Viserion - Fire and Blood EP

Labels: Terminus Hate City

Formats: CD/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 16 Jan 2026

Tracklist:

1. Fire and Blood

2. Mad King

3. Reign of Fire

4. Backfyre

5. Harrenhal

This week is not US black metal, it's just the way my first two reviews of the year have fallen. I should really have done both the other way round as Viserion's newest EP Fire and Blood will be released on 16th of January. It'll be available on CD and tape, as well on digital platforms, with help from fellow US label Terminus Hate City.

Viserion formed in New York in 2019 and released their debut EP Death Dealer in 2020, their first full-length Natural Selection in 2021 and a split in 2023 with Teloch Vovin. They also have a real appreciation for Game of Thrones, which you might have already picked on!

Viserion pull no punches as they unleash their full assault on EP opener ‘Fire and Blood’. Rasping screams and deep growls sit right in the middle of the instruments here, as drums pummel, bass rumbles and both guitars give off a powerful display of black/war metal ferocity, coupled with some old-school soloing. 

It’s not just about straight-forward battery though as ‘Mad King’ switches between more striking riff progressions, passages of barbaric intensity and ones filled with subtle ambience, and melody too. There’s a lot going on in such a short song and it goes to show exactly why their bandcamp page recommends Esoctrilihum as a companion band.

Just as with Profane Elegy on Monday evening, this is stellar as well. ‘Reign of Fire’ has such a commanding volume and in turn, it envelopes you in a way that’s both sinister and warming at the same time. I’m not sure how that’s even possible but it is. The fact that each of the five tracks here get longer as the EP progresses should be a sign in itself.

The sumptuous instrumentation that opens ‘Blackfyre’ gives away just how good the rest of it is, as Viserion finesse their way through dark passages and epic solos that lead to a choral ending that’s quite haunting. Obviously, my description doesn’t do it justice. You only have nine days to wait and then you can hear it for yourselves. 

Closing out the EP with ‘Harrenhal’, Viserion ramp up the kick drumming to an almost unbelievable level, while also injecting loads of atmosphere and melody in between. You can still pick out the rest of the percussion alongside the kicks, such is the strength of the production, mixing and mastering. When the tempo slows is where the rest of the music breathes. 

There are times when this EP sounds symphonic but there are no synths or strings employed (at least to my knowledge) and I appreciate that. All of that symphonic sound comes from the guitars. It’s like when a beer tastes like fruit but there’s no fruit in it, just hops, barley and yeast. No fuss, no additives just old school musical excellence. That’s what you get here.

You can stream both the first and last tracks on Fire and Blood prior to it's full release below:-

You can also pre-order the EP on CD and tape formats from Terminus Hate City here - 

https://www.terminushatecity.com/product-page/viserion-fire-blood-preorder

Viserion - https://www.facebook.com/ViserionOfficial

Terminus Hate City - https://www.facebook.com/terminushatecity

Profane Elegy - Herezjarcha

Labels: Self-Released

Formats: Digital

Release Date: 30 Jan 2026

Tracklist:

1. Exeunt Omnes

2. Haunted

3. The Accuser

4. As My Heart Turns to Ash

5. I AM

6. Immutable

7. And Then We Are Gone

8. Herezjarcha

I feel like 2026 is going to be the year where more bands self-release their music. It's easier than ever to self-release it digitally but with labels having to wait longer for vinyl pressings and CDs/Tapes becoming ever popular, I can see bands taking more control. 

US black metal band Profane Elegy are doing just that with their soon-to-be-released album Herezjarcha, which is being made available digitally from 30th January. Having formed as a duo in 2021, Profane Elegy's line-up expanded to a quartet in time for their 2023 debut album When All Is Nothing and has stayed that way ever since.

