Häxär/Teufelskult/Purity Through Fire/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Switzerland's  solo  project  Häxär  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  an  old  school  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2025  album  "Teufelskult"  which  will b e  released  on  Halloween  by  Purity  Through  Fire.

  Spoken  word  samples  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.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  mid  90's  to  early  2000's  era.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  One  song  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  along  with  the  album  also  having  its  atmospheric  moments  and  when  solos  and  leads  are  finally  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style,  synths  are  introduced  on  an instrumental  and  the  closing  track  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  clear  vocals.

  On  this  recording  Häxär  expands  on  the  old  school  style  of  black  metal  that  he  has  introduced  on  the  last  few  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Swiss  and  cover  darkness  and  occultism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Häxär  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  old  school  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Dämonenblut"  and  "Prozession  der  Wölfe".  8  out  of  10.

  hxr666.bandcamp.com   

Abominator/The Fire Brethren/Hells Headbangers Records/2025 Full length Review

 

  Abominator  are  a  band  from  Australia  that  has  been  interviewed  before  by  this  zine  and  plays  a  barbaric  mixture  of  war,  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "The  Fire  Brethren"  which  was  released  on  Halloween  by  Hells  Headbangers  Records.

  A  horror  movie  orientated  sound  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  very  fast,  raw  and  brutal  war  metal  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats.  Vocals  are  mostly  black  metal  screams  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  chaotic  style  when  they  are  utilized.

  A  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  some  of  the  riffing  also  adds  in  a  small  amount of  melody.  Most  of  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  mid  90's  era  along  with  some  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  the  album  also  bringing  in  a  great  amount  of  death  metal  elements.

  On  this  recording  Abominator  remain  true  to  the  barbaric  mixture  of  war,  black  and  death  metal  that  they  have  established  on  previous  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Occultism,  Demonology,  Evil  and  Darkness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Abominator  and  if  you  are  a f an  of  barbaric  war,  black  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Templars  Curse"  "Progenitors  Of  The  Insurrection  Of  Satan"  and  "Sulphur  From  The  Heavens".  8  out  of  10.

  https://shop-hellsheadbangers.com/item-group.asp?pgpID=39392   

      

Araphel/The Enchanter/Nuclear War Now! Productions/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Araphel  are  a  band  from  Italy  that  plays  an  old  school  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "The  Enchanter"  which  will  be  released  on  Halloween  by  Nuclear  War  Now!  Productions.

  Field  recordings  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  melodic  guitar  solos  and  leads  a  few  seconds  later  which  also  takes  the  music  into  a  heavier  direction.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  while  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  old  school  tradition.  Clean  playing  is  also  added  on  a  couple  of  tracks  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast beats,  clear  singing  and  spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  one  song  also  introduces  synths  onto  the  recording  and  one  track  is  also  an  instrumental.

  Araphel  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  Greek  tradition  mixed  in  with  influences  of  that  era  from  other  parts  of  the  world.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  tragedy  and  triumph  themes.  

  In  my  opinion  Araphel  are  a  very  great  sounding  old  school  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Enchanter"  and  "Song  Of  Araphel".  8  out  of  10.

  http://araphel.bandcamp.com/album/the-endchanter

araphel.bandcamp.com

El Muerto Interview

 

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

El Muerto is an aggressive, melodic solo metal project that channels personal darkness into intense, atmospheric songs rooted in myth and horror.

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

The EP blends visceral aggression with melodic sensibility heavy, driving riffs and blast passages sit alongside mournful lead lines and melodic transitions. It’s raw in feeling but composed with a melodic approach rather than purely lo-fi black metal. Expect tension, catharsis, and dynamic shifts between fury and melancholic release.

3. A lot of your lyrics cover mythology and horror themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these topics?

I’m drawn to Nordic mythology and classic horror, they provide archetypes and atmospheres that mirror human extremes. I use those stories to explore emotions I went through during my darkest moments, so the lyrics are both mythic and deeply personal.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'El Muerto'?

