VOID WANDERER PRODUCTIONS is thrilled to present you the full allbum “Phoenix Mortis” by Belgian Progressive Black Metal band Nyrak.
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Nyrak – Phoenix Mortis Release Date:October, 30, 2025 Genre: Progressive Black metal Formats: Vinyl / CD / Digital
For Fans Of: Der Weg Einer Freiheit, Septicflesh, Dimmu Borgir & Ne Obliviscaris
Nyrak is a progressive black metal band hailing from Belgium, embodying a relentless drive to push the boundaries of the genre. The band was conceived in 2021 by Guy Van Nieuwenhove — known in the metal community as Nevel of Gotmoor — as a bold and innovative solo studio project. His vision was to craft a unique sound that fused the raw intensity of black metal with progressive and orchestral elements, resulting in a sonic experience that is both dark and complex.
In its early stages, Nyrak saw Guy collaborating with a range of session musicians to bring his vision to life. This led to the release of the debut album Malvs in 2022, an ambitious and atmospheric record that quickly gained attention for its intricate compositions and haunting moods, establishing Nyrak as a formidable new presence in the metal scene.
As momentum grew, it became clear that Nyrak was meant to evolve beyond the studio. By March 2024, the project had transformed into a full-fledged live band with a permanent lineup.
On May 3rd, 2024, Nyrak released its critically acclaimed second album, Devourer Of All. Lauded for its innovation, thematic depth, and relentless energy, the album resonated strongly with fans and critics alike, expanding Nyrak’s reach across the international metal landscape.
In May 2025, the band took a bold step forward with the release of a new EP Faceless Tyrant, recorded in Dolby Atmos. This immersive and cinematic work represents another evolution in the band’s sound — more layered, intense, and boundary-defying than ever before. As one of the first extreme metal acts to embrace immersive audio technology, Nyrak reaffirmed its commitment to innovation and artistic exploration.
Building on the foundations laid by this EP, Nyrak’s third full-length album is set for release in October 2025. It will further develop the sonic and thematic paths explored in previous releases, offering a compelling and powerful journey through the darker realms of progressive black metal. From its origins as a solo project to its current form as a dynamic live entity, Nyrak’s story is one of constant evolution, artistic integrity, and a passion for performance. The band stands as a relentless force within the genre – driven by a hunger for innovation and a dedication to delivering immersive, unforgettable music.
TRACKLIST 1 Leviathan 2 Promethean Fire 3 Floods of Gilgamesh 4 Die Verwandlung 5 In the Halls of the Aesir 6 Phoenix Mortis I: In this Void 7 Phoenix Mortis II: Requiem 8 Phoenix Mortis III: Ashes to Flesh
On October 30th, 2025 internationally, Void Wanderer Productions are proud to present Nyrak’s striking album Phoenix Mortis.
With Phoenix Mortis, Belgian progressive black metal collective Nyrak unveils its most ambitious and conceptually charged work to date. This third album isn’t a mere collection of songs, it’s a meticulously crafted journey through mythology, self-destruction, and rebirth. Every track contributes to a thematic and musical arc that spans from the underworld to the pyres of human consciousness.
After a symphonic build-up, Leviathan erupts with brutal intensity. Pulsing rhythms, dissonant textures, and slicing guitar layers pull the listener into a vortex of chaos. The track feels like an awakening, not sluggish, but furious and determined. Choirs heighten the drama, giving it a ritualistic weight as if an ancient evil is being resurrected. Promethean Fire unfolds as an epic fusion of progressive black metal and majestic classical orchestration. Grim riffs and furious drums lay the foundation for a tale of redemption and rebellion. This fiery hymn of relentless strength and dark passion stands as one of the album’s highlights. Floods of Gilgamesh begins with the rhythm of a death mass, cold and hypnotic. It then explodes into icy riffs reminiscent of the Scandinavian masters: raw and unforgiving. Ominous staccato strikes cut sharply through the atmosphere. Die Verwandlung sinks into a claustrophobic ambiance that unfolds slowly. The track combines dragging riffs, subtle tempo shifts, and menacing orchestral frameworks to evoke a hallucinatory transformation. Musically, it balances hypnotic repetition with psychotic outbursts. In the Halls of the Aesir portrays a tale of struggle and salvation within a soundscape that’s both heavy and bombastic yet intimate and emotional. It carries the listener from shadowy depths to exalted heights, perfectly embodying the album’s dramatic tone.
The album concludes with the breathtaking trilogyPhoenix Mortis, where the central theme, destruction as a prerequisite for transformation, reaches its full expression. From the introspective void of In This Void, through the tragic farewell of Requiem, to the fiery resurrection of Ashes to Flesh, the album circles back to its own origin. What dies, returns. What burns, rises again.
