Tetragrammacide - Cyber-Tantric Paradigm of Radical Sri-Vidya

Labels: Iron Bonehead Productions

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Digital

Release Date: 26 Sep 2025

Tracklist:

1. Multi-Armed Bellicosity Of Babalon-Durga Riding On The Xeno-Beast Of Grand Apocalypse To Trigger The Outbreak Of A Pan-Dimensional Holy Pogrom

2. Techno-Tehomic Invocation Of Malignant Shadow Shakti On The World.Wide.Web Of Internet

3. Astro-Theological Gomaya Initiation With The Sacred Excretion Of Hawking Radiation Emitting From The Universe's Anus

India's Tetragrammacide continue to be an enigma within extreme metal. The band's members are cloaked in mystery, surrounded by like-minded bands that form the elusive Kolkata Inner Order (whom I have tried to interview in previous years to no avail).

Tetragrammacide's newest EP Cyber-Tantric Paradigm of Radical Sri-Vidya was released in September with help from Iron Bonehead Productions, featuring exquisite artwork and their own immersive black/death metal sound.

The aura that surrounds Tetragrammacide can seem overwhelming at times. Just as overwhelming as the nomenclature of their songs, as EP opener ‘Multi-Armed Bellicosity Of Babalon-Durga Riding On The Xeno-Beast Of Grand Apocalypse To Trigger The Outbreak Of A Pan-Dimensional Holy Pogrom’ illustrates. Despite my relatively limited experience of listening to the Kolkata Inner Order, there’s always been something very haunting and otherworldly about the music, and the spoken-word sample that begins the song proves that. What it gives way to is amongst the noisiest and most extreme music you’ll hear. Collectively, Tetragrammacide present ferocious (almost industrial) percussion, ungodly bass/guitar delivery and truly intense vocals. 

I’d like to be able to turn the volume up to a much higher level in order to truly appreciate the EP but alas I cannot. Those living around me will not appreciate it. ‘Techno-Tehomic Invocation Of Malignant Shadow Shakti On The World.Wide.Web Of Internet’ shows exactly why as it descends into a cacophony of blasting drums and mesmerizing extremity. How Tetragrammacide can keep up this pace for so long is beyond my comprehension.

The EP’s final song ‘Astro-Theological Gomaya Initiation With The Sacred Excretion Of Hawking Radiation Emitting From The Universe's Anus’ instantly continues the aural assault. There’s no attempt to slow or calm things down and there shouldn’t be a reason to either. Yes, this is very much aimed at the most ardent of extreme music freaks but that’s why it’s so engrossing to listen to. Virtuoso technicality and hook-laden song-writing is one thing, but genuine musical ferocity is something else.

This EP is like nothing else you’ll hear this calendar year. Tetragrammacide continue to blaze a sinister trail across the musical underground. Only those who dare to follow that trail will be rewarded. 

You can stream and purchase the EP digitally from Tetragrammacide below:-

Tetragrammacide - https://www.facebook.com/tetragrammacide

Physical CD and vinyl copies are available to purchase from Iron Bonehead Productions here:-

https://shop.ironbonehead.de/

Iron Bonehead Productions - https://www.facebook.com/IronBoneheadProductions

Balefire - Balefire

Labels: Iron Bonehead Productions

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 31 Jan 2025

Tracklist:

1. Black Sun

2. Sands of Gemini

3. Star-born Revolt

4. Barbaric Rebirth

5. Lord of the Red Lands

6. Black Moon

While the finger tries to stay on the pulse, the hand of time does it no favours. That's no ancient proverb, but a way of eluding to the fact that we're already well into April and I'm still trying hopelessly to hang on given the pace of new releases. This debut EP from US death metal band Balefire was released at the end of January via Iron Bonehead Productions, both on vinyl and digital formats. 

Balefire is a duo consisting of bassist Chuck Sherwood (of Incantation, Occumancy, etc) and drummer Xander Bridge (of Eternal, Nuclear Remains and many others). With the EP lasting no longer than fifteen minutes, expect a barrage of intense death, black and thrash metal with plenty of old-school passion.

