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With “The Apophatic Wilderness”, Verberis reveals an image of man cast into the house of Abaddon. Three formidable compositions totalling 41 minutes proceed from 2022’s “Adumbration of the Veiled Logos”, recounting an entanglement of hubris, submission, worship, and ruin.

As with the past two releases, “The Apophatic Wilderness” was recorded by the constellation of DA with JSM, NH, and MP. This time, the essence of germanium transistors and magnetic tape imbues the sonic spectrum and provides an aura of vintage viscerality.

While collaborating once more with Ars Alchymiae and Magnus Lindberg, further control was relinquished to achieve a final product reaching beyond the capacities of the band’s core alone. In this respect, mixing was by the hands of Richard Behrens, whereas layout and typography came forth from an open grave.

Take heed in the apophatic wilderness.

Vafurlogi is rooted both spiritually and literally in the early 2000s black metal movement, as the earliest songs were written nearly twenty years ago. Like the stalwarts of that era, Vafurlogi draws inspiration not only from the staunch traditionalism of the ‘90s but also from its rebellious spirit of discovery and creation.
Fronted by guitarist Þórir Garðarsson of Sinmara and Svartidauði, who now also takes on vocal and bass duties, Vafurlogi presents a new chapter for him as a songwriter. Throughout years of activity with his other bands, the essence of Vafurlogi slowly cultivated in parallel below the surface. Initially a vessel for accumulated works not suitable for Svartidauði or Sinmara, Vafurlogi developed into an avenue for him to freely explore different creative ideas and moods. While touching on the apocalyptic, nightmarish realms of Svartidauði and the haunting atmospherics of Sinmara, Vafurlogi places greater emphasis on triumphant and unabashedly melodic flourishes through a comparatively stripped-down compositional approach.

In Vafurlogi, Þórir has joined forces with drummer Ragnar Sverrisson, a seasoned veteran of the underground metal scene, having played in various bands both in Iceland and abroad, such as Helfró, Ophidian I, Abyssal, and Valkyrja. After the album recordings, the lineup was reinforced with Eysteinn Orri Sigurðsson of Nyrst and Úlfúð on guitars and Samúel Ásgeirsson of Volcanova on bass. “Í vökulli áþján” was produced at the esteemed Studio Emissary by Stephen Lockhart of Rebirth of Nefast between 2020 and 2024, presenting songs written mostly between 2018 and 2020.

Vafurlogi is Icelandic for ‘flickering flame’, but the name can also be literally translated as ‘wandering light’ – and therein lies the key to the project’s thematic essence. Vafurlogi explores man’s incessant and despairing search for meaning and the ever-elusive sacred light while condemned to roam spiritual wastelands.

With its tenth full-length album, Svartsyn delivers a work rooted in both its present vision and primordial past. “Vortex of the Destroyer” unfolds in two intertwined chapters: four new compositions alongside six resurrected relics from Chalice, the entity that would become Svartsyn in 1994.

The first half of “Vortex of the Destroyer” embodies a refined yet relentless approach, shaped by instinct and hindsight alike. From the ruin of Atlantis to the flames of Surtr and Fenrir, these songs channel Svartsyn’s pursuit of apocalyptic grandeur – a descent into the abyss.

The latter half harks back to the autumn of 1992, breathing new life into six compositions first forged under the Chalice banner. Conceived at the dawn of the second wave of Black Metal, these tracks honour the band’s origins. Re-recorded with present clarity, their essence remains untouched: wild, sinister, and unmistakably Ornias.

In the wake of their previous work, Also sprach das Chaos, Blackdeath continue to push experimental boundaries in composition. In an era when musical distinctiveness is scarce, Blackdeath offers a rare listening experience shaped by over 25 years in the black metal scene.

Their journey began with Saturn Sector (1998), a raw debut rooted in the defiant tradition of black metal, yet unmistakably their own. Their latest release, Mortui incedere possunt ("Dead Can March"), showcases an expanded role for drummer Polar Maya as vocalist, along with an ambitious production by TT of Abigor. Now joined by second guitarist Der Nukleare Herjarnn, a longtime live collaborator, Blackdeath’s sound hints at Voivod and the radical strains of orthodox black metal, exploring mid-tempo, ice-laden grooves.

Merging familiar intensity with newfound uniqueness, Blackdeath may well have achieved their pinnacle. Thematically, they dissect reality through an anti-cosmic lens, revealing Chaos in all things.

Side A features “Chaining the Katechon”by Deathspell Omega and side B “Le Diable est ma raison” by S.V.E.S.T.

This Gatefold LP comes with a printed inner sleeve.

Gatefold DLP with A1 Salvation poster.
 

Official reissue on Peaceville

2021 CD reissue of the 1996 debut of cult classic medieval black metal mastery from Monaco's Godkiller.

A prime example of finely crafted, grandiose yet raw mid-90s Black Metal, the release creatively developed out of 1995's demo, The Warlord (incorporating music from that release, with anti-Christian themes prevalent throughout and an overall concept of the battle between good and evil).

With a cold, stripped down production, plus triumphantly dark yet epic riffs mixed with tortured vocals and highly effective synthesizer melodies, the EP evokes a strong Medieval atmosphere throughout, and shows why The Rebirth of the Middle Ages is still highly regarded as a glorious touch of darkness from the past.

Presented with its original artwork, plus lyrics. Remastered by Godkiller’s Duke Satanaël himself.

super jewelcase

From the depths of Norway looms a new rising beast of hate and misanthropy in the form of Avmakt, featuring members of Aura Noir, Obliteration, Condor. Speaking about Avmakt’s music, vocalist Christoffer Bråthen said “Abstract and concrete as asphalt, processed through life as blood and ash, these riffs have seeped through the bottomless psychic wall. The themes are futureless and true to who we really are – clean and clear as disease.” Avmakt are: Christoffer Bråthen - guitars, vocals, bass Kristian Valbo - drums, vocals, bass

Havukruunu's KELLE SURUT SOI reissued in September Svart Records continues to re-release the works of Havukruunu, bringing their highly sought after 2017 album KELLE SURUT SOI back in print in September 2025. Havukruunu's sophomore album Kelle surut soi is known for its immersive atmosphere, evoking imagery of Finnish paganism and nature's force. While rooted in black metal, the album incorporates folk melodies and acoustic elements, adding depth and texture to the sound, yet it doesn't shy away from aggressive, blackened riffs and powerful drumming, providing a satisfyingly heavy experience. The songs are individual journeys, with the album as a whole creating a larger, more impactful experience.