Abysmal Descent | Dismal Thoughts | Nuclear Winter Records

Release Date: October 31, 2025

Format: CD, LP, Digital

Genre: Death Metal

Country: Belgium

From Brussels rises Abysmal Descent, a new death metal formation born from members of Dehuman, Putrid Offal, Echo Solar Void, and Neptunian Maximalism. Their debut, "Dismal Thoughts", released through Nuclear Winter Records, throws the listener straight into the heart of darkness that defines classic death metal, sculpted with an oppressive and unrelenting approach.

This album unfolds like a slow drag through a crypt, heavy and suffocating in atmosphere. The production is raw enough to retain its underground spirit but refined to let every crushing riff and guttural roar stand tall. The guitars twist and churn through layers of distortion, while the drumming never loosens its grip, keeping everything locked in a punishing rhythm. There’s a sinister sense of structure to the compositions, each track moving with grim purpose, balancing chaos with control.

Vocally, Adrien Luxen delivers a commanding performance, his growls soaked in despair and decay. The interplay between guitars creates a constant tension, melodic enough to suggest traces of old Immolation or Morbid Angel but always keeping things dark, suffocating, and organic. "Labyrinth Of Distress" and "Obscured Visions" are prime examples of this balance, dragging the listener deeper into the mire with every riff and tempo shift.

The atmosphere remains consistent from start to finish, cold, oppressive, and unyielding. There’s no attempt at false grandeur or theatrics here, only pure, focused death metal. Abysmal Descent clearly understands the art of evoking dread through precision and restraint, crafting a sound that feels ancient yet alive, like something unearthed from a forgotten tomb. "Dismal Thoughts" is not just another debut. It’s a manifesto of intent from a band of seasoned musicians who know exactly what they’re invoking. A vision of death metal that’s uncompromising, abyssal, and heavy in spirit.

Score: 7.0

Abysmal Descent

https://www.instagram.com/abysmaldescent/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557997834152

Nuclear Winter Records

https://nuclearwinterrecords.bandcamp.com/

https://nuclearwinterrecords.com/

https://www.facebook.com/martyrdoomproductions/

https://www.instagram.com/nuclearwinterrecords/

Cruentus | End Without End | Kvlt Und Kaos Productions

Release Date: October 3, 2025

Format: Digital, CD, LP, Cassette

Genre: Death/Black/Thrash Metal

Country: Sweden

Cruentus formed in Sweden in the late 2000s, slowly carving their place in the underground with a style that blends death, black, and thrash metal into one savage strike. Their sound nods to the chaos of early Swedish death metal while embracing the frostbitten aggression of the blackened side. The duo of Martin Öhman and Petter Bocian handle everything themselves, from the riffs to the roars, and that self-contained fury defines their identity.

“End Without End” runs on pure attack. The guitars churn with a classic Scandinavian sharpness, pushing forward through a storm of blasting drums and cold, cutting aggression. The production by Lawrence Mackrory captures their raw intensity but keeps everything punchy enough to hit hard. There’s no gloss or unnecessary layering, just relentless drive and precision.

The songs jump between death metal heaviness and blackened chaos, keeping the energy high throughout. “Förtärande Ilska” and “Womb Eternal” stretch into darker, more menacing territory, while shorter bursts like “Evenflow” and “M.I.A.” strike fast and vanish like explosions in the dark. The interplay between harsh vocals and furious riffing feels natural and confident, delivering that old Swedish menace with modern fire.

Cruentus sounds completely locked in, delivering ten tracks that never lose their impact. “End Without End” doesn’t chase trends or experiment for its own sake; it simply burns with focused aggression and a strong sense of identity. It’s the kind of album that lives on instinct, played with intensity and conviction, and built for those who want their metal unfiltered and fierce.

