Haze Mage – Chronicle


Much in the same way that Hip Hop is fine as long as you don’t mind blokes who can’t sing and lots of rhyming couplets, so Metal in all its forms is just as fine as long as you don’t mind the… ahem, special vocals. Continue reading


Eluveitie – Ategnatos


Formed in 2002, Swiss Folk Metal act Eluveitie were thrust almost immediately towards the front line of the burgeoning, so-called Viking Metal/Battle Metal scene as it erupted around them during the middle of that decade. Metal inspired by Vikings and Folk music can be traced back to the likes of Bathory and Skyclad, if not before, but such was the explosion of bands around this time, you couldn’t get out of bed for tripping over accordions, fiddles, animal skins and antlers.Continue reading


Lord Of Chaos Film About Norwegian Black Metal Scene To Hit Theaters Soon


Long in the making film Lords of Chaos, based on the popular book about the early history of the original Black Metal scene in Norway will finally hit theaters and On Demand on February 8th 2019. Directed by Swedish filmmaker and one-time Bathory drummer Jonas Åkerlund, also known for videos by Metallica and Rammstein spearheaded the project along with Gunpowder and Sky, and is co-produced by VICE Studios, 20th Century Fox, Scott Free Productions and Insurgent Media. The film premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival and currently holds a 91% fresh rating over on Rotten Tomatoes. Watch the trailer below. Continue reading


Einherjer – Norrøne Spor


The first time I crossed swords (!) with Norse warriors Einherjer was shortly after the release of the stellar blackened Viking Metal opus Odin Owns Ye All (Century Media) when they impressed on a bill that included Cradle of Filth and the underrated Old Man’s Child. The next stages of their career, however, were not so kind on the band, as they struggled to establish themselves, or really kick on.Continue reading


Immortal – Northern Chaos Gods


All good things come to an end, and as of March 2015, the legendary Black Metal double act of Abbath Doom Occulta (real name Olve Eikemo) and Demonaz Doom Occulta (real name Harald Nævdal) reached its disappointing and unfortunate conclusion. For years, Demonaz had acted the straight man, a perfect foil for his gurning, crab-walking, tongue-waggling partner, but since the pair went their separate ways, he has now chosen to step forward and take centre stage in what appears to be a more focused and serious vision of Immortal.Continue reading


Aura Noir – Aura Noire


Formed in Norway in 1993, Aura Noir was the brainchild of Ulver and Ved Buens Ende drummer Aggressor (aka Carl-Michael Eide). A project originally created for just himself (he was the sole musician on the band’s initial 1994 demo), Eide was joined by former Lamented Souls bassist Apollyon (aka Ole Jørgen Moe) the same year. Recording a second demo and a six-track EP, the pair recruited legendary Mayhem guitarist Blasphemer (aka Rune Eriksen), and drawing inspiration from the likes of Venom, Slayer, Bathory and Celtic Frost, released their debut album, Black Thrash Attack (Malicious) in 1996.Continue reading


Necrophobic – Mark of the Necrogram


Press play on Necrophobic’s Mark of the Necrogram (Century Media) and its crystal clear that these Swedish extreme metal pros are not in the business of fucking around. The title track explodes with no fancy introductions or orchestrations and grabs a hold of your scalp until you’ve surrendered any sense of control. Dramatic and sudden switches between Black and Death Metal ensue until we get some mild reprieve via Sebastian Ramstedt’s tasteful guitar solo. And that, ladies and gents, is the blueprint of the aural assault to come. Continue reading


Queens Of The Stone Age Release The Way You Used To Do Video, UK Tour Starts Tonight


Queens Of The Stone Age are riding high since the release of their recent album Villains on Matador Records. The band has released their new music video for their track ‘The Way You Used To Do’ video. Directed by Jonas Akerlund, written by Josh Homme, produced by Serial Pictures. You can watch it below. Continue reading


Dani Filth Shares His Thirteen Essential Albums For Halloween


Halloween is a week away, and Cradle of Filth‘s legendary vocalist, Dani Filth, has shared his thirteen essential albums for the holiday online today. Continue reading