Phoenix Mortis is a layered, ritualistic concept album where every composition fits perfectly. With it, Nyrak has not only refined its sound but sharpened its artistic vision. This is black metal that’s as ruthless as it is thoughtful—a battlefield of dissonance and beauty where even hope must walk through fire.
Line up: Lukas Risbourg: vocals, guitar Sven Van Laere: guitar Guy ‘Nevel’ Van Nieuwenhove: bass Bram Veldeman: drums
Credits Recorded Guy ‘Nevel’ Van Nieuwenhove: guitars, bass, orchestration Bram Veldeman: drums Lukas Risbourg: vocals, solo ‘Ashes to Flesh’ Niklaas Reinhold: guest vocals ‘Promethean Fire’
Mixed by Wannes Verschoren Mastered by Yarne Heylen Artwork by Belial NecroArts Photography by Ivan Coemans Lay-out by Ward Theunissen Logo by Modblack Moon
Henere began as a personal vision. Created by Wretch in 2022, the band was formed to carve out a unique space for melodic black metal emerging from the United States, with a focus on storytelling, emotional depth, and cold expansive atmosphere.
The debut album Eye of the Storm was born from a close collaboration between Wretch and longtime creative partner Blood clot, with Wretch also handling bass. That record laid the foundation with a harsh melodic core and cinematic ambition. With the addition of Lament on bass and ambient horns, Frozen Veil of the North expanded the sound even further, introducing new tonal dynamics and a stronger sense of identity.
Now, with The Chosen Path, Henere steps into its clearest form yet. The songwriting is sharper. The arrangements are deeper. And the storytelling, the heart of Wretch’s vision, is more powerful than ever.
Henere continues to evolve but remains rooted in its core mission to craft immersive, emotionally driven black metal shaped by frost, myth, and the march toward something greater.
TRACKLIST 1) Incantation of Ice and Steel 2) Winds of Eldritch North 3) Spectres of Glacier Tombs 4) Call of Valkyries 5) Riders of the Winter Sky 6) Heart of the Maelstrom 7) Frost Wolf’s Howl 8) Oath of the Chosen
On September 19th, 2025 internationally, Void Wanderer Productions & War Productions are proud to present Henere’s striking album The Chosen Path.
The Chosen Path is a bold statement from Henere. This third full-length album captures theforce and mournful grandeur of black metal shaped by cold winds, ancient myth, and the weightof destiny.
Following the storm-driven debut Eye of the Storm and the desolate majesty of Frozen Veil ofthe North, this new chapter moves with greater purpose. The sound is sharper. The vision iswider. Ritual, battle, and transcendence all collide across a frozen march that feels bothcinematic and deeply personal.
Henere brings a refined melodic touch to their harsh foundations. Tremolo riffs, commandingrhythm, and frostbitten vocals form the core. Carefully placed synth passages rise like distantsignals through the snow, adding atmosphere without overtaking the storm.The Chosen Path is more than an album. It is a cold ascent. A deliberate march into the heartof black metal’s most dramatic terrain. Henere does not follow traditions. They carve their own.
While a deligation of the Zwotte kring is getting ready for their general rehearsal with Duindwaler & Schavot, We can tell you that the preorders are open for the VERLOREN VERTELLINGEN ( Asgrauw, Duindwaler, Hellevaerder & Schavot) merch
Available preorders: •T-shirt •Longsleeve •Crew Neck •Hoodie •Zipper
All on black Gildan in sizes S-XXL.
Right chest (front view) print. Band logos; Hellevaerder, Duindwaler, Schavot, Asgrauw with “Verloren vertellingen” in a 90° next to it. A tribute to the CD released by Brutal Insanity Records
Back print. A revamped version of the album logo, a shield bordered by skulls, swords and Ivy, with “Verloren Vertellingen” and the Zwotte Kring logo on the shield. The original is visible at the upper left corner on the artwork made by Chloe.
Preorder stops the 16th of September. Merch will be released at the RMS meeting the 8th of November. Going to the meeting and want to pick it up there while saving on shipping? Use coupon RMS25 at the Check out. Only works with Dutch postal codes.
Our friends at Zwaertgevegt, who already released and sold this album on vinyl (black & grey). Will release this album again at the RMS meeting as well, but this time on limited tape.
COUPON CODES
With the following code, you will save on shipping by collecting your order at the corresponding event.
KRE25 - 30/08 Krefeld, Germany. Metal market at Kultur Café Paris.
VOID WANDERER PRODUCTIONS is thrilled to announce that the Asgrauw logo shirts will come back. This time with the logo printed in grey on a Black or White shirt. To be released on teh 25th of August.
