Foul Temple--Upon The Infernal Altar {Digital}{Independent}

 

Foul Temple is a black metal  band coming out of Australia that performs a fast and aggressive style.Upon The Infernal Altar  is the debut  full length that is released through the bands  bandcamp.The guitars are played with crazed fast paced guitar patterns.The drumming is done with extremely fast blasting drum passages.The vocals are raw black metal screams and screeches that are extreme in every sense of the word.Foul Temple  plays a raw and violent style of black metal is defintly  recomended to all those who love primitive,raw black metal. 

Foul Temple 

https://foultemple.bandcamp.com/music

https://www.facebook.com/foultemple/

Putred--Blestemul Dim Adanc cd{Awakening Rec.}

 

Putred is  a five man  band coming out of  Romania's  death metal scene.Blestemul  Dim Adanc is the bands third full length featuring nine original tracks and a cover  of Benediction's  Subconscious Terror.The band plays a slow mid paced death metal  that is done with some really well written and performed songs.The guitars are heavy and crushing with some very well executed guitar patterns.The guitarist does add some solo's and memorable guitar patterns.The vocals are death metal growls that powerful in their delievery.Their are some raw,gruff growls and screams used in a few of the songs to give each song it's  own idenity.The drums are a mix of heavy slow drums and some faster drums are used throughout a few of the songs. If you are a fan of  well delievered and slower death metal then be sure to check out Blestemul  Dim Adanc  when it is released soon. 

Putred

https://putred.bandcamp.com/album/blestemul-din-ad-nc

https://www.facebook.com/metalputredalmortii/

Awakening Rec.

https://awakeningrecordscn.bigcartel.com/

https://awakeningrecordscn.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/AwakeningRecordsCN/

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

Blades of Steel--Blades of Steel (CD) {2025 Independent}

Fantasy, witches, and sorcery are the name of the game here with this epic traditional metal band from Brazil. Their sound is reminiscent of Manowar, but with a dose of almost-thrash. The vocalist is good. Her vocal melodies and tone are perfect for this band and she sings with a true metal style rather than a flowery style like so many other female-fronted bands. The guitarists are no slouches, either, they have riffs, and tons of them. I really like the recording overall, especially on the vocals. They're smooth, not too much out front, and recorded to make the most of her voice - someone knew what they were doing. The rhythm section is also highlighted in the same way, the bass guitar being super punchy like Verni or DeMaio. This is an excellent effort by a new band that I think will only get better with time, and I hope they put out more material.

blades-of-steel.bandcamp.com

Final Dose--Endless Woe (LP/CS) {2026 Wolves of Hades Records}

This is raw black metal crossed with aggressive punk in much the way Darkthrone did it not too far back. The punk elements tend to take a back seat in most songs, letting the black metal elements do most of the work, adding just a bit of urgency to the music that keeps it vital. The vocals would be at home on any release of tortured black metal, but also on an anarcho-punk record. They're screamed in a higher register most of the time. They're also distorted most of the time, either through a quirk of recording or through effects (which I believe is likely). It makes the entire record sound more raw, hearkening back to the four-track recordings of old. I found this to be just ok stuff. It's not as exciting as I thought it would be, on the black metal side or the punk side. I had hoped for more aggression than what's on this record - it seems too laid back. However, they do a great job of giving their music atmosphere, and it's a dark, tortured one. 

www.wolvesofhades.com

Speed Queen--...with a Bang! (CD/LP) {2025 High Roller Records}

Speed Queen from Belgium plays speed metal with a definite Exciter influence, as well as a lot of NWOBHM and early Motley Crue feel. It reminds me a lot of the albums Metal Blade would release in the 1980s as the speed metal scene was burgeoning. It has that same atmosphere to it. The vocals aren't incredibly melodic, they're more melodically-yelled, if that makes sense, in a flat style. They often punctuate the choruses of their songs with gang vocals, which gives this album almost a punk sound at times. In fact, the drums accentuate this punk side of the band, being a bit simpler than the average metal band. I wasn't terribly excited by the lyrical material, with stuff about women, partying, and other similar subjects. I prefer darker material. Where this band does shine, though, is the guitar work. They trade amazing dueling leads and have effective harmonies all throughout the record. Their guitarists are doing all the heavy lifting here. In all, I'd have to say this is worth picking up if you like old heavy metal, but if you're a stickler for fantastic vocalists, I'd steer clear. He gets the job done, but isn't spectacular.

