This is an interesting release. Lumen ad Mortem’s style is influenced by the 90s black metal era, especially the symphonic side. However, taken by itself that statement is misleading. Continue reading “Lumen ad Mortem – Upon the Edge of Darkness (Review)”

…And Oceans – As in Gardens, so in Tombs (Review)

...And Oceans - As in Gardens, so in TombsThis is the sixth album from Finnish black metallers …And Oceans.

…And Oceans play symphonic black metal, and As in Gardens, so in Tombs provides us with 50 minutes of sharp, professional music, (58 minutes with the bonus tracks). It’s redolent with second wave symphonic splendour, and this is an album that really exemplifies the style. Are you ready for a slice of pure black metal mastery? Continue reading “…And Oceans – As in Gardens, so in Tombs (Review)”

Ashen Horde – Antimony (Review)

Ashen Horde - AntimonyThis is the fourth album from US black metal act Ashen Horde.

Ashen Horde boast current and ex-members of bands such as Abhoria, Norse, Somnium Nox, Inferi, Equipoise, and Virulent Depravity in their ranks, and we’ve met them before on Nine Plagues and The Alchemist. Now they’re back with Antimony, a 51-minute vision of gripping extreme metal, (49 minutes without the bonus Therapy? cover). Continue reading “Ashen Horde – Antimony (Review)”

Sonic Poison – Eruption (Review)

Sonic Poison - EruptionThis is the debut album from Finnish grindcore band Sonic Poison.

I enjoyed Sonic Poison’s 2016 debut demo Harsh Demonstration, but missed out on the split and EP that the band released after this. It’s now time for their debut album though, and I was determined not to let this one slip by me too. Eruption is an appropriately titled 22-minute assault of vicious deathgrind. Prepare yourself for mayhem. Continue reading “Sonic Poison – Eruption (Review)”

Daevar – Delirious Rites (Review)

Daevar - Delirious RitesThis is the debut album from German doom metal band Daevar.

With a promo blurb that states this is for fans of bands like Windhand, Monolord, Black Sabbath, Sleep, and Paradise LostDelirious Rites delivers 33 minutes of hypnotic gloom for the listener to get lost in. Continue reading “Daevar – Delirious Rites (Review)”

Dust Prophet – One Last Look upon the Sky (Review)

Dust Prophet - One Last Look upon the SkyDust Prophet are a US doom/stoner band from the US and this is their debut album.

One Last Look upon the Sky delivers 54 minutes of charismatic music. A sandy mix of stoner, doom, psychedelic, and progressive rock/metal, Dust Prophet provide the listener with a warm and gritty example of the style. Continue reading “Dust Prophet – One Last Look upon the Sky (Review)”

Vahrzaw – In the Shallows of a Starlit Lake (Review)

Vahrzaw - In the Shallows of a Starlit LakeVahrzaw are an Australian black metal band and this is their fifth album.

Having enjoyed 2014’s Twin Suns & Wolves’ Tongues, 2018’s Husk, and 2021’s The Trembling Voices of Conquered Men, I was always going to have to check out the new Vahrzaw album. Continue reading “Vahrzaw – In the Shallows of a Starlit Lake (Review)”

Suasion – The Infinite (Review)

Suasion - The InfiniteSuasion are a Belgian modern metal band this is their second album.

Suasion’s music is a modern brand of metal that has electronic, ambient, and orchestral enhancements, alongside influences from metalcore, alternative metal, progressive rock, djent, pop, and industrial. A lot has gone into the making of The Infinite, and the band’s ambition is well-realised. Continue reading “Suasion – The Infinite (Review)”