Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Satanicristo/Bastardizing The Holiness/WolfKult Religion/2025 EP Review

 


  Satanicristo  are  a  duo  form  Brazil  that  plays  a  very  satanic,  blasphemous  and  bestial  mixture  of  war,  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  ep  "Bastardizing  The  Holiness"  which  was  released  by  WolfKult  Religion.


  Dark  soundscapes  start  off  the  ep  before  going  into  a  very  fast,  raw  and  brutal  war  metal  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  bestial  growls  while  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  tooted  in t he  early  90's  era.


  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  melody.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  chaotic  style  and  the  second  track  also  adds  in a   brief  use  of  synths  and  war  sounds  before  returning  back  to  a  heavier  direction  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.


  Satanicristo  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  war  and  bestial  black/death  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism  and  Blasphemy  themes.


  In  my  opinion  Satanicristo  are  a  very  great  sounding  satanic  and  blasphemous  mixture  of  war,  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Bastardizing  The  Holiness".  8  out  of  10.


  youtu.be/2YhqTQUFrGg

Starcave Nebula/Asterism/WolfKult Religion/2025 EP Review

 


  Starcave  Nebula  are  a  duo  form  Vancouver  B.C,  Canada  that  plats  a  very  raw  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  ep  "Asterism"  which  was  released  by  WolfKult  Religion.


  A  very  distorted  sound  starts  off  the  ep  along  with  some  drum beats  a  few  seconds  later  while  both  of  the  tracks  are  long  and  epic  in  length.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  black  metal  screams.


  A  lot  of  the  music  also  captures  a  very  lo-fi  atmosphere  while  the  solos  and  leads  also  add  in  more  of  a  chaotic  style  along  with  the  second  track  bringing  in  more  of  a  slower  and  repetitive  guitar  drone  direction. 


  Starcave  Nebula  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  raw  and  lo-fi  sounding.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  space,  hallucinations  and  futuristic  concepts.


  In  my  opinion  Starcave  Nebula  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw  black  metal  duo  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out t his  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Asterism  in  Phlogopite...".  8  out  of  10.


  youtu.be/SW4QwGDr_gg 

Impurity/Goat Semen/Unpure Rituals/WolfKult Religion/2025 Split EP Review

 


  This  is  a  review  of  a  split  ep  between  Brazil's  Impurity  and  Peru's  Goat  Semen  called  'Unpure  Rituals"  which  was  released  by  WolfKult  Religion  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  Impurity  a  band  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  old  form  of  black  metal.


  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  some  dark  soundscapes  and  synths  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams.  The  track  is  also  over  7  minutes  in  length  as well  as  adding  in  some  dark  sounding  melodies.


  Most  of  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  old  school  era  along with the  faster  sections  of  the  song  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats,  the  track  also  adds  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well as  the  solos  and  leads  adding  in  more  of  a  mid  80's  style  and  the  song  is  a  Sarcofago  cover.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover War  themes.


  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  track  from  Impurity  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  satanic  and  occult  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.


  Next  up  is  Goat  Semen  a  band  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  mixture  of  war,  black  and  death  metal.


  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  some  blast  beats  before  adding  in  some  faster  riffing  and  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.  The  music  also  mixes  in  elements  of  war  and  death  metal  while  also  being  heavily  rooted  in t he  90's  era,  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.


  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  chaotic  style  along  with  the  fast  tremolo  picking  also  giving  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling  when  it  is  utilized  and  both  of  the  tracks  stick  to  a  heavier  direction.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism  and  Blasphemy  themes.


  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Goat  Semen  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  war,  black  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Fuck  Christ".


  In  conclusion  I  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  split  and  i  would  recommend  it  to  all  fans  of  South  American  war,  black  and  death  metal.  8  out  of  10.


   youtu.be/P9u2YR8vjRs    

Execrari Interview

 

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

-Execrari are a black metal band from the midwest United States. We play a form of black metal that is both orthodox and progressive. 



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

-We take influence from different black metal bands for different reasons. Root and Inquisition influence our slower moments and our occasionally unique clean vocal approaches. Bands like Dawn, early Borknagar(although I do like all Borknagar), and Ungfell influence our melodic sensibilities and bands like Marduk and Absu influence our speed and precision.  


