Tag Archives: epic metal

Album Review – Eminentia Tenebris / Whispers of the Undying (2025)

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This French Black Metal entity returns with its fourth studio album, formed of eight epic and melodic pieces centered around the exaltation of heroism and bravery within an ancient and mythical war-torn universe.

Founded in Le Mans, Pays de la Loire, France in 2020 as a one-man band by Cryo, Atmospheric/Melodic Black Metal entity Eminentia Tenebris is unleashing its highly anticipated fourth album, Whispers of the Undying, following up on its 2023 album Rise of a New Kingdom. Whispers of the Undying, which marks the arrival of Erroiak on vocals and Daeris as the lyricist, as well as Septev handling all mixing, mastering, and layout, and displaying a classy artwork by Rein Van Oyen, is formed of epic and melodic pieces centered around the exaltation of heroism and bravery within an ancient and mythical war-torn universe. The album title should be interpreted as a metaphor for a timeless force that endures through eternity (via “whispers”), representing the survival of heroic deeds in collective memory over time (and thus never dying, or “undying”).

The duo’s cryptic Black Metal attack begins in full force in Forever Etched, an extended intro that works majestically, warming us all up for Echoes of Triumph, where Cryo delivers striking riffs, bass lines and blast beats nonstop, therefore boosting Erroiak’s visceral roars to a whole new level, sounding vile while at the same time absolutely epic. The galloping pace crafted by Cryo sounds and feels truly inspiring in The Great Betrayal, with all background elements adding an extra touch of obscurity to the music, and after such a demonic metal attack the duo offers a delicate start in Beneath the Moon, gradually morphing into another Black Metal extravaganza led by Cryo’s venomous riffage.

Through Chaos and Shadow is a first-class explosion of Melodic and Atmospheric Black Metal by Eminentia Tenebris, with Erroiak proving why he was chosen by Cryo to be the new voice of the band; followed by Embers of Glory, presenting another gentle, serene intro that will embrace our blackened souls, an ode to heroism and glory, with Erroiak roaring amidst a fusion of Epic and Black Metal. Then we have Marching as One, bringing forward another round of their darkened, epic sounds, with Cryo’s riffs and blast beats walking hand in hand with Erroiak’s desperate gnarls; and lastly, the duo will head into the battlefield one final time to the sound of Time’s Cruel Reign, with Cryo’s Black Metal beats enhancing the song’s heaviness to a whole new level.

Ultimately, Whispers of the Undying questions the legacy one wishes to leave behind and pays tribute both to heroic figures and to the power of nature, before which humankind must remember to remain humble. Hence, if you want to experience such a harsh, detailed and multi-layered album of extreme music in all of its glory, you can purchase a copy of it from the project’s own BandCamp or from the Antiq Records webstore, and don’t forget to also check what Cryo and his Eminentia Tenebris are up to on Facebook and on Instagram, and to stream more of the project’s idiosyncratic creations on YouTube and on Spotify, or simply click HERE for all things Eminentia Tenebris. As the album progresses, the narrator transforms from a triumphant protector to a tormented soul, whose powerlessness in the face of time’s ravages leads him to self-reflection at the moment of death, and there’s nothing better than the first-class fusion of Atmospheric and Melodic Black Metal by Eminentia Tenebris to support his dark and infernal path.

Best moments of the album: Echoes of Triumph, Through Chaos and Shadow and Marching as One.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2025 Antiq Records

Track listing
1. Forever Etched 1:43
2. Echoes of Triumph 4:26
3. The Great Betrayal 4:20
4. Beneath the Moon 5:21
5. Through Chaos and Shadow 4:35
6. Embers of Glory 5:05
7. Marching as One 4:44
8. Time’s Cruel Reign 5:04

Band members
Erroiak – vocals
Cryo – guitars, bass, drums

Album Review – Vermilia / Karsikko (2025)

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Let your soul wander through the forest to the sound of the stunning third full-length offering by this one-woman Atmospheric and Pagan Black Metal entity from Finland.

In the Finnic religion, a “karsikko” was a set of markings made on a tree somewhere between a deceased person’s home and the burial site, which was believed to prevent the individual’s spirit from coming back. In heavy music, Karsikko is the stunning third full-length offering by one-woman Atmospheric Pagan/Black Metal entity Vermilia, following up on her 2018 critically acclaimed debut Kätkyt and her also amazing 2022 opus Ruska. Since 2017, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Vermilia has been playing a beautiful hybrid of Epic Pagan Metal and sweet, raw and melancholic vocal harmonies with lyrics in her native language, and in Karsikko she has outdone herself with her strongest effort to date, a charming yet visceral album that lives up to the legacy of extreme music while at the same time it pays homage to her beautiful culture and roots.

The charming piano by Vermilia kicks off the dancing Pagan Black Metal title-track Karsikko, with her powerful, penetrating vocals matching perfectly with the song’s stunning wall of sounds. Vakat is the name of a traditional Finnish pagan festival, and that’s exactly what we get from Vermilia in this excellent song, perfect for dancing around the fire and raising our horns high in the sky. Then we have Kivutar, a Finnish goddess of pain and suffering whose name translates to “Lady of Pain”; musically speaking, Vermilia once again delivers an overdose of blast beats, scorching Black Metal riffs, and her fusion of clean vocals and harsh roars. And her classic drums and whimsical keys set the tone in Suruhymni, or “an anthem of mourning” from Finnish, embracing us in pitch black darkness in the middle of the forests of Finland.

