Cult of Extinction – Black Nuclear Magick Attack [Germany, Black / Death] (2017)

Self Released | 9-23-17

I do not review a lot of war / bestial black for a few reasons. Firstly the pummeling sounds of Blasphemy worship can become overwhelming when not ready for the sound. Given that even high profile acts like Teitanblood and Revenge can become endless cascades of torment, bestial black or war metal is directed at a very niche audience. For this reason, it is a style of music that isn’t practiced much and when it is, the earth seems to open up and consume everyone around.

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.

Ignis Umbrae – La Sombra del Fuego [Chile, Black] (2017)

Vestigia Flamæ | 06-23-17

Vestigia Flamæ is a newish label that actually has a few other releases which are extremely current including Theurgia’s Genómasis and Saturnus’ Impetum Chaos. I only mention the label since those other two releases were not only of interest but also have been released within the last few months. This time period seems to be the high water mark for a label that has four albums to its name. With all of that said, La Sombra del Fuego and related material on Vestigia Flamæ has kicked up enough dirt for everyone to be aware of their presence.

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.

Graveflowers – The Hyacinth Garden [US, Raw Black] (2017)

Self Released | 09-17-17

This release first came to me via Path of Silence who is heading up the limited physical release. Path of Silence is well known in my other life as a dungeon synth label who cryptically releases weirdo and outsider music to a handful of fanatics. The label has released black metal before with Bruid’s Cogadh but this type of music is not common for the label. Despite my surprise, the whole thing makes sense as Graveflowers, while not dungeon synth, possesses a charm for people at the very end of their mental rope.

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.

Putrid Evocation – Live Exhumations [Chile, Death] (2017)

Self Released | 9-10-17

Add this to the growing scene of Chilean bands that seem to be coming out of nowhere. Even though I am tagging this as a demo, Live Exhumations is technically a live album and the fact that I do not have a “Live” tag means that live albums are not really a popular medium for extreme metal. What this really is however are two tracks from a disgusting band that were recorded somewhere in Chile and now are being released to the public.

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.

WADJ – WADJ [Canada, Black / Noise / Ambient] (2017)

Self Released | 09-01-17

Let us be completely honest and say that WADJ is not going to be on any end of the year list. This release is here just out of weirdness and absurd obsession. There is little hope in saying that it is going to change any face of extreme metal and will most likely survive out of idiosyncratic wonder. With all of that said, this is fucking bizarre.

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.

Void Terror – Soul Harvest [US, Death] (2017)

Self Released | 09-01-17

Just the fact I cant find a Metal Archives link to this band tells me that Soul Harvest is most likely self releases and not under the umbrella of a label. This is okay as recent years have shown us that self released and independently supported albums can be just as blistering and paint peeling as their label supported siblings. Soul Harvest is a testament to that as this short demo / EP / whatever vomits a hole in the fabric of the universe.

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.

Kapala – Infest Cesspool [India, Black / Death] (2017)

Dunkelheit Produktionen | 11/16/17

Noise is something that I am stopping using as a genre for things that are not strictly noise. While it is easy to gain interest for people, bands that use noise as atmosphere and things that are strictly within the noise genre are very different. With that said, I have no idea where Kapala falls since I have yet to process what I have heard.

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.

Pestivomous – The Last Wound [Chile, Black] (2017)

Self Released | 8-25-17

Pestivomous’ The Last Wound is technically a demo and a rehearsal which is odd because it sounds like a complete studio production. I am certainly not doubting this a rehearsal rather it is surprising to get such a full sound out of something as off of the cuff as a practice tape. what this project has in its favor is the primal emotion of what sounds like 10 projects which is married with a design aesthetic thats sounds like eating grave soil.

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.

Vorus – Chamber of Laments [Romania, Death] (2017)

Self Released | 09-15-17

I do not think I have reviewed many releases from Romania. This does not mean the Country does not have an active metal community and even if it isn’t as flourishing as let’s say the UK or US, I am still open for rotten things to come out of a country known for its vampires. What I wasn’t expecting however is a demo which steps right in line with some of the better death metal of the year. Fantastic job.

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.

Atavisma – On the Ruins of a Fallen Empire [ France, Death] (2017)

Blood Harvest | 6-9-17

Well, it seems like this band has all of the boxes ticked. From album art to album name, the debut EP from this French death/doom oufit shows a band willing to mold themselves in the eyes of the listeners. This is not to say Atavisma conforms to any trends rather their brand of music is perfect for anyone seeking an extended stay in the catacombs of the dammed.

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.