“El Muerto” literally means “the dead one.” The name grew out of a very dark period in my life and was conceived as a kind of final message a record to exist as if released by someone who’d already passed. It’s also a nod to my Mexican roots; the title carries respect for themes of death and remembrance rather than sensationalism.

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

The cover is an interpretation of a map of Amsterdam. To me, during that time the city felt like a cemetery, a place I hated being. The artist translated that feeling into an image where canals and streets take on a funerary, oppressive quality. It’s an urban map that portrays death. Thanks to Francisco Torres Beltran, tobelart.com

6. Currently you reside in the Netherlands but are from a different country, can you tell us a little bit more about the move?

I moved because I needed a change of scenery. I wasn't happy where I was. I’ve always had close ties to my Dutch family and a deep interest in Dutch culture and history, so relocating felt like a necessary reset. The move influenced the project by placing me in a space of tension and distance from my roots.

7. Musically, how does the music of 'El Muerto' differ from your previous bands or projects?

El Muerto is far more personal and melodic. Whereas my previous projects explored different textures and collaborations, this project is a solo outlet for darker, more introspective material that balances aggression with melody. It’s less about fitting into a band’s established sound and more about channeling my inner thoughts and emotions.

8. On the EP you also have a few session musicians, can you tell us a little bit more about who they are and also their contributions to the recording?

One of my closest and most talented friends, Zigor Muñoz, played bass on the record. He has a really strong groove and brought not just technical skill but his own creative insight and style, which gave the songs more depth and weight. He is my right hand on this project. Beyond El Muerto, he’s also active in several projects, including Adarrak from Singapore and Thorndale in the Netherlands. Having him involved was essential, and his contribution was so impactful that he’s now officially part of El Muerto moving forward. The drums were performed by the incredible session drummer Rob Stone, whose precision and energy gave the record the backbone it needed.

9. Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?

I’m currently unsigned and open to conversations with labels for the opportunity to reach more people with my music

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

Early private listening and feedback from peers have been very encouraging. People who are into melodic black and death metal have connected with the honesty and atmosphere of the songs. The response often highlights how melancholic and full of frustration the music feels, which is exactly what I intended this first release to encapsulate.

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

I want to keep writing and releasing records, develop the project’s sonic identity, and explore opportunities for limited live appearances or collaborations when it feels right. The priority is to keep creating honest music and to do so on terms that preserve the project’s integrity.

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?

Influences include Immortal, Darkthrone, Emperor, Opeth and Mgła  bands that combine raw intensity with atmosphere and songwriting. Lately I’m mostly revisiting classic black and death records Dark Funeral, Early Amon Amarth, Drudkh, Entombed, Deicide.

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

Thank you for giving El Muerto a platform.This EP was born from pain, anger, and the search for some kind of release, and I hope listeners hear something genuine in it. The debut comes out this November expect darkness, but also a glimpse of clarity. And to anyone struggling: don’t carry the weight alone, there’s strength in asking for help.

https://elmuerto2.bandcamp.com/album/lost-and-amsterdamned

Illusive Key/Consume Us/Amor Fati Productions/2025 Full length Review

 

  Illusive  Key  are  a n  international  band  with  embers  from  Germany  and  Belgium  that  plays  a  traditional  and  hallucinogenic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Consume  Us"  which  will  be  released  in  October  by  Amor  Fati  Productions.

  Synths  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  recording  at  times  while  clean  playing  is  also  utilized  at  times.  Most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling.

  Vocals  are  mostly  angry  sounding  black  metal  screams  while  the  music  also  adds  in  influences  from  both  the  modern  and  old  school  era's  of  the  genre.  Throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody,  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  also  bring  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style.

  Illusive  Key  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  aggressive  and  traditional  sounding  as  well  as  being  very  creative  at  the  same  times.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  paranormal  themes. 

