MMXXIII was an incredible year for music and brought stunning titles authentically and flamboyantly delivered straight from the artistic and soulful minds of a number of artists.
The music in this website has always been selected very carefully, which also means that all published tunes have left their mark on my consciousness in their own way (this year alone more than 1000 albums found a place in THE VOID), therefore after several changes in the idea for a  fitting end to the year, I thought the ranking would be a little different than usual… and give credit to the roots of the flame burning in the heart of this place.
This year, and every year going forward, I want to pay special attention to the debut titles released in the last cycle. Debut titles and discovering new music and bands from the underground scene has always been a priority for THE VOID and a very important part of my personal path and my journey as an avid music fan – it’s what keeps the flame alive in times of plague and inspires me immensely in my mission to spread quality music. It’s the debut titles of lesser-known but talented bands that are part of the reason I started this place almost a decade ago – I’ve just always been fascinated by the treasures in the deep underground, and I’ve always been known for my passion for these titles and my top notch findings.
Enjoy the ranking, and if you’re feeling inspired, share your most poignant discoveries from MMXXIII – I’m sure there are titles that could be added.

THE 13 MOST IMPRESSIVE  DEBUT ALBUMS FOR MMXXIII

ERSHETU : „Xibalba“

„Xibalba“ is an immersive conceptual aural journey that transports us several eras back in time, among the sacred temples of the archaic Mayan civilization, conveying through authentic sounds its ancient perception of death and the passing beyond. When we add to this exciting picture  names like Void (DMP), Nico Sacr, Vindsval (Blut Aus Nord), Intza Roca and Lars Are Nedland (Borknagar) – it is immediately clear that precision is guaranteed.

Full review: https://bit.ly/41CZDzW
Listen here: https://bit.ly/3RFIOQc

BLOEDMAAN: „Castle Inside the Eclipse“

„Castle Inside the Eclipse“ is a classic yet very fresh and captivating title that paints dark soundscapes with the ease of a Devil-possessed artist. Subtly passing like a light breeze, the album is filled with the best of black metal – cold traditional freezing riffs and fierce harsh vocals that immediately cut into your mind and bring the darkness down from above you.

Full review: https://bit.ly/47LHnXk
Listen here: https://bit.ly/3tCpHyw

VOIDESCENT : „Dust and Embers“

Мистичен и хипнотизиращ със своите маниакални призиви и масивни философски твърдения , „Dust and Embers“ е цялостен разказ за преклонението пред смъртта и ефимерността на човешкото съществуване. Дълбоко пътешствие сред мрачните и потънали в прах и жарава картини от отвъдния свят, представено през призмата на блек метъла и поразителните трансцендентални атмосфери на Voidescent.

Пълно ревю: https://bit.ly/3QT6Y9q
Чуйте тук: https://bit.ly/3NL1lcT

ASET: „Astral Rape“

Through its seven tracks and nearly 54 minutes of duration, Aset’s debut captivates with aural paintings depicting the dark and powerful energy of the Astral and the divine creatures lurking in its depths, using a combination of the traditional and the psychedelic influences in the black metal we know so far from the musicians’ other endevours, adding new touches as well – a step leading to music that undoubtedly has ethereal avant-garde elements, but at the same time does not leave the boundaries of pure expression, raw aggression and ritualistic mystery in the genre.

Full review: https://bit.ly/3L7AJBn
Listen here: https://bit.ly/3NJbJS8

Sól án varma: „Sól án varma“

„Sól án varma“, translated as „Sun Without Shine“, is a 70-minute opus written and performed by a selected few famous names from the Icelandic black metal underground. Founded by T.Í. and D.G. (members of Misþyrming, Naðra, Núll, Lord, etc.), alongside G.E. (Misþyrming, Naðra, Svartidauði), Á.B.Z. (Carpe Noctem, Árstíðir Lífsins), M.S. (Svartidauði, Lord), S.V. (Svartidauði, Lord) and H.V. (Wormlust), the Sól án varma collaboration is more of a concept idea than a band or some kind of side project, yet the progressive nature of the title envelops you in its trance-like magic on first listen.
Listen here: https://bit.ly/3NLrlVi

