Amphisbaena/Rift/I, Voidhanger Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Amphisbaena  are  a  band  from  Edmonton,  Alberta,  Canada  that  plays  a  very  progressive  and  dissonant  mixture  of  black,  doom  and  death  metal  with  elements  of  ambient  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Rift"  which  will  be  released  in  August  by  I,  Voidhanger  Records.

  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  the  vocals  also  add  in  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and    grim  black  metal  screams.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in  elements  of  doom  metal.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  brutal  sounding  blast  beats.  At  times  the  recording  also  goes  into  more  of  a  progressive  direction  and  one  of  the  tracks  is   also  an  instrumental.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  album  also  having  its  dissonant  moments.  When  tremolo  picking  is  added  into  the  faster  riffing  they  also  give  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  as  well  as  some  tracks  also  adding  in  touches  of  ambient  and  harsh  noise,  chants  and  synths  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  cosmic  horror,  mystical  revelation  and  mechanized  post  human  transcendence.  

  In  my  opinion  Amphisbaena  are  a  very  great  sounding  dissonant  and  progressive  mixture  of  black,  doom  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Wading  The  Deserts  Of  Earth"  "Braying  Of  70,000"  and  "Exponentially  Falling... Upward".  8  out  of  10.

  https://i-voidhangerrecords.bandcamp.com/album/rift    

Malthusian/The Summoning Bell/Relapse Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Ireland's  Malthusian  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  mixture  of  black,  doom  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "The  Summoning  Bell"  which  will  be  released  in  August  by  Relapse  Records.

  Dark  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction while  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  along  with  some  of  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  chaotic  style.

  Vocals  are  mostly  cavernous  death  metal  growls  mixed  in  with  a  few  black  metal  screams  while  the  album  also  has  its  brutal  moments.  Elements  of  doom  metal  are  also  added  into  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  along  with  the  recording  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them,  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  one  track  also  adds  in  a  small  amount  of  spoken  words.

  On  this  recording  Malthusian  goes  for  more  of  a  modern  mixture  of  black,  doom  and  death  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  existential  dread,  death  and  darkness.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Malthusian  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  doom  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Read,  Waiting"  "The  Summoning  Bell"  and  "In  Chaos,  Exult".  8  out  of  10.

  https://malthusian.bandcamp. com

https://www.facebook.com/ malthusianDM  

https://www.instagram.com/ malthusianire    

Dashiem/Invocation Of Malfayosh/2023 EP Review

 

  Dashiem  are  a  solo  project  from  Egypt  that  plays  an  occult  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2023  ep  "Invocation  Of  Malfayosh".

  A  very  ritualistic  sounding  intro  starts  off  the  ep  along  with  some  chants  and  synths  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  A  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  long  and  epic  in  length  while  the  harsh  vocals  are  mostly  grim  black  metal  screams  and  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style  while  the  spoken  words  also  add  to  the  more  ritualistic  vibe.  Synths  also  mix  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times,  blast  beats  and  raw  tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard  briefly  when  the  music  speeds  up  and  most  of  the  recording  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction.

  Dashiem  plays  a  style  of  occult  black  metal  that  is  very  ritualistic  and  mid  tempo  sounding.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Demonology,  Arabian  Witchcraft  and  Middle  Eastern  Black  Magick.

  In  my  opinion  Dashiem  are  a  very  great  sounding  occult  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Invocation  Of  Malfayosh"  and  "Darkened  Rites".  8  out  of  10.

  Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hf8dJ2T7vM4&t=801s&ab_channel=NoGleamingLight

Bandcamp:
https://dashiem.bandcamp.com/album/invocation-of-malfayosh
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/dashiem.egy/

Metal Archives: 
https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Dashiem/3540532569

  

      

Jaeger Interview

 

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the musical project?

Jaeger is a black metal project in which I try to make beautifully aggressive, vengeful melodies that contrast with the drums and vocals in a blaze of rawness. I want to make music that feels like catharsis, in a sense; because music is catharsis.

2.So far you have released 2 ep's, musically how do they both differ from each other?

Musically? Well, in my opinion, my first EP (Die höhnischen Krallen der Rache) fucking sucks. I listened back to it yesterday. I don't know why I thought I did a good job on that. But I assume that I will feel the same about the self titled soon once I release something new. It's a cycle of setting new expectations and, in retrospective, looking down negatively on previous material. In sound I'd say that the newest EP is slower, louder, not any rawer though, thank fuck.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?

Our lyrical topics mainly deal with existence. The inherent damnation of man. Mythology. And sometimes anti-fascism, but that song fucking sucked.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Jaeger'?

