Uhl/Habitant Des Tempêtes/2024 Full Length Review

 

    Uhl  are  a  duo  from  France  that  plays  a  very  raw  and  old  school  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2024  album  "Habitant  Des  Tempêtes".

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  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  along  with  the  recording  also  adding  in a   good  amount  of  old  school  influences,  when  guitar  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style  as  well  as  one  track  also  being  a  brief  instrumental.

  Uhl  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  raw  and  aggressive  in  the  classic  European  tradition.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  French  and  cover  nihilism,  skepticism  and  nature  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Uhl  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw  and  old  school  black  metal  duo  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "La  Foudre  Ente  Ses  Mains"  and  "Neuf  Nuits".  8  out  of  10.

  https://uhluhluhl.bandcamp.com/album/habitant-des-temp-tes

Umbrio Interview

 

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

Greetings from Southern Chile! Thank you for sending us this interview. “O” to answer this.

We are currently waiting to receive our copies of this album. In the meantime, we are rehearsing the songs from the album for upcoming live performances.

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

Musically, the composition is a bit more complex than our previous work. Instrumentally, we incorporated the use of keyboards and clean vocals to enhance the soundscape.

3.All of the band members are also in other bands, what is it that you bring into the music of 'Umbrio', that you have not been able to do with your other groups?

Yes, all of us are involved in other projects. However, in Umbrío, the idea is to continue, in a way, the musical direction we've been taking. Playing raw, cold, and intense, yet atmospheric. Which is something that isn't replicated in our other projects.

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?

 The themes explored in the band's lyrics revolve primarily around death, animism, and the occult. All framed within the context of the darkness of nature that surrounds us in southern Chile.

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

"Umbrío" is synonymous with something gloomy. The band's name is oriented towards the dark and hidden side of things, of people (living or dead), and especially of nature.

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

The idea behind the cover art was to present a visual description of what "Quintaesencia Nocturna" is. To achieve this, we contacted the Chilean illustrator "Nox Fragor." We explained the theme and main idea to him, as well as some visual references to help him create the artwork. He worked on the idea and sent us progress updates until, together, we decided the work was finished.

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

Yes, we've done a few live shows. We don't usually play live very often. However, I think we've played four times this year. That's a lot for us. But they were valuable invitations, ones we considered. We've also had the honor of playing alongside great Chilean bands like Cold, Mortuary Avshy, and soon, Temple.

8.The new album was released on 'Vampiric Militant Legions', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

VML is a label that has just formally launched in Romania. We contacted Damian, from the band “Vampiric Oath,” who also runs the YouTube channel “Metal Blasfemo,” as he was interested in recruiting bands for his new label. However, he stated that he didn't want to accept just any band, since the label focuses on Black Metal. After sending him our album, lyrics, artwork, and a description of the central themes, they offered us an exclusive European edition of 100 CD copies.

 

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

It's probably a bit of a stretch to refer to the "rest of the world" when discussing the response or reaction to our music. However, the places (or people) we've reached who are interested in this style of music and this particular sound have given us interesting feedback. We've received very positive reviews. Everyone offers their own interpretation of our work, focusing on some of its central themes. Perhaps we didn't achieve much reach with our first album. However, with "Quintaesencia Nocturna," the band has gained a bit more recognition.

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

Our main side projects, which are currently active, are working on new material. Avernal Vulture M.E. is working on "Flamas de Odio." Argvs Noctes is working on "Catafalco." And I (O) am working on "Detest."

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

I don't think the band's core idea will change.  The atmosphere will probably explore some other sounds or elements, but it will remain within the realm of extreme music.

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?

Umbrió's music and compositions have likely been influenced by bands from the tumultuous first half of the 1990s. Bands that I still listen to today, such as Mayhem, Darkthrone, Burzum, Emperor, Satyricon, Gorgoroth, Dissection, Marduk, Nifelheim, Dark Funeral, Abigor, Judas Iscariot, Nagelfar, Summoning, and Horns (Chile), to name a few. As well as more recent bands that keep the flame of the old days of Black Metal alive, such as Taake, Mare, Djevel, Darvaza, Necropole, Wildes Heer (Chile), and many more.

13.Does Paganism and Occultism play any role in your music?

Directly or indirectly, occultism is related to our music, or its themes. It depends on how you interpret the music, lyrics, and artwork as a whole.

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

Thank you for your interest and for wanting to learn more about us and our musical spectral universe.

I hope you were able to find some of what you were looking for. I also hope that whoever reads this will be able to understand some of our music and immerse themselves in it. Greetings from Valdivia, Chile. 

