Funerarium 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?

Kardec: Since recording Sanguine Ascension, things have been moving forward for Funerarium. One of the biggest developments has been signing with Adipocere Records, a label that has had a significant influence on my musical journey. Having this album released by Adipocere is a real honor for me.

At the moment, I am focusing on promoting the album and preparing for its release in November 2026. I am very proud of this new album and hope it will reach new listeners and introduce them to the world of Funerarium.

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

Kardec: In the early days of Funerarium, my lyrical themes were primarily focused on parapsychology, poltergeist phenomena, and the question of whether the soul survives after death. These subjects have always fascinated me, as they explore the mysteries that lie beyond our perception of reality and the boundaries between life and death.

However, there has always been another passion burning deep within me: the world of vampires. This dark and fascinating universe has captivated me since my youth, and I eventually felt the need to step away from familiar paths and explore it through my music.

In 2025, I released Vampirizare Eterna, my first album entirely dedicated to vampiric themes. This experience was a turning point for Funerarium. It allowed me to fully embrace this universe and realize just how much creative inspiration I could draw from it.

With Sanguine Ascension, I continue to explore this path, delving deeper into the darkness, the mythology, and the eternal fascination surrounding vampires. For me, it is more than a simple change of lyrical direction; it is the discovery of another part of my inner world, one that has always been there, waiting to find its expression through music. I believe this evolution gives Funerarium a new dimension while remaining faithful to the dark atmosphere and spirit that have always defined the project.

3.Since 2018 you have released a great amount of material, do you spend a lot of time writing and creating music?

Kardec: Yes, absolutely. Music is a very important part of my life, and I spend a great deal of time composing and developing new ideas. Since the creation of Funerarium in 2018, I have released a large amount of material, as I have always felt a strong need to create and express myself through music.

I compose everything myself, from the guitar riffs and melodies to the atmospheres that shape each release. I also play all the instruments, apart from the programmed drums. For me, composing is a very personal process. Ideas can come to me at any moment, and when inspiration strikes, I feel the need to capture it and give it life.

Funerarium is more than just a musical project; it is a way of expressing my inner world, my passions, and the things that fascinate me. I don't want to force creativity, but music has always been a constant presence in my life. As long as I have something to express, I will keep creating.

4.On the new album you cover the Malkavians and Vampirism, can you tell us a little bit more about the research you put into the lyrics and the songwriting for the new recording?

Kardec:  My inspiration for the Malkavian clan comes from the Vampire role-playing game, which I played extensively. What has always fascinated me about this clan is its extreme unpredictability. They are among the most bloodthirsty and dangerous vampires, but what makes them truly terrifying is their unstable and uncontrollable nature.

A Malkavian could be your best friend, your partner, or even your employee, someone you trust and consider part of your everyday life. Then, without warning, everything can change. They can suddenly descend into madness and spill blood. You never really know what goes on inside their minds or what might trigger their next outburst of violence.

I took this original concept and developed it into my own fictional narrative, setting it in Eastern Europe during the eighteenth century. Against this historical backdrop, the Malkavian clans begin to emerge from the shadows and decimate the surrounding human populations, spreading terror and bloodshed throughout the region.

I wanted to transpose the disturbing nature of these vampires into a darker historical setting, drawing on the atmosphere of that period and the mysterious lands of Eastern Europe. This allowed me to transform my initial inspiration from the role-playing game into a universe of my own, which I could bring to life through the lyrics and musical atmosphere of Sanguine Ascension.

5.On previous albums you covered ancient  astronauts, parapsychology, paranormal phenomena and spiritism, how would you describe your interest in these topics?

Kardec: I have always been deeply fascinated by everything that lies beyond our understanding of reality. I am naturally curious about the unexplained, the mysteries of human existence, and the possibility that there are things in this world that we cannot fully comprehend.

My interest in parapsychology, paranormal phenomena, and spiritism comes from my desire to explore these questions and look beyond what we perceive in our everyday lives. The idea that consciousness might survive after death, the existence of unexplained phenomena, or the possibility that humanity's origins are different from what we imagine are subjects that have always stimulated my imagination.

I am not necessarily looking for definitive answers. What fascinates me most is the mystery itself, the questions that remain unanswered, and the countless possibilities that lie beyond our knowledge. These subjects give me a great deal of inspiration for my lyrics and musical atmospheres, because they allow me to explore the darker, more mysterious side of existence.

For me, black metal is a particularly powerful medium for expressing these ideas. Its atmosphere and intensity allow me to give musical form to things that are difficult to explain with words alone.

6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Funerarium'?

