Reviews
At Black Metal Zine (BMZ), we review albums that deserve to be in the spotlight. May that be a new band that just started and released their first EP or album, or a settled name that has been around for ages. If we enjoy the release, we will try our best to review it.
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!
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: 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!
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!
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!
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!
Petrichor "Seduced by Conquering Darkness” (Wolf Mountain Productions, 2026)
Petrichor’s Seduced by Conquering Darkness (8/10). This US Black Metal debut from Blackbraid’s mastermind hits like a snowstorm of pure intensity. Read more!
Review: Vlad Spirit - Ashes of the Crimson Kingdom (2026)
Vlad Spirit’s Ashes of the Crimson Kingdom (7.5/10). This Greek Black Metal debut delivers an immediate, raw assault of uncompromising riffs and chaos. 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: Moon Wisdom - Let Water Flow
Moon Wisdom’s Let Water Flow (7.5/10). This Italian Black Metal debut delivers a deeply vibey, melodic journey through classic 90s-style atmosphere. Read more!
Review: Staghelm - Natura Semper Praevalet (2026)
Staghelm’s Natura Semper Praevalet (8.5/10). This Welsh Atmospheric Black Metal release is an unyielding journey through nature and the macrocosm. 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: Pénombre – “Demo 2026” (2026)
Pénombre’s Démonstration MMXXVI (8/10). This Québécois Black Metal demo blends Oi melodies with folk-heritage roots to create a powerful, soil-born manifesto. Read more!
Review: Fuath - III (2026)
Fuath’s III (8/10). Andy Marshall’s third atmospheric masterpiece is a cold journey through folklore, blending fast riffs with somber melancholy. 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.