It's just what I thought of and sounded "cool", I guess. Not much thought behind it other than I was wrapping up recording the debut and thought of it's themes. It's a lot about nature, and hunters are in nature. Since "Jäger" is the word for hunter in my native language, and the font I was using didn't have an Ä, I named the project Jaeger. Not very meaningful or creative.

5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new ep cover?

The artwork on the EP is from a release of "Krabat", a novel I love and have always loved. Read it. It's great.

6.Currentl there are only 2 members in the band, are you open to expanding the line up or do you prefer to remain a duo?

I am definitely open to expanding the line-up, I can't do vocals all that well, so maybe having a vocalist would be nice. Vocal features will probably appear sometime. I want to do more high and low vocals in one song instead of just doing high fry screams constantly.

7.Currently the band is signed to 'Amnulet', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

Annulet*, it's just a little collective between me and some friends, not much to talk about.

8.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?

On a global scale I haven't noticed much, I wish my music was noticed more, but oh well. My friends really enjoy my project. If possible I am going to make CDs of the next Jaeger release, which would boost the numbers of how many people know about me, or atleast so I hope.

9.When can we expect a full length and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

I am constantly, constantly working on music (different genres as well) and once I've decided I've done enough for a release, I'll release it. I am dedicating more of my musical creativity towards black metal currently, so an LP is more likely. As for where were heading musically, not much will change. We'll have some noise/drone and war metal tracks 'cos were just into that shit.

10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

A lot of heavy metal, black metal, some war metal, punk. I listen to all of these and grindcore, powerviolence, sludge, doom, stoner, whatever heavy shit I can get my hands on, really. I've started listening to KHANATE recently. They're just real slow droning guitar and bass with drums sometimes and insane vocals.. I've seen them be called "Heroin Drone", and I agree. What else am I listening to? I listen to some electronic music, I guess. I really like Venetian Snares, Autechre, Xanopticon, Aphex Twin (sometimes)

11.Does Occultism play any role in your music?

Oh yeah, most definitely. I practice some magicks like chaos magick. I've made an Annulet and Jaeger sigil. I'm not big on the "Satan worship" type stuff, I feel no connection to it; and black metal where you constantly say shit like, I don't know... "Satan in the forest....Satan in the forest" it just gets boring after a while. Black Metal artists should get fucking creative for once. But yes, occultism does definitely play a role in my music.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

I feel like a lot of black metal just tends to be the same shit... over... and over... and over again, and it becomes exhausting. So if you make black metal and you are reading this. LISTEN TO OTHER SHIT!!! Listen to anything but black metal for like a month or so and you'll have the sickest fucking riffs you never thought you could think of, trust me. Just take a break, or you'll just feedback the same inspiration over and over and over again. Or just listen to random black metal you find on YouTube, and try to be BETTER than them, really.

https://annulet.bandcamp.com/album/jaeger

Lunatic Hymn/War Against Mankind/Dreadful Silence Productions/2025 Demo Re-Issue Review

 

  Lunatic  Hymn  are  a  solo  project  from  New  York  that  plays  a  very  mid  tempo  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2002  demo  "War  Against  Mankind"  which  was  re-issued  and  re-mastered in  2025  with  bonus  tracks  by  Dreadful  Silence  Productions.

  A  very  dark  and  distorted  intro  starts  off  the  demo  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  yet  high  pitched  sounding  black  metal  screams.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  more  of  an  old  school  style  and  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.

  Most  of  the  music  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  When  tremolo  picking  is  added  into  the  guitar  riffing  they  also  give  the  recording  more  of  a  raw  feeling,  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  some  of  the  tracks  are  also  instrumentals.

  Lunatic  Hymn  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  raw  and  mid  tempo  sounding.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  death,  destruction,  war  and  religion  themes.  

  In  my  opinion  Lunatic  Hymn  are  a  very  great  sounding  mid  tempo  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  re-issue.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Carnolvore"  and  "War  Against  Mankind".  8  out  of  10.

  http://lunatichymn.bandcamp.com

http://www.twitter.com/thetrueaerikvon
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Yinq0WEYuqWoWozFa6GVi
https://www.facebook.com/share/15viZ6onW4/

  

Tombeau Interview

 

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the solo project?

Tombeau is my first solo project, which started as a death metal one but soon drifted towards a more necro black metal sound. I record everything, in my living-room.

2.So far you have released an ep and a demo, musically how do they both differ from each other?

The first EP I quickly deleted from my bandcamp page. Only the demo actually represents what Tombeau is about.

3.According to the bandcamp page the demo was recorded between 2020/2021 but was not released until 2025, can you tell us a little bit more about the wait?

