Afraid Of Destiny/Contra Omnes/Talheim Records/2023 Full Length Review

 

  Italy's  Afraid  of  Destiny  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  more  of  an  atmospheric  and  depressive  style  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2023  album  "Contra  Omnes"  which  was  released  by  Talheim  Records.

  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  yet  depressive  sounding  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  synths  also  add  in  some  symphonic  and  orchestra  touches  when  they  are  utilized.

  The  music  also  has  its  atmospheric  moments  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Most  of  the  songs  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard,  one  track  is  also  an  instrumental.

  When  tremolo  picking  is  added  into  the  faster  riffing  they  also  give  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  Death  metal  growls  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  as  well  as  one  song  also  introducing  clear  singing  onto  the  album. The  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  some  of  the  breakdowns  also  show  some  influences  of  hardcore  and  deathcore,  spoken  word  parts  are  also  utilized  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  suicide,  depression,  solitude  and  self  harm  themes.  

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Afraid  of  Destiny  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  and  depressive  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Anti"  and  "Hear  Me".  8  out  of  10.

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Tempel Wolf/Self Titled/Vendetta records/2023 Full Length Review

 

  Tempel  Wolf  are  a  band  from  Switzerland  that  plays  an  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2023  album  which  will  be  released  in  April  by  Vendetta  Records.

 

 Rain  and  thunder  sounds  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  acoustic  guitars  and  percussion  a  few  seconds  later  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  and  melodic  musical  direction.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  as  well  as  a  few  growls  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  album  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  Synths  and  clean  playing  can  also be  heard  in certain  sections  of  the  recording.

  The  tracks  also  adds  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  most  of  the  songs also  being very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  album  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them,  clear  vocals  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Dutch  and  cover  nature  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Tempel  Wolf  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Der  Wlten  Fall".  8  out  of  10.

  Tempel Wolf "Hirschgeweihmaskeraden" (official video) - YouTube  

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Daughters of Sophia/ソフィアの娘たち/A Sad Sadness Song/2023 Full Length Review

 

  Daughters  Of  Sophia  are  a  solo  project  from  France  that  p[lays  an  atmospheric  form  of  post  black  metal  with  elements  of  shoegaze  and  ambient  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2023  album  "ソフィアの娘たち"  which  will  be  released  in  May  by  A  Sad  Sadness  Song.

  A  very  dark,  heavy  and  atmospheric  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  post  metal  style.  A  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  all  sounding  very  powerful  and  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  blast  beats.

  When  tremolo  picking  is  added  into  the  faster  riffing  they  also  give  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  The  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  all  of  the  album  also  being  instrumental  while  the  music  also  has  its  atmospheric  moments  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  melody,  touches  of  ambient  and  shoegaze  can  also  be  heard  at  times  and  one  track  also  introduces  soundscapes  onto  the  recording.

  Daughters  of  Sophia  plays  a  style  of  post  black  metal  that  is  very  atmospheric,  melodic  and  aggressive  sounding  with  some  touches  of  ambient  and  shoegaze  as  well  as  keeping  everything  instrumental.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  song  themes  focus  on  Japanese  Culture,  Melancholy,  Sadness  and  Depression.

  In  my  opinion  Daughters  Of  Sophia  are  a  very  great  sounding  instrumental  and  atmospheric  post  black  metal  solo  project  with  elements  of  shoegaze  and  ambient  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Mayaki"  "Elhayn"  "Lenneth"  and  "Earisu".  8  out  of  10.

  https://metalodyssey.8merch.com/product/daughters-of-sophia

  

Hyl/Where Emptiness Is All/Odium Records/2023 EP Review

 

  Hyl  are  an  international  band  with  members  from  Italy  and  Poland  that  plays  an  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2023  ep  "Where  Emptiness  Is  All"  which  will  be  released  in  May  by  Odium  Records.

  Atmospheric  sounding  synths  start  off  the  ep  and  also  mixes  in with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times  along  with  some  chants.  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  when  they  are utilized.

