Diaballen/Misosopy/2022 Full Length Review

 

  Diaballen  are  a  band  from  Brazil  that h as  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  goes  for  a  very  raw  and  melodic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2022  album  "Misosopy".

  A  very  dark,  heavy  and  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  solos  and  leads  also  add  in  a  great  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  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  some  spoken  words  also  being  utilized  at  times  as  well as  one  song  also  introducing  nature  sounds,  synths  and  clear  vocals  onto  the  album,  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

  On  this  recording  Diaballen  remains  true  to  the  raw  and  melodic  style  of  black  metal  that  they  have  established  on  previous  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  human  condition  and  philosophical  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Diaballen  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  raw  and  melodic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Flames  Inside"  and  "Misosopy".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/diaballeinblackmetal

Voodus/Emanating Sparks/Shadow Records/Regain Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Sweden's  Voodus  have  returned  with  a   new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  an  occult  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Emanating  Sparks"  which  will  be  released  on  February  28th  as  a  joint  effort  between  Shadow  and  Regain  Records.

  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  which  also  gibes  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  Throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  some  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  clean  playing  also  returns  on  later  tracks  and  a  lot  of  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  classic  Swedish  style  and  keyboards  are  also  used  briefly  towards  the  end.

  On  this  recording  Voodus  goes  for  a  very  aggressive,  melodic  and  traditional  form  of  occult  black  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism,  Darkness  and  Death  themes.  

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Voodus  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  and  aggressive  occult  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Emanating  Sparks"  and  "Where  The  Whispering  Wind  Blows".  8 out  of  10.

  http://regainrecords.bandcamp.com/album/emanating-sparks

www.facebook.com/voodus666 

Vortex Of Thorns/Death Becomes Me/Kult und Kaos Productions/2024 EP Review

 

  Vortex  Of  Thorns  are  a duo  from  Finland  that  plays  a  very  raw,  atmospheric  and  old  school  form  of  black  metal  with  elements  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  ep  "Death  Becomes  Me"  which  was  released  by  Kult  und  Productions.

  A  very  heavy  and  aggressive  sound  starts  off  the  ep  along  with  some  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  a  few  seconds  later.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  music  also  adds  in  elements  of  death  metal.

  A  lot  of  the  music  is  very  heavily   rooted  in  the  mid  90's  era  while  focusing  on  the  more  mid  tempo  side  of  the  genre  bringing  in  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  more  close  to  what  Mayhem  and  Satyricon  where  doing  during  that  time  frame  along  with  the  music  also  adding  in  touches  of  the  Finnish  style  of  that  era  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  more  of  a  melodic  style,  growls  are  also  added  towards  the  end.  

  Vortex  of  Thorns  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  mid  tempo,  raw  and  atmospheric  in  the  mid  90's  tradition  mixed  in  with  elements  of  Finnish  death  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  death  and  darkness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Vortex  Of  Thorns  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw,  atmospheric  and  old  school  black  metal  duo  with  elements  of  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Death  Becomes  Me"  and  "Weight  of  Shadows".  8  out  of  10.

   Spotify

Izrod/Ulica, trnje i kamenje/Signal Rex/2025 EP Review

 

  Izrod  are  a  band  from  Bosnia  that  plays  a  dissonant  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  ep  "Ulica,  trnje  i  kamenje"  which  will  be  released  on  February  14th  by  Signal  Rex.

  Keyboards  start  off  the  ep  before  going  into  a  very  fast  and  raw  black  metal  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast beats.  Vocals  are  done  in  more  of  a  deep  growling  and  angry  style  while  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  the  riffs  also  get  very  dissonant  sounding  at  times.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  dark  and  melodic  style,  spoken  words  and  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

  On  this  recording  Izrod  remains  very  true  to  the  dissonant  style  of  black  metal  that  they have  established  on  previous  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Bosnian  and  cover  degeneracy,  decadence  and  nihilism  themes. 

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Izrod  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  dissonant  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Ulica,  trnje  i  kamenje".  8  out  of  10.

  voidprayer.com   

  

Exordium Mors/Sworn To Heresy/Praetorian Sword Records/2025 EP Review

 

  New  Zealand's  Exordium  Mors  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for a   mixture  of  black,  death  and  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  ep  "Sworn  To  Heresy"  which  will be  released  in  March  by  Praetorian  Sword  Records.

