Echoes Of Gloom/The Mind's Eternal Storm/ATMF/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Echoes  Of  Gloom  are  a  solo  project  from  Australia  that  plays  a  very  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2025  album  "The  Mind's  Eternal  Storm"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  ATMF.

  Synths  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times  while  some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  recording  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats.

  When  tremolo  picking  is  added  into  the  faster  riffing  they  also  give  the  music  more  of  a raw  feeling  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  angry  sounding  black  metal  screams.  At  times  the  album  also  goes  into  a  symphonic  direction  along with  the  solos  and  leads  also  bringing  in  more  of  a  melodic  post  metal  style.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  elements  of  doom  metal.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.  The  clean  sections  also  add  in  touches  of  shoegaze  and  also  takes  the  album  into  more  of  a  progressive  direction  and  clear  singing  can  also  be  heard  at  times.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  arcane  and  eternal.

  In  my  opinion  Echoes  Of  Gloom  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Immortality  Manifested"  and  "Wanderer  Of  The  Mind's  Eternal  Storm".  8  out  of  10.

  https://echoesofgloom.bandcamp.com/album/the-minds-eternal-storm

https://metalodyssey.8merch.com/product/echoes-of-gloom-the-minds-eternal-storm-cd-pre-order/

       

Amenspear/All My Gods Are Dying/2025 Full length Review

 

  Amenspear  are  a  solo  project  from  New  York  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  very  progressive  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2025  album  "All  My  Gods  Are  Dying"  which  will  be  released  on  August  22nd.

  A  very  heavy  yet  aggressive  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams.  When  clean  playing  and  synths  are  utilized  they  also  take  the  music  into  more  of  a  progressive  direction  along  with  some  death  metal  growls  also  being  used  at  times.

  Some  of  the  slower  riffing  also  shows  an  influence  of  doom  metal  while  some  of  the  tracks  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  clear  singing.  Some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  recording  more  of  a  raw  feeling.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well as  some  of  the  music  also  bringing  in  elements  of  groove  metal  and  alternative  rock,  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  inner  struggles.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Amenspear  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  progressive  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "All  my  Gods  Are  Dying"  "Our  Leady  of  Sorrows"  and  "The  Letter".  8  out  of  10.

  https://amenspear.bandcamp. com/

https://www.instagram.com/ amenspearband

Akouphenom/Connections To The Erebus /Unorthodox Emanations/2025 EP Review

 

  Spain's  Akouphenom  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  an  aggressive  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  ep  "Connections  To  The  Erebus"  which  was  released  by  Unorthodox  Emanations.

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  ep  before  going  into  a  very  fast  and  raw  musical  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  while  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  some  of  the  riffing  also  adds  in  a  small  amount  of  melody.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  bringing  in  more  of  an  extreme  black/death  metal  style,  elements  of  doom  metal  are  also  added  into  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  and  keyboards  are  introduced  on  the  closing  track  which  is  also  an  instrumental.

  On  this  recording  Akouphenon  goes  for  a  very  modern  and  aggressive  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Spanish  and  cover  existential  dread  and  mortality.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Akouphenon  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Absurd  Of  The  Arkhe"  and  "Abismo".  8  out  of  10.

https://linktr.ee/akouphenom
https://akouphenom.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Sds5s7jYPS5iOfQebawN3
https://www.facebook.com/share/1C4w51HvMV/
https://www.instagram.com/akouphenom

  

Esoctrilihum/Ghostifmatah - Spiritual Rites Of The Psychopomp Abxulöm/I, Voidhanger Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Frances's  solo  project  Esoctrilihum  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  symphonic,  psychedelic  and  esoteric  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2025  album  "Ghostifmatah  -  Spiritual  Rites  Of  The  Psychopomp  Abxulöm"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  i,  Voidhanger  Records.

  A  very  fast  and  raw  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Symphonic  sounding  synths  also  mix  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Death  metal  growls  are  also  utilized  at  times  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  clear  singing  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  album  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.

