Deos/Augustus Omnipotens/WormHoleDeath Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Deos  are  a  band  from  France  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  very  melodic  form  of  blackened  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Augustus  Omnipotens"  which  was  released  by  WormHoleDeath  Records.

  A  very  epic  sounding  intro  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.  Spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  on  a  few  tracks  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  vocals  also  add  in  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Chants  are  also  utilized  at  times  along  with  some some  clear  singing  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  album,.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  a  couple  of  tracks  also  adds  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  as  well  as  one  track  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  a  concept  album  based  upon  Octavian,  later  Augustus,  the  first  emperor  of  Rome.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Deos  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  blackened  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Octavianus"  "Triumvirat"  "Mylae  Invicta"  and  "Pax  Romana".  8  out  of  10.

  www.facebook.com/deos.legio

instagram.com/deos_official
deos-official.bandcamp.com/releases

www.youtube.com/@deos-official9793/  

Sorrow Enthroned/Sorrow Enthroned (2025 Re-Recordings)/EP Review

 

  Connecticut's  solo  project  Sorrow  Enthroned  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  where  he  re-records  some  of  his  older  melodic  and  brutal  blackened  death  metal  for  the  modern  era  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2025  re-recordings.

  A  very  dark,  heavy  and  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  ep  while  the  solos  and  leads  also  add  in  a  lot  of  melody.  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  mid  90's  era.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  brutal  blast beats  can  be  heard  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  the  whole  recording  sticks  to  a  heavier  direction.

  On  this  recording  Sorrow  Enthroned  sticks  to  a  very  heavy  and  brutal  style  of  blackened  death  metal  heavily  rooted  in  the  classic  era.  The  production  sounds  very  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  Thelema,  Occultism  and  Darkness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Sorrow  Enthroned  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  and  brutal  blackened  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Submerged  In  Slithering  Serpents"  and  "Upon  Angelic  Ash".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/sorrowenthroned666/

https://www.instagram.com/sorrow_enthroned/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCutRpqon7N59zCUwLr09oNA

https://sorrowenthroned.bandcamp.com/album/sorrow-enthroned-2025-re-recording  

Cruentus/End Without End/Kult und Kaos Productions/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Sweden's  Cruentus  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  melodic  mixture  of  black,  death  and  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "End  Eithout  End"  which  was  released  by  Kult  und  Kaos  Productions.

    A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  very  fast  and  brutal  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Vocals  are  mostly  black  metal  screams  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  death  metal  growls  are  also  used  at  times.

  Throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  thrash  metal  elements.  Synths  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with  some  of  the  songs  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  a  couple  of  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  and  acoustic  guitars  and  spoken  words  and  melodic  guitar  leads  are  also  added  towards  the  end.

  On  this  recording  Cruentus  goes  for  a  very  aggressive,  modern  and  melodic  mixture  of  black,  death  and  thrash  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  human  emotion  and  the  complexities  of  existence,

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Cruentus  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  black,  death  and  thrash  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Shades  Of  Thiea"  "Limitless  Conjuring"  ""M.I.A"  and  "As  My  Senses  Collide".  8  out  of  10.

  https://youtu.be/FGkP6zZ4Nv

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cruentus-SWE-101581451696691

  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cruentus_swe/

  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cruentusswe4585

  Bandcamp: https://cruentus1.bandcamp.com/

  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0S5fJ4mSuFJOOXiqf0nbcI?si=mjfEUjBGTDmyQ_8IXygQew

  Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/se/artist/cruentus/416008378

Bloodred/Colours Of Pain/Massacre Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Germany's  Bloodred  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  melodic  and  brutal  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  album  "Colours  Of  Pain"  which  will  be  released  in  2026  by  massacre  Records.

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  ver4y  fast  and  brutal  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats.  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams  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  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  some  songs  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  atmospheric  touches,  clean  playing  and  synths  can  also  be  heard  at  times  as  well  as  a  couple  of  tracks  also  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  On  this  recording  Bloodred  takes  their  melodic  and  brutal  style  of  blackened  death  metal  into  more  of  an  atmospheric  direction.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  betrayal,  censorship,  environmental  collapse,  societal  decay,  pandemic  devastation  and  global  resistance.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Bloodred  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric,  brutal  and  melodic  blackened  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Ashes"  "Heretics"  and  "Resist".  8  out  of  10.

  www.bloodredband.com 

www.facebook.com/Bloodredofficial 

www.instagram.com/bloodred.band 

https://youtu.be/rxKVHDRhdC0  .    

