Agenbite Misery - Remorse of Conscience

Labels: Self-Released

Formats: CD/Digital

Release Date: 06 Feb 2026

Tracklist:

1. Telemachean Echoes

2. Cascara Sagrada

3. A Charitable View of Temporary Insanity

4. Whiteness of Allhorse

5. Bellwether and Swine

6. Circe

7. The Twice-Charred Path of Music Disciples

8. Mnesterophonia

Already, 2026 has thrown up some wild news and genuinely weird events. This new soon-to-be-released album from US experimental/extreme metal band Agenbite Misery might lay claim to being the weirdest release so far as well. The New Hampshire trio formed in 2022 and issued two demos in 2023. Three years on and they're ready to unleash their debut album, steeped in the lore of the 1920 novel Ulysses by James Joyce. Expect the unexpected.

Don’t expect an easy ride here, especially with the number of sub-genres and styles that Agenbite Misery set their hands, and voices too. Opening their debut album with ‘Telemachean Echoes’, unnerving samples and sludge riffs give way to a madcap version of death metal, coupled with grind and even straight-up noise-rock. It may not reach much past ninety-seconds but it sure does prepare you for what’s to come. ‘Cascara Sagrada’ sees the noise-rock dialled up alongside gothic post-punk tones, horrifying sludge/death vocals and psychotic avant-garde experimentation. There’s no comparison to their sound that comes to mind, it’s that surprising!

From the initial duo of songs that are a lot shorter to one that takes things in a different direction. ‘A Charitable View of Temporary Sanity’ is lengthy and not unexpected. Starting with gentle guitar, ambient sounds and spoken-word samples, it builds very slowly, allowing time for reflection. That time is cut short by metallic sludge madness that is punctuated by brief interludes of calm. It gets no easier to listen to later on as those off-kilter/avant-garde riffs/percussion are followed by ice-cold blackened shrieks, extra sludge and gloriously uplifting melodies. I have no words and I still don’t know what’s going on!

From what seems like an extreme metal odyssey to a post-punk, disco laden black metal number, Agenbite Misery keep you guessing on ‘Whatness of Allhorse’. The synths are dialled right up on this one and I’d guess this is what Mortiis sounds like, though I could be well off here. There’s a much greater use of sludge on ‘Bellwether And Swine’, with Agenbite Misery using the slower riffs at the start to build anticipation for what later turns into another song that can’t be truly defined, as it lurches between black metal, sludge and avant-garde experimentation once again. 

The reliance on intricate instrumentation is something that never gets old on this album and it turns good songs like ‘Circe’ into great ones. It’s still not an easy listen by any means but Agenbite Misery are able to weave in plenty of steady tempos/groove at the same time, as well as some folk metal-like guitar later on. With the penultimate song ‘The Twice-Charred Paths Of Musing Disciples’ being a swirling instrumental one, the stage is set for a mammoth finale, that it just so happens to bleed into.

‘Mnesterophonia’ is the icing on the cake really. It literally runs the whole gamut music-wise; from gentle guitar, cosy jazz-like passages and spoken-word samples right the way up to scathing extreme metal, and near incoherent time-signatures. You’ll understand what I mean when you reach the insane mid-section. The closing third of ‘Mnesterophonia’ is also filled for the most-part with excellent instrumental passages before building in heaviness right up to its conclusion.

I can’t speak highly enough of this record and of Agenbite Misery. It blows my mind that just three humans wrote and performed this album. An absorbing release filled with music that’s truly authentic without being arrogant. This is probably my earliest contender for album-of-the-year so far. Amazing!

Five of the eight songs that make of Remorse of Conscience are available to stream on Ampwall below, where you can also pre-order it both on CD and digitally:-

Agenbite Misery - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574211514876 / Instagram - @agenbitemisery

Mourn Recif/A Recorded Dawn - Split

Labels: Zegema Beach Records

Formats: CD/Digital

Release Date: 22 Sep 2025

Tracklist:

1. Mourn Recif - Our Kids are Orchids

2. Mourn Recif - Twelves

3. Mourn Recif - Pyramids as a Weapon

4. A Recorded Dawn - An Entire Life For A Single Cause

5. A Recorded Dawn - Forgotten At Last

Setting brand new 2026 releases to the side for a moment, I want to dive back into the 2025 cohort from Zegema Beach Records. I'm only six releases away from saying that I've covered every one they've been part of in 2025 (except for comps). This was the second to come from Canadian screamo/emo-violence band Mourn Recif, while it was the fourth (and I think the first physical release) to come from fellow Canadian screamo band A Recorded Dawn. Oh and both bands share a musician.

According to figures relating to UK music sales in 2025, CDs and tapes are making a greater comeback. They’re cheaper to produce than vinyl and I’m guessing turnaround times are quicker too. ZBR have been releasing more music on CD over recent years and one of their latest is this split between Mourn Recif and A Recorded Dawn. 

Mourn Recif’s side contains three songs, starting with ‘Our Kids are Orchids’, which is an excellent title. It’s possibly a nod to couples who prefer to nurture plants over human children, but it’s probably about something else entirely. Whatever its subject matter, there’s a glorious guitar tone at the beginning that brings to mind classic nu-metal before the emoviolence kicks in, which is where Mourn Recif are most comfortable.

’Twelves’ is approached very differently, with a more off-kilter tempo and vocals that sit deeper in the mix. In fact, the drums are more prevalent here, which is a reversal from the norm I guess. Semantics aside, this is the longest song on Mourn Recif’s side of this split, so you should expect some differentiation here and there. Closing their side with ‘Pyramids as a Weapon’, Mourn Recif pull absolutely no punches in a song that doesn’t even make it to fifty seconds. It’s emoviolence at its most violent, though there isn’t a violent bone in the body of any member.

A Recorded Dawn present a very different picture on their side. One that’s more laid back at first on ‘An Entire Life For A Single Cause’, before they themsevles launch into a much heavier sound. Their’s is more aligned to hardcore with some post-hardcore passages thrown in as well. There’s a different kind of aggression here, compared to Mourn Recif’s side.

Their second and final song ‘Forgotten, At Last’ is one of those screamo songs that doesn’t lurch too far in any direction. It’s angular riffs-wise, mid-paced in both the percussion and vocals, and has a loud/quiet dynamic that epitomises the genre. Sticking to a known formula works well here though, as A Recorded Dawn don’t overcomplicate things.

It almost seems stupid to say that this is a split of two halves, because of course it is, but that’s kind of the point. You’ve got the fast intensity of Mourn Recif on one side and the slightly more measured heaviness of A Recorded Dawn on the other. Both bands compliment each other extremely well and make this split super enjoyable.

You can stream and grab the split as a name-your-price download via Zegema Beach Records below:-

CD copies can be purchased from ZBR via the following links:-

ZBR CAN/INTL - http://www.zegemabeachrecords.com/zegema-beach-releases/josh

ZBR USA - https://zbrusa.com/collections/zbr-releases/products/josh

Mourn Recif - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558260430705 / https://www.instagram.com/mourn.recif/

A Recorded Dawn - https://www.instagram.com/a.recorded.dawn/

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

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/