Indemon |Reclaiming Chaos |Inverse Records

Release Date: June 27^th, 2025

Format: CD/Digital

Genre: Death/Thrash Metal

Country: Finland

Indemon is a four piece metal band formed in 2020 in Kerava, Finland. Drawing influences from various subgenres of metal, they blend them into a unified and atmospheric sound. Their debut EP “Fear Of Living” arrived in 2022 and introduced their lyrical focus on fear, self doubt, and inner conflict. Known for intense live appearances, Indemon released their debut full length album “Reclaiming Chaos” in June 2025 via Inverse Records.

“Reclaiming Chaos” arrives as one of those albums that quietly earns attention through substance and attitude. This is a hidden gem that sits comfortably within the tradition of old school thrash and death infused metal, with a strong Scandinavian character. The overall sound brings clear memories of Entombed’s “Morning Star” era, not through imitation, but through shared atmosphere and grit. The vocals echo the late LG Petrov in tone and delivery, adding a familiar and powerful presence that long time fans of the genre will immediately recognize.

The album keeps a steady intensity throughout, focused on heavy riff driven songwriting and an aggressive vocal approach. The production stays grounded and raw, giving space for the songs to hit hard without unnecessary polish. The band’s writing favors memorable structures and dark emotional tension, which fits well with the lyrical themes of control, inner demons, and personal conflict. Tracks like “Abuse” underline this mindset, presenting disturbing perspectives that reflect obsession and psychological struggle.

“Abuse” also stands out through its concept, described by the band as a battle between control and escape, or even an inner voice turning against the listener. This theme blends naturally into the rest of the album, creating a coherent emotional arc without spelling everything out. The music video further reinforces this atmosphere, adding a visual layer to an already unsettling narrative.

“Reclaiming Chaos” is an album that fans of classic Scandinavian extreme metal are going to love. It delivers aggression, dark emotion, and a strong vocal identity that stays with you long after the final track. For a debut full length, it shows clear focus and a strong grasp of the genre’s core values, making Indemon a name worth keeping an eye on.

Score: 9.0

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/indemonband

https://www.instagram.com/indemonband

https://indemon.bandcamp.com

Ocinn |Nebelgeister |Self-Release

Release Date: November 6^th, 2025

Format: Digital/LP

Genre: Dark Piano

Country: Germany

Ocinn is a solo project from southern Germany, active since 2007. Working at the crossroads of dark piano and black metal atmosphere, Ocinn has built a quiet but consistent catalog shaped by melancholy, mythology, and personal heritage. After the debut “L” in 2020, followed by “The Forest” and the trilogy “Songs From The Past,” the project reaches its fourth full length with “Nebelgeister,” released in 2025 as a tribute to German roots and folklore.

With “Nebelgeister,” Ocinn deepens her established world rather than shifting direction. The album draws heavily from German mythology, especially the idea of mist spirits, and this concept shapes the overall atmosphere. The piano writing stays dark and restrained, leaning into sorrow and solitude instead of dramatic swings. Black metal influence remains present through harmony and phrasing, not through aggression. The result is introspective, shadowed, and patient.

The album keeps a strong connection to Ocinn’s earlier work, especially the cold romanticism of “L” and the woodland melancholy of “The Forest.” Here, the focus turns inward and folkloric. The two German language tracks add another layer of intimacy and cultural grounding, supported by guest vocals from John Never and W.K. These moments blend naturally into the album’s flow and reinforce its regional identity without breaking its quiet intensity.

“Nebelgeister” values atmosphere over variety. Themes return in different shapes, reinforcing a steady emotional space built on grief, memory, and isolation. This consistency helps the album remain immersive, though it also asks patience from the listener. Changes are subtle, details emerge slowly, and the emotional palette stays narrow by design.

As a whole, “Nebelgeister” stands as a focused and honest release within Ocinn’s discography. It does not aim for dramatic contrast or expansion, instead refining a familiar language into something more personal and culturally rooted. Fans of dark piano with black metal spirit will recognize the vision immediately and appreciate its disciplined execution.

