This is the second album from UK black metal band Ofnus.
Ofnus, (who feature an ex-member of Agrona), present us with 58 minutes of atmospheric black metal on Valediction. I’d heard good things about the band’s debut album, (I need to go check that out), but this is my first time hearing Ofnus and they have exceeded expectations. Continue reading “Ofnus – Valediction (Review)”
Cross Bringer are a black metal band from Russia and this is their second album.
Brought to us by the singer of Predatory Void and the drummer of Downfall of Gaia, Healismus Aeternus contains 27 minutes of scathing modern black metal. Taking influences from post-black metal, blackened hardcore, and crust, and building them into a whirlwind of intricate ferocity, Healismus Aeternus is a rewarding album that should find favour with fans of bands such as Black Birch, Celeste, Hexis, Rorcal, Still, The Sun’s Journey Through the Night, and Wiegedood. Continue reading “Cross Bringer – Healismus Aeternus (Review)”
This is the fifth album from Abduction, a UK black metal band.
So, Abduction played this album live in full way back in February of 2024. It has been what feels like an age since then, so it’s great to finally get my grubby paws on it. And do you know what? This is some seriously good stuff. Continue reading “Abduction – Existentialismus (Review)”
Räum are a Belgian black metal band and this is their second album.
Following on from 2023’s Cursed by the Crown comes the 44-minute Emperor of the Sun. This new record builds on Räum’s past achievements, making for a very enjoyable slice of modern black metal. Continue reading “Räum – Emperor of the Sun (Review)”
Yes, it’s list season once more, so gather round and witness some of the best metal that 2024 had to offer!
2024 was a fantastic year for metal, and that’s an understatement. I thought 2023 was one of the weaker years for metal releases, overall. As such, putting last year’s list together, although challenging as it always is, was relatively effortless compared to this one. I don’t think I’ve agonised over placings more any other year. In the end, similar to last year, I just decided that enough was enough and I needed to just stop needlessly obsessing. Continue reading “Wonderbox Metal End of Year List – Best Metal of 2024”
This is the fourth album from German black metallers Sun Worship.
Brought to us by a member of both the mighty Ultha and Unru, Upon the Hills of Divination contains 41 minutes of modern black metal. Hold on tight and prepare yourself, as this one’s a special one. Continue reading “Sun Worship – Upon the Hills of Divination (Review)”
This is the fourth album from Portuguese black metallers Gaerea.
Ever since I first heard 2018’s Unsettling Whispers Gaerea have stood out to me as something pretty special. In 2020 Limbo solidified this opinion, and then in 2022 Mirage cemented this further. In fact, my appreciation of Mirage has only increased since catching the band’s transcendental live experience at this year’s fantastic Fortress Festival. I have high hopes for Coma. Continue reading “Gaerea – Coma (Review)”
This 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)”
This is the third album from German black metal band Servant.
Following on fast from last year’s Aetus Ascensus comes Death Devil Magick, bringing us 41 minutes of new material. Servant’s style is intact and well, delivering a richly melodic form of black metal that’s based on the 90s second wave, but shows a post-black metal influence in places. Continue reading “Servant – Death Devil Magick (Review)”
This is the debut album from Deathless Void, a black metal band from the Netherlands.
The Voluptuous Fire of Sin contains 39 minutes of aggressive black metal. Deathless Void play a style that manages to incorporate a few mutually complementary elements into itself, enriching its hostility with greater depth and range. Continue reading “Deathless Void – The Voluptuous Fire of Sin (Review)”
Wonderbox Metal 