Icelandic black metal band Fortið returns with the ambitious sixth full-length “World Serpent” which consists of two halves of five songs each that complement each other despite manifesting divergent artistic visions and different line-ups. 

The epic and obscure atmospheric arrangements of the intro “AI 2020” foreshadow the arcane motifs that on “The True Awakening” will lead to fierce rhythmic dynamics fueled by the sharp guitar riffs and gelid melodic phrases channeling a true Nordic metal essence. 

“Controlled Patterned Mental Process” follows a faster blackened rhythm as the belligerent combo of riffage and drumming seems unstoppable until guitars begin to craft soothing melodic passages leading to a fascinating solo in the midst of a sombre atmosphere. 

The recurring mellow guitar melodies on “Son Of A Barren Land” evoke melancholia and grief accompanied by a sorrowful vocal delivery yet the mood will change as the rhythmic section and the vicious growls unleash an inflamed blackened energy following a faster ominous tempo. 

Throughout “Beyond the Grips Of Odium” the relentless riffs maintain a frenetic blackened momentum while vocals naturally shift from tormented growls to a solemn clean delivery reminiscent of a Viking metal glory also enhanced by the elaborate lead guitar work. 

The dystopian atmospheric tapestries of “Perfect Annihilation” introduce a darkened rhythmic ensemble that amplifies the intricate dynamics and the essential role of the stellar guitar solos which convey a glowing melodic essence. 

The apocalyptic theme of “World Serpent” spontaneously generates a darkened sonic realm where the primal blackened essence is destined to prevail even if Fortið certainly showcase artistic freedom with a subtle experimental approach. 

https://prophecy.lnk.to/fortid-world-serpent

Icelandic duo Katla brings to life a mesmerizing artistic vision through the opulent melancholic soundscapes of the sophomore release “Allt þetta helvítis myrkur”.

The immersive voyage begins with the darkened atmospheric soul of “Ást orðum ofar” as enigmatic distorted guitars and solemn vocals eventually evolve into gentle acoustic phrases. 

There are graceful melodic moments on “Villuljós” yet the mood is bound to become increasingly darker as the mournful doom inspiration thrives within the gelid rhythmic ensemble generating heavier riffage and anguished tonalities enriched by an eclectic guitar solo. 

“Sálarsvefn” is drenched in darkness as the intricate synths layers create an arcane atmospheric grandeur and the consequent obscure vibes will naturally lead to a blackened momentum amplified by tormented growls and faster drumming. 

Listening to the title track you feel surrounded by cold winter winds as the cinematic nature is fully expressed by the convoluted atmospheric waves and the harmonious classical tapestries while guitars & vocals focus on an enthralling blend of melancholic phrases and doom elements. 

The complex lengthy track “Svartnætti” can feel like a beautiful daydream due to the peaceful acoustic melodies and the elegant piano yet the inner darkness will often emerge through the faster intense rhythmic crescendos and the harsh tones of the guitar work that lead to a majestic grand finale characterized by epic arrangements & choirs. 

The spiritual connection with the wintry Icelandic landscapes is palpable throughout “Allt þetta helvítis myrkur” as Katla confidently showcase a fascinating songwriting style and embark on a cathartic journey exploring the depths of human emotions. 

https://prophecy.lnk.to/katla-album-2020

Avant-garde Canadian trio Völur invites you to enter the spellbinding dark world of the third full length “Death Cult” which immediately stands out for the intricate composition generating arcane folk doom soundscapes. 

“Inviolate Grove” has a remarkable ritualistic flair and immediately shows the fundamental role of the violin that becomes a spiritual guide through the undiluted darkness crafting intriguing harmonies and even heavier dynamics that shift from classic doom vibes to dissonant twists. 

The doom flair feels strong on “Dead Moon” as the slow cathartic rhythm leads you through a darkened atmospheric grandeur while the bewitching violin melodies can naturally acquire exquisite classical nuances while the tormented screams channel an obscure force. 

The dissonant tonalities and the mystifying chants on “Freyjan Death Cult” foreshadow a perilous descent into an ancestral darkened realm and once again the eclectic violin will surprise you with elegant melodies and primordial rhythmic patterns that ultimately lead to a chaotic momentum reaching the acme with a blistering electric violin solo.  

We are still traveling through the darkest depths as the solemn choirs emphasize the esoteric vibes of ”Reverend Queen” which delivers an overload of mournful rhythmic crescendos that allow the violin to create addictive sinister patterns accompanied by the perfect dosage of harsh growls and precise drumming while in the finale the violin effortlessly crafts gorgeous somber melodies. 

Undoubtedly the strength of “Death Cult” comes from the unique style and the darkly alluring instrumental dynamics that Völur have mastered following a desire to push boundaries and a passionately enigmatic songwriting approach. 

https://prophecy.lnk.to/voelur-death-cult

Founded in 2012 by former members of influential depressive black metal band Lifelover, Swedish progressive blackened band Kall crafts unique soundscapes on the sophomore release “Brand”.

Listening to “Rise” you can immediately perceive Kall’s eclectic music vision as mournful blackened guitar riffs create an introverted instrumental ensemble that will often evolve into intricate melodic passages or heavier abrasive rhythmic patterns. 