  Vocals a re  mostly  angry  sounding  black  metal  screams  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  a s well  as  most  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  nature  sounds  and  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

  Hyl  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  atmospheric  and  aggressive  sounding.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  introspection,  nature  and  the  vision  of  the  human  being  condition.

  In  my  opinion  Hyl  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Into  The  Unknown"  and  "Endless  Illusions".  8  out  of  10.

https://youtu.be/Qe-dhiA_qoQ

https://www.facebook.com/HYLband

www.instagram.com/hyl_officialpage

Gabestok/Med freden kommer hadet/Strange Aeons Records/2023 Full Length Review

 

  Denmark's  duo  Gabestok  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  more  of  a  black  metal  style  with  elements  of  garage  punk  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2023  album  "Med  freden  kommer  hadet"  which  was  released  by  Strange  Aeons  Records.

  A  very  fast  and  raw  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.  Elements  of  garage  punk  can  also  be  heard  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  along  with  some  keyboards  also  being  added  onto  some  of  the  tracks  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  album  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the songs  also  adding  in  some  influences  from  the  70's  era at  times  as  well  as  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  psychedelic  touches,  a  couple  of  vocals  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  clear  vocals  which  also  show  an  influence of  classic  metal.    

  On  this  recording  Gabestok  takes  black  metal  and  garage  punk  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  something  that  sounds  very  different  than  most  bands  in  this  genre.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Danish  and  cover  the  soiled  alleys  of  the  human  mental  forfeit.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  Gabestok  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black  metal  and  garage  punk,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RFECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Det  er  mig  der  står  herude  og  lurer":  "Kun  traumerne  tilbage"  "Fanden på  væggen"  and  "Med  freden  kommer  hadet".  8  out  of  10.

https://strangeaeonsrecords.bandcamp.com 

   

  

Austere/Corrosion Of Hearts/Prophecy Productions/Lupus Lounge/2023 Full Length Review

 

  Austere  are  a  duo  from  Australia  that  plays  a  very  atmospheric  and  depressive  from  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2023  album  "Corrosion  Of  hearts"  which  will  be  released  in April  as  a  joint  effort  between  Prophecy  Productions  and  Lupus  Lounge.

  Soundscapes  and  clean  playing  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  all  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.  Clear  singing  can  also  be  heard  on  a  couple  of  songs  along  with  the  music  also  having  its  atmospheric  moments  as  well  as  some  keyboards  also  being  utilized  at  times,   when  tremolo  picking  is  utilized  they  also  give  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling  and  most  of  the  music  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction  as  well  as  showing  some  influences  from  the  old  school  and  more  modern  blackgaze  styles  of  the  genre..

  Austere  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  atmospheric,  depressive  and  mid  tempo  sounding.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover   sadness,  depression  and  desolation  themes.

 In  my  opinion  Austere  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  and  depressive  black  metal  duo  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Sullen"  and  "Pale".  8  out  of  10.

  Sullen

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Nightside/Lions/Purity Through Fire/2023 Demo Review

 

  Nightside  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  very  raw,  melodic  and  satanic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2023  demo  "Lions"  which  will  be  released  in  April  by  Purity  Through  Fire.

  A  very  fast  and  raw  sound  starts  off  the  demo  along  with  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats.  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  yet  high  pitched  sounding  black  metal  screams  while  keyboards  are  also  mixed  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.

  A  lot  of  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  when  they  are  utilized.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them, growls  can  also b e  heard  briefly  and  a  small  amount  of  clear  vocals  are  also  added  on  the  closing  track.

  On  this  recording  Nightside  remain  true  to  the  raw,  melodic,  old  school  and  satanic  style  of  black  metal  that  they  have  established  on  previous  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism  and  Anti  Christianity  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Nightside  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  raw,  melodic,  old  school  and  satanic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  demo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Gates  Of  Hell".  8  out  of  10.  

www.facebook.com/nightsideblackmetal

Dratna/Fom​ó​raigh/Fiadh Productions/2023 Full Length Review

 

  Ireland's  Dratna  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  more  of  an  atmospheric  and  folk  inspired  of  pagan  black  metal  with  symphonic  elements   and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2023  album  "Fom​ó​raigh"  which  will  be  released  in  April  by  Fiadh  Productions.

