“I’ve noticed that the face of Norwegian black metal is a changing, it’s becoming more adventurous, more rock infused, more progressive and God forbid, more accessible [well, it can’t get LESS accessible — Steel Druhm]. I can confirm however, that while they’re not just all about the evil any longer, they definitely haven’t lost sight or forgotten about the mighty Dark Lord Satan! Breath people, all is still right in the world.” How does Koldbrann fit in to this new movement? Follow Madam X on her trend analysis.
Black Metal
Denouncement Pyre – Almighty Arcanum Album Review
Don’t lie to me – you know that you absolutely adore fast-paced black metal. Who doesn’t? What’s not to love? Exhilarating, evil and when done right, it’s just about infinitely enjoyable. Highly distorted, often dissonant riffs, pounding drums with snares that sound like machine guns, rasps that sound like the vocalist swallowed a naga chilli that only made it half way down his throat, the many pleasures it can contain thrill and frighten. Throw a small helping of death metal riffage into the mix, perhaps even some speed metal and you have Denouncement Pyre. If you’re not excited by that description, or already buying it, you’ll probably remain unconvinced and should close this tab and go back to your knitting or whatever it is you do when you should instead listening to black metal. Did I mention black metal is great? Let me say it again – it’s great, and so is Denouncement Pyre.
Enshadowed – Magic Chaos Psychedelia Review
What’s this world coming to? Good, old-fashioned black metal incorporating experimental elements and color… being the color-phobe I am, I’m tempted to say blegh!
Nightfall – Cassiopeia Review
Greek genre benders Nighfall are back and this time, they really mean business. METAL business! Be it doom, black, death or power, they try to cram it in this here album like 60 cats in a suitcase. This is almost as fun as that suitcase too!
Things You Might Have Missed 2012: A Forest of Stars – Shadowplay for Yesterdays
We sent Madam X to join the very exclusive gentlemen’s club founded by A Forest of Stars. She fit in better than expected and now we can’t get her to leave. At least she left us with this here review.
Merrimack – The Acausal Mass Review
Noctus is back with a detailed and calculated dissection of the new album by French black metal mongers Merrimack. Can you believe these guys have been riding the blackened beast for almost 20 years?? Good on them!
Kolp – The Outside Review
Hungary has a booming black metal scene and Kolp is a part of it. Madam X thinks they’re the sleep inducing part. Apparently they also steal riffs from themselves. What’s up with that?? Kids today…
Melencolia Estatica – Hel Review
Madam X is a dedicated reviewer. In preparation for her thoughtful analysis of Melencolia Estatica’s black metal concept album Hel, she watched the really really old movie that provided the source material, then she did some deep thinking about the music itself. In contrast, Steel Druhm posted sexy pics of the female band member. He’s a slacker pig.
The Secret – Agnus Dei Review
Alex reviews Italian sludgey black metal act The Secret and their new opus of pain entitled Agnus Dei.
Ragnarok – Malediction Review
Ragnarok is back with a new album and yet another vocalist. These guys go through vocalists like Spinal Tap goes through drummers! Anywho, Madam X is here to break it down as she gets herself in a tizzy over church burnings and other “necro” things.