“Fervour” is surrounded by a dreamy atmosphere that emphasizes the presence of wistful guitar melodies that at times will embrace darker rhythmic crescendos embellished by the elegant tonalities of the saxophone. 

The mystifying mini opus “Fukta Din Aska” constantly showcases a complex experimental approach offering heavy rhythmic dynamics and obscure tonalities but the direction can change drastically anytime as the moody melodic guitar work and the enticing saxophone channel shoegaze nuances and even chaotic psychedelic vibes. 

“Hide Below” begins with mellow harmonies evoking an immense melancholia that continues to flourish through cathartic rhythmic crescendos as guitars acquire hazy tonalities accompanied by tormented screams to enhance the contemplative momentum that ultimately leads to surreal dissonant progressions. 

While “Brand” is certainly fueled by a darkened enigmatic force Kall tend to surprise the listeners with unusual sounds and unexpected instrumental twists aiming to achieve a distinct sonic identity far from any standard music category. 

Since many years Hungarian duo The Moon And The Nightspirit has created mythical folk music that aims to spellbind you once again with the opulent new album “Aether”. 

On the title track the mystical chants guide you through a magical sonic realm where the glowing atmospheric tapestries and the stylish acoustic phrases build enchanting rhythmic crescendos that have the power to take you far away from reality. 

“Kaputlan Kapukon Át” feels like being in the middle of the woods as the folk melodic splendor generates lavish multilayered acoustic progressions and luminous tonalities embellished by delicate vocal harmonies.  

The mood becomes darker on “Égi Messzeségek” as the acoustic arrangements naturally blend mysterious nuances and shimmering harmonies further emphasized by the pulsating rhythm and the contrasting emotions expressed by the vocal duet. 

Listening to “Asha” we’re dreaming the same dream as the wistful acoustic passages, the gorgeous strings and the graceful vocals create intricate melodic waves that can warm your heart. 

With “Aether” The Moon And The Nightspirit have reached a new milestone in their long standing career as all the tracks shine for the meticulous composition and flow like a daydream destined to linger in your mind. 

New black metal trio Vuur & Zijde and anonymous band Impavida join forces to create mysterious and nihilistic soundscapes on a new split album that will give them a chance to introduce themselves in the underground metal scene. 

Vuur & Zijde recorded these tracks in a remote yurt on the Frisian shoreside and their first offering on this album is “Zonnestorm” which begins with a mystical chant before entering a proper blackened sonic realm with steady tremolo picking and gloomy atmospheric waves. 

“Noordzee” continues to amplify a transcendental darkness combining bewitching melodic phrases and ethereal vocals flowing through a hazy atmospheric maze. 

The last track by Vuur & Zijde “Zilt” certainly holds a raw blackened essence but also focuses on the creation of shimmering guitar melodies to evoke a profound nostalgia emphasized by the dreamy atmospheric arrangements. 

Impavida’s first track “Gram” unleashes a mystifying black metal formula with fast riffage and tormented screams that inevitably generate a bleak soundscape significantly amplified by somber melodic segments. 

The final track “Wahn & Stille” revolves around slower cascading melodies and monochromatic guitar tonalities that will often embrace faster dissonant dynamics marching through the murky atmosphere that naturally emphasizes an impenetrable darkness.  

In terms of music style both Vuur & Zijde and Impavida confidently follow a rather obscure sonic pathway fueled by a lugubrious black metal inspiration and enriched by enigmatic atmospheres. 

Perchta is a new Austrian music project inspired by alpine nature, culture and myth and the debut full-length “Ufång” embodies a ritualistic composition that takes you far away from the modern lifestyle. 

On “Erdn” the enigmatic atmosphere introduces a visceral blackened rhythm yet the galloping guitar riffs and the ominous growls are often interrupted by moody folkish harmonies that emphasize the connection with ancestral traditions. 

“Åtem” prepares an arcane ritual with mellow arpeggios and epic chants that will eventually embrace heavier rhythmic dynamics highlighting the mixture of calmer folk tapestries and primal black metal influences. 

The tribal percussions on “Gluat” continue to amplify the ritualistic style of the whole album while the tremolo picking and the creepy growls inevitably increase the inner darkness in the midst of a mysterious atmosphere. 

The lengthy track “Wåssa” offers some magical acoustic harmonies and passionate clean vocals that emphasize a dramatic depth while distorted guitars successfully channel a dark metal essence with mournful melodic progressions.  

“Winta” evokes a peaceful bond with nature focusing on traditional folk instruments to craft glowing harmonious passages and to put the spotlight on the powerful theatrical vocals. 

Perchta has no interest in making music for the masses in fact “Ufång” aims to create a mystical sonic realm where pagan worship, folk nuances and blackened elements entwine in order to keep alive ancient traditions. 

For many years Secrets Of The Moon have been developing an eclectic artistic vision and the inflamed creativity behind the seventh full length “Black House” further demonstrates their ability to convey a darkly emotional ensemble that deserves your utmost attention and might even help you to escape reality. 

