Tag Archives: italy

Album Review – Ponte Del Diavolo / De Venom Natura (2026)

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This uncanny Italian creature is back with the poison of nature, taking their potent potion of Blackened Doom and Post-Metal to strange new heights.

Fresh off appearances at Roadburn and Inferno, the daring and devilishly talented Turin, Italy-based creatures known as Ponte Del Diavolo (Italian for “Devil’s Bridge,” a name applied to dozens of ancient or medieval bridges across Europe, particularly in Italy, due to their impressive or unusual architectural design for their time, which led to popular myths and folklore) have taken their potent potion of Blackened Doom and Post-Metal to strange new heights in their sophomore full-length offering, entitled De Venom Natura, Latin for “the poison of nature.” Recorded, produced, engineered and mixed by Danilo Battocchio at The Deepest Sea, mastered by Magnus Lindberg at Redmount Studios, and displaying a Stygian artwork by Francesco Dossena, the follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2024 album Fire Blades from the Tomb sees the band formed of frontwoman Erba del Diavolo, guitarist Nerium, bassists Khrura Abro and Kratom, and drummer Segale Cornuta deliver a record that extends and refines their musical boundaries, being recommended for admirers of the music by Messa, Chelsea Wolfe, Esben and the Witch, Dead Can Dance, Dool, Electric Wizard, and Darkthrone.

Haunting sounds permeate the air in the horror movie-like opening track Every Tongue Has Its Thorns, featuring guests Andrea l’Abbate on programming and Sergio Bertani (Lucynine) on theremin, exploding into pure Post-Black Metal where Erba del Diavolo is hypnotizing with both her clean vocals and devilish vociferations. Lunga vita alla necrosi, or “long live necrosis” from Italian, is another fantastic song where Nerium slashes his axe supported by the double bass attack by Khrura Abro and Kratom; followed by Spirit, Blood, Poison, Ferment!, featuring Francesco Bucci (Ottone Pesante) on trombone, a massive, hard hitting creation by those Italians with Segale Cornuta taking the lead with his pounding drums while Erba del Diavolo declaims the song’s dark lyrics with tons of passion (“Nature, I notice you! / And I secretly observe / your eroic mutation, possessing me too, / Having me too! / Spirit, blood, poison, ferment! / Spirit, blood, poison, torment!”).

Sergio Bertani then lends his synths to Il veleno della Natura, or “the poison of nature” from Italian, an amazing tune that’s fast, chaotic, melodic and visceral, with all instruments matching perfectly with the Italian words vociferated by Erba del Diavolo, whereas despite all of its layers and nuances (plus guests Andrea l’Abbate on synths and Vittorio Sabelli on bass clarinet), Delta-9 (161) gets a bit too experimental at times, although the band’s core sound is still intact. Silence Walk With Me presents guest Gionata Potenti (aka Omega of the band Nubivagant) on vocals and acoustic guitar, making a sensational vocal duet with Erba del Diabolo while Segale Cornuta brings an overdose of Black Metal insanity to their sound, not to mention the killer bass lines by Khrura Abro and Kratom. And last but not least, the band goes back to the glory of the 80’s in In the Flat Field, blending their Post-Black Metal sonority with elements from Gothic Rock to give the song an even more thrilling vibe, led by Nerium’s strident riffs.

Like a curious scent, De Venom Natura wafts around the idea that Mother Nature is a double-edged sword, at once beautiful and intoxicating while also lethal in its seduction, and Ponte Del Diavolo make sure the listener also sees Gaia that same way while listening to the album. You can get in touch with one of the most interesting names of the current Italian rock and metal scene by following the band on Facebook and on Instagram, staying up to date with their breathtaking live concerts, stream their unique music on Spotify, and of course, show them your utmost support by purchasing De Venom Natura from their own BandCamp, from Season of Mist, or by clicking HERE. Building a dark and sinister bridge between metal and Mother Nature, Ponte Del Diavolo are carving their name in the history of heavy music, leaving us eager for more of their caustic sounds in the near future while we’re all seduced and hypnotized by the powers of nature.

Best moments of the album: Every Tongue Has Its Thorns, Il veleno della Natura and Silence Walk With Me.

Worst moments of the album: Delta-9 (161).

Released in 2026 Season of Mist

Track listing
1. Every Tongue Has Its Thorns 6:25
2. Lunga vita alla necrosi 4:01
3. Spirit, Blood, Poison, Ferment! 4:36
4. Il veleno della Natura 4:58
5. Delta-9 (161) 8:52
6. Silence Walk With Me 6:17
7. In the Flat Field 4:54

Band members
Erba del Diavolo – vocals
Nerium – guitar
Khrura Abro – bass
Kratom – bass
Segale Cornuta – drums

Guest musicians
Francesco Bucci – trombone on “Spirit, Blood, Poison, Ferment!”
Andrea l’Abbate – programming on “Every Tongue Has Its Thorns”, additional synths on “Delta-9 (161)”
Sergio Bertani – theremin on “Every Tongue Has Its Thorns”, synths on “Il veleno della Natura”
Vittorio Sabelli – bass clarinet on “Delta-9 (161)”
Gionata Potenti – vocals & acoustic guitar on “Silence Walk With Me”

Album Review – Evoked Eclipse / The Cries Of Evil (2026)

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A seasoned duo hailing from Italy will darken your soul armed with their debut offering of arcane, devilish and dramatic Atmospheric Black Metal.