Starscourge Interview

 

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

Zul: Currently, we are awaiting for the reception that the album will receive upon release. I have already commenced with some songwriting concepts for new tracks. Mithun: As Zul mentioned, we are curious as to how the record will be perceived. Some lyrical ideas already exists for the upcoming songs. 

2.Recently you have released your first full length, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording? 

Zul: Regarding musical direction we decided on an epic Blackened Death concept, with emphasizing melody and a cinematic scope. We also wanted to encapsulate a classic Metal vibe. I began writing the tracks that were not bound to specific genre rules and limitations, and went along the path of the various riffs and melodies, concluding in each song’s completion. Mithun: I aimed to do justice to the fantastic riffs and melodies that Zul had concocted, and opted for a theatrical and diversified vocal approach. Each track had to feel different and adhere to the various lyrical themes.

 3.Both of the members are also in other bands, what is it that you bring into the music of 'Starscourge', that you have not been able to do with your other groups? 

Mithun: When Zul and I started discussing this venture, I was playing in the punk band, Nedtur. I hadn’t involved in anything within Metal since 2020, and naturally I was drawn back to my roots. We both wanted to do something different from what we had previously played in our various projects. 

4.Your lyrics cover the Elden Ring, dark fantasy and mythology themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these topics? 

Mithun: Well, before Silent Images disbanded, we were in the process of a Bloodbornethemed concept album. I have always sought to lyrically compose something based off FromSoftware’s titles, and Elden Ring released at the perfect opportune moment.

 5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Starscourge'? 

Zul: Mithun and I started talking about starting the band and after planning out the musical and conceptual aspect we started brainstorming potential names. Eventually we decided on Starscourge. Mithun: Starscourge is the title of one of Elden Ring’s prominent characters, General Radahn also known as Starscourge Radahn during his boss fight. 

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

 Zul: Seven Kings Productions handled the artwork for all the singles as well as the album cover, and we attained permission from Maciej Wituski to utilize his excellent rendition

7.The band members live in Sweden and Singapore, what impact does the long distance in between members have on the musical style that you play? 

Zul: It would have been great if we could jam and rehearse together. Thankfully, the internet has provided a excellent medium for communication. Mithun: Indeed, Whatsapp has been a great friend. I think I correspond with Zul more than I do with my own family. Haha!

 8.On the album you also did a 'Slayer' cover, what was the decision behind doing your own version of one of their songs?

 Mithun: I’ve never been too much of a Slayer or Thrash fan to be honest. I do enjoy Reign in Blood, Seasons of the Abyss and Hell Awaits. When Zul sent over this rearranged version I thoroughly enjoyed the new atmosphere and increased melodies, and went about throwing in more Thrashy vocals. We gave it the Starscourge treatment! 

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

 Zul: We are keeping our options open. It would be great to license out these tracks for physical releases. Mithun: It all depends on the deal and the possibilities at the day’s end. 

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

 Zul: It is still too early to gauge since the album has yet to launch, but we have had a decent amount of support from the singles. 

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

 Zul: We both play in Chaos Imperium, a Black Metal project that I started a few years ago before I roped in Mithun this year. I am still part of Death Metal act Oshiego, and I have a few other projects underway. Mithun: Apart from Chaos Imperium, I sing with Avantgarde/Experimental Black Metal act Andharu, who’re also recording our debut as we speak. 

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

 Zul: Depending on the album’s response, we would be honoured to play live. Regardless, I’m already brewing up some new material for the next record. Mithun: The live stage would be fantastic, but we are very eager to continue making more music. 

13.What are some of the bands or musical styles the band members are currently listening to nowadays?

 Mithun: Classic Metal will always be there, though I’ve listened to lots of epic scores as well. This year’s favourites are quite the strange bag - Afsky, Team Anarchy, Rudra, KLPS, Metaphor: Refantazio’s soundtrack, Sleep Theory, Alice Cooper, Bloody Valkyria, Nemophilia, Katla 

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

Mithun: Thank you for this interview, and for the lovely review as well. We should keep in touch! 

https://www.facebook.com/Official.Starscourge/
https://www.instagram.com/starscourge.official/

Cultic Interview

 

CULTIC INTERVIEW 

W/ Brian Magar & Andrew Harris

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

Brian: Since the release we’ve been playing shows, writing new material and ideating new concepts. This train keeps a rollin all night long.  