Then the atmospheric, enfolding sounds crafted by Vermilia will penetrate deep inside your soul in Koti, or “home”, offering us all a well-balanced fusion of Black and Pagan Metal while again presenting her hypnotizing vocalizations; and in Veresi, or “your blood”, the name of the song says it all, demanding a heavier, more visceral sonority, and our lone she-wolf brings it while also sounding haunting thanks to her Doom Metal-inspired riffs and beats, presenting a fantastic rhythm, crisp instrumental and spot-on vocal lines. In Talven Jälkeen, or “after the winter”, we’re treated to more of her hybrid of harsh sounds and whimsical, embracing passages, with her work on the guitars and drums sounding utterly vibrant. Lastly, Vermilia ends the album on a high note with the dark and heavy Kansojen Kaipuu, or “the longing of nations”, where she gnarls like a creature of the forest for our total delight amidst sounds of pure Atmospheric Black Metal magic.

You can experience Karsikko in all of its glory on YouTube, on Spotify, or on any other streaming service, but of course in order to support the beyond talented Vermilia you can purchase her newborn beast from her own BandCamp or webstore, or by clicking HERE. Also, don’t forget to join her pagan festivities by following her on Facebook and on Instagram (including her unique, mesmerizing live performances), and by subscribing to her official YouTube channel, letting her fascinating music penetrate deep inside your mind, as your soul wanders freely through the darkly peaceful forests of her homeland. Karsikko is one of those albums that gradually takes over your spirit with each and every listen, a precious gem of the underground that will surely feature among the best albums of the year, inspiring Vermilia to continue her amazing path of Atmospheric and Pagan Black Metal for many years to come, as her connection with her pagan roots get stronger and stronger with each album released.

Best moments of the album: Karsikko, Suruhymni, Veresi and Kansojen Kaipuu.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2025 Independent

Track listing
1. Karsikko 4:44
2. Vakat 7:07
3. Kivutar 4:32
4. Suruhymni 5:08
5. Koti 3:28
6. Veresi 6:39
7. Talven Jälkeen 3:46
8. Kansojen Kaipuu 6:01

Band members
Vermilia – vocals, all instruments

Album Review – Trollwar / Tales from the Frozen Wastes EP (2024)

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After six long years, this Quebec-based Folk/Death Metal horde attacks again with a new EP, boasting increased technicality and a new direction with their sound.

Combining the best elements of Folk, Melodic Death and Black Metal into something vital, potent and uniquely their own, building on the foundations created by the likes of Finntroll and Amon Amarth to forge fiery folky metal music that is distinctly theirs, Alma, Quebec-based Folk/Death Metal horde Trollwar is back in action after six years with a new EP entitled Tales from the Frozen Wastes, boasting increased technicality and a new direction with their sound. Recorded by Rémi Legresly at LeGrizzly Productions, mixed and mastered by Christian Donaldson, and portraying a classic artwork by Artem Demura, the EP is a worthy follow-up to their 2018 album Oath of the Storm, being thoroughly crafted by Värgal the Storyteller on vocals, Wöx the Rogue Assassin and Holrägh the Young Berseker on the guitars, Keven Villeneuve on bass, Jonathan Mathieu on keyboards, Trolläthan the Old Bard on the accordion, and Exodiüs the Blacksmith on drums.

The cinematic Prologue takes us all to a whimsical and epic journey together with Trollwar in The Unseen One, featuring a guest keyboard solo by Veli-Matti Kananen (Fleetburner, Kalmah), with the scorching guitars by Wöx and Holrägh being perfectly complemented by the imposing keys by Jonathan. And such an amazing Canadian horde continues their quest for Folk and Death Metal in Bane of the Underworld, with Värgal leading his crew with his harsh vociferations supported by the always rhythmic beats by Exodiüs. In the Fields of Frost sounds clearly inspired by the music by Amon Amarth, but of course with the band’s own twist, showcasing a great balance between their heavier side and the whimsical sounds of Epic Metal; followed by The Offering, featuring clean vocals and choir by guest Matt Sippola (Atavistia), a song that’s just as epic as its predecessors with all instruments sounding sharp and striking, with the ass-kicking keys by Jonathan and the always classy accordion by Trolläthan making the whole atmosphere even more inspiring and, therefore, closing the EP in great fashion.

After listening to Tales from the Frozen Wastes, I’m sure you’ll be more than ready to head into the battlefield alongside the talented guys from Trollwar, and you can definitely do so by following the band on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, by streaming their music on Spotify, and by purchasing their vibrant and fun new EP from their own BandCamp page or by clicking HERE. It might have taken six long years for Trollwar to attack our senses once again with new music, but the wait was totally worth it as their hybrid of Folk and Death Metal still sounds fresh and interesting, keeping the band alive and kicking for many years to come.

Best moments of the album: The Unseen One and In the Fields of Frost.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2024 Independent

Track listing
1. Prologue 2:00
2. The Unseen One 7:05
3. Bane of the Underworld 5:26
4. In the Fields of Frost 4:05
5. The Offering 5:46

Band members
Värgal the Storyteller – vocals
Wöx the Rogue Assassin – guitars
Holrägh the Young Berseker – guitars
Keven Villeneuve – bass
Jonathan Mathieu – keyboards
Trolläthan the Old Bard – accordion
Exodiüs the Blacksmith – drums

Guest musicians
Veli-Matti Kananen – keyboard solo on “The Unseen One”
Matt Sippola – clean vocals and choir on “The Offering”

Album Review – Grand Magus / Sunraven (2024)

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After a very long wait, Sweden’s own Heavy and Doom Metal institution is back with a new collection of battle hymns inspired by the tale of Beowulf and Grendel.