www.hrrecords.de

Wolven Vault--Draconic Rites (Digital) {2025 Independent}

Word has it that CDs and tapes are in the works for this release, and that's good news. I am always telling bands they need to have physical product, even if it's strictly limited due to demand. Serious bands have physical product! On to the music. This is perfectly performed and recorded black metal from Poland, their first full length. The production is good, but it emphasizes all the right things for black metal - it's not a "slick" production, but a natural-sounding one. There's plenty of separation, and each instrument is audible. It reminds me a bit of earlier (slower) Marduk from before Panzer Division, but only a little. This band has riffs, and tons of them, that take little surprise turns here and there and some manage a surprising amount of heaviness for black metal. Vocally, the singer sounds spiteful and hate-filled, the way black metal ought to be, with strong mid-range growled vocals. The songs are tastefully arranged and are well-written with a ton of hooks, which is rare in black metal today. I listed to this record three times before I wrote this review, since I wanted to convey it's sound a bit better, and each time it was more rewarding.

wolvenvault.bandcamp.com

Detestial--Conjuring the Age of Mayhem (CD/LP) {2025 Evil Spell Records}

This is the first full length from this black/thrash band from Greece. This reminds me quite a lot of the early Witchery albums, back when Toxine was singing for them and they had a more classic thrash sound. Where they differ is that Detestial uses more traditional black metal riffs as the basis of their sound, rather than thrash. The thrash is an added level of intensity that is leaned into occasionally and not the core of the music. The black metal riffs here remind me of the best of the Norwegian scene, and specifically of Mayhem and Marduk. They have the same sort of intensity and evil feel. If there were more blastbeats, it would be even closer to traditional black metal, but they emphasize the use of thrash beats instead, which definitely sets them apart in a crowded scene. This band is incredibly tight, too, which only adds to the intense nature of their music. This is entirely worth the effort to track down, and fans of black metal and black thrash will not be disappointed.

www.undercover-records.de

Morbosatan--Morbo, Coca, Satan (CD) {2025 Ablaze Productions}

This is the third full length from this Peruvian black/death/thrash outfit. They remind me a little of their countrymates Anal Vomit, as they play a similar mixture of black thrash and death metal. They also may remind the listener of Mortem. Their execution is loose and lethal, with no need for precision beyond the instruments being on time. Their DNA can likely be traced back to the early South American scene, with bands like Sarcofago, Sepultura, and Holocausto as probable influences, perhaps with a dose of Canada's Blasphemy. The vocals are primarily a low growl, showing their death metal roots. The vocal patterns are well thought out and they punctuate the riffs perfectly. The production is bass guitar heavy, and you can really hear what the rhythm section is doing. This album is definitely for fans of the old Brazilian scene or of the current Peruvian or Chilean scenes.

ablazeprods666.bandcamp.com

Leviathan A.C.--God's Failure (CD) {2026 Nekromantra Records}

This is the first full length from this one-man project from Spain under this re-named band, which was formerly just Leviathan when he lived in Venezuela, from what I can tell. It's a continuation of sorts. This is black metal played in the old Norwegian style, and as such sounds similar to a lot of acts right now trying to reclaim and amplify that sound and atmosphere. The thing that sets them apart is the mid-range vocals that are more of a yell than a growl, and they're fairly unique sounding. However, the vocal patterns aren't very interesting, being very monotonous, with one song blending into another a bit - they need more variation and better planning of vocal patterns. One standout song is "Heralds of Chaos," which was quite good, opening with some melody and some synths added for effect, and continuing to add some of those elements throughout the song. It really makes a difference on the record when one track is this good and stands out. Overall this is a middling effort that should spark some interest with real collectors, but it's nothing that's going to blow you away. 

nekromantrarecords.bandcamp.com

Dehydrated--Victims:Over 30 Years Of Sickness DCD{Paragon Rec.}

 

Slovakia's  Dehydrated  will release a double cd complilation of most of their sold out releases through Paragon Rec. here in the U.S. Starting off with cd 1 is the 2025 EP. Victims with seven tracks of quality well delievered death metal in the old school style.The guitars and drums are well executed with some memorable guitar passages that are played with skill,The guitarist writes some excellent patterns and solo's are used throughout the songs.The vocals are death metal growls similar to the 90's but are well done powerful death metal growls.And Death Shall have no Dominion is the 2019 EP. featuring two tracks of  pure death metal that is a mix of heavy mid paced and some faster patterns.Both musicial styles are performed with intensity and skill. Up next is the bands 2017 full length Resurrection with six tracks of  aggressive and a faster paced death metal style which is done very well showcasing the bands ability to play a more fast paced and also a more controlled and slower death metal.The second cd starts off with the bands 1997 full length Idea's which is eleven tracks of well performed death metal with a mix of fast paced musicial passages and some more controlled mid paced patterns.Both styles are performed with excellent musicianship.The vocals are old school gruff death metal growls.Up next is the bands songs off their split with Bestialit the four tracks are a little more dark in their delievery with some well performed drumming and guitar passages that are extreme.The vocals are more death metal growls that are done with some powerful vocal style.The final release presented on this double cd is the bands debut demo Festered Find featuring seven tracks of raw death metal the music is performed with a mix of extremely fast paced drumming and guitars but the band does slow to a mid paced range to give each track it's own identity. If you  have  never heard Dehydrated and are a fan of old school quality death metal you need to get this release today.                                                                                Dehydrated                                                                      https://www.facebook.com/groups/526881854152655                                                                                  https://www.instagram.com/dehydratedskofficial/                                                                             Paragon Rec.                                                                                                                                              https://www.paragonrecords.org/                                                                                                                   https://www.facebook.com/paragonrecordsli/                                                                                               https://www.instagram.com/paragon_records_official/

