The Color of Rain - Oceans Above

 

The Color of Rain is a really interesting and incredibly sonically diverse post black metal band. Their debut album Oceans Above thrills because of the vision that they bring to the table. On this album the band flawlessly brings in all sorts of intricate and thrilling ideas, coloring their unique take on post black metal with technical death metal and prog metal flourishes, making for an immersive and fascinating listening experience that seems to just keep giving. It makes for a wonderfully dynamic sound that is far removed from many of the bands peers.

There is an emotional depth to Oceans Above that has me enthralled. The record finds ways to elegantly engage with the beauty of post black metal whilst bringing in a lot of their own ideas and giving listeners a chance to fall in love with a new take on what has become a firmly established genre. What really has to be acknowledged though is The Color of Rain's proficiency as musicians. These are songs that are surprising, powerful and impressively technical. They reflect a sound that is deep in its vision and unendingly fascinating upon repeat listens. While the execution and songwriting isn't exactly where it needs to be yet, this is certainly one hell of a start.

Oceans Above is the kind of record that could just be an interesting detour, or it could shape a universe of bands in its wake. The deeper I immerse myself in what The Color of Rain have conjured up here the more clear it is that they are in a sonic maelstrom of their own. This is music that finds an intricate path between gorgeous synth laden progressions and technical guitar wizardry. The blend of influences is palpable and the end result very intriguing. In a world of twisted sonic nightmares, The Color of Rain balance dark and light. 

Pre-order the album!

https://voidwanderer.com/product/the-color-of-rain-oceans-above-cd/

Deadly Carnage - Endless Blue

Now this is an interesting one. Deadly Carnage are an Italian post black metal group with a clear vision and a sense of beauty in their music that few of their peers can really match up too. Their new album, Endless Blue is a broad sweeping work with deep emotional resonance, inspired by Japanese myth. It's a powerful offering and one that digs deep into the grandeur of what post black metal can be when done right. Deadly Carnage understand the power of their chosen genre and it's a delight to really get a sense of what they've cultivated here. 

Endless Blue impresses because of the breadth of the composition and the depth of the songwriting. Gorgeously layered guitars and dreamy vocals intersect to make an experience that is clearly derived from bands like Alcest or even the Japanese post black metal masters themselves, Mono. The record sounds absolutely gorgeous too, it's hard to pull of an album this ambitious without an elite mix and Deadly Carnage profit from some truly excellent sonics. It means that Endless Blue legitimately feels good to listen too and rewards listeners for really spending the time to indulge in this on a quality set of speakers or headphones. 

It's a delight to really immerse yourself in a labor of love like this. Endless Blue showcases the Italians in Deadly Carnage at the peak of their abilities. Deadly Carnage have a clear vision on this album and it feels like this long running collective has reached a new pinnacle with an album that is emotional and ensconcing. Replete with intricate sounds and impressive performances, Endless Blue is going to charm post black metal fans across the globe with its walls of sound and epic tales of times forgotten and left behind. 

Pre-order the album!

https://deadlycarnage.bandcamp.com/album/endless-blue

Chrome Waves - Earth Will Shed Its Skin

 

The American post black metal scene feels like it's going through a bit of a resurgence in recent years. Chrome Waves are one of the most potent acts in this movement, bringing together members of November's Doom, Nachtmystium, Wolvhammer and Abigail Williams to present an offering that is emotional and powerful, a record that is transcendent in its compositions and hints at what more this band could be. It's a fitting next step for a group who seem to be only just at the beginning of their musical career. 

Chrome Waves perhaps impress the most with the breadth of their work. This is a record that seems to elegantly glide from shoegaze inspired moments to more heart stopping black metal. The influences of groups like Agalloch are clear, as is the impact of European acts like Lantlos, or hometown heroes The Atlas Moth. Earth Will She Its Skin is full of many of the genres classic tropes, but the execution is flawless and it belies a deep understanding of what this music was all about in the first place. Immersing yourself in the potent vibes that Chrome Waves conjure up is a treat and speaks to just how good they are as songwriters. 

