Black

Vexev – Abyssus Abyssum Invocat [France, Black] (2020)

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Self Released | 5-6-20

I know the tag for this record states it is raw black but I would be more comfortable putting it in the mid tier of black metal. This is not to take away from the bare nature of Vexev’s music rather their production is neither claustrophobic nor oppressive rather they have an entire empty cathedral to play in and it is through this space that their music swoops and dives like phantoms rising out of the walls. Abyssus Abyssum Invocat is the band’s deb ut full length and first release which is surprising given the genre. With no demo, EP or rehearsal to precede this, Vexev makes their first declaration and by all accounts it is loud enough to gain attention.

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Celestial Conjuration – Demo II [Australia, Black / Dungeon Synth] (2020)

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Self Released | 5-3-20

I did it! I found a release that is almost 50/50 split between dungeon synth and black metal which will go great on this site since that is what I do. Celestial Conjuration was found through dungeon synth channels though by all rights, this is an atmospheric black record that is draped in the heavy cloaked of astral synth. In fact, one of the tags for this record is “astral depression” which I never knew I needed until now. Yes, this record is far from produced and perhaps only speaks to like 4 people who will enjoy it but those four people (myself included) are on a shamanistic journey of absolute melancholy.

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Amargor – Cilicis fragmenten el que queda d’un [Raw Black, Spain] (2020)

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Self Released | 3-5-20

I think I enjoy the overall texture of this record. That sounds weird but as a whole, Cilicis fragmenten el que queda d’unis a grinding experience powered by raw emotion and even more raw production. This project also comes with the tag of depressive black but in reality when you are this far into the tunnel of raw production, there is no distinguishing emotions as you grope in the dark for anything only to find bare walls. This is the first release from Armargor and if this act keeps things up like the draining presence of “Cars fantasmes naixent amb la set que m’agita,” which seethes industrial animosity, then I feel we are going to be strained lovers.

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Abduction – Cyclopean Thunderbolt [UK, Black] (2020)

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Goatprayer Recordalbum s | 5-20-20

I remember being absolutely smitten with Abduction’s 2019 All Pain as All Pain as Penance a cathartic dive into noisy black metal. Now, without much preamble comes a blinding demo with perhaps the coolest name all year. Cyclopean Thunderbolt is a mess of ruminating atmosphere and a production that sounds like a witch loosely chained to the walls of a cellar. I say loosely as the bonds which bind her are breaking and the threat is becoming more of a reality. these are the things I think about when enveloped in throaty vocals and towering guitar lines. This is everything I need at the moment.

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Mulla – هل تحتاج إلى [Iraq, Black] (2020)

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Self Released | 4-24-20

Well, this certainly comes with a cautious approach. Metal from non western countries is not uncommon. Black metal from non western countries is a little bit more rare but not unheard. Heavy metal from the middle east is even more of a rarity and black metal from Iraq with lyrical themes about Islam. the only reason why I am hesitant is that daydreaming concepts like this sometimes lead to incidents like Ghost Bath or Janaza where blogs run with ideas before the music catches up. Mulla is new with a full length (complete with an aggressive cover) already completed. هل تحتاج إلى is the acts follow up EP with two songs but a running time nearing 30 minutes. IT takes awhile to actually hurdle the thematic and conceptual aspects of this EP but once people do clear it, they are left with an above average second wave worship with crystal clear production and punchy execution. Its easy to review the music as its agnostic nature under shredded vocals makes it approachable and enjoyable. The lyrical and more meta review of this band is going to be forthcoming as if everything is on the level, Mulla has the potential to be talked about by many people.

VIL – VIL [Argentina, Black] (2020)

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Self Released | 4-19-20

So unless I am mistaken, the bands name means Vile in Spanish which sounds pretty apt for a band that is seething venom. This self titled EP is the debut for VIL and comes with a slap to the face by a hand that is also holding broken glass. While the music is the standard mid-fi black everyone has come to love through the likes of Mgla, VIL continues that tradition with songs that despite their length, feel like churning journeys of riffs and atmosphere. I can always appreciate short and effective debuts and this EP sings to the halls of Hell with the choral chants of the dammed.

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Sørgelig – Sørgelig [Greece, Black] (2020)

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Self Released | 3-27-20

Phew, try to hold on. Sørgelig has been building up momentum for a few years with bleak looking demos and albums that look perfect for cassette tapes. the self titled EP comes quickly after a 2019 full length and by the time 12 minute EP begins, it feels like you are running to catch up with its fervor and forward momentum. With blistering black metal which is thrown at you like kitchen knives, Sørgelig rides the line between keeping their shit together and almost completely fucking losing it. there is little time for atmosphere when everything is collapsing around you.

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Augrimmer – Pantaleimon Speaks / Lynx [Germany, Black] (2020)

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Self Released | 4-5-20

I love that artwork. What a fantastic cover. Augrimmer has been around for a while, in fact, the band has been releasing music for a decade and has been an actual band since the late 90’s. This single/demo represents my first experience with them and by all accounts, Augrimmer has the formula for a chilly black metal record down to a science. With the two shortish songs on this release, Augrimmer swoops like a specter chasing its quarry through dense woods. The adherence to black metal is just as impressive as the bands ability to make the whole spectacle fun and polished. Whether or not Pantaleimon Speaks / Lynx is a herald to s forthcoming release, we will not know until later. For now, enjoy these two songs as you run through the woods with a feeling of dread coming from above you.

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Narcömancer – Narcömancer [Portugal, Black / Punk / Speed] (2020)

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Self Released | 4-13-20

Bring me that black/speed/punk. I honestly love union between the ferocity of punk/speed with the ominous aesthetic of black metal. The result is something that is foreboding but also fun and exciting. Narcömancer is a new entity from Portugal whose demo (?) has yet to be registered most places. For now we are given 4 tracks of Motörhead influenced satanic worship. While Narcömancer doesn’t stray to far from other bands like Speedwolf or Midnight, it is all a party and you are never invited but expected to show up.

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Werendia – Folkvandringen [Sweden, Atmospheric Black / Dungeon Synth] (2020)

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Self Released | 4-10-20

Well, here it is. Years of searching through dungeon synth I am starting to stumble on the mixture between it and its parent genre of black metal. This is not the first black metal / dungeon synth combination ever made nor even one in recent memory. There has been a dizzying array of experimentation either with dungeon synth being used as mood intros or even as distant atmosphere. Werendia pays tribute dungeon synth’s history with a record worshiping the structure of bands like Summoning and Caladan Brood. With the black metal vocals pushed to the past and the synth march up front, the music constructs a stage for a deeply folkloric record concerned with Scandinavian tales and history. This commitment to the theme makes up for the album’s shortcomings which include long meandering songs that nail an aesthetic but doesn’t travel much out of their own kingdom. For all its faults, Folkvandringen is a stellar record which pleases both black metal fans and dungeon synth dabblers with marching music across strange lands.

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