Midgardsblot Returns in 2022 with Wardruna, Heilung, Rotting Christ, Myrkur, Zeal and Ardor, Borknagar and More!


The intersection of Norse-Pagan culture, ancient dark folk music, and metal will take place once again at this summer’s Midgardsblot. Taking place in Norway, 17-20th of August, Ghost Cult is happy to see the return of this essential festival we have covered in the past. Among the headline acts this year are acclaimed acts such as Wardruna, Heilung, Rotting Christ, Myrkur, Zeal and Ardor, Borknagar, Primordial, Einherjer, Arkona, Lindy Fay Hella, Ragnarok, Helheim, Djevel, Urgehal, Koldbran, Konvent, Nytt Land, Kælan Mikla, Gaerra, Lucifer’s Child, Eivør, and more artists to be announced. The festival also includes actors and historical reenactments, seminars, and more! Tickets and camping accomodations are on sale at the link below.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Crystal Viper – The Cult


Although the brand of epic European power metal that Crystal Viper performs is most definitely up my street, I must preclude this review by admitting that aside from hearing the odd song here and there, I have had no real exposure to them on a studio album level. The Cult, is the Polish act’s eighth full-length release in a legacy that has thus far lasted eighteen years. At face value, a band that maintains that level of consistency would have me assume they have nailed down a singular style and were comfortable releasing records in said style without a whole lot of variation. It is therefore with a great sense of irony that my first review of their noise is of a disc which caught me completely off guard by occupying a different scene entirely. The sweetly epic elements the band is known for are certainly present in The Cult, but the power metal is largely downplayed in favour of a more classic but simultaneously epic style of heavy metal, one that calls back to the days of bands like Accept and Saxon without ever sounding derivative of either.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Surma – The Light Within


 

A duo comprising Czechian vocalist Viktorie Surmøvá (Bohemian Metal Rhapsody) and Týr guitarist Heri Joensen, symphonic metal act Surma was formed in 2018 but spent the following year writing and arranging the music for their debut release.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Arkona – Age of Capricorn


You’ve got to hand it to Poland’s Arkona, flying their black metal freak flag for over twenty-five years, weathering changes in tastes, technology, and personnel without wandering a smidge from their original Mephistophelian masterplan. Their unique blend of earthy black metal and fancypants symphonic trappings has corrupted many a vulnerable mind over the last couple of decades, leaving their victims humming wicked hooks long after the chaos has ended. The combination of beaut and brute still can’t be slowed by conventional weapons, despite their mix of Polish/ English lyrics and their release history of obscure splits and full-lengths on tiny labels – this is a band fighting the good (bad) fight. Continue reading


BLOODSTOCK 2018 Part I – Catton Hall, Derbyshire UK


With people on social media proudly sharing photographs of their recently purchased or newly patched up tents, or cirrhosis-inducing beer supplies during the days and even weeks leading up to the event itself, by the time the big day actually arrives, anticipation for Bloodstock 2018 has already turned into a Christmas-like level of excitement.Continue reading


Korpiklaani Announce New Headline Tour Of America With Arkona


Finnish folk metallers Korpiklaani are readying their new album, Kulkija due out on September 7th via Nuclear Blast Records. The band just announced a long-anticipated return to the USA, with support form Arkona on all dates. To get you pumped for the new album, watch another album teaser trailer below. Continue reading


Bloodstock Open Air Sets Thursday Night Lineup


Bloodstock Open Air, Europe’s most staunchly independent, best quality heavy music festival has set their pre-opening night lineup for 2018. Taking the stage on Thursday night in Catton Park to entertain the early arrivers includes Arkona, Bloodshot Dawn, Skiltron, Fire Red Empress, and Hundred Year Old Man. If for some reason you plan to go but haven’t booked tickets yet, fear not. We’ve got you covered for all the details. Continue reading