  Nature  orientated  soundscapes  and  atmospheric  sounding  synths  start  off  the  album  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  Acoustic  guitars  and  folk  instruments  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.

  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  the  music  also  has  its  symphonic  moments.  Blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard  in  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  which  also  gives  the  album  more  of  a  raw  feeling  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  when  they  are utilized.  The  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  one  of  the  tracks  is  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  one  track  is  also  an  instrumental.

  On  this  recording  Dratna  adds  more  folk  and  symphonic  elements  into  his  atmospheric  style  of pagan  black  metal  to  create  an  album  that  is  very  different  sounding  from  previous  releases.  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Irish  Mythology  and  Celtic  Paganism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Dratna  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  and  folk  inspired  pagan  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Summon  The  Morrigan"  "Fom​ó​raigh  Reign"  and  "Moytura  Conquest".  8  out  of  10.

  https://dratna.bandcamp.com/album/fear-gorta-tales-of-the-undead

       

Desdenova/Requiem For The Spring/Fiadh Productions/2023 Full Length Review

 

  Desdonova  are  a  solo  project  from  San  Francisco  that  plays  an  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  and  thus  is  a  review  of  his  2023  album  "Requiem  For  The  Spring"  which  will  be  released  in  April  by  Fiadh  Productions.

  A  very  dark,  heavy  and  lo-fi  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording.  When  keyboards  are  utilized  they  also  give  the  music  more  of  an  atmospheric  feeling  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  small  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  Clear  vocals  can  also  be  heard  on  a  couple  of  songs  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  when  they  are  utilized  as  well  as  a  couple  of  the  tracks  also  being  instrumentals.

  acoustic  guitars  can  also  be  heard  briefly  as  well  as  a    couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  most  of  the  music  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction  and  the  album  closes  with  a  Darkthrone  cover.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Anti  Christianity,  Occultism,  Nature  and  Darkness  themes.  

  In  my  opinion  Desdonova  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  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Fragility  Of  the  Throne"  and  "Requiem  For  The  Spring".  8  out  of  10.

https://desdenova.bandcamp.com/album/requiem-for-the-spring

Hexenschorf/Certain Rapture/Fiadh Productions/2023 Full Length Review

 

  Hexenschorf  are  a  solo  project  from  New  Jersey  that  plays  a  very  raw  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2023  album  "Certain  Rapture"  which  will  be  released  in  April  by  Fiadh  Productions.

  A  very  dark  and  distorted  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  synths  can  also  be  heard  in  the  background  briefly  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  and  lo-fi  direction.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast b eats  can  be  heard.

  When  tremolo  picking  is  added  into  the  fast  riffing  they  also  give  the  music  more  of  a r aw  feeling  while  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  and  the  music  also  shows  influences  of  both  the  old  school  and  modern  eras  of  the  genre,  some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  short  in  length  and  some  of  the  riffing  also  shows  an  influence  of  punk.

  Hexenschorf  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  raw,  substantial  and  emotional  sounding.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  philosophical  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Hexenschorf  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "In  Sorrow"  "No  Desire"  "Crests"  and  "Hidden  Homes".  8  out  of  `0.

https://alloftheblood.bandcamp.com/album/hexenschorf  

  

Black Autumn/Forodren/In The Vast Emptiness/Fiadh Productions/2023 Split Album Review

 

  This  is  a  review  of  a  split  album  between  Germany's  Black  Autumn  and  Canada's  Forodren  called  "in  The  Vast Emptiness"  which  will  be  released  in  April b y  Fiadh  Productions  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  Black  Autumn  a  solo  project  who  returns  with  his  atmospheric  mixture  of  ambient  black  and  doom  metal.

  His  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  some  percussions,  stringed  instruments,  nature  sounds  and    ambient  style  synths  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  and  melodic  musical  direction.  Elements  of  doom  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  while  the  music  also  has  its  atmospheric  moments.

  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  along  with  some  clear  singing  and  growls  also  being  utilized  at  times.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  as  well  as  most  of  his  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  all  of  the  music  also  sticks  to  a  slower  direction  and  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  briefly  towards  the  end.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  gloom,  death  and  darkness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Black  Autumn  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  ambient,  atmospheric  black  and  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  his  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Remember  The  Rain".