I’m going on a much needed week away on Friday so this review will be my last for the month (definitely putting quality over quantity!). Brand new barbaric death metal from an equally new US duo as Balefire kick off with ‘Black Sun’, a brooding and artistic intro free from the usual electronic embellishments. It’s incredibly freeing to be able to listen to a band who approach their music with such simplicity. Just drums, vocals and bass (though there may be an additional guitar in there, but I can’t tell for certain). Either way ‘Sands of Gemini’ sounds absolutely fantastic in all it’s satanic death metal glory. 

One thing that’s really refreshing about this release is how precise and short the songs are. ‘Star-born Revolt’ proves exactly that point with a mix of brutal low-end vocals, warp-speed percussive blasts and metallic undertones. Listening to ‘Barbaric Rebirth’ following the Easter Monday passing of the world’s leading (living) religious figure makes complete sense. I’m not religious in the slightest, so knowing that there won’t be a true rebirth is comforting. ‘Barbaric Rebirth’ itself throws you straight into the EP’s latter half with no time for sentiment, as Balefire infuse their death metal with a welcome doom hit.

Talking of doom, the EP’s longest song ‘Lord of the Red Lands’ is filled with it amongst the sewer-laden death metal. Despite the promise of a properly arduous march though, Balefire don’t abandon what they do best and allow their frenetic pace to dominate one final time, as EP closer ‘Black Moon’ leaves you with gut-wrenching vocal effects and unnerving ambience. 

As debut releases go, this is spot on. It contains enough material to get you hooked without being overblown. Just really good death metal filled with black metal intensity and a decent amount of downtempo atmosphere.

You can stream and purchase the EP digitally via Iron Bonehead Productions below:-

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Iron Bonehead Productions, so what better way to celebrate than to pick a physical copy of this EP and/or any of the other exceptional releases from the label via this link - https://shop.ironbonehead.de/

Iron Bonehead Productions - https://www.facebook.com/IronBoneheadProductions

White Nights - Into The Lap Of The Ancient Mother

Labels: Iron Bonehead Productions

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 24 Apr 2020

Tracklist:

1. Litha

2. Drift From Irminsul

3. Bölthorn

4. -

Nobody really knows much about mysterious black metal/doom/death rock band White Nights, apart from that they (or it) are from the US, maybe. Steeped in psychedelia, Into The Lap Of The Ancient Mother was the first recorded material to come from White Nights in 2020. The fact that it was released by Germany's ever consistent Iron Bonehead Productions shows that it was and still is worth a lot of attention.

This evening calls for something a little on the weirder side. White Nights follow their own path on opener ‘Litha’, where austere German sounding spoken-word vocals join instrumentation that’s part black metal and part martial industrial, to my ears anyway. I was expecting more psych but one can’t be too choosy.

Given Iron Bonehead’s connection to the likes of Pa Vesh En, Aparthiva Raktadhara and Rope Sect, this release shouldn’t come as a surprise. ‘Drift From Irminsul’ isn’t necessarily a reflection of the aforementioned bands but it does have some similarities, while also having a much greater psych/rock influence.

‘Bölthorn’ is the EP’s longest song and it begins in a subtly anthemic way, containing more melody and brightness than expected given the coldness of White Nights as a whole. It’s an otherworldly mix of euphoria and dread all at the same time.

EP closer ‘-‘ is a looping-sample filled outro that kind of cuts through the mesmeric momentum gained throughout. If you were expecting a release with more noise you’ll be disappointed but if you hit play because you’re adventurous and appreciative of the art that’s put into extreme music, then this is for you.

