Author Andrew Doherty
I’m not sure exactly what blackgroove death metal is, but here was my chance to find out. Obsidian Mantra are from Poland. Formed in 2014, this is their second album release. The atmosphere is dark. No great surprise there, then…. Continue Reading →
This debut album by Polish band Hore is characterised as post-black metal, avant-garde jazz and film music. True to their label, the title means “The Witch Sisters”. The album starts in heavy sombre tones. The atmosphere is funereal, save the… Continue Reading →
I think it’s going a bit far to describe Feradur as “Luxembourg’s death metal royalty” as the publicity does, since I’m struggling to name any band from the Grand Duchy, let alone anyone blessed with royalty. Still, this EP is… Continue Reading →
There’s something in the air around Utrecht in the Netherlands. It has spawned Laster, Verval, Nusquama and now Grey Aura. Active since 2010, “Zwart Vierkant” (Black Square) is the atmospheric black metal band’s second album following the snappily titled 2014… Continue Reading →
The Signature Dark label focuses mainly on dark ambience, drone, minimalism and experimental music. [ówt krì] ‘s soundscapes have been fitting this bill for quite some time so it would seem to be the perfect match. There’s not so much… Continue Reading →
German black metal band Fyrnask are releasing their fourth album with “Vii – Keroma”. The album is said to be rooted in ritual ambient and drone, with additional world music, synthesised sounds and more traditional elements. This album is broadly… Continue Reading →
With a style described as dark cinematic progressive rock. Astrakhan from Sweden are regarded as treading a path between Opeth and Pink Floyd. This is their third album release. I’d read that singer Alexander Lycke had a stunning voice, and… Continue Reading →
In circulation since 2001 and with historic connections to Dutch black metal acts such as Cirith Gorgor and Walpurgisnacht, this album is said to appeal to fans of Ruins of Beverast and Summoning, as well as those of dungeon synth… Continue Reading →
It is described as death-black metal, and it is death-black metal. This is Polish metal and so the atmosphere is dingy and threatening. The music is relentless and uncompromising. The vocals are like subterranean growls. It is harsh. This is… Continue Reading →
Steeped in Irish tradition with its melodies, time signatures and vocal style, “Abhainn” (River) is mixed with black, death and progressive elements. A concept album about water, “Abhainn” is a work of contrasting styles, traditions and atmospheres. The journey starts… Continue Reading →
I’m not a cinema-goer but I do know who Max von Sydow was. This “pure satanic, death worshipping” album from the Polish black metal band Manbryne is in memory of him. One of the band members plays in Blaze of… Continue Reading →
Metal or not metal? That is not the question as Les Chants du Hasard (Songs of Chance) turn to orchestral music to create dark and violent soundscapes, while including soprano and tenor voices, the spoken word, the voices of children… Continue Reading →