Adorn/Self Titled/Northern Silence Productions/2025 Full length Review

 

  Adorn  are  a  band  from  the  united  kingdom  that  plays  an  atmospheric  mixture  of  post  black  metal  and  blackgaze  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2025  album  which  will  be  released  in  November  by  Northern  Silence  Productions.

  Water  sounds  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  clean  playing  a  few  seconds  later  which  also  brings  in  elements  of  shoegaze.  Violins  can  also  be  heard  on  a  few  tracks  while  the  heavier  riffing  also  adds  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding  while  pianos  are  also  added  into  certain  parts  of  the  recording.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  album  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  post  metal  style  when  they  are  utilized.  Choir  vocals  are  also  utilized  at  times  and  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  one  song  is  also  an  instrumental.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  romantic  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Adorn  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  mixture  of  post  black  metal  and  blackgaze  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Secrets  Of  The  Heart"  and  "Your  Majesty".  8  out  of  10.

https://adornmusic.bandcamp.com
https://adorn-northernsilence.bandcamp.com/album/adorn
https://instagram.com/adornmusicuk

  

Murmur/Red Hill/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Murmur  are  a  band  from  Spain  that  plays  a  very  atmospheric  and  progressive  mixture  of  post  black,  doom  metal  and  blackgaze  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2025  album  "Red  Hill"  which  will  be  released  in  November.

  Nature  sounds  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  clean  playing  a  few  seconds  later  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  post  metal  style.  All  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  slower  sections  of  the  album  also  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  doom  metal.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  album  also  going  into  a  progressive  direction  at  times  and  also  mixing  in  elements  of  shoegaze.

  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  album  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  some  growls  also  being  utilized  at  times,  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  and  whispers  are  also  utilized  briefly.  A  couple  of  the  tracks  also  adds  in  a  small  amount  of  spoken  word  samples  and  choir  vocals  are  also  added  towards  the  end.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  occult  and  ritualistic  metaphors  that  addresses  social  issues.

  In  my  opinion  Murmur  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  and  progressive  mixture  of  post  black,  doom  metal  and  blackgaze  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "The  Calling".  8  out  of  10.

  https://youtu.be/TENwSy2ygf0     

Feruch/Self Titled/Masked Dead Records/Sulfur Music/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Feruch  are  a  band  from  Italy  that  plays  a  dolomitic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2025  album  which  will  be  released  in  November  as  a  joint  effort  between  Masked  Dead  Records  and  Sulphur  Music.

  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  the  riffs  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.

  A  lot  of  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  influenced  by  the  old  school  era  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  some  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  one  track  is  also  a  brief  interlude  before  returning  back  to  a  heavier  direction  and  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  finally  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  

  Feruch  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  raw  and  aggressive  in  the  classic  tradition  of  the  genre.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Italian  and  cover  the  Paganism  of  the  Dolomites

  In  my  opinion  Feruch  are  a  very  great  sounding  old  school  pagan  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Feruch"  "Stria"  and  "Alba  nera  perpetua".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.instagram.com/feruch_blackmetal/.        

Pokuta Interview

 

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

Mateusz Jakubski: Hi, first of all, thanks for reaching out for this interview. Pokuta was formed in 2024 in Rzeszów, Poland. We’re a black metal project bringing together musicians with vastly different musical backgrounds. I had a lot of ideas beforehand, but it wasn’t until Adam joined that they started to take shape. After a while, we managed to recruit Kacper to play drums with us during sessions. After less than a year of playing together, we recorded material for our first EP.

2.You have an album coming out on Halloween, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

M.J: The entire EP follows a black metal convention. We wanted to create a kind of raw atmosphere, so there’s a lot of melody, harsh vocals, and synths in the background. Each one of us contributed something unique to the composition. You should really pay attention to the drums, which play a big role in our songs. It was made to be listened to in one go, so I recommend doing that for the full experience.

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

Adam Kanas: The lyrics are an indirect criticism of blind beliefs and false prophecies, mixed with a personal touch of emotions and life experiences. Out of respect, we’re not addressing any specific groups or religions, but that doesn’t take away from the message. In general, all the lyrics refer, in some way, to the changes in our value systems that have occurred recently.

