This is the third album from US black metallers Stormkeep.
Bright to us by members of Blood Incantation, Lykotonon, and Wayfarer, The Nocturnes of Iswylm contains 46 minutes of engaging symphonic black metal. The return of Stormkeep is one heralded by change, but it’s a most welcome change, as this record is a beast. Continue reading “Stormkeep – The Nocturnes of Iswylm (Review)”
Has it really been a year since last year’s excellent Fortress Festival? Apparently so. Fortress has quickly established itself as one of the world’s premier black metal festivals, (some would say THE premier black metal festival), and it’s brilliant to have yet another year with a massive amount of fantastic bands. Increasingly, attendees get to experience some very rare appearances too.
Before we get into it – as was the case last year, this review is greatly enriched by the stunning photographs from the very talented Aleksandra Hogg, so a huge thanks to her once more. I urge you to check out her work at Acidolka here, here, or here. Continue reading “Fortress Festival 2026 – Scarborough Spa, Scarborough, 30/05/26-31/05/26 (Live Review)”
This is the fourth album from US black/death/doom act Worm.
In many quarters Necropalace is a big deal. Through a range of EPs, splits, and albums, (such as Foreverglade and Bluenothing), Worm have continued to develop and grow over the years, essentially Continue reading “Worm – Necropalace (Review)”
This is the fourth album from US solo black metal band Lamp of Murmuur.
The Dreaming Prince in Ecstasy is the follow up to 2023’s well-received Saturnian Bloodstorm. The latter was a record that only improved over time, and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing songs from it, (and other releases), performed live when I saw Lamp of Murmuur at 2024’s Fortress Festival. All of this is to say, I’ve been looking forward to this new record. Continue reading “Lamp of Murmuur – The Dreaming Prince in Ecstasy (Review)”
This is the debut album from black metal band Achathras.
A mysterious entity, formed by veterans of the scene apparently, Achathras certainly know their stuff. A Darkness of the Ancient Past contains 43 minutes of classic 90s black metal, and it’s pretty damn good. Continue reading “Achathras – A Darkness of the Ancient Past (Review)”
This is the third album from US one-man black metal band Lamp of Murmuur.
Saturnian Bloodstorm is a 40-minute blast of frozen winds. Lamp of Murmuur is a name that has made a strong mark here, and Saturnian Bloodstorm is a infectiously enjoyable slice of black metal. Continue reading “Lamp of Murmuur – Saturnian Bloodstorm (Review)”
The Mist from the Mountains are a Finnish black metal band and this is their debut album.
Monumental – The Temple of Twilight contains 38 minutes of 90s-influenced nature-inspired black metal. The promo blurb mentions bands from that era such as Old Man’s Child, Gehenna, Dimmu Borgir, and Borknagar, which, coupled with the enticing album art, meant I definitely had to give The Mist from the Mountains some of my attention. Continue reading “The Mist from the Mountains – Monumental – The Temple of Twilight (Review)”
This is the debut album from US black/death metal band Foretoken.
So, you fancy a good-sized chunk of Scandinavian death metal? That’s no problem, take your pick. What’s that? You also want a decent black metal influence to be felt? That’s easily done. Now you want a take on the style that’s highly melodic too? Sure, Continue reading “Foretoken – Ruin (Review)”
Wonderbox Metal 