Havukruunu – Havulinnaan [Finland, Pagan Black] (2015)

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Naturmacht Productions | 10-18-15

Naturmacht Productions | 10-18-15

I will give you 10$ if you can spell both the name and album name without mixing up the letters. The band’s name translates or means coniferous crown which is an imagery which is fitting to a dense brand of nature conscious black metal. If you have ever been traveling through the wilderness of Finland you might have encountered a forest creature veiled in the regal outfits of the woodland which may or may not be last thing you see.

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Árstíðir lífsins – Aldaföðr ok munka dróttinn [International, Black / Pagan] (2015)

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Ván Records | 1-15-15

Ván Records | 1-15-15

Most of my discussion surrounding Iceland has been from a small group of black metal musicians making horrid and exciting music which sounds like the erupting of ancient volcanoes. Árstíðir lífsins is different. For one, this project spans countries with two of its members residing in Germany and the other in Iceland. Secondly the band is made up of three members who share all duties including strings, drums, and vocals. Though Árstíðir lífsins is complicated on paper, their third full length is nothing short of a horrid volcanic eruption.

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Sivyi Yar – From the Dead Villages’ Darkness [Russia, Black] (2014)

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9-20-14 | Avantgarde Music

9-20-14 | Avantgarde Music

You know what? I feel Russia is a wonderful country for the mining of out of the way dark and bleak black metal. I say this now while listening to From the Dead Villages’ Darkness, the fourth full length from a one man outfit by the name of Сивый Яр (Sivyi Yar). Eastern Europe and Russia is a minefield of black metal which sometimes ranges from the heathenish, to the nationalistic, to downright national socialist. Finding an amazing record with decent studio production is a treat. Finding that amazing record without political or cultural undertones (or at least ones that do not take center stage) is a gem.

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