4.I know that the bands name means atonement/expiation in English, how does this name fit in with the musical style that you play?

M.J:  Atonement is an act of contrition and sorrow. In Christianity, the first step toward repentance is naming and addressing your sins. We see this as an attempt to cleanse ourselves by releasing whatever resides within us.

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

M.J: The figure on the cover is, in part, an embodiment of our inner selves.

The outstretched hands symbolize being torn between our own and imposed views. The white robes, in a way, conceal what lies within us.

The cover photo, like the others in the booklet, was taken by me using an old analog camera. I wanted to preserve the organic quality of the images that only film can provide.

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

A.K: As of now, we haven’t played any gigs yet, but I’d personally love to perform our material in front of a live audience. We’re currently finalizing our concert lineup, so we hope you’ll be able to see us live soon.

7.So far very little is known about the band, do you prefer to keep a lower profile?

M.J: We’re just getting started, which is why there’s very little information available. However, we hope that this will change over time and that more people will learn what Pokuta is.

8.The album is coming out on 'Via Nocturna', how did you get in contact with this label?

M.J: We got in touch with the label thanks to Piotr from Solid Rock PR (whom we’d like to thank, by the way). He sent out our promo, and Via Nocturna took us under their wing.

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

M.J: We got in touch with the label thanks to Piotr from Solid Rock PR (whom we’d like to thank, by the way). He sent out our promo, and Via Nocturna took us under their wing.

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

M.J: In the near future, our main goal is to start playing live. Beyond that, we’re constantly working on new material. We’re currently arranging songs for our next album, and we still have a few lyrics to write. Time will tell how quickly we’ll get it done.

A.K: I’m really looking forward to what’s ahead. Exploring the boundaries of my vocals is something I’ll definitely be working on. I also can’t wait to start playing live shows.

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?

M.J: I don’t think we’re focused on just one style, which resulted in a rather interesting combination. Lately, I’ve been revisiting several great albums from the Polish black metal scene- the debuts of Hauntologist and Gołoledź, or the latest releases by Dom Zły and Königreichssaal.

A.K: For Metanoia, I was greatly inspired by the first wave of black metal and wanted to keep that raw and harsh style. As for what I listen to, I adore the classics, but I also like to explore and dig around. It may not be a new discovery, but I highly recommend checking out Helleruin and Regarde Les Hommes Tomber.

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

A.K: Well, I’d like to thank you for having us and giving us the opportunity to share a little bit of insight about us and our music. It was a pleasure, and I encourage everyone to check us out.

M.J: Thank you!

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

Mateusz Jakubski: Hi, first of all, thanks for reaching out for this interview. Pokuta was formed in 2024 in Rzeszów, Poland. We’re a black metal project bringing together musicians with vastly different musical backgrounds. I had a lot of ideas beforehand, but it wasn’t until Adam joined that they started to take shape. After a while, we managed to recruit Kacper to play drums with us during sessions. After less than a year of playing together, we recorded material for our first EP.

2.You have an album coming out on Halloween, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

M.J: The entire EP follows a black metal convention. We wanted to create a kind of raw atmosphere, so there’s a lot of melody, harsh vocals, and synths in the background. Each one of us contributed something unique to the composition. You should really pay attention to the drums, which play a big role in our songs. It was made to be listened to in one go, so I recommend doing that for the full experience.

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

Adam Kanas: The lyrics are an indirect criticism of blind beliefs and false prophecies, mixed with a personal touch of emotions and life experiences. Out of respect, we’re not addressing any specific groups or religions, but that doesn’t take away from the message. In general, all the lyrics refer, in some way, to the changes in our value systems that have occurred recently.

4.I know that the bands name means atonement/expiation in English, how does this name fit in with the musical style that you play?

M.J:  Atonement is an act of contrition and sorrow. In Christianity, the first step toward repentance is naming and addressing your sins. We see this as an attempt to cleanse ourselves by releasing whatever resides within us.

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

M.J: The figure on the cover is, in part, an embodiment of our inner selves.

The outstretched hands symbolize being torn between our own and imposed views. The white robes, in a way, conceal what lies within us.

