Stormkeep

Sylvatica – Cadaver Synod Review

Sylvatica – Cadaver Synod Review

By Carcharodon on October 18, 2023 in Reviews, Avante Garde, Folk Metal, Melodic Death Metal, 37 comments

“Danish melodic folk death quartet Sylvatica has been around since 2009, with two full-lengths plus an assortment of EPs and singles under its collective belt. The band’s debut EP, Sagn og sagaer, had a stomping folk metal edge to it that recalled early Blind Guardian but with harsh, growling vox. By the time of their first LP, 2014’s Evil Seeds, Sylvatica’s sound had evolved somewhat, bringing them closer in tone to Skyfire or maybe Stormkeep, while on their sophomore outing, Ashes and Snow (2021), that progression continued.” Evolve or die a corpse.

Heltekvad – Morgenrødens Helvedesherre Review

Heltekvad – Morgenrødens Helvedesherre Review

By Maddog on March 30, 2022 in Reviews, Black Metal, 12 comments

“Heltekvad is a Danish three-piece fronted by Ole Luk of Afsky and Solbrud fame, flanked by two Afsky live musicians with a resume spanning Sunken and Morild. (Do I have your attention?) The band members’ atmospheric black metal repertoire has received its share of praise around these parts. But in contrast with the icy and evocative atmosphere of their past work, Heltekvad promises “heroic-sounding melodies” and “truly medieval soundscapes” on their debut Morgenrødens Helvedesherre.” Fevdal fvkk.

Cirkeln – A Song to Sorrow Review

Cirkeln – A Song to Sorrow Review

By Thus Spoke on March 28, 2022 in Reviews, Black Metal, Dungeon Synth, Melodic Black Metal, 35 comments

“Some things enter human culture and just don’t leave. What could be a better example than the epic fantasy spearheaded (in the West) by J.R.R Tolkien, spawning countless other artworks and fuelling many an obsession to this day. Similarly, the rise of solo projects within black metal is seemingly indefatigable. Cirkeln combines these two strands—the mainstream and the counter-culture—through a discography inspired by genre heavyweights of each. Tolkien and Moorcock on the one hand, Celtic Frost and Bathory on the other.” Ring of sour.

Stormkeep – Galdrum Review

Stormkeep – Galdrum Review

By Twelve on November 29, 2020 in Reviews, 38 comments

“The potential of a debut release is a magical thing. This year, I’ve been blown away by first-ever offerings, left dismayed and discouraged by initial encounters, and experienced decided mediocrity with hope for something better next time. Suffice it to say, I like writing reviews with no prior experience for a sound; the temptation to compare an act to what they once were is, to me, less exciting than the comparison to what they could be. And so, from the dark corners of the United States, I present to you Galdrum, the debut full-length from Stormkeep, who play symphonic black metal and have an awesome album cover.” Dark impressions.