Published: July 11, 2016

In the first two tracks Nachterror deliver a style infused with darkened atmosphere and elements of funeral doom executed with epic flair, emotion, fluid prose, precision and style. I’m a sucker for grandiose battery/salvo work (drums) it would be untoward of me if I weren’t to mention the remarkable talent on display ala Misery Index/ Dying Fetus. Overall a style that puts me in mind of a mid-era Amorphis, even in instanc...

Published: June 4, 2016

Bands like Nachtterror and Altars of Grief certainly challenge any preconceived notions people may have of  metal bands. Both contain a subtle beauty that is more classical than any of the other images the genre conjures up, and the emotional aspects of both could bring anyone to their knees in despair. This is an excellent split between two bands that fit well together in their attempt to show how moving this music can be.

Na...

Published: October 1, 2015

This 10” contains two bands from Saskatchewan in Canada. This vinyl disc is limited to 300 copies and contains two songs by both bands. There’s also a digital edition on which there are three more songs. I’ll stick to the 10” though as that is the one that was sent to us. 

On side A we get Nachtterror; a band that mixes black metal with doom and comes across as a mix of Morgion and Dimmu Borgir to my ears. It’s heavy and bomb...

Published: August 5, 2015

About six months ago, we reviewed Altars Of Grief's debut release 'This Shameful Burden', and in a subsequent interview learned that this was to be the next project: a 10" split with fellow Saskatchewan act Nachtterror through Canada's Hypnotic Dirge label. A limited run of 300 physical copies in a doublesided cover - 100 going to each of the bands and 100 to the label webstore - with free stickers from HDR, parallels the earlier-in-20...

Published: July 29, 2015

Amazing that there are two bands playing blackened doom from Saskatchewan, but here's some evidence, a spit 10" featuring both of 'em. Altars Of Grief prove to be adept at both sludgier doom sounds and more flamboyant black; me, I definitely prefer the former, and while I applaud their attempts at singing it comes off a bit flat and distracting. Generally, though, a good mix of sounds here, the doom accentuated with blasting black, and the ...

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 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...