Vinlander

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Current 93-Soft Black Stars (1998)

A very minimalist work of Current 93's, this album consists mostly of piano music, with David's tell-tale poetic vocal stylings, as opposed to the usual acoustic guitars and electronic meddlings. An interesting and different take on Current 93, but certainly worth your time. Recommended. Durtro.

1. Judas as Black Moth 2:45

2. Larkspur and Lazarus 6:06

3. A Gothic Love Song (For N.) 4:07

4. Mockingbird 4:04

5. Soft Black Stars 3:09

6. It Is Time, Only Time 5:07

7. AntiChrist and Barcodes 2:27

8. The Signs in the Stars 3:44

9. Whilst the Night Rejoices Profound and Still 4:25

10. Moonlight, or Other Dreams, or Other Fields 2:09

11. Judas as Black Moth II 6:18

12. Chewing on Shadows 14:49

13. Chewing on Shadows (Vinyl Version) 12:07

14. Chewing on Shadows (Unreleased Acoustic Version) 3:09

Total Running: 1:14:15

United Kingdom

Current 93-Sleep Has His House (2000)

An intensely personal album for David Tibet, this Current 93 album was written by Tibet as a reaction to the passing of his father. Truly a beautiful piece of music, from beginning to end. Even if you don't like other Current 93 albums, give this one a shot; it's absolutely worth it. Highly recommended. Durtro.

1. Love's Young Dream 3:02

2. Good Morning, Great Moloch 3:29

3. The Magical Bird in the Magical Woods 8:45

4. Red Hawthorn Tree 4:33

5. Immortal Bird 6:32

6. Neimandswasser 6:08

7. Lullaby 1:44

8. Sleep Has His House 24:15

9. The God of Sleep has Made His House 4:31

Total Running: 1:02:52

United Kingdom

Current 93-Of Ruine or Some Blazing Starre (1994)

Just another apocalyptic folk masterpiece by the brilliant and talented David Tibet. It's really quite hard to properly describe Current 93's music, aside from being dark, apocalyptic neofolk, that is primarily acoustic guitar-driven. It's really just something everyone should experience. Highly recommended, along with all of Current 93's music. Durtro.

1. A Voice from Catland 0:22

2. Steven and I in the Field of Stars 2:56

3. The Teeth of the Winds of the Sea 7:15

4. Moonlight, You Will Say 5:19

5. Into the Bloody Hole I Go 1:01

6. The Darkly Splendid World 0:51

7. The Cloud of Unknowing 7:28

8. Let Us Go to the Rose 5:17

9. All the World Makes Great Blood 3:55

10. The Great, Bloody and Bruised Veil of the World 4:17

11. Into the Menstrual Night I Go 1:14

12. Dormition and Dominion 6:19

13. So: This Empire is Nothing 1:08

14. This Shining Shining World 2:51

Total Running: 49:43

United Kingdom

Burzum-Filosofem (1996)

Arguably Varg's most influential work, this is simply a legendary album, on par with what Led Zeppelin IV is to 70's hard rock. This album is Varg truly coming into his own, creating one of the most distinct sounds in black metal, melding his intense minimalism, his synth work, and his his earlier black metal sound, perfecting and honing it into what many would call his best album. A stark contrast to the blast beats, fast pacing, and the rather juvenile satanism of other 2nd wave bands like Mayhem, Emperor, or Darkthrone, this is a much slower, dirge-paced album...the original depressive black metal album, if you will. Highly recommended to all, even if you aren't into black metal. Misanthropy Records.

1. Dunkelheit 7:05

2. Jesus' Tod 8:39

3. Erblicket Die Töchter Des Firmaments 7:53

4. Gebrechlichkeit I 7:53

5. Rundgang um die Transzendentale Säule der Singularität 25:11

6. Gebrechlichkeit II 7:53

Total Running: 1:04:34

Norway

Burzum-Hvis Lyset Tar Oss (1994)

My personal favorite Burzum album, this album saw Varg evolve more into the minimalism mold that he would perfect on Filosofem...a true black metal masterpiece, like all Burzum albums. This album also sees Varg experiment more heavily with synth-oriented black metal, as an incredibly effective atmosphere-creating tool. All around one of the best black metal releases of all time, and certainly one of the best of the 2nd wave of black metal. You owe it to yourself to listen to this. Highly recommended. Misanthropy Records.

