The Black Metal November

Here it is! Have fun! Here are all the albums I wanted to post during the black metal november but didn't because I got distracted by Counter Strike.

I've written short thoughts about each so you have some guidance but also youtube links!

Abigor - 1996 - Opus IV
Short thoughts: Third Abigor album and one of my favorites from their “olden days”. Intricate riffing and solid song structure makes it great but their unique atmosphere and sound makes them stand out from the crowd.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlAHiyGN-l8
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!tsImSbSI!YI6h5pnMJ2Ypxz9iILBMgRmve4FLUtnW21T39dpIGQ8

Agrypnie - 2010 - 16[485]
Short thoughts: Interesting and unique. I never delved completely into this band because it’s not exactly something that I generally listen but every now and then I remember this band and this album and I decide to spin it. It’s modern, slick and unusual so it can appeal even to outsiders.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psva0eSZx6c
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!BkZSmaya!KLFDiG7TEvipXwhtqQzCapnAgzYX4QEYs5OexctsFfA

Altar of Plagues - 2009 - White Tomb
Short thoughts: AoP is a band that is now stigmatized by the audience (especially since their final album) as one of those black metal bands that are for people who aren’t into black metal. I like them despite the stigma and I think they had a mostly good run. White Tomb is when they were a much more rawer and “truer” experience.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCLbV-m-adI
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!Q15ijACa!kjF5KsbupliqZb9eGg_7l-HUQSW931VQUK4hz0WeUPQ

Antaeus - 2000 - Cut Your Flesh And Worship Satan
Short thoughts: A very famous French band that I often come back to. This is their first full length and I absolutely love it. It’s raw and it’s pretty straightforward but it has a lot of charm and charisma. It’s also not that long so it does not get boring.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmhOTG0rm5Q
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!8kBgxDgZ!bgxkkYLBENKLFrY5_cMtmHz5-Mk1ToSp6juTQa-twbw

Antaeus - 2006 - Blood Libels
Short thoughts: Probably their best album so far. They ironed out their production and writing skills so this is pretty much their magnum opus. Very fast and very intense album.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_8jeMk8jNs
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!ZgwAyDIZ!7F-PE4G7jcCVhPRoTnhtMN15q-lDPWwdYAAAsyGL9oE

Aosoth - 2009 - Ashes of Angels
Short thoughts: A band that hit it big with their 2013 album called An Arrow in Heart. Ashes of Angels is a much more humble and old-school record but there is much merit in it. Even though it’s conventional in every way they manage to make it compositionally interesting by doing something new and interesting on each track. Their best from their catalog in my opinion.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hw7vE2TdRoA
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!h85zGT4B!V7s3PPhW6evlxWn-LYg6t6Q0K9xTHK2F0xo1L1sYpvY

Ash Pool - 2007 - World Turns On Its Hinge
Short thoughts: Joint project from the guy behind Prurient and some other random dude. It’s a take on more noisy and punkish black metal. Later on in their career they got really stale and “weak” but their debut album is excellent albeit often reminding me of some kind of softer version of Bone Awl. Very raw and relentless nonetheless.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpYckk6-MeM
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!1kw2mZCL!Zc_ZwFM-jNfxvmFk1LWOuHnh5BFSJuE778VmQLZYvAU

Bestial Warlust - 1994 - Vengeance War Till Death
Short thoughts: Bestial black metal from Australia of all places. I don’t know a lot of bands from Australia but I decided to check out some “cult classics” and this album really grabbed me. It’s one of those hate it or love it cases so if you’re not particularly into bestial breed of black metal - don’t grab this.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itmD1sP6MSo
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!Mo4VlJ5B!8mbVGP3HaF_ngdf6vGv8Z8CY6nMoJvki4JkgDlk3bPI

Black Cilice - 2011 - A Corpse, A Temple
Short thoughts: A little known band from Portugal that has a slew of demos, splits and EPs. This is their first official full length and it’s different, strange and inaccesible. It’s noisy but not noise-like. It’s very cold and distant but also very piercing with its sound. Not for everyone.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmZyUmrZNhg
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!EkJzharD!iQ2jbzVzFjBX6dARW52668LMpR1-6uwl7QM8-d_3VMI