Andrew: Riffs and shows baby. 

2.In October you released a new album, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

Brian: We’re growing. LORE is really just a deeper pool of what we’ve done in the past. I think the writing is tighter and more focused in both the intros and the songs. But our overall vision never waivers. 

3.You refer to your music as being 'dark dungeon metal', can you tell us a little bit more about this term?

Brian: It’s a bite from Mortiis’s “Dark Dungeon Music”. We started calling ourselves “Dark Dungeon Metal” after we added the Dungeon Synth elements to our music.

Andrew: It is the sound of you rotting in a dungeon. It is what you hear when any hope of freedom you have as you rot in your cell finally fades away. 

4.A lot of your lyrics cover dark fantasy themes, which aspect of this topic do you cover with your songwriting?

Brian: All of our lyrics explore dark fantasy themes. CULTIC is a conceptual band. Each of our albums follows a specific theme, and each song tells an individual story within that theme. All of our full-length albums connect to one another, forming one continuous overarching narrative. The same is true of our album artwork. If you place all of our LP covers side by side in order, they create a single continuous image. Our next full-length album will reveal even more of that scene.

The Cliff’s Notes version of the CULTIC universe goes like this:

Our first album, HIGH COMMAND, centers on a great war fought between two powers, with each song exploring different aspects of that conflict. Our second album, OF FIRE AND SORCERY, visually depicts a warlock receiving an enchantment from a dragon statue; the album itself focuses on the sorcery used to summon the great dragon featured on HIGH COMMAND. Our most recent album, LORE, revolves around various characters who inhabit this world, while also explaining how the Warlock gained the knowledge needed to summon the dragon.

I’m essentially writing this story in reverse order.

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

Brian: The LORE album art features the NOMAD. A lone warrior and pariah who carries hidden knowledge of sorcery. He serves as the connection between LORE and OF FIRE AND SORCERY, as he’s the one who supplied the WARLOCK with the spell used to summon the great dragon.

My wife Rebecca, who is also our drummer, creates all of our cover art. She absolutely nailed this one. It’s my favorite album cover by far. I’d describe it as BOLT THROWER meets BLIND GUARDIAN.

6.Out of all the shows and tours the band has been so far, which one stands out the most?

Brian: We’re not a touring band, so I can’t really speak to that. As far as memorable shows go, there’s always something, but two come to mind. We recently opened for CONAN, which was hands down the largest show we’ve ever played and a real milestone for the band. We also played a SOUL GRINDER Records show at the Alternative Gallery in Allentown, PA earlier this year. It was a cool venue with great hospitality. I’ve been playing in bands on and off since I was a young teenager, and I’d never played a show where the band was assigned a road crew until that night.

Andrew: Conan show was cool. Really dug playing with Spiter and Total Maniac. Anytime we play with Grozov is also a good time. 

7.Do you have any touring or show plans for 2025?

Brian: The only thing we have lined up for 2026 so far is Ann Everton’s memorial show at the OTTOBAR in Baltimore. It’s a two day event Feb 30 & March 1. I’m not sure on the hard and fast details yet.

Andrew: We would love to do some festivals. 

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

Brian: We’ve done more with this band in nine years, than I ever imagined possible. 

Andrew: Absolute rabid devotion. Some real freaks out there. 

9.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?

Brian: My solo project, LAYR has been sitting on a full length DUNGEON SYNTH album for 5 years. If any Dungeon Synth labels are reading this, hit me up. I know Andrew has some stuff going on with his solo project, GRIM DISCIPLINE. He just came out with an EP called PENNSYLVANIAN THIRST. 

Andrew: yeah, I just released my first EP and will continue to write and record my solo stuff under that moniker. Check it out. 

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

Brian: Straight to the top of madness mountain. We’ll keep getting heavier and weirder. I did an interview last year where I said I was going to incorporate HARSH DUNGEON NOISE into LORE. But I didn’t do it. Maybe we’ll go in that direction in the future? Maybe more atmospheric or theatrical passages within our songs? One thing I will say is that we will not stray from DARK DUNGEON METAL!!!!

Andrew: Who knows? The riffs come down to us so I cannot predict what the gods will deliver. It is simply my duty to pass on the message. 

