Norwegian black metal pioneers Mortem helped shape the infamous black metal’s second wave and now the release of “Mørketid” marks a strong comeback evidently driven by obscure forces.
The title track celebrates endless darkness with intense rhythmic fury yet the faster venomous guitars must slow down to put the spotlight on the baroque keyboards generating a bewitching melodic flow.
“The Mighty Odious” celebrates the early sound of Scandinavian black metal with soaring guitar riffs and ravenous growls while solemn keyboards arise from shadowy depths to emphasize a brooding classical flair.
“Skyggeånd” conveys nightmarish vibes often demanding hyper speed and the ominous guitar progressions accompanied by ghastly multilayered keyboards ultimately lead to a cryptic atmospheric momentum.
The towering rhythmic section on “Ditt Ødes Ære” proudly channels hostile traditional black metal roots while the mighty combo of guitars and keyboards spontaneously craft sinister melodic passages culminating with a savage solo.
Throughout “Mørkets Ormebol” opulent keyboards maintain a crucial role creating eerie atmospheric tapestries around the main malevolent rhythmic core effortlessly fueled by menacing riffage and monochromatic tonalities.
Originally known as the Norwegian cult band which preceded Arcturus, Mortem brings to life the original incarnation of epic black metal through the labyrinthic frostbitten soundscapes of “Mørketid”.
Category: Album Reviews 2026
A.A. Williams – Solstice
Multi talented artist A. A. Williams embraces darkness and poetry on the new immersive full length “Solstice” destined to reach the soul of the audience.
“Poison” opens the album with a sultry mix of evocative vocals and gritty guitar riffs which amplifies a groovy attitude in the midst of a dense atmospheric ensemble.
“Wolves” demands your attention offering smooth arpeggios, exquisite vocal harmonies and fervent melodic crescendos to fully express an incessant emotional turmoil.
Williams shows a vulnerable side without any hesitation on “Hold It Together” choosing a minimalist composition that focuses on comforting vocals and delicate piano melodies leading to opulent rhythmic dynamics.
Williams ‘ warm vocals guide you safely through the dreamy soundscapes of “Outlines” which continues to emphasize authentic emotions with a distinct post-rock spirit and the gelid beauty of the classical piano.
“It Won’t Rain Forever” once again highlights how the eloquent emotive themes naturally come to life through the poignant voice & piano combo further enriched by the sentimental echoes of whimsical rhythmic progressions.
Within the melodic gloom of “The Gentle Harm” the cathartic vocal performance is perfectly complemented by the elegant piano and the monochromatic guitars often acquiring appealing darker tonalities.
Drenched in endless melancholia “Solstice” symbolizes a passionate creative outlet that certainly puts the spotlight on Williams’s alluring voice and fascinating intimate musical vision.
Solace – Fading Failing Ruin
Celebrating the anniversary of their 30th year as a band Solace presents their monumental stoner doom manifesto and apocalyptic vision on the intense fifth studio album “Fading Failing Ruin”.
“Spiral Will” marks a powerful beginning providing the necessary heaviness to build memorable rhythmic dynamics but guitars and vocals also showcase a magnetic melodic flair.
The lengthy trippy track “Wrath’s Object (The Big Fall)” introduces a warm psychedelic atmospheric realm featuring hazy melodies and tribal percussion while dominant guitars will take over focusing on loud monolithic riffs and gritty sound.
Without futile special effects “Beyond Below” relies on the heavy weight of the rhythmic section constantly fueled by electrifying guitar progressions and powerful vocals.
“Malengine (The Scaffold)” emphasizes a nostalgic mood contemplating on a grim reality and consequently revealing a sorrowful melodic soul through the slow burning guitars and the softer vocal harmonies.
On “Ridden” guitars become simply unstoppable, celebrating the glory of stoner doom and showcasing excellent chemistry with an overdose of rebellious riffs and sophisticated leads keeping a wild groovy attitude.
With maturity and experience Solace take inspiration from the earliest days of metal and reach a new milestone confidently delivering massive grooves and hypnotic vibes throughout ”Fading Failing Ruin”.
Bloodhunter – Sons Of The Abandoned
Spanish melodic death metal powerhouse Bloodhunter has already reached the international extreme metal scene and now takes another crucial step to conquer more with the ambitious multi-layered album “Sons Of The Abandoned”.
The majestic album opener “The Devils Own” puts the spotlight on charismatic vocalist Diva Satanica confidently delivering malignant growls to complement the fiery mix of vitriolic riffs and glowing guitar harmonies.
“Threshold Of Hell” presents an obscure vision with a palpable brutal death metal essence and nocturnal atmospheric arrangements amplified by the decadent vocal performance courtesy of legendary Fernando Ribeiro from Moonspell also adding an exquisite gothic touch.
