Mossgiver--Renewer (Digital) {2026 Sij Musicart}

This is completely unique epic, atmospheric black metal with soaring melodies and excellent (if long) songs. There's almost a folk aspect to some of the melodies, and it's perfect for this band. Flute-like synths appear in the second eponymous track and several other tracks throughout the record, which I thought was a most interesting choice. However, the synths are diverse and do a lot of the heavy lifting as far as the melodies. The image of the band is wild, a hooded cloaked figure in the woods at springtime with a face of moss. I'd run like a scared little bitch if I saw that while out hiking. The band perfectly captures the majesty of nature, and since that's what they write about, I'd classify that as a resounding success. The vocals almost remind me of a staticky wall of sound, which is a strange choice given the clarity of the production, but it helps keep an underground aesthetic in the music. The songs themselves are all longer - we get five total tracks, three songs between eight and ten minutes in length, and a pair of two minute instrumentals. There's almost a magical effect these songs have, though, in that they don't seem nearly that long when you're actually listening to them and taking the ride provided by the music. They're so epic, so majestic, that you fall into them and don't come up for air until the album is over. All I can say is this album is a triumph of skill, and I highly recommend it to any of you metalists that want epic black metal.

sijmusicart.bandcamp.com

Pest Hole--Relax (LP) {2026 Angry Voice Records}

Here's a genre I don't get to review much - crust. This isn't straight crust, however, it's a pure mixture of crust and thrash metal, a fullblown metalpunk album. Not only does it have infectious punk songwriting and hard driving thrash riffs, but the two styles are fused together so completely that there's no dividing line between them. It's all metal and all punk, all the time. The vocals are sung in a fairly typical harsh crust punk yell, but at the same time it's breathy and raspy. The Motorhead influence is front and center and you can hear it in both the bass and the guitar. Fans of Inepsy and Toxic Holocaust should take note, as well as fans of old Bolt Thrower, Anti-Cimex, and Onslaught. This is good stuff, and full of aggressive riffing with a nod to the masters of the past.

www.angry-voice-records.de

Axe Dragger--Axe Dragger (CD/LP) {2026 Ripple Music}

Axe Dragger features current members of Fu Manchu and Dark Funeral, and ex-members of Pentagram and Pantera. The only comparisons I can really make here would be to the band's admitted influences like Riot, Judas Priest, and Armored Saint, but with a sound that's very much modern traditional metal, stemming from the productions values mainly. Every single song is memorable and distinct, as a good heavy metal album ought to have. The singer, who was the original singer of Pantera, has a smooth voice, but he's able to break out some great screams from time to time as well. Every member turns in an excellent performance, in fact, and I'd expect no less from this group. Knowing the guitarist is in Fu Manchu, I can hear some Sabbath-ian influence in the riffs, and it's most welcome. This is one of those albums that actually does live up to the hype of being a so-called "supergroup," and it should be on your radar if you're looking for good traditional metal.

www.ripple-music.com

Melting Rot--Infatuation With Premeditation Cd&Lp{Hells Headbangers}

 

Melting Rot  is a grinding death metal band that comes out of Illinois and this is a review of the bands second full length.Infatuation With Premeditation  is eleven tracks of grinding madness that is done with powerful music passages.The drums are non stop blasting drums that are devestating in their delievery.The guitars are played at a whirlwind fast paced guitar patterns.The vocals are brutal death metal growls and some insanely gruff screams.If you are a fan of grinding death metal that doesn't disapoint then be sure to pick this beast up when it is released. 

Melting Rot 

https://www.facebook.com/meltingrot/

https://www.instagram.com/meltingrot                                                                                                          Hells Headbangers 

https://www.hellsheadbangers.com/

https://melting-rot.bandcamp.com/album/infatuation-with-premeditation                                                  https://www.facebook.com/hellsheadbangers

https://www.instagram.com/hellsheadbangers

Ravenspell--Obsidian King (CD/LP) {2026 Fighter Records}

Ravenspell from Canada play decent heavy metal that borders on speed metal quite a bit of the time on their first full length. This band is at its best when playing fast, and they're much more interesting when they do so. Blastbeats even make an appearance at the end of the very first song "God the Chosen," and in a couple more places as accents on the record. The vocalist keeps his voice lower in tone, but it capable of higher-pitched screams. He can carry a melody, although I do wish his singing had a little bit more grit to it like his screams do, but he does fine in the style he's chosen. His melodies tend to be a little sing-songy at times, but it's not intolerable. It's almost like he's a thrash singer forcing himself to be a heavy metal singer. We do get a few guitar solos on the record, and when they do appear they're good, like in the track "Warriors 9 to 5." The recording itself is impeccable and very natural sounding, not over-digitized. Overall, this isn't a bad effort, but it has some flaws, and it's going to come down to taste whether you like it or not.