Score: 7.5

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/cruentus_swe/

https://www.facebook.com/Cruentus-SWE-101581451696691

Dolmen Gate | Echoes Of Ancient Tales | No Remorse Records

Release Date: October 3, 2025

Formats: CD/LP

Genre: Epic/Heavy Metal

Country: Portugal

Dolmen Gate emerged from Lisbon in 2021, a band formed with one clear goal, to summon the spirit of classic heavy metal through epic storytelling and fiery performance. Drawing their inspiration from the mighty roots of the Portuguese underground and the legacy of giants like Manowar, Omen, and Manilla Road, the band quickly found a place among Europe’s growing traditional metal revival. After their 2024 debut “Gateways Of Eternity,” they return with “Echoes Of Ancient Tales,” a stronger, more focused album that expands their epic sound into something memorable and full of heart.

From the first song, the album bursts with the kind of passion only true believers in heavy metal can conjure. The guitars of Kiko and Artur lead the charge, weaving powerful riffs and melodic leads that recall the best days of the 80s underground scene. Ana’s vocals shine across the entire release, heroic, expressive, and commanding, she sounds like a bard telling long-forgotten stories of battle and loss. The rhythm section of Nuno and Alex anchors everything with steady precision, giving the songs a galloping pulse that fits perfectly with the band’s epic direction.

“Echoes Of Ancient Tales” sounds like a journey across time and myth. “Souls To Sea” and “The Prophecy” have an almost cinematic grandeur, filled with anthemic choruses and twin-guitar harmonies. “The Maze” brings a darker shade, balancing melody and raw power, while “We Are The Storm” explodes with defiance, a perfect closer for the album’s heroic tone. “Carthage Eternal” deserves mention for its storytelling, a track that could easily fit into the golden era of heavy metal concept albums.

The production, handled by Fernando Matias together with the band, is balanced and warm. It captures the essence of classic metal without sounding dated. The mix gives each instrument enough space to shine, preserving that live energy so crucial to this style. The artwork by Márcio Blasphemator completes the package, grand, mysterious, and perfectly fitting for an album steeped in legend and glory.

“Echoes Of Ancient Tales” proves that Dolmen Gate is not just another nostalgic act. They carry a genuine flame for epic heavy metal, and this album shows that their path is clear and strong. It’s an album made by musicians who know exactly what kind of world they want to create, and they invite the listener to step through the gate with them.

Score: 7.5

https://www.noremorse.gr

https://www.facebook.com/NoRemorseRecordsGreece

https://www.instagram.com/noremorserecords

https://www.facebook.com/DolmenGate

https://www.instagram.com/dolmengate

https://dolmengate.bandcamp.com

Scheusal | Fressfeind | Purity Through Fire

Release Date: October 31, 2025

Format: CD

Genre: Black Metal

Country: Germany

Germany’s Scheusal emerged earlier this year with “Urwahn,” a debut that caught underground attention through its savage minimalism and proud adherence to the country’s black metal lineage. Without wasting time, the mysterious one-man project returns with “Fressfeind,” a continuation of that same uncompromising spirit. The quick turnaround between albums suggests a creative momentum that hasn’t cooled down, and this second chapter only deepens the band’s raw, martial energy.

“Fressfeind” is a vicious, straightforward black metal assault steeped in cold aggression and spite. The sound is stripped of any gloss, and that’s entirely the point. The production is raw but surprisingly defined, with the instruments cutting through in a way that keeps the chaos legible. There’s a sense of constant motion, tracks hammer forward without hesitation, filled with sharp riffing and relentless percussion. Vocally, the album is manic and varied; growls, shouts, and distorted howls overlap like a drunken brawl between spirits. It’s not pleasant, but it’s gripping in its madness.

The album’s strength lies in its refusal to soften anything. Scheusal keeps the tempo high and the spirit violent, with the occasional melodic shimmer slipping through the grime to remind you that this isn’t just noise, it’s carefully controlled aggression. The martial undertones give parts of the record a warlike pulse, adding a sense of movement and tension that fits the Teutonic tradition perfectly.

