CD

2004, like the early new millenium years, was in the middle of the
Black Metal crossroad between going back to the primordial grim roots
and moving to uncharted and unsurveyed territories.
This is where Absentia Lunae moved their first steps, a wolf pack, as
lyrical mastermind explained on this re-edtion booklet retrospective,
angered by the cowardly pacified western society where they grew up.
This juvenile fuel was obviously not merely drawn to shape their
intense form of brutal Black Metal but showing already some gleams of
unique form of dramatic and avantgardish impetus.

In an era where magazines and fanzines where still the most
influential form of knowledge the demo soon became a recurring
reference for the demo sections. Stuza Records from Ukraine ( the same
one released bands like Aosoth, Astrofaes, Sort Vokter…) released
the same on tape and some months later band printed the same on a 500
copies pro-cd, which soon became sold out.

Absentia Lunae’s most praised efforts like “In Umbrarum Imperii
Gloria” & “Historia Nobis Assentietur” always share the podium with
“Marching Upon Forgotten Ashes” on fan’s feelings.

It has been the band’s decision to maintain the feeling of the
original source , some quotes from the key points of the lyrics have
been added and an extensive retrospective from the singer Ildanach
about whole album concept and track by track details on core concept
and band birth.

Kommandant took their first steps into the Black Metal playground whilst the western world was retreating  into a deep slumber. We can now either decide to face reality; a call to arms, or remain in such a state of impotence.

Kommandant brings forth the inferno; an enlightenment and awareness that is both clandestine, and apparent simultaneously . Ancient phantograms, echoing both the struggle of the past and the actuality of the present, make their fog of war pervasive to all the stagnant relics that hinder advancement. Audibly , this is by far the most staggering version of the Kommandant weaponry. Blunt force trauma, striking hard and fast, for maximum effect.

The soldiers marching in the fog are obedient vessels, actuated by a primordial magnetic impulse. While listening to “Titan hammer” it can immediately be perceived as an imminent  tragedy , a mere lingering spectre, devouring any remaining glimmer or aspirations. Once fully emerging from this acrid slurry, the  miasma will succeed in trapping the listener within the entrails of atavistic phantoms.

References can be made somehow to nefarious acts like War, Marduk & Zyklon-B. Within  a scene that is severely  overpolluted by  disingenuous bedroom projects , Kommandant takes a step to the front with mature songwriting and a professional studio recording shaped in Belle City Sound Company studio, located in Racine, WI.

The artwork and layout is perfectly emphasized once again with the creative genius of artist Francesco Gemelli ( Abigor, Katatonia. Kvist, Darkspace, Spectral Lore ..)

“Titan Hammer”  will march and progress deeper and deeper into the battlefield of humanity , like a dagger to the heart of the world.

From the remote reaches of Haparanda, Sweden, Häxkapell presents a black metal masterpiece that resonates with the eternal rhythms of nature and the cyclical dance of life and death.

“Om jordens blod och urgravens grepp” (‘Of earth’s blood and the grave’s grasp’) is a powerful blend of black metal, folk, and atmospheric darkness, interwoven with classical and progressive influences. Traditional instruments such as the violin, viola, willow flute, and hand drum infuse the music with ancient, primal energy. The lyrics, crafted through subconscious writing, serve as a conduit to the mystical and otherworldly.

The album was engineered, produced, and mixed by Oraklet. Drums were recorded at Nordvis Ljudstudio, with the remaining tracks laid down at Studio HMH. Mastering was handled by Tore Stjerna at Necromorbus Studio.

Founded in 2015 in the northernmost part of Scandinavia, Häxkapell is the creation of Oraklet, who embarked on an inward journey to explore the philosophical, spiritual, and mystical aspects of existence. Following the 2016 demo “Om sanningen,” Häxkapell released their debut album, “Eldhymner”, in 2021.

On “Om jordens blod och urgravens grepp”, Häxkapell’s music evolves much like the earth itself: slowly, imperceptibly, yet ever-changing. It reflects the cycle of birth and bereavement, with death and life beginning anew as earthen folk melodies murmur ancient slumbers into dawn. Oraklet channels these profound truths into lyrics and music.