www.fighter-records.com

Barbaric Oath--Sword,Sorcery,Vengengeance Mcd&CS{Caligari Rec.}

 

Barbaric Oath is a duo who comes out of Germany's black death war metal scene and this is a review of the debut Mcd.Sword,Sorcery,Vengengeance is five tracks of  bestial.brutal blackend death metal that is played with intensisity and violent musicial passages.Both the guitars and drums are performed with a brutal assault.The vocals are raw raspy growls with some screams entertwined within a few of the songs.If you are a fan of well executed vicious black death war metal then you need to add this to your collection once it is released.                                                                                                                        Barbaric Oath                                                                                                                                                https://www.instagram.com/barbaricoath.dm                                                                                              Caligari Rec.                                                                                                                                                  http://www.caligarirecords.com/                                                                                                                  https://caligarirecords.bandcamp.com/album/sword-sorcery-vengeance                                                    https://www.facebook.com/CaligariRecords                                                                                              https://www.instagram.com/caligarirecords/

Gladium Regis--Quest (CD) {2026 Dusktone Records}

I never get sick of epic black metal, and that's exactly what Gladium Regis give us on Quest, their second full length. They use clean vocals in addition to black metal vocals, and the singing is clean and melodic much like ICS Vortex from Borknagar. There's quite a bit of influence from medieval music and dungeon synth here, and the band does indeed rely on synths quite heavily in all their songs. This one isn't as epic as I would like it to be, but it's definitely not bad, and it's quite unique. I can't think of any black metal band that sounds like this at all. Often the synths overpower the guitar, which I am not a fan of, unfortunately, as I much prefer metal to be driven by guitar exclusively. This is a bit hit and miss for me. I enjoy the clean vocals and the epic riffs, but I have a hard time with the extent the keys are used here, even though I have no problem with keyboard use. I just think it may be too skewed toward it. But in the end, this is a record unlike any other black metal release in your collection, so challenge yourself, and make sure you hear it!

dusktone.bandcamp.com

Sinistrous Mist--A Voice Through Constellations (CD) {2026 Independent}

Sinistrous Mist hails from Greece, and this is their first and only release so far. It's exactly what I needed. After listening to a bunch of death metal bands to review that sounded exactly the same, a palate cleanser was needed, and Sinistrous Mist provided exactly that with their brand of epic black metal. This is truly epic, with big, soaring, melodically morose riffs and bombastic yet tasteful keys driving the music's atmosphere. I especially love when the keys sound like a horn section during some parts. It's like the devil's army is marching off to war! The songs tend to be lengthier, most of them coming in around give to seven minutes, but their compositions are such that they can weather these longer runtimes without becoming a chore to listen to. In fact, they seem much shorter when listening to them. Majestic is the best word I can think of to describe their sound, and I'll be revisiting this album quite often in the future. It's a massive record.

sinistrousmist.bandcamp.com

Hounds--Rise of the Immortals (CD) {2025 Iron Shield Records}

Hounds plays high-quality heavy metal with a bit of a power metal edge to it, but not enough to push them into that category - they have too much nutsack for that. The vocals definitely remind me of Matthew Barlow of Iced Earth fame, but the music is more in line with something like Savatage if I have to make a comparison to anything. They have quite the pair of guitarists, with harmonies and solos to accent the killer riffs found all over the album. You can't hear the beginning of a song like "A.O.R." and not bang your fuckin' head to the riff. Their singer can carry a melody, but isn't a virtuoso - he rather sings metal as fuck, with a lower tone than a lot of metal singers, and his gravelly delivery is spot-on for this band. Some of their songs are long, with the eponymous "Rise of the Immortals" coming in at about eight and a half minutes, and it's a glorious eight and a half minutes, a true metal masterpiece. I can't say enough how much I enjoyed this one, so take my word for it, true metal maniacs, and find out for yourself.

