Tag Archives: melodic black metal

Metal Chick of the Month – Chelsea Marrow

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Internally, I feel like a cosmic explosion. It’s where the stars are born. It’s where stars die.

In order to properly celebrate 13 years of The Headbanging Moose, our metal lady chosen for this month of October is the ultimate definition of the underground, and I’m sure that after knowing more about her, you’ll get addicted to her ass-kicking music. She’s the frontwoman for a phenomenal new supergroup named Visitant, as well as the vocalist for the also excellent band Voraath, not to mention she’s also an extremely talented voice actress. Call her by her real name Chelsea Strickland, or by her artistic moniker Chelsea Marrow, she will kick your ass with her undisputed Extreme Metal growls, undeniable charisma, and a deep passion for the darkest and most extreme side of music. Having said all that, do you think you have what it takes to enter in the realm of fire and flames ruled by one of the most talented female growlers of the current heavy music scene? Or in other words, get ready to be pulverized by Chelsea’s scathing vocals in our humble tribute to such a multi-talented woman.

Born on February 2, 1988 in Pensacola, Florida, in the United States, Chelsea started her career in heavy music as the vocalist for a Florida-based Blackened/Melodic Death Metal band named Accursed Creator, with whom she recorded the singles All Will Suffer (2016), Prelude of Worms (2016), and Scourge of Tested Flesh (2018), as well as the three-track EP Sins of the Father in 2016, which includes one of the singles, Prelude of Worms, before departing from the band in 2020. Their new vocalist is a guy named Kodiac Jackson, who joined the band in 2023, but they haven’t released any new material yet with him on vocals. You can enjoy their songs with Chelsea on vocals on both BandCamp and Spotify, and enjoy their official videos for songs like Throne of Iron and Scourge of Tested Flesh on YouTube.

A few years after leaving Accursed Creator, our talented she-wolf joined Asheville, North Carolina-based Technical/Experimental Death Metal band Voraath, alongside Daniel Presnell and Tylor Kohl on the guitars, Paul McBride on bass, and Joshua Nassaru Ward on drums, replacing their previous vocalist Brad Parris, having recorded with the band the excellent Vol 1: The Hymn of the Hunters back in 2024, available on BandCamp, Spotify or any other streaming service. In one of her interviews when she joined the band, she explained how everything happened. “I’ve been friends with Joshua Ward, who’s the current drummer for Voraath, for a couple of years, now. In the past, we’ve discussed the possibility of having me feature on a Voraath song. I believe it paved the way to where we are now. There were some recent lineup changes, and Josh reached out to me. He offered the opportunity to be a permanent member of Voraath and I happily accepted with no hesitation.”

Chelsea likes to describe Voraath’s sound as an auditory odyssey both extreme and emotional. “We wanted to keep our roots and extreme metal while still exploring storytelling,” she commented, also explaining what’s behind their masks and costumes. “We built our own multiverse with cosmic entities who have propagated life throughout a biocentric universe. It’s a complex story but we are in a post-apocalyptic future ruled by corporations and interdimensional entities, and we are just a group of hired retrieval experts trying to support our families in this dismal reality when we are hired to retrieve something that’s beyond our understanding, unearthing the body of a otherworldly being which in the lore is how we get our armor and mask, infused with technology not of this world.”

Unfortunately, the ultra talented Joshua Nassaru Ward, of bands like Rapheumets Well, Olkoth and Xael, sadly passed away on December 31, 2024, and that might have been the end of Voraath as well. Joshua, along with his fiancée and two other people, was killed in a car accident when a drunk driver crashed into their car on New Year’s Eve. Not only Chelsea lost a good friend, but her passion for Voraath and the future of the band together with her bandmates was beautiful, and I’m sure her heart and soul might be broken into tiny pieces after what happened with Joshua based on her previous comments about the band. “Everyone in the band is so fucking talented. I love the depth and storyline behind the music. There is a whole visual experience, in addition to the epic soundscape that Voraath creates. Envisioning myself as an outsider, I see this band as something truly to behold. Memorable.”

Although we might not know what’s going to be of Voraath, Chelsea can also be found now as the frontwoman for a newborn Blackened Death Metal beast named Visitant, and let me tell you such an up-and-coming underground supergroup will crush you like a putrid insect so heavy, dark, emotional and visceral they sound. Formed in February 2022 in Pensacola, Florida by our ruthless diva Chelsea on vocals alongside guitarist Taylor Tidwell (Accursed Creator, Unaligned, Withered Throne), bassist Kilian Duarte (Abiotic, Lattermath, Mimesis, Scale the Summit), and drummer Anthony Lusk-Simone (Abiotic, Lattermath, Pathogenic, Shroud of Bereavement, Your Pain Is Endearing, among many others), this powerhouse of a band brings endless savage energy to the metal community armed with their debut offering, entitled Rubidium, a monster of Blackened Death Metal displaying a stunning yet suffocating artwork crafted by Chelsea herself.

