Uburen/Dødsdans I Aske/Dusktone/2026 Full Length Review

  Norway's  Uburen  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  continues  the  viking  style  of  black  emtal  from  previous  releases  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2026  album  "Dødsdans  I  Aske"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  Dusktone.

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  very  fast  and  raw  musical  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in t he  old  school  era  of  the  genre.

  Throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  one  track  also  adding  in a   brief  use  of  clear  pagan  vocals  and  the  whole  recording  also  sticks  to a   heavier  direction, chants  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

  On  this  recording  Uburen  brings  out  a  very  raw  and  aggressive  style  of  viking black  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in a  mixture  of  English  and  Norwegian  and  cover  Norse  Mythology  and  Vikings.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  from  Uburen  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  viking  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "I  Seek  Death"  "Formed  By  Time"  and  "Light  my  pyre".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/uburen/

  

  

   

Trollband/Batlord Preservation Society Pt. 1/2025 EP Review

 

  Vancouver  B.C,  Canada's  Trollband  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  them  moving  away  from  the  folk  influenced  style  of  pagan  black  metal  from  earlier  recordings  and  does  covers  of  Bathory  from  the  viking  metal  phase  and  this  is  a  review  of t heir  self  released  2025  ep  "Batlord  Preservation  Society".

  Synths  start  off  the  ep  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  giving  the  music  more  of  an  epic  atmosphere.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  guitar  leads  are  done  in  more  of  a  melodic  style  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.

 A  lot  of  the  music  takes  the  old  Bathory  material  and  mixes  it  with  the  bands  approach  to  black  metal  giving  the  songs  more  of  an  up  to  date  touch.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  some  clear  singing  also  being  used  at  times  and  most  of  the  recording  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction.

  On  this  recording  Trollband  takes  3  songs  from  Bathory  and  mixes  it  with  their  approach  to  melodic  pagan  black  metal  to  make  the  songs  sound  more  modern.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  epic  gantasy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Trollband  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  pagan  black  metal  and  Bathory's  viking  metal  style,  you  should c heck  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "The  Stallion".  8  out  of  10.

https://trollband.bandcamp.com/album/batlord-preservation-society-pt-1    

Einherjer/Lifeblood/By Norse Music/2026 Full Length Review

  Norway's  Einherjer  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  viking  style  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2026  album  "Lifeblood"  which  will  be  released  in  June  by  By  Norse  Music.

  Clear  viking  metal  style  vocals  start  off  the  album  while  also  adding  in  touches  of  power  metal  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in a   decent  amount  of  melody  and  the  harsh  vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams.

  Throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Some  of  the  tracks  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  along  with  some  of  the  music  also  showing  an  influence  of  traditional  metal  as  well  as  a  later  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  words  and  a  couple  of  the  songs  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length

  On  this  recording  Einherjer  update  their  viking  style  of  black  metal  for  the  modern  era  as  well  as  adding  in  some  touches  of  power  and  traditional  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  a mixture  of  Norwegian  and  English  and  cover  Norse  Mythology.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  form  Einherjer  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  band,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Bloodborn"  "Gone"  and  "The  Eternal  North".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/einherjerofficial

https://www.youtube.com/@einherjerofficial

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0iGkBvuI18nxqJR8Ipg1cu?si=AMOrE5P_SF-3LjhLjXbXFQ&nd=1&dlsi=2ee79c0fe18048ab

https://www.instagram.com/einherjerofficial/

Helheim/Yersinia Pestis/Nomad Snakepit Productions/2026 Album Re-Issue Review

 

  Helheim  are  a  band  from  Norway  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in t his  zine  and  plays  a  pagan  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2003  album  "Yersinia  Pestis"  which  will  be  re-issued  in  August,  2026  by  Nomad  Snakepit  Productions.

  The  sounds  of  the  Viking  era  of  Norway  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  spoken  words  before  adding  in  some  industrial  style  beats  before  going  into  a heavier  direction.  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.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Vocals  are  done  in  more  of  an  angry  black  metal  style  which  mixes  both  the  first  and  second  wave  eras  of  the  genre  together  mixed  in  with  some  screams  and  keyboards  are  also  used  at  times.

  When  clear  vocals  are  utilized  they  add  in  touches  of  viking  and  pagan  metal  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are utilized  they  also  bring  in  more  of  an  aggressive  metal  style  as  well  as  some  tracks  also  bringing  in    a  small  amount  of  clean  playing,  growls  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  a  mixture  of  Norwegian  and  English  and  cover  Norse  Mythology.  