Blasphemophagher - 2008 - Nuclear Empire of Apocalypse
Short thoughts: This band is so far the most accessible and plesant sounding bestial black metal band that I found. If you’re looking to ease your way into this microgenre of Blasphemy worship I think this might be a good place to start.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7K39a1qpNo
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!cgRhhBIJ!yEyZ-uH0GJzj8R7bJkC63JcT4tGSwmsv9j6qR_9FLBA

Chalice Of Blood - 2005 - Angelus Diaboli
Short thoughts: A lovingly short demo tape riding on the occult and “orthodox” hype train. It’s not very original (they do have a cool cover for this demo though) but I like it nonetheless mainly because of its throwback 2nd wave sound mixed with early DsO.

Sample: N/A
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!AloVCB4Q!w6-tQOXg9avfSkYYvRFymlA70w9Ac83MF7P4-biFOlo

Code - 2009 - Resplendent Grotesque
Short thoughts: Code has three albums. Their last being a new venture with new members (didn't like it very much). Before that they released two albums with completely different line-ups. Both are very interesting and good but I prefer this one a bit more than the other. It’s a mix of things, not very straightforward album but it has a unique atmosphere, great compositions and excellent execution. It’s what I would call a unique and innovative album that retains its roots.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7QY8ab8aKc
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!FhBHmSLK!RTD5_b7gg7onPzY4-WRFZZk45Pam9QyQDMdnYxVgmq0

Craft - 2002 - Terror Propaganda
Short thoughts: Swedish mid-paced black metal. Angry, cold and bitter record with lovingly raspy vocals. Imagine mid-era Darkthrone but done well and you get this album.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGgSOypU3vs
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!slwHhayb!a7uXtBtCdfGsQECuw_AhXZa7MZ-DwQ1tTEVmDf-rNbY

Dead Shell of Universe - 2008 - Tamo Gde Pupoljak Vene...Tamo Je Moje Seme
Short thoughts: A Serbian black metal band that released this and then went into silence. I’m not sure what’s going on with them but this EP proved that they have solid skill in making good DsO inspired black metal. They took a lot of cues from Si Monumentum Requires, Circumspice so if you liked that album chances are pretty good that you’ll enjoy this one too.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WW5B2iENys
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!sl4FBYxY!BWzuOqAaBXpbKDYjkjxTgyIOk6vIR3Qt9kyvXbXmGSM

Der Weg Einer Freiheit - 2011 - Agonie
Short thoughts: Tremolo loving and blast beating band from Germany. It leans on the depressive side of things but it’s not obnoxious. This was their EP that they put out after their debut album. It’s a refinement of their craft and a glimpse into their fruitful future. Great and relatively short introduction for a very consistently good but overlooked band.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHrO9AJzWNg
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!Y9w13YLD!EH6uuVsUdw5cHqRa3lD_hlXixA1QOrkk1v5byfMha84

Dødsengel - 2009 - Visionary
Short thoughts: Mostly known for their massive two hour trek called Imperator these guys did great stuff before that. While Imperator was something that I personally never managed to like their other albums I've enjoyed immensely. Visionary is probably my favorite from the bunch. It’s a very bare, sharp record that’s brimming with insanity in its riffs and vocals. Very energetic, alive and passionate record.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1a62abVyoY
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!wooGnIbL!TdQ8kJl96Ae8N51TklKIJFGs5BDzxHS7nDVbQbEjU4c

Dødsengel - 2010 - Mirium Occultum
Short thoughts: Another album that I like by these guys. In contrast to Visionary this album is much more restrained, calm and brooding. It’s a somber and slow record filled with dread on each track. A showcase that this band can do different styles while maintaining their unique aura.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t85Bq5_a-rY
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!ZpozWYzB!1YdrpYVzTCR6crQnvGgE12OTqMfPnWEGnAEUFBaxrz0

Dusk - 2005 - Carpathian Darkness
Short thoughts: A Hungarian band! I've heard very few black metal bands from Hungary and most of them I didn't really like sadly. Dusk is nothing new but it’s a well made Darkthrone-esque old school black metal album. Their other albums are not that great.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgLPpqaIFz4
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!d8Qxyb7L!ONvvvtecCzwLPBbwmzVlx6JxDWQI1TZWpjOJjcE3PIk