All tracks in Rubidium are fantastic, which each one having a special meaning for Chelsea and the boys. For instance, she had a few words to say about the idea and video for the killer single Fodder. “In the dream, I attempted to bring my friend back from the dead against the warnings of my ancestors – and everything went wrong. It felt like a horror short from my subconscious, and the video captures that eerie, ritualistic atmosphere.” Furthermore, in a recent interview to the excellent The Zach Moonshine Show, Chelsea opened up about the band’s journey, the personal grief behind Fodder, and channeling pain into power through music. “I’m just putting every bit of my spirit into it,” she commented, reflecting on the band’s rise and her transition from Voraath to Visitant. She also discussed the haunting inspiration behind Starless, describing it as “the embodiment of shadow work,” and explained the dreamlike vision that drives her lyricism and visuals. “I like to take personal experiences and turn them into ghost stories.” If you’re eager to know more about Visitant and put your hands on Rubidium, you can find the band on Spotify, purchase the album by clicking HERE, or simply access this link for all things Visitant.

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Chelsea can also be found as a guest vocalist for some amazing metal bands from the underground scene. Her first contributions happened back in 2019, when she recorded guest vocals for the songs Black Annis, from the album Fear In Fiction, by American Metalcore/Rap Metal musician and audio engineer Sammy SlamDance, and  Ancient of Days, from the album Dead Gods, by the now defunct American Progressive/Brutal Death Metal band Nekroí Theoí; followed by the song Entity 6, from the 2023 EP Wounded, by American Technical Deathcore piece Fleshbound; and more recently the female vocals for the single Ascended Deliverance, released earlier this year by UK’s Sludge Metal outfit Tigguo Cobauc. She also sang with an American Death Metal band named Seditious Deceit back in 2020, although there isn’t much information about how she contributed to the band’s music at that time. In addition, Chelsea was also responsible for the artwork for the split album Ashes of Dagoth, by American Melodic Death/Black Metal band Ob Nixilis and American Post-Metal act To Keep the Wolves Away, once again showcasing her passion for the darkest side of arts.

When asked about her idols and influences in one of her interviews about Voraath, Chelsea mentioned Sci-Fi movies and video game soundtracks as her main references, while also drawing inspiration from bands such as Dimmu Borgir, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Septicflesh, Cattle Decapitation, Acid Bath, Alkaloid, and Igorr, mentioning in special Fleshgod Apocalypse and Cattle Decapitation as their biggest influences and the top bands she would like to collaborate with either by herself or together with Voraath (and I’m sure with Visitant as well). Moreover, speaking of collaborating with other bands, which leads to also touring with her own band plus other bands, Chelsea also had a few words to say about how anyone can better manage their time and relationships with all band members. “Have a pliable and comprimisable attitude. You’re stuck in a vehicle with four to five other people so developing good coping strategies and having solid communication with each other is important.”

As aforementioned, our she-wolf is also a respectable voice actress, working in the “monster sounds” division of The Monster Factory (or La Fabrique de Monstres), having the ability to craft sounds that resemble zombies, undead creatures, ghouls, vampires, trolls, orcs, goblins, demons, aliens, wizards, humans, animals in general, small creatures, insects, ghosts, whispers, dragons, and robots. For instance, as part of The Monster Factory team, she provided choir vocals for the soundtrack of the 2020 video game Doom Eternal. Not only that, apart from her career as a musician, a voice actress and a visual artist, Chelsea also works as a social media marketing manager and barista at Pacific Kava Bar in Florida, as one of the sponsored artists by CAD Audio, and as a photographer at Metal Purgatory Media and at Chelsea Marrow Photography, proving how relentless and focused she can be.

After all is said and done, I’m sure you perfectly understand now why Chelsea was chosen as our beyond talented metal lady to celebrate another year in the life (and death) of The Headbanging Moose. She lives and breathes heavy music, she never gives up no matter what, and she will keep delivering first-class extreme music for us avid metalheads for many decades to come without a shadow of a doubt. Keep an eye on her social media because we’ll probably see Visitant paying a dark and ruthless visit to several cities and towns in North America anytime soon, hopefully also spreading their blackened wings over Canada, Europe and all other parts of the world, giving us mere mortals the chance to witness live onstage one of the must-see names of the current extreme music scene worldwide. Needless to say, Chelsea will love to see you in the crowd headbanging to her infernal vocals.

Chelsea Marrow’s Official Facebook page
Chelsea Marrow’s Official Instagram
Visitant’s Official Facebook page
Visitant’s Official Instagram
Visitant’s Official YouTube channel

Album Review – Achathras / A Darkness of the Ancient Past (2025)

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The debut opus by this uncanny horde offers us all a resurrection of the values from the early to late 90’s European Black Metal scene.

Bringing into being mystical Melodic Black Metal dedicated to the magic and mystique of the 90’s, Achathras are a new project formed by uncanny musicians from long-running and acclaimed Black Metal bands, unleashing upon humanity their debut offering entitled A Darkness of the Ancient Past. As epic and at times melodic, recalling acts such as Gehenna, Odium, Emperor, Hecate Enthroned, Taake, Old Man’s Child, Ancient, Dimmu Borgir, and Abigor, among others, A Darkness of the Ancient Past offers a resurrection of the values from the early to late 90’s European Black Metal scene, with the band’s mysterious members Eidolon Drakh, Malefic Orator, and Vorthol blasting their magnificent share of Black Metal incantations for our total and depraved delight.