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Hellheim  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  old  school  pagan  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  re-issue.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Yersinia  Pestis"  "Elde"  "God  Of  Slander"  and  "Hjelmstorm".  8/5  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/helheimnorway

    

  

Nifrost/Briseld/Dusktone/2026 Full Length Review

 

  Nifrost  are  a  band  from  Norway  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  very  epic  and  melodic  form  of  viking  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2026  album  "Briseld"  which  will  be  released  in  march  by  Dusktone.

  A  very  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  mixed  in  with  some  clear  viking  metal  singing  and  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.

  Throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  classic  Nordic  style.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style,  one  song  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  and  a  couple  of  tacks  also  adds  in  a  small  amount  of  spoken  words.

  On  this  recording  Nifrost  brings  out  a  very  epic  and  melodic  style  of  viking  black  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Norwegian  and  cover  Norse  Mythology.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Nifrost  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  epic  and  melodic  viking  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  ECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Briseld"  "Livskraft"  and  "Likdans".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/nifrost/#  

Blodørn/Det Finnes Ingen Trone/Solistitium Records/2026 Full Length Review

 

  Blodørn  are  a  band  from  Norway  that  plays  a  very  traditional  form  of  viking  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  album  "Set  Finnes  Ingen  Trone"  which  will  be  released  in  2026  by  Solistitium  Records.

  A  very  heavy  and  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  angry  sounding  black  metal  screams.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  music  is  also  very  rooted  in  the  classic  Norwegian  tradition.  Clear  viking  metal  vocals  are  also  utilized  at  times  along  with  a  great  amount  of  the  tracks  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

    When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  added  into  the  music  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  a  couple  of  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  spoken  words,  synths  can  also  be  heard  in  the  background  at  times.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Norwegian  and  cover  viking  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Blodørn  are  a  very  great  sounding  viking  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Det  Finnes  Ingen  Trone"  "Kast  Dir  Krone"  and  "Vandrar  Av  Rang".  8  out  of  10.

  https://youtu.be/ImceMKnFYRg  

  

Thorondir Interview

 

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?

THORONDIR: For the first time ever, we recorded a full-length entirely on our own, in our drummer Alexander Göhl’s studio, Eyelita Records. At the same time, we’re working on new ways to draw both old and new fans deeper into our world.

2.In October you have a new album coming out, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

THORONDIR: It’s much more refined. We really poured our hearts into it, and it shows in the many different layers—mystical, dark, but also epic and dreamlike. This time we blended several genres and lyrically returned to our roots: the sagas and legends of our homeland, mixed at times with Norse mythology.

3.This is also going to be your fist album since 2019 and the one before was released in 2011, can you tell us a little bit more about the long gaps in between releases?

THORONDIR: We all have jobs and families, so naturally, we can’t dedicate 100% of our time to THORONDIR. The band is our passion, and passion takes time if you want to create something truly worthwhile. We don’t want to release music just because “it’s time again”—we want to release material that we believe in and that listeners can connect with as much as we do.

4.A lot of your lyrics cover Pagan and Heathenism themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these topics?

THORONDIR: Norse mythology has always fascinated us—the deep bond with animals and nature. But with Wächter des Waldes we deliberately focused more on the myths and legends of our own homeland, which are equally full of mystery. Our local nature itself has something very magical about it.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Thorondir'?

THORONDIR: A lot of people think the name comes from Thor, the Norse god of thunder, but that’s not the case. “THORONDIR” is Elvish from The Lord of the Rings, and it translates as “The Man of the Eagle.” That’s why our logo features eagle wings and a head—it reflects our connection to nature.

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

THORONDIR: The artwork was once again created by Jan Yrlund, who also designed the cover for Des Wandrers Mär. He’s well known in the scene, having done covers for Korpiklaani and many other bands. Lyrically, much of the new album takes place in dark forests inhabited by legendary figures who serve as guardians of the woods. The cover reflects this: it shows the entrance to a shadowy forest, with the tree in the foreground symbolizing such a guardian or protector.

7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

THORONDIR: It’s hard to single out one show—each one has its own magic, no matter the size of the crowd. We’ve never relied on costumes or stage props, but our energetic and powerful performances have always carried the audience along. Interaction with the crowd and sharing our passion is really important to us. With the new album, though, things will change—we’re working on a more elaborate live concept that will take the audience on a journey through our homeland and its legends.

