Review - Dense Fog - Dense Fog
Review: Dense Fog - Dense Fog (Atmospheric Black Metal). This impressive debut from China’s sole member Whirlpool is pure Summoning worship, masterfully blending classical piano with black metal riffs. Strider explores this enchanting, haunting, and beautiful release. Read more in this review.
Band: Dense Fog
Album: Dense Fog
Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal
Country: China
Label: Coldwoods Productions
Released: October 20, 2025
Introduction:
Dense Fog is an Atmospheric Black Metal band from China. Formed in 2022 by the band's sole member Whirlpool. The debut, self titled album was just released at the end of October and offers up some very promising compositions.
The Album:
Track Listing:
1. Specter in the Woods
2. A Beautiful Song
3. Silence Veils the World
4. Dense Fog
Dense Fog is Summoning worship at its absolute finest. A master class in blending classical music with Atmospheric black metal. Its 4 breath-taking tracks flow seamlessly, keeping the listener engaged in its melancholy and majesty.
Upon listening to this album I was struck by just how similar Dense Fog is to Summoning at times, while not being simply a cheap imitation or knock off. The albums 4 tracks instead are rather a love letter to the genre and in particular Summoning. Expanding upon the sound and incorporating their own personality and influence upon its foundation.
It's an enchanting, haunting and often beautiful listen. Weaving together stunning pieces of solo piano, and orchestral arrangements with fragments of atmospheric black metal riffs and the cold, distant spectral ruminations of Whirlpool's vocals.
The arrangements, particularly the piano pieces are stunning and add a wonderful layer of depth and emotion to the songs. The album's production is perfect as well. Sitting comfortably in the sweet spot between being polished, clear and concise while retaining the raw and aggressive sound that black metal is known for.
The logo and artwork are both noteworthy as well. The logo is initially what caught my eye whilst digging for something to review and the album artwork captures the bleak, melancholic atmosphere of the songs perfectly.
Conclusion:
An impressive debut release. Boasting incredible song writing and some truly beautiful piano compositions. Fans of Summoning and Elderwind will surely enjoy this album. I'm looking forward to hearing more from Dense Fog, hopefully in the same style in future releases.
BMZ rating: 7 out of 10
Support Dense Fog here: https://densefog666.bandcamp.com/album/dense-fog
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