You can stream and purchase the EP digitally below:-

CD and vinyl copies are still available from Iron Bonehead Productions below:-

https://shop.ironbonehead.de/

Ara Solis - Ashvattha

Labels: Iron Bonehead Productions/Zazen Sounds

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Digital

Release Date: 14 Apr 2023

Tracklist:

1. Trono Negro do Firmamento

2. Ara Solis 

3. Ashvattha (The Tree of Life and Death)

Black metal appears in all corners of the globe; however, the Galician region of Spain isn't a corner that immediately springs to mind when thinking of the often ice-cold, raw sub-genre. The duo Ara Solis released their debut album Ashvattha in April via Greek label Zazen Sounds (who handled the CD and digital release), while German heavyweights Iron Bonehead Productions too care of the vinyl release in May. 

Ara Solis are not one to go for it straight out of the blocks, as the unnervingly quiet intro to ‘Trono Negro do Firmamento’ demonstrates. What follows that intro is best described as raw, intense black metal. The drums sit deep in the mix underneath surprisingly warm guitars, while there’s a constant hiss (that’s probably employed for atmospheric reasons) flowing through the recording, adding to the unease that’s created by the shrieking/crying vocals.

The album opener stops dead giving way to ‘Ara Solis’, which this time employs deeper growls and grunts amidst the trance-inducing instrumentation. The guitars are much more drone-like here and the percussion blasts away in the background, as if it was an afterthought (though I’m sure it wasn’t). This is certainly at the more extreme end of the black metal spectrum, especially given it’s extended playing time. With all that said, ‘Ara Solis’ is very much a grower thanks in part to that droning and repetition. It’s growing on me anyway!

The album’s title-track ‘Ashvattha (The Tree of life and Death)’ goes another step further in both song length and bleakness. It brings together all of the elements woven into the album’s previous two songs. The repetitive song structures and the frightening raw screams make it an engrossing listen throughout it’s seventeen+ minute playing time. As the riffs slowly fade out, you’re left with calming ambient music that fits the release perfectly.

I was a bit unsure about this release at first but I really enjoyed it. It feels strange to say that you “enjoyed” something that’s meant to be the antithesis of catchy/radio-friendly music but I’ve been listening to heavy music for long enough now to know what I like. As debuts go, Ashvattha hits the spot. Iron Bonehead has done it again and I’ll be digging deeper into Zazen Sounds now too.

You can stream and purchase Ashvattha on all formats from Ara Solis below:-

Physical copies can also be purchased from the labels below:-

Iron Bonehead Productions - https://shop.ironbonehead.de/en/16-ibp-releases

Zazen Sounds - https://zazensoundspublishings.bandcamp.com

Iron Bonehead Productions - https://www.facebook.com/IronBoneheadProductions

Zazen Sounds - https://www.facebook.com/ZazenSounds

Kaal Nagini - Refracted Lights Of A Blind God

Labels: Iron Bonehead Productions

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Digital

Release Date: 14 Apr 2023

Tracklist:

1. Nameless Archetype Of Pantheonless Antiquity

2. Refracted Lights Of A Blind God

3. Lord Of The Two Doors And The Seven Portals

4. Double Tongued Serpent Of Kú

Kaal Nagini is the latest band to rise from the infamous and mysterious Kolkata Inner Order. The circle of bands that make up the Order, including Aparthiva Raktadhara and Tetragrammacide amongst others have been championed by Iron Bonehead Productions ever since their inception. This four song EP was released just over a month ago via the German label. The trio that make up Kaal Nagini give nothing away regarding their identity nor their musical history. With that in mind, now is the perfect time to embrace their debut.

Sometimes I get drawn to certain bands or geographical collectives and the Kolkata Inner Order is one such collective that I’ve been following from afar over the last few years. From my failed attempts to obtain interviews with some of the Order’s members in recent years to the mystery that surrounds them, it’s time once again to dive into the noise that shapes Kalikshetra.

Kaal Nagini have been described as a maximalist band. EP opener ‘Nameless Archetype Of Pantheonless Antiquity’ initially counters that description with quietness before an abrupt change of pace and volume occurs. Fast, percussion-led death metal is the reason for that tempo change, with it’s equally heavy guitar work and deep deathly growls. Rawness exists within the mix here but it only goes to add authenticity to Kaal Nagini’s sound.