8.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?

THORONDIR: Absolutely. We’re planning several gigs and even a small tour to bring the new album to the fans. Announcements will follow soon on our website and social media.

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

THORONDIR: After 18 years and three worldwide releases, we’ve built a solid reputation in the pagan metal scene—we’re certainly no longer an unknown name.

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

THORONDIR: We have lots of ideas for future material, and we’re already looking forward to writing new songs and albums so we can keep telling our stories.

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles the band members are currently listening to nowadays?

THORONDIR: Pretty much everything! Our tastes are too broad to pin down to a few bands—the list would be endless.

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

THORONDIR: Thanks a lot for the interview! We hope our loyal fans will embrace Wächter des Waldes, that we’ll gain some new ones, and that many promoters will take notice of us. We want to take everyone along on our journey through the myths and legends of our homeland.

https://youtu.be/eZjRyram1Nc

Manegarm/Edsvuren/Napalm Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Sweden's  Manegarm  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  expanding  on  the  viking  style  of  black  metal  from  previous  releases  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Edsvuren"  which  will  be  released  on  August  29th  by  Napalm  Records.

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  spoken  words  a  few  seconds  later.  Vocals  are  mostly  angry  yet  high  pitched  sounding  black  metal  screams  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  folk  instruments  are  also  utilized  at  times.

  Clear  viking  vocals  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  album  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  recording  more  of  a  raw  feeling  along  with  the  tracks  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts. 

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  some  of  the  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing.  Whispered  vocals  can  also  be  heard  briefly  as  well  as  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  more  of  a  melodic  style.  One  song  also introduces  female  vocals  and  acoustic  guitars  onto  the  album  and  a  couple  of  the  songs  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length. The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Swedish  and  cover  Viking  History  and  Paganism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  Manegarm  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of t his  band,  you  should  enjoy  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "I  Skogsfruns  Famn"  "Till  Gudars  Folje"  "Skild  Fran  Hugen"  and  "Edsvuren".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/Manegarmsweden/    

Thorondir/Wächter des Waldes/Trollzorn Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Thorondir  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  plays  a  pagan  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Wächter  des  Waldes"  which  will  be  released  in  october b y  Trollzorn  Records.

  Keyboards  and  synths  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  Harsh  vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  while  the  riffs  also  add  in a   lot  of  melody  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  recording  more  of  a  raw  feeling.

  Growls  can  also  be  heard  at  times  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  album  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style,  a  couple  of  songs  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  and  acoustic  guitars.

  .

  Thorondir  plays  a  style  of  pagan  black  metal  that  is  very  aggressive,  melodic  and  epic  sounding.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  German  and  cover  Germanic  Mythology  and  Heathen  Beliefs.

  In  my  opinion  Thorondir  are  a  very  great  sounding  pagan  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Drudenfluch"  "Der  wilde  Jager"  "Morast"  and  "Perchas  Schatten".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/THORONDIRofficial

https://www.instagram.com/thorondir.official

https://youtu.be/eZjRyram1Nc

   

  

Ereb Altor Interview

 

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?

 We finished the recordings early this year and since then we have played some really nice festivals like Hellfest, Graspop and Summer Breeze. After the summer we started to prepare new live sets with songs from the upcoming album and the promotional work of the album started. Interviews, making new merch and booking festivals and gigs for instance.

2.You have a new album coming out in 2025, musically hoe does ti differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

 We are continuing in our work of perfecting the Ereb Altor sound. I think we have a rather unique sound already but everything can always be a little bit better. We have implanted some new elements like broken beats, disharmonic chords and new (for us) ways to make sounds on our instruments. In my opinion this is like a continuation of Vargtimman but better in every aspect.

3.Over the years you have covered a lot of Nordic mythology, which aspects of this topic and which stories have your covered with your songwriting so far?

The birth of the world according to Norse mythology where the gods built the world with the body of the giant Ymer. The birth of humans Ask and Embla. Nidhögg and Nifelheim.  Odins struggle to struggle to get wiser and powerful. The death of Balder and the rescue of Balder and of couse the whole Ragnarök topic to mention a few.

4.What are some of the other lyrical topics and subjects you have over the years with your music?