Hibernum--Djavo (CD) {2025 Satanath Records}

This is slicky performed, polished black metal from Croatia, their first full length. The band has been around in some form since 2003 when their first demo was published. There are some similarities, superficially, to Immortal in the riffing, but that's where the similarities end. The primary vocal style here is a hoarse yell, which definitely sets this band apart from a lot of black metal today. Sung vocals make an appearance throughout the record at points, and they add both melody and atmosphere, and are performed a lot like Emperor's clean vocals, or Watain's yells. The riffs alternate between laid back and brutal, but the drums never back off and it's full speed ahead most of the time. This is fairly enjoyable stuff, and it reeks of true feeling and intent, but isn't stuck trying to imitate others. Definitely original.

satanath.com

Zweihander---Genocidal Siege Of Thorn Knights{Digital}{Independent}

 

Zweihander is a band that comes out of Chile's black,death war metal  scene and this is a review of the bands debut EP.Genocidal  Siege Of Thorn Knights.Featuring a intro and outro and six songs of savage and vicious war metal at it's  finest.The guitars are played with fast paced guitar patterns that are violent and aggressive in the delievery.The drums are a barrage of blast beats that will pummel the listener.The music is not all insanely chaotic and fast as the band does play some slower mid paced instruments in the intro and outro.The vocals are powerful death metal growls that are done with some sick vocal patterns.Genocidal  Siege Of Thorn Knights is a really well done release of relentless war black and death metal.

Zweihander

https://zweihanderwar.bandcamp.com/album/genocidal-siege-of-thorn-knights

https://www.instagram.com/zweihander.war?igsh=MWRqeGt1YWxsNXVpaw%3D%3D

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

Zweihander--Disciplines Of Gro-Goroth{Demo 2025) {Digital}{Independent}

 

This  is the debut demo from Chile's black and death war metal band Zweihander.Disciplines Of Gro-Goroth  consists of a intro that is chanting and three tracks of barbaric black and death war metal that is vicious in the delievery.Both the guitars and drums are done with powerful and raw music passages.that will pummel the listener with it's violent delievery.The vocals are death metal growls that are powerful and vicious.Zweihander has delievered a crazed and barbaric debut demo all those into the war black and death scene should check this band out.

Zweihander

https://zweihanderwar.bandcamp.com/album/disciplines-of-gro-goroth-demo-2025

https://www.instagram.com/zweihander.warutm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw%3D%3D

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

Interview with Radek owner of Northern Shadow

 

1.Hello Radek please introduce yourself to the readers?

Hi everyone !!!

Radek here , i run distro and label Northernshadow , Proudly Canadian since 2020

2.When did you first discover Black Metal and what is it about this genre that drew you?

My first contact with black metal was in the early ’90s with the Necromantia / Varathron split "Black Arts Lead to Everlasting Sins". At the time, I was a huge death metal fan (Morbid Angel, Entombed, Deicide, etc.), and this release felt completely different. The mysticism and evil atmosphere were overwhelming, and I realized that this was exactly what I had been looking for in metal music.

Because of this release, I still love Hellenic black metal and bands like early Rotting Christ (Thy Mighty Contract and Non Serviam are perfect), Necromantia, Varathron, Katavasia, and others. Later, I discovered the Norwegian black metal bands with their colder approach—and that sealed the deal for me

3.Who were the first bands that you listened to and who are some of the current bands that you have been listening to?

If you count all the bands that paved the way to black metal, then the very first one for me was of course Slayer (South of Heaven). But as I said, the first BM release I heard was the Necromantia / Varathron split. That’s where my journey with Hellenic black metal began. Later, I discovered Emperor (Wrath of the Tyrant EP and their great split with Enslaved) and Darkthrone. I liked Darkthrone’s debut, and I was really surprised by the direction they chose on the second album—but in hindsight it feels like it was meant to be, because the following records showed real consistency.

