Miasmata – Subterrania (Review)

Miasmata - SubterraniaThis is the second album from New Zealand solo blackened heavy metal band Miasmata.

Subterrania brings us 39 minutes of material from the artist behind Miasmata. The style is a mix of black, speed, thrash, and heavy metal, and these six songs exemplify how to combine these elements into something cohesive and entertaining. Continue reading “Miasmata – Subterrania (Review)”

Afsky – Fællesskab (Review)

Afsky - FællesskabThis is the fourth album from Danish solo black metal band Afsky.

If you aren’t familiar with Afsky, make sure you also check out 2018’s Sorg, 2020’s Ofte Jeg Drømmer Mig Død, and 2023’s Om Hundrede År. None will disappoint. Which leads us to Fællesskab, and its 45 minutes of new material. Can the artist behind Afsky maintain his winning streak of quality black metal albums? Continue reading “Afsky – Fællesskab (Review)”

Vespéral – La Mort de l’Âme (Review)

Vespéral - La Mort de l'ÂmeThis is the second album by Canadian black metal band Vespéral.

La Mort de l’Âme contains 41 minutes of black metal, brought to us in part by members of Conifère. I wasn’t consciously aware of Vespéral before they were announced to play the mighty Fortress Festival next year, although I’ve definitely seen their logo and album art before, somewhere, somehow. Continue reading “Vespéral – La Mort de l’Âme (Review)”

Terzij de Horde – Our Breath Is Not Ours Alone (Review)

Terzij de Horde - Our Breath Is Not Ours AloneTerzij de Horde are a black metal band from the Netherlands and this is their third album.

Whether it’s 2015’s Self or 2022’s In One of These, I Am Your Enemy, Terzij de Horde being the intensity. Now they’re back, sooner than expected, with the 43-minute Our Breath Is Not Ours Alone, and it absolutely rages. Continue reading “Terzij de Horde – Our Breath Is Not Ours Alone (Review)”

Wode – Uncrossing the Keys (Review)

Wode - Uncrossing the KeysThis is the fourth album from UK black/doom/heavy metal band Wode.

This is the follow up to 2021’s Burn in Many Mirrors, and a record I’m pleased to see appear. Uncrossing the Keys is not more of the same from Wode though. This should be expected, as each Wode album so far has found the band adding to their musical framework. Continue reading “Wode – Uncrossing the Keys (Review)”

Achathras – A Darkness of the Ancient Past (Review)

Achathras - A Darkness of the Ancient PastThis 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)”

Frostmoon Eclipse – As Time Retreats (Review)

Frostmoon Eclipse - As Time RetreatsFrostmoon Eclipse are an Italian black metal band and this is their eighth album.

As Time Retreats is the 41-minute follow up to 2019’s Worse Weather to Come. Since their previous album Frostmoon Eclipse have refined their sound into something quite tasty. If you’re looking for black metal that embraces the core of the 90s second wave, while also simultaneously branching out from it, this is the one for you. Continue reading “Frostmoon Eclipse – As Time Retreats (Review)”

Bezwering – Dwalingen (Review)

Bezwering - DwalingenThis is the latest EP from Bezwering, a black metal band from the Netherlands.

Containing an ex-member of WedergangerDwalingen is a 12-minute release that showcases Bezwering’s uncommon take on black metal across two tracks. Although you can hear second wave elements for sure, there’s a stronger dose of first wave influence than you typically find in contemporary bands. Continue reading “Bezwering – Dwalingen (Review)”

Nexion – Sundrung (Review)

Nexion - SundrungThis is the second album from Icelandic black metal band Nexion.

Sundrung contains 49 minutes of material for the refined listener to explore. Nexion play arcane black metal, with elements of death metal skilfully incorporated to add extra force and brutality. There’s more than just that here though. Get ready for something special. Continue reading “Nexion – Sundrung (Review)”

Kamra – Unending Confluence (Review)

Kamra - Unending ConfluenceKamra are a black metal band from Slovenia and this is their second album.

Kamra have a member of Assumption in their ranks, and Unending Confluence contains 41 minutes of music. This is black metal influenced by the old-school, but dragged by lethal dissonance into the modern era. Continue reading “Kamra – Unending Confluence (Review)”