1. Det Som En Gang Var 14:21

2. Hvis Lyset Tar Oss 8:05

3. Inn I Slottet Fra Drømmen 7:52

4. Tomhet 14:12

Total Running: 44:30

Norway

Burzum-Det Som Engang Var (1993)

This album needs no introduction. The second full length from one of the most notorious names in black metal. Love him or hate him, Varg Vikernes has single-handedly influenced hundreds, if not thousands of bands in existence today, due to the complete uniqueness of Burzum's music, be it the depressive, down tempo black metal, the piercing shrieks, the heavy pagan influences, the emphasis on minimalism; it all really comes down to Burzum. If you don't have it, kick yourself, and then download it. Cymophane Productions.

1. Den Onde Kysten 2:21

2. Key to the Gate 5:15

3. En Ring Til Å Herske 7:10

4. Lost Wisdom 4:39

5. Han Som Reiste 4:51

6. Når Himmelen Klamer 3:50

7. Snu Mikrokosmos Tegn 9:38

8. Svarte Troner 2:16

Total Running: 40:00

Norway

Branikald-Av VinterKald (1997)

Just another stunning release from Russia's Branikald. Easily some of the best black metal to come from Russia. As with all Branikald releases, the production here is raw as hell, but it ultimately adds to the already intense amounts of atmosphere. A big recommendation to anyone who enjoys well-crafted, amazing black metal, and who can deal with poor production. Recommended. Total Holocaust Records.

1. Night and Fog (Intro) 4:08

2. To a Frigid Luminary of the Night 9:40

3. Burning All the Bridges Behind Myself 7:52

4. Evilwinged Songs of the Tragic Centuries 6:11

5. Reich of the Winter Frost 7:41

6. The Depths of Pulsations (Outro) 5:38

Total Running: 41:10

Russia

Branikald-Triumf Voli (2001)

Yet another stunning release from the Russian Blazebirth Hall legends, Branikald. This release sees the production tidied up a bit, but fear not, it's still raw as hell. Just another amazing release from an amazing band. Recommended to fans of the other Blazebirth bands, as well as Hate Forest, Astrofaes, and the like. Totenkopf Propaganda.

1. Meine Ehre Hiesst Treue 5:32

2. Fight is Life, Life is Fight 4:31

3. Istoku Yasnosti 2:47

4. Raven Fierce 5:51

5. Aryan Myth 4:41

6. For the Aryan Lands 6:53

7. Heil Wotan! 7:00

8. Yee, River, River... 2:53

Total Running: 36:38

Russia

Branikald-The Mead of Misanthropy (1998)

Another wonderful release by Blazebirth Hall giants Branikald. This music is raw, hateful, and very well-executed. As with all Branikald releases, this is high quality black metal. If raw production turns you off, however, this may not be your cup of tea. But to anyone else, this is absolutely spectacular black metal. For fans of the Blazebirth bands, or even some of the Ukrainian bm bands such as Hate Forest and Astrofaes. Ewiges Eis.

1. In der Hitze des Geistes 5:52

2. Mit der Klinge aufrichtigen Blickes 5:38

3. Mit dem Blut der wilden Jagd 5:05

4. Rausch der Misanthropie 5:49

5. Vetram Voronokrylym (Den Winden, Die Krähegeflügelt Sind) 8:02

6. ...Deine umherwanderte Stimme 4:27

7. VII 4:23

8. VIII 4:29

Total Running: 43:29

Russia

Branikald-Frost Vision (Khladavzor) (1999)

For my money, Branikald is easily one of the very best of the Blazebirth Hall bands. An atmosphere permeates Branikald's music that is very intangible...but there is sorrow, strength, hatred, and a whole slew of other emotions. Keep in mind, this is very raw, production-wise...but it is some of the best black metal to come out of Russia. For fans of any of the Blazebirth bands, or fans of well-crafted, hateful, raw, and original black metal. Stellar Winter.

1. Na Volnah Vdohnoven'ya 14:12

2. Strun Natyanutyh Vdohnoven'ya Stal' 8:41

3. Dikiy Rodich Parusov 8:15

4. ...Gde Nochi Kray 9:01

5. Stuzhi Golos 7:26

6. Hladavzor 4:04

Total Running: 51:40

Russia

Blood Red Fog-Blood Red Fog (2006)

The debut full length from Finnish Depressive/Suicidal Black Metal band Blood Red Fog. I very entrancing, yet oppressive black metal album...higly recommended to DSBM fans, as this is well done; a remarkably stand-out album. Grievantee Productions.

