Urze de Lume/Bravios/2025 Full Length Review

  This  is  a  review  of  another  recording  from  Portugal's  solo  project  Urze  de  Lume  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  neo-folk  style  with  elements  of  dark  ambient,  drone  and  ritual  and  the  album  was  self  released  in  2025  and  called  "Bravious".

  Field  recordings  and  atmospheric  sounding  drones  start  off  the  album  while  the  synths  also  add  in  elements  of  ambient.  When  percussion  is  utilized  it  also  takes  the  music  into  more  of  a  ritualistic  direction  along  with  some  folk  instruments  also  being  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  album.

  Most  of  the  music  also  sticks  to  an  instrumental  direction  while  the  music  also  captures  a  very  tribal,  shamanistic  and  medieval  atmosphere  at  times.  Each  song  also  sounds  very  different  from  each  other  along  with  some  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  acoustic  guitars  and  nature  sounds  can  also  be  heard  on  a  lot  of  songs.

  On  this  recording  Urze  de  Lume  focuses  more  on  an  instrumental  and  ritualistic  style  of  neo-folk  as  well  as  adding  in  touches  of  ambient,  drone  and  field  recordings  to  create  something  very  different.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  song  themes  focus  more  on  Iberian  Paganism,  Traditions  and  Occultism.    

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  Urze  de  Lume  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  instrumental  and  ritualistic  neo-folk,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Besta  Soberana"  "Notrtada  Sanabresa"  "Fojos  de  Sangue"  and  "Expiritos  de  um  Crepusculo  Silvestre".  8  out  of  10.

  

"BRAVIOS"

WEB FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE SPOTIFY     

Hiemis/Compendium/Moctivagant/2025 Compilation Album Review

  Spin's  Hiemis  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a mixture  of  dark  ambient,  drone  and  ritual  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  compilation  album  "Compendium"  which  consists  of  songs  recorded  between  2018  and  2025  with  one  unreleased  track.

  Atmospheric  sounding  drones  and  dark  ambient  style  synths  start  off  the  compilation  while  some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very ritualistic  sounding  along  with  all  of  the  songs  sounding  very  different  from  each  other  and  most  of  the  songs  also  stick  to  an  instrumental  direction.

  A  lot  of  the  music  also  captures  an  improvised  atmosphere  while  also  mixing  in  a  good  amount  of  electronic  sounds.  Some  of  the  songs  also  show  the  recording  also  going  into  more  of  an  experimental  direction  along  with  the  synths  also  adding  in  a  variety  of  many  different  sounding  keys,  programmed  beats  and  percussion  can  also  be  heard  on  a  few  tracks  and  both  spoken  words  and  whispers  are  also  introduced  as  the  compilation  progresses.  

  On  this  compilation  Hiemis  continues  the  mixture  of  dark  ambient,  drone  and  ritual  from  previous  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  lo-fi  while  the  song  themes  focus  on  occult  and  esoteric  topics.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  collection  from  Hiemis  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  dark  ambient,  drone  and  ritual,  you  should  check  out  this  compilation.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Ubbo-Sathla"  "Holocaust  of  Atonement"  "Abraxis"  and  "in  Silent".  8  out  of  10.

https://noctivagantcollective.bandcamp.com/album/compendium-2   

Capricorni Pneumatica/IX TAB/Eighth Tower Records/2025 Album Re-Issue Review

  This  is  a  review  of  another  recording  from  Italy's  Capricorni  Pneumatica  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  mixture  of  dark  ambient,  drone,  ritual  and  electronic  music  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  1987  album  "IX  TAB"  which  was  re-issued  in  2025  by  Eighth  Tower  Records.

  Ritualistic  percussion  and  electronic  drones  start  off  the  album  while  the  music  also  gets  very  experimental  at  times.  When  synths  are  utilized  they  also  add  in  elements  of  dark  ambient  along  with  each  song  also  sounding  very  different  from  each  other and  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  A  lot  of  the  music  is  also  done  in  a  very  improvised  style  while  most  of  the  album  sticks  to  an  instrumental  direction.  Electronic  music  sounds  also  also  used  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  album  along  with  some  songs  also  adding  in  more  of  a  repetitive  style  and  one  track  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  distorted  voices,  spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

  On  this  recording  Capricorni  Pneumatica  takes  dark  ambient,  drone,  ritual  and  experimental  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  very diverse  album.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  song  themes  focus  on  Mayan  Mysteries,  Western/Medieval  Esotericism  and  Vampirism.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Capricorni  Pneumatica  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  dark  ambient,  drone,  ritual  and  experimental,  you  should  check  out  this  re-issue.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "I.A.O"  "Akhkharu"  "Khampa"  and  "La  Quattro  Porte".  8  out  of  10.

  https://eighthtowerrecords.bandcamp.com/album/ix-tab     

Hostile Surgery/Stray Volts/Music Analysis Discussions Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Switzerland's  solo  project  Hostile  Surgery  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  mixture  of  rhythmic  noise,  drone,  dark  ambient,  industrial  and  techno  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2025  album  "Stray  Volts"  which  was  released  by  Music  Anlysis  Discussions  Records.

