Italian black metal warlocks Darkend have crafted a new arcane ritual symbolized by the latest dark offering “Spiritual Resonance” which will inevitably spread pure esoteric energy. 

Since the very beginning “The Three Ghouls Buried At Golgotha” is characterized by a darkened spiritual aura as haunting atmospheric arrangements introduce a series of sinister rhythmic crescendos filled with relentless guitar riffs & drumming accompanied by a satisfying mixture of theatrical vocals and venomous growls. 

The mystical pathway of “Scorpio Astraea High Coronation” comes to life with compelling darkened melodic guitars following a slower seductive rhythm that still showcases a strong black metal inspiration matched by the hellish torment expressed by the foreboding vocals. 

Featuring a fascinating performance by guest vocalist Lindy-Fay Hella of Wardruna “With Everburning Sulphur Unconsumed” definitely has an elaborate approach that relies on multilayered melodic & atmospheric textures evoking a captivating gothic splendor in addition to the main heavier blackened rhythmic ensemble.

On “The Seven Spectres Haunting Gethsemane” galloping rhythmic blasts and cascading guitar riffs evoke all kinds of bleak feelings enhanced by the understated atmospheric layers leading to a gloomy peaceful moment featuring fragile classical piano melodies and distant ominous chants. 

Darkend proudly invite you to join the ancient ceremonies of “Spiritual Resonance” which stands out for the darkly charismatic essence fully embodied by decadent symphonic tapestries and fiery blackened dynamics. 

Pioneers of Norwegian Viking metal Helheim have been proudly representing their Norse heritage through music and lyrics for over two decades and the tenth album “Rignir” is filled with darkly melancholic feelings inspired by the weather in Bergen.

The exquisite melodic essence of the title track is certainly fueled by an inner melancholia and guitars shift from tranquil harmonies to increasingly darker distorted riffs maintaining utterly somber tonalities just like  the crestfallen emotions expressed by the clean vocals.

On “Kaldr” you can perceive a primal rhythmic approach as guitars acquire blackened elements following a faster & darker rhythm that will eventually embrace a folk oriented melodic ensemble with lovely atmospheric nuances and elegant melancholic guitar leads.

“Hagl” begins with gorgeous dreamy guitar phrases and serene vocals creating an idyllic soundscape but later there is a change of pace as the rhythm becomes harsh with a series of intense blackened guitar riffs accompanied by a dramatic vocal delivery channeling solemn Viking metal vibes.

The magical guitar melodies of “Stormviðri” cannot go unnoticed constantly channeling sheer wintry melancholia with an overdose of gloomy instrumental passages flowing gently through understated atmospheric waves emphasized by the majestic passionate clean vocals that will occasionally evolve into tormented growls.  

Once again the alluring strength of “Vetrarmegin” comes from the refined melodic guitar leads yet the rhythmic patterns here can also offer fiery blackened elements and consequently generate an obscure mood definitely amplified by the borderline ferocious growls.

Celebrating a genuine devotion for Norse heritage and the beauty of nature, “Rignir” successfully depicts gloomy autumn days and gelid winter nights as Helheim confidently combine an aggressive rhythmic approach with sophisticated melodic tapestries.  

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECRCW94pW_o

Norwegian doom trio Superlynx begins a new chapter with the sophomore album “New Moon” that allows them to freely express a multitude of contrasting emotions as darkness and light magically entwine.

“Hex” opens the album with an overload of simply spellbinding guitar melodies and hazy atmospheres creating a profound sense of tranquility matched by the ethereal vocal delivery yet the mood gets significantly darker and heavier with the weight of doom oriented guitar riffs.

Besides the evident stoner/doom dynamics fully expressed by the cohesive rhythmic section “Breath” feels like a reverie due to the calm enchanting vocals and the fuzzy guitar tonalities that successfully deliver psychedelic tinged melodies.

“Becoming The Sea” feels more melancholic beginning with soft piano melodies but as soon as distorted guitars take over the stoner elements become prominent leading to heavier grooves in contrast with the charming melodic tapestries.

The title track offers plenty of hypnotizing melodies as the guitar work tends to rely on moody tonalities within a dreamy sonic realm while the scattered rhythmic crescendos successfully add some heavy occult rock vibes.  

