Svartsyn/Vortex of The Destroyer/NoEvDia/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Sweden's  Svartsyn  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  very  fast  and  aggressive  style  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Vortex  Of  The  Destroyer"  which  will b e  released  on  march  28th  by  NoEvDia.

 A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording.  Some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  angry  sounding  black  metal  screams.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats  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  along  with  recording  also  bringing  in  a  more  up  to  date  approach  to  an  old  school  style.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style  along  with  one  track  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  demonic  voices  as  well  as  the  whole  album  also  sticking  to  a  heavier  direction.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  Atlantis,  Norse  Mythology,  Promethean,  Satanism,  Luciferian,  Death  Worship  and  Darkness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Svartsyn  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  fast  and  aggressive  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Dwelling  In  the  Dark  Golden  Age"  "The  Prometheus  Of  Dark  Dreams"  "Agents  Of  Lightbearers"  and  "Offerings  Of  Darkness".  8  out  of  10.

  www.facebook.com/svartsyn666   

  

Svartsyn/Destruction of Man/Nomad Snakepit Productions/2023 Album Re-Issue Review

 

  This  is  a  review  of  an  older  recording  from  Sweden's  Svartsyn  which  showed  the  music  going  for  a  raw,  occult  and  satanic  form  of  black  metal  and  the  album  was  originally  released  in  2003  and  called  "Destruction  Of  Man"  which  will b e  re-issued  in  october,  2023  by  Nomad  Snakepit  Productions.

  Ritualistic  soundscapes  start  off  the  album before  going  into  more  of  a  fast  and  raw  musical  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams.

  A  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  one  track  also  introducing  synths  onto  the  album.

  On  this  recording  Svartsyn  went  for  more  of  a  traditional,  raw,  satanic  and  occult  approach  to  black  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  Left  Hand  Path,  Luciferian,  Satanism,  Anti  Christianity  and  the  writings  of  H.P  Lovecraft.

  In  my  opinion  this  was  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Svartsyn  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  "Archdemon  Of  Binah"  "Devil's  image"  and  "Destruction  of  man".  8 out  of  10.

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Svartsyn/...His Majesty/Nomad Snakepit Productions/2022 Album Re-Issue Review

 

  This  is  another  review  of  an  earlier  recording  from  Sweden's  Svartsyn  which  was  also  in  the  raw  and  satanic  style  of  black  metal,  the  album  was  originally  released  in  2000  and  called  "...His  Majesty"  and  the  re-issue  will  be  released  in  August,  2022  by  Nomad  Snakepit  Productions  and  also  consists  of  1998  ep  "Tormentor"  and  an  unreleased  track  that  never  made  the  recording.

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  very  fast  and  raw  musical  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  some  melodies  at  times.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  guitar  leads  when  they  are  finally  utilized  are  also  done  in  a  very  chaotic  style.  All  of  the  music  sticks  to  a  heavier  direction  along  with  one  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  the  bonus  tracks  also  showing  a  slight  influence  of  thrash  metal  and  one  track  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  keyboards.

  On  this  recording  Svartsyn  brought  in  a  very  raw  style  of  satanic  black  metal  and  was  one  of  the  most  aggressive  releases  that  they  had  released  at  the  time.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Death  Worship,  Darkness  and  Misanthropy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  was  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Svartsyn  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  raw,  old  school  and  satanic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  re-release.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Apocalyptic  Prophecy"  "Nekromantic  Flesh"  and  "Throne  Of  the  Antichrist".  8  out  of  10.

  https://nomadsnakepit.bandcamp.com/album/his-majesty  

Svartsyn/Bloodline/Nomad Snakepit Productions/2022 Album Re-Issue Review

 

  This  is  a  review  of  an  older  recording  from  Sweden's  Svartsyn  which  was  done  in  a  raw  satanic  black  metal  style  and  the  album  was  recorded  in  1997  but  not  released  until  2005  and  called  "Bloodline"  with  the  re-issue  coming  out  in  August,  2022  and  being  released  on  vinyl  with  two  unreleased  bonus  tracks  by  Nomad  Snakepit  Productions.