3.Your lyrics cover oneironautics and multiversal desolation, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these topics?

-Our lyric themes are best described as a brand of existential science fiction. One must first understand that, as it relates to this album, dreams are seen as what connects particular entities to each other throughout a 'multiverse' of existence. Each song represents one of these special oneironautic entities connecting to the center of all existence in an attempt to create a force strong enough to destroy all existence. 


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

-We had all the music recorded and written before we decided on the name. Execrari translates basically to 'to curse', but also has implications related to destruction. DFK presented the name early on in the recording process, and by the end of the process we had agreed that it fit both the concept and the music perfectly. The reason I came to realize it fit perfectly is because each song represents a different entity in a different universe coming into contact with the nexus of all existence and, because of a multitude of reasons(sadness, boredom, contempt, etc), attempting to redirect all energy back into the nexus with the purpose of destroying all existence. So, each entity is essentially cursing existence and seeking to end it. 


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

-The artwork was masterfully created at Vhan Artworks and Printing. My initial idea was to have the creature at the center(the nexus) be more 'devilish' in look, but we quickly realized we didn't want that look and edited it down to what is currently there. The six circles on the side represent the six songs/six entities on the album. Initially they were something more related to the human body(a brain, eyes, etc). However, in pursuing Vhan's premade artwork I realized he had some pieces for sale that really fit the album's concept a lot more than my initial idea, so I had him combine his efforts with my idea. The whole thing worked out better than I had initially hoped and the whole process was very professional, so I anticipate working with him again in the future. 


6.The project is based in the Midwest region of the United States, in which state is the project based?

-I(Voice of the Nexus) live in Wisconsin, DFK lives in Illinois. We were never in the same room while making this album. I meticulously demoed and recorded everything in my home studio and then he played the drums, reamped, mixed, mastered, etc


7.Currently 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 absolutely prefer to remain a duo. I have no interest in live performances and want total creative control of and freedom with this project. The drummer and producer I have chosen to further bring this vision to life is DFK. However, I do not view him as a hired hand. His input and creativity was very integral to the process and the satisfying nature of the final product. He was not just a 'yes man' throughout the process, bringing valuable insight to the artwork process. Not to mention, his studio skills at Iron Hand Audio are top notch and his drumming can't be fucked with. 


8.How did you get in contact with 'Hessian Firm'?

-We sent the album to countless labels. They were the first to take it seriously and to see it as a unique album. That was the most important thing to me. 


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

-It has been hard getting zines to agree to review the album, as(for whatever inconceivable reason) nobody wants to review something, no matter how good, that has already been released. However, there has been considerable praise from fans and that means more. 


10.Where do you see the project heading into musically during the future?

-I have several songs demoed for a second album, but will be very picky with song selection and demand from DFK and myself a second album that lives up to what we feel is a killer debut. Musically, I do not see any change of direction. I suppose I would like to focus on the natural addition of more 'weird' parts inspired by Root and Inquisition, but, overall, the desire is to make black metal for true black metal fans. 


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?

-Most of my personal listening habits do not involve new bands, although I do have a soft spot for Horn(Germany), not that I'd call them 'new', and the bands associated with Junger Tumilon(Ungfell, Kvelgeyst, Ateiggar, etc). I also like a lot of 'newer' Greek bands, Acherontas, Macabre Omen, etc. As I type this interview I'm listening to the Sigh demos. 


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

-Thank you for the review and interview.  

https://www.facebook.com/people/Execrari/61576964005515/

Monday, August 18, 2025

Wehmut/III: Frühling/Naturmacht Productions/2025 Full Length Review

 


  Wehmut  are  a  solo  project  from  Germany  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  very  atmospheric  and  depressive  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2025  album  "III:  Frühling"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  Naturmacht  Productions.


  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  atmospheric  soundscapes  a  few  seconds  later  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  depressive  black  metal  screams.


  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  album  more  of  a  raw  feeling  and  throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts. 


