Blog – Page 7 – Metal Eclipse Reviews

Growls & Grammar: Ixone analyses Naglfar – Harvest

Ixone

Very few albums have impacted me as deeply as Naglfar’s Harvest, and a huge part of that is, of course, its lyrical content. Why is that? To start, it’s fitting to address the fact that, generally, in Black Metal, when someone wants to explore dark states of being, the result often ends up being an absolute trauma dump of a DSBM record. Yeah… there are better ways to do it. Luckily, Naglfar found a solution to that problem on this album. But how did they manage that? By doing quite literally what symbolist poets were doing in the late 19th century: assigning external elements to inner states. However, in Harvest, this is done with far less subtlety and far more visceral intensity—which, being Black Metal, is exactly what one might expect.

Five good albums you probably never heard of (’90s edition)

Vicky

To make this introduction brief, I am just going to say that I realised these days that the ’90s as a decade had marvelous music, both Rock, and in Metal. Given that there were so many great albums released during that time, I’ve decided to make a short list containing five of my personal favorites – that are also sometimes overlooked. Let’s dig into these five underrated masterpieces.

True kvlt: Mission Jupiter, Warslaughter, & Refusal

Metalcatto

Hi there, my beloved dungeon dwellers. It’s that time of the week where I dig into whatever the deep underground throws at us and try to give some constructive criticism. I really tried to mix things up this time. Also—did I mention that now even the smallest bands can get a full review? But for a price, of course (scroll to the bottom), and with no guarantees of a positive score. We’re not complete sellouts… yet! Let’s go!

Contracts & Concept Albums: Metal Meets the Law with Fia from Exiled Hope

Metalcatto & Vicky

As usual, I want our interviews to be about more than just the albums.I know many artists will sigh at this, since they see an opportunity for ruthless self-promotion slip away—but that’s not the case, people! We want to give you layers, and today we have Fia from Exiled Hope, someone who’s aiming to become a lawyer and defend your (yes, your!) rights against the predatory hands of the merchants of death. (That’s the music industry, of course.). But first, we asked Fia a bit about Apocrypha, her latest album—you know, the one Vicky reviewed here!

A Day in the Life of the Metal Kingdom #1

Stargazer Scholar

The sun was rising over the Metal Kingdom.

Slowly, lazily, its first weak rays crept over the woods surrounding the capital and almost got lost in the misty shade. But on they crept, on and on, until they touched a village that was huddled at the very foot of the Metal Hill. On top of the hill an impregnable castle was perched, its battlements barely lit with Aurora, its high walls proud and sturdy.

Gotta Rank’Em all: Every Behemoth Album Ranked part 2

Metalcatto

We have unfinished business with Behemoth, and as we prepare for The Sh@t ov God to be smeared all over us, let’s continue this journey through its discography. If you haven’t read the first half, click here! Now, without further ado, let’s jump into the best half of this band’s catalogue — the one filled with actual legendary work!

Gotta Rank’Em all: Every Behemoth Album Ranked part 1

Metalcatto

If you follow us on social media, you’ll know I have a complex relationship with Behemoth. This is because the band only has two modes: either it absolutely blasts me away, or it makes me sink into the worst depression ever—because of how much disdain I end up feeling. So in the end, I’m not angry, just disappointed. Join me in this ranking, where we’ll reach the lowest lows and the highest highs Metal can offer before we dive into The Sh@t ov God.

True kvlt: Vyr Muk, Eveale, Brûleur Du Soir

Metalcatto

It’s time to return to the roots of this forsaken section. Today, I bring you nothing but dirty, rancid Black Metal from the pit. However, don’t let all my adjectives fool you—there’s something interesting about every release I’ve picked. Whether it’s how at home they make us feel or how real they sound, there’s no doubt in my mind that Black Metal is more dead and alive at the same time than ever before. But enough babbling—let’s get to what you came for.

Happy Birthday, MER — You’re Strong Enough to Walk Now

Metalcatto

Please indulge me in a little experimental writing here!

True kvlt: Wurmian, Drunkard, & Carving Void

Pegah & Metalcatto

It’s that time of the week again—you’re all still out there, busy sending me material left and right, which means the review queue is slowly getting longer. But don’t despair, my junior musicians—we’ll get to you one day. Then again, maybe today is your lucky day. Anyway, I brought Pegah to help me with the mountain of work we always seem to have here at MER. Let’s get to it!