December’s Late Release Flushes 2025
Cup of milk and Mince Pies not included
This December has had a lot more interesting releases than usual, which is surprising as it’s usually a slow point of the year. After listening to the following, I felt like I should do a cover round of these releases that might get missed while most people are putting together AotY lists. Think of it as music to check out over the holidays and into the new year.
PS: While I won’t be talking about the Martröð release (it’s been reviewed by Falxifer here), I would highly recommend checking that album out too as I’ve really enjoyed my listening this month.
Bygone – S/T
Svart Records
Consisting of members that have played for the likes of Innumerable Forms, Magic Circle, Concilium, Lifeless Dark and Blazon Rite, Bygone is another cool heavy metal/hard rock hybrid release. This band does a great job mixing the sounds of Thin Lizzy and Uriah Heep together to make a groovy ’70s to ’80s throwback. This is helped by the brilliant guitar leads blended with the spacey keyboards that were the style at the time. Memorable songs include “The Last Horses of Avalon” which hits big on the synths as well as rocking riffs and “City Living” which goes full-throttle on the Thin Lizzy groove. The vocals in particular in addition have that Phil Lynott tone to them.
Lychgate – Precipice
Debemur Morti Productions
The progressive/avant-garde black metal outfit from the UK (featuring Greg Chandler of Esoteric) has finally released a new album after a promising EP back in 2020; it’s a record that was worth the wait for sure. I like how out there this band can be on this album; there’s a lot going on from melodic riffs in “Mausoleum of Steel,” progressive riffs in “Death’s Twilight Kingdom,” and intense aggression blended with symphonic elements in “Anagnorisis.” Greg’s vocal range is strong throughout and showcases a different dynamic than his Esoteric efforts. The avant-garde elements really stand out here as well with the likes of “Hives of Paradise” and “Renunciation” being the best examples of this sound.
Nemerous – What Remains When Hope Has Failed
Bindrune Recordings
Nemorous has finally released their debut record with what has been deemed a spiritual successor to Wodensthrone. There’s also been a lineup change since their self-titled EP from 2021 with new vocalist Nick from Vacivus and guitarist Rob who was formally in Live Burial. The debut album delivers the atmospheric black metal sound Wodensthrone were known for with sheer elegance as displayed in tracks such as “The Wyrm of the World’s End” and “Sky Avalanche.” The new vocalist fits into the band well and his vocals also having that death metal edge to them, showing off his range by switching from both styles smoothly throughout. The guitar riffs and keyboards also add to the overall sound, making for a great debut. I look forward to hearing more from them in the future.
Fanatisme – Tro, håp og kjærlighet
Fysisk Format
Described as “Ulver meets Christian Death,” this Norwegian outfit shows off an interesting take on blending black metal with post-punk. The drumming throughout this album feels like a great backbone that helps the sound all come together. What I like with Fanatisme’s execution of the sound is that it contains the black metal aggression in the vocals and raw-ish guitar riffs while blending it with the post-punk guitar riff sections as well as having that post-punk tone settle in fine. All this makes for a welcome marriage between the two genres and a pretty cool debut album showing promising for this new band.
Dratna – Samhain Dawn at the Gates of Mag Mell
Fiadh Productions
The one-man atmospheric black metal project hailing from Belfast, Northern Ireland came back with a lately announced drop of their third album after 2023’s Fomóraigh. What I like with this new release is how grandiose and huge the background synths are. This makes for a different but still familiar sounds from Dratna. It’s a really good continuation of their own atmospheric black metal sound themed on Irish mythology, an epic journey that has its own unique vibe thanks to the symphonic black metal element. This is certainly one to check out for fans of the likes of Panopticon and Grima.
Weft – The Splintering Oar
Bindrune Recordings
Weft is a solo project helmed by Charlie Anderson, best known for his involvement as a violinist for Panopticon. While this project does have some similar vibes musically, the difference here is the addition of other elements from prog, country, Americana etc. This blend of influences leads to a wondrous journey throughout. While the intro track may feel a little too long, the acoustic guitar/violin carry it and set up the calm before the storm. After that, you get a strong mixture of aggressive atmospheric black metal, killer violin work from Charlie and sections that go into Americana territory that remind me of Primeval Well and Crestfallen Dusk. He is also assisted by Austin Lunn from Panopticon doing a great job on the drums.