The Weaving Of The Worlds is absolutely dark and sinister from the very first second, an atmospheric intro that will penetrate deep inside your damned soul before the band comes ripping with Anointed With Moonfire, and it doesn’t matter who plays each instrument (although the band itself has already hinted at who plays what in the album), we must admit they do it to perfection, offering an overdose of classic Black Metal riffs and demented screams supported by an embracing wall of sounds in the background. More of their melodious and sulfurous sounds permeate the air in A Cerement Of Flame, evolving into a beast of old school Black Metal that’s out of any type of human control; and it’s time to head into the battlefield alongside those uncanny musicians to the sound of Emanation Of Chaos, a frantic, no shenanigans Black Metal extravaganza overflowing fire and madness through its classic riffs and blast beats.

After such a demented metal attack we face the ethereal interlude Melancholy Wanderer, warming us up for The Curse Of Supremacy, an imposing, epic explosion of Black Metal by the band, with all background keys and orchestrations adding even more obscurity to the music. Let’s then bang our heads in pitch black darkness to the sound of The Despiser Triumphant, where their rumbling drums live up to the legacy of classic Black Metal; whereas such an infernal horde delivers seven minutes of scorching Black Metal entitled A Lamenting Presence, with the sound of their riffs being a thing of beauty. And lastly, it’s time to explore the chilly and despondent winter lands ruled by Achathras in The Uttermost Cold, an icy cold outro that could have been slightly shorter to sound more effective.

Although there isn’t much information about Achathras anywhere, it’s their music that truly counts, and A Darkness of the Ancient Past indeed brings to our putrid souls an overdose of the grandiose Black Metal sound from decades ago. If you dare to get in touch with those Black Metal sorcerers, you can find them on Facebook and on Instagram, blow your speakers with their devilish sounds on Spotify, and of course purchase their newborn beast from the Cult Never Dies webstore or from their EU webstore,  fueling their Black Metal machine for decades to come. And if they decide to remain as mysterious and anonymous as possible through the years, as long as their music keeps burning our souls like what they have to offer in A Darkness of the Ancient Past, we have absolutely nothing to complain about.

Best moments of the album: Anointed With Moonfire, Emanation Of Chaos and The Despiser Triumphant.

Worst moments of the album: The Uttermost Cold.

Released in 2025 Cult Never Dies

Track listing
1. The Weaving Of The Worlds 2:43
2. Anointed With Moonfire 5:51
3. A Cerement Of Flame 5:14
4. Emanation Of Chaos 5:05
5. Melancholy Wanderer 1:58
6. The Curse Of Supremacy 5:24
7. The Despiser Triumphant 5:25
8. A Lamenting Presence 7:06
9. The Uttermost Cold 4:23

Band members
Malefic Orator – vocals
Eidolon Drakh – guitars, bass, keyboards
Vorthol – drums

Album Review – Abscence / Enigma (2025)

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Behold the debut offering by this promising Black and Gothic Metal horde, a concept album that chronicles the tragic and immortal love of two vampire women, bound by blood, betrayal, and devotion.

Channeling the essence of 90’s Black and Gothic Metal into a modern yet uncompromising sound, Yorkshire, England-based cult Abscence is unleashing upon humanity their debut offering, entitled Enigma. A concept album that chronicles the tragic and immortal love of two vampire women, bound by blood, betrayal, and devotion, Enigma is a gothic love story steeped in myth and moonlight, told across nine long-form tracks that unfold like chapters in a dark epic, drawing deeply from old school Theatre of Tragedy and Cradle of Filth while forging a captivating soundscape that’s both brutal and melancholic, all masterfully crafted by the dramatic and aggressive vocalist Mordred, the grief, rage, and spectral beauty by bassist and vocalist Morrigan, the raw blackened power of guitarist Balor, and the poetic vision and symphonic depth of keyboardist Gawain.

Ethereal, angelic sounds permeate the air in the opening track We Abandon Worldly Pearls, before the band begins distilling their Cradle of Filth-inspired attack led by the visceral gnarls by Mordred. Then the stylish, grim keys by Gawain set fire to the band’s Black Metal engine in Under Moon’s Glance, offering a high-octane feast of extreme sounds enfolded by a whimsical aura, whereas the title-track Enigma is another beast of blackened and symphonic sounds, with the guitars by Balor clashing with Morrigan’s thunderous bass in great fashion. After that, we face the atmospheric (and a bit lengthy) Secrets Confide, a slow, sinister tune by Abscence that sets the tone for the six-minute aria Silk & Shadows, a Black Metal extravaganza where Mordred’s devilish roars will send shivers down your spine while the atmosphere trembles to their wicked riffs and beats, all boosted by Morrigan’s hypnotizing clean vocals.

Eternal Vows of Midnight is another sinister, spine-chilling composition by Abscence, with the haunting keys by Gawain walking hand in hand with Morrigan’s delicate yet penetrating vocals. Mordred then takes the lead once again with his Dani Filth-like screeches in Cloak of Mind, a fast and infuriated composition where Gawain’s keys give the song a striking phantasmagorical vibe; and the second to last song of the album, titled Whispers of Eternity, presents a more Melodic Black Metal vibe thanks to the harmonious guitar lines by Balor. Not only that, it’s perhaps the song where Morrigan’s vocals thrive the most. Finally, the epic conclusion to the story of the vampire lovers comes in the form of Our Love Ignites, a beautiful aria of Symphonic Black Metal magic where the vocals by Mordred and Morrigan build a cinematic paradox.

