Reviews – Page 6 – Metal Eclipse Reviews

Vicky’s Top Black Metal Albums of 2025

Vicky

I listened to Black Metal this year. And a lot of it. So, I’m here to tell you the things that worked, as well as the ones that did not impress me, in terms of music as an overall. Today we focus on the good, the mean, and the evil (or the less evil), in Black Metal. We’ve covered a part of these albums in the past (something that shouldn’t be a surprise), but I’m trying not to repeat what has been said before about these materials. This is just a ranking I’ve made very quickly, without browsing extensively for lyrics, so beware.

The Losts – Venom Within

Metalcatto

We still have some fresh reviews out of the oven for you before the holidays doom us all. I’ve loved all sorts of weird French Metal, you know that. However, we don’t get Darkwave Heavy Metal every day. In fact, my real fear is that The Losts’ Venom Within ends up being some kind of cheesy ride just like many other albums in the subgenre, but the season says I should be hopeful. So, I’ll do my best to not be a total snob today.

Wayd – Reinvent

Metalcatto

As the year winds down and I clean our mailbox of lost hopes and dreams, I try to rescue a few things from the junk pile. Wayd is a band that has existed almost as long as yours truly. That usually means one of two things: a great history of success, or a long series of tragic events that stopped the project for years. Sometimes, of course, you get both. Anyway, I’m not entirely sure where Reinvent will fit into this story, but let’s see if the album was worth my dive into the mud. Fingers crossed.

Lord Of The Lost – Opvs Noir Vol. 2

Vicky

There are times when I’m starting to feel as if I were a dad wearing an AC/DC T-shirt and wondering why the kids nowadays are big fans of Sleep Token. It’s stupid, I know, but Lord Of The Lost (LOTL, not LOTR, that is) brought that feeling back. Second listen in, and I’m still pretty unsure as to why this band is so popular. Basically, we are dealing with a band that somehow managed to pick up the strangest elements from Mono Inc., Lacrimosa, Deine Lakaien, and Depeche Mode. Blending those with some Electronic-infused Dark/Goth Rock, you get LOTL.

HOLOGRAMAH – Abyssus.Versus.Versiculos.

Metalcatto

You thought we were done with the long reviews for 2025. Think again, because there are still a few surprises left! HOLOGRAMAH is basically Chilean Black Metal royalty, which is why I gave it a chance in our crazy tight schedule. Abyssus.Versus.Versiculos. (yes, insane name I know) is supposed to keep showing that this part of the world can produce Black Metal that can compete with the colder places, but am I being too hopeful or is there real greatness here? Let’s find out!

Lost In the Riffstorm 2025: Part 3

Metalcatto

There were several old and new acts we missed this year, so it’s time to give you our two cents. You can get mad sure, or you could just think, well, “I almost forgot that came out, maybe I should check how wrong Catto is.” That’s a great way to find out I’m right. Anyway. Let’s get to it.

Rotten Sound – Mass Extinction

Metalcatto

Finland has given us excellent Metal in almost every subgenre. However, have you ever heard of Finnish Grindcore? Chances are you haven’t, which is why veterans Rotten Sound’s Mass Extinction caught my attention. I ended up wondering if those sauna addicts could be good at this, too. I mean, look at that artwork! It’s super promising! It makes me feel like I’m going to start an epic and dramatic journey. Could that be true? Am I imagining things?

Weft – The Splinter Oar

Metalcatto

The year is almost over. I’m led to believe that the best of the year has passed, that the only thing left is the struggle of picking the best albums this so, so year produced. Yet, a project with an unsurprising name comes in. Weft’s The Splinter Oar reached me with no expectations. I literally picked the album in a rush before leaving home to use it as a soundtrack for my journey to the coal mine. With this little information, we can jump right in!

Morte France – Hesperia

Metalcatto

Another Black Metal band from France, aaaaah!!! I’m excited. You know nothing mixes like those two when it comes to giving you an interesting experience. However, Morte France wants to do something different with Hesperia: it wants to reconcile Paganism and Christianity, which is like making pasta and chocolate sauce fit well together (food analogies are safe, they don’t offend anyone!). So, this album set some solid expectations for me, which is why I was afraid of ending up with endless disappointment — but let’s get to it.

The Feedback Forge: The Promise Of Plague – The Earth Above, A Grave Beneath

Metalcatto

We’re back with another post where we give some harsh truths to our patrons and supporters. This time, we have an album that’s coming out in 2026, so we’re starting early with the dreadful year ahead. The Promise of Plague hits us with The Earth Above, A Grave Beneath. I must say, that’s a catchy title—there’s rhythm to it—but defining what Metal style the band plays became more enigmatic than the title itself. “This all sounds promising, Catto, why do you keep me waiting in line?” Because you didn’t bribe me to cut ahead, of course. Anyway, let’s get into it.