Svartelder – Trenches (Review)

Svartelder - TrenchesSvartelder are a Norwegian black metal band and this is their third album.

Svartelder contain current/ex-members of bands such as 1349, Den Saakaldte, Doedsvangr, Enepsigos, From the Vastland, Gaahls Wyrd, Horizon Ablaze, Nattverd, Nordjevel, and others, which is a lot of talent all in one place. Does the 38* minutes of material we find on Trenches live up to the promise that this collective experience brings with it? Continue reading “Svartelder – Trenches (Review)”

Vredehammer – God Slayer (Review)

Vredehammer - God SlayerThis is the fourth album from Norwegian black/death/thrash metal solo act Vredehammer.

It’s been a while since I’ve caught up with Vredehammer – 2016’s Violator in fact, a record which I enjoyed a great deal. God Slayer provides 39 minutes of satisfying extreme metal for the listener to enjoy. Now a solo act, (with the formidable ex-Dark Funeral/Nordjevel drummer as session musician), Vredehammer’s latest record hits the spot. Continue reading “Vredehammer – God Slayer (Review)”

Imperatus – At the Mercy of the Wind (Review)

Imperatus - At the Mercy of the WindImperatus are a Vietnamese black metal band and this is their debut album.

Imperatus play second wave black metal that’s spiced up with thrash and death metal flavouring. The promo blurb states that this is for fans of Marduk, Immortal, Nordjevel, and Dark Funeral, which sets the scene nicely for what At the Mercy of the Wind has to offer. Continue reading “Imperatus – At the Mercy of the Wind (Review)”

Nexorum – Tongue of Thorns (Review)

Nexorum - Tongue of ThornsThis is the second album from Norwegian black/death metal band Nexorum.

Nexorum play death-infused black metal, and feature a member of Keep of Kalessin on bass. Their music is harsh and unforgiving, yet has a side that’s pure grandiose infernal malevolence. Taken together, Tongue of Thorns is a compelling slice of aggressive darkness. Continue reading “Nexorum – Tongue of Thorns (Review)”

Nordjevel – Gnavhòl (Review)

Nordjevel - GnavhòlNordjevel are a Norwegian black metal band and this is their third album.

Following on from 2021’s fiery Fenrir EP, (of which Gnawing the Bones reappears here), Gnavhòl is a 55-minute expression of black metal darkness. Continue reading “Nordjevel – Gnavhòl (Review)”

Doedsvangr – Serpents ov Old (Review)

Doedsvangr - Serpents ov OldDoedsvangr are a black metal band from Norway/Finland and this is their second album.

2017’s Satan ov Suns was an enjoyable record, so I’m glad we now have a new album of occult second wave black metal fury to explore. Made by musicians with a huge range of experience, (having spent time in bands such as Nordjevel, Behexen, Aosoth, Tsjuder, Sargeist, Horna, Nightbringer, Antaeus,  and Temple of Baal, to name just a handful), Serpents ov Old is the sound of a group that really know what they’re doing with the style. Continue reading “Doedsvangr – Serpents ov Old (Review)”

Nordjevel – Fenriir (Review)

Nordjevel - FenriirNordjevel are a Norwegian black metal band and this is their latest EP.

This EP contains two new songs exclusive to this release, one new song that will be on the band’s upcoming album, a live track, and a cover of a Possessed song. All told, it’s 23 minutes of material. Continue reading “Nordjevel – Fenriir (Review)”

Ov Shadows – I Djävulens Avbild (Review)

Ov Shadows - I Djavulens AvbildOv Shadows are a Swedish black metal band and this is their second album.

Featuring a member of Obitus, Ov Shadows play ferocious, yet textured, black metal that should find favour with fans of bands such as Dark Funeral, Nordjevel, Nightbringer, Barshasketh, etc. Continue reading “Ov Shadows – I Djävulens Avbild (Review)”