Ereb Altor have always a connection to the inheritance of Scandinavia in our lyrics. We deal a lot with the Swedish folklore, ghost stories, myths and legends. Mainly dark stories simply because that’s what reflects our music the best. We also reflect on the present, there are a lot of things happening in the world the last years. We live in crazy times and when we touch such subjects we do it with the “Ereb Altor” vibe and using ancient references and such to make it fit the Ereb Altor theme.

I would say that Norse mythology is only a small part of the stories we have dealt with during all these years.

5.You have mentioned an interest in fantasy video games and literature in the past, which aspects of this genre have you covered with your lyrics?

I don’t have any interests at all in video games and I would say that I am not a fanatic when it comes to fantasy as well. So I would say we have no aspects of this genre covered in our lyrics.

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

The title and the artwork on the album is a homage to where I come from; Hälsingland. You can see the lady of the forests on the cover art which is a mythical creature from the Swedish folklore. The title and theme of Hälsingemörker is something that was decided long before the album was written or recorded. I also knew instantly that Christine was the one that should make the artwork for this album. She is living in Hälsingland and she is somehow the essence of this magical place. Her art has always had a very strong connection to Hälsingland and I didn’t really have to explain what we were looking for. I have known Christine for years and I’m a fan of her art and she is also the one that made our previous album and we have always had a good collaboration.

 

7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

Some of the best shows when it comes to big festivals would be both times at Hellfest, Graspop and Summer Breeze.

Smaller festivals I would say Cernunnos Pagan Fest, PartySan Open air and Kilkim Zaibu.

Our stage performance has a lot of energy and feelings. We are always trying to create the right atmosphere and to have a strong connection with the audience.

8.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?

We have announced some festivals for next year like Bavarian Battle open air and PartySan Open air for instance but we have more plans but I can’t mention those plans just yet. 

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

Ereb Altor is far from a strict Viking Metal band and we have fans from the black metal scene as well as from the doom scene for instance. But I would say that we fit pretty good in the Viking metal scene as well and we have done a lot of appearances at Pagan festivals also. I think the fans of the Viking metal scene that are more serious and not just interested in mead drinking party Viking bands are the ones that embraces our music. 

10.What is going on with 'Isole' these days which also shares some of the dame band members?

We are writing new material and we are doing some festivals next year. 

11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

It’s hard to say, only time will tell. We always let the inspiration guide us and right now all focus is on Hälsingemörker.

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles the band members are currently listening to nowadays?

I can only speak for myself and if I take a look at the pile of records I have next to my stereo system I find:

Opeth – Still life

Iron maiden – 7th son

16 horsepower – Secret south

Gåte – Jygri

Primordial – To the nameless dead

 

 

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

Hail the Hordes and hope to see you all sometime/somewhere during 2025

http://www.erebaltor.com

https://www.facebook.com/ErebAltorOfficial

https://www.instagram.com/erebaltorofficial

https://youtu.be/zsQtSa-gZak

https://youtu.be/axLfoB4uxjM

https://youtu.be/6YuF7q7qzhs

https://youtu.be/3oYvyYqbzu0

Noitasapatti Interview

 

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?

Hello there! Things are fine here. We have been practising and composing new hymns lately, seven songs are quite ready for the third album. Mr. Ihtiriekko joined the band in January 2024 and replaced Mr. Mielivalta on guitars. Unfortunately, Ihtiriekko left the band a week ago due to lack of time and he’s going to move to another town. In July we made our latest liveshow (first and last with Ihtiriekko) and it went great! So, great and not-so-great things have happened but still I think the future looks bright for Noitasapatti.

2.You have a new album coming out towards the end of November, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released?

Well, I guess in this album songs are more straight-forward melodic black metal -style and now there are not so many epic long songs, like “Kuolemattomille maille” and “Susien mailla” on the first album. There are more synth-parts in songs and that has been quite natural ‘cos today we have full-time synthplayer and I think that brings much more atmosphere in our songs!

3.The lyrics on the new recording are a concept album, can you tell us a little bit more about the story you have covered with this release?

Yes, “Sankarin matka” (Hero's Journey) is a dreamlike story slowly advances towards indescribable horrors, which waver between dream and reality, until the truth is exposed in all of its heinousness. 

4.What are some of the other lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored over the years with the music?

Darker side of nature, self-enlightenment, darker aspects of human psyche, myths… 

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Noitasapatti'?

Noitasapatti is a finnish for “Witches Sabbath”, and I guess most of your readers are aware of a legend of gathering of those believed to practise witchcraft and other dark rituals.

