Spectral Lore – III [Greece, Black / Ambient] (2014)

I, Voidhanger Records | 5-2-14

Well, this is it. This is how the world ends. With an 80 minute ambient black metal record. Spectral Lore is a Greek black metal act who has had a wonderful couple of years. Not only was the 2012 record Sentinel highly reviewed but this project was apart of some fine splits including the cosmic hour long collaboration with Mare Cognitum. III is a conceptual continuation of numeric releases which pick up after the 2007 release II. Sentinel saw a break in this formation but the creator, Ayloss, saw it necessary to return stark and mysterious album titles. If one needed any further indication to the amount of detail which is put into this record, please make yourself comfortable for the next 87 minutes.

Infestus – The Reflecting Void [Germany, Black] (2014)

Debemur Morti Productions | 4-25-14

I must say — out of most Bandcamp pages, Debemur Morti Productions’ design is exquisite with subtle greys and hints of sepia. I would also say the same about the design for The Reflecting Void which is the fourth full length for German act Infestus. I mention the design because, from what I can tell, one man is responsible for everything that is heard in The Reflecting Void. I have already made mention for my penchant for one man metal acts as the emotional catharsis and isolated scope can lend itself to brilliant records. Infestus is no different as The Reflecting Void is full of terror which never ceases to be entertaining to experience.

Fange – Poisse [France, Sludge / Noise] (2014)

Zugzwang Productions | 4-14-14

Yes. Yes. Yes. This is what I like to hear. Fange is a three piece French act who plays impossibly loud sludge to the point of becoming a noisy act of violence. Sludge has always been very confrontational by design though Fange has decided take the angst and misanthropy which nurtured the style and make it monstrous. What is contained within Poisse are looming spires of hate and misery which rain down on listeners like crumbling hell rain. That is right — hell rain.

Falls of Rauros / Panopticon [US, Black] (2014)

Bindrune Recordings |2-15-14

Splits are an amazing way to get acquainted with old bands as they work on new material or discover new bands. The very nature of their design is joint advertising and trying to get as much music to as many different people. Birdrune Recordings has decided to make it their lot in life by surrounding themselves with rustic based extreme metal from all over the United States and beyond. Birdrune only seems to be providing temporary housing for Panopticon and this arranged courtship with Falls of Rauros seems to be for a brief moment in time. Whatever is contained on here is a flirtation between two stellar black metal bands who will be in different places within the months time. Enjoy it while you can.

Dweller in the Valley – Younger Dryas [US, Black / Death / Doom] (2014)

Grimoire Records |5-31-14

There is something positive to be said about an unconventional in heavy metal. Younger Dryas, the first EP from US based black metal act Dweller in the Valley, starts with singing bowls and throat singing and ends with the same thing. What follows between is a highly responsive style of mid fi black metal whose flirtation heavy grooves, slow tempo death, and a hardcore extended family makes the mix entirely unique but nowhere near out of place. In a style marked with dark ruminations and tormented aesthetics, Dweller in the Valley has found something equally as dark but far from the frostbitten conventions of the past.

Serpents Lair – Demo MMXIV [Denmark, Black] (2014)

Self Released | 5-2-14

Another day, another black metal demo with a decent groove and a potential for greater success. I think I would grow tired of this sort of thing if it were not for it being absolutely entertaining. From what I can tell, Seprents Throne is a two piece from Denmark with a 2 song demo which is being offered in digital form for a modest sum. It is partially lo-fi and deliberately comes with an air of being obscured from any clear information. While the aesthetics are not novel, Serpents Throne does make itself known among the other demos by a focused and effective sound which sounds like it is delivered from the mouth of a hydra.

Woman is the Earth – Depths [US, Black] (2014)

Init Records | 4-1-14

I think I made mention before, in fact numerous times, that this band’s name confuses the hell out of me. In a style dominated by dark ruminations, Woman is the Earth does not sound like a black metal band, rather a possible eco-feminist power violence trio. I promise this is the last time I am bringing up the name as the the band’s music soon silences all questions and offers a brilliant and dazzling exploration into atmospheric black metal.

Ifing – Against This Weald [US, Black / Folk] (2014)

Blood Music | 5-6-14

I think we may have found a contender for best atmopheric / synth arrangements in black metal for the year. Last year, this honor went to Utah based act Caladan Brood while this year looks like the time for Ifing. Yes, I know that word looks like I left off half of the word but it belongs to a Michigan based duo who have come out of and from the middle of nowhere to bring a black metal record which has atmosphere stacked in reserves. What is that? The first 4 minutes is all woozy synthscape? I love it already.

Gatecreeper – Gatecreeper [US, Death] (2014)

Goatprayer Records | 4-29-14

Hands down on of the coolest album covers this year as it perfectly illustrates the type of otherworldly terror which Gatecreeper has unleashed. I am a big fan of album art especially when the visal side complements or echoes the music inside. I am also a huge fan of any band, which may make light references to Magic the Gathering cards. It is time search for a basic land card or a Gate card, reveal it, put it into your hand, shuffle your library, and prepare to be consumed.

Heron – Sacrafice [US, Black] (2014)

Self Released | 2-25-14

Heron has a short legacy of putting out really short releases. Inf act, Sacrifice, the band’s third release comes at 10 minutes with a digital bonus track which puts it up to around 15. Do not get too excited. Length is not really an issue for demos, EPs, and splits as it merely introduces the band in the briefest way possible. Heron is interesting because it does not take that long for the band to be done speaking. Though some black metal can take 5 to ten minutes with a song, Heron is done by three. This brevity is not due to any lack of talent rather the band has merely said everything they wish to say.