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The Italic spirit returns… Winter Medieval Black Metal from the Mounts of Sibylla!

Hesperia is a one-man concept band focused on Italian culture and history. Hesperia is the ancient and obscure name of the Italic lands ruled by the mythological sovereign Hesperus.

After exploring the pre-Roman era with a tetralogy based on the Roman poem Aeneid and the Roman era with two volumes about Rome, it’s now time for the Medieval Italic age: ‘Fra Li Monti Sibillini (Black Medieval Winter Over The Sibylline Mounts)’ is a Medieval journey through the Sibylline Mounts, located in central-eastern Italy (Marche region, the region of Hesperus), filled with obscure legends and a truly dark history: heretics, witches, alchemists, necromants, goat fairies, the Inquisition, hidden villages/mountains/gorges, and… the sorceress Sibylla.

Legend and history intertwine, real places and real stakes, legendary characters and real people, accompanied by Medieval Black Metal with significant ‘90s influences (Immortal and Satyricon in particular), with elements of authentic medieval music and ambient parts that will truly transport the listener to these obscure places. This album is your ultimate key and path to the subterranean realm beneath the Mounts of Sibylla.

Purity Through Fire is proud to present Mavorim’s highly anticipated fifth album, ‘In Omnia Paratus’, on CD, A5 digipack, double-LP vinyl, and cassette tape formats.

By now, the name Mavorim should be more than familiar to those who follow the crimes of Purity Through Fire. Since the band’s formation in 2014, mainman Baptist has restlessly and relentlessly pursued his stark, austere style of Black Metal, resulting in four full-lengths and seven other shorter-length works. In just a decade, Mavorim have come to define – and influence – the new breed of German Black Metal that hearkens back to the old guard: Teutonic to the bone, harsh and harrowing yet heralding triumph.

Following a busy 2023 – the release of fourth album ‘Ab Amitia Pulsae’, plus Purity Through Fire unearthed four full-length demos dating back to 2017, all of which directly preceded their ‘Silent Leges Inter Arma’ debut album – Mavorim return with ‘In Omnia Paratus’. Picking up where its predecessor left off – Baptist’s subtle-yet-concerted integration of keyboards and other synth sounds, which altogether added an exceptionally dynamic contour to otherwise-straightforward aggression – ‘In Omnia Paratus’ sees a stridently cleaner, more martial Mavorim.

It’s a tradeoff that works in spades: the usually quick-galloping pace feels even more breathless and bravado-laden, and the synths swirl with even-more-magickal mysticism, still very much a secondary element but a crucial one nevertheless. As such, Baptist’s riffing feels fierier and airier simultaneously, a paradoxically ice-cold swoosh of heated hatred; the sharp ‘n’ taut drumming underpinning it all keeps a comparable clarity, making this one of the nastiest “clean” Black Metal records around. Which is all to say that Mavorim’s content is consistent, righteously and remarkably so, even if the form becomes more refined. And it all comes to a dramatic climax in ten-minute closer “der letzten Sonne Untergang,” which is not to be missed. Bavaria über alles!

Purity Through Fire is proud to present a worldwide edition of Vspolokh’s third album, ‘Mertvozem / Мрьтвоземъ’, on CD and A5 digipack formats.

Formed back in 2004, what Vspolokh lack in quantity of recordings, they ably make up for in quality of vision. In the ever-vast field of Russian Black Metal, Vspolokh stand strong, maintaining the triumphant-yet-tragic element so endemic to the best quarters of that scene whilst just as equally evincing a patiently plied style of songcraft that’s consistent with their judiciously spare discography.

Purity Through Fire released Vspolokh’s debut album, ‘Печаль о прошлом’, in 2010 and then two well-regarded splits in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Alas, silence ensued until 2020, with the release of ‘Помре’. Thankfully, no great changes were made to their rigorous aesthetic – strident physicality but never overly exerted, a subtly hummable melodicism that never wanders near the saccharine, a view toward epic constructions without any bloat – and now they continue that still-extended trajectory with their third album, ‘Mertvozem / Мрьтвоземъ’.