It’s bloody freezing here right now. I appreciate that “UK freezing” isn’t exactly “proper freezing” but it kinda feels that way. The harsh black metal delivered by Profane Elegy won’t add much warmth but who’s really here for that anyway. Opening with ‘Exeunt Omnes’, their’s is a blistering take on black metal. A constant barrage of percussion/bass, coupled with metallic guitar work and hellish vocals provide no respite until near the end, where haunting choral melodies grow amongst the extremity.

Profane Elegy’s sound is so consistent, even this early on into the album as ‘Haunted’ rings out with mighty percussive blasts and buzzsaw guitar, which gives way to a slower tempo later on, showing more metallic leanings and musical intricacy. ‘The Accuser’s breakneck intro flows to all kinds of elements, from traditional heavy metal, to progressiveness and theatrical passages complete with semi-clean singing. This isn’t just another run of the mill black metal release.

The traditional heavy metal influence that showed itself on ‘The Accuser’ manifests into something more thrash-like on ‘As My Heart Turns to Ash’ and coupled with the more melodic guitar passages later on, Profane Elegy step further into uncharted territories, as once again gentle instrumentation and grandiose vocals deliver a mid-song chorus. It’s brief and it only makes their heaviness sound even heavier (if that makes sense).

‘I AM’ seems to go by in the blink of an eye, such is it’s effortlessly woven mix of extremity and folk instruments. It’s a whole song and not an interlude too, which helps. ‘Immutable’ is a raging beast on the flip side, featuring no histrionics and just the slightest symphonic accompaniment. I’m really surprised by how strong this album is, especially as this is my introduction to Profane Elegy.

The US is known for not sticking to the script when it comes to black metal and that is true of ‘And Then We Are Gone’, which is much more like an Amorphis song with an Appalachian twist. The clean vocals throughout are absolutely fantastic, adding plenty of feeling to the recording alongside the slower tempos. Once again, it all fits together perfectly. Closing with the title track ‘Herezjarcha’, semi-acoustic guitars maintain a subtly sombre mood before one final blast of icy darkness. It ends with gentle choral singing, acoustic guitar and vocal whispers. 

I still have a lot of work to do to get myself organised for 2026, but to have something this strong to kick things off is great. Profane Elegy give such an honest account of themselves here and it shows in their music. Black metal might be a catch all term for it but it’s way more than that. 30th of January will be here before you know it, so sit tight and let the excitement build for this release.

To build anticipation and excitement for the release, Profane Elegy have released six tracks as stand alone singles via bandcamp, the latest being 'And Then We Are Gone'. You can stream and download it (name-your-price) below, alongside the other singles:-

They also have a special t-shirt containing the album art for sale here - https://profaneelegy.bigcartel.com

Profane Elegy - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092367915270

Metal Is Under Attack: AI Music Must Be Stopped

It's almost the end of 2025 now and this year AI has been rammed down our throats, especially when it comes to the creative industries. Script writers/film makers have been on strike, art has suffered and music has been used to train AI/Large Language Models. AI Music has appeared on Spotify (shock horror) and social media platforms like Facebook have played host to AI profiles that have been learning from human interaction. 

As you've guessed by now, this hastily planned post is about AI and I was yesterday years old when I discovered a Youtube Channel dedicated to artificial metal music, fed by the metal that we know and love. I have the great displeasure of introducing you to MetalgorithmAI.

The channel is from Brazil and it was created in November 2024. To date, it contains 396 videos (of albums and singles) featuring what can only be described as the most derivative, soulless sounding metal that exists. To judge for yourselves, listen here - https://www.youtube.com/@Metalgorithm-g4q.

It's linked to a bandcamp page called HeavyAIRecords. I contacted the owner of both accounts to try to find out a little more about the bands and albums that were used to train the AI models they used to create the music, but rather unsurprisingly, they were reluctant to talk about the subject. Maybe it was because I asked them about permission and royalties! It would be 100x better if people were honest about these things.