I’ve discovered a lot of bands since the early ’90s and had the privilege of watching black metal evolve into what it is today. But I can honestly say I never expected it to become so diverse. It has mutated into so many subgenres that I’m sometimes surprised by the bands that are still considered black metal.

4.When did you first get the idea to start this label?How did you come up with the name Northern Shadow?

It’s hard to pinpoint the exact date, but I think the final decision came at the beginning of the COVID pandemic. Sitting at home helped me finalize all the details and launch an online store with vinyl records, which is still growing. Later, I decided to release a few things — and here I am. The name was always meant to reflect the North, and I think I captured what I wanted.

5.What are your current releases that are availible for the readers to purchase?

On December 21 last year, I released my first vinyl: KASM "Gravitational Echoes", cosmic black metal from Alberta, Canada. The purple vinyl edition is limited to 110 copies. All my releases are available at my online store: https://northernshadow.ca/

6.What do you look for when signing and releasing a band?What styles of metal do you release on your label?Are you currently looking for new bands to work with or is your roster full for now?

Of course — I'm always looking for new bands! What I look for is hard to define, because it’s mostly based on feel. If I like the music, the atmosphere of the record, the album concept, and the arrangements, then I’m open to working together. I try not to make decisions based strictly on genre, because I believe there’s only good music and bad music. Genres blend so much these days that it’s often hard to draw clear lines, and I don’t want to be closed ‑ minded.

But you’ve probably noticed that so far all my releases have been black metal, and I think that will remain the main genre for my label.

7.What are some of your upcoming releases in 2026 that the readers should watch out for?

I don’t have any confirmed dates yet, but something is definitely brewing.

8.If their are any labels or bands reading this do you do many trades with labels or do you prefer to buy wholesale?If their are any labels reading this how can they get in contact with you about possible trades?

Of course, I’m open to trades and other forms of cooperation. All contact details and socials are available on my website: https://northernshadow.ca

9. Radek you live in Canada what is your opinion of the mighty Canadian metal scene over the years?

I think the Canadian metal scene has always been a bit in the background — it was never as famous as Florida death metal, Teutonic thrash, Swedish DM, and so on. But there are many great bands here, starting with Voivod, Annihilator, and Sacrifice, to the powerful war metal scene with Blasphemy and Revenge. Quebec practically breathes black metal, and Ontario gave us Woods of Ypres (sadly, RIP) and Thantifaxath.

There are plenty of great bands here, and that’s why I’m trying to focus on releasing Canadian artists — I think there’s a lot of potential in this scene

10.Who are your all-time favorite Bands coming out of Canada?Are their any new bands you could recomend to the readers to check out soon?

I can definitely recommend Miserere Luminis from Québec. Their new album will be released via Debemur Morti in March. You can also check out their previous albums—great atmospheric black metal

11.Besides your own label are their any other Canadian Metal labels that you can recomend or that you have worked with?

To be honest, I haven’t had direct contact with other labels in Canada, but I can recommend CDN Records from Ontario — they specialize more in death metal

12.When you need to take a break from working on label business what do you like to do in your free time?

Hahaha — the label is my main free time hobby. I have a regular job and a family, so free time is limited. I’m more of a metal fan than a businessman, so I’m sure there are many things I could do better with the label. But I’m in the comfortable position where it’s only a side gig, so I don’t have to base my decisions on money or compromises — I just release what I like and distribute what I like.

For example, I love Hellenic black metal and I’ve stocked almost everything I could get my hands on, but it mostly gathers dust because it’s not very popular here in Canada. Still, I believe this niche approach is my strength, and maybe with my small contribution, those bands will gain more fans here.

13.Do you get to go to very many shows in your town or area? What have been some of your most memorable shows that you have gotten to witness?Who are your favorite bands that you have got to see live?

There aren’t many interesting shows here — unfortunately, most of the really exciting ones happen in Europe. We mostly get the more mainstream bands like Vader, Behemoth,Cradle of Filth, and a few others. The last truly great show I saw was Wardruna a few years ago.

14.Thank you Radek for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final comments for the readers?

