AlkemestRedux
Alkemest
Contributor

Reviews 58
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Album Edits 162

Album Ratings 1910
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Last Active 02-02-22 7:23 pm
Joined 02-02-22

Review Comments 4,286

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06.22.26 '26 50/50 - Country Edition ♦05.28.26 To Do: Discog Runs - Black and Death Ed
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02.19.26 Discog run: Motorhead02.02.26 Favorite mixes
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To Do: Discog Runs - Black and Death Edition

Mainly for myself so I don't forget but feel free to suggest killer bands!
1Aorlhac
La cité des vents


A la croisée des vents [EP] - 3.9
La cité des vents - 4.5
L'esprit des vents - 4.1
Pierres Brûlées - 3.7

The Wind trilogy is phenomenal medieval black metal. Check it out now! The most recent one is good too but lacks some of the cool peasantcore vibes of the first three releases.
2Yellow Eyes
Confusion Gate


Silence Threads the Evening's Cloth - 3.4
Split with Monvment [EP] - 3.2
Hammer of Night - 3.7
The Desert Mourns [EP] - 3.6
Stillicide [EP] - 3.6
Sick With Bloom - 3.8
Immersion Trench Reverie - 3.7
Rare Field Ceiling - 4.2
Master’s Murmur - 4.3
Confusion Gate - 4.6

Very solid discography, but the last three albums really are impressive. Confusion Gate in particular is an insane album that you need to listen to now if you haven't.
3Archvile King
Aux Heures Désespérées


Vile [EP] - 2.1
À La Ruine - 4.3
Aux Heures Désespérées - 4.4

Feel free to skip the demo EP and go straight to the two full length albums because they rule.
4Primordial
To The Nameless Dead


Imrama - 3.9
A Journey's End - 4.1
Spirit the Earth Aflame - 4.2
Storm Before Calm - 4
The Gathering Wilderness - 4.5
To the Nameless Dead - 4.8
Redemption at the Puritan's Hand - 3.6
Where Greater Men Have Fallen - 4
Exile Amongst the Ruins - 3.4
How It Ends - 3.5

Most of their discog is awesome epic Irish folky black metal with belted clean vocals. Very awesome, much epic. Kind of lose the plot a bit on their latest two albums which see the band turn from the aforementioned style towards coworker metal. Not bad, but underwhelming.
5A Forest of Stars
Stack Overflow In Corpse Pile Interface


The Corpse of Rebirth - 3.8
Opportunistic Thieves of Spring - 4
A Shadowplay for Yesterdays - 4.5
Beware the Sword You Cannot See - 4.4
Grave Mounds and Grave Mistakes - 4.3
Stack Overflow in Corpse Pile Interface - 4.9

Incredibly strong and extremely interesting discography. One of the most unique black metal(?) bands out there today. The most recent album is my favorite for how unhinged it is, but the previous three are all basically neck and neck with each other, and only a little step behind.
6Dimmu Borgir
Grand Serpent Rising


For all tid - 4
Stormblast - 4.7 (rating is for the original recording, 2005 version is like 4.3)
Enthrone Darkness Triumphant - 4
Spiritual Black Dimensions - 3.4
Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia - 4.1
Death Cult Armageddon - 4.4
In Sorte Diaboli - 3.5
Abrahadabra - 2.3
Eonian - 2.4
Grand Serpent Rising - 4.2

I've had pretty much a lifelong aversion to Dimmu Borgir for one reason or another but I finally decided to give 'em a solid go of it and I'm glad I did. There are some fantastic records on here along with many albums I'll probably never listen to again. But Stormblast, Death Cult Armageddon and Grand Serpent Rising are definitely going to be in rotation going forward. The original Stormblast in particular is amazing, so go listen to that now.
7Cormorant
Diaspora


Metazoa - 3.7
Dwellings - 4.1
Earth Diver - 4.2
Diaspora - 4

One of the more interesting discogs so far. It's not my favorite, but I respect it a lot. Apparently these guys were all DIY which is extremely impressive, and all of their albums are solid. My favorite is Earth Diver as it nails the balance between prog and aggression. Can't go wrong with any of them though.
8Obsequiae
The Palms of Sorrowed Kings


Suspended in the Brume of Eos - 4.1
Aria of Vernal Tombs - 3.9
The Psalms of Sorrowed Kings - 4.5

