Greetings, Decibel readers!
New Darkthrone! New Draconian! New Panopticon! It’s like a season finale of an old soap opera where characters from years ago suddenly reappear, and you gasp audibly … to no one in particular. Anyway, it’s a big week for new releases from big names, but don’t forget to check out the latest from the NYBM masters in Teloch Vovin and the brutal feast served up by Vile Desolation.
—
Darkthrone – Pre-Historic Metal
With later-era Darkthrone, you’re essentially getting whatever Nocturno Culto and Fenriz are jamming on at that point in time. Since The Underground Resistance, the band’s work has blended all manner of classic heavy metal, doom, and bits of thrash — while still retaining the basic Darkthrone ingredients of Celtic Frost rhythms and early Bathory atmosphere. Pre-Historic Metal is best approached as a series of improv sessions, with “The Dry Wells Of Hell,” “Pre-Historic Metal” and “Siberian Thaw” producing the best moments. One notable thing about this record, and perhaps the previous four releases, is that the production distinctly recalls Panzerfaust (if it was cleaned up a bit) especially in terms of the guitar tone. They’re doing what they want, and they’ve earned it. Though from the looks of the album cover, that includes yard work?
Stream: Apple Music
Pre- Historic metal by Darkthrone
—
Draconian – In Somnolent Ruin
At long last, we get a follow up to 2020’s astounding Under a Godless Veil. To be honest, that record is probably the best gothic metal album of the last 20 years, as Draconian nailed the mixture of death-doom grooves and post-punk vibes so brilliantly — and did so while crafting emotionally resonant and meaningful melodies and lyrics that have stayed with me ever since. In Somnolent Ruin continues that legacy but pushes its limits with more challenging vocal heights and soaring passages of metallic drama. If Under a Godless Veil was the soundtrack to a funeral, In Somnolent Ruin is the reflection that takes place years later. It’s a picture of grief that never totally fades, of mourning that will not cease, and of an emptiness that can nothing can fill. That may sound like hyperbole, but you need to consider that most bands that play this style are helplessly cheesy and predictable. But Draconian’s music is just different; it helps to be good at writing songs.
Stream: Apple Music
In Somnolent Ruin by Draconian
—
Panopticon – Det Hjemsøkte Hjertet
The latest series of reflections and ruminations from one of the most thoughtful voices in modern black metal. Austin Lunn has a lot to say on this album, which serves as a meditation both on ecology and human life. And as always with this master of folk-infused atmospheric black metal, it’s not a preachy or self-righteous pleading — but a mature voice in the woods asking you to look away from the screen, from the forces of self-commodification, and from the whole buffet of post-modern neuroses that have cut us off from nature and any genuine “being” in the world. And you don’t have to share all of Austin’s priors to see the wisdom in these reflections, or to just appreciate the sublime blending of epic riffs, traditional string instruments, and ferocious drums that roar from the speakers.
Stream: Apple Music
Det Hjemsøkte Hjertet by Panopticon
—
Teloch Vovin – Towards the Inevitable
Wow, this totally rules! Everything about this band’s sound comes together so perfectly, from the razor-sharp guitars, to the unrelenting drums, and the savage and inhuman vocals. The album’s overall vibe and atmosphere actually reminds me a lot of Goatwhore‘s first album, The Eclipse of Ages into Black, with perhaps a touch of bands like Melechesh, Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult and Enthroned‘s earlier records. Readers who want to know more should check out our full-album stream, which also features and interview with Grigori, the band’s guitarist and vocalist.
Stream: Apple Music
Towards the Inevitable by Teloch Vovin
—
Vile Desolation – Annihilating The Consciousness
Brutal death metal. The test I run for anything like this is: if it makes me laugh because of how brutal and merciless it is, it’s probably good. Annihilating The Consciousness is really good.
Stream: Apple Music
Annihilating The Consciousness by VILE DESOLATION
The post Five For Friday: May 8, 2026 appeared first on Decibel Magazine.