  In  my  opinion  Illusive  Key  are  a  very  great  sounding  traditional  and  hallucinogenic  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Disseverence"  and  "Consume  Us".  8  out  of  10.

  www.amor-fati-productions.de  

amorfatiproductions.bandcamp.com  

www.facebook.com/amorfatiprod       

  

Akolyth/Ecstatic Kingdom/Amor Fati Productions/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Akolyth  are  a  band  from  an  unknown  area  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  an  occult  and  ritualistic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Ecstatic  Kingdom"  which  will  be  released  in  October  by  Amor  Fati  Productions.

  A  very  distorted  sound  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  90's  influences  direction  while  the  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  recording  more  of  a  raw  feeling.

  Some  of  the  riffing  also  adds  in  a  touch  of  the  mid  80's  era  while  all  of  the  tracks  are  also very  long  and  epic  in  length.  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.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  adding  in  more  of  a  darker  style.  Chants  can  also  be  heard  briefly  as  well  as  the  vocals  also  having  their  deeper  moments  and  spoken  words  are  added  on  the  closing  track.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism  and  Darkness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from Akolyth  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  old  school  and  ritualistic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "A  Black  Torch"  and  "Without  Light".  8  out  of  10.

  akolyth.bandcamp.com     

    

Verba Serpentis/Ophidic Gnosis/Kult und Kaos Production/2024 EP Review

 

  Verba  Serpentis  are  a  band  from  Austria  that  plays  a  very  melodic,  old  school  and  satanic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  ep  "Ophidic  Gnosis"  which  was  released  by  Kult  und  Kaos  Production.

  A  very  fast  and  raw  sound  starts  off  the  ep  along  with  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast beats.  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  yet  high  pitched  sounding  black  metal  screams  while t he  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  old  school  era  as  well  as  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  melodic  style  when  they  are  utilized.  Growls  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  the  music  sounding  like  it  could  of  easily  been  recorded  and  released  more  then  20  years  ago  and  all  of  the  tracks  also  stick  to  a  heavier  direction.

  Verba  Serpentis  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  aggressive,  melodic  and  satanic  sounding  in  the  mid  90's  tradition.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Occultism  and  Darkness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Vernba  Serpentis  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic,  old  school  and  satanic  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Leviathan"  and  "Satan's  Eye".  8  out  of  10.

  YouTube  

El Muerto/Lost And Amsterdamned/2025 EP Review

 

  El  Muerto  is  a  solo  artist  from  the  Netherlands  an  old  school  and  progressive  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2025  ep  "Lost  And  Amsterdamned"  which  will  be  released  in  November.

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  ep  while  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording.  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.

  Elements  of  death  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  riffing  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  A  lot  of  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  influenced  by  the  90's  era  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  when  they  are  utilized.

  Piano's  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  the  recording  also  having  its  progressive  moments  and  growls  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  as  well as  a  couple  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  spoken  words  and  clear  singing  can  also  be  heard  on  a  few  songs.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  personal  trauma  through  the  lens  of  myth  and  horror.   

  In  my  opinion  El  Muerto  are  a  very  great  sounding  progressive  and  old  school  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Ghosts  Of  Torment"  and  "Wolves  Of  Den  Haag".  8  out  of  10.

  https://elmuerto2.bandcamp.com/album/lost-and-amsterdamned

  

Eldur/Rituals Of Death And Necromancy/ATMF/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Eldur  is  a  solo  artist  from  Iceland  that  plays  a  very  modern  and  occult  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2025  album  "Rituals  Of  Death  And  Necromancy"  which  will  be  released  in  November  by  ATMF.

  A  very  fast  and  raw  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.   Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  as  well  as  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  post  metal  style.

  Throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  elements  of  doom  metal  are  also  added  into  the  slower  sections  of  the  recording.  Clean  playing  is  also  added  on  some  of  the  tracks  along  with  some  whispers  also  being  used  briefly,  when  synths  are  utilized  they  also  give  the  music  more  of  an  atmospheric  feeling.

  Some  of  the  songs  are  also  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  some clean  playing  also  being  utilized  on  a  couple  of  tracks  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  album  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  recording  also  has  its  progressive  moments.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Necromancy,  occultism,  Norse  Mythology  and  Death  themes.  

