Black Metal Reviews
Vivid descriptions, unusual opinions. We aim to explore and describe Black Metal in ways we’ve not seen elsewhere. We don’t use ratings in our reviews, because no-one can actually measure how good a Black Metal album is. We only review good stuff.
If your band creates high quality Black Metal and you want HELL FURNACE to consider your music for review, email us.
Asag – Feuer Zieh Mit Mir
I've been waiting quite a while to hear this; Asag's second offering. As soon as the postman appeared and flung the package through the furnace doors and scuttled away like a giant crab from a Sinbad film, I had the disc spinning. If you're a fan of their first album then this is a MUST have. The band have obviously come... More »
Graupel – Auf Alten Wegen…
Five years is a long time in music. This album has been unchained for that length already! Germany is quickly becoming renowned for its Black Metal and this band are right up there in the spearhead. Having only recently discovered Graupel I'm eager to share my discovery of a truly brilliant piece of underground Black Metal. A nice tuneful little ditty... More »
Doodsdrek
Following on from their interview a few weeks back its only fair that I write a review for this so those of you who are interested can get a handle on what Doodsdrek is all about. To be brief they're about as underground and low-fi as they come and well worth investing a few units of currency in. Forget about nicey... More »
Eald – Through A World Impatient For My Death
The cover picture started my interest but with a longer and more unusual title than the average release I was intrigued to hear this Spanish two-piece and discovered the contrasting styles of harshness and melody can exist together. Best of all the demo is available for free download from the band's Myspace. In keeping with the cover 'Frivolous' begins with a... More »
Dead To This World – First Strike for Spiritual Renewance
Recently I've been rummaging about trying to locate more great Black Thrash after the review of Azziard. Unfortunately my claws only gathered up one album from my collection. Fortunately though it was Dead To This World. Iscariah's quality example of how to do Black Thrash has tons of energy and grips you as soon as it starts. It's way better... More »
Ligfærd – Med Død For Øje
The bands of Denmark have over the last decade been lying dormant within the underground, smouldering with intent and igniting only those intrepid enough to seek them out. Unspoiled by the mainstream it is a pure scene and only recently have a select few bands ventured forth seeking to ignite those whose paths they cross. Ligfærd, now in their tenth... More »
Azziard – 1916
Traditionally the French have been only slightly better at attack than they are at defence. Thankfully their society has enough decay within it to have incubated what is undoubtedly one of the best scenes in the underworld. Coming to my attention recently, Azziard have clawed their way into my top three bands from France. They manage to covertly pepper their music... More »
Darkwor – Foederati
When I used to hear good bands from the USA it made me angry. How could a country so obsessed with Death Metal be unleashing credible Black Metal? How dare they intrude into the most extreme form of music known to mankind? A music that evolved in Europe drawing upon centuries of history that they do not possess. Gradually after... More »
Darvulia – Mysticisme Macabre
Since reviewing and thoroughly enjoying their previous album I have been waiting impatiently to discover what Darvulia's third full length would deliver. After they posted two tracks from it on Myspace I knew the French duo would again give us high quality and original Black Metal from the deepest festering depths of the underground. This band is certainly an acquired... More »
Idolater – Black Sexual Blasphemy
Purveying Anti-Christian Black Metal one man band Idolater cut a clear path through the American Bible belt with their scythe, ice cold sound, vehemence and interesting song writing. The brains behind the music belong to The Idolater and he informed me that all seven tracks are written making extensive use of minor-second chords! I'm no practical student of music so I... More »
Kaosritual – Svøpt Morgenrød
How long has it been since I heard a release that transported me back in time to the first year or two that I discovered Black Metal? So long that I fail to remember. Such an occurrence is a rare treat upon which to gorge. Svøpt Morgenrød is one such treat; imbued with early nineties underground production and the indescribable... More »
