Metalcatto
Well, you already know thanks to Vicky that this was a decent year for black metal. In fact, this is probably the top I struggled with the most, but in the end I came up with a few jewels for you to listen to in your darkest hours.
6. Abigail Williams – A Void Within Existence
With a title this existential, it’s no surprise that Abigail Williams delivered something almost traumatic, yet incredibly rewarding. This is a band that understands how to write original ideas and make things that seem familiar at first feel new on an eerie level. It’s worth every second—go for it!
5. Havukruunu – Tavasland
This band is on a mission to have one of the greatest album runs in recent memory. I’m not sure if this is its absolute best, but when it comes to reinventing the old Heavy/Black/Folk formula, nobody has come close to Havukruunu. It’s like Drudkh, but with more than two riffs per track—how isn’t that a win? A darker version of Moonsorrow, and I’m completely on board for this display of mystery and paganism.
4. Grima – Nightside
“Spectacular” is the word to describe this criminally underrated album. Maybe it’s because it came out early in the year, but Nightside manages to carve out a unique take on the Black/Folk sound, showing a band capable of reaching even higher peaks than before. Emotional, visceral, and epic, it’s a journey to a land of endless winters and traditions that try to make everything a little more bearable. You know I’m a sucker for Russian tragedy (just a normal day over there), so what did you expect?
3. Blackbraid – Blackbraid III
It’s not an exaggeration to say that Blackbraid has taken Black Metal by storm. III follows the same path as everything that came before: riffs that cut like a blade, poetic lyrics that represent a world rarely explored in Black Metal, and a sense of grandeur that makes every track feel important. It’s a bit long, as usual, but we can’t deny that III has perfected a formula that barely had any issues to begin with. Folk in spirit, Metal in form.
2. Der Weg einer Freiheit – Innern
I honestly almost forgot this one, and that would’ve been horrible. Innern shows a band willing to explore its possibilities in order to reach even more crushing and emotionally punishing heights. Is this a change for Der Weg einer Freiheit? Yes—but one that proves just how profound its work can be. Long, melodic, and simply devastating, these epic tracks somehow get stuck in my head, and I always find myself wanting to return. It’s a great entry point for those unfamiliar with the band’s impeccable catalogue.
1. Patristic – Catechesis
As usual, I like my tops to feature one truly wild band, and this year that’s Patristic. Despite all the Roman/traditional aesthetics on display, this could’ve easily ended up in a Death Metal top, because Catechesis—through its creativity and sheer heaviness—pushes the boundaries of what we call Blackened Death Metal. It creates an experience that’s hard to replicate. Only Dormant Ordeal have offered similar ideas in terms of sheer horror, but this album stands as a horrifying and puzzling endeavour on its own. You shouldn’t ignore it—grow some guts and dive in.
Metal Eclipse Reviews 