Thank you for reading! Please check out the albums I have released. The best option is to visit my YouTube channel —I uploaded all my releases there: https://www.youtube.com/@Northernshadow-ca    Northern Shadow                                                                                                                                           https://northernshadow.ca/                                                                                                                             https://www.facebook.com/northernshadowwebstore/                                                                                 https://www.instagram.com/northernshadow.ca/                                                                                           https://www.youtube.com/@Northernshadow-ca                                                                                          

Slaughter Messiah--Exorcised to None (CD) {2024 High Roller Records}

Slaughter Messiah has returned to give us a three song EP, but with an extra three live renditions of the studio tracks included. They plan an amalgam of styles here, a mixture of black, death, and thrash metal that truly satisfies the ear. I can hear Destruction and Bathory in their sound, but I also hear Dissection, Nifelheim, and Destroyer 666. Together it's more than the sum of its parts, with well-written and memorable songs. The drums are nicely recorded and have that slightly "wet" sound I like so much, and they sound quite natural, almost live. The vocalist reminds me of a mixture of early Destruction and Bathory, and his delivery is fantastic. A quick note on the live tracks: they're a bit of an afterthought. I would rather have heard different songs than the same three songs as the studio tracks. Perhaps we could get three songs from across their discography. It would make it more interesting, overall. But, that's nitpicky. This is a worthy release, and absolutely worth adding to your collection.'

hrrecords.de

Geheimnisvoll--Pale Triumph of the Hidden Flame (LP) {2026 Obscurant Visions}

Geheimnisvoll plays black metal in the ancient Norwegian and Finnish styles, with darkly melodic riffs over relentless drumming and bass work. Sargeist and Gorgoroth come to mind as comparable artists, but obviously this band has its own personality and isn't a clone of anything. There are just similarities. The production is just raw enough to give it some personality. Vocally, this is typical black metal fare, but cavernous-sounding, all full of echo and atmosphere. Tremolo-picked riffs are the primary form of guitar expression here, as suits the style. The song titles are evocative and descriptive, with my favorite being "Wraith's Ascent Through Ashen Skies." If the raw end of black metal is where your deviant loyalties lie, you could do worse than going and finding this record. 

www.obscurantvisions.com

Mist of Doom--Oldupai (Digital) {2026 Independent}

Spanish Mist of Doom play a black metal/crust crossover that's a compelling and refreshing take on two genres that can prove stagnant. The crust riffs energize the affair and create a sense of urgency while the cold black metal riffs preserve the anger and pure hate that black metal should have. It winds up acting a bit like black thrash in practice, and adherents of that style would do well to investigate this band. The production is crisp and hard-edged, and the guitar tones are bright and black at the same time. It's also very natural sounding, almost a live sound. The band's black metal side is a bit introspective and laid back - I'd prefer some blasting hell here, but what they're doing works well enough. Vocally, we get a black metal croak that also has the power of punk anger behind it, and they're very well-performed. This is definitely something to check out if you prefer black thrash or black punk, it will be well worth your while.

mistofdoom.bandcamp.com

Tenebroso--O Ceifador das Almas (CD) {2025 Mal Caminho Productions}

This is Brazilian black metal played in the ancient Norwegian style, but with plenty of cold melody in the largely tremolo-picked riffs. Often, there's a melody played overtop the main riffs, and there's almost a folk-like quality to some of it. This band has been remarkably prolific so far, already on its sixth release in its first year of existence, this being the second full length. This is ok stuff, not something that blew me away at all, but was fine for what it is. I just have a hard time getting into this sort of melodic, almost somber, black metal. I prefer brutality over melody. But if you are the opposite of me, try it out, for your mileage may vary.

tenebroso98.bandcamp.com

Kurse Relic--Ninth Rib (CS) {2025 Vermignosis Records}

Kurse Relic from Seattle plays very much American-sounding black metal with the low-end rumble of war metal, the repetition of an act like Von, but with much more variety in the riff department. This is their second full length since their debut effort in 2020. The riffs are indeed so repetitive that they achieve an almost trancelike effect at times. The band also has a proclivity for doomed-out sections as well, sometimes slowing to a crawl and using dissonant riffs in a repetitious way while doing so. The vocals are a throaty, powerful rasp that are performed with perfection - this is a talented vocalist that has some serious ability. Also of note are the toms, which thunder appropriately in the mix, reminding me a little of the old Mayhem drum sound. This isn't a bad record at all, and worth looking into if you like more offbeat styles of black metal, or black doom.

www.vermignosis.com

Arcane Frost--Night's Cavalry (CS/LP) {Bleeding Heart Nihilist Productions}

This is German black metal of a fairly aggressive nature, but with a lot of slower elements to it. Everything is very tight and well-performed, with excellently written songs. The guitar tone instantly reminded me of Hellhammer when they slowed down to a doomed-out pace, and it wouldn't surprise me if they're an influence here. In fact, this band seems to have a proclivity for doom, and their songs either start very slowly or come to a crawl halfway through. The slow parts are agonizing affairs with howled vocals and atmosphere created by instruments alone. The band is quite original, and I can think of no one else that sounds quite like this. They kept the best for last with the title track "Night's Cavalry," which is a great song and all the elements of their sound mesh perfectly here. While this isn't my favorite style of black metal, they have enough fast parts to keep me interested, and that's the challenge, isn't it? I was interested, and that's 90% of the battle. The cover art is also quite fantastic - I spent a while looking at it.