Earth Will Shed Its Skin speaks to a lot of cool stuff cooking in the underground metal world right now. It's a record that I think people will look back at as being a fitting reflection of a sound that many people are falling back in love with. Chrome Waves have found a way to unleash post black metal that is melodic, powerful and wonderfully addictive. The band continually captures the imagination with their dark ministrations and tortured vocals. Letting yourself get lost in this misery is far too much fun and will keep you enchanted. 

Pre-order the album!

https://chromewaves.bandcamp.com/album/earth-will-shed-its-skin

Heretoir - Wastelands

 

Now this is an interesting mini album. I've been a fan of Heretoir for years now, their new album, Wastelands is just a growth on previous fascinating successes. With three new songs and three excellent live versions of past classics, the band has been able to really set themselves apart with Wastelands and show listeners that this is a group very much in its own unique world. It's a record that builds on the past successes of Heretoir but also hints at what more they can evolve into being. This is black metal done right and with a vision. 

Heretoir have always been a band apart, one of the most exciting groups in the German underground, and a project who stand as purely their own vision, exciting and immaculate. This latest album is simply an extension on that with three tracks that nicely add to the legacy and live versions of three of their most popular offerings. Wastelands really showcases just how talented they are as a band and what they are like when the cohesive unit is brought together to execute at the highest possible level. This is post black metal executed at the highest level and Heretoir can't help but to capture the imagination as they execute time and time again.

It's cool to hear a record that so nicely encapsulates both sides of what a band is about. Wastelands lets us see something new, the next steps from Heretoir's visionary approach, but it also shows us just how strong they are as a live act. Wastelands is a sort of transitive work and one that tells the groups story much more than many of their peers could even dream of. It's exciting to let yourself get immersed in it and really start to witness the magic of what's being created - ad the hints at the sonic world that is to come out of all of this. 

Pre-order the album!

https://artofpropaganda.bandcamp.com/album/wastelands

Constellatia - Magisterial Romance

From the ashes of Wildernessking comes Constellatia. This South African post black metal force is guide forth by Wildernessking mastermind Keenan Nathan Oakes, and brought to fruition with Crow Black Sky's Gideon Lamprecht with Honeymoan singer Alison Rachael providing guest vocals. The end result is an absolutely stunning piece of work that captures the imagination with its uniquely airy brand of post black metal that is more focused on atmospherics than anything else. This is a record that will whisk you away and leave you constantly in awe. 

With Magisterial Romance Constellatia seem content in really embracing the deepest of their post rock influences. While there are still extreme vocals and moments that are undeniably black metal, this album seems to have more to do with Mogwai and Godspeed! You Black Emperor than it does Alcest or Harakiri for the Sky. The end result is a a sound that would work on stages with both types of bands. There is something really mesmerizing and powerful about what is being done here and it's a delight to really let yourself sink into so many of the delightfully dynamic visions that guide forward songs like "In Vituperation".

Across these four long form songs, Constellatia firmly plant their feet as masters of the scene and show once more that few can really contest their unique vision and approach to the genre. Magisterial Romance is a record that paints a psychedelic and potent sonic landscape, one that once you dive into you don't really ever want to leave. With songs long, and epic enough to get fully lost in, Constellatia have proven that they are a force who is only going to grow in the underground. Two albums into their career, and this band might be among the best out there.

Pre-order the album!

https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/CONSTELLATIA-MR

White Ward - False Light

My favorite Ukrainian black metal band is back! Even in the midst of disaster, the post black metal masters White Ward have managed to craft one of their most impressive works to date .It's a broad and sweeping record, one that sees more saxophone than ever and their unique blend of jazz and black metal being executed in whole new ways. False Light sees everything from raw black metal to jazz by way of death rock all brought together to create a monumental effort that is going to keep fans in awe. They've brought it to a whole new level.

There is something transcendental and powerful about this record. It's an album that sees the band operating at a much higher level than ever before and it's a delight to let yourself get really lost in. With production that remains tight and focused, this is an album that you hear quickly unfold its core principles, and then impress you with various interpretations on them for over an hour. For other bands a record this long might be a death blow, White Ward find a way to make it work and in fact leave me even more impressed with what these visionaries have been able to craft behind their music. It's stunning any way you slice it.

