Aosoth
IV: An Arrow In Heart
Agonia (2013)
Aosoth is another example of how great the current black metal scene in France actually is. With their latest full length, they definitely claim their place next to great bands like Deathspell Omega and Blut Aus Nord. Formed by members of black metal titans Antaeus you get an idea of the quality of the music here.The cold, eerie atmosphere kicks in straight away from the … Read more
Code
Lost Signal
Agonia (2017)
There is a lot of history in Code's DNA. When releasing their debut album, they were considered a type of supergroup, including members such as Vicotnik of Dodheimsgard and Aiwarikiar of Ulver in their line-up, as well as Kvohst, who would later become the new vocalist of Dodheimsgard. With an album such as Nouveau Gloaming it is fairly difficult to … Read more
Enthroned
Obsidium
Agonia (2012)
Belgian black metal veterans Enthroned offer up a new platter of palpable devastation with Obsidium. With this album they show the versatility that has carried them throughout their career. Obsidium will be revered amongst black metal purists, but easily approachable by those unfamiliar with the genre. Metalheads of all sorts will be coming together to bask in the darkness of … Read more
Ephel Duath
On Death And Cosmos
Agonia (2012)
Releasing new material for the first time since 2009, Italian avant-garde/progressive/jazz/black metal group Ephel Duath cast aside their woes and channel their frustrations into On Death and Cosmos. Having been incredibly prolific before the sudden enforced hiatus after 2009s Through My Dog’s Eyes, Ephel Duath return with a refreshed group of musicians, a three track EP and a new outlook. … Read more
Forgotten Tomb
...and Don't Deliver Us from Evil
Agonia (2012)
The Italian boys of Forgotten Tomb are certainly not new kids to the black metal scene. The band, going strong since the turn of the century, has made a name by building its own little corner in the depressive black metal genre. With each record the band allows their emotions to show through a bit more and, in turn, it … Read more
Kongh
Sole Creation
Agonia (2013)
As I begin writing this review, we have barely scratched the surface of the new year. Still, I somehow find myself compelled to proclaim that I have already heard the best album of 2013. In 2009, Kongh released Shadows of the Shapeless. The album was an impressive example of the band’s epic take on doom metal. Now, the Swedish trio have returned … Read more
Ragnarok
Malediction
Agonia (2012)
Norway's Ragnarok have made their name playing traditional Black Metal for nearly 2 decades now. On this, their 7th, full length they remain steadfast in style and attitude. Much can be said for consistency especially when it comes to genre whose fans can be as fickle as Black Metal. The record itself starts with a cold atmospheric piece before breaking into … Read more
Spektr
Cypher
Agonia (2013)
The origin of black metal could easily be traced back to the early 80’s and the British band Venom. However, it was a decade later in Norway with bands like Mayhem and Darkthrone that the heavy metal subgenre truly began to take shape. The grim, lo-fi sound of early Darkthrone has undoubtedly influenced the French experimental duo, Spektr. Their third album, Cypher is a dark, ambient homage to early … Read more
