melodic black metal

Second Circle: Moonlight Sorcery and Inherits the Void

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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.

January isn’t even over yet and we’re already off to a great start to 2023. This edition of Second Circle focuses on two labelmates that take their respective spheres of the black metal world and expand them with some outside influences. Showcasing impressive songwriting and technical skills, Moonlight Sorcery and Inherits the Void demonstrate how black metal continues to push forward through and beyond the stars.

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Bryan Eckermann, Kobey Lange, and Derek Russell of Scars Of The Flesh on their new album “In Darkness Alone,” and much more!

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Scars of the Flesh

Texas is known for a lot of things, and metal is one of those things. San Antonio in particular is home to none other than melodic black / death metallers Scars Of The Flesh who are about to release their third full length In Darkness Alone. Debut Harvest Of Souls was a barnburner and follow up Reaching Into The Void was a projectile of incendiary violence that far eclipsed the debut in many ways. In Darkness Alone stands to be the album that truly puts this band on the map with five brand spanking new tracks alongside four amazing cover songs that the band truly makes their own. Buke sat down with lead guitarist Bryan Eckermann, rhythm guitarist Derek Russell, and vocalist Kobey Lange to discuss the new album, how it came to be, 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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Album Review: Eard — “De Rerum Natura”

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We’ve said it before on the podcast (specifically on the most recent episode), but I will echo the sentiments here: the most interesting thing that can be done with black metal is to mix it thoroughly with things that are not black metal.  I could not possibly care less about what wave is the best or any trve kvlt nonsense.  Black metal is never more exciting or interesting than when it is a color on the palette as opposed to the entire painting.  Enter, then, Eard and their unique take on the nature-inspired black metal formula De Rerum Natura.   

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Receiving the Evcharist: Inexorum and Dead Cowboy

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Receiving the Evcharist 2018

Receiving the Evcharist is our weekly feature where we pair choice albums with our favorite libations. Drink from the cup of heresy. This week’s offering: Inexorum’s Moonlit Navigation and LA Ale Works’ Dead Cowboy.   Continue reading →

Album Review: Naglfar — “Cerecloth”

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naglfar - cerecloth

Man, 2005 was a crazy year for me and metal.  It was the year I re-engaged with the genre, and the more extreme side held me vice-like in its grip.  If it had a cool cover and logo I grabbed it, and paramount in those random grabs was the melodic black metal of Naglfar.  The mix of heavy, black and melodic was an immediate hit, and they’re still a band I turn to when I want something immediately catchy and aggressive.  New material has been a long time coming, but now we are diabolically blessed with Cerecloth after eight long years, and it doesn’t miss a step, picking right back up on the traits that made the band one of my gateways bands back to the genre. Continue reading →