“Fressfeind” doesn’t feel like a new direction for Scheusal but more like a deeper excavation of what the project already stood for. Primitive, passionate, German black metal that rasps rather than speaks. The atmosphere remains grim, the pacing unrelenting, and the sense of individuality definite in its twisted energy. A solid release for diehard fans of underground black metal, raw, energetic, and authentic, though its narrow focus limits its long-term impact. It’s a harsh, headstrong album that sticks to its path and dares you to follow it into the fire.

Score: 6.5

https://scheusal.bandcamp.com/

Vintersorg | Vattenkrafternas Spel | Hammerheart Records

Release Date: 26 September 2025

Format: CD/LP/Digital

Genre: Atmospheric Black/Folk Metal

Country: Sweden

There are few figures in Nordic metal with the endurance and singular voice of Andreas Hedlund, better known as Vintersorg. Since the mid-90s he’s been crafting music that bridges harsh black metal, northern folk melodies, and philosophical storytelling. What began in the icy landscapes of Skellefteå under the name Vargatron evolved into one of Scandinavia’s most distinctive metal projects. From the raw mountain hymns of “Till Fjälls” and “Ödemarkens Son” to the cosmic journeys of “Cosmic Genesis” and “The Focusing Blur”, Vintersorg has always merged intellect with atmosphere. With Matte Marklund on lead guitars and Simon Lundstöm on bass, the band stands as a lasting force of elemental sound.

Now comes “Vattenkrafternas Spel”, a return that thrives on instinct and immersion. This is an album that moves through water’s many states, calm, violent, mysterious, without losing its human pulse. The guitar lines ripple with melody, meeting bursts of blackened aggression that is as natural as river currents. Hedlund’s voice alternates between fierce rasp and broad, melodic singing, a contrast that brings tension and release throughout. The production is crisp, giving space for every layer of harmony, folk phrasing, and metallic surge to merge.

There’s a deep connection to nature in every second. You can almost sense the mist and flow through tracks such as “Ur Älv Och Å” and “Regnskuggans Rike”, where melodies intertwine with storm-like percussion. “Efter Dis Kommer Dimma”, with Johanna Lundberg’s guest vocals, adds a haunting softness that opens into an expansive chorus. The guest keyboard solo by Peter Roy Wester on “Ödsliga Salar” adds a spectral edge, lifting the song into something dreamlike.

The guitars are intricate and fluid, moving between icy tremolo patterns and soaring folk harmonies. Keyboards add depth rather than ornament, shaping the background like unseen wind. The drum programming is alive, detailed, and dynamic enough to carry the shifting tempos naturally. Hedlund’s arrangements keep everything in motion, nothing static, nothing exaggerated, only a strong sense of movement, emotion, and scale.

“Vattenkrafternas Spel” has the essence of Vintersorg’s earliest sound but without nostalgia. There’s focus, rawness, and melody working together in balance, as if the elements themselves guided the songwriting. The artwork by Kris Verwimp completes the vision, matching the album’s spiritual connection to the wild. Hammerheart’s release gives it the visual grandeur it deserves, especially in the deluxe gatefold vinyl edition.

Vintersorg stands once again as a rare voice in Nordic metal, reflective, forceful, and deeply rooted in the natural world. “Vattenkrafternas Spel” doesn’t rely on past triumphs or abstract concepts; it simply lives and breathes through sound, atmosphere, and emotion.

Score: 8.5

https://www.facebook.com/vintersorganic

https://www.instagram.com/vintersorgofficial/#

Abraham | idsungwüssä | Pelagic Records

Release Date: 26 September 2025

Format: Digital / Vinyl / CD

Genre: Post Metal, Sludge, Experimental

Country: Switzerland

After four albums that have carved deep scars into the European post-metal scene, Abraham returns with “Idsungwüssä”, their fifth full-length and the final chapter in their apocalyptic trilogy. Known for their bleak atmospheres and philosophical undertones, the Swiss collective once again step into the void with a record that sounds as if it’s written from the ashes of humanity itself.

