Tag Holland
Born out of Dodecahedron, Dutch band Autarkh play “contemporary extreme metal”, reflecting the members’ backgrounds which range from metal to techno. The opening is dark, spooky and somewhere between industrial and cosmic. Unsurprisingly this leads into “Turbulence”, a darkly industrial… Continue Reading →
In a world of turmoil, it is good to have constants that can be relied upon. Anneke van Giersbergen definitely falls into this category, having been reliably delivering her distinctive vocals over the course of 22 albums prior to the… Continue Reading →
I spend a lot of my time reflecting on music. Whether that be battling with myself about checking out new genres or embracing nostalgia or even the future I’m always on a journey. I think that is the sad part… Continue Reading →
Epica? Being reviewed by Ave Noctum? Surely some mistake? Well actually no….I fully accept that their brand of symphonic metal might be a little too polished for some of our more gnarly readers, but I suspect a lot of hardened… Continue Reading →
Some albums just work. It can be really hard to explain why, but they just have that certain X-Factor (no pun intended). Black metal bands are no exception to this, whether it be keyboard wielding symphonic warriors, Kvlt-er than thou… Continue Reading →
I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that I am struggling without live music. Over many years it has become an integral part of life and an essential release from the pressures of daily life. However, bands will be… Continue Reading →
Having a legendary status is surely both a boon and a hindrance. Naturally it means that you’ve achieved a huge goal but at the same time the pressure is always going to be greater. What happens if you don’t deliver?… Continue Reading →
Talk about business as usual and I had to smile. Putting together the 1st review list of the year 2 names stuck out, both of them prolific artists who we will probably get stacks more albums from over the course… Continue Reading →
Hellchrist Xul has been creating Satanic overtures since way back in 1991. During this time he has upped sticks from home in the Netherlands to Prague and collaborated with countless band members, delivering 4 previous albums and a plethora of… Continue Reading →
Black metal has certainly made a huge impact on me during 2020, which maybe an indication of my overall mood at how it has gone. Pandemic or not the genre has produced some truly staggering albums a handful of which… Continue Reading →
A few months ago TDW released a single called “We’ll Shine Again” with Soul Secret. Its primary purpose was to raise money for the World Health Organisation, but as I listened to the hopeful “We’ll shine out of the darkest… Continue Reading →
Not to be mistaken with their first release, ‘Geist ist Teufel’ (spirit is devil), ‘Teufelsgeist’ (devil’s spirit) is the sixth full length from Dutch duo, Urfaust. In true pretentious black metal nature, to fully appreciate this album, it has of… Continue Reading →