TAUBRĄ: „Therizo“

Ever since the teasers around the formation of TAUBRĄ there was an abundant scent of mystical smoky spaces, but with the release of the album, occult harsh rituals unfolded before us, which once again showed the genius of J. (AARA, THRON), T. (ex – CHOTZÄ, MALPHAS), B. (AARA, MODERN RITES) and R. (ILHALUNG, LEGIONES). Within their debut offering, TAUBRĄ summon the ancient spirits and immerse themselves amazingly in the second wave of black metal, surrounded by mysterious atmospheres. Don’t miss this one.
Listen here: https://bit.ly/48CpNVS

RUÏM : „Black Royal Spiritism – I – O Sino De Igreja“

Debut title showcasing triumphant black metal excellence from former Mayhem guitarist and Vltimas founder Blasphemer, under the name of the newly formed black metal project RUÏM, in which the musician has partnered with César Vesvre (Agressor, Thagirion).
The album is steeped in the essence of Brazilian sorcery and the Left Hand Path of the Umbanda tradition – a practice in which Blasphemer himself was trained – to present a new black metal opus in the spirit that Blasphemer has been synonymous with since his 1994 residency at Mayhem (until 2007).
A pitch-black work, „Black Royal Spiritism“ is steeped in an eerie and psychedelic darkness. Each track is painstakingly woven from a terrifying undercurrent, fleshed out by Blasphemer’s highly distinctive brutal style of riffing, with atmospheric, ambient and clean passages emerging amidst the chaos.
Listen here: https://bit.ly/41IFuIT

ONE OF NINE: „Eternal Sorcery“

Eight shattering anthems of dark majesty. You’ll find no remorse in the space-ripping vocals paired with intricate guitar work – blazing with catchy yet dark lead melodies and acoustic lines. And you won’t get a moment’s rest from the rhythmic, percussive onslaught – a symbiotic swirl of song and magic. The medieval atmosphere of „Eternal Sorcery“ captures the listener’s attention with its enigmatic and enchanting sound that harkens back to the early 90s.
Listen here: https://bit.ly/47ib80M

SYN: „Villfarelse“

„Villfarelse“ („delusion“) is the debut full-length album from newly formed Norwegian black metal band SYN.
Fully immersed in the tradition of the 90s, the debut is stretched between the old-school sound of early Ulver and the melting atmosphere of Vemod, adding to them a specific note of aggression and melodicity. From the very beginning of the record it is clear that this is quality Norwegian black metal that will leave a mark in the minds of connoisseurs of the genre.

Full review: https://bit.ly/3GupOil
Listen here: https://bit.ly/4awMU5M

PRAZNINA: „Čovek koji nije“

Introspective and philosophical, „Čovek koji nije“ is one of those albums that you won’t come across every day, and is  a unique work that carries a transformative and pure, primal energy. Just the kind that the best black metal records have. Free of pretensions and unnecessary experiments, with devastatingly direct and aggressive attacks, the album takes full control within 44 minutes, awakening in you a fire you may not even know you need.
Dedicated to the primordial emptiness and the power of knowledge, the desire for destruction of  everything false and unnecessary in man („Glasnici lašinjeg svetnog poredka, iskopaćemo oko lažnog svedita, isčupaćemo jezik licemera“), imbued with esoteric power, the album is telling a different story about the cycle of life and death, the deceptive nature of the world and the material, and not only. All this – presented through a fierce black metal sound and a high level of artistic frankness, from which an impenetrable darkness emanates, engulfed in all consuming black flames…

Full review: https://bit.ly/3RmZNYs
Listen here: https://bit.ly/47Mu6xu

UNFELLED : „Pall of Endless Perdition“

UNFELLED is the pagan black metal offspring of D. (Woods Of Desolation), Mitch (Austere, Dearthe) and Vlad (Drudkh, Windswept). Atmospheric, yet at the same time aggressive and full of triumphant fury album, „Pall of Endless Perdition“ is undoubtedly one of the strongest manifestations of the black metal spirit of the past year.

Listen here: https://bit.ly/3NL3zsE

VERLETZEN: „The Blackened Crusade“

Dynamic riffs, soaring melodies, rhythmic drums and obsessive vocals battle for supremacy across ten anthems of traditional UK black metal, adding a dose of old-school energy to a local underground steeped in malice and ancient grandeur. An energetic debut from Verletzen, who I hope to hear more from in the coming months.