  Next  up  is  Forodren  a  solo  project  who  returns  with  an  atmospheric  and  depressive  style  of  black  metal.

  His  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  a  very  dark  and  heavy  sound  while  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  his  side  of  the  recording.  Synths  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  high  pitched  yet  depressive  black  metal  screams  and  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.

  The  music  also  has  its  atmospheric  moments  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  when  they  are  utilized.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  as  well  as  most  of  his  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cove r depression  and  melancholy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Forodren  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  and depressive  black  emtal,  you  should  check  out  his  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Voidseeker".

  In  conclusion  I  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  split  and  I  would  recommend  it  to  all  fans  of  atmospheric  and  depressive  black  metal.  8  out  of  10.

  https://forodren.bandcamp.com/

https://blackautumn.bandcamp.com/        

Witches Forest/Under The Snow Covered Forest/Fiadh Productions/2023 Full length Review

 

  Witches  Forest  are  a  solo  project  from  Illinois  that  plays  a  very  raw  and  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2023  album  'Under  The  Snow  Covered  Forest"  which  will  be  released  in  April  by  Fiadh  Productions.

  Static  sounds  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  musical  direction  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.  All  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  when  they  are  utilized and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats.  Clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  on  some  of  the  tracks  and  the  songs  also  add  in a   good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding   along  with  the  tremolo  picking  also  giving  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling  when  they  are  utilized  as  well  as  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  both  old  school  and  modern  influences,  clear  singing  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and a  couple  of  tracks  also  adds  in  a  small  amount  of  spoken  word  parts  and  acoustic  guitars.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Witchcraft  and  Nature  themes. 

  In  my  opinion  Witches  Forest  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  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Lesser  Substance"  "Into  The  Cold  Night  She  Roamed"  and  "Welcome  To  The  Witches  Forest".  8  out  of  10.

https://witchesforest.bandcamp.com/album/under-the-snow-covered-branches   

  

Uvod Interview

 

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

We are a duo of brothers from Tver, Russia. But now located in two capitals of Russia - Saint-Petersburg and Moscow. Uvod is the name of a river in the Ivanovo region. These places are our childhood, these forests and fields, ghost villages. We took a similar name because Uvod is our place of power, although we haven't been there for maybe a dozen years

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?

Someone names it atmospheric black metal, someone just black metal. As creators, it is difficult for us to define genre frameworks, since our references when writing were different, ranging from Finnish classics to modern blackgaze.

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

Our themes hover in the places we sing about. We touch on significant metaphysical themes of death, life, nature and its anger. In particular, the second track tells about the our village through which the Uvod flows. Now in the place where my ancestors lived, there are damned tourists who buy houses and throw them away, they rot and decompose. The place of my grandfather's death is now someone's couch or sofa, or maybe there's a TV or some other shit. But I hope there is nothing but nature in that place.

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

As I said, this is the name of the river. I spent my entire childhood next to it, I bathed, washed, lived in her. A magical picture of this river and its shores formed in my head. It's so strange, because it's been more than 10 years, I've grown up, but it still visit me like a river flows in my head. My tears are her continuation.

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

The author is my brother. He brought to life the lyrics of the first track, which is called Призыв l. This is the personification of Uvod in our heads. The monstrous giant and cursed lands around which inspire us.

By the way, the art will be supplemented on the design of physical release. The cassette and CD will receive a detailed landscape of those lands and how they are imprinted in our mind.

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

No, maybe in the future. There are a lot of ideas for a live shows.

7.So far very little is known about the band, are you planning on expanding your presence in the future or do you prefer to keep a lower profile?

We are probably at the stage of searching for ourselves. We are not interested in commercial success, we are only interested in increasing the number of adherents who pass through our river atmosphere.

8.So far the band has worked with 'Atra Anduin Records', 'More Hate Productions' and 'Zaindevevshaya Ryabina', do you feel these labels have been very helpful when it comes to getting your music out there heard?