 Organs  are  also  added  on  a  few  tracks  along  with  some  songs  also  mixing  in  Theremin's,  harp's,  kanteles,  hammered  dulcimer's  and  nyckelharpa  as  well  as  the  recording  also  having  its  psychedelic  moments,  the  slower  sections  of  the  album  also  add  in  a  touch  of  doom  metal  and  at  times  the  music  also  gets  very  ritualistic  sounding.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  a  concept  album  that  is  divided  into  4  chapters  and  based  on  the  secret  grimoire  of  the  Ghostifmatah.  

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Esoctrilihum  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  symphonic,  psychedelic  and  esoteric  black  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Hark!  The  Bewitched  Temple  Of  The  Red  Harbinger  Is  Calling  The  Dead  To  Gather"  "Hypnotic  Danse  Macabre  Of  The  Blind  Noctivagants"  "Saturnal  Towers  Of  The  Mighty  Scarlet  Moon  Upon  The  Black  Universe"  and  "Mauled,  Swallowed  And  Dissolved  into  Nothingness  By  The  8  Eyed  Psychopomp".  8  out  of  10.

  https://i-voidhangerrecords.bandcamp.com/album/ghostigmatah-spiritual-rites-of-the-psychopomp-abxulo-m          

Dusk/Repoka/2025 EP Review

 

  Costa  Rico's  Dusk  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  an  atmospheric  and  industrial  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2025  ep  "Repoka"  which  will  be  released  in  August.

  Industrial  soundscapes  and  beats  start  off  the  ep  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  Spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  on  a  few  tracks  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding  while  the  harsh  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  along  with  the  tracks  also  adding  in a   good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  

Elements  of  doom  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  recording.  Synths  are  also  utilized  at  times  and  all  of  the  drum  beats  are  also  programmed  as  well  as  the  closing  track  also  being  a  Slayer  cover. The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  shamanism,  demons  and  darkness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  from  Dusk  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  and  industrial  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Dark  Shaman"  and  "Raining  Blood".  8  out  of  10.

  https://linktr.ee/dusk27  

   

Mysthicon/Bieśń/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Mysthicon  are  a  band  from  Poland  that  plays  a  very  old  school  form  of  black  metal  with  progressive,  death  and  doom  metal  elements  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2025  album  "Bieśń"  which  will  be  released  in  September.

  Nature  orientated  soundscapes  and  keyboards  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  spoken  words  a  few  seconds  later  which  evolve  into  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.

  Death  metal  growls  can  also  be  heard  at  times  while  elements  of  doom  metal  are  also  added  into  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs.  The  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  along  with  the  clean  sections  also  taking  the  music  into  more  of  a  progressive  direction  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  music  also  being  very  heavily  influenced  by  the  old  school  era.  Clear  singing  can  also  be  heard  at  times  as  well  as  some  of  the  tracks  also  being  long  and  epic  in  length,  some  songs  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  acoustic  guitars  and  hurdy-gurdy,  the  album  closes  with  a  Lux  Occulta  cover.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  stories,  songs  and  legends  from  the  Dukla  region  and  its  surroundings.

  In  my  opinion  Mysthicon  are  a  very  great  sounding  progressive  black  metal  band  with  elements  of  doom  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Shapes"  and  "The  Storyteller".  8 out  of  10.

  https://mysthicon.bandcamp.com/album/bie

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/mysthicon/bie

https://youtu.be/Zob7hGIloDk

Facebook | Bandcamp | Youtube  

  

Bok/Mors Gregis/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Bok  are  a  solo  project  from  Netherlands  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  very  raw  form  of  black  metal  with  elements  of  doom,  thrash  metal,  post  punk  and  electronic  music  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2025  album  "Mors  Gregis"  which  will  be  released  on  August  29th.

  Dark  sounding  synths  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  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  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.

  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Electronic  sounds  are  also  utilize  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  along  with  the  slower  sections  of  the  album  also  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  doom  metal.