In their over 20 years of career, Stockholm, Sweden’s own Heavy/Doom Metal institution Grand Magus has been eternalized in the music history and looks back on a treasury full of all-time Heavy Metal anthems. Now in 2024 the band formed of Janne “JB” Christoffersson on vocals and guitars, Mats “Fox” Skinner on bass, and Ludwig “Ludde” Witt on drums is back with a new blast of memorable battle hymns entitled Sunraven, a concept album about Beowulf and Grendel, a worthy follow-up to their 2019 album Wolf God, and a lecture in heavy doom that will certainly feature among the best metal albums of the year on any list that worships the power of the mighty riff.

And the riffs by Janne sound beautifully heavy and doomed in Skybound, setting the tone in a lesson in Epic Doom Metal by the trio, with the deep, passionate vocals by Janne adding even more epicness to the overall result. Yes, I guess I’ll overuse the word “epic” on this review as you might have already notice. Then investing in a more direct Doom Metal sound we have The Wheel of Pain, with the pounding drums by Ludwig and the low-tuned bass by Mats bringing sheer heaviness to the music, followed by the title-track Sunraven, where the trio keeps delivering sonic awesomeness with their crisp, sharp riffs and blasting beats sounding majestic. It’s time to darken the skies with the melodic and heavy Winter Storms, as cold as it’s vibrant and grim, in line with their Swedish roots and loyal to their foundations; whereas The Black Lake is perhaps the most Black Sabbath-ish song of the entire album (and even of their entire career), to the point we can imagine the almighty Dio singing it. Needless to say, Janne is once again spot-on with his vocals and riffs.

The second half of the album begins with the utterly epic, electrifying Hour of the Wolf, with the guitars by Janne and the rumbling kitchen by Mats and Ludwig inviting us all to head into the battlefield together with Grand Magus, followed by Grendel, another blast of their classic fusion of Heavy, Epic and Doom Metal, offering more of their trademark riffs and beats as well as the low-tuned bass by Mats. To Heorot sounds utterly stunning form start to finish, inspiring us all to raise our fists in the air to the classic vocals by Janne while Ludwig hammers his drums in great fashion, sounding also perfect for some vigorous headbanging in the name of doom; and the power of the riff is also outstanding in the closing tune The End Belongs to You, putting a classy ending to the album and leaving us all more than eager for more (as the album has only 35 minutes of music in total).

I would have simply loved if the album had an extra 10 or 15 minutes of music, mainly because we’ve all been waiting for a new Grand Magus opus for quite some time, but let’s say the band kept Sunraven tight and sharp from start to finish  without sounding cheesy, tiresome or anything like that, which means it might have only 35 minutes in duration, but those are damn intense 35 minutes for our total delight. Hence, don’t forget to stream the album in full on YouTube and on Spotify, to follow the band on Facebook and on Instagram for news, tour dates and so on, and above all that, to grab a copy of the hammering Sunraven by clicking HERE. “The album is about Beowulf and Grendel. In essence, Sunraven is Beowulf, and that’s my own invention,” Janne explains. “But some of the songs are written about and from the perspective of Beowulf, and some of the songs are written about and from the perspective of Grendel, the monster he faces in Denmark. That kind of steered me and carried me through the lyrical process this time. I’ve never done anything like this before. I’ve always been fascinated by that tale. These myths and legends are about all the basic things that we sing about – life, death, glory, dishonour, love, hate, overcoming difficulties, facing impossible opposition and so on.” In other words, what can sound more Heavy Metal than such a strong tale, right? And of course, only Grand Magus could bring all that to life with so much passion, epicness and glory.

Best moments of the album: Skybound, Sunraven, Hour of the Wolf and To Heorot.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2024 Nuclear Blast

Track listing
1. Skybound 3:28
2. The Wheel of Pain 3:23
3. Sunraven 3:37
4. Winter Storms 5:15
5. The Black Lake 5:34
6. Hour of the Wolf 4:03
7. Grendel 3:32
8. To Heorot 3:00
9. The End Belongs to You 3:21

Band members
Janne “JB” Christoffersson – lead vocals, guitars
Mats “Fox” Skinner – bass, backing vocals
Ludwig “Ludde” Witt – drums

Album Review – Typhonian / The Gate of the Veiled Beyond (2024)

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This unrelenting German entity will crush your damned soul with their newborn spawn, a phenomenal journey rooted in the old school Death Metal sound.

Where most bands are content reveling in the sound of the glory days of early 90’s Death Metal, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany-based band Typhonian has not only beautifully reimagined it with blackened elements laced with the classic Swedish and Finnish melodies, but they are also attempting to take that sound ahead in the most logical manner. Displaying a classic artwork by Juanjo Castellano Rosado, their new opus titled The Gate of the Veiled Beyond goes a step further compared to their 2021 EP The Cosmic Pendulum of Time and their debut album Beneath the Streams of Life, adding more progressive and atmospheric elements, a phenomenal music journey that’s evidently rooted in the old school Death Metal sound metamorphosing gradually and finally taking on a gleaming, breathtaking form and ascending, all carefully crafted by M. W. Styrum on vocals, Prometheus on the guitars, Typhon on the guitars and orchestrations, Charybdis on bass, and Thanatos on drums, being highly recommended for fans of Edge of Sanity, Unanimated, Necrophobic, Dismember, Desultory, Unleashed, and Evocation, among several others.

Just hit play and the atmospheric intro Celestial Salvation will transport us all to the dark world ruled by Typhonian before the band begins hammering our souls in Cosmic Throne, with the massive beats by Thanatos walking hand in hand with the powerful riffs by Prometheus and Typhon, not to mention how deep the guttural vocals by M. W. Styrum sound, flowing into the straightforward Death Metal attack titled Primal Deceptive Light, with the caustic riffage by the band’s guitar duo inviting us all to slam into the circle pit like true maniacs. Then bringing elements of Doom Metal to their sound, plus cryptic background orchestrations, the band fires the short and sweet Crimson Rivers, where once again M. W. Styrum sounds demonic on vocals; whereas another atmospheric, Stygian start gradually evolves into the heavy-as-hell, devilish aria The Gatekeeper, with Charybdis and Thanatos making the earth tremble with their respective bass and drums, also presenting elements from Atmospheric Black and Death Metal in their bold and dense sound.