Score: 7.0

Links:

https://ocinn.de

https://www.instagram.com/ocinn_official/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/7KYA5La0uCWWUF66015CgM

https://ocinn.bandcamp.com/album/nebelgeister

https://music.apple.com/de/album/nebelgeister/1836319277

https://www.amazon.de/music/player/albums/B0FNXC5LYT

Disaffected |Spiritual Humanized Technology |Larvae Records/Firecum Records

Release Date: November 10, 2025

Format: CD/Vinyl

Genre: Progressive Death Metal

Country: Portugal

Disaffected was formed in 1991 in Portugal, starting as a death/thrash metal band before moving toward a more progressive and demanding direction. Their debut album “Vast” in 1995 became a landmark of the Portuguese underground, even gaining exposure through MTV. After “Rebirth” in 2012 and “The Trinity Threshold” in 2017, the band returns with their fourth full length, “Spiritual Humanized Technology”, released through Larvae Records and Firecum Records.

“Spiritual Humanized Technology” works as a conceptual album, focused on the tension between humanity and technology, life and renewal. The music follows a progressive death metal path, marked by long compositions, shifting structures and a strong sense of atmosphere. Darkness is always present, but it is balanced by groove and space, giving the album an expansive character that fits its thematic scope.

The writing favors evolution over immediacy. Songs such as “Soul And Words”, “The Stream We Abide” and “Here In Alpha” unfold gradually, allowing ideas to develop and return in altered forms. This approach gives the album a thoughtful pace and a clear internal logic, making the listening experience immersive without becoming confusing. The band’s past in death metal remains visible, though it is filtered through a more reflective and exploratory lens.

Lyrically, Disaffected step away from narrow extremes and focus on broader questions. Topics like existence, decay, rebirth and the role of technology in human identity appear throughout the album. This gives “Spiritual Humanized Technology” a philosophical edge that matches the layered songwriting, reinforcing the progressive character not only in sound, but also in meaning.

Production is solid and detailed, allowing the music’s darker tones and rhythmic depth to come through clearly. The album demands attention and patience, rewarding repeated listens with new connections and nuances. Taken as a whole, “Spiritual Humanized Technology” stands as a strong and mature chapter in Disaffected’s discography.

Score: 8.0

Links:

https://disaffectedmetal.bandcamp.com/music

https://www.facebook.com/disaffectedmetal

https://www.instagram.com/disaffected_official/

Total Annihilation |Mountains Of Madness |Testimony Records

Release Date: 16.01.2026

Format: CD/LP/MC/Digital

Genre: Thrash Metal, Death Metal

Country: Switzerland

Total Annihilation was formed in Basel in 2006 with a clear aim, to create extreme metal rooted in aggression, speed and precision. Over the years, the band sharpened its identity through releases like “84”, “Extinction” and “…On Chains Of Doom”, while enduring several line up changes. Vocalist Daniel Altwegg remains the driving force, guiding the band through two decades of steady growth and constant live activity across Europe.

“Mountains Of Madness” arrives as the fourth full length and marks the band’s 20th anniversary year. The album is deeply tied to the cosmic horror world of H. P. Lovecraft, not as a decorative concept, but as a mirror held up to human destruction and moral decay. This thematic darkness runs through the entire album, turning the Lovecraftian imagery into a broader commentary on collapse, decay and self inflicted ruin.

Musically, the album expands on Total Annihilation’s established blend of thrash and death metal. The songs push high speed passages, heavy riff patterns and sharp rhythmic shifts, while melodic lines and harmonized sections add extra depth. The writing balances aggression with structure, allowing the songs to remain clear and memorable without losing intensity. The production supports this approach with a solid and powerful sound that keeps everything defined.

The vocal delivery stays harsh and commanding throughout, reinforcing the album’s hostile atmosphere. Lyrically, “Mountains Of Madness” channels anger and disgust toward violence, exploitation and environmental destruction. This gives the album a serious tone that fits well with its dark aesthetic and brutal musical direction, avoiding empty shock value in favor of substance driven extremity.