The cover photo, like the others in the booklet, was taken by me using an old analog camera. I wanted to preserve the organic quality of the images that only film can provide.

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

A.K: As of now, we haven’t played any gigs yet, but I’d personally love to perform our material in front of a live audience. We’re currently finalizing our concert lineup, so we hope you’ll be able to see us live soon.

7.So far very little is known about the band, do you prefer to keep a lower profile?

M.J: We’re just getting started, which is why there’s very little information available. However, we hope that this will change over time and that more people will learn what Pokuta is.

8.The album is coming out on 'Via Nocturna', how did you get in contact with this label?

M.J: We got in touch with the label thanks to Piotr from Solid Rock PR (whom we’d like to thank, by the way). He sent out our promo, and Via Nocturna took us under their wing.

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

M.J: We got in touch with the label thanks to Piotr from Solid Rock PR (whom we’d like to thank, by the way). He sent out our promo, and Via Nocturna took us under their wing.

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

M.J: In the near future, our main goal is to start playing live. Beyond that, we’re constantly working on new material. We’re currently arranging songs for our next album, and we still have a few lyrics to write. Time will tell how quickly we’ll get it done.

A.K: I’m really looking forward to what’s ahead. Exploring the boundaries of my vocals is something I’ll definitely be working on. I also can’t wait to start playing live shows.

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?

M.J: I don’t think we’re focused on just one style, which resulted in a rather interesting combination. Lately, I’ve been revisiting several great albums from the Polish black metal scene- the debuts of Hauntologist and Gołoledź, or the latest releases by Dom Zły and Königreichssaal.

A.K: For Metanoia, I was greatly inspired by the first wave of black metal and wanted to keep that raw and harsh style. As for what I listen to, I adore the classics, but I also like to explore and dig around. It may not be a new discovery, but I highly recommend checking out Helleruin and Regarde Les Hommes Tomber.

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

A.K: Well, I’d like to thank you for having us and giving us the opportunity to share a little bit of insight about us and our music. It was a pleasure, and I encourage everyone to check us out.

M.J: Thank you!

Facebook | Instagram

Heimland/Der Torv Moeter Hav/Edge Circle Productions/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Norway's  Heimland  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  pagan  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Der  Torv  Moeter  Hav"  which  will  be  released  in  November  by  Edge  Circle  Productions.

  Wind  sounds  and  shouts  start  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.  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.

  Throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  clean  playing  is  also  utilized  briefly.   When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  as  well  as  the  music  also  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  second  wave  era,  one  track  is  also  a  brief  instrumental  and  a  couple  of  songs  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.    

  On  this  recording  Heimland  goes  for  a  very  aggressive  and  old  school  style  of  pagan  black  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Norwegian  and  cover  Paganism  and  Nature  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Heimland  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  old  school  pagan  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Vagrant"  "Spre  Mine  Asker"  and  "Mann  maner  Maane".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/heimlandofficial

Weft/The Splintered Oar/Bindrune Recordings/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Weft  are  a  band  from  the  United  States  that  plays  an  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  with  elements  of  country,  Americana  and  prog  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "The  Splintered  Oar"  which  will  be  released  in  November  by  Bindrune  Recordings.

  Violins  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times  while  most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  When  acoustic  guitars  and  clean  playing  are  utilized  they  also  bring  in  elements  of  country  and  Americana  and  at  times  the   recording  also  goes  into  more  of  a  progressive  and  experimental  direction.

  Percussion  is  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  album  while  the  songs  also  have  their  atmospheric  moments.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast beats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  recording  more  of  a  raw  feeling  and  the  harsh  vocals  are  mostly  angry  sounding  black  metal  screams.

  Throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  some  death  metal  growls  also  being  utilized  at  times.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them,  synths,  chants  and  clean  singing  are  also  added  on  a  few  tracks  and  a  couple  of  songs  also  adds  in  a  small  amount  of  female  vocals.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  nature  and  exploration  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Weft  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  black  metal  band  with  elements  of  country,  Americana  and  prog  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "False  Kingdoms"  and  "Dreams  of  Oaks".  8  out  of  10.

  bindrunerecordings.bandcamp.com

www.instagram.com/bindrune_recordings
www.youtube.com/c/BindruneRecordings/videos

www.facebook.com/bindrunerecordings  

  

Lucifuego/El Renacer del Mal/Morbid Shrine Productions/2025 Album Re-Issue Review

 

  Lucifuego  are  a  band  from  Spain  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  went  for  a  very  raw,  old  school,  occult  and  satanic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "El  Renacer  del  Mal"  which  was  re-issued  in  2025  by  Morbid  Shrine  Productions.

 Ritualistic  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  chants  a  few  seconds  later  before  going  into  a  heavier  musical  direction.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  early  90's  era  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard.

  When  tremolo  picking  is  added  into  the  faster  riffing  they  also  give  the  album  more  of  a  raw  feeling  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  remaining  true  to  an  old  school  style  when  they  are  utilized,  synths  can  also  be  heard  briefly  before  returning  back  to  a  heavier  direction  and  the  bonus  tracks  where  recorded  live.

  On  this  recording  Lucifuego   played  a  style  of  black  metal  that  was  very  raw  and  satanic  in  the  early  90's  tradition.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  old  school  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Spanish  and  cover  Satanism,  Luciferian,  Occultism  and  Blasphemy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  was  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Lucifuego  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  raw,  old  school,  occult  and  satanic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  re-issue.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "La  belleza  del  elegido"  "Lucifer  vs  arcángel  Miguel (Primera  gran  batalla)"  and  "Mi  nombre  es  Legión".  8  out  of  10.

https://morbidshrineproductions.bandcamp.com/album/el-renacer-del-mal-re-release-2025

Valfeanor/Saturn's Screeches/Running Wild Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Valfeanor  are  a  band  from  Austria  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recordings  plays  a  very  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Saturn's  Screeches"  which  was  released  by  Running  Wild  Records.

  Synths  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  an  atmospheric  feeling.  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  mixed  in  with  some  clear  singing  while  the  riffs  also  add  in    a  decent  amount  of  melody  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Programmed  beats  can  also  be  heard  at  times  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  album  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  album  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts, one of  the  tracks  is  also  instrumentals. 

   Elements  of  ambient  can  also  be  heard  at  times  and  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  as  well  as  a  later  song  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  voices.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  a  concept  album  revolving  around  the  planet  Saturn.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Valfeanor  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Saturn's  Rings  -  Movement  I  -  Corona  Gelida"  "Saturn's  Rings  -  Movement  V  - Quies  Animae"  "Saturn's  Law  -  Movement  I  -  Abnegatis" and  "Saturn's  Law  -  Movement  III  - Eventus".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/valfeanorofficial  

Thus Defiled/Wings Of The Nightstorm/Vic Records/2025 Album Re-Issue Review

 

  Thus  Defiled  are  a  band  from t he  United  Kingdom  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  went  for  a  very  aggressive  and  daark  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  1997  album  "Wings  of  The  Nightstorm"  which  will  be  re-issued  in  November,  2025  by  Vic  Records.

  Keyboard  start  off  the  album  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times  and  adds  in  some  symphonic  touches.  Clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  the  faster  sections  of  the  tracks  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats.

  When  tremolo  picking  is  added  into  the  faster  riffing  they  also  give  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  while  some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  Death  metal  growls  are  also  utilized  at  times  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  melody,  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  Throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  a  couple  of  songs  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  spoken  words.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  was  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Thus  Defiled  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  old  school  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  re-issue.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Rapture  of  Twilight  Burning"  "Winter's  Dawn  (Crowns  my  Empire)"  and  "The  Final  Fall  Of  The  Light".  8 out  of  10.

  

https://vicrecords1.bandcamp.com/album/wings-of-the-nightstorm    

Goat Semen/Bestial Rites/Sacrificial Rites/WolfKult Religion/2025 Split EP Review

 

  This  is  a  review  of  a  split  ep  between  Peru's  Goat  Semen  and  Bestial  Rites  called  "Sacrificial  Rites"  which  was  released  by  WolfKult  Religion  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  Goat  Semen  who  return  with  a  mixture  of  war,  black  and  death  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  some  angry  shouts  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams,   most  of  the  music  is  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era  and  when  the  song  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  raw  tremolo  picking,   blast  beats  and  war  metal  elements  can  also  be  heard  and  the  solos  and  leads  also  stick  to  more  of  a  classic  extreme  metal  style.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  old  school  and  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  track  from  Goat  semen  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  war  and  black  metal  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.

