Nordvis

Häxkapell: Om jordens blod och urgravens grepp [CD]

“Strävan” is the third opus from the enigmatic yet revered Swedish black metal duo Murg. Embarking on a sinister and sombre journey, the album is driven by deliberate, slow-paced riffs that emanate stoic darkness and fierce pride. Murg embrace a musical minimalism that cuts straight to the bone, defying simplicity and predictability. “Strävan” stands tall and unwavering in its unyielding intensity – as a resolute farewell to creation itself.

From the northernmost part of Scandinavia, Häxkapell presents "Om jordens blod och urgravens grepp," a black metal masterpiece that blends folk, atmospheric darkness, and progressive elements. Traditional instruments infuse the music with primal energy, while subconscious writing crafts lyrics that delve into the mystical. Composed and created by Oraklet, this album reflects the cyclical dance of life and death, capturing the essence of nature's eternal rhythms in a haunting musical journey.

Forndom: Moþir [CD]

Nechochwen’s “Heart of Akamon” blends atmospheric black metal with the haunting beauty of Appalachian folk. This West Virginian duo masterfully combines evocative storytelling, intricate guitar work, and dark folk elements, creating a soundscape that resonates with the struggle, pride, and resilience of indigenous peoples. “Heart of Akamon” is not just an album; it’s a tribute to the spirit of a proud culture facing the tide of change.

Eldhymner by Häxkapell is a fiery homage to classic Swedish black metal, woven with Oraklet’s existential vision. Drawing from the ferocity of Marduk and the atmospheric depths of Dissection and Otyg, the album explores fire as a source of power, destruction, and life. Through haunting melodies and lyrics rooted in psychography, Eldhymner invites listeners to confront the flames and the mysteries they hold. Featuring artwork by J Edward Neill and mastering by T. Stjerna, Eldhymner stands as a dark, introspective journey into black metal’s primal allure.

Panopticon: Roads to the North (10 Year Anniv.) [2 Vinyl LP]