Metal Eclipse Reviews

Blood Incanation – Absolute Elsewhere

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Blood Incantation is one of Death Metal’s underground darlings and that its first two albums are already modern classics of space Metal. However, the band pulled an “Ulver move” with Timewave Zero, alienating much of its fanbase. Even after what many would call a misstep, I remained optimistic about what Absolute Elsewhere could offer. Now that the band had gotten all that intense psychedelia out of its system, could it return to something more familiar for us Metalheads, or would it fully embrace the path of Ulver? Let’s find out.

Valetta – Summer

Is it sarcastic to drop an album named Summer in autumn, with that cover art? It sure feels like a provocation for those of us who are about to not see the sun for months. Anyway, we’re here to judge the music, not the sense of humor. Valletta promises something rooted in the past but, at the same time, fresh. The band might be relatively new on the scene, but its members are experienced and ready to show us what dirty Black N’ Roll has to offer. Let’s move!

Devenial Verdict – Blessing of Despair

In 2022, Devenial Verdict released Ash Blind, an album that was among the best I found that year. So, you can imagine that when I heard Blessing of Despair was coming out this year, I was more excited than the last time Transcending Obscurity did a “name your price” digital sale (I’m not hinting at anything for the future, of course! wink wink). Still, I also felt a bit nervous because we’ve had so much amazing Disso-Death this year that I started to wonder if there were any areas left to explore in the subgenre. Let’s see if Devenial Verdict has an answer for us!

Endonomos – Endonomos II – Enlightenment

It’s been a decent year for Doom Metal! We’re in the midst of a revival, particularly of the more melancholic aspects of the sub-genre. Endonomos may not have been on our radar for very long, but if I had to describe the project, I’d call it a mix of Pallbearer, Fvneral Fvkk, and Swallow the Sun. I know what you’re thinking: “I hate soft Death/Doom”. But hear me out—Endonomos II – Enlightenment seems to offer something different that could melt the coldest heart (this me reaching new levels of corny). It’s time!

Abramelin – Sins Of The Father

SonikGoat

It’s always great to see how many people are actively engaged in talking about, sharing, name-dropping, and posting new music. It’s part of what makes underground scenes so rewarding—the word-of-mouth aspect of how music finds its way to the most receptive ears. Especially in a fast-moving, worldwide scene like Metal, a band can quickly ascend from relative obscurity to cult status, propelled by the rapid, viral nature of word-of-mouth “promotion”. These days, it feels like a great album by a band I’ve never encountered lands on my radar at least once a week, if not more.

True klvt – Lvctvs, Sinsation, Primordial Black

It’s Sunday again! Which means the deepest and filthiest corners of the metal underground get a chance to throw us a few bones. You know how it is: we’ll review almost anything here—even your bedroom synth project. However, we can’t guarantee our words will be flattering. You send your stuff at your own risk! Either way, this week we have some new and old faces from across the metal spectrum. Are you ready? Because I’m not!

Ghostheart Nebula – Blackshift

Elased

VdB 141 is the astronomical designation for the distinctive Ghost Nebula in the constellation Cepheus.IC 1805, on the other hand, refers to the Heart Nebula in the neighboring constellation Cassiopeia. These two codes form the title of the intro to this album and at the same time explain the enigmatic name of the band, Ghostheart Nebula. In its musical vision, the band merges the two nebulae into a mystical collision of almost impenetrable soundscapes. It may seem an ambitious undertaking, but the name and the idiosyncratic symbol could hardly be more fitting. No one has ever captured the essence of void, loneliness, hopelessness, farewell, and loss in such astronomical dimensions of darkness, weightless spacelessness, and disembodiment.

Death Like Mass – The Lord of Flies

It’s been a while since we covered a debut. You know us—we’re defenders of the deep underground. While I wouldn’t say Death Like Mass comes without some noise, today feels like a low-key moment to talk about some decadent and obscure Black Metal. On another note, when did Poland become the land of Black Metal? Is it the Catholic guilt? Anyway, I digress. With a title like The Lord of The Flies, this release promises something disgusting and maniacal, right? But you know how it is—Black Metal can always find new ways to let you down. That’s why I approach this with open arms, but a cold heart. Let’s dive in.

Marche Funèbre – After The Storm

I don’t know when or how it happened, but the universe has conspired to make 90s Death/Doom cool again. More and more bands are rehashing this clearly underrated style, and I welcome it with open arms. Bring back the era of alienated pain! Marche Funèbre isn’t new to the sorrow game. The band has been delivering for more than a decade, always offering what angsty Metalheads need, which is why I approached After the Storm with uncalled optimism. So, let’s see how this is going to hurt me!

Glacial Tomb – Lightless Expanse

Alright, we’re picking up where last week’s madness left off. What can I say? If you look at Glacial Tomb’s album art, you’ll think, “Oh wow! This album has to slap”. It even has the perfect name: Lightless Expanse. If an album has an abstract or almost senseless title, you know it’s going to try to kill you. I’m sure some of you are coming in with your opinions already set. So instead of being an obnoxious contrarian just for clicks, I’ll try to add something meaningful to the discussion. Anyway, you’re here to find out if Glacial Tomb kicks butt or not. Let’s go!