At its heart, Abscence is a band devoted to emotional authenticity and artistic freedom, with their symphonic arrangements, melodic guitars, dual vocal dynamics, and narrative-driven lyricism helping them creates a sonic world where brutality meets elegance, just like what they have to offer in Enigma. Hence, don’t forget to check what this up-and-coming beast of extreme music is up to on Facebook and on Instagram, to stream their unique, enfolding creations on Spotify, and of course to grab your copy of the hypnotizing Enigma from the band’s own BandCamp. This talented and hardworking horde has all it takes to conquer the world of heavy music with the detailed and visceral music found in Enigma, and just like the immortal love of the two protagonists of their new album, it will capture your blackened heart for all eternity.

Best moments of the album: Under Moon’s Glance, Silk & Shadows and Cloak of Mind.

Worst moments of the album: Secrets Confide.

Released in 2025 WormHoleDeath

Track listing
1. We Abandon Worldly Pearls 5:26
2. Under Moon’s Glance 7:04
3. Enigma 7:18
4. Secrets Confide 3:48
5. Silk & Shadows 6:18
6. Eternal Vows of Midnight 3:47
7. Cloak of Mind 8:09
8. Whispers of Eternity 5:25
9. Our Love Ignites 8:42

Band members
Mordred – vocals
Balor – guitars
Morrigan – bass, female vocals
Gawain – keyboards

Album Review – Hades Descent / The Monolith (2025)

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Let’s embark on a cinematic metal journey to the sophomore opus by this UK blackened entity, set centuries into a dystopian future on a dying earth.

Forging Symphonic and Melodic Death and Black metal with a strong cinematic scope, Berkshire, UK-based entity Hades Descent is back from the underworld with its sophomore opus, entitled The Monolith, a dystopian concept album offering a dark fusion of symphonic atmosphere, blackened aggression, and melodic precision, marking the project’s most ambitious work to date. Fully composed, orchestrated, recorded, mixed, and mastered by the band’s mastermind Hades at Titan Studios, underscoring the project’s uncompromising DIY spirit and singular vision, anchored by the beyond versatile vocals by D.M., and featuring the more-than-special guests Karl Sanders (Nile), Brian Kingsland (Nile, Imperishable), Björn “Speed” Strid (Soilwork, The Night Flight Orchestra), and Tim Goodson, The Monolith is set centuries into a dystopian future, on a dying earth, where mankind has embraced cybernetics in pursuit of perpetual enhancement, until humans no longer know where they end and the machine begins. “This is a concept album, based on an idea I had about 5 years ago,” explains Hades. “It’s taken that long to come to fruition! I hired an author, Tony Martucci, to turn the concept into a proper short story, which helped me flesh out the idea fully and turn it into the beautiful album you see here.”

The album kicks off with six minutes of Symphonic Black Metal madness in the form of Tomorrow Is Dead!, featuring guests Brian Kingsland, Karl Sanders and Tim Goodson, all on the guitars, with Hades’ and his henchmen’s striking, melodic riffs and solos walking hand in hand with the demented roars by D.M., whereas in Through Savage Seas they bring forward elements of Progressive Black and Death Metal, with all beats and fills adding endless heaviness to the song. Then the poetically titled Forged In Darkness (And Fire) starts in a cinematic manner before evolving into a symphonic and headbanging feast of vicious riffs and whimsical keys; and we face another round of phantasmagorical keys in Path of The Seeker, providing D.M. with all he needs to deliver his trademark harsh gnarls. Hades continues to bring forth sheer adrenaline in The Oncoming Storm, where his riffs and keys will yet again pierce your mind like an arrow in flames.

Veiled Ambitions is not as exciting as the rest of the album, although it still presents the characteristic fusion of symphonic and extreme sounds blasted by Hades. Then back on track, Hades and his Hades Descent continue their descent (and sorry for all repetition in this case) to the underworld in Sentinels of Time (Illium’s Demise), with the song’s hammering drums complementing D.M.’s desperate screams flawlessly. The Sea of Silent Warriors sounds very intricate and complex throughout its almost five minutes, in special its Dream Theater-like keys and drums, all embraced by the devilish growls by D.M., and finally,  we face the seven-minute beast of darkness titled The Monolith, where guest Björn “Speed” Strid proves why he’s one of the best vocalists to ever arise from Sweden, clashing majestically with the Black Metal gnarls by D.M. in an explosion of first-class extreme music.

A cinematic concept album bringing to us all a dystopian cybernetic future, time travel, destiny, and downfall, The Monolith represents the band’s most complete artistic statement yet, set to establish Hades Descent as one of UK’s most ambitious forces in modern extreme music, being therefore highly recommended for fans of Septicflesh, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Dimmu Borgir, Ex Deo, and Nile, just to name a few. Hence, you can get to know more about this excellent project and its mysterious master, and obviously show him your total support, by checking what Hades is up to on Instagram, by streaming his music on Spotify, and by purchasing The Monolith from BandCamp. It’s time to embark on a metal journey to the dystopian future from The Monolith, and I’m sure you’ll have a great time with the multi-talented Hades as your devilish guide.

