Lake Of Blood - Omnipotens Tyrannus

Artist: Lake Of Blood

Album: Omnipotens Tyrannus 

Label: Cult Of Melancholia

Limitation: Unknown

Country: US

Genre: Black Metal

Year: 2013

With seven songs reaching nearly eighty minutes, the long awaited Omnipotens Tyrannus finds Lake Of Blood coming into their own in grand style. Where previous album As Time And Tide Erodes Stone was a serviceable, if ultimately forgettable piece of west coast black metal, this new album is another beast completely. Ambitious, labyrinthine and progressive (in the good way), this tape-only LP will make many year end lists, mine included. Bonus points for featuring a guest appearance from Wrest on vokills. Pick this up while it's still available from Cult Of Melancholia.

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Forgotten Spell - Opening The Skies Of Sulphuric Paradise

Artist: Forgotten Spell

Album: Opening The Skies Of Sulphuric Paradise

Label: Parasyte Curse (PC-17)

Limitation: 150 Hand-numbered Copies

Country: Germany

Genre: Black Metal

Year: 2011

One of THE most underrated bands recording on one of THE most underrated labels (Parasyte Curse, home of Durazis), Forgotten Spell is one of a very few young Germanic bands that can do no wrong. Off kilter and chaotic, but strangely beautiful tremolo riffs coupled with amazingly unique song structures and an obviously high level of musicianship have made this album/band one of my favorites of the last few years. Also worth tracking down is their previous album, Desecrated, Decayed And Still Holy. Highest Possible Recommendation. 

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Roman Cross - Make Graves The Home Of Men

Artist: Roman Cross

Album: Make Graves The Home Of Men

Label: Yoke Of Christ

Limitation: Unknown

Country: US

Genre: Raw Black Metal

Year: 2009

Perhaps best known for their splits with Circle Of Ouroborus, this slab of hypnotic, driving and repetitive black metal is brought to us from from the mighty Roman Cross out of NYC. Featuring one half of the highly touted Asymmetry, and boasting connections to the exponentially rising Cosmic Church, this one is definitely worth tracking down. Tape edition on the elusive Yoke Of Christ imprint. These roots run deep...

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Dross - II

Artist: Dross

Album: II

Label: Tagobella (TAGO 23)

Limitation: 50 Hand-numbered Copies

Country: US

Genre: Experimental Black Metal

Year: 2013

Excellent experimental black metal from Phoenix, Arizona. A few copies are still available via their label, Tagobella. Recommended.

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Stillborn Fawn - Abature

Artist: Stillborn Fawn

Album: Abature

Label: Bleak Environment (013)

Limitation: Unknown

Country: US

Genre: Black Metal

Year: 2012

Second demo of primitive and violent black metal from this Denver, Colorado horde, released on the sorely missed Bleak Environment imprint. Recommended for fans of label-mates Xothist and Vocivus.

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Wulkanaz - Kwetwan Jah Dreuzaz

Artist: Wulkanaz

Album: Kwetwan Jah Dreuzaz

Label: Aetergap Productions (AEP-003)

Limitation: 300 Copies

Country: Sweden

Genre: Black Metal

Year: 2010

The first mind-expanding ritual offering from one of the most promising new names in black metal. Wulkanaz is the solo project of Kumulonimbus, member of the mighty Tomhet. Highest possible recommendation. 

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The Haunting Presence

Artist: The Haunting Presence

Album: The Haunting Presence

Label: Shaman Of Horrors Offerings (SOH-01)

Limitation: Unknown

Country: US

Genre: Death/Black Metal

Year: 2011

Two song offering of Crepusculo Negro affiliated blackened metal of death. Vinyl version pressed by Hells Headbangers Records. 

"Recorded in smoke and darkness, May 2011."

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