Kardec: The name Funerarium is closely connected to the world of death, funerary rituals, and the mysteries surrounding what may lie beyond it. I wanted a name that would immediately evoke a dark atmosphere, something solemn and unsettling, but also deeply connected to the themes I explore through my music.

For me, death is not simply an end. It also raises questions about what comes after, about the possibility of an existence beyond our physical world, and about the boundary between the living and the dead. These ideas have been an important part of Funerarium since its beginnings.

I also liked the sound and the visual impact of the word itself. It has a solemn, almost ritualistic quality that fits naturally with the atmosphere I want to create. Funerarium is a name that brings together death, mystery, darkness, and the unknown, which are all essential elements of my musical universe.

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

Kardec: For the first time since the creation of Funerarium, I decided to feature myself on an album cover. I felt it was the right moment to reveal the person behind the music, to give a face to the project while preserving the mystery that has always surrounded its universe.

The fact that I appear alone is also a deliberate nod to the one-man band aspect of Funerarium. I walk this path alone, just as I create the music on my own, following my own vision without compromise.

The path stretching ahead of me on the cover is symbolic of the journey I have undertaken with Funerarium since its beginnings in 2018. It represents the road I have travelled, the experiences that have shaped me, and the countless hours devoted to bringing this musical universe to life.

The mysterious forest surrounding the path is equally important. It represents the world of Funerarium itself: dark, enigmatic, and filled with things that remain hidden from view. The trees seem to enclose the path, creating a boundary between the familiar world and the unknown that lies beyond.

Ultimately, I wanted this artwork to be more than a simple portrait. It is an invitation to enter my world, to follow the path I have taken, and to discover the darkness that has always inspired my music. In a way, this cover is both a personal statement and a visual representation of the solitary journey that is Funerarium.

8.Over the years you have worked mostly as a solo artist, are you open to working with a full band or do you prefer working by yourself?

Kardec: Funerarium has always been a very personal project, and working alone allows me to maintain complete artistic freedom. I can develop my ideas at my own pace, follow my instincts, and bring my musical vision to life without having to compromise.

I did welcome a drummer into the project in 2023, and we worked together for a period of time. We eventually went our separate ways on good terms, and I felt the desire to return to the solitude that had defined Funerarium from the beginning.

For me, being a one-man band is not a limitation; it is a deliberate artistic choice. I enjoy being responsible for every aspect of the music and building my own universe from beginning to end. At this stage, I feel completely comfortable working alone, and I have no particular desire to turn Funerarium into a full band. I want to preserve the freedom and authenticity that have always been at the heart of the project.

9. Over the years you have also collaborated with other musicians on your recordings, what are some of the metal artists you have worked with on the releases?

Kardec: Over the years, I have enjoyed inviting other artists to contribute to some of Funerarium's releases. I appreciate these collaborations because each musician brings their own personality and artistic identity to the project.

On Neurasthenie, I collaborated with Maxime Taccardi, a French musician and visual artist known for his dark and disturbing artistic universe. On 1692, I worked with Chris, the vocalist and guitarist of Gorgon, a French black metal band with a long history in the underground scene. More recently, Stéphane Buriez, the vocalist and guitarist of Loudblast and a major figure in the French extreme metal scene, contributed to Ancient Astronauts.

These collaborations have been meaningful experiences for me, as they have allowed me to bring different artistic personalities into the world of Funerarium. However, Sanguine Ascension is a different experience: this time, I chose to handle the project on my own, staying true to the solitary nature of Funerarium.

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

Kardec: The reaction has been very encouraging, and I feel fortunate to see Funerarium reaching listeners beyond France. Thanks to the internet and platforms like YouTube, my music can reach people from different countries and backgrounds, which is something I truly appreciate.

Over the years, I have received many positive messages and comments from listeners who connect with the atmosphere, the themes, and the particular identity of Funerarium. The response to Vampirizare Eterna was especially meaningful to me, and the positive feedback I received was very encouraging.

For me, the most important thing is not the number of views or followers, but knowing that my music resonates with people somewhere in the world. Funerarium is a very personal project, so receiving messages from listeners who understand or appreciate what I am trying to express is extremely rewarding. It motivates me to continue creating music while remaining faithful to my own vision.

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

Kardec: Looking to the future, my main goal is to continue developing Funerarium while remaining true to the artistic vision that has guided me since the beginning. I don't want to follow trends or compromise my identity to reach a wider audience. I want to keep creating music that reflects my passions, my imagination, and the dark universe that has always inspired me.

The release of Sanguine Ascension through Adipocere Records is an important milestone in my journey, and I hope it will help Funerarium reach new listeners and gain greater recognition within the international black metal scene.