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  ep  while  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  the  vocals  also  bringing  in  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams.  death  metal  growls  and  aggressive  shouts.

  Elements  of  thrash  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  songs  also  add  in a   good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  are  also  added  into  the  faster  sections  of  the  music  which  also  gives  the  recording  more  of  a  raw  feeling,  spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  all  of  the  tracks  stick  to  a  heavier  direction.  

  On  this  recording  Exordium  Mors  remains  true  to  the  mixture  of  black,  death  and  thrash  metal  that  they  have  established  on  previous  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  heresy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Exordium  Mors  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  death  and  thrash  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Oath".  8  out  of  10.

  Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/exordiummors

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/exordiummors 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/exordiummors 
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/exordiummors

Final Dose/Under The Eternal Shadow/Wolves Of Hades/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Final  Dose  are  a  band  from  the  united  Kingdom  that  plays  a  raw  mixture  of  black  metal  and  punk   and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Under  The  Eternal  Shadow"  which  will  be  released  in  April  by  Wolves  Of  Hades.

  Dungeon  synth  style  synths  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  recording  more  of  a  raw  feeling.

  Elements  of  punk  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  album  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  added  onto  the  recording  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  most  of  the  tracks  being  2  to  3  minutes  in  length.

   All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well as  some  clear  vocals  also  being  utilzied  at  times and  when  clean  playing  and  acoustic  guitars  are  introduced  onto  the  recording  they  also  add  in  a  touch  of  folk  music,  harsh  noises  are  also  added  towards  the  end.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  pain  and  gloom  of  mental  decline  and  the  misery  of  social  ravishing  decay.

  In  my  opinion  Final  Dose  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw  mixture  of  black  metal  and  punk  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Eternal  Winter"  "Dark  Parasite"  and  "Revenge".  8  out  of  10.

  https://finaldose.bandcamp.com/

https://www.instagram.com/finaldosepunk/    

Incantvm/Maleficia/My Kingdom Music/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Incantvm  are  a  band  from  Italy  that  plays  a  very  avant  garde  form  of  occult  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Maleficia"  which  will  be  released  in  February  by  my  Kingdom  Music.

  Field  recordings  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  ritualistic  spoken  words  a  few  seconds  later  as  well  as  introducing  avant  garde  sounds  and  keyboards  a  few  seconds  later  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times  and  some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Grim  whispers  can  also  be  heard  at  times  while  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  elements  of  doom  metal.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  some  tracks  also  adding  in  wind  instruments  and  the  harsh  vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams.

  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  old  school  feeling.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  the  album  also  having  its  experimental  moments.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style,  acoustic  guitars  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  they  also  cover  Kyrie  from  Mozart's  Requiem.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  and  cover  Witchcraft  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  Incantvm  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  avant  garde  occult  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Donna  Prudentia"  and  "Diana".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.instagram.com/incantvm_black_metal  

Vultur/Cultores de Perdas e Linna/Masked Dead Records/Sulphur Music/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Vultur  are  a  band  from  Italy  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  very  melodic  and  old  school  form  of  occult  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Cultores  de  Perdas  e  Linna"  which  will  be  released  in  February  as  a  joint  effort  between  Masked  Dead  Records  and  Sulphur  music.

  A  very  fast  and  raw  black  metal  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Vocals  from  deep  growls  to  grim  screams  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  album  also  adds  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  also  remain  very  true  to  a  melodic  and  old  school  style.  Clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  on  a  few  tracks  along  with  one  song  also  being  an  instrumental  and  one  track  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  ritualistic  chants  and  towards  the  end  Gregorian  chants  are  also  introduced  onto  the  recording.

  On  this  recording  Vultur  brings  out  a  very  melodic  and  traditional  form  of  occult  black  metal  that  is  very  heavily  rooted  in t he  90's  second  wave  era.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  old  school  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Sardinian  and  cover  Occultism  and  Folklore  Superstitions  as  well  as  one  song  also  being  written  in  Latin  ad  Italian.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Vultur  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  and  old  school  occult  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Su  Frastimu"  "Femina  Mala"  and  "Nemini  Parco".  8 out  of  10.

  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sardinianvultur

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vultur_band_/

      

Uthullun/The Barbed Thread Of Madness/Wolves Of Hades/2025 EP Review

 

  Uthullun  are  a  solo  project  from  Chicago,  Illinois  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  very  sinister  and  dissonant  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2025  ep  "The  Barbed  Threads  Of  Madness"  which  will  be  released  in  March  by  Wolves  Of  Hades.

