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BLACK METAL NEWS & REVIEWS
Newsletter #65 - January 1st, 2025
Season's greetings,

Another year comes to a close. A friend of mine recently mentioned that it has been a hard year music-wise, simply due to the sheer amount of solid Black Metal albums that have been put out over the course of these last 12 months, making it hard to keep track of them all, and even harder to single out the best ones.

Do you agree? Feel free to make a post in the forum with your Top 10 albums for 2024, and let everyone know that you have the superior musical taste! Or alternatively you can show off which sick vinyls Santa dropped in your stocking this year.

Likewise, if you feel like writing album reviews for the site, hit me up. The more reviews that are written, the closer we will get to letting the album rankings speak for themselves, which was the ultimate goal of the site all along.

On that topic, I've set up a couple of new polls regarding how people interact with the site, so that going forward into 2025, I will be able to see if anything needs to be adjusted or reassessed in terms of content, updates, and the general direction that Lycanthropia.net is heading in. So, drop by when you have a minute and let your vote be counted.

I'll take the opportunity to bring to your attention a very neat Chrome / Brave plugin that allows you to quickly right-click and search for anything on Lycanthropia.net, crafted by Chrysthian Chrisley many moons ago. It has been a life-saver for me:

https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/search-on-lycanthropianet/kbkomhobeedoomnolecmhghjaicikced

Lastly, for those that have too much money, a reminder that I always welcome donations via Ko-fi that go exclusively towards site hosting and maintenance costs, to help keep Lycanthropia.net online and advert-free:

https://ko-fi.com/lycanthropia

That's all for now. I hope you have all had a Merry Christmas, and I wish you all a prosperous 2025. See you next year!

Cheers,
Imperator
News highlights:
- Armoured Angel debut 1985 demo tape receives vinyl reissue
- The Great Old Ones present music video for "Under the Sign of Koth"
- Beneath Moonlight present debut EP
- Voluptas presents single from upcoming album
- Mavorim streaming "In Omnia Paratus" in full
- Old Forest streaming "Graveside" in full
- Mörk Gryning streaming new album in full
- Barshasketh premiere new single
- Balefire presents "Sands of Gemini" from upcoming EP
- Dewfall release music video for the song "Skalks"
- Membaris premiere new song
- Aara present "Senkrechte Welten"
- Saor release new music video

Review highlights:
- Membaris - Black Plasma Armour (2025)
- Satanic Warmaster - Exultation of Cruelty (2024)
- Inquisition - Veneration of Medieval Mysticism and ... (2024)
- Antichrist Siege Machine - Vengeance of Eternal ... (2024)
- Paysage d'Hiver - Die Berge (2024)
- Wolves in the Throne Room - Celestite (2014)
- Barshasketh - Antinomian Asceticism (2025)
- Seid - Hymns to the Norse (2024)
- Marduk - Those of the Unlight (1993)
- Vlad Tepes - Morte Lune (1997)
- Burzum - Thulêan Mysteries (2020)
- Bilskirnir - Hyperborea (2005)

Forum highlights:
- Fulgur et Morte interview
- Black Metal shirts for sale (Size: XL)
- Haiduk - Fire Wield - One man black metal live show
- Introduction
- An Introduction / New to the forum

Armoured Angel debut 1985 demo tape receives vinyl reissue

NEWS

Posted by Imperator on December 30th, 2024 0 Comments

The band's debut demo tape, "Baptism in Blood", first released in 1985, is now receiving a limited vinyl reissue via Hell's Headbangers Records.

Armoured Angel debut 1985 demo tape receives vinyl reissue

It's time to close out the year with some old school goodness. Pioneers of the Australian extreme metal scene Armoured Angel, who formed back in 1982, are seeing their very first demo tape, "Baptism in Blood", receive a special vinyl reissue courtesy of Hell's Headbangers Records, 40 years later. ...

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The Great Old Ones present music video for "Under the Sign of Koth"

NEWS

Posted by Imperator on December 30th, 2024 0 Comments

Ahead of the release of what will be their fifth studio release, "Kadath", the band presents a music video for the album's fourth track.

The Great Old Ones present music video for "Under the Sign of Koth"

Eldritch Black Metal cultists The Great Old Ones are putting the finishing touches on what will be their fifth full-length offering of Lovecraftian-inspired madness, "Kadath". The album is due for release on the 24th of January via Season of Mist, who already collaborated with the band for their two ...

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Beneath Moonlight present debut EP

NEWS

Posted by Imperator on December 30th, 2024 0 Comments

The band released their debut self-titled EP "Beneath Moonlight" on the 20th of December via Debemur Morti Productions.

Beneath Moonlight present debut EP

Newly formed U.S. Black Metal collective Beneath Moonlight, featuring members of Bad Manor and Bad Magic, have just released their debut self-titled EP, "Beneath Moonlight", on the 20th of December via Debemur Morti Productions. The EP is now being streamed in its entirety through the label's ...

