OzzyRotten

 "This album is a lash of Black Metal. Symphonic yes, but always and only Black Metal, as many would like to remember it: raw, nocturnal, icy, fast, and wicked."

 "Gloomy, sulfurous chords, gritty, violent, and without any glimpse of light."

This review explores The Kovenant's debut album, originally released as Covenant's In Times Before The Light, highlighting its raw and symphonic black metal style. The reviewer contrasts this early black metal work with the band's later industrial metal sound, praising the album's atmosphere, speed, and classic black metal elements. Key tracks exemplify the intense and chilling style, making it a recommended listen for fans of the genre's roots. It reflects on how the band's transformation impacted their musical trajectory. Dive into the roots of symphonic black metal—listen to The Kovenant's In Times Before The Light now!

 This 'Epic' is perhaps, for me, the best of the best of their already prestigious and multifaceted discography.

 Borknagar has always elaborated its own canons and standards in a manner always ten thousand kilometers above every other extreme component.

This review praises Borknagar's album 'Epic' as a pinnacle in their diverse and evolving discography. It highlights the band's innovative blend of symphonic black metal, Viking influences, and progressive sounds, emphasizing the artistic talents of members like Vintersorg and Øystein G. Brun. The album is recognized for its emotional depth, intricate compositions, and a unique, epic atmosphere. The reviewer strongly recommends 'Epic' for fans who appreciate thoughtful and multifaceted metal music. Dive into Borknagar's 'Epic' and experience a groundbreaking journey through progressive black metal. Listen now!

 Garm is simply endowed with astounding vocal timbres that have made him a sort of semi-god in certain circles.

 The Olden Domain was the first real, true and evident step towards shores that few before Borknagar had dared to imagine.

Borknagar's 'The Olden Domain' is an influential album that marked a bold shift from pure black metal to a more epic and lyrical sound. The review highlights Øystein G. Brun's masterful guitar work and Garm's unique vocal performance as central to the album's success. It praises the album's originality and atmospheric depth, encouraging listeners to explore its timeless energy and charm. Discover Borknagar's groundbreaking album and experience the epic fusion of black metal with a poetic edge. Listen now!

 If you listen to this Verisäkeet, you will be enthralled by the Nordic landscapes and the ghosts that move at the edge of the forests in the boreal night.

 All five pieces are structured in a majestic and intricate way, with frequent 'bayonet' attacks but never chaotic.

Moonsorrow's Verisäkeet challenges established Viking metal bands by blending raw black metal roots with epic Norse folklore. The album's five long tracks deliver a majestic and emotional journey through Nordic landscapes and ancestral struggles. Rich in atmosphere and passion, the music captivates listeners with intricate compositions and a high tragic tension. This release is highly recommended for those who appreciate intelligent, emotional, and culturally rooted metal music. Dive into Moonsorrow's Verisäkeet and experience a powerful journey through epic Viking black metal today!

 No one has ever dared to accuse them of modest originality, and they deserve full credit for this.

 Moonspell here produced their darkest and most claustrophobic album of the new era.

Moonspell's The Antidote is a dark, atmospheric Gothic album rich in Mediterranean soul and musical experimentation. While it delivers powerful moments and showcases the band's undeniable talent, certain tracks feel monotonous and less refined. The production is clear and effective, and vocalist Fernando Ribeiro delivers a highly expressive performance. This album suits longtime fans but may not be the ideal introduction for newcomers. Overall, it represents a nuanced and personal period for the band. Dive into Moonspell's The Antidote and experience a haunting Gothic journey rich with dark melodies and intense emotion.

 This 'Paradise Belongs to You' needs to be listened to in its entirety, to absorb and explore all its facets.

 They were faced with a band destined to become influential, and certainly not to survive by borrowing someone else’s light.

Saturnus' 'Paradise Belongs To You' is a seminal 1996 album blending doom metal with gothic and melodic influences. The band distinguishes itself through originality, theatricality, and a haunting atmosphere. The album balances slow, despairing moods with expressive melodies and unique songwriting. This release helped establish Saturnus as an influential cult band in the melodic doom scene. It remains essential listening for fans of melancholic and atmospheric metal. Dive into Saturnus' 'Paradise Belongs To You' and experience a haunting journey through melancholic doom metal.

 If Gothic has ever had a meaning, this album represents the pinnacle and the unreachable summit.

 This album certainly deserves the fame and prestige it has built over the past years and in the present ones.

Wildhoney by Tiamat is hailed as a pinnacle of gothic music, blending rarefied atmospheres, symphonic elements, and progressive moods. Initially criticized, it is now recognized as a timeless masterpiece with unforgettable tracks and deep emotional resonance. The album's complex, haunting soundscapes create a unique, transcendental listening experience. Johan Edlund's voice, alongside the band's experimentation, cements Wildhoney's legacy as a groundbreaking work in gothic metal. Dive into Tiamat's Wildhoney and experience the haunting beauty of gothic metal at its finest!

 Each song on this album is a black pearl, complex, supported by a base of keyboards and synths that perfectly meld with the numerous tempo changes.

 If you think Italian bands are not capable of composing music on par with those of Albion or Scandinavia, discovering Opera IX might change your mind.

Opera IX's Anphisbena stands out in the symphonic black metal scene for its originality, technical skill, and deep pagan and Celtic atmospheres. Unlike more commercial bands, they offer complex songs with rich keyboard layers and varying tempos. The album features memorable tracks like "The Serpent’s Nemeton" and a Celtic-inspired Gaelic song, conveying a melancholic yet captivating sound. This work proves Italian metal can rival Scandinavian acts, deserving greater recognition. Listen to Opera IX's Anphisbena and discover a unique blend of symphonic black metal and pagan atmospheres that defies expectations.

 This album turns out to be quite a punch in the stomach for those who listen.

 If you’re crazy about Therion, you will undoubtedly find joy in this album.

Demonoid's Riders Of The Apocalypse is a well-executed Death Metal album with strong Thrash roots, crafted by Therion members. The project offers powerful, straightforward music with nods to classic metal styles. While not overly ambitious, it's an honest and engaging effort featuring notable tracks like 'Arrival of the Horsemen' and 'The Evocation.' Fans of both Thrash and Death Metal will find much to appreciate here. Dive into Demonoid's Riders Of The Apocalypse and experience a powerful blend of Death and Thrash Metal crafted by Therion's legendary members.

 This is a beautiful album, a classic for a group that... grapple with a well-made work, studied in minute detail and excellently arranged and executed.

 A ceremonial album with a thousand facets, fishing where the abyss is always murkier, matching the devastating and nihilistic mood of Black with composite and highly technical Industrial.

Samael's Ceremony of Opposites is a landmark Swiss black metal album that blends brutal and symphonic elements with subtle industrial touches. The album stands out for its intelligence, intricate composition, and dark, malevolent atmosphere. Tracks like 'Black Trip' and 'Till We Meet Again' showcase the band's unique fusion of styles and literary influences. Recommended for listeners seeking a sophisticated alternative to traditional Norwegian black metal. Explore Samael's Ceremony of Opposites and experience a groundbreaking black metal masterpiece blending dark atmospheres with symphonic and industrial edge.