Solfatare Interview

 

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

Hi, we are Solfatare, a Belgian Black Metal band emerging from Brussels. Our music draws from the roots of traditional Black Metal while embracing a more avant-garde touch, weaving dissonance, glorious melodies, and visceral riffs into an unrelenting journey toward the heights of despair. Blending ferocious aggression with haunting atmospheres, Solfatare delivers gritty introspection and offers a personal reflection on existence.

2.In May you have your first full length coming out, musically how does it differ from your previous demo?

The album is in direct continuity of the demo but with greater artistic maturity, complexity, and refinement.

3.This is also your first release since 2019 can you tell us a little bit more about the 6 year wait in between releases/

The finest endeavors are those shaped in the shadows, like an assassin sharpening his blade, ready to strike at any moment. This album is the result of years spent sculpting sound with intention and heart. We followed inspiration wherever it led us, even if it meant tearing pages from our own book and starting again from scratch. Starting over became part of the process and a habit to support. Each riffs were shaped with care. A slow-burning creation that drew the full spirit and devotion of every band member.

4.A lot of your lyrics cover existential themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?

It is not just a topic that we wanted to approach, it is a real scourge. The absurd nature of existence is an obsession for us. Born from sleepless night and animated by a dizzying lucidity, Solfatare saw the day of light as a vessel of self-expression. Writing is a cathartic experience with the singular strength of transcend anguish itself, wielding its own dark force to rise above it. Sublime switch where the very essence of the negative becomes a path to light.

Trapped between the search for meaning and the unreasonable silence of the universe, we stand as philosophers of the apocalypse, with nothing to offer. Merely conductors of a rusty brass ensemble, an atonal string section, a timpani roll heralding the storm. Emptiness flows through us, conducting a symphony for onychophages, ad nauseam.

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

The band draws its name from a sulfurous volcanic vapor, thick, choking, and steeped in myth. The root of this word lies in a dormant volcano nestled within Italy’s Phlegraean Fields, a place the ancient Romans once imagined as a gateway to the underworld. Long silent, the region has recently stirred, its uneasy rumblings and recent volcanic activity has captured the attention of the scientific community. Should it awaken in full, its fury could cast a shadow over all of Europe, plunging the continent into a shroud of ash and ruin.

But more than just an interesting volcanic feature, for us it also perfectly embodies the internal turmoil within our minds, churning, boiling, fuming, poised to erupt at any moment.

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

Everywhere you look, people are rushing toward petty goals in a frantic performance. Desires clash and spiral; countless hands stretch out, blindly grasping for something, anything, that might bring meaning. But answers remain out of reach.

This is what the album cover portrays. A humanity in suffering, reaching out toward a flicker of hope. It reflects the central theme of the record: that we are enslaved by our relentless need to hope, despite what we know, against what we know, even when it leads us nowhere.

The artwork is a fragment from a painting by Jean Delville, a Belgian symbolist from the early 20th century. I (T.S.G.H. speaking) first encountered Delville’s work while studying at university. One of his pieces, depicting Prometheus gifting humanity with fire and knowledge, hung in the library and always left a mark on me. When we began searching for an image to embody the spirit of this album, we revisited Delville’s works and came upon the one we are using now.

7.Has the band done any live shows or open to the idea?

We didn’t performed any live show yet. We are currently working on bringing the new album live on stage.

But some Solfatare’s members have stage experiences and are actively playing or have played with other bands.

T.S.G.H. is currently live guitarist for the band “Herzog” who has recently released a first album “Furnace” under the banner of Amor Fati Production.

T.G.T.H. played drum for “Oath Okrana”, another Brussels based Black Metal band.

Don’t miss the opportunity to check on those bands.

8.So far very little is known about the band, do you prefer to keep a lower profile?

Yes, we are not seeking stardom. Our music is a humble expression of ourselves. The future will tell where the wind carries our fumes and where the ashes of our first eruption will settle.

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

So far reactions have been quite positive to the 2 tracks premiered. But the album is still yet to be release in its entirety. We will see after the 2th of May.

Interestingly, concomitant to the announce of our release and the first track being premiered, the volcanic activity of the Phlegraean fields increased, forcing the neighboring cities to be evacuated. Knowing that the last major eruption in this area is hypothetically linked to the extinction of Neanderthal and the onset of an ice age, that would do an interesting album release promotion with worldwide impact. Brace yourself for 2th of May.