  Dark  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  while  also  adding  in  some  programmed  beats  which  also  add  in  elements  of  techno  and  industrial.  Harsh  noises  are  also  utilized  at times  along  with  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and   also  each  song  sounds very  different  from  each  other.

  A  lot  of  the  album  also  sticks  to  an  instrumental  direction  while  the  songs  also  add  in  touched  of  ambient  when  they  are  utilized.  Drones  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  some  melodies  and  rhythm's  as  well  as  some  touches  of  post-punk  done  in  more  of  an  electronic  direction,  one  track  also  adds  in a  brief  use  of  harsh  vocals  and  clear  singing.

  On  this  recording  Hostile  Surgery  takes  rhythmic  noise,  drone,  dark  ambient,  industrial  and  techno  to  create  something  very  different.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  song  themes  focus  on  social  tension,  liminal  places,  digital  overload,  occult  conflicts,  the  static  of  broken  communication  and  converting  chaos  into  abstraction.   

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Hostile  Surgery  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  rhythmic  noise,  drone,  dark  ambient,  industrial  and  techno,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Dead  Angle"  "Days  Of  Wild  Iron"  "Lost  Genesis"  and  "No  Hope  No  Fear".  8  out  of  10.

  https://hostilesurgery.bandcamp.com/album/stray-volts

   

Dodssang Tempel/Hymns From The Chapel Morgue/Cursed Monk Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  U.S.A's  solo  project  Dodssang  Tempel  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  an  occult  mixture  of  harsh  noise,  death  industrial  and  power  electronics  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2025  album  "Hymns  From  The  Chapel  Morgue"  which  was  released  by  Cursed  Monk  Records.

  Clear  chants  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  harsh  noises  and  power  electronics  a  few  seconds  later.  At  times  the  music  also  adds  in  the  brutality  of  death  industrial  while  each  song  also  sounds  very  different  from  each  other  along  with  a  couple  of  tracks  also  sticking  to  more  of  an  instrumental  direction.

  When  synths  are  utilized  they  also  add  in  touches  of  Teutonic  space  music  with  some  cosmic  touches  while  the  album  also  has  its  ritualistic  moments.  Some  of  the  music  is  also  suitable  for  meditation's  along  with  the  heavier  and  distorted  side  of  the  album  also  adding  in  elements  of  black  and  doom  metal  

  On  this  recording  Dosssang  Tempel  brings  out  a  very  diverse  mixture  of  harsh  noise,  death  industrial  and  power  electronics  as  well  as   mixing  in  the  ritualistic  side  of  black  and  doom  metal  to  create  something  very  different.  The  production  ouds  very  dark  while  the  song  themes  focus  on  Satanism,  Occultism  and  Blasphemy.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Dodssang  Tempel  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  harsh  noise,  death  industrial  and  power  electronics,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Banging  Down  The  Gates  Of  Heaven"  and  "The  Truth  Of  His  Lies".  8  out  of  10.

   https://cursedmonk.bandcamp.com/album/hymns-from-the-chapel-morgue

      

Monotone Monk/Withering Of Reality's Presence/Ominous Sounds/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Monotone  Monk  are  a  solo  project  from  Spain  that  plays  a  mixture  of  dark  ambient,  drone,  post  industrial  and  ritual  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2024  album  "Withering  Of  Reality's  Presence"  which  was  released  by  Ominous  Sounds.

  Dark  ambient  synths  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  drones  a  few  seconds  later  and  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  At  times  the  music  also  captures  the  atmosphere  of  a  horror  movie  soundtrack  and  on  some  of  the  tracks  the  recording  goes  into  more  of  a  ritualistic  direction.

  A  lot  of  the  tracks  also  stick  to  more  of  an  instrumental  direction  while  the  album  also  has  its  experimental  moments.  Industrial  style  beats  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording,  when  voices  are  added  into  the  background  they  also  enhance  the  occult  atmosphere  o  the  music  as  well  as  some  of  music  also  bringing  in  the  more  evil  and  atmospheric  side  of  black  metal  without  the  heavier  sections.

  Monotone  Monk  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  dark  ambient,  drone,  experimental,  post  industrial  and  ritual  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  his  own.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  song  themes  are  rooted  in  esotericism  and  desolation  with  some  inspiration  from  the  writings  of  Julius  Evola  and  the  paintings  of  Ferri.

  In  my  opinion  Montone  Monk  is  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  dark  ambient,  drone,  experimental,  post  industrial  and  ritual  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Traversing  Sensory  Deserts"  "Mirrors  And  Nooses"  and  "Flesh  Departure".  8  out  of  10.

  https://ominousounds.bandcamp.com/album/withering-of-realitys-presence

      

  

Hiemis/Nephilim/Noctivagant Records/2024 Full Length Review

 

  This  is  the  final  review  of  a  recording  from  Spain's  solo  project  Hiemis  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  mixture  of  dark  ambient,  drone  and  ritual  and  the  album  was  released  in  2024  by  Noctivagant  Records  and  called  "Nephilim".