Led by vocalist, guitarist and bassist Max Havler (Ophidian, Shrivel), with Davide Billia (Antropofagus, Beheaded, Vomit the Soul) taking care of additional vocals, drums and keyboards, Milan, Italy-based Atmospheric Black Metal entity Evoked Eclipse has its sound closely tied to the Scandinavian Black and Death Metal scene, primarily Swedish, with references to Dissection and Naglfar, but also the Melodic Death Metal of Dark Tranquillity and Opeth and the melancholic Doom and Gothic Metal elements of early Katatonia. Recorded and mixed by Davide Billia at MK2 Recording Studio, mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios, showcasing a cryptic artwork by the beyond talented Gogo Melone (presenting the album’s visual representation in its most arcane, dark and dramatic essence), and with layout by Francesco Palumbo of MKM Graphix, their debut effort The Cries Of Evil represents a new vision of extreme music, positioning the project as one of the must-see names of the new scene worldwide.

The ethereal intro Enchantment will transport us all to the Stygian realm ruled by Evoked Eclipe, flowing into the title-track The Cries Of Evil, where Max roars with tons of anger in his blackened heart while Davide delivers a mix of Black Metal blast beats and sluggish Doom Metal sounds. After that we have Land Of The White Spirit Lady, featuring guest vocals by Kyrah Aylin (of Aresea and Elegy of Madness), a beautiful, dark ballad of Blackened Doom, with their riffs and drums matching perfectly with Kyrah’s stunning vocal lines; and then we face the melancholic, grim interlude Mournishments, setting the stage for The Watch Of Spirits, with Max delivering sharp, crisp riffs and bass lines while Davide continues to hammer his drums mercilessly. In Drops Of Blood we see the band adding hints of Progressive Metal to their core Atmospheric Black Metal sonority, showcasing more of their fiery riffage, followed by Illusions Of The Life, another classic blast of atmospheric madness, sounding as dark and visceral as it can be, morphing into the outro Ascension, feeling utterly epic and leaving us eager for more of their stylish music in the near future.

Max and Davide are waiting for you with their Evoked Eclipse on Facebook and on Instagram, including news, more of their music, and who knows, maybe some live performances in a not-so-distant future, stream the album in full on Spotify, and of course you can put your hands on the excellent The Cries Of Evil from Club Inferno’s BandCamp, from My Kingdom Music, by clicking HERE, as well as from several other online retailers such as MDV Shop, Waterloo Records, and Groovespin.com. The fusion of Atmospheric and Melodic Black Metal with Death, Doom and Gothic Metal nuances found in The Cries Of Evil will certainly darken your already blackened heart even more, fueling the duo to keep blasting their undisputed extreme music for many years to come under their sinister, grim Black Metal eclipse.

Best moments of the album: The Cries Of Evil, The Watch Of Spirits and Illusions Of The Life.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2026 Club Inferno Ent./My Kingdom Music

Track listing
1. Enchantment 1:11
2. The Cries Of Evil 4:17
3. Land Of The White Spirit Lady 5:58
4. Mournishments 1:25
5. The Watch Of Spirits 7:01
6. Drops Of Blood 5:48
7. Illusions Of The Life 5:17
8. Ascension 2:15

Band members
Max Havler – vocals, guitars, bass
Davide Billia – vocals, drums, keyboards

Guest musician
Kyrah Aylin – female vocals on “Land Of The White Spirit Lady”

Album Review – Gorrch / Stillamentum (2026)

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This two-headed Black Metal beast arises from its lair in Italy with a new full-length opus, pushing further into darkness with an unwavering commitment to raw emotion and existential dread, crafting a labyrinth of shadows and pain.

Formed in 2010 in Northeastern Italy as a duo composed of brothers Chimsicrin (on vocals, drums and keyboards) and Droich (on the guitars and bass), the uncanny Black Metal beast known as Gorrch has been carving their niche in the Italian underground with a singular, uncompromising vision of Black Metal, from the feral intensity of their 2013 self-titled EP and the 2015 full-length Nera Estasi, to the more experimental, dissonant, and atmospheric textures of their 2020 EP Introvertere. Now in 2026 such a ruthless two-headed creature returns in full force with Stillamentum, a full-length album steeped in claustrophobic intensity, dissonant chord structures, and relentless sonic tension. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Andrea Petucco and Gorrch, the album sees the duo push further into darkness with an unwavering commitment to raw emotion and existential dread, crafting a labyrinth of shadows and pain.

