Cairiss/Wilderness/2026 Full Length Review

  Cairiss  are  a  band  from  the  United  Kingdom  that  plays  an  atmospheric  mixture  of  post  black  metal  and  blackgaze  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2026  album  "Wilderness"  which  will  be  released  in  July.

  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  while  also  bringing  in  elements  of  post  rock  and  shoegaze  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  post  metal  style  while  the  music  also  has  its  atmospheric  moments  and  all  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Clear  singing  is  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  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  album  more  of  a  raw  feeling  and  the  songs  also  have  their  atmospheric  moments.

  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  rooted  in  the  modern  era  of  the  genre,  acoustic  guitars  can  also  be  heard  on  a  few  tracks.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  melancholy  and  existential  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Cairiss  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  mixture  of  post  black  metal  and  blackgaze  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Nervosa"  and  "Wildfire".  8  out  of  10.

  https://linktr.ee/cairiss

https://www.instagram.com/cairiss_band/
https://www.facebook.com/Cairiss/
https://www.youtube.com/@CairissUK
https://cairiss.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2d1UsJ7a6PT3hN9yb87bNg?si=J5aT6TdhSDyqJEmmq9AQxw

https://youtu.be/8F4_c4s2AIc?si=jYYgqLiXFsA2c4qD

Nirriti/Dhrupad Anutpada: Apophatic Ragas Of Non-Origiin/Iron Bonehead Productions/2026 Full Length Review

   

  Nirriti  are  an  international  band  with  members  from  India  and  Canada  that  plays  a  mixture  of  war,  black,  death  metal,  grindcore  and  noise  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2026  album  "Dhrupad  Anutpada:  Ragas  Of  Non-Origin"  which  will  be  released  on  June  19th  by  Iron  Bonehead  Productions.

  Ethnic  style  folk  instruments  and  spoken  words  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  and  war  metal  elements.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  vocals  also  add  in  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  bestial  death  metal  growls.  Dissonant  style  melodies  are  also  utilized  at  times  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  chaotic  style.

  Touches  of  grindcore  are  also  added  into  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  along  with  the  album  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  When  tremolo  picking  is  added  into  the  fast  riffing  they  also  give  the  recording  more  of  a  raw  feeling  and  some  tracks  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  noises,  percussion  is  also  added  towards  the  end.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Metaphysics,  Ontology,,  Vedic  and  Theosophy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Nirriti  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture of  war,  black,  death  metal,  grindcore  and  noise  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Mandukya,  The  Primordial  Toad  Croaks  At  The  Outer Edge  Of  Sushupti"  and  "Golden  Yolk  Of  A  Black  Egg  Of  A  Multicolored  Peacock".  8  out  of  10.

nirriti.bandcamp.com   

    

Wyrdstæf/Primordial Bloodlines/Apocalyptic Witchcraft/2026 Full Length Review

  Wyrdstæf  are  a  band  from  the  United  Kingdom  that  plays  a  very  atmospheric  and  tribal  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2026  album  "Primordial  Bloodlines"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  Apocalyptic  Witchcraft.

  Fire  burning  sounds  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  ritualistic  percussion,  chants  and  throat  singing  a  few  seconds  later.  Harsh  vocals  are  mostly  black  metal  screams  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling.

  Growls  are  also  utilized  at  times  while  the  album  also  adds  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  The  music  also  has  its  atmospheric  and  tribal  moments  along  with  a  couple  of  tracks  also  adding  in a  small  amount  of  clean  playing   and  a  few  songs  is  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  some  clear  singing  also  being  added  towards  the  end  and  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  finally  introduced  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  Wyrdstæf  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  atmospheric,  ritualistic  and  tribal  sounding.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  Paleolithic  and  Mesolithic  Ages.  

  In  my  opinion  Wyrdstæf  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  and  tribal  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Great  Migrations"  and  "primordial  Bloodlines".  8  out  of  10.

  https://linktr.ee/Wyrdstaef

https://www.facebook.com/Wyrdstaef

https://youtu.be/Wc71fWRKE9Y?si=UmO33hcGVtSxKAtm  

Pusta Noc/Funus Vampyri/2026 Full Length Review

  Pusta  Noc  are  a  solo  project  from  Poland  that  plays  a  very  atmospheric,  melodic  and  vampyric  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2026  album  "Funus  Vampyri".

  A  very  dark,  heavy  and  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  music  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  recording  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  Vocals  are  mostly  angry  sounding  black  metal  screams  and  all  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  clean  playing,  acoustic guitars  and  spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  on some  of  the  tracks.  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  keyboards  are  also  introduced  on  a  later  song  as  well  as  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them. 

  Pusta  Noc  plays  a  style  of  vampyric  black  metal  that  is  very  atmospheric  and  melodic  sounding.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  a  17th  century  anti-vampire  burial  discovered  in  Pieri,  Poland.

  In  my  opinion  Pusta  Noc  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric,  melodic  and  vampyric  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  'Exordium"  and  "Consolatio".  8  out  of  10.