  In  my  opinion  Eldur  are  a  very  great  sounding  modern  occult  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Exiled"  "Murder  And  A  Curse"  and  "Undead".  8  out  of  10.

  https://metalodyssey.8merch.com/product/eldur-rituals-of-death-and-necromancy-cd-pre-order/  

  

Wode/Uncrossing The Keys/20 Buck Spin/2025 Full Length Review

 

  United  Kingdom's  Wode  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  blackened  form  of  heavy  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Uncrossing  The  Keys"  which  will  be  released  in  october  by  20  Buck  Spin.

 A  very  hard  and  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  music  also  adding  in  a  lot  of  traditional  metal  elements  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  when  the  music  finally  speeds  up  on  a  few  tracks..  A  couple  of  songs  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  keyboards,  synths  and  organs  and  most  of  the  album  also  sticks  to  mostly  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction  and  clean  playing  is  added  on  the  closing  song.

  On  this  recording  Wode  goes  for  more  of  a  blackened  heavy  metal  style  which  also  also  very  different  from  their  previous  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  apocalypse,  cosmos,  death  and  occultism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Wode  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  blackened  heavy  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Two  Crossed  Keys"  "Transmutation"  "Lash  Of  The  Tyrant"  and  "Dashed  on  The  Rocks".  8 out  of  10.

  https://wode.bandcamp.com

https://www.instagram.com/wode.cult

https://www.facebook.com/Wodecult  

      

Selvnatt/Empty Life/Artchestra/2025 EP Review

 

  Selvnatt  are  a  solo  project  that  plays  a  very  lo-fi,  vampyric  and  romantic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2025  ep  "Empty  Life"  which  was  released  by  Artchestra.

  A  very  fast  and  raw  sound  starts  off  the  ep  along  with  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  while  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  as  well as  the  recording  also  capturing  a  lo-fi  atmosphere  and  clean  playing  is  also  used on  a  few  tracks.

  A  lot  of  the  music  is  very  heavily  influenced  by  the  90's  era  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  At  times  the  recording  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding  along  with  a  couple  of  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  keyboards,  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  one  song  also  adds  in  spoken  word  samples.

  Selvnatt  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  raw,  lo-fi,  atmospheric,  vampyric  and  romantic  sounding.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  solitude,  love  and  death.

  In  my  opinion  Selvnatt  are  a  very  great  sounding  lo-fi,  romantic  and  vampyric  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Empty  Life"  and "Pale  Stars".  8  out  of  10.

  https://music.apple.com/ua/album/empty-life-ep/1796972117

https://selvnatt.bandcamp.com/track/pale-stars

https://www.instagram.com/selvnatt/?igsh=dG00Yml5c2VyZzAw#

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3N7ltVjbBWSpq8dXaS0WSH?si=eIFnpXPMRiG4FvVxX1alvg&nd=1&dlsi=1cf7696c8fd241e5      

Buxen Interview

 

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

Buxen was created in 2002 from the ashes of Triumphator. It is not a band in the traditional sense— no rehearsals, no live shows, no fixed line-up. Just two members, myself and Hurne, meeting rarely and recording only when the time demands it. Buxen manifests, then disappears.

2. Recently you have released your first full length, musically how does it differ from yourprevious split and ep?

The full-length is simply a continuation of the same spirit, but more coherent and more cruel in its vision. The old recordings were fragments. The album is the full apparition of what Buxen truly is —raw violence, graveyard atmosphere, silence and destruction intertwined.

3. From 2007 to 2022 there was no music being released, can you tell us a little bit more about what was going on during that time frame?

Nothing. That’s the point. We do not plan, we do not “work” like a normal band. There was nothing to be said in those years, so silence was the most honest form of existence.

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

There is no fascination with occultism as a fashion or as a doctrine. The lyrics are personal emanations, reflections of experience. Symbols, rituals, esoteric echoes appear because they exist inside us, not because we follow a system. We do not try to teach or preach.