   Atmospheric  sounding  drones  start  off  the  album  while  also  going  into  a  very  ritualistic  direction  at  times.  When  synths  are  utilized  they  also  bring  in  elements  of  dark  ambient  along  with  all  of  the  tracks  also  being  instrumentals  and  each  song  also  brings  a  very  different  sound  to  the  recording.

  The  synths  also  add  in  a  variety  of  many  different  sounding  keys  while  the  music  brings  n  the  atmosphere  of  a  movie  soundtrack  along  with  all  of  the  songs  stick  to  more  of  an  electronic  orientated  musical  direction.

  On  this  recording  Hiiemis  goes  for  a  mixture  of  dark  ambient,  drone  and  ritual  as  well  as  keeping  everything  instrumental.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  song  themes  focus  on  the  Nephilim,  Fallen  Angels,  Watchers,  Giants  and  there  relations  to  other  myths  and  ancient  civilizations.   

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  Hiemis  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  dark  ambient,  drone  and  ritual,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Watchers"  "Forbidden  Wisdom"  and  "Apocalypse".  8  out  of  10.

  https://hiemismusic.bandcamp.com/album/nephilim  

Hiemis/Malleus Maleficarum/Noctivagant Records/2023 Full Length Review

 

  This  is  a  review  of  a  recording  from  Spain's  solo  project  Hiemis  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  mixture  of  dark  ambient,  drone  and  ritual  and  the  album  was  released  in  2023  by  Noctivagant  Records  and  called  "Malleus  Maleficarum".

  The  sounds  of  flies  start  off  the  album  before  adding  in  some  soundscapes  and  dark  ambient  style  synths.  Demonic  voices  can  also  be  heard  at  times  while  the  music  also  has  its  ritualistic  moments  as  well  as  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  lot  of  drones  and  the  sounds  of  fire  wood  burning  is  also  used  briefly.

  At  times  the  synths  also  start  adding  in  more  keys  which  also  gives  the  album  a  lot  more  diversity  while  the  programmed  beats  also  add  in  more  of  a  tribal  touch.  All  of  the  songs  also  sound  very  different  from  each  other  along  with  some  distorted  sounds  also  being  utilized  on  a  few  tracks,  spoken  words  and  whispers  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  album.

  On  this  recording  Hiemis  takes  dark  ambient,  drone  and  ritual  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  very  haunting  and  disturbing  recording.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  are  a  concept  album  based  upon  witch  hunting  instruction  Manual  "Malleus  Maleficarum".

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Hiemis  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  dark  ambient,  drone  and  ritual,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Quod  Maledictum"  "Incubi  et  Succubi"  "Invocatio  ad  Daemonium"  and  "Confessio".  8  out  of  10.

  https://hiemismusic.bandcamp.com/album/malleus-maleficarum

  

Demonologists/Rakshasa/Aesthetic Death/Phage Tapes/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Demonologists  are  a  duo  from  Indiana  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  mixture  of  death  industrial,  blackened  noise  and  horror  electronics  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  "Rakshasa"  which  was  released  as  a  joint  effort  between  Aesthetic  Death  and  Phage  Tapes.

  Power  electronics  and  atmospheric  sounding  drones  start  off  the  album  while  the  synths  bring  in  more  of  a  dark  ambient  style.  After  awhile  industrial  beats  and  harsh  noises  start  making  their  presence  known  along  with  the  music  also  getting  very  experimental  and  avant  garde  sounding  at  times  and  black  metal  screams  and  demonic  growls  are  also  used  at  times.

  All  of  the  tracks  also  sound  very  different  from  each  other  while  a  couple  of  tracks also  adds  in  a small  amount  of  spoken  word  and  horror/sci-fi  movie  samples.  The  album  also  has  its  ritualistic  moments  along  with  the  heavier  guitars  also  expanding  on  the  extreme  metal  influence  when  they  are  also  introduced  onto  the  recording  and  some  songs  also  add  in  touches  of  goth  rock  and  EBM.

  On  this  recording  Demonologists  take  black  metal,  harsh  noise,  death  industrial,  dark  ambient,  ritual,  experimental,  EBM  and  goth  rock  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  very  diverse  release.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  cover  occultism,  horror,  self  destruction  and  death  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Demonologists  are  if  you  are  a  fan  of  death  industrial,  blackened  noise  and  horror  electronics,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Rat  Piss  Receptacle'  "Wet  Wings"  "Samskara"  and  "Symbiosis  Omen".  8  out  of  10.

  https://demonologists.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/liquiddeathrecords/      

The Slumbering/The Loss Of Humanity Complete/Aesthetic Death/2025 Full Length Review

 

  This  is  a  review  of  another  recording  from  U.S.A's  solo  project  The  Slumbering  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  mixture  of   noise,  occult  drone  and  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2025  album  "The  Loss  Of  Humanity  Complete"  which  will  be  released  on  March  28th  by  Aesthetic  Death.

  Power  electronics  and  distorted  drones  start  off  the  album  while  demonic  voices  are  also  added  into  the  background  at  times.    Some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  heavy  guitar  riffing  also  being  more  rooted  in  doom  metal  and  most  of  the  music  is  also  improvised.

