Orrery - Nine Odes to Oblivion (2008)

Genre: Black Metal (instrumental)
Country: Australia

The most captivating aspect of Nine Odes to Oblivion are the blank spaces. Thanks to it's production - raw, but certainly not unlistenable - there are scattered moments where I'm not sure exactly what I'm listening to. Is it the actual music, or am I just projecting what I think would sound best here? After of years of listening, I still don't really know; and I absolutely love that. It's personal, visceral and  each individual that listens to it will have their own unique experience. It's a transcendent album and you're only doing yourself a disservice by not listening to it.

Orrery

Drowning The Light - From The Abyss (2015)

Genre: Black Metal
Country: Australia

Drowning The Light is one of Australia's most prolific black metal artists thanks to two things: the sheer volume of his discography (14 full-lengths, 17 demos, 9 EPs, 13 splits and 6 compilations), but in more recent years, the noticeably rising quality of it. While his work from 2003-2009 was inconsistent at best, everything from that point has really been quite good, and this year's From The Abyss may just be his most accomplished release to date. By expanding beyond his atmospheric/depressive black metal roots, this album allows Drowning The Light to explore heights that seemed previously impossible to reach. On tracks like "Cursed Voyage" harmonized guitars collide with Medieval harmonies creating something breathtaking in the process, while songs such as "Rise! Under Satans Mighty Horns" offers something a bit more visceral. Every track has its own quirk, yet is united through a permeating medieval atmosphere, making this album feel complete without also feeling monotonous. I highly recommend this release.

Also, look at that album art!

New Arizmenda Track - "Cum In Your Wound"

Arizmenda have a released the second track off of their upcoming full-length Stillbirth In The Temple of Venus entitled "Cum In Your Wound". It's starting to seem to me that this band can do no wrong. Continuing down the more "streamlined" path of "Rites of Deconsecration" from last year's Tliltic Tlapoyauak, the song is simpler from a construction standpoint, but still offers the visceral emotion the band has come to be known for. I think it's fantastic, but judge for yourself below:

Tardigrada - Widrstand (2012)

Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal
Country: Switzerland

With the supposed release of a proper full length in the near future i have been retreading this release recently as part of my building anticipation.  While not being a masterclass by any means this demo shows enough potential to make me think that their first full work could turn out to be something truly special.  A great sense of eb and flow is on display with the compositions feeling very organic and carrying a varying array of emotions, a worthwhile release put out by the awesome us black metal label that is Fallen Empire.

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Endlichkeit - III - V (2014)

Genre: Black Metal
Country: United States

Endlichkeit came into my consciousness with the release of their first demo on Fallen Empire towards the back end of last year, although not an immediate sort of project this distant hazy black metal feels like a nostalgic recollection of times gone by.  The beauty of this project is the way it stealthily worms it's way into your brain, you suddenly start recalling the hints of melody and nostalgic feeling it creates seemingly out of nowhere.  Definatley a grower kind of release, give this and their debut time and they can turn out to be quite rewarding.

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Harakiri For The Sky - Harakiri For The Sky (2012)

Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal
Country: Austria

Harakiri For The Sky pretty much rides the whole black metal/shoegaze/post rock trend that occurred in recent years but they do a much better job at it than others by actually having substance in their music rather than sacrificing good songwriting and engaging melodies for beauty. In truth, they aren't all that special or original but when you consider how much good comes from this genre, you can say this is definitely worth a listen.

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Arizmenda - Without Circumference Nor Centre (2011)

Genre: Black Metal
Country: United States

With the imminent release of Arizmenda' third full length i've been listening to their two previous albums in preparation, although this second full length didn't quite live up to the high standards set by the first (but really what could!?) it is still a brilliant and damn fine black metal release in it's own right.  Maligned by some because of it's bass heavy and at time washy sound and loved by others in equal measure for the same reasons, this version we have here is the pro tape version that was released by dismal cursings.  The difference that hits you when you first listen to it compared to the original release is the clarity of it all, the sound has been cleaned up a touch (not detrimentally) and has in turn breathed new life into what was already and amazing release.  Subtle hints of tortured melodies peak through the darkness of the abyss while the true nature of the compositions and arrangements become more apparent, all of this leads to a new found appreciation of an album that already had been held in such high regard.

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Dommedagssalme - Terra (2012)

Country: United Kingdom
Genre:"Astral Black Metal"

I feel the need to address the cover art first- yes, it is ridiculous and terrible, but don't let that stop you from listening to this. This highly melodic and repetitious black metal meant to lull you into hypnotic states. Like Darkspace, the album steers away from the cold plains of usual black metal fare and transports you into the cold vacuum of space. The celestial atmosphere generally takes precedence over the guitars and drums, but it all kind of melds together into this beautiful white noise.

ASStral black metal

Saor - Aura (2014)

Country: Scotland
Genre: Atmospheric/Folk Black Metal

It's been awhile since something so overtly symphonic has struck a chord with me, but Saor's second album Aura does just that. Steeped in Celtic inspired atmosphere, the melodies here are bombastic, triumphant and definitely summon the images of war and battle in your mind's eye. The vocals are more of hoarse, throaty shout than usual black metal fare, but they work wonderfully, and help further separate Saor from other folk inspired metal bands. Also, Austin Lunn of Panopticon performs on drums, so I don't even need to tell you that they fucking rule. Like I said, I don't usually go for this type of black metal anymore, but this is freaking awesome, and should not be passed up. Fucking recommended.

Get me some Haggus

Lluvia - Premonicion de guerra (2013)

Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal
Country: Mexico

Previously known as The Rain In Endless Fall, after a couple of great but highly limited demo tapes under their previous name Lluvia unleash upon us their full length debut.  A great atmospheric black metal album that is described by Lord Vast as anti-cascadian black metal, beautiful field recordings of storms and rainfall separate each track before flying into full throttle blast beats and vocals that could peel paint.  Textural twists and turns with rhythmic changes keep things from feeling monotonous, whilst the overall atmosphere creates a density that you can't help but become lost in.  One of the best atmospheric black metal releases in recent memory.

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Montsegur - Under The Banner Of Witchcraft (2013)

Genre: Raw Black Metal
Country: Russia


Invoking the spirit and feel of the genre' forefathers come Montsegur, a promising new band whose first demo found it's way into my listening not long after it's initial release last year.  Not a lot to say about this other than, if you like black metal you will like this.  Information about the band is very limited but here's hoping that these guys release a full length at some point in the near future as it will no doubt be something to behold.

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Cult of Fire - मृत्यु का तापसी अनुध्यान

Genre: Black Metal/Atmospheric Black Metal
Country: Czech Republic

Just look at that artwork and tell me you aren't for kvlt trip to the cosmos. Everything is done fucking well - the production, the cool synths, the vocals, everything else. Plus the lyrics are in Hindi. This is a band worth supporting.

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