1. Bloodthirsty Soil 10:32

2. Ruins 6:35

3. Follower 7:49

4. Morbid Sleep 11:08

5. Visions of Destruction 9:25

6. Kingdom of Death 9:19

7. Frozen 14:16

Total Running: 1:09:42

Finland

Download Part I

Download Part II

Monday, April 7, 2008

Bilskirnir-Ahnenerbe EP (2004)

As always, Bilskirnir releases consistently AMAZING pagan black metal. I highly recommend every single release. Here is but another example. Nykta.

1. Furor 6:21

2. Blutgericht 3:54

3. Walgrind (instrumental) 2:55

4. Ahnenerbe 5:12

Total Running: 18:24

Germany

Death in June-The Rule of Thirds (2008)

The newest offering from Douglas Pearce' Death in June. If you've followed Death in June the last couple years, you'll roughly know what to expect from this latest release. To the uninitiated, this is a very stripped-down, personal sounding album, of course, centered around Douglas' apocalyptic neofolk sound. Death in June is always high quality material, so this should be a no-brainer. Recommended.

1. The Glass Coffin 5:53

2. Forever Loves Decay 4:01

3. Jesus, Junk and the Jurisdiction 4:06

4. Idolatry 3:33

5. Good Mourning Sun 3:55

6. The Perfume of Traitors 3:43

7. Last Europa Kiss 2:07

8. The Rule of Thirds 4:11

9. Truly Be 2:42

10. Their Deception 3:04

11. My Rhine Atrocity 3:33

12. Takeyya 3:30

13. Let Go 4:08

Total Running: 48:20

United Kingdom/New Zealand

Baptism-Grim Arts of Melancholy (2008)

The most recent release from Baptism. An hour of kick-ass riffing, and cold n' gloomy atmosphere, essentially what we've come to expect from Baptism. Yet another solidly ass-kicking release. Northern Heritage.

1. A Dream of War and Illumination 9:09

2. Only Death 5:19

3. Malicious Rites 5:08

4. In This Painful Life 9:17

5. True Devotion 6:27

6. Depressed Void 5:34

7. Flames 6:42

8. Melancholy of a Journeying Soul 8:46

Total Running: 56:24

Finland

Baptism-Evil Mysteries EP (2006)

10" EP from Finnish black metal masters, Baptism. As always, this is a release of top-notch Finnish black metal, just the way you like it. Northern Heritage.

1. Black Desolation 6:26

2. Azazelin Tähti 5:38

3. Ruins 6:12

4. Decades of Torment 7:15

Total Running: 25:31

Finland

Baptism-Morbid Wings of Sathanas (2005)

The second full length from Finnish black metal powerhouse Baptism. As always, a very solid, memorable slab of black metal in the same melodic vein as Satanic Warmaster. Highly recommended if SW and Goatmoon and the like are your bag. Northern Heritage.

1. Et Vidimus Gloriam Eius 7:51

2. Remains of Cursed Plague 4:45

3. Vision, Pain & Death 5:42

4. The Worshipper 8:41

5. Names of the Dead Souls 6:08

6. Morbid Wings of Sathanas 5:56

7. The Path of New Era 11:21

Total Running: 50:24

Finland

Baptism-The Beherial Midnight (2002)

Baptism is a more traditional black metal band from the frozen tundra of Finland, and this is their debut full length (and a powerful debut, at that!). A keen sense of melody is present, and overall, very strong music (definitely one of my favorite finnish black metal bands). Definitely recommended for fans of Satanic Warmaster and Goatmoon. Northern Heritage.

1. Sons of Ruin & Terror 4:36

2. Scattered Remains 3:41

3. From the Gates of Apokalypse 3:30

4. Centuries in Everdark Ashes 3:44

5. Blasphemic Tyrant 6:50

6. Forest of Suicidal Memories 3:50

7. Triumphant in War & Hate 3:16

8. Thy Heart Bleeds 3:28

9. The Beherial Midnight 5:24

Total Running: 38:37

Finland

Bannerwar-To Honour Fatherland (2004)

Bannerwar has been a player on the Greek black metal scene for 8 years now, creating intensely atmospheric, nationalistic black metal. This is an absolutely fabulous epic black metal album, with lush keys, and overall great composition; overall, very epic. I'd recommend this to fans of epic black metal, bands such as Kataxu, Fanisk, and even Emperor. Battlefield Records.

