Norwegian black metal stalwarts Slagmaur confidently manifest an unapologetic approach invoking a primordial obscure force throughout the desolate soundscapes of the new release “Hulders Ritual”.
“Ritual Dogs” opens the album evoking perennial darkness with the necessary dosage of furious rhythmic blasts constantly fueled by galloping savage guitars, gelid atmospheric arrangements and dramatic screams.
The misanthropic attitude of “Wildkatze” inevitably demands fast belligerent drums and unstoppable harsh tremolo picking to emphasize the classic sinister sound.
Throughout “Huldergeist” an expansive lugubrious atmosphere ultimately leads to suffocating instrumental crescendos around a menacing vocal performance courtesy of guest vocalist Hoest of legendary Taake while the finale features a nostalgic folk essence with gentle melodies and haunting female vocals.
“Rathkings” showcases a ghastly mood through decadent melodic phrases while the oppressive rhythmic assault and the sardonic growls depict a ritualistic imagery adorned by solemn orchestrations.
Within the cryptic musical darkness of “Hulders Ritual” Slagmaur celebrate the ominous glory of Norwegian black metal and Nordic folklore focusing on unforgiving crushing dynamics and frostbitten tonalities.

Ritualistic Nordic folk band Nytt Land embarks on a new mesmerizing spiritual journey through the frostbitten soundscapes of “Aba Khan”.
An arcane ritualistic chanting opens the extrasensorial door to “Taiga” which favors a meditative state with primordial melodic crescendos.
It feels like travelling through the vast territories of Siberia as the monochromatic rhythmic core and the arcane chants of “Totem” could instantly hypnotize the listeners.
On “Mansi” shamanic drums and mystifying atmospheric waves surround the epic chants and the throat singing certainly evokes enigmatic vibes.
“The Oath” belongs to an ancient remote land where spirits rule as the pulsating tribal percussion and the cryptic atmospheric arrangements prepare another mysterious ritual.
The mystical final chapter “Tygir Tayii (Heavenly Sacrifice)” reveals magical melodic themes filled with crestfallen flute tonalities inspired by native elements.
“Aba Khan” is the authentic expression of an empowering ancestral culture and Nytt Land becomes your only trustworthy guide on this immersive sonic experience.

German dark folk act Vrîmuot chooses an attentive DIY composition to explore diverse musical territories and develop innovative ideas to create the arcane soundscapes of the sophomore full-length “Lupus Viridis”.
As a proper album opener “Die Mar vom steinernen Mann” holds the mystical force of dark folk that takes you straight to the fabled Teutoburg Forest with a traditional acoustic approach.
As tempo drastically slows down “Nimm dich in Acht…” amplifies a sense of longing through the somber vocal delivery and the minimalist acoustic progressions enriched by epic atmospheric accents.
“…rauh ist die Nacht!” intensifies the acoustic crescendos with galloping guitars and a remarkable mix of solemn vocals and malevolent undertones.
The title track presents an elegant acoustic composition filled with profoundly melancholic melodic phrases that belong to an otherworldly dimension and later guitars will enhance a primitive rhythmic energy.
The lengthy track “Vom Traum zur Pflicht” reveals a charming melodic intricacy and the consequent dramatic flair gradually builds intensity with graceful arpeggios and enchanting classical strings.
Listening to “Lupus Viridis” can trigger your imagination and you might feel like traveling through magical landscapes in ancient times where Vrîmuot acts as a wise medieval storyteller.

Norwegian avant-garde metal stalwarts In The Woods… pay homage to the natural beauty and essence of their homeland throughout the multidimensional melancholic world of the new studio effort “Otra”.
“The Things You Shouldn’t Know” has the power to hypnotize the listeners as the poignant main melodic themes express genuine emotions with alluring guitar progressions and contemplative vocals while the mighty rhythmic section can still acquire speed and aggression channeling darker forces.
A somber piano introduces the heavy energetic structure of “The Crimson Crown” centered around the contrasting feelings fueled by blackened harsh rhythmic blast amplified by vicious growls and deeply sorrowful melodic phrases.
The harmonious soul of “The Kiss and the Lie” is made of pure eternal melancholia as the gloomy guitar tonalities reach an evident emotional depth but you can also appreciate how the band’s primordial roots generate colossal ominous riffs.
You still get an overload of obscure energy during the twisted rhythmic rampage of “The Wandering Deity” yet it symbolizes a mystical album’s closure as the evocative melodic composition once again highlights a spiritual vision enhanced by a majestic theatrical vocal performance.
Inspired by the power of the river Otra running through the heart of Kristiansand, In The Woods… confidently embark on a wonderful journey through gloomy landscapes and the eclectic album “Otra” officially marks the beginning of a new era.