Best moments of the album: Tomorrow Is Dead!, Path of The Seeker and The Monolith.

Worst moments of the album: Veiled Ambitions.

Released in 2025 Independent

Track listing
1. Tomorrow Is Dead! 6:52
2. Through Savage Seas 5:46
3. Forged In Darkness (And Fire) 5:56
4. Path of The Seeker 4:30
5. The Oncoming Storm 4:57
6. Veiled Ambitions 5:38
7. Sentinels of Time (Illium’s Demise) 5:02
8. The Sea of Silent Warriors 4:48
9. The Monolith 7:41

Band members
D.M. – vocals
Hades – guitars, bass, drums

Guest musicians
Brian Kingsland – chorus vocals and guitar solo on “Tomorrow Is Dead!”
Karl Sanders – guitar solo on “Tomorrow Is Dead!”
Björn Strid – vocals on “The Monolith”
Tim Goodson – rhythm guitar on “Tomorrow Is Dead!”

Album Review – Imperialist / Prime (2025)

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Sounding tighter and more intricate than ever before, this American Sci-Fi Black Metal beast will take you on a journey to outer space to the sound of their breathtaking new album.

Having spent the years honing their craft while keeping their Death Metal-touched Sci-Fi Black Metal sound intact, Monrovia, California’s own beast Imperialist returns with their long awaited third studio album Prime, the follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2021 sophomore offering Zenit and their 2023 EP Quantum. Recorded by Charles Elliott at Tastemaker Audio, mixed and mastered by Dan Swanö at Unisound, and displaying a stylish artwork by Eliran Kantor, the new album by vocalist and guitarist Sergio Soto, guitarist Bryant Quinones, bassist Joshua Alvarez, and drummer Rod Quinones sounds tighter and more intricate than ever before, reinforced further with Thrash Metal elements while also showcasing the darkness and menace displayed on the previous EP but also the maturity in songwriting, being highly recommended for fans of Dissection, Emperor, Valdrin, Vektor, Frozen Dawn, Abigor, and Immortal.

The album kicks off in full force with Starstorm, a demonic display of Technical Black Metal where the guitars by Sergio and Bryant sound as heavy and electrified as imaginable, followed by Beneath The Sands Of Titan, and as a poetic song name deserves a true metallic, no shenanigans sound, that’s exactly what the band delivers, with Rod crushing his drums in great fashion. Their flammable riffs, accompanied by the pure Black Metal bass by Joshua, will darken the skies in Depravity Beheld, while Sergio continues to gnarl like an evil creature; and in I A.M. the dauntless Sergio darkly gnarls the song’s devilish words (“They were naive to think / I would be the one / The prevent their world’s decay / I think therefore I am / Artificially intellegant / Disdain for flesh and blood / Now dominates my world”) amidst a furious Melodic Black Metal sonority for our total delight.

Then after such an insane metal attack we’re treated to the ethereal interlude Heavens Sunder, setting the tone for Final Hours, a ruthless and extremely vile Black Metal extravaganza where Sergio and Bryant deliver some of their most melodic riffs of the whole album, while Rod makes sure the humongous level of heaviness in the song remains intact. Union Of The Swarm sounds as strident and piercing as its predecessors thanks to the caustic riffage by the band’s guitar duo once again, while Rod’s drums sound at the same time rhythmic and apocalyptic, whereas the same Rod speeds things up in the sulfurous Nocturnal Eon, a lesson in contemporary Black Metal where Sergio’s vocals live up to the glory of such an important music genre created in Norway in the 90’s. Last but definitely not least, let’s enjoy seven minutes of first-class Melodic Black Metal in A Ghost Abandoned, led by the rhythmic drums by Rod and the always venomous growls by Sergio.

The music found in Prime oozes passion and dedication at every level, and every listen will prove to be a testament to that. This could very well be the best Imperialist album to date and given their faultless discography to date, that is saying something. You can experience all that by purchasing the album from their own BandCamp, as well as from the Transcending Obscurity Records’ main store, Bandcamp, Europe store or US store, and don’t forget to also follow the band on Facebook and on Instagram, stream their music on Spotify, or click HERE for all things Imperialist. In other words, as their sci-fi obsession has been taken to the next level in Prime, Imperialist are inciting us all to a wild and thrilling metal journey to outer space to the sound of their breathtaking new album, a one-way trip that will surely crush your minds and thoughts in the name of heavy music.

Best moments of the album: Beneath The Sands Of Titan, Final Hours and Nocturnal Eon.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2025 Transcending Obscurity Records

Track listing
1. Starstorm 5:09
2. Beneath The Sands Of Titan 5:47
3. Depravity Beheld 5:14
4. I A.M. 4:30
5. Heavens Sunder 1:56
6. Final Hours 4:46
7. Union Of The Swarm 5:27
8. Nocturnal Eon 4:39
9. A Ghost Abandoned 7:22

Band members
Sergio Soto – vocals, guitar
Bryant Quinones – guitar
Joshua Alvarez – bass
Rod Quinones – drums

Album Review – Blackbraid / Blackbraid III (2025)

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Behold the stunning next chapter in the musical and spiritual journey of the witch hawk of Black Metal hailing from the Adirondack Mountains.