Here's the album that first drew my attention. I started to listen to the first "song" before realising it was utter trash:-

The only reason I'm giving this any space on my blog is so that it can be a warning to anybody who might stumble across it in the future. It was composed and performed by a computer (that does not exist to write anything with any originality or feeling). It writes what you ask it to write. For perspective, I can't compose or perform music (I'm not skilful enough), yet I could write with more originality and emotion.

Listeners of pop and dance music may struggle to spot an AI song if it hit them in the face but fans of metal, and hardcore are much more discerning. I have received one or two promos relating to artificially generated music that have been deleted straight away. Hopefully, we can continue to fight the good fight and keep AI out of the music that we love.

Atavistic Decay - Immakulate Invokations

Labels: Self-Released/Night Terrors Records

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 16 August 2025

Tracklist:

1. Immakulate Invokations

2. Transcend The Flesh

It's gloomy this evening, making it perfect for some old-school US death/doom 7" nastiness, courtesy of Atavistic Decay. The US quartet first formed back in 2023 before releasing their 2024 Demo, via 18 Is 9 Records and Tapes and Night Terrors Records. That's where the bond formed between band and label, as after self-releasing their newest EP Immakulate Invokations digitally in August, Atavistic Decay and Night Terrors Records went on to commit it to 7" vinyl in October.

I love 7” vinyl singles/EPs. While 12” LPs have overrun my personal collection in recent years, I keep going back to the shorter format. That’s why it’s great to see both Atavistic Decay and Night Terrors Records doing it right. Starting with the title-track ‘Immakulate Invokations’, you’re hit clean in the face by some frenetic death metal that’s high in tempo. It soon slows down a subtle notch though, as Atavistic Decay drip feeds doom into the mix. As characterised by the song’s length, you can expect a slow bludgeoning as opposed to an instant assault. I’ve listened to my fair share of brutal/tech-death this year and while I am growing to really enjoy that side of the genre; the slower, murkier approach to death metal still tops it for me.

With absolutely no pause, you’re ushered slowly towards the unnerving ambient noise of second track ‘Transcend The Flesh’. It’s slow to build as you’d probably expect, given that it stretches for nearly eight minutes. The brooding loops of what sound like bass lines are joined by other forms of ambience, as well as  layers of noise that fade in and out through the song. Those textures are only joined by whispered vocals towards the end. It has its place artistically and it fits the overall atmosphere crafted by Atavistic Decay, but it also loses some of the momentum gained by the title-track.

This EP shows a genuine heap of promise and it captures a moment in time for a band who’re finding their feat. Maybe they’re taking some influence from Blood Incantation in the ambient department but the opener was the clincher for me. Can’t wait to hear what Atavistic Decay have up their sleeves next.

You can stream purchase the EP digitally from Atavistic Decay below:-

Make sure you check out their merch too!

7" vinyl copies, as well as additional merch is available from Night Terrors Records below:-

https://night-terrors-records.net/collections/atavistic-decay

Atavistic Decay Instagram - @atavisticdecay

Night Terrors Records - https://night-terrors-records.net/

Serrate - Even The Wind Sounds Dead

Labels: Bitter Melody Records/Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 08 Sep 2025

Tracklist:

1. Some Things Never Change

2. The Crushing Weight of Failure

3. Right Side of History

4. My Body Is a Weapon

5. Rise and Fall

6. What God Meant By Mercy

7. Kill For the Ones You Love

8. Devil

9. Not a Single Word Was Spoken

10. Salt and Stone

I'm not far off rounding out 2025 and I haven't yet started to plan 2026. I will set aside some time to think about it over the next couple of weeks though. I am thinking about a re-brand but I'm not so sure that's a great idea.

On with the current program though and the debut album from North Carolinan screamo-adjacent band Serrate. It was released on both vinyl and digital formats back in September (with help from Bitter Melody Records and Zegema Beach Records). I feel like next year is gonna be a year where we see less physical releases. I hope that's not the case though, so keep supporting DIY bands and labels. I'll talk more about this subject a little later on.