I want to continue exploring the dark world of black metal and deepening the vampiric themes that have become such an important part of Funerarium. There are still many stories I want to tell and many facets of this fascinating universe that I wish to bring to life through my music.

Ultimately, I don't know exactly where this journey will take me, and I think that's part of the beauty of being a musician. As long as I have the passion and inspiration to create, I will continue moving forward at my own pace, staying true to black metal, to my fascination with vampires, and to the identity of Funerarium.

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?

Kardec: Some of the bands that have had the greatest influence on me are Evol, Diabolical Masquerade, Limbonic Art, Tristitia, and, of course, the early albums of Cradle of Filth. In particular, Dusk... and Her Embrace is, in my opinion, the very essence of Cradle of Filth. There is something truly unique about the atmosphere, the melodies, and the dark romanticism of that album that has always resonated deeply with me.

To be completely honest, I don't listen to many new bands nowadays. I have remained attached to the music that shaped me during the 1990s, and I think that influence can still be felt in Funerarium's music. Those years left a deep mark on me, both musically and atmospherically, and I still find a great deal of inspiration in that era.

That doesn't mean I'm closed-minded or opposed to discovering new bands. I'm sure there are many talented artists out there doing interesting things. It's simply that, in a way, I have remained in a time capsule, surrounded by the music that first made me feel something special. The 1990s left such a strong impression on me that I have never really felt the need to move away from that musical universe. In some ways, I think that staying connected to those influences is part of what gives Funerarium its own identity.

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

Kardec: First of all, I would like to thank everyone who has supported Funerarium over the years, whether through messages, comments, reviews, or simply by taking the time to listen to my music. Every bit of support means a great deal to me, especially because Funerarium is such a personal and solitary project.

I would also like to thank Adipocere Records for giving Sanguine Ascension a home. This album represents an important chapter in my musical journey, and I am proud to see it released by a label that has played such a significant role in the history of the underground metal scene.

Finally, I would like to offer my sincere thanks to Occulte Black Metal Webzine for giving me the opportunity to talk about Funerarium and share a little more of my world with its readers. Your interest in my music and the underground black metal scene means a lot to me.

The journey continues, and I hope that those who have followed Funerarium so far will enjoy what is coming next. The darkness is far from over!

https://funerarium.bandcamp.com/

Funerarium/Sanguine Ascension/Adipocere Records/2025 Full Length Review

  Funerarium  are  a  solo  project  from  France  that  plays  an  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2026  album  "Sanguine  Ascension"  which  will  be  released  in  November  by  Adipocere  Records.

  Nature  sounds  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  atmospheric  sounding  synths  a  few  seconds  later  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs.  Spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  on  a  couple  of  tracks  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  black  metal  screams  and  you  can  also hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording.

  A  lot  of  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  mid  90's  era  of  the  genre  while the  faster  sections  of  the  album  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  The  recording  also  has  its  symphonic  moment  along  with  some  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  also  adds  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  Funerarium  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  atmospheric,  symphonic  and  vampyric  in  the  mid  90's  tradition.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  vampirism  of  Malkavian  Clan,  Transylvania  and  Wallachia.

  In  my  opinion  Funeratium  are  a  very  great  sounding  old  school  atmospheric  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Wallachia  Blood  Masquerade"  "Moonlit  Despair"  and  "Birth  Of  The  Immortal".  8  out  of  10.

  https://funerarium.bandcamp.com/

  

    

Elfor/Hyver/Erroiak/Roi des Forêts - Basoen Jauna/Antiq/2026 3 Way Split Album Review

  This  is  a  review  of  a  3  way  split  album  between  France's  Elfor,  Hyver  and  Erroiak  called  "Roi des  Forêts  -  Basoen  Jauna"  which  will  be  released  in  November  by  Antiq  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  Elfor  a  solo  project  that  plays  a  very  epic,  atmospheric  and  ambient  form  of  black  metal.

  His  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  a  very  dark,  heavy  and  atmospheric  sound  while  the  track  is  over  19  minutes  in  length.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  track  also  adding  in as   great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling.

  Vocals  are mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  The  song  also  adds  in a   good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  and  the  synths  also  add  in  elements  of  ambient,  whispers  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  memory  of  the  great  Urkhul.

  In  my  opinion  Elfor  are  a  very  great  sounding  epic, atmospheric  and  ambient  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  his  side  of t he  split.

  Next  up  is  Hyver  who  returns  with  a  folk  influenced  and  symphonic  style  of  atmospheric  black  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  some  medieval  style  synths  that  also  adds  in  elements  of  dungeon  synth  and  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music.  A  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  long  and  epic  in  length  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams..