A solo indigenous Black Metal project from the depths of the Adirondack wilderness, creating music as raw and powerful as the mountains from whence it came, New York’s own Atmospheric Black Metal entity Blackbraid, the brainchild of the beyond talented vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Sgah’gahsowáh, is finally back with the highly anticipated follow-up to his critically acclaimed 2023 album Blackbraid II. Fully composed and performed by Sgah’gahsowáh, with drums, recording, mixing and mastering done by Neil Schneider (of the excellent bands Calling of Phasmic Presence, Diplegia, Telepathic Ceremony and Vintertodt), and displaying a stunning artwork with painting by Adam Burke of Nightjar Illustration and ilustration by Adrian Baxter, with visual development and graphic design by Wolf Mountain Productions, the breathtaking Blackbraid III is another beast of an album by our witch hawk Jon Krieger, showcasing a huge step forward in his already beautiful career and, therefore, resulting in a must-listen for fans of contemporary Atmospheric and Melodic Black Metal.

The acoustic, atmospheric intro Dusk (Eulogy) warms up our souls for the blackened feast titled Wardrums At Dawn On The Day Of My Death, with Sgah’gahsowáh powerfully declaiming the song’s dark and poetic words (“Awakened by a western wind / The blood of chaos seeps into dawn / A call to war in honor and death / The warrior’s fate to ride the storm / Ride”), always supported by Neil’s insane beats and fills. The Dying Death Of A Sacred Stag is another massive chant with pensive, introspective lyrics (“Upon a great throne of black mountains / Born in the heart of the storm / A keeper of shadow and twilight / A sentinel of lands long forlorn / Born within the eyes of the storm”) while our dauntless witch hawk keeps slashing his axe nonstop; and we’re then treated to the ethereal interlude The Earth Is Weeping before all hell breaks loose in God Of Black Blood, featuring a guest guitar solo by Randy Moore, a tribal, ruthless aria by Sgah’gahsowáh perfect for dancing and prancing around the fire like a true Native American.

It’s impressive how Sgah’gahsowáh can craft delicate yet obscure instrumental pieces like Traversing The Forest Of Eternal Dusk, setting the tone for the absolute demolishing Tears Of The Dawn, a lecture in Atmospheric Black Metal with the pounding drums by Neil walking hand in hand with the visceral roars and scorching riffage by Sgah’gahsowáh. Like Wind Through The Reeds Making Waves Like Water, the last interlude of the album, once again sounds enfolding, melancholic and whimsical, soothing our heats and souls before we face the flawless And He Became The Burning Stars…, one of the best Blackbraid songs of all time, with all harsh vociferations, scathing riffs and blast beats flowing perfectly until the very last second, taking us on a way one journey into the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. And finally, we have Fleshbound, an amazing cover version for a classic by Lord Belial, from their 2005 album Nocturnal Beast (check out the original HERE), and Sgah’gahsowáh’s rendition is just as visceral, aggressive and detailed.

Ready to embark on a North American headlining tour this year with support from Lamp of Murmuur, Dödsrit, and Gudsforlad, Sgah’gahsowáh and his Blackbraid are poised to conquer the entire world of heavy music with the third chapter in his musical and spiritual journey, and not only you can find the album in full on YouTube and on Spotify, but you should definitely purchase it from BandCamp or from the project’s official merch store in the United States or in the European Union. Don’t forget to also give Sgah’gahsowáh a shout on Instagram, and to stream all of his songs and albums on YouTube, Spotify or any other streaming service. Because the witch hawk of Black Metal is back, sounding heavier and more epic than ever, with the first-class music found in his new album majestically echoing through the misty mountains.

Best moments of the album: Wardrums At Dawn On The Day Of My Death, God Of Black Blood, Tears Of The Dawn and And He Became The Burning Stars…

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2025 Independent

Track listing
1. Dusk (Eulogy) 1:02
2. Wardrums At Dawn On The Day Of My Death 4:54
3. The Dying Death Of A Sacred Stag 7:44
4. The Earth Is Weeping 3:39
5. God Of Black Blood 5:52
6. Traversing The Forest Of Eternal Dusk 3:39
7. Tears Of The Dawn 9:18
8. Like Wind Through The Reeds Making Waves Like Water 2:49
9. And He Became The Burning Stars… 9:50
10. Fleshbound (Lord Belial cover) 4:03

Band members
Sgah’gahsowáh – vocals, guitars, bass

Guest musicians
Neil Schneider – drums (session)
Randy Moore – lead guitars on “God of Black Blood”

Album Review – Necht / The Inevitable Suffering EP (2025)

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This mysterious Symphonic Black/Death Metal cult returns with a scorching new EP presenting five “sermons” conjuring both the epic power of a cosmic battle and the grim reality of its earthly implications.

Following on quickly from their 2024 debut album The Prophecy of Karnifor, the mysterious Calgary, Alberta-based Symphonic Black/Death Metal cult Necht returns with a brand new EP, entitled The Inevitable Suffering. Operating jointly from the frozen wastelands of Canada and the damp gloom of Northern Ireland, the cult formed of Zenith Maharg on vocals, Ascendant Zhargor on the guitars, Ascendant демон on bass, and Ascendant Vlasfimos on drums presents in The Inevitable Suffering five “sermons” of Atmospheric Black Metal conjuring both the epic power of a cosmic battle and the grim reality of its earthly implications, each based on the myths and history of the Enkari – the early civilization from which the cult arose – as told in the controversial Enkari-B’ahn Scolls.

