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