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

Nothing is certain, only death is true in this fleeting world. For sure we would like to hit the stage to present the album live.  Also, this will not be our last creation and more can be expected. But our peculiar brew need time to ferment in the fuming caldera left by our first eruption. 

Creativity is flowing like churning magma but we are convinced of the importance of self-restrain in order to release something truly inspired, that we would think is worth to reveal to the face of the world. Patience is the mother of all virtues. 

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 think our influence are quite various, it is difficult for us and we don’t want to play the game to pin-point just a few bands. That being said I think we drew influences from the Icelandic and French scenes as we grew up musically listening to them and share some common features in terms of duality between dissonance and melody.

Regarding what we are listening nowadays that can be quite eclectic and not only metal restricted.

(T.S.G.H. speaking) Not a day goes by without me listening to Emptiness albums « Vide » or « Not for Music », those albums really got me hooked. Not sure if I am doing myself a favor by doing so though. Also, I recently discovered bands like Forsmán or Ferriterium and have been playing their respective albums “Dönsum í logans ljóma” and “Calvaire” on repeat.

T.G.T.H. is diving back into and reexploring the discography of Manilla Road classics. Also lately, he's been stuck in a death metal phase. 

N.C.P.M. unwinds and let her thoughts wander while listening to Blut Aus Nord - “Hallucinogen”, the latest Chapel of disease’s albums, or any Wardruna or Drudkh releases. When she needs more energy, she turns herself to Misþyrming, Vonlaus or Vortex of End.

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

First of all, thank you for taking the time to conduct this interview and for your interest in our work.

Let’s conclude this conversation with a quote from Cioran that summarize well our state of mind: “In a world without melancholy, nightingales would start burping” 

Best regards

Solfatare

facebook.com/Solfatare 

Ludus Umbrarum Interview

 

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

Right after finishing and releasing the album Reveria Umbrarum in Tenebris, I kept working. I'm currently writing new material that will form the foundation of the next release. The songs are already roughly shaped but will certainly evolve throughout the process. I'm also planning a collaboration with a local black metal band for a special single—we’ve been discussing it for some time now. So, no break—just moving forward.

2. You recently released your first full-length album. Can you tell us more about the musical style you chose for this release?

The music on this album is deeply rooted in the tradition of the second wave of black metal, with an emphasis on atmosphere, dark melodies, and expressive dynamics. Guitars take the lead, driven by riffs that blend aggression and melody, while keyboards and synths—present in every track—add depth and support to the guitar structure. Orchestrations were used in a few songs, but in moderation, to retain the raw authenticity of the sound. Vocals follow a classic black metal style, while the production strikes a balance between clarity and grit, staying true to the spirit of traditional black metal.

3. With this project you chose a black metal direction, but you’ve previously worked in death metal and neoclassical music. Do you think your previous musical experience helped you become a better musician?

Absolutely. Every genre I've explored left a mark on my creativity. Death metal helped me develop technical skills and understand more complex structures, while neoclassical music opened up space for different melodic approaches and atmospheres. Even though Ludus Umbrarum is purely a black metal project, all those previous phases contributed to my expression—both in composition and production. I believe that musical diversity can only enrich the creative process.

4. What lyrical and thematic concepts have you explored in your music so far?

Thematically, I focus on dark symbolism, occultism, nihilism, and anti-Christian elements, which are in line with the genre’s tradition. Sometimes the lyrics take on a more philosophical and contemplative tone, but everything is imbued with an atmosphere of darkness, inner reflection, and spiritual conflict. I don’t aim to write direct narratives, but rather pursue a poetic expression that reflects certain states of mind or emotions.

5. I know the name of the project means “Game of Shadows.” How does that name reflect the musical direction you’ve taken?

The name was taken from one of my earlier instrumental compositions, which was later reworked into a black metal version titled Shadows Embrace. That track perfectly captured the atmosphere I wanted to convey—mysterious, dark, and introspective. The name Ludus Umbrarum truly reflects the idea of a fusion between art and darkness, music and inner worlds.

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

The cover artwork for Reveria Umbrarum in Tenebris was created by me, with some refinement and assistance through AI tools. That allowed me to shape the visual identity down to the finest details, reflecting the sound and atmosphere of the album. The dominant image is of an ancient fortress in the mist—a symbol of a lost world trapped between dimensions. Figures barely visible in the shadows represent homeless souls, eternal wanderers of darkness. The palette is minimal, almost monochromatic, further enhancing the sense of coldness and distance.

