Atmospheric Black Metal

Arbrynth – A Place of Buried Light [Things You Might Have Missed 2020]

Arbrynth – A Place of Buried Light [Things You Might Have Missed 2020]

By Carcharodon on January 5, 2021 in Things You Might Have Missed 2020, Atmospheric Black Metal, Post-Metal, 37 comments

“It’s nine years since Arbrynth dropped their self-titled debut. At that time, these Australians were a five-piece, playing a brand of folk-inspired, prog-tinged black metal, given an almost symphonic note by then-bassist and vocalist Tina, who has since departed. Scrolling forward to 2020 and their sophomore effort, Arbrynth — now a quartet — have narrowed their scope and arguably been somewhat less adventurous on A Place of Buried Light, which is a 50-minute slab of atmospheric black metal. What makes this such an excellent release, however, is the quality of the songwriting and the depths of emotion it plumbs.” Crouching atmosphere, hidden light.

Old Growth – Mossweaver Review

Old Growth – Mossweaver Review

By Twelve on December 19, 2020 in Reviews, Atmospheric Black Metal, 24 comments

“Two reviews ago, I picked up my “last” review for the 2020 calendar year. Now, here I am, submitting my real last review for 2020 about as late as you can submit one, uncharacteristically content with my tardy contribution. I really did plan on being done a couple of weeks ago, but then I heard the first few seconds of Mossweaver and I knew I couldn’t let the year end without shining a spotlight on this one.” Moss peeping.

Afsky – Ofte Jeg Drømmer Mig Død [Things You Might Have Missed 2020]

Afsky – Ofte Jeg Drømmer Mig Død [Things You Might Have Missed 2020]

By Doom_et_Al on December 16, 2020 in Things You Might Have Missed 2020, Atmospheric Black Metal, Black Metal, 81 comments

“Every year, the chase is on to find that underground band no one’s ever heard of. The one that you present to everyone who loves music and watch as their expressions change from an unconvinced “Who is this?” to “Holy shit, this is amazing!” Well, folks, for those of you with a taste for pure black metal, unadulterated by frills and ribbons, I have the album for you.” Afsky and answered.

Auðn – Vökudraumsins Fangi Review

Auðn – Vökudraumsins Fangi Review

By GardensTale on October 28, 2020 in Reviews, Atmospheric Black Metal, Black Metal, 33 comments

“It’s one thing to write a review of a returning band you’ve reviewed before. It’s a whole other ballgame to review a returning band that one of the most respected and revered staff members on the site has covered previously. If their review was controversially critical about a popular young artist well on the rise, the pressure only mounts. Not that I disagree with Grymm’s take on Auðn’s last offering. Being relatively fresh to black metal and its myriad offshoots, I hadn’t heard Farvegir Fyrndar before, but on a cursory spin, the unpopular stance that the production ruined an otherwise very solid piece of Icelandic atmo-black rang true with yours truly.” New day, new production.

Epitimia – Allusion Review

Epitimia – Allusion Review

By Steel Druhm on October 22, 2020 in Reviews, Atmospheric Black Metal, Black Metal, Post-Metal, 19 comments

“After a hazy binge of balls-to-the-wall classic heavy metal, I was pleased to see the latest offering from St. Petersburg’s Epitimia land in my inbox. Allusion is my first exposure to the melancholic group and after browsing their past discography prior to spinning this latest outing, I was eager to hear where this next descent into the otherworldly realm of beautiful violence would take them.” Cold comforts.

Toadeater – Bit To Ewigen Daogen Review

Toadeater – Bit To Ewigen Daogen Review

By Dear Hollow on September 29, 2020 in Reviews, Atmospheric Black Metal, Black Metal, 30 comments

“I see you sitting there, sipping coffee all judgmentally or taking a condescending dump on your break. You’re expecting the ol’ standby, but you ain’t gonna get it. You’re expecting me to call out that name Toadeater. Trust me, I know, it’s like a Princess and the Frog situation gone horribly wrong. But if you think I’m gonna rant, you’re wrong, buckaroo. Metal band names may be the first line of defense to size up the fortitude of your next blackened opponent, but I have the upper hand here.” Toad the wheat croquette.

Illkynja – Sæti Sálarinnar Review

Illkynja – Sæti Sálarinnar Review

By Dear Hollow on September 18, 2020 in Reviews, Atmospheric Black Metal, Black Metal, 14 comments

“Illkynja, like many of its country’s blackened offerings, is a project shrouded in mystery. It’s unknown how many members are involved or how prolific to the scene–only that the project is Icelandic in origin. Goathorned Productions debut Sæti Sálarinnar features all the hallmarks of Icelandic style: scathing layers of dissonance, pummeling drums, and punishing roars reminiscent of Almyrkvi or Andavald.” Iceland, man.

Morwinyon – Pristine Review

Morwinyon – Pristine Review

By Dear Hollow on September 10, 2020 in Reviews, Atmospheric Black Metal, Black Metal, 13 comments

“Italian duo Morwinyon formed in 2019 as a side project of post-black group Falaise, offering three full tracks and an ambient outro for an atmosphere worthy of its debut’s namesake – Pristine. Utilizing a synth-heavy ambient black metal template of Golden Ashes or Midnight Odyssey, there’s little new to be found. However, it revels in its saccharine melodic qualities, liberally serving serene soundscapes for the blackened escapist, even if it might only offer cavities and headaches to the more discerning listener.” Bittersweet.