Recent Arrivals
Here’s a glance at what we at Musical Warfare have been listening to in recent weeks:
Armagedda - Ond SpiritismAgonia Records, 2004
The first thing I’ve heard from Sweden’s Armagedda. “Ond Spiritism” is a mid-paced black metal album that manages to achieve a very dark, ugly and hateful atmosphere throughout. Not quite as good as I was hoping it would be, but not bad either.
Ars Diavoli - Pro Nihilo EsseDebemur Morti, 2008
This might be one of those situations where I built up my expectations too high. “Pro Nihilo Esse,” isn’t as amazing as I’d hoped, but it’s certainly a nice slab of atmospheric black metal. What attracted me to Ars Diavoli originally is how they manage to play slow, depressive black metal that conveys a lot of malevolence and aggression, unlike a lot of other bands in that genre. Their sound reminds me of Stielas Storhett in certain places.
Walknut - Graveforests and their ShadowsStellar Winter Records, 2007
This is another album I’ve been eagerly awaiting ever since I heard these guys, and it did not disappoint. A lot of people compare Walknut’s style to Drudkh, but I think I actually like Walknut more. Very atmospheric, driving and epic songs - lots of repetition but enough fills and changes to make it interesting. Their guitar sound is also unique and very effective.
Black Lotus - Harvest of SeasonsBleak Art Records, 2008
My first reaction to this album was “Holy crap, they sound a lot like Agalloch!” A lot of it stems from the fact that their vocalist sounds really similar to Agalloch’s in certain places, and because both bands play very melancholic folk-influenced metal with acoustic interludes. Black Lotus uses some clean vocals which I don’t really care for, but for the most part “Harvest of Seasons” is a pretty enjoyable listen.
Förgjord - Ajasta IkuisuuteenHammer of Hate, 2008
Förgjord’s newest album epitomizes the raw and ugly side of black metal. Normally I’m not really into the rawer, low-fi BM bands, but Förgjord throws some additional elements in their music which help elevate “Ajasta Ikuisuuteen” above the slew of other bands that sound like this.
Strandhogg - Ritualistic Plague (Evangelical Death Apotheosis)Pagan Records, 2009
“Ritualistic Plague” from Poland’s Strandhogg (it means “beach raid” in case you’re wondering) is a scathing, militaristic black metal assault from start to finish. I found myself getting bored of it after awhile because of the lack of variation, but if you’re looking for the type of black metal that scares the shit out of normal people this one’s for you.