The EP’s titles track ‘Refracted Lights Of A Blind God’ reminds me of the intensity delivered by fellow Iron Bonehead bands White Nights and Pa Vesh En. Disturbingly extreme yet satisfyingly cleansing at the same time. Maybe I just find solace in noise sometimes. 

Martial noise takes it’s place amongst ‘Lord Of The Two Doors And The Seven Portals’ and it disarms you straight away, thanks to the sheer abandon of Kaal Nagini. Granted, this release will only appeal to an ardent group of extreme metal listeners but that’s kind of the point. Music like this isn’t recorded for the masses. It’s for those who truly understand it and in most cases, for the band themselves.

EP closer ‘Double Tongued Serpent Of Kú’ provides one last heady blast of disgustingly extreme death metal, which lasts even longer than the songs before it. It’s that extremity that stands out for me with this release. Death metal as a sub-genre has been growing exponentially over the last couple of years and it’s been branching off in many directions. Kaal Nagini may have ushered in another such branch. The emerging Indian extreme metal community is a fertile one, with Kolkata’s leading the way. If you give it’s constituents time you’ll be repaid.

You can stream Refracted Lights Of A Blind God and purchase it digitally below:-

 

Physical vinyl/cd copies can be purchased from Iron Bonehead Productions here:-

https://shop.ironbonehead.de/

Iron Bonehead Productions - https://www.facebook.com/IronBoneheadProductions

Katavasia - Invoking The Spirit Of Doom 7"

Labels: Iron Bonehead Productions

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 01 Oct 2021

Tracklist:

1. Descending To Acheron

2. Premonition Of Doom

Black metal has been a staple of the Greek extreme metal community for time immemorial (it seems), From the Hellenic tomes of Rotting Christ and Varathron to the modern day approaches of Caedes Cruenta, Dodsferd and Ithaqua, the sub-genre has very much found a home on the warm Aegean/Ionian shores. Katavasia formed in 2014 and they've been very productive since then. Between 2015 and the end of 2020, they released two full-lengths and an EP. Their work ethic remained in tact during the pandemic and last year they released their latest EP 'Invoking The Spirit Of Doom' via Iron Bonehead Productions. Limited to 500 copies on two different variants, it contains two songs stretching to nearly ten minutes in length.

I still think the 7” format is under appreciated. Yes it may be more expensing to press songs onto it than onto a 12” record nowadays, but there’s a lot of nostalgia attached to it. That’s why it’s nice to see that both Katavasia and Iron Bonehead Productions committed to it for the Invoking The Spirit Of Doom EP. Starting with ‘Descending To Acheron’, the EP is a raw beast that has icy black metal at it’s heart. It’s instrumentation hits hard with a war metal-like approach of driving percussion and thrashing guitars, though there are some subtle orchestral synths buried in the mix too. The vocals are full of character and they help to bring the release to life. 

Second song 'Premonition Of Doom' is very rhythmic as well as being pacier. I’m not sure whether that’s a trick of the ear but Katavasia seem more dialled in here. The bass is more audible and it adds a lot of depth to their music, while there are elements of death metal and heavy metal woven in too. I know that this EP is brief and it does end abruptly just when you’re getting into it’s groove, but that’s kind of the point. You don’t get burnt out listening to it, in fact it leaves you wanting more. Katavasia’s black metal is entertaining from start to finish. This EP is perfect if you’re discovering them for the first time. 

