2026
Review: Drawn Into Descent - Onrust (2026)
Drawn Into Descent’s Onrust (8.5/10). This Belgian Atmospheric Black Metal record is an industrial, sludge-filled nightmare that perfectly captures urban claustrophobia. Read more!
Reviews
At Black Metal Zine (BMZ) we review albums that deserve to be in the spotlight. We do not believe in 1000 word reviews, because in the end you the reader, needs to decide for yourself if an album is good or not. But you can use our opinion as a guide to navigate the vast number of releases each year.
From the Vault
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!
2026
Review: Winter Eternal - Unveiled Nightsky (2026)
Winter Eternal’s Unveiled Nightsky (8.5/10). This Greek melodic black metal release delivers icy tremolo riffs, furious intensity, and a sharp old-school spirit. Read the full review!
Reviews
Review: Ensanguinate - Death Saturnalia (With Temples Below) (2026)
Ensanguinate’s Death Saturnalia (With Temples Below) (8/10). This Slovenian black/death metal release delivers savage riffs, relentless intensity, and a dark occult atmosphere. Read the full review!
Reviews
Review: Wruen - Waves (2026)
Wruen’s Waves (8.5/10). This Finnish black metal debut is a wretched exploration of disharmonic shreddery and atmospheric darkness. Read more!
Australian Black Metal
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!
2025
Review: Ulvehyrde - Dødsdømt (2025)
Ulvehyrde’s Dødsdømt (7/10). This Norwegian Black Metal record is a masterclass in the genre's fundamentals, featuring a chilling, dark atmosphere. Read more!
Reviews
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.
Reviews
Review: Nordlys - Lichterglanz Finsternis (2026)
Nordlys’ Lichterglanz Finsternis (7.5/10). This German Black Metal release is a defiant return to form, transporting the listener back to the genre's golden era. Read more!
2026
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!
Reviews
Fordæðuskapr - Hræflóð Markar Fjalla
Fordæðuskapr’s Hræflóð Markar Fjalla (9/10). This Norwegian Atmospheric Black Metal debut delivers a mesmerizing, bass-heavy sound and peak shrieking vocals. Read more!
Reviews
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!