  Elements  of  post  punk  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  also  adding  in  influences  of  thrash  metal  as  well  as  some  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  goth  rock  style  vocals  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  a  couple  of  songs  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  spoken  words.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  anti  religion  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Bok  and  if  you  are  fan  of  raw  black  metal  with  elements  of  doom,  thrash  metal,  post  punk  and  electronic  music,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Doctrine  OF  The  Sulphur  Kiss"  "The  Bearer  And  The  Harlot"  and  "Specs  altera  vitae".  8  out  of  10.

  bokfoad.bandcamp.com

instagram.com/bokfoad

facebook.com/bokfoad        

Krigsgrav/Stormcaller/Willowtip Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Dallas,  Texas's  Krigsgrav  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  an  atmospheric  form  of  blackened  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Stormcaller"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  Willowtip  Records.

  A  very  slow,  dark  and  heavy  doom  metal  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  melody.  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  When  tremolo  picking  is  added  into  the  fast  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.  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding  along  with  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  clear  singing  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  album  and  a  couple  of  songs  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of clean  playing  as  well  as  one  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  words.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  death,  nature  and  philosophy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Krigsgrav  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  blackened  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Huntress  Of  The  Fire  Moon"  "None  Shall  Remember  Your  Name"  and  "Womb-Death-Dawn".  8  out  of  10.

  https://linktr.ee/Krigsgrav        

Amphisbaena/Rift/I, Voidhanger Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Amphisbaena  are  a  band  from  Edmonton,  Alberta,  Canada  that  plays  a  very  progressive  and  dissonant  mixture  of  black,  doom  and  death  metal  with  elements  of  ambient  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Rift"  which  will  be  released  in  August  by  I,  Voidhanger  Records.

  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  the  vocals  also  add  in  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and    grim  black  metal  screams.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in  elements  of  doom  metal.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  brutal  sounding  blast  beats.  At  times  the  recording  also  goes  into  more  of  a  progressive  direction  and  one  of  the  tracks  is   also  an  instrumental.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  album  also  having  its  dissonant  moments.  When  tremolo  picking  is  added  into  the  faster  riffing  they  also  give  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  as  well  as  some  tracks  also  adding  in  touches  of  ambient  and  harsh  noise,  chants  and  synths  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  cosmic  horror,  mystical  revelation  and  mechanized  post  human  transcendence.  

  In  my  opinion  Amphisbaena  are  a  very  great  sounding  dissonant  and  progressive  mixture  of  black,  doom  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Wading  The  Deserts  Of  Earth"  "Braying  Of  70,000"  and  "Exponentially  Falling... Upward".  8  out  of  10.

  https://i-voidhangerrecords.bandcamp.com/album/rift    

Malthusian/The Summoning Bell/Relapse Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Ireland's  Malthusian  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  mixture  of  black,  doom  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "The  Summoning  Bell"  which  will  be  released  in  August  by  Relapse  Records.

  Dark  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction while  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  along  with  some  of  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  chaotic  style.

  Vocals  are  mostly  cavernous  death  metal  growls  mixed  in  with  a  few  black  metal  screams  while  the  album  also  has  its  brutal  moments.  Elements  of  doom  metal  are  also  added  into  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  along  with  the  recording  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them,  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  one  track  also  adds  in  a  small  amount  of  spoken  words.

  On  this  recording  Malthusian  goes  for  more  of  a  modern  mixture  of  black,  doom  and  death  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  existential  dread,  death  and  darkness.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Malthusian  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  doom  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Read,  Waiting"  "The  Summoning  Bell"  and  "In  Chaos,  Exult".  8  out  of  10.

  https://malthusian.bandcamp. com

https://www.facebook.com/ malthusianDM  

https://www.instagram.com/ malthusianire    

Apocalyptic Leaders/Self Titled/2025 EP Review

 

  Greece's  solo  project  Apocalyptic  Leaders  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  an  instrumental,  atmospheric,  melodic  and  raw  form  of  black  metal  with  elements  of  doom  metal  and  dungeon  synth  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  titled  and  self  released  2025  ep.

