ONIRISM - Cosmic Dream

Onirism is a one man band made up of, Antoine Guibert (Hentgarm, Belenos). Music style is listed as, Epic Symphonic Black Metal. Band location, Nantes, France.

Cosmic Dream album self released on Feb. 9th 2016. The sinister sounds of the underground penetrate the mortal realm once again. Upon obtaining this promo, I thought, the band name is unique, there is something mysterious about it and not your typical band name. Presented here are twelve engaging songs of dark atmosphere. Nightmarish intros and devastating black metal. Some of my favorite compositions would be "Ephemeral World I", comes in with a mesmerizing middle eastern sounding rhythm that slowly builds up into some powerful blast beats with demonic vocals. The track "At the Heart of the Desert for the Eternity (Introduction)", is epic. A big sonic experience with pulsing drums, mainly rolling toms, make lead way into a punishing onslaught of carnal sound. "The Curse of Ahriman", is a furious beast of a song, reminds me of Mayhem, Demonic Christ and Gorgoroth.   

Final thoughts, the album constructs a wide musical landscape with brutality, melody and atmosphere.
~Artemortifica

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A.H.P. - Against Human Plague

A.H.P. - Against Human Plague is a one man band made up of, Gulnar. Music style is listed as, Depressive suicidal black metal. Band location, Norway.

 Against Human Plague to be released on Via Nocturna 21 February 2016. This is like a rising inferno. The album impacts with rapid blast beats and conjuring a dark perception. Tremolo guitar riffs layered with impulsive high screams. Some influences that maybe noted could be Bathory, Emperor or Spiritus(UK). Out of the ten menacing compositions, the one that stood out the most is "Drowned", a dark melody introduces us and leads into dark corridors. Feelings of despair linger and hopelessness is projected. The opening and title track is also another favorite and "Down Here", is enchanting and atmospheric. Like a trip through the void.   

Final thoughts, a savage execution of sound. Reaching down deep into the sorrow in ones mind.
~Artemortifica

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Sacrilegium - Angelus

Sacrilegium is a five piece band made up of, Armeus-Drums. Suclagus Guitars, Bass. Aleksandra Keyboards. Nantur Aldaron, Vocals. Music style is listed as, Pagan Black Metal. Band location, Wejherowo.

Angelus album released on Release on 28 December 2015 Pagan Records. The band has been bringing their brand of madness since 1994 when they released their demo Sleeptime. This promo contains six different versions of the song Angelus. I will have to say my favorite version is by Angelus (Remix by Echoes of Yul), it is the atmosphere and penetrating hypnosis the synths create that most capture my attention. At times it reminds me of a Silent Hill type of soundtrack. Haunting and enthralling. At the time of this review the band has currently released a full album entitled Anima Lucifera. Below you'll find the link to the band BC so you can pick your favorite mix

Final thoughts, six renditions each with its own flavor.
~Artemortifica

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Kult Mogił - Anxiety Never Descending

Kult Mogił is a three piece band made up of, Kalkulator Chronometrażysta - Drums. Thisworld Outof Guitars. Karmiciel Wszy Zdrowych - Guitars, Vocals. Members as listed at metal-archives. Music style is listed as, death metal. Band location, Poland.

Anxiety Never Descending Release on 24 December 2015 Pagan Records. Dissonance and chaos are the two main ingredients in this release. The opening track comes through like sharp razor blades and obliterates the senses. Raw and gritty seems to be the projection of the production. Low growls and blast beats can be heard demolishing everything in site. The band offers us six punishing compositions. Reminiscent of early Morbid Angel but with a twisted and maniacal structure. Some of my favorites from this release would have to be "Serene Ponds", thunderous double kick work and cut throat solos make this particular song stand out. "Początek Wrażeń", not sure what it means but the low tuned strings send shivers down the spine. Like a cold dark hand wrapping tightly around the neck. A punishing song that's worth checking out at a high volume. 

Final thoughts, if you like chaotic and dissonant riffing, then look no further, this is the album to add to your collection. 
~Artemortifica

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Curse / Styggelse / WAN Necroholic split

Curse is a two piece band made up of,  Eldur - Vocals, Guitars, Bass. Tybald - Drums. Styggelse, is a five piece band made up of, Skadeglade - Drums. Kallbrand - Guitar. Larsson - Vocals. Desekrator - Guitar. Thunderbolt - Bass. WAN: is a four piece band made up of, Tsjud - Vocals. Draup - Drums. Aganaroth - Guitar. Isengrim - Bass. Music style is listed as, black metal. Band location, Curse-Oslo. Styggelse-Gothenburg. WAN-Eskilstuna.