Listen here: https://bit.ly/44cyaFt

EFRAAH ENHSIKAAH: „One Thousand Vultures Waiting To Be Fed“

The debut of UK solo project Efraah Enhsikaah was one of the most pleasant surprises for me this year. The symbiosis between the ethereal and charming atmospheres with the raw energy of the vocals and the coolness rooted in the 90s transports you into a state of trance and takes you through cathartic moments. The rawness and haunting nature of this album is truly inspiring.

Listen here: https://bit.ly/3NMlYFD

THE 13 MOST IMPRESSIVE DEBUT EP’S/SINGLES/DEMOS OF MMXXIII

LUXMORI : „LUXMORI“

The debut record of LUXMORI – a solo project from the Netherlands, in no way indicates that it is their first touch with music, on the contrary – the music here exudes finesse and mastery inherent in an experienced musician. Emotionally charged, progressive and stoking its flame for just over twenty minutes, the record carries a raw energy that is long remembered.

Listen here: https://bit.ly/45f39RK

SVVORDS: „He Who Sought Nothing“

If you thought Texas was all about cowboys and wild rodeos, think again. Svvords is an American independent black metal project, whose debut definitely cut into the mind like a blade on first listen. With deep lyrics and nihilistic fury, „He Who Sought Nothing“ is a nearly 40-minute long record featuring four pieces of pure black metal with raw atmospheres, angry appeals and sailing through the depths of the ephemeral nature of existence.
Listen here: https://bit.ly/3rQ2yYe

DIABOLIC WIZARDY : „Nightspell“

Inspired by The Elder Scrolls game and other fantasy worlds, „Nightspell“ is a fresh 90s breath of fresh air. Harsh and melodic riffs refer us to a medieval atmosphere and cries calling out for war. A classic work. I look forward to hearing new DIABOLIC WIZARDY music in the new year.

Listen here: https://bit.ly/3NNWVlw

ЛИКАНТРОПИЯ: „Promo ’23“

The Bulgarian presence in the underground scene this year was once again mainly supported by Todorac and his never-ending inspirations. Lycanthropy is one of the projects created with his participation this year, and in this particular title the master of native dungeons partners with Stürm (Spectral Citadel, War Kommand, Gibel). As you might expect, „Promo ’23“ is an old school black metal release – raw and unadulterated. If you miss the 90’s and the rehearsal releases – you must check out this record.
Listen here: https://bit.ly/3THeA1O

THE CHAMBERLAIN: „Dominus Noctis“

Featuring members from various established Finnish underground bands such as Hedenskfrid, Infernarium, Malum, Norrhem, Aesthus and more, The Chamberlain deliver a massive symphonic black metal debut, taking us back in time with incredible ease. Inspired by Satanism, the melancholy of the night and the demonic, the lyrics are presented in a ferocious and theatrical manner, with raw energy flowing uncompromisingly through each of the tracks.
Listen here: https://bit.ly/47iCa8f

VLAS:  „Kathedral“

The Bulgarian black metal band Vlas was born at the beginning of this year, with their debut record offering us four pieces of quality progressive black metal with death metal elements – powerful and emotionally charged vocals tear up the sound space against the background of artful black and death metal riffs. A very good debut record that hints at something even more sinister in the near future (hopefully).

Listen here: https://bit.ly/48dQmAP

SBS: „I“

A brand new entity in the German underground, SBS are unwavering in making it clear that their music is one that subtly drags you along. The duo attack furiously and aggressively with their fast guitars and ferocious vocals, their energy second to none of the big names in the scene. In case you liked ONE OF NINE’s debut, the music of Krigsgrav, Häxenzijrkell or Scáth Na Déithe, you’ll be satisfied here too.

Listen here: https://bit.ly/48weBKa

AVOWD: „Avowd Vol. 1“

Chaotic and extravagant, “Avowd Vol. 1″ goes beyond the boundaries of tradition and brings an aggression that shakes and draws attention to details. With its dissonant nature, nightmarish atmosphere and suffocating vocals, the record is among the elusive black/death metal works that haunt the listener’s ears and mind.