  Next  up  is  Bestial  Rites  a  band  that  returns  with  an  old  school  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  a  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  mixed  in  with  some  elements  of  black  metal.  Vocals  are  mostly  death  metal  growls  along  with  the  music  also  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  early  90's  era  as  well  as  the  solos  and  leads  also  keeping  the  classic  style,  spoken  words  are  also  used  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  old  school  and  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  track  from  Bestial  Rites  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  old  school  black/death  metal,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.

  In  conclusion  I  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  split  and  i  would  recommend  it  to  all  fans  of  war,  black  and  death  emtal.  8  out  of  10.

  ttps://youtu.be/lvqFOzQGwUk          

Urachel Interview

 

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

Hello readers, I am very happy about this invitation. For now, since the music is still quite fresh, there is not much besides a couple of album reviews and appearances on YouTube channels. I am trying to reach more people through various music channels.

2.In October you released a new album, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past

I didn't change the musical style much, perhaps the most interesting thing is that the Hungarian lyrics appeared on the album, but the concept remained the same.

3.Since 2023 you have released a great amount of music with this project, do you spend most of your time writing and creating music?

Yes, composing music takes up all my free time, I love coming up with riffs, writing songs, and planning an album. Since I had a lot of guitar themes that were put aside, the songs were born pretty quickly.

4.You also have experience playing other styles of metal with your previous bands or projects, how would you compare the black metal style you are currently playing to other genres of metal that you have worked with in the past?

I have played and still play heavy metal, thrash, hard rock, death and black metal. In black metal I can move and write songs much more freely, within the framework of the genre, somehow more naturally, ideas come without effort.

5.A lot of your lyrics cover Satanic and Occult themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in the dark arts?

This has been the case for me since childhood. I love movies like The Omen and The Exorcist, I was fascinated by the mysticism of these movies, but also the songs of bands like the old Venom, Tormentor, or Slayer. These movies and music still inspire me today when I think about lyrics.

6.What are some of the other lyrical topics and subjects you have explored so far with this project?

I also like history, it appears in one or two songs like the previous album "Ragnarök", "Jesanovac" or the new album "Kypck (1943)". In fact, these lyrics dominate my albums, along with the "Occult" and historical themes.

7.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Urachel'?

When I started working on the project and the first album "Pseodomonaachia Daemonium" was being made, I tried to find a name that would be related to this theme. That's how I came across the name Urachel in Faust's book. Which is the name of a fire demon. It's easy to remember, which was an important aspect for me.

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

The image on the cover and the album's title song are also linked to the sins of the church. I can do anything "in the name of God", I'm thinking of the Crusades, sexual sins, and I could list what else they have committed and are still committing in the name of God.

9.With this project you record everything by yourself but have worked with other musicians before in the past, do you prefer to work solo?

Yes, I record everything by myself, I also edit and write the drums in this music project. I like working alone, I can do what I want, I don't have to adapt to anyone's expectations or ideas. However, this also has its downside: I lack control. That's why I also have a music project where the three of us create songs.

10.You have also been playing metal as a musician for more then 30 years, what is it that motivates you to keep going after 3 decades?

I simply adore it, there's no better word for it, but wait, there's also "FANATICISM". Of course, not the least of these is the fact that quite a few people like what I do. These feedbacks can be quite motivating.

11.In 2024 you where a par of a split with 'Bal', what are your thoughts on the other project that participated on the recording?

I love Bál's music. His label released my first album on cassette. It was exciting how two bands working in the same style approach black metal differently.

12.On the new album you also did  a 'P.Mobil' cover, what was the decision behind doing your own version of one of their songs?

