NTTR - No Time to Review

Hexvessel’s Nocturne immerses listeners in an expansive, nocturnal ritual where atmospheric black metal meets psychedelic folk and lush acoustic interludes, resulting in a deeply textured, almost cinematic voyage through shadowed forests and spiritual liminal spaces. Over its near-hour run time, the album balances crushing blackened riffing, harsh and clean vocals, spectral piano passages, synth drones, and ritualistic percussion, forging an emotional ebb and flow that feels both ancient and forward-thinking. It opens with a haunting piano prelude before delving into dense compositions like “Sapphire Zephyrs” and “Spirit Masked Wolf,” weaving in guest vocals and choral elements that enrich its ritualistic ambience. While the extended runtime occasionally tests patience, the richly layered dynamics and deeply immersive atmospheres reward close attention, making Nocturne a majestic and personal exploration of night’s mysticism. Genre : Atmospheric Black Metal Country : Finland Final Ve...

Karg's ninth studio album, Marodeur , marks a significant evolution in the band's journey, transitioning from a solo project to a full-band collaboration. This shift brings a richer, more diverse sound palette, blending the band's signature atmospheric black metal with pronounced influences from post-rock, shoegaze, grunge, and post-punk. The album delves deep into themes of melancholy, loss, and introspection, with lyrics penned in the dialect of Austria's Tennen Mountains, adding a layer of authenticity and regional character . Critics have lauded Marodeur for its emotive depth and sonic complexity. Tracks like "Schnee ist das Blut der Geister" and "Annapurna" showcase the band's ability to weave haunting melodies with intense black metal elements, creating a soundscape that's both brutal and beautiful. The inclusion of guest artists, such as violinist Klara Bachmair and vocalists Perchta and Marko Kolac, adds further texture and dim...

Drudkh's latest album, Shadow Play , marks a return to their atmospheric and melancholic roots, reminiscent of earlier works like Autumn Aurora . The album features expansive compositions that seamlessly blend raw black metal aggression with melodic and folk-inspired elements. Tracks such as "April" and "The Exile" showcase the band's signature use of tremolo-picked riffs, soaring synths, and poignant, raspy vocals, creating immersive soundscapes that evoke themes of nature and introspection. While some listeners may find the album's length and complexity demanding, Shadow Play stands as a testament to Drudkh's enduring ability to craft profound and evocative music within the black metal genre. ​ Sources: Metal Epidemic GRIMM Gent Acta Infernalis MetalBite The Moshville Times Drudkh Bandcamp Genre : Atmospheric Black Metal Country : Ukraine Final Verdict: 70% (Very Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 20th / 238 Highlight : The Exile Made me thin...

"Amidst the Ruins" marks Saor's sixth full-length release, showcasing a return to their signature blend of atmospheric black metal and Celtic folk influences. The album is praised for its evocative storytelling and the seamless integration of traditional instruments like tin whistles and Uilleann pipes, which enrich the immersive experience. Tracks such as "The Sylvan Embrace," featuring Jo Quail on cello, offer a harmonious sanctuary within the album's dynamic range. While some reviewers note a desire for deeper Scottish elements in the composition, the consensus highlights the album's majestic and triumphant soundscapes that transport listeners to the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Sources: theprogressivesubway.com ninecircles.co angrymetalguy.com Genre : Atmospheric Black Metal Country : UK Final Verdict: 69% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 9th / 123 Highlight : Amidst the Ruins Made me think of: Winterfylleth Panopticon Cân Bardd #newalbum #newalbum20...

"Kadath" has been lauded for its intricate songwriting and immersive atmosphere, effectively capturing the essence of Lovecraftian horror. The album comprises seven tracks, totaling over 73 minutes, with compositions that blend ferocious black metal elements with melancholic melodies and dynamic shifts. The 15-minute instrumental "Leng" stands out for its expansive and evocative soundscapes, showcasing the band's compositional prowess. The production quality is praised for its clarity and balance, allowing each instrument to contribute to the album's dense and haunting atmosphere. Overall, "Kadath" is considered a monumental addition to The Great Old Ones' discography, solidifying their place in the post-black metal genre. Metal Temple Review Sputnikmusic Review Metal Utopia Review Antihero Magazine Review Genre : Atmospheric Black Metal Country : France Final Verdict: 70% (Very Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 5th / 65 Highlight : Leng Made me th...

"Scorched Earth" has been praised for its intricate songwriting and emotional depth. The album features guest contributions from Tim Yatras of Austere and Serena Cherry of Svalbard, adding diverse vocal elements to the tracks. The band's signature blend of post-rock and black metal elements creates expansive soundscapes that are both haunting and captivating. Tracks like "Keep Me Longing" and "Without You I'm Just a Sad Song" showcase the band's ability to craft lengthy compositions that remain engaging throughout. The album also includes a cover of Radiohead's "Street Spirit (Fade Out)," reimagined with a heavier, atmospheric approach. Overall, "Scorched Earth" is considered a compelling addition to Harakiri for the Sky's discography, reflecting their continued evolution and mastery of their unique sound. Sources: MetalSucks Podcast Interview Metal Wani Review The Headbanging Moose Review Metal-Rules Review Genre : ...

Vanessa Funke's third full-length album, Void , released on July 12, 2024, showcases her prowess as a multi-instrumentalist and composer, blending atmospheric black metal with elements of melodic death and gothic metal. The album comprises eight tracks, including "The First Word," "Loneliness," and "Blood On My Hands," each reflecting a melancholic and immersive sonic landscape. Critics commend Funke's ability to evoke a dark, fantastical atmosphere, with Female Fronted Power describing the album as "an ethereal masterpiece" that transports listeners into a gothic fantasy. Angry Metal Guy highlights her instrumental versatility, noting that her "songwriting appears to have no limitations." While some reviewers, such as Album of The Year , suggest that certain track lengths may feel extended, the overall reception emphasizes the album's emotional depth and atmospheric richness. Sources: Angry Metal Guy Female Fronted Power...

