Ætheria Conscientia is a progressive black metal band from Nantes, France. They are able to intertwine various elements from different genres to create a world of sonic mystery and escape. We had the honor of catching up with the band for an interview.

TopfHelm impressed us recently with their latest release, Sir Godric. There’s so much to unpack that we chatted with Nikita Shkurd, the creative force behind it all, to get more insight and details into the world of Sir Godric, the sound of dungeon folk, and so much more. 

Hailing from France, Houle is a fascinating concept black metal band focusing on mariner life, the ocean, and the chaos of life at the sea. When I first heard their latest album, Ciel Cendre et Misère Noire, I was absolutely entranced in the furious, yet melodic approach to their craft.

Eclectic artistry is not formed in a vacuum, nor is it common in an age where a driving thematic style sells records. Yet, dungeon synth is not a genre that is under any pressure to conform, and Towerhouser embodies that nonconformity in a most honorable way.

We talked with Nick, the creative force behind Witch Bolt, to learn more about the music, the world, and the creative process behind it all. We got into why Witch Bolt’s recent release, The Peace of Wild Things, has an alternate arrangement, as well as some of the future projects. 

Unreqvited has become a foundational name in atmospheric black metal and blackgaze, crafting some of the most expansive, impressive, and beautiful albums you can find in the scene. Alex caught up with 鬼 (Ghost) for an inside look at the artist behind the music.

Hailing from West Virginia, Rejoice In Our Suffering puts a new spin on raw black metal, with an infusion of other genres to keep things interesting. Fueled by thematic elements of hope vs. despair, darkness vs. light, there is a larger-than-life story taking place.

Atmospheric black metal is synonymous with contemplation, mystery, and emotion. One of the artists who I feel best embodies these characteristics is Eldamar hailing from Norway. We caught up with the artist for a brief look into the project.

From the majestic scenery of Northern Arizona has arisen a black metal artist who immediately captured my attention upon first listen – Majesty. Musically, majestic is one word that could be used to describe it, lending itself to an atmospheric and melodic approach to the genre.

Lammoth is a fantastic new black metal artist with thematic elements surrounding Tolkienism, particularly hobbits. With their first EP titled ‘Tales of Treachery’ set to be released on July the 12th, this is the beginning of a black metal act that I’m really excited about.

I am so glad I stumbled upon Vitalith, a dungeon synth project hailing out of the magical land of Iowa. It is calming music for a weary soul, destined to bring vitality and refreshment. Yes, there’s a play on words there.

Out from the ashes and memories of the dark, conflicted history of the land arose Fellwarden (founded by the vocalist of Fen), a black metal project that embodies everything we love about fantasy and legend.

Hesychast, a black metal band based in the U.S., has been lost in silence the past 8 years after their sole album was released titled ‘Ageless’. Blacforje was able to catch up with the band to ask about their hiatus and what lies ahead.

From New Jersey to the Netherlands and back, Dawnbreaker is a black metal act that has been incredibly consistent. With ‘Banisher of Unlight’, their 6th album releasing on May 17th of this year, it will make 6 albums in 6 years. Brilliant.

After an 8-year hiatus, Slechtvalk is back! We had the honor of interviewing Shamgar of Slechtvalk, where we dove into the band’s 8-year break, what’s on the horizon, and who the guys are outside of music.

One of the best new projects of 2024, Xaphon blew my mind when I first heard them. It was like finding a black metal band that drank way too much coffee one evening, and then they started slamming down some mad breakdowns.

Weress, a dungeon synth artist out of France, has the knack of incorporating enigmatic elements and contemplative melodies that enrapture the listening mind. We got to talk with them about their music and so much more.

Sometimes, a band will come along that you have a hard time describing, both melodically and rhythmically. Blatant/Unashamed, an artist out of North Carolina, is such an artist who embodies so many different elements.

The first album from Oscillation of Void titled ‘In Night’s Embrace, The Woods We Shun’ is a masterful instrumental work. The album emphasizes storytelling while leaving lyrical content absent from the sonic picture being painted.

Tales Under The Oak is a dungeon/fantasy synth project out of Germany. There’s depth to this artist and the project, which is always more appealing than “just music”. It’s something that goes beyond music and into the unknown.