  A  very  dark  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  ep  while  the  solo  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast beats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  recording  more  of  a  raw  feeling  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding  while  the  synths  also  add  in  elements  of  dungeon  synth  and  orchestral  touches.  The  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  a  couple  of  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  influences  of  doom  metal  and  crust  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  ep.

  On  this  recording  Apocalyptic  leaders  brings  in  3  tracks  of  raw,  melodic  and  atmospheric  black  metal  along  with  2  dungeon  synth  tracks  as  well  as  keeping  everything  instrumental  while  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw.  

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Apocalyptic  Leaders  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  raw,  melodic  and  atmospheric  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "I"  and  "V".  8  out  of  10.

   https://apocalypticleaders.bandcamp.com/album/apocalyptic-leaders    

Ultima Necat/Fragments Of Pain/205 EP Review

 

  Ultima  Necat  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  plays  an  occult  mixture  of  black,  death  and  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2025  ep  "Fragments  Of  Pain".

  A  very  dark  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  solos  and  leads  bring  in  more  of  a  melodic  and  dissonant  style.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  and  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  are  heavily  rooted  in  doom  metal.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  All  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  some  death  metal  growls  also  being  utilized  at  times,  the  recording  also  has  its  atmospheric  and  psychedelic  moments. 

   Throughout  the  ep  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  one  song  also  introduces  clear  chants  and  melodic  singing  into  the  music  as  well  as  some  clean  playing  also  being  utilized  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism  and  Death  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Ultima  Necat  are  a  very  great  sounding  occult  mixture  of  black,  doom  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "II".  8  out  of  10.

  https://inaeternam.bandcamp.com/album/fragments-of-pain

https://www.facebook.com/UltimaNecatOfficial
https://www.instagram.com/ultimanecatdeath?igsh=bDBsNnhpdnhiYjRn

https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/artist/2RwN3mkcnuXnyjUva6N57Y        

Abigorum/Foretaste Of Justice/Satanath Records/Vegvisir Distribution/No Balls Records/Fetzner Death Records/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Russia/Germany's   Abigorum  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  mixture  of  black  and  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "Foretaste  Of  Justice"  which  was  released  as  a  joint  effort  between  Satanath,  No  Balls,  Fetzner  Death  Records  and  Vegvisir  Distribution.

  Drum  beats  and  keyboards  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  the  slower  sections  of  the  recording  are  more  rooted  in  doom  metal.  Clear  vocals  can  also  be  heard  at  times  while  the  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  done  in  more  of  a  melancholic  yet  melodic  style  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  some  melodies.

  Harsh  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  A  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  one  song  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  female  vocals  and  the  whole  album  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction,  spoken  word  samples  are  also  added  on  the  outro.  

  On  this  recording  Abigorum  moves  away  from  the  ambient  and  experimental  elements  of  earlier  releases  and  focuses  more  on  a  blackened  doom  metal  style.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Enlightenment,  Death  and  Cosmos.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Abogorum  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  blackened  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  'The  Blood  Flame"  "The  Call  of  The  Desperate  Mountains"  and  "Sometime  is  Now".  8  out  of  10.

  https://satanath.bandcamp.com/album/sat382-abigorum-foretaste-of-justice-2024

  In      

Electromancy/Visions Of Utopia/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Oakland,  California's  Electromancy  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  an  experimental  mixture  of  black,  doom  and  death  metal  with  the  aid  of  robots  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2025  album  "Visions  of  Utopia"  which  will  be  released  in  September.

  A  very  distorted  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  spoken  words  a  few  seconds  later.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while t he  vocals  also  add  in  a  lot  of  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  at  times  the  music  also  gets  very  avant  garde  and  experimental  sounding.

  Death  metal  growls  can  also  be  heard  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  album  while  a  lot  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  Electronic  and  robot  sounds  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  recording  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style,  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast beats  can  be  heard.