Necroholic split released on Satanath Records December 27th 2015. The first group on this split is the band Curse. They offer us four tracks with tremendous sound lingering on sludge/heavy rock. Influenced by Motorhead. Dirty and gritty distortion and pure raw riffs. "War of One" is the best song for me out of all four. Next, is the band Styggelse. Much better production quality for their recording as oppose to the other two. Their song "Angel Blood Shed", has a great feeling. Mid distortion guitar sound and heavy reverb on the vocals. They offer us four compositions and my favorite is "No Team in I", one of the memorable pieces for me is the chorus line, it is catchy and moving. The solos are on point and fit well. The final band on the split is WAN, four tracks of pure aggression with massive distortion permeate every riff. Their song "Pa Korset Vi Krass", is the dominating song for me. Malevolent and fast drumming is the stand out track by this group. 

Final thoughts, an impressive split. All the bands deliver extreme doses of metal.
~Artemortifica

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Sorrow Plagues - Sorrow Plagues

Sorrow Plagues is a one man band made up of, David Lovejoy - All Instruments. Music style is listed as, Atmospheric/Post-Rock/Black Metal. Band location, UK.

Sorrow Plagues album self released on February 8, 2016. My first impression, intense and atmospheric. The keyboard arrangements are the most dominant factors through out the album. A deep and adventurous journey is presented with long melodic passages. By far the most captivating song from this release would be "Redemption", this is an epic soundscape. A monumental sonic atmosphere with slow and moving melodies that eventually climax into a powerful ending. The opening song "Fade", is another track worth mentioning for its persistent intensity and keeping the listener engaged for the rest of the album. 

Final thoughts, this album offers many realms of exploration. The melodic passages are well written and the music remains interesting from beginning to end. Fans of Dissection, Atra Vetosus, Path of Destiny and Thorns of Sin will want to add this debut album to their collection.
~Artemortifica

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Drama / Perdition Winds - Split release

Drama / Perdition Winds. Drama band is made up of, Dym - Drums. Vindsarg - Guitars, Vocals. Torden - Bass. Perdition Winds is J.K.A. - Bass. R.S. - Drums. T. K. - Guitars. R.Ä. - Guitars. J.E. - Vocals. Music style is listed as, black metal. Band location, Russia-Finland.

Drama / Perdition Winds Satanath split released on 25 December 2015. A short but effective and powerful combination. Starting out with Drama. They have two songs featured on here. "Create Your Own Death", starts out with a slow and unexpected intro, it builds up into a depressing but intense journey that I really enjoyed listening to. The second song is "Gloria Mortis", a strong blast beat with catchy rhythms kicks things off and the punishment is unleashed. This song is my favorite of the two. Next up is Perdition Winds with the song "Cult of Kain", like corpses wrecking havok upon unsuspecting prey. The band offers us a song that is about thirteen minutes worth of exploration. It destroys the senses with its devastating blast and rapid tremelo guitar riffs.

Final thoughts, this split is menacing and torturous. If you like raw and relentless aggression, then look no further and add this to your collection.
~Artemortifica

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Akhenaten - Incantations Through The Gates Of Irkalla

Akhenaten is a two piece band made up of, Jerred Houseman - All Music. S. Wyatt Houseman - All Vocals. Music style is listed as, Black/Death Metal with Middle Eastern Folk Influences. Band location, Manitou Springs, CO.

Incantations Through The Gates Of Irkalla album released on Satanath Records 20 December 2015. My first thoughts, this is a heavy drum oriented album. The arrangements are tribal and ambient, middle eastern style of music with black metal influence. Among all the musical landscapes the band projects on this release, my favorite would have to be "The Watchers", heavy guitar laced and ominous keyboard pieces. This particular track is entirely instrumental and creates an ecliptic feeling. Another strong composition on here would be ,"The Passage Through Flames", is a strong and memorable song worth spinning several times. There is a cover by Septic Flesh, fans of the band will be interested in checking out  the song "Anubis", found at the end of this album. A good rendition of this song, not building upon the original, but just adding their touch to the song.