Life happened. For multiple reasons I only published those songs recently. I have a few songs on the way, but mainly worked on other musical and artistic projects. 

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you have explored so far with the music?

I used old texts I had written, poetry mainly. Topics are fairly personnal, and I love that in black metal, the mood, the feeling, the music, is often enough for the listener to go where he needs to go, without understanding every word. I write and sing in french, about hate, resentment, but also about love, folklore etc.

5.I know that the bands name means 'tomb' in French, how does this name fit in with the musical style that you play?

As I said, Tombeau was initially a death metal project, very guttural, moldy. Tombeau was the perfect name, and I kind of decided to keep it. I try to play a kind of direct, melodic and lofi black metal that would fit perfectly in a moldy tomb.

6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the demo cover?

I loved the contrast of the picture, the brooding menace of the architecture. The logo has been made by a master of his art, tattoo artist Opération Turquoise. ( https://www.instagram.com/operation_turquoise/?hl=fr )

7.With this project you record everything by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer to work solo?

I kind of like the drum machine, but I may work with a real drummer if Tombeau ever produces anything again.

8.On the demo you done a 'Taake' cover, what was the decision behind doing your own version of one of their songs?

Taake has been an important part of my musical journey, especially in the early days. 

9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?

For now it's mainly on a french level, I'd say it's only on a parisian/friends and family level. Even if I don't make music for people, but for me, I cherished all the feedback from people I admire, like Camille Giraudeau (Veule, DHG, Doedsmaghird, etc.)

10.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?

I plan on releasing a dungeon synth EP soon. When this will be done, I'll focus again on Tombeau. 

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Tastes and influences are two different things. I think my music was mainly influenced by the first black metal albums I listened to, old Ulver, Darkthrone, Akitsta. Those are not what I listen to the most nowadays. From the top of my head I'd say Dodheimsgard, Nidingr, Urfaust, Sordide are the bands making the kind of music I always connect to, whatever the moment, the context. 

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts? 

https://tombeau.bandcamp.com/album/tombeau

Deceiver Interview

 

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the solo project?

Deceiver is a one man melodic black metal band from Singapore that tells an allegorical story using different mediums.

It is a project that was born from the multiple times I've been close to death due to my health. In one of this close brushes there was "something" that I "saw" and understood, that compelled me to start writing music after many years. I felt like I somehow knew the end result and causality took care of the rest.

2.In April you had released your first full length, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

I wanted it sound black metal, melodic, emotive and erratic. To put the audience in a position to feel like standing in a storm but experiencing absolute calmness. And also the opposite, sitting in absolute silence while there's a storm within.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you have explored so far with the music?

Human nature, causality, inner conflicts and morality.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Deceiver'?

There is the common definition of what a Deceiver is, there's the lyrics and the story. Somewhere in all of this, the audience will find what is this Deceiver I'm referring to.

5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?

It is inspired by Rothko's works. The first time I saw his works, I didn't know what they meant but i know they made me feel a certain way and that is how I wanted anyone who listened to Deceiver to feel.

The moth wings symbolically refers what it means in eastern cultures and it's catalytic nature which starts off the story.

6.With this project you record everything by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer to work solos?

I react differently for different projects. I do have other projects that I'm working on with some other musicians and I'm cool with the collaborative approach to writing music. I'm open to it as long as the process is fun or interesting. However, I prefer working alone.

There's a quote I've heard that I'll paraphrase, "The intent to cut, must be sharper than the sword".

This is my approach to songwriting within Deceiver. It's not possible for one person to know how another exactly feels about a certain event or emotion and it's not possible to transmute that into music without diluting the intent, which is why I prefer keeping this a solo project.

7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?

I'm currently looking for a label.

8.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?

It has been positive so far and I believe that it has potential to reach more people if it gets the attention of the right people.

9.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that you are a part of?

Right now a lot of the music stuff is on hold due to my health and personal commitments. I'll begin writing new material when the new year starts.

10.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?

Writing this album has changed the way I approach songwriting. I treat it as if I'm cooking a dish with the end result in mind. I already know what it is going to make feel and react.

Each song is a part of the story and as I'm getting better with getting my desired outcome, the output becomes unpredictable. I've obtained some tools recently and since causality is leading the way. I do not know where it'll lead me.

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

I've listened to Dissection, Hypocrisy and Rotting Christ a lot in the past. Now I listen to anything that has interesting songwriting.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

If I asked you, does the sun rises in the east and sets in the west and you replied “yes”. Now tell me, who deceived whom?

open.spotify.com/artist/7zpzSKUmWFYJuJEkqayBfH?si=qkxkiZ5xRAWj5IV053OleA
deceiversg.bandcamp.com