www.ironshieldrecords.de

Hemotoxin--When Time Becomes Loss (CD/LP) {2025 Pulverised Records}

This is the fourth full length from this Pittsburgh, PA-based act, originally formed in 2011. They've been quietly producing some very important music. Influenced by latter-day Death and Cynic, at least to my old-ass ears, as well as Bay Area thrash, they manage to keep everything melodic and intense while balancing ever-changing riffs and patterns. This is death thrash elevated to artistic level, and while I normally don't give a fuck about the technical ability of a band, this is a pleasure to listen to because of their skill. It's an absolute fuckin' clinic. Every instrument is operating at the highest of levels, but never does it descend into preposterous wankery. This is technical in the same way that Hellwitch is technical. The melodies aren't hokey or contrived, either, but legitimately awesome heavy metal melodies that are serious earworms. I cannot recommend this highly enough, and it's absolutely worth the effort to get yourself a copy.

www.pulverised.net

Chalice--Divine Spear (CD/LP) {2026 Dying Victims Productions}

This is completely unique heavy metal with incredible melodies and interesting songwriting. The synths they use occasionally are interesting as well - they're not there to really add to the melody. The guitars and vocals handle that part. Instead, they create atmospheres around the music and behind it. The singer has an almost folksy delivery, singing with much more of a progressive style, like a less bombastic Nevermore. Some of the melodies they use sort of remind me of Ghost. That's where the comparisons stop, however. This sounds like nothing else I can think of in the metal scene, and that's a hell of a feat. It's not often I get to say I don't know how to articulate how different a band is, but this is one of those times. This is completely and utterly unique. Hats off, gentlemen, you've done a hell of a job.

www.dying-victims.de

Templar--Conquering Swords (CD/LP/CS) {2026 Jawbreaker Records}

This is Swedish heavy metal with a definite NWOBHM feel. They remind me, though, a little bit, of the cult band Overlorde from the US, and perhaps a little of Omen as well. The production is quite warm and analog-sounding, with a rich feel, and it perfectly accentuates the strengths of the band. The vocals aren't virtuosic by any means, but the singer is quite capable of carrying a melody, and he does it all in a fairly deep tone that only occasionally climbs into higher registers. The riffs are infectious and the guitar harmonies and solos are all perfect. This is fairly epic heavy metal with big melodies and soaring harmonies and it worms its way into your brain quite easily. Lyrically, I hear fantasy and mythology, with references to Tolkien, King Arthur, and possibly Norse mythology as well. This is quite the record, and one that true fans of real heavy metal will enjoy thoroughly.

www.jawbreaker.se

Wolfhex--Profane Heresies (LP) {2024 Independent}

Wolfhex play black thrash that's aggressive yet simple in its approach. The execution is a bit loose, with seat-of-the-pants drum fills and somewhat frenetic playing, but that just gives this record a character all its own and is not a defect in musicianship at all. There's a lot of repetition in these songs, each song being comprised of but a few riffs, and they return to them often, serving to make these short songs a bit catchier. The riffs themselves are somewhat interesting, especially when they lean into their black metal side like on the song "Echelons of Decadence." This is fairly serviceable stuff overall, nothing earth-shatteringly awesome, but definitely worth a spin if you are a devotee of the unholiest of thrash.

wolfhex.bandcamp.com

Nekro Cvlt Desecration--Purification in the Witchcraft Flames (CD/CS) {2025 Murder Records}

This is dirty black thrash from Venezuela that reminds me of the feel of '80s speed metal, if not the sound. Musically, they could be compared to Witchtrap or Midnight, and there's plenty of Sodom and punk influence. It's a particularly savage example of this style, however. The vocals are mostly yelled, both in a normal gruff shout and a higher, more black metal oriented style. There's a layer of filth over the recording that is absolutely wonderful and makes the record sound like a relic of the 1980s. The musicianship is tight, especially the rhythm section, the bass and drums working in tandem throughout the record. This is fairly unique stuff, even with the rough comparisons to other bands I drew earlier, and is definitely worth seeking out for black thrash maniacs.