Blodfest – Lejres Fald
After finding out about this upcoming release I was intrigued to know just how Blodfest would follow 2008's 'Den Flyr Ej Ilden...' I don't know what I was expecting to hear when I played it for the first time but this wasn't it! Lejres Fald marks a significant improvement in every respect of their music. Their previous album was great... More »
SejtanE – The Burning Cold
Italian Black Metal is quite often a bit of a hit and miss affair. Asides from a few really good bands who get it right the rest apparently suffer from attention deficit disorder! SejtanE are not one of those thankfully and have created a consistently good album with a couple of really belting songs to boot. The intro is a proper... More »
Palace of Worms – The Forgotten
It is amazing to think that five or six years back American Black Metal was nowhere and now we're receiving regular raids from them. This is yet another quality release from the USA in the shape of a one man band from San Francisco who's music is aimed more towards the mainstream than outfits like Arizmenda and Volahn, but with... More »
Inferius Torment – Your God Liar
It is widely accepted that Old Wainds are the pioneers of Russian Black Metal. They discovered the hideous verdant pastures of evil in their country and opened the way for grazing to commence below them. Since then, bands have come and gone but recently some have emerged to settle and prosper among the steppes. Enter Inferius Torment, a talented four... More »
Nekrist – Slava Satan
The Hell Furnace isn't always stoked to maximum capacity, because between shifts both Stug and myself have to venture down the adjoining Black Metal mine to the seam and whip out our specially imbued pickaxes. We don't always chip off what we're prospecting for, but every once in a while we manage to unearth a few rare or precious items.... More »
Temple of the Maggot – How To Perform A Human Sacrifice
Since digging up this fucked-up two man outfit towards the end of last year, I've been waiting impatiently for their debut album to arrive. Entitled "How to perform a human sacrifice - the blood rites", it is finally here - unleashing with it some highly original and experimental ideas. As the opening song, 'Necklace of Teeth', kicks in it sounds... More »
Dødsengel – Mirium Occultum
Finally, the moment has arrived... The moment for Dødsengel to show us how they have followed their supreme debut album, Visionary. With 5 songs spanning a massive 55 minutes, it seems Mirium Occultum is going to take us on a different musical journey to its predecessor. When the opening track, 'Azonei Wyrdwalker' begins, the last thing you expect is... More »
Occult Crypt – Nebelwerfer
Grab your old SS uniforms, smack down those infantry helmets and slip into your paratrooper boots. Oh yeah, and don't forget your fucking Nebelwerfer! I've listened to tons of NSBM recently and to be totally honest 99% of it has been shite. Focusing on hate propaganda under the guise of extremely dire music it has offered me nothing. Until now.... More »
Gevurahel – Conocedores del Bien y del Mal (I & II)
There are few bands who not only write excellent Black Metal, but who are also actively involved with the beliefs that inspire their music. Argentina's Gevurahel is one such band, which makes this hard-to-find CD all the rarer. The band's name is derived from 'Gevurah', part of the sephirothic left hand path. Their inspiration is rooted in Occultism, and I don't... More »
Ravenfrost – Ein Streifzug Am Abgrund Der Seele
Imagine another holocaust! One in which the Jews are not the quarry but one where the exterminees are German Black Metal bands. I would be the aggressor and those who survive a perilous train journey, brutal working conditions, dubious washing facilities and finally manage to squeeze under the electric fences and escape to freedom, would be few. Ravenfrost would be one... More »
Blooddawn – The Enlightenment
Coming from the same city as Black Metal founders Venom will always produce high expectations. Although Blooddawn's previous release was pretty chaotic this plants a heavily booted kick up its arse and marks a significant progression for the band ...and meets the expectations of the Black Metal public. Hostilities begin with a minute of electronic-sounding machine guns blazing, then a hefty... More »
Norns – In Fog They Appear
