thetrveplague

MORK Leads with the Riff on Katedralen

The blackened vision of Thomas Eriksen became manifest in 2013 with Isebakke, a necrotic album debuting one of the most relevant names in the modern Norwegian scene. With each subsequent release, MORK has channeled new energy into the classic Black Metal sound while further developing their own, and now, just two years afterContinue reading “MORK Leads with the Riff on Katedralen”

Omens of Wisdom and Death – An Interview with Alesh AD of RAVENOIR

The Darkest Flame of Eternal Blasphemy has been unleashed by RAVENOIR and is currently spreading its unholy terror across the globe. I reviewed this debut manifestation of supreme atmospheric darkness, and also had the opportunity to discuss the new creative entity and its work through questions that were answered by Alesh AD, the manContinue reading “Omens of Wisdom and Death – An Interview with Alesh AD of RAVENOIR”

Five Standout Releases from February

Great releases continue taking form as Winter gives way to Spring. With the year progressing into March, it’s worth recognizing a few more notable albums released during February. Of course, there are countless other excellent offerings from last month that didn’t make it on this brief selective list, so feel free to comment onContinue reading “Five Standout Releases from February”

THE RUINS OF BEVERAST Enchant with The Thule Grimoires

Germany’s THE RUINS OF BEVERAST have returned with a new dark adventure titled The Thule Grimoires. This prodigious Black/Doom project of Alexander von Meilenwald is known for its dense compositions and diverse conceptual soundscapes. Beginning with the raw, depressive Blackness of Unlock the Shrine and progressing to the spaced-out psychedelic Shamanism of Exuvia, eachContinue reading “THE RUINS OF BEVERAST Enchant with The Thule Grimoires”

HUMAN SERPENT Strikes in Contempt on Heirlooms Eternal

The Hellenic misanthropic force, HUMAN SERPENT, has steadily risen up the metal ranks with each release, and now they’ve unleashed their fourth full-length album titled Heirlooms Eternal. This release undoubtedly reinforces the band’s upward trend, and they’ve also described it as “the darkest and most experiential” and “most aggressive, soul-suffocating and mind-destructive album.“ TheseContinue reading “HUMAN SERPENT Strikes in Contempt on Heirlooms Eternal”

RAVENOIR Harnesses the Void on The Darkest Flame of Eternal Blasphemy

The raven has a wide range of symbolism across cultures and mythologies. While primarily associated with ill omens and death, it can also represent many other qualities including wisdom, creation, and magic. A similar range of diversity is reflected in the music of RAVENOIR, a new incarnation led by guitarist/vocalist Alesh AD and bassistContinue reading “RAVENOIR Harnesses the Void on The Darkest Flame of Eternal Blasphemy”

VÖLNIIR Reveals All Hope Abandon

Another great release for this year comes from VÖLNIIR in the UK. This band first appeared in 2017 with an EP titled The Enigma, and now they’ve released their first full-length album, All Hope Abandon. Its arrival happened to coincide with the recent blizzard in my area, which is fitting because All Hope AbandonContinue reading “VÖLNIIR Reveals All Hope Abandon”

ASPHYX Brings the Doom and Groove on Necroceros

These Netherlanders have been creating their own breed of Death Metal and Doom since 1987 and need no introduction. Their work has been well-received since the beginning, even gaining support from none other than Euronymous and Dead of MAYHEM at a time when the Norwegian scene was starting to rebel against the trends ofContinue reading “ASPHYX Brings the Doom and Groove on Necroceros”

Five Recent Grim Releases for the Winter Cold

Winter is obviously the season for Black Metal since the cold grimness of the music matches the frozen climate outside. This makes the atmosphere more immersive, and unlike many people I actually look forward to winter. It’s also amusing to watch people turn salty as I openly wish for more snow. For them it’sContinue reading “Five Recent Grim Releases for the Winter Cold”

I Tried CRADLE OF FILTH’s Teas!

It’s interesting when bands inspire some creation for a sensory experience beyond their music. I remember enjoying one of BEHEMOTH’s coffees a couple years ago, and I’ve also gone through a few bottles of MARILYN MANSON’s absinthe. Unfortunately, I have yet to get my hands on any of the beers that many bands areContinue reading “I Tried CRADLE OF FILTH’s Teas!”