  

Bandcamp:https://pustanoc.bandcamp.com/album/funus-vampyri

Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/album/6fCLPXqlRmJRasyZ6yqUM1?si=LP1qXHbsSGKo_SxrmfQG9g   

   

Intrinseco Interview

 

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

Intrínseco is a one-man atmospheric black metal project with post-black metal influences from southern Brazil. The music is deeply inspired by forests, solitude, melancholy and the emotional connection between nature and the inner world. Through immersive atmospheres, I try to create a space where introspection and landscape become intertwined.

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

The EP was more of an exploration of the project's identity. It was simpler in structure and was more influenced by post-black metal than atmospheric black metal, but it defined a vision of what the project was going to be. With Dreadwood, I wanted to expand that vision and focus more on atmosphere. The album is more cohesive, more dynamic and richer in terms of arrangements, melodies and emotional depth. It feels like a more complete expression of what Intrínseco is meant to be.

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

My lyrics often revolve around nature, melancholy, solitude and personal reflection. I am interested in the way landscapes can mirror inner emotions. Forests, mist, silence and night are recurring images, not only as physical places but also as symbolic representations of the human experience.

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

The name comes from the Portuguese word "intrínseco," which refers to something inherent, essential or existing within itself. I chose it because the project is deeply focused on expressing inner experiences and emotions. The music is an attempt to explore what exists beneath the surface, both in nature and within the self.

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

The cover depicts a forest, symbolizing the Dreadwood - a metaphor for the mind, its fears, anxieties and moments of uncertainty. To me, it represents the experience of wandering through an inner wilderness in search of meaning and peace. The sword resting beneath the tree stands as a symbol of resilience, a reminder that even in the darkest places there remains the strength to keep moving forward.

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

At the moment I prefer working alone because it allows me complete creative freedom and helps preserve the personal nature of the project. However, I am not opposed to collaborations if they genuinely fit the artistic vision and atmosphere of the music.

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

I am open to working with a label, particularly one that understands and supports atmospheric black metal. I have not received any contact from a label yet. For now, I am focused on continuing to build the project and reaching people who connect with the music.

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

The reaction has been very positive and honestly more international than I expected. I've received support from listeners across Europe, North America and South America. One of the most rewarding aspects has been reading how people interpret the atmosphere of the album and connect it to their own experiences.

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

No, Intrínseco is my first and only musical project.

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

I would like to continue developing the sound of Intrínseco while exploring new themes and expanding the scope of the music. I am particularly interested in creating concept albums and deeper narrative experiences. My goal is to keep growing as a songwriter while remaining true to the atmosphere and emotion that inspired the project from the beginning.

11. What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music, and what are you listening to nowadays?

Bands such as Cân Bardd, Ellende, Summoning, Der Weg Einer Freiheit, Saor and Autrest have been important influences. Beyond black metal, I also draw inspiration from folk music, ambient music, and film and game soundtracks. Lately I have been listening to a lot of atmospheric black metal, mainly Cân Bardd, Saor, Waldgeflüster, Ellende, and similar artists.

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

I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to listen to Intrínseco and support my music. Black metal has always been a genre built on passion and sincerity, and I am grateful to contribute a small part to that tradition. Thank you for the interview and for helping keep the underground alive.

Bandcamp:
https://intrnseco.bandcamp.com/album/dreadwood

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2dDrn1J2eL00jZ1oywcJUk

YouTube:

https://youtu.be/ltRAn98w2K4

Morgal/The Seventh Circle/Werewolf Records/2026 Full Length Review

  Finland's  Morgal  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  melodic  and  old  school  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2026  album  "The  Seventh  Circle'  which  will  be  released  on  June  26th  by  Werewolf  Records.

  A  very  dark  sounding  intro  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  demonic  voices  before  adding  in  some  clean  playing  which  also  takes  the  music  into  a  heavier  direction.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats.   

  When  tremolo  picking  is  added  into t he  faster  riffing  they  also  give  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal s creams.  Most  of  the  album  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  old  school  era  of  the  genre  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style.

  On  this  recording  Morgal  continue  to  expand  and  on  the  melodic  and  old  school  style  of  black  metal  from  previous  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism,  Witchery  and  Ritualistic  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Morgal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  and  old  school  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Stormchaser'  "The  Damned  From  The  Seventh  Circle'.  8  out  of  10.

  https://shop-hellsheadbangers.com/item-group.asp?pgpID=41300

Ludus Umbarum/Ascensus Cadentium/Darkside Records/2026 Full Length Review

  Ludus  Umbarum  are  a  solo  project  from  Serbia  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  very  raw,  epic,  atmospheric  and  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2026  album  "Ascensus  Cadentium"  which  was  released  by  Darkside  Records.

  Atmospheric  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 b eats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  recording  more  of  a  raw  feeling  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal s creams.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  symphonic  sounding  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style,  a  lot  of  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in the  mid  90's  era  of  the  genre.

  One  song  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  and  spoken  words  along  with  a  couple  of  the  tracks  also  being  long  and  epic  in  length  and  one  song  also  adds  in  session work  from  Alesha  Hurlock.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  darkness  of t he  human  psyche,  occult  philosophy  and  dreamlike  visions  beyond  mortal  perception.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Ludus  Umbrarum  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  raw,  epic,  atmospheric  and  symphonic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  'Severed  Will"  "Spectral  Dominion"  and  "Her  Screams  From  Depths".  8  out  of  10.

  https://ludusumbrarum.bandcamp.com/album/ascensus-cadentium.