This is a re-release of their 2005 demo, remastered and professionally manufactured with new artwork. I don't pretend to know what the initial release was like but this is well produced with excellent monotone photography to give you a flavour of the cold atmosphere within before you even insert the disc into the player. German label Voldsom are responsible for... More »
Blasphemous Crucifixion – Crude Burial
Written and performed by a person calling himself 'Lurker' you just know this is going to be filthy Black Metal. Bits of soil cover the whole studio and recording equipment. In fact, this was probably recorded in a hole dug by his own hands at the side of a field somewhere! Get the picture? Not to be mistaken for super... More »
Evighet – Winter Twilight
Good quality American Black Metal bands are becoming less of a novelty these days. As the USA seems to be awakening from its Death Metal malaise, they are appearing with all the ruthless efficiency of a Stalinist production directive. With an underground elite now propping things up and setting the markers for others, these groups and the scene in the... More »
Sammath – Triumph in Hatred
In the early days of Death Metal, the Netherlands was one of the countries that dominated. Throughout the subsequent growth of Black Metal in Europe, Dutch bands haven't played such a leading role, but one band who are working hard to restore their country's former glory is Sammath. From start to finish, Triumph in Hatred blasts out seven tracks of fast,... More »
Malefic Order – Raging Evil Desekration
Turkey's Malefic Order have made a serious mark on my playlist this month. As manufacturers of fast and angry Black Metal, their debut album, released through Satanic Propaganda Records, entitled 'Raging Evil Desekration' does exactly what it says on the tin! This is raging evil and it has enough about it to desecrate. Featuring hard screaming vocals, medium heavy guitars and... More »
Throne Below – Winter Eternal
Hailing from Bloemfontein in South Africa, Throne Below purvey raw Black Metal. Although it is probably the last country you'd think of to have artists influenced by Winter's icy grip there is a fledgling scene going on there right now. Some of it is geared to more mainstream audiences and some more experimental but this seven track self produced demo... More »
Darvulia – L’Alliance Des Venins
Here we have an album that simultaneously ejaculates with impunity upon the miserable faces of those whoring sisters: trend and conformity! Darvulia play simple, ugly and tuneless Black Metal which is highly effective and replayable with a certain unique 'je ne sais quoi'. It makes for an uneasy listen that'll make your head hurt then pin you down without the... More »
Diocletian – Doom Cult
Doom Cult is the first full-length album from New Zealand's Diocletian, who specialize in crushingly intense black metal with old underground death metal influences. The album opens with the title track, and it's a fucking beast. A distorted siren signals battle to commence, the drums kick in, then suddenly Diocletian's pounding artillery fire fills your head with a concentrated assault of... More »
Luciation – Infernalistic Flames of Luciftias
After hearing Danish Black Metal band Blodfest, I was interested to learn that two of its members also play in another band, Luciation, who describe themselves as "Unholy Danish Black Metal". And that's exactly what they deliver on this depraved tape. It's like the soundtrack to a wild witch-fucking orgy in the Dark Ages. We've heard very little Black Metal from... More »
Tenebrae in Perpetuum – L’Eterno Maligno Silenzio
L'Eterno Maligno Silenzio sees Italian underground black metal band Tenebrae in Perpetuum evolve from the harsh, cold sound of their previous releases. What they've added is an even stronger influence from early black metal classics which, combined with the band's talent for composition, is what makes this album particularly enjoyable. The two first tracks, 'Percepire La Luce Attraverso Il Sepolcro' and... More »
Bael – Bleeding For Him
Bael released this harsh and sinister four track EP in 2003. At only eleven minutes long it provides a bite size fix of some of the rawest, and in my opinion most superior, French Black Metal on offer. However, it isn't just noise for the sake of it, as they incorporate some dark and depressing emotional atmosphere within the core.... More »
Khashm – Thy Legions Come
