Aūkels return in rare form with what may be their most essential release yet, in terms of both message and material. Melodic, ferocious, triumphant, solemn. Modern marvels will become man's tomb should he perpetuate his narcissism and wanton myopia. Certainly one of the best releases of 2023.

My favorite Falls of Rauros album back on vinyl? Why, yes... yes I will buy that. And you should too! Atmospheric black metal doesn't get much better than this.

Oh man I didn't even make it halfway through before buying. This is a serious debut! Heavy as all hell, with no sacrifice in melodiousness or atmosphere. So heavily layered at times it gives off an almost orchestral feel. Are there a couple musicians, or a roomful? These guys are locked in and in total control from start to end. So much to enjoy here, and I'm already ready for more.

Entrancing atmosphere, dungeon synth, acoustic folk, riffs, all wrapped up in excellent compositions and production. The influences come from all across the spectrum, yet nothing feels disingenuous or convoluted. You are not dragged along for over an hour, but rather carried effortlessly. This album is daunting in the best ways—an experience, not an endeavor. I've yet to revisit past material, but this album cements Fathomage as a force in atmospheric black metal. Incredible album!

I made it about 3 minutes into the album before buying. I'll likely have something more substantial to say after a couple of listens, but damn what a first impression this made! Great stuff.

These two tracks are so good! Unohdus just... gets it—the emotion, the atmosphere. Both tracks are well-written and well-constructed. The violin in the title track is so beautifully utilized. Not sure what it is, but at moments I feel like I'm listening to Godspeed You! Black Emperor if they shunned post-rock and all of their eccentricities and embraced raw melancholic black metal. Can't explain it, but I feel it. Maybe it's the chord progressions. Maybe you should listen and find out.

"To Lay Like Old Ashes," released in 2009—my junior year of high school—altered so completely my brain chemistry that it changed how I approached metal and its subgenres: away from brutality for brutality's sake and into more human, emotional forms of extremity. Waking up to see a new Austere album on my Bandcamp feed unleashed a floodgate of nostalgia and excitement. It's a great Sunday to be alive. Smash that pre-order button, cause this is going to be phenomenal.

Haven't picked a favorite track yet as I've just gotten through my first listen, but in terms of what I look for in "raw black metal" this album is damn close to perfect. The riffs are well-written, well-varied, and the melodic undertones accentuate the aggression so nicely. Plus, the production is divine. Not sterile, yet not lo-fi'd into absolute silliness and indistinction. Unreal that the driving force behind all this is so young!

i bought this track without so much as a skim through. because i didn't need to. this guy is just on a completely different plane of existence and everything he releases is pure gold. and this is no exception. one of the best tracks of the year so far.