Necrophobic - 'Pesta' Video

Necrophobic have very recently released the official video for the track titled 'Pesta', from this year's Mark of The Necrogram album. This band represents some of the best aspects of a blackened approach to death metal, and this video is worth watching. 

Belphegor - The Devil's Son Video

There's something about the imagery that Belphegor conjures that most bands struggle to match...

Swedish Bands To Deliver The Goods In February

Two very different sounding bands, both hailing from Sweden, are set to release new albums this February.

First out of the gate is Grimner, a folk metal band from Motala. They play a style similar to Månegarm while adding their own unique elements. 'Frost Mot Eld', which was released in 2016 was easily one of my favourite albums of that particular year. 'Vanadrottning' will be available on February 9, 2018.

Stockholm's Necrophobic will be dropping their new album on February 23rd, 2018. Titled 'Mark Of The Necrogram', it promises to be a proficiently solid blackened death metal release. This is one band that hasn't managed to achieve much recognition, but has none-the-less put out some fantastic albums. With nearly five years in between albums, I'm certainly looking forward to this one.

The Best Of 2017

I was far from diligent in reviewing new releases in 2017; that much is evidenced from the serious lack of posts doing just that. With all of the "top releases of 2017" lists coming out in December, and my difference of opinion from most of them, I wanted to share my top picks of last year. Keep in mind that these are my FAVOURITES, highly subjective to my own personal taste in metal.

Top Five (from well-known bands):

Belphegor - Totenritual
Blackened death metal (Austria)

Entrails - World Inferno 

Death metal (Sweden)

Cut Up - Wherever They May Rot

Death metal (Sweden)

Kreator - Gods Of Violence

Thrash metal (Germany)

King Of Asgard - Taudr

Viking metal (Sweden)

Local Picks:

My favourite releases from bands I've had the opportunity to see live and watch grow over the last few years. If you're into the style of metal they play, I'd recommend checking out these albums. Admittedly, there are a few of my Canadian favourites from whom I failed to pick up albums from in 2017. 

Körperlose Stimme

Blackened death metal (Canada)

Forsaken Rite 

Folk metal (Canada)

Körperlose Stimme: Making of 'Souls Of The Forest' video

Körperlose Stimme have just wrapped up a handful of tour dates supporting their debut full-length album, 'Souls Of The Forest', with upcoming dates in Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton in the next few weeks.
Personally, I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of this album as I've been following this blackened death metal act basically since their inception as a band. If you get a chance, I highly recommend going out to see Körperlose Stimme live. You won't be disappointed.

Körperlose Stimme Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/KorperloseStimmeMetal/

Körperlose Stimme Set to Release Their Debut Full Length

Canadian blackened death metal outfit Körperlose Stimme have announced that they will be releasing their debut full-length album this winter. Titled 'Souls Of The Forest', I'm looking forward to this album. They have previously released an EP titled 'The Dark Man', and have proven themselves as a live band to keep an eye on in the future.

Check out the trailer for 'Souls Of The Forest':

Körperlose Stimme At Metalocalypstick Fest: Video

One of my favourite lesser-known bands, Körperlose Stimme, have put together a neat video clip showcasing their experience at Metalocalypstick Fest this past August. Körperlose Stimme are a blackened death metal band from Edmonton, AB, Canada and I feel fortunate to be able to catch their sets on a fairly regular basis.

While I was lucky enough to catch a few great sets at this festival, I hope that in the future some changes are made to increase attendance, have better organization and provide a covered merch area for those bands who make the long trek out to play. With such a gorgeous backdrop, as evidenced in the video Körperlose Stimme has shared, it's a bit of shame that the inaugural edition of this festival lacked in so many areas. My personal thoughts aside, check out the video:

Black Mourning Light Festival: What to Expect

I wanted to share this article from Beatroute Magazine regarding the Black Mourning Light Festival taking place in a few short days:

http://beatroute.ca/2016/10/17/extreme-metal-black-mourning-light-festival-grows-bigger/

I missed the inaugural edition last year, and judging by the excellent feedback, this is not an event I can totally miss again this year. Both days boast a pretty solid lineup of underground black, doom and blackened death metal. Certainly enough to satiate the appetites of Edmonton's metalheads for a little while, at least.

With two nights of bands, October 21 & October 22, plus a VIP breakfast on Sunday morning, this is a promising event for those who are able to clear their schedule for any portion of the festival.

For more on this event, check out the official website:
https://blackmourninglight.wordpress.com

On The Radar: Tartarus

While I haven't found much motivation to write lately, I've still managed to find a few new bands to check out. Tartarus managed to catch my attention. A black/death metal outfit from Pittsburg, they have recently released an album. A little more black metal influenced than what I typically listen to, I was intrigued by the video for the song 'Thanatos':

On The Radar: Körperlose Stimme

If you enjoy blackened death metal and you haven't heard of Körperlose Stimme, you're missing out. This newly released video provides some insight into the lyrics, themes and music of this wicked up-and-coming Canadian band. 'The Dark Man' EP is excellent; I'd recommend getting your hands on it if at all possible.

On The Radar: NordWitch

As a recent discovery, NordWitch is a band I'll be keeping my eye on. What I've managed to hear is hauntingly put together blackened death metal, complimented perfectly by Masha's vocals. Set to release their debut album, "Mørk Profeti", this summer, NordWitch may just become an underground band to watch. 

A good article (with a link to the title track from the upcoming album) can be found here: http://welcometothedarkside.org/a-darkside-original-ukraines-nordwitch-is-beautifully-blackening-scandinavian-style-melodeath

For another taste from NordWitch, take a listen to 'Lady Evil':

Körperlose Stimme - The Dark Man Video

Körperlose Stimme have quickly become a band that people are taking notice of in the local scene. Their sound can be described as blackened death metal with paranormal themes.

Just over a week ago, Körperlose Stimme released a music video for the song 'The Dark Man'. I quite like this video; it's just the right amount of creepy and very well put together.

Belphegor - 'Black Winged Torment' Video

One of my favourite blackened death metal bands, Belphegor, released a new video yesterday. Taken from the 'Conjuring The Dead' album, released last year, 'Black Winged Torment' is the latest in a series of strange, fucked up videos from this band. Featuring blood, feathers and all sorts of other strange things, the video has a bit of an esoteric feel.