Nimbus brings forward absolute chaos and darkness from the very first second, with Chimsicrin sounding inhumane on drums while his devilish vociferations will send shivers down your spine. Droich continues to exhale sheer adrenaline and violence from his riffs and bass in Vorago, just as demented and detailed as its predecessor, always in the name of Italian Black Metal; and the duo shows no mercy for our impious souls in Larvæ, crushing us all like insects with their fusion of Experimental, Dissonant and Avantgarde Black Metal. There’s no time to breathe as their sulfurous sounds continue to permeate the air in Cryptæ, with the acrid stench flowing from Droich’s riffage living up to the legacy of the genre; whereas Angor is even more dissonant and visceral, spearheaded by the ruthless Black Metal blast beats by Chimsicrin. Needless to say, the duo is on total fire until the very last note of the song. Finally, they end such a demonic album just like how it started with Phlegma, oozing a vile blend of Black Metal that will melt your face to the scorching riffs by Droich until all that insanity fades into nothingness.

Always carrying an aura of mystery, which have helped them build a cult following among the followers of extreme, chaotic Black Metal, Gorrch channels their own obsession with sound as ritual and catharsis in Stillamentum, something that can be easily noticed from its punishing tremolo riffs and blasting drumming to its cavernous production that evokes suffocating atmospheres. Gorrch are another band that decided to stay away from all types of social media, but of course you can still find their music online available on Spotify, and purchase Stillamentum from their own BandCamp, from Avantgarde Music’s BandCamp, or from Sound Cave as a CD or an LP. Stillamentum is not an album for the lighthearted, nor for the average listener. This is the union of Black Metal and absolute chaos, and you’ll soon find yourself immersed in the turbulent and dark waters ruled by Chimsicrin and Droich in their excruciating new opus.

Best moments of the album: Nimbus and Phlegma.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2026 Avantgarde Music

Track listing
1. Nimbus 6:24
2. Vorago 6:33
3. Larvæ 5:30
4. Cryptæ 6:13
5. Angor 5:03
6. Phlegma 7:35

Band members
Chimsicrin – vocals, drums, keyboards
Droich – guitars, bass

Album Review – Moon Wisdom / Let Water Flow (2026)

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The debut opus by this Italian Black Metal entity will embrace us all in darkness, portraying humanity lost in nature, seeking itself amid hatred, solitude, and the eternal return of its own demons.

Born from the depths of lunar silence from the vision of vocalist Faith and guitarist Kaelos, kindred spirits united by the desire to give voice to inner silence, with drummer Hexis completing the lineup, Moon Wisdom is the reflection of a soul that contemplates darkness as part of its own essence. In their Black Metal, mist, forests, and inner abysses intertwine, every note echoing an ancient feeling suspended between pain and beauty, exactly like what they have to offer in their debut opus, entitled Let Water Flow. Recorded by the band itself, mixed and mastered by Faith and Kaelos, with photography by Debrinka and Faith, and a stunning artwork and logo combo by Faith and Kaelos, this lean, 29-minute ritual introduces the band with unrelenting vigor, channeling the raw spirit of Black Metal’s second wave while weaving a current of Punk Rock energy and depressive Blackgaze.

The atmospheric album Intro will darken the skies and bring a touch of anguish to our hearts before the band destroys our souls with As Rain, with Faith delivering those harsh, devilish vocals we all love so much in primeval Black Metal; and Kaelos keeps firing scorching riffs for our absolute delight in Ashen Winds, supported by the demented blast beats by Hexis in a lesson in Black Metal magic. Then presenting a contemporary fusion of Black Metal with Atmospheric and Blackened Doom Metal we have Frozen Soul, slower and more obscure than its predecessors, whereas they get back to a more ferocious vibe in Solitude, with Faith again vociferating rabidly for our total delight. The longest of all songs, titled Dark Shades, is also the most infernal and visceral, with the trio hammering their sonic weapons in the name of extreme music. Furthermore, Faith’s vocals get even more demonic thanks to the ruthless sonority blasted by Kaelos and Hexis, flowing into the sinister and melancholic outro Lullaby of Woods, concluding the album on a high note to the sound of a crying violin.

A forest of shadows, a lunar call that watches and consumes, Moon Shadow offer cold, melancholic melodies drift like nocturnal winds through the mind in their debut opus, while lyrics steeped in symbolism and mysticism portray humanity lost in nature, seeking itself amid hatred, solitude, and the eternal return of its own demons. You can get to know more about such an up-and-coming entity of the current Black Metal scene via Facebook and Instagram, stream their full album on Spotify, and of course purchase it from the Hypnotic Dirge Records’ Bandcamp or webstore. As the moon rises, the night will enfold us all, and the music found in the debut album by Moon Wisdom is simply perfect for succumbing to such a dark embrace.