“Mountains Of Madness” stands as a strong chapter in Total Annihilation’s catalog, showing a band that has refined its sound through experience and persistence. It offers a focused and intense listen that aligns with its themes and anniversary status, delivering a complete and heavy statement without excess.

Score: 8.0

https://spkr.store/collections/total-annihilation

https://www.facebook.com/testimonyrecords

https://www.instagram.com/testimony_records

https://total-annihilation.bandcamp.com/album/mountains-of-madness

https://www.facebook.com/Total.Annihilation.thrash

https://www.instagram.com/total_annihilation_official

Parásito |Despoblador II |Signal Rex/Vertebrae Records

Release Date: 12 December 2025
Format: CD/LP
Genre: Black Metal
Country: Spain

Parásito is a one man black metal project formed in 2016 by MM. Built in isolation and away from trends, the project focuses on a personal reading of black metal, anchored in existential collapse and daily inner erosion. For “Despoblador II”, MM handles all instruments, with vocals performed by The Troll as a session member.

“Despoblador II” stands as the second chapter of a trilogy that circles inner despair and the quiet violence of everyday existence. The album works with restraint and tension, avoiding excess and keeping its focus narrow. The atmosphere is oppressive in a human way, less about grand imagery and more about psychological erosion. The writing stays loyal to classic black metal language while allowing space for personal expression, shaped by repetition and endurance rather than shock value.

The album unfolds at a deliberate pace, with long passages that stretch ideas instead of stacking them. Themes of entrapment and survival through self deception appear again and again, creating a closed environment with no relief offered. The sound favors austerity and persistence, drawing the listener into a slow spiral that mirrors the album’s concept of living inside an inescapable mental structure.

Vocals sit as another layer of abrasion, not dominant, not decorative, but woven into the overall pressure. The interaction between voice and music reinforces the album’s emotional gravity without drifting into dramatization. Everything remains grounded in a bleak realism, where repetition serves the narrative of stagnation and quiet collapse.

“Despoblador II” reaches its impact through consistency and focus rather than dramatic peaks. It may test patience, but that tension fits the album’s worldview. As a continuation of Parásito’s conceptual path, it delivers a solid and coherent chapter that deepens the project’s identity without excess.

Score: 7.0

www.parasitobm.bandcamp.com

www.signalrex.com

www.signalrex.bandcamp.com

Blackbraid |III |Independent

Release Date: August 8^th, 2025

Format: LP/CD/Digital

Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal

Country: USA

Blackbraid is a solo black metal project led by Sgah’gahsowáh, rooted in Native American history, spirituality, and resistance. Formed in the United States, the project has built a strong identity through raw atmosphere, sharp songwriting, and a clear thematic focus tied to land, ancestry, and memory. “III” is the third full length release, fully independent, and continues this path with expanded scope and stronger emotional reach.

“III” unfolds as a long, cohesive narrative shaped by grief, reverence, and endurance. The album balances harsh black metal traditions with wide, open melodic passages that mirror forests, wind, and distance. The pacing allows ideas to develop naturally, giving space to long compositions without dragging them down. The vocal delivery stays intense and personal, sitting high in the mix and guiding the album’s emotional direction without overpowering it.

The songwriting focuses on repetition used as emphasis, not filler. Themes of loss and remembrance surface repeatedly, especially in longer tracks like “The Dying Breath Of A Sacred Stag”, “Tears Of The Dawn”, and “And He Became The Burning Stars…”. These songs rely on gradual build ups and recurring melodic lines that circle back like memory itself. The cover of “Fleshbound” fits smoothly into the album’s world, adapted to Blackbraid’s aesthetic without breaking immersion.

Production favors atmosphere over polish. The sound remains raw but articulate, allowing melodies to stay clear while maintaining a harsh edge. Drums are steady and forceful, and the overall mix supports the album’s meditative and solemn character. “III” presents Blackbraid at a mature stage, focused and emotionally grounded, offering a deep listen that rewards patience and attention.

