Hellebore - Anouof Thwo

Artist: Hellebore

Album: Anouof Thwo

Label: Sol Y Nieve (SYN-012)

Limitation: 100 Hand-numbered Copies

Country: Canada

Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal

Year: 2014

Hailing from the highly fertile musical grounds of Quebec, one-man band Hellebore's debut full length is almost the polar opposite of label Sol Y Nieve's other recent signing, Nemorensis. The unpronounceable Anouof Thwo is an infinitely stranger beast, containing labyrinthine, psychedelic riff-based songs sprinkled with warm, looping and distinctly un-black metal sounding sci-fi synths and a super raw, almost industrial vibe. This one took me a few listens, but once it clicked, it hooked me completely. I'm not sure where Sol Y Nieve is finding these amazing unknown bands - maybe talent just attracts talent, but they're definitely a label to watch for anyone with an interest in underground black metal.

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Nemorensis - The Lady In The Lake

Artist: Nemorensis

Album: The Lady In The Lake

Label: Sol Y Nieve (SYN-011)

Limitation: 100 Hand-numbered Copies

Country: US

Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal

Year: 2014

One of two of the most recent metal releases on the excellent US based metal/noise/folk label Sol Y Nieve. Described by the label as grey metal, The Lady In The Lake is a highly atmospheric affair containing one massive track that flows smoothly through several distinct phases. The slow build up is almost post-rockish in nature, but when the payoff finally arrives it definitely remains harsh enough to keep one foot firmly entrenched in the realm of atmospheric black metal. Although shrouded in mystery (no metal archives?) I can't stress enough that this is one of my favorite releases of the year so far, and I'm surprised Nemorensis hasn't received more attention. Copies are (surprisingly) still available at the label's site, and a new release is in the works.

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