Listurnalia is almost over. But we can’t conclude it without a list from your favorite AMG writer, can we?
Bathory
Midnight Odyssey – Biolume Part 3: A Fullmoon Madness Review
“The Biolume trilogy is massive, not only in runtime but also in the scope of its storytelling. The records move from darkened subterranean halls on In Tartarean Chains, through a blinding desert of celestial light on The Golden Orb to stare at the haunting night sky, dimly lit by that same light reflecting off a dead satellite on A Fullmoon Madness. Perhaps it was always inevitable that, as we moved up through these levels, each would be vaster in scope and scale than the last.” Size matters.
The Circle – Of Awakening Review
“When we discuss this majesty in metal, common threads lead to Fleshgod Apocalypse and Septicflesh and their ominous orchestras, the strength of battle in the rhythms of Bathory and Amon Amarth, while colossal vastness grants Ahab its weight or Ataraxie its bleakness. Germany’s The Circle utilizes all of the above in its dense and expansive blend of melodic death, doom, and black metal, capped off by symphonic soundscapes and a Gothic vocal style.” Might, majesty, and muscle.
Ars Moriendi – Lorsque Les Coeurs S’assèchent Review
“This time, Ars Moriendi has ditched many of the horn and wind atmospheres for traditional atmoblack ones. Instead of bombastic symphonies coating his vicious black metal slayings and soothing acoustic guitars, this focused approach allows Arsonist to explore and tinker with guitar-led atmospheres, female choirs, and bizarre yet unique effects. The result isn’t so much a change in direction as a new experiment. Though I know Ars Moriendi well, nothing prepared me for Lorsque Les Coeurs S’assèchent.” Atmo-blast.
Blackbraid – Blackbraid II Review
“Yeah, Blackbraid I wasn’t perfect: it sounded a bit like an EP, relied too heavily on its singles, and felt, at times, a bit undercooked. But there was more than enough there to get most fans hyped for the follow-up. Blackbraid, fortunately, hasn’t made us wait long. Blackbraid II is here…” Braid surgery.
Immortal – War Against All Review
Immortal have returned after a five-year absence in the frozen tundra. You know what that means. Grier and Grymm have reunited in love to bring you another double review of hot takes.
Yer Metal is Olde: Blut Aus Nord – The Work Which Transforms God
“Before we dive headfirst into today’s induction, I want to address the impressively large, off-salmon-colored pachyderm that’s currently occupying a large space in the corner of the room. Black metal, especially in the late nineties and early 2000s, wasn’t all that terrifying, despite what their chief songwriters would have you believe. Behind all the church arsons, bullshit posturing, literal back-stabbing, racism, homophobia, xenophobia, and murder, the music didn’t even come close to attaining a faint whiff of what they were trying to achieve aesthetically.” And then, transformation.
Lamp of Murmuur – Saturnian Bloodstorm Review
“So, there I was. Curled up in an armchair, dark outside, shark pups snoring, decaf breakfast tea almost finished, review for the week just turned in, when what should I spy? Lamp of Murmuur sitting, alone in the gloaming of the promo sump, unloved, unattended and already released.” Rub it and see.
Asphagor – Pyrogenesis Review
“Fire seems to be a popular theme in the black metal pantheon. Whether it be a metaphorical representation of birth or rebirth, a literal representation of destruction, or just a simple reference to Hell, Satan, or Varg, fire is a lifelong staple. Thankfully, from such a primal element of our Earth and in our hearts springs a bottomless well of inspiration for these bands, and Austria’s Asphagor are no exception. With fourth LP Pyrogenesis, the epic black metal quintet burn with the passion of a thousand suns, and they want you to burn with them.” Burn after hearing.
The Gauntlet – Dark Steel and Fire Review
“Who could have foreseen that I would grab an album with “steel” in the title before our Mighty Ape could get his banana-stained whore hands on it? Perhaps it was due to the absence of “swords” that I now hold in my sausage fingers the debut record from New Jersey’s The Gauntlet.” Stealing the steel.