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

Album cover and other artworks were painted by our friend Mika Huumonen and he did just fabulous work! I’m very proud of the result! Front cover idea came from my vision of “Hero’s Journey” which is the album title “Sankarin matka” in english. 

7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

Last performance in our hometown Pori last july was without a doubt one of the greatest and our new guitarist Ihririekko made his first liveshow ever and he was just incredible! Also, our performance in Raahe, Northern Finland in 2022 was something I’m proud of. I hope there will be many more performances in the future.

8.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?

Hopefully there will be some shows but when writing this, nothing is confirmed. Now we are focusing on new songs and recordings for our third album but are aware of some liveshows too!

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

In Finland we haven’t got that much attention. I think it’s because we haven’t toured or played gigs that much and our previous record label was from Russia and it’s quite hard to find our records here. For some reason, South America and Mexico are the regions I get a lot of mail. Hopefully now we get some new followers because Inverse Records promotes us a lot in Finland.

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

I think the brand new songs we have made during this year are very promising stuff! With the new line-up I think there’s some new energy. There are some epic parts, death/doom-influences, traditional melodic second wave black metal, and some progressive parts, just like there’s always been so it’s a little bit hard to tell, are we heading somewhere? 

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles the band members are currently listening to nowadays?

This autumn I’ve been listening to some artists I usually listen to during this time of the year, like MORTIIS, SUMMONING and BURZUM. Also KATATONIA, WINTER and old PARADISE LOST and maybe some other old school death/doom bands are something I usually listen to on some October rainy nights. Naturally, all members have their own personal favourites.

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

Many thanks for the interview! I hope all your readers check out our new album “Sankarin matka” available on CD and all streaming platforms!

https://www.facebook.com/noitasapattiofficial 
https://www.instagram.com/noitasapattiofficial 
https://noitasapatti.bandcamp.com 

Ereb Altor/Hälsingemörker/Hammerheart Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Ereb  Altor  are  a  band  from  Sweden  that  plays  a  very  epic  form  of  viking  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  album  "Hälsingemörker"  which  will  be  released  in  2025  by  Hammerheart  Records.

  A  very  heavy  yet  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording.  A  lot  of  the  vocals  bring  in  more  of  a  clear  viking  metal  style  along  with  some  epic  sounding  keyboards  also  being  mixed  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  High  pitched  black  metal  screams  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  along  with  some  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing.

  Some  of  the  songs  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  some  of  the  clean  sections  also  adding  in  elements  of  folk  music.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  recording  more  of  a  raw  feeling  and  some  of  the  tracks  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  stringed  instruments  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  a  mixture  of  English  and  Swedish  cover  the  legends  and  mysticism  of  Ancient  Scandinavia.  

  In  my  opinion  Ereb  Altor  are  a  very  great  sounding  epic  viking  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Valkyrian  Fate'  "The  Waves,  The  Sky  And  The  Pyre"  and  "The  Lake  of  Blood".  8  out  of  10.  

  http://www.erebaltor.com

https://www.facebook.com/ErebAltorOfficial

https://www.instagram.com/erebaltorofficial

Noitasapatti/Sankarin matka/Inverse Records/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Noitasapatti  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  plays  a  very  epic  and  old  school  form  of  black  metal  with  elements  of  viking,  doom,  death  metal  and  progressive  rock  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "Sankarin  matka"  which  will  be  released  on  November  29th  by  Inverse  Records.

  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  and  melodic  direction  while t he  keyboards  also  give  the  music  more  of  an  atmospheric  feeling.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  which  also  adds  in  a  depressive  touch  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  Angry  shouts  and death  metal  growls  can  also  be  heard  at  times  while  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  mid  90's  era.  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  progressive  sounding  along  with  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  bringing  in  elements  of  doom  metal  and  the  faster  sections  of  the  album  also  adds  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats.  

  When  tremolo  picking  is  added  into  the  fast  riffing  they  also  give  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  along  with  some  spoken  word  parts  also  being  utilized  briefly.  Some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  the  recording  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Finnish  and  is  a  concept  album  based  upon  indescribable  horrors  alternating  between  dream  and  reality.