FFO: Rotting Christ, Varathron, Caedes Cruenta, Ithaqua, Havukruunu

You can stream Invoking The Spirit Of Doom and purchase it digitally/on vinyl directly from Katavasia below:-

You can also buy physical vinyl copies from Iron Bonehead Productions below:-

https://shop.ironbonehead.de/

Katavasia - https://www.facebook.com/katavasiaofficial

Iron Bonehead Productions - https://www.facebook.com/IronBoneheadProductions

Hulder - Godslastering: Hymns Of A Forlorn Peasantry

Labels: Iron Bonehead Productions

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 22 Jan 2021

Tracklist:

1. Upon Frigid Winds

2. Creature Of Demonic Majesty

3. Sown In Barren Soil

4. De Dijle

5. Purgations Of Bodily Corruptions

6. Lowland Famine

7. A Forlorn Peasant's Hymn

8. From Whence An Ancient Evil Once Reigned

Following my review of Grabunhold's 2021 album the other day, here's the second early 2021 Iron Bonehead Productions review as promised. It features the debut album from Belgium/USA solo black metal band Hulder. Godslastering: Hymns Of A Forlorn Peasantry was released back in January on vinyl, cd, tape and also digitally. The project began in 2018 with the release of two demos, before a demo compilation and subsequent EP followed in 2019. 2020 saw a number of promo/single releases leading up to the album itself. Hulder played it's first US live show in support of the album in September alongside Mortiferum and Vouna.

I’ve read a few things about Hulder before but nothing compares to listening to a band, so ten or so months on from this album’s initial release, hear I am. Album opener ‘Upon Frigid Winds’ is a mix of both biting, cold black metal and folk instrumentation. This is a solo-project but don’t expect the sound to be thin, like it was recorded in a bedroom, because it sounds anything but. Driving percussion and guitars provide the backbone for this release, with the former providing an industrial-like tempo on ‘Creature Of Demonic Majesty’. The vocals are delivered in the traditional black metal style that you’ll no doubt be familiar with if you’re an avid genre fanatic, while ambience is added via synths and other instruments. That’s a kind of general description but what more is there to say.

Hulder’s approach is definitely one that’s true to black metal of old and with the lines continually being blurred and pulled in different directions musically, that’s not a bad thing at all. The urgency of ‘Sown In Barren Soil’ certainly plays it’s part in cementing that approach. It’s upbeat in tempo, which keeps momentum high and the listener interested. The mood changes with the onset of ‘De Dijle’, with it’s gentle guitar intro and the sound of soothing running water leading you into equally gentle melodies and some sinister whispered vocals. Ghostly is probably the right word for it as the song meanders on, building in volume slowly. It’s actually Godslatering’s longest song, breaking away from the dialled-up extremity, though not fully escaping it.

The second half of the album gets underway with the atmospheric riffs of ‘Purgations Of Bodily Corruptions’, which is a mid-paced number filled with organ melodies and a slightly joyous side, to these ears anyway. Without making it sound cheesy, there is something Halloween-like about it.  Whereas ‘Lowland Famine’ that follows is much more piercing and extreme. I wasn’t poking fun at Hulder’s song-writing before, so please don’t get angry. I was just describing how I heard it. There’s no doubt that this album should be taken seriously for it’s complete content and this song proves that. 

Penultimate song ‘A Forlom Peasant’s Hymn’ stands out for it’s clean vocals that make up almost a third of it’s length before Hulder once again launches into it’s true black metal stride. I have to say that the initial clean singing fits the album well and dare I say, I’d like to hear more of it. It reminded me a bit of the likes of A.A. Williams and Emma Ruth Rundle (more recently), or going farther back, elements of The Gathering. There’s time for one final majestic, orchestral black metal hymn to take over, with ‘From Whence An Ancient Evil Once Reigned’ providing an engrossing and enjoyably finale to the album. 

Godslastering… is one of those albums where you’re always left guessing to an extent. While it’s made up of very solid black metal, it’s also got many elements that you may not be expecting, making it one that retains your attention and admiration.

