Vampyriia/The Melancholic Charm of The Moon/Void Wanderer Productions/2025 EP Review

 

  Vampyriia  are  a  solo  project  from  Italy  that  plays  a  very  raw  and  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  with  elements  of  dark  ambient  and  drone  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  ep  "The  Melancholic  Charm  Of  The  Moon"  which  will  be  released  in  April  by  Void  Wanderer  Productions.

  Dark  ambient  style  synths  and  drones  start  off  the  ep  while  also  mixing  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast b eats  can  be  heard.

  When  tremolo  picking  is  added  into  the  faster  riffing  they  also  give  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling  while  the  recording  also  gas  its  atmospheric  moments.  Clean  playing  is  also  utilized  at  times  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in length,  whispered  vocals  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

  Vampyriia  takes  a  very  raw  and  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  dark  ambient  and  drone  to  create  a  sound  of  his  own.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  misanthropy,  negativity  and  darkness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Vampyriia  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw  and  atmospheric  black  metal  solo  project  with  elements  of  dark  ambient  and  drone  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Ghost  Of  Moon  And  Cosmic  Nebula"  and  "The  Infinite  Melancholic  Sadness".  8  out  of  10.

  https://vampyriia-band.bandcamp.com/music    

Artach/Morrigan...Goddess Of War/2025 Full length Review

 

  Newfoundland.  Canada's  Artach  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  an  epic  mixture  of  black  and  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2025  album  "Morrigan...Goddess  Of  War"  which  will  be  released  in  mid  March.

  A  very  ritualistic  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  synths,  dark  age  style  battles  and  spoken  words  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  Elements  of  thrash  metal  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  the  vocals  also  bring  in  more  of  a  first  wave  black  metal  style.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  solos  and  leads  go  for  more  of  an  old  school  metal  style.

  Most  of  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  80's  and  90's  era  as  well  as  being  very  modern  at  the  same  time.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  some  of  the  faster  riffing  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  tremolo  picking.  melodic  chants  are  also  added  on  the  closing  track.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Irish  Mythology  themes. 

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  Artach  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  epic  black  and  thrash  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Badb"  "omad"  "Ride...Die...Immortality".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/ArtachBlackMetal​

​https://www.instagram.com/ArtachBlackMetal/​
​https://www.youtube.com/@artachband709​

​https://artach.bandcamp.com/  

Akantophis/Erneuerung/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Akantophis  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  plays  a  very  dissonant  and  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2025  album  "Erneuerung"  which  will  be  released  in  April.

  A  very  distorted  and  atmospheric  sound  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats  which  also  gives  the  recording  more  of  a  raw  feeling  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams.

  Death  metal  growls  can  also  be  heard  at  times  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  dissonant  touches  and  melody.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  some  spoken  words  also  being  used  in  certain  sections  of  the  album  as  well  as  some  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  clean  playing  is  also  utilized  at  times.

  Akantophis  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  modern,  atmospheric  and  dissonant  sounding  as  well  as  adding  in  a  touch  of  death  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  realistic  themes.   

  In  my  opinion  Akantophis  are  a  very  great  sounding  dissonant  and  atmospheric  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Spot"  "Renewal"  and  "See  Me".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpXvt6rT004

https://akantophis.bandcamp.com/music

https://www.instagram.com/akantophis/ 

Kryptan Interview

 

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

Kryptan is a black/death metal band that was formed by me (Mattias) as a side project during the pandemic 2020. Together with Alexander Högbom (vox) and Samuel Karlstrand  (drums) we recorded 4 songs, Inspired by the 90s era of scandinavian black metal, witch later on was released as an Ep at Debemur Mortii Productions. Then the side project turned into a band and we did some live shows with session musicians. Songwriting for a full length album began and in late 2024 we signed a deal with Edged Circle Productions to release the album titled ”Violence, Our Power” on the 14th February 2025. This time with Victor Parri behind the drums.  

2.You have your first full length coming out earlier this year, musically how does it differ from your previous ep?

When we recorded the Ep we didn't knew it was going to be released. The plan back then was to release them on like soundcloud and the targeted audience was basically our friends. And the process from writing the songs till we recorded them was quit fast. 

This time we have put a lot more effort in the songwriting, production and everything that involves a release. I think this album is a continuation where we left of the Ep, but with a much more clear vision how we wanted it to sound.

3.The band members have a background playing melodic doom and death metal, how would you compare the black metal style of your current band to the other metal genres, that you have worked with in the past?

I you ignore the distorted guitars, its like night and day. But yeah, you could probably find some atmospheric part somewhere that could fit in for example October tide.

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?

Without diving any deeper into the subject, the red thread through the album is suicide. We have a couple of guest writers on the album. And we also had the honor to have Nox from ex-Craft to guest sing on of the songs.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name ’Kryptan'?