Originally released in the Russian market this November, ‘Mertvozem / Мрьтвоземъ’ is arguably Vspolokh’s strongest work to date. Their alternately surging / swaying attack is more muscular than ever, with that physicality taking on a nearly world-eating aspect at times. Those moments of aggression are strategically deployed, delivering sweet release – or vice versa – after the spiraling segments of bittersweet beauty, betraying all the bloody tragedy spilled on Russian soil over so many centuries. Everything moves with almost monk-like patience, but that slow-burn movement is mesmerizing no matter the tempo. Laid upon a framework of utterly huge production, ‘Mertvozem / Мрьтвоземъ’ irrevocably recasts Vspolokh as a unique sort of pagan Black Metal that’s somehow modern – and plausibly, powerfully so.

On January 21st, 2025 internationally, W.T.C. Productions is proud to present Membaris’ highly anticipated sixth album, ‘Black Plasma Armour’, on CD and vinyl LP formats.

Forming in the dark, fateful days of 1999, Membaris have long been a lingering force within Germany’s oft-overlooked Black Metal underground. From the band’s very first demo in 2002 onward, Membaris have kept their feet firmly rooted in Black Metal’s foundational second wave, but always with an eye to expand upon that noble firmament. Reverence is key, as is passion, and the seamless, unselfconscious combination of both has become a hallmark of Membaris.

In that cursed year of 2020, Membaris emerged from the shadows after eight years with ‘Misanthrosophie’. Despite the darkness of the times, founding members Obscurus and Kraal unleashed a torrent of Technicolor Black Metal majesty – at the time, Membaris’ strongest full-length work to date…until now, with ‘Black Plasma Armour’.

Tellingly titled, ‘Black Plasma Armour’ is a fever-dreaming screed of kaleidoscopic aggression. Membaris waste no time kicking into the album, with the title track leading off proceedings – surging, spiraling, askew – before dazzling shapes outside the mien of Black Metal begin to come into recognition. Always shifting, forever churning, breathlessly passionate, the six stout tracks comprising the 44-minute record go many, MANY places as themes and textures flow into and out of each other. Each one is as memorable as the last, often hanging upon a yearning / desperate hook or crest of beautiful annihilation; it’s almost as if each climax is not enough, that another is right over the brink. Membaris’ execution – searingly tight and yet recognizably human – lifts these creations higher / deeper, penetrating body and soul with a power that’s blanching. As the slipstream of ‘Black Plasma Armour’ continues, it’s almost alarmingly easy to lose sight that this is, in fact, a Black Metal record: no compromise, but no boundaries. And as the closer ‘Onwards to the Last Blink of Reason’ races to its cathartic conclusion, it’s a fitting summation of the journey just experienced and the next to begin, ad infinitum.

Hammerheart Records are proud to announce the signing of Czech Death Metal masters Pandemia! The new album is set for a release in May on CD, LP and digital. Full album details and the first single will drop in December.

Pandemia have been around since the year Hammerheart Records came into existence; 1995 that is! New album delivered for listening to record label, record label checks album and is simply blown away by the intensity, brutality and quality. So, we go for it, together.

We are looking forward to release Pandemia’s sixth full length album, the best Death Metal album ever coming from Czech Republic. Top notch songs, skillful playing, killer production and insane guitar solos complete an album that will be appealing to fans of high quality Death Metal for sure.

Pandemia comments:
“Signing with Hammerheart Records feels like a dream realized. We’ve admired their work since our demo days in the 90s, watching them cultivate and champion the most authentic voices in Extreme Metal. Our sixth album, and first release in a decade, represents Pandemia at its absolute peak – it’s fast, intense, and varied enough to keep you headbanging into the late hours of the night. Each member has delivered their best performance to date, pushing our abilities to new heights. With such devastating material in hand, we couldn’t ask for a better partner than Hammerheart to help us spread our Death Metal message. Their dedication to the genre makes them the perfect home for this release, and together, we’re ready to show the world the true potential of Pandemia!”

Purity Through Fire is proud to present Nefarious Dusk’s highly anticipated third album, ‘Death Beneath a Starless Sky’, on CD and LP formats. The CD version is out now while the vinyl version shall be released on December 25th.

Residing in the dankest dungeons of the UK Black Metal scene, Nefarious Dusk have been spreading their infections since 2011. A trio of demos, an EP, and a split all issued forth before their debut album for Purity Through Fire, 2019’s ‘The Wanderer of the Cold North’. A self-titled album arrived two years later for the label. Through it all, the iron fist of the ever-prolific Dominus has ruled, who currently also counts the considerable Thy Dying Light and Úlfarr among his activities.

