Thursday, March 12, 2026

Kõdu/Kirjad Sõgedate Külast/Antiq/2026 Full Length

 

     Kõdu  are  a  band  from  Estonia  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  very  dissonant  and  melodic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2026  album  "Kirjad  Sõgedate  Külast"  which  will  be  released  in  April  by  Antiq.


  Melodic  guitar  solos  and  leads  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  synths  before  going  into  a  very  fast  and  raw  musical  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  At  times  the  music  also goes  into  more  of  a  dissonant  direction  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  angry  sounding  black  metal  screams.


  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  A  couple  of  tracks  are  also  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  some  of  the  music  also  bringing  in  some  atmospheric  touches,  folk  instruments  can  also  be  heard  at  times.


  One  song  also  adds  in  a  small  amount  of  spoken  words  along  with  a  later  track  being  an  instrumental  also  introducing  clean  playing  onto  the  album,  at  times  the  synths  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  symphonic  touches.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Estonian  and  is  a  concept  album  covering  a  forgotten  village  on  the  brink  of  collapse.


  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Kõdu  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric,  dissonant  and  melodic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  alobum.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "II"  and  "VI".  8  out  of  10.


 facebook.com/kodublackmetal     

Ain Sof Aur Interview

 

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


Greetings.


The album has been created for what seemed like a never-ending creational period, during which we focused entirely on its consolidation. Its inception was contemporary with Ophis Christos and much has happened ever since. The ideas behind it were refined over the years and improved from many unsatisfying results – and even satisfying results, for all it is worth. The breadth of our pursuit to define Theos-Vel-Samael as the next manifestation is immeasurable, but also indescribable. It is also noteworthy that all compositions, originally, began to accommodate an entirely different work envisioned as an EP to Ophis Christos. So, changes were made and revelations happened to us in order to redefine the true goal of this pursuit. The moment of this work was a self-made juggernaut that devoured whatever we had originally planned.


Consequently, now is the moment to disseminate the influence that has consumed us for nine years, propagating its purpose while manifesting its energy also through alternative mediums.


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


There is an inkling that considering all elements involved in the development of this work – be it on mundane or technical levels –, the anguish experienced through what seemed like an endless void of ideas and energies has yielded a more mature vision of it. Perhaps not mature as only in human development, but in certainty of the purpose behind this stellar message received during the course of terranean years; a result of a relentlessly ongoing journey towards self-development.


3.This is also you first release since 2018, can you tell us a little bit more about he long wait in between releases/


Similar to the aforementioned difficulties, this album faced – or perhaps necessitated – a significant ordeal to reach completion. We encountered numerous mundane negative experiences, personal limitations, and rupture that interfered with/contributed to the creative process behind it. Naturally, such disruptions reflected directly into the energies we ended up channeling. However, we are quite finicky with our desired results and we were never satisfied with our progress; it always felt limited and that we could not actually conclude it because something remained amiss. Several rearrangements were made in order to adequate the main objective behind the material’s concept.


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


Ain Sof Aur was born out of the need for a magical-philosophical exercise and study into the occult to a greater degree of complexity, which later evolved from an embryo into a more stabilized vision. One’s involvement with art and knowledge – be it in visual, sonic or any other medium – might spark an interest in several layers of creational intent that will result in manifestations aligned with such ethos. Hence, a flirtation with various types of expression emerges from this abyss of creativity and the need to conduct the messages that are supposed to be delivered under such a karcist current. Purpose or meaning could be perceived as interest under certain interpretations, albeit being devoid of any further necessity if one’s visions won’t evolve from the various acts practiced throughout the years. The adversarial stance should not be a testimony to meager, superficial foundations, but an endless striving to perpetuate such creed.


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


I have been visited thrice by the Devil throughout three dreams and visions, through the trident pierced in my chest, inflicting a poison that has been revealed to me as a key. I faced the thrills of the adversary as diving into turmoil concealed in three revelations that was bestowed upon me. And I wielded the three-pointed sceptre, an inverted trident, that only faced the direction of the Path revealed, which was towards mine own chest, fragmenting the organic structure to lave the self in the Diabolical ichor as a sacrament unto divination.


