Michael
Loves Tolkien, black metal, and dungeon synth. Has been writing for Black Metal Zine since 2024.
Tolkien and Black Metal: A History (Part 1)
Tolkien and Black Metal: A History (Part 1) explores the origins and deep links between Middle-earth's darkness and black metal's worldview.
Review: Pusta Noc - Funus Vampyri (2026)
Pusta Noc – Funus Vampyri (7.5/10) Atmospheric Black Metal from Poland. A bleak, mid-tempo offering steeped in Slavic folklore and dread.
10 Atmospheric Black Metal Albums you need to hear.
Explore 10 essential atmospheric black metal albums you need to hear, featuring classics from Burzum, Summoning, Agalloch, Drudkh, and more.
Review: Grabunhold - Frostheim (2026)
Grabunhold - Frostheim (9/0) Tolkienian Black Metal from Germany. With Frostheim, Grabunhold solidifies their status alongside One of Nine at the absolute vanguard of modern Tolkienian black metal. A freezing, brilliantly paced descent into the tragic ruins of Angmar. Read more!
Review: Imladris - Kings of Forgotten Lore (2026)
Imladris - Kings of Forgotten Lore (9.5/10) Atmospheric Black Metal from the United Kingdom. Imladris sees Abghul (Ghül) step away from the blast-driven rawness of Ghül, into the cinematic, synth-driven world of the likes of Summoning. Read more!
Review: Walg - VI (2026)
Walg returns with VI, a masterclass in modern melodic black metal. Read our full 9/10 review of the prolific Dutch duo's latest offering.
Review: Stormkeep - The Nocturnes of Iswylm
Stormkeep - The Nocturnes of Iswylm (9/10) Melodic/Symphonic Black Metal from Denver, Colorado. Melding 90's Dissection with the keyboard-drenched splendor of early Emperor and Dimmu Borgir, the quartet once again prove that symphonic black metal could still has teeth. Read more!
Review: Véhémence - Assiégé pour l'éternité (2026)
Véhémence - Assiégé pour l'éternité (8/10) Melodic Black Metal from France. Does this reimagined take on their debut album stand out or is it just a cliche cash in? Read more!
Review: Niveous - Cult of the Void Star (2026)
Niveous - Cult of the Void Star (9.5/10), the chilling 2026 full-length debut album from Milwaukee atmospheric black metal trio Niveous. This concept-driven cosmic black metal masterpiece blends raw second-wave aggression with a sprawling, sub-zero sci-fi mythology. Read more!
Review: Svrm - Мертвий край EP (2026)
Svrm - Мертвий край EP (9/10) Atmospheric Black Metal from Ukraine. While dozens of bands try to copy the hypnotic, wall-of-sound formula pioneered by Drudkh, does Svrm rise above the crowd? Read more!
Review: Via ad Mortem (2026)
Via ad Mortem's Requiem I: Through the Path, over the Ruins (8.5/10) Brand new Italian Black Metal band Via ad Mortem has delivered a record that feels genuinely alive, grounded in the roots of traditional black metal. Read more!
Review: Panopticon - Det hjemsøkte hjertet (2026)
Panopticon's Det hjemsøkte hjertet (9/10) Atmospheric Black Metal from the United States. A conclusion to the Laurentian Trilogy and a meditation on the loss of our culture and heritage to the modern world. Read more!
Review: Drudkh - Thaw EP (2026)
Deudkh's Thaw EP (10/10) Ukrainian atmospheric black metal legends Drudkh follow up 2025's Shadow Play with their new EP Thaw. Read more!
Review: Hädangången - Vädjan (2026)
Hädangången's Vädjan (8.5/10) Swedish "Raw Nature Black Metal" in its truest form: a sonic manifestation of the unforgiving Scandinavian landscape. Read more!
Review: Beleriand - Rituals of Winter (2026)
Beleriand's Rituals of Winter (9/10) Norwegian atmospheric black metal Beleriand returns with Rituals of Winter, a cold, purposeful triumph that marks the project’s finest hour. Read more!
Review: Yoth Iria - Gone with the Devil (2026)
Yoth Iria's Gone with the Devil (7.5/10) Helmed by Hellenic Black Metal legend Jim Mutilator, Yoth Iria release their latest full length album Gone with the Devil. Read more!
Review: Forlorn Citadel - An Oath Undone (2026)
Forlorn Citadel’s An Oath Undone (7.5/10). This Australian Atmospheric Black Metal work is a meditation on collapse, blending high-fantasy misery with dungeon synth roots. Read more!
Echoes from the Crypt: I
Echoes from the Crypt: I is out! Step away from the blast-beats and dive into our hand-picked Dungeon Synth treasures. See the full list!
Review: Herztod - III (2026)
Herztod’s III (7.5/10). This Austrian Atmospheric Black Metal release is a primordial trek through forest and meadow with a devotion to terrestrial decay. Read more!
Review: Winterfylleth - The Unyielding Season (2026)
Winterfylleth’s The Unyielding Season (10/10). This UK Atmospheric Black Metal achievement is a definitive statement on human resilience and heritage. Read more!