This is the debut album from Italian black metal band Atlantic Ridge.
Brought to us by members of Bedsore and Thecodontion, Atlantic Ridge contains 41 minutes of atmospheric black metal, with added funeral doom and a touch of sludgy post-metal. Atlantic Ridge have crafted an engaging record of esoteric depth. Continue reading “Atlantic Ridge – Atlantic Ridge (Review)”
This is the third album from solo Greek black metal band Night Vigil.
This is an easy band for fans of Auriferous Flame, Mystras, and Spectral Lore to take an interest in, as the same artist behind these bands is also the one behind Night Vigil. The Hamlet contains 35 minutes of material, and it’s not Continue reading “Night Vigil – The Hamlet (Review)”
This is the third album from US black metal band Iron Firmament.
In the Land of Pre-Human Kings contains 42 minutes of atmospheric black metal, brought to the world by a band that clearly understand the style. Iron Firmament bring a range of influences together on this record, resulting in music that’s sure to Continue reading “Iron Firmament – In the Land of Pre-Human Kings (Review)”
This is the fifth album from US solo black metal band Serpent Column.
Following on from 2024’s Tassel of Ares, Aion of Strife contains 50 minutes of new material from the esteemed Serpent Column. Prepare yourself for overstimulating oblivion. Continue reading “Serpent Column – Aion of Strife (Review)”
Vígljós are a Swiss black metal band and this is their second album.
Tome II: Ignis Sacer contains 43 minutes of material from this enigmatic act. Vígljós’ style is rooted in the second wave, but brought to life with expressive synths, mellotron, and an occasional hard rock feel to some of the riffs. Continue reading “Vígljós – Tome II: Ignis Sacer (Review)”
This is the second album from Lust Hag, a solo black metal act from the US.
I didn’t expect a new Lust Hag album so soon after the artist’s first one from last year, but I shouldn’t have been surprised I suppose. After all, since then, she has also released Prayers Unanswered, (a split with Reaping Fields,), and a split with Genital Shame. As a big fan of Lust Hag, the 44-minute Irrevocably Drubbed is very well-received. Continue reading “Lust Hag – Irrevocably Drubbed (Review)”
This is the third album from Enevelde, a Norwegian solo black metal band.
Following on from 2020’s Enevelde and 2023’s En Gildere Død, Pandemonium delivers 38 minutes of new material from the artist behind Enevelde. It’s both an unforgiving and immersive record, one destined I fear for underground obscurity, rather than the wider acclaim it deserves. Continue reading “Enevelde – Pandemonium (Review)”
Bergthron are a German black metal band and this is their seventh album.
After a 15-year absence, Bergthron have unexpectedly appeared out of nowhere with 32 minutes of new material in the form of Neu Asen Land. If you know any of Bergthron’s first few albums or so, this almost sounds like a completely different band, so don’t go expecting the sprawling atmospheric black metal epics of their early work. If you’re unfamiliar with them though, or aren’t bothered by a change in direction, then there’s much to enjoy here if you are of a certain taste. Continue reading “Bergthron – Neu Asen Land (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 debut album from Wrach, a Welsh solo black metal band.
Quad Infra Volo Videre contains 48 minutes of sinister underground black metal. It’s inspired by the 90s second wave style, but other influences from across the last few decades have been drawn into its malevolent embrace, giving it more of a 00s feel overall. Continue reading “Wrach – Quae Infra Volo Videre (Review)”
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