 False Light is a stunning next step for White Ward. It sees them going further than ever before and speaking to fans in whole new ways. This is the record that the bands early promise hinted at and a clear indication of what is to come next from these masters. In a world where black metal so often seems to run into stylistic walls, White Ward have found a way to make their own unique spin on the genre entirely their own, leaving listeners in awe, thrilled at what more is to come and the grand overarching vision of a band who are devoted to throat ripping insanity. 

Pre order the album!

https://whiteward.bandcamp.com/

Sylvaine - Nova

 

Sylvaine is the rare artist who seems to only get better with time. Her ever successive release is another step forward for her work showcasing her stunning abilities as a composer and visionary in the scene. Her music is emotional and powerful and letting yourself get lost in the many layers that make her art so beautiful is a delight. This is post black metal done right, building on the promise of bands like Alcest and hinting towards a world where black metal can be found in all forms of music. Nova is just the next step in realizing her potential.

The distinctive prettiness of Nova is entrancing and will keep fans devoted. This is an album that seems to continually dance towards higher heights and prove just how talented Sylvaine is. There is a real magic to tracks like "Nowhere, Still Somewhere" that will keep fans entranced and eager to delve ever deeper. Nova is a masterful album any way you slice it and letting yourself get pulled into the gorgeous sonic poetry of this offering is a delight. This is post black metal done right, full of beauty and passion in order to keep listeners in awe. 

Nova is a stunner. There's simply no other word for it. It sees her bringing her uniquely emotional and potent brand of post black metal to the table and showing that her clarity of vision is able to live up to her early promise. This is a gorgeous record and one that is going to keep fans of the genre deeply engaged for a long time. Sylvaine continues to impress and watching her star rise has been my privilege. Pre-order this record because people will be talking about it for a long time to come, I guarantee it.

Pre-order the album!

https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/SylvaineNova

Unru - Die Wiederkehr Des Verdrangten

 

Now this is an impressive one. It's rare I find a black metal record that is genuinely and potently emotional, a record that speaks to the soul. That's what I've found in Unru, one of the latest submissions off of Babylon Doom Cult Records and an album which proves the diversity and excellence of the German black metal scene in 2022. This offering is an emotional and potent salvo that consistently speaks to the ongoing power of a band who understand the glory and beauty of underground music and will wrap you up in their arms. 

Die Wiederkehr Des Verdrangten is a thoughtful offering with lots of beautiful potent layers, and it speaks more to the quality of the production than anything else. This album consistently pushes the band to their limits, speaking to the thrill of the underground and driving devotees of this music to understand the glorious burning darkness of the genre. Unru have found a way to really capture the imagination on this album with a brand of post blac metal that is melodic and beautiful, but which still primarily uses screams and heavier guitar tones. It's post black metal that still pays heed to the 'black metal' part of the genre moniker. 

I adore getting lost in the darkness of Unru, and reveling in the twisted, heart rending magic of what they have crafted here. This is a band who took the lessons of Ulver, Alcest and Lantlos and distilled them into something that is wholly their own, powerful, emotional and gorgeous in its vision of a twisted and sorrowful black metal future. Let yourself get lost in the wreckage and love the darkness. It's coming for all of us and is going to leave you in awe of all that there is still to come from this band. As for now, Die Wiederkehr Des Verdrangten is a must listen for fans of modern black metal.

Pre-order the album!

https://www.babylondoomcultrecords.com/product/unru-die-wiederkehr-des-verdra%cc%88ngten-2lp/

Antiq - Les Retranchement

At this point most of us know that the French are among the worlds masters of post black metal. On some level they invented the genre. Yet it was Silhouette's use of DSBM influences that really intrigued me in their take on the genre - not their national origin. They unleash a level of brutality rarely heard in this scene and the crushing assault that counterbalances dreamy moments of shoegazing poetry makes for a really dynamic and interesting listen. While the execution at times is a bit choppy, this is a very interesting listen, that skillfully distills a wide range of influences. 