www.bleedingheartnihilist.de

Astral Ruins--Cursebound (Digital) {Independent}

Hailing from Austria, this is another band doing their level best to play in the ancient Norwegian style. The riffs are rather melodic and somber, but the emotion is there, cultivated by the screams of the singer and his powerful throat. They also have some atmospheric moments that let the rest of the music breathe, like the instrumental track "Keys to Astral Dimensions." Of special note is the rhythm section of the band, drums and bass working tightly together, especially as regards the double bass drumming. The bass tone is perfection, rumbling underneath the guitars and really anchoring the band's sound. The cover of the album is laid out like a cassette tape, so I hope there may be some physical format to come sometime soon. I'm a big believer that serious bands need physical products. Until then, we have digital.

astralruins.bandcamp.com

Vlad Spirit--Ashes of the Crimson Kingdom (LP) {Obscurant Visions}

This is the first full length and only release from this Grecian act. It is clearly their intention to create black metal that hearkens back to the early Norwegian scene and the sound emanating from it. Their riffs are ice cold yet somehow melancholic in a way, yet they have no shortage of blastbeats on the record. The riffs are also grandiose and epic, evoking sweeping vistas and frozen tundras. The singer croaks his vocals, almost, and sounds rather unique. This is remarkably melodic stuff, and dense. I would need the lyrics to truly dissect the arrangements. While it's not an instant classic that immediately blew me away, it is indeed good, and succeeds in its mission to evoke the feel of old black metal. The production is well-suited to this, with a rawness that helps give the album an ancient sound. It's definitely worth checking out, even if only digitally.

www.obscurantvisions.com

Elderwinter--Embrace Of The Ancient Defiler {Digital}{Independent}

 

Elderwinter is a  raw black metal  band that comes out of Russia.Embrace Of The Ancient Defiler is the latest EP. featuring a short intro and four tracks of mid paced black metal.The guitars are played with some mid paced guitar patterns that well delievered.The guitarist does speed to faster pace throughout a few of the songs.The vocals are raw,grim black metal screams and some gruff screams.This is a pretty decent demo not for everyone but if you are into raw,primitive black metal then be sure to check the band out.                                                                                                                                                      Elderwinter                                                                                                                                                     https://elderwinter.bandcamp.com/                                                                                                                https://www.instagram.com/elderwinter_band/                                                                                           

Atomic Front-Kaiser,Kaos,Kommando digital&cd{Southern Sound Clash Rec.}

 

Atomic Front from Germany returns with their debut EP. Kaiser,Kaos,Kommando which is getting a cd release through  Southern Sound Clash Rec.on the new release the band plays bestial and chaotic mix of black and death metal.The guitars are played with extremly fast guitar passages.The guitarist does add some mid paced patterns entertwined into the chaotic music.The drumming is played with hyperspeed blast beats that are done with powerful drum patterns.The vocals are grim raw black metal screams and screeches and some gruff growls are also used throughout the songs.Again this is primitive and raw black death so if you are a fan of this genre defintly give this a listend and buy a cd once they are out.     Atomic  Front 

https://southernsoundclashrecords.bandcamp.com/album/kaiser-kaos-kommando

https://www.instagram.com/atomic.front/

https://www.youtube.com/@atomicfront-w5w

Southern Sound Clash Rec.

https://southernsoundclashrecords.bandcamp.com/album/kaiser-kaos-kommando

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

https://www.facebook.com/southernsoundclash

Atomic Front-Self Titled demo cassette&digital{Rat Cave}

 

This is debut demo from Germany's raw black war metal band Atomic Front.The debut consists of five songs of  primitive and brutal metal that will only please the fans of true underground raw black war metal.The music is fast paced guitars and drums that are mainly played with fast paced patterns.The music does slow to a mid paced in a few of the tracks but not for very long.The vocals are raw black metal screams and some gruff  growls are also used in a few of the songs. As mentioned Atomic Front plays fast and furious black death metal that is extreme and raw so if you are fan of this style defintly give the band a listen.If you are more into the polished well produced black metal then you will probably hate this release.

