Saturday, March 14, 2026

Prometeus/Contemptus Deorum/2026 Full Length Review

 

  Italy's  solo  project  Prometeus  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  very  progressive  and  avant  garde  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2026  album  "Contemptus  Deorum".


  Avant  garde  style  keyboards  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  Vocals  are  mostly  angry  sounding  black  metal  screams  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  some  of  the  riffs  also  adding  in  melodies.


  At  times  the  music  also  gets  symphonic  sounding  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  blast b eats  and  tremolo  picking  which  also  gives  the  recording  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  along  with  the  album  also  having  its  progressive  moments  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.


  Throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  a  couple  of  songs  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  words  and  clear  singing  as  well  as  some  tracks  also  bringing  in  a  small  amount  of  growls,  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Italian  and  cover  death  and  nature  themes.


  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  form  Prometeus  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  avant  garde  and  progressive  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Oceano"  "Fenrir"  and  "Mneemosine".  8  out  of  10.


  https://prometeus666.bandcamp.com/album/contemptus-deorum    


  

Beskres Interview

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


Work on the full-length album took quite a while, lasting several months. So after finishing the new album, I immediately started composing new songs because the ideas were flowing out of me like a flood. At that point, I was sending our CD everywhere to showcase our work.


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


The demo and EP were a test and a test, in a sense a quest. However, Bezkres is a Black Metal band, so it wasn't about any experiments, as we're heading down a single, conservative path. Above all, LP is more mature and at the same time more raw, which was a deliberate and well-thought-out intention. Musically, all the materials are cohesive, while the sound developed on the LP is more refined.


3.Most of the music is very heavily rooted in the 90's era. do you feel the genre was a lot better back in those days and more true to what the genre was meant to be?


Black Metal was certainly more faithful to its foundations back then, but whether it was significantly better is a subjective assessment. There are also many great bands emerging today.

In the '90s, there weren't all these cravings and pursuits for originality; there was a greater drive. In our case, there's no insistent connection to those years, but since our musical and mental backbone was solidified during those years, it's only natural that that period flows through our veins.


4. One of the band members also has a background in death metal, how would you compare the black metal style of 'Bezkres', to your previous band?


That member is me. I've been a metal fanatic since I was a very young child, and I quickly fell in love with this music. I've embraced each genre at different times in my musical exploration. When I decided to form a band as a teenager, the sounds I listened to most often were Death Metal, so that's why I started playing in that direction. Black Metal came a bit later. The styles of both genres are so different that it's not worth writing about. I'd rather focus on the common traits. In my case, both musics had to be equally hateful, anti-Christian (anti-religious), and punch you in the face with their sounds, in line with the uncompromising standards of their respective genres. Total exuberance and 100% honesty.


5.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored on all of the releases so far?


The subject matter of our lyrics isn't particularly groundbreaking, but they are deeply personal. They address savage nature, hatred for humanity blindly wallowing in its own stupidity, and all religions that exclude common sense.


6.I know that the bands name means 'boundlessness' in English, how does this name fit in with the musical style that you play?


I explain this "boundlessness" in several ways, which stem from the lyrics and the attitude itself. The boundlessness of nature, the boundlessness of thought, the boundlessness of hatred, the boundlessness of evil. In my opinion, all of this reflects our form of expression and Black Metal itself.


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?


The band was originally intended to be a duo. I'm responsible for guitars, vocals, and lyrics, and Aroslav is responsible for drums. We've developed a working relationship, and it's likely to stay that way. A potential lineup expansion would be necessary if we ever wanted to play a live show, but there are no such plans at this time.


8.The new album as well as the previous ep was released on 'Signal Rex', how did you get in contact with this label?


I wrote to Signal Rex to show them a demo and ask about the possibility of working together. They responded quickly, and we just as quickly began working together. Judging by what Bezkres plays and what Signal Rex releases, we're a good fit.


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


I'm receiving a lot of positive feedback from Poland and other parts of the world. It may not be much, as the band is new to the underground scene, but there are some signs. It's satisfying, as both the band's name and all the lyrics are entirely in Polish. It's great that some people find something captivating in our music.