Les Retranchement thrills listeners with the clarity of vision behind what they offer. This is a release that dances around all sorts of twisted ideas in the underground. These songs are veritable anthems that capture the imagination with their poetic execution and the dance between dark and light. While yes, this can at times feel very heavy handed, as a general rule, Silhouette do an excellent job of proving to listeners that their one of a kind brand of black metal finds power all across the spectrum, making for compelling listening from a band who seem committed to pushing themselves as far as they can and unveiling the beauty of outer worlds. 

Silhouette have done something exciting here and it seems like this is just a rallying cry for them. There are so many cool layers to this sort of music and so much that could still be done within the overarching vision of the band. Les Retranchement is a stunner any way you slice it and I simply love letting myself get immersed in these seven tracks with their interlocking layers and the beauty of their vision. This is just another step in black metals weird sonic journey, and joining Silhouette on this path is guaranteed to be interesting.

Pre-order the album!

https://antiqofficial.bandcamp.com/album/les-retranchements

Anomalie - Tranceformation

I've been following Anomalie for a while now, and this latest record, Tranceformation is on a totally different level. Their take on blackgaze is transcendent and exciting, it's exactly the sort of thing that captures the imagination of the underground and leaves me in awe at the bands compositional powers. Tranceformation is a stunner any way you slice it, a record you want to get lost in and which will continually impress listeners with its sonic layers and the overarching vision that really helps to dictate the scope of what the band can be. 

Tranceformation thrills because of the inherent drama of the record. The heavy use of clean vocals is particularly telling and adds a lot to the distinctive bombast that helps to shape this offering. The gorgeous production is also immensely helpful, allowing tracks to really ring out and live up to their fullest potential. It's the sort of thing that expands upon the classic ideas within the genre and hints at the new directions the band can take. Moments here almost feel like they would fit on an arena rock record. This is Anomalie taking their music to a whole new level, embracing the transcendence and the power and reflecting on all it can be. 

I'm stunned with this album, the press text said it was a late bid for album of the year lists and they were not wrong. Tranceformation is the record that in ten years people will point too and say 'This is what pushed Anomalie to the next level.' It's the record that showed us definitively how good the band are and what helps to make them such an interesting force in the underground. Tranceformation is a thriller in every sense of the word and taking the time to really immerse yourself in it is a delight. Here's to a new generation of post black metal!

Pre-order the album!

https://anomalie-official.bandcamp.com/

Der Weg Einer Freiheit - Noktvrn

Der Weg Einer Freiheit have been one of my favorite bands in the black metal underground for a long time. Their ability to fuse a variety of black metal subgenres into their overarching vision has always been exciting and every new record from the band is a veritable treasure, augmenting their sound and proving that they are among the most exciting black metal bands in the world today. Their latest offering, the masterful Noktvrn sees the band pushing boundaries in wholly new ways and coming out as impressive as ever. 

There are a lot of twists and turns on this record that seem to push the band in ways we haven't heard before. Outside of the addition of some excellent clean vocals, Noktvrn acts as a bit more of a continuation on their last record, 2017's Finisterre than I might have expected. Though this is the bands first new music in 4 years (Their longest gap between albums in their career) the first track, titled "Finisterre II" acts as a veritable coda to the previous record. The end result is an album that builds on past themes but also takes the band to bold new heights, showing that their brand of black metal can go further than many of their peers would ever dare. I will say though this record feels less extreme than its predecessors. While this is largely a good thing, it also feels a bit unexpected. 

At the end of the day, Noktvrn is the next impressive step from a band who continually push themselves further and drive listeners to dizzy new heights. Der Weg Einer Freiheit have always been practically in a league of their own. This latest record seems to only further that and remind listeners just why we've all been so enamored with them for all this time. Noktvrn is a thriller any way you slice it and makes for some emotionally satisfying music. Taking the journey with the band is a delight, let yourself get lost in it with me. 

Pre-order the record today!

https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/dwef-noktvrn 

Trna - Istok

Hearing blackgaze evolve and discover bold new heights has been a lot of fun for the last decade. It's exciting when bands find new ways to take things forward and uncover new layers to the sound. Such is the case with Istok the masterful new offering from Trna. This is a potent release and one that builds on many of the genres pre-existing tropes to ensure an exciting and powerful offering that people will keep coming back too. It's blackgaze performed at the highest level and which speaks to the overarching triumph of the genre. 