Final thoughts, don't expect a lot of grinds or blast, the music creates tribal and ritualistic moods.
~Artemortifica

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Temple of Evil - The 7th Awakening

Temple of Evil is a four piece band made up of, Arkhon Sakrificer - Unholy Chants and 4-String Conjuration. Nekrocurse - 6-String Thorned Whip and Skeletal Keys. Apethantos - 6-String Morbid Echoes of Necromancy. Angelwhore - Leather of Putrefied Skin. Music style is listed as, Black Metal. Band location, Cyprus

The 7th Awakening album released on Deathhammer Records 7 January 2016. A very potent album unleashing malevolent and melodic music. Manic chants in the darkness is the vision that comes to my mind. Cryptic and oppressing compositions. The band offers us eight tracks of menacing and chaotic hymns to permeate all the deep crevices of the mind. Among my favorites from this album would have to be "One Last Breathless Sig", its is a short bass driven song with a simple, yet very effective arrangement. "Chalice of Impure Blood", sets an atmosphere of haunting malice. Like taking a journey into uncharted and desolate land. Its a powerful and captivating track. If I were to name some influences, Ancient, Beherit, Celtic Frost and Dark Funeral would be several that come to mind. 

Final thoughts, The 7th Awakening devastates with sonic totality. Melodies that invoke nightmares in the deep abyss.
~Artemortifica

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Illusions Dead - Celestial Decadence

Illusions Dead is a four piece band made up of, Johannes Katajamäki: Guitar, Vocals, Lyrics. Jake Lastujoki: Guitar. Mikael Aalto: Bass. Akseli Auralinna: Drums, Lyrics on track 6. Music style is listed as, Death/Black Metal. Band location, Finland.

Celestial Decadence album to be self released on February 8, 2016. My first thoughts, fast and progressive. A very good recording. The band offers the listener complex arrangements, savage drums with thunderous double kick work. Reminiscent of Dissection, At The Gates and Cryptopsy. High levels of adrenaline persist through out every composition. In total there are eight tracks. Among my favorites would be "Shadow And Flame", it starts out with some catchy pitch harmonics on the opening riff, then it just goes off in high velocity. It's a song that can get your fist pumping and run into the pit. Way of The Deceiver", is another one high on my list. 

Final thoughts, brutal and intense from the very first song. If you like high velocity and melodic riffs with fast relentless drumming, then this is an album you must acquire for 2016. 
~Artemortifica

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Ildverden - Temnich Chorna Jde Za Mnoyu

Ildverden is a one piece band made up of, Kvolkaldur - all instruments. Music style is listed as, Black Metal. Band location, Ukraine.

Temnich Chorna Jde Za Mnoyu album released on October 13 2015 Satanath Records. The deep catacombs of the Ukraine have opened up an sent forth an atrocious beast. Still breathing fire and wrecking chaos. Probably one of the most raw productions I have listen to since I did a review for a band called Mists of Poveglia from 2013. very similar in style both one man projects and very ambient and atmospheric. The drums remain in the background through out most of the songs. Guitars are set at a mid level distortion and many parts tremolo picking. The music is good but, I could not understand any of the lyrics at all because its in Ukranian. However, I can name the tracks I did enjoy "Temnich chorna yde za mnoyu", "Temna dalych zavikhryt', and the Satyricon cover "The Wolfpack", I also enjoyed the strange and invoking intros reminiscent of old horror films. 

Final thoughts, if you enjoy b/m that's from the deep caverns recorded with the bare necessities then this would be the perfect release for you.
~Artemortifica

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Hellfire Deathcult reveal cover art for new album

Hellfire Deathcult (US) recently announced via their FB page, the cover art for their upcoming album and shared the first track released as a single via Youtube. Check out all their info in the links below.

HD FB site "Cover art for "Culto A La Muerte" to be released via Demoniac Records 2016. Art done by Marcio Menezes. First track off Culto A La Muerte...Ancient Ceremonial Death Ritual!"

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Istidraj - Muerte Mundi Militia

Istidraj is a four piece band made up of, A. Inferno - Vocals. Petyr696 - Drums. Zc:4 - Strings, Sfx Maestro. Music style is listed as, Black Metal. Band location, Singapore.