The psychedelic nature of “Scarecrow” leads to particularly groovy distortions that make you feel dizzy and the galloping guitar riffs tend to follow an upbeat rhythm but certainly the somber doom tonalities still emerge through slower monochromatic melodies.

The hazy peaceful atmospheres of “The Thickest Night” will probably make you space out as guitars focus mainly on dense darkened melodic textures accompanied by haunting vocals and spiced up by occasional heavier riffs.

Overall “New Moon” showcases consistent doom roots embellished by a bewitching atmospheric composition as Superlynx invite the listeners to embrace darkness through poetic lyrics and gloomy melodies.  

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ye0r5t_GOI

Norwegian outfit Slegest has chosen a sonic pathway where black metal and classic heavy rock spontaneously collide generating the new album “Introvert”.  

Subtle obscure feelings certainly linger on “Blodets Varme Gjennom Meg” yet the band delivers plenty of entertaining grooves blending fiery rock riffage and somber guitar melodies while vocals can sound really vicious reminiscing of old school black metal.

“Maler Lys I Moerketid” still dwells within a darkened sonic realm where cohesive guitars deliver sharp blackened rock riffs leading to catchy rhythmic dynamics and vibrant melodic soloing.

“Det Brenne I Glaasi” often emphasizes the band’s classic heavy rock roots with solid rounds of killer guitar riffs but later will acquire exquisite gloomy tonalities that render the melodic passages darker than usual channeling wintry vibes.

“Leitar” aims for an extra groovy sound without losing its inner sinister mood so you’ll hear plenty of galloping gritty guitar riffs leading to utterly grave rhythmic patterns as well as cold melodic tonalities.

The final track “Den Onde Sirkel” is full of heavy rock hooks confidently crafted by steady guitar riffing and here the general darkened mood is also influenced by the grim slow burning guitar soloing  while the cavernous growls are still fueled by a primordial black metal force.

It all started when Ese left Vreid in 2010 and now Slegest has confidently developed a signature music style and what comes to life on “Introvert” is an explosive yet remarkably darkened collection of groovy songs.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXPlgQnZoGI

Norwegian band Avast certainly draws inspiration from primal black metal and atmospheric post-rock, such strong music influences and a philosophical concept generate the debut full length “Mother Culture”.

The title track feels like an ode to darkness beginning with extra somber arrangements swiftly followed by a quite brutal sonic assault where fast blackened grooves are crucial yet there will be moments of compelling introspective tranquility and maybe hopefulness with fragile atmospheric arrangements and melancholic guitar melodies.

Leaving behind any aggressive dynamics “The Myth” dwells in a dreamy limbo where lovely weeping guitars naturally create a magical melodic ensemble characterized by mellow phrases and shimmering rhythmic crescendos.

Dark tonalities and melancholy infused guitar passages introduce “The World Belongs To Man” which stands out for the versatile intricate structure and will often acquire a fierce blackened core featuring a fast paced harsh rhythmic section and savage growls.

There is an inner moody serenity on “Man Belongs To The World” starting with moving arpeggios and then evolving into a more obscure soundscape favoring occasional blackened bursts while softer guitar harmonies and introvert atmospheres maintain an essential melodic approach.

Newcomers Avast have already developed a personal music vision which blends the evident Norwegian black metal heritage and the striking blackgaze atmospheres yet showcases the potential to go beyond such subgenres as this is just the beginning of their promising music journey.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_pYSniSOTk

Norwegian Dark Metallers Aeternus arise from the renowned prolific Bergen metal scene with the release of the eighth full-length album “Heathen” which feels particularly meaningful as it marks the band’s 25th anniversary.

“Hedning” begins with utmost melancholy, a feeling that will return during the soothing guitar solo, elegantly channeled by smooth arpeggios that introduce a darker & heavier soundscape where massive growls ultimately amplify the blackened guitar grooves.

“Conjuring The Gentiles” satisfies your need for ravenous guitar riffs, fiery growls and a faster deeply blackened rhythmic section and all these elements evoke constant ominous vibes yet the song will ultimately morph into a melodic ensemble as guitars deliver somber and dreamy progressions.

