Infernal Thorns/ChristusVenari/Personal Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Infernal  Thorns  are  a  band  from  Chile  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Christus  Venari"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  Personal  Records.

  A  very  fast  and  brutal  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams  as  well as  the  music  also  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  European  style.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  also  remain  very  true  to  an  old  school  style  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  A  lot  of  the  music  also  sounds  like  it  cold  of  easily  been  recorded  and  released  more  then  25  years  ago,  tremolo  picking  is  also  added  into  some  of  the  faster  riffing  and  later  tracks  also  introducing  clean  playing,  spoken  words  and  synths  onto  the  album.

  Infernal  Thorns  plays  a  musical  style  that  goes  back  to  the  mid  90's  era  of  melodic  and  brutal  black  and  death  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness,  death  and  blasphemy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Infernal  Thorns  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Death  Chants"  "Black  Flesh"  "Profane  The  Mass"  and  "Illuminated  By  The  Flames".  8  out  of  10.

  http://personal-records.bandcamp.com/album/christus-venaris

www.facebook.com/infernalthorns 

Tedd Deireadh Interview

 

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

1. We are melodic death metal band from Brodnica in Poland and we’re getting started on a polish underground scene.

2.You have your first full length coming out in August, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

2. As for our style, we’re aiming at heavy riffing along with melodies and it all filled with Michał’s growls. We’re still developing and learning, but in the future You may expect something tied to what we do now. 

3.A lot of your lyrics cover viking themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this toipic?

3. We’re viking fans as well as metalheads! As all of us are Amon Amarth fans, it was very likely that we’ll follow the topic with our debut for the lyrics. However, the main viking topic stays on the first album and we’ll move to another topic in the second one which we’re writing right now. What’s it going to be? You’ll find out in the future, but there are some hints �� 

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Tedd Deireadh'?

4. The meaning of ‘Tedd Deireadh’ is ‘Time of the End’ in the elvish in The Witcher’s world. The inspiration is the world shown in The Witcher itself written by Andrzej Sapkowski. 

5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the album cover?

5. The art covers vikings in a battle against enemies with a mysterious person in the middle. Who’s this? Let’s hope You can find out by yourselves �� 

6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?

6. As for our best shows, we’ll pick 5.07.2024 in Voodoo in Warsaw (support for Znich) and 20.07.2025 in Gdańsk (on tour with Morbithal and Morlord). Our stage performance is quite good and we really enjoy playing live, however for now, there are no additional features during live shows, but we plan some of them in the future. 

7.Do you have nay touring or show plans once the new album is released?

7. We’re on our tour right now – well, at the end of it. We played 19.07 in Toruń, 20.07 in Gdańsk, 26.07 in Poznań and 27.07 in Łódź and we’re playing 15.08 in Katowice (yeah, the premiere concert!). As for the future gigs, we’re planning them, but there are none confirmed yet. 

8.The new album is coming out on 'Via Nocturna'. how did you get in contact with this label?

8. Our guitarist Sony wrote to the label and shared released singles. Via Nocturna replied with enthusiasm, we set agreements and so the releasing of the album began. 

9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of melodic and extreme metal?

9. For now, we’ve released just three singles, but we’re getting a lot of positive feedback from listeners from all of the world. It means a lot for us. Thank You all, guys! 

10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

10. Musically we’re heading kinda the same way we took at the beginning. There might be some differences as we’re not going to play all the tracks the same way as previous ones, but the main musical concept remains the same. However on the second album You may feel a little of romancing with black metal. 

11.Whar are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

11. The list is going to be really long… It’s not a surprise that the biggest influence and inspiration is Amon Amarth and we say it proudly and with no hesitation. However each of us has different influences on our own. For example, our bassist/vocalist Michał is a really big fan of Opeth, our guitarist Szymon prefers Death, Behemoth and Children of Bodom, our drummer Tyr’s the most favourite band is Insomnium and our founder and guitarist Sony’s biggest influences are Mgła, Kanonnenfieber and Panzerfaust. We also all love classics like Slayer, KAT (only with Roman Kostrzewski!), Kreator etc. and black metal bands (mainly polish) like Batushka, Patriarkh, Varnheim, Zorza or Zmarłym. The list really never ends. 