I've been interested in the idea of ​​how a song by an old Hungarian band would sound in black metal for a long time! This song has a vibe that I felt I had to transfer to this musical medium. How I managed to do it is up to everyone to decide for themselves.

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

It's interesting if you look at my Facebook page, I have fans mainly from South American countries. Chile, Peru, Mexico, Brazil. Maybe there's still a huge love for underground music there, especially for European bands.

14.What is going on with some of your other bands or musical projects these days?

The third Haatan album will be ready soon. I'm playing with two other musician colleagues here. Their names are Tibor "Siska" Szomoru - drums and János Csibi - vocals. Two introductory songs can already be found on YouTube. The Anxiety Collaps will probably take place next year. Now I want to finish the Haatan album.

15.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?

I don't have high expectations anymore, I don't want great success, I'm doing my job and my fan base is slowly growing. It's enough for me if webzines like yours write nice album reviews.

16.What are some of the bands or musical styles you are currently listening to nowadays?

Especially old favorite bands, Venom, Slayer, "old" Metallica, Tormentor, Deicide, Death, Motörhead....whenever I'm in the mood. There are also those who mistake punk for hardcore, or some kind of progressive band.

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

Thank you again for the opportunity to introduce myself on the site. I hope there will be a few readers who will enjoy one of my musical productions. Hello

https://urachel.bandcamp.com/

Pillagery/GoatScrote/Hails...To The Coming Age of Barbarism/WolfKult Religion/2025 Split Album Review

 

  This  is  a  review  of  a  split  album  between  Canada's  Pillagery  and  GoatScrote  called  "Hails...To  the  Coming  Age  of  Barbarism"  which  was  released  by  WolfKult  Religion  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  Pillagery  a  duo  that  plays  a  bestial  mixture  of  war,  black  and  death  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  a  very  dark  and  distorted  sound  before  going  into  a  very  fast,  raw  and  brutal  war  metal  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  bestial  growls  and  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them ,  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  and  the  lyrics  cover  death,  darkness,  war  and  violence  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Pillagery  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  war  and  bestial  black/death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Forging  Entropy"  and  "Coveting  Slaughter".

  Next  up  is  GoatScrote  a  duo  that  plays  a  bestial  mixture  of  war,  black  and  death  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  a  horror  movie  orientated  intro  which  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  synths  and  demonic  voices  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  vocals  also  add  in  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  bestial  growls.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking,  blast  beats  and  war  metal  elements  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  their  side  of  th4e  recording  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  chaotic  style  as  well  as  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  at  times.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness,  violence  and  goat  worship  themes,

  In  my  opinion  GoatScrote  are  a  very  great  sounding  bestial  mixture  of  war,  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Crown  Of  thorns"  and  "St.  Jim".

  In  conclusion  I  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  split  and  I  would  recommend  it  to  all  fans  of  war  an  bestial  black/death  metal.  8  out  of  10.

  https://youtu.be/nXUaJTzFjMk       

Fulgorious/Total Black Metal Cult/WolfKult Religion/2025 Demo Review

 

  Fulgorious  are  a  solo  project  from  Ecuador  that  plays  a  very  raw  and  old  school  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2025  demo  "Total  Black  Metal  Cult"  which  was  released  by  WolfKult  Religion.

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  demo  before  going  into  a  very  fast  and  raw  musical  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  second  wave  era  of  the  genre.

  Dark  sounding  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  and  both  of  the  tracks  also  stick  to  a  heavier  direction.

  Fulgorious  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  raw  and  old  school  in  the  classic  tradition.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Darkness  and  occultism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Fulgorious  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw  and  old  school  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  demo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Crimson  Moon".  8  out  of  10.

   https://youtu.be/FtC3Co40U8c    

Nekromanteion/The Sinister Flame/WolfKult Religion/2025 EP Review

 

  Nekromanteion  are  a  duo  from  Bolivia  that  plays  an  occult  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  ep  "The  Sinister  Flame'  which  was  released  by  WolfKult  Religion.