Muerte Mundi Militia album released on Iron, blood and death Corporation Records, October 10 2015. Limited to 250 cassettes. This band has been around since 1993. Creating a raw and relentless style of black metal thought the decade and with this release show no signs of slowing down. A gritty productions lends itself to more character and punishing ride to the ears. Offering their fans ten compositions to make the fires of hell rise as high as the sky. Blackened screams, dirty and crunchy guitar expressions and wicked blast beats. Among my favorites would have to be the song "Triumphant Ends", it is a cryptic composition with occult like melodies that is sure to please the minions of the underground. "Thy Destroyer of Life", is another song worth mentioning. If I were to note some influences, I would say Black Witchery, Thy Antichrist, Demonic Christ and Hades Archer can be noted as an influence.

Final thoughts, the band continues to deliver pure and intense black metal from every direction, blasphemous and relentless fury can be experienced in each composition. Fans of raw underground material will be interested in adding this to their collection. 
~Artemortifica

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Rebel Wizard - Invocation of the Miserable Ones

Rebel Wizard is a one piece band made up of, Nekrasov. Music style is listed as, heavy negative wizard metal. Band location, Australia.

Invocation of the Miserable Ones EP self released on December 11 2015. An energetic and intense manifestation of pure metal madness. In some ways thrash rhythms are expressed but can easily be translated to the original metal styles of the early 80s. The thing that grabs my attention is the black metal style of vocalization. It works well in my opinion. Instead of high vocals like a Judas Priest or Maiden type, we get a Mayhem or Satyricon type of screams which make it interesting to listen to.

In total we get four songs. Fast solos, rapid fire drums with aggressive double kicks. I would have to say my favorite track from this release is the title song "Invocation of the Miserable Ones", the main melody is easy to jam to and the guitar solos are fluid and fast.

Final thoughts, the essence of the old metal music is captured and the black metal vocals make it interesting for the listener to explore its realms of darkness.
~Artemortifica

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Ghost Horizon - Astral Possession

Ghost Horizon is a two piece band consisting of, Daniel Stollings - Guitars/Bass. Uræus - Vocals/Drums/Additional Music. Genre described as Melodic/Atmospheric Black Metal.
Band origin, Phoenix, AZ.

Astral Possession EP to be self released on 26 February 2016. To my unsuspecting ears, this music really found its way into my head. Cryptic and malevolent choruses with catchy melodies. I enjoy the way these song are epic and compelling. These musicians are able to keep things intense and brutal while maintaining comprehensible passages and catchy rhythms. Although short, the songs deliver good quality. I would have to say my favorite track is "Spectral Trenody", I enjoy the way the blast beats and vocal delivery come in, its a song that makes you want to keep it on repeat. To be honest, all the songs have a lot to offer, great arrangements and solos.
   
In conclusion, fans of black metal will definitely enjoy this release, but there is enough variety in the writing style that anyone that's into metal can take something from it.
~Artemortifica

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Tragacanth - Anthology of the East

Tragacanth is a five piece band consisting of, Erik Brouwer - Guitar, Bass, Vocals. Jasper van Minnen - Drums, Lyrics. OqPe Bune - Guitars. Terry Stooker - Vocals, Lyrics. Mark Oosterbaan - Bass. Genre described as Black/Death Metal. Band origin Nederland.

Anthology of the East album to be released on Loud Rage Music March 4 2016. My first thoughts on this album are, epic and destructive. Containing some powerful keyboard compositions complimented by devastating guitar riffs and demonic vocals. A perfect combination of high to low guttural vocals. Some of the bands that may be noted as an influence would be Dissection, At The Gates, early Dimmu Borgir and Behemoth. This promo also provided a lyric video for the song Edimmu which is a nice perk to get including the music. This song quickly became one of my favorites. With a haunting melody and cryptic passages, it is sure to please many ears. Another song worth noting "The First Noble Truth" this track came forth prominently. Its opening is monumental, like a mid evil soundtrack, when the heavy music comes in, it absolutely crushes the senses.

