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Underground Extreme Metal Fanzine


A new review section: Buried by Time And Dust

We added a new review section, coincidentally another Mayhem reference following 'The Past is Alive', with the title 'Buried by Time and Dust'. Over the years, a lot of promos have been gathering dust simply because a fresh wave of promos arrived the following month and they were consigned to oblivion. We will review them here to make a clear distinction with our other reviews. We will also use it to complete a discography in terms of reviews. Feel free to contact us if you would like to submit your music or would like to join the staff.

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Profanatica unveils new EP ‘Wreathed in Dead Angels’, released by Hells Headbangers: “…there’s only ever been one true Profanatica”

March 7, 2025

Hells Headbangers is proud to present Profanatica’s highly anticipated new mini-album, ‘Wreathed in Dead Angels’, on CD, 12″ vinyl, and cassette tape formats.

Profanatica require no introduction. Cold ‘n’ alone American Black Metal before “USBM” became some dumb rallying term, pushing boundaries and “good taste” with vile blasphemy and even-more-vile music, and simply doing whatever the fuck they want, both in their original early ’90s guise and their now-intensely-prolific period in the 21st millennium: there’s only ever been one true Profanatica.

However, let it be known than Profanatica are not standard “Black Metal,” but rather their own rarefied strain of Black / Death Metal. They’ve been proving it the last handful of years, and prove it more perversely than ever with ‘Wreathed in Dead Angels’. The band’s return to longtime supporters Hells Headbangers features six brand-new tracks in a swift ‘n’ salacious 22 minutes: immediately, irrevocably Profanatica from beginning to end. But, while the power-trio maintain a signature sound, by no means are they repeating past glories. From the utterly gutted guitar tone to the cultivated primitivism of founder Paul Ledney’s drumming to the creeping / crushing songwriting, ‘Wreathed in Dead Angels’ vulgarly displays Profanatica just entering their prime – all the more amazing for a band that’s been around since 1990.

New album from Ghörnt on the way, released by Soulseller Records: “The album combines furious blast beats and uptempo with melodic leads that will stick in your head”

March 6, 2025

Soulseller Records proudly presents the new album of Ghörnt, entitled ‘Bluetgraf’!

With their third full-length the witching Swiss Black Metal duo have brewed an unusual piece of dark art. The album combines furious blast beats and uptempo with melodic leads that will stick in your head. Thematically it is all about different stories about vampires, including the most famous ones like Vlad Tepes, and local myths.

‘Bluetgraf’ was recorded at Chäuer Studios / Bär (drums, bass and guitars) and Hellvete Studio / Luzern (vocals) and mixed / mastered by Christoph Brandes at Iguana Studios. Artwork by Julian.

Travel through the myths woven and told through the band’s native Luzern dialect! For fans of Dark Funeral, Marduk or Belphegor!

Sijjin return with their 2nd opus on Sepulchral Voice Records: “The album conjures its own life of satanic imagery, diabolical debauchery and biblical fatalism”

March 5, 2025

Hark and behold, all ye supporters of the darkest of Metal, the time has finally come. Four years after the sheer onslaught which was ‘Sumerian Promises’, Sijjin return with their 2nd opus entitled ‘Helljjin Combat’.

The German/Basque trio has delved into depths absolute, focusing their lens on the most antediluvian variety of Death Metal while bringing up a derivative of evil Thrash with utmost evil intent. The album conjures its own life of satanic imagery, diabolical debauchery and biblical fatalism. Sijjin follow the firm path they once took but permanently turn to the south of heaven.

Recorded live at BlackStorm Studios in Karrantza, Basque Country, the new songs brim over with satanic energy, countless tempo changes, vile twists and turns, a demanding instrumental performance and riffs that drag you directly to the lowest point in hell. On top of that, blessed with abysmal strength as it seems, Gericke’s vocals never sounded as raspy and malevolent as on ‘Helljjin Combat’, or to put it simple, dirty as fuck.

Adorned with an authentic and completely dry 80s analog sounding production, the record takes aim like fallen angels, storming the vaults in high heaven. In stark contrast to the tracks on ‘Sumerian Promises’, Sijjin’s newer direction focuses on more extensive song structures as practiced by the godfathers of mid 80s Metal insanity, bringing such infamous names as Infernäl Mäjesty, Nasty Savage, Possessed, very early Slayer or Megadeth to mind.

In conclusion while seeking combat in hell, the trio of Sijjin has once more ultimately testified to be the trident in the left hand of the devil. So mote it be!

Purity Through Fire and Granitader drops new EP: “Comparisons to the likes of Windur, Falkenbach, or fellow Teutonic horde Horn are still valid…”

March 5, 2025

Purity Through Fire is proud to present a brand-new EP from Granitader, ‘Schlachtenklang’, on digipack CD format.

Following last year’s masterful debut album, ‘Der Wald zwischen den Welten’, Granitader continue to storm the ramparts with the three-song / 16-minute ‘Schlachtenklang’. Short but most definitely sweet, this new EP is absolutely bursting at the seams with triumph and urgency; any longer and the listener might have a heart attack! Whereas that celebrated first full-length showed the Germans’ masterful grasp of songwriting and dynamics – and plenty of confidence and charisma to spare – here do Granitader light a fire under their pagan Black Metal, swarming from every direction with swords-aloft bloodlust and righteous bravado.