  In  my  Noitasapatti  are  a  very  great  sounding  epic  and  old  school  black  metal b and  with  elements  of  viking,  doom, death  metal  and  progressive  rock  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Tuhatkasvoinen"  "Henkein  pollulla"  and  "Tahtivaeltaja".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/noitasapattiofficial 

https://www.instagram.com/noitasapattiofficial 
https://noitasapatti.bandcamp.com  

]

https://youtu.be/apFmE8mBij0

      

Himinbjorg/The Fall Of Valhalla/Adipocere Records/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Himinbjorg  are  a  band  from  France  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  goes  for  more  of  an  aggressive  and  melodic style  of  viking  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of t heir  2024  album  "The  Fall  of  Valhalla"  which  will b e  released  in  September  by  Adipocere  Records.

 

  Rain  and  thunder  sounds  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  Vocals  are  done  in  a  mixture  of  growls  and  black  metal  screams  along  with  some  clear  pagan  singing  also  being  utilized  at  times  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody,  a  couple  of  songs  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  

   When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  recording  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  album  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  The  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  one  song  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  and  spoken  words  are  also  added  on  a  couple  of  tracks,  synths  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

  On  this  recording  Himinbjorg  focuses  more  of  a  modern,  melodic  and  aggressive  style  of  viking  black  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Scandinavian  Mythology  and  Vikings. 

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Himinbjorg  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  aggressive  and  melodic  viking  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Pathetic  Men  Show"  "The  Fury  Talk"  and  "The  Colour  Of  Truth".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/himinbjorg/

  

    

Fyrgast Interview

 

1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the solo project these days?

First of all HI! Well yeah, it’s a productive time and I’m writing many riffs here and there as I work on several cd’s at once. I’ve always done that. Like if I get inspired I have to record what I hear in my head so it doesn’t disappear like many things in my head does haha. Too often. But that’s demos then or just so you can plug in next time and know where to begin when you record “seriously”. I do this instead of rehearsing. So jams become songs basically. I like that workflow and that’s where I’m currently at with Fyrgast while also writing some titles and trying to edge a new album out. Also have vacation now so try to just be with my family too. I’m always doing some Fyrgast stuff but some days a little less. Something I’ve gotten better at after doing it full on earlier. That left me feeling like a mess. Gotta be good to yourself man.

2.Your last full length came out in 2023, how would you describe the musical progress from your current music to the earlier albums that you had recorded?

I think people will find the new stuff a little like I’ve gone full circle, because I’ve gone from the 90’s black kind of music to this epic viking thing with many slow songs featuring Swedish lyrics and stuff like that, still with with harsch black metal kind of riffs, but you know.. I kind of hate that last album. I worked on it for so long like the basics of it so when I started getting into the process of evolving it I started really question what I was doing with it and I started disliking the songs, (but loving the riffs. STILL). It’s a strange thing and I don’t know how usual that is, but it happened to me. I just wanted to be done with the album! But throwing it away wasn’t an option. I had put too much work into it. So it ended up the way it ended up. Now I’m back to where I started with the 90’s black and I won’t walk myself into that trap again of thinking “let’s try something new!” This isn’t that sort of thing. Took me a bad album to realize that hehe. 

3.The project has roots dating back until 2006 but you waited to have music released until 2022, can you tell us a little bit more about the long wait?

Yeah, that’s because in 2006 I didn’t even own a decent computer and I didn’t know how to record haha. But I got help from my friend Viktor in Mylingen, because we were recording stuff for Apathy Noir then and he’s a bloody genious so it started like that, but we did sessions and I was pretty much out getting drunk all the time back then so it halted haha. I was not really all that disciplined in any standard. I’m glad I grew up even if it happened later in life haha. But back to music – I started getting interested in the 2010’s somewhere and 2013 I had a computer and started learning. 2016 I recorded two songs “Fafnesbane” and “Dark ages”. I lived on the high of making those for years hehe, but only one person got to hear them. Truth be told though I was also trying to be a present dad and I was studying and working throughout those years so there wasn’t really time and the inspiration wasn’t there in between the little moments of time I had. I was content with my family life (still am!). It wasn’t until my friend who liked the songs passed away that I got really motivated and started doing this so vigorously as I did. My goal was to get a record done in his honour, but then I just kept going. That was 2021 and 2022 for me.

4.In 2022 and 2023 you released a good album of material but have slowed down the last year, what was the decision behind slowing down on putting out releases?