7. You do everything yourself in this project. Do you prefer working that way?

At the moment, yes. I’ve always wanted full control over the sound and the concept I want to convey. Of course, I’m open to collaborations or possibly forming a live lineup in the future, but as a creative process, working in solitude suits me best—it allows for complete honesty and focus.

8. The album was released through Drakkar Productions. How did that collaboration come about?

I sent my material directly to Drakkar Productions. In most labels, there's a consistent emphasis on quality, and I believe Drakkar recognized that in my work. They responded quickly and showed interest after hearing the first tracks I sent. Our communication was smooth and professional, and we reached an agreement soon after.

9. How has the audience responded to your album globally?

Honestly, more than I expected. I’ve been receiving messages from different parts of the world, and the reviews I’ve seen so far are very positive. People seem to recognize the honesty and effort behind the music, and that means the most to me. I’m especially glad that the album is resonating with both long-time scene veterans and younger listeners.

10. Where do you see yourself as a musician in the future?

I plan to keep working on new songs and further developing the project’s sound. Live performances may happen at some point, depending on the circumstances. I'd also love to return to instrumental work—but for now, the focus is entirely on Ludus Umbrarum.

11. What music are you currently listening to?

I mainly listen to black metal, especially bands from the ‘90s like Emperor, Dimmu Borgir, Mayhem, and Immortal. I don’t listen to much of the newer black metal, but I do enjoy some of it. Besides that, I have a deep love for thrash metal, classic hard rock, and heavy metal. Classical music plays a significant role in my life as well. And I also have a lot of appreciation for bands like Pink Floyd—timeless music that continues to inspire me in different ways.

12. Any final message for the readers?

Thank you to everyone who has listened to the album and supported the project. Music is at its strongest when it’s shared sincerely, and if my music has meant something to even one listener—then it was all worth it. The scene lives on as long as there are those who create passionately and those who listen with the same intensity.

Nino

Ludus Umbrarum

linktr.ee/ludusumbrarum

Veljessurma/Haltiossaan/Naturmacht Productions/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Veljessurma  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  plays  a  very  atmospheric,  epic  and  folk  influenced  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Haltiossaan"  which  will  be  released  in  may  by  Naturmacht  Productions.

  Battle  horns  and  nature  sounds  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  folk  instruments  a  few  seconds  later  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  Clear  vocals  and  acoustic  guitars  can  also  be  heard  on  a  couple  of  songs  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast b eats  can  also  be  heard.

  When  tremolo  picking  is  added  into  the  faster  riffing  they  also  give  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding  along  with  some  growls  also  being  utilized  at  times.  Throat  singing  can  also  be  heard  briefly  as  well  as  some  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  and  epic  in  length,  throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Finnish  and  cover  nature  and  folklore  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Veljessurma  are  a  very  great  sounding  epic,  atmospheric  and  folk  influenced  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Nieranpoika"  "Kuollut  vesi"  and  "Haltiossaan".  8  out  of  10.

  veljessurma.bandcamp.com

www.facebook.com/veljessurma
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qap2fIdB2_E

www.instagram.com/veljessurma_band/  

Nasciturus Interview

 

1.For those who have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little about the team?

We have existed in our current form since 2020. We are a power trio, with a classic guitar-bass-drums lineup. We play black metal, but you can hear a lot of other influences in our music. We don't allow ourselves to be pigeonholed, which is why some of our songs are firmly rooted in the 80s and almost no blasts, while other songs can even be called "modern". Our lyrics are inspired by the legends and fairy tales of our region, the Foothills, Beskids and Bieszczady Mountains. Music is always hard to describe, so I encourage all readers to listen so they can experience it for themselves.

2.At the end of April your first full-length album will be released, how is it musically different from the previous split?

The split features songs from our live demo recorded at home in late 2021. They are included on our album "Fabulae" (with minor changes) alongside five other compositions. Each track is different, there are no two similar songs on the album, which is a product of our inspirations, as I wrote about in an earlier question. There were guests (Michal Barszcz - guitar solo in "Pomirki", Lukasz Sarkowicz - guitar solo in "Pokucie"), who added a lot of color and soul, we also all sing (both Rafal and Wojtek, that is, the drummer and bassist have songs where their vocals are the main ones). We also used acoustic guitar, or synthesizer, but to a very small extent, as a spice. On top of that, we paid a lot of attention to the production, for which Dominik from Dirty Sound Records (a fantastic studio) is responsible - a dirty but spacey sound with guitar in one channel and bass in the other (a tribute to the 60s).