Collaboration with labels is an important part of Art. For us, the label is a strong ally who supports us and whom we support. If it wasn't for Atra Anduin, we wouldn't have given this interview. If it were not for the mates from the Zaindevevshaya Ryabina and More Hate Prod, our music would not have found its embodiment in reality.

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

I would not say that I have seen a reaction on a world-wide level. But if we can judge by the comments of people from different countries, English-language reviews, we were warmly welcomed. In any case, my vision is subjective. I do not really know if our music has found a response in the hearts of anyone. 

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

The flow inexorably carries forward everything that falls into the river. I hope this year we will present a full-length album that will be the quintessence of what we want to bring to the world. We also hope that the fog of war will dissipate over all of us, because we need to save our strength for much more important battles - metaphysical battles with ourselves.

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?

BBH and their main figures in the person of Kaldrad, Irminson. I listen to a lot of Polish and Slavonic pagan metal. And in principle, pagan is one of my favorite subgenres, because it is honest, proud, about blood and our memory.

I like Cascadian black metal. I consider this subgenre as a whole to be the face of USBM. 

Finnish tradition represented by Satanic Warmaster, Beherit, Archgoat, Horna. 

I also like genres that are far from classic black metal, blackgaze, post black. All these are new horizons, it's silly to ignore them for ideological reasons. All these are branches of the same tree.

12.Does Occultism and paganism play any role in your music?

Paganism in the understanding of love for those places and Fatherland - yes. We feel sorry for what has gone into oblivion and will never return that carefree life. All we can do is sing of the bygone time and the nature of that time.

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

Preserve nature.

https://musicalligator.link/uvod2023

https://uvod.bandcamp.com/releases

Wolfpath Interview

 

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

V. Well quite a lot has happened! Since the premiere of the EP via BMP youtube channel I managed to sign a deal with ADG Records. I worked with a graphic designer (Bartosz Hervy) on the CD/MC layout. In the meantime, I managed to complete a live line-up. We've been working all the time on promo/bio texts and preparing a promotional strategy for the premiere of the album, which is coming soon, on 31/03/23!

2.In January you had released a new e.p, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

V. Of course, the starting point is pure fucking black metal - with all its fury, melancholy, melody and gritty sound. From the beginning I had a very coherent vision of what I wanted to achieve sonically. I paid a lot of attention to the mix of the rhythm section, in which the bass guitar plays a special role - for me it is a very important instrument and I put a lot of emphasis on exposing this instrument in the mix. Another thing is the guitars - here I wanted a slightly unusual lo-fi sound for which I used, for example, various types of fuzz. Of course, we put a lot of attention to the drums, but here the production focused on power and generating a dark atmosphere with reverbs. Vocals are also an issue that has not been left to chance - I have the impression that in many black metal productions the vocals are hidden - I like the vocals to peel off the skin and that's how we mixed it! It seems to me that we managed to get quite an original and damn strong sound on the debut EP!

3.Both of the band members have a history of playing in other bands, what is it that you bring into the music of 'Wolfpath' that you were not able to do with your other groups?

V. For me, it's certainly everything - both my projects - whether goth rock Deathcamp Project or post-punk Undertheskin - are based on different emotions and, above all, means of expression. There is no place for heaviness, blasts and screaming vocals. So Wolfpath is a place where I can vent all extreme emotions. 

M. Projects in which I have participated or still contribute are extreme music, but each of them is a different direction. In Besatt and Inferno, I emphasized the technical aspects of creating drums, such as the pace and brutality of the parts. Acherontas, despite its raw black metal roots, is currently quite an atmospheric avant-garde project, which I have to approach from a different angle when it comes to creating parts, while Wolfpath is a return to the roots, devotion to the classics. In this case, I focused mainly on Void's guitar to maintain the right atmosphere and the magic of the genre

4.Both of the band members also have experience working with other musical genres other than black metal, do you feel this has made you more diverse as musicians?