If you're looking for soaring melodic medieval black metal then look no further than Obsequiae. Killer discography. I have an email in with 20 Buck Spin to see if there are any upcoming albums in the works. Will update if I hear anything back.
9Malokarpatan
Vertumnus Caesar


Stridžie dni - 4
Nordkarpatenland - 4.7
Krupinské Ohne - 3.9
Vertumnus Caesar - 4.5

What a damn band. An incredibly strong heavy metal black metal discography. Their sophomore album might be one of my favorites in the style, but give them all a listen if you're in the mood for black metal by way of Mercyful Fate and Mortuary Drape.
10...and Oceans
A.M.G.O.D.


The Dynamic Gallery of Thoughts - 3.8
The Symmetry of I - The Circle of O - 4.1
A.M.G.O.D - 4
Cypher - 3.4
Cosmic World Mother - 4.5
As in Gardens, So in Tombs - 4
The Regeneration Itinerary - 3.9

Another really strong discography. It was a blast hearing the sound shift around from straight up black metal to industrial/techno infused black metal to their current iteration of electronica/symphonic black metal. Cosmic World Mother is my favorite, but you can't really go wrong with any of these albums.
11Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult
Nocturnal March


Follow the Calls for Battle - 3.7
Nocturnal March - 4.5
Hora Noctura - 4.2
Saldorian Spell - 4
Necrovision - 3.8
Mardom - 4.2

A remarkably consistent discography, like almost to an actual fault because their core sound has been essentially the same since their inception. I'm always interested by bands that are able to do this, much like Motorhead, because they somehow manage to keep their sound fresh while doing essentially the same thing time and time again. Anyway this is straightforward second wave black metal played with enough conviction and twists to keep it engaging throughout. Hopefully we get a new album soon, but I believe the vocalist announced she had cancer in 2021, so wishing her a full recovery.
12White Ward
False Light


Futility Report - 3.7
Love Exchange Failure - 4.1
False Light - 4.4

I'm mildly allergic to blackgaze in that most of the time it just bores me. But Futility Report is a pretty killer album. I love the Pink Floyd sax sections.
13Darkenhold
Castellum


A Passage To The Towers... - 4.4
Echoes from the Stone Keeper - 4.1
Castellum - 3.9
Memoria Sylvarum - 4.7
Arcanes & sortilèges - 4
Le Fléau du Rocher - 3.6

Atra Musica (split w/Griffon) - tbd

Memoria Sylvarum is probably one of the best French medieval black metal albums I've ever heard. Pure perfection, and the rest of their discog is no slouch either although their latest is a bit weaker.
14Be'lakor
Coherence


The Frail Tide - 3.5
Stone's Reach - 4.5
Of Breath and Bone - 4.3
Vessels - 4.6
Coherence - 4

Way more enjoyable for me than most prog death. Killer band.
15L'Acephale
L’Acephale


Stahlhartes Gehäuse - 2.7
Malefeasance - 1.8
L’Acephale - 4.1

I was actually pretty disappointed by the first two albums. They run the gamut from unremarkable to outright boring. But their self-titled record is a great listen. It's cool hearing a blend of neofolk, experimental and black metal. Would love another album in that vein.
16Morke
To Carry On


Sirens - 4
We Are the River - 4.1
To Carry On - 4.2

Band absolutely rips. Earlier albums are more raw and atmospheric while To Carry On is Memoria Vetusta II worship with medieval flair and it slays. Don't sleep on Morke!
17Vehemence (FRA)
Ordalies


Assiégé - 4.2
Par le sang versé - 4.1
Ordalies - 4.6
Assiégé Pour l'Éternité - 4.2

Killer discography. Ordalies is the highlight for me. The intensity of the music is matched by the vocal performance and it's almost perfection for this style. One of the best medieval French black metal bands.
18Ungfell
De Ghörnt


Demo(lition) - 4.2
Tôtbringære - 4.4
Mythen, Mären, Pestilenz - 4.1
Es Grauet - 4
De Ghörnt - 4

Very strong and consistent discography even if they do kind of shift away from the folky black metal a la KPN of their earlier releases. They still manage to do so without getting boring. However, I do like the first couple outings the most so check them out to start with.
19Misericorde
Le Loup des Ruines


