Barren Canyon

Now it's time for some dramatic and atmospheric new black metal from Canadian duo Barren Canyon.  The band's "A Virulent Stream" is out in May on Avantgarde Music.  Pre-order it here and listen to the cosmic and abyssal "Effluvial Pools" below.

Olhava

This February brings us epic and icy new atmospheric black metal from Russian band Olhava.  Listen to the sprawling and gorgeous "When the Ashes Grow Cold" below, a track that somehow sounds like the universe coming to an end and being reborn at the same time.  Totally earth moving stuff.  And pre-order the "Memorial" LP here from Avantgarde Music.

Sivyj Yar

Typically when i come across a black metal artist from Russia, i pay attention.  Russian artist Sivyj Yar proves i am correct in doing so.  Upcoming new album "A Scarlet Sunset Over the Horrid Abyss" is, as it's title suggests, a mix of soaring atmosphere and bleak, stark mood, utilizing elements of black metal and post rock to craft an absolutely enormous and at times heart wrenching sound.  Check out "Everything Under the Snow Will Hush, then Die" below and pre-order the LP here from Italian label Avantgarde Music.

Mesarthim

Earlier this year, Australian atmospheric black metal band Mesarthim released the epic new song "Departure," and now the good folks over at Avantgarde Music are releasing it, along with last year's equally epic "Anthropic Bias," on vinyl in December.  Listen to the grand, soaring, and bombastic "Departure" below and pre-order the LP here.

Olhava

Russian black metal band Olhava released their latest album "Sacrifice" last month, and it's an atmospheric and pulverizing cacophony of guitars, blast beats, primal screams, and sonic effects.  And it kicks ass too.  Check out the epic and majestic "Eternal Fire" below and get the record here from Avantgarde Music.

Bolt Gun

I just posted about Australian black metal band Bolt Gun a couple of days ago, and now they've announced a new album coming our way next month.  Bring the noise.  Check out the ominous "The Sacred Deer" below and pre-order "The Tower" LP here from Avantgarde Music.

Mesarthim

Australia's Mesarthim are back next month with a new album of atmospheric black metal splashed with dark ambient and electronic textures, icy dungeon synth notes, and anguished, defiant cries into the deep, never ending voids of the cosmos.  Check out "Type IV" below and pre-order the "Arrival" LP here from Avantgarde Music.

Lycia

Lycia were/are a band out of Arizona that started making music in the late '80s and have continued to do so for over 30 years.  I have no idea how they have escaped my notice for the last three decades, as their blend of goth and darkwave synth pop with flourishes of industrial rock and shoegaze is right in my wheelhouse.  Better late than never i guess.  Anyway, the band's DIY 1991 "Ionia" LP is finally getting the vinyl treatment from Italian label Avantgarde Music.  Listen to the title track below and order the record here.

Olhava

Stressing myself out.  I'm generally good at math, but you present it to me in the form of tax documentation, and my brain just turns off.  So here's 20 minutes of post rock black metal from Russian duo Olhava.  Lay endless siege to my battered brains.  Check out "The Queen of Fields" below and order the "Frozen Bloom" LP here from Avantgarde Music.