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles the band members are currently listening to nowadays?

Brian: I always have a bunch of old stuff in rotation. Maiden, Priest, early Scorpions, Motorhead and so on. The real stuff.  

I’ve been slowly acquiring more BLIZARO albums this year. Big fan of that Italian horror sound. 

As far as really underground stuff goes. BALL always finds a way into my late night antics. If you have an itch for some super sleazy, drugged out, Satanic, porno loving rock and roll. Check out BALL. Fuckin Love that band. 

I’m always going to name drop the NECRO INVEST record label anytime I get the chance. If I had to guess, I think every band on the label is the same  person or group of people. Kinda has a GRIME STONE RECORDS vibe but different. It’s fun, reckless, lo-fi, unhinged, metal punk music for nuclear wasteoids. RAT OF SODOM, CREMAZIONE and SPHYNX’s rule. 

My favorite album of 2025 is PAGAN ALTAR’s “NEVER QUITE DEAD”. Really solid metal album front to back. I think it’s the only metal album that literally choked me up the first time I listened to it. This album should have received A LOT more attention than it did. 

Andrew: Old shit. 70s era Scorpions, Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest. Random black metal at times. Antonin Dvorak. 

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

Brian: Always humbled. Thank you for the opportunity. Keep doing what you’re doing. It’s important. 

To anyone out there looking to check us out. We have a website ( https://culticband.com  ), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/culticband ), Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/culticband/ ), Youtube ( https://www.youtube.com/@CulticBand ) and Bandcamp ( https://cultic.bandcamp.com/ ).

Metal Rules! 

Atavistia/The Winter Way(Reforged)/Blood Blast Distribution/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Vancouver  B.C,  Canada's  Atavistia  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  symphonic  and  melodic  mixture  of  black, death  and  folk  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "The  Winter  Way  (Reforged)"  which  will be  released  on  December  12th  by  Blood  Blast  Distribution  and  is  also  a re-recorded  version  of  their  2020  album.

  Nature  sounds  and  symphonic  orchestration  starts  off  the  album  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs.  Most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  the  vocals  also  add  in  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death metal  growls  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  melody.

  Spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  on  a  few  tracks  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Back  up  shouts  are  also  utilized  at  times  along  with  some  clear  singing  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  album  as  well  as  the  songs  also  mixing  in  elements  of  folk  music.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  one  track  also  bringing  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  nature,  winter  and  Scandinavian  Mythology. 

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another4  great  sounding  recording  from  Atavistia  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  and  symphonic  black,  death  and  folk  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "From  The  Ancient  Stones"  "Eternal  Oceans"  and  "The  Winter  Way".  8  out  of  10.

 

1. linktr.ee

     

Starscourge/Conqueror Of The Stars, Betwixt Sundered Seraphim, The Lands Between Bleed/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Starscourge  are  an  international  duo  with  embers  from  Sweden  and  Singapore  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2025  album  "Conqueror  Of  the  Stars,  Betwixt  Sundered  Seraphim,  The  Lands  Between  Bleed"  which  will  be  released  on  December  19th.

  Spoken  words  and  keyboards  start  off  the  album  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  vocals  also  add  in  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  lot  of  blast   beats  can  be  heard.

  Tremolo  picking  is  also  added  into  some  of  the  faster  riffing  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  clear  vocals  also  adding  in  a  touch  of  power  metal  when  they  are  utilized.

  At  times  the  music  also  adds  in  some  symphonic  touches  and  a  couple  of  songs  also  adds  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  as  well  as  the  closing  tracks  also  being  a  Slayer  cover.   The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  fantast,  mythology  and  the  epic  grandeur  of  the  Elden  Ring.

  In  my  opinion  Starscourge  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  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Blessings  Upon  the  Golden  Throne"  "Destiny's  Dastardly  Dynasty"  "Together,  My  Serpentine's  Valentine"  and  "Spirit  in  Black".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/Official.Starscourge/

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

Hexagraf/Walsen van hoop/Void Wanderer Productions/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Hexagraf  are  a  duo  from  the  Netherlands  that  plays  an  atmospheric,  progressive  and  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Walsen  van  hoop"  which  will b e  released  on  December  18th  by  Void  Wanderer  Productions.