Though Istok is very pretty, there are a few moments of raw brutality that serve as a fitting counterpoint. Simultaneously, it isn't afraid to lean into straight shoegaze moments as it does on 'Rebirth'. There are also touches of emo that are a bit unexpected but lend a certain DIY show charm to the record as you fall ever deeper in love with it. It makes the most grandiose moments come down to earth a bit in a fitting reminder of why we all do this. It's cool to see a band in the genre do more than just ape Alcest but instead seek to find ways to push it forward ,even if it means uncovering the roots a bit more than many of the others in their scene.

Istok is a stunner and one that proves Trna are among the heavyweights in the genre. This is a band who are gloriously heavy and a delight to really let yourself experience. There is a shining magic to these songs, and the decision to cap off an already long record with the 13 minute instrumental, "Shining" works surprisingly well. Trna make triumphant soundscapes for devout listeners to explore for years on end. When you get this record you are buying into a larger experience that you won't forget for a long time. 

 Pre-order the album!

 https://trnaband.bandcamp.com/

Noltem - Illusions In The Wake

Noltem is a band treading in the path of a great American black metal tradition that is only just starting to get the respect and love it so richly deserves. These visionaries craft a massive sound that is full of melody and post black metal beauty. Their latest offering, Illusions In The Wake is an absolutely monumental statement where the band move interlocking waves of sound with a vision and professionalism that few of their peers can match. Angular guitars interlock with thudding bass lines to craft music you an get lost in. 

Illusions In The Wake is exciting because of the waves of sound that the band so effortlessly command. The title track is a perfect example, ebbing and flowing with undulating guitar riffs and then finally a triumphant clean vocal that comes in over the growl to really impress the listener. There is something wonderfully epic about this band and the bombast that they so clearly cultivate. It's a delight to lose yourself in the layered poetry and larger than life magic of a band like this. They are very clearly the sonic heirs to bands like Agalloch, even if what they are doing is heavier and a bit more out of the box than one might expect. 

While this isn't a record that necessarily breathes new life in the genre, it definitely is cool to hear a group taking the influence of bands like Obsequiae and pushing them into new generations. Illusions In The Wake is a really interesting effort. While there are places the production could get cleaned up or ways that I think this record could be tweaked and optimized, as a general whole the album remains exciting and the sort of thing that devotees to the underground are going to really love a chance to revisit.

Pre-order the album!

https://noltemband.bandcamp.com/

Bizarrekult - Vi Overlevde

Vi Overlevde is an interesting black metal offering emerging from one of the central bastions of the genre, Oslo, Norway. The bands take on post black metal and infuses it both with classic Norwegian ideas as well as the influence of the epic Siberian steppe. The end result is a record that you can get lost in and which seems to continually guide listeners towards darker futures. Grandiose in scope and wondrous in execution this is a triumph and an album you're guaranteed to keep coming back too, mesmerized by the scope.

Bizarrekult excite with the sheer breadth of what they are doing here. 'For 1000 Ar Siden' is a perfect example of this. It's a piece that has massive sounding guitars but also which very much acknowledges the sonic forefathers who came and impressed before. It's the sort of album you can get lost in as you embrace the ferocious blast beats and the epic soundscapes within. There are simply so many triumphantly twisted layers here that it's an honor to just get lost in the morass and embrace the fray. There's so much to love and Vi Overlevde bring you ever deeper into the abyss with every step forward into this bitter and wondrous record. 

This is a masterful record and the more I think my teeth into it the more I'm impressed. Everything from the production to the overarching vision is exciting and well put together. The guitar tones are great and the delivery is flawless. This is clearly a labor of love and you can sense all the hard work that went into it. Vi Overlevde is a stunning take on the world of post black metal and the deeper you immerse yourself into the madness the more clear the power behind the execution becomes. It's a thrilling offering, time to embrace the magic. 