Finnish black metal shapeshifters Hexvessel invite all travellers to join their journey to the nightside and manifest a convoluted artistic development with the majestic composition of the seventh full length “Nocturne”.
“Sapphire Zephyrs” is filled with a sense of solitude and gloom that you just cannot escape and you can easily appreciate the complex blend of melancholic piano melodies and overwhelming guitar aggression enriched by a charismatic progressive flair and adorned by theatrical operatic backing vocals.
The monolithic track “Inward Landscapes” features an epic approach with an imposing vocal delivery and intense rhythmic crescendos spontaneously leading to a cathartic acoustic momentum.
Hexvessel instantly summon the strength of nature on “Spirit Masked Wolf” favoring your spiritual growth with solemn vocals and tempestuous rhythmic dynamics celebrating an enigmatic blackened quintessence.
“Nigths Tender Reckoning” spellbinds the audience with a poetic vocal performance enhanced by the elaborate guitar work shifting effortlessly from glacial riffs to bittersweet melodic phrases.
Listening to the short yet eloquent track “Concealed Descent” we take a break from reality and bask in the moonlight lulled by heartwrenching acoustic melodies and contemplative soft vocals.
We search for enlightenment throughout “Phoebus” following blindly the fascinating vocal harmonies that naturally reach a palpable emotional depth in contrast with the chaotic rhythmic rampage inevitably fueled by an obscure energy.
At times “Nocturne” feels like a decadently romantic operetta with an abundance of classical references yet the mighty black metal spirit can always arise as Hexvessel audaciously invoke ancestral forces to capture the essence of night.

Australian black metal duo Austere fearlessly dives into a dark desolate sonic realm with the new full length “The Stillness of Dissolution”.
“Dissolved Exile” instantly covers everything under a shroud of frost as the gelid guitar’s sound and the somber melodic crescendos reminisce of a beloved depressive Scandinavian approach.
Surrounded by a murky atmosphere “Rusted Veins” unfolds a particularly groovy rhythmic core with the right dosage of relentless guitar riffs enriched by compelling melodic leads.
“The Downfall” slows down to focus on mellow dreamy nuances complemented by a dramatic clean vocal delivery that will shift to desperate screams followed by crushing riffs to remind us that darkness will always prevail.
Staying true to the title “Storm within My Heart” conveys an emotional turmoil with a series of violent rhythmic progressions and the fragile beauty of the crestfallen melodic guitar work, ultimately airy arpeggios lead to a perfectly bleak album’s closure.
Throughout “The Stillness of Dissolution” Austere never cease to show their strong roots in early Norse black metal as well as a fascinating darkened melodic essence to portray a world of perennial melancholia.