Le Loup des Ruines - 3.3

It has its moments, and it's certainly a whole vibe. Solidly good release that's a noisy black metal experience. It's a bit of a shame that the riffs completely disappear though because it sounds like there's some really cool stuff going on there, and would be nice to hear the vocals a bit more because on some of the tracks they sound like they'd be beautiful.
20Godkiller
The Rebirth of the Middle Ages


Ad Majorem Satanae Gloriam [EP] - 4.2
The Warlord [EP] - 4.2
The Rebirth of the Middle Ages [EP] - 4.2
The End of the World - 3.9
Deliverance - 2.7

Early output is remarkably even-keeled. All three of their EPs are consistently excellent medieval black metal. They really changed up their sound on The End of the World and turned to a blend of black, industrial and gothic metal which still works pretty well overall. But by their last album they'd gone full just alright industrial.
21Oes Galliath
Sous l'oeil Fermé des Paradis


Sous l'oeil Fermé des Paradis - 3.7
22Grave Pilgrim
Grave Pilgrim


Grave Pilgrim: 4.3
Molten Hands Reach West [EP]: 3.8
The Bigotry of Purpose: 3.3
The Pungent Wine of Pride: 3.7

Their discography starts of very strong and quite interesting. I'm always down with KPN worship without the braindead levels of racism that Famine wallows in like a little stupid piggy eating his own shit. Anyway, the debut and follow up EP are awesome. The Bigotry of Purpose is just kind of standard lo-fi black metal, and The Pungent Wine of Pride is basically the same, only a little more interesting, but I miss the unhinged riffs from the earlier releases.
23Ebony Pendant
Ebony Pendant


Incantation of Eschatological Mysticism - 3.7
The Garden of Strangling Roots [EP] - 4.2
Split w/Lamp of Murmuur - 4.6
Ebony Pendant - 4.8
Threnodies from the Coldlands - 3.9

Wow I'm extremely impressed with this project. The self titled album might be one of the best raw USBM albums I've heard and I could see it sliding up to a 5 with more listens. Give Ebony Pendant a listen now.
24Markgraf
Markgraf


Markgraf - 3.2
Hohenbaden - 4.1

Really cool hearing how Markgraf dialed in their sound for their sophomore album. It's overall a much more cohesive and well-written album and a ton of fun. Heavy metal and first wave black metal have always been the perfect marriage but Hohenbaden is a prime example of how fun it can be.
25Rhinocervs
RH01


RH01 - 3.4
RH02 - 4.5
RH07 - 3.9
RH11 - 4.3
RH12 - 4.2
RH13 - 3.7
RH14 - 3.5
RH15 - 2.7
RH16 - 3.7

Odour of Dust and Rot - 4.7

Haunting and disorienting much of the time and very occasionally, boring. Well worth a listen, especially the highlights. Oudor of Dust & Rot is exceptional and 2, 11 and 12 are almost as good but still excellent in their own rights.
26Forlorn Citadel
An Oath Undone


Ashen Dirge of Kingslain - 3.2
An Oath Undone - 4

Some major Summoning worship going on here to mixed results. Debut was ok but the follow up is pretty sweet. Worth a listen!
27Gutvoid
Durance of Lightless Horizons


Durance of Lightless Horizons - 4.2
Liminal Shrines - 4.2

Both of these albums are basically on the same level, and both kick ass. The melodies on Liminal Shrines make it stand out a bit more for me but they're both incredible. Definitely a band to watch.
28Vastum
Inward To Gethsemane


Carnal Law - 3.5
Patricidal Lust - 4
Hole Below - 4
Orificial Purge - 4
Inward to Gethsemane - 4

Very consistent and killer death metal discography.
29Funebrarum
The Sleep of Morbid Dreams


Beneath the Columns of Abandoned Gods - 4
The Sleep of Morbid Dreams - 4.8
Beckoning the Void of Eternal Silence - 4.4

Insanely good and very small discography. Some of the best death metal out there. Cavernous and pummeling.
30Hooded Menace
Lachrymose Monuments of Obscuration


Fulfill the Curse - tbd
Never Cross the Dead - tbd
Effigies of Evil - tbd
Darkness Drips Forth - tbd
Ossuarium Silhouettes Unhallowed - tbd
The Tritonus Bell -tbd
Lachrymose Monuments of Obscuration - 4.5
31Verletzen
Usurping the Throne Under the Crown of Blasphemy