Score: 9.0

https://blackbraid.bandcamp.com/album/blackbraid-iii

https://www.instagram.com/blackbraid_kvlt/

https://blackbraid.us/

https://www.youtube.com/@blackbraid_kvlt

Thumbsucker/Atomçk |Split |Road To Masochist

Release Date: November 14^th, 2025

Format: CD/10” Vinyl

Genre: Hardcore Punk, Grindcore

Country: United Kingdom

Thumbsucker and Atomçk come from the UK underground, operating far from trends and comfort zones. Thumbsucker work within raw hardcore punk, short, hostile, and confrontational. Atomçk represent grindcore at its most abrasive, active for many years and shaped by a long stretch of silence before returning with renewed hostility. This split brings together two bands with a shared appetite for confrontation and refusal to soften their message.

The split arrives as a blunt response to social rot, moral collapse, and everyday hypocrisy. The writing focuses on anger that is pointed outward, not abstract or decorative. Thumbsucker open the release with a sequence of short, violent statements built around social disgust, personal rage, and public apathy. The pacing stays aggressive and compressed, keeping pressure high without drifting into excess. The material sounds urgent and uncomfortable, rooted in hardcore tradition without drifting into nostalgia or polish.

Atomçk take over with a harsher and more chaotic presence. Their material leans into hostility and confrontation, built around relentless speed and abrasive vocal delivery. Lyrical themes attack urban decay, political emptiness, and cultural stagnation. The songs hit fast and disappear just as quickly, leaving little space for reflection. Atomçk sound angrier and more feral than before, channeling years of frustration into short explosions of noise and intent.

As a full release, this split works as a unified outburst rather than two disconnected halves. Thumbsucker and Atomçk share a similar worldview, and the transition between the two sides feels natural in spirit, even as the approaches differ. The release does not chase variety or accessibility, it exists to confront and provoke. For listeners drawn to extreme underground music rooted in anger and refusal, this split delivers a clear and uncompromising statement.

Score: 6.5

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553346392588

https://www.facebook.com/atomckgrind

https://roadtomasochist.co.uk/

Dark Divination |Liitto Hengen Ja Veren |Signal Rex

Release Date: 12 December 2025

Format: CD/LP

Genre: Black Metal

Country: Finland

Dark Divination is a Finnish black metal project formed in 2022 by Dark Divinator. In a short time, the project built momentum through EPs, demos and singles, leading to its first full length release. Rooted in the Finnish underground, Dark Divination focuses on personal themes tied to spirituality, inner conflict and the pull between light and shadow.

“Liitto Hengen Ja Veren” arrives as Dark Divination’s debut album and shows a clear devotion to traditional Finnish black metal language. The sound draws strongly from the early 2000s lineage, where melody plays a central role and emotional tension stays constant. The album speaks through a cold and melancholic tone, paired with moments of uplift that never drift into triumph. The overall atmosphere stays consistent and serious, focusing on inner struggle and spiritual tension.

The album’s melodic approach shifts between sorrowful lines and harsher passages, creating a steady emotional pull. These melodies often linger, giving the songs identity without pushing into excess. The pacing remains measured, allowing themes to unfold naturally. A mystical layer runs throughout the album, adding depth and a sense of ritualistic presence tied to the Finnish scene’s more esoteric side.

Lyrically and conceptually, “Liitto Hengen Ja Veren” reflects a personal journey shaped by conflict, hatred and spirituality. The album title, translated as a path from light to shadows, mirrors this progression. The material stays focused on these ideas without distraction, giving the album a unified direction. The expression remains raw and introspective, rooted firmly in underground black metal tradition.

As a debut, “Liitto Hengen Ja Veren” shows a solid understanding of atmosphere, melody and thematic focus. The album offers a reliable and honest black metal experience grounded in Finnish heritage. It may not surprise seasoned listeners, though it delivers consistent quality and commitment throughout its runtime.