  Influences  of  folk  music   can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  the  music  also  having  its  symphonic  moments.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them,  during t he  faster  sections  of  the  tracks  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  and  spoken  words  are  also  added  towards  the  end.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  French  and  cover  ancestral  bear-cults.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Hyver  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  folk  influenced  symphonic  and  atmospheric  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Cannelle".

  Next  up  is  Erroiak  a  solo  project  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black  metal  and  dungeon  synth.

  His  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with a  dungeon  synth  orientated  style  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music.  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  and  most  of  his  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding  along  with  all  of  the  drum  beats  also  being  programmed,  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  all  of  the  tracks  stick  to  a  slower  direction,  female  vocals  are  also  added  towards  the  end.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  ancient  bear-cults.

  In  my  opinion  Erroiak  is  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black  metal  and  dungeon  synth  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Azken  Eniza".  8  out  of  10.

  In  conclusion  I  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  split  and  I  would  recommend  it  to  all  fans  of  epic,  atmospheric  black  emtal  and  dungeon  synth.  8  out  of  10.

http://antiqofficial.bandcamp.com/album/roi-des-for-ts-basoen-jauna

  

        

     

Aliore Interview

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

Aeter : Hey Occult Black Metal Zine! This is Aeter (guitarist/composer), and it's an honor to answer these questions for your webzine. Since the recording of our first album, things have been really overwhelming, as we've had the chance to reach a mostly very receptive audience from all over the world. We receive feedback on our YouTube channel, Instagram, and also from the professional press, which is very important to us. We also had the chance to catch the eye of the mighty cult French metal label Adipocere, and get signed by them. They have helped promote and discover huge metal bands such as Sacramentum, Moonspell, and Diabolical Masquerade. We feel very fortunate, and we are confident that the record will get all the attention it deserves. Another dream come true (at least for me) was when the French guitar brand Flamel Guitars endorsed me. I am thrilled to have gained the confidence of such an amazing manufacturer, and I feel very lucky and ready to hit stages everywhere with those beautiful axes.

2. You have a new album coming out in November. Musically, how does it differ from the material you released in the past?

Aeter : In the past, I was the sole member aboard Aliore, and back then it was an atmospheric, instrumental blackgaze and black metal project. Since I decided to form a real band with dedicated members, everyone involved has infused Aliore's musical framework with their own vision. We now have French lyrics, a whole lore surrounding the characters we portray, and most importantly, the music has become more aggressive while keeping that dreamy quality, as if you were stuck between two worlds—like a parallel universe hovering between life and death. Murmur, our lead singer, comes from a black metal and classical background. She brings that extra layer of interpretation and life, while Dolor, our bass player, has become our main orchestration composer, which is a massive part of Aliore's sound today. Last but not least, Abaddon, our drummer, writes all his parts with his own unique vision, which is also crucial to me. In 2026, Aliore is fully realized, and we are working very hard on our sound, our lore, and the emotions we want to share with people.

3. The band started out with instrumental music while the newer music has vocals and lyrics. What was the decision behind going in this direction?

Aeter : When I founded Aliore, it was during dark times worldwide due to the pandemic. I was alone at home, driven by an urge to compose something intense yet epic and dark. When humanity slowly regained some form of freedom back in 2023, I decided to resurrect the project, but this time with real band members. The goal for me was to share that music live and try to live the best possible experiences through it. As I mentioned above, every soul in Aliore is now fully integrated, bringing their own energy and vision.

4. The lyrics on the new album have a concept to them. Can you tell us a little bit more about the songwriting on the current release?

Aeter : As we started to rehearse and get to know each other, we realized we shared a deep passion for esoteric subjects, history and black metal. Oraison Funèbre can be considered a concept album, featuring a continuous story running from the first track to the last. "Renaissance," which means "rebirth" in French, marks a turning point: Murmur is murdered by her husband—a World War I army general who completely lost his mind due to mental illness, compounded by heavy drug abuse, and returned home entirely dysfunctional, to the point of murdering his own wife and burying her in the fireplace. Marianne dies, but Murmur is born: an entity stranded in an in-between world, struggling to understand what happened to her. She goes from experiencing apprehension, to seeking answers from the Prince of Darkness (Entretien avec le diable / Interview with the Devil), to fully embracing what befell her, ultimately taking her revenge and—most importantly, by the end of the record—accepting the catalyst that turned her into Murmur. Dolor, Abaddon, and myself are directly connected to Murmur, as we were all killed by her husband during the war. Dolor was the medic who took his own life after witnessing too many horrors, driven to despair after Murmur's husband led thousands of men to their certain deaths. Abaddon was the apothecary who supplied the general with drugs and tried to poison him before getting caught in his own trap. As for myself, Aeter, I was the soldier who lost his life in an already lost battle.