Towards the Chamber of the Omnipresent Mind carries a beautiful name for a fast, acid and thunderous aria by Typhonian, with the guitars by Prometheus and Typhon exhaling heaviness and despair while M. W. Styrum keeps roaring and barking the song’s obscure words nonstop, and Typhonian brings forward a menacing fusion of Death Metal with Doom and Epic Metal entitled A Glimpse at the Starless Ocean, where Thanatos takes the lead with his crushing beats and fills, accompanied by the scorching riffs and solos by Prometheus and Typhon. Lastly, you better be prepared for a 20-minute ethereal, harsh and hypnotic musical voyage titled Cath’un – The Gate of the Veiled Beyond, flowing majestically to the demolishing drums by Thanatos before a sinister break permeates the air for quite some time, until all explodes into an imposing feast of Death Metal sounds, with M. W. Styrum’s vociferations adding an extra touch of insanity to their already wicked music, resulting in a stunning sonic beast by the quintet to conclude their infernal mass.

With the visionary The Gate of the Veiled Beyond release, Typhonian have more than just outdone themselves; they have surpassed expectations for the style as a whole. Hence, don’t forget to give them your best guttural shout on Facebook and on Instagram, to stream their music on Spotify, and of course, to purchase their imposing new album from their own BandCamp page, as well as from Transcending Obscurity Records (main store, BandCamp, EU store, and US store), or click HERE for all things Typhonian. Those talented German metallers are not your average Death Metal band, delivering a breathtaking amalgamation of styles that will leave you completely disoriented after all is said and done in The Gate of the Veiled Beyond, all in the name of first-class extreme music.

Best moments of the album: Primal Deceptive Light, Towards the Chamber of the Omnipresent Mind and Cath’un – The Gate of the Veiled Beyond.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2024 Transcending Obscurity Records

Track listing
1. Celestial Salvation 0:44
2. Cosmic Throne 4:06
3. Primal Deceptive Light 4:48
4. Crimson Rivers 3:35
5. The Gatekeeper 7:06
6. Towards the Chamber of the Omnipresent Mind 4:46
7. A Glimpse at the Starless Ocean 5:39
8. Cath’un – The Gate of the Veiled Beyond 19:21

Band members
M. W. Styrum – vocals
Prometheus – guitars
Typhon – guitars, orchestrations
Charybdis – bass
Thanatos – drums

Album Review – Rotting Christ / Προ Χριστού (Pro Xristou) (2024)

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The Hellenic beast of extreme music is back with their imposing fourteenth studio effort, a fervent tribute to the last Pagan kings who resisted the onslaught of Christianity, guarding their ancient values and knowledge.

Celebrating 35 years of existence in the name of extreme music, Athens, Greece’s own Melodic Black/Gothic Metal institution Rotting Christ is unleashing upon us all their fourteenth studio opus, titled Προ Χριστού (Pro Xristou), or “Before Christ” in Greek, the follow-up to their excellent 2019 album The Heretics. Recorded at Devasoundz Studios, produced by the band’s iconic mastermind Sakis Tolis, mixed by Jens Borgen and mastered by Tony Lidgren at Fascination Street Studios, and displaying a stunning artwork by Thomas Cole (which title is “Destruction”, and part of the painting series “The Course of Empire”) with digital processing by Adrien Bousson, the new album by the aforementioned Sakis Tolis on vocals and guitars, Kostas Foukarakis also on the guitars, Kostas Cheliotis on bass, and Themis Tolis on drums serves as a fervent tribute to the last Pagan kings who resisted the onslaught of Christianity, guarding their ancient values and knowledge. In this thematic odyssey, Rotting Christ delves into the legacies of historical figures such as Flavius Claudius Julianus and Nordic mythological kings, embodying the might of Pagan wisdom in the face of Christian adversity. The album encapsulates the essence of Rotting Christ’s signature style – melodic, yet harsh at times – reinventing themselves yet again, while remaining rooted in their 35-year legacy.

Pro Xristou (Προ Χριστού) is a superb, impressive intro, taking the album to a whole new level of epicness and obscurity and getting us more than ready for The Apostate, beginning with the incendiary trademark riffs by Sakis and Kostas Foukarakis and with all background sounds and choir turning it into a whimsical musical voyage tailored for longtime fans of the band. Like Father, Like Son, the first single of the album, presents more of the band’s trademark fusion of Black and Gothic Metal, with of course hints of Epic Metal to make things even more compelling; whereas the riffs by Sakis and Kostas Foukarakis will embellish the airwaves in the smooth but dark The Sixth Day, sounding at times like the most recent creations by Insomnium. Then featuring guest vocalist Amdroniki Skoula we have La Lettera Del Diavolo, or “the devil’s letter” from Italian, and every single time Sakis makes a duet with a woman the final result is stunning, with his bandmates crafting a beyond massive, bold sound in the background, therefore resulting in one of the most epic of all songs (if not the most); and a Black Sabbath-inspired riff guides the music in The Farewell, perfect for some vigorous headbanging to the pounding drums by Themis.

