Nocturnal Reveries/Song Of The Forest/Naturmacht Producitons/2026 Full Length Review

 

  Nocturnal  Reveries  are  a  solo  project  from  Finland  that  plays  a  very  raw  and  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2026  album  "Song  Of  The  Forest"  which  will  be  released  in  may  by  Naturmacht  Productions.

  Atmospheric  sounding  synths  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  recording  also  adds  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feleing.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.  A  lot  of  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  influenced  by  the  old  school  era  of  the  genre  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  growls  and  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  at  times  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  as  well  as  a  couple  of  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  one  track  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  words,  acoustic  guitars  can  also  be  heard  on  a  couple  of  songs.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  mysterious  force  residing  in  nature.

  In  my  opinion  Nocturnal  Reveries  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw  and  atmospheric  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Gates  To  The  Nocturnal  Realm"  and  "Intuition's  Quest".  8  out  of  10.

https://nocturnalreveries.bandcamp.com/album/song-of-the-forest  

Musta Suru Interview

 

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

Non (guitar and vocals) - We are Musta Suru from Finland and we are playing depressive black metal. We have always been a duo and we have been making this music since 2020.

Mors (drums) - In our music we try our best to convey to the listener the feeling we had when we were making the song. Our songs have this depressive black metal atmosphere but there’s always a glimmer of hope. Since the beginning the songs have been improvised and composed by the two of us.

2.You have your first full length coming out in May, musically how does it differ from your previous demo’s?

Non - Of course we have evolved as a band but our sound and the atmosphere of the songs have not changed. Some songs in the upcoming album have actually been composed before the demos.

Mors - The new album is a mix of old songs with the latest we have done. Our first demo was mostly improvisation and the second demo was rehearsed before the recording. The album was made in a similar manner as the second demo. It has been a while since demos came out, the songs from the new album are more versatile. All of your releases are unique.

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

Non - So far, the lyrics have been about death, suicide and darkness.

Mors - The lyrics in the album “Viimeinen Viilto” talk about the journey towards death. Each song is about the different stages of the journey.

4.I know that the band’s name means 'Black Sadness' in Finnish, how does this name fit in with the musical style that you play?

Non - It’s more like "black sorrow”. The name itself tells everything about this music.

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

Mors - The cover art is made by MT. She made the artwork from snapshots taken over the years. She is almost like a member of our band and her art reflects the mood of our music.

Non - The photos are quite interesting, most of them are taken in our home town in different kind of real-life situations, but the photo used in the cover is taken by me at the Highgate cemetery in London. The statue in the cover expresses sadness really well and also describes the atmosphere of our music.

6.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?

Mors - The only thing we have considered is to get a session bassist for the possible live gigs. But otherwise, we continue as a duo, because we see it as the best way to maintain the atmosphere of our music.

Non - We prefer to continue as duo because there are less compromises to be made and we don’t need more elements in this band.

7.The album is coming out on 'Downfall Records', how did you get in contact with this label?

Mors - After the mixing and mastering I started to look for a record company. I mailed Downfall Records and luckily for us they got interested in releasing our album. 

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

Mors - We have had positive feedback and we have sold some copies of our cassette demos to many different countries.

9.What is going on with 'Uhrilanja' these days. a band that also shows a couple of the same members?

Mors - I still play the drums in Uhrilahja and Non plays the lead guitar

Non - Everything is going well with Uhrilahja. We are composing new songs and playing some gigs, fucking hell yeah!

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

Non - We are only living in this moment.

Mors - We have started to compose for a new album, that we try get released in the near future. Live gigs are also under consideration. Festivals would be nice to play at some point also.

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?

Mors - Maybe some influences have come from Lifelover, Begotten, Mgła, Shining and Alcest.

Non - Most influences are coming from dsbm bands: such as Bethlehem, Shining (swe) and Lifelover. Nowadays I listen to everything that sounds good. 

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

Mors - Hope to see you at our gigs!

Non - Whatever does not kill you, it makes your stranger

https://youtu.be/InNLVx4Xu6Q

Sombre/Another Shade Of Autumn Lost/2026 Single Review

 

  Sombre  are    a  solo  project  from  the  United  Kingdom  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  this  is  a  review of  his  self  released  2026  single  "Another  Shade  Of  Autumn  Lost".

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  single  while  the  track  is  also  10  minutes  in  length  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to t hem.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  scream.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  song  more  of  a  raw  feeling  and  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  post  metal  style  along  with  the  track  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  as  well  as  some  clean  playing  also  being  used  briefly.

  On  this  track  Sombre  remains  true  to  the  post  black  metal  style  he  has  introduced  on  previous  release.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  nature  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  track  from  Sombre  and  if  you  are  a  fan  o=f  post  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  single.  8  out  of  10.

https://sombre2.bandcamp.com/track/another-shade-of-autumn-lost

  

Conjuring/Memento Mori/Hypnotic Dirge Records/2026 Full Length Review

 

  Conjuring  are  a  solo  project  from  Switzerland  that  plays  an  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2026  album  "Memento  Mori"  which  will b e  released  in  may  by  Hypnotic  Dirge  Records.

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  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  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.

Throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard on  a  few  songs.  Some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  some  synths  also  being  utilized  at  times,  the  recording  also  has  its  atmospheric  moments  as  well  as  some  spoken  words  also  being  used  briefly,  the  closing  track  is  also  an  instrumental.

  Conjuring  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  modern,  aggressive  and  atmospheric  sounding.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  mortality,  transience  and  spiritual  awakening. 

  In  my  opinion  Conjuring  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  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Memento  Mori"  and  "Anima".  8  out  of  10.

https://hypnoticdirgerecords.bandcamp.com/album/memento-mori

  

  

Hyeno/Faunah/Shortlist Records/2026 EP Review

 

  Hyeno  are  a  duo  from  Sweden  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  doom  metal  and  industrial  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2026  ep  "Faunah"  which  was  released  by  Shortlist  Records.

  Industrial  style  drumbeats  and  synths  start  off  the  ep  while  the  music  also  brings  in the  dark  atmosphere  of  black  and  doom  metal.  All  of  the  tracks  also  stick  to  an  instrumental  direction  along  some  touches  of  ambient  and  experimental  also  being  added  at  times  and  the  second  track  shows  the  music  going  into  a  darker  direction.

  On  this  recording  Hyeno  took  influences  from  black,  doom  metal,  industrial,  experimental  and  ambient  to  create  something  different  as  well  as  keeping  everything  instrumental  while  the  production  sounds  very  dark.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Hyeno  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  ambient,  experimental,  industrial,  black  and  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Samsara".  8  out  of  10.

  https://tidal.com/album/505956882

spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/album/58eOTpD0yAGiKMVjp9Kngi

youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZe9hft8OXEaAmM4ZZKJdIA

   

Zornhau Interview

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

Zornhau is an atmospheric black metal project focused on immersion and transformation. Driven by atmosphere rather than narrative, the music unfolds as a continuous rite — demanding endurance, presence, and submission. A voyage within. 

2.So far you have released one album, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

I aimed to evoke a state of mind rather than tell a story. It is a collection of sounds where the listener is free to form their own interpretations. The music draws from multiple influences — ABM, doom,industrial, DSBM… to name a few. Forming a fusion rather than adhering to a single genre. 

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

The themes reveal themselves over time. The answers are already there for those willing to listen closely, though not always in the ways one might expect. 

4.What tis the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Zornhau'?

The word “Zornhau” originates from a medieval manuscript written by Johannes Liechtenauer in the 14th century. It refers to a German longsword technique and is considered one of his so-called “master cuts.” It translates to “Strike of Wrath” or “Wrath Cut,” which I felt resonated strongly with the spirit of the music. 

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

The artwork was created by the artist XXIX, a remarkable talent who does not typically work within the black metal genre. I was drawn to the motif because, unlike much of the genre’s visual language, it is not entirely black or intentionally obscure. It reflects the atmosphere of the album while maintaining its own distinct identity.

6.Has the band done any live shows or is this strictly a studio project?

No lives hows. For now, Zornhau remains strictly a studio project. 

7.How would you describe the masks that are worn in the promo pics?

Simple. Who and what i am is not important. The music is the primary focus and I merely serve as a vessel for its expression. 

8.The album was released on 'WormHoleDeath Records', how did you get in contact with this label?

I was contacted by a journalist who recommended me to contact the label. I did. And here we are.  

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

The response has been largely positive. Maybe some confusion about the name, since it is also a common term in historical martial arts.  

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

I would like to explore more ambient territories and incorporate a broader palette of sounds beyond traditional instruments.  I have also developed a strong interest in classical guitar. Maybe I’ll incorporate some of that. We’ll see what the voices in the dark has to say. 

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 believe inspiration can be found in almost anything. Within the ABM scene, Urfaust has had a profound influence on me, which is likely evident.  Other inspirations include Blut aus Nord, Ygg, and Peste Noire. In terms of current listening, I would say Chopin, Molchat Doma, and Wagner. 

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

Thank you for listening. 

zornhau1.bandcamp.com/album/zornhau
www.youtube.com/@Zornhau-o4b

 

Zaraza/...And You Will Remember This Winter/So Below Productions/2026 EP Review

 

  Zaraza  are  a  duo  from  the  Ohio  that  plays  a  very  raw  and  old  school form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2026  ep  "...And  You  Will  Remember"  which  will  be  released  in  May  by  So  Below  Productions.

  

Synths  start  off  the  ep  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  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  second  wave  era  of  the  genre  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  while  a  small  amount  of  melody  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.  Some  of  the  songs  also  add  in  session  work  from  members  Burial  Oath  and  Nechowhen  along  all  of  the  drum  beats  also  being  programmed,  one  track  is  also  a  brief  interlude.

  Zaraza  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  raw  and  aggressive  in  the  classic  90's  second  wave  tradition.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  occultism  of  the  primal  Appalachia.

  In  my  opinion  Zaraza  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  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Yearning  Mouth  Of  The  Forest"  and  "Let  The  World  Fall  into  Night".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhdvDkEfD1g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUGAEJ4NRK4

https://zarazausbm.bandcamp.com/album/and-you-will-remember-this-winter     

https://www.instagram.com/zaraza_usbm/