‘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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

With a hybrid approach to black metal, both inducing atmosphere and aggressiveness throughout each record, Great Cold Emptiness embodies what is beautiful about black metal’s evolution.