Best moments of the album: Ashen Winds and Dark Shades.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2026 Hypnotic Dirge Records

Track listing
1. Intro 1:42
2. As Rain 3:44
3. Ashen Winds 3:33
4. Frozen Soul 5:47
5. Solitude 4:48
6. Dark Shades 6:31
7. Lullaby of Woods 2:22

Band members
Faith – vocals
Kaelos – guitars
Hexis – drums

Album Review – HyperioN / Cybergenesis (2026)

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These Italian Heavy Metal warriors return with their third studio opus, a dark concept album rooted in classic Sci-Fi telling a story of resistance and sacrifice where the human spirit defies impossible odds.

Formed in 2015 by drummer Jason Beghelli and guitarist Davide Cotti to play traditional Heavy Metal, drawing inspiration from bands such as Metal Church, Queensrÿche, and Judas Priest, while adding their own personal touch, Bologna, Italy-based force HyperioN, whose name was taken from the Hyperion Cantos, a series of science fiction novels written by Dan Simmons, returns to the battlefield with a new opus, titled Cybergenesis. Produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Davide Cotti, with vocals recorded by Antonio Inserillo, and displaying a striking cover artwork hand-painted on canvas by English artist Ryan T. Hancock, renowned for his work with bands such as Seven Sisters, Blood Star, and Stormborn, the follow-up to their 2020 sophomore Into the Maelstrom is a dark concept album rooted in classic Sci-Fi, from Star Trek to Ghost in the Shell, telling a story of resistance and sacrifice where the human spirit defies impossible odds, all carefully brought into being by Max Morelli on vocals, Francis Dipasquale and Davide Cotti on the guitars, Simone “Nega” Cauli on bass, and Francesco Madonna on drums.

The striking guitars by Francis and Davide kick off the band’s metallic journey in Deafening, evolving into a frantic Heavy and Power Metal extravaganza where Max’s vocals couldn’t have sounded more epic. Then investing in a darker, more rhythmic sonority, it’s time for Francesco to shine on drums in Rewire, Rebuild, presenting elements of Progressive Metal to give the song an extra kick, followed by Yet We Still Fight, clearly inspired by the glory of 80’s Heavy Metal, with Max delivering those soaring vocals we all love so much supported by the spot-on riffage by Francis and Davide. And The Shackles of Chronitus is an Epic Power Metal composition with a strong, reverberating kitchen by Simone and Francesco, albeit not as exciting as the rest of the album.

An Iron Maiden-inspired atmospheric and melodic intro evolves into another killer tune entitled Blood Over Chrome, where their riffs and solos bring endless stamina to the already exciting song’s pace; whereas Grain of Sand brings to our avid years metal’s old school galloping rhythm led by Simone and Francesco, providing Max with exactly what he needs to fire his rebellious vocal lines. Rhizome Rider brings forward more of the band’s trademark sound, a pure Heavy Metal feast tailored for admirers of the style perfect for raising their fists together with HyperioN, and closing the album we face the theatrical, ruthless The Whole of Time, with its background keys and sounds elevating its punch considerably, not to mention Francis and Davide are once again on fire armed with their stringed axes.

The concept of Cybergenesis fits seamlessly with the fiery Heavy Metal therein, a daring expedition into a space-time rift that ends in disaster, and all that power, tragedy and rebelliousness couldn’t have sounded better than what HyperioN have to offer us all in their new album. You can get in touch with those talented Italians via Facebook and Instagram, including their breathtaking live performances, stream their music on Spotify or any other streaming platform, and grab a copy of Cybergenesis from BandCamp or from Fighter Records, or click HERE for all things HyperioN. Will the reborn commander Rhizome Rider succeed in leading a rebellion from within and sacrificing himself to free humanity? Simply listen to the thrilling Heavy Metal crafted by HyperioN in Cybergenesis, and you’ll have the answer to that question and more while you bang your head to their undisputed heavy music.

Best moments of the album: Deafening, Yet We Still Fight and Blood Over Chrome.

Worst moments of the album: The Shackles of Chronitus.

Released in 2026 Fighter Records

Track listing
1. Deafening 3:54
2. Rewire, Rebuild 4:46
3. Yet We Still Fight 4:26
4. The Shackles of Chronitus 4:51
5. Blood Over Chrome 5:18
6. Grain of Sand 4:17
7. Rhizome Rider 4:57
8. The Whole of Time 6:48

Band members
Max Morelli – vocals
Francis Dipasquale – guitars
Davide Cotti – guitars
Simone “Nega” Cauli – bass
Francesco Madonna – drums

Album Review – Unviâr / Disglaç (2025)

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This unique Atmospheric Black Metal band from the beautiful region of Friûl will hypnotize you with their first full-length album, revolving around the complex yet unavoidable relationship between man and nature.