Now joined by Úlfarrbandmate Nosdrahcir on drums and synth, Dominus has assembled the third Nefarious Dusk full-length: ‘Death Beneath a Starless Sky’. As expected, the duo raise high the banner of second-wave classicism, but surprises still abound. Nefarious Dusk’s foundation is as firm as ever – a chilling-yet-rousing canvas of ancient atmosphere and hypnotic pulse, tastefully dusted by a subtle fog of synth – but one could rightfully argue that ‘Death Beneath a Starless Sky’ is a deliberate “regression” of sorts, back to the very earliest ’90s and not strictly within a Scandinavian context. Witness the utterly shredded, sublimely ethereal guitars which recall the very earliest wave of Polish Black Metal. Then witness the synths float upward from that shimmering mass, creating a solemn-yet-stargazing effect no matter the tempo. For indeed do Nefarious Dusk shift among more tempos here, from the rockin’ side of the self-titled album to the blazing-the-Northern-sky surge of the debut, and the songwriting in kind embarking upon the epic; of the six here, two songs average around eight minutes and another tops ten. Whatever way you approach ‘Death Beneath a Starless Sky’, Nefarious Dusk remain against the modern world!

Purity Through Fire is proud to present Úlfarr’s highly anticipated second album, ‘Fornetes Folm’, on CD and vinyl LP formats. The CD version will be released on December 25th while the vinyl version will see release in early 2025, and both will feature ‘His Crown Grows From His Skull’ as a bonus EP.

Since 2011, Úlfarr have stood for uncompromising, antisocial UK Black Metal – or, under their own banner of Cumbrian Black Metal. Helmed by Dominus – who counts the equally prolific Thy Dying Light amongst his activities, as well as fellow labelmates Nefarious Dusk and Morte Lune – Úlfarr released a handful of demos, a couple splits, and most uniquely, a couple live albums before their debut mini-album, Hate & Terror – The Rise of Pure Evil, in 2019 and then another mini-album, The Ruins of Human Failure, two years later. During the summer of 2023, they released a split album with fellow UK horde Malfeitor. Across these caustic recordings, Úlfarr stoked the fires of old – namely, classic Craft, Darkthrone, Mayhem, One Head One Tail, and Death Cult.

Late last year – in December, to be exact – Úlfarr released their debut album, ‘Orlegsceaft’, featuring a revamped lineup as well as sound. Going from a quintet to trio now, the band release a second album a full year after the first: ‘Fornetes Folm’. Mind you, this second album carries forward three members – erstwhile Exvoidxist / Forvitnast vocalist Játvarðr, Malfeitor maiman Nosdrahcir on drums & bass, and of course Dominus on all guitars – and suitably does ‘Fornetes Folm’ further the sound of its full-length predecessor. Grim & ancient Black Metal is the order of the day across this eight-song LP: raw yet refined, atmosphere and physicality coiled like the Ouroboros, with ghoulish grimness running rampant like a long-lost recording from 1995 given undead life through ghostly means. With such a continuation, it’s fair to say that Úlfarr have fully entered their second epoch, and it’s sublimely anti-modern. Underlining their perpetually anti-modern air, the bonus EP ‘His Crown Grows From His Skull’ is included, harkening to the earlier Úlfarr sound – and yet, its three tracks were recorded after the central album. Only they know the true contents of their cauldron, but Black Metal diehards are all the richer for Úlfarr’s restlessness.

Hells Headbangers is proud to present Lament in Winter’s Night’s highly anticipated second album, ‘Whereunto the Twilight Leads’, on CD and vinyl LP formats. Atrocity Altar shall handle the cassette tape release.

Hailing from the ever-fertile Australian Black Metal underground, Lament in Winter’s Night is the work of one The Seer, who has a vast array of other projects lurking in his cobwebbed soul. Of them, Lament in Winter’s Night is the most prominent and prolific and, since the beginning of 2019, has seen feverish activity from The Seer, culminating in the debut album ‘At the Gates of the Eternal Storm’ in 2020. So impressed by its hideous grimness, Hells Headbangers reissued the album in 2022 and promptly sought an alliance with The Seer, which now culminates in the release of Lament in Winter’s Night’s second album.

