Aldrlok, by epic pagan black metal band Árstíðir Lífsins, is a true gem, and I have not been gripped by anything this hard in a long time. After last year’s substantial 44 minute “EP” Hermalausaz (intended as a precursor) the band are serving us the real monolith they’ve been crafting since 2021 – Aldrlok. With both releases being recorded, mixed, and mastered at around the same time it was only natural that we would see Aldrlok sooner or later, and it could not have come at a better time.
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Hyperdontia – Harvest of Malevolence Review
There’s a bear on the loose in Goat Review HQ, and we tried to tease him out by tossing Hyperdontia’s newest record out toward the woods. It worked, but he came back with a review. Guess it didn’t sink its teeth in…
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Botanist – Paleobotany Review
Hey look, it’s Botanist, the band with the hammered dulcimer! A consequence of a world filled brimful of good metal bands is that bands become known by their unique thing. Paleobotany, though, is a concept album dedicated to the marvels of the gigantic plants that existed before the Chicxulub asteroid so rudely interrupted their existence. Come on in and see if this release is as big a hit as that!
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Incipient Chaos – Incipient Chaos Review
Playing a no-frills approach to black metal, Incipient Chaos has the potential to become a refreshing, venerable force in the scene beset by cheap, middling melodic black metal and bad raw black metal that people attempt to convince others is good. And, thankfully, their eponymous debut delivers the goods and brings a fresh batch of fast, mean black metal. Well, so says the Cosmo anyway…
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This Week In Metal, 2024 Week 23
Another week, another round of metal reviews in the bag. Words are tough, so we assembled the highlights. And if you want to read the latest reviews for the new offerings from Thanatotherion, Cell Press, and Inconcessus Lux Lucis you can do that too!
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Inconcessus Lux Lucis – Temples Colliding In Fire Review
Inconcessus Lux Lucis play a concoction of new wave of British heavy metal tropes with black metal and maybe the thinnest possible goth sheen. The combination of a boomer musical style with more current metal reminded me of my mixed feelings on Chapel of Disease. Luckily, Temples in Colliding in Fire doesn’t hit me in such a complicated way. Carry on reading and witness the blazing glory.
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Gig Report: Wolves in the Throne Room – EartH Hall London, 31 May 2024
Inkster reluctantly left the venue when the gig ended, wishing to have stayed for a few more songs, and dreading the journey back home. Find out what makes reality dissolve if only for a short while in this timely gig report.
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Cell Press – Cages Review
At the time of this review, Alice has sat and listened to Cages for about half the year, searching for the right words to say. At this album’s best, you can hear the makings of something special — a band that deserves the stardom and headliner status that contemporary luminaries. And at its worst? Well, they say no press is bad press…
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Thanatotherion – Alien Manifesto Review
Thanatotherion may be an unknown band, but the main brain power behind this project, Ominous Droning, has also made a name as Shelby Lermo of Ulthar. But it was clear from the start that Alien Manifesto wasn’t going to be a journey through space, but rather a direct confrontation with a monster. Lions and tigers and Bobo bears and one man black metal, oh my! Ok, ok, it’s blackened thrash. Trust us, it makes a difference.
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