Evil Will Triumph - 4
The Blackened Crusade - 4.1
Usurping the Throne Under the Crown of Blasphemy - 3.7

Badass Welsh black metal. Blends up first and second wave inclinations with hearty doses of melody and even some dungeon synth.
32Perverted Ceremony
Sabbat of Behezaël


Sabbat of Behezaël - 4
33Arckanum
Fran Marder
34Lamp of Murmuur
The Dreaming Prince in Ecstasy


Heir of Ecliptical Romanticism - 3.8
Submission and Slavery - 4.1
Saturnian Bloodstorm - tbd
The Dreaming Prince in Ecstasy - 4

Thunder Vigil and Ecstasy EP - 3.4
Melancholy Howls in Ceremonial Penitence - 4.5
Chasing the Path of the Hidden Master - 4.5
Cursed Deambulations of the Nocturnal Entities - tbd
The Burning Spears of Crimson Agony - 4
Punishment and Devotion - tbd
35Urfaust
Untergang
36Veilburner
The Duality of Decapitation and Wisdom


The Three Lightbearers: 4
Noumenon: 3.5
The Obscene Rite: 4
A Sire to the Ghouls of Lunacy: 4.5
Lurkers in the Capsule of Skull: 4
VLBRNR: 3.8
The Duality of Decapitation and Wisdom: 4.7
Longing for Triumph, Reeking of Tragedy: 4.7
All That Glimmers is Gloam: tbd

Band absolutely smashes. The entire discography is rock solid, even the earlier stuff before they'd really found their musical voice. It was rad as hell hearing them go from a weirdo band to absolutely alien black/death outfit. Rules. Listen now.
37Paysage d'Hiver
Nacht
38Drudkh
The Swan Road


Forgotten Legends: 4
Autumn Aurora: 4.6
The Swan Road: 4.2
Blood In Our Wells: 4
Songs of Grief and Solitude: tbd
Estrangement: tbd
Microcosmos: tbd
Handful of Stars: tbd
Eternal Turn of the Wheel: tbd
A Furrow Cut Short: tbd
They Often See Dreams About the Spring: tbd
All Belong to the Night: tbd
Shadows Play: tbd
39Naumachy
Sorrowful Clouds & Ancient Elegies
40Dark Heresy
Abstract Principles Taken to Their Logical Extreme
41Lykathea Aflame
Elvenefris
42Caedes Cruenta
Ὅρκος ἐκλεκτῶν
43Judas Iscariot
Distant In Solitary Night
44Odz Manouk
Odz Manouk
45Iron Firmament
Iron Firmament
46Enochian Crescent
Black Church
47Kringa
Total Mental Desecration
48Kashgar (KG)
Kashgar
49Darker Mysteria
Ceremonia de Brujería Ancestral
50Grabunhold
Frostheim


Unter dem Banner der Toten (EP) - 3.5
Heldentod - 4
Frostheim - 4
51Necros Christos
Triune Impurity Rites
52Mephorash
Shem Ha Mephorash
53Calderum
Calderum
54Katharsis
VVorldVVithout End
55Weapon
Embers and Revelations
56Arizmenda
Spiders Lust in the Dungeon's Dust


Within the Vacuum of Infinity... - 4.5
Without Circumference nor Center - 4
Stillbirth in the Temple of Venus - 5/5
Beneath this Reality of Flesh - 3.5
Despairs Depths Descended - 3.8
Spider's Lust in the Dungeon's Dust - 4.2

Some absolutely insane albums from this guy. Stillbirth is an astonishing 5/5 album and a couple others come reasonably close.
57Vital Spirit
Still as the Night, Cold as the Wind
58Grylle
Egrotants, Souffreteux, Cacochymes, Covidards


Les grandes compagnies - 3.7
Égrotants, souffreteux, cacochymes, covidards - 4.2

Side project of some of the people from Vehemence and it rules. First album is basically French folk music with some screaming. Second one is full-blown black metal but with equal parts folk. Rules hard.
59Yaotl Mictlan
Sagrada Tierra del Jaguar
60Leda spiridon
An Erratic Crusade
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