  The  recording  also  captures  a  very  occult  atmosphere  at  times  while  one  track  also  adds  in  high  pitched  screams.  Noises  which  are  not  as  harsh  as  the  previous  releases  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording  along  with  all  of  the  songs  also  sounding  very  different  from  each  other   

  On  this  recording  The  Slumbeing  keeps  the  doom  metal  elements  of  previous  releases,  moves  away  from  the  harsh  noises  and  brings  in  more  of  an  occult  drone  style  to  create  something  very  different  from  previous  albums  while  the  production  sounds  very  dark.   

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  The  Slumbering  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  noise,  occult  drone  and  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Chapel  Of  The  Damned"  and  "Belief  in  Social  Doctrines".  8  out  of  10.

  https://theslumbering.bandcamp.com/

theslumbering@thedoorwayto.com

Vomitriste/Black Abyss Invocation/Roman Numeral/Machine Tribe Recordings/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Vomitriste  are  a  duo  from  Finland  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black  ambient,  death  industrial,  noise  and  drone  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Black  Abyss  Invocation"  which  was  released  as  a  joint  effort  between  Roman  Numeral  and  Machine  Tribe  Recordings.

  Power  electronics  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  a  few  seconds  later.  Most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  drones  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording  as  well  as  the  songs  also  mixing  in  a  lot  of  industrial  style  beats.

  At  times  the  music  also  brings  in  a  dark  ambient  orientated  atmosphere  while  the  album  also  has  its  ritualistic  moments.  When  synths  are  utilized  they  also  add  in  an  atmospheric  touch  along  with  some  tracks  also  adding  in  some   noises  and  each  song  also  sounds  very  different  from  each  other.  

  Vomitriste  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  black  ambient,  death  industrial,  noise  and  drone  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism,  Rituals  and  Darkness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Vomtriste  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black  ambient,  death  industrial,  noise  and  drone  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Humiliation  Ritual"  and  "Amber  Door".  8  out  of  10.

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

The Infinity Ring/Nemesis & Nativity/Profound Lore Records/2023 Full Length Review

 

  The  Infinity  Ring  are  a  band  from  the  New  England  region  of  the  United  States  that  plays  a  mixture  of  experimental  rock,  post  industrial,  drone,  noise  and  dark  folk  music  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2023  album  "Nemesis  &  Nativity"  which  was  released  by  Profound  Lore  Records.

  Atmospheric  sounding  drones  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  synths  a  few  seconds  later  while  clean  playing  can  also be  heard  on  a  few  tracks.  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  experimental  sounding  while  the  clear  vocals  also  bring  in  elements  of  dark  folk  and  the  drum  beats  also  add  in  some  ritualistic  touches.

  The  album  also  has  its  avant  garde  and  mystical  moments  while  some  songs  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  acoustic  guitars.  When  harsh  vocals  are  utilized  they  also  add  in  a  touch  of  black  metal  along  with  each  track  also  sounding  very  different  from  each  other  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Industrial  style  rhythms  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  along  with  some  songs  also  showing  more  of  a  no  wave  influence,  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly  as  well  as  one  track  also  introducing  melodic  electric  guitar  leads  onto  the  album  and  noises  are  also  introduced  on  a  later  song  and  when  heavy  guitars  are  added  into  the  music  they  bring  in  the  heaviness  of  extreme  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism,  Alchemy  and  Paganism  themes.  

  In  my  opinion  The  Infinity  Ring  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  experimental  rock,  post industrial,  drone,  noise  and  dark  folk  music  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Crown  Of  Stars"  "Pan  &  Syrinx"  "Orpheus  Dragonfly  Satyr"  and  "Prison,  Constraint".  8  out  of  10.   

  http://www.instagram.com/theinfinityring

http://www.theinfinityring.bandcamp.com/releases

http://www.linktr.ee/theinfinityring 

Dodssang Tempel/Old Witchcraft/Black Goat Records/2024 Full Length Review

 

   U.S.A's  solo  project  Dodssang  Tempel  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  mixture  of  harsh  noise,  death  industrial  and  dark  ambient  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2024  album  "Old  Witchcraft"  which  was  released  by  Black  Goat  Records.

  Power  electronics  and  death  industrial  beats  start  off  the  album  while  the  screams  also  add  in  more  of  a  black  metal  approach.  When  blast  beats  are  utilized  they  also  bring  elements  of  death  metal  onto  the  recording  as  well  as  some  of  the  songs  also  going  into  more  of  a  ritualistic  direction  at  times.

  Harsh  noises  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  along  with  some  programmed  beats  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  album.  One  song  also  introduces  heavy  guitars  into  the  music  as  well  as  the  slower  riffing  being  heavily  rooted  in  doom  metal,  clear  vocals  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  Some  of  the  songs  also  mix  in  the  more  harsh  side  of  ambient  and  each  track  also  sounds  very  different  from  each  other. 

