I think one of my first acquaintances with Lower Silesian Stronghold must have been when I bought Nekriki Mistagogia, a mini-CD by Greek project Aasgard. Shortly after that release, frontman Aethyr started working on what would become the second full length, being Morbid Celestial Desecration. The material was eventually released on vinyl in 2012 via Unmerciful Death Productions.
North Black are a Russian one-man outfit by Asmodeus (Svart Faalskhet). With Filosofi Svart Skog, North Black bring sixty six minutes of Symphonic Black Metal that totally lacks of originality, but believe me if I assure you that the fan of this specific genre will adore this piece!
North Black are a Russian one-man outfit by Asmodeus (Svart Faalskhet). With Filosofi Svart Skog, North Black bring sixty six minutes of Symphonic Black Metal that totally lacks of originality, but believe me if I assure you that the fan of this specific genre will adore this piece!
We recently received more than a hand full of releases from Ukrainian label Vacula Productions, and a couple of them have been reviewed in mean time by undersigned. Some others are about to follow, but I surely want you to inform about / to introduce to the Saturnia Tellus… Memories From The Eternal Cult-split, consisting of three Italian acts, each of them bringing two compositions.
Black metal from Nicaragua – why not?
I know, that’s a silly introduction, for there are tens of great acts from Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, but even the most experienced non-Latin American metal head needs to admit that he / she might not know an impressive list of bands from ‘out there’ (unless you live there).
The Italian trio Nyx (A. Sathsiva, S. Flagellyon and G. Azelyoth) recorded this new album at the Sottomarino Giallo Rec Service studio during summer 2014, with mixing / mastering assistance of Luis Varo. The result, called Hairesis and, unfortunately, lasting for only half an hour (and some seconds, all right), gets released by two of my preferred East-European labels, i.e. Vacula Productions and Satanath Records.
Aeons Ov Frost are a Russian band, at the time of this recording consisting of lead guitar player Ivan Von Frost (he did the mastering of this album as well), vocalist / lyricist Iskaald Nazhdaak (he took care of the art design too), bass player Lekx, drummer Ilgal, and second guitarist Timo Hate (and keyboardist Thel’, but on this album, the synth parts were taken care of by Mhiahss’ Vasiliy).
Hailing from Ukraine, one of the leading countries when talking about heathen, pagan or epic Black metal (cf. the convinced Vacula-roster!), Erih return with their second full length, smartly called II, after 2012’s Erih. Like many bands from out there, the lyrics are in their mother tongue, so don’t ask me what they are all about specifically, but believe me if I say that is has nothing to do with joy and happiness… The ‘Music’ speaks for itself…
Deviator are a project from Ukraine around Dmitry ‘Lord Hastner’ Kundelski. As from 2007, there were quite some releases (demos, some contributions to splits, some singles / EPs, and two full lengths; compilations and this specific album not included). A couple of months ago, I wrote a review for the compilation To Forgotten Path – Triumph Of The Will, published on October 11th 2014, released via Pesttanz Klangschmiede. But the last ‘real’ full length release dates from 2012, actually.
The Ukrainian label Vacula Productions isn’t completely new, but during the past years there weren’t that much releases. Yet as from early 2014 on, there seems to be some revival, with some hands full of albums, both new recordings as well as re-releases. Expect in the next couple of weeks several reviews on stuff from this label’s great roster.
