Doomed For Metal Reviews

Pillar of Light is a doom metal band from Detroit, Michigan who hit the scene in 2023 with their demo, “ Leaving .” The band is now gracing us with the monumental album “ Caldera .” Pillar of Light ’s brand of doom includes sludge and even post-metal elements. They weld their brand of doom/sludge like the deadliest weapon in the world—this album is crushing in every sense of the word. The music pours into my ears like cement, filling up and hardening as each layer becomes nearly unbreakable with its weight. So yeah, it’s heavy. But not only because of the music. The emotional weight of this album is of Godzilla-sized proportions. At times, this album is hard to listen to—and I mean that as the highest of compliments. The heart and soul of this band has been poured into every note—they make me feel it too.  It’s a rare album that can be a monolithic wall of sound and still also be very discernible music. “ Caldera ,” is an album that I can play and just let it wash over me ...

Thyrathen is a black metal band from Greece, who formed in 2011.  Their latest release, “ Lakonic ,” is their second full-length album. I missed Thyrathen's debut album but “ Lakonic ” has hit me hard.   In some ways, it’s a stripped down approach. Synths, keys, post-passage, and ambient soundscapes are nowhere to be found across the album’s 7 track, 45 minute runtime.   There is definitely a charm to this approach, a certain touch of classic repertoire that basks in its own purity. But, at the same time, this isn’t run-of-the-mill black metal either.   Due to the use of the vocal styles and the lyre, “ Lakonic ” is an album that stands out with its own sound even while it seeks to honor the foundations of the genre. Though much of its focus is on the vocals and lyre, it is still very much a riff based album with a lot of sweet riffs.  The guitar tone is pretty damn strong too but none of the elements have to fight each other to be heard.  Th...

Nogothula is a death metal band from Ohio, who formed in 2021. Their latest album, “ Telluric Sepsis ,” is their debut-full length album; they have also released an EP. This album is one hell of a surprise for me.  Apparently, it came out back in April in digital but is making its rounds again at the end of the year because it’s getting physical releases.  Well deserved and I bet this sounds killer on vinyl. Although obviously death metal oriented, there are some blackened and progressive elements thrown into the mix as well.  Throw in a spacey/sci-fi atmosphere to the brutal proceedings and the creation is the monstrous “ Telluric Sepsis .” Across the 9 song, 43 minute runtime, the band weaves its tendrils through the void across various tempos and style changes that kept me on my toes.  It’s never too much at once, however, and all the songs compliment each other and the album’s overall style.  The familiarity that exists across the album keeps it anchored jus...

Asenheim is a black metal band from Germany, who formed in 2004.  Their latest release, “ Wolkenbrecher ,” is their 9th full-length album; they have also released eight demos, five EPs, a split, and a boxed set. This is my first experience with Asenheim ’s brand of black metal; there sound is describe as an “old-school form of pagan black metal.”  Honestly, that could mean anything so I really wasn’t sure what I would be hearing! What I have heard is a fantastic black metal album with its own style.   The band certainly has a grasp on old-school black metal, right down to the production.  It’s a little raw and quiet on the volume side of the production but I think that works in the album’s favor.  The mix is really good—everything can be heard clearly and that’s good because there are a lot of details to this music.  It’s very engaging as well and will take multiple listens to catch everything.  That’s perfect because the songs are well-written enoug...

Everto Signum is a black metal band from Portugal, who formed in 2010.  Their latest album, “ Beastiary ,” is their second full-length album; they have also released an EP.   The band is highly inspired by nature and called their musical style “ Elemental Black Metal .”  This idea, this inspiration from nature, translates into the themes of “ Beastiary .”   The overall story guides the listener through a chain reaction of natural disasters.  That story is represented through each of the seven songs, seven different cataclysms.    It’s an interesting concept but, and this is me being honest, none of that matters if it’s not presented to the listener the right way. Well, does the band get their point across effectively? Everto Signum absolutely nail it.  “ Beastiary ,” is a very adventurous album with a lot of energy.  Not only that but there is definitely a wild urgency running through the songs that is as infectious as it is danger...

Duisternis is a one-man black metal band from Scotland.  The project's latest album, “ Relapse Into Submission ,” is its debut full-length album; an EP was also released earlier in the year. The band’s name is Dutch for “darkness,” and I would say it’s a damn good name for the project.  “ Relapse Into Submission ,” is a very dark album, maybe one of the darkest I’ve heard this year in terms of atmosphere.  The project has a very DIY feel to it and is just raw enough to capture the essence of the black metal genre.  However, it isn’t overly raw and this isn’t just another random black metal band.  Although it has many of the genre’s hallmarks, this is also an album that aims to do something different and stretch beyond its own boundaries. It’s atmospheric but in a more subtle way, rather than an expansive and bombastic fashion.  There are elements of industrial music, specifically synths and eerie effects.  These elements are used very effectively and c...