Listen here: https://bit.ly/48Bq3UR

STUTYR: „Missä Yö Teid​ä​t Kohtaa“

„Missä yö teid​ä​t kohtaa“ burns with that traditional Finnish fury that oozes from the best titles in the genre. High lunatic vocals and snarling low calls sound obsessively around beautiful riffs and fast drums, as songs maneuver from mid to fast tempos and melodies and raw cold darkness fight for supremacy over the aural landscape. It took me a while to believe that this is a debut here – STUTYR’s midnight first anthem is magic.

Listen here: https://bit.ly/3H3VqeY

SERPENS NOCTIS : „Serpens Noctis“

Combining the forces of black and death metal, the debut of SERPENS NOCTIS skillfully transports the listener into sepulchral ritualistic atmospheres from which it is almost impossible to escape. You’ll especially like it if you like Veilburner or Replicant’s music.

Listen here: https://bit.ly/3RE3Dvr

DIONE: „Cosmosphere“

The dissonant cosmic black metal atmosphere of „Cosmosphere“ lures you into its webs of cosmic dust and dark matter with ease, placing you in a state of complete weightlessness. With such a debut, the expectations for the independent project from Gdańsk are quite serious.

Listen here: https://bit.ly/3H8u5bv

LAGNIA : „Sigil“

German project Lagnia’s debut demo unleashes two pieces of traditional blasphemous black metal in honor of the Serpent and the rebirth of darkness. You won’t hear anything groundbreaking, but nevertheless the music sounds authentic and is beautifully performed, with an impressive charge.

Listen here: https://bit.ly/3tH9CYg

DASHIEM: „Invocation of Malfayosh“

Egyptian mysticism is familiar to most of us  and enthralls with its secrecy, yet I was amazed when I met black metal duo Dashiem from Cairo and their occult enchanting atmosphere, whispering demonic invocations, imbued with the sacred secrets of black magic… Using real knowledge of demonology and Arabic witchcraft, the musicians present to us an authentic ritual with an interpretation of texts from „forbidden“ books that weave through the dark tones of their melodies.
Listen here: https://bit.ly/41F9GnU

THE 13 MOST IMPRESSIVE ALBUMS OF MMXXIII

BLUT AUS NORD : „Disharmonium – Nahab“

I shocked you, didn’t I? Well, it’s inevitable. BAN’s particular dark cosmic chaos is a unique thrill – a toxin that I will always enjoy injecting into my system (which is why it’s hard for me to write reviews for this band – the addiction is beyond all limits with already more than 20 years of consuming devotion). „Disharmonium – Nahab“ is the second album in the „Disharmonium“ series and is again inspired by the work of Lovecraft, and more specifically, by the story „The Dreams in the Witch House“ and the witch Nahab (Keziah Mason, the Witch of Arkham, the Ghost of French Hill). Ominous dynamics and monstrous dizzying riffs, challenging the imagination and serving as a nebula for the obscure vocals, are only a small part of what the listener could perceive in this transmission.
Listen here (or die tryin’): https://bit.ly/3NO3fcB

THY DARKENED SHADE: „Liber Lvcifer II: Mahapralaya“

The dark muses dance to this hymn. „Liber Lvcifer II: Mahapralaya“ is a ritual that elevates the spirit in an unimaginable way and turns the listener’s essence to the burning flame at the center. An inspiring title that showcases grandeur, musicianship and most of all, authenticity. THY DARKENED SHADE weave their occult vibes with ease, delivering a fierce and uncompromising Luciferian opus.
Listen here: https://bit.ly/3vghKQa

TENHI : „Valkama“

The melancholic magic of „Valkama“ fully justified every second of waiting after Tenhi’s long lull. With its traditional folk key elements and beautiful ethereal vocal performances, at times the music sounds like a ghostly hymn glimmering in the darkness of the world of the dead.

Full review: https://bit.ly/43dstqi
Listen here: https://bit.ly/4aFGVeV

INFERNAL ANGELS:„Shrine of Black Fire“

„Shrine of Black Fire“ is an all-consuming ritual. I rarely come across such authentic black metal records. The title offers a transcendental experience filled with fiery fury and haunting appeals spread across eight hymns of enlightenment and personal power.

