Top 10 releases of 2023

As per usual, here is the top 10 releases of 2023, for Lachryma Christi.

I must say I had to leave some other very good releases out, because 10 means only 10.

As usual as well, the order in which these releases are displayed doesn't have any meaning. Again, "10 best" means "the 10 best". 

So, here we go:

EREMUS (PT) - Monólogo 

SUPERTERRESTRIAL (UK) - The Fathomless Decay

CIEMRA (BY) - The Thread of Darkness

NETHERMANCY (PT) - Worship Evil Sacrifice

AFSKY (DK) - Om Hundrede År

NATTEHIMMEL (NO) - Mourningstar

MELAN SELAS (GR) - Zephyrean Hymns

ALGHOL (US) - Night Eternal

LIGHTLORN (SE) - At One with the Night Sky

PERDITION Winds - Burning Spiritual Crypts

Review: Ringarë's upcoming album "Of Momentous Endless Night"

Today, Lachryma Christi brings you a review for the upcoming album of Ringarë, Of Momentous Endless Night. 

For those who don't know, Ringarë are from the USA, and this will be their third full-length.

So, what can you expect? 

There four tracks of a very interesting melodic Black Metal music.

I'm impressed with how fast those drums can get, and I think I haven't heard anything of the sort in such melodic kind of Black Metal.

The keyboards are as predominant as any other instrument in all the songs. Although they bring a very deep and intense atmosphere to the music, they are not just background sound. They really are a central part of the whole thing, which isn't very common either in Black Metal. And it sounds really good in this particular case.

Besides the usual dragged and more high pitched than not voice, so traditional in Black Metal music, there are clean male voices too, bringing a very epic feeling to the whole release.

Although I've done it before, I don't really like comparing bands, but I can tell there are influences of melodic metal music from late 90s and early 2000s. However, they still can be original. 

Meaning, there is a bit of a nostalgic feeling when listening to Of Momentous Endless Night, but at the same time, this album brings fresh air to this type of music.

So if you like the more melodic, although very fast Black Metal music, with epic clean voices, haunting keyboard strings and melancholic pianos, you'll love this album. 

Of Momentous Endless Night is coming out very soon, on the 15th of December, through Avantgarde Music.

News: Andracca unveil video for track "Ocean of Fire", from upcoming album

Black Metal band from UK Andracca, are releasing a new album called To Bare the Weight of Death next year, through Vendetta Records.

To show us a bit of what we can expect from that much anticipated album, they just released a video for the song Ocean of Fire.

You can watch it here:

Read more on:

Website: vendetta-records.com

Bandcamp: https://andracca.bandcamp.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Andraccaband

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andracca/

Playlist for the week!

Greetings,

Here are the 10 releases suggested for this week. 

As usual, the order they are on the list doesn't have any meaning at all.

Enjoy!

Review: Eremus' debut album "Monólogo"

Recently, Lachryma Christi was contacted by the Portuguese band Eremus. 

I have to confess I haven't heard of them before, sadly. 

Eremus are a duo, they have been around for quite some time. They have previously released a demo called Sonho, and more recently, more precisely at the beginning of this year, they released their debut album, Monólogo. I was very pleasantly surprised when I heard it. It is a great contribution for the depressive black metal style, which is one of my favourite ramifications of the black metal music.

So, what can you expect of Monólogo? You can expect very heavy, dragged and melodic riffs and rhythms with lyrics exclusively in Portuguese, if I understood well. In fact, there is something very Portuguese about their music. If you know it, you'll definitely know what I'm talking about.

Still about their music, it is not only slow and depressive (and I say this in a good way), but there are also fast bits which I wasn't expecting, and which I very much welcomed and appreciated. Eremus can combine a bit of everything black metal music is about, and the voice is on point as well. And I don't want to forget to mention the clean voices at the end of the second track Monólogo I. Very appropriate, very tuned and melodic. We need more of these kind of voices in this style of music. 

Monólogo has seven tracks, it is a very complete and sober album. I very much enjoyed it and plan to listen to it often. Looking forward to any upcoming release too.