Like a creature arising from the underworld, the imposing, epic intro Over Ten Thousand Spears, B’ahn Rises Red kicks off Necht’s black mass before we face The Night That Knows No Dawn, starting in a cinematic manner and quickly exploding into the band’s trademark darkness led by the demented drumming by Ascendant Vlasfimos and the haunting gnarls by Zenith Maharg. Dread Is the Consort of the Dark is another harsh and infuriated display of Symphonic and Melodic Black Metal spearheaded by the Stygian riffage by Ascendant Zhargor, sounding perfect for a ceremonial black mass; and the visceral guitar lines by Ascendant Zhargor are boosted by the rumbling bass and drums by Ascendant демон and Ascendant Vlasfimos in As Oars Through Blood, offering Zenith Maharg exactly what he needs to darkly declaims the song’s impious words, morphing into the phantasmagorical outro …and so Across the Bloody Lake We Did Sail in Silence, putting a beyond obscure ending to one more successful gathering of the cult of the sun.

Such an amazing cult from the underground nailed it once again with The Inevitable Suffering, which is available for purchase from BandCamp or by clicking HERE, and for streaming on Spotify, and you can always join Necht and worship the sun together with them by following the cult on Facebook and on Instagram. “The Cult believed themselves to be spiritually bound to their sun-god, B’ahn, who was locked in a ceaseless battle for survival against His all-powerful mother, the Dragon Karnifor, as She sought to swallow Him and the world. The souls of dead Cultists could rise to join B’ahn in His struggle on the cosmic plains – and thus hold the Dragon back for just a little longer – but only if those Cultists died in battle. Thus, to the Cult, the only means to prevent the Apocalypse of the Dragon was, ironically, to prosecute an endless war on earth, which of course resulted in great misery for their people,” explained Zenith Maharg, leader of the Temple. “Thus, The Inevitable Suffering – for the Cult believed the suffering of war was fundamentally to be embraced as the only means of saving humanity.”

Best moments of the album: The Night That Knows No Dawn and Dread Is the Consort of the Dark.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2025 Independent

Track listing
1. Over Ten Thousand Spears, B’ahn Rises Red 2:04
2. The Night That Knows No Dawn 6:08
3. Dread Is the Consort of the Dark 6:12
4. As Oars Through Blood 4:18
5. …and so Across the Bloody Lake We Did Sail in Silence 1:18

Band members
Zenith Maharg – vocals
Ascendant Zhargor – guitars, choir
Ascendant демон – bass, choir
Ascendant Vlasfimos – drums

Album Review – Ba’al / The Fine Line Between Heaven And Here (2025)

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This amazing Blackened Post-Metal act from the UK strikes back with a dark new album, drawing on the band’s personal experiences, exploring themes of grief, depression, suicide, substance abuse and existential dread.

Forged in the fires of Sheffield, in South Yorkshire, England, Blackened Post-Metal creature Ba’al (a title and honorific meaning “lord” in the Northwest Semitic languages spoken in the Levant during antiquity, which came to be applied to gods from its use among people) is unleashing upon us their new album, titled The Fine Line Between Heaven And Here, a caustic fusion of Black, Sludge and Post-Metal recommended for fans of Crippled Black Phoenix, Harakiri For The Sky, Inter Arma, and Sgaile, among others. Recorded and mixed by Joe Clayton at No Studio and mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege, the same team that brought such a richly textured darkness to the last Ba’al release, and adorned in the stunning artwork of True Spilt Milk Designs, the new album by Joe Stamps on vocals, Nick Gosling and Chris Mole on the guitars, Richard Spencer on bass, and Luke Rutter on drums draws on the band’s personal experiences, exploring themes of grief, depression, suicide, substance abuse and existential dread, invoking the intensely human struggles that are played out against this backdrop of disparate elements and in every other place our troubled species has carved out a home.

Mother’s Concrete Womb is simply dark and sinister from the very beginning, gradually morphing into a massive hybrid of the harshness of Melodic Black Metal with the finesse of Post-Black Metal, with the nonstop screams by Joe sounding truly devilish, smoothly flowing into Waxwork Gorgon, where the minimalist yet caustic guitars by Nick and Chris exhale darkness, not to mention all Doom Metal elements present in the music make it even heavier and more compelling. Floral Cairn brings forward more of their neck breaking, melodic and piercing sounds, with Luke showcasing tons of dexterity and power behind his drums, dictating the song’s pace flawlessly; and the band then captures our senses in a dark embrace with the 11-minute aria Well of Sorrows, with the riffage by Nick and Chris guiding the listener through the band’s unruly Post-Black Metal waters, sounding all very detailed, vibrant and doomed. The Ocean That Fills a Wound is even more introspective and enfolding, another lecture in Post-Black Metal where Joe declaims the song’s pensive words with tons of passion, alternating between atmospheric moments and crushing, anguished passages, whereas lastly it’s time for Legasov, bringing to our avid ears one final onrush of melodic yet harsh sounds, with their haunting vocals, sharp riffs and Doom Metal drums putting a phantasmagorical ending to the album.