  Coughs  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  a  darker  and  heavier  direction  while  elements  of  doom  metal  are  also  added  into  the  slower  parts  of  the  recording.    Symphonic  keyboards  are  also  mixed  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  and  the  vocals  bring  in a   mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them,  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  on  a  couple  of  songs.

  Whispered  vocals  and  spoken  words  are  also  utilized  briefly  along  with  some  of  the  songs  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  The  album  also  has  its  progressive  moments  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style,  throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  clear  singing  is  also  added  towards  the  end.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Dutch  and  cover  the  dark  underbelly  of  industry.

  In  my  opinion  Hexagraf  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric,  progressive  and  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Stoflongen"  and  "Bitjend  in  de  geestvan  productie".  8  out  of  10.

 https://voidwanderer.com/product/hexagraf-walsen-van-hoop-cd-preorder/

Cultic/Lore/Eleventh Key Records/2025 Full Length Rvbiew

 

  Cultic  are  a  band  from  Pennsylvania  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  doom,  death  metal  and  dungeon  synth  with  the  energy  of  punk  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Lore"  which  was  released  by  Eleventh  Key  Records.

  Dungeon  synth  style  synths  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  The  slower  parts  of  the  recording  also  add  in  elements  of  doom  metal  while  the  vocals  are  done  in  more  of  a  first  wave  black  metal  style  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  The  music  also  adds  in  the  heaviness  of  old  school  death  metal  while  all  of  the  songs  also  have  interludes  in  between  them.  Most  of  the  album  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  and  early  90's  era  along  with  the  recording  also  capturing  the  energy  of  punk  at  times  as  well  as  the  solos  and  leads  also  remaining  very  true  to  an  old  school  direction.

  Spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with  one  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  acoustic  guitars.  As  the  album  progresses  some  of  the  vocals  also  bring  in  the  grim  atmosphere  of  second  wave  black  metal ,  one  song  also  adds  in  a  small  amount  of  battle  samples  and  the  whole  album  also  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  fantasy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Cultic  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black,  doom,  death  emtal,  punk  and  dungeon  synth  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Nomad"  "Night  Grifter"  "ancinet  Kings"  and  "Dungeon  Wench".  8  out  of  10.

  https://youtu.be/PoaISq9D8oc

https://linktr.ee/culticband

https://cultic.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/culticband

https://www.instagram.com/culticband

  

Hecatoncher/Nightmare Utopia/Violence In The Veins/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Hecatoncher  are  a  band  from  Slovakia  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  sludge  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Nightmare  Utopia"  which  will  be  released  on  December  16th  by  Violence  In  The  Veins.

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  very  fast  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  black  metal  style  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  vocals  also  add  in  some  high  pitched  screams.

  Clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  on  some  of  the  tracks  while  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  elements  of  sludge  metal.  Death  metal  growls  are  also  utilized  at  times  along  with  the  album  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  noise  orientated  soundscapes  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  a  later  song  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing.  

  Hecatoncher  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  black,  sludge  and  death  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dream  cults,  ancient  deities  and  cosmic  horror  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Hectonicher  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black,  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Dreamless"  and  "Madness  Of  The  Stars".  8  out  of  10.

  https://violenceintheveins.bandcamp.com/album/nightmare-utopia

https://www.facebook.com/Hecatoncheir.sk

https://www.instagram.com/hecatoncheir_band/#

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6SjZ9q4nL9ywMujY8ZXYFy?si=m1nCbP2iRROrJ8fwws92Iw&nd=1&dlsi=3ba578e0be5f470d  

1914/Viribus Unitis/Napalm Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Ukraine's  1914  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  mixture  of  black,  sludge,  doom  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Viribus  Unitis"  which  was  released  by  Napalm  Records.

  World  War  I  era  music  samples  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  very  fast  and  brutal  direction  which  also  adds  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  vocals  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.

  Death  metal  growls  are  also  utilized  at  times  while  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  elements  of  doom  and  sludge  metal.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style  along  with  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

   Clear  singing  can  also  be  heard  on  a  couple  of  tracks  along  with  a  few  songs  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  war  samples  as  well  as  some  spoken  words  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  album,  keyboards  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  camaraderie,  endurance,  and  the  emotional  landscapes  of  those  who  endured  the  horrors.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  1914  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  sludge,  doom  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "1914  (The  Siege  Of  Przemysl)"  "1917(The  Isonzo  Front"  and  1919(The  Home  Where  I  Died)".  8  out  of  10.

  INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

NAPALM RECORDS   

Malefic/Impermanence/Terminus Hate City/2026 Full length Review

 

  Malefic  are  a  band  from  Atlanta,  Georgia  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black,  death  and  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  album  "Impermanence"  which  will  be  released  in  2026  by  Terminus  Hate  City.

  A  very  heavy  thrash  metal  influenced  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  melody.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats   can  be  heard  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  black  metal  screams  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  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Death  metal  growls  are  also  utilized  at  times  along  with  one  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  evil  laughter  and  spoken  words  as  well  as  introducing  clean  playing  onto  the  album  and  acoustic  guitars  can  also  be  heard  on  a  couple  of  tracks.

  Malefic  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  the  melodic  forms  of  black  and  death  metal  and  mixes  them  with  thrash  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  politics,  drug  use,  existentialism,  perseverance,  and  the  lasting  consequences  of  one's  own  choices.

  In  my  opinion  Malefic  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  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  Of  The  Throne"  Idiocracy"  "Obsidian  Earth"  and  "It  Haunts".  8  out  of  10.

  https://music.apple.com/us/artist/malefic/1556441523

https://malefic.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/MaleficBandATL

https://www.instagram.com/maleficbandatl/?hl=en

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5kweC07PzBJUbWckfscSwW

https://x.com/maleficband

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC24rSZ2-PwPBwtjyibsmluw        

  

St. Unholyness Interview

 

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

Of course! We are a band from Pfarrkirchen, Germany. We are searching for a drummer, because for live gigs we play as a power trio. Atm we are a two-piece with Mac Carrigan on Bass and me, Christina Earlymorn on Guitar & Vocals. We play an unique mixture of Stonerdoom, Black Metal & Blues Rock, because we are so fed up limiting ourselves to only one genre forever. We try to play every style we like and make it our own. We label our music with this debut as "Chromed Stoner Doom with Groove & Style" , because our guitars are chromed, our clothing is stylish and our riffs are heavy grooving with HM2 (classic swedish death metal) growl.

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

As I stated earlier, that we are so fed up in only being at home in one genre, I started back in 2017 to collect some of these odd riffs that didn't properly fit in my previous black metal only - projects. On and off (from 2017 until 2025) I did write for the album in between life situations that happened. (Covid, Loss of Job, My dad died) In that period of time I crafted my own personal style for our band, St. Unholy which Mac and I now run.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?

As a bullying & sexual abuse survivor back in my childhood when I was 6, of course it is very important to me to be very vocal against bullies & pedophiles. A nun raped me every Thursday from 1996-1998 we had in school as an handicraft teacher for she wanted to know what's in my pants, because of me being a trans child back then. Because of that I am not very religious anymore, because I still get so much hate from religious people claiming to be good people, but showing otherwise. So, because of that we have the subject of anti religion in our lyrics, BUT! We clearly differentiate between in blindly hating the religious people and hating the religious organizations backing its predators, which we set our focus onto. We don't fight decent people who believe in god. We fight against evil people who hide behind a religious power structure. Then, we also wanna focus on positive topics like enjoying life to the fullest, being proud of oneself and even stretching into Carl Jung's psychology topics or into the interesting electronic frequency works of Nikola Tesla. Basically, we sing about topics that either have something to do with our past personally, or we sing about stuff that interests or inspires us of which we think could also be interesting for the listener to broaden up his/her horizons.

4.You have mentioned an interest in Carl Jung and Nikola Tesla,  can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in their work?

When I was reading about Carl Jung, I was introduced by his shadow work technique in which the shadow (Your repressed dark side) gets integrated without causing destruction to oneself or others. I like his theory, because due to the sexual abuse, the hate I get and bullying I had to endure in school I carry a massive amount of hate & desire for revenge deep in my stomach. Alot of so called "Good vibes only" people often snap someday, because they completely suppress their shadow-self every day. It's like a barrel that over time explodes. I learned with Carl Jung to dance with my shadows, to recognize them and to release them into something constructive that I call healthy agression. Playing music is one of the methods I use. Nikola Tesla on the other hand fully inspires me, because he says that everything is energy, vibration & frequency. If I am depressed I have to have low energy. I don't vibe (vibrate) very much and my frequency to be interesting for other people is very low. If I am happy however, I got a high energy, so I vibrate stronger and people will be drawn at me, because of my frequency. I personally find this very interesting if you personally examine your past and see how it over time has influenced you. Alot of adult people carry their childhood wounds / childhood traumas still around with them which completely dominates their every day life & fucks up their future, because these poor people act out of the energy from the past when the trauma in childhood took place. That's what I experienced, too. It bothered me so much that I wanted to dominate my life again killing that invisible force which held me back.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'St. Unholyness"?

