While previous Dawnwalker albums have explored the realms of “post” and prog, The Unknowing shifts into a more enigmatic and spectral realm. Norgate’s vocals, guitar and keys intertwine with an eclectic mix of contributions, discreet elements like the flute which give it a faint Jethro Tull vibe without ever feeling derivative. Call. Forth. The jazz flute. And adventure into the unknown.
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Blood Incantation – Absolute Elsewhere Review
2022’s Timewave Zero served a synth-oriented ambient (zero death metal) work that felt more like a proof of concept than an album fully formed. Simple and not particularly deep synth textures could not feed what deathheads craved, and for synth enthusiasts, Timewave Zero had nothing to offer that could not be found much better elsewhere. In hindsight, that album appears to have been a necessary stepping stone. It’s not out of nowhere that Blood Incantation has called forth Absolute Elsewhere — OPEN THE FUCKING GATE.
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Sacrificial Vein – Black Terror Genesis Review
If there’s one style of extreme metal that I vibe hard with, it’s what I like to call “hell sounds”. At its roots black metal, death metal, or a combination, this soundscape also is also heavily infused with ambience to craft a nightmarish atmosphere. Brand new band Sacrificial Vein are fine purveyors of this blend of haunting music on their debut album Black Terror Genesis. It seems this spine chilling genesis has really enraptured our Cosmo, but by which trickery?
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Crypts of the Unknown: Loss – Horizonless
Have you ever come across an album that you enjoy, but seemingly no other human in existence knows about it? Or maybe an album that ticks all the boxes in a style that doesn’t get a lot of love? Oh, and of course, you’ve found this album long after it would have mattered to help the band spread the word… or perhaps it’s just your dirty little secret… Join us as Metalligator reminisces on Loss’s 2017 release Horizonless. It may not be perfect, but how would you know?
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Convocation – No Dawn for the Caliginous Night Review
My expectations were very high for this album, as they would be for any follow up in this band’s catalog. And yet again Convocation prove to be one of the best bands in the current Funeral Doom scene. So how exactly did this album leave Cosmo moonstruck?
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Horrendous – Ontological Mysterium Review
Rather than being a clear evolution, Ontological Mysterium comes off as a gross mutation. The album cover preemptively states this as the three skinless faces of Horrendous’ logo have merged into something altogether darker. Red is the new black.
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Sól án varma – Sól án varma Review
The best way to describe this album is in three parts: the build-up (I-III), the fury (IV-IX), and the afterglow (X-XII). Wear your best sunnies for this shining review.
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Hellripper – Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags Review
Hellripper’s got a new one out, and Cosmo is hoping that he doesn’t fulfill the plight of Icarus and crash into the sea with failed expectations. There’s always a certain level of expectation going into a new album from a beloved band. Let’s hope this doesn’t cause a case of premature eblackulation.
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Crypts of the Unknown: Incubator – McGillroy the Housefly