Old Wainds is a black metal band from Russia, who formed in 1995.  Their latest album, “ Stormheart ” is their fifth full-length album; they have also released three demos and a split.   “ Stormheart ,” also happens to be the band’s first album in ten years!  So many bands once thought lost are making comebacks…and this album is one of the strongest ones I’ve heard lately.   This album is interesting because it has a firm grasp on black metal’s aggression but it’s still atmospheric.  While it leans more on fast paced energy, it isn’t afraid to be introspective when needed.  An example is the opening song, “ Watch The Midnight Unveil .”  The intro builds up into fast paced drums and a cold, distant atmosphere that’s highlighted by subtle melody at a much slower tempo.  It’s an odd sort of combination that works because it builds up the tension, leading into a steady groove by the time the full band comes in. The song stops for a brief se...

Order of Nosferat is a black metal band of international origins, specifically Germany and Finland. Their latest album, “ Towards the Nightrealm of Orlok ,” is their sixth full-length album; they have also released a split. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I love reviewing so much because of all the badass bands I get to discover.  Case in point is Order of Nosferat ; their latest blackened slab of bloody vampiric haunts is my first time hearing the band’s music.   I love how damn raw this album is yet it has a keen sense of melody with its usage of synths/keyboards.  Their metallum page says they are black metal and dungeon synth.  I won’t argue with that but this album is way more interesting than any true dungeon synth I’ve heard. It is obviously a big part of their sound but the black metal shares equal airtime as well.  As a result, “ Towards the Nightrealm of Orlok ,” is an album that is haunting all the time even while it is throat rippin...

Deivos is a death metal band from Poland, who formed in 1997.  Their latest album, “ Apophenia ” is their seventh full-length album; they have also released a demo and an EP.   This is the first time I’ve heard their music and I’m kicking myself—I’ve been missing out for 27 years!  Damn!  Oh well, better late than never, right?  Unfortunately, I did not have time to check out their back catalog but if “ Apophenia ” is any indication, I'm in for quite the ride. This is exactly the kind of death metal I like: bludgeoning yet engaging.  From the first note to the last, the entire blistering 33 minute runtime across 9 songs is an absolute blast. The aspect I like most about the album is that’s it is technical without all the moddern “widdly wham” that comes with *insert random tech death band here* these days.  These days?  I know I sound like an old man yelling at clouds (I’m 41 so I guess I am old anyway) but I just love it when a band can play...

Mefitis is an extreme metal band from California, who formed in 2007.  Their latest album “ The Skorian//The Greyleer ” is their third full-length album; they have also released two demos. According to their metallum page, the band is described as “dark metal.”  Going into a bit more detail from such an ambiguous term, I could easily see their music being labeled as death, black, and even Gothic.  Regardless of what genre you want to lump them into, “ The Skorian//The Greyleer ,” is an adventurous extreme metal album with a lot of detail to it.  This album certainly isn’t an easy listen at first.  It flows very well and with a run time of just under 42 minutes across 8 songs, it isn’t overly long either.  But it’s dense with a lot going on.  Sometimes these details are more obvious with a direct approach but, at other times, the band doesn’t have any issues taking a more subtle approach.   Personally, I like music like this and this was a fun...

Against I is a Swedish melodic death metal band, who formed in 2022.  Their latest album, " Songs For The Dying ," is their second full-length album; they have also released four EPs. Sweden isn’t a stranger to melodic death metal, having given birth to it decades ago.  Over the long years, the scene has come and gone through a lot of sounds.   Ranging from the classic Gothenburg sound to more aggressive avenues (and everything in between), the country has been pumping out melodic and melancholic jams so consistently that you would be forgiven for rolling your eyes at yet another melodic death metal band trying to get their name out there.  Don’t roll them too far or you’ll miss Against I , whose “ Songs For The Dying ,” shows a lot of promise for this still young band.  What the album lacks in originality, it more than makes up for in energy and composition. Against I play a very modern version of melodic death; the influences from the old-school days ar...

Isleptonthemoon is a one-man project from Atlanta, Georgia who combine post-rock, metal, depressive black and shoegaze into a style that channels Neverending pain and sadness. It's latest album, “ Only the Stars Know of My Mistfortune ,” is the fourth album released.  The production is great. Although the album’s sound is certainly massive, perhaps even monolithic in terms of its stark emotional towers, the production and mix is open; everything flows freely and, with a decent pair of headphones, will envelope the senses.  This is quite the arresting journey. It almost aways has a give and a take with the music, a constant push and pull between light and dark elements. I like that because even when it's at its most blackened moments, a certain gentle fragility exists. This is pained, harended music from a grave in place of a heart but it's also always teetering on the edge of a mental and emotional breakdown.  On the flipside, the light elements, the ones that shine more ...

Bedsore  is an extreme progressive metal band from Italy, who formed in 2018. Their latest album, “ Dreaming The Strife For Love ,” is their second full-length album; they have also released a demo and a split. This was a hard album for me to review. I was a huge fan of their debut full-length “ Hypnagogic Hallucinations ,” so I was taken aback by the sounds presented on this album. The band’s prior music isn't a stranger to progressive elements but on this one they dive heard first into 70s prog rock. As a whole, I find it works pretty well but it certainly feels like it's more prog rock than metal at times.  That may or may not be a deal breaker for some so mileage may vary. For me personally, I feel like this album leans so heavily into its influences that it loses a lot of the mind numbing psychosis that made their debut so impressive to me. But this album is worthy for the bold risks it takes and how unique it sounds. There isn't a shortage of bands mixing old with the...