  A  very  heavy  and  dissonant  sound  starts  off  the  ep  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  Both  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling.

  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  The  first  song  adds a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  the  second  track  sticks  to  more  of  a  slower  pace  along  with  the  music  also  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  modern  era  and  clean  playing  is  also  added  towards  the  end.

  On  this  recording  Uthullun  brings  in  a  very  modern  style  of  dissonant  black  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  sorrow  and  madness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Uthullun  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  dissonant  black  metal,  you  should  check  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "The  Barbed  Threads  Of  Madness".  8  out  of  10.   

  https://uthullun.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/uthullun/

https://www.instagram.com/uthullun   

Ainsoph/Affection And Vengeance/Wolves Of Hades/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Ainsoph  are  a  band  from  the  Netherlands  that  plays  a  very  experimental  form  of  post  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Affection  And  Vengeance"  which  will  be  released  in  march  by  Wolves  Of  Hades.

  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  and  keyboards  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  touches  of  post  punk  a  few  seconds  later.  Clear  vocals  can  also  be  heard  at  times  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  to t hem  and  the  recording  also  has  its  experimental  moments.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  post  metal  style  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  black  metal  style  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  van  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling.

  Some  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  a  lot  of  the  music  also  capturing  a  very  melancholic  atmosphere  as  well  as  some  spoken  words  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  nadirs  of  the  boy,  mind  and  soul.

  In  my  opinion  Ainsoph  are  a  very  decent  sounding  experimental  post  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Beaten  Path  Made  Flesh"  "Call  To  The  Fire"  and  "Purple  Curtains".  7/5  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/ainsophbandnl/

https://ainsophmusic.bandcamp.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ainsoph_nl/

  

Unholy Impurity/Oculus Mortis/Masked Dead Records/Sulphur Music/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Unholy  Impurity  are  a  band  from  Italy  that  plays  an  old  school  and  occult  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Oculus  Mortis"  which  will  be  released  in  February  as  a  joint  effort  between  masked  Dead  Records  and  Sulphur  Music.

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  mid  90's  and  early  2000's  era.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  Melodic  chants  and  death  metal  growls  can  also  be  heard  on  a couple  of  songs  as  well  as  the  album  also  having  its  ritualistic  moments  and  the  closing  track  is  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Unholy  Impurity  plays  a  style  of  occult  black  metal  that  is  very  aggressive  and  heavily  rooted  in  the  old  school  tradition.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  a  mixture  of  English  and  Sardinian  and  cover  the  anticosmic  spirituality  and  ancient  mysteries  lined  to  their  native  culture.     

  In  my  opinion  Unholy  Impurity  are  a  very  great  sounding  occult  black  metal  band  and  if  you  ae  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Into  The  Abyss"  "The  Oldest  One"  "Sos  Rajos"  and  "Requiem".  8  out  of  10.

 

https://maskedeadrecords.bandcamp.com/album/oculus-mortis

  

Dizziness/Abhorrent Flickering Of Obscurity/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Greece's  Dizziness  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  very  aggressive form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2024  album  "Abhorrent  Flickering  Of  Obscurity".

  A  very  dark,   melodic  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  synths  can  also  be  heard  briefly  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  and  some  of  the  riffs  also  add  in  dissonant  touches.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  songs  also  mix  in  both  modern  and  old  school  influences.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  some  spoken  word  samples  also  being  utilized  on  a  couple  of  tracks.

  Angry  shouts  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  a  couple  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  synths  also  return  in  certain  sections  of  the  album  as  well  as  one  song  also  being  an  instrumental.  Clear  singing  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  there  are  also  some  session  vocals  from  members  of  Bessat,  Melan  Selas  and  Temple  Of  Evil.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  mysticism  and  darkness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Dizziness  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  aggressive  and  traditional  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Into  Nullity"  and  "A  Limping  Pilgrim".  8  out  of  10.

  

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Vintras/Timescarred/War Productions/Void Wanderer Productions/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Vintras  are  a  band  from  the  Netherlands  that  plays  an  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  with  elements  of  80's  new  wave  and  gothic  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Timescarred"  which  will b e  released  in  march  as  a  joint  effort  between  War  and  Void  Wanderer  Productions.