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

The Buxen were a real secret society in Germany and Belgium during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries — known as the Goat Riders. They gathered at night, wore horned masks, rode through the countryside leaving chaos behind, The name carries both history and ruin.

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

The full-length is entitled “…dilexerunt homines magis tenebras quam lucem…” — a passage from the Gospel of John (3:19), meaning “men loved darkness rather than light.” The cover reflects this verse directly: a stark, medieval-style woodcut of the crucifixion, stripped of any comfort or glory. There is no triumph, only suffering and abandonment. The artwork mirrors the essence of Buxen: the rejection of false light, the embrace of darkness, the silence of decay.

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

No. And no plans to. Buxen does not belong to stages, lights or audiences. It belongs to silence, to the graveyard, to the rare moment in the studio when destruction is captured.

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

The reactions are irrelevant. Some understand fragments, others do not. It doesn’t matter. We do not create for applause or recognition.

9. Are any of the other band members currently involved with any other musical projects or bands?

I have been active in other projects in the past — Triumphator, Manth, Vermiis, Mephisto — but Buxen remains separate. Hurne is not involved in anything else as far as I know.

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

Nowhere. There is no plan, no direction. If another manifestation comes, it will come. If not, silence remains. Both outcomes are valid.

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?

In the past we listened to too much Mayhem, Darkthrone and others, and that was a mistake. Today there is no conscious influence. I listen to whatever I feel, old thrash, death, black, or even outside metal. Nothing dictates what Buxen must sound like.

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

Buxen is not here to convince or to convert. It exists when it must, and disappears when it must. Seek nothing in us, and you may understand everything.

https://gladivsrecords.bandcamp.com/album/dilexerunt-homines-magis-tenebras-quam-lucem

Penthos Interview

 

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

1-After the recording, we were searching for a record label. In the end, nothing could have been more honorable for us than signing our second album with Darkness Shall Rise, and we are especially happy about it. The album is already available for pre-order, and so far, we’ve received very positive reviews from websites and magazines. The single that has been released seems to have been warmly received by the audience, and we’re moving forward. 

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

2-We should mention that the line-up on the new album is different. New members joined after the songwriting had already begun, and we adapted to include fresh ideas. The first album was a bit unique, but with the second one, we wanted to maintain the deathly atmosphere while making sure the sound was distinct. I believe we now have heavier, more powerful guitars, greater emphasis on the bass, and more expressive vocals. We achieved a good mix, and both the melodies and the rawer parts have come together perfectly to express exactly what we wanted." 

3.The lyrics on the new album cover the darker aspects of Greek Mythology, can you tell us which mythological stories you have brought into the songwriting?

3-Greek mythology has very strong references to the underworld of Hades, to Charon, the ferryman of souls, and to various other elements connected with Death. The band’s name, as well as the album’s title, are linked to all of this, and we express it in our own way. 

4.In a previous interview you also mentioned an interest in Luciferian Philosophy, can you tell us which rule this also plays in the songwriting? 

4- The Luciferian philosophy comes before everything else—knowledge and freedom should be guiding principles in our lives. The band stands for these core values, and we are clearly against organized religions and dogmas. In music, this gives us the freedom to express ourselves as we truly feel, without having to submit to rules or conformist opinions 

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

5-“Penthos”or Πένθος in Greek, translates as ‘mourning’ and many other related meanings. The concept in general has to do with loss, grief, darkness, and, of course, with the dead. We live in a world full of loss, death, and destruction caused by humankind itself, yet some insist on ignoring it and speaking only of the beauty of life. We disagree with all of this, and in our music what comes out is both sorrow and hatred. 

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

 6-The cover depicts Charon, the ferryman of souls. According to Greek mythology, he carried the recently deceased across the river Acheron in his boat, to the other side where the entrance to Hades was. It is an oil-on-canvas painting by the artist Maximos Manolis. As an image, it is directly connected with the themes of the album, and especially with the track ‘Charon’.