An Atmospheric Black Metal project hailing from a small land in Mitteleurope called Friûl, where the Celtic, Germanic, Slavic, Latin worlds coalesce in a unique mosaic of nature, people, magic, culture, languages and traditions, Unviâr, which means “winter” in Friulian, is an ode to the band’s homeland and to its people that pits the constant research and reworking of territorial identity against rampant hyperglobalization. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Davide Zago, and showcasing a stunning artwork by Paolo Girardi, Disglaç, or “defrost” in English, is the band’s follow-up to their 2023 debut EP Faliscjis, revolves around the complex yet unavoidable relationship between man and nature, a work that will delight fans of early Ulver, Drudkh, and Agalloch carefully brought into being by Daniele Tollon on vocals and guitars, Manuel Scapinello also on the guitars, Luca Franzin on bass, and Giulia Zuliani on drums.

The cello by guest Massimo Silverio already adds endless darkness to the band’s core sound in Nevere, or “never” in English, exploding into pure, unfiltered Atmospheric Black Metal led by Guilia’s venomous blast beats, not to mention the ferocity flowing from Daniele’s roars. Corints (“currents”) is another dark and visceral tune blending Black Metal with Post-Metal nuances, with the guitars by Daniele and Manuel exhaling fire; and Guilia takes the lead once again and kicks off the headbanging title-track Disglaç, supported by the massive bass lines by Luca, venturing through more melodic and even acoustic lands while also showcasing the band’s trademark heaviness as if it was three or four songs in one. Ritîr, which means “withdrawal” or “retire,” is a more straightforward Atmospheric Black Metal extravaganza, again presenting the striking riffage by Manuel; whereas last but not least, Massimo Silverio returns with his cello in Sul Ôr, which should translate as something like “on the gold,” closing the album on a pensive, grim mode, with even Daniele’s vocals getting deeper and more introspective.

Featuring dark music and a heavy epicness born from a dark naturalistic romanticism, a music that, with penetrating force, will firmly root itself in the listener’s heart, Disglaç brings forward the ancient voice of the land, the innate call of natural theophany, emerging as an intimate and reserved work, but precisely for this reason pure and uncontaminated. You can get to know more details about such an amazing band, including their live performances, on Facebook and on Instagram, stream their undisputed music on any platform like Spotify, and of course purchase their new album from their own BandCamp, from ATMF’s BandCamp, or from Metal Odissey as a CD or as an LP. Unviâr have simply  mastered the art of Black Metal with their debut album, crafting music that’s rooted in the early days of the genre while also looking forward, never sounding dull or repetitive. They’re one of the must-see names of the current scene worldwide, and I bet you’ll have an absolute blast once you dive deep into the irresistible world of Disglaç.

Best moments of the album: Nevere and Disglaç.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2025 ATMF

Track listing
1. Nevere 11:31
2. Corints 7:52
3. Disglaç 9:44
4. Ritîr 7:30
5. Sul Ôr 8:19

Band members
Daniele Tollon – vocals, guitars
Manuel Scapinello – guitars
Luca Franzin – bass
Giulia Zuliani – drums

Guest musician
Massimo Silverio – cello on “Nevere” and “Sul Ôr”

Album Review – 5RAND / Ordhalia (2025)

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Offering an overdose of crushing riffs, cinematic atmospheres, and the fierce duality of clean and growl vocals, this Italian outfit is out for blood armed with their incendiary third full-length album.

With a story that began with a unique twist of fate, a chance meeting with a Shaman and a South African 5Rand coin, Rome, Italy-based Melodic Death/Groove Metal/Deathcore outfit 5RAND has been carving a unique space in the metal scene with their blend of Deathcore aggression with the emotional depth of melodeath, offering an overdose of crushing riffs, cinematic atmospheres, and the fierce duality of clean and growl vocals by frontwoman Julia Elenoir. Now in 2025 the band formed of Julia alongside guitarist Pierluigi Carocci, bassist Acey Guns and drummer Andrea De Carolis is ready to take the world of heavy music by storm once again with Ordhalia, their third full-length opus, the follow-up to their excellent 2019 sophomore Dark Mother, and a must-listen for fans of modern and vibrant heavy music.

The cinematic intro Lullaby for the Broken effectively invites the listener to the world of 5RAND before all hell breaks loose in Bloodlife, with Andrea kicking some ass behind his drums while Julia fires deep, enraged roars in the best she-wolf style, accompanied by the caustic riffs by Pierluigi. The title-track Ordhalia starts in a more serene, pensive manner, again exploding into a visceral fusion of Melodic Death Metal and Metalcore with Andrea hammering his drums mercilessly; followed by The Nihilist, featuring Milo Silvestro of Fear Factory, who makes a fantastic vocal duet with Julia, with both their clean and harsh vocals walking hand in hand in the name of extreme music. And Pierluigi’s minimalist guitar lines and Acey’s somber, menacing bass set the tone in Double Bind, a mid-tempo, headbanging chant that will please all fans of modern-day Metalcore.