V. Well - probably yes, but in Wolfpath I wasn't looking for progressive solutions - the core of this music is really primal. It's supposed to kick in the face, burn with fire and leave ashes. Certainly, many years of experience help in faster and more efficient studio work. I just know what I want to achieve and I know how to do it

M. Well I guess it’s  question to Void , I don’t play anything apart from metal ha ha 

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

V. The lyrics in Wolfpath are probably a bit different from the classic satanic verses. I am far from threatening organized religions etc. I deeply believe that these will end on their own... It's kind of a concept and a personal story. It's a metaphorical wolf's journey through anger, fall, blood, and fire to inner transformation, strength, and victory! I don't wallow much in death and misery here - I'd rather light a fire and watch it burn!

6.On the ep cover and in the logo you have a rune symbol, do the band members have an interest in Norse or Germanic Paganism?

V. When it comes to paganism - Slavic, Germanic or Scandinavian mythology is undoubtedly fascinating, but it is not a direct source of research and inspiration for Wolfpath. However, I am very interested in the runes themselves. Their magical power, meaning, energy, symbolism - the possibility of working with them also as a source of fortune-telling for example. It is their importance and strength that made them appear in the logo and symbolism of the band. It's basically a combination of two runes - Ansuz, which symbolizes (very simplistically) knowledge and inspiration, and Tiwaz, which represents determination, justice, courage and using of all your skills and wisdom for victory

7.Originally the band started out as a solo project, what was the decision behind expanding into a duo?

V. You're right - the material for Wolfpath's debut was created as a solo project with a drum machine (there's nothing worse in metal music, right?). This was mainly due to pragmatic reasons. I didn't have any sensible drummer in mind, and I didn't want to "borrow" a drummer only for sessions - I wanted a musician who was really involved in the project. A mutual friend put me in touch with Marcello and after a few conversations and exchanging music files it turned out that Marcello is exactly what was needed to transform the lone wolf into the wolfpack. In addition, he is a very experienced drummer and really brought a lot of feeling, technique and fire to the whole project.

8.I have also read the band is planning on doing live shows in the future, what can we expect musically once you hit the live stage?

V. Well, that's still a very open question. In fact, I managed to complete the live line-up - but we haven't had a chance to start rehearsals yet. I am still at the stage of planning and developing the Wolfpath live concept. I would like concerts to be absolutely unique, atmospheric and fire-breathing events. Time will tell, but I'm really optimistic!

9.The ep was also released on  'A.D.G Records', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

V. What can I say - it is a young label founded by music enthusiasts as well as experienced people who know the industry. I hope that we will be able to do a lot together and Wolfpath will be a priority band for ADG! So keep your fingers crossed - release day is coming!

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

V. The reaction after the digital release of the EP was beyond my expectations. The feedback was basically only good and very good. I am really grateful for it! The music market is really full - every day there are hundreds of new albums. I really appreciate that someone found time to listen properly and write an opinion, review or interview!

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

V. It's a difficult question - I'm a fan of small artistic forms. I think 25-30 minutes is the max for a black metal album nowadays. So I don't know if it's already a full album or still an EP for you? Basically the music for the second album is already written (about 6-7 tracks). These are demo versions still with a drum machine and no vocals yet. But I think it should be ready to mix later this year. So It would be great to release it in 2024.  Musically it is a bit different - quite naturally the songs came out a bit longer, maybe a bit slower and darker. But don't worry, there's still plenty of room for blast beats!

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

V. Well I’m listening to new Depeche Mode right now. A lot of black metal too - just discovered the guys from Polish Kalt Vindur - very good one! Horda - Form, Piołun - Rzeki Goryczy and so on…I’ve returned to Sektementum CD - Aut Caesar Aut Nihil.There’s actually a lot going on in music and It's really hard to find the time to thoroughly listen to all the valuable records that are out there.

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

V. Thank you for the interview and supporting Wolfpath! 

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Felsonmirror/Self Titled/Fiadh Productions/Vita Detestablis Records/Vita Contraszt Records/2023 Full Length Review

 

  Felsonmirror  are  a  band  from  Portland,  Oregon  that  plats  an  atmospheric  mixture  of  post  black  and  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  release d 2023  album  which  will  be  released  in  April  as  a  joint  effort  between  Fiadh  Producitons,  Vita Detestablis  and  Vita  Contraszt  Records.