  Apocalyptic  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  musical  direction  while  the  tremolo  picking  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  along  with  some  melodies  also  being  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  also  add  in  more  of  a  dark,  raw  and  melodic  style  along  with  a  couple  of  tracks  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  as  well  as  a  couple  song  also  adding  in  a  few  seconds of  synths  in  the  background  but  focusing  more  on  a  heavier  style.

  On  this  recording  Svartsyn  remained  true  to  the  raw  and  satanic  style  of  black  metal  that  was  established  on  previous  releases  as  well  as  staying  away  from  the  more  traditional  Swedish  style  of  the  time.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Vampirism,  Death  Worship  and  Darkness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  was  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Svartsyn  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  raw  and  old  school  satanic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  re-issue.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Terrordemon"  "Great  Mysteries  Of  Death"  and  "Witches  Dance  For  Satan".  8  out  of  10.

https://nomadsnakepit.bandcamp.com/album/bloodline

      

  

Svartsyn/Timeless Reign/Nomad Snakepit Productions/2022 Cassette Re-Issue Review

 

  This  is  a  review  of  an  older  album  from  Sweden's  Svartsyn  which  showed  the  music  going  for  more  of  a  satanic  and  occult  style  of  black  metal  and  the  album  was  originally  released  in  2007  and  called  "Timeless  Reign"  and  will  be  re-issued  on  cassette  in  May,  2022  by  Nomad  Snakepit  Productions.

  A  keyboard  orientated  intro  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  melodies  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  tracks  more  of  a  raw  feeling.

  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  The  songs  also  sound  very  modern  for  2007  which  also  showed  some  progress  from  previous  releases  along  with  the  spoken  word  parts  also  giving  the  music  more  of  a  ritualistic  feeling  when  they  are  utilized  as  well  as  the  music  also having  its  atmospheric  moments.

  On  this  recording  Svartsyn  created  something  very  different  form  their  previous  releases  without  losing  any  of  the  raw  aggression  or  darkness  of  earlier  recordings.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Occultism,  Left  Hand  Path  and  Death  Worship  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  was  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Svartsyn  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  occult  and  satanic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  re-issue.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Tehom"  and  "Spiritual  Death".  8 out  of  10.

  https://nomadsnakepit.bandcamp.com/album/timeless-reign  

    

Svartsyn/Live in Rotterdam 1997/Nomad Snakepit Productions/2022 Live Album Review

 

  Sweden's  Svartsyn  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  is  a  live  show  from  the  mid  90's  showing  their  earlier  style  of  satanic  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2022  live  album  "Live  In  Rotterdam  1997"  which  was  released  by  Nomad  Snakepit  Productions.

  A  very  raw  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.  Blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  in  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  audience  reaction  can  be  heard  between  each  song.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  melody  at  times  and  all  of  the  music  also  sticks  to  a  heavier  direction.

  On  this  recording  Svartson  played  a  style  of  satanic  black  metal  that  was  also  very  traditional  sounding .  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  along  with  all  the  songs  being  recorded  live  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Anti  Christianity,  Darkness  and  Death  Worship  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Svartsyn  and  if  you  are  a f an  of  old  school  satanic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  live  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  True  Legend"  and  "The  Great  Mysteries  Of  Death".  8  out  of  10.

https://nomadsnakepit.bandcamp.com/album/live-in-rotterdam-1997    

  

  

Svartsyn/A Night Created By The Shadows... And The Resuscitation Of Unspoken Rituals/Nomad Snakepit/2019 Compilation Album Review

 

  Svartsyn  are  a  solo  project  from  Sweden  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  satanic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2019  compilation  album  "A  Night  Created  By  the  Shadows...  And  The  Resuscitation  Of  Unspoken  Rituals"  which  was  released  by  Nomad  Snakepit.