7.Out of all the shows and tours the band has done so far, which one stands out the most? 

7-We’ve played quite a few live shows here in Greece, and each of them had something special. I think one performance we particularly enjoyed was at the Greek underground black metal festival ‘Storming The Gates’ Vol. 3. It was a very powerful two-day event with many bands and a passionate audience. 

8.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released? 

8-We have already confirmed our participation in concerts in Greece, and with the signing to Darkness Shall Rise production , we will also perform in Germany alongside Cromlech and the legendary Gehenna. There will definitely be more shows, both in Greece and in other countries. For all performances, the band always makes official announcements. 

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

 9- I believe the band is now beginning to expand its reach to other countries. Our first work went well, but it was an independent production that held us back a little. I think now our music is starting to travel and we’ll be rediscovered. From the overall reactions, I can see that some people really appreciate the style we have in our music, and with the second album both the audience and ourselves will be even more satisfied. 

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

10-Our main goal is to keep creating music. The direction will certainly be black metal, but we write according to how we feel. This means that in future albums we might explore different themes and styles, while always maintaining the atmosphere that the band creates. We have many ideas from across the entire  spectrum of black metal and a wide range of influences, but I believe we spontaneously create our own identity." 

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

11- They are quite varied and from different styles. We particularly like old school Scandinavian black metal, but we also draw from other schools such as Hellenic BM, USBM, and DSBM. In short, I would mention bands like Burzum, Darkthrone, Mayhem, Necromantia, Gorgoroth, Carpathian Forest, Sargeist, Profanatica, Xasthur, and many more…

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

 12-Thank you for the interview, and congratulations on the great work you’re doing. 

-Algos-

www.facebook.com/penthosband 

Heretoir/Solastalgia/AOP Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Germany's  Heretoir  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  an  atmospheric  mixture  of  post  black  metal  and  blackgaze  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "Solastagia"  which  will  be  released  on  September  19th  by  AOP  Records.

  Distorted  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  clean  playing  a  few  seconds  later  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  A  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  the  music  also  adds  in  a  lot  of  shoegaze  elements  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.  Clear  singing  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  recording  more  of  a  raw  feeling.

  When  synths  are  utilized  they  also  give  the  album  more  of  an  atmospheric  touch  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  briefly  as  well  as  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  post  metal  style,  growls  are  also  utilized  at  times  and  one  song  is  also  an  instrumental.  and  a  few  tracks  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  acoustic  guitars.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  emotional  or  existential  collapse  caused  by  a  negatively  perceived  environment  change.     

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Heretori  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  post  black  metal  and  blackgaze,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Ashen  Falls"  "Dreamgather"  "Solastalgia"  and  "Metaphor".  8  out  of  10.

   Facebook | Instagram | Youtube | Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music     

Draugveil/Cruel World Of Dreams And Fears/Artchestra/2025 Full length Review

 

  Draugveil  are  a  solo  project  from  Czechia  that  plays  a  romantic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2025  album  "Cruel  World  Of  Dreams  And  Fears"  which  will  be  released  by  Artchestra.

  A  very  heavy  and  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams. When  the  recording  speeds  up  a  great  amount   of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling  and w hen  gutiar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are d one  in  a  very  melodic  style  .

  Throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  synths  and  pianos  also  add  in  elements  of  dungeon  synth  when  they  are  utilized.  A  lot  of  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  influenced  by  the  90's  era  along  with  the  recording  also  having  its  lo-fi  moments.

   A  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  instrumentals  which  also  captures  a  medieval  atmosphere  at  times  as  well  as  a  few songs  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing.  The  production  sounds  very  dark,  raw  and  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  solitude,  depression,  love  and  death  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Draugveil  are  a  very  great  sounding  romantic  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Knight  Without  A  Name"  "Wolves  Feast  on  Forgotten  Dreams"  and  "Vortex".  8  out  of  10.

  https://music.apple.com/us/artist/draugveil/1820432037

https://draugveil.bandcamp.com/album/cruel-world-of-dreams-and-fears

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

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1GCVDmR6dctCeoPoOMtqI7

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

Frelser/Afgrundsprofeti/Vendetta Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Frelser  are  a  band  from  Denmark  that  plays  an  old  school  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Afgrundsprofeti"  which  was  released  by  Vendetta  Records.