www.murder-records.eu

Beholder--Prisonniers de l'Abime (Digital) {2025 Independent}

Beholder hails from Quebec, and this is their third full length. I had not been familiar with this band before hearing this, but I am glad I stumbled upon this band. They play extremely dark black metal that truly has its own personality, from the music to the image of the band. The guitars, even when fast, are fairly laid back, but occasionally they'll dip into a big catchy riff that really ups the intensity. Often they'll use melody over top another more rhythmic riff, which gives them an almost atmospheric feel. The drums are easily the backbone of this band, swirling away behind the guitars with all sorts of rolls, cymbal play, and fills. It's a pleasure to hear. Vocally, it's pretty standard fare, delivered in a pretty normal sort of black metal vocal. This music feels almost magical, like a dark spell cast by the band to capture our attention, and the spell has succeeded. I look forward to more from this act.

beholderqc.bandcamp.com

Hell Poison--Pressure from the Depths (CD) {2025 Bestial Invasion Records}

Hell Poison play black speed metal that reminds me a bit of early Cruel Force and later Midnight, albeit with more of a focus on speed metal. The production has an interesting quality to it, and it's almost a little muddy where the guitars are concerned. It gives the album a lot of character. This is speed metal simplified down to its base elements so that it almost sounds like punk in a way on some songs, with driving beats and a Venom-like quality to some of the songs. The vocals are delivered in a mid-ranged snarl, halfway between a shout and a growl, and it reeks of attitude. I like the almost rock 'n roll feel of a lot of the songs on this record, it's a definite different approach to black thrash. One man plays everything in this band, and it always amazes me when one musician has this much talent and plays this many instruments. It's an accomplishment and he should be proud. 

Blood Countess--Imperatrix Sanguinis (CD/LP) {2026 Dominance of Darkness Records}

Blood Countess (from the UK, a female-fronted band) play fierce black metal like it was in the 1990s, with all the hallmarks you would expect of a band from that time. The drums in particular are a strong point here, with lots of tight blasts, rolls, and fills. The drummer is wildly talented with a real personality. The Cuntess's vocals are a pristine example of black metal singing, with plenty of throaty roars and a bad fuckin' attitude - there's no pretense here other than good, solid vocals. The riffs are quite catchy, and quite reminiscent of the '90s, with plenty of tremolo picking and riffs that blow like the cold winds of winter. They remind me a bit of Mayhem or Satyricon at their height of ability. This is a solid effort, and it has that old black metal feel we all chase in this genre. A worthy release. Get it when it comes out in April.

www.dod-records.com

Asenheim--Elbenblut (CD) {2026 Dominance of Darkness Records}

When  I saw Asenheim was described as epic black metal, I was interested because other than the more savage bands, I like bands that have an epic feel to them. I can hear perhaps some Manowar influence in the riffing, as well as Viking-era Bathory and perhaps Iron Maiden. I like the symphonic elements here, but I feel like this could be even more epic with choirs added, but that's just my preference. They do a fine job with what they've used here. Even though I can't speak German, I can clearly tell this record (the band's tenth full length) is about Tolkien, with song titles like "Im Lande Mordor," and "Das Juwel von Erebor." I do like when the band has a guitar melody playing overtop the main riffs and keys, it makes the music soar. Big melodies and dramatic riffs are what this band does best. Keep in mind this is more traditionally black metal than I had anticipated, so the true-heads out there might like this as well. This releases in April this year.

www.dod-records.de

Nazghor--A World Ablaze (CD/LP) {2026 Solistitium Records}

Nazghor play slickly produced black metal from Sweden, heavy on the melody, and this is the eighth full length. When people compare this band to Dissection, Watain, and Naglfar, I definitely understand why. Their music contains similar motifs to those bands, but they're not a copy. They add some atmospheric elements here and there by way of choirs, and it gives their black metal that epic feel that I love so much, like the Viking-era Bathory records had. The melody on this album is pervasive - even the faster tracks have melody injected into them. The singer is so much more aggressive than the music. He's perpetually pissed off and doesn't waste time with any weak vocal styles - he goes in for the kill. Every time. This is not my favorite style of black metal, to be sure, but Nazghor do it well enough to maintain my attention at the very least. 

www.solistitium.com

Aedelgard--Natteglimpt Mcd {Black Plague Rec./Pagan Fury Rec.}

 