Full review: https://bit.ly/3QMLJGy
Listen here: https://bit.ly/47kjIMG

MIDNIGHT ODYSSEY: „Biolume Part 3 – A Fullmoon Madness“

Four years after the release of the first chapter, MIDNIGHT ODYSSEY closes the circle of the ambitious „Biolume“ trilogy with „A Fullmoon Madness“ – a huge triple album, summing up in itself all the metal nuances explored by Dis Pater in the previous chapters and in his career in general . Once again the cosmic black metal, bigger than the night sky itself, and the crushing weight of epic doom metal are united by dark wave synths, grandiose symphonic arrangements and Dis Pater’s soulful vocal performance, oscillating between raven screeches and gorgeous clean chants that emphasize the lunar character of the music. Epic and ethereal at the same time, „Biolume Part 3 – A Fullmoon Madness“ transports us among lost, silent galaxies, in a deep search for the original source of light.
Listen here: https://bit.ly/45yGLlQ

KAEVUM :„Kultur“

„Kultur“ is one of the rawest and most authentic yet most underrated records this year. Whether because of the ugly cancel culture or otherwise, only a handful of media and music fans have covered the existence of this gem. Aggressive yet atmospheric at the same time, the album delivers six cold cult Norwegian black metal anthems in their unadulterated form. If you are a fan of the Norwegian scene, and more specifically Gorgoroth, Darkthrone, Taake or Nordvrede, then this album is a must for your playlists.
Listen here: https://bit.ly/3RE3LuV

URFAUST : „Untergang“

With their final record, the patrons of mystical sound bring everything we love about their music out of the darkness, transporting us like a time machine through the band’s golden years. A dignified farewell, which, even if it fades smoothly in the recording, gradually dissolving in space, will definitely remain echoing in time.

Full review: https://bit.ly/3OEEoru

Listen here: https://bit.ly/3NL38P9

TROLL : „Trolldom“

The clock and the calendar are simply unnecessary items for some bands. Three years after their last EP and nearly thirteen years after their last full-length album, Troll have delivered a new dose of their distinctive classic vibe to the  avid black metal fans . Cold guitars intertwine with ethereal synths in „Trolldom“, transporting us to ancient demonic fires and dark forest paths.

Listen here:  https://bit.ly/3TKYsN2

MEPHORASH:„Krystl​-​Ah“

The sublimity and energy charge in Mephorash’s music has attracted like a magnet since the band’s inception, and in „Krystl​-​Ah“ it all erupts to new heights. Cathartic, ritualistic and filled with rich palettes of sounds, this album could easily serve as a window into mirages from other worlds.

Listen here: https://bit.ly/44d108c

MARDUK: „Memento Mori“

Shortly after the album was released, I came across reviews and statements by various „thinkers“ who not only do not know what they are talking about, but also call the phrase „Memento Mori“ what was it… „boring as hell“? Well, gentlemen, this album is not for your ears – write for chalga, turbo folk or pop, for example, those genres go much better with your flat thinking and interpretations. MARDUK’s new album is a real battle hymn against mediocrity, religion and the lower manifestations of man. A tale of the human perishable mortal nature with an unclear expiration date and eternally repeating life cycle. Thought and spirit placed above the material. A mighty cry in the face of the inevitable end. Masterfully crafted release, as it must be expected from these legends.
Listen here: https://bit.ly/47hAegu

Mānbryne: „Interregnum: O próbie wiary i jarzmie zwątpienia“

The intense energy and passion in Mānbryne’s second offspring ignites the space with typical Polish primalness and direct approach.
In their music, Mānbryne have the ability to interweave philosophy and a great deal of the bright and harsh emotions of the human being into one whole, while at the same time it feels like an embrace. In case you want to hear and touch something pure and primal from the musical underworld, devoid of any pretensions, then „Interregnum: O próbie wiary i jarzmie zwątpienia“ will take you really deep in its frank expression, surprising you with numerous impactful elements to leave their mark on you after the last chord.

Full review: https://bit.ly/3PLWVnq
Listen here: https://bit.ly/3S1KJQr

MANII – „Innerst i mørket“

„Innerst i mørket“ is a mesmerizing and somewhat peculiar album that can be listened to over and over again with hours that will seem like seconds with each ending of the title track. A pure auditory orgasm with melodies echoing in your skull and a captivating emotional charge that pierces the mind.
With albums like this you quite naturally dive into the depths of darkness and let yourself go with their flow, being led to unsuspected corners where you discover precious treasures flickering in the dark. A dark tale, translated into the language of black metal mastery by Manii, which you will ‘read’ in complete rapture.