Score: 7.0

www.darkdivination.bandcamp.com

www.signalrex.com

www.signalrex.bandcamp.com

Zadism |Under Sadistic Law | De:Nihil Records/Dala Destroi Records

Release Date: November 21^st, 2025
Format: EP
Genre: Black/Thrash Metal
Country: Sweden

Zadism is a Swedish extreme metal duo rising from Bergslagen, formed from the ashes of the now defunct Maniak. Drawing blood from early Brazilian underground filth and first wave German thrash violence, the band focuses on raw aggression, short forms and hostile atmosphere. No polish, no soft edges, just pressure and hostility.

“Under Sadistic Law” arrives as a compact blast of hostility that sticks close to old school extremity without sounding tired. Zadism keep things brief and aggressive, letting rough riffs and harsh pacing do the talking. The EP runs on speed and abrasion, with a sound that stays filthy and confrontational, closer to underground rehearsal rooms than studio refinement. The production keeps everything raw and uncomfortable, which suits the material and the intent behind it.

The songwriting avoids excess and focuses on impact. Tracks are short, violent and stripped of decoration. There is a strong emphasis on sharp riff cycles and relentless drumming, giving the EP a constant forward pressure. The atmosphere stays hostile throughout, rooted in early extreme metal traditions where ugliness and aggression mattered more than precision. This approach gives the release a consistent character, grim and unforgiving.

Vocals sit high in the mix, harsh and venomous, adding to the feeling of punishment rather than storytelling. Lyrical themes revolve around abuse, filth and domination, matching the brutal sonic direction. Nothing here aims to soften the blow or add contrast. The EP stays locked into one aggressive mindset, which works well within its short runtime.

“Under Sadistic Law” works best as a focused strike rather than a long listen. It offers a solid dose of raw blackened thrash that stays honest to its underground roots. Zadism show clear intent and discipline, delivering a release that satisfies fans of primitive, hostile metal without drifting into excess.

Score: 7.0

Zadism:

https://www.instagram.com/zadism_swe

De Nihil Records:

https://denihilrecords.blogspot.com/

https://www.instagram.com/denihilrecords/

Dala Destroi Records:

https://daladestroirecords.com/

https://www.instagram.com/daladestroirecords/

Dead Head |Repression Tank |Hammerheart Records (Reissue)

Release Date: 21 November 2025

Format: CD/LP/Digital

Genre: Thrash Metal

Country: Netherlands

Dead Head is a Dutch thrash metal band formed in 1989, shaped by the late eighties extreme metal surge and driven by long term dedication. With more than three decades behind them and most of the original lineup still active, the band continue to release material through Hammerheart Records, keeping a steady presence in the European underground and beyond.

“Repression Tank” is the renewed version of Dead Head’s 2009 album “Depression Tank”, now reissued under a new title by Hammerheart Records. This edition reflects the period when vocalist and bassist Ralph de Boer first joined the band, adding a different push to their sound. The album has been reworked with updated production and a stronger sonic balance, aligning it with the band’s later releases while staying rooted in aggressive thrash metal traditions.

Musically, “Repression Tank” focuses on speed, sharp riffing and relentless pacing. The songs emphasize pressure and urgency, built around tight structures and fast moving rhythms. There is a raw drive running through the album, supported by heavy grooves and a harsh vocal delivery that keeps the tension high. The updated mix gives the material more power and separation, allowing the songs to sound heavier and more defined than the original version.

The overall character of the album is intense and confrontational, reflecting the darker themes suggested by the title. There are moments where the band slow the pace slightly, adding a darker edge and expanding the atmosphere, then quickly returning to full throttle. These shifts help maintain interest across the running time and give the album a solid sense of progression without drifting away from its core identity.

Disc two adds historical value with live recordings from the early years of Ralph de Boer’s tenure. These tracks capture the band in a more raw state, highlighting the energy of that era and serving as an effective companion to the revamped studio material. Taken as a whole, “Repression Tank” presents Dead Head as a veteran thrash band still driven by intensity and consistency, offering a strong release for longtime followers and newer listeners exploring their catalog.