Aedelgard is a two man band with members from the U.S and Russian black metal scene.And this is a review of the debut Mcd Natteglimpt with seven tracks of dark atmosheric black metal.The music is written and performed by Vitharr and is  mid paced black metal passages.The guitars are played with some  memorable and cold passages that are well delievered.The guitars are a mix of  mid paced melodic guitar passages but do speed to a faster pace throughout the music.The band also adds some synths to the music to add another layer to their already dark sound and style.The vocals are handled by Hraefn and are raw black metal screams and screeches.This is a really good release of atmospheric melodic black metal for all those who love this style give this band a chance.                                          Aedelgard                                                                                                                                                      https://aedelgard.bandcamp.com/merch                                                                                                      https://www.facebook.com/people/Aedelgard/61563467735192/                                                                https://www.instagram.com/aedelgardd/                                                                                                      Black Plague Rec.                                                                                                                                        https://blackplaguestore.com/                                                                                                                      https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063690631520                                                                    Pagan  Fury  Rec.                                                                                                                                        https://www.barbaricfury.shop/                                                                                                                  https://www.facebook.com/p/Pagan-Fury-Records-61569458082691/

                                                                                                                                          

 

Laspherus--Self titled Mcd{Black Plague Rec./Pagan Fury Rec.}

 

This is the self titled debut Mcd from Italy's Laspherus featuring five songs of dark atmospheric black metal.The music is a blend of mid paced music and some faster guitars and drums.The music done really well with both styles performed.The vocals are death metal growls and some gruff growls and screams.This is a good release but honestly i've heard better but if you like dark black metal with some death metal influence then defintly give this release a listen and order it today. 

Laspherus

https://laspherus.bandcamp.com/album/laspherus                                                                                         https://www.instagram.com/laspherus/                                                                                                         Black Plague Rec.

https://blackplaguestore.com/                                                                                                                      https://www.facebook.com/people/BLACK-PLAGUE-RECORDS/100063690631520/                            Pagan Fury  Rec.                                                                                                                                          https://www.barbaricfury.shop/

https://www.facebook.com/p/Pagan-Fury-Records-61569458082691/                                                         

Strikehammer--Midnight Inferno (CD) {2025 Metal On Metal Records}

Strikehammer play a wicked brand of black thrash with a rock 'n roll edge, reminding me a little of Aura Noir and bands of a similar nature. Some songs have almost a punk feel, with more rock-oriented beats and punked-up riffs. They tend to lean into their black metal side a little more on some songs, like on "Perdition Rite," with its cold riffing and slower tempo at times. Vocally, I hear a ton of influence from Venom, and the singer has a voice that very much sounds like Cronos, but with a bit more growl to it, like a cross between Cronos and Quorthon. The band plays this style passably well, although I found the songs to be a little lackluster here and there. If they were more aggressive like on the song "Warspeed," I think I would probably like this even more. That song is quite good. It's hard to stand out in the black speed/thrash scene, because so many bands play the style, and theyr'e all pretty similar if we're being honest. I think with perhaps another album or two Strikehammer may find even more things to help separate them from the pack. For now, I'll just say I'm keeping an eye on them, since there is a lot of potential here. The album cover is amazing, though!

www.metalonmetalrecords.com

Apocalyptic Hammer--Blasphemous Mockeries Of Evil{digital}{Independent}

 

Apocalyptic Hammer is a duo who comes out of  Massachusetts and plays a really good style black thrash metal style.Blasphemous Mockeries Of Evil is the second full length featuring ten tracks of well executed thrashing black metal.The musi is written and performed by Kenny "Stem"Smith and is a barrage of fast paced guitars that are played wjth skill.Their are some memorable guitar passages and solo's entertwined within the music.The vocals are performed by Vektor and are old school blackend screams that are well delievered and fit the music perfectly.This is my first time hearing this band and if you are a maniac for well delievered old school thrashy black metal defintly check these guys out today.

Apocalyptic Hammer

https://apocalyptichammer.bandcamp.com/music

SolNegre--Anthems For The Grand Collapse cd&digital{Meuse Music Rec.}

 

Anthems For The Grand Collapse  is the second full length from Spain's SolNegre.The five songs presented on the new release are epic death doom metal at it's finest.The guitarist writes and performs some memorable guitar passages.that are a mix of melodic mid paced guitar patterns and some heavier guitars are also utilized in a few of the songs. The band also uses keyboards to add another layer to the music with their sorrowful use to the bands already epic sound.The vocals are a mix of death metal growls and some very well sung clean vocal passages.SolNegre is a band that all those who love majestic,epic death doom will not want to  miss this is a masterpiece of death,doom metal.       SolNegre                                                                                                                                                    https://www.facebook.com/SolNegreDoom/                                                                                              https://www.youtube.com/@SolNegreBand                                                                                              Meuse  Music Rec                                                                                                                                      https://www.meusemusicrecords.eu/                                                                                                        https://meusemusicrecords.bandcamp.com/album/solnegre-anthems-for-the-grand-collapse-mmr074    https://www.facebook.com/meusemusicrecords/                                                                                        https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=%2Fmeusemusicrecords&source=omni_redirect