Featuring guest vocalist Jules Näveri of Enemy of the Sun, “Sanctum” opens the album conjuring a gelid darkened sonic realm with the fragile beauty of the moody guitar melodies and the intense vocals flowing freely through a gothic tinged rhythmic crescendo that doesn’t really need extra speed to make a memorable impact.  

It’s so easy to fall desperately in love with “Don’t Look Now” as the dense multilayered atmosphere fills the air with a seductive darkness amplified by the soulful vocal delivery and the impeccable guitar phrases can effortlessly evoke a spellbinding melancholia. 

On “He Is Here” everything flows like a daydream within a surreal atmospheric world and the shimmering melodic guitars move sinuously around the poignant vocal harmonies while at times the rhythmic section will generate tumultuous dynamics.  

The introspective depth of “Cotard” is quite evident as the extremely gloomy guitar phrases become an essential part of the intricate composition yet the charismatic rhythmic variations can effortlessly intensify the darkened ardor of the memorable chorus. 

Darkness continues to prevail on the title track which features some subtle blackened elements embedded in the fiery guitar riffs leading to a wilder rhythmic rampage and an impressive flamboyant solo plus the recurring irresistible guitar progressions are destined to get stuck in your head. 

“Mute God” crafts an overdose of gorgeous sorrowful melodies fueled by the wistful guitar tonalities and the eerie atmospheric accents that will ultimately build a bold rhythmic tension while the vocals, featuring Thomas Helm of Empyrium & Noekk, acquire a vibrant spiritual fervor during the super catchy chorus. 

Trying to categorize the music style of “Black House” seems rather futile as Secrets Of The Moon continue to embrace a captivating evolution that today leads to an intoxicating opus offering genuine emotions, exquisite darkened nuances and addictive melodic tapestries.

Dutch dark rockers Dool continue their inspiring spiritual and musical journey on the sophomore full length “Summerland” which is the result of a beautiful evolution destined to conquer a wider audience. 

“Wolf Moon” has an accessible melodic essence that shines under the moonlight for the darkened guitar tonalities expressing grim emotions constantly emphasized by Ryanne van Dorst’s mesmerizing vocal performance and naturally the chorus becomes highly addictive with the catchy heavier guitar phrases. 

Following a moody rhythmic rampage “God Particle” offers elaborate multilayered guitar harmonies filled with exotic tonalities and a subtle surf rock inspiration yet a spellbinding darkness lingers throughout the fascinating instrumental progressions emphasized by the intense soloing and the opulent vocals featuring backing vocalist Farida Lemouchi of The Devil’s Blood & Molasses. 

The title track acquires shimmering dreamy post-rock nuances with a bewitching guitar work that shifts from slow ethereal passages to intoxicating melodies that make you feel like you’re wandering freely within another dimension and Ryanne’s hypnotic voice becomes your ideal spiritual guide. 

“The Well’s Run Dry” is a memorable track that stands out for the seductive darkened aesthetics carefully crafted by the delightful melodic progressions enriched by passionate guitar leads and audacious rhythmic variations while the ominous spoken words courtesy of Okoi Jones from Bölzer certainly intensify the mysterious flair. 

On “Be Your Sins” a thrilling psychedelic quintessence deeply influences the guitar tones leading to soaring grooves and mystifying melodies that will reach the acme with the fervent chorus while the vibrant psychedelic Hammond organ solo performed by renowned keyboardist Per Wiberg adds an overdose of trippy rock vibes.  

“Dust & Shadow” marks a sublime grand finale as lavish atmospheric arrangements and alluring vocals conjure an otherworldly sonic realm where enchanting guitars evoke sheer melancholia with darkly soothing melodies and enthralling soloing that will ultimately evolve into an unforgettable ravishing rhythmic crescendo.  

If you enjoyed the magical soundscapes of the debut album “Here Now, There Then” you will inevitably fall madly in love with “Summerland” as Dool fully embrace their darkened charismatic identity through stellar songwriting and fascinating introspective motifs. 

Under the Drown moniker multi instrumentalist Markov Soroka has created the fascinating ambitious opus “Subaqueous” which dwells within a realm of darkness and light with a strong funeral doom inspiration. 

As soon as “Drowned VI: Mother Cetacean” begins we enter an underwater world lulled by the gentle sound of waves. The guitar melodies almost glow within the darkened doom ensemble which can feel quite lugubrious due to the cavernous growls and the monolithic riffs yet everything moves slowly favoring an immersive listening experience and the melancholic motif gains strength from the dreamy tonalities and the blurry atmospheric nuances particularly hypnotizing when accompanied by the ethereal violin during the finale.  

“Drowned VII: Father Subaqueous” can sound quite comforting with refined guitar melodies and the graceful violins that emphasize the introspective depth and might even hold a fragile sense of hope while in the midst of ambient tapestries and aptly aquatic sounds you will also find moments of extremely mournful and significantly heavier guitar riffs.  

Both the two lengthy tracks of “Subaqueous” maintain a classic funeral doom approach that evolves into ‘aquatic doom’ to fit the chosen conceptual themes as Drown takes you on a melancholic journey to the depths of the ocean.