Comparisons to the likes of Windur, Falkenbach, or fellow Teutonic horde Horn are still valid, but daresay do none of them whip forth such a life-affirming fury quite like ‘Schlachtenklang’, and the incorporation of occasional deathly vocals is a welcome development. Old souls who exude the effervescence of the new, Granitader continue their ascent to the top of the pagan pack with ‘Schlachtenklang’!

Phantom and High Roller Records reveal new album: “The new record marks a tour de force through the genre’s much cherished traditions – think Razor, Dark Angel, Merciless, Living Death and, of course, Slayer for reference”

March 5, 2025

Phantom are a Speed/Thrash metal band from Guadalajara, Mexico, formed in 2021 as a project just for fun. After having cut their teeth on three demos and a split album with four likeminded groups, the four-piece released their debut full-length ‘Handed to Execution’, which was followed one year later by the EP ‘Transylvanian Nightmare’. While both were well-received by critics and fans alike, Phantom now up the ante with their second album ‘Tyrants of Wrath’.

The new record marks a tour de force through the genre’s much cherished traditions – think Razor, Dark Angel, Merciless, Living Death and, of course, Slayer for reference – while adding a fresh spin on things, be it in the shape of ‘Nimbus’ – a tribute to Phantom’s most old-school influences from cult acts such as Manilla Road, Gotham City and Heavy Load – or regarding the off-kilter structure of ‘Nazguhl’, one of many ventures into the unconventional that surprisingly enough never compromise the Mexicans’ Extreme Metal outlook.

‘Tyrants of Wrath’ was recorded and mixed at Nehtron Studios Mexico by the band and Héctor Northen, mastering was done by Patrick Engel at German Temple of Disharmony. Phantom will tour Europe in September/October 2025 with Brazil’s Evilcult. “It’s gonna be our first European tour, and we are very excited,” gushes front man J.C. “You can expect total devastation and absolutely merciless, breakneck performances!”

Haemorrhage returns with new EP on Hells Headbangers: “on’t be a canoe and miss out on this new record by one of the few ‘90s Death Metal bands that hasn’t wimped out!”

March 4, 2025

Hells Headbangers is proud to present a brand-new mini-album from Spain’s Haemorrhage, ‘Opera Medica’, on CD and 12” vinyl formats.

Spain’s Haemorrhage should require no introduction. Alongside Mortician, there is no other gore-obsessed Death Metal band who’ve been around longer and been more influential – or, perhaps most importantly, never wimped out for more commercial aspirations. As such, while they’ve undoubtedly drawn influence from the immortal early works of Carcass, it could be argued that Haemorrhage have in many ways bested the original. Or, simply, rarely does goregrind get as disgusting AND catchy as these Spanish legends.

Alas, it’s been eight long years since Haemorrhage released the full-length ‘We are the Gore’, and the only brand-new material they’ve released since then was the three-way split with Hemdale and Meat Spreader the following year. Therefore, it is with no small amount of ceremony that ‘Opera Medica’ arrives, courtesy of longtime fans Hells Headbangers (who recently reissued on vinyl 1998’s classic ‘Anatomical Inferno’). Thankfully, Haemorrhage are as sick and depraved as ever, serving up their characteristic Goregrind with utmost catchiness, crushing power, and a charisma otherwise elusive to their contemporaries. Featuring five exclusive songs in 19 swift minutes, ‘Opera Medica’ sounds exactly as it should – like Haemorrhage, sewer-drenched and slicing / sluicing and yet with a focus that’s (still!) frightening to behold – but the uniquely strutting “Nomenclator Pathologicum” surprises with its sleazy groove, and is bound to become one of the band’s new live standards.

Haemorrhage’s ‘Opera Medica’ will be exclusively available on CD and one-sided 12” vinyl, with a silkscreened side B. Don’t be a canoe and miss out on this new record by one of the few ‘90s Death Metal bands that hasn’t wimped out!

Disfuneral unveils new album ‘In Horror, Reborn’, to be released via Redefining Darkness Records: “‘In Horror, Reborn’ delves deeper into themes of death, gore, and horror, encapsulating the band’s signature archaic Death metal sound…”

March 4, 2025

10 years after their formation, their newest offering and second full-length album ‘In Horror, Reborn’ will be released via Redefining Darkness Records on April 25, 2025.

Formed in 2015 in Nancy, France, Disfuneral emerged from the remnants of the band Herpes, embracing a raw and unfiltered approach to Death Metal. Disfuneral crafts a sound that pays homage to the early days of Death Metal while infusing their unique sense of humour and personality. Their self-titled EP, initially self-released in 2017, caught our attention here at Redefining Darkness Records, leading to us re-releasing it in March 2021. That partnership culminated in their debut full-length album, ‘Blood Red Tentacle’, released in April 2022. The album showcased the band’s commitment to the foundational elements of Death Metal and showcased their artistic creativity, earning them recognition within the European Metal community.