Their debut album "Awaken The Black Flame" is clearly inspired by the Scandinavian Black Metal of the late 90's.
Without further ado, UNHALLOWED lead the way with aggressive Black Metal, but give melodic elements again and again space to function as a counterpart in the sound.
The complex guitar arrangements with extensive lead guitars form the basis on which, on the one hand, the excessively aggressive hustle and bustle, but also, on the other hand, the melodic "aha-moments" are created. The cold, catchy vocals underline the gripping atmosphere and provide goosebump moments.
The content of the debut album is characterized by personal strife for spiritual gnosis that goes far beyond the cosmic reality.
UNHALLOWED are a must for lovers of Scandinavian Black Metal art and fans of contemporary Black Metal alike.

At the end of the roughest year in their history, Ulver is proud to release their thirteenth studio album, titled Liminal Animals. Liminal Animals is permeated by the smell of disaster and documents, with deep concern, a dark and troubled place in a dark and troubled time. The cover art features The Senseless Seven, a 1911 drawing by Austin Osman Spare.

Debut demo by this American duo, formed by Woldaeg (Ghemhamforash) on instruments and Collier d'Ombre (CdO, Karghet) on vocals. Excellent piece of majestic but darkened old school Black Metal, with an immense atmosphere. Primitive but excellently executed Kveldstimmer is an ode to the old sound of Scandinavian bands, evoking projects such as Warloghe, early Gorgoroth and early Emperor. Brimming with pagan hatred and devotion to nature's might and unquenchable spirit, Kveldstimmer deliver a torrent of hypnotic windstorms, bringing the gelid northern winds into the imponent granite fjords.

Armed with the fantastic drum work of CJ Yacoub (Vulning, ex-Amun), Todd Paulson (Guitars, bass, synth, piano & additional vocals) and Rob Hames (Vocals) have been hard at work on what has become the the bands finest work, By the Grace of Death. Atmosphere still reigns in the dark sonic sphere of Canis Dirus, but on this impending new album, the bands black metal essence is at the forefront of this nocturnal hunt. Todd's riff/playing style remains truly his own with atypical phrasing that co-exists with a more orthodox BM style. The BM side can make one feel isolated and attacked one moment, then calm and nurtured the next with colorful folk music that has become a vibrant element of Canis Dirus’ sound. Rob’s vocals contribute to the adventurous nature of By The Grace of Death with his most feral performance to date.

Since 2011, ÚLFARR have stood for uncompromising, antisocial UK black metal - or, under their own banner of Cumbrian Black Metal. Helmed by Dominus, AKA Hrafn - who counts the equally prolific THY DYING LIGHT amongst his activities, as well as fellow labelmates NEFARIOUS DUSK and MORTE LUNE - ÚLFARR released a handful of demos, a couple splits, and most uniquely, a couple live albums before their debut mini-album, Hate & Terror - The Rise of Pure Evil, in 2019 and then another mini-album, The Ruins of Human Failure, two years later. Most recently, they released a split album with fellow UK horde MALFEITOR. Across these caustic recordings, ÚLFARR stoked the fires of old - namely, classic Craft, Darkthrone, Mayhem, One Head One Tail, and Death Cult.

Now ÚLFARR return with a revamped lineup and a revamped sound on their long-awaited debut album, Orlegsceaft. Joining Dominus here are erstwhile Exvoidxist / Forvitnast vocalist Játvarðr, HELVELLYN's Burns on bass, and MALFEITOR maiman Nosdrahcir on drums. As no doubt forecasted by its title, Orlegsceaft is written almost entirely in Old English, and most suitably do ÚLFARR shift gears toward a grim & ancient style of black metal. Whereas their sound of yore spit forth a hateful primitivism both punkish and headbanging, this older & bolder ÚLFARR take that hate toward more desolate and hypnotic ends; atmosphere is heightened, ghoulish and GRIM in aspect. In effect, Orlegsceaft undeniably sounds OLD(e), like a long-lost recording from 1995 given undead life through ghostly means. It's still recognizably ÚLFARR, but their attack cruises more cooly here and the vocals of Játvarðr raise the hackles with full-throated terror. And fucking RIFFS forever!

Against the modern world, more than ever, ÚLFARR take UKBM back to the dark ages with Orlegsceaft.