Abigor - Taphonomia Aeternitatis (2023) Review

Abigor's latest release, initially distributed solely through physical formats, pays homage to the old school while presenting a remarkably forward-thinking album, arguably their most ambitious work to date. Demonstrating remarkable consistency, the album echoes strong influences from Deathspell Omega, embracing orthodox black metal perspectives with unhinged vocals, intricate songwriting, and theatrical delivery. The inclusion of haunting female clean vocals adds an eerie dimension to the already terrifying straightforward black metal elements. This substantial and intricate release demands repeated listens, revealing itself as a true grower. While some might identify filler moments in certain sections, these nuances contribute to the overall spectacle. Esteemed by hardcore fans, it surpasses their post-Quintessence works, marking a compelling evolution in Abigor's musical trajectory. [3.5 out of 5 - Great]

Release: December 21st, 2023

Label: World Terror Committee

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Hauntologist - Hollow (2024) Review

Mgła has teased the possibility of two more releases this year, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what they (and KSM) have in store. Meanwhile, Darkside's collaboration with The Fall (Over the Voids..., Owls Woods Graves), under the moniker Hauntologist, unveils an album that sits at the crossroads. Half of it resonates with the familiar semi-decent Mgła vibes, showcasing their signature style. The other half ventures into the realm of experimental post-rock and post-metal, offering a unique soundscape that is, well, okay. While uncertain about revisiting this release, especially considering the remarkable capabilities of these musicians, it still manages to strike a chord. Hauntologist's offering is a blend of the expected and the exploratory, creating an album that, although not an instant classic, holds its ground as an intriguing deviation. [3 out of 5 - Good]

Release: January 8th, 2024

Label: No Solace

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Albums of the Year 2023

It’s always the case that this procedure tends to seem easier than what it eventually is. All the preparations throughout the year, all the careful archiving of listens and albums from the first day, does not reduce the perfectionist’s angst for a conclusive round-up of the 12 months that just passed by. Or smashed through. I have to admit that keeping up with this, at this speed and at all the different directions it takes, becomes harder and harder the same way it’s more and more of an effort to stay up all night when you get older. I’m probably slowly turning into the aged grumpy man, sticking to a few favorite classics, and shaming all the youngsters and their non-knowledge.

Top 15 Greek metal albums of 2023

15. Wothrosch: Odium | Hammerheart Records

14. Διχόνοια: Στη Γκρίζα Πολιτεία | Self-released

13. Thromvosis: Proclamation of the Smegmatic Warcult | Self-released

12. Heretic Cult Redeemer: Flagellum Universalis | III Damnation Productions

11. Apovrasma: Archid​é​mon | Self-released 

10. Deviser: Evil Summons Evil | Hammerheart Records

9. Head Cleaner: The Extreme Sound of Truth | Vinylstore.gr

8. Allochiria: Commotion | Venerate Industries

7. Thlipsis: Dawn of Defiance | Floga Records

6. Menace: Open Fire | Razorbleed Productions

5. Drakon Ho Megas: Έλευσις Αντίχριστου | Floga Records

4. Συντρίμμια: Repulsive Inexpression | Self-released

3. Varathron: The Crimson Temple | Agonia Records

2. Auriferous Flame: Ardor for Black Mastery | True Cult Records

1. Thy Darkened Shade: Liber Lvcifer II: Mahapralaya | 

World Terror Committee Productions

Top 15 split releases of 2023

15. Arallu & The True Werwolf: Arallu / The True Werwolf | Israel / Germany, Narbentage Produktionen

14. Fistula & Contaminated: Apex C.H.U.D. / Nigromancer | United States / Australia, Blood Harvest

13. Dead and Dripping & Prophecy of Suffering: Dead and Dripping / Prophecy of Suffering | United States, Lord of the Sick Recordings

12. Mortuary Ghoul & Blood Rage: Horror Worshipping Death | United States / Wales, 

Frozen Screams Imprint

11. Disillumination & Temple of Nihil & Angr: Ex Mundi Ad Nihil - Gnosis of the Unbeing | Russia / Russia / International, Self-released

10. Feral & Crawl: Made as Those Who Are No Longer Alive | Sweden / Sweden, 

Transcending Obscurity Records

9. Grabunhold & Circle of Shadows: Lamentationen | Germany / Austria, Iron Bonehead Productions

8. Azaghal & Black Faith: Immortalized in Luciferian Blood | Finland / Italy, Nero Corvino

7. Galvanizer & Morbific: Galvanizer / Morbific | Finland / Finland, Iron Corpse

6. Gormanudr & Hergandrom: Morbid Sorcery Under the Battle Moon | International / International, Narbentage Produktionen

5. Ancestors Blood & Heimdalls Wacht: Ancestors Blood / Heimdalls Wacht | Finland / Germany, Heidens Hart

4. Worm & Dream Unending: Starpath | United States / International, 20 Buck Spin

3. Heretic Cult Redeemer / Svartulven: Path of the Undead Ichor | Greece / Greece, Self-released

2. Undergang & Spectral Voice: Undergang / Spectral Voice | Denmark / United States, Dark Descent Records

1. Nefarious Spirit & Herald: The Omniversal Pulse | Greece / Greece, Death’s Ovations