Wolves in the Throne Room – Wonderbox Metal

Cistvaen – At Light’s Demise (Review)

This 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)”

Isenordal – Requiem for Eirênê (Review)

This is the third album from Isenordal, a doom metal band from the US.

Brought to us by members of Dead to a Dying World and Wilt, Requiem for Eirênê contains 56 minutes of expressive doom metal. Isenordal play a multifaceted style that combines elements of funeral doom, black metal, and neofolk. Requiem for Eirênê is an album that’s rich in evocative layers. Continue reading “Isenordal – Requiem for Eirênê (Review)”

Obsidian Tongue – The Stone Heart (Review)

This is the latest EP from US black metal band Obsidian Tongue.

I’ve never properly reviewed anything by Obsidian Tongue, although I did love 2020’s Volume III and included it here. My very brief overview of “Highly accomplished atmospheric black metal with a voice of its own.” still applies, and The Stone Heart is definitely one to check out if you’re a fan of bands such as Agalloch, Wolves in the Throne Room, Wilt, Alda, etc. Continue reading “Obsidian Tongue – The Stone Heart (Review)”

Vemod – The Deepening (Review)

This is the second album from Norwegian black metallers Vemod.

The Deepening contains 48 minutes of dark blackened worldscapes. It’s the sort of record that is worth exploring in a thorough and comprehensive manner, as there are many rewards to be had within its beautifully coated exterior. Continue reading “Vemod – The Deepening (Review)”

Yfel – Beneath the Mountain’s Vigil (Review)

This is the debut album from US black metal band Yfel.

Across the 40 minutes of music on Beneath the Mountain’s Vigil Yfel reveal themselves as very capable purveyors of atmospheric black metal. Continue reading “Yfel – Beneath the Mountain’s Vigil (Review)”

Ruadh – 1296 (Review)

This 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)”

Wolves in the Throne Room – Crypt of Ancestral Knowledge (Review)

This is the latest EP from US black metal band Wolves in the Throne Room.

A new Wolves in the Throne Room release is always a cause for celebration, even if it’s not a full album. Crypt of Ancestral Knowledge provides us with two new songs, a remix, and an ambient outro. Let’s dig in and see what this is all about. Continue reading “Wolves in the Throne Room – Crypt of Ancestral Knowledge (Review)”

Blackbraid – Blackbraid II (Review)

This is the second album from black metal solo act Blackbraid.

Blackbraid I was a very enjoyable album, which showcased the work of a talented new artist. Now though we have the immense Blackbraid II to absorb ourselves in. With a length of 66 minutes,(which includes a Bathory cover), it’s almost double the duration of its predecessor, and reveals that Blackbraid’s debut was no one-hit wonder. Continue reading “Blackbraid – Blackbraid II (Review)”

Pyrkagion – The Katechon and the Unending Fire (Review)

This is the debut EP from US black metal band Pyrkagion.

The Katechon and the Unending Fire is a 26-minute EP consisting of two tracks. Brought to us by members of Bell Witch, Human Effluence, and Hissing, Pyrkagion deliver a strong lesson in modern black metal. Continue reading “Pyrkagion – The Katechon and the Unending Fire (Review)”

Earthen Altar – Earthen Altar (Review)

This is the debut album from US black metal band Earthen Altar.

Earthen Altar play nature-inspired atmospheric black metal informed by the Cascadian style., but not restricted to it. Earthen Altar contains three tracks with a total duration of 27 minutes. Before we start, prepare yourself, as this is a colossally strong release. Continue reading “Earthen Altar – Earthen Altar (Review)”