Michael
Loves Tolkien, black metal, and dungeon synth. Has been writing for Black Metal Zine since 2024.
Vault Review: Burzum - Filosfem (1996)
Burzum’s Filosofem (10/10). This Norwegian atmospheric black metal landmark remains a fundamental cornerstone of the genre's lo-fi philosophy. Read more!
Review: Darklore - The Great Elven War (2026)
Darklore’s The Great Elven War (9.5/10). This Australian Symphonic Black Metal odyssey is a 70-minute, high-fantasy triumph of cinematic storytelling. Read more!
Review: Woe Bather - Swallowed by the Chains of Spirit Loss (2025)
Woe Bather’s Swallowed by the Chains of Spirit Loss (9/10). This US Atmospheric Black Metal opus is a punishing, beautiful 70-minute cinematic descent into loneliness.
Review: Archvile King (2026)
Archvile King’s Aux Heures Désespérées (9/10). This French Atmospheric Black Metal opus is a majestic exploration of medieval fantasy, decay, and nihilism. Read more!
Apophany - Demo
Apophany’s Demo (6/10). This US Black Metal debut is chaotic in all the right ways, straddling the line between melody and unrelenting noise. Read more!
Careus - In Aethere
Careus’ In Aethere (8/10). This Mexican Atmospheric Black Metal EP is a haunting, immersive landscape of melodic despair and spectral beauty. Read more!
Sindar - Tower of the Sun
Sindar’s Tower of the Sun (9/10). This US Progressive/Black Metal record is a modern masterpiece of Tolkien-inspired epic soundscapes. Read more!
From the Vault: Gallowbraid - Ashen Eidolon (2010)
Gallowbraid’s Ashen Eidolon (10/10). This US Atmospheric Black Metal masterpiece from 2010 remains a peak of the Cascadian style and romanticist longing. Read more!
Winterkhor - From the Depths of Time
Winterkhor’s From the Depths of Time (9/10). This Russian Melodic Black Metal record captures a bone-deep, historical chill and ancestral memory. Read more!
Review: Wormsden - Devotion of the Cursed (2026)
Wormsden’s Devotion of the Cursed (9/10). This Russian Black Metal debut delivers a masterclass in atmospheric aggression and melodic dissonance. Read more!
Review: The Chamberlain - Draconian Magick (2025)
The Chamberlain’s Draconian Magick (8.5/10). This Finnish Symphonic Black Metal debut is a focused and consistent journey of dark, icy atmosphere. Read more!
Review: Nearless - Autumnal Ache (2026)
Nearless’ Autumnal Ache (7.5/10). This UK Atmospheric Black Metal EP is a windswept, patient descent into melancholy and transition. Read more!
Review: Unapproachable Light - Mesmerized by the Unknown (2025)
Unapproachable Light’s Mesmerized by the Unknown (6.5/10). This US Black Metal debut honors the genre's raw, esoteric spirit through its hypnotic and mystical demo.
Review: Langeneet - Kajastus (2025)
Langeneet’s Kajastus (7/10). This Finnish Black Metal opus blends raw aggression with ritualistic atmosphere and occult-driven identity. Read more!
The Infernal Records: Our Staff’s Personal Albums of the Year
The Infernal Records: BMZ Staff’s Personal Albums of the Year. Discover the top 3 picks from our writers, featuring essential 2025 releases. Read more!
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!