You can stream and purchase the album digitally via bandcamp below, where you can also buy it on cd and tape if you so wish:-

Hulder - https://www.facebook.com/HulderUS

You can also buy the album on all physical formats from Iron Bonehead Productions below:-

https://shop.ironbonehead.de/

Iron Bonehead Productions - https://www.facebook.com/IronBoneheadProductions

Black Cilice - Tomb Emanations 7"

Labels: Iron Bonehead Productions

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 10 Dec 2021

Tracklist:

1. Returning From Dimensions Below

2. Vigil Of Ruins

I haven't featured anything by Iron Bonehead here for a while now, which is entirely my fault. I was going to write about a couple of early 2021 releases over the next week but before I started to plan that, I saw this new Black Cilice EP drop into my inbox. For those who know or indeed like black metal in any or all of it's forms, Black Cilice is one of the more prominent entities to come out of Portugal over the last decade plus. Since 2009, there have been numerous demos, EPs, albums and splits released and Tomb Emanations is the latest, coming two years after the previous Iron Bonehead full-length release Transfixion Of Spirits. The EP will be released in December.

Black Cilice makes great use of the 7” format here with two songs extending to over thirteen minutes. Side A features ‘Returning From Dimensions Below’, which as a title could aptly describe the band’s silence of late. Black Cilice has always been atmospheric in a harrowing way and it’s no different here. The rawness that embodied earlier releases is still very much there, but with it comes a greater sense of melody and production values. The volume of the instumentation here is ridiculous. It’s both mesmerising and unnerving at the same time, while the screams that reside amongst it all are still as torturous as ever. 

Side B’s ‘Vigil Of Ruins’ appears more transcendent to begin with, which is probably a relief after the onslaught that it follows; however, that feeling is soon banished by yet more intense black metal. Intense is definitely the right descriptor here, as Black Cilice continues along a path of self-destruction that extends to those that listen to it. There are moments of subtle groove and control within the song but those moments are still overridden by constant dissonance and percussive madness. That’s not to say that the EP is unlistenable though, because the latter passages of ‘Vigil Of Ruins’ are amongst the best you’ll hear in the raw black metal sub-genre. 

It’s not often that this form of black metal can be called invigorating but there’s just something about Tomb Emanations that stirs up the blood. On it’s own this EP will garner many repeat listens, but if it’s a sign of things to come from a future full-length, then rest assured that it’s going to very good.

Prior to the EP release you can stream it's opening song via Soundcloud here:-

Further news regarding the release including pre-order info can be found via the links below (as it's released):-

Black Cilice - https://www.facebook.com/Black-cilice

Iron Bonehead Productions - https://www.facebook.com/IronBoneheadProductions

Malakhim - Theion

Labels: Iron Bonehead Productions

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Digital

Release Date: 08 Jan 2021

Tracklist:

1. There Is A Beacon

2. Merciless Angel Of Pestilence

3. Slither O Serpent

4. Chalice Of Ruin

5. His Voiceless Whisper

6. Hammer Of Satan

7. The Splendour Of Stillborn Stars

8. Theion

I've been less than active over recent days and it's been playing on my mind, so making time this evening to write is going some way to counteracting that. I felt there was no better release to delve into than the first full-length from Swedish black/death metal band Malakhim, titled Theion. It was released in early January via Iron Bonehead Productions on various formats and continues the allegiance formed by both band and label, since the release of Malakhim's debut Demo I in 2017/2018. 

There’s one thing you can always count on with Swedish bands and it’s that they have a keen ear for melody, which is definitely the case on Theion. The melodic death metal beginnings on album opener ‘There Is A Beacon’ throws you into a false sense of security, before Malakhim launches headfirst into some breathtakingly off-kilter black metal, which straddles various extreme metal lines on purpose. Precise and musical, without either being too obvious. ‘Merciless Angel Of Pestilence’ is more your archetypal black metal song, with blasting drums and reverbed vocals, though the metallic guitars do add a different edge to it as well. The driving tempo is very befitting of the quintet though and while this piece is shorter that many of the songs on Theion, it’s still evident how much care they take with their musicality. 

