Black Metal

When the first volumes of Steven Erikson’s “Malazan Book of the Fallen” were published it became clear that the term “Epic Fantasy” had just been redefined. Even the works of J.R.R. Tolkien or G.R.R. Martin did not share the sheer size and complexity of the world Erikson had created. “Echoes of Battle” is the debut album of this newcomer band from Utah/USA, and their songs are the Epic Black Metal interpretation of Erikson’s Malazan books, not unlike what a certain band from Austria created for Tolkien’s Middle Earth. In fact, when you listen to “Echoes of Battle” for the first time you might think you’re listening to the new album of that certain band from Austria, simply because Summoning defined this very style, let’s keep calling it Epic Black Metal, 17 years ago on their “Minas Morgul” album and since then no other band has managed to reach the pinnacle of perfection Summoning held ever since. Until now. What distinguishes Caladan Brood from a mere copycat is their ability to take what worked for Summoning and then add their own trademarks to it, such as clean male vocals and choirs or actual guitar solos, and forging all of this into something truly majestic, thus redefining the term Epic Black Metal in their own unique way, just like Erikson redefined Epic Fantasy with his books. And while it’s obvious that Summoning have been a tremendous influence for Caladan Brood, for those of you who, like myself, were waiting in vain for a new Summoning album and by now are ready to welcome an heir to the throne, for you “Echoes of Battle” may well turn into a 71 (!) min eargasm because it simply can’t get any better than this. Everything on this release, the fantastic music, the great vocals, the massive sound, the attention to detail, the beautiful artwork by Albert Bierstadt, the poetic lyrics, everything works in tandem to create an album that will be enjoyed by fans of this style for years to come, and may even end up in many all-time faves lists. It really is that good! Now, if your head is spinning from all the superlatives I’m throwing at you, consider the fact that we’re talking about a band’s debut album here, two youngsters that appeared out of nowhere, without a demo or any previous sign of life. Realize the level of perfection.

Black Metal

With the first two albums Cân Bardd already managed to enthrall a lot of fans in the Atmospheric Black Metal community, and with “Devoured by the Oak” the band set their sights even higher. The goal was to create a perfect blend of the strengths of the first two albums ‐ the ambience, textures and atmosphere of the debut, and the composition and quality of the sophomore album, culminating in a more mature sound and a more intense experience for the listener.

Black Metal

A full decade after their last album “Nemesis Noctura”, during which the band remained active on stage but went through several line-up changes and did not record any new material, Eminenz return with their much-anticipated 7th full length album “Diabolical Warfare”.

Embellished by the magnificent artwork of Northem Art (Northem also being the current Eminenz drummer), the new release features eight songs in the classic Eminenz style with traditional Black and Death Metal riffing, atmospheric synth layers and interwoven melodic guitar leads, that will be sure to captivate old and new fans alike.

Black Metal

Lunar Spells is a Greek black metal band formed in Athens in 2020, by Cryptic (guitar, vocals, synths), K.C.H (bass) and V.T (drums). Both musically and lyrically, Lunar Spells stays close to the roots of  Scandinavian “old school” black metal. Lyrical subjects thus often deal with darkness, depression, misanthropy and hate. After their first EP recording Medieval Shadows from an Ancient Netherworld (2020), the line-up was augmented by Atxak on vocals, and the group recorded their debut full length album Where Silence Whispers.

Black Metal

“Black Clouds Gathering / Vallendusk” was released on DLP by Northern Silence in January 2018 and features the band’s self-titled EP from 2012 and their debut full length from 2013, both for the first time ever on vinyl.