6.Out of all the shows and tours the band has done so far, which one stands out the most?


Most presentations are behind us, so far. Mainly due to the physical constraints of properly performing, considering that equipment/acoustic-wise most venues fail to provide the consistency required to properly render multiple layers of dissonant riffs and blast beats – vocals included. An ambivalent stance regarding live performances should also be pinpointed, as we refrain from partaking in events that do not align with our current positions.


However, one particular live performance remains significant, held on October 11th 2015. It was in a very traditional venue in São Paulo. Also, our last live appearance ever recorded.


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


Not at the moment, considering the aforementioned ambivalence. Plans for a live presentation of the album were discussed and questioned, if much.


8.They new album is coming out on 'I, Voidhanger Records', how would you compare working with this label to other labels you have worked with in the past?


All labels collaborated respectfully with our earlier works, encouraging our art as we originally conceived, and as we originally planned to evolve it. No restraints on how or why we should do something, which gave us complete freedom to proceed as we deemed fit. 'I, Voidhanger Records' took this position even further, especially because of its approach to actual music and artistic vision rather than just considering us as merely a band in a metal scene.


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


It is hard to give an accurate response to such a question. It is noticeable that we are not the most proficient social media users, nor are we widely known. Considering the act is actually followed by some individuals, it is reasonable to conclude that it appeals to a niche audience under specific conditions – be it musically or conceptually.


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


Evolving spiritually, intellectually and technically for the sole purpose of perpetuating our art and music throughout the fibers of anti-existence. Ain Sof Aur is, and forever will be, a force of acausal darkness – an antagonist and adversarial sonic defilement of the sinister flame: an arcane antinomian manifesto.


 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?


Not only bands or musical styles per se. The breadth of our inspiration comes from a spectrum of artistic forms – including movies, paintings, drawings, books, photography, music et cetera –, as well as the observance of the world’s state, positions and directions. We are influenced by these various stances toward a common objective; for us, all forms of vision are valid.


Many artists have inspired – and continue to do so – our communion, especially those who have collaborated with us, such as Timo Ketola and Dávid Glomba – masters of their craft who have contributed to the expansion of our ideas over the span of many years. Their awe-inspiring manifestations are not only visually arresting but function in a theurgical manner, appealing to a sense of perception that transcends words. Perhaps describing their art as 'gateways' is more appropriate, yet even that remains inadequate or inaccurate enough.


From a strictly musical perspective, it is undeniable that acts such as Deathspell Omega, Funeral Mist, Mortuus, Malign, Ofermod, Teitanblood, Misþyrming, Negative Plane, Ved Buens Ende, Immolation, Suffocation, Deeds of Flesh, and countless other acts, impact us directly both technically and intellectually/spiritually – though our circle draws from diverse musical manifestations, having their own preferences and takes on any form of what is to be considered influential. Furthermore, a parallel interest in other types of musical manifestations such as Dead Can Dance, Arktau Eos, even Carlos Paredes and Francesco Corbetta, consolidates the idea that one is keenly aware of many perspectives under certain influences – regardless of their depth. Dogmatic limitations should never be applied to a metaphysical manifestation.


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


Nox. Gnosis. Verbum. Omniscentia.


https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076227245589#

Gomma/Wailing And Madness/Hypnotic Dirge Records/2026 Full Length Review

 

  Gomma  are  a  solo  project  from  Tunisia  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black  metal  and  Arabic  folk  music  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2026  album  "Wailing  And  Madness"  which  was  released  by  Hypnotic  Dirge  Records.


  Middle  Eastern  and  Asian  style  folk  instruments  and  percussion  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.


  Clean  playing  is  also  added  on  some  of  the  tracks  while  the  solos  and  leads  also  add  in  a  lot  of  melody  and  middle  eastern  style  scales.  When  spoken  words  are  utilized  they  also  bring  in  a  ritualistic  touch  along  with  the  whole,  album  avoiding  the  use  of  blast  beats  or  fast  playing  and  focusing  more  on  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction. 


