I usually base the title of these features on a common thread that links the two releases together; era, style, philosophy and the like. If no such thread is forthcoming, or so contrived to be meaningless, I will simply refer to how they make me feel. And in the case of both these releases, that... Continue Reading →

‘It’s not metal, but it’s really harsh and abrasive so you should like it right?’ *Pushes glasses up nose* Well actually no, that’s only half the story. Sure, we wouldn’t have the ridiculously noisey extreme metal subgenres without kids engaging in an arms race of speed and volume. But once the thrill wares off, and... Continue Reading →

Ultra Silvam: The Spearwound Salvation Sweden’s Ultra Silvam released their debut LP ‘The Spearwound Salvation' this year. Right out of the gate it makes itself known as an exercise in triumphalism, via the use of black metal stylistic leanings. In the first instant of hitting play I was immediately reminded of Darkthrone’s ‘Under a Funeral... Continue Reading →

In underground music, extended periods of time can pass without note. In those brief windows when output coalesces around music of worth, our standards and understanding of quality changes. The benchmark is raised. As with many things, these facts are exaggerated within extreme underground music. Poking fun at extreme metal was a straw man in... Continue Reading →

The good people at La Caverna records continue their quest to unearth the best in modern underground metal and long forgotten gems of the old school from every corner of the globe. Sadistic Drive: Street Cannibal Gluttony Finland. As close as we’ll ever come to metal’s promised land. Boasting the highest number of metal bands... Continue Reading →

In the current renaissance of extreme metal, it must be hard for older artists to find their voice. Having witnessed so many changes in the world and in the metal scene, staying relevant is a constant challenge. As technology develops exponentially, with cultures and societies barely keeping up with the newest innovations, the scale of... Continue Reading →

Many elements align in the creation of a classic. Spontaneity – which could be characterised as a youthful ignorance of the conventions of one’s elders; that intangible guile that invigorates the young mind – is one such element. But the more I think about spontaneity, the more I change my mind about its significance, and... Continue Reading →

In underground black metal, there are two kinds of people. The reclusive hermit that just wants to hide away from the world and wait for humanity to burn itself out. And the soldier of the revolution who wants to bring about humanity’s destruction as quickly as possible. Ok, maybe there’s three kinds of people if... Continue Reading →

Ah, the innocent days of our death metal youth. It was a simpler time. As Nocturno Culto put it, ‘when you play death metal it's easy...you don’t have to think’. And you certainly don’t have to run around murdering each other. Do we turn back to these early projects in the hopes of finding a... Continue Reading →

Nattsvargr: Night of the Crimson Thirst The latest release from Nattsvargr - ‘Night of the Crimson Thirst’ (2018) - sees them continue in the tradition of minimal, raw black metal straight from the Darkthrone school. In fact the opening riff to ‘At One With Evil’ is so similar to ‘Transylvanian Hunger’ I almost wondered if... Continue Reading →