3.What kind of lyrics touch on local stories, legends and tales of the Beskids, can you tell us a little more about your interest in this subject?

I won't hide that the main inspiration for this approach to the subject was the absolutely fantastic Malokarpatan from Slovakia. They were the ones who opened my eyes to black metal, thanks to them I discovered what this music is in general and began to explore the subject. In addition, I have been a fan of Polish traditional, folk music for years, hence the desire to smuggle this layer in the lyrics. The source I draw from are legends written down by Andrzej Potocki, a writer, regionalist, journalist, who wrote them down over the years in our region. These are tales that are often dark, not obvious, and strongly incongruous with today's world, that is, strongly overlapping with the nostalgia and atmosphere that accompanies black metal music.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name "Nasciturus"?

The idea for the name was born in a Roman law class (I was studying law at the time, but that adventure ended quickly), when we were learning the paremia. "Nasciturus pro iam nato habetur, quotiens de commodis eius agitur" ("A child conceived is treated as already born when it benefits him"). The very word "nasciturus" ("to be born," "unborn") sounded very strong, so I concluded that it was the perfect name for the band I once created. It's been sixteen years since then, so you could say that we couldn't be born for very long, but we finally made it.

5.Can you tell us a little more about the graphics that are featured on the cover of the new album?

The artwork for the cover was created by our drummer, Rafal, who is a man of many talents, and one of them is drawing. It corresponds with our music, and is the door to it. We sing about things that have passed, yet relate to our region. An old wooden house, a well in the yard and an apple tree is an image we remember from our childhood - such yards were part of our rural landscape until recently, and in these houses in the evenings people told each other tales and legends.

6.What are some of the best concerts the band has played so far, and how would you describe your stage performances?

It's hard for me to judge, so far we haven't played a lot of them, each concert is different, with different dynamics, audience, atmosphere. If I had to single out an event specifically, it would be the performance at the Grasz Bór Festival 2024, where in the summer, in the early afternoon we played for the waking festival attendees in the middle of the forest. Bright sun straight in the face, blasts and a wall of trees - a beautiful thing. As for our performances, they are very different. We allow ourselves to improvise during concerts, each time our songs are slightly different from each other, which is allowed by the fact that we play as a power trio, we have no samples, so there is no boredom.

7.Do you have any concert plans after the release of the new album?

Concert plans are... so far plans. We would like to create a specific event to celebrate the release in our city, Rzeszow, and also in the autumn we would like to move on with concerts around Poland to be able to communicate our legend to all interested parties.

8.In 2023 you where a part of a split, can you tell us a little bit about the bands you shared this recording with?

The idea for the split came from our Czech friends Peter and Jan, who together form Pásmo - a band, a concept, a project that is hard to describe exactly. Each of their productions is a long story, a whole world for music and lyrics. Personally, I understand their stories as songs about the search for true freedom, based on experiences and cultural clichés. Jan is responsible for Swordsman - in his blend of black/punk you will find more references of soulful, inner reflections. The last project on the splice is Ježura, Peter's child, which also evades patterns. Once it sounds new-wave, at other times it is close to punk, and there are often symbolism based on the reality of the world from behind the "Iron Curtain." All the bands on this compilation share a common trait: a longing for a world that no longer exists.

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

We are now starting to reach out more widely with Nasciturus' music, and there is positive feedback. Many people pay attention to the heavily exposed bass, others to the vocal arrangements, but we still have to wait for a wider response. In Poland, the feedback is rather positive, although some have said that we are "awful," which in the context of black metal should be considered a compliment. I hope that through such interviews we will reach more metal fans around the world, so that in the future I will be able to answer such a question more widely. :D

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

The material we are currently composing contains more blast beats. However, you can still hear that this is Nasciturus. We don't have any framework that we stick to, if we want a song to have elements of heavy and Marcyful Fate-style drums, we play it that way, so that we can weave in elements of blackened death in the next part of the song, and end with a waltz on a clean channel. When we create a song ourselves, we don't know how it will end - we just jam until we think the piece is ready. Hence such eclecticism in our music. And this is the one thing I can assure you that we will continue not to limit ourselves in any way.

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?