‘In Horror, Reborn’ delves deeper into themes of death, gore, and horror, encapsulating the band’s signature archaic Death metal sound that will appeal fans of Autopsy, Entrails, Entombed, Necrot and Death Breath. The album comprises nine relentless tracks that blend ferocious riffs, guttural vocals and pounding rhythms, reflecting Disfuneral’s strict dedication to the genre’s roots.

Dead Chasm ready with new album ‘Spectral Tyranny’: “Dead Chasm have come up with a bunch of songs that are virtually faultless but more importantly are of the kind that would resonate with any true fan of Death/Doom metal”

March 4, 2025

Italian Death/Doom metal band Dead Chasm bring forth their latest material that promises to be their most potent output yet. There’s not a second wasted on these three songs which are dense with stomach-churning riffs and doom passages that are all but enveloping, while the execution remains tighter than ever before. They make everything work like clockwork as a three-piece unit and there’s not a single area where they leave something to be desired. The songs are more elaborately structured than usual in this Death/Doom style and it’s particularly noteworthy how they take the time to flesh out the riffs and go about it all in a natural way rather than forcing it or coming across as ostentatious at any given point of time. Be it during the slower sections building up the thick, ominous atmosphere or the faster, pummelling parts, it’s all done in a sincere manner and that too with the right organic sound that retains some of the rawness. Dead Chasm have come up with a bunch of songs that are virtually faultless but more importantly are of the kind that would resonate with any true fan of Death/Doom metal.

Signal Rex prepares release Abyssal Vacuum’s self-titled debut album: “Whether one’s soul has the fortitude to venture forth…well, such is the Rubicon one must dare to cross”

March 3, 2025

Signal Rex is proud to present Abyssal Vacuum’s highly anticipated debut album, ‘Abyssal Vacuum’, on CD, vinyl LP, and cassette tape formats.

Ecstatic fervor. Mesmerizing heft. Atmosphere ripped asunder, both above and below. Infinity transformed into sonic delirium, slipstreaming latitudes and longitudes of voidal landscape… France’s Abyssal Vacuum are almost too perfectly monikered.

From where darkness is not an absence, but a hallucinatory, guiding, and nourishing force, Abyssal Vacuum emerge once more with their self-titled debut album. After four EPs, the veil of silence fell upon their subterranean congregation – but quietness doesn’t mean stagnation.

Now, the time has come to ascend to the surface after an ecstatic descent into the hungry abyss, following the inevitable transformation of a project that started in the murk of the underground. This first full-length is the logical extension of their journey, the first offering testifying to the convergence of a full lineup, tracing the steps of their souls navigating an uncharted Katabasis, a labyrinth where the eroded walls reverberate and echo with haunting and exhilarating visions, pulsing deeper into the boundless chasm, the void between worlds.

Her Womb is our Temple.
His Light is our Blessing.

Keys to understanding Abyssal Vacuum are contained in the six component track titles to ‘Abyssal Vacuum’, each one pinpointing a particular locale doubtlessly portending considerable occult energy. Whether one’s soul has the fortitude to venture forth…well, such is the Rubicon one must dare to cross.

Flagg and Purity Through Fire announces new album: “Those pining for an authentic throwback to mid/late ’90s melodic Black Metal of a most blastbeaten nature will salivate at the prospect of this ‘Diabolical Bloodlust'”

March 1, 2025

urity Through Fire is proud to present Flagg’s highly anticipated third album, ‘Diabolical Bloodlust’, on CD format.

Flagg are one of Finnish Black Metal’s most unsung gems. Rotten and regal, the band is the work of two scene veterans: selfsame multi-instrumentalist Flagg, who was a part of reanimated old Finnish cult Annihilatus, and vocalist Tyrant, whose hordes include the esteemed likes of Malum, Infernarium, and Kalmankantaja. Together, Flagg’s two full-lengths – 2020’s ‘Nothing But Death’ and 2021’s ‘Cosmic Chaos Manifest’, both released under the banner of Purity Through Fire – flew in the face of prevailing Finnish paradigms, presenting an ultraviolence largely steeped in the ancient ’90s whilst evincing a palatable sort of modernity.

Now, four years after that not-inconsiderable second album, Flagg return with arguably their best record yet, ‘Diabolical Bloodlust’. Those pining for an authentic throwback to mid/late ’90s melodic Black Metal of a most blastbeaten nature will salivate at the prospect of this ‘Diabolical Bloodlust’. With a production style that’s palpably vintage – gleam and grime locking horns, harmonious in their hellish result – underpinning these eight firestorms of nightsky melodicism, Flagg proceed to flay the listener with overwhelming-yet-entrancing intent, stacking fucking riffs upon riffs and coating them in the freezing fire of olde-worlde melody. No more but definitely no less, ‘Diabolical Bloodlust’ sticks to its rigorous template with monomaniacal focus, stacking up well alongside such late ’90s touchstones as ‘On Twilight Enthroned’, ‘Towards the Skullthrone of Satan’, ‘Lords of the Nightrealm’, ‘At the World of Untrodden Wonder’, and ‘Onwards to the Spectral Defile’. Those who know, know, and Flagg most definitely know!

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