I'd like to see them live. I don't even know if these guys play live, since it is a duo, but I'd definitely would like to see this music played live.

I definitely recommend Monólogo, and it's going straight to Lachryma Christi's top 10 releases of 2023.

News: Mormânt De Snagov released lyric video for single "Upon Their Feeble Existence"

Black Metal band Mormânt De Snagov from Finland are releasing a new album called Invocation Through Revocation on the 17th of November, through Wormholedeath.

In the meantime, they just released a lyric video for the single Upon their Feeble Existence, and you can watch it here:

Read more on:

www.facebook.com/mormantdesnagov

www.instagram.com/mormantdesnagov

mormantdesnagov.bandcamp.com

News: Kalt Vindur release 3rd song from their upcoming album

Polish Black Metal band Kalt Vindur just released he 3rd song from their upcoming album Magna Mater.

The song is called Agonizing Luminosity, and you can listen to it here:

Magna Mater is scheduled to be released on the 26th of January, through The Circle Music.

You can pre order it here:

https://thecirclemusic.gr/product-category/distributed-stuff/?filter_artist-name=kalt-vindur

Tracklist: 1.Magna Mater 2.Żywioły 3.Agonizing Luminosity 4.Bless Us 5.Possessed By Lunacy 6.Visions Of Purification 7.Mist Over Cergova

Guests: keyboard by Marek from mysterious band MYSTHICON in song "Mist Over Cergova" drums by Julian Zacharjasz from thrash metal band INTERCEPTOR in song "Mist Over Cergova" keyboard by Krzysztof Kokosiński in songs "Visions Of Puryfication" and "Magna Mater" drums by Andrzej Czujko from tech death metal KARPATHIAN RELICT in "Possessed By Lunacy" Music for new album was recorded at Regnat Studio (Dargor, Krusher) in Cieklin (PL). Mix & mastering was done by Krzysztof Kokosiński. Cover artwork and layout by Maciej Kamuda (Blut Aus Nord, Spaceslug, Sunnata). Read more on: https://www.facebook.com/kaltvindurband  https://kaltvindur.bandcamp.com/ https://instagram.com/kaltvindurofficial

Review: Irae (PT) + Vectis (PT) + Grievance (PT) @ RCA Club, Lx, PT

Greetings,

Yesterday , Lachryma Christi went to see a Black Metal show in Lisbon, in RCA. It was a matinee, and only Portuguese bands.

For people who follow Lachryma Christi, you've already read reviews to Irae and Grievance shows. But it was the first time I saw Vectis live.

So, as you might know, the weather has been pretty grim around in Portugal, so a Black Metal show was very welcome on a Sunday afternoon. 

The atmosphere was pretty inviting.

The first band, Grievance, brought us old and newer songs. There was a bit of everything for everyone's taste. Their albums are somewhat varied, there are not two albums that sound the same, although they play a melodic but very particular, even unique sound. 

They were on point, as usual, the sound was remarkably good for a first band (we all know how the sound is never that good at the beginning of any show), although one of the guitars had a problem at some point further on, which was sorted out pretty quickly anyway. Good stuff.

Bearing their usual corpse paint, and their very traditional outfits with huge spikes and chains on, even a hood, they delivered a flawless show. They were restless, in the mood, theatrical and dramatic (in a good way), a proper Black Metal performance. 

As usual, although I have some five cameras, I like rudimentar photos. So there's that. Also, I didn't mean to share more photos of one band than the others. But Grievance were the only band who had a stage banner! Since I managed to take a photo of it with a nice light and no one on the stage, it seemed a shame not to share it.

After Grievance, it was time for Vectis. I had listened to their music at home, when the show was first announced, to see what their sound would be like. Turns out they play Black/Thrash Metal. Or maybe I should say Blackened Thrash Metal, as there is a lot of Thrash in there. I confess, although it's not very much my cup of tea, I enjoyed their music at home, and I enjoyed their show too. Also, Vectis are the perfect blend between Grievance and Irae.

