The Dutch label WolfKult Religion has a habit of throwing several new releases onto the market all at once — and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Once again, our friend from Zeeland comes forth with a batch of five new cassettes and vinyl records at the same time. Let’s take a look at what’s included this round.
Review: Nekromanteion – The Sinister Flame
The Nekromanteion, or Nekromanteion of Acheron, was an oracle dedicated to Hades and Persephone. It was said to be a place where the living could commune with the souls of the dead. The actual oracle stood in Epirus, near the ancient city of Ephyra in Greece.
However, to visit the band Nekromanteion, we’d have to catch a flight to the other side of the world, for despite their Greek-sounding name, this occult entity hails from Bolivia.
South America has long been known for its passionate devotion to everything related to extreme metal, and these men from Santa Cruz proudly continue that legacy. Their release The Sinister Flame is not entirely new — it originally appeared on tape back in 2023 — but it’s now resurfacing for a wider audience.
With influences such as Mortuary Drape, early Mystifier, and occasional hints of Necromantia, it quickly becomes clear which path Nekromanteion walks: the more obscure, nihilistic branch of Black Metal. Forget atmospheric or dreamy guitar lines — this is in-your-face occultism, the old-school way. At times, echoes of early Samael can be heard, while traces of the Canadian war metal sound pioneered by Blasphemy also seep through.
Despite being active for well over a decade, the band has yet to produce a full-length album. However, this 7” release clearly shows that the world is more than ready for one. The potential is undeniable — and if this serves as a glimpse of what’s to come, we may soon witness a truly sinister new chapter emerging from the South American black metal underground.
85/100
Review: Fulgorious – Total Black Metal Cult
From Ecuador comes Fulgorious, a name that until recently meant absolutely nothing to most of us. Formed in 2023, this one-man project presents its debut release, Total Black Metal Cult— a humble yet convincing introduction, fittingly released on cassette. Just two tracks long, but more than enough to make a lasting impression.
What’s immediately striking is how little this project sounds like something from South America. Instead of fiery chaos in the vein of Sarcófago or Mystifier, Fulgorious takes us on a cold journey to the northern reaches of Europe. This is pure Scandinavian Second Wave Black Metal, played with conviction and deep respect for the tradition.
The guitars are sharp and frostbitten, carried by a gritty, analogue production that perfectly suits the cassette format. Think early Darkthrone, Armagedda, or Sargeist — that unmistakable blend of melancholy and coldness, channeling a kind of spiritual ferocity. The vocals, raw and rasping, instantly recall Immortal around the time of Diabolical Fullmoon Mysticism. It all sounds as if recorded in a single take, somewhere in an isolated mountain hideout — and that only adds to its charm.
Despite the short runtime, the songwriting shows surprising maturity. The riffs are memorable without ever becoming accessible, and the drums stay nicely in the blast and midtempo range. Total Black Metal Cult feels like a genuine statement of intent — a reminder of a time when black metal was about atmosphere and conviction, not production polish.
This is the kind of release you play once, then immediately rewind for another spin. Two tracks may feel too little, but perhaps that’s the point: a glimpse of what’s yet to come. If this is merely the beginning, Fulgorious deserves to be on the radar of anyone devoted to traditional, raw black metal.
Highly recommended for fans of Darkthrone’s “Transilvanian Hunger”, Sargeist’s “Disciple of the Heinous Path”, and all who still crave that pure, glacial sound of the early ’90s. A small but valuable gem — and hopefully just the start of a promising journey.
85/100