10) Mütiilation, Black Metal Cult (Osmose Productions)
The great Meyhna’ch has crawled out of his crypt to revive Mütiilation, providing the surprising and brave comeback that the metal world desperately needed in order to restore danger to a playing field that has been infiltrated by weaklings. The poser-obliterating Black Metal Cult demonstrates an exemplary attitude: thoroughly hateful, murderous, and true to the core of the dark arts. The no-nonsense Black Metal Cult is raw yet superbly executed, with every song proving why Mr. Meyhna’ch has become such a legendary figure. He leaves absolutely no room for doubt. What can we say?! The record at hand is pure as a virgin’s blood, cold as a Siberian winter.
On Black Metal Cult, Meyhna’ch is joined by drummer Kham, his former partner in the highly recommended Suicide Circle. It seems only natural that Meyhna’ch is a friend and collaborator of Maxime Taccardi, given that they are two of French Black Metal’s biggest heroes, though Taccardi lives and creates in the United States as well.
9) Parfaxitas, Weaver of the Black Moon (Terratur Possessions)
Parfaxitas is an American/Norwegian/Icelandic black metal supergroup that consists of Sinmara and Slidhr’s B.E., Merihem and Suffering Hour’s YhA, Whoredom Rife and Bloodthorn’s K.R, and finally the outfit’s founder — Gabe “Nero” / “Azlum” Jorgenson of Manetheren, Merihem, and Oculus. In addition, the fire-breathing Brage Kråbøl, Trondheim’s golden child, graces Parfaxitas’ thoroughly punishing and terribly intense debut, Weaver of the Black Moon, with guest vocals. All distinguished veterans deliver exceptional performances, and the atmosphere is absolutely deadly. Jorgenson composed Weaver of the Black Moon himself in just seven days during a gust of inspiration that came by way of “pure hate.” For the lyrics, he mined wisdom from The Book of Sitra Achra.
Weaver of the Black Moon was actually brought to listeners by Terratur Possessions on the very same day as Kråbøl’s Never and Whoredom Rife’s Den Vrede Makt. However, I wanted to give this milestone a separate place on this list, in part because it signifies an important moment for the otherwise essentially hopeless movement known as American black metal. I will even resolutely assert that Jorgenson is the greatest North American-born creator making black metal today. However, Weaver of the Black Moon was initially mistaken by me for an effort made totally in Nidrosia because, yes, in the best sense, it sounds thoroughly Norwegian. Needless to say, Jorgenson stands apart from all of the rubbish, meaning faux scenes, and only associates with venerable individuals. Long before he conceived Parfaxitas, Jorgenson had already been collaborating with his fellows at the peak of the metal hierarchy from around the world. We eagerly await Parfaxitas’ sophomore record, which is currently in progress and will likewise bear the sigil of Terratur Possessions.
08) Глеб Самойлов, 35-летие группы Агата Кристи (Live at «1930 Moscow», 17 ноября 2023) (Союз Мьюзик)
Recorded last year, this celebration of the 35th anniversary of the deceased Агата Кристи, one of Russia’s greatest rock groups ever, is so good that it is triggering. After Агата Кристи disbanded, key member Глеб Самойлов, or Gleb Samoilov, went his own way with The Matrixx, further depicting a level of cerebral depravity of which others can only dream. On the journey into the dark heart of nostalgia at hand, Glebushka is accompanied by Dmitry “Snake” Khakimov, who joined Агата at the end of their lifespan and performs with him in The Matrixx; Oleg Sokolov; and Vlad Elistratov also provided some contributions. As someone who has witnessed Gleb in concert on many occasions, I can confirm that this record distills all the fun of one of his live gigs.
The selection of classics on 35-летие группы Агата Кристи, which includes those created under the banners of both Агата and The Matrixx, was expertly curated. My only disappointment stems from the fact that «Извращение» does not make an appearance. Upon hearing the likes of The Matrixx’s «Романтика», I am seized by shivers, sending me back into the majestic yet biting, booze-flooded Moscow nights. «Любовью», one of the most pleasingly filthy tracks available to human ears, likewise opens up the veins of memory. Indeed, the material still pistol-whips us with its lethal existential tumult, horror, perversity, catchiness, etc. That is partially because Агата emerged within the context of a time and place where making such music was a truly scandalous act, and Gleb has remained genuinely twisted.