They don't have that many releases (a demo and a EP), but they managed to go for as long as supposed, and more, as there was time for a short encore. They played 666 by Toxic Holocaust, which they had already played before. People in the public were happy, they were happy, I was happy too. Oh, and they also played a song from a split (if I'm not mistaken) which is planned to come out at some point.

It is a band I would see live again. Good music, good performance, good atmosphere, appropriate looks. Very 80s Thrash Metal. And great voice. I have to add this, because towards the end of the show I met a friend who was saying that it is easy to find Thrash metal bands, but that most of the time the voice doesn't match, and with Vectis it is perfect. I agree with that. It is important to point that out.

And to close the night in good spirits, there came the headliners Irae. You can't go wrong with Irae. Their raw Black Metal with heavy Thrash influences, it's always played with perfection, vigor and technique. Their music is rather technical, and they performed it with no mistakes, as per usual. 

Slightly more simple than Grievance in terms of outfit, they also had their share of corpse paint, spikes and chains, and even sunglasses, I tell you.

Overall it was a very good show, Irae have been doing this for so long, with different lineups at different times, but always so assertive and genuine. Everyone was satisfied, although everyone (me included) also was expecting a come back for another song, which didn't happen.

Anyway, it was a well spent afternoon. The place wasn't packed but was composed. Even at Grievance show. We know how the first band, at five o'clock, on a Sunday, most of the times doesn't have that many people watching, but it was good enough this time, I must say.

Grievance and Irae are both one-man bands, with live session musicians, so I'm sure there was a lot of work involved in the preparation for this show.

So if you haven't seen either of these bands live, and if you have the chance, go for it. They all deliver a good show. Different sounds, different styles, different backgrounds, but one thing in common: Black Metal!

LC

Slightly 

Fascinating lyrics 

Review: Orobas' latest single "Upholding the Asuric Traditions" plus Mayhem cover

So, for those who don't know, Orobas are a Blackened Death Metal band from Denmark. They were actually originally formed in Bangladesh, later on relocating to Denmark.

Orobas have been around since 2015, and have released two EPs and two singles, so far.

Upholding the Asuric Traditions had come out in 2022, but was released again, on CD format in last April, through Slaughterhouse Records.

This song is from the upcoming full length. And it doesn't come alone. It comes with a cover of Mayhem.

So if you haven't heard these tracks yet, what can you expect?

It is Blacknened Death Metal, but definitely more within the realm of Death Metal. Their style, specially on the original track Upholding the Asuric Traditions is quite technical, although not obsessively. The voice is very very grave, very powerful, making the whole atmosphere quite intense and overflowing with power.

As for the Mayhem cover, they chose the song Deathcrush, and they made an excellent adaption out of it. I've heard covers of this and other songs of Mayhem, as I'm sure you'd have too. But this one coming from a more Death Metal band is quite different, which makes it special. If you fancy listening to Deathcrush played in a very heavy and  assured manner, accompanied by a very guttural voice, you'll enjoy this cover. Everything is on point.

If you are into Blacknened Death Metal music, keep an eye out for Orobas, as they might have a promising future.

Suggestion: Playlist for the Week!

Greetings,

Here are the 10 releases suggested for this week. 

As usual, the order they are on the list doesn't have any meaning at all.

Enjoy!

News: Wothrosch are releasing a video for the song "Tumor"

Greek Blacknened Death Metal band Wothrosch are releasing a video for the song Tumor, from their most recent album Odium, released earlier this year, through Hammerheart Records.

You may watch it here:

Wothrosch comment on the video: "Drown us in the cesspit of aversion! Conceived in the sewers of Athens and incubated in the gutters of Stockholm, our newborn visual isease for “Tumor”, spawns forth today."

A few words regarding the video by the director Claudio Marino himself:

"When Wothrosh came back to me asking for another video, this time with lyrics featuring a tumor devouring the world my mind went to work straight away. As inspiration I Immediately came to think of the Japanese cult film Tetsuo and other body horror flicks like early Cronenberg. It was a fun shoot although the smell still haunts me."