I’ve read a few lines about Serrate and their take on screamo-adjacent noises, so I’m excited to be able to finally sit down with their new album. Right off the bat, ‘Some Things Never Change’ strikes me as a melodic yet dark take on screamo, like if Alkaline Trio gave up their clean singing/pop-punk sound and unleashed something harsher instead.. That’s just my initial thoughts after hearing the opening riffs, as things soon move in a heavier direction, more akin to emoviolence and metalcore (if we’re splitting hairs). It’s already way more expansive than I expected. 

‘The Crushing Weight of Failure’ is a song-title that bluntly resonates with my younger self, yet I give less of a shit now. Its scuzzy, noise-rock intro signals the fact that Serrate are happy to throw in some sonic curve balls alongside their metallic chops. Every instrument from the drums, to the bass, guitars and the vocals (because they’re technically an instrument too!) seem to work in perfect harmony. I guess that’s no surprise though given the other bands these musicians have played in before.

I’m only up to track three and I’m already risking it with the length of this review. ‘Right Side of History’ seems like it’s been placed here to save me though, as it blasts it’s way through just over a minute of crazed hardcore with blackened/crust-like moments. ‘My Body Is a Weapon’ slows the atmosphere and momentum down a few notches at first, but after slightly subdued build-up, Serrate move up a gear or three with some of the most caustic yet musically enjoyable screamo you’ll hear this year.

I know that previous statement was bold, but when a band can whip out riffs that sound like they came from a Britpop band, then there’s no stopping them. I’m talking about ‘Rise and Fall’ here, which descend’s into controlled but sonic chaos as it progresses, leading to ‘What God Meant By Mercy’, with it’s immediate mix of anxious-noise and groove. If ever there was a rallying cry in an age where we’re more disconnected than ever, it would be ‘Kill For the Ones You Love’. Yes it’s abrasive at times but it’s also beautifully cathartic. I guess my point here is that we need to stick by each other and stick to what we think is right. Morals and direction don’t have to come from “god” or “religion”. We’re born with and develop both as we grow up.

Apt as it may be after that last sentence, ‘Devil’ throws itself into the mix as the album’s most urgent song. Barely sixty seconds go by as Serrate launch themselves towards the conclusion of the album in no uncertain terms. ‘Not a Single Word Was Spoken’ isn’t an instrumental, so don’t worry. Instead, Serrate take a slightly more stripped-back approach, without as much dissonance and with vocals that sit deeper in the mix. It has a lovely, warming feel to it.

Closer ‘Salt and Stone’ conjures both post-hardcore and art/math-rock images as Serrate lay into your speakers one final time on Even The Wind Sounds Dead. In one sense it is cleansing but in another, it reminds you of just how chaotic life is if you look beyond your comforting bubble. 

I may have gone off on one or more tangents this evening but thats just how it is. Serrate have a knack of writing/making heavy music that does that. This album is excellent all the way though and I know it’s been talked of highly already, but I’m here to sing it’s praises again. Check it out!

You can stream and purchase Even The Wind Sounds Dead digitally as a name-your-price download from Serrate below:-

Serrate Instagram - @serrate.nc

Earlier on I talked about how next year could see less physical releases, which would be devastating. This opinion isn't solely my own, as I've seen people behind DIY/Indie labels say the same over the last few months. That's why I'm hoping that you'll support those labels, especially Bitter Melody Records and Zegema Beach Records, by picking up vinyl copies (of this and other releases) from them via the below links:-

Bitter Melody Records - https://bittermelodyrecords.bigcartel.com

Zegema Beach Records CAN/INTL - http://www.zegemabeachrecords.com/zegema-beach-releases / USA - https://zbrusa.com/collections/zbr-releases

Bitter Melody Records - https://www.facebook.com/BitterMelodyRecords/

Zegema Beach Records - https://bsky.app/profile/zegemabeachrecords.bsky.social