The latest instalment form the folk/progressive black metal ensemble included the welcome return of ICS Vortex (Dimmu Borgir, Arcturus). Continue reading
Author Archives: Mike
THE DEVIL’S BLOOD – “The Thousandfold Epicentre”
A 2011 release: Having decided to ‘take a punt’ on this album, after reading various positive comments from such metal luminaries as Alan Averill among others, I found myself curious as to what to expect from The Devil’s Blood. Continue reading
ALCEST – “Les Voyages De L’Âme”
Alcest are a band whose output improves with each release, Alcest make beautiful rock music. If you like large soundscapes, melody, a black metal ‘influence’ but also some ‘shoegaze’ thrown in then you might be somewhere explaining what Alcest are all about! Continue reading
IN SOLITUDE – “The World, The Flesh, The Devil”
In Solitude invoke the spirit of Merciful Fate and perhaps early Maiden and this year’s release, although not as strong as the first album is a great Metal album. Continue reading
FALKENBACH – “Tiurida”
Viking metal yes, but this is Falkenbach! The guy never does anything half cocked, it’s a mid-paced foot stomp through the dark ages with lots of very catchy tracks, superb. Continue reading
ILDRA – “Eðelland”
Anglo Saxon folk metal sang entirely in ‘old English’, oh well those who know me might expect me to be a tad over excited. Continue reading
ALTAR OF PLAGUES – “Mammal”
The most atmospheric Blackened Post Metal band around, both on record and live, AOP top all forerunners with ‘Mammal’, outstandingly beautiful and all encompassing. Continue reading
TAAKE – “Noregs Vaapen”
The best Black Metal release of the year for me, and the inclusion of a banjo on the track ‘Myr’ makes this a bit different but most definitely Taake. Continue reading
VALLENFYRE – “A Fragile King”
Old school death metal, in the vein of Entombed and Bloodbath featuring members of Paradise Lost and My Dying Bride? Yes please! Heads down all the way here with Vallenfyre! Continue reading
ENSLAVED – “The Sleeping Gods”
Released as a free download, Enslaved bring the prog along with some glimpses from the old school with this one, a band who do no wrong in my book, ever. Continue reading