Pix Lax Dax is one of those eerie, mysterious creations by Rotting Christ where the background choir adds tons of epicness and power to the overall result, also with Themis once again hammering his drums in great fashion, followed by Pretty World, Pretty Dies, carrying a very distinct name to an embracing, majestic creation by the band, exhaling Epic Black Metal, and all spearheaded by the unparalleled dark vocals by Sakis,. Needless to say, I can’t wait to see this song played live. More of their puissant Black Metal is offered to us all in Yggdrasil, again blending their caustic, visceral riffs with ethereal and imposing background elements, which makes me believe it will easily become a fan-favorite; while  the last song from the regular version of the album, titled Saoirse, takes their atmospheric and epic power to a whole new level, with Sakis and Themis sounding on absolute fire until the very last second. Furthermore, if you go for the limited edition box version of the album, you’ll get the bonus tracks Primal Resurrection and All For One, both really good songs that are worth the investment in such special version of the album, plus of course all the perks included in the package.

Rotting Christ Προ Χριστού (Pro Xristou) LP Box + Digital Limited Edition

You can put your heretic hands on Προ Χριστού (Pro Xristou) by purchasing it from the Season of Mist webstore, including the already mentioned more-than-special LP box + digital limited edition, a collector’s edition limited to 500 copies worldwide that comes in a box size 32.5cm x 32.5cm x 5cm with gold foil and linen-like lamination, including the album on gold and black marbled 12” double vinyl, cut in 45 rpm for optimum fidelity, in gatefold with gold foil and linen-like lamination with 12-page insert, the aforementioned bonus tracks on black 7″ vinyl in jacket with linen-like lamination, the album with the bonus tracks on CD in digipak with gold foil and linen-like lamination with 16-page booklet, a 240 gsm, 120cm x 180cm linen printed shroud, a stainless steel pendant and necklace in linen bag with the band’s logo, and a numbered certificate, or click HERE to select your favorite version of the album (including all streaming options). Don’t forget to also check what the most important metal band in the history of Greece is up to on Facebook and on Instagram, to subscribe to their YouTube channel, and to stream their superb discography on Spotify. Those Hellenic metallers will take you back to the time before Christ in their stunning new album, keeping the spirit of true extreme music alive, and of course, leaving us all proud for always supporting them in their brilliant journey.

Best moments of the album: The Apostate, La Lettera Del Diavolo, Pretty World, Pretty Dies and Yggdrasil.

Worst moments of the album: Like Father, Like Son.

Released in 2024 Season of Mist

Track listing
1. Pro Xristou (Προ Χριστού) 1:29
2. The Apostate 5:01
3. Like Father, Like Son 4:35
4. The Sixth Day 3:56
5. La Lettera Del Diavolo 4:01
6. The Farewell 6:15
7. Pix Lax Dax 4:33
8. Pretty World, Pretty Dies 4:51
9. Yggdrasil 5:04
10. Saoirse 6:17

LP Box + Digital Limited Edition bonus tracks
11. Primal Resurrection 5:32
12. All For One 3:37

Band members
Sakis Tolis – vocals, guitars
Kostas Foukarakis – guitars
Kostas Cheliotis – bass
Themis Tolis – drums

Guest musicians
Amdroniki Skoula – vocals on “La Letra Del Diavolo”
Nikos Kerkiras – keyboards
Christina Alexiou, Maria Tsironi, Alexandros Loyziotis & Vasilis Karatzas – choir
Andrew Liles – narration on ‘The Apostate” and “Pretty World, Pretty Dies”
Kim Diaz Holm – narration on “Ygdrassil”

Album Review – Ildaruni / Beyond Unseen Gateways (2021)

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A spiritual journey to the mysteries untold in the form relentless, epic Black Metal infused with ancient folk melodies, masterfully brought forth by this emerging Armenian raging force.

3.5rating

ildaruni-beyond-unseen-gateways-2021Having emerged as a raging force from the depths of the Armenian underground metal scene in 2016, Yerevan-based Pagan Black Metal horde Ildaruni (which by the way is the ancient pagan name of the second largest river that flows through Armenia, currently known as Hrazdan River) represents a blend of relentless, epic Black Metal and ancient folk melodies, forgotten from times immemorial, exploring the height of the Urartian domain through the cognitive machinations of a bygone age and the esoteric apprehension of ancient pagan occultism. Recorded by Armen Shaverdian and Mark Erskine at Armen Shaverdian’s Guitar Clinic Studio, mixed and mastered by George Emmanuel (Lucifer’s Child, Rotting Chris) at Pentagram Studio, and displaying an ominous artwork by Mark Erskine (Erskine Designs), the band’s debut opus Beyond Unseen Gateways is a hymn to the blazing light that sank into shadowy shrines, to the wild darkness that covered the debris of Ardini, and to the bygone flame that enlightened the sanctum of Haldi, introducing an authentic sound and a spiritual journey to the mysteries untold masterfully brought forth by frontman Artak Karapetyan, guitarists Robert Meliksetyan and Mark Erskine, bassist Garbis Vizoian and drummer Arthur Poghosyan.

Atmospheric and epic from the very first second, the intro Haldinini Baushini, Imsheini Tariani will transport you to the fantastic realm ruled by Ildaruni, with the tin whistle by guest Arthur Atayan adding an extra touch of mystery to their music, before Robert and Mark begin slashing their guitars in the Epic Metal tune Treading the Path of Cryptic Wisdom, presenting beautiful hints of Folk and Pagan Metal while Artak roars and growls lie a true demonic entity; followed by the also imposing Perpetual Vigil, showcasing an obscure, sinister intro led by the tribal beats by Arthur and morphing into a headbanging beast crafted by this talented Armenian horde, living up to the legacy of Melodic and Pagan Black Metal. And get ready for over eight minutes of infernal blast beats, incendiary riffs and venomous growls in the Black Metal aria Boundless Numen: Gardens of Ardini, a lecture in extreme music spearheaded by the sulfurous vociferations by Artak that will haunt your soul for all eternity.