Evocatively titled ‘Whereunto the Twilight Leads’, Lament in Winter’s Night’s second full-length immediately sounds like them – spectral in its rawness, wounded in its melodicism, largely bass-less recording, and altogether ghoulish and ethereal in equal measure – but changes are certainly afoot here. For one, The Seer is joined by Blood Fury on drums, and while the former still handles all songwriting as well as guitar, bass, synth, and vocals, their chemistry comes careening with no small amount of aplomb: ‘Whereunto the Twilight Leads’ is both more feverish and nuanced than the band’s prior recordings, bouncing from buoyant blasts to an almost-regal midtempo that absolutely amplifies the unapologetically bright riffing & lead-work (often, one and the same). Mind you, by “bright,” there’s an underlying sentiment of melancholy or at least nostalgia across the whole of the album, but rather than get bogged down by the should-be-inherent misery, The Seer’s scurrying & scrying strings build citadels of invigorating sound – “medieval” by proxy, and perversely more AND less Black Metal than ever. It’s a unique disconnect that Lament in Winter’s Night work further in their favor here, and anyone who misses the work of Stefan Kozak (Mystic Forest, Eikenskaden) would be well advised to roam these hinterlands of ‘Whereunto the Twilight Leads’.

An exceptionally emotional release, ‘Whereunto the Twilight Leads’ proves that Lament in Winter’s Night are defying the “raw Black Metal” template with daring imagination and breathtaking poignancy.

Wolfkult Religion will release the first Bestial Rites demo ‘El Abismo’ on cassette, limited to 50 copies in January 2025, after Goat Eyaculation Records have released it in their home country Peru.

The 6-track demo is for fans of Anal Vomit, Goat Semen, Morbosatan, Sarcófago, Angelcorpse, Necrovore, Slaughter, Atomic Aggressor and the likes. This demo evokes the old glories of metal made in this part of the continent…Wild Peruvian Bestial Metal Of Death!

On January 3rd, 2025 internationally, Mutagenic Host will release their highly anticipated debut album, ‘The Diseased Machine’. The album will be co-released by Gurgling Gore (vinyl, cassette), Dry Cough Records (vinyl, cassette), and Memento Mori (CD). The CD version will be released on January 20th, 2025.

Mutagenic Host are a five-piece band hailing from London, as part of the New Wave of British Death Metal (see also: Coffin Mulch, Celestial Sanctuary, Slimelord, Vacuous, Mortuary Spawn, etc.). The group comprises members from various parts of the UK and United States. With a diverse background spanning the Hardcore, Black Metal, and Death Metal scenes, Mutagenic Host blend hardcore sensibilities and groove with the heavy, well-crafted sound reminiscent of ’90s Floridian Death Metal.

Mutagenic Host dive into a technological apocalypse, examining a world overshadowed by hypocritical, insidious, and murderous global powers. The band is deeply disillusioned with the traditional themes of Death Metal and hardcore, feeling that these subjects no longer capture the urgency of the present. Instead, Mutagenic Host tackle the modern-day specters of complacency, apathy, and the looming threat of AI. Their work is an allegory for the systematic industrialization of humanity’s eradication — whether by human hands or by the machines we create to snuff out life. In this narrative, the instruments of the state use AI to monitor, control, and suppress the population, sounding a warning of impending doom through a fresh, intense lens in the Death Metal genre.

The ‘Genotoxic’ Demo, unleashed in early 2023 via Dry Cough, featured four tracks that plunged listeners into a cerebral mulch while simultaneously slashing through them with a ruthlessness found in the streets. Following a year of relentless live performances alongside bands such as Incantation, Fulci, Fuming Mouth, Undeath, Celestial Sanctuary, Kruelty, Portrayal of Guilt, and Doldrey, Mutagenic Host have now finished writing, producing, and recording their inaugural full-length debut, ‘The Diseased Machine’.

Aptly titled, ‘The Diseased Machine’ is a dark and thought-provoking journey into that post-plague world, which frankly doesn’t feel so far away from present times. As a debut album, it consolidates Mutagenic Host’s myriad strengths – stomping ‘n’ slamming grooves, world-eating heaviness, patient deployment of double-bass movement – and then intensifies them to an enviable degree. To be sure, the band are the proverbial well-oiled machine (but not diseased!) across the album’s ten oft-twisting tracks, the clean-yet-crushing production amplifying their strident execution. And with their fluid shifting between tank-rolling downtempo and galloping bouts of speed, we can confidently declare ‘The Diseased Machine’ as the epitome of “chug and slug” – Mutagenic Host have stormed the gates to further solidify their ferocious presence in the Death Metal scene!