Svntarer/Exitus Triumphalis/F.D.A Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Svntarer  are  a  duo  from  Austria  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  sludge  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Exitus  Triumphalis"  which  will  be  released  in  December  by  F.D.A  Records.

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  along  with  the  vocals  also  adding  in  more  of  an  old  school  death  metal  style  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Elements  of  sludge  metal  are  also  added  into  the  slower  sections  of  the  album  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  dark  yet  melodic  post  metal  style  style  along  with  the  music  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  black  metal  influences

    Some  of  the  vocals  also  go  into  more  of  a  shouting  hardcore  direction  at  times  as  well  as  some  of  the  fast  riffing  also  adding  in  tremolo  picking  along  with  one  song  also  introducing  synths  and  spoken  words  unto  the  album,  a  couple  of  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  the  bonus  track is  an  instrumental.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness,  melancholy  and  anti  religion  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Svntarer  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black,  sludge  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Touch  The  Saints"  Flesh  Vessels"  and  "Burnt  Out  Into  Oblivion".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/Svntarer

  

St. Unholyness/Through High Holy Haze/2025 Full Length Review

 

  St.  Unholyness  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  doom,  stoner,  thrash  metal  and  blues  rock  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2025  album  "Through  High  Holt  Haze"  which  will  be  released  on  Christmas.

  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  while  also  adding  in  some  psychedelic   touches  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  Elements  of  doom  and  stoner  metal  are  also  added  into  the  slower  sections  of  recording  and  the  solos  and  leads  bring  in  more  of  a  melodic  blues  rock,  proto  metal  style.

  Vocals  bring  in  more  of  a  clear  stoner  rock  style  while  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  Whispers  are  also  utilized  briefly  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  and  the  harsh  vocals  are  mostly  black  metal  screams.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  A  lot  of  the  mid  tempo  sections  of  the  album  also  bring  in  the  aggression  of  thrash  metal,  synths  are  also  utilized  at  times  and  some  of  the  vocals  also  add  in  shouts  and  death  metal  growls.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  survival,  empowerment  and  resilience.  

  In  my  opinion  St.  Unholyness  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black,  death,  doom,  stoner,  thrash  metal  and  blues  rock  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Heaven's  Harem"  "Alchemist  Blues"  and  "St.  Unholyness".  8  out  of  10.

  

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Norilisk/Gigantes Mortui/Hypnotic Dirge Records/2025 Live Album Review

 

  Quebec,  Canada's  Norilisk  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  an  atmospheric  mixture  of  black,  sludge,  doom  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Gigantes  mortui"  which  was  released  by  Hypnotic  Dirge  Records.

  Dark  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier,  melodic  and  melancholic  direction.  Elements  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  are  also  added  into  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  death  metal  growls  and  some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  At  times  the  music  also  adds  in  touches  of  the  90's  era  atmospheric  doom/death  metal  style  while  black  metal  screams  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  album.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style  which  some  touches  of  post  metal.

  Spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  on  a  few  songs  as  well  as  one  track  also  introducing  clear  vocals  onto  the  recording  and  each  song  also  sticks  to  a  slower  direction  along  with  all  of  the  songs  also  being  recorded  in  a  live  rehearsal  setting.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  a  mixture  of  English  and  French  and  cover  mythology  and  history  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Norsilisk  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric,  black,  sludge,  doom  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  live  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Beyond  The  Horizon"  and  "No  Sacred  Sound".  8  out  of  10.

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorilskDoom/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/norilskdoom/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gf-_GYz9HnA
Norilsk Bandcamp: https://norilskdoom.bandcamp.com/album/gigantes-mortui-mmxiv-mmxxiv
Hypnotic Dirge Bandcamp: https://hypnoticdirgerecords.bandcamp.com/album/gigantes-mortui
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/intl-pt/album/2RHvb7kuSrHa2htjZnnYwd?si=y9MQt_XhRvioKOsW2MRqBA

Bretwaldas Of Heathen Doom/Seven Bloodied Ramparts/Caligari Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Bretwaldas  Of  Heathen  Doom  are  a  duo  from  the  United  Kingdom  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording   plays  a  mixture  of  black,  doom,  heavy  metal  and  crust  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Seven  Bloodie  Ramparts"  which  was  released  by  Caligari  Records.

