Michael
Loves Tolkien, black metal, and dungeon synth. Has been writing for Black Metal Zine since 2024.
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!
Review: Hellripper - Coronach (2026)
Hellripper’s Coronach (10/10). This UK Black/Speed Metal masterpiece is a high-octane blend of Scottish folklore and razor-sharp precision. Read more!
Review: Bloody Valkyria - Requiem: Reveries of the Dying (2026)
Bloody Valkyria’s Requiem: Reveries of the Dying (10/10). This Finnish Melodic Black Metal opus is a cinematic, harrowing exploration of death. Read more!
Review: Mek Na Ver - Noctivaga (2026)
Mek Na Ver’s Noctivaga (8.5/10). This Italian Atmospheric Black Metal return balances old-school spirit with modern nocturnal atmosphere. Read more!
Review: Kaosophia - Beyond the Black Horizon (2025)
Kaosophia’s Beyond the Black Horizon (9/10). This Ukrainian Black Metal opus is a dark, malevolent masterpiece of technical proficiency and primal energy. Read more!
Review: Hierophany - Tenebrario (2025)
Hierophany’s Tenebrario (8/10). This Mexican Black Metal debut is a masterclass in atmospheric tension, blending Spanish mysticism with avant-garde ritualism. Read more!