  A  very  dark  and  ritualistic  sounding  intro  starts  off  the  compilation  along  with  a  brief  use  of  synths  while  also  introducing  grim  yet  pitched  black  metal  screams  into  the  music,  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  as  well  as  the  riffs  also  adding  in  some  melodies.

  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.  The  tracks  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

 When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style,  synths  also  make  a  return  on  some  of  the  later  tracks  along  with  the  music  also  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in a  mixture  of  English  and  Swedish  and  cover  Satanism,  occultism,  Death  Worship,  Darkness  and  Misanthropy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  collectron  from  Svartsyn  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  satanic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  compilation.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Upon  The  Throne"  The  Great  Mysteriis  Of  Death"  "Under  the  Devil's  Moon"  and  "Dark  Kingdom".  8  out  of  10.

https://nomadsnakepit.bandcamp.com/album/a-night-created-by-the-shadows-and-the-resuscitation-of-unspoken-rituals  

  

Svartsyn Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the musical project since the recording of the new album? - i have been working on this new album on and off for about 2 years so i have been tied up with that album for some time. finally i can start working on new ideas. i do working on something which is not far from finished. as it is right there is no recording dates or anything. probably in december we have something. all i can say is that it revolves around Chalice. old material, unreleased songs from the Chalice time will be recorded together with new trax.

2.You have a new album coming out in October, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past? - i have been working hard to not make not sound like Svartsyn. new set of ideas, new style of riffs. Not to repeat myself. this is the first album in like 8 years or so that doesnt revolves arround me and my spiritual experiences. this new album is written as a Requiem. a Requeim in 5 acts, eventhough there is 6 traxer the 5th track work as a prologue ,or what u say, to the last track Little horn. a Requeim. A spiritual journey through The destruction of the western civilization and the rise of Antichrist.

3.When I listened to the new album it sounds like a completely different band from the earlier albums without losing more aggression and very modern, do you fell it is very important to progress as a musician instead of doing the same type of album over and over again? - i hear so many band these day that the are working with the same style of riffs, same production style. not renewing themselfs, production-wise or whatever. for me its important to reset after each album. to have new ideas in all ways. production, sound, style of riffs. like i said i have been working hard make it not sound like Svartsyn. but here i am with a new album which i think sound exactly like a new Svartsyn album. Not sound like any of the older album, but new.  that's my musical identity.

4.Can you tell us a little bit more about the lyrical topics you explore on the new album and also how would you describe your progress as a songwriter over the years? - its a spiritual journey through the destruction of western civilization and the rise of Antichrist. heavily influenced by bible prophecy. my music witting was been since the beginning very focused, but i think over the years the depth and spiritual have increased.

5.You also have mentioned an interest in Satanism, Sumerian Mythology, Zecharia Stitchin and other forms of occultism and esoteric paths, can you tell us a little bit more about this interest and also how have your views evolved over the years? - yes i have been reading much about different stuff and of course it manifests through my music. since my heartoperation my spiritual search have become more direct focus. With the albums Black testament, Nightmarish sleep and In death. my search have come to an end.

6.I know that the bands name means 'pessimism' in Swedish, how does this name fit in with the musical style that you play? - When Chalice came to an end, i was thinking how to go on. The word Svartsyn came to me as it was meant to be. Svartsyn is negatively charged and fits perfectly the atmosphere it exude.

7.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover? - We wanted to have something that could represent the decline of the civilization. and the rise of Antichrist. The spiritual rise of Antichrist. Chadwick St John did the artwork for us.

8.The band has been around since the early 1990's, what is it that motivates you to keep writing and creating music  after almost 30 years? - its a spiritual drive. something that comes from within. when we started out almost 30 years ago. we were inspired by the early Norwegian scene. Burzum, early Emperor, dark throne, immortal, thorns, mayhem. emperor and immortal for example haven't released their first albums yet. especially thorns and burzum inspired us. and of course Mayhem and tormentor. their music was without structure. that was what drove us. and still today this drives me. not many bands of today impresses me. but the early Norwegian bands did and still does.