5. Lyrically you have also covered esoteric themes. Can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?

Aeter : When I was a teenager, I was really into playing with the Ouija board, chasing ghosts, and reading dark authors like Lovecraft, Poe, and Baudelaire. These subjects deeply fascinate me and have helped shape my imagination. Beyond ghosts, it's more about trying to find the magic hidden in everyday life—unexplainable things, the energies you can feel when entering certain rooms or places, remaining deeply instinctive, and listening to your inner voice. I even visited Père Lachaise Cemetery to pay my respects to Allan Kardec, a Frenchman who pioneered early experiments with table-turning, Ouija, and esotericism in the 19th century. His grave is truly outstanding: a monument shaped like a rustic stone dolmen (a prehistoric megalithic structure) topped with a bronze bust of himself. Fascinating stuff.

6. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Aliore'?

Aeter : Aliore comes from Latin and means "Elsewhere" (Ailleurs in French). The inspiration stems directly from that craving to chase—and perhaps find—that "elsewhere" hiding somewhere out there, just waiting to be discovered.

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

Aeter : We are lucky to have Murmur in the band, and not just for her vocal talents—she is also a professional designer, and we are very fortunate that her skills match Aliore's visual universe. She painted the album cover entirely from scratch. The great thing is that we had full creative control, and she completely understood what we needed. I think she presented us with what would become the final version of the cover on her very first try, and we only had a few minor tweaks to make! You can see Murmur transitioning from human to entity, following all the adventures that await her on this musical journey—from misunderstanding to acceptance, and finally, escape.

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

Aeter : So far, Aliore has only been around for a year and a half. In such a short lifespan, we've been very fortunate to play amazing shows, like opening at the Opéra de Nice for Septicflesh, or sharing the stage with Houle, another thematic French black metal band. I think we love what we do so much that every single moment we spend on stage stands out for us. Playing live is a double-edged sword: it can be deeply rewarding, but it can also leave you with the greatest doubts and questions about yourself as an artist. We live for that!

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

Aeter : We definitely have plans. As I mentioned, we are now signed with Adipocere, and they are actively helping us spread the word. We will be playing on various stages in the near future.

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

Aeter : So far, we are very satisfied with the feedback we've received. Lots of positive comments and support. People seem very curious about the band, and that's great. More than anything, we want to meet our audience—the people we can share stories and emotions with, and live a wonderful musical journey together.

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

Aeter : All I can say is that we are a hard-working band. Our second album is already being written, and it is taking a really interesting musical turn that we can't wait to share! Get ready for even more aggression and darkness as we head into even deeper, darker territories...

https://www.facebook.com/alioremetalnoir/

 

Aliore/Oraison Funebre/Adipocere Records/2026 Full Length Review

 

  Aliore  are  a  band  from  Italy  that  plays  a  very  esoteric  and  theatrical  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2026  album  "Oraison  Funebre"  which  will  be  released  in  November  by  Adpocere  Records.

  Clean  playing  and  drum  beats  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction while  synths  are  also  utilized  at  times.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  recording  more  of  raw  feeling.  Throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  some  tracks  also  adding  in  a small  amount  of  spoken  words.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  as  well  as  the  album  also  adding  in  some  touches  of  the  mid  90's  era  symphonic  style  along  wit h one  song  also  introducing  operatic  vocals  onto  the  recording.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Italian  and  cover  four  souls  torn  from  the  First  World  War  bound  together  by  tragedy  and  destiny.

  In  my  opinion  Aliore  are  a  very  great  sounding  theatrical  and  esoteric  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Renaissance"  "Tumulte"  "Sous  la  LunePale"  and  Cendres  et  Lumiere".  8  out  of  10.

  Aliore - Entretien avec le Diable (Single)

Aliore - Cendres et lumière (Official Lyrics Video) - Oraison Funèbre

Aliore - Cendres et Lumiere - Piano Voix Live - YouTube      

Hyver/La Fête de la Forêt Enchantée/Antiq/2026 Full Length Review

  France's  Hyver  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  mixture  of  raw  black  metal  and  dungeon  synth  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2026  album  "La  Fête  de  la Forêt  Enchantée"  which  will  be  released  on  October  8th  by  Antiq.

