It was but 2020 when GRIEVE emerged from the darkness with their self-titled debut EP. Although otherwise meant to exist strictly in that darkness, it was soon discerned that the band included veritable Finnish black metal royalty within its ranks. Nevertheless, the swiftly uncompromising nature of Grieve was felt: Northern Black Metal Exclusively From the 1990s. No more, no less, no progression, no fun.
And then, at the dawn of 2020 came GRIEVE's first - and, at the time, final - album. Aptly titled Funeral, the record was a fiercely focused one, solely featuring funereal marches by V-Khaoz and last rites by Werwolf. Beyond cold, utterly grim, violent and restrained simultaneously, Funeral was a record out of time, one where the last couple decades of "black metal" never existed. And then GRIEVE ceased to exist.
But, obeying only nature and will, GRIEVE have arisen from their own self-imposed grave with the second full-length Wolves of the Northern Moon. "We said we'd end the project for good, but we lied," state the band about that grave. "We exhumed it." Indeed, the exhumation also includes a nastiness last found on such Nordic classics as Kronet til konge, Pentagram, Til evighet..., or even Black Thrash Attack. Essentially, then, GRIEVE's ethics have not changed (nor should they have to), but one can nonetheless find here a pronounced asskicking sensibility that adds further antagonization to trendy ears as well as a noble march to mystical victories. "Eternal Winter, Eternal War": These Wolves of the Northern Moon are on the hunt - and you're next!
The Dragging Poison is not an attempt at innovation—it is a statement of devotion. A poisoned chalice offered to those who still revere the cold, untamed essence of Black Metal as it once was: uncompromising, ritualistic, and unburdened by modernity.
Reprint, 500x marble (transparent red/black) 12" (140g) in a black poly-lined innersleeve, gatefold jacket printed on 350g carton, coated paper, all assembled in a plastic overbag
The first proper official LP reissue of the classic Hecate Enthroned EP from 1996. Killer Melodic Black Metal from the '90s, is finally available with remastered audio and a fully restored layout. 180g LP, 3.5mm spine printed on 350gsm cardstock jacket with special GOLD FLOOD, GOLD HOTFOIL, GOLD PANTONE LABELS, thick professionally printed thick INSERT with BRONZE PANTONE.
No other words are necessary: ancient-days Teutonic black metal continues to be on the rise, and EISENKULT are leading the charge with Vulgäre, deutsche Hassmusik!
BEHEXEN should require no introduction. One of the longest-running Finnish black metal bands, BEHEXEN have patiently spread out their album releases in such a manner that each serves as a tome, a poignant snapshot of that era of its creators, with each being unique in its headspace but undeniably coming from the same visionary minds. But prior to essential early albums like 2000's Rituale Satanum and 2004's classic By the Blessing of Satan, BEHEXEN had recorded a trio of equally compelling demos - and even one prior, under the moniker Lords of the Left Hand, in 1995.