Once again blending the epicness of Pagan Metal with the heaviness and fury of Black Metal, the quintet fires the demolishing musical journey Towards Subterranean Realms, not to mention how thunderous the bass jabs by Garbis sound in paradox with all background orchestrations; and there’s no time to breathe as those Armenian metallers keep embellishing the airwaves with their bold and dense sound in Exalted Birth, another explosion of modern-day Melodic Black Metal with the band’s guitar duo stealing the spotlight with their wicked riffage supported by Arthur Atayan’s hypnotizing bagpipes. They still have fuel for another ass-kicking Black Metal onrush entitled Arakha, with Arthur setting the tone with his tribal, massive beats, accompanied by the strident sound of the guitars and the always vile roaring by Artak, and right after an imposing and stunning start Ildaruni come ripping in Whence Ravenstone Beckons, providing us fans eight minutes of impressive Black Metal where Arthur sounds more devilish than ever on drums while also featuring guest vocals by  Anna Hovhannesyan, with the music flowing darkly until the end.

ildaruni-2021I must say that listening to Beyond Unseen Gateways is indeed a unique sonic experience, or a “spiritual journey” as the band itself mentioned, and the hybrid of Black Metal with folk elements and paganism matched flawlessly with the stories told throughout the album’s impressive 52 minutes of first-class metal music. Having said that, let’s all show our total support and respect to the guys from Ildaruni by following them on Facebook and on Instagram for news, tour dates and other nice-to-know info about the band, by streaming their awesome creations on Spotify, and obviously by purchasing a copy of Beyond Unseen Gateways from their own BandCamp page (or simply click HERE for all locations where you can buy or stream the album in full). The ominous flame now burns stronger as Iladruni have just unleashed their long-waited cryptic incantations in the form of their incendiary debut effort, appealing to fans of renowned acts the like of Kawir, Rotting Christ and Windir. And may the gates of genesis reopen and herald forth an epoch of exaltation anew.

Best moments of the album: Treading the Path of Cryptic Wisdom, Boundless Numen: Gardens of Ardini and Exalted Birth.

Worst moments of the album: Perpetual Vigil.

Released in 2021 Black Lion Records

Track listing
1. Haldinini Baushini, Imsheini Tariani 3:38
2. Treading the Path of Cryptic Wisdom 6:23
3. Perpetual Vigil 6:02
4. Boundless Numen: Gardens of Ardini 8:10
5. Towards Subterranean Realms 7:50
6. Exalted Birth 6:05
7. Arakha 6:34
8. Whence Ravenstone Beckons 7:58

Band members
Artak Karapetyan – vocals
Robert Meliksetyan – guitars, keyboards
Mark Erskine – guitars, keyboards
Garbis Vizoian – bass
Arthur Poghosyan – drums

Guest musicians
Arthur Atayan – tin whistle on “Haldinini Baushini, Imsheini Tariani,” “Treading the Path of Cryptic Wisdom,” and “Towards Subterranean Realms”, bagpipes on “Exalted Birth”
Anna Hovhannesyan – vocals on “Whence Ravenstone Beckons”

Album Review – Mare Cognitum / Solar Paroxysm (2021)

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A Portland, Oregon-based one-man Cosmic Black Metal entity returns with his fifth full-length opus, finding a new voice for his frustrations with humankind through five aggressive, metallic songs.

From the depths of the outer rim to solid footing of green earth, Solar Paroxysm, the fifth full-lenth opus by Portland, Oregon-based one-man Cosmic Black Metal entity Mare Cognitum, finds itself moving from the impossible to the familiar, with the project’s lone wolf Jacob Buczarski occupying himself with the failures of humankind over the past epoch, finding a new voice for his frustrations through five aggressive, metallic songs. Featuring a beyond stunning artwork by Adam Burke at Nightjar Illustration, Solar Paroxysm lifts the veil and reveals the true musicianship which has fueled Mare Cognitum since its impetus a decade ago, being therefore highly recommended for fans of the Stygian creations by Spectral Lore, Dawn, Blut Aus Nord and Chaos Moon, among others.

In the beautiful opening track Αntaresian, a beyond atmospheric and enfolding start grows in intensity and darkness until exploding into visceral Black Metal where Jacob showcases all his dexterity with his fulminating beats and blazing riffs, as well as showing his deep passion for old school and modern-day extreme music, roaring with tons of anguish and despair in his blackened heart. And Jacob keeps firing unstoppable blast beats and fills, razor-edged guitar lines and rumbling bass punches, generating a massive wall of sounds that will penetrate deep inside your psyche in the 11-minute aria titled Frozen Star Divinization, a lecture in Atmospheric Black Metal infused with classic Black Metal nuances; whereas investing in a more obscure and menacing sonority by presenting elements from Blackened Doom and classic Doom Metal we have Terra Requiem, where Jacob’s riffage is absolutely mesmerizing, dragging us all into his Stygian lair forever and ever while the music flows majestically until the song’s epic finale.

The following aria, entitled Luminous Accretion, already starts in full force with Jacob hypnotizing our senses once again through his whimsical riffs and classic Black Metal drumming. Moreover, there’s not a single space left in the air, resulting in top-of-the-line Atmospheric Black Metal for lovers of the genre, or in other words, one of the most complete, detailed and therefore best extreme music songs of the past few years. And last but not least, we’re treated to Ataraxia Tunnels, sounding primeval and intense from the very first second thanks to Jacob’s thunderous drums and piercing riffs, not to mention the hints of Epic Metal added to its core musicality, and of course it’s not an Atmospheric Black Metal song if it doesn’t carry pensive, austere lyrics for our total delectation (“Visions conjure throughout / A delusion searing into memory / So vividly / Once compulsively wrought / Now imbued to confine a once-great mind / Forever”).