There’s more than a nod to traditional heavy metal in the guitar melodies that introduce ‘Slither O Serpent’. What follows is another heady mix of off-kilter dynamism and icy black metal atmosphere. As the song title suggests, it’s an evil beast, yet it’s eminently enjoyable too. The shamanistic/ritualistic vocals on ‘Chalice Of Ruin’ show off the occult influence that flows through Malakhim’s lyrics and music. They help to create an atmosphere of genuine foreboding and fear, which is hard for most bands to do nowadays. Music like this is all about setting a scene and one that’s unnerving. Malakhim manages that without trying too hard. 

They effortlessly step into ‘His Voiceless Whisper’ without you even noticing and in doing so, they drag you into the second half of Theion with the use of both percussive groove and battery. They retain all of the elements that made you take note during the first half, sounding ever more assured while doing so. As obvious as the title ‘Hammer Of Satan’ is to a seasoned extreme metal fan, it’s also a very obvious choice for this song, as it delivers blow after blow of Malakhim’s trademark black/death metal. It’s the shortest of their eight songs here but it’s no less for it. I’m still blown away by the riffs on this album, as the band’s musical talent shines through the darkness.

The more expansive penultimate song ‘The Splendour Of Stillborn Stars’ dials the tempo back ever so slightly in places, but you still can’t rest as the march of progress continues and Malakhim’s black metal hypnotises you while also smashing you across the head with yet more raging instrumentation. They leave the title track ’Theion’ till the very end, which works perfectly well. It’s their final chance to send their driving heaviness into your head and if they haven’t already managed that with the songs that came before it, they certainly will with this. Enigmatic guitar tones, powerful drumming and authoritative vocals call time on one hell of a debut full-length from a band that takes their craft very seriously indeed.

Malakhim set their stall out early in 2021 but in doing so, have produced an album that will still be ringing out once the year’s beacons have stopped burning. It’s still way too early to be talking about albums of the year, but this one may well be up there.

You can stream and purchase Theion digitally from Malakhim below:-

Malakhim - https://www.facebook.com/Malakhimofficial

CD and LP copies can be purchased from Iron Bonehead Productions below:-

https://shop.ironbonehead.de/

Iron Bonehead Productions - https://www.facebook.com/IronBoneheadProductions

Ascendency - Birth Of An Eternal Empire EP

Labels: Night Shroud Records/Iron Bonehead Productions

Formats: Tape/Vinyl/CD/Digital

Release Date: 17-Jul-20

Tracklist:

1. Altered Beast

2. Culling The Weak

3. Tread The Path To Supreme Veneration

4. A Birth In Fire

The weather's turning and the seasons are changing, and so darkness begins to set in. Along with the gradual decline of the human race (through it's own idiocy in dealing with itself), extreme metal seems to be the only haven safe enough for those willing to escape from the outside. Tonight's soundtrack to implosion comes courtesy of Danish death/black duo Ascendency and their debut EP Birth Of An Eternal Empire. Released on limited tape via Night Shroud Records and on vinyl, cd and digital formats via Iron Bonehead Productions in July. 

As the wind and rain batters the outside of my abode, inside I am cloaked in the heretical warmth of Ascendency and their death/black metal onslaught. EP opener ‘Altered Beast’ is both hypnotic and frightening, as ugly death metal riffs smash up against the mighty low-end curated by both bass and drums, and rasping vocals conjure up images of the unholy inheriting the earth.

The more than aptly titled ‘Culling The Weak’ does exactly that. It rewards those who listen to it with attentive ears and smites those who are not worthy. Mesmerisingly epic heaviness with no let up throughout it’s seven+ minute entirety. The vocals, this time with the added echo effects create layers of sound that truly compliment the dissonant music that sits aside them. Add to that a sensitive touch of atmosphere and melody, and Ascendency will bury themselves within your black heart.

There’s a Middle-Eastern feel to the intro of ‘Tread The Path To Supreme Veneration’ that even the Kolkata Inner Order would be proud of. Even when the duo opens up shortly afterwards, it still retains that feeling thanks to the chanting vocals that are added. It’s not spiritual but it is enlightening, relying more on instrumentation than the human vessel of communication. 

