This semi-regular space has emerged somewhat as a look at appearances of Satan in popular culture and looks at new and upcoming black metal. In recent weeks, the Dark Lord has appeared in much national and international news….

• Amid all the recent abuse headlines, the Pope has said Satan is on the attack against bishops.
• A Brazilian couple was recently arrested for murder and were tied by police to Satanism. However, a confessed affiliation is thus far unclear.
• Neo-Nazis recently vandalized a Jewish house of worship as a Synagogue of Satan. The notion among white supremacists of Judaism as a Luciferian practice has roots in Christian Identity, among other neo-fascist religious beliefs.
• A Missouri court has thrown out a lawsuit by the Satanic Temple against new abortion restrictions in the state.
• Deicide’s Glen Benton was recently interviewed about the band’s forthcoming record. All those Satanic lyrics are apparently inspired by cycling.
• And finally, Satan is to play a bit part in the forthcoming Netflix reboot of Sabrina the Teenage Witch. How that turns out remains to be seen.

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In music, Boston’s Infera Bruo return with Cerement. While melding a few different styles, there is a strong black metal thread throughout.

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Calfiornia’s Bosse-de-Nage just released its fifth album, Further Still, and it may be its most accessible yet. Hear “Sword Swallower” below and more cuts at The Flenser’s Youtube channel.

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Germany’s Ancst have announced new album, Abolitionist, is in the works. Teasing that, the band graced us all with the title track:

– EA