Releases that almost fell through the cracks: Horrenda & Awake The Demons

Milo Lane, Vicky & Metalcatto

We have a few bands here we would’ve liked to give more attention to, but the ruthless and unstoppable pace of time is unmatched. Also, I’m calling for backup—because I can’t be the only one left with all the underground fun and work, right? Without further drama, I leave you in the capable hands of our incredibly qualified writers.

Horrenda – Dioltas: If you mix mysticism, folklore, Hardcore Punk, and Black Metal, what might emerge is anything but ordinary—a beautiful abomination. While preserving the raw essence of old-school principles, this is absolutely not your average BM record. It’s high-energy, fast, and ferocious, while also deeply haunting, primordial, and serious. The relentless yowling, howling, and screeching will reverberate through your skull for at least a full day. Meanwhile, the sheer momentum from song to song will have you itching, pacing, and maybe even jumping in place. This is no typical Black Metal album—it’s a beast, a sign of the times, and an unhinged homage to the old ways, both musically and culturally.

Awake The Demons – In Denial: Founded on the shores of the Black Sea in the Romanian city of Constanța, ATD released In Denial at the end of April 2025—a single that bridges the gap between its debut EP, Trials (2023), and their upcoming full-length album, Legacy. The lyrics to In Denial are layered with multiple meanings: a duality of manipulation, the pain of an abusive relationship, and a narrative thread connecting its two releases. In the video for “Blacklight” (from Trials), Icarus ascends to the skies. In the In Denial video, he’s trapped—reduced to a puppet. This symbolic evolution, as frontman Claudiu Ciorbaru explained, adds depth to the band’s unfolding story. Personally, In Denial was one of my most anticipated tracks this year—and now I can safely say it’s become one of my favorites. Go watch the video. It’s worth your time.

That’s it! Join us tomorrow for more Metal from the pits of the internet. I know I should wrap this up with something clever, but how about instead—you click here and join our pagan cult? I mean, it’s not like you’ve never fallen for an online scheme before, right?