Arð – Untouched by Fire (Review)

Arð - Untouched by FireThis is the second album from UK doom metal solo act Arð.

I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Arð last year, so the opportunity to bask in the luxurious doom majesty of this new album was irresistible. Brought to us by a member of Winterfylleth, Untouched by Fire is a richly rewarding 43-minute experience to get lost in. Continue reading “Arð – Untouched by Fire (Review)”

Cistvaen – At Light’s Demise (Review)

Cistvaen - At Light's DemiseThis is the debut album from UK atmospheric black metallers Cistvaen.

I like this form of atmospheric black metal, and I like it even more when it’s played with a weighty doom component, as it is here. The promo blurb mentions bands like Agalloch, Fen, My Dying Bride, Alcest, Insomnium, Wolves in the Throne Room, and Winterfylleth, amongst others, so this should give you a good starting point for approaching the 58 minutes of music on At Light’s Demise. Continue reading “Cistvaen – At Light’s Demise (Review)”

Ruadh – 1296 (Review)

Ruadh - 1296This is the fourth album from Scottish epic black metallers Ruadh.

Oh dear, it’s taken me an obscene amount of time to finally check out Ruadh, after thoroughly enjoying them at this year’s Reaper Festival. Ah well, better late than never, and 1296 has definitely been worth the wait. Continue reading “Ruadh – 1296 (Review)”

Trivax – Eloah Burns Out (Review)

Trivax - Eloah Burns OutTrivax are an Iranian/UK black metal band and this is their second album.

Following on from 2016’s SIN, Trivax return with 49 minutes of new material in the dark shape of Eloah Burns Out. This new album offers a more refined, well-developed vision of extreme metal, and is definitely a record you should check out if you’re a fan of black/death metal. Continue reading “Trivax – Eloah Burns Out (Review)”

Stormkeep/Winterfylleth/Saor/Ninkharsag/Arð/Nemorous/Cairns – Rebellion, Manchester – 05/08/23 (Live Review)

Stormkeep - Live Manchester RebellionIt’s a sold out show today at Manchester’s Rebellion, a venue I always like coming to. There’s a good atmosphere, and loads of quality bands to be had. What more could you want? Spoiler alert: today was an excellent day. Continue reading “Stormkeep/Winterfylleth/Saor/Ninkharsag/Arð/Nemorous/Cairns – Rebellion, Manchester – 05/08/23 (Live Review)”

Terra – Für Dich Existiert Das Alles Nicht (Review)

Terra - Für Dich Existiert Das Alles NichtThis is the third album from UK black metal band Terra.

Für Dich Existiert Das Alles Nicht contains 65 minutes of atmospheric black metal, and is recommended for fans of bands such as Wolves in the Throne Room, Yellow Eyes, Winterfylleth, Fell Voices, and Weakling. Continue reading “Terra – Für Dich Existiert Das Alles Nicht (Review)”

Necronautical – Slain in the Spirit (Review)

Necronautical - Slain in the SpiritNecronautical are a UK black metal band and this is their fourth album.

Featuring members of Winterfylleth and Foetal Juice, Necronautical play black metal influenced by the second wave, in particular the keyboard-enhanced symphonic side of it. To this is added a muscular death metal influence, which is streamlined by the blackened core of the band and used to add a lethal edge to the music. There’s also a progressive metal influence that can felt on occasion, usually in a particular riff, solo, or melody, for example. Continue reading “Necronautical – Slain in the Spirit (Review)”

Saarkoth – Cult of Nature (Review)

Saarkoth - Cult of NatureThis is the second album from UK black metal band Saarkoth.

Saarkoth’s Bandcamp page says that they are inspired by bands like Winterfylleth, Agalloch, and Emperor, and this serves as a good starting point for approaching Cult of Nature. However, although you can hear the influences and recognise the style, I’m pleased to say that Saarkoth have found their own voice within it. Continue reading “Saarkoth – Cult of Nature (Review)”

Winterfylleth – The Reckoning Dawn (Review)

Winterfylleth - The Reckoning DawnWinterfylleth are a UK black metal band and this is their seventh album.

My first introduction to Winterfylleth was with last year’s The Siege of Mercia, which I really enjoyed. As such, I knew I had to check out The Reckoning Dawn when it appeared. Continue reading “Winterfylleth – The Reckoning Dawn (Review)”