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

12. We’re really happy and honored that You wanted to ask us these questions. It means a lot. We really hope that people will enjoy our new album and so we can see on the upcoming gigs – if You want us to play somewhere – write to us! Thanks for the interview, You’re great!

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An Abstract Illusion/The Sleeping City/Willowtip Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  An  Abstract  Illusion  are  a  band  from  Sweden  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  very  atmospheric,  melodic  and  progressive  form  of  blackened  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "The  Sleeping  City"  which  will  be  released  in  October  by  Willowtip  Records.

  Atmospheric  sounding  keyboards  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  at  times.  At  times  the  recording  also  gets  very  progressive  sounding  while  most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  black  metal  screams  mixed  in  with  a  few  death  metal  growls.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  clear  vocals  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  album.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well as  some  of  the  tracks  also  bringing  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing,  spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  depths  of  human  suffering  the  the  psyche  with  some  touches  of  dystopian/science  fiction.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from An  Abstract  Illusion  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric,  melodic  and  progressive  blackened  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "No  Dreams  Beyond  Empty  Horizons"  and  "The  Sleeping  City".  8  out  of  10.

  https://linktr.ee/AnAbstractIllusion    

Cardinal Sin/Spiteful Intents/Regain Records/2025 EP Re-Issue Review

 

  Cardinal  Sin  where  a  band  from  Sweden  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  1996   ep  "Spite  Intents"  which  will  be  re-issued  in  August  by  Regain  Records.

  Acoustic  guitars  and  spoken  words  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  and  melodic  direction  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  vocals  being  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls.

  Most  of  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  mid  90's  Swedish  style  while  the  songs  also  add  in a   good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them,  a  later  track  is  also  a  brief  instrumental  and  they  close  the  album  with  a  cover  of  Death's  "Infernal  Death".

  Cardinal  Sin  played  a  musical  style  that  is  was  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  mid  90's  era  of  Swedish  black  and  death  metal  as  well  as  having  members  from  Marduk  and  Dissection.  The  production  sounds  very  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Cardinal  Sin  where  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Spiteful  Intent"  and  "Ante  Mortem".  8  out  of  10.

  http://regainrecords.bandcamp.com/album/spiteful-intents-2  

Medieval Demon/All Powers Of Darkness/Hells Headbangers Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Greece's  Medieval  Demon  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  melodic  and  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "All  Powers  Of  Darkness"  which  will  be  released  in  August  by  Hells  Headbangers  Records.

  Symphonic  sounding  keyboards  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats  can  be  heard  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  the  music  is  heavily  rooted  in  the  mid  90's  era.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  A  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style,  when  spoken  words  are  utilized  they  also  add  in  more  of  a  ritualistic  atmosphere  and  choirs  are  also  utilized  at  times  as  well  as  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  folk  and  wind  instruments  are  also  added  towards  the  end.

  On  this  recording  Medieval  Demon  remain  true  to  the  melodic  and  symphonic  style  of  black  metal  that  they  have  established  on  previous  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism,  Demonology,  Black  Arts  and  Left  Hand  Path  themes.   

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Medieval  Demon  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  and  symphonic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Raging  Lord  Of  The  Deeps"  "Fullmoon  Over  The  Temple  Of  Belial"  and  "All  Powers  Of  Darkness".  8  out  of  10.

Preorder info can be found HERE.

   

Tedd Deireadh/Fight To Death/Via Nocturna/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Tedd  Deireadh  are  a  band  from  Poland  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  viking  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Fight  To  Death"  which  will  be  released  in  August  by  Via  Nocturna.

  A  very  heavy  and  aggressive  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  death  metal  growls  and  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  classic  Swedish  style.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  viking  metal  elements.  Screams  are  added  into  the  background  briefly  along  with  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  being  utilized  when  the  music  finally  speeds  up  and  acoustic  guitars  are  added  on  the  closing  track.

  Tedd  Deireadh  plays  a  musical  style  that  take s the  melodic  forms  of  viking  and  death  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Vikings,  Battles  and  Norse  Mythology  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Tedd  Deireadh  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  mixture  of  viking  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Fight  To  Death"  "Savior" "Mercenary"  and  "As  The  Sword  Falls".  8  out  of  10.

  https://youtu.be/_D4a6th1H7k

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Kalrog Naar Interview

 

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the musical project?