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/bizarrekult

Vous Autres - Sel De Pierre

For those in the know, the French black metal scene is one of the most exciting in the world right now. The bands in this community have really proven that they are a head and shoulders above their peers and the scene keeps feeding off itself. That being said - I have never really heard a band with a crushingly heavy take on the genre the way Vous Autres do. With their stunning second record, Sel De Pierre, these manic Frenchmen have crafted something that really owes more to Amenra than it does to Mayhem, while still being identifiably black metal. 

Release via Season of Mists stellar Underground Activists imprint, the band has been able to impress with some truly massive compositions. The scope of some of these tracks is stunning and the use of 808s in conjunction with real drums on tracks like 'Onde' really helps to set them apart from the pack. What really sticks out though is the absolutely massive production. These songs simply sound huge. Part of this is thanks to the epic bass playing, but also just because of how big the guitar tone is. With plenty of space to breathe in the compositions, this is post black metal that seeks to transcend and guide the listener into madness. 

With Sel De Pierre Vous Autres manage to elbow in on the triumphant and glorious. They have crafted music that is epic in scale and leaves listeners utterly impressed. There is a breadth to what has been done here that many of the bands peers can't even begin to imagine. Sel De Pierre is a massive step forward for this group, and considering that there was only a one year gap from its predecessor you have to wonder what sort of sorcery Vous Autres are conjuring up next. This is a truly impressive release and I can't wait to hear more from the band!

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/vousautresband/

Vous Autres - Sel De Pierre

The French post-black metal scene is truly impressive right now and there's a ton of fascinating stuff going on within the scene that seems to continually be broadening the sound and showcasing new directions that it can take. The latest offering in this vein is from Season of Mist signees Vous Autres. Their new record, Sel De Pierre is masterful. It sees the band crafting some emotionally powerful post black metal that seemingly can't help but to capture the imagination and carry you off on a journey you won't soon forget. It's that good. 

What really shines here is the layers upon layers of production. This is of course oftentimes a must in the post-black metal genre. The synth padding that really accentuates a track like 'Vesuve' is magical and is counterbalance by an utterly crushing rhythm section. The balance between dark and light here is truly impressive. It means that these songs can really give a sort of panoramic view of the artists vision. You find yourself journeying between distinct and beautiful musical landscapes. It's the sort of transcendent and simple poetry that keeps me coming back to the genre and Vous Autres are able to perfectly execute upon it. 

Sel De Pierre is a potent offering. It's impressive to hear something so fully formed coming out barely a year after the bands last release. This is the sort of elegant execution that I hope to see more of in the genre and the way the record is able to ebb and flow makes the entire thing infinitely replayable. Meanwhile distinct elements like the use of what sounds like an 808 drum on Ecueil really are head turners. A lot of thought clearly went into this and the more time you spend unpacking the secrets within the more you are justly rewarded. This is a record that you're going to get lost in - so take the time to turn it up, sit back and enjoy the madness. 

Find them on Facebook!  

https://www.facebook.com/vousautresband/

Constellatia - The Language Of Limbs

There is very little black metal that I hear coming out of South Africa. It's rarer still that the nations black metal get released on a label like Season of Mist - but here we are. The Language Of Limbs is a thrilling debut offering from Constellatia. This project featured members of Wildernessking and Crow Black Sky but it goes so far beyond what either of those bands have done in the past. In fact The Language Of Limbs stands sort of apart. It is indeed essentially post black metal, but the groups unique take is fascinating.

As a general rule the production on this record is fantastic, through both the conventional and the unexpected moments. One moment it particular shines is the way the vocals sit super low in the mix on a track like 'All Nights Belong To You'. It means that they come across more as another instrument rather than vocals in and of themselves. The execution of the songwriting is truly fantastic. With gorgeous guitar tones and a lush mix, the soaring compositions will be sure to turn heads. The Language Of Limbs is a record that you can get lost in and as you explore its many crevices you will find even more fascinating twists and turns.