Elderwind - 2012 - Magic Wildlife
Short thoughts: Slow paced moody black metal album that goes for the atmosphere rather than riffing. It’s well made, maybe a little derivative but it has its heart in the right place. Melancholic and slow, this is something I always want to put on if I’m working on something at home and outside is just a wall of winter fog.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jewP1R9gbog
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!c1pz2ShT!ZYnwxcEOGzmgE7SpqbZ5sUfWjdQ9EJRqgwOX9tapaSI

Endstille - 2003 - Frühlingserwachen
Short thoughts: This band is pretty much how I would like Marduk to sound after their Panzer Division Marduk. While Marduk is more loose and chaotic Endstille is calm, directed and lethal. Also very fun. This is perhaps their most unique album.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa1GwEOKf9Y
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!gpI22RRI!XAzx1feXKhUI4Led7-U-EJp6v1li2yhoeMdS-zJd6aA

Endstille - 2004 - Dominanz
Short thoughts: The only problem that I have with Endstille is that they like to do the same idea over and over. This album is the groundwork of what’s to come later in their career.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-wRs5945Q8
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!h95DkC4a!VHK3q2LOe2dJy355Olb-AWaDDBuGEF1EhLggsYMvD7M

Enslaved - 1994 - Frost
Short thoughts: Enslaved is one of those old school bands that managed to break out of their shackles and profit from it. In a creative way of course. They went on to do a lot of interesting and different albums but Frost is and album that I always come back to when I think of them. It’s just so lovingly created, the drumming especially. So much tasty fills and passages, everything else just fits in with them so nicely. One of my favorites.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KySr2rBvHE
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!dgwWgQ5B!MkLvdLtBtWR1LequWL9twjK83UqYLF0ISGME6Jac1Qo

Fauna - 2012 - Avifauna
Short thoughts: A band coming from the USA with a focus on atmosphere and nature. Slow building and ethereal this band likes to take its time to get to the point but I think it’s very well executed. They’re flawed but even with that I think they’re unappreciated in the great scheme of things.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-s_6G-cR2Ok
Link:
https://mega.co.nz/#!o1pTFToA!saTaBEEajd2iVgYeGdhutWbsBObpyItc8_mf-WtZMAY
https://mega.co.nz/#!N5oEBLDb!btBs7hlayDKh3F8wAHvg7LnawF5N7P2jAuBC5EefTYY
https://mega.co.nz/#!w151DDzC!JmrW2o6-T3r7L4BYdd1bvp8fOogPv5K_fUCiBcTiMi0

Forest - 1998 - Foredooming the Hope for Eternity
Short thoughts: Scandinavia had Darkthrone but Russia had Forest. An enigmatic band from the 90s that produced some really excellent lo-fi black metal. I don’t know much about them and it’s a possibility they were a nazi band but if you can get past that you’re in for some really good and moody lo-fi black metal burning with that 90s passion.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTVT0BlQ72A
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!hth0QYSI!9G1Zm2W2ArEbrv5Yp3oa_mEGOalSyU0QtOLId-QtbaE

Graupel - 2010 - Am Pranger
Short thoughts: I found these guys out via a split that they did with Endstille. They were pretty good on it so I decided to check them out in full. They have two albums (from what I recall) and this is the one that I like a bit better. Well produced, oppressive, finely paced and packing that Germanic punch throughout makes this album a very enjoyable listen every time I remember myself that this band exists.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLNN24lVkfE
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!4txnEABY!38ct5sOerlEJGXo6fuLP5nERFQzznI4S10hUUVE5Bx8

Hate Forest - 2003 - Purity
Short thoughts: The legendary Hate Forest. A Ukrainian band that everyone should know (and potentially love). Very minimal and very harsh this is something I always like to spin if I’m in a mood for some “eastern European” black metal. All of his records are kinda samey but I find myself listening to this one the most.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5aSXUhAXDE
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!FppjEJ5Q!dzJQDewN5X_8F4jbsVpDGEX4bn8JZQKBaveG7GIUe3o