  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  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  raw  feeling.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilzied  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  album  also  has  its  atmospheric  moments.

  A  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  melancholic  melodies  also  bringing  in  elements  of  new  wave  and  gothic  metal  as  well  as  the  music  also  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  modern  era  of  black  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  misery  and  desperation  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Vintras  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  black  metal  band  with  elements  of 80's  new  wave  and  gothic  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "In  Death's  Dream"  and  "Sorrowed  lands".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/vintras1

https://www.instagram.com/vintrasofficial/#

https://vintras1.bandcamp.com/album/timescarred-2

    

      

Gràb/Kremess/Prophecy Productions/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Gràb  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  Bavarian  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Kremess"  which  will  be  released  in  February  by  Prophecy  Productions.

  Field  recordings  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  pagan  style  chanting  vocals  a  few  seconds  later  which  also  takes  the  music  into  more  of  a  heavier  and  melodic  direction.  Harsh  vocals  are  mostly  grim  black  metal  screams  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Most  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  synths  are  utilized  they  also  give  the  music  more  of  an  atmospheric  feeling  along  with  some  songs  also  adding  in  folk  instruments,  spoken  words  can  also  be  heard on  a  few  tracks.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  album  more  of  a  raw  feeling  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  one  song  also  introduces  acoustic  guitars  and  whispered  vocals  onto  the  recording  and  a  later  track  is also  an  instrumental.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Bavarian  and  cover  tales  and  traditions  from  that  area.  

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Gràb  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  Bavarian  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Waidler"  "Im  Hexnhoiz"  and  "De  letzte  Winter".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/Grabavaria/

https://www.instagram.com/grab_blackmetal_bavaria/#  

Ruttokosmos Interview

 

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

1. We did a few live shows here in Finland during the autumn. Next we will start rehearsing new songs for the next album.

2.In 2024 you released your first full length, musically how do you feel it differs from your previous demo's?

2. Although ”Apoteoosi” is our first official full length, in our minds the two demos are also ”albums” or entireties of their own. The process with all of them has been the same: we work with the album by ourselves and we deal with the recording etc. by ourselves.

Of course, there was almost a 15 year gap between ”Kärsimys” and ”Apoteoosi” and therefore one could expect things to change during such a time period. But what actually differs...perhaps now there is even more uniqueness of our own style to be found. There are more elements which play in the limits of black metal and some other styles of music. Yet, it is clearly black metal, and yet it still is clearly recognisable as Ruttokosmos. Of course, there were some ideas and new perspectives we wanted work with, but that is a part of the process

 

3.The band was broken up for 14 years, what was the cause of the split and  also the decision to reform?

 3.There was never actually any official split-up. After the release of ”Kärsimys” we ended up in different parts of Finland for personal reasons, and Ruttokosmos went on a hibernation mode. We still continued our musical endeavours separately and for example couple of the ”Apoteoosi” album`s song prototypes came to be around that time. When Werewolf records showed interest in re-releasing the first two demos, we began to work with the new album and then eventually ended up playing live shows too. So even though ”Apoteoosi” came out just now, we had been active again already from around 2019-2020.

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

4. Ruttokosmos is a death worship project. That has always been very clear. We examine the aspects ofdeath. But to speak of death, to make it visible, you seek for things which are around it; suffering in its different forms, angst, agony, gritty existential moments in life, the will to death, depression, humanworthlessness, isolation, spiritual fulfillment, liberation and the refinement of the soul in death, gods of death, moments of death, urban life emptiness, gnostic and spiritual concepts of death and illumination.

5.I know that he bands name means 'Plague Cosmos' in Finnish, how does this name fit in with the musical style that you play?

5.The name of the band was the first thing that came to being over twenty years ago. It is not in the finnish dictionary. You may construe your own interpretation if you will, but for example 

a) a universe infested with the imperfection of life, a place of suffering and meaninglessness, where your liberation comes eventually only through death.

b) a spiritual ”place” or state, in which there is suffering but also spiritual growth of the soul through acceptance and realization of death and darkness.

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

6.It is euthanized horses, skulls in various poses. The idea for the art was somehow clear since the beginning of the recording process. Then there are some song related pieces in the booklet. The layout was done by Werwolf.

7.Currently there are only 2 members in the band but had more members in the past, are you open to expanding the line up again or do you prefer to remain a duo?