  A  very  dark,  heavy  and  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  Vocals  are mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  a nd  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in  elements  of  doom  emtal.

  At  times  the  vocals  also g et  deeper  while  all  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  post  metal  style  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  as  well  as  the  music  also  having  its  atmospheric  moments

  Spoken  word  parts  can  also b e  heard  on  a  couple  of  songs  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  some  clean  plying  also being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  many  different  stages  of  grief.

  In  my  opinion  Felsonmirror  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  mixture  of  post  black  and  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Waters  OF  the  Earth  Turn  Black"  and  "The  truth  Revels  Itself  In The  Dark".   8  out  of  10.

https://felsenmirror.bandcamp.com/releases  

A Rose Dying In The Rain/Moongazer/Sky Of Fading Lights/Fiadh Productions/2023 Split EP Review

 

  This  is  a  review  of  a  split  ep  between  Mexico's  A  Rose  Dying  In  The  Rain  and  U.S.A's  Moongazer  called  "Sky  Of  Fading  Lights"  which  will  be  released  in  April  by  Fiadh  Productions  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  A  Rose  Dying  In  The  Rain  a  solo  project  that  plays  an  experimental  mixture  of  post  black  metal  and  blackgaze.

  His  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  some  nature  sounds  and  post  rock  style  keyboards  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  at  times.  His  track  is  also  over  8  minutes  in  length  along  with  some  elements  of  shoegaze  also  being  utilized  at  times  while t he  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody,  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  depressive  black  metal  screams  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  the  lyrics  cover  sadness  and  melancholy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  A  Rose  Dying  In  The  Rain  are  a  very  great  sounding  and  depressive  mixture  of  post  black  metal  and  blackgaze  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.

  Next  up  is  Moongazer  a  solo  project  that  plays  a  very  atmospheric  and  depressive  form  of  post  black  metal.

  His  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  some  nature  sounds  and  post  rock  style  clean  playing  while  the  synths  are  done  in  a  very  atmospheric  style  and  mix  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  at  times.  His  track  is  also  over  16  minutes  in  length  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style,  clear  singing  can  also be  heard  briefly.  

  Vocals  are mostly  high  pitched  depressive  black  metal  screams  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  can  also be  heard  which  also  gives  the  track  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  The  production  sounds  dark  and  heavy  and  the  lyrics  cover  nature  and  melancholy  themes    

  In  my  opinion  Moongazer  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  and  depressive  post  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  his  side  of  the  split.

  In  conclusion  I  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  split  and  I  would  recommend  it  to  all  fans  of  atmospheric,  depressive,  post  black  metal  and  blackgaze.  8  out  of  10.    

https://moongazermusic.bandcamp.com/album/sky-of-fading-lights    

Lifeless/From Cradle To The Grave/A Sad Sadness Song/2023 Full Length Review

 

  Lifeless  are  am  international  duo  with  members  from  Australia  and  Norway  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  goes  for  more  of  an  atmospheric  and  depressive  style  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2023  album  "From  Cradle  To  The  Grave"  which  will  be  released  in  May  by  A  Sad  Sadness  Song.

  Rain  and  thunder  sounds  start  off  the  album  before  adding  some  melodic  guitar  solos  and  leads  onto  the  album.  Synths  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  also  gives  the  music  more  of  an  atmospheric  feeling  while  some  tracks  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  melody  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  depressive  black  metal  screams.

  Spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  on  a  couple  of  the  songs  while  some  of  the  tracks  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  one  song  also  introducing  clear  vocals  onto  the  album,  whispers  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  all  of  the  music  also  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction.    

  On  this  recording  Lifeless  takes  their  music  into  more  of  a  mid  tempo  and  depressive  style  of  atmospheric  black  metal.  The  production  sounds    very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  sadness  and  melancholy  themes.   