Helrunar - 2005 - Frostnacht
Short thoughts: Another German delight. There’s nothing really for me to say here. They’re a modern, polished black metal that avoids the satanic in favor of paganism and nature. Although it’s modern they carry the 2nd wave torch proudly, especially in the vocal department. A good entry album into their overall stainless discography. They have a new album this year but I haven’t checked it out yet.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27ZVwjIzLTI
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!Qo4XCT6b!0D3znaRymLWaDBR47iQzF4QLJqfmM7OZ0vl67HycpkU

Horna - 2008 - Sanojesi Äärelle
Short thoughts: When it comes to Finland I’m more of a death metal guy but generally I’m not really aware of a lot of bands that come from there. Horna was probably the first Finnish metal band that I've actually listened and they've been a mixed bag for me ever since. Their discography is massive and I never really bothered myself to go through it all but every now and then I’ll pick something out form them and try it out. This was my latest positive hit. It’s a two CD album with the first CD being more polished and pretty while the second one is a much more raw affair. That second CD is pretty much why I’m sharing this album, it’s just that great.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxUtxcoEU_o
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!ZppzwbjI!qwhpp7zx_A4YyFhkwJhiv6c6phK-O1oyPJKcIatv-NQ

Inferno - 2009 - Black Devotion
Short thoughts: Another band with a massive discography. I've only heard two albums by these guys and I like them both equally but this one seems to be much more focused and coherent. They’re currently riding the ultra-orthodox super-scary-serious Satanism that seems to be all the rage these days. If you’re into that sort of thing be sure to check these guys out.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LntGaCjPBJ0
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!YggiFSLR!qmEAnfjGyEnr2ReKfyiPYs9gHwrceW7z_xDPqvLOY_E

Inquisition - 2010 - Ominous Doctrines Of The Perpetual Mystical Macrocosm
Short thoughts: Oh God those riffs! THE RIFFS! SO MANY, SO TASTY. THE RIFFS MUST FLOW. If you can get past the Immortal-esque frog vocal delivery you’re into the wildest and most pleasurable riff ride of your entire black metal LIFE.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2TgehDuBOU
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!10gzCA6S!73hPHvQN3-o7h-jczZcgI0zeylbgT8CsEHdKNPe_MlM

Ithdabquth Qliphoth - 2005 - Ithdabquth Qliphoth
Short thoughts: A Russian band that I obsessed over when I first got into the genre. Nowadays I spin this mostly out of nostalgia but they are good songs albeit lo-fi and sort of amateurish in delivery. They did better things later on but I dunno, this release warms my heart every time I hear it.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raYk_fpHRE0
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!p9wyWQwJ!eoG_XA1j4ZHYtYEFiZkldllNEfoxSsx8GeBagGpmthk

Keep Of Kalessin - 1997 - Through Times Of War
Short thoughts: A band that’s not really known for their black metal part of the career bute nevertheless the album that they did in the style was made with care and skill. It’s your standard 2nd wave fare but it’s done well and it manages to not get boring despite its very traditional approach to the music. The only “unique” thing I can say about this band is that they sing about the Earthsea saga which how I got to this band in the first place. Kind of a strange match-up but oh well.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8JI47PrS0Q
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!lhRlBS6T!vD8zsbQMsQodMogBWdpIzxShjR9tVbpAMG9F3P2su9M

Klabautamann - 2009 - Merkur
Short thoughts: A very lauded and appreciated album this album deserved all the hype it got. It’s interesting, innovative and not very pretentious in its goals. They lean more on the whole picture rather than just a good series of riffs which makes them often dabble in tempo changes, interludes and strange progressions. So yeah, kind of progressive in its overall nature. Joy to listen if you’re willing to concentrate on it but also works with a more relaxed listening approach.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhXhTxIgacw
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!VsB1mBhB!XLDgPuk5Af0yjJGUnApoGjs3nAy_Jsia4Rv-0WQVa7Q

Lunar Aurora - 2004 - Zyklus
Short thoughts: An ridiculously good band that didn't do any wrong throughout their entire career. I adore this band and I’m generally unable to give any more objective directions for anyone to try this out. They’re atmospheric on this record but if you have the time then go through their whole discography and witness a wonderful blossoming and eventual rotting of this band. Such a shame they broke up (again) but then again they left with many great albums.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SE2yFKzhYR4
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!B5ZVBSBY!lJzk_FiVUx3RglTKtThGOKrbypuIhqqq2yz4RqPd8cI

Marduk - 1993 - Those of the Unlight
Short thoughts: Well...it’s Marduk. I had to share at least one of their albums. They were among the first black metal bands that I heard in my life and I've been loving their output ever since. Yeah, they can get a little stale now and then, especially after Panzer Divison Marduk but I think overall they’re a band worth following. This album is my favorite by them, it was made before their iconic breakthrough album so it’s a much more tamed beast. I love it though.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPyGBajSXoI
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!JkhTiZ6K!YKv35L8Jb1BZSI7z6PnSI2G_IdWXPOjmautDIZHaHVo

Mgła - 2012 - With Hearts Toward None
Short thoughts: Perhaps the most finely crafted and polished black metal album that came out of Poland. A joy to listen and a really good entry into the band or the genre in general. If you haven’t heard this yet you’re missing out on some really good stuff man.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHfUsIm0z28
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!41Z1yYoL!PcpHLzZ62225-2orWiJNpexf80RQuWgBGeRTW6C5FdQ

Mord - 2008 - Necrosodomic Abyss
Short thoughts: Furious album that offers not that much diversity but plenty of blast beats, tremolo riffs and crisp in-your-face production. A jolly to listen in the background but not for much else.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvWEhNPMXt8
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!54JiVbSa!ZimjJnaByaa2eNi3_TbhJDVM5hWTUlAb7BhxqDmf_Dg

Nokturnal Mortum - 2009 - The Voice Of Steel
Short thoughts: Noktrunal Mortum are well established in the scene, partially due to their controversial website (not sure if it’s still up) packed with absurd NS theories and partially due to their great music. The Voice Of Steel for me is their magnum opus. They broke out of their shell, embraced a lot of other influences and made a very atmospheric and unique album that will probably never be topped by anything else they make in the future.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3Bm_cNkt1g
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!x9BiHRQL!o7JtvwEvZ8cRqzdfpwoyvo5fc3d-C7UKnxLVL3G8Q6M

Obolus - 2011 – Lament
Short thoughts: Generally I’m not that into depressive side of black metal but sometimes I go after it when I feel like I should try something out of my comfort zone. Obolus is one of my more positive experiences. They are definitely monotonous, reverb laden and feature weird vocals but it seemingly fits together well. It’s also very short so that’s probably why I like it.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nA0qT8q6l0
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!skZyzDCT!DDbTJCIq6VYSZYH4eE9Pee3T9TpsDsBDCXNeTxsGyJ8

Ondskapt - 2003 - Draco Sit Mihi Dux
Short thoughts: An underrated band that got swept under the orthodox hype. They’re good but lacking in anything progressive or new to really be at the top. Ondskapt is one of those bands that you recommend when someone is asking “give me something similar to x”. Some of their albums are bloated but I think this is their best. It’s very brooding and depressing. Reminds me a bit of Burzum.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw5HcBi5CeU
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!1s4GXSpS!FC0D4qzyAZ8HD6Nr4lA5y837_bRVtzF_vtFP1yuqOM0

Orcivus - 2008 - Consummatum Est
Short thoughts: Another overlooked orthodox band. This was their debut and it sounded very promising. Too bad after it everything else was just a rehash. Here though, this band shines the most and offers a lot of good riffage and well composed songs with steady and firm deep raspy vocals.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvbN-ypDh6k
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!VswEkSxL!jB9I2tuBqrBnH_R-AJHN9tw0usXVV64uDOdnXVHmhxM

Pest - 2005 - In Total Contempt
Short thoughts: Another Darkthrone-esque band that likes to riff on Sardonic Wrath era of the band. Not very original but the delivery is where it’s at with this band. Every song on this album is a fantastic thrashing mid-paced black metal.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFdFzDnyQnM
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!Y44nkaiI!cxx3IQE-dIFqAtui5Xzgn9YH6ZGUqveh-2sTVbDlkXY