Odium can still be ordered here:

https://linktr.ee/thewothroschcollective

Tracklist: 

1. Child (5:33)

2. Tumor (3:45)

3. Disease (8:13)

4. Sinner (8:20)

5. Purge (7:11)

6. Odium (8:15)

7. Mass (feat. Niklas Kvarforth) (6:11)

8. Reign (6:08)

Line up:

Philip Dellas – Vocals

Nassos Defiant Stergiou – Guitars

Jon Toussas – Bass

Recorded and produced: by George Emmanuel (SepticFlesh, Rotting Christ, Lucifer’s Child) at Pentagram studio, Athens 

Mix & master: George Emmanuel 

Cover: Seth Siro Anton

Wothrosch online:

www.wothrosch.bandcamp.com

www.facebook.com/wothrosch

www.instagram.com/wothrosch

News: Hiems to stream new album "Stranger in a Wasteland"

Italian one-man Black Metal band Hiems is streaming the new album Stranger in a Wasteland, which is coming out TODAY, the 8h of September, through Agonia Records.

You can stream it here:

Tracklist:

1. A Night on the Bare Mountain 

2. Death Unites Us 

3. Master of Lies 

4. March! 

5. The Rites of Terror 

6. Bereavement 

7. Better Off Dead

8. Stranger In A Wasteland 

9. Quietus 

Formats & clothing:

- CD, LP, DIGITAL, TS.

Line-up:

Alessandro “Algol” Comerio - vocals, guitars, bass, drums, percussion, synthesizers

Stranger in a Wasteland was recorded at Elfo Studio (Forgotten Tomb), engineered by Daniele Mandelli and mixed and produced by Daniele Mandelli and Alessandro "Algol" Comerio. The album was mastered at La Maestà Studio (Muse) by Giovanni Versari and comes with artwork by Adam Burke (Solstafir, Enforcer). Layout illustrations (medieval engravings) were provided by Davide Schileo. Guest appearances include Gabriel Minuta (guest guitars), Paolo Apollo Negri (guest hammond organs) and Elisabetta Marchetti (guest vocals).

Photo credit: Gino Saccomandi

Order at:

http://hiems.store/

Hiems on-line:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HiemsOfficial/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiemsofficial/

Spotify: https://hiemsofficial.bandcamp.com/

Agonia Records:

Website: https://agoniarecords.com

Webshop: https://agoniarecords.com/store

Facebook: https://facebook.com/agoniarecords

Twitter: https://twitter.com/agoniarecords

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/agoniarecords

Bandcamp: https://agoniarecords.bandcamp.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/agoniarecordsofficial

YouTube: https://youtube.com/AgoniaRec

News: The Magus release second track of upcoming album "ΒΥΣΣΟΔΟΜΩΝΤΑΣ"

Greek band The Magus just released the second song from the album ΒΥΣΣΟΔΟΜΩΝΤΑΣ, which is scheduled to be released on the 31st of October, through The Circle Music.

You can now stream the lyric video for the self titled track Βυσσοδομώντας here:

You can pre-order the album here:

https://thecirclemusic.gr/product-category/the-circle-releases/?filter_artist-name=the-magus

THE MAGUS comment: "This song, as the title suggests, will take your soul DOWN and DEEP into the ABYSS. Where all hope dies. Where the Grand Plan is set in motion. Doom, gloom and darkness!"

