Published: July 27, 2015

Note: This is a record swap. Spear gives an introduction on the release and swaps it with Edward who writes the bulk of this review.

Every now and then, I’ll be going through new releases and come across something that grabs my attention and refuses to let go. Perhaps it was because I didn’t expect much from a split by two self-described blackened doom bands, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed both bands. Nachtterro...

Published: July 27, 2015

Split releases are a common theme in today’s metal underground. It’s a great way for relatively unknown bands with similar sounds to get noticed by putting out splits with friends, and they generally go one of two ways: both parts of the split are great, or one band has a much stronger side than the other. Splits are generally good, because chances are if you pick one up, you like at least one of the bands on it. This review is...

Published: July 16, 2015

Off the beaten path doom and black metal fans already regard the small, independent label Hypnotic Dirge, and for good reason. They have a knack for uncovering absolute gems, and this split is no exception. Featuring two Saskatchewan black/doom maestros, Of Ash and Dying Light is the latest example of how to design a split for maximum effectiveness.

The first side of the split belongs to that of Nachtterror, whom have long been wo...

Published: July 16, 2015

Con la calma che la contraddistingue l’Hypnotic Dirge Records arriva solo oggi, -dopo diversi anni dalla fondazione- al rilascio del suo primo vinile. L’occasione è ghiotta, limitata (appena 100 copie disponibili) e certamente speciale, l’attenzione dell’etichetta è ancora una volta chirurgica e fautrice del motto: “se le cose devono essere fatte, che vadano fatte al meglio“. Dalla “strada” di casa vengono così ra...

Published: July 11, 2015

Tijd voor een splitje: Nachtterror en Altars of Grief. Beide bands maken de wat meer epische blackmetal, maar gooien het ieder duidelijk over een andere boeg. Waar Nachtterror het moet hebben van sterk dynamische, bombastische explosies die verschillende kenmerkende vocaalstijlen bevatten, moet Altars of Grief het hebben van atmosferische blackmetal die mij sterk aan Caladan Brood doet denken (als ik Summoning had willen zeggen, had ik d...

Published: July 10, 2015

This split showcases two Canadian bands, both have certain similarities and are particularly bonded in blood by the talents of guitarist Saint Wikk aka Erik Laboissiere who is guitarist and backing vocalist in both. There are plenty of differences between the two Saskatchewan groups to make them more than interesting in their own right too. This is firstly being released on a split 10” limited to 300 editions in order to help fund...

Published: June 28, 2015

For those with a penchant for darkness, two blackened doom bands of inestimable renown have joined forces for a limited edition 10” vinyl split album entitled ‘of ash and dying light’. Available as a spectacularly limited vinyl, or as a download (with three bonus tracks – two from Nachtterror and one from Altars of Grief). With separate cover art for each band (both designed by Sam Nelson), with the whole effort recorded by...