  Fast  tremolo  picking  starts  off  the  album  while  also  bringing  in  elements  of  black  metal  before  going  into  more  of  a  crust  influenced  direction.  Elements  of  doom  metal a re  also  added  into  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  while  the  vocals  bring  in  a  mixture  of t he  first  wave  era  and  Bathory's  pagan  era.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  in  more  of  a  melodic  traditional  metal  style.  A  lot  of  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era  as  well  as  remaining  very  modern  at  the  same  along  with  some  clean  playing  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  album

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    A  couple  of  tracks  are  also  long  and  epic  in  length  and  most  of  the recording  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction,  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  when  the  music  finally  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  blast b eats  can  also  be  heard.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Heathenism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Bretwaldas  Of  Heathen  Doom  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  doom,  heavy  metal  and  crust,  you  should  check  out  this  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Welcome  The  Rider"  "Grey  Wolf"  and  "Smite".  8  out  of  10.

  caligarirecords.bandcamp.com/album/seven-bloodied-ramparts-remastered

www.facebook.com/bretwaldasofheathendoom 

 

Drofnosura/Ritual of Split Tongues/Transcending Obscurity Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Drofnosura  are  a  band  from  Toronto,  Ontario,  Canada  that  plays  an  atmospheric  mixture  of  black,  sludge  and  post  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Ritual  Of  Split  Tongues"  which  was  released  by  Transcending  Obscurity  Records.

  Dark  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  elements  of  sludge  and  doom  metal.  Clear  singing  can  also  be  heard  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  along  with  most  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  spoken  words  are  also  used  at  times.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  harsh  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  some  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing,  synths  are  also  utilized  at  times.

  The  album  also  has  its  atmospheric  moments  along  with  some  growls  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording.  Influences  of  post  metal  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  recording  as  well  as  the  guitar  solos  and  leads  also  adding  in  a  very  dissonant  yet  melodic  style  when  they  are  utilized  and  all  of  the  songs  stick  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  ritualistic  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Drofnosura  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  mixture  of  black,  sludge,  doom  and  post  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Selection  Of  A  Corpse"  and  "The  Well  of  Seven  Heads".  8  out  of  10.

  

Official Video Stream #1

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Drofnosura Bandcamp

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Anti Ritual/80 Years/2025 EP Review

 

  Denmark's  Anti  Ritual  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  moving  away  from  the  blackened  sludge  metal  style  of  previous  releases  and  goes  for  a  mixture  of  hardcore,  crust  and  d  beat  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2025  ep  "*0  Years".

  A  very  hard  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  ep  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  hardcore  style.  D  beats  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  angry  sounding  crust  style  screams  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  briefly  while  most  of  the  ep  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction.  Mist  of  the  music  is  heavily  rooted  in  the  modern  era  along  with  the  guitar  leads  bringing  in  a  chaotic  style  when  they  are  utilized,  growls  are  also  utilized  at  times..

  On  this  recording  Anti  Ritual  move  way  from  the  black,  sludge,  post  metal  and  grindcore  elements  of  previous  releases  and  goes  for  more  of  a  mixture  of  crust,  hardcore  and  d  beat.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  anti  fascism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Anti  Ritual  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  hardcore,  crust  and  d  beat,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "80  Years"  and  "Days  Of  War,  Night  of  Love".  8  out  of  10.

  https://open.spotify.com/artist/7HKrRFI4tPWJ1LEomsUFK0    

Suffering Souls/Twilight Ripping Souls Apart/Solistitum Records/2025 Re-Recorded Album Review

 

  Germany's  Suffering  Souls  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Twilight  Ripping  Souls"  which  is  a  re-recorded  version  of  the  album  released  in  2000  with t he  same  name  along  with  a  re-recorded  version  of  their  1999  ep  "Cries  Of  Silence"  and  2  live  tracks  which  will b e  released  in  December  by  Solistitum  Records.