Since 20 years I am a devoted satanist walking my way through life. That is my very personal (for me) healthy way of spirituality. The name St. Unholyness came like an lightning bolt into my head as I thought to myself, that I, as a person are loved by many and hated by others for being myself. Because of me being a long time satanist who worked for 10 years as a nurse and sometimes donates some of my spare money to homeless people, I feel more christ like as I can see in other so called "christian" people. Basically in other words I am a "Saint" to many & considered as "Unholy" by strangers. That's what St. Unholyness means. Basically someone who does look like a villain, but does good onto others.

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

The original artwork was actually me as an baphomet figure posing on the cover. But as I listened to the tracks and looked at the cover it didn't match properly with the sound of the debut album. So I creARTed the actual cover artwork and postponed the one with me as baphomet on it for another album in the future. As a debut album I wanted something simple but with a clear message. The cross of peter already says it what "Through High Holy Haze" is about. We oppose unconscious religious herd mentality and support individuality that is aware of oneself.

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

No shows yet, because I didn't think that I would ever be able to find people who wanted to join a band where a "tranny" is fronting the band with a weird sound that isn't anything near mainstream. We still search for a drummer, because of course we would love to play live shows in the near future!

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

Not yet.

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

We did receive interest, but I am not yet sure if I should sign my life away.

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

Well, to my surprise the comments on our two on YouTube released music videos are positive. I received messages on my Facebook page & Instagram account of people telling me that they like it alot. Personally I am always very critical of myself, because when I learned to play music my environment wasn't supportive and made fun of me. See, that's one of my childhood wounds that still controls me, BTW. Thank you for making me realize this with this interview Mr. Larson! I will have some self work to do :)

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

I would love to build the band up, gaining international reputation and forming a fanbase where everyone regardless of how they dress, looks like is welcome. I hate gatekeepers and I would love as a band leader, to have a community that has glued together many walks of fans, just like Motörhead managed to untite Rockers, Punks & Metalheads. That's why my guitars are chromed. I hope the audience can mirror themselves into the guitars to make them realize that we are all part of this as a whole!

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 nowadatys?

Nowadays I don't really listen to much music. After finishing an album I am drained & need silence to recharge my creativity. But bands like ZZ Top, Pantera, Goatwhore, Crowbar, Megadeth and artists like BB King, S.R.V., Zakk Wylde, Joe Bonamassa & Yngwie Malmsteen do influence me still.

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

My father passed away this may 2025 at the age of 61. What I wanna say to finish this interview off is the following: Say "I love you" more often to your loved ones, because no one knows when time's up.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StUnholynessOfficial
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@st.unholynessofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/st.unholyness.official
Bandcamp: http://www.stunholyness.bandcamp.com/
More info: https://www.christinaearlymorn.com/St.Unholyness/

Obscurity/Ascheregen/Trollzorn Records/2026 Full Length Review

 

  Germany's  Obscurity  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  melodic  mixture  of  black,  viking  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  album  "Ascheregen"  which  will  be  released  in  2025  by  Trollzorn  Records.

  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  very  fast  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  vocals  also  add  in  a  mixture  of  shouts,  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams.

  Throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  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  along  with  one  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  words,  clean  playing  also  returns  on  later  songs  and  a  later  song  also  adds  in a  brief  use  of  clear  vocals.  

  On  this  recording  Obscurity  remains  true  to  the  melodic  mixture  of  black,  viking  and  death  metal  that  they  have  established  on  previous  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  German  and  cover  Old  Norse  Mythology,  the  violent  shades  of  Christianization  and  the  fractures  of  our  modern  world.  

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Obscurity  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  black,  viking  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Intium  Dekadentiae"  "Dreifaltigkeit"  "Bekehrung"  and  "Dystopie  und  Schwanengesang".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.obscurity-online.de

https://www.facebook.com/obscuritybergischland

https://www.instagram.com/obscurity_official

https://obscurity.bandcamp.com

https://youtu.be/9hrsNf6K1Q4      

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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