Michael
Loves Tolkien, black metal, and dungeon synth. Has been writing for Black Metal Zine since 2024.
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!
Review: Francis Forth - Left to Save
Francis Forth's debut, Left to Save (8/10), is a fiercely traditional Black Metal album, channelling the cold sound of the 90s. Read the full review!
Review: Chovu - Ufalme Wa Mali
Chovu’s Ufalme Wa Mali (9/10). This impressive Kenyan Black Metal album blends folk influences with powerful songwriting. Read the full review!
Review: Celestial Silence - Silent Calls From The Other Side
Celestial Silence's Silent Calls (7/10). This Symphonic Black Metal album delivers huge orchestral atmospheres and epic scope. Read the full review!
Review: Pagan Ulver - Obsidian Flame of Thy Offering
Pagan Ulver's Obsidian Flame (9/10). This raw, aggressive Black Metal album captures the crushing spirit of 90s Norwegian sound. Read the full review!
Review: Al Uzza - Throne of the Black Dunes
Al-’Uzzá’s Throne of the Black Dunes (8.5/10). Discover this mystical, atmospheric Saudi Arabian Black Metal album steeped in desert lore. Read the full review!
Review: Ethereal Wound - Defile/Demise
Ethereal Wound's Defile Demise (7.5/10). This is a ferocious, uncompromising blend of old school Blackened Death Metal that shreds. Read the full review!
Review: Withering Emptiness - The Fall of Yggdrasil
Withering Emptiness' The Fall of Yggdrasil (8/10). This traditional Melodic Black Metal album captures the strong Scandinavian sound. Read the full review!
Review: Noitasade - Demo 2025
Noitasade’s Demo 2025 (7.5/10). Experience raw, stripped-back Finnish Black Metal that captures the punishing spirit of 90s lo-fi sound. Read the full review!
Review: Aedelgard - Natteglimt
Aedelgard’s Natteglimt (8/10). This impressive release delivers huge epic atmospheres and complex writing in the Symphonic Black Metal style. Read the full review!