folk metal

Album Review: Änterbila — “Änterbila”

Colin1 Comment

With varying degrees of economic, social, and political turmoil occurring all over the world, it’s no surprise that a growing number of metal artists have used struggles of the past in order to craft heavy music for the present. The latest among this group is Änterbila, who help us bring 2022 to a close with their self-titled debut album of rip-roaring black metal about Swedish peasantry from the 18th – 20th centuries. Folk-inspired elements top off Änterbila to present a short but solid introduction that is hopefully just a taste of what’s to come.

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Nechochwen’s Aaron on new album “Kanawha Black,” and much more!

opethbodom2 Comments

When it comes to folk inspired black metal, there’s not many bands better than West Virginia’s Nechochwen. And, on their fourth full length, Kanawha Black, they’ve managed to pull themselves to the front of the pack and widely eclipse their past work. This album has become a fast staff favorite here at Nine Circles for a myriad of reasons, but plainly put, no one out there is doing it better right now. Buke recently sat down with Aaron (aka Nechochwen) to discuss the new album and how it came to be, how the band are fans of French Indian warfare and Native American history and how those topics were lacking in heavy metal when the band formed, how the band got its start, their relationship with Panopticon‘s Austin Lunn and with Bindrune Recordings, the fact that Aaron is a classically trained guitarist, and so much more. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

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Second Circle: Nechochwen and Predatory Light

Vincent3 Comments
Second Circle

In Dante’s Inferno, the second circle begins the proper punishment of Hell, a place where “no thing gleams.” It is reserved for those overcome with Lust, where carnal appetites hold sway over reason. In Nine Circles, it’s where we do shorter reviews of new (ish) albums that share a common theme.

Black metal continues, as it has from the first time I got my ears around it, to be my favorite genre of metal. For all the trappings and headaches it can offer, there is truly nothing like black metal when it is at its best, so I’m always happy to talk it up when I find stuff that speaks to me, and today we’re having yet another two-for-one sale on this here website. Nechochwen‘s Kanawha Black and Predatory Light‘s Death and the Twilight Hours are very unlike each other in style and ethos, but bound together under the sign of the black mark.

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Album Review:  Bhleg — “Fäghring”

Angela Block1 Comment

I have been enamored with Swedish black/folk metal band Bhleg ever since my other half reviewed the trio’s previous album back in January of 2021.  I am excited to see Bhleg back at it again so quickly with their latest release, Fäghring.  Additionally, this is the fourth and final installation of their album tetralogy “Ár.”  Each album from Bhleg is more refined, dynamic, and impressive than the last, and Fäghring is no exception.  Unique instrumentation, vocal variety, and intricate compositions make this album a must listen and an epic finale to “Ár.”  Bhelg have mastered the world of black metal and folk music and continue to grow and perfect their distinctive sound.

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Wilderun’s Evan Berry on new album “Epigone,” pandemic effects on the album and touring, inability to write short songs, Radiohead, and much more!

opethbodom2 Comments

Wilderun has long been a favorite of Buke and Nine Circles so at the mention of new album Epigone it was a slam dunk to get vocalist, keyboardist, guitarist, and mandolin player Evan Berry on to chat about all things Epigone. This is the fourth full length from the band and consequently their most fully fleshed out effort and not to mention their, quite possibly, best to date. The band effortlessly weaves black metal, folk, and acoustic bliss with uncanny ease and it’s no wonder we’ve all been head over heels with them since their debut. With that said, jump in for an excellent chat with via The Nine Circles Audio Thing.

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