German black metal, not to be confused with the progressive/gothic metal band of the same name.    Read this review posted at  The Metal Crypt.  I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Katharsis – VVorld VVithout End [2006]

Very good quebecoise wintry ambient black metal with their (his ) first proper CD release. There’s a strong resemblance in style (without sounding like copycats) to Paysage D’Hiver both in the long ambient passages and in the more aggressive (but here more melodic and polished, unlike the Swiss rawness) black metal ones. Very solid stuff. Buy here…

…or download here.

A new Ambient/Black metal one man band from the US. Self described as “black metal for the body, mind and soul” this is a highly atmospheric album that is probably best described as the bastard child of Darkspace (more specifically the spacey drones of Dark Space II) and middle era Burzum with it’s majestic keyboard ambience. The music coupled with the lyrics dealing with topics like metaphysics and astral projection evoke a mood that’s best described as transcendental. Oh, and the artwork is awesome!.Buy here…

…or download here.

Do you like Swedish hardcore/crust? If so, you have probably already heard this album and if you are new to this particular style of music, right here would be a good place to start.  This is a must have for fans of Skitsystem and Wolfpack/Wolfbrigade and is available to purchase used or new at Amazon. UP THE PUNKS!

Martyrdöd – In Extremis [2005]

The new album from this one man depressive black metal outfit.   Absolutely beautiful and haunting music!  As of right now,  this album is limited to only 200 hand numbered copies directly through No Colours Records.

I Shalt Become – The Pendle Witch Trials [2009]

Epic. Brutal. Awesome. This band somehow manages to create a perfect blend of the old finnish and greek schools of black metal with their very own epic touch. The CD is, unfortunately, limited to just 666 copies so it’s not that easy to find and last year Northern Heritage released a D-LP (also in limited quantity) with two bonus tracks. Try to search here …

…or download here.

First post here (or on any blog, for that matter), so please bear with me .

Here we have one of the most original and interesting black metal acts to emerge on the scene in the last decade with their sophomore album. With a whole plethora of styles ranging from weird and psychedelic to epic and atmospheric while never forgetting the groovy and catchy, this is simply a must own. Buy here…

…or download here.

The latest full length release from this Finnish black metal group.   Behexen began their career in 1994 and since then have managed to conjur a steady onslaught of uncompromising, in-your-face, Satanic black metal.   This album is one of my favorites from 2008 and should be up on your list as well.   I grabbed my copy from the local cool record store, but if you are not as fortunate as I am to have a shop that carries metal in your vicinity,  grab a copy from  The Omega Order .

Behexen – My Soul For His Glory [2008]

Atmospheric/depressive one man black metal project hailing from Sweden.   This is Nae’blis’ second full length album , which was released in CD format in 2007.  Two vinyl pressings, black and clear  were released in 2008 by Northern Silence Productions.   Fans of acts such as ColdWorld, Krohm, and I Shalt Become are sure to enjoy this album.   Purchase it here.

Nae’blis – Sketches of Reality [2007]

Debut album from The Sisters of Mercy and by far their best material. Despite frontman Andrew Eldritch’s highly vocal rejection of the designation “Goth”, First and Last and Always has consistently been praised in the canon of gothic rock, and in December, 1999, Q magazine included it in their list of “The Best Gothic Albums of All Time”.

I simply cannot praise it enough.  Listen and enjoy.

The Sisters of Mercy – First and Last and Always [1985]