Metalcatto
This is a long one, so no intro!
Na Zarot – Al Infitar: what can I say? This is the kind of filthy black metal that would make Ixone happy. It’s raw enough that consuming it might give you some horrible E. coli, but I know that only makes some of you even more excited about the level of decadence and inhumanity waiting for you here. This is unfiltered nastiness, deliberately ugly and hostile, the sort of release that doesn’t try to charm you even for a second. It crawls, scratches, and reeks, and that’s exactly the point.
Vilhija – Iskra: we continue with more black metal, but this time we tune down the rancid stench and step up the instrumental skills. Vilhija is clearly full of potential. Its dense and crushing atmosphere leans slightly toward post-metal, yet it still sits comfortably within the realms of properly produced black metal. There’s not a whole lot to dissect here, but that’s not necessarily a flaw. If you like your underground releases consistent, immersive, and without unnecessary gimmicks, this one does the job.
Sweden Ice – Like Fallen Amber: enough music from hell for a moment. How about some metal with more alternative vibes? Something you could realistically hear on the radio without immediately scaring civilians away, but that still has instrumental quality and intent. That’s what Sweden Ice delivers: something fun and digestible, but with more heart than a placeholder band assembled by committee. This feels worked on, sweated over, and cared for, and that alone earns some respect.
The Parishables – Divided We Fall: that title sounds almost political, and given the strong punk influences here, that’s hardly surprising. Despite its catchy and accessible approach, the track carries a darker edge that even some of the more extreme members of our unholy community could appreciate. It’s fast, it’s short, and it gets in and out without overstaying its welcome. Honestly, there’s very little to lose by giving this one a spin.
Stolen Soul – Below: this track offers a curious mix of retro groove, almost Lamb of God–style riffing, blended with a more traditional heavy metal backbone. It makes you wonder why more bands haven’t tried this approach, since it could genuinely appeal to listeners who don’t want to be hit with a hammer nonstop. It’s fun, it’s heavier than expected, and those are always welcome traits in this context.
Tormentus – Bleed II: want six minutes of industrial/death metal misery that makes you feel buried alive under layers of asphalt? That’s exactly what this track delivers. The hostility level is off the charts, and the sheer weight is refreshing in a section where that kind of punishment doesn’t always show up. That’s precisely why Tormentus deserved a shout-out. If you like your metal as merciless as possible, this one’s for you.
Myrmann – Sun and the Moon: another project that isn’t new to this section, bringing us more epic metal that transports you to ancient times of cold, darkness, and myth. It’s not exactly power metal or heavy metal, but something hovering in between, which keeps the corniness surprisingly low. That’s not an easy balance to strike, especially for a track that, in many ways, flirts with the structure of a power ballad.
Black Steam – Black Blades: Yes, that’s a name that’s easy to mix up, but the music itself is pretty straightforward. This is traditional heavy metal, clearly written by musicians in love with the 80s and those long-gone, leather-clad days. Nostalgia is doing a lot of the heavy lifting here, but the production is solid and, more importantly, the fun factor is intact. If you’re looking for something modern enough yet safely rooted in tradition, far away from the weirder corners of metal, this is a solid choice right now.
Metal Eclipse Reviews 