Hello to you and all the readers of ADifferentShadeOfBlackMetalZine, here's Cesare "Kalrog Naar " Sannino speaking! Thanks for this great opportunity to make an interview for your 'zine. I activated the Kalrog Naar project again in 2021, after splitting up my previous one-man-bands Animae Capronii/Trust your Heart (2003-2014/2015-2021). The intention was to return to play old school underground heavy metal with an occult dark fantasy feeling and various influences. The first incarnation of the project (simply called Kalrog) appeared beetween 1999-2001, recording just some unreleased acoustic demo tapes.

2.Can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you have went for on the recordings so far/

Yes, of course! While i initially started to play a classic underground epic heavy metal with also some punk rock vibes in the two early albums (Shocking Dark & Fantasy Warrior), with the third one (A Curse Take Place Over Esperia) i embraced a more epic gothic/folk/black metal style. With the last album i mixed both the things all together.

3.Since 2021 you have released a great amount of material, do you spend a great amount of time writing and creating?

I'm always in a costant process of creation. I have a lot of fantasy in my mind, and i feel the need to create in every moment. Its my life and my passion.

4.You refer to your music as being 'epic fantasy metal' and also write your lyrics in this genre, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?

I was always influenced by fantasy/sci-fi literature. I wrote some short stories myself, and i also used to create role playing games/board games with the same topics in the past. I love to create fantasy stories with different characters created by myself, or to write lyrics inspired by books that i've read.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Kalrog Naar'

Anthoritan Kalrog was the name of my main character while i played Dungeons & Dragons in my youth. Naar was added later. Its the name of the Master Lord of Darkness in Joe Dever's Lone Wolf Roleplaying Books Series.

6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork on the latest album cover?

The cover artwork of Dark Metal represent the hero Lord Parias facing a horde of evil creatures in front of a dark tower. In the layout there's another drawing with the Warrior Princess Elbior searching for the Vampire Lord in his Castle's ruins.

7.With this project you record everything by yourself but have experience playing in other bands, do you prefer to work solo?

To work solo is a great advantage because you take all decisions by your own. With the other bands where i played/play is much difficult to choose every little decision, we must work together as a team and sometimes is not that easy at all.

8.Ove the years you also have done a great amount of cover versions, can you tell us a little bit more about the bands and songs you have covered?

I like to tribute both famous and also underground bands of almost every genre in beetween rock & metal, but also some darkwave/goth/synth-pop acts sometimes. I love to give my own interpretation of their songs in a very essential way. I covered too much artists to mention through the years with my various projects/bands, but my personal favs are the Celtic Frost & Dimmu Borgir covers.

9.Most of the albums are also released though your own label, are you interested in working with a different label?

I was, but i haven't found a serious label interested to release my music, probably because its too underground for actual standards.

10.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of underground metal?

Very poor, cause i'm not a great promoter. 

11.Are you currently involved with any other bands or musical projects these days?

Yes, i'm the vocalist of the thrash/crossover band Violent Shit since 2007 (check out the new album 'Infamous Monsters', out now!!). Its the most professional band where i play. I'm also the vocalist/guitarist of the black metal band Nocturnal Flame. We also have our 1st full length out in 2024, with also the official video of the song Power of the dying saviour out on Youtube! Give it a view if you're into True Black Metal.

12.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?

Hope to become always more professional and capable. Cannot wait to unleash more underground heavy metal upon the masses.

13.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Very interesting question. I'm always interested in very underground music, but i listen almost everything in metal (or rock or everything) which is epic and with feelings. 

I love bands like Enid, Celtic Frost, The Elysian Fields, The Sins of thy Beloved, Siebenburgen, Battlelore, Furia but also Sine Macula, Sarcofagus, Black Widow, Death ss, and also italian epic power metal stuffs like Pandaemonium, Shadows of Steel, Skylark, Projecto and many many others, too much to mention. And i don't open the argument Black Metal because we will have an overlong interview, eh eh!!

14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts? 

Thank you for reading this long interview!! All hails to you for this opportunity again, and check out my music, freely downloadable from my pages, but i invite you to ask physical copies of my albums writing at capronii@libero.it.  Stay underground my metal brothers, and stay true!! Eternal Hails. Kalrog Naar. 