You may remember the Khashm interview from back in May. Well, after being sidetracked by a mountain of stuff to review, I tracked them down again to see what's new. A four track EP (an intro and three songs) is what you can get. I'm not sure if you can buy a hard copy yet because I couldn't find them... More »
Blodfest – Den Flyr Ej Ilden…
Only a few weeks ago, me and Stug were discussing the apparent lack of any quality Danish Black Metal bands and asking how could one of the Nordic nations have been left behind? Given the history of the Danes it was inconceivable that this could have happened. We looked into the matter and after a while scouring Denmark's page on... More »
Morkhgrat – Morkhgrat
I'm not sure how I found this band or came to possess the album, like one of those people who suddenly come round from a 20 year trance and can't remember who they are. I'm glad I discovered Morkhgrat though because this is another very good debut release. No promos, no demos, no splits. Nothing. Just, bang, have a full length... More »
Kill – No Catharsis
The night sky pisses rain onto the ground. The damp earth rips open, and once again Kill rise up from their dark, steaming hole to deliver undead Black Metal to us all! Finally, the long-awaited No Catharsis is here... The opener, 'Rites of Bestiality' immediately sprays you with its stinking riffs, and you can almost hear the black vomit gurgling... More »
Morte Incandescente – Coffin Desecrators
I wonder how the underground of the early 90's survived intact. These days it is easy to find good underground bands with the proliferation of the internet, Myspace and the unprecedented Metal Archives putting the deepest reaches of the genre only a few clicks away. Back in the day I could only rely on the mainstream press for very limited... More »
Vargsang – Werewolf of Wysteria
Similar to the Wehrmacht during the retreat from the Eastern steppes of Russia with their scorched earth tactics, German Black Metal doesn't have the greatest of reputations. I don't know why that is but given that German products are renowned for their quality and craftsmanship it seems unusual that they haven't managed to produce too many above average bands. You could... More »
Pestilent Grave – Esoteric Blasphemy
This is another one man band purveying primitive raw black metal. Main man Vith makes no excuses. With the resurgence of cassette tapes booming in the underground, Esoteric Blasphemy was first recorded onto tape and then onto CD to enhance the necro atmosphere. Which it does effectively. Don't listen to this expecting to find anything other than grim and raw... More »
Arckanum – ÞÞÞÞÞÞÞÞÞÞÞ
After 17 years, it's no surprise that Shamaatae continues to experiment and develop Arckanum's style, and it's interesting to hear Black Metal artists who try to create something different. The problem is, despite the efforts and desires of some bands to evolve, the results are often shit. Arckanum are one band that has been successful in their evolution, but has... More »
Whorethorn – Split 2009
Whorethorn is the creation of Malphas. Hailing from Manchester in England and active since 2005 they've had six releases to the name already, three of them from this year! A full length came out through Salute Records at the beginning of the year (2009) followed by two demos. I'd heard the songs on Whorethorn's myspace before and enjoyed them but... More »
Vordr – II
There aren't many bands that forge their own truly unique style. Alongside such greats as Abigor and Arckanum are Vordr. The Fins always have managed to cover new ground in the genre and although this album is four years old already, it certainly does just that. I reckon this is the best of their eleven releases to date and demonstrates... More »
Egnum – Promo 09
Hailing from Thessaloniki in Greece, but also based in Amsterdam, Egnum unleash their annihilating two-track promo, and it's a killer! I was lucky to receive one of the 100 limited edition versions which are packaged in a black cloth, book-style digipack with the band's logo printed in bright silver on the front, which looks very impressive indeed. But it's the music... More »
Funeral Throne – Nihil Sine Diabolvs
There was once a time when England pioneered metal music. From Black Sabbath to Iron Maiden to Venom such bands were the cutting edge of the underground. Then, as extreme music progressed and Black Metal's second wave rolled in England was swept away with the tide. I know Cradle of Filth were about and I'll even admit to enjoying their... More »
Mordhell – Grim, Old & Evil