When  tremolo  picking  is  added  into  the  faster  riffing  they  also  give  the  recording  more  of  a  raw  feeling  as  well  as  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  bringing  in  elements  of  doom  metal  and  throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear a   good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  synths  can  also  be  heard  at  times.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  queer  identity,  grief  and  radical  strength.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Electromancy  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  experimental  black,  doom  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Utopic  Visions"  and  "Thriving  Ctborg".  8  out  of  10.

  Website: https://www.robotmetalband.com/

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/robotmetalband

Bandcamp: https://electromancy.bandcamp.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf5ibaDYgdr4DMw6m7Kg-Rg

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/35z3NAqjlymF9wUPREF92J?si=qOpGJoZzTmSF7dFKI4PpDw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robotmetalband/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RobotMetalBand

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobotMetalBand

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/robotmetalband

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@robotmetalband

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/electromancy/1517326510   

  

Fallen Short Interview

 

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

I'm a sludge/black metal project, but I pull influence from all kinds of music. It spawned out of a shitty year where my depression was taking over and I had to find a way to let that out. It turned into 7 songs that I put together called Hollow Screams of a Withering Soul.

2.In May you had released your first full length, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

Similar to the first answer. I listen to a lot black metal, sludge and doom influenced music so I tend to play into those styles. There are some bands that I think just audibly recreate the feeling of suffering in a way that's almost tactile, and I wanted to accomplish something similar with Hollow Screams. I tend to lean into more melody so I don't think I hit the unadulterated rage of say Hell, Body Void or Indian, but I do think I hit the melancholy, depression and frustration that's an overlying feature of my life. That's a more accurate message from me anyway.

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

The lyrics are about my life and personal struggles with depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. This can reach out into broader topics like the collapse of society, religious zealots, the police state, etc. Life is inevitably affected by the world around us. The wording is somewhat vague and I think that leaves it open to the interpretation of the person listening. Even songs like "Culling the Flock" which was intentionally written in more of a story format is still open ended. What may have very specific meaning to me, and bring back particular memories or emotions may resonate for a completely different reason for someone else. Part of what draws me to this kind of music is the feeling that if other people are making music that sounds like I feel maybe it's not just me, and I hope I can provide that small comfort to someone else.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Fallen Short'?

It was simple, impactful and accurate. I feel like I'm constantly falling short of goals, falling short of the expectations of people I respect, falling short of what could have been. Living in a malaise of never being enough.

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

When I was trying to put together the artwork I wanted to find something that accurately represented the message I'm attempting to get across. I came across this piece that was listed under creative commons called Rue de la Vieille lanterne (The Suicide of Gérard de Nerval) by Gustave Doré. Between the pencil style that's both messy feeling at spots but filled with detail in others, the representation of suicide in the greyscale color, it was perfect as soon as I saw it.

6.With this project you record everything by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer to work solo?

I'm absolutely open to the idea. The issue for me is time, the nature of my job makes it difficult to commit to specific times consistently. I'm frequently out of town, and could be working early morning or into the night any day of the week. The biggest benefit to working solo is it happens when I have time and am creatively there to do it. Solo is also nice because it's my voice. Fallen Short is a pure representation of my artistic expression. That said I'd love to do a split or something similar with like minded artists.

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

I'm open to the idea but haven't received any interest or sought it out.

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

It's only been for a couple weeks now, and I've only been promoting it publicly for a couple months, but it's been generally positive. I'm still somewhat shocked that people around the world have listened to it at all. Considering the music was made out of desperation to an extent, the fact that it's resonating with some people is pretty cool.

9.Do you have any experience playing in other bands or musical projects?

I've played in bands on and off for a little under 20 years. Primarily punk and metal, nothing that gained traction, but I've met some really cool people over the years through playing. Even when I'm not in bands I'm always been fucking around with stuff.

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

I expect to keep making music as Fallen Short. Outside of my body giving out I don't think I'll ever stop playing, music is the fuel that lets me keep moving through life's bullshit. I have the skeleton of a new song started, but I'm focused more on trying to push attention to this album at the moment. It's speculation, but I'd like to have something ready by the end of next year, maybe early 2027. 

