DEAD METAL

All from European bands... Rippikoulu ( Finland ) - Musta Seremonia ( self-released, 1993 ): Catacomb  ( France ) -  In The Maze Of Kadath  ( Phonoprodukt Management/Downed Productions, 1993 ): Exoto   ( Belgium ) - Carnival Of Souls ( Tessa, 1994 ): Betrayer  ( Poland ) -  Calamity  ( Morbid Noizz, 1994 ):

Phrenelith is a death metal band from Denmark. They formed in 2013, and are still active, but this is their only full-length so far. Released on Dark Descent/Me Saco Un Ojo/Extremely Rotten in 2017, it's a crushing, claustrophobic, doom-laden experience. Packed with great riffs, and consistent from beginning to end, it is a powerful debut. You can download it here , or pick up a physical copy here . The album's title track can also be previewed below.

Don't let the name put you off, this is really good stuff. California isn't the first place that springs to mind when you think of dungeon synth, but that is the origin of this project nonetheless. The solo artist describes his music as 'medieval ambient'; and his work is recommended even if you wouldn't normally be allured by the 'medieval' part. It does a great job of transporting you somewhere else - "through the embers of fading empires, mighty fortresses whose towers and iron gates pierce the sky, and desolate northern landscapes". You can download the full digital discography (three EPs/twelve tracks, recorded 2016-17) for a very reasonable price on Bandcamp . This material has only been released physically on limited edition cassettes. You can also listen to a choice EP in its entirety below.

The most recent Temple Nightside full-length was featured here . The offering which preceded that (also released by Iron Bonehead, in 2016) is The Hecatomb. It is quite possibly the Australian band's finest work to date; and that isn't to say that 2018's Recondemnation isn't also great. 'Cavernous' is a word that gets thrown around a lot these days, but it most definitely applies here. Blackened death-doom; with haunting spectral vocals that are really quite original. The Nekronikon artwork tops off the package very nicely, too. You can stream the album below, and buy it here .

Eviternity (Flowing Downward, 2018) is the one-and-only release from Kosmogyr. This is an international collaboration, between someone in Prague and someone in Shanghai. Contemporary black metal with second wave stylings, depressive leanings and captivating melodic parts. The vocals are also particularly noteworthy - they manage to convey real anguish; powerful stuff. You can download it (currently for free)  here ; and the limited edition CD is available here . The album can also be heard in its entirety below.

These guys split up earlier this year, which is a real shame. A good entry point to their discography is 2009's self-titled offering. This Candlelight release is perhaps the Texan band's most accessible/immediate. The fifth of six full-lengths, it was also the first of an intended trilogy (the subject of which being magick and occultism). It is thrashy black metal, with melodic death metal leanings and some captivating progressive elements. Catchy, technical riffing aplenty; it is a highly enjoyable listen from start to finish. A choice track can be previewed below, and you can acquire a copy  here . P.S. A couple of other albums that are particularly recommended -  B.V.I.T.R.I.O.L. (1993) and  The Sun Of Tiphareth (1995).

See here for an introduction to Morbid Angel. Gateways To Annihilation was the band's sixth studio full-length; and the second to feature Steve Tucker on vocals. Released on Earache in 2000, it is absolutely a highlight of their discography. That isn't so say that it's a strong effort from beginning to end, but its highlights certainly justify the price of admission. It also features more doom-laden material than any other Morbid Angel offering, which is a definite selling point. Stand-out tracks include Summoning Redemption, and the incredible At One With Nothing. You can listen to the album below, and purchase a copy here . P.S. 2003’s Heretic is also worth picking up.