Darkspace's album Dark Space -II , released on February 16, 2024, continues the Swiss trio's exploration of cosmic themes through a dense blend of atmospheric black metal and dark ambient soundscapes. The album comprises a single, continuous 47-minute track, "Dark-2.-2," divided into four excerpts, immersing listeners in a vast, cold, and desolate sonic journey. Critics praise the band's ability to evoke the emptiness and isolation of space, with layers of distorted guitars, ambient synths, and relentless drumming creating an otherworldly atmosphere. While some note that the album's length and repetitive structures may challenge casual listeners, Dark Space -II is lauded for its immersive experience, appealing to fans of the genre seeking a profound auditory voyage into the void. Sources: Distorted Sound Magazine Angry Metal Guy New Noise Magazine Genre : Atmospheric Black Metal Country : Switzerland Final Verdict : 73% (Very Good Album) Yearly Ranking : 34...

"Die Berge" immerses listeners in over 100 minutes of raw, atmospheric black metal, evoking the majestic and forbidding landscape of the Swiss Alps. Tracks feature expansive ambient soundscapes paired with intense black metal, exploring themes of death and transcendence. Lo-fi production enhances immersion, drawing listeners into a chilling, mountainous journey. The album stands as a monumental work in atmospheric black metal, offering a profound exploration of nature's grandeur and mortality.  Discogs ,   Schwermetall ,   Metal  Injection ,   Metal .de ,   Wonderbox  Metal Genre : Atmospheric Black Metal Country : Switzerland Final Verdict : 66% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 243th / 839 Highlight : Gipfel Made me think of: Darkspace Burzuma Xasthur #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #AtmosphericBlackMetal #Paysaged'Hiver #Switzerland #LP #Album #release  

Azketem’s self-titled album, Azketem , presents a polished and atmospheric take on black metal, blending expansive guitars, commanding vocals, and authoritative drumming to create an immersive soundscape. The album shifts from haunting ambient intros to powerful and bombastic tracks like "Schwarze Schwäne" and "Nordtor," showcasing a balance of ethereal and dark elements. Reviews highlight the improved production quality and the intricate melding of post-rock and gothic influences, though some critique its emotional flatness and lack of dynamic variety​ ( Distorted Sound Magazine ) ​​ ( Home | Soundscape ) ​​ ( Spirit of Metal ) ​. Overall, Azketem is a compelling step forward in atmospheric black metal, with room for further exploration in future works. Genre : Atmospheric Black Metal Country : Germany Final Verdict: 58% (Pleasant Album) Yearly Ranking : 460th / 567 Highlight : Azetik Made me think of: Wolves in the Throne Room Mgła Alcest #newalbum #newalbum...

Genre : Atmospheric Black Metal Country : US Final Verdict: 65% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 194th / 558 Highlight : Through the Abyssal Door Made me think of: Emperor Leviathan Blut Aus Nord #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #AtmosphericBlackMetal #Akhlys #US #LP #Album #release  

Genre : Atmospheric Black Metal Country : Finland Final Verdict: 65% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking : 82th / 249 Highlight : The Drifter Made me think of: Hexvessel Saor Panopticon #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #AtmosphericBlackMetal #IterumNata #Finland #LP #Album #release  

Genre : Atmospheric Black Metal Country : Norway Final Verdict : 63% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 35th / 72 Highlight : The Deepening Made me think of: Oranssi Pazuzu Enslaved Mgła #newalbum #newalbum2023 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #AtmosphericBlackMetal #Vemod #Norway #LP #Album #release  

Genre : Atmospheric Black Metal Country : Russia Final Verdict: 78% (Very Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 1st / 56 Highlight : Sacrifice Made me think of: Trna Unreqvited Heretoir #newalbum #newalbum2023 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #AtmosphericBlackMetal #Olhava #Russia #LP #Album #release  

Genre : Atmospheric Black Metal Country : US Final Verdict : 65% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 365th / 982 Highlight : C edar Skeletons Made me think of : Wolves in the Throne Room Saor Winterfylleth #newalbum #newalbum2023 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #AtmosphericBlackMetal #Panopticon #US #LP #Album #release  

Genre : Atmospheric Black Metal Country : Sweden Final Verdict: 70% (Very Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 96th / 963 Highlight : Vast and Wild (added to my 2023 best of) Made me think of: Ambeon The Third and the Mortal Kate Bush #newalbum #newalbum2023 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #AtmosphericBlackMetal #Helga #Sweden #LP #Album #release  

Genre : Atmospheric Black Metal Country : Netherlands Final Verdict : 82% (Very Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 11th / 923 Highlight : The Sea Made me think of: Insomnium Agalloch Alcest #newalbum #newalbum2023 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #AtmosphericBlackMetal #Shylmagoghnar #Netherlands #LP #Album #release  

Genre : Atmospheric Black Metal Country : UK Final Verdict: 70% (Very Good Album) Yearly Ranking : 91th / 859 Highlight : False Constellation Made me think of: Falls of Rauros Ultha Wormwitch  

Genre : Atmospheric Black Metal Country : France Final Verdict: 62% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking : 423th / 770 Highlight : The Endless Multitude Made me think of: Agalloch Wolves in the Throne Room Burzum  

Genre : Atmospheric Black Metal Country : Germany Final Verdict: 67% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 165th / 766 Highlight : The Pit Made me think of: Panopticon Saor Harakiri for the Sky