EP closer ‘A Birth In Fire’ is as harrowing as it’s title doth suggest. No time for sentiment or meandering song-writing, Ascendency formulates and delvers one last lengthy trip into the dark and tortured psyche. A psyche that could only have been birthed in a city called Kill-Town. This EP is strong and authoritative. A fine release by a band very much in the ascendency (pun completely intended) and a fantastic find by both Night Shroud Records and Iron Bonehead Productions. 

You can stream Birth Of An Eternal Empire and buy it on various formats directly from the band below:-

It's also available from the labels below:-

Night Shroud Records - https://nightshroud.bigcartel.com

Iron Bonehead Productions - https://shop.ironbonehead.de/en/

Empire Of The Moon - Eclipse

Labels: Iron Bonehead Productions

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 10 Jan 2020

Tracklist:

1. Arrival

2. Imperium Tridentis

3. Per Aspera ad Lunae - I. The Resonance Within

4. Per Aspera ad Lunae - II. Two Queens Appear

5. Per Aspera ad Lunae - III. Descending

6. Devi Maha Devi

7. Per Aspera ad Lunae IV. Son Of Fire

This feels like such a strange release to be reviewing when it's baking hot and glorious outside. That said, maybe it isn't so strange after all as the heat is slightly oppressive. This is the newest album from Greek black metal band Empire Of The Moon. Released by Iron Bonehead Productions in January, Eclipse is the second full-length offering from the band since their inception in 1996 and their first release in six years.

These are very dark times and tensions are high amongst many. Tension is a good descriptor for the feeling thats created by Eclipse opener ‘Arrival’. It builds in volume and majesty before giving way to ‘Imperium Tridentis’ and it’s ravaging tempo, shrieked vocals and blasting percussion. Initially, the guitars are slightly buried amongst it all but they come to life later on and instrumentally, everything comes alive. Even the Jets that were just flying overheard failed to dampen it.

‘Per Aspera Ad Lunae - i. The Resonance Within’ is a doomier affair, with a slower tempo during instrumental sections and verses alike. It’s a texture that works so well when applied to Empire Of The Moon’s music. As this album progresses, it gets harder to plant Empire Of The Moon into one sub-genre. They go from fast to slow to scathing and then symphonic on ‘Per Aspera Ad Lunae - ii. Two Queens Appear’ and make it all sound effortless while doing so. 

It’s surprising how much momentum is gained through this record. ‘Per Aspera Ad Lunae - iii. Descending’ heralds the beginning of a trio of lengthy songs, but goes by in a flash. Once again, choral symphonies sit alongside heavy yet catchy music. There’s nothing that can be compared to this and considering it’s classed as black metal in a broad sense, it’s very well written and confidently delivered (I’m not bashing other black metal here).

Penultimate song ‘Devi Maha Devi’ is more orthodox in approach but it’s filled with dread and evil. The multi-vocal approach makes it sound like insanity is taking over, but Empire Of The Moon drag you back from the brink just in time, through the use of upbeat tempos and simple but effective riffing. The album’s closer ‘Per Aspera Ad Lunae - iv. Son Of Fire’ is the perfect way to end, as it gathers up all of the band’s qualities and brings them together perfectly. Use this as a time for reflection and introspection before you go back into the crazy world that exists outside of your home. 

Eclipse is another album that proves that extreme music doesn’t have to mean extreme listening. It’s a beautiful body of music and art. 

You can stream Eclipse below:-

Empire Of The Moon - https://www.facebook.com/empireofthemoonofficial/

Vinyl, CD and Digital copies can be purchased via Iron Bonehead Productions below:-

https://ironboneheadproductions.bandcamp.com/album/empire-of-the-moon-eclipse

Iron Bonehead Productions - https://www.facebook.com/IronBoneheadProductions/