1. Black Storm Over Hellas 2:35

2. The Blood of Race 4:57

3. To Honour Fatherland 8:55

4. Aryan Skies 7:31

5. Raise the Banners of War 6:01

6. Sun Anj'kite 5:10

7. Kulturkampf 4:38

8. Eternal Fight (Blue Eyed Devils cover) 2:56

Total Running: 42:44

Greece

Astrofaes-Heritage (2002)

Another gem of Ukrainian hatred and nationalism. Like all of Astrofaes' releases, this is nothing short of solid and satisfying. Recommended to all fans of Ukrainian black metal, or Slavic pagan black metal in general. Ancient Nation Records.

1. The Spirit Born of Freedom 8:08

2. Forgotten Name 4:42

3. Ancestors' Shadows 5:57

4. Awakening 6:28

5. Through Time of Memory 8:11

Total Running: 33:26

Ukraine

Astrofaes-Ancestors' Shadows (2002)

Along with the mighty Nokturnal Mortum, Hate Forest, and Drudkh, Astrofaes is one of the leaders of the now quite popular Ukrainian black metal scene. This album is a good representation of the quality folk-infused, fervently nationalistic black metal being created by Astrofaes. Recommended to anyone who likes the Ukrainian scene. This is my personal favorite of their albums, but all are high quality. Eclipse Productions.

1. On the Eternal Way 5:49

2. Under the Cover of Destiny 5:42

3. Thunder I Shall Bring 7:54

4. Immortality Reached Fire 6:12

5. After the Battle 7:44

6. The Last Dawn 5:22

7. The Call of My Land 7:00

Total Running: 45:43

Ukraine

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Arkha Sva-Gloria Satanae (2007)

A very bizarre, interesting, macabre, and all-around awesome band. While the members are incredibly secretive, it is known that they have their origins in Japan, but their contact address is in France, and they have very heavy ties to the L.L.N. That being said, on to the music. There are definitely some strong ties, melodically, to the French scene. The stand-out aspect of this band is certainly the vocals, from harsh black metal rasps, to King Diamond-esque falsettos. A very unique, but none-the-less solidly ass-kicking release. Aura Mystique Records.

1. 49 Evil Spirits 5:23

2. Down in Blaze and Pain 6:37

3. Chant IX 0:50

4. The Malicious Eye 4:59

5. IIIIII 6:46

6. Chant XI 0:47

7. Thy Baptism 6:32

8. Gloria Satanae 12:01

9. Nameless Rebellious 6:08

Total Running: 50:03

Nippon-koku

Anti-The Insignificance of Life (2006)

Absolutely stunning debut full-length from Germany's Anti. Absolutely oppressive and depressive black metal. While the genre is flooded with many mediocre bands, Anti stands out from the pack, as a truly unique, particularly good depressive black metal band. Obscure Abhorrence Productions.

1. Nothing 4:02

2. Landscape in Minor

3. Invocation 6:02

4. Farewell (Escape into Beyond) 6:09

5. Zero Point 3:36

6. Mourning Soul (Absurd cover) 3:33

Total Running: 29:16

Bundesrepublik Deutschland

Animus Herilis-Recipere Ferum (2005)

Debut album of French raw black metal fanatics Animus Herilis. A prime example of new french black metal. Raw as hell, hateful as fuck, with a keen and twisted sense of melody. Recommend to any fans of French black metal as a whole. Oaken Shield Records.

1. l'Autre Monde 4:41

2. Pantins de Dieu 4:54

3. Les Ombres du Passé 5:16

4. Mortifer Signum 7:24

5. Recipere Ferum 5:02

6. Requiem 6:14

7. Virus Céleste 5:45

8. Corpus Christii 5:30

Total Running: 44:46

République Français

Download Part I

Download Part II

Angantyr-Hævn (2007)

The most recent album from Denmark's masters of pagan black metal. Beautiful, atmospheric melodies, aided by use of a cello, along with an old-school black metal edge. Highly recommended. Det Germanske Folket Records.