Atomic Front

https://atomicfront.bandcamp.com/album/atomic-front

https://www.instagram.com/atomic.front/

https://www.youtube.com/@atomicfront-w5w

Rat Cave 

https://ratcovenant.bandcamp.com/album/dis-063-atomic-front-atomic-front

https://www.instagram.com/rat_cov_2/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYQhQzcVfX84T8Sz8Qfr2iw

Mortal Scepter--Ethereal Dominance (CD/LP/CS) {Xtreem Music}

This quartet from France have released their second full length a full six years after their first. This is black thrash, but very heavy on the thrash, being quite technical and skillful. The music is a hybrid of the Bay Area and German thrash sounds, leaning more toward the German side, with driving riffs on the one hand and speed and technicality on the other. The vocals are a rabid growl that would be at home on any good black metal record and the singer is is both powerful and authentic. He's somewhat rhythmic in his vocal patterns, reminding me a lot of early Kreator and slightly of early Sodom. The cover of the record is interesting, geared more toward science fiction than anything, and that's quite different for black thrash.  I'd be willing to bet these bastards kill in a live setting, and I know my neck would hurt the next day. This comes highly recommended - this is not "pizza and party" thrash, this is the real deal.

xtreemmusic.com

Stormdemon--A Horrifying Conflagration of Luciferian Supremacy (Digital) {Independent}

Here we have brutal, blasting black metal but with a death metal edge to it. There are plenty of ripping black metal riffs, but a few classic death metal riffs on top of a bit of thrash, too. It's as much Morbid Angel as it is Marduk. The drums are programmed, but they're done so well that you may not even notice it unless you're looking for it. The riffs are total precision, tight and taut, stretched over the drums to perfection. They're precise in the same way that a band like Annihilator is precise - there is technical ability here. I don't like the low vocals so much (they seem forced), and I'd like to see a more powerful vocal being used on those parts. However, by contrast, the high vocals have power and conviction, and are intense. They have excellent song titles, including "Hexfire Monolith," "Ritual Blades in the Temple of Rot," and "Infernal Cyclonic Apocalypse." Those are vivid and evocative titles. We even get a Summon cover to end the album, and it fits perfectly into their style. This is highly recommended for those of you that want your black metal fast and heavy, because this band delivers both with no compromise.

Iron Bludgeon--Luciferian Kommando (CS) {Final Return Records}

All the way from Osaka, Japan comes Iron Bludgeon with this cassette of black death. It's brutal war metal with a simplistic approach and a very repetitive way of writing songs. They ride riffs until it becomes almost trance-inducing, like a cross between Blasphemy and Von, with perhaps some Conqueror influence as well. The guitars are noisy and blown-out, with a buzzsaw roar. Do they perhaps use an HM-2? I'm not sure, but it sounds like they might on one guitar. The vocals are barked in a death grunt similar to Blasphemy's. The performance is tight but not overly concerned with precision - it's meant to be a bit raw. If you dig war metal, this is right in your wheelhouse, and you could definitely find worse bands. This is pretty good shit.

Revelator--Light the Devil's Fire (CD) {Nameless Grave Records}

From Alberta, Canada comes this black metal band with their first full length. This is North American style black metal through and through with a death metal edge and a slightly proclivity toward thrashy riffs. I found it interesting that on Metal Archives they listed Begrime Exemious, Mortuary Drape, and Ares Kingdom as similar bands. If you put those three in a blender, it would probably be not too far off from what's on this record. The riffing tends toward the melodic, often lending their tracks a rather epic feel. The dark melodies in their sound are attributable to the black metal skeleton to which everything else is welded. The production is clean and natural, and there is plenty of space for each instrument to shine. They also have some badass song titles, like "By the Whip," "Inside My Cryptic Chambers," and "We, Who Reign with the Devil." This is definitely recommended to those who want their black metal with a dose of something extra.

namelessgraverecords.com

Doomnivorous--Self titled cassette&digital{Rat Covenant}

 

This is a review of Russia's Doomnivorous self titled EP that was released on cassette through the German label Rat Covenant.Starting off with a intro the music kicks in some raw guitars and drums that are played with aggressive fast paced music.The guitars are raw with a mix of fast paced guitars with some slower mid paced passages.The guitarist even has some solo's mixed into the songs that are well played.The drums are extremly fast and chaotic with some hyperspeed drum arrangements.The vocals are raw and harsh black metal screams that fit the musician style nicely. If you are looking for a good war metal band that plays raw and bestial black metal then check this band out today.                            Rat Covenant                                                                                                                                                   https://ratcovenant.bandcamp.com/album/rat-213-doomnivorous-doomnivorous                                       https://www.instagram.com/rat_cov_2/                                                                                                        https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYQhQzcVfX84T8Sz8Qfr2iw                                                          

                             

HellHunger--The Painful Will Of An Ancient Being cassette&digital{Rat covenant}

 

