Killjoy

Përl – Architecture du Vertige Review

Përl – Architecture du Vertige Review

By Killjoy on October 29, 2025 in Reviews, Post-Metal, 8 comments

“One of the cool things about post-metal is the virtually infinite leeway artists have to be as light or heavy as they like. Among my favorite artists in the genre are those who are masterful at balancing both sides. Përl has handcrafted a particularly dichotomous brand of post-metal in Paris, France, since 2008, drawing inspiration from the chiaroscuro art style characterized by the strong contrast between light and dark. This can be particularly difficult to execute because the opposing elements must be balanced impeccably in addition to being individually striking. How well has Përl mastered chiaroscuro on their fourth full-length record, Architecture du Vertige?” Përl before swine?

An Abstract Illusion – The Sleeping City Review

An Abstract Illusion – The Sleeping City Review

By Killjoy on October 15, 2025 in Reviews, Death Metal, Progressive Death, Progressive Metal, 144 comments

“When a group strikes gold, I imagine that there might be a temptation to continue mining the same vein. In 2022, Sweden’s An Abstract Illusion seized the metalverse by the collective throat and shook it with forceful pathos. Woe was a start-to-finish progressive death metal masterpiece which edged out some stiff competition to take the number one spot on my personal Top Ten(ish) list that year. The same was true for Carcharodon, whose mighty shoes—flippers?—I humbly struggle to fill. Now, with the release of The Sleeping City, An Abstract Illusion boldly declares that they are not content to repeat themselves.” Illusion and concrete.

Sundrowned – Higanbana Review

Sundrowned – Higanbana Review

By Killjoy on October 7, 2025 in Reviews, Post-Metal, Shoegaze, 18 comments

“2013 wasn’t that long ago, was it? Yet it seems that Deafheaven’s opus, Sunbather, didn’t need long to become enough of a genre classic to inspire countless groups in pursuit of a paradoxically harsh yet dreamy musical experience. It was more than likely the inspiration for the name Sundrowned, a relatively new post-black band from Haugesund, Norway. Their debut album, Become Ethereal, didn’t make much of an impression on El Cuervo in 2021 and now it’s my turn for some solar exposure in the form of Higanbana.” Drowned in the sunbath.

Æl-Fierlen – All Is Far Away Review

Æl-Fierlen – All Is Far Away Review

By Killjoy on September 22, 2025 in Reviews, Black Metal, Folk Metal, 23 comments

“Like a specter emerging from the mist, Æl-Fierlen is a brand new post-black metal act that materialized in Southern England in 2024. Their name comes from an Anglo-Saxon phrase meaning “all is far away,” making their debut something of an eponymous record. This phrase resonates with me because, despite living so close to many wonderful outdoor locations, I don’t make nearly as much time as I ought to experience them. As if beckoning to me, Æl-Fierlen sums up their sound with the simple declaration, “We are what the woods sounds like.”” What does the oak say?

Jord – Emellan Träden Review

Jord – Emellan Träden Review

By Killjoy on September 11, 2025 in Reviews, Atmospheric Black Metal, Post-Metal, 31 comments

“Jord began life in pretty much the exact way one would expect of an atmospheric black metal act. Founder Jörgen “Jurg” Ström would take daily walks through the forests of Sweden during fall 2020, during which he decided to start a nature-oriented musical endeavor. He quickly released two albums, Sol and Måne, on his own before recruiting guitarist Sebastian “Hravn” Svedlund and drummer Stefan Jansson, both of whom he had briefly performed with in Rimfrost and its splinter group Omnicidal. They worked together to create Tundra in 2023, and now look to extend their productive streak with Emellan Träden, Jord’s fourth full-length record in five years.” Forest packaging.

Finnr’s Cane – Finnr’s Cane Review

Finnr’s Cane – Finnr’s Cane Review

By Killjoy on September 2, 2025 in Reviews, Atmospheric Black Metal, Black Metal, 9 comments

“Finnr is an Old Norse name that loosely translates to “wanderer” in English. Whether or not this was the inspiration for Finnr’s Cane, it’s an apt moniker for an atmospheric black metal act. Hailing from Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, this studio-only group has three prior albums under its belt, the last of which, Elegy, won the overall approval of Ferrous Beuller
in 2018. And now, Finnr’s Cane seems to signal a new era with the release of self-titled album number four.” No cane, no gane.

Illusia – Mind over Matter Review

Illusia – Mind over Matter Review

By Killjoy on August 25, 2025 in Reviews, Progressive Metal, Progressive Rock, 26 comments

“In the music business, the line between hobby and professional endeavor is often blurry. For brand-new musicians, the line might even be non-existent. And, every once in a while, a record graces our promo pile that is undeniably pure and authentic in a way only possible if its creator pours something deeply personal into the music. There is little doubt that this was the case for Jason Tyler when he formed Illusia in Manchester, UK. He took on a few bandmates and guest vocalists to help bring his progressive metal debut Mind over Matter to life, though he retains most of the songwriting and recording duties. How well might his passion project connect with a wider audience upon first exposure?” Smoke, mirrors, mind matters.

Jordfäst – Blodsdåd Och Hor Review

Jordfäst – Blodsdåd Och Hor Review

By Killjoy on July 28, 2025 in Reviews, Black Metal, Folk Metal, Viking Metal, 13 comments

“Sweden is a metal country in more ways than one. As I just learned from the promo blurb for Blodsdåd Och Hor, the iron and steel industry has been an integral component of its economy and culture for centuries. Of course, Sweden is not lacking in metal from a musical standpoint either. Jordfäst is the latest of these purveyors, whose brand of melancholic black metal seeks to honor their country’s long history of metalwork and warfare, mixed with a healthy dose of Norse mythology.” Blood and iron.