  A  dungeon  synth  orientated  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  also  adding  in  a  variety  of  many  different  sounding  keys.  Vocals  are  also  bat  shrieks   while  the  guitar  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  when  they  are  utilized  and  the  drum  beats  also  takes  the  music  into  more  of  a  mid  tempo  direction.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  album  also  adds  in  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats.  The  recording  also  has  its  symphonic  moments  along  with  the  tremolo  picking  in  the  fast  riffing  also  giving  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling,  medieval  sounds  can  also  be  heard  at  times  and  a  couple  of  tracks  are  also  long  and  epic  in  length  and  some  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  On  this  recording  Hyver  takes  a  very  raw,  symphonic  and  medieval  style  of  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  dungeon  synth  and  bat  shriek  style  vocals  to  create  something  very  different  while  the  production  sounds  very  dark,  raw  and  lo-fi.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Hyver  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  raw  black  metal  and  dungeon  synth,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Un  Chemin  Mystérieux"  "La  Danse  de  la  Forêt  Enchantée"  and  " Arrivée de  l'Ambulance".  8  out  of  10.

  http://antiqofficial.bandcamp.com/album/la-f-te-de-la-for-t-enchant-e

     

Bloedmaan/Crypts Of Dusk/Curse of The Emerald Knight/Void Wanderer Productions/2026 Splt Album Review

  This  is  a  review  of  a  split  album  between  Belgium's  Bloedmann  and  Crypts  of  Dusk  called  "Curse  Of  The  Emerald  Knight"  which  will  be  released  in  October  by  Void  Wanderer  Productions  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  Bloedmaan  a  band that  plays  a  very  old  school  and  vampyric  form  of  black  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  some  melodic  guitar  solos  and  heavy  riffing  while  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  his  side  of  the  recording.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  music  also  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era  of  the  genre.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in a   great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  their  side  of  the  recording  more  of  a  raw  feeling  and  the  tracks  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Vamprism  and  Romantic  Literature.

  In  my  opinion  Bloedmaan  are  a  very  great  sounding  old  school  and  vampyric  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Feast  Of  Vultures"  and  "Queen  Of  Blood".

  Next  up  is  Crypts  Of  Dusk  a  duo  that  plays  an  old  schol  and  symphonic  style  of  black  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  a  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  while  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  present  on  their  side  of  the  split.  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.

  Vocals  are mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  music  also  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era  Clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  the  tracks  also  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era,  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  when  synths  are  utilized  they  also  add  in  some  symphonic  touches.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism,  Necromancy  and  Depression  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Crypts  Of  Dusk  are  a  very  great  sounding  old  school  symphonic  black  metal  duo  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Beyond  The  Desolate  Horizon"  and  "Requiem  For  A  Broken  Mind".  

  In  conclusion  I  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  split  and  would  recommend  it  to  all  fans  of  old  school  black  metal.  8  out  of  10.

 https://voidwanderer.com/product/bloedmaan-crypts-of-dusk-curse-of-the-emerald-knight/

   

   

Nokturnal Mortum/Hurt/Oriana Music/2026 EP Review

 

  Nokturnal  Mortum  are  a  band  from  Ukraine  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  very  atmospheric  and  folk  influenced  style  of  pagan  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2016  ep  "Hurt"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  Oriana  Music.

  Folk  instruments  start  off  the  ep  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times  while  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  war  samples.  Keyboards  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  along  with  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  and  symphonic  sounding  while  the  vocals  start  out  with  more  of  an  angry  shouting  style.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  Electronic  music  sounds  are  also  utilized  at  times  along  with  one of  the  tracks  also  being. an instrumental.  On  later  tracks  the  vocals  add  in  more  of  a  black  metal  screaming  approach  as  well  as  one  song  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing,  most  of  the  music  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction  and  the  closing  track  was  also  recorded  life  and  also  adds  in  a  small  amount  of  clear  vocals,  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  human  bravery.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Nokturnal  Mortum  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of t his  band,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Eight  Days  To  Spring"  and  "The  Forgotten  Ages  of  Victories".  8/5  out  of  10.

  ​https://www.facebook.com/nokturnalmortumofficial​

​https://www.instagram.com/nokturnalmortumofficial/

  

    

Esoctrilihum/Annochiül Xar Sorthïlazur/I, Voidhanger Records/2026 Full Length Review

  France's  solo  project  Esoctrilihum  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for a   symphonic  and  mystical  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2026  album  "Annochiül  Xar  Sorthïlazur"  which  will  be  released  in  October  by  I,  Voidhanger  Records.