“Ephemeral Youth” diligently manifests the band’s sonic identity building a merciless rhythmic assault and dictating hyper speed while the impressive guitar solo showcases a detailed technical approach.
The potent title track hits you in the face with a bold series of vicious guitar riffs while the leads focus on contrasting polished melodies expressing uplifting sentiments.
“The Path That Never Ends” emphasizes a major epic flair with an empowering vocal performance featuring Laura Guldemond from Burning Witches accompanied by flamboyant guitar progressions and a groovy rhythmic pulse.
“Masters Of Deceive” relies on harsh blast beats and tormented growls but guitars can fully embrace emotionally charged motifs to create a compelling melodic ensemble.
With “Sons Of The Abandoned” Bloodhunter bravely face their own inner demons finding clarity and creativity in a solid mix of sophisticated melodic themes and savage grooves.
Moonspell – Far From God
Portuguese pioneers Moonspell return triumphantly to offer the dark romantically tragic opus “Far From God” inevitably destined to spellbind and conquer the chaotic metal scene with a glowing contemporary sound and a timeless decadent essence.
The title track quickly became a hit single and you immediately recognize Moonspell’s personal gothic metal vision as flawless guitars and grave drums meticulously structure captivating rhythmic patterns surrounded by opulent keyboards motifs that emphasize the addictive atmospheric gloom and the Baudelairian melancholia of the evocative clean vocals.
“The Great Wolf In the Sky” fearlessly combines poetry and extreme metal elements through the impeccable blend of seductive melodic guitars, haunting strings and imposing rhythmic patterns effortlessly amplified by a theatrical vocal performance.
“Your Promise Of Light” marks another impressive moment as shadowy guitar tonalities emphasize an intoxicating gothic composition evoking pure nostalgia in the midst of a dramatic atmospheric ensemble.
“Our Freedom to Fall” holds an inflamed groovy soul yet the catchiness of the crispy guitar progressions doesn’t sacrifice the necessary ancestral fury symbolized by the precise and significantly faster drumming.
Within the atmospheric mystique of “Reconquista” expansive keyboard themes guide you through eerie soundscapes and guitars take the center stage with deliciously darkened melodies and primal riffage perfectly complemented by Fernando’s unique vocal abilities.
Representing Gothic Metal in its purest and glorious form Moonspell disregard any current trend demonstrating a striking ex novo creativity but at the same time authentic devotion to their majestic signature style that renders “Far From God” a sincerely passionate work of art.
Mortiis – Ghosts of Europa
Norwegian artist Håvard Ellefsen known as the enigmatic musical entity Mortiis embraces a visionary experimental approach that never ceases to evolve and evidently defies standard categorization generating today the cinematic new album “Ghosts of Europa”.
The title track depicts a surreal atmospheric ensemble where warped electro beats and mystical melodic waves gently unfold around fascinating vocals and often convey surprising uplifting sentiments.
Drenched in endless melancholia “The Faith That Fades Away” spellbinds even the occasional listeners with a poignant vocal delivery and darkly mesmerizing atmospheric arrangements naturally leading to thrilling rhythmic crescendos with the addition of gritty noise guitars.
In the beginning “Transcending Morpheus” reveals ancestral ritualistic vibes focusing on solemn choirs and the cathartic rhythmic patterns naturally acquire enticing darkwave textures.
“Tundra, Heart of Hell” takes you straight to the dancefloor relying on the distorted echoes of raw guitars to build electrifying grooves in industrial fashion enriched by dense atmospheric multilayers.
With an addictive dark rock flair “Farewell Romero” amplifies gloomy vibes with an intricate blend of dystopian electronic soundscapes and magnetic fuzzy guitars perfectly complemented by a wild vocal performance.
After over a thousand sessions Mortiis proudly refuses any rules and ultimately finds the ideal creative liberation within the hypnotizing sonic realm of “Ghosts of Europa”.
Soulburn – Quantifying Cosmic Doom
After a long journey Dutch metal extremists Soulburn are ready to unleash sheer fury and fascinating melodies throughout the new studio album “Quantifying Cosmic Doom”.
“The Braveheart of Nightmares” attracts the listeners with doom laden guitars and crestfallen melodic passages enriched by theatrical vocals and palpable epic vibes.
“Powehi, the Embellished Dark Source of Unending Creation” depicts a darker world of ruins as the colossal rhythmic section and the ruthless growls dictate speed and malevolence while charismatic guitar leads slow down to highlight a dramatic melodic flair.
“A Pyramid Absurd” begins with compelling slow burning arpeggios destined to evolve into a merciless rhythmic assault and the frostbitten guitar riffs rightfully stay true to the band’s core of blackened values.