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Martyr Sanctum Interview

 

 1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

Nick: So, Martyr Sanctum is my band. Pretty much spawned out of my disdain for the local Christian sub-movement of metalcore, not only that but most of the people who picked on me in school put the "fear of god" in any living breathing thing that crossed their paths. Florida was full of undiscovered cannibalistic tribes that committed atrocities in the name of who they believed were "god" and received communion at and through the church. Pretty depraved honestly, I thought after high school, others who graduated before me and after would've thought it would have been such a small contagion, but if you look at the formula for how many sins a person goes through down here when they are all "god loving" on a daily basis, you would be astonished what gets looked over. Especially if it's blatantly apparent. That's what it was like back then, I can not imagine what it is like now.

2.So far you have released an ep, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

Nick: Not too much thought actually. Initially I was searching for at least a vocalist for over a decade, but they haven't shown yet. Time was ticking and at least the sound of the band can be translated so I am not just going around like "Wanna start a band?" or refraining from adopting the mindset of "Well, if I have other alike with same taste in music down here, THEN my sound will be define!" When that hasn't been the case at all down in my town.

3.So far all of the music has been instrumental are you open to using any vocals in the future?

Nick: I am personally not putting that much thought into visualizing a vocalist at the moment, since I am in no area in order to find that personality. I have talked to others but didn't have a firm grasp of my sound.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Martyr Sanctum'?

Nick: Just as it stands. "Martyr" as it is verbatim, someone who is endlessly persecuted for their religious beliefs. "Sanctum" being a variance of a sanctuary. So, a sanctuary for martyrs.

5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the ep cover?

Nick: Death is ever present in our lives, in some shape or form. Róbert Horváth's illustration was deemed to be the most fit for resonance with the atmosphere of the EP.

6.Has the band done any live shows or open to the idea/

Nick: I have played shows in the past in Port Charlotte, Vero, and Cocoa beach.

7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?

Nick: I'm game.

8.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of extreme metal?

Nick: Hardly anything just yet. I am just taking a different approach to what is popular.

9.Can you tell us a little bit more about the underground metal scene in Ft. Myers, Florida?

Nick: Oh the mighty have fallen. So yes at some point in time there was a "metal scene" down here. The vocalist to the metallic hardcore act Contention went to my high school. Vocalist for Illuminate Me. They all had different bands, different lineups and stuff, gravitated more so around the guys in Dealey Plaza (Then, They Said I Was A Goner) and Cody's old band. My first ever recording was with friends who I knew a couple of years before at Jesse's (Dealey Plaza then guitarist) place. He was just starting to record at the time and he had done some residency at Chango Studios (Hands Like Houses, Fit For A King, and Dream on, Dreamer) so we all just shot off some riffs into a basic breakdown with glitches together and that was one our first tracks back in 2012. I still believe he is, to this very fucking day, the BEST audio engineer in the area. Most of the other musicians I have met around here doing deathcore and especially metalcore are all old, jaded and have fallen into mainly obscurity. Mama and Dada still pay their phone bill, live rent free, you know the works for man-children. When I was a junior and senior, I took note of all the bands that had come out within that year, quickly noticed how small and pathetic the local scene was and heavily advocated for others to move cities if they were attempting to do just deathcore. Beyond disappointing.

10.Can you tell us a little bit more about your grindcore project 'xNoLoveLostx'?

Nick: xNoLoveLostx is just a random grindcore EP I put together just because I can. Simple as.

11.When can we expect a full length and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

Nick: More so taking one day at a time. Timing has always been off for me, for better or for worse. I am generally a pretty aloof guy while others in my vascinity and way more wild than your average american so I got constant entertainment

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Nick: The first band who I ever got to see live was Judas Priest. When I was growing up, learning how to play guitar, I had a neighbor who got me heavily in Fleshgod Apocalypse, Nevermore, Jeff Loomis, Rusty Cooley, etc. So shred guitar, Dante's Inferno, horror films were always a go to for me. When I was in a Christcore band for a year, the guitarist had met Tyler Carter (fucking gross) on the beach so that was like Woe, Is Me, Ice Nine Kills, or We Came As Romans type shit. All the rage back then, now they are all accumulated in a lump sum for being just an outright pile sack of filth. I listen to a lot of wildbands like Ion Dissonance, Misery Signals, The Banner, Signal The Firing Squad, Woods of Ypres, anything for choir, orchestra, slamming riffs and breakdowns.