1. Et Varsel Om Død 8:07

2. Thulens Ord 8:17

3. Baghold 8:52

4. Tågefolket 11:29

5. Danemordet 7:42

6. Fødslen Og Byttet 9:52

7. Blod For Blod, Liv For Liv 17:13

Total Running: 1:11:32

Kongeriget Danmark

Download Part I

Download Part II

Angantyr-Sejr (2004)

Far and away my favorite Danish black metal band, Angantyr combine a distinctly scandinavian black metal sound with pagan elements and a heavy use of melody, as well as the incorporation of violin. Highly recommend anything by this band. For fans of Taake, Windir, and 2nd-wave Scandinavian black metal. Blasting Black Semtax Attack Records.

1. En Falden Kriger 7:58

2. Niddingdåd 6:33

3. Sølverpilens Kald 6:42

4. Hadets Sorte Flamme 6:00

5. Blodet Er Styrken 8:27

6. Slettes Skal Mindet 6:15

7. Tag Dig I Agt 5:00

8. Sejr 7:15

Total Running: 54:10

Kongeriget Danmark

Amesoeurs-Ruines Humaines EP (2006)

Yet another masterpiece from Neige of Alcest/Peste Noire/Mortifera fame. A beautiful, melancholic blending of post-punk, shoegaze, and black metal. The only complaint is that this EP is not long enough. If you are a fan of any of neige's work, or are just a black metal fan with an open mind, I absolutely recommend this album. Highly. Northern Silence Productions.

1. Bonheur Amputé 4:32

2. Ruines Humaines 6:25

3. Faiblesse des Sens 5:02

Total Running: 15:59

République Française

Alcest-Souvenirs d'un Autre Monde (2007)

Neige does it again, this time with his main project, Alcest. A drastic departure from his black metal roots, this album maintains some black metal elements (mostly present in the guitar riffs and the drums), but overall, ventures much further into shoegaze, dreampop, and post-rock territory. An absolutely beautiful release, and one of my absolute favorites of the past year. If you like tr00 kvlt black metal exclusively, avoid this like the plague. But if you have an open mind, you need to check this out. I cannot recommend it enough! Prophecy Productions.

1. Printemps Émeraude 7:19

2. Souvenirs d'un Autre Monde 6:08

3. Les Iris 7:41

4. Ciel Errant 7:12

5. Sur l'Autre Rive Je t'Attendrai 6:50

6. Tir Nan Og 6:10

Total Running: 41:20

République Française

Alcest-Le Secret EP (2005)

Anyone who knows me, knows I am a huge fan of Neige's work, be it in Alcest, Amesoeurs, Peste Noire, or Mortifera. This is Alcest's debut EP, which marked a drastic change from the more raw black metal of the demo. This is essentially the bridging point between the black metal past of Alcest, and the Shoegaze/post-rock/dreampop future of Alcest. Essential listening, as Neige is a musical genius. Highly recommended. Drakkar Productions.

1. Le Secret 14:33

2. Élevation 12:46

Total Running: 27:20

République Français

Akitsa-Sang Nordique (2002)

Akitsa is one of the most well-known of the now-burgeoning Canadian black metal scene. Fiercely patriotic, with heavy amounts of Québecois nationalism, and a raw, primal, bare-bones, hateful black metal attack. A great release for fans of raw black metal. I'd recommend to fans of Ildjarn, Geimhre, and even early Absurd. Autistiarili Records.

1. Introduction 2:38

2. Riposte 4:18

3. Frontiere 5:17

4. Sang Nordique 6:39

5. Au Combat 6:56

6. Vers La Victoire 2:23

7. La Nature de Mon Pays 5:47

8. Fin 10:26

Total Running: 44:25

Canada (Québec)

Abyssic Hate-Suicidal Emotions (2000)

Along with (arguably)Burzum, Strid, and a handful of other bands, Abyssic Hate was one of the first movers of what we now know as depressive black metal. Although Abyssic Hate has been around since the early 90's, the debut full length, Suicidal Emotions, was not released until 2000. This album is what depressive black metal is all about. Melancholic, beautiful, repetitious melodies, a raw and filthy atmosphere, and an overall feeling of complete self-hatred. An absolute MUST for Depressive/Suicidal black metal fans. No Colours Records.

