04) Slavia’s Norwegian Black Terror Assault (2005)

Slavia was the brainchild of Jonas Raskolnikov Christiansen, or “Jonas aus Slavia.” In many respects, Norwegian Black Terror Assault is a ridiculously pleasing gem. It is brutally militant yet also fun and energetic. This release brings the best of tradition and also comes across as highly individualistic. Tragically, Jonas passed away of colon cancer in 2011. This occurred the day before a tribute concert that was intended to raise money for his treatment. The event showcased black metal’s finest talents, proving that Jonas was greatly valued. We wish that more listeners will come to understand Slavia’s greatness.

03) Lifelover’s Dekadens (2009)

Lifelover’s Dekadens is an EP that will induce the symptoms of an overdose by virtue of its excellence. Although Lifelover obviously explores depressing themes with unreal effectiveness, we would like to emphasize that the group’s music should not be pigeonholed. Lifelover’s art is capable of awakening all types of emotions. Dekadens boasts the songwriting of the outfit’s frontman, Kim “( )” Carlsson, and his fellow co-founder, the late Jonas “B” Bergqvist. The final track, however, was composed by H. and Non in addition to Carlsson. Dekadens includes lyrics by Non and B. Yet, the penultimate number, “Visdomsord,” is a collection of dark quotes. At seven songs long, Dekadens is so rewarding that it’s easy to forget that it isn’t a full album. Unfortunately, the amazing record that followed, Sjukdom (2011), would prove Lifelover’s last offering.

02) Nargaroth’s Rasluka Part II (2002) and Rasluka Part I (2004)

Beautiful yet raw, Nargaroth’s funereal, flute-accented Rasluka Part II, and its, yes, follow-up, Rasluka Part I, remind us of the black metal spirit of old. We revere Nargaroth’s mainman, Ash, for his contemplative, poetic, and noble nature as well as his extraordinary talent. All of his best assets shine on the Rasluka efforts.

These entrancing EPs were released together as a CD in 2004 by Season of Mist and also on vinyl and CD format in 2011 by No Colours Records. Rasluka is dedicated to the memories of both Ronald Belford Scott and R.S. — a late close friend of Ash. R.S. collaborated with Ash in his early bands Okkultist and Exhuminez.

01) Abruptum’s De Profundis Mors Vas Cousumet (2000)

Niklas Kvarforth stated in conversation with author Ika Johannesson: “The only band to have ever made me hurt myself was Abruptum.” Of course, that’s quite an endorsement, and it is, in fact, well-deserved. Abruptum’s entertaining second EP, De Profundis Mors Vas Cousumet, exudes misanthropic character. It features the late IT and Marduk’s Morgan Håkansson. Although IT only appears on the first track, the cutting nature of his insane vocals will mark your wrists for life.