  Synths  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  as  well  as  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  one  song  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  acoustic  guitars,  clear  chants  and stringed  instruments  and  a  couple  of  songs  also  adds  in  small  amount  of  nature  sounds  and  clean  playing. The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  German  and  cover  the  season  of  spring.


  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Wehmut  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  and  depressive  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Geburt"  and  "Alles  wird  enden,  auch  der  Schmerz".  8  out  of  10.


  https://youtu.be/3jJ8fSsfkCQ?si=eiDR8QTo9bAJghuB  

Panopticon/Songs Of Hireath/Nordvis Produktion/2025 Compilation Review

 


  This  is  a  review  of  a  compilation  from  Minnesota's  Panopticon  which  shows  the  music  being  in  more  of  an atmospheric  black  metal  and  the  album  was  released  in  2025  by  Nordvis  Produktion  and  called  "Songs  of  Hireath"  which  consists  of  unreleased  songs  recorded  between  2009  and  2011.


  A  very  heavy  and  atmospheric  sound  starts  off  the  compilation  while  all  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic post  metal  style  as  well  as  some  synths  also  being  utilized  at  times.


  Whispered  vocals  and  clear  singing  can  also  be  heard  on  a  few  tracks  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  compilation  more  of  a  raw  feeling  and  throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.


  Harsh  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  along  with  some  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing.  A  couple  of  songs  also  adds  in  a  small  amount  of  spoken  words  as  well  as  some  folk  instruments  also  being  utilized briefly  and  one  track  also  adds  in  t  ouch  of  blackgaze,  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  indigenous  history,  green  anarchism  and  the  consequences  of  industrialization. 


  In  my  opinion  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  collection  from  Panopticon  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  compilation.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Road  To  Bergen"  "Haunted  America  II"  and  "The  Eulogy".  8  out  of  10.


  https://music.apple.com/ie/artist/panopticon/381121839

https://www.facebook.com/TheTruePanopticon

https://www.instagram.com/thetruepanopticon/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Mz5qpR3WxbcBwZBsmraWE?si=SBGty_m2TGGRWJDPSXjX1w&nd=1&dlsi=f9dc763bc4834583


         


    

Sunday, August 17, 2025

Panopticon/Laurentian Blue/Nordvis Produktion/2025 Full Length Review

 

 Minnesota's  Panopticon  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  moving  away  from  the  black  metal  elements  of  previous  releases  and  going  for  more  of  an  acoustic  direction  which  they  describe  as  being  'Northwoods  Americana'  or  outdooe  country'  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Laurentian  Blue"  which  was  released  by  Nordvis  Prodktion.


  Acoustic  guitars  start  off  the  album  and  also  bring  in  elements  of  folk,  country  and  Americana  while  the  vocals  are  done  in  more  of  a  clean  style.  Violins  are  also  added  on  some  of  the  tracks  along  with  the  guitars  also  adding  in  a  mixture  of  both  full  chords  and  finger  picking  as  well  as  each  song  also  sounding  different  from  each  other.


  Mandolins  and  banjo's  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording  while  a  couple  of  tracks  are  also  long  and  epic  in  length  and  a  later  track  also  introduces  drum  beats  and  spoken  words  onto  the  album,  female  vocals  can  also  be  heard  briefly.


  On  this  recording  Panopticon  move  away  from  the  black  metal  elements  and  electronic  instruments  of  previous  releases  and  focuses  more  on  an  acoustic  direction  which  also  mixes  country,  folk  music  and  Americana  together. The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  burden  of  regret,  the  passion  of  time  and  the  quiet  act  of  holding  on.


  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Panopticon  and  while  some  black  metal  fans  might  not  like  the  new  direction,  I  can  see  this  appealing  to  fans  of  folk,  country  and  Americana.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Liberation  Song"  "I  Want  To  Be  Alone"  "Down  Along  The  Border"  and  "Broken  Bars".  8  out  of  10.


  https://music.apple.com/ie/artist/panopticon/381121839

https://www.facebook.com/TheTruePanopticon

https://www.instagram.com/thetruepanopticon/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Mz5qpR3WxbcBwZBsmraWE?si=SBGty_m2TGGRWJDPSXjX1w&nd=1&dlsi=f9dc763bc4834583