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Voluptas presents single from upcoming album

NEWS

Posted by Imperator on December 30th, 2024 0 Comments

The song is titled "The Patriarch - Part II" and is taken from the band's upcoming album, "Where Celestial Bodies Guide Not", due for release in March via Sun & Moon Records.

Voluptas presents single from upcoming album

March 15th has been set as the release date for the next album by Experimental Black Metal act Voluptas. The album is titled "Where Celestial Bodies Guide Not", and will be released via underground Romanian label Sun & Moon Records. While we wait, one of the songs from the new album is now available ...

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Mavorim streaming "In Omnia Paratus" in full

NEWS

Posted by Imperator on December 30th, 2024 0 Comments

The new album, which was released by Purity Through Fire records on the 25th of December, marks the band's fifth studio album in their decade-long career.

Mavorim streaming "In Omnia Paratus" in full

German Black Metal duo Mavorim have just put out "In Omnia Paratus", released on the 25th of December via Purity Through Fire records. The album marks the band's fifth full-length release, and to celebrate the occasion, the entire thing is now available for streaming via the label's ...

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Old Forest streaming "Graveside" in full

NEWS

Posted by Imperator on December 14th, 2024 0 Comments

The new album was released last week via Soulseller Records, and marks the band's ninth studio album.

Old Forest streaming "Graveside" in full

London-based Black Metal act Old Forest have recently released "Graveside", marking their ninth studio album in a career spanning 25 years. The complete album is now available for streaming via the the Soulseller Records channel, check it out:

More info here: ...

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Mörk Gryning streaming new album in full

NEWS

Posted by Imperator on December 14th, 2024 0 Comments

The album, titled "Fasornas Tid", was released yesterday via Season of Mist, marking the band's seventh studio album in a career spanning over three decades.

Mörk Gryning streaming new album in full

Swedish Black Metal veterans Mörk Gryning have just unleashed "Fasornas Tid", marking their first release in over four years, and their seventh studio album overall in a career that dates back to as early as 1993. "Fasornas Tid", which translates to "Time of Phases", was released yesterday via label ...

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Barshasketh premiere new single

NEWS

Posted by Imperator on December 14th, 2024 0 Comments

"Lebenswelt Below" will be the third track from the band's upcoming fifth studio album, "Antinomian Asceticism", due for release in January.

Barshasketh premiere new single

New Zealand Black Metal occultists Barshasketh have been working on a brand new album, titled "Antinomian Asceticism" and scheduled for release on the 9th of January through label World Terror Committee. While we wait, the album's third track, "Lebenswelt Below", is now available for ...

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Balefire presents "Sands of Gemini" from upcoming EP

NEWS

Posted by Imperator on December 14th, 2024 0 Comments

The song is taken from the band's upcoming debut EP, due for release next year via Iron Bonehead Productions.

Balefire presents "Sands of Gemini" from upcoming EP

U.S. Black Metal newcomers Balefire have recently revealed the song "Sands of Gemini", which is taken from their debut self-titled EP due for release at some point next via Iron Bonehead Productions. Check it out:

Stay tuned.

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Dewfall release music video for the song "Skalks"

NEWS

Posted by Imperator on November 24th, 2024 0 Comments

The song is taken from the album "Landhaskur", which is due for release next week via Naturmacht Productions.

Dewfall release music video for the song "Skalks"

Italian Pagan Black Metal band Dewfall have just put out a music video for the song "Skalks", which is taken from their upcoming album "Landhaskur", due to for release on the 29th of November via Naturmacht Productions. Check it out:

The label commented further on the album's ...

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Membaris premiere new song

NEWS

Posted by Imperator on November 24th, 2024 0 Comments

The song is titled "Poet of Fire", and is taken from the band's upcoming studio album, "Black Plasma Armour".

Membaris premiere new song

German Black Metal veterans Membaris will be releasing a new full-length album on the 21st of January via World Terror Committee Productions, titled "Black Plasma Armour". The album will mark their first release in almost five years, and their sixth studio album overall, in a career spanning two ...

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Aara present "Senkrechte Welten"

NEWS

Posted by Imperator on November 24th, 2024 0 Comments

The song is taken from the band's upcoming album, "Eiger", due for release on December 6th.

Aara present "Senkrechte Welten"

Swiss Black Metal band Aara will be releasing a brand new album on the 6th of December, titled "Eiger", a homage to climbers who have lost their lives to the notorious Alpine peak of the same name. "Eiger" will be released via Debemur Morti Productions, and while we wait, the song "Senkrechte ...

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Saor release new music video

NEWS

Posted by Imperator on November 24th, 2024 0 Comments

The video is for the title track from the band's upcoming album, "Amidst the Ruins", due for release via Season of Mist in February.