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Nick: For those who have made me their enemy in town: Be wary of those who have nothing to prove. ;-)

https://martyrsanctum.bandcamp.com/album/he-who-greets-with-fire

Martyr Sanctum/He Who Greets With Fire/2025 EP Review

 

    Martyr  Sanctum  are  a  band  from  Fort  Myers,  Florida  that  plays  a  symphonic  and  blackened  form  of  deathcore  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2025  ep  "He  Who  Greets  With  Fire".

  Symphonic  sounding  synths  start  off  the  ep  which  also  captures  the  atmosphere  of  a  horror  soundtrack  and  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  mid  tempo  sections  of  the  songs  are  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  deathcore  and  all  of  the  tracks  are  also  instrumentals.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  brutal  blast  beats  can  be  heard  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  tremolo  picking  in  the  riffing  also  adding  in  elements of  black  metal,  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  briefly. 

  Martyr  Sanctum  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  a  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  deathcore  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  as  well  as  keeping  everything  instrumental  while  the  production  sounds  very  professional.

  In  my  opinion  Martyr  Sanctum  are  a  very  great  sounding  instrumental  and  symphonic  deathcore  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Reclamation  Of  A  Fragmented  Legacy"  and  "The  City  Leveled,  Salm's  Lot".  8  out  of  10.

https://martyrsanctum.bandcamp.com/album/he-who-greets-with-fire 

Korp Interview

 

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?

After we were finished with the recordings we have been working on the video Furious Tempest Rise and rehearsed some upcoming live setlist, We also have the next album done so we have started to look a bit into that aswell.

2.You have a new album coming out in September, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

I dont think It differs that much from what we have released in the past. I have always believed that we have been true to our style. We have always had a mix between black, death and thrash and for us it is most important to have that old 90s feelings in our songs.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?

Earlier days saw us being drawn mostly towards lyrics about death and darkness. I’d guess today focus is more with the end of it all, the apocalypse/Armageddon. In our teens we only listened to death/black, with growing older your horizion gets wider. All of us in the band have different influences.

4.The band has also gone through a couple of name changes over the years, what was the cause of the change?

Name changes was mainly the first year 1995 before we settled for Korp, at that point of time 1996 there was not as many bands as today with a Swedish name

5.I Know that the band name means 'raven' in Swedish, how does this name fit i with the musical style that you play?

The Raven has a significant role in ancient nordic mythology.

6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?

Amazing artwork from Balasz Penzes, he completely captured the feeling we wanted with our album cover, and he have also implemented the same character and raven in both the single and album cover.

7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

Our festival gig in our hometown was pretty huge last summer since we hadnt played back home in 23 years. We try to give it all and our main goal is that people watching a Korp show will leave with a feeling that this was something special.

8.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?

We have some shows booked right now, but we want to play more and perform our songs live so everyone feel free to request us or contact us.

9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of underground metal?

It has been good, it can always be better but the music video have been on a different kind of level than before in response. It got almost 1000 plays first day and we appreciate the tremendous response we got from that.

10.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?

Most of us at this point of time through the ages have also playing in alot of other bands. But Goathead is closest with Kenny in his grand gesture and also have some old Korp members in it aswell. Check it out!

11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

We will continue in the same vein. Playing melodic metal of death. Not a care for trends or whatever, just grinding forward the flames of hell we grew to love at an early age. Nothing more nothing less.

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

I think early Merciless and Unanimated are big influences for the band. I believe all members still listens and take influence from 1990s metal

13.Does Occultism play any role in your music?

We have always had an interest in the occult, satanism, theology etc. Lately though, more so megalithic structures and ancient technology.

14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Thank you for this interview we appreciate everyone who work an tremendous amount for the scene, and check out our upcoming album 🤘

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Kalrog Naar/Crimson Blade Crash/Kalrog Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  This  is  a  review  of  another  recording  from  Italy's  solo  project  Kalrog  Naar  which  shows  the  music  going  for  an  epic form  of  dark  metal  and  the  album  was  released  in  2025  by  kalrog  Records  and  called  "Crimson  Blade  Crash".