07) Seigmen, Resonans (Indie Recordings) & the bonus of Spirit Tomb’s Sort Tulipan (Gymnocal Industries & Apollon Records)
This May, Seigmen unveiled their triumphant and varied comeback record, Resonans, the first installment in a trilogy. Verily, Seigmen is a band of untold worth. This Norwegian (inter)national treasure should be commissioned to compose hymns to Norway, as proven by Resonans’ closing number, “Tønsberg,” a homage to where Seigmen hails from with some vocals by guitarist Marius Roth Christensen, an awarded opera singer. Over the years, Seigmen has received various honors, including a Spellemann / “Norwegian Grammy.” However, despite having earned Crown Prince Haakon’s support and a fanbase known for their remarkable zeal, Seigmen arguably remains the most underrated gem in all of rock.
Hails to bassist Kim Ljung for his work as a composer and lyricist — his darkly magical texts endlessly engage the imagination. Eternal respect to Alex Møklebust for his ridiculous charisma as a frontman. We furthermore send our love to guitarist Sverre Økshoff and drummer Noralf Ronthi for being the other equally awesome parts, besides the divine Marius, of the unchanging five-piece puzzle that is Seigmen, a powerhouse built on long-lasting friendship. For Resonans, Seigmen returned to Velvet Recording, formerly known as Studio Nova, where they tracked their classic sophomore album, Total, with the revered Sylvia Massy 30 years ago.
On the anniversary, Spirit Tomb, the one-man project of another one of Norway’s crown jewels, Leon Kristoffer, enchanted us with the two-song cassette Sort Tulipan. This EP showcases, yes, “Sort Tulipan” from Total and “Performance Alpha” from 1997’s Radiowaves. Verily, Leon Kristoffer brings honor to Seigmen’s great legacy, allowing us to appreciate the beauty of their compositions and texts as if for the first time. Leon Kristoffer slays with his passion and finesse on vocals, piano, and cello; as always, Leon delivers superb performances, and we can’t wait to see him share the stage with Seigmen one day in the future. As an accomplished engineer, Leon has already collaborated with one of Seigmen’s members and Mr. Aune. Of course, Leon gave Sort Tulipan its crystalline production.
Be aware: Seigmen’s “Ohm,” also from Total, was covered by another man on our list.
06) Manes, Slow Motion Death Sequence Remixed (Aftermath Music)
As one of my very favorite albums for a host of unassailable reasons, 2018’s Slow Motion Death Sequence is a genre-defying masterwork that makes me want to smash pretty much all else. To put matters clearly and simply up front, Cellar Darling and ex-Eluveitie’s Anna Murphy, a household name within the metal community and beyond, both mixed this classic to absolute perfection and provided bewitching guest vocals. As a top-notch engineer, she gave the compositions the final form that they were meant to assume with her goddess-like intuition. All the same, the reinterpretations contained on Slow Motion Death Sequence Remixed are not only excellent, but they enable audiences to rediscover the brilliance of Slow Motion Death Sequence by showing the material in new lights and from unexpected angles.
I especially love Throes of Dawn’s remix of “Scion” — it highlights Ana Carolina Skaret’s precious vocals, whereas they were previously partially obscured under those of Manes’ outstanding main and longtime vocalist, Asgeir Hatlen. The words also seem to acquire new meaning. The mood, character, and vibe are all profoundly spellbinding and touching. This seductive number needs to be spread everywhere. Manes’ alternative version of “Poison Enough for Everyone” distinguishes itself as another ever so thrilling cyanide pill. Skei handled this mix. Therefore, it’s flawless, genuinely disturbing, true to the spirit of the band, and authoritative — the choices that present themselves cannot be questioned. “Building the Ship of Theseus,” as remixed by And Then You Die, likewise distinguishes itself as a very special highlight. Please note: If you are a fan of Manes, it might take some time for you to fully comprehend the merits of this remix effort. For example, it took me a while to realize how great “Chemical Heritage (Fluffybunnyfeet Remix)” is because, given that I practically listen to the original daily, at first, I couldn’t hear it any other way.
Manes’ core is their driving force and sole original member, again, the legendary Tor-Helge “Cernunnus” Skei, as well as the following divinities: Torstein Parelius, Rune Hoemsnes, and Eivind Fjøseide. Manes furthermore works with a team of associates. Thus, besides those already named, Tom Engelsøy, Rune Folgerø, and Tor Arne Helgesen participated in Slow Motion Death Sequence and appear on the remix album. In addition to whatever The Sinister Initiative and Mr. Carlsson just might have planned, Manes’ full-length follow-up to Slow Motion Death Sequence, To Burn Is to Shine, will definitely be the best album of 2025 and should be the most anticipated title on everyone’s radar.