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

Lately I'd say it's primarily been metal in a similar vein to what I've been playing. I've really gotten into Grima, I love the folk instruments they integrate into their songs and the guitar harmonies are incredible on Nightside. I recently revisited Portal's Vexovoid and found that it hits a lot harder for me now, they stay on the edge of being uncomfortable in the best way, it's a feeling I strive to be able to create. Primitive Man does something similar for me, those dudes make some of the most punishing music on the planet and I find myself always looking forward to more, when I mentioned music that is so nasty it has a tactile feeling this is one of the bands I think of. I think Ghost Baths new album Rose Thorn Necklace is fantastic, as a DSBM fan it hits all the right spots for me.I recently discovered Svartidaudi and have really enjoyed the Revelations of the Red Sword album even if they aren't active. Aara, Lord Mantis, Selbst, Amenra, Body Void, Neurosis, Deathspell Omega, Shining. Between trying to find new artists and going back to the well of music I already like I could go on forever not even touching on genres outside of metal that I enjoy.

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

I appreciate you taking the time to talk to me and the positive words about the music. If anyone reading this hasn't checked out "Hollow Screams of a Withering Soul" please do. If you fuck with it CDs and cassettes are on Bandcamp, hoping to have vinyl by the end of the year. Thanks again.

1. Instagram
2. YouTube
3. tiktok.com

Profane Elegy/Herezjarcha/2026 Full Length Review

 

  Profane  Elegy  are  a  band  from  Pennsylvania  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  very  atmospheric  and  melodic  form  of  black  metal  with  elements  of  doom,  death  and  progressive  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  album  "Herezjarcha"  which  will  be  released  in  2026.

  A  very  dark,  fast  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  tremolo  picking  is  added  into  some  of  the  fast  riffing  and  also  gives  the  recording  more  of  a  raw  feeling  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  clear  singing  can  also  be  heard  at  times.  Elements  of  doom  metal  are  also  added  into  the  slower  sections  of  the  album  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  the  album  also  mixes  in  a  lot  of  death  metal  growls,  some  of  the  tracks  also  mix  in  a  small  amount  of  orchestral  sounds  and  clean  playing  as  well  as  the  album  also  having  its  progressive  moments.

  On  this  recording  Profane  Elegy  goes  for  more  of  an  atmospheric,  melodic  and  progressive  style  of  black  metal  as  well  as  mixing  in  elements  of  doom,  death  metal  and  orchestra  sounds  to  create  a  very  diverse  album.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  nihilism,  mortality,  philosophy  and  religious  symbolism.  

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Profane  Elegy  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric,  melodic  and  progressive  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Exeunt  Omnes"  "As  My  Heart  Turns  To  Ash"  and  "And  Then  We  Are  Gone".  8  out  of  10.

  

• Bandcamp: https://profaneelegy.bandcamp.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Profane-Elegy/100092367915270/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/profane_elegy/
• Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/profaneelegy666
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@profaneelegy-23?si=OGKGak-ibt4gl7vK
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/68ATD5yRmlH8jtbdZQzVFy?si=4THaO3qZRQaWLZUCvS4N1Q
• Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/profane-elegy/1687009599
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@profaneelegy

Fallen Short/Hollow Screams Of A Withering Soul/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Fallen  Short  are  a  solo  project  from  Detroit,  Michigan  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2025  album  "Hollow  Screams  Of  A  Withering  Soul".

  Keyboards  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  elements  of  sludge  and  doom  metal.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  which  also  gives  the  recording  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing   along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  on  a  couple  of  tracks.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  survival,  depression  and  societal  collapse.

  In  my  opinion  Fallen  Short  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  mixture  of  black,  sludge,  doom  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Hollow  Screams  Of  A  Withering  Soul"  "Growing  Bitter"  and  "Culling  the  Flock".  8  out  of  10.

