Darkspace – Darkspace III I [Switzerland, Black / Ambient] (2014)

Avantgarde Music | 9-6-14

This is how the universe collapses. Darkspace is similar to Dead Congregation, as they are both relatively well known metal bands that have legacies attached to their records. Darkspace’s legacy is rooted in their interesting exploration of ambient black metal, as well as one of their guitarist’s work in the seminal side project Paysage D’ Hiver. It also helps that the band has an air of mystery, with their releases becoming increasingly more sparse. Darkspace’s previous record Darkspace III was released in 2008, and for the past four odd years fans have been awaiting the arrival of whatever the fourth installment would be called. In thematic fashion, the band’s announcement of their new record came in cryptic transmissions, with the full album being released almost immediately. I think I would have been happy with anything but this is something else entirely.

Ellorsith – 1959 [ Scotland, Black / Death] (2014)

Calligari Records |9-1-14

Have you heard any theories surrounding the Dyatlov Pass incident? Maybe? Maybe not? If you haven’t heard anything about this unsolved mystery, which left nine Russian hikers dead in the depths of the Ural mountains, do not feel bad. Neither did I until this Scottish black death outfit told me all about it. I enjoy when a fantastic release also leads me to do research on one of the more bizarre mysteries that has conspiracy undertones. Think of this as an obscure history lesson with underground extreme metal.

Arath – Ungedul [Germany, Black] (2014)

Deivlforst Records | 9-6-14

While comparing black metal to Dungeons and Dragons seems like an easy thing to do, there are times when I find it most fitting. In the early days of published adventures, things like The Tomb of Horrors and Temple of Elemental Evil were less about dynamic roleplay and more grinding dungeon crawls. This is what I feel like when listening to Ungedul, the second record from German outfit Arath — a merciless crawl across hewn stone floors with little chance of success or survival.

Bastard Sapling – Instinct Is Forever [US, Black] (2014)

Forcefield Records |8-16-14

I encountered Bastard Sapling by chance at one of the side events during last year’s Maryland Deathfest. Tucked away in a basement was this unorthodox black metal band shrieking towards the low hanging ceiling and bathed in stable blue light. Out of all of the shows and types of metal seen that weekend, here was one of the most memorable. Though I only happened on the end of their set, those few minutes were enough to hold my attention for months after. If the band does anything on a record like they did during that live show, then Instinct is Forever should be a wonderfully horrific experience.

Svartidauði – III.XX.MMX [Iceland, Black] (2014)

Self Released | 8-29-14

2014 is shaping up to be the year of Icelandic black metal. With fantastic releases from Naðra and 〇 already confirmed, a mysterious release appears from Svartidauði as if plucked from the ether. Svartidauði has already had reasonable praise for their 2012 debut Flesh Cathedral as well as a handful of demos. In fact, the band released an already decent EP earlier this year entitled The Synthesis of Whore and Beast. That being said, their new album,III.XX.MMX, may not be the most traditional introduction for this band but its uniqueness is nothing short of apocalyptic.

White Suns – Totem [US, Noise /Experimental] (2014)

Flenser Records |3-14-14

It is important to realize that Totem, the 8th release from New York based White Suns shares little in common with heavy metal. In fact, experimental noise or avant terror is more fitting as this band seems less concerned with playing music that scaring the daylights out of its listeners. I have come to respect and adore the bands that fill the outskirts of hardcore, experimental, and heavy metal. Far off the highway lies an abandoned structure where White Suns plays music — possibly for no one.

Khthoniik Cerviiks – Heptaedrone [Germany, Black / Death] (2014)

Iron Bonehead | 8-12-14

If one thing I am thankful for with Heptaedrone, it is the minute long introduction which precedes the actual music. Not only does the introduction set the mood with atmosphere and sound effects but it also gives a brief pause before the world comes collapsing in on itself. Take whatever you can get because there will be no room to breathe for the next 43 minutes.

〇 – Null & Void [Iceland, Doom / Black] (2014)

Vánagandr | 8-11-14

Oh goodness golly. what are the chances I would stumble on two interesting Icelandic metal albums in the same month? What are the chances that I would stumble on on two great Icelandic metal records from the same label who only has three acts signed? The odds are getting astronomically slim. I believe I should count my blessings as the mysterious act known as 〇 has come to the world to cast a shroud of misery and gloom over the skies.

Merda Mundi – VI – Khaos [Belgium, Black] (2014)

Self Released | 7-6-14

It is difficult not to be repulsed by Merda Mundu. This Belgium black metal project takes its name from a Latin translation meaning “shit of the world” and the project’s Bandcamp proudly exclaims songs and albums as “musical excrement.” This, combined with punishing mid fi black metal makes for dynamic terror which has the potential to scare the living. Whatever creator Déhà seems to be doing though is all for a purpose. Whether that purpose is covering the whole world in a mixture of beauty and defilement is a conversation for later.

Naðra – Eitur [Iceland, Black] (2014)

Vánagandr | 4-01-14

Na…..something….ra. I am taking a wild guess that it sounds sort of like Na-th-ra but in a more nuanced and chilly tone. Naðra comes as the confluence between three as of yet discovered metal bands from Iceland. If Carpe Noctem, Dysthymia, and Abacination come as blanks in ones metal knowledge, then Naðra can possibly your 4th Icelandic metal band you just found out about today. If I seem joking about Iceland’s metal climate it is only because it, as a country, as a far lower amount of metal bands than others. While this may seem obvious due to size, the actual product of heavy metal in Iceland is nothing short of fierce and ferocious.