Author: Colin

Album Review: Lamp of Murmuur — “Saturnian Bloodstorm”

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Over the past decade there’s been a number of fantastic extreme metal bands creating music that’s clearly a tribute to some of the pioneers of a particular subgenre, while simultaneously pushing that style forward — notable examples include Stormkeep, Spectral Voice, the very recent Majesties debut, and my personal favorite, Caladan Brood. Adding to this list of devotees is Lamp of Murmuur, who have abandoned the lo-fi black metal and gothic rock influences of previous releases in favor of late ’90s Immortal worship with their third full-length album, Saturnian Bloodstorm. If there’s a fine line between homage and imitation, this album tends to fall on the opposite side of the aforementioned bands.

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Album Review: Spectral Lore — “11 Days”

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After an extremely fruitful 2022, with five albums under five different projects, RABM’s most prolific musician Ayloss has returned to his paramount project. 11 Days is Spectral Lore’s first release in almost two years; a four-song, 44-minute EP alternating between metal and ambient tracks depicting the harrowing journey of refugees across the Mediterranean, a trek which has claimed over 25,000 lives since 2014. With powerful music as heavy as the subject material (and lyrical themes to match), Ayloss has crafted a scathing indictment of the EU’s immigration policies alongside what is some of the strongest material under the Spectral Lore moniker so far.

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Album Review: Úlfúð — “Of Existential Distortion”

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Over the past decade the Icelandic extreme metal scene has defined itself with a unique brand of chaotic, dissonant black metal very much inspired by Gorguts and Deathspell Omega. Enter Úlfúð (“ool-wooth”), who have decided to forge a different path from their peers in the local scene with their debut full-length Of Existential Distortion. Showcasing a healthy mix of dark melody and groove, this album is a solid slab of no-frills modern black/death metal.

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Enslaved’s Iver Sandøy on their new album “Heimdal” and much more!

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Enslaved is a name known far and wide by fans of metal and well beyond. The band are celebrating over 30 years which is in and of itself amazing, even more amazing is that they are more vital now than they’ve ever been. Over the years their sound has evolved but they’ve always kept their black metal roots intact and fully alive. Heimdal sees the band push their progressive nature even further while keeping a firm hold on icy venom and, no surprise, it’s an epic and glorious album. Buke and lifelong Enslaved fan Colin pair up to chat with drummer Iver Sandøy about the album, how it came to be, and many other topics along the way. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

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Album Review: Enslaved — “Heimdal”

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The lapping of waves, creaking of ropes, blowing of horns as ships leave the shore, the all-powerful resounding of Gjallarhorn heralding the twilight of the gods — evoking ancient times yet looking ahead to the end of this world, these are the sounds that begin Enslaved’s 16th full-length album Heimdal. Similarly serving as a reflection on past, present, and a look towards the unknown future, Heimdal is a true adventure through everything Enslaved has had to offer in their 32-year history. With dynamic songwriting, powerful performances, and what is thematically their strongest album to date, Heimdal proves that Enslaved remain at the top of their game and are worthy of recognition as one of the greatest bands in progressive and extreme metal.

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