Score: 8.0

https://www.facebook.com/Deadheadthrash

https://www.instagram.com/deadheadthrash/

https://deadhead.nl/

https://www.youtube.com/user/Krisiunizer/featured

The Old Dead Tree |London Sessions |Season Of Mist

Release Date: 28 November 2025

Format: EP

Genre: Progressive/Gothic Metal

Country: France

The Old Dead Tree are one of the key names of French dark progressive metal. Active since the late 90s, the band built its reputation on emotionally heavy songwriting, a strong gothic rock undercurrent and the wide vocal range of Manuel Munoz. After a long absence and a full comeback album, they return with “London Sessions”, recorded at Abbey Road Studios and released through Season Of Mist.

“London Sessions” sits between past and present. The material keeps the familiar melancholic tone of The Old Dead Tree while sounding more restrained and reflective. The gothic side is prominent, with progressive elements shaping the structures and dynamics. The songs focus on atmosphere and emotional tension, guided mainly by vocal expression rather than excess detail. Manuel Munoz delivers a strong and expressive performance, moving naturally between darker and more melodic passages.

The production is clear and balanced, fitting the Abbey Road setting without sounding oversized. Guitars stay layered and textured, bass and drums provide a solid base, and the overall sound supports the introspective character of the EP. The cello guest appearance adds extra depth where needed, giving certain moments a more dramatic edge without taking attention away from the core songwriting.

As a short release, “London Sessions” feels concise and focused. The tracks are consistent in tone and direction, aiming for emotional impact instead of variety. Fans familiar with the band’s earlier work will recognize the melancholic spirit, while newer listeners will get a clear picture of their identity. The EP works well as a companion piece to their recent comeback era. “London Sessions” delivers solid songwriting, strong vocals and a coherent atmosphere. It is a mature release from a band that understands its musical language and applies it with care. For Katatonia and Anathema lovers it’s a great listening choice.

Score: 7.8

The Old Dead Tree:

https://linktr.ee/TODT

Paganizer |As Mankind Rots |Xtreem Music

Release Date: February 5^th, 2026

Format: CD/12” LP/Cassette/Digital

Genre: Death Metal

Country: Sweden

Paganizer is one of the longest running names in Swedish death metal. Formed in the late nineties and driven by Rogga Johansson, the band has built a massive catalog across decades, staying loyal to the old school spirit while constantly feeding the underground with new releases. “As Mankind Rots” is their fourteenth full length album and continues that relentless path.

“As Mankind Rots” arrives soaked in decay, anger and a very bleak view of humanity. The album revolves around the idea of mankind as something temporary and insignificant, a theme that fits Paganizer perfectly. The atmosphere is hostile and oppressive, with no room for softness or reflection. Everything here serves the same goal, to push forward a grim, rotting vision where progress and civilization mean nothing in the long run.

The album keeps a steady balance between speed and heavier, dragging passages, giving the songs enough space to remain memorable without becoming tiring. Tracks like “As Mankind Rots”, “Only Maggots” and “The Rotting End” focus on blunt aggression, while “Hollow” and “Afterworld” lean into darker, more suffocating territory. “Put On Your Gasmask” brings a sharper, almost anthemic hook that breaks the gloom just enough to stick in the listener’s head.

Across the album, Paganizer sounds seasoned and focused. The songwriting sticks to classic death metal structures, favoring clarity and impact over excess. There is a strong continuity between tracks, making the album easy to listen to in one sitting, without sudden shifts or distractions. The new version of “Vanans Makt” closes the album with a raw and slightly different edge, adding variety without changing the overall direction.

“As Mankind Rots” may not be one of Paganizer’s most extreme releases, but it is solid, consistent and honest in what it delivers. For long time followers, it fits naturally into the band’s discography. For newer listeners, it works as a clear example of Swedish death metal done in a traditional way. It does its job well, even if it does not aim for absolute dominance.

Score: 7.5

https://www.facebook.com/paganizersweden

https://www.xtreemmusic.com/

Bell Witch/Aerial Ruin | Stygian Bough: Vol II | Profound Lore Records

Release Date: 14.11.2025

Format: LP/Digital

Genre: Doom Metal, Dark Folk

Country: USA

Bell Witch/Aerial Ruin is a collaboration between two projects rooted in slow, introspective doom and dark folk. Bell Witch, formed in the US, is known for extended compositions and a minimal core lineup, while Aerial Ruin is the solo work of Erik Moggridge, centered on voice, guitar, and myth focused songwriting. Together, they continue the Stygian Bough project as a separate entity, not a side note to either name, but a shared space shaped by long form writing and thematic focus.