  Gomma  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  a  mid  tempo  form  of  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  Arabic  folk  music  to  create  a  sound  of  his  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Arabic  and  cover  folklore,  death  and  existentialism  themes.


  In  my  opinion  Gomma  is  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black  metal  and  Arabic  folk  music  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Lqa'anat  Al-Woujoud"  "Washma  Ramad"  and  "Shorfat  Al-Fana'a".  8  out  of  10.


https://hypnoticdirgerecords.bandcamp.com/album/wailing-and-madness 

Aftoktonia/Through Nebulae Of The Empyrean Aether/Underworld Echoes/2026 Full Length Review


  Norway's  solo  project  Aftoktonia  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  mixture  of  raw  black  metal,  ambient  and  dungeon  synth  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2026  album  "Through  Nebulae  Of  The  Empyrean  Aether"  which  was  released  by  Underworld  Echoes.


  Synths  start  off  the  album  and  also  bring  in  elements  of  dungeon  synth  and  ambient  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  All  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  the  faster  sections  of  the  recording  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a r aw  feeling.


  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  which  are  added  into  the  background  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  album  also  having  its  atmospheric  moments,  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  one  of  the  tracks  is  also  an  instrumental.


  On  this  recording  Aftoktonia  takes  a  very  raw,  lo-fi  and  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  ambient  and  dungeon  synth  to  create  something  very  different,  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  song  themes  focus  on  magick,  spells,  melancholy  and  depression.


  In  my  opinion  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  recording  from  Aftoktonia  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  raw,  lo-fi,  atmospheric  black  metal,  ambient  and  dungeon  synth,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Steller  Voyage  I  (Entrance)"  and  "Steller  Voyage  IV  (Exodus)'.  8  out  of  10.


  https://aftoktonia.bandcamp.com/album/through-nebulae-of-the-empyrean-aether


https://underworldechoesrecords.com/shop/cds/aftoktonia-through-nebulae-empyrean-aether/     

Achyrma Interview

 


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

Achryma began as a personal vision from J.H., who wanted to explore a darker and more emotionally driven direction within atmospheric black metal. The idea was to create music that balances intensity with melancholy, where beauty and sorrow coexist. To bring this vision to life, he reached out to P.J., S.V.L., and N.K., long-time friends and highly capable musicians. Together we form a small collective with a shared desire to create meaningful music, first and foremost for ourselves. If others find something within it as well, that is a beautiful consequence.


2. Recently you have released an EP, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

With Hollowlight we aimed for a sound that feels both suffocating and reflective. The music moves between intense, crushing passages and more open, melodic moments that allow the atmosphere to breathe. We were not interested in following a rigid formula, but rather in creating something that feels emotionally honest. The result sits somewhere between atmospheric black metal and post-black metal, while still allowing its own identity to emerge.


3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?

The lyrical themes revolve around loss, grief, and the quiet struggle that often follows those experiences. Much of the material is rooted in personal reflection. We were interested in the emotional landscape where pain does not simply disappear, but slowly transforms into something that can be understood or accepted. In that sense the music became a form of catharsis, a way of confronting those emotions rather than avoiding them.


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

The name Achryma originates from the word “lachrymose”, which refers to a deep sense of melancholy. Achryma itself is a fictional derivative of that word, created to capture the emotional essence of the project. The name reflects the atmosphere we try to convey through the music, a space where sorrow and beauty exist side by side.


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

The artwork is a photograph of the band taken by the incredibly talented Killian De Sitter. The image was heavily layered with distortion and raw textures to create a mysterious and almost retro visual atmosphere, with subtle horror elements woven into it. We wanted something that visually represents the spirit of Hollowlight, a feeling of isolation, introspection, and quiet tension.


6. Has the band done any live shows or are you open to the idea?

At the moment Achryma exists primarily as a studio project. The focus so far has been on shaping the music and defining the identity of the band. That said, we are preparing ourselves to take the stage with the next chapter of Achryma. All of us have strong experience as live musicians, so we definitely feel the desire to bring this music to a live audience.


7. Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have you received any interest?