O.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Vj6_MbrMVU

Velmorth/Feral Dominion/Purity Through Fire/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Velmorth  are  a  solo  project  from  Germany  that  plays  a  very  raw,  atmospheric  and  old  school  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2025  album  "Feral  Dominion"  which  will b e  released  on   December  6th  by  Purity  Through  Fire.

  Dark  sounding  synths  start  off  the  album  while  spoken  word  samples  can  also  be  heard  briefly  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  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.

  Most  of  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  old  school  era  of  the  genre  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  A  small  amount  of  melody  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  at  times  along  with  the  album also  having  its  atmospheric  moments.

  Velmorth  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  raw  and  atmospheric  sounding  in  the  90's  tradition.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  black  arts,  war  and  mysticism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Velmorth  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw,  atmospheric  and  old  school  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Feral  Dominion"  "Hail  Eternal  Warspirit"  and  "Approaching  Wrathstorm".  8  out  of  10.

  www.purity-through-fire.com 

Propalitet/Hearts Of The Forgotten/2026 EP Review

 

  Propalitet  are  a  solo  project  from  Konjic,  Bosnia  and  Herzegovina  that  plays  a  very  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released   ep  "Hearts  Of  The  Forgotten"  which  will  be  released  in  2026.

  A  very  fast  and  raw  sound  starts  off  the  ep  along  with  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Synths  are  also  added  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  an  atmospheric  feeling  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  the  music  also  captures  a lo-fi  atmosphere.

  Some  of  the  songs  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  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  the  synths  also  adding  in  some  touches  of  ambient  and  dungeon  synth  and  times  and  the  closing  track  is  an  instrumental.

  Propalitet  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  raw,  lo-fi  and  atmospheric  sounding  as  well as  adding  in  some  elements  of  ambient  and  dungeon  synth  to  create  a  sound  of  his  own.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  despair,  nature  and  hallucinations.     

  In  my  opinion  Propalitet  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  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Hearts  Of  The  Forgotten"  and  "Longing".  8  out  of  10.

  

1. open.spotify.com
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Blodsgard/Requiem/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Blodsgard  are  a  duo  from  Norway  that  plays  a  very  raw,  atmospheric  and  melodic  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2025  album  "Requiem"  which  will  be  released  in  December.

  Rain  and  thunder  sounds  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  bells  and  whispers  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  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  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  a  couple  of  tracks  also  adding  in a  small  amount  of  keyboards.

   The  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  old  school  era  of  the  genre  mixed  in  with  some  modern  influences,  clear  vocals  and  choirs  are  also  utilized  at  times  along  with  the  album  also  having  its  atmospheric  moments,  whispers  also  return  on  a  later  track.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Norwegian  and  cover  Mythology,  Anti  Religion  and  Darkness  themes.  

  In  my  opinion  Blodsgard  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric,  melodic  and  raw  black  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Guds  Stumme  Tale"  "Ledestjerne"  and  "Requiem".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/BlodsgardOfficial/

     

Hakla/Piesni Korica/Via Nocturna/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Hakla  are  a  duo  from  Poland  that  plays  an  old  school  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Piesni  Korica"  which  was  released  by  Via  Nocturna.

  Synths  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.  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.

  Most  of  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  old  school  era  of  the  genre  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  one  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  clear  singing,  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Hakla  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  raw  and  old  school  in  the  90's  Scandinavian  tradition.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Polish  and  cover  the  fall  of  man,  the  decay  of  values  and  the  end  of  everything  familiar.

  In  my  opinion  Hakla  are  a  very  great  sounding  old  school  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Pieśni  końca"  "Na  własne  podobieństwo"  and  "Szli  tak  jakby  zwyciężyli".  8  out  of  10.

  https://youtu.be/9C0IjXTOefw

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Eyelessight/Athazagorafobia/Talheim Records/2025 Album Re-Issue Review

 

  Eyelessight  are  a  duo  from  Italy  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  went  for  a  very  depressive  form  of  post  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "Athazagorafobia"  which  will  be  released  in  December  by  Tallheim  Records.

   A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  all  of  the  songs  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  When  clean  playing  is  utilized  it  also  adds  in  elements  of  post  rock  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  depressive  black  metal  screams.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  some  of  the  tracks  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  clear  singing.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  album  more  of  a  raw  feeling  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  one  song  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  words,  female  vocals  are  also  utilized  at  times.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Italian  and  cover  solitude,  melancholy,  nostalgia,  memories  and  loss.

  In  my  opinion  this  was  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Eyelessight  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  depressive  post  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  re-issue.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Nostomania"  "Monofobia"  and  "Vuota  Solitudine".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/Eyelessight