  Symphonic  sounding  keyboards  and  orchestration  starts  off  the  album  which  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  beats  can  be  heard  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.

  Spoken  words  are  also  utilized  at  times  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  A  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style,  clear  singing  is  also  added  on  a  few  songs  as  well  as  the  album  also  adding  in  a  couple  of  instrumentals.

  On  this  recording  Suffering  Souls  takes  their  material  from  1999  and  2000  and  re-records  them  for  the  modern  as  well  as  remaking  to  true  to  the  old  school  style  of  symphonic  black  metal  which  was  a  huge  part  of  the  earlier  recordings.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Anti  Christianity,  Death  and  Misanthropy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Suffering  Souls  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  symphonic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  re-recorded  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Throne  Unite  Dimensions"  "Summon  The  Infernal  King"  "The  Source  Of  Blasphemy"  and  "I'm  The  Essence  of  Sin".  8  out  of  10.

  https://youtu.be/LPn_JiOWPVg  

Abscence/Enigma/WormHoleDeath Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Abscence  are  a  band  from  the  united  kingdom  that  plays  a  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  gothic  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Enigma"  which  was  released  by  WormHoleDeath  Records.

  Keyboards  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  Vocals  are  mostly  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  music  also  having  its  symphonic  moments  and  blast beats  are  added  into  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.

  Growls  are  also  utilized  at  times  while  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era  and  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  When  clear  singing  is  utilized  they  also  add  in  elements  of  gothic  metal  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style,  clean  playing  is  also  utilized  at  times  and  some  of  the  tracks  are  also  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  one  song  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  words

  Absence  plays  a  musical  style  that takes  a  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  gothic  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  a  concept  album  based  upon  the  tragic  an  immortal  love  of  two  vampire  women.

  In  my  opinion  Abscence  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  gothic  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "We  Abandon  World  Pearls"  "Secrets  Confide"  "Cloak  Of  Mind"  and  "Our  Live  ignites".  8 out  of  10.

  www.instagram.com/abscenceband

youtube.com/@abscenceband  

End of Dawn Interview

 

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

At the moment we are continuing the momentum from our debut album Primordial Darkness. Since signing with WormHoleDeath Records and releasing the album in late 2024, we have been playing shows around Greece and working on new material. Our recent performance at the GR Festival in Volos was a highlight, and we are steadily preparing the next steps for both live activity and songwriting.

2. A year ago the band released its first full-length. Can you tell us a bit more about the musical style you aimed for?

With Primordial Darkness, we wanted a balance of symphonic and gothic black metal, combining aggressive elements such as riffs and harsh vocals with clean vocals, orchestral arrangements, and darker atmospheric layers. The music explores contrasts like melancholy and intensity, and the themes draw from mythology, biblical imagery, and existential ideas, which naturally shaped the album’s cinematic and somber tone.

3. The band has been active since 2019 but waited until 2024 to release a debut. What were those first years like?

Those early years were focused on developing the sound and identity of End of Dawn. The project started small and gradually came together as a full band, with each member bringing personal influences into the writing process. We spent a lot of time composing, experimenting, and shaping the atmosphere that eventually defined Primordial Darkness. We also played a few shows to try out new material, and in 2024 the partnership with WormHoleDeath made it possible to release the album properly.

4. Many of your lyrics touch on occult themes. What draws you to this subject?

For us, the occult is less about dogma and more about symbolism. It offers imagery that represents internal struggles, transformation, and the more hidden aspects of human experience. Using these themes helps us frame emotional and psychological ideas in a way that fits the tone of our music, without leaning on any strict doctrine or established belief system.

5. What other lyrical topics appear in the newer material?

Besides occult symbolism, we also explore ideas related to death, mythology, biblical references, dark fantasy, and existential conflict. On the debut album, each track follows a kind of descent and eventual rise on a spiritual or psychological level. The new material draws more from dark fantasy influences such as literature, cinema, games, and the Dungeons and Dragons universe, which gives us room to approach our themes from another angle.