Saor release new music video

Scottish Black Metal solo-act Saor are getting ready to unleash what will be their sixth studio album, titled "Amidst the Ruins" due for release on the 25th of February via Season of Mist. Meanwhile, a music video is now available for the album's title track, check it out:

More info here: ...

Read full news item »

Membaris - Black Plasma Armour (2025)

REVIEW

Reviewed by Jeger on December 20th, 2024

Membaris “Black Plasma Armour” 2025

Review for Membaris - Black Plasma Armour

90%

4.5 star rating

Membaris “Black Plasma Armour”

Origin: Limburg, Hesse, Germany

Genre: Black Metal

Label: World Terror Committee

Don your armor and set off into black metal’s mysterious unknown. Exiled from dystopia and into the realm of unreason we venture now under the sigil of future’s blight. Black metal of emptiness and of despair to track the journey. From within the fabled German black metal underground, Membaris have emerged; bearing ...

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Satanic Warmaster - Exultation of Cruelty (2024)

REVIEW

Reviewed by Jeger on December 18th, 2024

Satanic Warmaster “Exultation of Cruelty” 2024

Review for Satanic Warmaster - Exultation of Cruelty

70%

3.5 star rating

Satanic Warmaster “Exultation of Cruelty”

Origin: Lappeenranta, Etelä-Karjala, Finland

Genre: Black Metal

Label: Werewolf Records

The prolific Satanic Warmaster has been a more-than-prominent force within the fabled Finnish black metal scene - paving the way - ever-astute in his knowledge of what constitutes the genuine BM experience. Properly steeped in controversy and never flinching in his Satanic worldview, mastermind Werwolf ...

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Inquisition - Veneration of Medieval Mysticism and Cosmological Violence (2024)

REVIEW

Reviewed by Warblackmetal666 on December 16th, 2024

A good effort coming from the veteran Colombian band

Review for Inquisition - Veneration of Medieval Mysticism and Cosmological Violence

87%

4.4 star rating

Inquisition is a band I've almost never been disappointed with. Almost all of their album are great, and even if this one is far from being in their best ones, it is actually great too.

Of course, the main point of the inquisition greatness is the riff they are producing. Always great, and an awesome guitar tone. The only problem I have with the ones on this album is that they are a bit similar on some songs, like in "Witchcraft Within a ...

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Antichrist Siege Machine - Vengeance of Eternal Fire (2024)

REVIEW

Reviewed by Warblackmetal666 on December 16th, 2024

The best modern bestial black metal album

Review for Antichrist Siege Machine - Vengeance of Eternal Fire

95%

4.8 star rating

I only discovered ASM a couple months ago. They were doing the first part of a 1349 gig in Montréal, and I was fucking stunned when I heard them. The brutality of this band is incredible.

The main aspect I love about this band is that even if they play bestial black metal, you can hear everything single notes, drum beat and vocals. Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of Blasphemy, Conqueror and things like that. But sometimes bestial black ...

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Paysage d'Hiver - Die Berge (2024)

REVIEW

Reviewed by Warblackmetal666 on December 15th, 2024

A new very dark Paysage

Review for Paysage d'Hiver - Die Berge

90%

4.5 star rating

Paysage d'hiver is one of the band that you can't avoid if you are an atmospheric black metal fan. A very consistent band that I've rediscovered this years as this new album, "Die Berge", came out.

This is album is exactly what I was expecting from Wintherr. Dark, cold, and absolutely fucking great. I believe that the main point behind the greatness of this album are the riffs. Directly from the start, you have some stunning atmospheric ...

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Wolves in the Throne Room - Celestite (2014)

REVIEW

Reviewed by ScorchedEarth on December 14th, 2024

Ambient Black

Review for Wolves in the Throne Room - Celestite

80%

4.0 star rating

Celestite is the fifth full length album from Wolves In The Throne Room and is unique to their excellent catalogue. It's a fifty minute dark ambient soundscape. No singing, no blast beats, no guitars. While some people may consider this monotonous or boring I decided to give it a fair chance because Wolves In The Throne Room deserve nothing less. They're place in USBM is well established and well earned. This album was maligned by fans upon it's ...

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Barshasketh - Antinomian Asceticism (2025)

REVIEW

Reviewed by Jeger on November 30th, 2024

Barshasketh - “Antinomian Asceticism” 2025

Review for Barshasketh - Antinomian Asceticism

90%

4.5 star rating

Barshasketh “Antinomian Asceticism”

Origin: Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand / Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Genre: Black Metal

Label: World Terror Committee

The concept of Antinomianism is an ages olde rebuttal to the notion that religious people - namely Christians - are required to live by an established code of morality or a set of religious laws. Within the scope of Antinomianism, the follower is saved by grace and ...