Necrogore--Ectoplasmic Rape Phenomena cd{Awakening Rec.}

 

Necrogore  is a band that comes out of Italy's death metal scene that is gearing up to release their debut full length.Ectoplasmic Rape Phenomena is ten tracks of well executed and delievered death metal.The guitars are played with flawlessly with some execellent fast and furious guitar passages.The guitarist does perform some mid paced guitar patterns that are equally as devestating as the faster ones.The guitarist does write some memorable patterns and even adds in some well played solo's. The drums are played with a mix of extremely fast paced drum passages that are extreme and well performed.The drummer does slow to a mid paced range throughout a few tracks as well. The vocals are death metal growls that are powerful in their delievery.Ectoplasmic Rape Phenomena is a really good debut that should please all fans  of  traditional,death metal.                                                                                        Necrogore                                                                                                                                                    https://necrogore-it.bandcamp.com/merch                                                                                                https://www.facebook.com/NecrogoreDeath/                                                                                          https://www.instagram.com/necrogore_death/                                                                                            Awakening Rec.                                                                                                                                            https://awakeningrecordscn.bigcartel.com/                                                                                                  https://awakeningrecordscn.bandcamp.com/                                                                                            https://www.facebook.com/AwakeningRecordsCN/                                                                                  https://www.instagram.com/awakeningrecordscn/                                                                                         https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfTbfZRp_EYNh_kekz8GLKQ        

                                           

Tailgunner--Midnight Blitz (CD/LP/CS) {2026 Napalm Records}

I don't normally cover bands from larger labels like Napalm in my reviews, but this is so goddamn good that I had to do it. Everyone seems to make Iron Maiden comparisons when they write about this band. Of course, they're an influence, but they sound nothing like them. They're actually closer to Primal Fear in their approach to heavy metal, albeit with a slightly less aggressive touch. This album has it all - strong songs, catchy choruses, riffs that speed along, soaring melodies, guitar harmonies, you name it. Their singer is a rare talent, able to construct amazing melodies and hit all the wild notes a heavy metal singer should be able to hit if he's the real deal. The guitar harmonies are the other key to their sound, with harmonies in each song helping to define the songs themselves and lay out a palette on which their singer can paint. I can't say enough how good this is - we don't have a rating system here at Winter Torment, but if we did, this would be an easy 10/10. I plan on adding this to my collection soon. Plus, the band looks cool as fuck with all that leather!

Saber--Lost in Flames (CD/LP) {2025 ROAR! Records}

Saber play classic heavy metal that reminds me of the Metal Blade bands of the 1980s, and a bit of the early Sunset Strip sound. The guitar playing is perfection, with not only catchy riffs but blazing solos. There's a tinge of early Motley Crue to the music, but only a tinge - there's as much influence from a myriad of other bands, I'm sure, but some of the riffing immediately stood out and reminded me of them. Everything about this is retro, right down to the band's image, which I like. I just wish it was a bit more evil content-wise, instead of singing about relationships and shit like that. While not in any way virtuosic, the singer is very capable and not pitchy at all. His vocals remind me just a bit of Dokken on their earlier (metal) material, but without as much vibrato or texture. The vocal production really emphasizes what he's good at and hides what he isn't, which is every band's goal in the studio. This didn't annihilate me when I heard it, but it's pretty damn good, and I'll definitely settle for that. This kind of music is extremely hard to make, and make convincingly, but Saber have indeed done it.

www.roar.gr

Spectral Decay--Left Hand Wrath (Digital) {2025 Independent}

This is the second full length from this New Mexico horde. Spectral Decay play aggressive black metal that's catchy and well-written, with the occasional thrash riff to really add some power, and a very American sound. There is of course lots of tremolo picking here, as with most black metal today, but they mix it up nicely with other techniques. They occasionally introduce a cold-ass melody, but they get right back to their aggressive stance rather quickly in many cases. I think "Iridescent Fog" is my favorite song on the record, from the fade-in at the beginning to the classic heavy metal stylings of the main verse riff. It has a sort of Celtic Frost bounce without sounding remotely like them. This is great songwriting at work - every song is different and distinct and it doesn't suffer from the endless repetition that so much black metal does. A highly worthy album.