Poland is one of those countries that churns out wave after wave of bands. Although the most famous are mainly Death Metal orientated the Black Metal attack is getting up to speed with some notable releases. Mordhell were a jaw dropping surprise and nearly blew my ears clean off like a corpsepainted Dirty Harry. Feeling lucky, like a punk, I... More »
Carrion Wraith – Carrion Wraith
If you were told you had one week to fully write and compose an album what would you think? The words shit!, fuck off! and no way! spring to mind. Well according to Canadian 3 piece Carrion Wraith that is how long it took them to write and record their noteworthy self titled debut album. Not from outside pressure or contractual... More »
End – III
Imagine the furious excitement, anticipation and satisfaction that Hitler was feeling as he pressed the 'on' button of the first Jew hoover and began to see his plans, however nefarious, take shape. I felt the same about this album upon learning of it early this year! The fact that I hadn't toiled to create the album or put my own... More »
Dødsengel – Visionary
Savage. Complex. Symphonic. Ugly. Hate. Pain. Just some of the sensations created by this immense masterpiece of Norwegian Black Metal. A solemn piano melody sets a scene of anticipation, and ends with almost silent mutterings. Intro-haters may wish to skip this first track, but I like the way it contrasts with the sharp, nasty riffing that whips you in the face... More »
Proclamation – Messiah Of Darkness And Impurity
As soon as this blasted off, I knew I had to review it. Dark, demonic and as hefty as a skip full of mammoth shit it shovelled me back into the heavier side of Black Metal and provided a welcome change from all the raw stuff I've been feasting on recently. After the subtle but creepy intro the first thing that... More »
Malkuth – Sefirah Gevurah
As society continues to rot before me in a vulgar mass of intense gluttony and greed I constantly turn to music for purification. I feel it imperative that the music I listen to is as pure as possible and unsoiled by the current ills of mankind. More and more I'm indulging in the deepest chasms of the underground to find... More »
The Black – Alongside Death
1994 was a vintage year for Black Metal. My speakers strained from repeated plays of the epic albums released that fine year: De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas, Pentagram, Transylvanian Hunger, The Shadowthrone, Verwüstung... 1994 was also the year in which Swedish band The Black released The Priest of Satan, their classic debut album - then slowly seemed to vanish into Black... More »
Asag – Asag
This is a dirty little Pitbull of an album from Swiss grimsters Asag. Although it is only 33 seconds long the intro to this self titled debut from 2007 is funny as fuck because it sounds like someone with constipation having trouble passing a stool in an Arabian toilet. We can all identify with that at some point on holidays... More »
Kill – Inverted Funeral
I found this tucked away in a remote corner of Myspace and after hearing the samples there, Inverted Funeral bullied it's way onto my deathdeck. It has remained there almost constantly for a couple of weeks now. Hailing from Sweden, Kill push a flavour of Black Metal firmly stuck in its own limbo between Black Metal and Black Thrash. They've been... More »
Stillhet – Dømt At Have Sit Liv Forbrudt
New style Black metal isn't really my thing. There are now loads of bands spewing forth this big production branch of the genre. As always there are some good bands and some not so good ones. From what I have heard of such groups so far the music is mainly of middle tempo with traditional blasting Black Metal riffage being shunned... More »
Surrender of Divinity – Manifest Blasphemy
Surrender of Divinity are Thailand's ambassadors to Black Metal and have been punishing the minority of Christians existing in their country for 13 years. Releasing 2 full lengths and a fist full of splits their brand of raw, harsh and intense Black Metal is something to behold. Not only are they the sole practitioners of the genre in Thailand that... More »
Horna – Pimeyden Hehku
I'm almost ashamed to say it but this EP was the first time I have heard Horna. I've heard of them and noticed them at the periphery of my blinkered Black Metal radar but never actually had them interfere with my ear drums. Until now. If the best things come to those who wait then this is proof. I had no... More »
Maledictum – Inhumana Muerte Negra