Devoted to obscure forces “Iconox Spew Black at the Razor’s Edge” relies on unrestrained guitars to build faster ferocious dynamics emphasized by dreadful doom tones and imposing growls.
The classic doom metal approach of “Down Among the Stars” creates a particularly groovy momentum fueled by monolithic guitar riffs, intense bass lines and solemn clean vocals.
“An Innocuous Swathe of Sky” closes the album with the gripping poetic melancholia of melodic guitars emerging through the heavier doom rhythmic patterns that will often acquire extra speed & wrath showcasing the inner mighty blackened essence.
Blending abrasive death/black metal elements and mournful melodic doom Soulburn proudly move forward and shape their own sound on “Quantifying Cosmic Doom”.
Mork – Monolitt
Norwegian black metal act Mork is already considered one of black metal’s most formidable modern acts and the new malevolent full length “Monolitt” definitely solidifies this revered status.
The perilous journey begins with the uncompromising violence of “Under Vekten Av Verden” as the memorable relentless riffage and the monumental drumming easily create asphyxiating and quite addictive rhythmic patterns.
“Ødelagt” remains faithful to an audacious blackened formula with an overdose of savage guitar riffs but also adds the tragic heaviness of doom metal to build an arcane slower momentum expressing deeply contemplative feelings.
Within the gelid dimension of “Ferdamann” infectious guitar riffs arise from the darkest depths of extreme metal emphasizing cryptic tonalities to create colossal grooves further amplified by diabolical growls.
“Inn i en annen sfære” surprises you with a fascinating melodic ensemble favoring intricate melancholic guitars and ethereal atmospheric arrangements until the ancestral force of the growls and the stormy rhythmic section inevitably take over with malignancy and furious speed.
“Utryddelse” holds an epic atmospheric soul enhancing the glorious presence of dramatic synths but also unleashes unstoppable frantic guitar driven grooves with absolute confidence.
Created by Thomas Eriksen in 2004, Mork continues to follow an intriguing evolutionary pathway leading straight to the Nordic appeal and the aptly monolithic obscure realm of “Monolitt”.
Fires in the Distance – Circadian Promise
Connecticut melodic death metal outfit Fires in the Distance is looking for solace through realism and elevate their modern melodic death metal style with the profoundly sorrowful opus “Circadian Promise”.
“Of Radiance and Levitation” opens the album expressing perennial melancholia through the ethereal synths layers and the sophisticated guitar melodies highlighting glowing tones seamlessly entwined with the imposing heaviness of the aggressive rhythmic dynamics.
“Lightless Days of a Songless Bird” focuses on an intricate mix of poetry and fury as the intense guitar work effortlessly shifts from visceral riffage accompanied by ruthless growls to evocative melodic progressions.
Featuring guest guitar from Dark Tranquility’s Johan Reinholdz, “By This Time Tomorrow” depicts a majestic melodic grandeur with genuine sentiments while the excellent rhythmic section can certainly maintain a primal groovy approach and the cinematic synths ultimately lead to an impeccable guitar solo.
Presenting a convoluted composition “Once the Silence Takes Your Place” marks another deeply immersive momentum masterfully blending shimmering atmospheric arrangements and fervent guitar driven grooves enriched by the epic flair of the clean vocals.
Throughout the darkly alluring soundscapes of “Circadian Promise” Fires in the Distance successfully shape a cathartic melodic & progressive vision that demands your utmost attention.
Cyhra – Requiem For A Pipe Dream
Approaching the tenth year anniversary modern metal supergroup Cyhra reaches a crucial milestone with the release of the energizing fourth studio album “Requiem For A Pipe Dream”.
First single “Bleed With Pride”immediately manifests major epic vibes as galloping guitars can naturally express a wild energy through the robust riffage well supported by the precise drumming.
“Miss Me When I’m Gone” stands out for the opulent synths creating appealing futuristic electro beats and soulful atmospheric waves around Jake E’s passionate vocal performance without forgetting the classic groovy metal aspects.
Introducing an uplifting power metal rhythmic core “Ghostbound” delivers a series of impeccable guitar riffs and still holds a graceful melancholic melodic flow.
“Ghost I’m Meant To Be” can easily maintain an entertaining rhythmic ensemble but the soothing chorus and the dreamy atmospheric arrangements instantly grab your attention.
“Venom In Me” rightfully focuses on the charismatic guitar work crafting sharp riffs and glowing polished melodies perfectly complemented by the smooth vocals and intricate synths layers.
“Box With Spirits” reveals a poetic atmosphere naturally amplifying an intimate melodic essence and crispy tonalities ultimately leading to a flamboyant guitar solo and another super catchy chorus.
Choosing a high-octane sound and emotive lyrics Cyhra confidently delivers impactful dynamics and loads of attractive melodic hooks throughout “Requiem For A Pipe Dream”.
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