  Cello's  and  synths  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  a  couple  of  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  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  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.

  Vocals  are  mostly  angry  sounding  black  metal  screams  while  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  classic  Scandinavian  tradition.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  a  couple  of  the  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing.

  At  times  the  album  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding  as  well  as  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  touch  of  doom  metal  and  one  of  the  tracks  is  also  an  instrumental  and  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  acoustic  guitars,  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  a  mixture  of  Danish  and  English  and  cover  existential  dread,  decay,  damnation  and  the  illusion  of  salvation. 

  In  my  opinion  Frelser  are  a  very  great  sounding  old  school  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Afgrundsprofeti"  "The  Measure  of  Man"  and  "Amor  Fati".  8  out  of  10. 

1. Facebook
2. Instagram

  

Isen/Zaklínání poslední zimy (Summoning The Last Winter)/Northern Silence Productions/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Isen  is  a  solo  artist  from  Czechia  that  plays  a  very  melodic  and  old  school  from  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2025  album  "Zaklínání  poslední  zimy  (Summoning  The  Last Winter)"  which  was  released  by  Northern  Silence  Productions.

  Synths  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  at  times  while  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  When  the  recording  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling.

  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  the  music  is  very  heavily  influenced  by  the  classic  Norwegian  and  Swedish  bands.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  at  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  some  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  spoken  words  and  the  closing  track  is  an  ambient  orientated  instrumental.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  old  school  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  a  mixture  of  Czech  and  English  and  cover  nature,  winter  and  melancholy  themes. 

  In  my  opinion  Isen  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric,  melodic  and  old  school  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Zaklínání  poslední  zimy  (Summoning  The  Last Winter)"  and  "Curse  Of  Undeath".  8  out  of  10.

  https://isenbm.bandcamp.com/album/summoning-the-last-winter-zakl-n-n-posledn-zimy     

Sans Roir/Le Rêve & la Vie/Chapitre XIII/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Sans  Roi  are  a  band  from  France  that  plays  an  occult  mixture  of  black  and  dark  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Le  Rêve  &  la  Vie"  which  will  be  released  in  October  by  Chapitre  XIII.

  Spoken  word  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.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.  

  The  mid  tempo  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  touches  of  black'n;roll  while  the  album  also  adds  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  At  times  the  music  also  adds  in  more  of  a  gothic  metal  direction  along  with  the  slower  parts  of  the  tracks  bringing  in  elements  of  doom  and  dark  metal,  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  melody.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  some  growls  and  clear  singing  also  being  utilized  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  a  mixture  of  English  and  French  and  cover  gnosis,  alchemy,  mysticism,  the  writings  of  C.G  Ung  and  the  mysteries  of  Rennes-le-Château.

  In  my  opinion  Sans  Roi  are  a  very  great  sounding  occult  mixture  of  black  and  dark  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Love's  Secret  Domain"  and  "The  Art  Of  Dreaming".  8  out  of  10.

  https://sansroi.bandcamp.com/

  

Destruction Ritual/Providence/EAL Productions/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Destruction  Ritual  are  an  international  band  with  embers  from  France  and  the  united  States  that  plays  a  very  aggressive  form  of  black  metal  with  elements  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Providence"  which  will  be  released  on  September  12th  by  EAL  Productions.

  A  very  fast  and  raw  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast   beats.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  chaotic  style  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  angry  sounding  black  metal  screams  and  the  music  is  heavily  rooted  in  the  old  school  era.

  Dark  sounding  melodies  can  also  be  heard  at  times  while  the  music  also  adds  in  a  lot  of  death  metal  elements.  Throughout  the  recording  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,  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  album  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  a  couple  of  songs  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  spoken  words.