7.When it comes to artistic things, duo is the way to go for us. We have a third member, a drummer, who plays on the album and also does the live gigs with us. We just really haven`t felt necessary to disclose these matters any further at the moment.

8.With the live line-up what where some of the best shows that the band had performed?

8.Steelfest 2023, great venue and first official live show after all these years.

9.The music on the demos while recorded almost 20 years ago are more rawer and aggressive then a lot of the newer bands, do you feel black metal has gone into more a lighter and safer direction during the time the band was on hiatus?

9.There is some truth in that maybe due to bands recording with computers these days in favour of analog gear of the past. But there are plenty of harsh and aggressive stuff around and seemingly endless amounts of bands creating sub genres based on different styles of black metal.

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

10.We are still quite an obscure act, and there`s probably still loads of BM people who don`t know Ruttokosmos. We assume, that in the end of the 2000s our demos were distributed by torrents, and that`s how people in Germany, Russia and Poland, for example, got to know us. The demo issues were so low, that they had to get the albums some other way. The demos were received well back in the day.

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

11.The next album will be somewhat similar to ”Apoteoosi”. But of course there will be some exploration on the Ruttokosmos sound, trying to build on those things that have previously worked well with us

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?

12.Musical influences back then: Abyssic Hate, Mortifera, Burzum, Horna, Satanic Warmaster, Beatrik

 Our musical taste  these days is varied to say the least. Best not to speak of it.

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

13.For all the non-finnish listeners: Explore our lyrics from all our releases. They are as important as the music itself, so we recommend translating them to your own language.

https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Ruttokosmos/57314

Insanity Cult/Kathodos/Tragedy Productions/Order Of Antinomianism/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Greece's  Insanity  Cult  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  very  raw  and  melancholic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Kathodos"  which  will  be  released  in  February  as  a  joint  effort  between  Tragedy  Productions  and  Order  Of  Antinomianism.

  A  synth  orientated  intro  starts  off  the  album  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  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  chaotic  yet  melodic  style. 

  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  lot  of  the  music  is  very  heavily  influenced  by  the  second  wave  era  along  with  some  of  the  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  experimental  sounding  along  with  the  album  also  having  its  melancholic  moments.  One  track  is  also  a  brief  instrumental  as  well  as  couple  of  songs  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  spoken words  are  also  added  towards  the  end.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  depths  of  despair  and  the  boundless  void.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  Insanity  Cult  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  raw  and  melancholic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Travelogue  In  Nightmares"  and  "Into  A  Fathomless  Dawn".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/Insanity-Cult

https://insanitycult.bandcamp.com/ 

  

Haissem/Pure Devil As Thou Art/2025 Full Length Review

 

    Ukraine's  solo  project  Haissem  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  melodic  and  old  school  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  album  "Pure  Devil  As  Thou  Art"  which  will  be  released  some  time  in  2025.

 

   A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album while  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  tracks  more  of  a  raw  feeling.

  

  A  lot  of  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era  while  the  album  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  most  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  synths  can  also  be  heard  on  a  couple  of  songs.

  On  this  recording  Haissem  goes  for  a  more  melodic  and  old  school  style  of  black  metal  that  is  also  more  aggressive  then  previous  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism,  Satanism  and  Left  Hand  Path  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Haiseem  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  and  old  school  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Origins  Of  Spineless  Flesh"  and  "A  Phantom  Infection".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/haissemband/    

Path To Deliverance/Ten/Malpermesita Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Paths  To  Deliverance  are  a  band  from  France  that  plays  a  very  schizophrenic  and  avant  garde  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Ten"  which  will  be  released  in  March  by  Malpermesita  Records.

  A  very  dark  apocalyptic  and  synth  orientated  sound  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  and  melodic  direction.  Spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  at  times  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  angry  sounding  black  metal  screams.]

  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.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  a  couple  of  tracks  also  adding  in  small  amount  of  clean  playing  and  acoustic  guitars.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  dissonant  and  avant garde  sounding  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  when  they  are  utilized.  A  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  some  clear  vocals  also  being  used  briefly  and  a  couple  of  songs  also  add  in  operatic  female  vocals.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  writings  of  Edgar  Allan  Poe,  H.P  Lovecraft,  Clive  Barker.  C.G  Jung's  psychological  theories  and  the  Tibetan  Bardo.   

