Melodic Black Metal

冷 – 日落 Review

冷 – 日落 Review

“Rare is the promo we receive for extreme metal out of Taiwan, save for the odd gross slam record. Naturally, getting any promo from a region not particularly well known in the West for their burgeoning metal scene draws the eye, and mine eye was surely drawn. Enter (translated into the Latin alphabet as Laang), a melodic black metal outfit from Keelung City.” Rare and unusual.

Amalekim – Avodah Zarah Review

Amalekim – Avodah Zarah Review

“2023 hasn’t been the best year for black metal. With some scattered, notable exceptions—DHG and Manbryne among them—most new releases have been underwhelming, or at least disappointing. Undeterred, I continue to pick promos bearing the ‘black metal’ tag, because I believe the genre, at its best, is captivating in a way others aren’t, and offers a flavor of expression unique to itself. As we approach the sunset of the year, my persistence has paid off with the arrival of Avodah Zarah, the sophomore record from Polish/Italian outfit Amalekim.” Blackened treasures uncovered.

Lightlorn – At One with the Night Sky Review

Lightlorn – At One with the Night Sky Review

“Beautiful and melodious in equal measure, At One with the Night Sky occupies that stratospheric space where the most ethereal atmoblack resides, evoking more faithfully the ebullient tones of Skyforest and Deafheaven than the tumultuous desperation of Mare Cognitum. Delicate twinkling effects and peaceful dalliances with cosmic ambiance characteristic of Skyborne Reveries further embellish Lightlorn’s high-flying approach.” Platonic forms of beauty.

Stortregn – Finitude Review

Stortregn – Finitude Review

Stortregn have always been a meloblack band with a tech death heart, but Finitude is a faster, meaner, and more varied beast than ever. The album is tightly wound and asymmetrical, unlike 2021’s Impermanence which counterbalanced the band’s labyrinthine instrumental prowess with nearly cinematic song structures, giving us sweeping epics like “Ghosts of the Past” and “Grand Nexion Abyss.” Many of the band’s signature aesthetics are still intact.” Tech vs. man.

Sulphur Aeon – Seven Crowns and Seven Seals Review

Sulphur Aeon – Seven Crowns and Seven Seals Review

Sulphur Aeon is, as of this writing, my favorite extreme metal band. Their first three releases—the brutal Swallowed by the Ocean’s Tide, the incredible Gateway to the Antisphere, and the unforgettable The Scythe of Cosmic Chaos—represent a truly unfuckwithable hot streak of ridiculously high caliber records. So deep is my love for these German worshippers of eldritch deities that, quite frankly, it’s almost a conflict of interest for me to cover them. Yet here I am, determined to provide the public with what they deserve: a proper and thorough review of Sulphur Aeon’s upcoming fourth opus,Seven Crowns and Seven Seals.” Tendril loving care.

Moonlight Sorcery – Horned Lord of the Thorned Castle Review

Moonlight Sorcery – Horned Lord of the Thorned Castle Review

“The unheralded band that could. Moonlight Sorcery are a melodic black metal band that materialized out of nowhere and destroyed any skepticism I had about their buzz. Their first EP, Piercing through the Frozen Eternity, was killer, comprising 4 tracks of bona fide 4.5 material. The sequel, Nightwind: Conqueror from the Stars, was darker, moodier, and less melodic but still extremely compelling. Not even a year following the second of these, I was delighted to discover that a full-length debut was due; 44 minutes of premium black metal was promised. Is it even possible for these Finns to match my expectations?” Finnish magic and mayhem.

Uada – Crepuscule Natura Review

Uada – Crepuscule Natura Review

“A steady stream of music since 2016 and a consistent touring schedule has resulted in the increasing popularity of Oregon’s Uada. I’ve long since established that their debut marks my favorite of their work but the band clearly feels a positive progression indicated through their releases’ artwork. Beginning with a tortured skeleton with lifeless child in tow, they’ve developed through a figure casting a spell, a djinn rising and now a cosmic deity wielding the earth in space. Perhaps they suggest their growth in form and power, but I feel that their subsequent releases haven’t matched the unbridled vibrancy and massive hooks of the debut.” Final form?