1. Depression Part I 12:37

2. Betrayed 11:43

3. Depression Part II 7:23

4. Despondency 17:33

Total Running: 49:18

Commonwealth of Australia

Absurd-Facta Loquuntur (1996)

Here it is, the full length that really put Absurd on the map. Stripped down, raw, and dirty, but with absolutely amazing melodies. Absolutely wonderful release, with a heavy amount of atmosphere and raw pagan hatred. If you haven't heard Absurd yet, start here. No Colours Records.

1. Werwolf 2:35

2. The Gates of Heaven 3:16

3. Pesttanz 2:46

4. Eternal Winter 4:15

5. Deep Dark Forest 4:58

6. First Winter of Bloodred Snow 2:58

7. Mourning Soul 2:11

8. Dreaming of Love 4:43

9. Watend in Einsamkeit 7:07

10. Der Sieg Ist Unser 1:40

Total Running: 36:29

Bundesrepublik Deutschland

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Abigor-Nachtmynen (From the Twilight Kingdom)

My personal favorite of Abigor's releases, this album sees Abigor travel into heavily neo-classical-influenced black metal. Intricate guitar work, lush synth arrangements, beautiful female vocals (used sparingly to good effect), makes this an all-encompassing, wonderful release. If you don't have it, you're missing out on one of Abigor's best. Napalm Records.

1. Unleashed Axe-Age 6:24

2. Scars in the Landscape of God 6:15

3. Reborn Through the Gates of Three Moons 6:04

4. Dornen 4:38

5. As Astral Images Darken Reality 3:56

6. The Dark Kiss 5:47

7. I Face the Eternal Winter 4:35

8. Revealed Secrets of the Whispering Moon 5:22

9. A Frozen Soul in a Wintershadow 6:04

Total Running: 49:05

Repubblik Österreich

Abigor-Channeling the Quintessence of Satan (1999)

Austria's Abigor has been producing their own unique-sounding brand of black metal for well over a decade now, starting near the tail end of the second wave of black metal. This is one of the albums that has really established them as a big name in the black metal world. If you're a fan of black metal, you probably already have this one. But if not, here it is in all it's blackened glory. Napalm Records.

1. Dawn of Human Dust 5:49

2. Pandemonic Revelation 4:56

3. Equilibrium Pass By 6:18

4. Wildfire and Desire 4:12

5. Utopia Consumed 4:36

6. Demon's Vortex 6:04

7. Towards Beyond 5:05

8. Pandora's Miasmic Breath 4:20

Total Running: 41:20

Republik Österreich

Abigail-Forever Street Metal Bitch (2003)

One of the catchiest damn blackened thrash bands to walk the planet, Japan's Abigail has been releasing quality bang-yer-head black/thrash for years now, and this album is no exception to their catchy and dirty rule. Great riffs, great vocals, great everything. For fans of Venom, early Bathory, Hellhammer, Sabbat, and Sodom. Bang your fukkin' head. Drakkar Productions.

1. Violence, Kill and Destruction 3:33

2. Hellfire and Damnation 2:45

3. Damned in Hell 3:05

4. Black Metal Thunder 2:40

5. Bitch! We Gonna Kill You 2:30

6. We're the Pussy Hunter 2:02

7. Shooting Master 3:18

8. Hey Slut! 3:00

9. Charge! 2:30

10. Struggle to Death 3:04

11. War 666 2:30

Total Running: 31:00

Nippon-koku

Well, as you may have realized, I have been neglecting this blog for a while. I had been using theultimatemetal forums instead of the normal blogging system. But TUM is down until further notice, which means I am back up. I'm going to just start at the beginning of the alphabet, and post my more oft-enjoyed albums from my collection now, and I expect to be doing this much frequently...if not daily. So sorry about the neglecting. But I'm back now. Enjoy!

~Arron

Windir-Arntor (1998)

Windir is a rather legendary band in black metal/folk metal circles, and with good reason. Valfar, the brains behind Windir, was an amazingly talented songwriter, guitarist, and accordionist. Arntor is known by most fans of the band as a sort of pinnacle in black metal, and especially a creative pinnacle for the band, with epic, folk-oriented songs, with heavy atmosphere. I really cannot put into words how wonderful this album is....one of my top 10 favorite metal albums of all time. Highly, highly recommended...no, required! Head Not Found Records.