9.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance? - Svartsyn haven't been playing live for 20 years. Last time Svartsyn entered the stage was at the Under the black sun festival in Germany 2000. we had limited material back then and today shows would have been different. more material to choose from. i tried to look for live session musicians for a while, didn't find what i was looking for. the line up we played with in 1997 was a great line up. that was the ultimate Svartsyn line up. times are different today and seeing svartsyn live today will never happen.
10.You have over the years done this band as a solo project but have also recorded with other musicians over the years, which one do you prefer? - me and Hammerman have a good collaboration and it works perfect for us. this is how it is now. working with other musicians in the rehears room is different where u can try and work on ideas. but now u have to be focused right from the start and be very prepared.

11.The new album is coming out on 'Carnal Records' which you have worked with in the past, what was the decision behind returning back to this label after working with 'Agonia Records'for the past decade? - Our contract with Agonia records came to an end and My first choice for Requiem was to have it released by Carnal records. we have worked with Carnal records before and know them very well.

12.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your newer music by fans of black metal? - i am not very active on social media so its hard to tell. of course i hear from some people here and there and read some reviews. overall the responses have been good.

13.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future? - i am working on one project at the moment. any further than that i can not see. i always work like the album/project would be the last. so i cant see anything beyond.

14.What are some of the bands or musical styles that you are listening to nowadays? - i really do listen to much music. but when i do it will be most older Death metal like early Morbid angel, early Bolt thrower, Napalm death. And Black metal. very seldom i check out new band or that i found interesting. so i keep myself to the bands i are familiar with.

15.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts? - thanx for the interview and be sure to check out Requiem that's out on 30th october. and also check out for previous albums as well. thanks 

facebook.com/svartsyn666

Svartsyn/Requiem/Carnal Records/2020 CD Review

  Svartsyn  are  a  band  from  Sweden  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  satanic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  album  "Requiem"  which  will  be  released  in  October  by  Carnal  Records.

  A  very  dark  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams.  All  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style.

  When  the  music  speeds  up a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  music  also  bringing  in  more  of  a  modern  style,  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  whole  album  also  sticks  to  a  heavier  musical  direction  and  melodic  chants  can  also  be  heard  briefly  towards  the  end.

  On  this  recording  Svartsyn  plays  more  of  a  modern  style  of  satanic  black  metal  that  is  very  different  from  their  earlier  material  which  was  more  of  a  raw  Swedish  style  but  still  very  aggressive  style  and  expanding  their  music  to  another  level.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  destruction  of  western  civilization  and  the  rise  of  the  Antichrist  and  his  eternal  kingdom.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  Svartsyn  and  if  you are  a  fan  of  satanic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Inner  Demonic  Rise"  and  "Soiritual  Subjection".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/svartsyn666

https://youtu.be/PeyzJIrtvjE

Svartsyn/The True Legend/Folter Records/1998 CD Review

  Svartsyn  are  a  band  from  Sweden  that  plays  a  very  fast,  raw  and  primitive  form  of  satanic  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  1998  album  "The  True  Legend"  which  was  released  by  Folter  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  a  good  amount  of  blast  beats  being  thrown  into  the  music,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  is  coming  out  of  the  guitars  and  at  times  they  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  for  the  synths  when  they  are  utilized  briefly  they  have  a  very  dark,  atmospheric  and  evil  sound  to them.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  black  metal  riffs  that  utilize  some  dark  sounding  melodies  at  times  as  well  as  some  thrash  influences  in  the  riffing  and  there  are  no  guitar  solos  or  leads  present  on  this  recording.

  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  and    high  pitched  black  metal  screams  with  some  deep  demonic  growls  being  utilized  at  times  as  well as  a  brief  use  of  clean  singing  female  chanting,  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Darkness  and  Anti  Christian  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  dark,  raw  and  primitive  sound  to  it  while  you  can  still  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.

  In  my  opinion  Svartsyn  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw  and  primitive  satanic  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  style,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  True  Legend"  "The  Snake  In  The  Garden  Of  Eden"  and  "Under  The  Devil's  Moon".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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