Michael
Loves Tolkien, black metal, and dungeon synth. Has been writing for Black Metal Zine since 2024.
Review: Nyrak - Phoenix Mortis (2025)
Nyrak’s Phoenix Mortis (8/10). This Belgian Atmospheric Black Metal opus is a bold, cinematic journey of destruction and mythic rebirth. Read more!
Review: Mitternacht - Self-titled EP (2025)
Mitternacht's self-titled EP (7.5/10). This US Black Metal solo project delivers a punishing, orthodox statement of raw, purposeful aggression. Read more!
Review: Lunar Amulet - Self-titled EP (2025)
Lunar Amulet’s self-titled EP (7/10). This US Atmospheric Black Metal debut is a patient, dreamlike journey of beauty and restraint. Read more!
Review: Skjønnhet - Sailing into the Drowning Horizon (Single)
Skjønnhet’s Sailing into the Drowning Horizon (8/10). This Indonesian Atmospheric Black Metal single delivers moody melodies. Read more!
Review: Gravplåga - Maliferous Portents (2025)
Gravplåga's debut EP, Maliferous Portents (6.5/10), is a solid return to traditional, raw Swedish Black Metal with melodic riffs. Read the full review!
Review: Autrest - Burning Embers, Forgotten Wolves (2025)
Autrest's Burning Embers, Forgotten Wolves (8/10). This Brazilian Atmospheric BM opus balances ferocity with introspection, delivered through rich, nature-driven soundscapes. Read the full review!
Review: Nordicwinter - Solitude (2025)
tnorNordicwinter's Solitude (8/10). This Atmospheric/Depressive Black Metal opus maintains a cold, consistent atmosphere of isolation and sorrow. Read the full review!
Review: 1349 - Winter Mass (2025)
1349's Winter Mass (8.5/10) is a ferocious live album, capturing the Norwegian Black Metal band's uncompromising aural hellfire. Read the full review!
Review: Stworz - U Śmierci na Komornem (2025)
Stworz's U Śmierci na Komornem (7,5/10). This folk-infused Polish Pagan BM album is a solemn meditation on heritage and mortality. Read the full review!
From the Vault: Gates of Ishtar - At Dusk and Forever
Gates of Ishtar's At Dusk and Forever (1998) is a Melodic Black/Death classic, merging aggression and Gothenburg finesse. See the review!
Review: Haimad - When Night Rode Across the North
Haimad's long-awaited debut, When Night Rode Across the North (8.5/10), is a strong return to cold, mid-90s Swedish Melodic Black Metal. Read the full review!
From the Vault: Summoning - Stronghold
Summoning's Stronghold (1999) is an Atmospheric Black Metal cornerstone that translates Tolkien’s mythic grandeur into sound. Read the full review!
Review: Achathras - A Darkness of the Ancient Past
Achathras’ A Darkness of the Ancient Past (7.5/10) is a debut that resurrects the cold heart of Second Wave Black Metal. See the full review!
Review - Dense Fog - Dense Fog
Dense Fog's self-titled debut (7/10). This master class in Atmospheric Black Metal blends stunning classical piano with majestic, haunting riffs. Read the full review!
Review: White Rune - Eventide on Aurora
White Rune’s Eventide on Aurora (7.5/10). This Finnish Melodic Black Metal album balances raw aggression with melodic grace. Read the full review!
Review: Nøkk - Heartless
Nøkk's debut, Heartless (7/10), is a riff-driven US Black Metal album merging aggression with emotional scope and internal bleakness. Read the full review!
Review: Demon Sluice - Dancers Beneath Shores of Fire
Demon Sluice's Dancers Beneath Shores of Fire (8/10) blends crushing Death Metal grit with black metal ferocity. Read the full review!
Review: One of Nine - Dawn of the Iron Shadow
One of Nine’s epic Dawn of the Iron Shadow (8/10) ventures deep into Black Metal Tolkien lore. Discover this legendary release! Read the full review!
Review: Les Bâtards Du Roi - Les Chemins De L’Exil
Les Bâtards Du Roi’s Les Chemins De L'Exil (8.5/10) is powerful, raw, atmospheric French Black Metal with compelling long songs. See the full score!
Review: Zythaex - Devouring Principal
Zythaex’s Devouring Principal (8/10) features a single 36-minute epic track of punishing Black Metal. Strider reviews this monstrous composition! Read the review!