  Bandcamp - https://fallenshortmetal.bandcamp.com/album/hollow-screams-of-a-withering-soul

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/album/6uBACCAI19nEzHLizTA1nP

Apple - https://music.apple.com/us/album/hollow-screams-of-a-withering-soul/1805197315

Youtube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVDFgZiefQBtKqH1KdclIazUJo3B0cH4Q&si=O49lGe-J1cum6GON  

Blood Brain Barrier Interview

 

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

 This project manifested as a result of our need to merge our vast pool of musical influences. Isabelle (vocalist) and I (guitars/drums/bass/production) enjoy a lot of underground bands from different sub-genres of metal ranging from progressive metal to sludge, doom and black metal. We also play in 2 other death metal projects (Mors Verum and Ischemic). However we wanted to have full control over our song writing and management, which then led us to form Blood Brain Barrier. I had a few songs written already but needed the heavy touch of Isabelle’s vocals to complete the sonic landscape.

 

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

So for this EP, we wanted to combine the trance-inducing elements of black metal with heaviness of doom and sludge. Everything recorded and mixed was kept as organic as possible because we love the sounds of analogue gear. I wanted this EP to have its own vibe that would justify the convergence of the above-mentioned sub genres of metal. 

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

 Lyrically and thematically, we like to explore the fractured borderlands between the physical and the metaphysical—where inner turmoil mirrors societal collapse, and spiritual decay reflects in ecological ruin. We’ve always been fans of abstract concepts—identity dissolution, entropy, liminality, and psychic fragmentation—and find that these themes often echo real-world anxieties and existential dread. 

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Blood Brain Barrier'?

 Blood Brain Barrier, in real life, is a permeable membrane that separates the brain's microenvironment from the bloodstream, protecting it from harmful substances while allowing essential nutrients to enter. This is within us and as humans, we don’t realise its function, as it is autonomous. Just like other realms that we may not be otherwise aware of in our current cosmic environment. It may be performing the same function as the Blood Brain Barrier performs in our bodies, keeping harmful entities away and only letting the essential energies in our lives. However, in the context of this project, we like to explore all the harmful entities that are trying to break through this barrier. 

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

The artwork was inspired by the title of this EP: “Windows Drenched in Red”. I designed the artwork myself in order to stay true to how I feel when I listen to our EP. The artwork represents the paradox of curiosity from both, the human and the abstract realms. They both want to explore each other, only realizing that this exploration in itself is a futile cause which will eventually pulverize them into non - existence.

 6.Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you open to expanding the line up or do you prefer to remain a duo?

 For song writing and the creative process, we will always remain a duo. However, if we go on a tour or play live, we are surely going to have a full band with 2 guitarists and a bassist, while I handle the drumming duties and Isabelle does her vocals. 

7.Are there any plans for live shows in the future?

 Yes, we would love to go on a mini-tour later this year and/or next year sometime. We plan to reach bands in similar realms from Canada who may be interested to tour with us. Our ideal pick, locally, would be Thantifaxath, Tomb Mold, etc. We will surely update everyone through our social media accounts if and when the tour is set up and ready to go. 

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

We are open to merge with a label if it is a symbiotic relationship.

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

 Well, this is our debut release, so we haven’t reached as many fans as we would hope to. But time will tell.

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

You can expect a full length in a year’s time from this release. I am always in the studio working away on my ideas. So a full-length is already brewing as we speak. Musically, we are aiming to build more on the trance-inducing elements of sound and something that can take the listener on a unique journey, while listening to us in their day to day life or when we play 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? 

When it comes to song writing aspects, I heavily lean on Steven Wilson’s (Porcupine Tree) essence. Sonically however, I love the all-encompassing, enveloping and reverberating sounds of bands like Ruins of Beverast, Yellow Eyes, Krallice, Thou and Wolves in the Throne Room etc. Nowadays, we usually listen to Ozric Tentacles, Dead Congregation, Opeth, Mortiferum and Spectral Voice.

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

 Thank you for featuring us on your website. We would love to hear what your readers think of our music and we are very approachable if anyone wants to reach out to us through our Instagram: @bloodbrainbarrier_metal. We hope, our music is inspirational to other musicians in terms of experimenting with songwriting and is also able to take the listener on their own journey.