Hi there, my corpse-painted children. I’m not saying much today because the MER crew has way better things to say. This is a special True Kvlt edition, so let’s get to it!
True kvlt: Tria Prima, Mindistry & Eisige Venen
Tag: Black Metal
Deafheaven – Lonely People With Power
Few bands elicit as many passionate discussions as Deafheaven. They stand as the ultimate hipster black metal band – that distinctly warm Californian/edgy interpretation of the traditionally depressive Nordic formula. To these ears, it’s crafted exactly one perfect 5.0/5.0 album (Sunbather). However, ever since New Bermuda, I’ve gradually fallen out of love with its evolving sound. This isn’t to say its subsequent work was bad – it simply never recaptured those genre-defining heights that initially made them so revolutionary. So it was with minimal expectations that I approached Lonely People With Power a title so quintessentially Deafheaven it almost hurts), steeling myself primarily against disappointment.
Retro-Review: Summoning – Stronghold
Welcome to Retro-Reviews, a space where I indulge in my own nostalgic reveries, reminiscing about a time that never truly existed, but one that I’ve crafted through various random albums that hold significance for me. Whether good or bad, one thing is certain: remembering can be a bittersweet journey.
Robust – Robust
It’s been a while since we’ve tackled a proper dose of raw Black Metal – the kind that makes you want to rip your hair out and sends your cat scrambling under the bed. Normally, we let those rancid “true kvlt” promos pass by unnoticed, but every so often, something slithers out of the void that’s just too interesting to ignore. Enter Robust – Robust (yes, the album is as sturdy as its name suggests). Think the name lacks edge? Don’t worry, because this is about to plunge straight into the abyss.
True kvlt: Syndr, Dark Æclipse & Váthos
Vicky & Metalcatto
The time has come for me to let the fresher blood take care of an entire True kvlt article. Don’t cry—I’ll probably be back to do most of the heavy lifting next week. It’s not my fault that you readers and musicians have made a habit of directly contacting my writers to cut the line (it doesn’t work that way!). I don’t mind; it means I get to work less. So, without further ado, Vicky has some opinions today.
Cradle of Filth – The Screaming of the Valkyries
Cradle of Filth is a band that you probably already love or hate—there’s no in-between. Say what you want, but these romantic vampires don’t leave anyone indifferent. Yet, for me, the craziest thing about the band is how it went from being more washed-up than Ali in the ’80s to having a second prime in its later years. I can’t think of any other band that has pulled off such a comeback in the last decade. So, ironically, I did have high expectations for The Screaming of the Valkyries.
Belnejoum – Dark Tales of Zarathustra
I guess it was about time to return to Symphonic Black Metal. I mean, isn’t this what we all want every week? But in reality, these releases are few and far between. Enter Belnejoum, a project that, despite having one main writer, features collaborations from all corners of the Metalsphere (Fleshgod Apocalypse, Nile, Annihilator, to name a few). Dark Tales of Zarathustra—a title that instantly takes me back to my teenage years, lost in Nietzsche and Sartre books (what? I had a lonely and pretentious childhood!). So, how about we dive into the depth of this album?
True kvlt: The Host, Ashenheart & Ancine
We’re back with what the tide brought in over the last few days. It was an intense release week, but was it equally intense in the deep underground department? Today, we have a lot of familiar faces, but each brings something unique to the table. Because, let’s face it, most of you aren’t satisfied with not getting paid for one project—you have to juggle several. Nothing but respect for that, I’ll just say. Now, let’s dive in!
Imperial Triumphant – Goldstar
Enough procrastinating! It’s time to finish what we started a few days ago by giving our “expert” opinion on Imperial Triumphant’s Goldstar. We even made a top to celebrate this occasion. If that doesn’t tell you how pumped I am for this release, then I don’t know what else to do for you. No need for long intros—we all know Imperial Triumphant is one of the most Avant-Garde bands of the last ten years. Not many can compete with the level of urban horror these guys conjure up, but as a huge fan, I’m nervous! Can you blame me?
Gotta Rank ‘Em All: Every Imperial Triumphant Album Ranked
Metalcatto
The people have spoken, and we started a new section, filled with hunger and ambition—but let’s see how it goes. Imperial Triumphant is the definition of a band of rich kids that went to art school. Nothing wrong with that, because I’m a huge fan! In fact, IT is New York’s response to French Avant-Garde/Black Metal hegemony, and as much as I love that scene (despite its controversies), who the fudge wants to be ruled by the French? Let’s start this countdown as a celebration of the upcoming release Goldstar.
Metal Eclipse Reviews 