6. Can you tell us more about the album artwork?

The artwork represents the core essence of Primordial Darkness: the dawn of a post-apocalyptic era freed from the burning light of human civilization and welcoming a purifying darkness. The eclipse, which people seem to greet with awe, symbolizes that transformation. Both the confrontation with the unknown and a gateway to spiritual awakening, echoing the album’s lyrical themes. We wanted the visual aesthetic to mirror the music’s atmosphere: mystical, oppressive, and transformative.

7. Out of all the shows you have played so far, which one stands out the most?

Our performance at the GR Festival in Volos this August stands out. Sharing the stage with local bands and, one of our inspirations, Old Man’s Child was meaningful for us, and the atmosphere of the event left a strong impression. As we started performing, clouds gathered and darkened the sky, and combined with the crowd’s energy it felt like a true dark rite.

8. Do you have any touring or show plans for 2026?

We are currently planning the next steps. While nothing is confirmed yet, we aim to be more active live in 2026, both within Greece and potentially abroad. We are considering festivals, a national tour, and international appearances depending on how things develop.

9. Will the next album also be released through WormHoleDeath Records?

WormHoleDeath has been a supportive partner for our debut, and the collaboration remains positive. We will decide how to proceed once the new material reaches a more complete stage.

10. How has the worldwide reaction been to your music from fans of symphonic and gothic black metal?

The feedback has been encouraging. Listeners have responded well to the combination of heavier elements with orchestral and atmospheric parts. We are still building our audience, but so far the reception has been helpful and motivating.

11. What is going on with some of the other bands or projects your members are involved in?

Several members remain active in other projects, which brings new ideas back into End of Dawn. This year, Gravekeeper released a full length with his hardcore band Soulhound, as well as a single with his blackened deathcore band Chants ov Obscurity. Akhenaten released a split with Darkest Oath. Absence and I are working on a black metal project that is still taking shape. Other members occasionally join different projects or tribute bands, although our primary focus is on the next End of Dawn release.

12. Where do you see the band heading musically in the future?

We want to continue developing the symphonic and gothic aspects of our sound while keeping the raw black. metal foundation present. Our goal is to expand the arrangements, use a wider dynamic range, and put more attention on the visual and atmospheric elements of the music. We also feel more comfortable on stage now, which motivates us to improve the live experience further.

13. What bands or musical styles are the members currently listening to?

We listen to a broad mix of metal styles, as well as related genres such as gothic rock, psychedelic rock, dungeon synth, dark synthwave, Scandinavian folk, classical music, and film soundtracks. Each member has personal preferences, but our influences often blend into the writing process. We all share an interest in symphonic black metal, particularly bands like Dimmu Borgir, Cradle of Filth, and Old Man’s Child.

14. Any final words or thoughts?

We would like to thank our siblings of the night who have embraced Primordial Darkness and shown interest in the band. We are already working on new material and we hope to continue growing and creating music with sincerity and focus. Stay with us. The dawn may end, but the darkness continues to evolve.

https://linktr.ee/endofdawn

Dimension Of The Abandoned/Self Titled/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Dimension  Of  The  Abandoned  are  a  band  from  Sacramento,  California  that  plays  a  very  atmospheric,  melodic  and  progressive  form  of  blackened  heavy  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  and  self  titled  2025  album.

  Clean  playing  and  synths  start  off  the  album  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  an  atmospheric  and  progressive  feeling  while  also  mixing  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times..  Most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  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  while the  vocals  also  add  in  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  along  with  the  album  also  adding  in  elements  of  traditional  metal.

  Clear  singing  is  also  utilized  at times  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  as  well  as  one  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  words  and  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  modern  era.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  introspective  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Dimension  Of  The  Abandoned  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric,  melodic  and  progressive  blackened  heavy  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Journey  To  The  Ethereal"  and  ""The  Abandoning".  8  out  of  10.

  Bandcamp

YouTube      

Voragoth/Storm Obey No Masters!/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Voragoth  are  a  band  form  Croatia  that  plays  a  melodic  and  progressive  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  with  elements  of  folk  music  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2025  album  "Storm  Obey  No  Masters".