Full review: https://bit.ly/3rfia7g
Listen here: https://bit.ly/41IGDQn

OFERMOD / ACHERONTAS / BLACK ALTAR : „Drakonian Elitism“

The fire lit so brightly by Ofermod, Black Altar and Αχέροντας in this title is very difficult to put into words. It is about worshiping the shadows and all that lies within the Draconian Paths of Enlightenment. Ritualistic, highly inspiring and full of precision and passion, the split album is one of those titles that dissolves into your essence and brings light.

Full review: https://bit.ly/3STnDw6
Listen here: https://bit.ly/47djd7M 

Bonus list of new compelling long-playing titles from the passing year:

Note: The list of most fascinating albums probably also includes Abigor’s new album – „Taphonomia Aeternitatis – Gesänge im Leichenlicht der Welt“, which was released on December 21st on physical media, but unfortunately not yet came to me so that I could give an honest opinion on the matter. Bearing in mind that the album marks the Austrians’ 30th anniversary … I don’t think there’s any chance of anything weak being offered. Look around for the title.

THE 13 MOST IMPRESSIVE EP’s/SINGLES/DEMOS OF MMXXIII

HATE FOREST : „Sowing with Salt“

The name „Sowing with Salt“ was not chosen by Roman Sayenko by chance – sowing with salt is a ritual of spreading salt on the land of cities conquered by violent people, which symbolizes the curse made in connection with their resettlement. This ritual originated as a symbolic practice in the ancient Near East and became an established folklore motif in the Middle Ages. The meaning behind the title is quite clear, and the two tracks included in it are more than eloquent about its message. Pure and unadulterated fury pours upon the ear without mercy.

Listen here: https://bit.ly/4aBVZKJ

Árstíðir lífsins : ‘Hermalausaz’

Although presented by the band as an EP, with its two colossal parts, „Hermalausaz“ is a massive and surprising black metal work that can be listened to in one breath, despite being over 40 minutes long. Quite natural to their essence, Árstíðir of life interweave modern and traditional black metal, at the same time handling a range of classical instruments, vocal techniques and ambient noises that lead us through ethereal natural soundscapes and stories from long-forgotten times presented in a captivating and deep way.
Full review: https://bit.ly/3RkXhRo
Listen here: https://bit.ly/3ROLVWi

Æumbra : „Æumbra II“

A harsh underground black metal record from the American trio, which already in 2021 managed to assert itself as a serious representative of the American underground worlds. Traditional 90’s atmospheres collide with high and emotionally charged vocals that unleash their energy to the point of goosebumps.

Listen here: https://bit.ly/47qI33y

SVRM : „.​.​. а с​м​е​р​т​ь в​в​і​й​ш​л​а у т​е​б​е в​ж​е д​а​в​н​о“

The title of the mini-album is a quote from the work „Meni sztet, scho zhivu ne ya…“ by Vasyl Stus, a Ukrainian writer and dissident. The lyrics in both tracks are also from his works, and the cover art is a fragment of the painting „Kuoleman sautha“ („Garden of Death“) by the Finnish symbolist Hugo Simberg. This alone is enough to convey the atmosphere you can expect from the eight minute Ukrainian black metal whirlwind.

Listen here: https://bit.ly/3txBAWz

Oerheks : „Landschapsanachronismen“

An atmospheric black metal title filled with reverberations, cold riffs and charged vocals that provide a cathartic flavor to the work. I was largely captivated by the airiness of the guitar work and the more unconventional composition with sweeping dynamics. The record is raw, sultry and subtle at the same time, which is an interesting combination.

Listen here: https://bit.ly/3S2rgiO

Waldgeflüster : „Unter bronzenen Kronen“

„Unter bronzenen Kronen“ is an album for real autumn souls – the record was written in honor of the season of colorful golden crowns of trees and cool rains, and as one might expect, it carries with it precisely that dreamy melancholy, accustomed to the last months of the year. And I’ll be honest – atmospheric black metal sounds fabulous when processed by the skilled hands of Markus Stock…

Listen here: https://bit.ly/48B9Ejf

WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM: „Crypt of Ancestral Knowledge“

As the band’s fans tingle in anticipation of the next full-length album, the American overlords have released a record that features four new tracks spanning the space of cinematic black metal and dark acoustic folk of WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM, as well as two atmospheric industrial tracks that sweep the horizons them into darker sonic territories.