The sinister and obscure realms of Cosmic Black Metal ruled by Jacob and his Mare Cognitum can be further explored by following the project on Facebook and on Instagram, by streaming more of his wicked creations on Spotify and, above all that, by purchasing Solar Paroxysm from the project’s own BandCamp page, from the I, Voidhanger Records’ BandCamp page, from Metal Odissey in CD and double LP formats, or from Apple Music. Now suddenly so outwardly truculent and antagonistic, Mare Cognitum finally reveals the project’s true essence with Solar Paroxysm, inviting us all to join Jacob on a one way journey into madness and sorrow, with his Cosmic and Atmospheric Black Metal being everything we need to get lost in darkness for all eternity.

Best moments of the album: Frozen Star Divinization and Luminous Accretion.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2021 I, Voidhanger Records/Extraconscious Records

Track listing
1. Αntaresian 11:16
2. Frozen Star Divinization 10:59
3. Terra Requiem 10:35
4. Luminous Accretion 10:51
5. Ataraxia Tunnels 12:31

Band members
Jacob Buczarski – vocals, all instruments

Album Review – Isenmor / Shieldbrother (2020)

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As the dawn of battle approaches, let’s join Isenmor’s shield wall and drink to glory together with such talented Gewyrdelic Folk Metal band to the sound of their breathtaking new album.

After four battle-worn years of work, countless setbacks and even greater victories, the long-awaited debut full-length from Baltimore, Maryland-based Gewyrdelic Folk Metal band Isenmor, beautifully titled Shieldbrother, has finally seen the light of day, delivering tales of glory, sorrowful tales of woe and of course an “obligatory” Folk Metal drinking song, showcasing an incredible evolution in the sound crafted by Nick Schneider on lead vocals and violin, Tim Regan on the guitar, Mike Wilson on bass, Jon Lyon on keys, and newcomers Pete Lesko on lead guitar, Mark Williams on violin and David Spencer on drums compared to their 2015 EP Land of the Setting Sun. Produced by Mike Wilson, Mark Williams and Tim Regan, mixed by Tim Regan and mastered by Dan Swanö at Unisound, the album offers the listener a breathtaking blend of metal, orchestral and folk music, combining intricate violin leads and rich vocal harmonies with a strong guitar-driven Folk Metal base inspired by the stalwarts of the genre including Týr, Ensiferum and Eluveitie, bringing to life the history and legends of the Anglo-Saxon and Germanic peoples while inviting us all to join the band’s shield wall and drink to glory with them.

Isenmor’s dual violin attack begins in full force with Battle Scarred, with Nick already screaming manically while Mike and David make the earth tremble with their respective bass jabs and classic beats in an awesome hybrid of Viking and Folk Metal, whereas the title-track Shieldbrother sounds even more infuriated and vicious, with its lyrics reeking of Viking Metal (“Kin by blood and kin by shields / Strong stones set in a fleshen wall / Ring oaths kept in foot torn earth / Blood binds sealed among thirsting dust”) while also showcasing an amazing guitar work done by both Pete and Tim. And the strident violins by Nick and Mark dictate the rhythm in the dark Mount Badon, a sluggish and somber creation by Isenmor where all vocals and backing vocals exhale melancholy. It’s indeed a well-crafted ballad, albeit not as inspiring as the rest of the album, and those American Vikings get back to their trademark violin-infused metal madness by blasting the thrilling Furor Teutonicus, once again presenting a fantastic sync between Nick’s demented roars and David’s unstoppable drums.

Drink to Glory is one of those fast, short and extremely fun compositions that will inspire all fans of Viking, Folk and Epic Metal to drink a pint of mead while slamming into the circle pit, with Nick and Mark being on fire with their violins accompanied by Mike’s rumbling bass, and we’re treated to more of their adventurous lyrics (“In the deep dark wild you wander / Far from home amidst the trees / Suddenly you smell a stench that / Leaves you weak and on your knees”) in Kings of the Cold Mountains, boosted by their frantic music while the keys by Jon bring balance to all the aggressiveness flowing from the band’s riffs and beats. Then get ready to headbang to Wanderlust, another classic Vindlandic Viking Metal tune where Nick’s growls are nicely supported by all backing vocals, slashing riffs and their undisputed violin extravaganza, followed by a breathtaking 17-minute musical journey entitled Sigurd’s Song, changing its shape and form as the adventure progresses, with their violins “crying” majestically nonstop while the band also brings to our ears hellish roars, old school Viking Metal beats, harmonious background keys and endless epicness, ending the album in the most exciting way possible.

This fun, action-packed, violin-infused voyage through the lands of Viking and Folk Metal can be streamed in its entirety on Spotify, but of course I highly recommend you purchase the album from the band’s own BandCamp page, from Apple Music, or from Amazon, and don’t forget to also follow the band on Facebook and on Instagram, as well as subscribe to their YouTube channel for more of their vibrant metal music. As the dawn of battle approaches, let’s show our utmost support to Isenmor by joining their shield wall, becoming part of their tales of war, glory and death, and remaining always eager for more of their beer drinking, prancing and fighting music like the amazing collection of battle hymns offered to us all in Shieldbrother.

Best moments of the album: Shieldbrother, Furor Teutonicus and Drink to Glory.

Worst moments of the album: Mount Badon.