  Synths  and  acoustic  guitars  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  folk  instruments  which  also  returns  on  later  tracks  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  When  clear  singing  is  utilized  it  also  adds  in  a  touch  of  pagan  metal  while  the  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to t hem  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  mixed  in  with  a  few  death  metal  growls.  Blast  beats  are  also  added  into  the  faster  sections  of  the  album  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

    Some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  some spoken  words  and  whispers  also  utilized  briefly,  back  up  shouts  are  also  utilized  at  times  as  well  as  some  of  the  vocals  also  going  into  an  angry  shouting  direction  on  a  few  tracks,  tremolo  picking  is  also  added  into  some  of  the  faster  riffing.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  th e lyrics  cover  Nature  and  Dark  Fantasy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Voragoth  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  and  progressive  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  with  elements  of  folk  music  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "In  Chaos  We  Reign"  and  "The  Last  Day  Of  Night".  8  out  of  10.

  https://fanlink.tv/wdfk

https://www.instagram.com/voragothkvlt/

https://www.youtube.com/@Voragoth

https://voragoth.bandcamp.com/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6WVeRfR5ZfaBU80OigVMLJ

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/voragoth/storm-obey-no-masters

https://voragoth.bandcamp.com/album/storm-obey-no-masters 

Aduanten/Apocryphal Voice/Nameless Grave Records/2o25 EP Review

 

  Aduanten  are  a  band  from  Austin,  Texas  that  plays  an  atmospheric  and  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  ep  "Apocryphal  Voice"  which  was  released  by  Nameless  Grave  Records.

  A  very  heavy  and  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  ep  while  the  vocals  bring  in  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams.  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding  along  with  a  couple  of  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  synths  are  also  utilized  at  times.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard  along  with  the  recording  also  having  its  progressive  moments  and  most  of  the  recording  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction.

  Aduanten  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  the  atmospheric,  melodic  and  progressive  forms  of  black  and  death  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  decay  and  despair  with  profound  sorrow.

  In  my  opinion  Aduanten  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric,  melodic  and  progressive  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  "Cerulean  Dream"  and  "The  Weakening  Sovereign".  8  out   of  10.

https://youtu.be/sR2DwsbrEgM

    

Eshtadur/Symphonic Crows - Live At The Santiago Londonos Theater/2025 Live Album Review

 

  Columbia's  Eshtadur  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  melodic,  symphonic  and  blackened  form  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2025  live  album  "Symphonic  Crows  -  Live  At  The  Santiago  Londonos  Theater"  which  will   be  released  in  December.

  A  very  hard  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  also  mixing  in  with  the  symphonic  and orchestral  sounds.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  death  metal  growls  as  well  ad  the  faster  sections  of  the  recording  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats.

  Throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Live  audience  reaction  can  also  be  heard  in  between  tracks  along  with  the  music  also  incorporating  elements  of  black  metal  as  well  as  a  couple  of  songs  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  a  later  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing,  throat  singing  can  also  be  heard  at  times.

  On  this  recording  Eshtadur  introduces  symphonic  and  classical  music  orchestration  to  their  melodic  and  blackened  style  of  death  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  despair  through  the  decay  of  humanity.  

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Eshtadur  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic,  symphonic  and  blackened  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  live  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Lowborn  Bastard"  "The  Red  Door"  and  "The  Fall".  8  out  of  10.

  

• Official Website: https://www.eshtadur.com
• Bandcamp: https://bandcamp.com/eshtadurmusic
• Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/EshtadurOfficial
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eshtadur/
• Twitter/X: https://x.com/eshtadur
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUCNspfTmYc11cx-DlpFCfFSIbZ-nJ98i&si=nkVZ97ee4akIbeB0
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/artist/0IdWx63RAlOm5W5iOKPesn?si=uDyPtTm9TOO0E_IiGkBM7A
• Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ve/artist/eshtadur/1116355501
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eshtadur

Avdagata/The Apocalyptic Aeon/At Dawn Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Avdagata  are  a  band  from  Sweden  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  goes  for  a  very  melodic  form  of  blackened  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "The  Apocalyptic  Aeon"  which  will  be  released  on  November  29th  by  At  Dawn  Records.