In conclusion, this is probably one of the best new releases I have listen to in 2016. If you like melodic, heavy, epic black/death metal, then look no further, this is your band.
~Artemortifica

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TRAGACANTH - Anthology of the East - exclusive stream

TRAGACANTH, one of the best Dutch newcomer Extreme Metal acts, recently signed with Loud Rage Music for the release of their debut full-length album on CD format. The CD is scheduled to be out March 4th but pre-orders are now available at this link
Read my review here 

Stream the full album in the bandcamp player below

8 tracks, 44 minutes of Symphonic, Technical, Melodic Black Death Metal strongly recommended to fans of Dimmu Borgir, Carach Angren, Nile, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Hecate Enthroned!

                           

Tragacanth is a black/death metal band with broad symphonic influences. Hailing from the heart of the Netherlands, their songs however tell of ancient Babylonian tales and times. 

Composer and lead guitarist Erik Brouwer set everything in motion in 2014 and soon Jasper van Minnen (theNAME) joined on drums. Adrian “OQ” Neagoe (Negura Bunget) joined on guitar and with Terry Stooker to perform the vocals Tragacanth completed their recording line-up for their debut album, called "Anthology of the East"

Show Me Wolves - The World They Took Over

Show Me Wolves is a one man band consisting of Hörður Lúðvíksson. Genre described as Metal, Black/Deathmetal, Prog, Metalcore. Band origin Reykjavík.

The World They Took Over album released on False Beings Productions January 16, 2016. To my unsuspecting ears the intro to this album was a nice surprise. It reminded me of a soundtrack you might find in an early 70's horror film. Haunting and captivating. When the music starts you automatically know its going to be intense black metal. Composing all the melodies within the chaos is no easy task, but he manages to mix it all together in magnificent way. The song"Mother" is an interesting piece musically. The dissonant scales and vocals steer away from the black metal style and steadily become more progressive as you listen. Honestly, it is a good variety to have and shows the level of talent this musician has. My favorite track from this release would have to be "Exit The Realm Of The Living", it is a powerful song that is both cryptic and memorable, it is one of those songs that you can listen to over and over again and never get tired of it.

In conclusion, this album will please most black metal fans and there is enough melodies to keep things interesting for other listeners. The World They Took Over, is a must for your collection.
~Artemortifica

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Foret D' Orient - Venetia

Foret D' Orient is a five piece band consisting of, Emiliano Rigon (Drums/Keys/Lyrics)- Marco Barolo (Bass/Keys/Lyrics) - Sonia Dainese (Harp) - Roberto Catto (Vocals). Genre described as Melodic Black Metal, Classical, Folk. Band origin, Italy.

Venetia album released on Visionaire Records 5 January 2016. My first thoughts are, epic and classical. The merging of brutality with progressive and melodic elements. On this release the band offers us six songs to mesmerize our thoughts with memorable and complex compositions. A combination of classical modes and orchestral atmospheres. The song "Sogno De Vis", begins with a moderate pace then slows into a catchy and memorable clean strumming guitar along with some captivating clean vocals. My absolute favorite song would have to be "Dominio Da Mar", entirely played on strings and keys. The melody is one that can slowly creep into your mind and enthralled you with its magnificence.

In conclusion, if you want to experience an adventure filled with heavy orchestral phrases and melodic interludes then you will want to add this to your collection.
~Artemortifica

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Cult Of Erinyes - Transcendence

Cult Of Erinyes is a three piece band consisting of Corvus-lead and rhythm guitar, bass, keys. Mastema-vocals. Algol-bass, rhythm guitar. Baron-lead guitar. Genre described as black metal. Band origin Belgium.

Transcendence EP to be released on Caverna Abismal Records February 29 2016. The amount of oppressive and haunting music this EP delivers is very potent. "Degrees of Solitude" starts things of and it grabs you by the neck pulling you deep into the void. In terms of production, the drum sound is killer, good cymbals and powerful double kicks. The guitars cut through really well and the rhythms are catchy and clear. Some of the influence I hear would be bands like The Cold Beyond, Belphegore, Samael and Bathory. The title track "Transcendence" hits a certain dark atmosphere. You can get a sense of a deeper ambiance with dissonant chord progressions. The third and final song is a cover by Mayhem "Pagan Fears", they present a powerful and devastating performance of this song. If you want to get your face ripped off, I suggest cranking this one up past ten. 

In conclusion, a short but destructive and penetrating EP. If you like raw, relentless and evil b/m then this is the release for you.
~Artemortifica

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