Released in 2020 Independent

Track listing
1. Battle Scarred 5:11
2. Shieldbrother 6:35
3. Mount Badon 4:06
4. Furor Teutonicus 4:42
5. Drink to Glory 2:44
6. Kings of the Cold Mountains 3:17
7. Wanderlust 3:49
8. Sigurd’s Song 17:15

Band members
Nick Schneider – lead vocals, violin, mandolin on “Kings of the Cold Mountain” and “Drink to Glory”
Pete Lesko – lead guitar
Tim Regan – guitar, vocals, additional keys and sequencing
Mike Wilson – bass, vocals, additional rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar on “Wanderlust” and “Sigurd’s Song”, mandolin on “Kings of the Cold Mountain”, additional keys and sequencing
Mark Williams – violin
Jon Lyon – keys, vocals
David Spencer – drums

Guest musicians
Carter Cassedy – additional lead guitar
Keith Williams – cello on “Sigurd’s Song”

Album Review – Winter’s Verge / The Ballad of James Tig (2020)

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One of Cyprus’ most successful metal bands returns with their most ambitious project to date, telling the story of a man who lost his family at sea seeking revenge against a sea monster.

One of Cyprus’ most successful metal bands of all time, Nicosia-based Symphonic Power Metal act Winter’s Verge has been on a roll since their inception in 2005, having released so far four studio albums and three EP’s, and building a strong reputation as one of the most exciting live acts in Cyprus with a powerful blend of Epic, Melodic and Symphonic Metal. Currently comprised of George Charalambous on vocals, Deniel Pavlovsky and Savvas Parperi on the guitars, Miguel Trapezaris on bass, Stavry Michael on keyboards and Danny Koullis Georgiou Conway on drums, Winter’s Verge’s music is highly conceptual and takes place within a mythological realm called Tiberon, with all songs and lyrics allowing fans to explore the themes, characters and locations for their own interpretation. Now in 2020, after three years in the making, the band is ready to stun us all once again with The Ballad of James Tig, their fifth full-length opus and their most ambitious projects to date, telling the story of James Tig, a man who lost his family at sea when he was a young boy and had set his life-long dream to find the legendary Killagorak, a sea monster who he believes was what killed his family when he was very young, therefore seeking revenge.

With a concept and lyrics by renowned local author and playwright Frixos Masouras, featuring a classic artwork designed by George Vasiliou, mixed and produced by vocalist George Charalambous himself, mastered by George Eracleous at Oneirism Studios, and featuring guest vocalist Teodora Stoyanova Freya (known for her work with Bulgarian Viking Metal band Freija and with a metal project called Magic of the North) playing the part of Nina in the story, The Ballad of James Tig is not just another concept storyline, but a much bolder project by Winter’s Verge with a huge sounding scope and symphonic sound, cementing the band’s name as one of the most exciting and innovative metal bands from the entire Eastern Mediterranean region.

Get ready to embark on a musical voyage together with Winter’s Verge, beginning with the symphonic and serene opening aria It Begins, with George taking the lead with his soulful vocals while his bandmates embellish the airwaves with their respective instruments, whereas the keys by Stavry and all background orchestrations are soon joined by the pounding Power Metal drums by Danny in the heavier and faster A Thousand Souls, where the band’s guitar duo Deniel and Savvas are on fire with their riffs and solos, also presenting tons of breaks and variations to make things even more impactful. Sounding very theatrical from the very first second, Dead Reckoning is a lot more symphonic than metallic, which obviously means the focus is on its melody rather than its heaviness, while George does a great job once again on vocals, and featuring Teodora as a guest vocalist for the first time we have the charming and enfolding Timeless, with the delicate piano notes by Stavry adding an extra touch of finesse to this beautiful ballad by Winter’s Verge.

Killagorak (yes, the monster itself) is a two-minute imposing, epic interlude that will embrace you and prepare your senses for the breathtaking I Accept, starting in full force spearheaded by Danny and his intricate and powerful beats while Deniel and Savvas keep slashing their strings in great fashion, once again with Teodora and George making a dynamic vocal duo for our total delight. Then we have Blood on the Foam, a pirate-inspired Metal Opera where the Progressive Power Metal played by Winter’s Verge is flawlessly intertwined with pure symphonic passages, not to mention how thunderous the bass jabs by Miguel and the drums by Danny sound; and we’re treated to one final round of Teodora’s gorgeous, operatic vocals in The Sea, offering our ears eight minutes of dark passages, introspective vocals and crushing riffs. In the end, you’ll feel absolutely mesmerized by such detailed and thrilling song, before The Ballad of James Tig, a true ballad of the seas, closes the album on a high note, with its semi-acoustic guitars and tribal beats permeating the air and putting a climatic and melancholic conclusion to the story told by Winter’s Verge.

You can get in touch with such distinguished band on Facebook and subscribe to their YouTube channel for more of their stylish music and official videos, but of course in order to show your utmost support to underground Symphonic Metal you should definitely purchase The Ballad of James Tig from your favorite retailer such as Nuclear Blast, Season of Mist, EMP, Apple Music and Amazon, as well as stream the album in full on Spotify as soon as it’s released in the coming weeks. It’s truly mesmerizing the way Winter’s Verge told the tale of James Tig in their new album, uniting music and storytelling in a compelling way and, above all that, providing us fans of heavy music a very good reason to sail the unruly waters of the mythological realm if Tiberon together with James Tig himself, and obviously with our six talented Cypriot metallers.

Best moments of the album: A Thousand Souls, I Accept and The Sea.

Worst moments of the album: Dead Reckoning.

Released in 2020 Pride & Joy Music

Track listing
1. It Begins 6:57
2. A Thousand Souls 4:57
3. Dead Reckoning 4:41
4. Timeless 6:57
5. Killagorak 2:11
6. I Accept 5:03
7. Blood on the Foam 6:06
8. The Sea 7:59
9. The Ballad of James Tig 4:07

Band members
George Charalambous – vocals
Deniel Pavlovsky – guitars
Savvas Parperi – guitars
Miguel Trapezaris – bass
Stavry Michael – keyboards
Danny Koullis Georgiou Conway – drums

Guest musician
Teodora Stoyanova Freya – female vocals on “Timeless”, “I Accept” and “The Sea”