1. Byrjing 3:17

2. Arntor, ein Windir 6:55

3. Kong Hydnes haug 6:36

4. Svartesmeden og Lundamyrstrollet 9:02

5. Kampen 6:35

6. Saknet 10:03

7. Ending 3:38

Total Running: 46:06

Kongeriket Norge

Spite Extreme Wing-Non Dvcor, Dvco (2004)

Spite Extreme Wing is an amazingly talented black metal band from Italy. I am hard pressed to find any flaws on this album....very unique melody, mixed with bombast, atmosphere, and intelligent lyrics based entirely on the writings of Julius Evola. I highly recommend this album. Behemoth Productions.

1. A Chi L'ignoto? 0:48

2. Non Dvcor, Dvco 8:44

3. In Su La Vetta 8:59

4. La Torre Del Silenzio 7:29

5. Decadenza 5:47

6. Disperazione-Il Cicio Si Chlude 9:21

7. Il Sole Di Notte E La Rivolta 2:47

Total Running: 43:55

Repubblica Italiana

Satanic Warmaster-Carelian Satanist Madness (2005)

No intro needed. Every tried n' tr00 black metal fan should already own this, but if you don't, here's your chance to check out one of the most brilliant and kick-ass black metal bands going today. SW has always been reliable at releasing top-notch black metal, and this release is no exception. My personal favorite. No Colours Records.

1. The Vampiric Tyrant 4:48

2. Carelian Satanist Madness 8:11

3. True Blackness 4:09

4. My Dreams of 8 4:49

5. Eaten By Rats 3:40

6. 666 5:00

7. My Kingdom of Darkness 3:41

8. Blessed Be, Te Grim Art! 6:38

Total Running: 40:56

Suomen Tasavalta

October Falls-Sarastus EP (2007)

The most recent EP from Finland's October Falls. While most of Mikko's music in October Falls has has a neofolk bent, "The Streams of the End" EP flirted with dark metal. Sarastus marks a return to his melancholic, gloomy, stripped-down, and beautiful neofolk sound. No Sign of Life Records.

1. I 3:22

2. II 2:09

3. III 0:33

4. IV 3:21

5. V 2:44

6. VI 0:29

7. VII 2:36

8. VIII 3:05

9. IX 1:03

Total Running: 19:25

Suomen Tasavalta

Viikate-Vuoden Synkin Juhla (2001)

Second album from Finland's masters of melancholic folk-rock. This album is actually a Christmas album, with Viikate's take on many traditional Finnish Christmas songs. The title "Vuoden Synkin Juhla" translates to "Gloomiest Celebration of the Year", so that should give you an idea of what to expect. Ranka Recordings.

1. Sylvian Joululaulu 3:28

2. Talvi Se Viimein 3:43

3. Aattoiltana 3:34

4. Varpunen Jouluaamuna 3:28

5. Viattomien Lasten Päivä 3:24

6. Lahja 4:07

7. Suojelusenkeli 3:05

8. Häpeän Lyhty 4:09

9. Olkoon Näin 2:40

10. Vuoden Synkin Juhla 3:18

Total Running: 34:51

Suomen Tasavalta

Viikate-Unholan Urut (2005)

Another amazing melancholic folk-rock masterpiece from Finland's Viikate. Ranka Recordings.

1. Unholan Urut 4:27

2. Pohjoista Viljaa 4:00

3. Nämä Herrasmiehet 4:26

4. Ajakaa! 3:28

5. Vesi Jota Pelkäät 4:20

6. Tie 4:01

7. Autuaat 6:09

8. Käki 4:02

9. He Eivät Hengitä 5:36

Total Running: 40:23

Suomen Tasavalta

Viikate-Noutajan Valssi (2000)

Viikate's debut album, another wonderful piece of melancholic folk rock. Always a wonderful experience. Ranka Recordings.

