Wander Lust/Solace of A Dream/Portal Studios/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Wander  Lust  are  a  duo  from  San  Jose,  California  that  plays  an  ethereal  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  Solace  Of  A  Dream"  which  was  released  by  Portal  Studios.

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  some  clear  singing  also  being  utilized  at  times  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  melody.

  Clean  playing  is  also  added  on  some  of  the  tracks  while  the  music  also  has  its  atmospheric  moments.  Elements  of  post  metal  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats,  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  some  tracks  also  add  in  a  touch  of  shoegaze.

  Wander  Lust  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is very  atmospheric  and  ethereal  sounding  as  well  as  adding  in  elements  of  post  metal  and  shoegaze  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  solitude,  transformation  and  the  search  for  solace  within  the  Vastness  of  dreams. 

  In  my  opinion  Wander  Lust  are  a  very  great  sounding  ethereal  black  metal  duo  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Burning  Wood"  "Spiders"  "Stuck  in  A  Reverie"  and  "44".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.wanderlustmetal.com/

https://www.instagram.com/wander.lust.band/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579742848560&mibextid=JRoKGi

https://wanderlustmetal.bandcamp.com/album/solace-of-a-dream 

Obcasus/Omega Sermon/Wolfmond Production/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Obcasus  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  plays  a  very  raw,  atmospheric  and  melodic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Omega  Swarm"  which  will  be  released  in  November  by  Wolfmond  Productions.

  A  drum  orientated  intro  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  chants  and  synths  a  few  seconds  later  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  while  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  mixed  in  with  a  few  growls  along  with  some  synths  also  being  used  briefly  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Throughout  the  album  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  when  they  are  utilized  as  well  as  one  song  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  clear  singing,  spoken  words  are  also  added  on  the  closing  track.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  a  mixture  of  English  and  Finnish  and  cover  darkness  and  death  themes.    

  In  my  opinion  Obcasus  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw,  melodic  and  atmospheric  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Darkness  Upon  Your  Light"  and  "Omega  Sermon".  8  out  of  10.

  https://wolfmond-production.de/shop/produkt/obcasus-omega-sermon-pre-order/

https://wolfmondproduction.bandcamp.com/album/obcasus-omega-sermon-pre-order

Morke/To Carry On/True Cult Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Morke  are  a  solo  project  from  Minnesota  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  goes  for  more  of  an  atmospheric,  medieval  and  melodic  form  of  black  metal  with  elements  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of his  2025  album  "To  Carry  On"  which  will  be  released  in  October  by  True  Cult  Records.

  A  very  heavy  and  melodic  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  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats  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  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Elements  of  death  metal  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  the  recording  also  having  its  atmospheric  and  medieval  moments,  nature  sounds  are  also  utilized  at  times  as  well  as  some  clean  playing  also  being  used  briefly  and  one  track  is  also  an  instrumental.

  On  this  recording  Morke  takes  an  atmospheric  and  medieval  form  of  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  melodic  death  emtal  to  create  something  different  from  previous  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  fantasy,  triumph  and  personal  growth.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  form  Morke  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric,  medieval,  melodic  black and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Falling  Leaves"  "Coup  D'oeil"  and  "To  Carry  ON".  8  out  of  10.

  https://morkemn.bandcamp.com

https://www.facebook.com/MorkeMN
https://www.instagram.com/morkemn

Fauna/Ochre & Ash/Lupus Lounge/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Fauna  are  a  band  from  Olympia,  Washington  that  plays  a  cascadian  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Ochre  &  Ash"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  Lupus  Lounge.

  Laughter  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  shamanistic  ritual  sounds  and  background  spoken  words  a  few  seconds  later.  Tribal  style  percussion  can  also  be  heard  at  times  while  most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  the  music  also  starts  going  into  a  heavier  direction  on  the  second  track.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding  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.  Vocals  are  mostly  angry  sounding  shouts  mixed  in  with  a  few  black  metal  screams  and  synths  are  also  used  at  times.

  Throughout  the  album  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.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar riffing  as  well  as  most  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  clean  playing  and  acoustic  guitars  are  also  utilized  briefly  and  clear  singing  is  also  added  towards  the  end.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  shamanism  and  animism  of  early  Earth  hunters  and  gatherers.  

  In  my  opinion  Fauna  are  a  very  great  sounding  cascadian  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are   a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Nature  And  Madness"  and  "Eternal  Return".  8  out  of  10.

  http://lnk.spkr.media/fauna-ochre-ash

https://oneirios.wordpress.com/fauna

https://youtu.be/gq6GEK6byV4  

         

Narrenwind/Gorzkie plony/Pagan Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Poland's  Narrenwind  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  blackened  form  of  heavy  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Gorzkie  plony"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  Pagan  Records.

  A  very  hard  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  recording  also  adding  in  a  lot  of  traditional  metal  elements  and  the  solos  and  leads  also  enhance  on  that  style.

  Spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  briefly  while  clean  playing  is  also  added  on  a  couple  of  tracks.  A  lot  of  the  music  also  mixes  the  80's  style  in  with  the  more  modern  form  of  black  metal  along  with  the  riffs  and  leads  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  the  whole  album  also  sticks  to  more  of  a  mid  tempo  direction,  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  and  the  vocals  on  the  closing  track  also  add  in  a  semi  melodic  touch

  On  this  recording  Narrenwind  goes  into  more  of  a  blackened  heavy  metal  direction  which  is  also  very  different  from  their  previous  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Polish  and  cover  the  poetry  of  Kryzsztof  Baczynski,  Halina  Poswiatowska  and  Tadeusz  Micinski. 