This is a record any post black metal fan is going to want to spend time with. With soaring female vocals providing breadth to certain songs and searing growls offering torment in others, there is a lot to unpack here. The deeper you delve in The Language Of Limbs the more that you are going to find to love. Constellatia have more than proven themselves with this opening salvo. The elegantly produced guitars, the balance of dark and light and so much more comes together to make for truly thrilling listening.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/constellatiaband

Hope Drone - Void Lustre

Hope Drone has been one of my favorite bands to come out of the Australian underground in a good long while. Void Lustre, their latest offering, is a real scorcher come fresh from Sludgelord Records in collaboration with Moment of Collapse. This is a record that perfectly encapsulates the state of modern post black metal, building on the legacy of acts like Downfall of Gaia or Der Weg Einer Freheit but unleashing it in a distinctly Australian way, bringing in their own vibrant elements all across the album.

I think what I dig about this record is the sheer bombast that it brings. Hope Drone is a band who understand the inherent magic of this genre. Void Lustre routinely shines well above many of the bands peers. Though it may have been four long years since 2015's thrilling debut, Cloak Of Ash it feels like this is in some ways a more authentic look at what the band has been seeking to create. A masterful release through and through, Void Lustre not only speaks to the transcendent power of the genre but also Hope Dron'es skill as songwriters. On this record they pull of multiple ten minute plus tracks with aplomb.

Void Lustre is a stunner. It's a record that transcends and continually points to new heights for a band who seem destined to conquer. Historically Australia hasn't exactly been known for their forward thinking metal. However here we see a group who have the capability to act as a world apart, a group who are destined to inspire with songs that pull at the heart and which seem to push the band ever higher. Well worth the wait, Void Lustre is an exciting offering from Hope Drone and a hint at much more to come.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/HopeDrone/

Gates To The Morning - Return To Earth

Every once in a while you stumble across a band who truly understand the post metal aesthetic. Gates To The Morning is one such band. The deeply conceptual and inherently fascinating masterwork that is Return To Earth is grandiose in its scope and constantly encourages the listener to dig deeper. This is a potent work full of layers and novel twists and turns. In a world where metal often falls into the same tropes, Gates To The Morning build on old formulas with powerful songwriting and tormented souls.

I think what really gets me about this record, and has fascinated me since I got the demos six months ago is the variety of musical colors. The band has had a unique ability to bring in a diverse set of elements and then make them all work in the overarching vision of the project. A track like the somber Chapel Perilous should have no place sitting next to moments of raging black metal, and yet somehow Gates To The Morning pull it off. Return To Earth is a thrilling voyage between dark and light. It continually pushes the band to new heights and forces you to embrace the inherent madness of the genre.

This is the sort of post black metal record that you can get truly lost in. It's symphonic and powerful. It's aware of its own scope, but also its limitations. While this is certainly a bold effort sometimes it doesn't quite hit the peaks it so longs for. Still, there is so much promise here that it would be remiss to ignore what Gates To The Morning are working on. This post metal epic takes the listener on a journey. It continually shows the bands ambition and hints at much more to come. If you can't get on board with that, then the hype train will leave without you.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/gatestothemorning/

Latitudes - Part Island

Now this is a doozy. I will check out pretty much anything that Debemur Morti Productions sends me because I know they are one of the best black metal labels in the world, but this is something else. Previously I was only really familiar with Latitudes by name, but their latest offering, Part Island is proof positive that I need to be delving deep into their back catalog. It's a masterful record and one that speaks to me on so many levels. With its heartfelt honesty, Part Island craft something potent - greater than the sum of its parts.

This is a record that seems to almost shimmer its way into your eardrums. There are so many potent and grandiose elements decorating Part Island that it is hard not to be enchanted by the groups approach to forward thinking progressive post black metal .The songcraft here is on another plane. It almost feels like when Alcest burst onto the scene and no one really knew what to do with them. It's a fascinating listen and the sort of thing that you can't dig into lightly. This is a record that is going to tug on your heart and keep you entranced .It's a record that goes above and beyond, routinely speaking to the incredible depth this record has.

You are going to find yourself drawn into Part Island in a big bad way. Latitudes seem t bring in endless layers here and give you ample time pick them all apart. A record that remains short enough to have high replayability but dense enough to merit it, Part Island speaks to the soul .It travels from peak to peak, never setting down to rest but instead comforting you with a sort of warm breeze. While this record certainly might make you cry, it definitely will make you feel. It's a fascinating voyage, a voyage I won't soon forget.

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