Mutilation Rites - "Demo" (2011)

This demo is a good release from the young black metal act, Mutilation Rites. Hailing from Brooklyn, NY, this cold offering brings quality darkness. The vocals are harsh and the guitar riffs are solid. Production is lo-fi/standard but isn't too fuzzy for newcomers to the genre either. Definitely a worthwhile release from a promising and upcoming band in the U.S. black metal scene.

Tunes.

Circle Of Ouroborus / Drowning The Light - "Moonflares" (2011)

Black metal/depressive rockers, Circle Of Ouroborus, prove once again just how excellent they are. Catchy, sorrowful songs that weep and wail create an atmosphere of hopelessness. Drowning The Light's songs are great as well, adhering to formulaic raw depressive black metal. Autumn is here and it brings with it a cold wind from the North; Moonflares is a perfect choice to accompany the changing of the season.

Moonflares

Deathhammer - "Phantom Knights" (2010)

Hellhammer they ain't, Norwegian black thrashers, Deathhammer, really bring the thrash (imagine that) and with a name like that, they'd better. Despite obvious Satanic Rites worship at times, Phantom Knights is a well-composed and fast-paced experience. With shrieking vocals that push the album to superbity, this grim offering is certainly not to be overlooked.

Phantom Knights

Abyssic Hate - "Suicidal Emotions" (2000)

A good depressive black metal album that came out in 2000, Suicidal Emotions is raw and fuzzy and the riffs are deeply sorrowful. Yet despite taking much from early Burzum at times, the album surprisingly never feels too contrived or cliche.

Suicidal Emotions

Reverorum Ib Malacht - "What Do You Think Of The Old God, We Call Him Judas?" (2005)

Reverorum Ib Malacht's What Do You Think Of The Old God, We Call Him Judas? is an intimidating demo, not just because the band's name and album title are ridiculous, but also because the music is very disturbing. With lo-fi black metal being coaxed through dark ambient Judas becomes a very intense listening experience! The second of the 2 songs, "... And Bathe In Cold Holy Water," is a terrifying piece of music and can contest with any track off a Gnaw Their Tongues release.

What Do You Think Of The Old God, We Call Him Judas?

Vlad Tepes / Bèlkètre - "March To The Black Holocaust" (1995)

Talk about a gigantic release, March To The Black Holocaust sees the legendary Vlad Tepes and Bèlkètre coming together to create a true underground masterpiece. The Vlad Tepes side has an old-school black metal feel while Bèlkètre's half is a tad more raw and misanthropic.

March To The Black Holocaust

Sodom - "In War And Pieces" (2010)

Legendary German thrashers, Sodom, released one of the best metal albums of this year with In War And Pieces. The riffs are tasty and the vocals wretched so check it out if you want your face to get caved in!

I want my face to get caved in!

Vordr - "I" (2004)

Do you like polished black metal tainted with lyrics about trolls and fairies? Of course you don't. Well neither do Vordr. Oh wait, you've never heard of Vordr?

Do yourself a favor.