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Narrenwind  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  blackened  heavy  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Córko  Wichrów,  Diabłów  i  Nocy"  "Nikt  nie  wie"  and  "Statek  Głupcow".  8  out  of  10.

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/narrenwind_band/ 
Bandcamp: https://narrenwind.bandcamp.com/  

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6p9n0zjPjm3hI4XZZe00VC?si=jBnxxTQRSXyUVOdGd2fpJw    

  

Volloíom Interview

 

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

Volloíom is a vessel of my higher deamon.

A portal for luciferian light to shine from the abyss into this world.

Volloíom was started in 2021 and the project itself is my own brand of Satanism taking influence from traditions modern and ancient.

The majority of the music is performed by myself except for the drums but on ocassion I've had talented and worthy artists make their contribution or I've collaborated with others just on vocals on some of the promotional rehearsal material.

 

Daimonia has added a bit of his flare with some extra ambience in certain parts since we've started collaborating on as well.

2.In July you had released a new ep, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

I feel it's the strongest material I've released to date and closes out a cycle for the project.

3.Since 2024 you have released a great amount of ep.s and demos, do you spend a lot of time writing and creating music?

The writing process for Volloiom is a little unorthodox.

I tend to practice and write riffs leading up to a release and I usually just know when it's time to record.

 The music comes out when it wants to. Baritone or guitar( depending on the release) is recorded in one take and then same with vocals and drums after.

I like to leave room for experimentation and the free form parts need to be authentic and in the momment

So I may have a clear idea of something but it will take on it's own form during the recording process.

I like to limit myself and my tools

and turn my brain off and let the antimonian current lead me forward 

trusting my own instincts and black flame.

I work in pro audio as my career

Volloíom has allowed me to rebel against my own profession in a way.

I spend a lot of time reading grimoires and writing lyrics or doing sound in some way and I'm always listening to music.

Volloíom has a mind of it's own and I am but a mouthpiece led by its destructive current.

4.A lot of your lyrics cover Theistic Satanism, Occultism and the Left Hand Path, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in the dark arts?

I've always written about those subjects in my lyrics since I was young, but I think I've become less cryptic over time. Lyric writing was my gateway into occult literature.

My path is very personal to me.

It isn't a trend or gimmick like some others. It's a very real thing that I take seriously. 

Sacred and for the few.

I've practiced in some form since I can remember.

My idea of Satanism is probably much different than others. I cannot stand certain bastardizations of the mysteries.

It keeps me grounded and is a very necessary and integral part of my life and my being.

5.I know that the band name is Oscan for 'To Destroy', how dos this name fit in with the musical style that you play?

It has a dual meaning.

It can be interpreted as the destruction of self during the trials of the void but also the destructive power that is wielded in godhood.

Destruction and creation

Spiritual death and rebirth

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

The artwork was painted by Rotting Reign and is a custom piece that was inspired by my practice.

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?

Nothing is fixed within Volloiom.

Yes, most likely.

8.The ep was released on 'Black Vomit Productions', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

A group of like minded artists fueled by creation of the black arts.

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

The reaction has been great.

Although, I create for myself and if others align with the energies all the better.

10.Can you tell us a little bit more about the other musical projects the band members are involved with?

Aaveiv is Daimonia's(Drums) project and I've had session musicians from Qlipha play on some of the promotional rehearsals

Great bands and true artists.

Support their work.

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

The last release is as close to a full length as I've done but there is a different form of the project being moulded currently

Rehearsals are underway and playing live is the next immediate direction.

New material is always on my mind.

12.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?

Bathory

Von

Acherontas

Lurker Of Chalice

Arckanum

Dissection

Blut Aus Nord

Portal

Kampfar

Teitanblood

Shaarimoth

Watain

Have all left a mark on me in their own way.

Besides black metal I like baroque music and jazz.

Lately, I've been listening to the new Acherontas tape. Some of their best work. Sorguinazia, from Alberta. Lilith worship done right.

Unholy Impurity and Athiel from Sardinia I would highly recommend as well.

The new Svartsyn and Teitanblood have been spinning regularly too, great albums.

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

 Hail to true artists, practioners and fans.

Keep the black flame of Lucifer burning

https://volloiom.bandcamp.com/

Sterveling/Self Titled/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Sterveling  are  a  solo  project  from  the  Netherlands  that  plays  a  very  atmospheric  form  of  black  mental  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  titled  and  self  released  2025  album  which  will  be  released  in  September.

  Atmospheric  sounding  synths  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  recording  at  times.  All  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adds  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling.

  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  which  also  have  their  depressive  moments  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them,  a  couple  of  tracks  also  shows  the  vocals  also  adding  in  a  semi  rough  yet  melodic  approach,  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  briefly 

  Sterveling  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  atmospheric  as  well  as  being  very  modern  and  aggressive  at  the  same  time.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Dutch  and  cover  rejection,  melancholy  and  war  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Sterveling  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Met  Kalme  in  Het  Hart".  8  out  of  10.      

https://sterveling.bandcamp.com
@StervelingBM
https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Sterveling/3540483125