  Destruction  Ritual  plays  a  very  fast  and  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  mid  90's  to  2000's  era  as  well  as  adding  in  elements  of  death  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark,  violent  and  psychotic  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Destruction  Ritual  are  a  very  great  sounding  aggressive  black  metal  band  with  elements  of  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Providence"  and  "Wasted  Away  Sins".  8  out  of  10.

  destructionritual.bandcamp.com 

  

HKSPK Interview

 

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

1. We are HKSPK, founded in 2023. Arne on drums, Jim Tonik at lead guitar and vocals and Leon at rythm guitar. In 2024 we released our debut album Holy Scum and this year we released the Human Butcher EP. So far we played at some small festivals like Metal Underground Resistance and Summer Ends. Our style compines black and death metal with weird absurd lyrics.

2.So far you have released an ep and a full length, musically how do they both differ from each other?

2. Firstly, the production on the EP became more professional. On Human Butcher we also took a much more complex approach in the structure of the songs and writing riffs and melodies. Those new songs grew into a really brutal and dark atmosphere. 

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

3. Our lyrics are telling storys that we've experienced in a weird absurd way and we sing about events that we have heard about. The context is never that serious. Wich does not mean that there isn't a real statement hidden in the lyrics sometimes (for example Schwanzløses Gesindel).

4.I know that the bands name is an acronym for 'Hello Kittie Scum Porn Killer', how does this name fit in with the musical style that you play?

4. The name based on a sticker that we saw a few years ago. It showed Hello Kitty in a latex costume. We thought it was hilarious. 

The funny thing is: it fits our music, due to it's absurd direction. Our lyrics are weird and so is the band name.

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

5. With the artwork, we tried to capture the atmosphere of our music. It depicts the story of the Human Butcher, and the swamp motifs are based on our concert banner and band logo. The motif was created in Oderbruch (east Germany). Jim took and edited the photos.

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

6. In our opinion the 3 best shows we've ever played are the Summer Ends Festival, because it had perfect sound, perfect light and overall a very nice feeling, the Metal Underground Resistance Festivals, because it was the first time we played with bigger bands like Milking The Goatmachine and Warpath and we won a lot of fans and received so much positive feedback. Last but not least the Schafcity Open Air, because we had such an active crowd who moshed, sang our lyrics and we had a really great time with them.

What can I say about our performance? We move as much as we love playing live. We love playing live. We have an agressive blackmetalhead drummer, a strict and serious rythm guitarist and flying hiar in a hawaii shirt at the vocals and lead guitar. 

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

7. Yes, we have. At first we got some bigger festivals for 2026 and 2027 planned. Still there are some concerts we will play this year, for example the Summer Ends Vol. 2 or the Chemical Warfare in our area. Because we all have our jobs and the organisation is very complicated there won't be any tour soon.

8.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?

8. We are not interested in finding a label, because we like doing everything ourself. But we would like to join a booking agency.

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

9. It's just amazing. We are overwhelmed by all the positive feedback we get from many different countries. It actually feels so surreal that people love our music so much, they even promote it and write articles about it. Such a wonderful surprise.

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

10. Right now we can't tell in wich musical direction we will go. It seems like we are a part of the new black and death metal generation. We always try to do something different and progress in the way we approach writing music. Tomorrow is a mystery.

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?

11. Nowadays we listen to a lot of different metal genres, including atmospheric black metal, slam, brutal death metal and even classic heavy metal.

We have many different influences. It ranges from german bands like Eisregen, Nargaroth and Mavorim to more famous groups like Slayer, Amon Amarth, Slipknot and Cannibal Corpse. We all have our own favorite bands from different genres, that's why our songs sound so different. There are also groups that we equally like. We try to create our own HKSPK sound, that's why we don't orient ourselves too much towards other bands.

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

12. Right now we are living our personal musical adventure. We are overwhelmed by all the compliments from so many different people. Thank you so much for your interest. We hope you will all be a part of our HKSPK journey.

https://hkspk.bandcamp.com/