Dutch rock band Dool has quickly conquered a solid niche within the metal scene with a truly hypnotizing sonic manifesto that defies any obvious trend and simplistic categorization now reaching another crucial evolutionary milestone with the release of the intricate album “The Shape of Fluidity”.
“Venus In Flames” is meant to be a powerful hit song as Raven’s wild vocals easily enhance the dark rock flair and guitars masterfully maintain pure catchiness shifting from inflamed heavy riffage to the soothing melodic hooks of the chorus.
“Self-Dissect” describes how everything is constantly changing around and inside of us through a darkened melodic maze that ultimately evolves into a series of savage guitar driven grooves putting the spotlight on the excellent musicianship.
The title track evidently symbolizes fluidity as the stylish gloomy melodic themes gracefully unfold around towering passionate vocals and emphasize an inherent emotional turmoil while the rhythmic ensemble effortlessly delivers colossal crescendos.
Throughout “House of a Thousand Dreams” guitars acquire dramatic tonalities with strong doom metal influences creating gelid melodic phrases and the band’s intense chemistry naturally leads to a perfect rhythmic equilibrium.
Enigmatic harmonies flow gently through the mystical realm of “Hymn for a Memory Lost” while majestic guitars successfully channel timeless gothic nuances and the resulting intoxicating melodies are meant to guide you through an otherworldly experience.
“The Hand of Creation” focuses on an eclectic vocal performance surrounded by opulent moody melodic waves meticulously crafted by impeccable guitar phrases and the soft rhythmic variations highlight the song’s introspective depth.
Guided by Raven van Dorst’s unique voice and fueled by a perfect band’s chemistry, Dool are bound to impress the audience once again with a captivating songwriting approach and blazing twisted creativity that render “The Shape of Fluidity” a truly heartfelt musical experience reminding us that nothing ever stays the same.
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Masters of horror metal The Vision Bleak tell hypnotizing tales of mystery on the new one-track album “Weird Tales”, an ambitious musical opera where darkness is destined to overpower your sentiments paying homage to groundbreaking authors such as H. P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe.
The extraordinary multiinstrumentalist duo Schwadorf e Konstanz produces a masterful composition that is seamlessly divided into internal chapters following a universal darkly alluring leitmotif belonging to a stylish theatrical realm. Guitars often take the center stage to deliver colossal rhythmic dynamics with the perfect dosage of dark metal riffs and the additional aggression of the spiteful growls yet you constantly perceive the macabre poetry behind the convoluted melodic progressions aptly accompanied by a solemn clean vocal delivery.
As purveyors of quality music The Vision Bleak proudly showcase an arcane devotion for baroque symphonies and classical elegance there is always a magical combo of melancholic piano melodies, delicate strings and detailed arpeggios holding a distinct spiritual force that can take you far away from a dreadful reality and brings closure with a peaceful atmospheric ensemble.
“Weird Tales” is darkly majestic opus that can challenge and easily captivate the listeners with a multitude of style variations sinuously shifting from deeply obscure grooves to enchanting melodic splendor.

Finnish dark folk band Tenhi aims to spellbind the audience with the cathartic acoustic composition of the first record in 12 years entitled “Valkama”.
“Saattue” takes you far away from the modern world with the enchanting power of the mellow acoustic crescendos and the monochromatic vocal delivery surrounded by soothing atmospheric waves.
Throughout the title track intricate guitar melodies flourish within an elegant atmospheric ensemble creating peaceful soundscapes.
“Laineinen” evokes immense melancholia through the darkened allure of the acoustic phrases and the classical violin.
“Hele” constantly maintains a somber folk mood and the poetic piano & violin melodies ultimately enhance a palpable dramatic depth.
“Ulapoi” belongs to an ancestral realm featuring a perfect combo of crestfallen melodic guitars and magical violin movements that emphasizes contemplative themes.
“Elokuun linnut” moves the listeners with the sheer beauty of nostalgic piano melodies floating gently through dreamy atmospheric arrangements.
“Aina sininen aina” focuses on otherworldly chants and recurring graceful piano harmonies while the thick bass lines & drums meticulously build slow burning rhythmic patterns.
As Tenhi fully embrace a cinematic songwriting approach “Valkama” symbolizes a spiritual journey through the frozen landscapes of the Land of the Thousand Lakes.

After over a decade Danish melodic death/doom band Saturnus begins a new musical endeavor evoking overwhelming melancholy throughout the highly anticipated full-length “The Storm Within”.
The majestic title track feels like a cathartic journey through stormy waters as the bittersweet arpeggios and the graceful piano provide comfort while the deeply mournful guitar work channels the heavy weight of classic doom metal.
The dramatic composition behind “Chasing Ghosts” constantly generates exquisite melodic tapestries as guitars focus mainly on elaborate refined leads emphasized by poetic spoken words.
On “Closing the Circle” ethereal atmospheric arrangements and dreamy arpeggios convey a sense of perennial longing and once again guitars demand your attention with fascinating somber tonalities leading to a charismatic solo.
“Truth” amplifies the contemplative themes as the classical beauty of the piano creates a mesmerizing melodic flow that gradually evolves into massive doom rhythmic patterns fueled by the robust riffage and the cavernous growls.
As Saturnus confidently embrace an intricate songwriting approach “The Storm Within” can hit you in the face with crushing dynamics yet a gorgeous melodic essence is always destined to flourish expressing genuine emotions.