  On  this  recording  Dodssang  Tempel  takes  harsh  noise,  death  industrial,  dark  ambient,  black,  doom  and  death  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  very  diverse  recording.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism,  Black  Magick,  Anti  Christianity  and  Witchcraft  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Dodssang  Tempel  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  harsh  noise,  death  industrial,  dark  ambient,  black,  doom  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Old  Witchcraft"  "Scorching  The  Air"  and  "Mountain  Fog".  8  out  of  10.

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

https://www.instagram.com/ravsaxrecords/

https://www.ravsax.com/

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mFt68y1QrWv5N5ASHs24iy0QytZO0MKdA

https://open.spotify.com/album/2LuxNZrc4XP9Oer2WIB7nd

https://blackgoatrecords.bandcamp.com/album/old-witchcraft       

Necronomicon/The Demos/Vic Records/2024 Compilation Album Review

 

   This  is  a  review  of  a  compilation  album  which  contains  the  early  demo's  from  Germany's  Necronomicon  which  where  released  in  1985  and  showed  the  music  mixing  the  first  wave  black  metal  style  with  the  German  Teutonic  thrash  metal  sound  of  that  era  and  the  recordings  where  released  as  a  single  album  by  Vic  Records.

  The  sounds  of  war  start  off  the  compilation  along  with  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  before  going  into  a  very  fast  aggression  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  blast b eats.  Vocals  bring  in  more  of  a  classic  thrash  metal  style  while  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  first  wave  black  metal  style.

  Tremolo  picking  is  also  added  into  some  of  the  faster  riffing  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  being  more  rooted  in a   thrash/speed  metal  style,  the  bass  guitars  get  more  powerful  sounding  then  the  first  demo  as  well  as  the  vocals  also  adding  in  more  of  blackened  style,  one  song  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing.

  On  these  demo's  Necronomicon  took  the  first  wave  black  metal  style  of  the  early  80's  and  mixed  it  with  the  more  traditional  German  thrash  metal  of  their  home  country.  The  production  sounds  very  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Occultism,  Death,  Evil  and  Destruction  themes. 

  In  my  opinion  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  collection  from  Necronomicon  and  if  you  are  a f an  of  black  and  thrash  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  compilation.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Genocide"  "Danger"  "Possessed  By  Evil"  and  "Bloody  Revenge".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/necronomiconofficial         

Sparagmos/Labyrinthos/Khthon/2022 Full Length Review

 

  Sparagmos  are  a  solo  project  from  Portugal  that  plays  a  mixture  of  ritual,  drone  and  industrial  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2022  album  "Labyrinthos"  which  was  released  in  2022  and  consists  of  material  that  was  recorded  in  2009.

  Dark  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  while  all  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  When  home  made  instruments  are  utilized  they  also  take  the  music  into  more  of  a  ritualistic  direction  along  with  some  atmospheric  sounding  synths  also  being  utilized  at  times  and  the  songs  also  add  in a   lot  of  drones. 

  All  of  the  tracks  are  instrumental  while  elements  of  post  industrial  can  also  be  heard  at  times.  Most  of  the  songs  stick  to  an  instrumental  direction  along  with  each  track  also  sounding  very  different  from  each  other  along  with  the  whispers  in  the  background  also  enhancing  the  ritualistic  side  of  the  music  when  they  are  utilized

  Sparagmos  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  drone,  ritual  and  post  industrial  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  very  occult  orientated  album  while  the  production  sounds  very  dark.

  In  my  opinion  Sparagmos  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  drone,  ritual  and  post  industrial  and  if  you  are  a f an  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Horns  Of  Consecration"  and  "The  Claw  of  Theseus".  8  out  of  10.

  https://khthonios.bandcamp.com/album/lab-rinthos

Profan/Bestial Awakening/Khthon/2022 Album Re-Issue Review

 

  This  is  a  review  of  another  recording  from  Portugal's  Profan  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  mixture  of    noise,  drone,  dark  ambient,  ritual,  experimental  and  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2009  album  "Bestial  Awakening"  which  was  re-issued  in  2022  by  Khthon.

  Dark  ambient  style  synths  and  drones  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  guitars  a  few  seconds  later  which  also  bring  in  elements  of  doom  metal.  At  times  the  music  also  goes  into  more  of  a  ritualistic  direction  while  drums  are  also  added  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  one  song  also  adds  in  some  clear  vocals.  Grim  black  metal  screams  are  also  utilized  on  a  few  tracks  along  with  some  death  metal  growls  also  being  utilized  briefly  as  well  as  the  music  also  having  its  experimental  moments  which  also  shows  the  guitars  also  experimenting with  noise,  one  song  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  throat  singing  and  the  whole  recording  sticks  to  a  slower  direction.   

  On  this  recording  Profan  went  for  more  of  a  drone/doom  metal  style  which  also  showed  influences  of  black  and  death  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  cover  occultism  and  darkness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding recording  from  Profan  and  if  you  are  a f an  of  drone,  ritual  and  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  re-issue.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Sea  Curses"  "Tower"  and  "Ice".  8  out  of  10.

  https://khthonios.bandcamp.com/album/bestial-awakening      

Profan/Tales From The Sabbath Of Equilibrium/Kthon/2022 Album Re-issue Review

 

  This  is  a  review  of  another  recording  from  Portugal's  duo  Profan  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  mixture  of  noise,  drone   and  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2008  album  "Tales  From  The  Sabbath  Of  Equilibrium"  which  was  re-issued  in  2022  by  Kthon.