Julia continues to scream like a blood-soaked Valkyrie in Turbid while her bandmates generate a vibrant hurricane of Melodic Death Metal armed with their scorching instruments, whereas Acey fires more of his cryptic bass lines in Ritual of Silence, with the band’s blend of classic and modern heavy music sounding very exciting. Then all background sounds give Lethargy an epic and vibrant vibe, with Pierluigi firing his heaviest riffs of the entire album, consequently inspiring Julia to roar manically for our absolute delight, while Resurge in Death is by far the most generic and uninspired of all songs, despite still showcasing a striking guitar solo by Pierluigi. Lastly, the band gets back on track with Silent Line, offering a progressive and intricate fusion of melodeath with contemporary heavy music where Julia is once again fantastic with both her she-devil gnarls and whimsical clean vocals.

More than just a band, 5RAND are a creative force blending music and visual art, connecting deeply with their growing fanbase, and the excellence found in their new album Ordhalia will undoubtedly help them in keep building a loyal international following and performing alongside legends the likes of Dark Tranquillity, Vader, Immolation, Butcher Babies and Infected Rain. Such a promising name of the Italian modern metal scene can be found on Facebook and on Instagram, where you can stay up to date with their news and live concerts, you can also enjoy their music on any streaming platform like Spotify, and obviously purchase the electrifying Ordhalia from Big Cartel and other online retailers. 5RAND are out for blood armed with Ordhalia, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for those restless Italian rockers.

Best moments of the album: Bloodlife, The Nihilist and Lethargy.

Worst moments of the album: Resurge in Death.

Released in 2025 Art Gates Records

Track listing
1. Lullaby for the Broken 1:09
2. Bloodlife 3:30
3. Ordhalia 4:27
4. The Nihilist 3:12
5. Double Bind 4:30
6. Turbid 4:03
7. Ritual of Silence 3:54
8. Lethargy 3:43
9. Resurge in Death 3:40
10. Silent Line 4:19

Band members
Julia Elenoir – vocals
Pierluigi Carocci – guitar
Acey Guns – bass
Andrea De Carolis – drums

Guest musician
Milo Silvestro – vocals on “The Nihilist”

Album Review – Novembre / Words of Indigo (2025)

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The newly reinvigorated Italian pioneers of Atmospheric and Progressive Gothic, Doom and Death Metal return with their most elaborately adorned and sonically refined opus to date.

Coinciding with 35 years since the band’s original inception under the Catacomb moniker, and after an extended period of inactivity following the release of their 2016 acclaimed album Ursa, the newly reinvigorated Italian pioneers of Atmospheric and Progressive Gothic/Doom/Death Metal known as Novembre return with their most elaborately adorned and sonically refined opus to date in the shape of their ninth studio album, titled Words of Indigo. Mixed and mastered by Dan Swanö (Opeth, Katatonia, Bloodbath) at Unisound, and displaying a classy artwork by Travis Smith (Opeth, Katatonia) of Seempieces Design Studio, the new album by vocalist Carmelo Orlando, guitarists Alessio Erriu and Federico Albanese, and drummer Yuri Croscenko, with the support of session bassist Fabio Fraschini, will embrace you in a melancholic yet warm darkness, being therefore highly recommended for fans of Sacturnus, Novembers Doom, Shores of Null, Les Discrets, Woods of Ypres, My Dying Bride, and Draconian.

After a whimsical intro the band comes crushing our souls with their share of melancholy and doom in Sun Magenta, spearheaded by the crisp, piercing guitars by Alession and Federico, whereas Statua showcases an even more pensive, darker side of the band, with the clean and harsh vocals by Carmelo sounding amazing from start to finish. The band continues to distill their fusion of Progressive and Doom Metal in Neptunian Hearts, sounding heavy while also bringing tons of melody to our avid ears; whereas Ann-Mari Edvardsen (of The 3rd and the Mortal) makes a stylish vocal duet with Carmelo with her stunning voice in House of Rain, adding even more darkness to their core sound and, therefore, resulting in a beautiful ballad of extreme music, followed by Brontide, keeping the ambience dense, grim and hypnotic thanks to another classy performance by all band members, with Yuri dictating the pace with his doomed beats and fills.

Then after the theatrical interlude simply titled Intervallo we face another blast of their Progressive Doom Metal in the form of Your Holocene, an enfolding, thrilling tune where Carmelo’s deep, nocturnal vocals sound even more powerful, supported by the always incendiary riffs by both Alessio and Federico. Chiesa dell’alba brings forward more of their mix of Paradise Lost-infused doom and the progressiveness of bands like Dream Theater and Allegaeon, again presenting the intricate and fierce drumming by Yuri, followed by Ipernotte, one of the most detailed, multi-layered and vibrant of all songs, where the guitar job by Alessio and Federico is beautifully complemented by the thunderous bass by Fabio Fraschini. And last but not least, the band will darken the skies and consume our minds with Post Poetic, where Carmelo yet again melts our faces alternating between clean, ethereal vocals and the madness of his harsh gnarls, flowing into the climatic outro Onde, putting a pensive, somber ending to the album.

