Behold a rare sight and sound! Great Helm is a blackened power, yes POWER, metal artist. Even beyond that, we have an excellent one! Power metal and black metal aren’t necessarily known to go together, despite enjoying similar aesthetics and subject matter at times.

The Warhammer 40K universe and dungeon synth mix every now and again, so it’s a welcomed surprise when I come across an artist trying to capture the strangeness of the franchise. Psychic Hood embodies the 40K universe on their latest release, ‘Warp Ritual.’ 

Winterfylleth has established itself as one of the premiere atmospheric black metal artists, featuring an expansive discography of now eight full-length albums. The band’s latest release, ‘The Imperious Horizon’, continues to tap into Winterfylleth’s devotion.

Not only is Stoneflower’s ‘Invasion of the Thunderbirds’ focused on using the specific TB-303 bassline synthesizer from the 1980s. It also featured a complex revenge narrative centered on clans in a dangerous, unforgiving mountainous landscape.

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.