Uškumgallu – Uškumgallu [US, Black] (2015)

Vrasubatlat | 6-12-15

Just what in the Sam Hill is going on in Portland..specifically with two guys from Ash Borer running around making a bunch of noise and releasing cassette demos with abandon. These two gentleman have been responsible for the release of some really decent black, death, and black/death demos int he past couple of years. Urzeit, Triumvir Foul, Serum Dreg, and now the near unpronounceable Uškumgallu is added to the duo’s idiosyncratic list. The interesting part about all of this is that despite Ash Borer being somewhat of a high profile name in the atmospheric black metal crowd and having their last full length sponsored by Profound Lore, these demos come and go without much of any fanfare or even mention. To what end do these two weirdos from the midwest strive for? Whatever it is, I would like to know as I have completely fallen under the spell of un-publicized black metal.

Funeste – MMXV [Canada, Black] (2015)

Self Released | 5-15-15

There is a joke here about not being able to spell Funeste without “Fun.” It works but I feel that it doesn’t make much sense as much as I want it to. Though listening to this recent Canadian black metal demo is quite enjoyable, “Fun” would not be the first which comes to mind. Perhaps “seething,” “wretched” or “hallow with bitter remorse,” would be the first descriptions I would reach for. MMXV is the very expected title from a black metal demo which does more than its fair share of introducing a band’s potential to a greater audience. Hello. This is your ultimate destruction.

Ashtar – Ilmasaari [Switzerland, Black / Doom] (2015)

Czar of Crickets Productions | 4-18-15

Ashtar is cloaked in myteryy and misery. This is partially, if not mostly die to the fact that their debut Ilmasaari is the only thing the Swiss duo has released. Additionally the band is supported by the record label Czar of Crickets who have a roster full of near obscure Swiss metal acts. Add to this Czar of Crickets operates on a year to two year release schedule and one has a record which comes with mystery. These pieces of information are compounded by the fact that Ashtar is a fully competent black/doom act whose album is capable of almost cosmic things.

Vacivus – Rite of Ascension [United Kingdom, Death] (2015)

Goatprayer Records | 7-3-15

UKDM! UKDM! UKDM! Alright, United Kingdom Death Metal isn’t really a thing. In fact, I tried to get a tag going on this site but there were just not enough bands to warrant it. There is death metal from the United Kingdom and a lot of it is really good. In the second age of death metal, there are a few truths and one of them is that good music can be almost anywhere and most likely fucking dangerous.

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.

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.

Scorched – Scorched [US, Death] (2015)

Unspeakable Axe Records | 6-2-15

Oh, Jesus. Look at that album art. It is so silly and awesome.

Scorched does not have a metal archives page as of yet. This is okay since the band has already has a substantial amount of press in Decibel, No Clean Singing, and other blogs regarding their debut self titled demo. Death metal has been growing for the past 10 years with newer bands building on the initial flowing of a traditional death metal sound. There have been few bands in recent memory which sound like they could have been released in 1992. For the most part, newer death is a mix of old, new, and mixtures which make a horrid and gruesome wall. Scorched, from logo, album title, to presentation, sounds like it could have been released in 1992. For all I know this Delaware based band could be time travelers sent forward to release their record in 2015. If not for the sheer excitement and entertainment contained in this demo, I would be be more wary. For now, it is just full of old fun riffs and festering ghouls and I have no complaints.

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.

Nachash – Conjuring The Red Death Eclipse [Norway, Black] (2015)

Unborn Productions | 2-10-15

Oh man. This is not the Norwegian black you are thinking of. This is something so much cooler. This is atmospheric but not in the way normally attributed to this genre. This is something which is dark but with a completely different attitude. Conjuring The Red Death Eclipse maybe the first release from a band who has still yet time to spread its horrible wings but good goddamn will it be amazing when its fully grown.

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.