   Programmed  beats  and  heavy  guitars  start  off  the  album  while  the  keyboards  bring  in  more  of  a  goth  metal  touch.  Clear  vocals  are  also  a  very  heavy  part  of  the  recording  along  with  the  harsh  vocals  being  grim  black  metal  screams  and  the  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  are  rooted  in  the  90's  second  wave  tradition.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  one  song  also  bring  in  a  small  amount  of  folk  instruments.  Some  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  album  also  adding  in  cover  versions  of  tracks   from  Orcrist,  Emaciation  and  Peosphoros,  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  and  a  later  track  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing.  

  On  this  recording  Kalrog  goes  for  more  of  a  mixture  of  dark,  black  and  gothic  metal  as  well  as  being  rooted  in  the  90's  era.  The  production  sounds  very  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  medieval  fantasy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Kalrog  Naar  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  dark  and  gothic  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Crimson  Blade  Crash"  "The  Night  Flyer"  and  "Revolt  Against  A  Twisted  World".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8fsOUWroKM

Kalrog Naar/Dark Metal/2025 EP Review

 

  Kalrog  Naar  are  a  solo  project  from  Italy  that  plays  a  very  epic,  romantic  and  fantasy  themed  form  of  dark  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2025  ep  "Dark  Metal"  which  consists  of  re=recorded  songs  from  the  mid  90's  to  early  2000's.

  Heavy  guitars.  programmed  drum  beats  and  keyboards  start  off  the  ep  while  the  clear  vocals  bring  in  more  of  a  goth  metal  style.  Grim  black  metal  screams  are  also  utilized  at  times  while  some  of  the  tracks  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  and  some  of  the  slower  riffing  adds  in  a  touch  of  doom  metal.

  A  lot  of t he  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  Some  of  the  clear  vocals  are  very  heavily  rooted  in  power  metal  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody,  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  when  the  music  finally  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  and  a  later  track  also  adds  in  some  clean  playing.

  Kalrog  Naar  plays a  musical  style  that  takes  black, dark,  viking,  gothic  and  power  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  his  own.  The  production  sounds  very  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  fantasy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Kalrog  Naar  are  a  very  great  sounding  epic,  romantic  and  fantasy  themed  dark  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Lost  Artic  Horizons"  "The  Pyramid  Under  The  Moon"  and  "Portal  of  Infinity".  8  out  of  10.

  Facebook Instagram Bandcamp

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxqJrOsGFcc        

Trypanon/Through The Portal Of Flesh To Achieve Dvinity/Time To Kill Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Trypanon  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  plays  a  dissonant  mixture  of  black,  sludge  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Through  The  Portal  of  Flesh  To  Achieve  Divinity"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  Time  To  Kill  Records.

  Noise  orientated  electronics  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.  Elements  of  sludge  metal  are  also  added  into  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams  while  blast  beats  are  also  added  into  the  faster  sections  of  the  album.  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  dissonant  sounding  along  with  some  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  the  whole  album  also  sticks  to  a  heavier  direction.

  Trypanon  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  a  dissonant  form  of  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  sludge  and  death  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  corporeal  transcendence,  spiritual  ruin  and  ecstatic  suffering. 

  In  my  opinion  Trypanon  are  a  very  great  sounding  dissonant  mixture  of  black,  sludge  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Carriers  Of  The  Chalice"  "Veiled  In  Shadows"  and  "Cryptic  Device".  8  out  of  10.

  https://timetokillrecords.com/collections/trypanon-through-the-portal-of-flesh-to-achieve-divinity

https://trypanon.bandcamp.com/album/through-the-portal-of-flesh-to-achieve-divinity

https://trypanon.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Trypanon

https://instagram.com/trypanonband     

Lepra/Mortuus Morgana/Black Seed Productions/2025 EP Review

 

  Lepra  are  a  band  from  Sweden  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  ep  "Mortuus  Morgana"  which  will  be  released  on  July  14th  by  Black  Seed  Productions.

 A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  ep  while  most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.

  Elements  of  death  metal  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  mid  90's  Swedish  style.  The  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody,  acoustic  guitars can  also  be  heard  at  times.  and  tremolo  picking  is  also  added  into  some  of  the  faster  riffing  as  well  as  some  synths  also  being  used  briefly  on  an  instrumental.