HellHunger is a solo project that was started by Shoggoth who's other bands include Shoggoth and Doomnivorous.The Painful Will Of An Ancient Being is the debut full length featuring eight tracks of well composed and performed black metal.This project seems more rooted in the traditional raw black metal with some very well delievered musicial passages.The guitars are played with some memorable patterns and passages.The guitars range from extreme fast paced patterns amd some mid paced passages.Both guitar styles are performed with skillful writing.The drums are played with skill and delievers some very well performed drum patterns.Like the guitars the drums are a mix of extremly fast drums and some slower mid paced drum patterns.The vocals are raw and grim black metal screams and shrieks. This debut from HellHunger is very impressive and i hope the band releases more quality releases soon.                                                                                                                                            Rat covenant                                                                                                                                                   https://ratcovenant.bandcamp.com/album/rat-219-hellhunger-the-painful-will-of-an-ancient-being          https://www.instagram.com/rat_cov_2/                                                                                                       https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYQhQzcVfX84T8Sz8Qfr2iw                                                          

GOATKRIEG--Hanging God cassette/digital(Rat Covenant}

 

Hanging God is the second EP.coming from GOATKRIEG who are a  duo with members from Germany and Hungary.The new EP.features five tracks of bestial and uncomprimising black and death metal that is savage in the delievery.The music is played with a assault of fast blasting drums and some whirlwind fast paced guitars.The vocals are demonic and brutal growls and some shrieks and screams are also used throughout the songs.Hanging God is another masterpiece of brutal bestial black and death metal that should please all fans of this genre.                                                                                                                 GOATKRIEG                                                                                                                                                                     https://goatkrieg.bandcamp.com/                                                                                                               https://www.facebook.com/people/Goatkrieg/61555964307690/                                                               https://www.instagram.com/goatkrieg/?igsh=NXF4aXg5cG93N2hj#   

Rat  Coveenant 

https://ratcovenant.bandcamp.com/album/dis-061-goatkrieg-hanging-god

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYQhQzcVfX84T8Sz8Qfr2iw

https://www.instagram.com/rat_cov_2/

                                                                                                

    

GoatKrieg--Satan's Legion Marches cassette/digital release{Rat Covenant}

 

GoatKrieg  is a two man band with members in Germany and Hungary.Satan's Legion Marches is the debut EP.that is getting a cassette release through Rat Covenant. featuring  eight tracks of bestial and relentless black death metal.Moloch handles the instrumens and writing the music Both the guitars and drums are a barrage of fast and chaotic guitar patterns,The drumming is fast blasting drums that bulldoze through each song with intensity and barbarity.The vocals  are handled by  Bal and are a mix of demonic and brutal growls that are delievered with power.Their are also some insanely blackend shrieks and screams that give each song a nice mix.Satan's Legion Marches  is a must have for all those who love bestial and brutal black death metal you will not be disapointed.                                              GoatKrieg                                                                                                                                                     https://www.facebook.com/people/Goatkrieg/61555964307690/                                                                https://www.instagram.com/goatkrieg/?igsh=NXF4aXg5cG93N2hj                                                          https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDIlWEj_KOswZCwVqEdr43g   

Rat Covenant 

https://ratcovenant.bandcamp.com/album/dis-062-goatkrieg-satans-legion-marches                                 https://www.instagram.com/rat_cov_2/                                                                                                                 youtube.com/channel/UCYQhQzcVfX84T8Sz8Qfr2iw?reload=9                                                                         

Funebre Devastation--Allegiance In Torment cd{Morbid Shrine Prod.}

 

Allegiance In Torment  is the latest EP from Spain's Funebre Devastation.Featuring four tracks of old school death and thrashing anthems.The music is rooted in the early to mid 80's thrash,death metal scene.The guitars are played with speed and aggressive patterns that are well executed.The guitarist does write some memorable passages and adds some well performed solo's throughout the songs.The drums are equally as impressive with some fast and chaotic drum patterns that are played with power.Like the guitars the drummer does perform some extremly chaotic yet well delievered drum passages.The vocals are old school gruff growls and some raw gruff screams are used in a few of the songs.If you are looking for bands that play old school death metal with alot of thrash influences then defintly check out Funebre Devastation today                                                                                            Funebre Devastation                                                                                                                                      https://www.facebook.com/funebredevastation#                                                                                        https://www.instagram.com/funebredevastation/                                                                                         Morbid Shrine Prod.                                                                                                                                  https://morbidshrineproductions.es/                                                                                                            https://morbidshrineproductions.bandcamp.com/album/allegiance-in-torment-mcd-2025                      https://www.facebook.com/morbidshrineproductions                                                                                https://www.instagram.com/morbidshrineproductions/#                                                                          https://www.youtube.com/jsdreed