Their previous releases, especially “Débris De Mondes Perdus” and “Look, Here Comes The Dark!”, were vast explorations of ruin and rebirth. “Idsungwüssä” continues that path but shifts the perspective, away from Earth and into a cosmic wilderness, where desolation turns into transcendence. The album’s concept follows a parallel thread to their earlier works, closing the circle not through repetition, but through expansion.

The production, shaped between late 2024 and early 2025, captures an intensity that feels lived-in. You can almost sense the fatigue and determination of the band as they balanced daily life with creative struggle. This pressure becomes part of the music. The sound is enormous, thick layers of guitars stacked in an unusual way, left and right channels in unison while the center bursts through with a third voice. The result is colossal and suffocating, drenched in reverb that turns riffs into waves of distortion.

Vocals delivered in Swiss-German give the album a unique edge, blending anguish with a kind of distant ritualism. When they rise from beneath the instrumental mass, they sound less human and more elemental, like something screaming from the void. Between the heavier passages, melodic interludes and fragile moments of calm appear, not as relief but as emotional depth. The band’s use of organ, Moog, and additional keys brings an eerie, almost liturgical texture, like an ancient signal sent through space.

“Idsungwüssä” unfolds as a journey rather than a collection of songs. It stretches across despair and transcendence, moving from grinding sludge passages to ethereal stretches that dissolve into silence before another storm returns. It’s not an easy listen, but that’s precisely its strength. This is music made to confront the listener rather than comfort them.

By the album’s closing moments, there’s a sense of finality, a strange peace among ruins. Abraham don’t simply continue their saga, they bring it to an end with conviction, beauty, and an honesty that few bands in post-metal can claim. It’s an album that demands patience and rewards immersion. A powerful and immersive finale from a band unafraid to dig deep into the bleakest corners of existence, “Idsungwüssä” stands as a fitting closure to Abraham’s trilogy, harsh, human, and haunting.

Score: 7.0

https://www.facebook.com/abrahamtheband

https://www.instagram.com/abrahamband/#

Umulamahri | Learning The Secrets Of Acid | Ordovician Records

Release Date: 1 October 2025
Format: Digital/Vinyl
Genre: Death Metal
Country: USA

Formed by musicians deeply rooted in the American underground, Umulamahri is a new death metal entity built from the creative collision of Andrew Hawkins (Baring Teeth) and Doug Moore (Pyrrhon, Seputus, Glorious Depravity, Weeping Sores). The lineup is completed by session drummer Kevin Paradis, known for his explosive precision. With this combination, “Learning The Secrets Of Acid” arrives as an album that doesn’t simply add noise to the genre, it bends it into strange, unpredictable shapes.

The album is a twisted labyrinth of angular riffs, unstable rhythm patterns, and hallucinatory shifts. Umulamahri sounds as if it’s operating inside a fever dream where dissonance replaces logic and structure is constantly under threat of collapse. “Rot Shall Rule The Oily Voids” opens the album with chaos that borders on mathematical insanity, while “Bursting With Life’s True Fruit” moves like a creature mutating in real time. “VVVVRMS” turns rhythm into a weapon, cutting through distorted layers with near-mechanical precision. “Orifice Invocation,” already revealed as a single, stands as the album’s most direct strike, acidic and unpredictable. “Leaked Photo Of Heaven” closes things with a warped sense of decay, like a transmission slowly dissolving in static.

What makes this album engaging is not accessibility, but commitment to discomfort. The sound production balances harshness and precision, letting the intricate playing twist and churn without collapsing into chaos. It’s not easy listening, but it’s magnetic in its strangeness. Every riff, every drum pattern, feels infected by a scientific curiosity toward how far sound can be stretched before it snaps. “Learning The Secrets Of Acid” is not for those seeking groove or melody, it’s for listeners drawn to the abyss of experimental death metal, where the edges are sharp and the terrain is alien. It rewards attention, confusion, and a touch of madness.

Score: 7.0

ordovicianrecords.bandcamp.com

https://umulamahrideath.com/

https://www.instagram.com/umulamahrideath

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