“Boudica” can sound frenetic with plenty of crunchy guitar driven grooves bearing hints of death metal influences but such extreme approach doesn’t compromise the refined guitar melodies and dismal atmospheres that will become the song’s highlights.

“Illa Mayyit” holds a mystical aura that stands out in the melodic passages and exotic tonalities while the band’s extreme metal roots often emerge with the increasing darkened intensity of the fast menacing drums and the fervent guitar riffing.

On the new opus “Heathen” Aeternus has a clear music pathway in mind and the necessary renewed creative force to deliver a solid absolutely darkened collection of songs.

Fronted by Taake guitarist Gjermund Fredheim, Orkan is finally back to unleash immense darkness in the world with the new release “Element”.

“Lenker” marks an impactful beginning as obscure atmospheres act as a proper gateway for massive shrouds of gelid blackened guitar riffing which are definitely inspired by traditional black metal made in Norway and as expected the whole instrumentation and wretched growls fluently move through the fast primordial rhythmic blasts while the only hope comes with the occasional more melodic guitar work.

“I Flammar Skal Du Eldast” doesn’t leave behind the blackened anguish yet offers more variegated dynamics and experimental tonalities adding even catchy dark post metal influenced guitar riffs and melodies which are fueled by the absolutely melancholic mood that becomes intensely dominant during the inspiring slower harmonious segments.

The lengthy track “Avmakt” naturally crafts a sonic realm of contrasting feelings and tonalities offering the sheer brutality of blackened rhythmic sections and ominous growls as well as the dreamy nuances of memorable melodic guitar passages.

“Heim” closes the album feeling like a daydream as Orkan passionately create peaceful instrumental moments focusing on super nostalgic minimalist guitar melodies that together with subtle atmospheric arrangements genuinely express a whirlwind of emotions that later will be effortlessly matched & enhanced by poetic clean vocals and steady cold guitar riffs.

“Element” is an album absolutely devoted to darkness but also pays homage to the strength and beauty of nature as Orkan skillfully combine the raw fury of black metal with enticing emotional atmospheres.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQ_kqCeeM9U

Even if the current metal scene feels rather crowded a unique band like Norway’s Madder Mortem will always stand out for the ambitious multifaceted songwriting approach and the genuine desire to challenge standard genre boundaries. The result of Madder Mortem zealous music exploration and dauntless creativity is the new opus “Marrow” which from beginning to end demands your utmost attention.

The initial intriguing bass lines of “Liberator” foreshadow an eclectic sonic realm as Madder Mortem embarks on a stylish music journey making their own rules and offering moments of profound melancholy mixed with a series of dense guitar driven grooves that ensure an energetic heavy rhythmic core while the extraordinary vocalist Agnete effortlessly shifts from bold delivery to smooth harmonies.

“Until You Return” feels quite romantic with the perfect dosage of dreamy melodic guitar progressions that naturally accompany Agnete’s haunting voice and once again she proves to be a brilliant vocalist as her talent truly renders this track particularly enchanting. In the midst of waves of of sheer melancholia intensely distorted guitars and strong bass phrases often increase the dark and heavier aspects of this song.   

“My Will Be Done” becomes immediately darker as sharp guitar riffs and a relentless rhythmic section borrow the bold patterns of extreme metal, an influence evidently enhanced also by the fiery growls, yet there is an underlying complexity that spontaneously blend diverse primordial and modern tones.

The title track begins with thrilling heavy guitar blasts but will morph into a more delicate, at times absolutely ethereal, ensemble where unusual melodic segments and Agnete’s poetic vocals will create a surreal sonic realm that will return throughout the song creating a perennial contrast with the darkened doom moments.

The fierce guitar riffs of “White Snow, Red Shadows” are simply irresistible leading to memorable grooves and wild syncopated rhythms yet despite the song’s intricacy fueled by the several remarkable tempo/style variations there is a main melodic momentum that, graciously embellished by Agnete’s vibrant vocals, will become addictive at the first listening.

“Waiting To Fall” is a particularly complex track that might not have an immediate impact as there is a lot going on. Starting with a generous dose of Nordic melancholia and refined melodies, that will recur with growing urgency, the song will often embrace an enigmatic darkness amplified by the grave doom metal tonalities of the harsh guitar riffs while the contemplative dramatic moments are always enriched by Agnete’s passionate vocals.