  Clear  chanting  vocals  and  ritualistic  soundscapes  start  off  the  ep  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  while  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  mid  80's  to  early  90's  era.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast beats  can be  heard  which  also  gives  the  recording  more  of    raw  feeling.  All  of  the  tracks  are  heavily  rooted  in  the  classic  South  American  style  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  keyboard  are  also  utilized  briefly  and  capture  the  atmosphere  of  a  classic  horror  movie  soundtrack  before  returning  back  to  a  heavier  direction.  

  Nekromanteion  plays  a  musical  style  that  goes  back  to  the  mid  80's  and  early  90's  era  of  South  American  black  and  death  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism,  Darkness  and  Evil  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Nekromanteion  are  a  very  great  sounding  old  school  and  occult  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "The  Sinister  Flame".  8/5  out  of  10.

   https://youtu.be/UKzYGZu6C5E  

Bianca/Self Titled/Avantgarde Music/2025 Full length Review

 

  Bianca  are  a  band  from  Italy  that  plays  an  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  with  elements  of  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2025  album  which  will  be  released  on  Halloween  by  Avantgarde  Music.

  A  very  apocalyptic  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  voices  in  the  background  and  synths  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  Female  vocals  are  also  added  on  all  of  the   tracks  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  

  Some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  the  harsh  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  lot  of  melody  and  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  elements  of  doom  metal.

  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  album  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  some  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing,  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  power  of  the  human  mind.

  In  my  opinion  Bianca  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  black  metal  band  with  elements  of  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Abysmal"  "After  Dark"  and  "To  The  Twilight".  8  out  of  10.

https://avantgardemusic.bandcamp.com/album/bianca

https://www.instagram.com/bianca_officialmusic

https://www.facebook.com/biancablackmetal

https://biancaofficial.bandcamp.com

    

Vacua Interview

 

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

Right after finishing the recording sessions for the new album, we started writing new material and playing several live shows. It’s been a year full of opportunities and creative growth.

2. In November you have a new album coming out, musically how does it differ from your previous EP?

First of all, we moved away from the raw black metal style of the previous EP, going for a more modern sound and production — though without over-polishing it, keeping the grit that defines black metal. The songs are also generally faster, whereas the EP leaned more toward a depressive atmosphere. This time we aimed to strike a balance between melody and aggression.

3. Can you tell us a little bit more about the lyrical topics and subjects you explore with the new album?

As the title suggests, Mater revolves around the concept of the Mother — Mother Earth — who, in her final days, takes revenge on humankind by destroying herself, ending all life in a mix of pleasure, regret, and despair. The lyrics explore this theme from different angles: sometimes focusing on the Mother herself, sometimes personified as a Janara — a witch figure from the Benevento area central to our previous EP — and sometimes from the human perspective, reflecting on mankind’s madness, ignorance, and arrogance in the face of death, praying for Charon to lead them to the underworld. Overall, it’s about humanity’s constant violation of nature’s sacredness throughout time.

4. Some of your lyrics cover Paganism themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?

Elements of Roman paganism occasionally appear in our lyrics — for instance, the figure of Charon — but what interests us most is how paganism was reinterpreted during the medieval era in the Benevento region, where our vocalist comes from. The Janare were women accused of heresy and witchcraft, often simply because they tried to preserve ancient rites tied to the worship and respect of nature’s sacred power.

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

The artwork depicts a woman — Mother Nature — walking away while looking back toward a burning city, the symbol of human civilization. Her expression could be read as regret, satisfaction, or perhaps both, embodying the duality of destruction and sorrow.

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

Some of our best shows so far include our appearance at Rome Carnage Extreme Fest III on October 18, where Desaster headlined, and our recent opening for the U.S. black metal band Unholy Altar in Pescara on October 15. We see our live performances as ritual acts — we begin by lighting candles and burning palo santo to purify the atmosphere, allowing our music to serve as a bridge between the human and the divine.

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

Yes, we do have plans, including festival appearances, but we can’t reveal any details just yet.

8. The new album is coming out on Hidden Marly Productions, can you tell us a little bit more about how you came in contact with this label?

Some of us were already familiar with and admired Hidden Marly Productions’ releases. We reached out to them out of respect for their consistent quality in black metal and the chance to bring our music and concept all the way to Japan — literally the other side of the world from Italy.

