Aurora Borealis
The full-length debut of Waldorf, Maryland death/black metal combo Aurora Borealis is where the band largely etched out its musical niche, but was still searching for its identity lyrically. “Praise the Archaic Lights Embrace” introduced bass guitarist Jason Ian-Vaughn Eckert, who would reconnect with the band many years later
Attila Csihar
Whereas “Deathcrush” was instrumental in crystallizing the essence of the first wave of black metal, Mayhem’s legacy as “innovators” would be cemented with its proper full-length debut. Draped in mystique and legend “De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas” is more famous for the events that surrounded it than the actual music
Azylya
It is more or less a tradition in symfo – and gothic metal circles that once certain frontwomen have enough industry clout that they use said leverage to launch a solo career. Liv Kristine Espenæs-Krull (ex-Theatre Of Tragedy, Leaves’ Eyes) set the precedent roughly a decade ago, and later Tarja Turunen
Burton C. Bell
“Demanufacture”, the second Fear Factory album, is one that introduced a number of significant changes to the band’s formula. The rough edges that defined “Soul Of A New Machine” have been traded in for a pristine sound in both writing and production. Along with a new vocal style also
death metal
As Vader rose from behind the Iron Curtain in the late 90s, it was inevitable that its success would spawn a swath of devotees in the homeland. The industry went on a signing spree for Polish bands in the wake of Vader’s success, and as a result a lot
Amando de Ossorio
“Those Of the Unlight”, the second Marduk album, is still death metal for the most part but it already has a more pronounced early black metal riff style and the according chord progressions. While it is notably higher in tempo than the band’s “Dark Endless” debut, it is still
black metal
“Planet Satan”, the much protracted second album of Norwegian industrial black metal pioneers Mysticum, finally arrived after an 18 year layoff. Whereas almost all of the key figures of the Scandinavian second wave bands have either changed direction drastically, or split up altogether – Mysticum remains a pillar of artistic integrity.
death metal
After releasing one of the best selling demos in the genre, and releasing an excellent debut on Earache Records, Poland’s Vader had to prove their initial success wasn’t a fluke. In the intervening three years they released a live album and an EP while they prepared their second
Ancient Rites
On its second album Ancient Rites embraced a wider palette sonically. Whereas “The Diabolic Serenades” was a somewhat corny tribute to all of bands that influenced them, this record finally sees them unlocking their real potential. Boosted by an earthy and crunchy production “Blasfemia Eternal” sees the band progressing in
atmospheric
Dimmu Borgir, taking its name from the Mývatn volcanic formations in Iceland, was founded in Oslo, Norway by guitarist and occasional bassist Sven Atle Kopperud (Silenoz) plus multi-instrumentalist Stian Tomt Thoresen (Shagrath) and Ian Kenneth Åkesson (Tjodalv), a drummer who also occasionally played guitar. The band’s early line-up was
David Vincent
The roots of death metal institution Morbid Angel can be traced by to its four central figureheads: lead guitarist George Emmanuel III (Trey Azagthoth), who was born in Bellingham, Washington but lived in the Tampa, Florida region and Charlotte, North Carolina native David Alexander Stuppnig (David Vincent) who was set
black metal
One of the US most underrated death/black metal acts surely must be Maryland-based Aurora Borealis. The band’s beginnings can be traced to Atlanta, Georgia metal band Lestregus Nosferatus, who formed in the mid-to-late 1980’s. The band is centered around producer/engineer Ron Vento (vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards)