Satyricon

Ragnarok – Psychopathology Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on March 27, 2016 in 2016, Agonia Records, Black Metal, Norwegian Metal, Reviews, Black Metal, 26 comments

“There really isn’t much more to be said about Ragnarok that hasn’t already been said by our beloved Noctus and Madam X (and the rest of the black metal community). Ragnarok, like Urgehal, are one of the most underrated black metal acts on the planet. Perhaps it’s due to their consistency and unwillingness to fix-what-isn’t-broken that’s kept them from reaching black metal stardom (if “stardom” is actually attainable in this genre).” Consistency is the hobgoblin of great black metal (because it requires hobgoblins).

Sarke – Bogefod Review

By Madam X on February 27, 2016 in 2016, Avante Garde, Black Metal, Heavy Metal, Indie Recordings, Norwegian Metal, Reviews, Thrash Metal, Uncategorized, Black Metal, Heavy Metal, Thrash Metal, 31 comments

“I won’t lie, when I heard there was a new Sarke poised to drop on the unsuspecting masses, I scrambled to get my hands on it before Steel Druhm could review the unholy hell out of it.” And I would have too if it weren’t for you meddling kids!

Stellar Master Elite – III: Eternalism – The Psychospherical Chapter Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on October 24, 2015 in 2015, Black Metal, Doom Metal, Essential Purifiation Records, German Metal, Reviews, Black Metal, Doom Metal, 26 comments

“Since first listening to Thorns, I’ve wanted nothing more than an equally excellent follow-up to their self-titled release. Seriously, if I was granted three wishes, that would be one of them. But getting this wish granted is as unlikely as having Freddy Krueger drag me kicking and screaming up my bedroom wall and splaying me open on the ceiling.” Don’t look to Freddy for wish fulfillment.

Shrine of Insanabilis – Disciples of the Void Review

By Grymm on September 20, 2015 in 2015, Black Metal, Reviews, W.T.C. Productions, 19 comments

“Anonymity is a useful tool to promote your music. By removing faces, names, and egos from a project, you allow the music to communicate your message, and if performed properly, it can elevate your art to levels only dreamed of. It can also subject you to ridiculous levels of unicorn-shaming.” Mysteries wrapped in riddles get stabbed with the unihorn.

Ered – Night of Eternal Doom Review

By Grymm on June 3, 2015 in 2015, Black Metal, Reviews, Spanish Metal, Thrash Metal, War Anthem Records, Black Metal, Thrash Metal, 25 comments

“TV Tropes is a website that talks about tropes, idioms, and cliches in various forms of media. Whether it’s television, movies, or even video games, the website does an incredible job of educating would-be writers as to what pitfalls to avoid or what “crazy plot twists” have been done to beyond death. It makes one wonder if there’s such a thing for black metal and its various offshoots.” And there isnt, so we at AMG must act as the Anti-Trope Troopers.

Ethereal – Opus Aethereum Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on January 27, 2015 in 2015, Black Metal, Candlelight Records, English Metal, Symphonic Metal, Black Metal, Symphonic Metal, 16 comments

“I’m just going to come out and say it. I enjoyed Dimmu Borgir’s big-assed Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia. Yep, I said it. Haters be a hatin’ but its elements of bombastic orchestration and “beauty and the beast” vocals introduced a balance of demonic and angelic qualities that expanded on a style bands like Emperor and Limbonic Art had/have nurtured for years.” Don’t hate the keyboards, hate the player.

Volahn – Aq’Ab’Al Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on January 6, 2015 in 2015, American Metal, Black Metal, Iron Bonehead Productions, Post-metal, Reviews, The Ajna Offensive, Black Metal, 25 comments

“Being my first review of 2015, I think it’s fitting that I wish all the AMGers out there a Happy New Year. May it be filled with joy! Conversely, I have two words for 2014: fuck you.” Before we embrace the shiny new year, Dr. A.M. Grier has to air some grievances. He also reviews some interesting black metal.

The Deathtrip – Deep Drone Master Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on November 12, 2014 in 2014, Black Metal, English Metal, Norwegian Metal, Reviews, Svart Records, Black Metal, 12 comments

“Ever since I picked up my first copy of Darkthrone’s Transylvanian Hunger, I’ve been in love with old-school black metal (even though it wasn’t “old school” back then). I’m not sure if it’s the satanic themes, the atmospheric tapestry of nonstop trebly guitars, the vicious/desperate vox, or my craving for the frozen, isolated terrain that personifies the genre so well (“cold” isn’t a word used in the southwestern United States).” It’s old, but is it still bold?

1349 – Massive Cauldron of Chaos Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on September 25, 2014 in 2014, Black Metal, Indie Recordings, Norwegian Metal, Reviews, Black Metal, 16 comments

“Since 1997, 1349 has evolved a lot. And I mean a lot. They’ve changed so much that their musical career can only be compared to driving down the freeway at 70 miles per hour and hitting black ice. First, you accelerate along the on-ramp (Liberation and Beyond the Apocalypse), until you achieve top speed (Hellfire). When you come upon the ice, it sends you into uncontrollable spins (Revelations of the Black Flame) that you miraculously manage to steer free from.” Winter is fast approaching so it’s time to check your snow tires and drive safely out there!

Solace of Requiem – Casting Ruin Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on September 12, 2014 in 2014, American Metal, Black Metal, Death Metal, Reviews, ViciSolum Productions, Black Metal, Technical Death Metal, 9 comments

If there is one thing that can be said about Solace of Requiem, it’s that these guys have yet to pick a style and run with it. Comparing their albums to one another is like comparing metal to sushi. However, their lack of staleness is breath of fresh air (or in this case “putridity?”). Appearing on the scene in 2004 with their self-titled debut of Morbid Angel worship, these guys stuck to the time-tested formula of old-school death metal; mean, fast, and in-your-face. From there they expanded that style by introducing some groove and thrashier elements on Utopia Reborn before incorporating a black-infused tech death approach on their third release, The Great Awakening. Do you like brutal sushi? Do you enjoy an ever shifting musical template? One stop shopping right here, folks!