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Lifeless  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  and  depressive  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "...and  One"  "The  Forest  Whispers  My  Name"  "After  Me-Ashes"  and  "Hate  And  Pain".  8  out  of  10.

  https://metalodyssey.8merch.com/product/lifeless-from-cradle-to-the-grave-cd/   

Μνήμα/Possessed Templars - Ν​ε​κ​ρ​ώ​σ​ι​μ​ο​ς Α​κ​ο​λ​ο​υ​θ​ί​α/His Wounds/2020 Compilation Album Review

 

   Μνήμα  are  a  solo  project  from  Greece  that  plays  an  occult  mixture  of  raw  black  metal  and  noise  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2020  compilation  album  "Possessed  Templars  -  Ν​ε​κ​ρ​ώ​σ​ι​μ​ο​ς  Α​κ​ο​λ​ο​υ​θ​ί​α"  which  was  released  by  His  Wounds  and  consists  of  his  2020  demos.

  A  very  dark  and  ritualistic  sound  starts  off  the  compilation  before  going  into  more  of  a  distorted  and  heavier  direction.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  the  music  also  adds  in  a  great  amount  of  harsh  noise  elements  and  the   music  also  captures  a  very  lo-fi  atmosphere  at  times.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast b eats  and  tremolo  picking  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark y et  melodic  style  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  one  song  is  also  a  bass  guitar  orientated  instrumental  and  acoustic  guitars  and  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  briefly

  Μνήμα  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  a  very  raw  and  lo-fi  form  of  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  harsh  noise  to  create  a  sound  of  his  own.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism,  Darkness,  Death,  and  Despair  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Μνήμα  are  a  very  great  sounding  occult  mixture  of  raw  black  metal  and  noise  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Demonic  Chapel  Of  Rituals"  and  "Invocation".  8  out  of  10.

https://hiswounds.bandcamp.com/album/possessed-templars  

  

Sepulchral Triumph/Saturnian Mysticism/His Wounds/2022 Full Length Review

 

  Sepulchral  Triumph  are  a  solo  project  from  Argentina  that  plays  a  very  lo-fi  and  occult  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2022  album  "Saturnian Mysticism"  which  was  released  by  His  Wounds.

  A  very  dark,  heavy  and  distorted  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Vocals   are mostly  grim  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  music  also  capturing  a  very  lo-fi  atmosphere  as  well  as  most  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a r aw  feeling.  The  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  one  song  being  an  instrumental  and  also  introducing  clean  playing  onto  the  album,  synths  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

  Sepulchral  Triumph  plays  a  style  of   occult  black  metal  that  is  very  lo-fi  and  different  from  most  bands  or  projects  from  this  genre.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while t he  lyrics  covers  Occultism,  Saturnian  Mysticism,  Darkness  and  Chaos  themes. 

  In  my  opinion  Sepulchral  Triumph  are  a  very  great  sounding  lo-fi  occult  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should c heck  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Into  The  Esoteric  Flames  Of  A  Fallen  Age"  and  "Towers  of  Madness  (Worship  Of  Chaos)".  8 out  of  10.

https://hiswounds.bandcamp.com/album/sepulchral-triumph-saturnian-mysticism       

Wintourn/A Nonexistent Sunrise/2023 EP Review

 

  This  is  a  review  of  another  recording  from  United  Kingdom's  solo  project  Wintourn  which  continues  the  raw  and  depressive  style  of  ambient  black  metal  and  the  ep  was  self  released  in  2023  and  called  "A  Nonexistent  Sunrise".

  Dark  soundscapes  start  off  the  ep  along  with  some  dark  ambient  style  synths  a  few  seconds  later  which  uses  a  variety  of  many  different  sounding  keys  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  Both  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  lot  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard.

  When  tremolo  picking  is  added  into  the  faster  riffing  they  also  give  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  depressive  black  metal  screams.  The  music  also  has  its  atmospheric  moments  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  as  well  as  the  recording  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  the  ep  closes  with  an  instrumental.

  On  this  recording  Wintourn  remains  true  to  the  raw  and  depressive  style  of  ambient  black  metal  that  he  had  established  on  previous  release.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Darkness  and  Depression  themes. 

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Wintourn  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  raw  and  depressive  ambient  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "A  Nonexistent  Sunrise".  8  out  of  10.

https://wintourn.bandcamp.com/album/a-nonexistent-sunrise