Hell

 This is nothing but the horrible caricature badly done of black metal, and I almost feel ashamed myself.

 Invoking the figure of Satan without even contemplating its nature and true meanings solely and exclusively because one is angry or to put on a show and attract an easy audience is not black.

This review criticizes Dark Funeral's Attera Totus Sanctus for its repetitive sound and clichéd approach to black metal themes. The reviewer finds the album unoriginal and stagnant despite improved production quality. Lyrics and themes are seen as superficial and unconvincing. The album fails to bring any fresh insight or creativity to the genre. Explore the full review of Dark Funeral's Attera Totus Sanctus and decide if this black metal album lives up to its reputation.

 This is an album that practically almost no one knows, but I found it as interesting and mysterious as the band itself.

 A condensate of dark magic, a hypnotic abyss, an elegant temple of damp and gloomy quiet, a dusty ancient book never interpreted, a silent light, hidden, always alone but eternal.

Lux Occulta's 1996 debut album Forever Alone. Immortal is a fascinating and obscure symphonic black metal work marked by atmospheric keyboards and long, meticulously crafted tracks. Known for its eclectic and unpredictable style, the album blends melancholic and mystical melodies with occult themes. Despite being relatively unknown, it stands out as an elegant and hypnotic metal masterpiece. The album fluctuates between doom influences, ethereal passages, and intricate arrangements. Dive into Lux Occulta's mysterious symphonic black metal and experience the hypnotic depths of Forever Alone. Immortal today!

 Judas Priest have wanted to overdo it by trying to build an album decidedly bigger than themselves.

 The album turns out to be slow, wordy and rather awkward in certain instances, clogged by its pumped-up and flaunted epicness.

Judas Priest's Nostradamus is their first true concept album, exploring the French prophet's story with a heavy, symphonic metal approach. The album is ambitious but suffers from excessive length, too many interludes, and overuse of keyboards, resulting in a homogeneous and diluted listening experience. While some tracks shine, especially after the 50-minute mark, no song stands out as a classic. The review appreciates the innovation but criticizes the execution. Dive into Judas Priest's Nostradamus and discover the epic ambitions and hidden gems within this bold heavy metal concept album.

 Opeth are gradually but inexorably revealing the other side of their coin; so almost forget the long and brooding death outbursts and expect songs that feature the less violent side interrupted by fleeting melodic death strikes.

 By the fourth listen the acute 'opethitis' set in and I couldn’t detach myself from the CD player.

Opeth’s 'Watershed' continues the band’s shift toward a softer, more melodic sound, blending death metal aggression with prog rock and jazz influences. The album offers engaging arrangements and strong performances, though a couple of tracks feel less cohesive. Initially challenging, repeated listens reveal its intricate depth, solidifying Opeth’s reputation for musical complexity and creativity. Dive into Opeth’s Watershed and experience the seamless blend of prog, jazz, and death metal today!

 "An album with a dark and almost enigmatic cover but beyond that it has absolutely nothing worthwhile to say."

 "Aaron... ends up becoming a caricature of himself with a voice so syrupelley dramatic that it seems that of a walrus with a tracheostomy and an electroencephalogram in the intestine."

The review expresses disappointment with My Dying Bride's 'Like Gods of the Sun,' criticizing its monotonous guitars, forced melancholic vocals, and clichéd gothic lyrics. While a few tracks stand out, the album overall fails to deliver emotional depth, making it one of the weaker entries in the band’s discography. Discover why 'Like Gods of the Sun' disappointed fans and explore the band’s stronger works instead.

 Xytraguptor has been extremely skillful in transposing the cold and violent sideral atmosphere of the original masterpiece into a more mellifluous, ethereal, and soft key.

 The intense and bare candor of the small satellite and, opposed to it, the blackest void of space summarizes the entire work.

Xytras' Passage is a neoclassical instrumental interpretation of Samael's original metal album. The aggressive riffs and dark sounds are replaced by delicate piano and synth arrangements creating an ethereal and celestial atmosphere. The album stands on its own, offering a mellifluous and soft experience with occasional traces of the original's intensity. Minor flaws include some overused choruses, but overall it is a highly recommended exploration for fans of atmospheric music and those curious about a new perspective on the original Passage. Listen to Xytras' Passage and explore a captivating neoclassical reimagination of a metal masterpiece.

 Furious yet subtle, wild yet elegant, cacophonous yet majestic, violent yet sensual.

 I would recommend the album to those who want to try something different from the usual Symphonic Black Metal now infested by bland bands like Cradle of Filth or the recent Dimmu Borgir.

New Obscurantis Order marks a mature and powerful turning point for Anorexia Nervosa. The album balances chaotic intensity with melodic elegance, showcasing improved musicianship and versatile vocals. Standout tracks feature both aggressive and theatrical elements, including a stunning Rachmaninov piano cover. Highly recommended for fans seeking a fresh take on symphonic black metal. Dive into the dark and elegant chaos of New Obscurantis Order – experience the best of French symphonic black metal now!

 This music is a true homage to nature and its spontaneous and simple wonders.

 You will surrender to the contemplation of dreamy guitar chords... or you might even shed a few innocent tears while listening to ‘Summerisle Reprise.’

Agalloch's The White EP skillfully distills their signature neofolk and doom sound into a brief but powerful half-hour journey. The music evokes vivid natural landscapes and deep emotions through delicate acoustic guitar, synths, and heartfelt vocals. Each track offers a unique, immersive experience, blending melancholy and beauty in a compact form. Highly recommended to fans and newcomers alike. Listen to Agalloch's The White EP and immerse yourself in its haunting, nature-inspired melodies today!

 "My Guardian Anger manages to cause 45 yawns, precisely and punctually one per minute."

 "Lux would have done better to remove all the dead points and deliver a short but decent EP rather than create a filler album for their excellent discography."

My Guardian Anger by Lux Occulta is seen as an important but flawed step toward their later innovation. The album suffers from superficial ideas, uninspired songwriting, and a cold production. While a few tracks show promise, much of the record is weighed down by monotony and filler. The review recommends a shorter, more focused release instead. Explore the evolution of Lux Occulta's sound by listening to My Guardian Anger and its more successful follow-up!

 This CD is crap... it has no soul and its merits, if they can be so called, are a tenth of the flaws.

 Almost all the songs aim to capture attention in the first 20-30 seconds, but the rest of the tracks do not turn out to be inspired or convincing.

This review criticizes Dimmu Borgir's album In Sorte Diaboli for lacking originality and soul, marking a low point compared to their earlier work. While 'The Serpentine Offering' is praised, most tracks are seen as uninspired and commercially driven. The album is described as a caricature of the band’s former power and creativity. Overall, it disappoints fans expecting innovation or depth. Discover why In Sorte Diaboli divides fans—read the full review and listen to decide for yourself!