Stranger Fruit

Stranger Fruit

Zeal and Ardor

The second album from Swiss-American Manuel Gagneux's extremely Avant-garde black metal project was released earlier this year.

What starts as bluesy Occult rock mixed with Deep South folk and African Spiritualism morphs into a blizzard of frigid Norwegian-styled rage, a maelstrom of voodoo, Satanism, and pure hatred. Chanting, crooning, and howling are blended into a beautiful mix of heavy rock and roll and the wailing guitar sounds of classic black metal, in an album that never ceases morphing into something more.

If you're looking for something vicious in an unexpected way, this album is brilliant. A sonic ritual statement of independence and rage, it encapsulates the violent free spirit of Black Metal while being a beautifully crafted work of musicianship.

My only caveat is I feel some of the songs could be longer, allowing Gagneux to fully capitalize on the sound he is perfecting and the catchy choruses peppered throughout. Nevertheless, this has become one of my favorite albums this year, and I eagerly await the band's future endeavors.

You can pick it up via the band's Bandcamp page, or from their website for physical copies.

Personal Favorite Track: Don't You Dare

Album Artwork: Manuel Gagneux

UADA

Portland Oregon black metal band.

Photo by blogger. Come and Take It Live, Austin, TX. July 13, 2018.

Blitzgeist

Ritual Magic

Portland Oregon based black metal, from Zane, the man behind the stellar Elegiac black metal project. Whereas Elegiac has a rawer, more traditionally agressive tone to it, Blitzgeist is a bit slower with the tempo. A grimier, almost more melodic sound pervades this project, and the vocal work reminds me of Inquisition. As the apt title suggests, there is a ritualistic aspect to the compositions and style.

Pick it up from the musician's personal label, Sacrificial Sounds.

Uada

Oregon black metallers played a fantastic live show yet again at Red River Family Fest III

Photo by blogger. Barracuda, Austin, TX. Red River Family Fest III, September 28, 2018.

Evilfeast

Elegies of the Stellar Wind

Polish one man black metal band that recalls the sound of early Emperor. Tasteful synthwork with raw and unapologetic black metal, utilizing an unpolished recording sound, but with little detriment to the quality of the music. This is GrimSpirit's 5th album for his project, and a favorite release from last year.

If you enjoy traditional black metal or symphonic black metal, this is a satisfying release within the genre.

Mare

Ebony Tower

New album by Norwegian Doomy, Occult Black Metallers. Really, really good stuff. Great atmosphere, haunting vibes, sucks you right in.

Can be picked up from Terratur Possessions.

Reblogged from @reptileshrine

MARE - Ebony Tower by TERRATUR POSSESSIONS