Black Metal – Page 18 – Metal Eclipse Reviews

Kir – L’appel du Vide

Polish Black Metal has already established itself as its own school of thought in our small community. It’s hard to define it precisely. However, the sound of human decadence is the first thing that comes to mind. Kir is trying to portray that, but from an urban perspective in L’appel du Vide. You’d think that with such a title, this would be a mellow Post-Rock album, but no—this is as dirty as it gets. Still, it would be good to know more about the quality of the work itself, right? Stick around, kid.

Mörk Gryning – Fasornas Tid

If Disso-Death has taken over Death Metal this year, I think it’s fair to say that MeloBlack is becoming the new meta within Black Metal. More and more bands are jumping on the sad but angry bandwagon that Dissection pioneered so long ago. Enter Mörk Gryning, a project that has been away for a while but promises to continue this newly rediscovered tradition. With Fasornas Tid, the band promises to stick to what it’s done but also adapt to these enigmatic times. Will it manage to stay on the bandwagon? Let’s find out.

Svarttjern – Draw Blood

Stargazer Scholar

Let us play a little game, shall we? I’m going to name a subgenre of Metal and you will quickly come up with three associations it evokes. Ready? Just promise not to overthink it, OK? Great, I knew I could count on you!

And our genre is… ‘Black Metal!’

Panzerchrist – Maleficium Part I

It’s time to return to no-nonsense, unapologetic Black Metal that can tear us a new one any day of the week. So, I bring you Panzerchrist (ask the AI to draw this name, please!) and its new album Maleficium Part I, which promises a level of fury and hysteria that many of you have been missing. You know Black Metal these days—it can get a bit complicated. Don’t you miss some meat and potatoes? Well, I think that’s what we’ve got here—or maybe not? It’s time to find out. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you about this album’s approach.

Eard – Melancholia

Stargazer Scholar

Numerous subgenres of Metal have been squeezed to the very last drop of their former originality—exhausted, recycled, and overdone. Weirdly enough, despite its obvious overpopulation problem, Atmospheric Black Metal is not one of those genres. Before you object, dear reader, think of all the outstanding and unique artists this movement has spawned. Consider the legendary dungeon synth escapades of the mighty Summoning and its glorious followers; recall the dreamy medieval charm of the mysterious Obsequiae; and remember the swelling soundscapes of Saor. Italy’s Eard remains a well-hidden but no less precious gem in this constellation of curiosities—a gem yearning to be discovered.

Nepenthe – The Fading Promise of Tomorrow & Elegies of Loss and Doom

SonikGoat

I discovered Nepenthe shortly after writing my review of its labelmates, QAALM, and its mighty offering, A Grave Impression of an Unbroken Arc, under Hypaethral Records. Having found in that album an excellent blend of styles, the description of this Ontario-based band was enough to pique my interest. Would they manage to incorporate these diverse styles into a cohesive blend of their own?

Veilburner – The Duality of Decapitation and Wisdom

SonikGoat

Mephisto Deleterio and Chrisom Infernom follow up 2022’s VLBRNR with their seventh and arguably most potent conjuring yet—and their fourth album on India’s Transcending Obscurity. For those not yet initiated into the Pennsylvania-based act’s particular cult of audial occultism, this is as good a place to begin as any. For those who have followed their earlier work, this album (The Duality of Decapitation and Wisdom) delves further into the peculiar dimension I’ll dub the Veilburnerverse.

Panzerfaust – The Suns of Perdition – Chapter IV: To Shadow Zion

There you can see it: Prometheus carrying the weight of our world, of our sins! There aren’t many bands that portray war like Panzerfaust. It’s not just the horror and immorality of it, but also its symbolism. This band gets that, which is why reaching the end of this tetralogy feels bittersweet. Who else has ever pulled this off? Four albums exploring a single concept with such depth? Maybe only Obscura with its cosmological tetralogy. Anyway, last time Panzerfaust released something, I had my concerns. Let’s see if The Suns of Perdition – Chapter IV: To the Shadow of Zion proves me wrong.

True kvlt: Soleil Noir, Ashlands, The Split & Faded Remembrance

Alright, my beloved readers (I’m in a good mood, so you get some love for once), it’s time to dig into the depths of the underground and dish out the love—or hate—these submissions deserve. You know the drill: some of these bands are working with the production value of a 2009 smartphone short film, but who cares? We’re here for what’s true and kvlt, not for petty concerns like beauty, right? Let’s get this firing squad ready!

Auriferous Flame – The Insurrectionists and The Caretakers

Let’s travel to the cradle of democracy (assuming your definition of democracy includes only rich dudes voting) and meet Auriferous Flame, a band that doesn’t sound like your typical Greek outfit. Yes, it’s still Black Metal, but not the kind we’re accustomed to. The Insurrectionists and The Caretakers hit us with a sound that flirts with Black/Thrash, laced with Progressive influences. Intriguing, right? Let’s not delay any further and dive into this violent and dark revolution.