  In  my  opinion  Paths  To  Deliverance  are  a  very  great  sounding  schizophrenic  and  avant  garde  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Resonances"  "Alone  In  The  Dark"  "Delirium"  and  "Redemption".  8  out  of  10.

  https://music.apple.com/us/artist/paths-to-deliverance/1786146018

https://pathstodeliverance.bandcamp.com/album/ten

https://www.facebook.com/pathstodeliverance

https://www.instagram.com/pathstodeliveranceband/#

https://open.spotify.com/artist/03nCUcsm7V4is35R2RPB82

https://www.tiktok.com/@pathstodeliverance/

https://www.youtube.com/@pathstodeliverance     

Cross Bringer/Healismusc Aeturnus/Consouling Sounds/Silent Pendulum/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Cross  Bringer  are  an  international  band  with  members  from  Russian,  Belgium,  Cyprus  and  U.S.A  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  very  modern  form  of  black  metal  with  elements  of  crust  and  post  hardcore  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Healismusic  Aeturnus"  which  will  be  released  in  February  as  a  joint  effort  between  Consouling  SOunds  and  Silent  Pendulum.

  Synths  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  recording  at  time  while  some  of  the  tracks  are  long  and  epic  in  length.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  raw  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  dissonant  sounding  while  some  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  pac3ed  and  fast  parts  along  with  some  spoken  words  also  being  used  on  a  few  tracks  and  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.

  The  album  also  has  its  atmospheric  moments  along  with  some  of  the  songs  also  mixing  in  a  decent  amount  of  crust  and  post  hardcore  elements  as  well  as  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  album  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them,  female  vocals  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  spiritual  confusion  and  self-discovery.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Cross  Bringer  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  modern  black  metal  with  elements  of  crust  and  post  hardcore,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUD E "Desolation  Hypnosis"  and  "Perpetual  Servantship".  8  out  of  10.

  Bandcamp Cross Bringer: https://crossbringer.bandcamp.com 

Youtube Cross Bringer: https://www.youtube.com/@crossbringer8905
Instagram Cross Bringer: https://www.instagram.com/crossbringermusic
Facebook Cross Bringer: https://www.facebook.com/crossbringermusic 

    

Nydvind/Telluria/Malpermesita Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Nydvind  are  a  band  from  France  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  goes  for  a  pagan  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Telluria"  which  will  be  released  in  March  by  Malpermesita  Records.

  Clean  playing  which  also  adds  in  a  touch  of  folk  music  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  melodic  guitar  solos  and  leads  a  few  seconds  later  which  also  takes  the  music  into  a  heavier  direction.  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  black  metal  screams  mixed  in  with  a  few  death  metal  growls  and  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  elements  of  doom  metal

 

    All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  When  the  music  speeds  up  on  a  few  tracks  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling.

   Spoken  words  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording along  with the  tracks  also  adding  in  a  lot  of  clear  pagan  vocals.  Clean  playing  also  returns  on  a  lot  of  the  later  songs  as  well  as  one  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  synths  and  a  lot  of  the  music  also  sticks  to  a  slower  direction.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Paganism  and  Nature  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Nydvind  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  pagan  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Telluria"  and  "Ebony-Sanctum".  8  out  of  10.

https://nydvind.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Nydvind

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5XiURwQSfmjm89phypXcai

https://www.youtube.com/Nydvind

  

Berlial Interview

 

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

Berlial : We went in to the Lower Tones Place in Jan 2024. Then we worked for 2 months on several mix and mastering. End of march we started to look for a label and finally signed with My Kingdom Music beg of May. We worked since then on preparing the release: finding the PR agency, a second label for physical retailing in France (Source Atone Records), a third one for tapes (Huard Productions), realizing the digital visuals and the video clip.

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

Berlial : It is a huge step compared to the previous album “Enfants de putains”. This last one was a bit a patchwork of many influences without a clear art direction. For this second one, if we wanted to preserve diversity, we wanted also to have a consistent music basis : an ambient, melodic and sometimes dissonant black metal. Something evocative and immersive which will then allow to incorporate a large panel of elements : electro, ambient, sympho, post rock… But we have the ambition to work closely on transitions and structures of tracks to make the different parts easy to integrate together.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer release and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?

Berlial : there are two dimensions :

A collective side through a rude critical of human development and self destructive behaviour by environment destruction, space invasion with plenty of satellites, religious fanatism, and limitless devotion to capitalism. This collective behaviour looks like the routine of an addict. Which brings us to the seconde side : the individual one.