Because I had to. I was too much into this Fyrgast thing and I had just made “Ivaldes söner” that I hated how it turned out. But I’m not erasing the past. That album will always be there, but you know I recently learned to take longer breaks from intense sessions so that’s the reason. I don’t ever want to fall out of love with the music I make again, because that’s basically what happened. I collapsed on the whole thing. Had a meltdown because it was too intense all of it. I love just making riffs and taking it easy. A year for a album sounds more calm right? Instead of four decent sounding albums I could work on ONE that sound great. That’s what I’m going for. But again, I love all of my history. What you see is what happened and it happened because it was supposed to happen. It’s there for all to see and for me to reflect upon. Hopefully someone can learn from it, I know others who also grew disillusioned this way. Too much releases too fast. It’s not sustainable. 

5.You also have experience working with other styles of metal with your previous bands, do you feel this has made you a better musician?

Oh, I don’t know. I was always just the singer in other bands. I always wrote lyrics though. That’s a knowledge I’ve perfected I guess. With the guitar and writing songs I still feel young and naïve because I started that when I was 11, but I only practiced regularly in my youth. As soon as I got to sing I was bad at practicing the guitar. I kind of just became a persona who was partying and misbehaving. That’s my overall impression. People loved my voice, but I guess even in that case they wished I practiced that more and spend less time partying. I think people loved the voice like I said, but thought I was a difficult person to deal with because of my partying and unprofessional style. Of course I learned something. How to use my voice and writing lyrics. I think working with Viktor on Apathy Noir is what benefited me most in terms of Fyrgast.

6.Your last album showed the lyrics cover Norse Mythology, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?

I’ve always been deeply into that. And all mythologies. Read many books and watched many documentaries. I’m quite into history as well and occult things. I don’t know why but it’s always been an interest of mine. As to why – I don’t know. Because it’s mystical and triggers the curiousity? I never perceive things as “this happened” when it comes to myths and certain parts of history. I just dive in and get intrigued.

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

Occult things, mythologies, philosophy, historical things. Witchburning and different things like that. Vampires, wolves, sirens, the forest. Old war history, warlords. Odd books on things. Things that could have been or not. I like when there’s mystic circumstances, but I have also written about self enlightenment through darkness, because that’s where we need to go to find our true selves. Into the dark places of our minds. Everything has to be accounted for in order to move forward. Sounds cheesy yes, but it’s the truth. 

8.Origianlly the project was called 'Antagonist', what was the cause of the name change and also the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Fyrgast'?

Haha, this is a funny one. I wanted the name Antagonist, but by the time I was getting serious with my music that name had been taken so then I had to come up with a new one. The inspiration was that I wanted something that stood out and felt easy to say and it had to fit the music. The name itself just came to me one day. I made a logo and thought it looked as good as it sounded and was easy to remember so I kept it. It doesn’t mean anything really, but I was set on making this sort of music and was inspired by those who came before me I guess.

9.You also released a 'Motorhead' cover, what was the decision behind doing your own version of one of their songs?

I love Motorhead and in my opinion despite bands like Slayer, Sodom, Mercyful Fate, Venom, Iron Maiden and more obscure bands I think the closest inspiration to all black metal the one that really has that feeling that black metal has, the energy and the “F you attitude” I think Motorhead are the undisputed kings of that. And always will be! Just listen to an early Bathory album and Motorhead. So I thought, let’s try that. There will be more covers like that for sure because I had a blast making that and I want to salute the kings! Always!

10.Recently you have signed to 'War Productions', how did you get in contact with this label?

We met on Instagram and that’s were I hang out. The only place. I got a hold of them after parting ways with Teufelszeug records and we hit it off so we make music together. I love working with Faust from War productions. He’s a great guy, intelligent and funny so we just keep doing our thing. We share the same vision on underground music and he’s a big part of Fyrgast. He even made some videos for Fyrgast and got really involved in layout and you know, I love it. He’s got the fire and when you meet a person with the fire, you stick with them. 

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

Really great. Man, the fans are everything and I talk to them and interact. We become friends in some cases you know, because we are likeminded. So that’s been really good. I’m not a big artist and I’m not a person who acts a certain way towards fans. We meet as people and talk like people. Always. I know people all over the world and I’m so thankful for that experience. And I gotta say, many people I talk to also play in bands or work with zines and stuff so we help each other and promote each other. It’s such a great community, the underground black metal one.

12.When can we expect newer music and also where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?