The journey through the musical landscapes in The Fine Line Between Heaven And Here is a dark and exciting one, and I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time listening to it from start to finish. Ba’al are waiting for you on Facebook and on Instagram with news, tour dates and more of their music, and you can not only stream their music on Spotify, but also purchase their excellent new album from BandCamp, from Road to Masochist, or by clicking HERE, letting their blackened sounds penetrate deep inside your mind and soul while at the same time connecting their music with your own personal experiences and struggles, proving why modern-day Post-Metal is one of the most humane styles in heavy music and, therefore, allowing the musicians involved to open up their hearts to us fans with each of their amazing songs, just like what’s offered to us all in The Fine Line Between Heaven And Here.

Best moments of the album: Well of Sorrows and The Ocean That Fills a Wound.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2025 Road to Masochist

Track listing
1. Mother’s Concrete Womb 12:56
2. Waxwork Gorgon 8:41
3. Floral Cairn 7:46
4. Well of Sorrows 11:03
5. The Ocean That Fills a Wound 13:25
6. Legasov 8:18

Band members
Joe Stamps – vocals
Nick Gosling – guitar
Chris Mole – guitar
Richard Spencer – bass
Luke Rutter – drums

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 – Lenax / Infection (2025)

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With lyrical themes based around esotericism, individuality, and cosmic horror, the debut album by this American Black Metal horde paints either a picture of destruction and horror, or one of death and rebirth.

With lyrical themes based around esotericism, individuality, and cosmic horror, Infection, the debut full-length opus by Nashville, Tennessee-based Black Metal horde Lenax, paints either a picture of destruction and horror, or one of death and rebirth, depending on the stance of the listener. Produced and mixed by Ilarion Ivanenko, mastered by Øystein Brun at Crosound Studios, and displaying a Stygian cover art by David DeFigueredo, such a sulfurous offering by vocalist and guitarist Venomous, guitarist Mordred, and drummer Bones, with the support of guest musicians Hephaestus on bass, and Maikon on drums, pays homage to the band’s influences while establishing them as pioneers of something new altogether dubbed by Venomous as “cosmic horror fueled nightmares,” an immersive sonic rumination on rebellion against religion, revenge, and self-realization through occult technology, with a distinct nod to Lovecraftian lore and the impending doom of the Outer Gods.

The band darken the skies from the very first second in Worship Hymn, with Venomous living up to his own moniker, delivering harsh, serpent-like vocals for our vulgar delectation. Leeches sounds even more devastating and grim, led by the scorching riffage by Venomous and Mordred, resulting in a lesson in modern-day Black Metal, and Bones keeps hammering his drums in the name of darkness in Chains, another ruthless composition not recommended for the lighthearted. Crossroad Black begins in an atmospheric, cinematic manner to minimalist sounds, gradually evolving into a mid-tempo feast of pitch black darkness led by the visceral gnarls by Venomous and the crushing beats by Bones, whereas the band sounds utterly demonic in Hive Mind Apocalypse, with their riffs, blast beats and harsh vocals piercing our damned souls mercilessly.

We Are Legion carries a name that reeks of Black Metal, sounding as sulfurous and rebellious as it can be thanks to another blast of sick riffs by Venomous and Mordred; whereas Plague Bringer offers our putrid ears a slab of stylish first-class Black Metal, sounding and feeling absolutely and beautifully heavy-as-hell, with Venomous taking his growling to a whole new level of insanity. Then we have Overdrive, which is more like a dissonant instrumental interlude that doesn’t actually bring any extra power to the album, before they pulverize us all with Throne of the Forsaken, presenting epic lyrics growled by Venomous (“He’s the Pharaoh without a name / All the past has fallen / King of nothing, no stories told / Lost legends, Aeons gone”) while the music feels as imposing as it’s grim until the very end.

In summary, Infection is undoubtedly a must-listen for fans of Watain, Immortal, and Enslaved, among others, with Lenax presenting a style of Melodic Black Metal infused with just the right amount of Black N’ Roll to land themselves in a rather unique position in the genre with their new album. Hence, you can join those talented bastards from Nashville in their quest for total darkness via Facebook and Instagram, stream their sick creations on Spotify, and grab your copy of their sulfurous new album from BandCamp or by clicking HERE. The Lovecraftian cosmic horror brought into being by Lenax in their new album is truly outstanding, and if you dare to not listen to it, may the band haunt you in your deepest nightmares for all eternity.

Best moments of the album: Leeches, Crossroad Black and Plague Bringer.

Worst moments of the album: Overdrive.

Released in 2025 Independent

Track listing
1. Worship Hymn 4:55
2. Leeches 4:06
3. Chains 4:46
4. Crossroad Black 6:06
5. Hive Mind Apocalypse 3:36
6. We Are Legion 6:11
7. Plague Bringer 3:57
8. Overdrive 2:32
9. Throne of the Forsaken 3:56

Band members
Venomous – vocals, guitar
Mordred – guitar, backing vocals
Bones – drums

Guest musicians
Hephaestus – bass
Maikon – drums