It’s a great pleasure to see Madder Mortem in excellent shape on the new dazzling effort “Marrow” which feels like another fascinating milestone in the band’s sonic evolution bringing refreshing creative dynamics & avant-garde tonalities to the naturally darkened essence that thrives in each song.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSTDNCwrdAc

It’s been a decade since the debut album of Norwegian sognametal band Cor Scorpii which started as an offshoot of the iconic act Windir. Now Cor Scorpii are ready to return and impress the metal scene with the genuinely passionate work of music of the sophomore release “Ruin”.

The poetic atmospheres of “Svart Blod (Hovmod står for fall)” introduce a gloomy series of sharp guitar riffs which effortlessly follow a rather blackened rhythmic core obviously amplified by desperate growls and the whole song is influenced by wintry emotions that become even more palpable during the slower dreamy moments featuring the angelic vocal delivery of classical singer Annika Beinnes and the kaleidoscopic nuances of refined keyboards arrangements.

The folk/pagan metal flavors of “Skuggevandrar” will immediately stand out as a fiery rhythmic ensemble gallops confidently faster with strong guitar riffing and heartfelt somber melodies as always accompanied by intricate keyboards textures which provide extra solemn depth and infinite sadness through heavier rhythmic segments.

“Ri Di Mare” offers sublime classical arrangements before entering a darker sonic realm where guitars acquire full blackened energy supported by thunderous drums yet the song’s melodic ensemble will always hold an essential role as wistful guitar passages and fascinating keyboards effortlessly craft sophisticated tapestries.

On “Ærelaus” folk and pagan metal vibes become more dominant influencing the bouncy rhythmic dynamics and the vibrant multifaceted melodic guitar work yet when drums dictate a faster grim tempo black metal elements surface with fierce strength.

Like a Norwegian metal anthem “Siste Dans” begins with particularly sorrowful tones that will recur throughout the song shaping the thoughtful melodic intensity of compelling guitar phrases while a subtle gothic mood can be perceived in the keyboards atmospheric splendor and Annika’s graceful vocals.

At the core of “Ruin” the beloved Nordic melancholy infused soundscapes hold a crucial role as Cor Scorpii showcases an intense songwriting style that effortlessly blend the dark energy of extreme metal and ethereal melodic beauty to create a truly alluring collection of songs.
Ruin

Norwegian occult rock band Acârash is ready to conquer the underground scene with the esoteric poetry and blackened nuances of the long awaited debut album “In Chaos Becrowned”.

“Cadaver Dei” invites you to join Acârash through a hazy sonic maze where desolate atmospheric layers introduce a blackened realm of gelid darkness made of gritty guitar riffs and low devilish vocals leading to moody melodic textures and wilder rock grooves.

Keeping all things dark as main inspiration “Shadows Roam” owes its obscure strength to the atmospheric blackened abyss where guitars shift from an archaic black metal riffing galore to the impenetrable gloom of slower paced melodies that in the song’s final moments channel a classic rock nostalgic vibe.

The title track begins with a feverish round of groovy guitar riffs and a delicious blackened aura continues to dominate every instrumental passage naturally enhanced by highly somber raucous vocals before giving way to bouncy occult rock guitar melodies and majestic faster bursts of gloomy rhythmic progressions.

Nightmares can become real and “Ashes Of The Mortal Mind” could not sound darker as deeply mournful vibes surround the lovable melodic guitar licks that often evoke a doom inspired mood and gothic splendor enhanced by the extremely grim vocal delivery and the perilous blackened grooves.

Darkness continues to descend triumphantly on “Cenotaph In Flesh” which certainly offers a fair dosage of wild hard rock dynamics but here it’s pitchblack and through melodic contemplative segments guitars inevitably gallop faster with massive gloomy vibes while growls embrace an arcane rhythmic urgency.

For a new band it’s not easy to attract a wide audience with a debut album but the spellbinding   hymns to darkness that Acârash has meticulously conjured on “In Chaos Becrowned” simply cannot be missed.
In Chaos Becrowned