  Symphonic  orchestration  starts  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.   Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  mixed  in  with  some  clear  operatic  style  singing  while  most  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.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  Throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts   while  the  music  also  adds  in  a  great  amount  of  death  metal  elements.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  music  also   mixing  in  a  decent  amount  of  ambient  and  psychedelic  elements  as  well  as  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  when  they  are  utilized,  growls  can  also  be  heard  on  a  few  tracks  and  one  song  also  adds  in   brief  use  of  acoustic  guitars.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism,  Esotericism  and  Mythology  themes  within  a  fictional  universe.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Esoctrilihum  and  if  you  are  a  fa  of  symphonic  and  mystical  black  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Shaog,  Imperium  Byzaaryx  Nocruv  Az  Inculus  Ezhialh"  "Zhaos,  Manyakar  Uxilon  Oz  Tetramorphic  Ghül"  and  "Ulhies  Vaay  Xar,  Nuctis  Xhoral  Sorthïlazur".  8  out  of  10.

https://i-voidhangerrecords.bandcamp.com/album/annochi-l-xar-sorth-lazur          

Beyond Seventh Dimension 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've been working on some new material lately. I have a few songs in progress and a couple of concepts floating around for the direction of the new stuff, and for the second album.

2.You have your first full length coming out in September, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

I really just write whatever pours out of my soul and focus on packing as much emotion into it as possible.

3.Both of the band members have experience playing in other bands, what is it that you bring into the music of 'Beyond Seventh Dimension' that you have not been able to do with your other groups?

I should clarify one thing right away: I am the only official member of this band. My friend Saku, the guy from Deep Noise Studios handled the electric guitars and bass, while three guys from my other band, Kallas, took care of the vocals, acoustic guitars, and a few solos.

I’ve never really had the chance to just write what pours out of my soul completely uncompromised, so this project is exactly that.

4.Both of the band members also have experience playing other genres of metal, do you feel this makes your black metal style more diverse?

Naturally, I have a strong death metal background, which you can definitely hear in some of the tracks. I'm also a huge movie and video game soundtrack enthusiast, so those influences shine through as well. I think listeners will even catch a bit of Pink Floyd admiration in the song 'Rogue Planet.

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

The Universe: As Without, So Within

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

Finnish photographer Tiina Törmänen is responsible for the debut album's cover art. She is best known for photographing northern nature, the starry sky, and the aurora borealis, making the collaboration a natural fit for the album's title and themes.

7.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?

There has been talk about turning this into a proper band. The guys from my other band who contributed to the album are completely down for it.

8.The album is going to be released on 'inverse Records', how did you get in contact with this label?

While reaching out to get my music placed on an Inverse Records Spotify playlist, the label expressed interest in a collaboration.

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

I've received nothing but positive feedback so far.

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

Diving deeper into atmospheric black metal, I'm aiming to channel even more emotion into the new material.

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

I can get into almost any genre, honestly.. as long as it has heart and real feeling behind it.

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

Just a massive thank you to everyone who has supported the project so far. It means the world to know the music is connecting with people. This music is entirely uncompromised, it's what pours straight from my soul.

https://www.facebook.com/B7thD/

https://www.instagram.com/beyondseventhdimension

https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond.seven.dime
https://beyondseventhdimension.bandcamp.com

Djevelsort/Peril Of Freedom/Dusktone/2026 Full Length Review

  Djevelsort  are  a  solo  project  from  Norway  that  plays  a  very  atmospheric,  old  school  and  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2026  album  "Peril  of  Freedom"  which  will  be  released  in  August  by  Dusktone.

  Clean  playing  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.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  symphonic  elements  are  also  utilized  at  times  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding  while  the  album  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  mid  90's  era  of  the  genre.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts   along  with  one  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  acoustic  guitars.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style,  spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  briefly  as  well  as  some  songs  also  adding  in  some  progressive  touches  and  the  music  is  heavily  influenced  by  the  classic  Nordic  style  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes. 

  In  my  opinion  Djevelsort  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric,  old  school  and  symphonic  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  'Our  Last  Embrace"  "Escape"  and  "The  Peril  of  Freedom".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0RzZIbZORI&feature=youtu.be

Malum Incarnatum/Þe Zeue Heauedes of þe Beste/Kunstkammer Productions/2026 Full Length Review

  Malum  Incarnatum  are  a  band  from  Denmark  that  plays  an  old  school  and  symphonic  form  of  occult  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2026  album  "Þe  Zeue  Heauedes  of  þe  Beste"  which  will b e  released  on  July  31st  by  Kunstkammer  Productions.

  Keyboards  start  off  the  album  while  also  adding  in  some  symphonic  touches  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  recording.  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  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to t hem.

  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  mixed  in  with  a  few  growls  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  Spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  mid  90's  era.

  Clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  on  some  of  the  tracks   along  with one  song  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  clear  chants  and  whispers  as  well  as  one  track  also  being  an  instrumental.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  seven  capital  sins  of  hell.  It  betokens  by  the  Devil  which  he  draws  the  world  to  himself.       