MALOKARPATAN! This is where it all started. I read an interview with them a few years ago and then listened to their second album: "Nordkarpatenland." Totally crazy, they turned my world upside down. Until the moment I met them I considered black metal to be second-rate music (with a few exceptions, e.g. Furia and Emperor I loved before). That was the impetus to resurrect the band and invite Rafal to join. In the beginning we were supposed to be based solely on the first wave of black metal, but I'm not such a concentrated songwriter that I'm up to the task, so we started mixing in all the ingredients that black metal consists of with all its history. After Wojomir joined, we stopped limiting ourselves to any genre at all, but we didn't stop playing black metal. A huge influence on us, what not to listen to right away, is Polish traditional music, or rock in general, or even pop, as we often use standard chord progressions in songs, just arranged differently. Each of us has played in many bands, in different styles, from brass bands, to ska, prog rock, to death metal, so the list of things that inspire us must have been 10 pages long. :D It's the same with the music we listen to: at the moment I mainly listen to Dubioza Kolektiv, Little Big, a lot of rave and jungle, and if metal at all, Lamb Of God, whom I appreciate more and more every year.

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

First of all, I greet all readers and strongly encourage you to listen to our album. Also, I appeal to each of you to find some stories, legends, tales from your region, no matter if you live in Indonesia or Florida. In many of these stories there is beauty, fear, ugliness, joy, but most of all there is emotion and history for you to discover. Cheers!

Facebook | Instagram | Youtube

Kratornas/Ravaged By Hurakaan/Grathila Records/2025 EP Review

 

  Philippines/Canada's  solo  project  Kratornas  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  progressive  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2025  ep  "Ravaged  By  Hurakaan"  which  will  be  released  in  May  by  Grathila  Records.

  A  very  heavy,  melodic  and  progressive  sound  starts  off  the  ep  while  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  and  spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

  A  lot  of  the  tracks  are  also  re-mixes  while  the  newer  material sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  ep  more  of  a  raw  feeling,  a  couple  of  tracks  also  add  in  elements  of  grindcore  and  a  few  songs  are  also  long  and  epic  in  length.

  On  this  recording  Kratornas  brings  in  some  new  tracks  that  shows  the  music  going  into  more  of  a  progressive  style  of  black  metal  as  well  as  re-mixing  some  of  his  more  older  fast  and  raw  black  metal  tracks  to  create  a  very  diverse  release.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  blasphemous  themes.    

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Kratornas  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  progressive  black  metal  or  the  more  raw  and  brutal  side  of  the  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Ravaged  By  Hurakaan"  and  "Human  Livestock".  8  out  of  10.

  https://kratornas.bandcamp.com/album/ravaged-by-hurakaan-7ep-2025

https://www.facebook.com/officialkratornas

Ludus Umbrarum/Reveria Umbrarum In Tenebris/Drakkar Productions/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Ludus  Umbrarum  are  a  solo  project  from  Serbia  that  plays  a  very  raw,  epic,  atmospheric  and  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2025  album  "Reveria  Umbrarum  In  Tenebris"  which  was  released  by  Drakkar  Productions.

  Symphonic  sounding  synths  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  Spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  briefly  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  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.

  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  mixed  in  with  a  few  death  metal  growls  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts. A  lot  of  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  mid  90's  era  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Ludus  Umbrarum  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  raw,  epic,  atmospheric  and  symphonic  sounding  in  the  classic  tradition.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  themes. 

  In  my  opinion  Ludus  Umbrarum  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw,  epic,  atmospheric  and  symphonic  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  'Through  Night  And  Storm"  "Shadows  Embrace"  and  "Purgatory".  8  out  of  10.

  https://open.spotify.com/album/4RgGYhX1SO5rE2pt4RUfiT 

Enterré Vivant/Akuzaï/Antiq/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Enterré  Vivant  are  an  international  duo with  members  from  Japan  and  France  that  plays  a  very  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Akuzaï"  which  will  be  released  in  May  by  Antiq.

  Stringed  instruments  and  spoken  words  start  off  the  album along  with  some  clean  playing  a  couple  of  minutes  later  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  are  also  added  into  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  which  also  gives  the  recording  more  of  a  raw  feeling  and  the  synths  also  add  in  some  atmospheric  touches.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Operatic  female  vocals  can  also  be  heard  briefly  as  well  as  one  track  also  adding  in  some  children  choir  samples,  when  percussion  is  utilized  it  also  adds  in  more  of  a  ritualistic  touch  and  clear  vocals  are  also  added  towards  the  end.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  10  Buddhist  Sins  and  their  relation  to  World  War  II.

  In  my  opinion  Enterré  Vivant  are  a  very  great  sounding  epic  and  atmospheric  black  metal  duo  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Sessho"  "Jain"  and  "Kigo".  8 out  of  10.

  www.facebook.com/enterrevivantblackmetal