  Acoustic  guitars  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  very  fast  and  brutal  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats.  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  while  tremolo  picking  is  also  added  into  some  of  the  faster  riffing.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  mixed  in  with  some  old  school  extreme  metal  aggression  while  the  songs  also  add  in a   good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Synths  can  also  be  heard  in  the  background  at  times  along  with  one  track  also  introducing  female  vocals  onto  the  album,  a  later  song  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  as  well  as  some  spoken  words  also  being  utilized  briefly  

  On  this  recording  Avdagata  expands  on  their  melodic  style  of  blackened  death  metal  which  they  introduced  on  previous  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  a  mixture  of  English  and  Swedish  and  cover  an  apocalyptic  future.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  Avdagata  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  blackened  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "As  Humanity  Falls"  "The  Apocalyptic  Aeon"  "Regnum  In  Tenebris"  and "Luciferian".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/Avdagata218/

https://www.instagram.com/avdagata.official/

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

Withering Soul/Passage Of The Arcane/Liminal Dread Productions/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Chicago,  Illinois's  Withering  Soul  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  very  melodic  form  of  blackened  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Passage  Of  The  Arcane"  which  was  released  by  Liminal  Dread  Productions.

  Wind  soundscapes  and  synths  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  very  fast  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  the  music  also  adds  in  a  lot  of  death  metal  elements.

  Throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  When  synths  are  utilized  they  also  add  in  some  symphonic  touches  along  with  some  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  growls  are  also  utilized  at  times  and  one  song  also  adds  in  a b rief  use  of  clean  playing.

  On  this  recording  Withering  Soul  brings  in  a  symphonic  touch  to  their  melodic  style  of  blackened  death  metal,  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  ghosts,  horror, paranormal  and  death  themes.  

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Withering  Soul  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  blackened  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Attrition  Horizon"  "Gallery  Of  The  End"  and  "Burden  Of  The  Variant".  8  out  of  10.

  https://witheringsoul. bandcamp.com/album/passage-of- the-arcane  

    

Xaemora/Carnivores In Heaven: Chapter 1: Of Serpents And Vultures/2025 EP Review

 

  St.  Louis,  Missouri's   Xaemora  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  self  released  2025  ep  "Carnivores  In  Heaven:  Chapter  1:  Of  Serpents  And  Vultures".

  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  ep  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats  can  be  heard  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  black  metal  screams.

  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.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  the  keyboards  also  taking  the  music  into  more  of  a  symphonic  direction,  clear  singing  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

  On  this  recording  Xaemora  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  melodic  and  symphonic  sounding.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  misanthropy,  chaos  and  death  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Xaemora  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  and  symphonic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "From  A  Western  Sky".  8  out  of  10.

  Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/0uHqGtyythgs7SALa4D3AT

https://youtu.be/TKYnyYaGR1E

https://xaemora.bandcamp.com/

https://www.instagram.com/xaemora/

https://www.facebook.com/Xaemora/ 

Pedestal For Leviathan/Enter: Vampyric Manifestation/Personal Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Pedestal  For  Leviathan  are  a  band  from  Denver,  Colorado  that  plays  a  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Enter:  Vampyric  Manifestation"  which  will  be  released  in  December  by  Personal  Records.

  Symphonic  sounding  synths  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs.  Vocals  are  mostly  guttural  death  metal  growls  while  a  group  amount  of  brutal  beats  are  utilized  when  the  music  speeds  up  and  the  recording  also  incorporates  a  great  amount  of  black  metal  elements.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.  Black  metal  screams  are  also  utilized  at  times  along  with  some  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  as  well  as  some  of  the  mid  tempo  sections  also  adding  in  touches  of  slam  and  deathcore.

  Tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  fast  riffs  and  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  finally  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  as  well  as  the  music  also being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  modern  era  of  the  genre.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  occultism,  Darkness  and  Horror  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Pedestal  For  leviathan  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  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  "Summoning  Sickness"  "Purgatory  Displacement"  "Warlock  Blacksmith"  and  "Nightshade  Familiar".  8  out  of  10.

  http://personal-records.bandcamp.com/album/enter-vampyric-manifestation-bonus-track-edition

linktr.ee/pedestalforleviathan     

Onsetcold Interview

 

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

Once we recorded the album, I did a mix and master and nearly sent it to the label, but I was just not getting the right sound. I asked around and Dan Mullins (My Dying Bride) was up for it, so with all my raw stems I sent them over to him. The new mix and master was returned to us, and he’s done a brilliant job. We’re also making a video for the track Sleep Tonight on the WormHoleDeath YouTube and getting ready for the album release.

2. You have a new album coming out towards the end of November. Musically, how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

Hopefully this new album is closer to what I wanted to achieve with my earlier creations, some of the 2008 and mostly 2011 tracks (Sodom and Gomorrah / Goat of Mendes / Horus You can find them on the Onsetcold YouTube Channel )which were more in keeping with the tempo and sounds I wanted to create.

3. From 2008 to 2020 there was no music being released. Can you tell us a little bit more about this 12‑year gap?

We returned to the stage with a 2011 lineup/demos and played the Terrorizer Shows that were happening at the time, with some great support from larger bands on the scene. After that I ended up going outback and then doing a degree in Fine Art and a Postgraduate Degree in Fine Art with a lot of assistance, I must add. We then released Gloomy Sunday (single) mixed and mastered myself in 2018, as for some odd reason I wanted to release every track as a single. Then came the whole album Arte Destroyer (mastered by Mick Kenney, Anaal Nathrakh), after that Death Blast EP, then Noam Chomsky leading into this release.

4. A lot of your lyrics cover apocalyptic themes. Can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?

Similar to storytelling in an audio format. I was thinking of calling the album Edward Bernays, but I think Apocalyptic Sleep suited today’s climate.

5. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name ‘Onsetcold’?

Onset - Cold. The beginning of the end, the end of the beginning. Maybe a post‑industrial look at the world.

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

Seiza Friedrich, also vocals, painted the album art cover titled A Morning Filled with 400 Billion Suns (homage to J.M.W. Turner). Oil on canvas, 110.5 x 139.7 cm.

7. Currently there are only 2 members in the band, but the band has had a full line‑up in the past. Are you open to adding new members again or do you prefer to remain a duo?

For sure it would be great to go live, I would be stoked. But with what I will say about my blood pressure in another question (9) and the stress of getting musicians together myself, I don’t think it would be possible at the moment. It would if they came to me, but we know that is a long stretch. Being neurodivergent, both of us, complicates things. At this moment I would like to thank previous members for supporting the creation that became Onsetcold.

8. With the live line‑up, what are some of the best shows that the band has played so far, and how would you describe your stage performance?

I have played so many shows over the years it is quite hard to remember, playing with so many bands from around the world, some that are now much further on than myself. Onsetcold touring with Hecate Enthroned, and the Terrorizer Shows. I enjoy playing live more than I can say.

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

Not at the moment. I have some heavy health issues to deal with day to day. I have had several malignant hypertensions since 2018, thus I struggle to control my blood pressure if at all.

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

In the earlier days it was very alive. I recall someone creating a Mexican/Latin website for Onsetcold news. 2011 demos were something I always wanted to do, but never an official release. I think my head was so far into fine art that the Arte Destroyer album may have leaned too far that way. I hope with Apocalyptic Sleep there is more balance between me before the art stuff and with the art stuff.

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

Seeing as I am living on borrowed time, I am just very happy to release this album. I would love to start a new album after a short break from recording music nonstop for the past 7 years. It took 2 years to get this one done. I may start something else because I really enjoyed creating this last album.

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

I’m listening to many bands, but to list a few: Igorrr, Labyrinthus Sellarum, Zeal & Ardor, Kordhell (and related), The Moody Blues, Cattle Decapitation, Kavinsky, and many more. Influences on my music span many years, including some of those mentioned in my current listens.

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

All good.

Shaq

www.youtube.com/onsetcold
www.instagram.com/onsetcold
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