I want to keep doing what I do, but just a bit slower. Keeps the label happy too, because you can’t release 4 albums at the time with an artist haha. So slower, but better. I’m in talks of sending my stuff for mastering as well. Done it myself in the past, but this time I want someone else to do it, because it’s exhausting and they know how to do it much better. Also keep evolving in the craft of writing and recording. Getting better and getting a better sound, but still harsh and raw if you know what I mean. There are things to improve but I still feel I start from a decent place having done both good stuff and some mistakes in the past. I’m working on an album now with no name. Ten songs. I hope it will be done before this year ends. That’s the timeline and it will be full circle around like I mentioned before. Back to Fyrgast basics. 

13.What are some of the bands or musical styles that you are currently listening to nowadays?

I listen to a variety of stuff. Right now I listen to many free releases from bandcamp. Black metal, death metal. But I also listen to older stuff at the moment. Old thrash and speed releases from Germany and the states. That’s the main stuff right now. Ice cold tremolo picking and blistering Floyd rose solos hehe. 

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

Yeah. I want to thank Occult Black Metal Zine for having me and I want the readers to keep an eye out for Mylingen “Under en svart Himmel” and stay tuned for a new Fyrgast release this year (hopefully) hehe. And of course HAILS TO YE ALL!

https://fyrgast.bandcamp.com/

Fyrgast/Ivaldes s​ö​ner/2023 Full Length Review

 

  This  is  a  review  of  another  recording  from  Sweden's  solo  project  Fyrgast  which  shows  the  music  going  for  more  of  a  viking  style  of  black  metal  and  the  album  was  self  released  in  2023  and  called  "Ivaldes  s​ö​ner".

  A  very  dark  sound  starts  off  the  album a long  with  some  synths  a  few  seconds  later  before  introducing  melodic  guitar  solos  and  leads  into  the  music.  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  while  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era  and  clear  pagan  singing  can  also  be  heard  at  times.

  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.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  tracks  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  the  album  also  adding  in  a  couple  of  instrumentals,  acoustic  guitars  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

  On  this  recording  Fyrgast  goes  for  more  of  an  old  school  viking  black  metal  style  which  is  very  different  sounding  from  the  previous  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Swedish  and  cover  Norse  Mythology  and  Viking  themes.     

  

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Fyrgast  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  viking  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Hemfärd"  "Ivaldes  söner"  and  "En  återvände  hem".  8  out  of  10.

  

https://fyrgast.bandcamp.com/ 

Einherjer/Deaf Forver/Indie Recordings/2024 Single Review

 

  Norway's  Einherjer  have  returned  with  a  new  song  where they cover a  classic  Motorhead  track  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  single  "Deaf  Forever"  which  will  be  released  on  June  21st  by  Indie  Recordings/

  A  very  hard  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  song  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  Vocals  are  mostyl  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  along  with  a  few  shouts  as  well  as  the  solos  and  leads  going  for  more  of  an  old  school  metal/hard  rock  style,  the  whole  track  sticks  to  a  mid  tempo  direction  and  the  production  also  sounds  very  professional.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  track  from  Einherjer  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this b and  and  Motorhead,  you  should  check  out  this  single.  8  out  of  10.

  Website: https://einherjer.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/einherjerofficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/einherjerofficial/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/einherjerofficial

Nattsjäl/Chaosweaver/2024 Full length Review

 

  Sweden's  Nattsjäl  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  an  experimental  mixture  of  black ,  viking and  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2024  album  "Chaosweaver".

  A  very  heavy  and  melodic  thrash  metal  influenced  song  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some grim  vocals  a  few  seconds  alter  that  also  mix  the  first  and  second  wave  era's  of  black  metal  together..  When  clear  singing  is  utilized  it  also  brings  in  more  of  a  viking  or  pagan  metal  style  and  blast  beats  are  added  into  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  one  song  also  introduces  keyboards  onto  the  album  which  also  takes  the  music  into  more  of  an  experimental  direction.  Female  vocals  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  album  along  with  the  tracks  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also   have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  one  of  the  songs  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  when  tremolo  picking  is  added  into  the  fast  riffing  they  also  give  the  album  more  of  a  raw  feeling  as  well  as  some  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  and  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness,  madness  and  the  occult.

   In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Nattsjäl  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  experimental  black  and  thrash  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Gravelands"  The  little  Treehouse"  and  "The  Snowcovered  lands".  8 out  of  10.

  https://www.instagram.com/nattsjal_band_official/

https://www.facebook.com/Nattsjal/

https://open.spotify.com/album/0sZmPxaQLIUsIFkP5ZA9EW