Old-School Black Metal – Page 5

Ende – L’aube des Anathèmes (Review)

Ende are a French black metal band and this is their sixth album.

I always like being able to catch up with Ende’s work. If you’re unfamiliar with the band, make sure you check out 2015’s The Rebirth of I, 2017’s Emën Etan, or 2018’s Goétie Funeste, (or indeed any of their other work), and you’ll be assured of encountering an album of traditional black metal that’s worth your time. Which brings us to the 41 minutes of new material on L’aube des Anathèmes; has Ende’s quality streak continued? Continue reading “Ende – L’aube des Anathèmes (Review)”

Kvaen – The Formless Fires (Review)

This is the third album from Swedish black metal solo act Kvaen.

The name Kvaen hit the black metal underground hard with 2020’s The Funeral Pyre, and then followed this up in 2022 with The Great Below, which showed that the quality of the debut was no fluke. Another two years have passed, and now we have The Formless Fires. Do the 39 minutes of new music here still demonstrate a continuation of these quality levels? Continue reading “Kvaen – The Formless Fires (Review)”

Houle – Ciel Cendre et Misère Noire (Review)

This is the debut album from French black metallers Houle.

After thoroughly enjoying Houle’s 2022 debut self titled EP, I was pleased to see Ciel Cendre et Misère Noire appear. Houle deliver 45 minutes minutes of melodic black metal across this album, and the record is a scorcher. Continue reading “Houle – Ciel Cendre et Misère Noire (Review)”

Gurthang – Martyrium (Review)

This is the eighth album from Polish black metal act Gurthang.

It’s always good to catch up with what Gurthang are doing. 2019’s Ascension and 2021’s Hearts of the Hollow were both solid records, which now brings us to the 43-minute Martyrium. Continue reading “Gurthang – Martyrium (Review)”

Árstíðir Lífsins – Aldrlok (Review)

This is the sixth album from Árstíðir Lífsins, an international, (Germany/Iceland), black metal band.

2020’s epic Saga á tveim tungum II: Eigi fjǫll né firðir was a notable album that introduced me to Árstíðir Lífsins, and I thoroughly enjoyed 20203’s Hermalausaz even more. This means I’ve been looking forward to Aldrlok ever since I became aware of its presence on the blackened horizon. Continue reading “Árstíðir Lífsins – Aldrlok (Review)”

Whoredom Rife – Den Vrede Makt (Review)

Whoredom Rife are a Norwegian black metal band and this is their fourth album.

Containing an ex-member of Keep of Kalessin, Whoredom Rife bring us a scathing slice of classic Norwegian black metal. Den Vrede Makt delivers 50 minutes of material played with authentic passion and lethal skill. Continue reading “Whoredom Rife – Den Vrede Makt (Review)”

Downcross – White Tower (Review)

Downcross are a black metal band from Belarus and this is their sixth album.

White Tower contains 43 minutes of melodic black metal. It’s sharp and well-performed, and Downcross showcase what they’re capable of with attitude and force. Continue reading “Downcross – White Tower (Review)”

Blaze of Perdition – Upharsin (Review)

This is the sixth album from Polish black metallers Blaze of Perdition.

I enjoyed 2015’s Near Death Revelations, 2017’s Conscious Darkness, and 2020’s The Harrowing of Hearts, so was pleased when Upharsin appeared. Across its 41-minute duration Blaze of Perdition create a withering storm of hostile black metal and ceremonial atmosphere. Continue reading “Blaze of Perdition – Upharsin (Review)”

MNHG – Necare (Review)

This is the second album from German black metallers MNHG.

Necare is the 37-minute follow up to 2021’s Mundare. This new record sees the band taking firm strides forward with their music, with stronger performances and production values that allow the nine tracks to shine. Continue reading “MNHG – Necare (Review)”

Mountain Shadow – Mountain Shadow (Review)

This is the debut album from US black metal band Mountain Shadow.

Mountain Shadow play atmospheric black metal and their self titled record contains 53 minutes of material. It might not be what you’re expecting though, as Mountain Shadow have created something a little different in some ways on these eight tracks. Continue reading “Mountain Shadow – Mountain Shadow (Review)”