June 2024 – Page 2 – Metal Eclipse Reviews

KVAEN – The Formless Fire

KVAEN has been the underground’s darling for a while now. Needless to say, yours truly is a fan of the previous two albums, where KVAEN showcases speed, durability, heaviness, and exceptional songwriting that combines the best of old and new Black Metal. I think I speak for many when I say the expectations for The Formless Fire are huge, and the mightiest band from Kalix (the North of the North) has a monumental task ahead of it. However, this has been a good year for unrealistic expectations, so let’s keep it going, ok?

Alcest – Les Chants De L’Aurore

It’s one of those days! The rare ones when you wake up feeling victorious, refreshed, and ready to take on the world! This unique occasion calls for a fitting soundtrack, and no other band defines the feeling of flying on a cloud towards freedom quite like Alcest. Their last two albums have been certified winners in my feline opinion, but now we’ve got Les Chants De L’Aurore in our claws, and it’s our duty to see if it stacks up in Alcest‘s illustrious catalogue. It’s emotion time!

Your vinyl addiction: three gorgeous LPs issue 2

Welcome to a segment where we embrace your addiction shamelessly. We understand that you might even consider taking out a second mortgage on your house just to keep expanding your collection in a desperate attempt to fill the void deep within your soul. It’s time to succumb to your intrusive thoughts and admire some beautifully crafted LPs that have recently (or not) hit the shelves. I’m not sponsored by any of these bands, labels, or promoters. However, if you’re open to business discussions, let’s talk! After all, all principles bow down before the almighty dollar. Shall we dive in?

Sumac – The Healer

I’ve been dreading this moment for long; it’s almost given me nightmares. No other band in Metal can evoke the feeling of being trapped in your anxious prison like Sumac does. Ever since, I discovered it with What One Becomes, next to everything Sumac touched has been perfection to my ears. However, since May You Be Held, I’ve started to get worried about the direction of the band. It’s almost become a Noise/Jazz band with Metal textures that explores dark mental corners like nobody does; conceptually fascinating, but challenging to sit through. Hence, The Healer has the tough task to add something new to one of the riskiest projects in Post-Metal, without alienating us, the peasantry. Will it succeed?

True kvlt – The Giant Baba, Eisige Venen, JAELYN, June 1974, Ghost Frog and Crystal Sun

In today’s edition of True kvlt, we’re featuring an insane variety of bands and styles. You might think I’m trying to spam you mercilessly, and you’re sort of right. However, they’re all singles! So, if you put them all together, it’ll take the same amount of time that you would otherwise waste watching cat videos instead of doing something productive with your life, like exploring the deep underground. You know It’s time!

Codex Mortis – Tales of Woe

Here at MER, we strive to follow state-of-the-art Metal. However, we sometimes deny our roots, occasionally talking friendly trash about those who came before us. Enter Codex Mortis‘ Tales of Woe, a band trying to capture the spirit of the second wave of Black Metal (but meaner). It’s an extremely difficult task! You might be thinking, “What does The Catto mean? It’s been done to death”. Precisely, my child! How is this going to surprise us when “pure” Black Metal has become a constant trip to the past? Let’s find out!

Retro-Review: Carcass – Heartwork

Welcome to Retro-Reviews, a space where I indulge in my own nostalgic reveries, reminiscing about a time that never truly existed, but one that I’ve crafted through various random albums that hold significance for me. Whether good or bad, one thing is certain: remembering can be a bittersweet journey.

Desolat – Get Sick and Let Me Watch You Die

Hi there, my corpse-painted children. Today, I bring you something different. Are you ever fed up with city life? With the urban hostility that eats up your soul? Well, I present the newest release from Desolat. It has probably the worst name an album could’ve had during the COVID pandemic: Get Sick and Let Me Watch You Die (too soon?), but luckily for everyone, the album is coming out now. The real question is: are we ready to jump into a sea of artsy noise, or do we need more distractions from our sad reality? Stay put!

Drift Into Black – Voices Beneath the Rubble

Here we go again, encountering Drift Into Black with an album named Voices Beneath the Rubble, a band that seems to defy labels the more you delve into their music. Initially, one might attempt to pigeonhole them into genres like Doom, Goth, or MeloDeath, but the deeper you listen, the less it conforms to such categorizations. Voices Beneath the Rubble, a name as dark as it is intriguing, promises uniqueness while hinting at accessibility, even for newcomers to its sound. But does it truly achieve this elusive balance? The answer awaits a click.

Mythologik – Blood in the Sky

Don’t ask me why, but there’s an unfathomable resurgence of bands that like to to take inspiration from less conventional mythologies. To be fair, many do have some sort of connection with the respective regions. Here at MER, we welcome any new takes on old Metal. So, when I noticed that Mythologik‘s Blood in the Sky was joining the hottest trend in extreme Metal (only slightly, there’s so much more here), I wanted a piece of it. After all, opportunism is the key to survival, kids. Enough chatting, let’s jump in then!