Kryptan is actually my nickname since I was around 18 years old. My bandmate Johan from Moondark came up with it 30 years ago, and almost everyone have called me that since then. The reason was the Swedish band Crypt of Kerberos. I was totally blown away when Johan introduced them to me, so he started to call me Kryptan. So when we was looking for a bandname Alex came up with the idea because I was the one who started the band.

6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?

I'm extremely happy how the cover turned out! It is drawn by a artist called Ikosidio. The cover is inspired by a archaeological find in Motala in Sweden. They found paled skulls in a overgrown lake and in my point of view it looked like a ritual was going on. And it fitted the album very well. So I gave her that idea, and that I love frames, then she kinda had free hands. And it turned out absolutely stunning!

7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?

We have only played live 6 times I think. And all of them was great. But a highlight was Gefle Metal Fest. We played indoors in a amazing venue and it was packed with people. We doesn't have any spectacular stage show. Just leatherjacket, bulletbelts and head banging. We’ll see if we can get some cool stage setup for future shows.

8.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?

As we speak we have one show booked. For the first time abroad. We just joined Death over Rome booking, so more shows to expect.

9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?

So far so good. I haven't heard any major complaint yet.

10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

Same as we are now. Raw aggressive black metal inspired by the early scene. That was the reason we started this band, and we will continue on the same line. We ain't trying to come up with something new or groundbreaking. We’ll just find inspiration from the past and do it our way.

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Musically influences is early 90s scandinavian black metal. Emperor, Dissection, Marduk etc. Alex influences is not the same as mine, and that's a great thing. It makes the music less predictable.

I listen to all kind of music. Kent, 16 horsepower, Röyksopp among others. As long as its dark it can be any genre. 

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Thanks for the interview. Make sure to check out Violence, our power. Cheers!

https://www.facebook.com/kryptanofficial

Sumerian Tombs/Age Of Eternal Night/Van Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Sumerian  Tombs  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  goes  for  an  old  school,  epic,  atmospheric  and  vampiric  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Age  of  Eternal  Night"  which  will b e  released  in  April  by  Van  Records.

  A  synth  orientated  intro  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  and  melodic  direction.  When  the  music  speeds  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  while  the  recording  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era.

  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  some  of  the  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  when  they  are  utilized.  A  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  some  ethnic  style  instruments  and  female  vocals  also  being  used  briefly,  a  couple  of  songs  also  adds  in  a  small  amount  of  clear  male  vocals  and  synths  also  make  a  return  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Sumerian/Mesopotamian  Mythology  and  Vampirism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  Sumerian  Tombs  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric,,  epic,  old  school  and  vampiric  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Edimmu  Rising"  "Epitaph  In  Blood"  "Age  Of  Eternal  Night"  and  "The  Offering".  8/5  out  of  10.

  Contact: info@sumeriantombs.com

Instagram:  @sumeriantombs

Facebook:  /SumerianTombs        

The Great Sea/Noble Art Of Desolation/AOP Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  The  Great  Sea  are  a  duo  from  Germany  that  plays  an  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "Noble  Art  Of  Desolation"  which  will  be  released  in  April  by  AOP  Records.

  Drum b eats  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  clean  playing  a  few  seconds  later  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  as  well  as  the  vocals  also  being  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  The  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  the  tracks  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  Spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with  the  keyboards  also  giving  the  music  more  of  an  atmospheric  feeling  when  they  are  utilized  as  well  as  one  track  also  being  an  instrumental  and  their  is  also  some  session  work  from  members  of  Crone  and  Gràb.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  reality  of  nature's  infinite  powers.  

  In  my  opinion  The  Great  Sea  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  black  metal  duo  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Water  Remains"  "No  Peace  Among  Men"  and  "Walking  At  The  Edge  of  Death".  8  out  of  10.

  www.facebook.com/thegreatseaofficial   

No Hand Path/Mysticism Of Coming Of Age/Floga Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  No  Hand  Path  are  a  band  from  Greece  that  plays  an  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Mysticism  Of  Coming  Of  Age"  which  will b e  released  on  March  21st  by  Floga  Records.

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  very  fast  and  raw  musical  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  all  of  the  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  riffs  also  capture  the  dissonant  side  of  the  Icelandic  style.  A  lot  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  music  also  mixing  in  atmospheric  elements  heavily  influenced  by  the  Cascadian  bands  in  with  the  rawness  of  the  Norwegian  sound.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  riffs  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  more  of  a  melodic  direction  along  with  some  tracks  also  adding  in a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  as  well  as  the  music  also  mixing  in  elements  of  Swedish  death  metal  and  crust  punk,  clear  vocals  and  spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  foundations  of  religion,  family  and  nationalism.  

  In  my  opinion  No  Hand  Path  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Womb"  and  "Cosmogony".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/nohandpath

https://nohandpath.bandcamp.com/album/an-existence-regained