Based out of Athens, Georgia, Rowland crafts an ongoing narrative for the Hobbit Jamwine, who decided to leave his home in Frogmorton with only a walking stick and a long pipe. 2024’s ‘Flies the Coop III’ continues Jamwine’s sonic story, although in a new manner. 

‘The Blossoming’ by Ætheria Conscientia is an impressive album that mixes a multitude of progressive elements. Black metal acts as the foundation for progressive psychedelic arena prog rock influences and even borderline techno and EDM breakdowns at times. 

‘The Collector’ evokes a sense of wonder and enhancement through the mundane with simple, droning synths veiled beneath the sound of ethereal tides churring over and over. Through these calming songs, Witch Bolt creates a hopeful, reflective, and renewing album.

We didn’t know we needed a black metal band inspired by the power and daunting force of the open sea until we encountered France’s Houle. The band has released their debut album, 'Ciel Cendre et Mis​è​re Noire,' roughly translating to “Ashen Sky And Black Misery.”

Aquilus incorporates various styles of atmospheric music, including classical and folk. Aquilus’ latest release, Bellum II, continues to build upon their discography with epic, lengthy songs reflecting nature's beauty and complexity with ambitious and experimental song compositions. 

‘Brogvar and Wyrgan's Quest for the Basilisk Horn’ is not just a collection of tracks, but a cohesive narrative that immerses the listener in a fantastical, reptilian world. Pauldron’s ability to guide the listener through a classic RPG story without using lyrics is truly remarkable.

Dawnbreaker, led by artist Tomrair, has been a force in the underground metal scene. Their latest release, ‘Banisher of Unlight’, continues this trend of exploring new territories while maintaining the brutality and crushing sound of its death metal roots. 

Eternal Gaze is quickly working to become synonymous with the high-quality blackgaze of Deafheaven and Alcest. The artist does bring something new to a genre that features plenty of cookie-cutter acts, including unique progressive, grunge, thrash, and hymnal influences.

Weress pulls on a fantastical aesthetic to weave fantasy and dungeon synth flawlessly inspired by the medieval-rich landscape of Nouvelle-Aquitaine in their latest release ‘Rêvasseries Chevaleresques’, a title that translates to “Knightly Daydreams” in English. 

Hekseblad is a United States-based black metal artist who has been making waves in the scene due to their latest release, ‘Kaer Morhen’, an album influenced by Andrzej Sapkowski's ‘The Witcher’ novel series.

Ukraine's Labyrinthus Stellarum, who burst onto the scene in 2023, have since honed their craft. ‘Vortex of the Worlds’ is a testament to their evolution, presenting a more refined and sharpened approach to their cosmic-inspired black metal.

Foglord simulates the essence of wandering the woods in meditation on a personal journey, which is exactly the atmosphere of ‘Hymns of the Winterlight’. The album creates an excellent environment to engage in relaxed, meditative thought. 

Within Thy Wounds became a notable name in atmospheric black metal with the release of 2020’s ‘Forest of Iniquity’. ‘Ringing the Bell of Gleaming Martyrdom’ retains their core sound, all while exploring new territory.

Troparion is a black metal artist who recently released ‘Synaxis of the Frostbitten’, a record showcasing many of the unique elements found within black metal, all while keeping things heavier and grittier than other artists might explore.

Mountain Realm, a dungeon synth project that I simply find fascinating, has bestowed upon listeners a gem of an album filled with fantasy, darkness, hope, and enigma. Where the music takes you is as much a mystery.

Hailing from Sweden, black metal artist Kärv has teamed up with long-time black metal act Duister Maanlicht out of the Netherlands for a 6-track split that is set for release on November 19.

Inherits The Void is a fascinating atmospheric black metal project. Three albums in, they have proven to be a masterful artist in creating both melodic and intense black metal without sacrificing any of the atmosphere that makes it so beautiful.

With the release of their latest album titled ‘The Hell We Have Chosen’, Strixskog has blown open the windows with winds of fury and lament, parting ways with prior elements and welcoming a heavier, more intense atmosphere.

The trail where ‘Pristine’ ended was resumed quite beautifully with ‘Wastelands’. Where many bands fail to deliver a second quality album after a masterful debut, Morwinyon seems to have not skipped a beat.

In the latest album titled ‘The Falling Tide’, Woods of Desolation brings a depth that can only be derived from years of experience creating music in this genre. This is no mere novice. Woods of Desolation demonstrates a masterclass.