An exquisite and finely-textured display of creative prowess exploring themes of danger and innocence, fear and nostalgia, the latest journey by Novembre takes the listener through the torrents of raging Death Metal and sweeping, uplifting passages of serene poignancy, all woven together as finely crafted and layered melodic epics. You can put your hands on Words of Indigo via BandCamp or by clicking HERE, and don’t forget to also start following the band on Facebook and on Instagram for news, tours dates and more of their music, and to stream the embracing sounds from all of their albums on Spotify. November is undoubtedly a month that transpires doom, and the music offered by Novembre in Words of Indigo will surely work as the perfect soundtrack for your gloomiest, darkest days of such a Stygian month.

Best moments of the album: Statua, Your Holocene and Post Poetic.

Worst moments of the album: Brontide.

Released in 2025 Peaceville Records

Track listing
1. Sun Magenta 7:23
2. Statua 6:05
3. Neptunian Hearts 6:11
4. House of Rain 7:33
5. Brontide 6:21
6. Intervallo 1:14
7. Your Holocene 5:29
8. Chiesa dell’alba 7:26
9. Ipernotte 6:52
10. Post Poetic 6:27
11. Onde 2:29

Band members
Carmelo Orlando – vocals
Alessio Erriu – guitars
Federico Albanese – guitars
Yuri Croscenko – drums

Guest musician
Fabio Fraschini – bass (session)
Ann-Mari Edvardsen – vocals on “House of Rain”

Album Review – Litania / Litania (2025)

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This Italian and Serbian entity is unleashing upon us their debut opus, offering eight tracks of evocative, hypnotic doom, where the raw power of guitars merges with the spiritual depth of Indian classical music.

Formed in 2024 by the talented and seasoned musicians Elisa De Munari (Elli De Mon) on vocals, harmonium, sitar and dilruba, Marco Degli Esposti (The Great Northern X) on the guitar and drones, Enrico Baraldi (Collars, Ornaments) on bass, and Vladimir Marikoski (The Black Heart Procession, NBG) on drums and percussions, Italy/Serbia-based Hindustan/Psych Doom Metal/Rock entity Litania is unleashing upon us their debut self-titled opus, offering eight tracks of evocative, hypnotic doom, where the raw power of guitars merges with the spiritual depth of Indian classical music. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Marco Degli Esposti and Enrico Baraldi at Happenstance Recording Studio and at Vacuum Studio, the album presents dark and intense songs interspersed with instrumental passages featuring sitar, dilruba, harmonium, and tanpura. The vocals, deep and ritualistic, draw inspiration from ancient Indian Ragas, evoking a sonic journey suspended between abyss and transcendence.

Their fusion of Hindustan sounds and the absolute heaviness of doom will smash you like an insect in Manasi Devi, the “Goddesses of Snakes” or “Serpentine Goddess”, with the vocals by Elisa bringing a welcome (and hypnotizing) touch of finesse to their music. Then investing in a more Psych Rock-oriented sonority we have Ghunghru (a musical anklet made of small metallic bells strung together, tied around the ankles of classical Indian dancers), with Enrico simply hammering his bass in great fashion, followed by Veil of Illusion, which according to the band is a chant of devotion and fire, honoring Shankara, the sage who dissolved illusion, a powerful prayer to the Lord of the Mountain’s Daughter, where silence and sound merge into oneness. Musically speaking, it offers us a perfect fusion of Doom Metal and ritualistic passages; whereas Marco and Enrico are on absolute fire with their axes in Vighnaharta (a Sanskrit term meaning “remover of obstacles” or “destroyer of impediments”), a song tailored for some good old headbanging.

Jamuniya, the Hindi name for the Amethyst gemstone, continues to pave their path of adoration for heavy, doomed sounds and the mesmerizing sounds of Hinduism, where Elisa is once again amazing on vocals while Vladimir delivers those sluggish beats we love in Doom Metal. After that, Marco’s riffage will pierce your skull in Bound, supported by the rumbling bass by Enrico and the pounding drums by Vladimir in another slab of mysterious and uncanny doom. In Shankara, a Sanskrit word meaning “beneficent,” “giver of bliss,” or “one who does good,” and also a name for the Hindu god Lord Shiva, the intro will already embrace you and drag you to the whimsical realm ruled by Litania, all of course boosted yet again by Elisa’s delicate yet visceral vocalizations, before we face Fading Light, which takes a bit too long to properly kick off, but when it does, it’s as heavy and vibrant as its predecessors.