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Seid - Hymns to the Norse (2024)

REVIEW

Reviewed by Jeger on October 31st, 2024

SEID - “Hymns to the Norse” 2024

Review for Seid - Hymns to the Norse

85%

4.3 star rating

SEID ᛋᛖIᛞ “Hymns to the Norse”

Origin: Stockholm, Sweden

Genre: Black Metal

Label: De Tenebrarum Primcipio / ATMF

Light the pyres! Set adrift the mighty fallen upon the blood of Ymir and revel in the mystifying song of Bragi. The Norse gods! Subjects of black metal conception since the days of Bathory. The music that has been dedicated to these mythical figures has been legendary and timeless; echoing through the ages and into the ...

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Marduk - Those of the Unlight (1993)

REVIEW

Reviewed by Jeger on June 29th, 2024

Marduk - “Those of the Unlight” (1993)

Review for Marduk - Those of the Unlight

100%

5.0 star rating

Marduk “Those of the Unlight”

Origin: Norrköping, Östergötland, Sweden

Genre: Black Metal

Label: Osmose Productions

Although most of the genre’s progenitors would probably deny it, much of early second wave BM was inspired by death metal/grind from Mayhem’s “Deathcrush” with its Napalm Death-worshipping rhythms (funny because Euronymous hated bands like them) to Swedish BM powerhouses, Marduk, and their 1992 “Dark Endless” LP. Black ...

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Vlad Tepes - Morte Lune (1997)

REVIEW

Reviewed by PeaceThroughAnarchy on May 10th, 2021

They probably forgot to take the plastic wrapping when they bought this microphone!

Review for Vlad Tepes - Morte Lune

67%

3.4 star rating

Argh! Vlad Tepes always had problems with the production, but good God this is on a whole different level. How can a microphone / recorder be this bad?!

It's a shame, since this final demo showcases the thrashy side of Wlad Drakksteim! The guitar and the bass sound is extremely thick and heavy, and the riffs are extremely well thought out at some points. This can be found on tracks like "La Morte Lune" and "Morgernstern".

Oh, and one thing; the ...

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Burzum - Thulêan Mysteries (2020)

REVIEW

Reviewed by PeaceThroughAnarchy on May 7th, 2021

Bye Bye Burzum.

Review for Burzum - Thulêan Mysteries

85%

4.3 star rating

Although Varg said that this was the soundtrack to his role-playing game, I like to see it as the soundtrack to his short lived but interesting YouTube channel!

To be honest, it doesn't feel like a full-length, but rather like a re-recording, or a compilation album. There is a lot of stuff here (some may argue that some of it is unnecessary), I think the reason might be that Varg wanted to release everything he had as a prope ...

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Bilskirnir - Hyperborea (2005)

REVIEW

Reviewed by PeaceThroughAnarchy on May 6th, 2021

For those who can't get enough of Burzum!

Review for Bilskirnir - Hyperborea

92%

4.6 star rating

Bilskirnir is probably the best example of a band that captured the magic of early Burzum. The vocals on almost all of Bilskirnir's releases are almost identical to Varg's vocal style on "Filosofem", but the similarities in vocals are even more obvious on this release.

The first song is by far the most memorable of the album, and is a slow song with a catchy guitar riff and a fantastic, cold, wintery atmosphere. As we move towards the second ...

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Fulgur et Morte interview

FORUM

Posted by Joeri Bruyninckx on December 16th, 2024 0 Comments

Fulgur et Morte Nature can be insanely violent and death is certain

Fulgur et Morte is 39-year-old Brussels-based musician, producer and Opus Magnum Studio owner Olmo Lipani (Déhà, Cult of Erinyes, Silver Knife, Horrible, amogst many others). He released two atmospheric black metal-albums this ...

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Black Metal shirts for sale (Size: XL)

FORUM

Posted by Den79 on December 12th, 2024 1 Comment

I have a pile of Black Metal shirts for sale (all size: XL) Ask me about the list.

The shirts are worn and/or unworn. Bought at shows or first print.

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Haiduk - Fire Wield - One man black metal live show

FORUM

Posted by haiduk on December 11th, 2024 0 Comments

One man blackened death metal HAIDUK live

'Fire Wield'

New Album Planned for 2025

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Introduction

FORUM

Posted by LukAsh on December 3rd, 2024 0 Comments

Hello everyone,

I’d like to introduce myself and my project Contemplation. My music is independently created—it's a one-man project with no label involved. Everything you hear was recorded and arranged by me.

The style falls into the atmospheric/ambient black metal genre. It’s intentionally ...

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An Introduction / New to the forum

FORUM

Posted by Nattvandr on November 9th, 2024 2 Comments

Hey,

I’m Nattvandr. I’ve recently started a project called Forsaken Sanctum. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s not polished—just the way we like it. Haven’t been active on forums in a long time, but figured I’d drop in, share the music, and see who’s out there.

If you’re into the darker side of ...

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