Black Metal – Metal Eclipse Reviews

An Introduction to Black Metal

Metalcatto

I felt like doing something different. Something that wasn’t judging the work of young, hungry bands that have next to no hope of making it to your playlist, even less to your wallet. Some of you have told me, “I can’t get into Black Metal”—whether it’s the edginess, the awful production, or the shrieking. Well, here are a few albums that could ease your journey into that dark and cold world. Just remember: this isn’t a historical trip. It’s one about digestible listens. See yourself as a frog in a pot, and I’m slowly raising the heat. The idea is that you don’t notice how cooked you are.

Trve kvlt #21

Metalcatto

You know what’s coming!

Saidan – FANGDRILLER: Scars Beneath Memory’s Wrist

Metalcatto

In our never-ending quest for originality, shocking things become more and more difficult to find. So imagine my surprise when Saidan proposed to mix Black Metal with Visual Kei. That’s just so wild it could work. FANGDRILLER: Scars Beneath Memory’s Wrist is supposed to come as a Gothic and charming tale—something harsh, but somehow comforting. Can the album strike a balance between these two worlds, or will it all become unbearably sentimental? Hopes are high.

Véhémence – Assiégé pour l’éternité

Metalcatto

Here we go again. More French Black Metal that sounds like it was recorded in a fridge by people who should have gone to therapy instead. That’s the cliché, at least. But Véhémence is doing something strange with Assiégé pour l’éternité. It’s a remake of its own first album, with new production, new tracks, and new lyrics. It’s almost as if they said, “This is the way we wanted to debut, but back then we didn’t have the budget.” So how good can this be? I’m completely primed by previous Antiq releases, so you could say I’m pretty neutral about it.

Temple ov Ahriman – Heretics of Consensual Reality

Metalcatto

In our not-so-long career, we have reviewed bands with all sorts of quirky names. Temple ov Ahriman isn’t that weird, but who the heck names an album Heretics of Consensual Reality? I’m old school. I read Durkheim. Reality is what opposes the individual will. This title makes no sense! Anyway, you’re here for the Metal, not for the snobbery. So let’s see if this is more than just average Black Metal.

Nargaroth – Apocalyptic Steel

Metalcatto

I’m no Nargaroth expert, but I can recognize an OG Black Metal band when I hear one. That said, my expectations for this kind of sound are modest at best. Apocalyptic Steel couldn’t have a more traditional name. So obviously this thing is going to be edgy, consistent, and noisy, right? My only hope is that the production sustains some level of decency, but maybe that’s asking too much in this case. Let’s find out.

Malebeste – Monestherou

Metalcatto

After yesterday’s dive into the most sellout of sellouts, we had to return to the most kvlt Metal out there: French Black Metal. Malebeste isn’t as weird or abstract as a lot of Black Metal from the baguette land. However, Monestherou is still a listen for the experts. It’s not going to make it easy for you noobs, but don’t worry—that’s what I’m here for. Someone has to hold the flashlight while you navigate this sewer.

Dimmu Borgir – Grand Serpent Rising

Metalcatto

Not many bands have disappointed me like Dimmu Borgir. It’s been decades since I truly enjoyed one of their albums. In fact, I was thinking of ignoring Grand Serpent Rising, but then I recalled this is a big band, and we love chasing clout around here. Anyway, let’s see if this thing is worth our time or if it’s going to be another Eonian.

Panopticon – Det Hjemsøkte Hjertet

Metalcatto

I didn’t see this one coming. Panopticon is arguably the project to beat in Black and Folk Metal. Even though Laurentian Blues left me a bit skeptical, every album since Roads to the North has been close to a masterpiece. The ups and downs that Lunn likes to put us through make Det Hjemsøkte Hjertet enigmatic and unpredictable even before the first listen. But let’s get to it, shall we?

Trve kvlt #16

Metalcatto

Shout-outs! What else did you expect?