Review: Blood Countess - Imperatrix Sanguinis (2026)

Band: Blood Countess
Album: Imperatrix Sanguinis
Genre: Black Metal
Country: England, UK
Label: Dominance of Darkness Records
Released: 24th April 2026

Introduction:

Somewhere in the dark depths of northern England in a town blanketed in thick fog you'll hear rumours of the Blood Countess. Whispers among young peasants being abducted under nightfall, brought to grim dungeons that reek of decay where they are subjected to black metal.

This second album of macabre tales from the crimson streaked band very much takes what they created with their debut album Occulta Tenebris released in 2022 and builds upon it. The songwriting weaves rich tapestries of the tales and legends of Elizabeth Bathory, melodically splattered in wine-dark gore.

Imperatrix Sanguinis

As the clattering of chains sets the haunting atmosphere, an almighty scream kicks us off into merciless blast-beat filled fury. Chains of Misdeed was the lead single from this album released online ahead and one I heard live a couple times and it’s easy to see why this hypnotic track was picked.

With a blend of sinister riffs and elegant waltz-like melodies of measured grace are the backbone for the guitar work of this track, and indeed form the soundscape of this album. They are a genuine delight to listen to, creating a nightmarish and discordant atmosphere akin to a haunted carnival.

Nina ‘The Cuntess’ once again proves that her cold and scathing vocals hold an unyielding presence. Her shrieks and growls are like a knife cutting through the abyssal black metal where every wraithlike note sung is sharp and unmistakable.

The technical drumming filled with blastbeats and subtle fills such as on A Humiliating Plea for the Glorification of Erotic Suffering blends in with the melodic guitars to create a groovy black metal presence that is just fun to listen to as the ghoulish lyrics paint vividly morbid imagery in your mind.

This album maintains a blisteringly frantic pace throughout seven of the eight tracks, with Shackles of Sin being reserved for despair-filled storytelling in the form of chains, whimpers, and a bone-chilling scream combined with some beautifully haunting synths.

Conclusion:

Just under forty minutes in length, it is full of old school black metal that is steeped in darkness and a harrowing experience that is shrouded in menace, and I mean that in the most positive fashion.

This album nails the aesthetic that Blood Countess are aiming for, ticks every single box of what you expect from them and delivers it expertly so without a single out of place moment. It’s unforgiving, broodingly noir, and highly memorable. Sinking its hooks deep within you with catchy melodic riffs and seductively bleak vocal work that makes it irresistible.

Blood Countess are a band that have managed to impress me greatly every time I’ve seen them live due to the unshakeable and commanding stage presence of The Cuntess herself. With this new album in their repertoire I expect they’ll be enthralling audiences further and leaving strong impressions with new fans.

I’m excited to see what they have in store for us in the future, and will be catching them live at least once later this year at Tynebound Festival hosted by Reaper Agency.

BMZ Rating: 9/10

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