Tynebound 2026 – Anarchy Brew Co, Newcastle upon Tyne, 05/09/26-06/09/26 (Live Review)

Tynebound 2026 Header Graphic

It’s the inaugural Tynebound, brought to us by the lovely Reaper Agency. It’s a sister festival of this year’s Reaper Festival, and if it’s even half as good as that was, this weekend will be a smashing success. With a great lineup over both days, it’s time to embrace the northern darkness. Continue reading “Tynebound 2026 – Anarchy Brew Co, Newcastle upon Tyne, 05/09/26-06/09/26 (Live Review)”

Fortress Festival 2026 – Scarborough Spa, Scarborough, 30/05/26-31/05/26 (Live Review)

Fortress Festival 2026 -Sold Out Poster

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)”

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)”