Sorceress--La sangre de quien muere (CD) {2025 Independent}

This is the third full length from this Colombian outfit, and I am not familiar with their previous releases, so I cannot compare them in this review. Sorceress play heavy metal with a distinct NWOBHM leaning, with competent musicianship and adequately skilled vocals. The songs are catchy enough that I find myself humming the choruses even though I don't understand Spanish, in which all the lyrics are composed. I've seen some people compare this band to Tokyo Blade, and that's probably a fair assessment. I think the only room for improvement the band has is in the vocal department, because he can get a little pitchy at times. The melodies could also be a little more inspired, but overall the singer is adequate for the job. The most badass song on the record is "Camino," which comes in aggressively after a soft intro, and has some of the catchiest riffs on the record. "Preso del infierno" is a close second. Side note: I don't think I've ever seen an album cover with demonic Venus flytraps on it. That's a first.

srceress.bandcamp.com

Shadowmass--Wastelands (CD/LP/CS) {2026 Floga Records}

Well, Floga Records has done it again and released a band that's every bit as good as the Necrochakal release I reviewed in these pages a while back. Shadowmass, from Greece, has unleashed this, their second full length, and the first in seven years. This is top notch thrash metal with some serious nutsack, with a tinge of blackness in their sound both in the vocals and the instrumentation. The vocals alternate between vicious screams and cleanly but aggressively sung vocals, with true grit and power. It's truly a masterful vocal performance, with satanic lyrics atop it all. The guitar solos are incredible, with melody and harmony, but never giving in and losing that aggression that's so important to their sound. Shadowmass is actually quite technical, with little embellishments and accents all over the place from all the instruments, all while maintaining the ever-important and well-written song structures. Another thing to note is that this band doesn't sound like anyone else that I can think of, they're completely original, and they've clearly polished and honed their craft to a razor's edge for this release. The energy and ferocity of their songs should call metalists from far and wide to pick this record up, as it shall not disappoint.

www.flogarecords.com

Wolftooth--Wizard's Light (CD/LP) {2025 Ripple Music}

What would you get if you let Iron Maiden play Black Sabbath's instruments and fed them a diet of epic heavy metal? Well, you might get Wolftooth. This is epic heavy metal with doom elements, with excellent vocals somewhat reminiscent of the melodies bands like Grand Magus are so good at constructing. This is right in my wheelhouse since I prefer the epic side of heavy metal like Omen, Manilla Road, Grand Magus, and Manowar. This band could share the stage with any of them, no problem. The vocals are perfectly produced to accentuate the strengths of the singer and make the melodies soar, with just the right amount of reverb and other effects. They tend to have big, catchy choruses that really stick in your head, and some of these songs are true earworms, like "Armor of Steel" and "Darkened Path." I wasn't expecting something so good out of this, since I thought the cover looked a bit generic, but I'm glad I didn't judge this one in that way. Even though they do have doom elements, they don't slow into snails' pace type stuff, and maintain at least a mid-tempo, rockin' style. This is one band I'm going to be investigating more fully after hearing this album, for sure, and I'll be including them in my favorites of epic metal.

www.ripple-music.com

Howling-Cacophonous Void Crown cd&digital{Blasphemous Creations Of Hell Rec.}

 

Cacophonous Void Crown  is the third  full length from the U.S black metal band Howling.The new release is defintly his best work to date with some great musicial passages.The guitars are played with some extremly fast paced patterns that are flawless in their deelievery.Their are some slower mid paced guitar patterns that are just as good as the extreme fast paced ones.The drums are blast beats that are insanely fast paced.The vocals are raw,grim black metal screams and screeches.If you are a fan of Howling's  past releases then defintly don't  miss out on this  release it a great one.