Vidres A La Sang is a black metal band from Spain who formed in 2002.  Their latest album, “ Virtut Del Desencis ” is their sixth full-length album. “ Virtut Del Desencis ” is a strikingly well written album!   This is an amazingly unique extreme metal album that mixes it up ways few bands I’ve heard this year have.  Although black, and even death metal are definitely the basis of their core sound, they really can’t be pigeon holed into any one style.    In essence, this album is versatile and dynamic; it kept me guessing where it was going to go from one song to the next. WIth that’ being said, it doesn’t sound too out there or disjointed.  Despite the myriad sounds presented across its 6 song, nearly 45 runtime, it always feels cohesive with expertly managed flow.  45 minutes isn’t too much to ask for six songs—in fact, it will actually be a lot longer because they are so damn good, you’ll want to hear them again and again.  The production...

Tyrannic is a black metal band from Australia, who formed in 2010.  Their latest album, “ Tyrannic Desolation ,” is their third full-length album; they have also released two demos, a split, a compilation, and an EP. Tyrannic is definitely black metal but, if this album is any indication, they are also doom metal.  There is a strong element of that style throughout the album and, considering it’s my favorite genre, I’m right here for it.   “ Tyrannic Desolation ,” is certainly an interesting album that embraces many of the old-school leanings of black metal.  It’s a raw approach that is bursting at the seams of its leather with desolation and cold, bleak music. Nothing here is flashy, overdone, and bloated with anything other than, well, straight up black metal.  But their doom elements help the album so much—this part of their sound doesn’t so much as change the direction of the album as it does improve it.  The slow to mid-paced parts keep the album ...

Hjemsøkt is a black metal band from Norway, who hit the scene last year with their debut EP “ Mystikk og mørke .”  A year later, they return with their full-length debut album “ Om vinteren, på en sort trone .” The band describes their style as “ Ethereal Misantropic Black Metal .”  I definitely think that is a great way to describe the album.  Oftentimes, it fully embraces the more abrasive side of the genre by offering fast songs, searing riffs, and vicious blackened screams.  However,  that only tells half the story.  This album is also filled with many atmospheric/ethereal moments that showcase the band’s willingness to step outside the box. The band embraces their dynamic style right out of the gates with the first song, “ Døden hersker blandt fjord & fjel .” The clean instruments and chanting begins the song on a surprisingly different note than I would have thought. This part flows nicely so nothing feels forced when the black metal kicks after t...

A Dead Poem is a blackened doom metal band from Brazil, who formed in 2023.  “ Abstract Existence ” is their debut full-length; they released an EP in 2023.  This is a very striking debut and it sounds like it comes from a band who has been around much longer than they have.  Clearly, the duo of lead guitarist/bassist Marlon and Vocalist/guitarist/keyboardist/drummer Be Misanthropic have a firm grasp on the vision of this album.  This effectively combines doom, Gothic, and blackened elements into one broad,  harrowing sound of dire melancholic madness.  The production must be praised.  It’s raw and bleak, it’s menacing tendrils wrapping around each note and instrument of these songs and pulling it into its void.  It’s the perfect atmosphere for the songs which combine a subtle form of aggression, low-key danger, and stark gloominess.  Overall, it sounds quite abrasive yet it’s open enough to let the many dismal melodies and sorrowful passa...

Tethra is a doom metal band from Italy, who formed in 2008.  Their latest release, “ Withered Heart Standing ,” is their fourth full-length album; they have also released an EP. I discovered Tethra back in 2020 when I reviewed their third full-length album, “ Empire of the Void ,” for Metal Temple.  I gave the album high marks and still listen to it on occasion to this day.  So how does “ Withered Heart Standing ” compare to an album I so obviously love? It’s just as good, and in some ways, even better.   “ Withered Heart Standing ,” has eight songs, two less than the previous album.  It’s also about eight minutes shorter, with a runtime of just under 49 minutes.  This slightly shorter approach is better because it trims the fat and offers a more focused album.  It flows a lot better too, with no filler.   The band’s brand of melodic death/doom remains intact but they also explore more Gothic elements this time around.  Gothic and d...

Misanthropic Aggression is an extreme metal band from Atlanta, Georgia who formed in 2015.  Their latest release, “ Insect Politics ,” is their full-length debut; they have also released a demo and two EPs. This album is a blast from start to finish.  Across its 12 track, 38 minute runtime, this duo blazes through death, black, and crust on a ride to hell and back.  It’s fast, catchy, energetic, and groovy as hell. The crust/hardcore punk aspects of the music works in their favor, such as on the opening song, “ Social Ruin .”  It’s short and high-octane–just over a minute of screaming death vocals, blistering rhythms, and riffs for days.   As soon as that song ends, the title track begins.  There isn’t any rest, no time for a breather–just the next face melting song.  The production is balanced, each instrument throwing out fire that bounces off the walls, hits each other, and finds its place as the song moves perpetually forward.  The middl...