During the period of time of creation of this album, CzH became sobber and his struggle against addiction became a key topic in several songs. There is a direct link between the addiction and the meaningless world around. Mankind seems to be completely addicted to financial growth and productivity as the recent elections in your country seem to show. 

4.The bands name is an acronym of Beria former leader of the N.K.V.D and Belial from Demonology, can you tell us a little bit about mixing these 2 together and you interest in both of the topics?

Berlial : back to the very basis of Black Metal, the antihuman aggression. The devil is within us, no need for external archetypes to look for guilty, just have a look in the mirror. This is valid for mankind but also each individual, an addict for instance.

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

Berlial : 

The artwork depicts Charon sailing through the waste piles of the 6th continent. Sorrowful souls, reminiscent of the migrants dying in the sea as they try to survive, are drowning there. We also distinguish a satellite like those already invading space. The back represents a Charon who, even he, needs to forget, a bottle in hand, waiting for the new passengers who will be legion. 

The choice of Jeff Grimal was imposed by his way of working and his technique, a raw art, a suggestive figuration which tends towards the abstract. In addition, the artist's favorite themes (Lovecraft's universe, nature and the abstract) are adapted to what the group wanted to represent.

6.What is the meaning behind the masks the band members where in the promo pics?

Berlial : we are not particularly looking to stay anymous. Actually, you can easily find us on Facebook. It is a question of art direction for the Band. We pay our duty to the Black Metal archetypes. It is also a way to highlight that when we are dealing with Berlial, we are no longer Cédric or Jérémie but our avatars Hsod and CzH, because we need to deal of our own devils, Berlial is a way to make exist and control them for the other part of our life (family, job, social)

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

Berlial : no and this is not the plan. First of all because we are ony two and splitted 310 miles from each other, so this would be complicated. Furthermore we are both single fathers. And with the time left we have, we want to focus on creation rather than rehearsals. Berlial is not a hobby, it is a matter of survival, we don’t want to chill together, we need to express our demons in this music. You don’t or you should not opt for black metal by hazard. There are always deep reasons behind this path.

8.The new album was released on 'My Kingdom Music', how would you compare working with them to your previous label 'Narcoleptica Productions'?

Berlial : completely different. Narcoleptica is a distro from Kazakhstan. Serguei offered us the opportunity to release CDs, he contacted us on Bandcamp. It allowed to touch people in the Eastern part of Europe but it not comparable to labels. For promotion, we did contact some webzines and media by ourselves. But for a first album, it made sense.

Francesco has founded My Kingdom Music more than 20 years ago. Some legends are in the label’s roster (Deynonychus or Crest of Darkness). With his work he’s giving us the opportunity to broadcast our music on a global level, as the current interview does illustrate. He is recognized in the music business, and for instance by integrating our singles in playlists on Spotify, our music can touch a very large audience. Being in such a label, is a proof of quality and credibility. It is also a strong proof of trust : he put money on the table to release our music knowing the fact that we don’t play live. For this reason, we invested in the artwork working with very well known Jeff Grimal, producing a video clip, …

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

Berlial : Since we haven’t released the full length album yet (interview realized on Jan the 23rd) complicated to answers. We got 2 or 3 first chronicles including yours – warm thank you again- and they seem to be positive, people seem to understand our approach and even enjoy it. It is very satisfying. And by the way we seem to have many listeners in the US.

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

Berlial : vey good question because we have started to work on the 3rd album already and will move to industrial black metal, lots of noisy & electro influences. Neo Inferno 242 and Dodsmaghird are very good credentials to have an idea of what Berlial is cooking next.

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?

Berlial: In terms of styles : melodic BM, avant-garde, dissonant, DSBM. But also sludge, posthardcore.

We listen to plenty of bands, in 2024 Dodseeskader, Inter Arma, Akhlys (US!), Fange, Dodsmaghird, Trelldom, Ulcerate, Spectral Wound, or Firtan offered crazy albums to listen to.

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

Berlial : thank you very much for your interest, your time, for supporting the scene. It is activists like you that make the music lives and allow bands like us to broadcast their music. Apart from the creation itself, we do record and release the music to have the opportunity of having conversation and exchanges like these. So again thanks and down your neels for Berlial (joking 😊)

https://www.facebook.com/berlial666