  Fast  black  metal  style  tremolo  picking  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  harsh  noises  and  power  electronics  a  few  seconds  later.  Touches  of  doom  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  riffing  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  dark  sounding  melodies  and  high  pitched  screams  can  also be  hard  on  both  of  the  tracks.

  At  times  the  music  also  goes  into  more  of  an  experimental  direction  while  both  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  A  lot  of  the  music  also  sounds  like  it  is  improvised  along  with  some  synths  and  samples  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  both  of  the  tracks  also  sound  very  different  from  each  other,  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  briefly  towards  the  end. 

  On  this  recording  Profan  takes  harsh  noise,  power  electronics,  drone,  experimental  and  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  an  album  that  sounds  different  from  their  previous  release.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  song  themes  focus  on  occultism.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Profan  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  harsh  noise,  power  electronics,  drone,  experimental  and  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Goat's  Sabbath".  8  out  of  10.

  https://khthonios.bandcamp.com/album/tales-from-the-sabbath-of-equilibrium  

ӔLMĀ Interview

 

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

Ælmā are Marco Valenti and Elena M. RosaLavita. Ælmā is a two-faced Janus: two heads and a Soul. ”The Beings of Mind are not of Clay,” is a short story in two chapters, two parts, about dualism and duality: Being and Essence, Body and Soul, Life and Death. It is an Athanor in which echoes of Golem, creatures molded from clay, of Homunculus evoked in the ether, of alchemical processes and surgical scalpels, seethe and sublimate. Of Beings of mind, of Bodies without a Soul and Souls without a Body. Of dismembered limbs and torn souls. Of black souls. Madly black. By choice. The bass' infrasounds rest like mist above the obsessive noise textures of field recordings and samples of cold procedures between life and death. Black feathers lying on icy steel.

 

2.A few months back you had released a new album, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

Bass parts are the result of a new way (for E) of playing the instrument, with another touch, but as always for the most part improvised things that E felted in those moments. a result of her worst and dark feelings.

About the other sounds, most of them are samples of every day’s nightmare we're living. We've tried to make real our black view of the present. M did it at his own home with all the new shit that technology give us today. You can read it an archetype of industrial society's oppression.

 

3.The song themes are inspired by the writings of Lord Byron and John Milton, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in their writings?

We are both literature addicted. We stumbled by chance upon those two quotes during the creation of this work: it seemed like a sign! The main concept was about the dualism of body/soul. So the clay of body’s creation (Adam/Golem) and the ethereal material of the soul. But, there's something more. Byron really lived in M hometown in 1822, close to the sea, where some months before lived Percy and Mary Shelley. So we can think that Lord Byron's influence was already into M mind since his birth.

 

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'ÆLMĀ'?

Alma means soul, that underlies the EP’s concept. “EL” and “MA” are simply the first letters of our names. There's nothing else hidden. Just a simple name, easy to remember, in a world where the most difficult and strange name you choose, the baddest you think you are. We've choosen a soviet font, because we're strictly connected to the old "iron courtain" and to the "cold war" with which we grow up. As you can see in the package of the EP, we've attached a sticker with the "lovely" flag of DDR (ex East Germany).

 

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

Artwork’s first step was a big (about100x70 cm) acrylic on canvas painting, that it was cut in “cards” to put inside the packaging. Every single numbered tape has a different card, so it’s a unique piece. On the external wrap we put the negative version of the whole photographed painting. We've choosen to use E's painting because it's intimately connected with her world, you can find the same feelings in both aspects of her art: painting and music. So we think it matches the sensations induced by sound.

 

6.Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you open to expanding the line up or do you prefer to remain a duo?

Less is more, so two thinking heads in the same place are too many for our view. Just for the record we had to tell that the mastering of the EP was made by our friend Petrolio, one of the most influent artist into industrial electronic Italian scene.

 

7.Are there any plans for the musical project to do any live shows?

We’re both not fans of playing live, so we guess not. 

 

8.The new album was released on 'Toten Schwan Records', how did you get in contact with this label?

Toten Schwan is M own label, so we think that releasing a record with it was the best choice for us. No one else could gave us the same freedom for the sound, the artwork, the meaning inside the project, the format, the number of the copies, and all other little shit. We think that having the control of anything is the better and the only way to create our albums. There are so many cool labels all around here in Italy, but M thought that a coolest EP like that would have been perfect for Toten Schwan roster. And so, it was.

 

9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your album by fans of experimental music?

We've gained many good results in musical magazines papered and online version. Telling you the truth we've never thought to receive a good response as we had. We're two chronical depressed peoples that usually think the worst thing about each thing we do. So, also in this case, we've started it with the lowest ambitions, but now, after the EP sold out, and all the good words all around we're (moderately) happy.