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


The future will tell. We will definitely break up our differences, not by force, and play an honest and hateful Black Metal.


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


I listen to a lot of metal, all different genres. However, for me, everything has to be quite original, even if it's a new band. I also listen to a lot of classic metal. Aroslav is a guy who places incredible emphasis on his development as a drummer, so he explores various genres, although Black Metal is deeply rooted in his heart.


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


Thanks for your interest and the interview offer, and also for your opinion on our LP.

Hatred!

facebook.com/bezkresblackmetal

https://youtu.be/PQ_bwEuaxxU

Friday, March 13, 2026

Viamaer/In lumine lunae (Acoustic Sessions)/2026 EP Review

 

  Viamaer  are  a  solo  project  form  Poland  that  has  recently  been  featured  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  takes  his  mixture  of  post  black  metal  and  shoegaze  into  an  acoustic  direction  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2026  ep  "In  lumine  lunae  (Acoustic  Sessions)'  which  will b e  released  in  April.


  Acoustic  guitars  which  add  in  a  mixture  of  finger  picking  and  full  chords  start  off  the  ep  while  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  Drum  beats  are  also  utilized  at  times  while  the  post  rock  and  shoegaze  elements  are  also  mixed  in  with  the  cleaner  sections  of  the  music  and  all  of  the  songs  also  stick  to  an  instrumental  direction,  synths  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  


  On  this  recording  Viamaer  takes  songs  off  his  previous  full length  and  takes  away  the  vocals  and  heavier  parts  of  the  release  and  takes  his  music  into  an  acoustic  direction  as  well  as  keeping  everything  instrumental  while  the  production  sounds  very  dark.


  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Viamaer  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  acoustic  music  with  elements  of  post  rock  and  shoegaze,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "In  excitiatione  terrae"  and  "Smaragdus  somnium".  8  out  of  10.


  https://youtu.be/uGwcEMiYzP8


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Sura'sura/Warfare Metal/(VIRUPI)/2026 EP Review

 

  Sura'sura  are  a  band  from  Sri  Lanka  that  plays  an  aggressive  mixture  of  black,  death  and  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2026  ep  "Warfare  Metal"  which  will  be  released  on  March  27th  by  (VIRUPI).


  A  very  apocalyptic  sound  starts  off  the  ep  along  with  some  voices  before  going  into  a  very  fast  and r aw  musical  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  mixed  in  with  some  death  metal  growls  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.


  Throughout  the  ep  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  elements  of  thrash  metal.  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  brutal  sounding  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  dark  sounding  melodies.


  Sura'sura  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  the  heaviest  parts  of  black,  death  and  thrash  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and r aw  while  the  lyrics  cover  war  and  South  Asian  Lore.


  In  my  opinion  Sura'sura  are  a  very  great  sounding  aggressive  mixture  of   black,  death  and  thrash  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Atomic  Phalanx"  and  "Decimation  Soundwave".  8  out  of  10.


  https://virupi.bandcamp.com/album/warfare-metal   

Ozark Shaman/A Traitor is Worse Then An Enemy/2026 Full Length Review

 

  Ozark  Shaman  are  a  solo  project  from  Missouri  that  plays  a  very  raw,  atmospheric  and  folk  influenced  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2026  album  "A  Traitor  Is  Worse  Then  An  Enemy".


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


  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Vocals  are  mostly  angry  sounding  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.   


   Viola  and  banjo's  which  add  in  elements  of  folk  music  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  album  as  well as  some  screams  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  clear  singing  and  a  later  track  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  death  metal  growls,  some  of  the  riffing  also  shows  an  influence  of  thrash  metal  along  with  the  closing  track  also  being  an  instrumental.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  spirituality,  cosmicism,  war,  history  and  inner  struggle  themes.


  In  my  opinion  Ozark  Shaman  is  a  very  great  sounding  raw,  atmospheric  folk  influenced  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Warriors  Spirit"  "Bayous  Of  Black"  and  "Wicked  Ways".  8 out  of  10.


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

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OWs3PQnph1sSVbj0Z3Txt
Digital Downloads: https://ozarkshaman.bandcamp.com/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/ozarkshaman


       

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.


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