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/ 

Mazam/A Scar Upon The Void/2026 Full Length Review

  Mazam  are  a  solo  project  from  Italy  that  plays  an  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2026  album  "A  Scar  Upon  The  Void".

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  depressive  black  metal  screams  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

  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.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  more  of  a  dark  yet  melodic  style  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  at  times  because  also  gets  very  atmospheric  as  well  as  adding  in  some  industrial  touches  and  a  couple  of  the  songs  also  adds  in  a  small amount  of  clean  playing.

  Mazam  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  traditional,  atmospheric  and  depressive  sounding.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  urban  nihilism,  isolation  and  the  decay  of  modern  society.

  In  my  opinion  Mazam  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  and  depressive  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Lead  Liturgy"  "Hollow  Eden"  "Sudden  Smog"  and  "Grey  Statis".  8  out  of  10.

  https://truemazam.bandcamp.com/album/a-scar-upon-the-void    

    

SOTABOSC Interview

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

We are Sotabosc, an atmospheric black metal band with antifascist roots formed in 2023 in Barcelona, Catalonia. Some of us come from post-metal, hardcore or doom metal bands, as well as raw black metal bands and even dark folk. This is the sum of our experience and musical tastes with a clear message of resistance against fascist oppression.

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

We chose Siete Barbas studio for the recording as we had some really positive experiences with Daniel (the person behind the studio), and knew he would capture the essence of our sound well since he also has a past within black metal, but also give an organic and natural feel to all the more delicate parts of our songs. 

3.The band members also have experience working in other genres, how would you compare to black metal style you have with this band to your previous or current projects?

It’s a matter of intensity. We all love fast and aggressive music, but also melodic and beautiful melodies. The conspiracy was a matter of time to happen.

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

For this album we’ve chosen to talk about the history of our country, the oppression it has lived and the resistance it gave from a guerrilla called the ‘Maquis’, who hid in the mountains and forests and fought the francoist fascist army until the very last moments of the civil war. With metaphors and poetic language, we seek to evoke the feeling of nostalgia to this bitter past and not letting their memory fade.

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

It translates to ‘undergrowth’, or beneath the forest. It was a name that resonated with us from the very beginning and felt it captured the essence of our sound well. Since the band originates from Ulmus, the dark folk project of Xavi, which has a deep connection to pagan and nature inspired themes, it felt even more appropriate.

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

The album cover is a mix of artworks from Manel (Woodcvtter Illustration) and Xavi (Error! Design), both members of the band, drummer and guitar player respectively. On one hand, the three arrows emblem by Woodcvtter Illustration is a reinterpretation of the antifascist symbol originated in Germany for the Iron Front in the 1930’s. And the background is a collage artwork by Error! Design that captures the atmosphere and nostalgia of the forests where the ‘Maquis’ fought and hid during the spanish civil war.

7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?

No shows played so far, our first show is after release date: April 18.

8.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?

We’re already confirmed in festivals such as Gloomaar Festival in Germany, Dunk! Festival in Belgium, Okkult Session in Barcelona, as well as a tour through europe and a festival outside europe that’s still not announced but we’re really looking forward to it.

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

So far, the album has received really positive reviews. We, as long time black metal fans ourselves, wouldn’t be playing something that we wouldn’t listen to or enjoy in the first place, sot it’s both relieving and amazing to see such good welcoming to our debut album.

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?

All of us are still active in our other bands and projects. It might mean we’re busier and schedulewise trickier to manage, but we’re all in.

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

We are currently already writing new material for perhaps a new EP or album, who knows, but we want to maintain as much as possible the sound and essence but evolve it and make what we most enjoy listening to.

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?

Summing it up for all the members, probably Heretoir, Enyor, early Dimmu Borgir and Habak.

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

Thank you so much for the interview. Remember to fight fascism, support the underground and to take care of your loved ones.

https://www.instagram.com/sotabosc_official/
https://www.facebook.com/sotaboscofficial/
https://sotaboscband.bandcamp.com/