 

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

It's not easy to tell. We really don't know yet. The rational part of us should gave us the strength to move on with another EP, maybe on tape again. Making a full-length album it's a hard stuff, we think that a shorter release can give us the best feelings for the future improvisations and for all the experiments that we'd like to put on. Surely it won't be ready before the new year. Toten Schwan next releases are already planned from here to the end of 2022.

 

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

The funny thing is that each one of us has opposite and different musical tastes and musical backgrounds. It surely let us totally free. For “TBoMaNoC” sound E thanks MMMD duo, and her love for the cello (that she has never played yet), M is still searching for a passion that can help to keeping himself alive. He burned so many musical projects in the past upon the altar of the hypocrisy, the only one that survived his purifying fire is Diamanda Galas (a shared passion).

 

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

We’d just like to thank you for interesting in ÆLMĀ’s work and for your truly support to the musical deepest world we're living in. You'll be into the inner circle of the ones who we'll let know something when the new Ep will be ready.

 

https://totenschwan.bandcamp.com/album/tsr-130-the-beings-of-mind-are-not-of-clay

Olli Hanninen and Sami Hynninen Interview

 

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

Sami: Me and Olli have known each other since the early 90’s, and for the last 20 years we have been talking about doing something together. Then when we finally started the “Chambers” it also took several years to be completed as we are very busy elsewhere. In the meantime I have been working with Reverend Bizarre, Opium Warlords, Tähtiportti, Spiritus Mortis, Azrael Rising, Pussies, and so on.

Olli: Even though we seem to come to the music field from totally different angles we actually have more in common than one would think. We share a generational experience and a deep fascination towards 80’s and 90’s alternative, underground, indie and DIY scenes in music, arts and culture in general. In that sense we speak the same language but small subtle nuanced differences in musical taste has drifted us to work on seemingly different genres. Working with Sami was very comfortable and easy.

2.In September you have an album coming out, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

Sami: Musically it is a crossover/experimental/avantgarde album that can’t be pinpointed to any particular genre. The overall lyrical atmosphere is dark and hostile, but the music stretches from darkness to some kind of semi-light. But it is very nihilist work.

Olli: Years after we planted the seed of working together one day, I stumbled into Sami in Lohja. By then I had drifted away from Skweee music and was producing a more ambient, drone and noise related soundscapes for no particular reason. I played some of it to Sami, he liked it and we instantly decided that we will execute the long lived idea. Sami came up with the concept and lyrics. I did much of the pre-production while recovering from a hip surgery. The opiate painkillers took my straight edge mind to places where it hadn’t visited before. We also had great productive sessions in my then studio Clawztrophobia Chamber. They were somewhat free and unplanned yet determined and effective. We sort of let the music and sounds take us where it wanted to and took the end result as it was given, at the same time still being the masters of the process. That lead to the diverse but coherent album we now have.

3.Both of the band members come from musical projects that are the complete opposite of each other, do you feel that it adds to the originality that is presented on the recording?

Sami: Yes, definitely! Although on this album we shaked off most of our past projects and just worked freely as a team. I enjoyed it greatly! We both have a vast appetite for music from modern art music to hc punk and beyond. It all sounds here.

Olli: Yeah, we didn’t let our pasts dominate our future. We merely used what we knew as tools to achieve the entirety we wound up with. We both brought ideas from our own perspectives and worked our way together to the common ground.

4.The lyrics on the new recording are a concept album based upon the Buddhist Hell, can you tell us a little bit more about the lyrics and your interest in Buddhism?

Sami: Well, first of all, the lyrics are more like a modern reflection of those songtitles, which are each a chamber of this Hell, so I did not really write strictly just about the Buddhist Hell, but more like sucked an inspiration from it. But yes, I have had interest in Buddhism, especially Zen Buddhism since my childhood years. Later in my studies it became bit more scholar thing, but still interests me anyway, However I have to say that I am even more interested in Tibetan pre-Buddhist Bön religion.

Olli: Buddhism is one of the world religions or rather philosophy in which I can personally find some things to relate to as an agnostic. Of course there are bad sides to Buddhism as well as in any belief that has been institutionalized, but way less than for instance in the desert religions. It’s more peaceful and shows common sense rather than fundamentalist bigotry and proselytizing. Of course I’m not as aware of all the details as Sami is. He’s been studying these things a lifetime.

5.Throughout the album you also made references to other mythologies, can you tell us a little bit more about the mythologies you referenced with the new album?

Sami: Actually I am not sure do I know what you mean… to me those lyrics are very closely tied to so called every day life. Then again MY every day life is strongly tied to metaphysicism and mysticism.

Olli: I see how one might come to such conclusion. Sami is infused with mysticism to the point where his everyday life seems to outsiders as one big ritual. That’s one of his powers leading him to become such great and magickal musician and persona.

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

Sami: It is called Den döende dandyn (The Dying Dandy in English) and was painted in 1918 by Nils Dardel. We liked the idea that here we see one kind of chamber as well, and it really suits the visual image and layout of the album. It was the only artwork we ever considered to this.

7.Are there any plans to bring the music to the live stage?