S.V.E.S.T. - 2005 - Coagula - L'Ether Du Diable
Short thoughts: I got to this band through Deathspell Omega and I was not left disappointed. They offer a very raw and aggressive brand of chaotic black metal. As it usually goes with more underground bands, they have a bunch of EPs, splits and demos but only one album. Coagula compiles their first two demos and they fuck shit up.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3jhOCcfG_s
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!t1I0SbBa!PWXv2V56O2BBlM_aBsIJdUvlLbVbOvYh3ZYScIy0ecU

Spite Extreme Wing - 2005 - Kosmokrator
Short thoughts: When it comes to Italy there are very few bands that I truly like. SEW is one of those that I actually wholly enjoy. They come from Genoa and their music is familiar but with their own special twist. They broke up a few years back but they left us with a mostly good discography behind. If only more bands like this existed in Italy. eh.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXQYe9qtIvg
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!csBDVaTA!qQubKp6TVw8ZjuKW1kaR8MVjcL9IdgEYO2qHVCY60TY

Svartidauði - 2010 - The Temple of Deformation
Short thoughts: An Icelandic band that’s currently hot shit and for a good reason. Their debut was pretty fucking amazing. Seeing how their debut is really fresh I've decided to share some of their older stuff. I heard all of their demos and this seems to be the most refined while still having that raw feeling of a demo. They’re a very chaotic band that utilizes big walls of sound and cacophony that invokes that lovely feeling of being drown somewhere off the coast of Iceland.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvPZlEw59hw
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!Y1wwwYjQ!w5dBFrAF6tAwsFT7ovB6ugfA2KlHEndd0hor0Xish2Q

Thy Darkened Shade - 2012 - Eternvs Mos, Nex Ritvs
Short thoughts: Aside from the stupidly stupid name this band is just a joy to listen. They have two albums as of yet and they both offer great songs that are very luscious in their composition. There’s just so many things going on here, so much changes, intricacies and riffs that get you lost in the music the moment the album starts. If you have the time to focus on an entire album get this.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BW86Jura47s
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!Ap4jHRaA!1xQ7BI_mW57a2rsCVFkNYrs3fgNcvsWUZhR9HsNCVs4

Torture Chain - 2012 - Time is But a Doorway to the Incinerator
Short thoughts: I've been following this US band ever since they put out their 2009 release called Mountains of Hate and so far I loved pretty much their entire output aside from maybe their 2013 release. They’re a very traditional, no-nonsense black metal band but with that US twist on the genre. It’s not completely nihilistic in its sound and it offers a solo or two along the way.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yGQZBZvsiY
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!l953jRpK!QdN73V4hNKdDqyt90plJnuojwZTJ2TuacSsZ5zSMXa0

Tsjuder - 2011 - Legion Helvete
Short thoughts: “Pure unadulterated no frills black metal band“ is probably the best description that I could find for this band. There's just nothing wrong with this album, everything falls into its rightful place. Perhaps a little too much by the numbers? Well who cares, the riffs compensate for this.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oru7a1FXJEU
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!9lZA1YAR!D5xZN6Pw0dZl-oEsDCrsgLQgHOHdEPPuy7Q_gf57xds

Vemod - 2012 - Venter på stormene
Short thoughts: This is a side project from the guitarist and ex-drummer of One Tail, One Head. OTOH is fucking awful on tape and live and their music always bores me to tears but luckily this album is nothing like OTOH. Vemod strives for that nightly lo-fi yet not so lo-fi sound and they do it so well. It’s dripping with atmosphere on all tracks and it’s so cold and isolated in its sound that it’s just a marvel to listen. It also features a lengthy ambient track to envelop you even more. Great stuff, make this band your primary focus dammit!

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgG0-n1Bsm4
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!pthkXJ7Y!okKY_wDog7TWLCOz0kdI8JVfKQgC2asLws-LLMhhgis

Ygg - 2011 - Ygg
Short thoughts: An overlooked atmospheric black metal album from Ukraine. It never made much of a splash despite having some of the more well known black metal musicians involved in making of it. It’s a shame because this is actually some of the best atmospheric black metal that I've heard. It’s very pretty so it might not jive well with everyone I guess.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6R0M5hRynpA
Link: https://mega.co.nz/#!BgYEBSzJ!bq7ZjTF3DyYwYIuB4duB0tVMyCsHEm3wlgM6KqtLFEk