AOP Records

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    Firtan - Helios (2026)

    Firtan - Helios (2026)
    Firtan - Helios (2026)

    As another one of AOP Records incredible finds, Firtan is a German Black Metal outfit that has transitioned from Pagan Black Metal to regular BM over the last couple of releases. With a very expansive and yet chaotic sound, “Helios” continues the band’s evolution with twelve tracks and nearly one hour of high-octane music. Sounding like a mixture of A Forest of Stars with Thyrfing/Vreid elements, the band’s sound is quite dynamic and engaging, keeping things fresh and heavy at the same time.

    Opening with the dramatic “Himsa”, the band sets a very lush and enigmatic vibe that quickly develops into heavier territories as “Kalikas Tongue” and “Ambrosia” come around. The band’s general pace is firm and punishing, but it is the atmospheric and melodic passages that make songs in this release more engaging and diverse. For instance, we get lush arrangements with clean vocals, violins and saxophone through this release. The combination of the violin and the heavy guitars, create a very immersive and yet chaotic atmosphere that strongly reminds us of A Forest of Stars in their latest efforts.

    • Posted By: Dark Emperor
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    Servant - Lux Ex Inferis (2026)

    Servant - Lux Ex Inferis (2026)
    Servant - Lux Ex Inferis (2026)

    Masterfully blending the sensibilities of bands like Harakiri for the Sky and the harsh brutality of outfits like Behemoth, today we have Germany’s Servant with their latest offering: “Lux Ex Inferis”. Featuring nine tracks and over 41-minutes of highly emotional and intense Black Metal, this outfit strikes the perfect balance between melancholy and aggression in this exciting release. Not really Post-Black Metal, or Blackened Death Metal, the band’s sound takes from both and creates a punishing product.

    After a dreamy opener, the atmospherics of “Tabula Rasa” lead the way as the song slowly transitions into heavier territories with crushing guitar riffs and crafty drumming. The perfect balance between the music melody and the harsh vocals create a very engaging vibe that permeates the whole release. The band delivers songs like “Glorification”, “Thanatos", "Embrace of the Night”, and “De Profundis”.

    • Posted By: Dark Emperor
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    Ellende - Zerfall (2026)

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    Starting 2026 with a bang, we have Ellende with their latest opus “Zerfall”. Featuring a distinctive and very fierce approach to Post-Black Metal, this Austrian one-man outfit delivers nine tracks and over 53-minutes of highly emotional and crushing music. Constantly improving and refining their sound since their breakthrough “Todbringer”, this release showcases poise and maturity while keeping their signature sound mostly intact.

    Opening with the mood setting “Nur”, the band quickly escalates their onslaughts with their fierce two part opener “Warheit”. In the first part we get the band at its finest with waves of crafty riffs alongside L.G’s punishing snarls and very crafty drumming. This nicely transitions into lush atmospheric passages and dramatic guitar leads as this blends into the second part. With both songs so well developed and connected, one only wonders why not have a very long song rather than two movements.

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