  Lepra  plays  a  musical  style  that  goes  back  to  the  mid  90's  styles  of  Swedish  black  and  death  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Lepra  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Where  Despair  Had  Made  It's  Home"  and  "Endless  Crimson  Dawn".  8  out  of  10.

  http://blackseedprod.bandcamp.com/album/mortuus-morgana-out-soon

leprasweden.bandcamp.com     

  

The Omega Swarm/Crimson Demise/Van Records/2024 Full Length Review

 

  The  Omega  Swarm  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  plays  an  atmospheric,  melodic  and  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "Crimson  Demise"  which  was  released  by  Van  Records.

  Apocalyptic  sounding  synths  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  while  also  adding  in  some  atmospheric  and  symphonic  touches.  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  some  of  the  tracks  are  also  long  and  epic  in  length.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  some  of  the  fast  riffs  also  mixing  in  a  good  amount  of  tremolo  picking.

  Whispers  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Clean  playing  is  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  album  as  well  as  a  couple  of  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  spoken  words,  a  later  track  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  clear  singing.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  apocalyptic  themes.

  In  my  opinion  The  Omega  Swarm  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric,  melodic  and  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  of  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Black  Veiled  Source"  "Lethal  Increase"  and  "Vacuum  Within".  8  out  of  10.

  Instagram:  @theomegaswarm

Facebook:  The Omega Swarm

https://www.van-records.com       

Gravewitch/Self Titled/Rock Sun Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Gravewitch  are  a  band  from  Bend,  Oregon  that  plays  a  very  melodic  and  blackened  form  of  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2025  album  which  was  released  by  Rock  Sun  Records.

  A  very  hard  and  heavy  thrash  metal  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  and  blast  beats  are  added  into  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  music  also  makes  an  old  school  style  sound  more  modern.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  more  of  a  melodic  style  along  with  some  of  the  faster  riffing  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  a  couple  of  songs  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing.

  Gravewitch  plays  a  melodic  form  of  black  metal  that  they  also  mix  with  thrash  metal  to create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Black  Magick,  Witchcraft  and  Horror  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Gravewitch  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  blackened  thrash  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Damnable  Evil"  "Ritual  Reanmation"  "Woodland  Trance"  and  "The  Once  Sacred  Gift  Of  Life".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/gravewitch  

Korp/And Darker It Shall Become/Grind To Death Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Korp  are  a  band  from  Sweden  that  plays  a  melodic  and  old  school  mixture  of  black,  death  and  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "And  Darker  it  Shall  Become"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  Grind  To  Death  Records.

  Death  metal  growls  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  heavier  riffing  a  few  seconds  later  while  the  harsh  vocals  also  add  in  some  black  metal  screams.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  as  well  as  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Elements  of  thrash  metal  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  the  songs  also  add  in a   good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Tremolo  picking  is  also  added  into  some  of  the  faster  riffing  along  with  the  music  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  Swedish  era  as  well  as  being  very  modern  at  the  same  time,  synths  can  also  be  heard  on  a  few  tracks.

  Korp  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  a  melodic  form  of  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  death  and  thrash  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  rituals.   

  In  my  opinion  Korp  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  and  old  school  mixture  of  black,  death  and  thrash  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Blood  Upon  The  Throne"  "The  Ritual"  "Black  Winter  Masses"  and  "Graced  By  Flames".  8  out  of  10.

  ttps://www.facebook.com/korpmetal/

https://www.grindtodeathrecords.com/

https://grindtodeathrecords.bandcamp.com/album/and-darker-it-shall-become

https://youtu.be/96pBM5R4cNw 

Creatvre/Toujours Humain/I, VOidhanger Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  France's  solo  project  Creatvre  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  an  avant  garde  and  progressive  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2025  album  "Tojours  Humain"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  I,  Voidhanger  Records.

  Industrial  style  beats  and  synths  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  harsh  vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  and  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.  

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  avant  garde  and  progressive  sounding  while  clear  singing  is  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  album.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  some  tracks  also  adding  in  acoustic  guitars  and  wind  instruments.

  On  this  recording  Creatvre  goes  for  a  very  modern  and  progressive  form  of  avant  garde  black  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dystopian,  poetry  and  awareness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  from  Creatvre  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  avant  garde  and  progressive  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Syntropie"  "Chant  des  limbes"  "Toujours  en  bas"  and  "Shaina".  8  out  of  10.

  https://i-voidhangerrecords.bandcamp.com/album/toujours-humain