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

So far, the response has been very positive — both to our debut EP and to the new single “Dies Funeris Terrae”, which will be featured on Mater out on November 7. We’ve been pleasantly surprised to see listeners and buyers from all over the world — North and South America, Central, Eastern and Northern Europe, and Japan.

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

Our direction seems quite clear, but we don’t want to impose any limits on ourselves.

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

We mostly listen to black metal in all its forms — from the classics to the newer waves. Two contemporary bands we’ve been listening to a lot are Begotten and Cult of Fire. We also listen to medieval music, which sometimes serves as a source of inspiration.

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

We invite everyone to stay tuned for upcoming news — most importantly, the release of our first full-length Mater on November 7, available on all digital platforms and on CD (including a Japanese edition with an obi strip) via Hidden Marly Productions. We would also like to thank Occult Black Metal Zine for giving us this space.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vacua_bm/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/VACUA-Band/61554966924958/
Bandcamp: https://vacuabm.bandcamp.com/album/vacua
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deneCypqol0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/intl-it/artist/0LjOz3O3KSdLNNiqTbApkQ

Der Rote Milan/Verlust/Unholy Conspiracy Deathwork/2025 EP Review

 

  Germany's  Der  Rote  Milan  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  more  of  a  raw,  atmospheric  and  melodic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  ep  "Verlust"  which  will  be  released  in  December  by  Unholy  Conspiracy  Deathwork.

  A  very  heavy  yet  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  ep  while  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.  Vocals  are  mostly  angry  sounding  black  metal  screams  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.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Synths  are  also  utilized  at  times  along  with  the  music  also  having  its  atmospheric  and  the  songs  are  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  modern  era  of  the  genre,  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

  On  this  recording  Der  Rote  Milan  goes  for  more  of  a  modern,  melodic,  raw  and  atmospheric  style  of  black  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  German  and  cover  the  human  condition  and  the  poetry  of  Johann  Wolfgang  von  Goethe.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Der  Rote  Milan  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric,  melodic  and  raw  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Aus  der  Finsternis"  and  "Der  letze  Rubin".  8  out  of  10.

  https://music.apple.com/us/artist/der-rote-milan/1118947194

https://derrotemilan.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/derrotemilan

https://www.instagram.com/derrotemilan.band/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6KrxlUMrjttzH8geVdzRK0?si=vg77GdWxSliQmjSg3Tq4OA&nd=1&dlsi=a1be48686bc442c1    

Kongregacion Mundana/La Vision de las 4 Torres y la Ascencion de la Gran/2024 Demo Review

 

  Kongrecion  Mundana  are  a  duo  from  Argentina  that  plays  an  old  school  and  occult  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2024  demo  "La  Vision  de  las  4 Torres  y  la  Ascencion  de  la  Gran".

  A  very  dark  yet  ritualistic  sound  starts  off  the  demo  along  with  some  evil  voices  and  bells  in  the  backgrounds  before  adding  in  some  clean  playing  and  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  which  also  takes  the  music  into  a  heavier  direction  while  the  vocals  also  add  in  a  lot  of  death  metal  growls.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  recording  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  music  also  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  classic  South  American  style.   

 Chants  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  clean  playing  also  returns  on  some  of  the  later  tracks  as  well  as  a  later  song  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  spoken  words  when  guitar  leads  are  finally  utilized  they  also  add  in  more  of  a  melodic  and  old  school  touch.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  old  school  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Spanish  and  cover  Naamah  and  Lilith  as  guardians  and  guides  of  the  first  Qliphoth.

  In  my  opinion  Kongrecion  Mundana  are  a  very  great  sounding  old  school  and  occult  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "La  Vision  de  las  4 Torres  y  la  Ascencion  de  la  Gran"  and  "El  responder  de  las  fuerzas  adversariales".  8/5  out  of  10.

  https://kongregacionmundana.bandcamp.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9nNCrLcVSw&list=RDh9nNCrLcVSw&start_radio=1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ory4ISx9iSM&list=RDOry4ISx9iSM&start_radio=1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=no0sCl216yo&list=RDno0sCl216yo&start_radio=1&t=5s

https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Kongregacion_Mundana/3540551417