Blasphemous Creations Of Hell Rec.

https://howlingbchr.bandcamp.com/album/cacophonous-void-crown

https://www.facebook.com/blasphemouscreationsofhellrecords/

Howling 

https://howling1.bandcamp.com/album/cacophonous-void-crown

https://www.facebook.com/HowlingBM

https://www.instagram.com/howlingdraugr

Hellforcer--666 War Commandments (Digital) {2025 Independent}

Hellforcer is from Colombia, this being their first full length, but the band have been around since 2016 with numerous EPs, splits, and demos to their name. They play obscure black speed metal with a distinct '80s feel but with croaked black metal vocals that at times remind me of Inquisition. They suit the atmosphere perfectly. Stylistically, they're a mixture of Venom, Bathory, Sarcofago, Hellhammer, and '80s speed metal. There's a looseness to their performance that gives this an old South American feel, which is apt due to where they're from. The riffs are rather simplistic but not in such a way that it turns the listener off. This is by no means the peak of the genre, but if you're a lover of black thrash it may be in your wheelhouse. I'd recommend it for those who love more primitive iterations of the style.

hellforcerspeedblack.bandcamp.com

Malefic--Impermanence (CD/LP) {2026 Terminus Hate City Records}

This is the first full length from this Atlanta unit, but the band has demos stretching clear back to 2007, before rising from the dead in 2024. This is strong stuff, mixing precise and technical thrash riffs with black metal in quite a seamless way, with just a tinge of death metal influence. The drums and rhythm guitars work in tandem the entire time with a tightness that is quite hard to capture in a studio - they've achieved quite a thing here. The guitar work overall is almost virtuosic, with embellishments and technical accents everywhere all while maintaining solid songs. The drums are complex yet catchy, with a varied approach and yet remaining metal as fuck, with lots of rolls and fills, and a supremely tight performance. The vocals are delivered in a mid- to high-range growl, which is fairly typical of black metal singers. This is up for pre-release orders at the label site, and you can even get a whole package of merch surrounding this release. It's definitely worthy of being tracked down by the black thrash legions.

www.terminushatecity.com

Birching--2026 Demo{digital}{Independent}

 

Birching  is a new band emergening from the Finland's black metal scene and this is a review of the debut demo.Simply titled Demo the music presented is raw,traditional black metal that is played with some good musicianship.The guitars range from fast paced aggressive riffs to a more mid paced range.Both fast pace and the more controlled mid paced guitars are played with equally good musicianship.The drums are a mix of mid paced heavy drums and some crazed faster paced drum passages.The vocals are grim raw black metal screams that fit the bands music nicely.Birching plays a really good style of traditional raw black metal this is defintly worth a listen if you are a fan of this genre.                                                                                                                                                        Birching

https://birching.bandcamp.com/album/demo                                                                                              https://www.instagram.com/birching.band 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkS2rZTw_RC6KYNcJ7IJVgg                                                                                                                                                     

Blackslash--Heroes, Saints & Fools (CD/LP) {2025 Iron Shield Records}

I was amazed, based on how young this band seems to be, to find that this is Blackslash's fifth full length. I have not heard their back catalog, so I had no idea what I was in for with their music. I was pleasantly surprised to hear Iron Maiden-like heavy metal with constant and pleasant guitar harmonies and strong melodies. I see where the Iron Maiden comparisons this band receives come from, with the speedy bass lines that gallop behind the music, backing the melody perfectly. The vocals, however, are not reminiscent of Iron Maiden, but rather remind me of Andi Deris of Helloween, with that same method of vibrato and husky delivery, with soaring melodies and great lyrical delivery. The band does share some traits with power metal bands, with galloping drums and catchy choruses, but this is emphatically not modern power metal. It's pure heavy metal, being more aggressive than the saccharin-sweet power metal bands of today. This is fine music, made by capable musicians, and it is instantly memorable stuff that only improves with multiple listens. I highly recommend it to traditional metal fans.

www.ironshieldrecords.de

Profane Elegy--Herezjarcha (Digital) {Independent}

Profane Elegy play thoughtful and heavy black metal with no melodic pretense, just controlled brutality and haunting atmosphere. Here and there the brand breaks out acoustic or clean guitars and wonderful clean vocals for truly atmospheric moments, but these are mere interludes. The vocals are screamed in a fairly standard black metal style, full of scorn and evil intent. I'm pressed with the violence of the singer's style, however, and he's absolute vicious. He can really hold a scream. The guitar solos, where present, remind me of Emperor in tone and style. They frequently use thrashing riffs and beats, and it serves to intensify the music a great deal. The drums have that wet sound I like to hear, as well. This is a bit of a disjointed review, being flow-of-consciousness, but that's what this album reduced me to. It was good enough that I was paying attention to the music instead of my sentences. We rarely get American black metal this good.

profaneelegy.bandcamp.com