Category Archives: Album Reviews

            I can still vividly remember coming across Joined in Darkness at my local record store over 20 years ago, and though I was at the time completely unfamiliar with that album, I decided to make the purchase simply because it “looked cool.” It has remained a personal favorite from the moment I first heardContinue reading “Analysis | DEMONCY Summons the Darkest on Black Star Gnosis and Diabolica Blasphemiae”

            2021 saw the unfortunate but understandably final infernal descent of one of Greece’s most eminent names, but with that end comes new beginnings as THE MAGUS carries its lifeforce onward into other sonic incarnations, including now the debut of his own self-named entity titled ΒΥΣΣΟΔΟΜΩΝΤΑΣ. The significance of this word is realized from joiningContinue reading “Analysis | THE MAGUS Radiates Luciferian Might on ΒΥΣΣΟΔΟΜΩΝΤΑΣ”

            Otherworldly evils are called once again as these blackened death cultists of Germany cast their latest Necronomic summoning, and those entities respond mightily to the fervent devotions practiced on each rite. The magnificence of the Ancient Ones has always been fittingly reflected by SULPHUR AEON’s crafted auras, which have also progressed gradually across eachContinue reading “Analysis | SULPHUR AEON Raises Annihilation on Seven Crowns and Seven Seals”

            The Ancient Egyptians have certainly left a mark on human civilization, and their deep connections to the metaphysical and mysteries have led members from various notable acts including SETH, ORANSSI PAZUZU, and others whose identities remain intentionally hidden, to forge a new international collective aimed at exploring those nether regions. Its name relates originallyContinue reading “Analysis | ASET Invokes Ancient Powers on Astral Rape”

            This October 31 will see the return of Czechia’s foremost blasphemers, and I doubt the timing of this release on All Hallows’ Eve is a coincidence, as RAVENOIR have demonstrated steadfast devotion to the nightside since they first emerged from the depths in 2020. Now the next stage of their creative streak unveils CultusContinue reading “Analysis | RAVENOIR Exalts the Unholy Dark on Cultus Inferi”

            Three independent tracks released over the past couple years have foreshadowed a new dark force brooding over France, and the greater pitch-black vastness glimpsed among those pieces is now manifest, with FARDEAUX engaging a first full plunge into its lawless substance. Consistent with a name translating to “Burdens,” these orchestrators weave tormented energies andContinue reading “Analysis | FARDEAUX Devises Labyrinths on The Den Has Become an Abyss”

            The black metal arts have expanded into untold territories since their inception, and that evolution continues as these foremost Norwegians arrive with the latest in otherworldly exploration. Its title of Black Medium Current reflects the abundant and formless potential hanging in the void, which is harnessed adeptly by DØDHEIMSGARD to craft a work ofContinue reading “Analysis | DØDHEIMSGARD Traverses New Voids on Black Medium Current”

            The esteemed realms of Finland have spawned a mighty new order, whose members are already known from acts venturing past the known boundaries of metal extremity, and HENGET likewise channels their own genre-defying nature into the first manifestation titled Beyond North Star. A hallucinogenic substance is concocted from its melodic and synth ingredients, alongContinue reading “Analysis | HENGET Soars Into the Extraordinary on Beyond North Star”

            One of Norway’s modern greats is back a timely two years after venturing through the halls of Katedralen, and this return brings the next chapter of MORK’s eminent legacy titled Dypet, which forges past known shores by joining some novel synth elements with their Halden riffcraft. Its concept puts a Norwegian spin on theContinue reading “Analysis | MORK Dives Through Malign Auras on Dypet”

            Several years have passed since our existence was marked by the first part of a mighty grimoire, and its shadowy tides have now extended to the latest offering titled Liber Lvcifer II: Mahapralaya. These collective rites chronicle the next evolutionary level of THY DARKENED SHADE, with chaos harnessed alongside grandiose atmospheric conjurings, and thoseContinue reading “Analysis | THY DARKENED SHADE Casts Eternal Night on Liber Lvcifer II: Mahapralaya”