Tracklist: 

1. This is My Church

2. The Fall of Man

3. Lux Tenebrarum

4. ΒΥΣΣΟΔΟΜΩΝΤΑΣ

5. Idolatrous Discord

6. Ama Lilith

7. Negative Renaissance 

8. The Peacock King

9. Give the Devil his due: The story

Line up:

The Magus: Bass/Voices

El: Guitars

Maelstrom: Drums

Recorded and produced: by George Emmanuel at Pentagram studio, Athens 

Mix & master: George Emmanuel 

Cover: by Harnasash Singh

Band picture: Stella Mouzi

The Magus online:

www.themagus666.com

www.facebook.com/themagus666

www.instagram.com/themagus_666

The Circle Music online:

www.thecirclemusic.gr

www.linktr.ee/thecirclemusic

www.instagram.com/the_circle_music

www.facebook.com/thecirclemusic2020

www.thecirclemusicfamily.bandcamp.com:

www.youtube.com/channel/UCR6kO0TN-JQjkwR_CkiZu_g

Review: Crown of Ichor's debut demo "MMXXIII"

Black Metal band from Northern Ireland Crown of Ichor released their debut demo MMXXIII last month. 

It's pretty good. It is different. It's very intense.

Demo MMXXIII has two tracks, both of them very profound and emotional even. 

The music isn't the traditional raw Black Metal music, although it has some influence of all that of course. You can still hear the blast beats every now and then, which make a perfect blend with the harmonic riffs. 

But I'd say it also has a mix of Doom in there. There are very powerful and dragged slow paced bits that bring a very heavy and majestic atmosphere to the release. Everything is very well balanced in there.  

The voice is also more low than high pitch, which also makes it a bit more different. 
The second track Thrice Cursed might be my favourite track. It is full of melody, but also a lot of rage and anger. I would definitely like to hear some more of their music. It is pretty good, I repeat. And I'll keep an eye out to see what they're doing next.

Check it out here.

News: Abbath announce EU tour for 2024

Norwegian Black Metal band Abbath just announced their Dread Reaver Europe 2024 tour, which will happen though 14 countries, starting on the 6th of January, and ending on the 10th of February.

The special guests will be Toxic Holocaust and Hellripper.

You may see the dates below.

ABBATH headline:

01/06/2024 CH Hüttikon Meh Suff! Winter-Festival

01/07/2024 IT Milan Slaughter Club

01/09/2024 ES Barcelona Sala Salamandra       

01/10/2024 ES Madrid Mon Live

01/11/2024 ES Murcia Garaje Beat Club

01/12/2024 ES Sevilla Fanatic

1/13/2024 PT Lisbon RCA Club

1/14/2024 PT Porto Hard Club

1/16/2024 ES Bilbao Santana 27

1/17/2024 FR Montpellier Victoire 2

1/18/2024 FR Lyon La Rayonne

1/19/2024 FR Paris Trabendo

1/20/2024 DE Heidelberg Halle02

1/21/2024 NL Uden De Pul

1/23/2024 DE Dortmund Junkyard

1/24/2024 BE Sint-Niklaas De Casino

1/25/2024 NL Utrecht TivoliVredenburg

1/26/2024 NL Drachten Iduna

1/27/2024 DE Hamburg Kultur Palast

1/28/2024 DE Berlin Astra

1/30/2024 PL Gdansk Drizzly Grizzly

1/31/2024 PL Warsaw Proxima

02/01/2024 PL Krakow Kamienna 12

02/02/2024 DE Leipzig Hellraiser

02/03/2024 CZ Prague Palac Akropolis

02/04/2024 HU Budapest Barba Negra

02/05/2024 AT Vienna Szene

02/06/2024 DE Munich Backstage Halle

02/08/2024 DK Copenhagen Pumpehuset

02/09/2024 SE Gothenburg Trädgårn

02/10/2024 FI Metal Cruise Nordic Metal Cruise

Abbath will be playing in support to their latest album Dread Reaver, released in March 2022.

Tracklist: 

1. Acid Haze (04:51)

2. Scarred Core (03:29)

3. Dream Cull (04:15) WATCH HERE

4. Myrmidon (04:33)

5. The Deep Unbound (04:05)

6. Septentrion (04:30)

7. Trapped Under Ice (03:59)

8. The Book of Breath (04:35) WATCH HERE

9. Dread Reaver (04:43) WATCH HERE

10. Make my day (04:16) 

The album is still available here.

(Photo by  Francisco Munoz)

Read more at:

www.facebook.com/abbathband

www.abbath.net

www.instagram.com/abbath_official