If this was a porno movie the title would read: "Squirt In My Gape Vol. 666" because it is raw and filthy Black Metal at it's awe inspiring best. It's one of those rare albums that momentarily shocks you for the first few listens with it's severity. Like the first time you heard Gorgoroth's "Pentagram" album. I don't know about you... More »
Garmadh – Debris Of History
Black Metal demos are not renowned for their high quality production. "Debris Of History" is no different. So why have I decided to review this demo? Because Garmadh do their stuff well and with their own style of grimness. Sure, the sound quality here isn't brilliant by any means - but they've made the most of it. Vocals are grim and... More »
Wrath Passion – Careful Saint
Be honest, when the words experimentation and Black Metal are uttered in conjunction, what springs to mind? Sucky keyboards, painted finger nails and some fucking boring music? In all cases that is totally correct...except this one. I got this cd before Christmas and only now am I able to write about it. It stumped me for nearly four months!. Every time... More »
Obitus – March Of The Drones
So, March of the Drones begins. A quiet, tense intro passage.. No build-up... No sign of it ending... Fuck, this intro is long, and I'm getting impatient... Then, finally, Obitus go to war. The bunker roof caves in as Sacrificial Abolishment explodes with thick, fast, rhythmic blasting. Hard, dense and aggressive. This is a band who have not chosen to follow... More »
Nadiwrath – Demo
Greece has quite a few excellent BM bands currently taking the scene by force. Nadiwrath are without question one of the top two of those, and unless you're some vermin who has been living under a rock for the last year or two, you'll have heard of them. Nadiwrath have been making waves in the underground, and in their own words... More »
Styggelse – Bland Ändlösa Fält Av Snusk Och Hor
After the opening 15 seconds I knew I would like this. It begins with a couple of samples that are arranged in such a way that makes Saruman appear to be chatting up that slut from the Exorcist! Wait 'till you hear it and its a certainty that her answer makes him blow his load in his robes. Anyway, a well... More »
Ibex Throne – Total Inversion
The opening bars of Total Inversion sound pretty much like a run of the mill, bog-standard black metal band. However, not much further in, that thought is laid to waste as the main riff kicks in and you're swept into a fast, interesting blend of pace and riffs. As the second song blasts off it really makes you sit up and... More »
Throne of Katarsis: Helvete – Det Iskalde Mørket
This is the third offering from this Candelight-signed Norwegian duo. It's pretty much a continuation from their Unholy Holocaustwinds EP and debut album An Eternal Dark Horizon in so much as the sound and production are very similar if not identical. Usually that would be a bad thing but not here. Throne of Katarsis have achieved something that a ton of... More »
Dead Inside – Dead Inside
I stumbled on this band while stalking about on MySpace one day. Tagged by themselves as black 'n' roll, I was instantly impressed. Based on other b 'n' r bands I have heard, Dead Inside are the first that can truly live up to their claims. It's black and pumps along with an easy, foot-stamping flow like blood pouring from an... More »
Archgoat – The Light Devouring Darkness
Right from the first notes The Light Devouring Darkness blasts away without mercy or compassion. I was expecting this all the way through the album but to my surprise, Archgoat have added some subtle touches to break up the blasts, which was a good move because it could have quickly become really boring without them. In parts it drops into Sabbath-style... More »
From the Depths...
Interesting Black Metal fragments we found.
Black Faith – Jubilate Diabolo
August 30, 2010 | 10:19
I admit I was more than a little sceptical when I got a request to review this Italian band. I wasn’t sure what to expect from a band that sounded more like some American gospel singers than satanic Black Metal! Thankfully after literally one second of listening my somewhat ridiculous assumptions were raped and pillaged [...]Rahu – Ride of the Eight Black Steeds
July 25, 2010 | 20:52
I only recently discovered Rahu, who purvey original and very replayable Finish Black Metal of the highest calibre. This is a demo from 2008 that has since been released as part of a best of featuring this and their other demo on one CD. Although there are only three tracks delivering a mere seventeen minutes [...]- More From the Depths... »