1. Alkusoitto 2:09

2. Korutonta 3:36

3. Koulutie On Hiljainen 3:40

4. Sydämellistä 3:23

5. Alakulottuja Tunnelmia 3:52

6. Yönseutu 4:49

7. Tuoni Tuo, Tuoni Vie 4:30

8. Marrasvalot 4:13

9. Kädet Ristissä Rinnalla 4:09

Total Running: 34:19

Suomen Tasavalta

Viikate-Kaajärven Rannat (2002)

If you've checked out the other Viikate albums i've posted on here, you know what to expect. For the uninitiated, Viikate play a generally down-tempo, melancholic folk-influenced hard rock. The closest comparison I could give would be recent Amorphis without the death metal elements. Either way, a wonderful, wonderful band. Highly recommend all their albums.

1. On Aivan Sama 2:55

2. Ajastaika 4:14

3. Vastarannan Valssi 4:05

4. Jalkamies 3:40

5. Päivän Peili 4:04

6. Ei Ole Ketään Kelle Soittaa 4:05

7. Kaisloja 4:52

8. Nuori Mies Nimetön 4:07

9. Laulu On iloni ja Työni 3:25

10. Kaajärven Rannat 2:26

Total Running: 37:49

Suomen Tasavalta

Moonsorrow-Tulimyrsky EP (2008)

Once again, another band that needs no introduction, Moonsorrow has been at the head of the folk/viking metal pack for a long time now, and this latest EP is just another fine example of the talent in this band. May I go on record saying that calling this an EP is hilarious...it's an hour and 8 minutes long...but every minute is good. In addition to the new track (a immense, epic song), they do the best Metallica cover i've ever heard, re-record 2 old songs from their demo days, and do an amazing cover of Merciless' "Back to North". All in all an awesome release. Spinefarm Records.

1. Tulimyrky 29:45

2. For Whom the Bell Tolls (Metallica cover) 7:42

3. Tausetlu Pohjoiasta (2008 version) 8:11

4. Hvergelmir (2008 version) 9:30

5. Back to North (Merciless cover) 13:08

Total Running: 1:08:18

Suomen Tasavalta

Cor Scorpii-Monument (2008)

I'm sure your first thought when listening to this will be "Vreid who?". While half of the members of Windir went on to form Vreid after the tragic death of Valfar, the other half (and, as proven by this release, the soul) of Windir went on to form Cor Scorpii. This album would not sound out of place at all in Windir's catalogue...a completely beautiful, epic, atmospheric recording of folk-influenced black metal. If you have ever called yourself a fan of Windir, you owe it to yourself to pick up this recording. Highly, highly recommended. Descent Productions.

1. El Fane Svart 5:47

2. Endesong 5:01

3. I, the Damned 6:16

4. Our Fate, Our Curse 5:30

5. Helvetesfossen 4:02

6. Oske og Innsikt 10:27

7. Kjettar 4:29

8. Bragder I Stein 5:58

Total Running: 47:30

Kongeriket Norge

Arghoslent-Incorrigible Bigotry (2002)

One of my absolute favorite death metal releases of all time...Arghoslent is a rather radical nationalist death metal band, formed from the ruins of Grand Belial's Key. While there are some radical themes lyrically, musically, this album is undeniably wonderful. Pogrom of GBK maintains the epic, wonderful guitar riffage he was known for in his previous band, with absolutely amazing solos, and perfect riff after perfect riff. There is a heavy dose of melody in this, but not in the Gothenburg-style...really a unique, amazing, all-around kick-ass piece of death metal. For fans of Grand Belial's Key, and any fans of extreme metal in general. Top notch. Drakkar Productions.

1. Flogging the Cargo 3:27

2. The Purging Fires of War 6:33

3. Quelling the Simian Surge 4:52

4. Heirs to Perdition 5:21

5. Archaic Invincibility 4:53

6. Incorrigible Bigotry 8:26

7. Hereditary Taint 4:28

Total Running: 38:00

United States of America

Agalloch-The White EP (2008)

This band needs no introduction. Agalloch has been making some of the most interesting and beautiful folk-influenced metal in America for years. This is their newest EP, which is almost exclusively neofolk. There is no metal here to be found, but amazingly atmospheric, beautiful acoustic-centered neofolk music. A must for fans of everyone from Tenhi, to Death in June. Beautiful release. Vendlus Records.

1. The Isle of Summer 3:58

2. Birch Black 2:41

3. Hollow Stone 4:16

4. Pantheist 7:17

5. Birch White 3:45

6. Sowilo Runes 5:40

7. Summerisle Reprise 4:56

Total Running: 32:29

United States of America

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