Sweden – 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.

Draconian – In Somnolent Ruin

Metalcatto

How to say this? I’m a Draconian fanboy. I’ve been digging the band’s work since Where Lovers Mourn. Every album since has been a 4.0 out of 5.0 to me. In my book, no other Doom Metal band has been this consistent for so long. If anything, this is the band that truly got me into depressive music, which is why my expectations for In Somnolent Ruin are more than just huge—they’re absolutely ridiculous. But let’s get into it, alright?

Sarcasm – Lifeforce Omnibound

Metalcatto

Among the bands with some of the best names there’s Sarcasm—do I mean that? I guess you’ll never know. The band has its own approach to Death Metal, and needless to say, I approached their work with curiosity and even excitement. It’s not that I’m a diehard fan or anything, but you know weirdness and idiosyncratic moves are what we live and die for at MER. Keep on reading and find out.

At the Gates – The Ghost of a Future Dead

Metalcatto

Let’s see how I’m going to navigate this. On one hand, At the Gates is the OG MeloDeath band, a national treasure, and it has suffered an unimaginable loss, which is why we’ll proceed with extra respect. Having said that, nothing in its long and complicated career has made me feel what Slaughter of the Soul once did. That level of speed, aggression, production, and brilliance has yet to be matched. But okay, let’s judge The Ghost of a Future Dead on its own terms.

Vomitory – In Death Throes

Metalcatto

The Death Metal band with the sexiest name ever is back. If Vomitory‘s In Death Throes is as good as anything the band has offered in its last two albums, then we can all go home happy and relieved that another OG band still has something to give to the world. Let’s not lie—this project restores our faith in brutality. There’s little to be worried about, right?

Therion – Con Orquesta

Vicky

When talking about Symphonic Metal bands that have both excellent music, and a good internal collaboration between artists, Therion is one of the first examples that spring to mind. From their Death/Black beginnings, all the way to Symphonic and Operatic Metal, the group have proven to us numerous times that they can perform alongside musicians from pretty much any genre, and that their lyrics can cover a wide range of topics.

Paganizer – As Mankind Rots

Metalcatto

Paganizer is like a shark. In the sense that after millions of years, it has changed very little. And why would you when you play Old School Swedish Death Metal? However, even I’ve started to wonder if the band can break the mold for once. Given that its last release wasn’t that long ago, my hopes aren’t exactly high for As Mankind Rots to deliver change, but let’s see!

From Classical Music, to Metal, and Beyond – Interview with Thomas Vikström (Therion)

Vicky

As a Symphonic Metal enthusiast, my heart is overfilled with joy when I tell you that I have recently spoken with Thomas Vikström (whom I must thank once again for this opportunity!), Therion’s talented lead vocalist, about his entire career, and numerous preferences, including his beverage of choice, and a top 20 songs he currently loves. Enjoy reading this interview and don’t forget to get back to us with some feedback.

Haimad – When Night Rode Across the North

Vicky

In case you’ve been living under a gigantic stone (not even a rock) for the past three or so decades and you have no idea what’s been going on in Northern European Black Metal, here’s a not-so-gory-and-without-too-many-details close-up: there was this Norwegian band called Mayhem, that started playing Occult Metal, did all sorts of highly “interesting” things, and got a lot of media attention due to two deaths in the group – the suicide of Per Yngve Ohlin (a.k.a. Dead), and the murder of Øystein Aarseth (a.k.a. Euronymous), committed by fellow bandmate Varg Vikernes (currently of Burzum). Now, with that in mind (and without too much morbid information on the topic, you’re welcome), we can go on and talk about the new Haimad material, the band’s debut album, When Night Rode Across the North. For your information, the band has been active for 25 years, however, as aforestated, this is their first full-length material.

Vintersorg – Vattenkrafternas Spel

Metalcatto

I guess it’s time for us to get really folky! Vintersorg is back, and there aren’t many bands in the Black/Folk/Prog world that have managed to keep such a unique blend alive without turning into a parody of themselves. Vattenkrafternas Spel has the complex task of continuing the almost perfect run the band has maintained for so long. Also, I couldn’t find confirmation in the promo material, but wouldn’t this be the end of the elemental tetralogy? I mean, water was the only one missing, so it would make sense! I’ll admit it—I’m a sucker for long and high-risk conceptual endeavors.