After all is said and done, it’s impossible not to feel absolutely hypnotized by the unique and enfolding music crafted by Elisa, Marco, Enrico and Vladimir in their debut offering, showcasing Litania’s power and paving a very promising path ahead of them. Furthermore, if you want to know more about such an amazing up-and-coming band hailing from Europe, but with strong ties to the Indian culture, you can find them on Facebook and on Instagram, including their tour dates (and I would simply love to see them live one day), and of course purchase a copy of their breathtaking debut from the Heavy Psych Sounds Records’ BandCamp or webstore, where you can find some beautiful versions of the album for your private collection, or simply click HERE for all things Litania. This is one of those bands that are not just making good heavy music, but infusing it with other sounds form out of the rock and metal specter, and I’m sure once you get a first taste of their unique music, you’ll get addicted to it and your soul will be transported to their ethereal realm for all eternity.

Best moments of the album: Manasi Devi, Veil of Illusion and Shankara.

Worst moments of the album: Fading Light.

Released in 2025 Heavy Psych Sounds Records

Track listing
1. Manasi Devi 5:46
2. Ghunghru 3:01
3. Veil of Illusion 6:17
4. Vighnaharta 4:06
5. Jamuniya 4:09
6. Bound 4:45
7. Shankara 4:48
8. Fading Light 4:56

Band members
Elisa De Munari – vocals, harmonium, sitar, dilruba
Marco Degli Esposti – guitar, drones
Enrico Baraldi – bass
Vladimir Marikoski – drums, percussions

Album Review – Warcoe / Upon Tall Thrones (2025)

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This Italian Doom Metal trio will attack armed with their third studio album, spinning tales of arcane fantasy and mortal frailty into riffs that crush and melodies that linger like a curse.

Having carved a niche in the underground since their inception in 2021 with a sound that’s both a homage to the old gods and a fresh hell of its own, slow-burning, groove-heavy, and laced with Stoner Metal venom, Pesaro, Italy-based Doom Metal trio Warcoe returns to action with their third album, titled Upon Tall Thrones, the follow-up to their 2023 opus A Place for Demons. Recorded at Avangarage Recording Studio, and mastered by Craig Thomas, Upon Tall Thrones sees vocalist and guitarist Stefano, bassist Carlo, and drummer Francesco ascend darker, heavier, and more hypnotic as they spin tales of arcane fantasy and mortal frailty into riffs that crush and melodies that linger like a curse.

The opening track Octagon exhales of the trademark and absolutely heavy sound created and perfected by Black Sabbath, from the doomed, grim vocals and riffs by Stefano to the sluggish beats by Francesco, and the final result is obviously hypnotizing, kicking off the album on a high and amazing note. Their devilish Sludge and Doom Metal sounds keep permeating the air in The Wanderer, with Carlo’s low-tuned, rumbling bass walking hand in hand with Francesco’s hammering drums; whereas adding a pinch of Rock N’ Roll to their core sonority we have I’ve Sat Upon Tall Thrones (but I’ll Never Learn), with Stefano slashing his axe in great fashion, resulting in a great option for raising our horns high in the sky in the name of our gold old heavy music.

Then after the soothing instrumental interlude Gather in the Woods we face Flame in Your Hand, another heavy-as-hell Doom Metal aria showcasing the power of the riff while Francesco flawlessly dictates the song’s devilish pace. Spheres again blends the obscurity of Doom Metal with the heavy yet melodic sounds of Sludge and Stoner Rock and Metal, followed by Deepest Grave, and a song with such a Stygian name deserved sheer heaviness, which is exactly what the trio offers, with the cryptic vocals by Stefano sounding spot-on. The ruthless bass by Carlo will punch you in the head in Brown Witch, accompanied by the Black Sabbath-fueled riffs and beats by his bandmates in a lecture in Doom Metal, while lastly it’s time for Dark into Light, with its main riff reminding me a lot of “Heaven & Hell” (which is obviously a good thing), and with the pounding beats by Francesco ending the album on a high note.

Dragging classic doom into the abyss and back with Sabbathian weight, Saint Vitus’ raw gloom, and the swagger of Trouble’s golden-era riffage, Upon Tall Thrones might be the band’s strongest effort to date, and if you want to know more about those bringers of Italian doom you can find them on Facebook and on Instagram, stream their riff-laden compositions on Spotify, and grab a copy of their new album from their own BandCamp or from Ripple Music’s BandCamp or webstore. Warcoe definitely know how to craft heavy music filled with doom, gloom, might, and magic, and Upon Tall Thrones will undoubtedly take them places in their exciting mission of bringing sheer doom to our decaying world.

Best moments of the album: Octagon, Flame in Your Hand and Brown Witch.

Worst moments of the album: Spheres.

Released in 2025 Ripple Music

Track listing
1. Octagon 3:39
2. The Wanderer 3:45
3. I’ve Sat Upon Tall Thrones (but I’ll Never Learn) 4:09
4. Gather in the Woods 2:14
5. Flame in Your Hand 4:24
6. Spheres 4:23
7. Deepest Grave 5:00
8. Brown Witch 4:31
9. Dark into Light 5:40

Band members
Stefano – vocals, guitars, bass on “The Wanderer”
Carlo – bass
Francesco – drums