  In  my  opinion  Malum  Incarnatum  are  a  very  great  sounding  old  school  and  symphonic  occult  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Prede:  The  Devils  Daughter"  "Slacness:  The  Final  Strike"  and  "Glotounye:  Into  The  Sea  Of  Hell".  8 out  of  10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjW_jQ478U4

Beyond Seventh Dimension/Tähtien ikuinen suru/Inverse Records/2026 Full Length Review

 

  Beyond  Seventh  Dimension  are  a  solo  project  from  Finland  that  plays  an  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2026  album  "Tähtien  ikuinen  suru"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  Inverse  Records.

  Atmospheric  sounding  synths  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  at  times.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  along  with  some  clear  singing  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording.

  Growls  are  also  utilized  at  times  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  album  also  adds  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  some  songs  also  add  in a  small  amount  of  clean  playing.  

  A  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  when  they  are  utilized  as  well  as  the  album  also  mixing  some  of  the  mid  90's  symphonic  style  with  the  more  modern  era  of  the  genre,  spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  cosmos  and  darkness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Beyond  Seventh  Dimension  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  "Blazing  Tears  of  nebulae"  and  "Rogue  Planet  -  Symbol  Of  Depression".  8  out  of  10.

 

https://www.facebook.com/B7thD/ https://www.instagram.com/beyondseventhdimension https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond.seven.dime https://beyondseventhdimension.bandcamp.com

    

Astar/Lourney Beyond The Ages/2026 Full Length Review

 

  Astar  are  an  international  band  with  members  from  Italy  and  Australia  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  goes  for  a  melodic  form  black  metal with  elements  of  dungeon  synth  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2026  album  "Journey  Beyond  The  Ages".

  Melodic  guitar  solos  and  leads  start  off  the  album  while  the  synths  also  add  in  elements  of  dungeon  synth  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  at  times.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  some  of  the  tracks  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  recording  more  of  a  raw  feeling  and  the  album  also  adds  in a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  Some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  one  of  the  songs  also  being  an  instrumental  which  also  brings  a  medieval  atmosphere  to  the  album,  female  vocals  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  the  album  also  has  its  symphonic  moments.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Paganism,  Esoteric  and  Alchemy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Astar  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Hyperborean  Sky"  "A  Ballad  For  The  Riding  Hero"  and  "Journey  Beyond  The  Ages".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.instagram.com/astar_blackmetal  

Saprovore/Numinous Abditory Deflagration/I, Voidhanger Records/2026 Full Length Review

  Saprovore  are  a  solo  project  from  Italy  and  plays  an  atmospheric  and  experimental  of  black,  death  and  industrial  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2026  album  "Numinous  Abditory  Deflagration"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  I,  Voidhanger  Records.

  Industrial  style  beats  and  dissonant  guitar  solos  and  leads  start  off  the  album  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  recording  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  Synths  are  also  utilized  at  times  and  the  vocals  and  in  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding  while  the  album  also  adds  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  one  track  also  introducing  clean  playing  onto  the  recording  as  well  as  some  songs  also  bringing  in  a  small  amount  of  symphonic  touches,  spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

  Sarprovore  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  a  very  atmospheric  and  experimental  form  of  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  industrial  and  death  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  his  own.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  cosmic  emptiness.

  In  my  opinion  Saprovore  is  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  and  experimental  mixture  of  black,  death  and  industrial  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Transverberation"  "Chalice  Of  Spectral  Residue"  "Aethermourn"  and  "Abysmal  Rupture  Of  The  Anamneastic  Firmament".  8  out  of  10.

  https://i-voidhangerrecords.bandcamp.com/album/numinous-abditory-deflagration           

Mortem/Mørketid/Peaceville Records/2026 Full Length Review

  Norway's  Mortem  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  Norwegian  style  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2026  album  "Mørketid"  which  will  be  released  on  July  3rd  by  Peaceville  Records.

  Dark  soundscapes  and  keyboards  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  recording  also  add  in  a  lot  of  blast b eats.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  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  while  the  music  also  has  its  symphonic  moments.  Throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  a couple  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  when  tremolo  picking  is  added  into  the  fast  riffing  they  also  give  the  recording  more  of  a  raw  feeling  as  well  as  some  spoken  words  also  being  used  briefly.

  On  this  recording  Mortem  takes  their  Norwegian  style  of  black  metal  into  more  of  an  atmospheric  and  symphonic  direction.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  a  mixture  of  English  and  Norwegian  and  cover  darkness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Mortem  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  old  school,  atmospheric  and  symphonic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Mighty  Odious"  and  "Aftermath".  8 out  of  10.

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