Listen here: https://bit.ly/45vQWIj 

Silem : „Hidden Among the Dales“

After 21 years of silence, Italian black metal band Silem rose from the ashes and conquered the space with the ease of a veteran of the genre. Midnight cryptic atmospheres with beautiful synths and atmospheric cold guitars are chased by haunting and driven vocals that carry the spirit of the old school…literally. You don’t want to miss this recording.

Listen here: https://bit.ly/48mAGeM 

Смъртонос : „Rehearsals Autumn 23′“

Records like Smyrtonos’s are like a time machine and take you back to the best years of black metal. Although he is relatively young, Todorac is currently the most distinguished figure in the Bulgarian underground – his sound is recognizable and brings not only nostalgia, but also a breath of fresh air among the imitation, posing and the „modernity“ in our country. Pure expression, true black metal spirit, shown regardless of any image, profit or „prestige“. The concept of a cult entity. The new true Bulgarian black metal elite.

Listen here: https://bit.ly/3FvOEOm

Nightside :„Lions“

Veterans in their essence, Finns Nightside have been creating captivating soundscapes since 1996. After more than 20 years of silence, the band returned in 2023 with their new record „Lions“, which contains huge symbolism for the new era of musicians. Classic Finnish black metal in its raw form, spewed straight from the gates of Hell.

Listen here: https://bit.ly/3tAo6ZZ

Echushkya : „Twilight Murmuration“

„Twilight Murmuration“ turned out to be one of the most atmospheric and charming titles I’ve had the pleasure of hearing this year. It contains the perfect proportions of raw energy and nocturnal melancholy, creating a sonic picture of majestic melodies – multiple layers of guitars interweave, providing a sense of depth and massiveness, while the vocals extend over this incandescent foundation you charge for contrast. As shown on the cover of the record – it feels as if you are several centuries back in time and before you stand the mists of centuries-old forests, and the lights of a mysterious castle beckon you in the distance, inviting you to approach the magic behind its walls.

Listen here: https://bit.ly/4aSi0oT

KOLDBRANN : „Den 6. Massedød (Manna fra en annen himmel)“

Koldbrann’s seven inch vinyl „Den 6. Massedød (Manna fra en annen himmel)“ contains two pieces of furious and wild black metal, mocking the blind following of established mediocre dogmas and religions that lead to an empty existence. And if you haven’t heard the name Koldbrann before, which is unlikely, then the music on this record would appeal to all fans of Darkthrone, Craft, Dødheimsgard, Taake, Urgehal, Leviathan, Tulus, Mysticum, Ildjarn, Gorgoroth, 1349, Endstille and others, precisely because of its specific Norwegian dynamic charge and hard rock playfulness.

Full review: https://bit.ly/3THdrr0
Listen here: https://bit.ly/47VqSaD

In Twilight’s Embrace : „Eden of Iniquity“

Although containing only two tracks – the new and original song „Cutting Down the Trees of Eden“ and the black metal cover of the song „Ostatnia chwila“ from the album „Ile procent duszy?“ (1994) by the great Polish punk band Dezerter, „Eden of Iniquity“ manages to conquer the darkness, carrying a small but solid dose of the already well-known blasphemous, explosive and authentic charge of In Twilight’s Embrace. Solid and multi-layered, „Cutting Down the Trees of Eden“ ignites with its stark appeals delivered in the form of well-thought-out poetry and high-end black metal melodies with original riffing, as with all of the Poles’ work – there’s huge symbolism in the song, a namely – the destruction of spiritual rottenness and falsity in the world polluted by religion and low human manifestations.

Listen here: https://bit.ly/3tAkV4w 

MOST CAPTIVATNG FESTIVALS/CONCERTS OF MMXXIII

BEYOND THE GATES (Bergen, Norway)

Cosmic Void Festival (London, United Kingdom)

PROPHECY FEST (Balve,  Germany)

I wish you an inspiring welcoming of 2024! May the new cycle be filled with many more victories over mediocrity, may there be double the amount of good music and may our souls be filled with fire, even more passion and last but not least – may our minds expand to  new horizons…

Rise the black flame! Et lux in tenebris lucet.