Sami: No. This is very definitive studio work. Besides, I myself am slowly retiring from doing gigs altogether. I never liked doing them. I am a studio producer and musician.

Olli: There would be only a few if any occasions where we could fit in with this project so it is easier and more rewarding to leave it to the studio.

8.The new album is going to be released on 'Svart Records', how did you get in contact with this label?

Sami: I have been working with them quite much from the day one. They have released a pile of my  albums.

Olli: Svart re-released my rap group Ronskibiitti’s 2006 album Eipä Kestä and my 2004 “solo” effort Hammaspeikko – Karies Mundi on vinyl in 2017 and released our spin off groups Ronski & Satanic’s – Täältä tullaan kuolema album in 2018. In the meantime I found myself working full time for the label as a producer. That has turned out to be a good thing for Chambers too. I can keep a fairly close eye on the efforts the label is doing for the album and see that the promo and marketing department doesn’t fuck it up too bad.

9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to the music by fans of experimental and other underground genres?

Sami: So far, nothing! Let us wait until it is out. But I am not expecting for any miracles. This album is not for everyone. And then again it COULD offer something to everyone.

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

Sami: I am working on the second album of me and legendary Läjä Äijälä, an album with old Finnish sludge band Loinen, a Pussies album, a harsh noise album called Noiseworks, reissues/compilations from The Candles Burning Blue and Spiritus Mortis, and of course new album from Opium Warlords. I have also done vocals to one black metal album that will come out next year. In 2023 I will finish all the above, and then cut my actions down to one to three projects, which include at least more work with Läjä Äijälä and Opium Warlords.

Olli: I released a collaborative album with Tatu Metsätähti aka Mesak called Repullinen skittejä few moons ago. It’s out on a cassette by Cudighi Records from Los Angeles. We are also planning to record a new album with Ronskibiitti this fall. Otherwise the lack of time and energy is keeping me away from creating new music at the moment.

11.Are there any plans for future releases?

Sami: No, but then again I do not close that door completely. It was great fun working with Olli, whom I consider as one of my very few friends. 

Olli: I have actually an idea I haven’t discussed with Sami yet. We’ll see if it takes wind...

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

Sami: Whitehouse, The Fall, early gothic rock like Bauhaus, Christian Death and Joy Division, Skullflower, Steve Albini’s bands, Funkadelic, Arvo Pärt, Burzum, Classic Nouveaux… right now I am listening to Unleashed in the East by Judas Priest.

Olli: Personal influences for this record have been among others Depeche Mode, Swans, 16 Horsepower and Woven Hand, The Downward Spiral era Nine Inch Nails, Ministry’s Psalm 69 album, Current 93, Sisters Of Mercy, Inner City, Black Box, Adamski, El-P’s production work from Company Flow to Run The Jewels, Dälek, Clipping. and Gravediggaz 6 ft Deep album.

Lately I’ve been listening mostly 90´s alternative and indie rock like Sonic Youth, Pixies, Melvins, Mudhoney, Babes In Toyland etc. Also a lot of punk, hardcore (especially 80’s and 90’s New York hardcore), death metal from late 80’s to mid 90’s and psychedelic rock, pop and jazz from the 60’s and 70’s.

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

Sami: I hope that people dare to check our album out even if the single releases might have driven them away. This is so massive work that it can’t be wrapped to couple of singles. It has SO much in it.

Olli: True. Taking one or two songs out of the context might almost do more harm to it.

https://svartrecords.com/product/hanninen-hynninen-chambers-album/
 
https://www.facebook.com/OpiumWarlords/
https://www.facebook.com/Ronskibiitti

ӔLMĀ/The Beings Of Mind Are Not Of Clay.../Toten Schwan Records/2022 EP Review

 

  ӔLMĀ  are  a  duo  from  Italy  that  plays  a  mixture  of  experimental  and  dark  ambient  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2022  ep  "The  beings  Of  Mind  Are  Not  of  Clay..."  which  was  released  by  Toten  Schwan  Records.

  An  almost  silent  sound  starts  off  the  ep  before  going  into  more  of  a  dark  ambient  direction  while  both  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  experimental  sounding  while  voices  can  also  be  heard  in  the  background  at  times  along  with  some  programmed  beats  also  being  used  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording.

  Samples  are  also  added  into  some  parts  of  the  songs  while  the  bass  also  adds  in  a  very  powerful  sound  when  it  is  utilized.  Both  of  the  tracks  also  sound  very  different  from  each  other  along  with  most  of  the  music  also  sticking  to  an  instrumental  direction  and  the  melodica  hohner  also  gives  the  music  more  diversity.

    ӔLMĀ  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  experimental  and  dark  ambient  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  2  very  different  sounding  songs.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while t he  song  themes  focus  on  the  writings  of  Lord  Byron  and  William  Blake  with  some  alchemy  and  occult  touches.

  In  my  opinion    ӔLMĀ  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  experimental  and  dark  ambient  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "+(LOW".  8  out  of  10.

  https://totenschwan.bandcamp.com/album/tsr-130-the-beings-of-mind-are-not-of-clay