False – Untitled [US, Black] (2015)

Gilead Media | 6-16-15

Oh my goodness. There are so many jokes that could be made about a metal band whoese name is False. I feel if this US black metal act wasn’t so wrought with tension and terror, there could be more jokes made at their expense. False is 6 piece from Minnesota who do not title their records rather just leave them Untitled. While this could be seen as pretentious, the band’s music once again allows them to skirt major criticism. Also the music splits the ground asunder.

Kaptain Carbon

Kaptain Carbon is the custodian of Tape Wyrm, a mod for Reddit’s r/metal, Creator of Vintage Obscura, and a Reckless Scholar for Dungeon Synth.

Akitsa – Grands tyrans [Canada, Black] (2015)

Hospital Productions | 6-2-15

There is a certainly which comes with Akista. One knows before they get into the record that things will most likely come with little refinement and most likely sound like a brick being dropped down the middle of an empty stairwell. This is what Akitsa is and probably will ever be. With all of that said, Grans tyrans sounds nasty like previous records and never disappoints.

Kaptain Carbon

Kaptain Carbon is the custodian of Tape Wyrm, a mod for Reddit’s r/metal, Creator of Vintage Obscura, and a Reckless Scholar for Dungeon Synth.

Mefitic – Woes of Moral Devotion [Italy, Black / Death] (2015)

Nuclear War Now! Productions | 4-30-15

Mefitic is from Italy and has not had the largest reception following a handful of demos and EPs. In fact, Woes of Mortal Devotion is the band’s debut LP following almost 10 years of existence. Whether or not the band was taking their time crafting the perfect debut or just busy with other projects is secondary to the fact that Woes of Moral Devotion is a horrifying introduction to a band which has spent their time channeling raw darkness.

Kaptain Carbon

Kaptain Carbon is the custodian of Tape Wyrm, a mod for Reddit’s r/metal, Creator of Vintage Obscura, and a Reckless Scholar for Dungeon Synth.

Hermóðr – Himlen mörknar [Sweden, Black] (2015)

Self Released | 5-5-15

I believe this is the first single that has been reviewed on the site. Singles are still utilized across the rock and pop spectrum but it is sort of odd with black metal. This especially is true when it comes from a self released source from an already obscure artist. The fact that this single comes with a 5 minute instrumental b-side on an already 14 minute a-side is comforting. Also the fact that it costs around 1$ to buy is still very much apart of the aesthetic. I hope more bands do singles like this.

Kaptain Carbon

Kaptain Carbon is the custodian of Tape Wyrm, a mod for Reddit’s r/metal, Creator of Vintage Obscura, and a Reckless Scholar for Dungeon Synth.

Akhlys – The Dreaming I [US, Black] (2015)

Debemur Morti Productions | 4-20-15

It shouldn’t be a surprise that US based black metal project Akhlys has some sort of ground swell with its second record The Dreaming I. First of all, the project’s creator Naas Alcameth also made waves last year with Season of Mist act Nightbringer and their 2014 record Ego Dominus Tuus. If one was left with any burning questions after Nightbringer’s record came to a close, Akhlys is here for an afterparty in the voids where nightmares and dreams spill into one.

Kaptain Carbon

Kaptain Carbon is the custodian of Tape Wyrm, a mod for Reddit’s r/metal, Creator of Vintage Obscura, and a Reckless Scholar for Dungeon Synth.

Nocternity – Harps Of The Ancient Temples [Greece, Black] (2015)

Necroshrine Records | 2-16-15

Wow, ok. This seems to be a record that takes a lot of breathe and explanation before the music even starts. Let us see if we can cover everything. Nocternity is a Greek black metal project helmed by a musician named Khal Drogo. While that name is well known now, the fictional character from George R.R. Martin’s Song of Fire and Ice was less known in the early 2000’s when Nocternity was releasing music. The last full length release for Nocternity was in 2003 with Onyx which was bridged by various EPs and splits. Harps of the Ancient Temples was planned as a third release much earlier but was eventually mired in production difficulty and various recordings. The third full length from Nocertnity is advertised as “black metal from a lost time, from a time far, far way, from a time that is literally ancient.” Though the early 2000’s do feel very ancient in terms of black metal, Nocternity has a romance for something much older.

Kaptain Carbon

Kaptain Carbon is the custodian of Tape Wyrm, a mod for Reddit’s r/metal, Creator of Vintage Obscura, and a Reckless Scholar for Dungeon Synth.

Sulphur Aeon – Gateway To The Antisphere [Germany, Death] (2015)

Imperium Productions | 4-3-13

Holy Gods in the void beyond space, look at that cover. Few times does artwork move me to tears as Sulphur Aeon’s cover for Gateway to the Antisphere. Ola Larsson, who did the band’s previous records as well as Disma’s Towards the Megalith and Death Fortress’ Among the Ranks of the Unconquerable, provides Sulphur Aeon with a unique view into the otherworldly which just by history, should fit the band’s music perfectly.

Kaptain Carbon

Kaptain Carbon is the custodian of Tape Wyrm, a mod for Reddit’s r/metal, Creator of Vintage Obscura, and a Reckless Scholar for Dungeon Synth.

Kafirun – Glorification of Holy Death [Canada, Black] (2015)

Self Released | 3-3-15

Part of the reason why I enjoy writing these reviews is finding interesting music which may or may not be flying out of others range. Glorification of Holy Death was released in March of this year and has yet to make any sort of large dent. Sure popularity is relative but Kafirun’s angular take on black metal is interesting enough that it could be enjoyed by a large section of listeners — at least the ones who are left after the culling.

Kaptain Carbon

Kaptain Carbon is the custodian of Tape Wyrm, a mod for Reddit’s r/metal, Creator of Vintage Obscura, and a Reckless Scholar for Dungeon Synth.

Bloodlust – Cultus Diaboli [Australia, Black / Thrash] (2015)

Self Released | 3-20-15

Hell Yes. Hell Yes. Hell Yes. If the sound of Australian black/thrash does not get you excited, you need to spend more time drinking with demons by sacrificial fires. One should do this as the sound of blackened thrash may seem simple enough yet its stylistic theme is subtle in its presentation. Not only is the music designed to be fun and entertaining but it is specifically created to shred ones soul. By means of guitar solo, double drum kick, or just full frontal assault, Bloodlust is not leaving until a limb has been removed.

Kaptain Carbon

Kaptain Carbon is the custodian of Tape Wyrm, a mod for Reddit’s r/metal, Creator of Vintage Obscura, and a Reckless Scholar for Dungeon Synth.

Eternal Valley – Ascend To The Unknown [US, Black / Ambient] (2015)

Self Released | 3-18-15

Sometimes one knows they are going to enjoy a record. A one man black metal project who self releases black metal records about cosmic themes and obliteration? Yep, this should be simple. Eternal Valley was already halfway in the door just by glancing at previous records and album artwork. The deal was sealed however at the oozing synth which washed over the album’s opener “Path To An Astral Existence.” Sometimes riding on convention allows like minded people to flock in droves to a star which just about to collapse and die.

Kaptain Carbon

Kaptain Carbon is the custodian of Tape Wyrm, a mod for Reddit’s r/metal, Creator of Vintage Obscura, and a Reckless Scholar for Dungeon Synth.