Author Andy Pountney
In preparation for a European Assault with Marduk and Archgoat, Stockholm’s black metal misanthropists unleash ‘Throne Ablaze’ and they don’t disappoint with a vitriolic display of hostility. Having been spawned in 2004, the Swedes have evolved their sound and gained… Continue Reading →
Wardruna originally formed in 2003 and between 2009 and 2016 released the ‘Runaljod’ trilogy to ever increasing critical acclaim, using traditional Nordic instruments and poetic metres to support whispering voices, chants and choral pieces creating rich musical landscapes. It goes… Continue Reading →
Anneke van Giersbergen is something of an enigma having constantly evolved her style over the years amassing an impressive back catalogue of work during her tenures with The Gathering, Agua de Annique, The Gentle Storm, Vuur and of course her… Continue Reading →
Even the most gnarly metal fan needs an occasional break from relentless aural pummelling and as I get a little older I have found myself exploring some of these avenues with increasing frequency. Norwegian multi-instrumentalist Sylvaine first came to my… Continue Reading →
Serbia is not particularly well known to the wider metal community for it extreme metal scene, but make no mistake, buried within the underground there are some real gems. All My Sins are one such gem and this is their… Continue Reading →
The Finnish black metal scene continues to spawn some the most abrasive bands out there, resisting the temptation to incorporate epic choirs, orchestras and keyboards, instead focussing on gnarly aggression. Azaghal are one of that flourishing scene, and by my… Continue Reading →
DAY 2 SATURDAY The first band weren’t due on until 15:00 on Saturday giving time for another walk along the fjord and around the burial mounds as well as a visit to the Midgard Vikingsenter, home of the festival’s seminars… Continue Reading →
Background Midgardsblot is something special. It is far, far more than just a music festival. It is a unique, fully immersive, life affirming experience bringing together Nordic and metal cultures. Set in Southern Norway amongst the Viking burial mounds, the… Continue Reading →
One of the things which reviewers are expected to do is attach genre labels to bands, and while it can be useful to give a vague idea of what a band might sounds like, it can be a minefield and… Continue Reading →
Finnish black metal has been living in the shadow of its more illustrious Norwegian counterparts for many years, but make no mistake about it, the Finnish scene is thriving and has spawned some of the nastiest black metal on offer… Continue Reading →
Melodic black metal may be an oxymoron to some, but over the years the evolution of black metal has produced some stunning releases that remain on my play list to this day. However, for every outstanding release, there are endless… Continue Reading →
As a long term fan boy of atmospheric/post black metal Goliath, Agalloch I was bitterly disappointed to hear the news that they had disbanded in 2016. The internet was soon rife with rumours of new bands and when I heard… Continue Reading →