We are currently independent, which gives us the freedom to shape the project exactly as we envision it. Of course we remain open to working with the right label, especially one that understands the atmosphere and intention behind the music. For us it is not simply about signing somewhere, but about finding a collaboration that feels natural.


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

The response so far has been very encouraging. We have seen listeners from different parts of the world connect with our music, which is something we truly appreciate. Achryma was never conceived as something purely local; the emotions behind the music are universal, and it is rewarding to see people resonate with that.


9. 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?

Several members are involved in other musical projects, each exploring different aspects of extreme music. Those projects continue to evolve in their own way. At the same time, Achryma occupies its own emotional space, and when we work on it our focus remains entirely on this project.


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

A full length release will come in time. At the moment we are allowing Hollowlight to establish its own identity while we continue to write new material. Musically we intend to push further into the atmosphere and emotional depth that define the project. The next chapter will expand on those foundations while still allowing the music to evolve naturally.


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?

Our influences are quite diverse within the broader spectrum of extreme and atmospheric music. Atmospheric black metal, post-black metal, and even certain elements of doom and modern metal have shaped the way we approach dynamics and atmosphere. At the same time we try not to focus too much on specific influences, because what matters most is the emotional authenticity behind the music. J.H. listens to Der Weg einer Freiheit, Drawn Into Descent, Agalloch, and Gaerea a lot. S.V.L. listens frequently to Mgła, King 810, and Groza. P.J. listens to Psychonaut4, Bölzer, and Misþyrming, while N.K. listens to Apati and Dumal. The answer to this question would probably be different each week.


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

We would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to listen to Hollowlight, and to those who continue to support our music. Projects like Achryma exist because people are willing to explore music that carries a deeper emotional weight. We hope the release finds those who need it.

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Achryma/Hollowlight/2026 EP Review

 

  Achryma  are  a  band  from  Belgium  that  plays  an  atmospheric  form  of  post  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2026  ep  "Hollowlight".


  Synths  and  acoustic  guitars  start  off  the  ep  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  and  melodic  direction  while  the  music  also  has  its  atmospheric  moments.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  along  with  both  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  the  solos  and  leads  add  in  a  lot  of  melody  and  post  metal  elements.


  Growls  are  also  utilized  at  times  while  the  ep  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  modern  era  of  the  genre.  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  and  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.


  Achryma  plays  a  style  of  post  black  metal  that  is  very  atmospheric  and  aggressive  sounding.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  sorrow,  longing  and  anguish  themes.


  In  my  opinion  Achryma  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  post  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Hollowlight".  8  out  of  10.


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

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/74VdRNd5ZZym2Kp3GnySVI?si=fpB1wS2kQUmkKy_UhP2vLw

Bandcamp: https://achryma.bandcamp.com/track/hollowlight    

Atlantic Ridge/Self Titled/Void Wanderer Productions/Dusktone/2026 Full Length Review

 

  Atlantic  Ridge  are  a  duo  from  Italy  that  plays  an  atmospheric  mixture  of  black  and  funeral  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2026  album  which  will  be  released  in  April  as  a  joint  effort  between  Void  Wanderer  Productions  and  Dusktone.


  A  very  dark  and  heavy  funeral  doom  metal  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  along  with  some  synths  also  being  utilized  at  times  as  well  as  one  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  female  vocals.


  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding  while  clean  playing  is  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  album.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats.


  When  tremolo  picking  is  added  into  the  fast  riffing  they  also  give  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Growls  are  also  added  into  some  parts  of  the  album  as  well  as  some  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.   The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  incredible  places  and  an  utopian  journey  through  time  and  space. 


  In  my  opinion  Atlantic  Ridge  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  mixture  of  black  and  funeral  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  o0f  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Our  Faith  Is  Our  Strength(Tristan  da  Cunha)"  and  "Contemplating  The  Vastness  Of  the  universe(The  Gobi  Desert,  Mongolia)".  8  out  of  10.


  https://voidwanderer.com/product/atlantic-ridge-mc/

 https://dusktone.bandcamp.com/album/atlantic-ridge