“Stygian Bough: Vol II” takes its conceptual frame from James Frazer’s “The Golden Bough”, especially the ideas of contact and similarity as invisible forces that bind people, objects, and beliefs. The album treats music as a channel for these connections, not as storytelling in a linear sense, but as a slow unfolding of symbols, memory, worship, and awe. The collaboration presents itself as its own organism, sharing DNA with Bell Witch and Aerial Ruin while existing apart from their usual paths.

Across its length, the album explores how reverence can elevate, consume, and erase, depending on the scale through which it is viewed. There is a constant shift between the intimate and the vast, between personal devotion and abstract forces that dwarf human perspective. Moggridge’s vocals act as a narrative guide without turning the material into a conventional song cycle, while the rhythmic foundation keeps the music grounded and deliberate, allowing ideas to circle and transform.

The writing leans into gradual development and recurring motifs, which gives the album a meditative character without drifting into background music. The interaction between bass, drums, and guitar forms a dialogue that expands and contracts, reinforcing the album’s focus on cycles and reflection. Production choices favor space and clarity, allowing the material to unfold patiently and maintain its gravity throughout.

“Stygian Bough: Vol II” stands as a focused continuation of this collaboration, expanding its mythic and philosophical concerns with restraint and coherence. It asks for time and attention, rewarding listeners who engage with its pacing and themes rather than surface impact. As a whole, the album presents a unified vision that fits naturally within the broader arc of the Stygian Bough project.

Score: 7.0

 

https://www.bellwitchdoom.net/

https://www.facebook.com/BellWitchDoom/

https://www.instagram.com/bellwitchdoom

https://www.aerialruin.com/

https://www.instagram.com/aerialruin/

https://www.facebook.com/aerialruin/

https://linktr.ee/profoundlorerecords

Irae | In The Key Of Twilight | Signal Rex

Release Date: 28 November 2025

Format: CD, Vinyl LP

Genre: Black Metal

Country: Portugal

Irae is a long running black metal project from Portugal, guided by Vulturius, active since the early 2000s. Over the years, Irae has built a reputation for grim, inward looking releases rooted in raw black metal, slowly expanding its scope without abandoning its core identity. The project has remained focused on personal vision, minimal compromise, and a strong thematic thread across each full length.

With “In The Key Of Twilight”, Irae present their sixth album and their most narratively focused work so far. The album follows a clear concept centered on self overcoming, destruction of imposed limits, and transformation through conflict. Lyrically and atmospherically, it traces a path from negation to emergence, treating divinity as something created, challenged, and ultimately surpassed. The tone remains bleak, but it opens toward something broader and more reflective than past releases.

Musically, the album expands Irae’s familiar harsh framework into longer, more developed compositions. The writing favors gradual evolution over abrupt changes, allowing ideas to unfold patiently. The sound balances aggression with melodic phrasing and layered structures, giving the album a steady forward motion that supports its conceptual arc. The pacing avoids excess, keeping the focus on progression rather than shock.

The production suits the material well, clear enough to follow the unfolding themes without stripping away the raw character expected from the style. Vulturius handles most instruments, giving the album a unified voice, while the drumming by Ûr adds firmness and discipline. The overall presentation aligns with the album’s introspective direction, supported by artwork that mirrors its twilight centered symbolism.

“In The Key Of Twilight” stands as a mature chapter in Irae’s catalog, emphasizing continuity, reflection, and expansion of ideas rather than sudden shifts. It rewards attentive listening and fits naturally within the band’s trajectory, presenting a complete and coherent vision grounded in black metal tradition.

Score: 7.5

https://www.facebook.com/p/irae-61570435526102/

www.irae666.bandcamp.com

www.signalrex.com

www.signalrex.bandcamp.com