SPIRITS25 – 27/09 Tormented Spirits Blackfest, Engelenbak, Doentinchem. W/ Tsatthoggua, Asgrauw, The Chösen, Bezwering, Hellevaerder, Prophecy of Asag.
RMS25 – 08/11 The Rock & Metal Society Meeting, Popei, Eindhoven. W/ Verloren vertellingen (Asgrauw, Duindwaler, Hellevaerder & Schavot) & many more.
Enter coupon code upon checkout.
A small update on the delay of IBEX ANGEL ORDER second album, entitled “II – VOID SERMON”
The vinyl is in production according the pressing plant. Next week they will tell us when to expect the delivery. We will tell you ASAP if we know more.
The album is set for release on a limited run vinyl: -140g 12” Red Vinyl -Black Innersleeve -Gatefold Jacket -Wrapped
Planned to be released in summer 2025. Will be shipped out ASAP after we received the vinyl.
We are thrilled to premiere the full album “II – VOID SERMON” by Dutch Black Metal duo Ibex Angel Order.
Transmissions from the Dark hosts the premiere video and Zware Metalen has publiced an article of it here.
Ibex Angel Order – II: Void Sermon Release Date: July, 24, 2025 Genre: Black metal Formats: Vinyl / Digital For Fans Of: Dödsengel/ Funeral Mist / Mare / Cultes des Ghoules.
After a decade of whirlwinds IBEX ANGEL ORDER finally return with their second full length “II: Void Sermon”. Much more vicious than its predecessor “I”, Void Sermon is a statement. An album which is a reminder of how Black Metal should be executed; Raw, unpolished and fierce. Black Metal is not about remorse but trampling hoofs on the soil of your foes. Void Sermon will be an essential album for all who embrace the illumination of Lucifer. Each track has been forged with precision. Although many acts may produce more albums, IBEX ANGEL ORDER chooses to release when the time is right, and the hymns are manifested fully. Submerge into the depths of the Sermon and dissolve your earthly existence.
TRACKLIST 1 – The Sword and the Sigil 2 – Void Sermon 3 – All Flames of Life Extinguished 4 – Shadow Weaver 5 – Belial Invoked 6 – None am I 7 – Archons Dethroned 8 – Equitem Caprarum
The ravenous duality known as IBEX ANGEL ORDER strives to unleash the dark shadows of the soul. Forging their black metal from traditions old and new. A whirlwind of razor-sharp riffs, unrelenting blasts, ear ripping vocals and a truly morbid and possessed atmosphere. These two veterans of the Dutch black metal scene are known for the intensity of their live performances, often described as hypnotic, ritualisticand crushing. The occult and sinister content of IBEX ANGEL ORDER can be felt both on stage as on their recordings. In IBEX ANGEL ORDER praise is given to the driving forces behind this music, the illumination of Lucifer and the all, encompassing duality of Abrasax. The union of K.M.K. and L.D.S. was forged in 1997 and IBEX ANGEL ORDER is the ultimate culmination of this union.
A small update on the delay of IBEX ANGEL ORDER second album, entitled “II – VOID SERMON”
The factory have send out the test press finally last weekend. It’s a direct hit, so we can go over to production this week.
The album is set for release on a limited run vinyl: -140g 12” Red Vinyl -Black Innersleeve -Gatefold Jacket -Wrapped
Planned to be released in summer 2025. Will be shipped out ASAP after we received the vinyl.
Line-up: K.M.K.: Invocations and Summonings L.D.S. : Ritual Drums and Emanations
Credits: Recorded: Double Noise, fall 2023, with G.Aa Mixed: L.D.S. 2024 / 2025 (Assistance Devo Andersson/ T.T.) Mastered: Magnus Devo Andersson, Endarker Studio, Sweden, 2025 Artwork: Cold Poison Insert art: L.D.S. Photography: K.M.K. Lay-out: L.D.S. Logo: Ubertragic Art Samples: Sasrof (Bloodline/ Diabolicum / ex-Setherial) with fragments of “The VVitch” [Robert Eggers,2015] Guest Vocals on “The Sword and the Sigil”: K.v.H. Lyrics “None am I”: M.v.V. (SauroN / Verbum Verus)
1. Introduce the band Veenlijk. Who are you and where are you from?
We are Veenlijk, from the Amersfoort region in the Netherlands. With Loek on drums, Gilios on bass, Tim on “vocals” and guitar, and Geri on guitar.
2. On Galgenberg you can hear a mix of styles – punk, grunge, thrash, hardcore, and of course old school black metal. Which bands have inspired you?
So many! The four of us all listen to different types of music, and we bring those influences into the songwriting.Asgrauw and Darkthrone are definitely key black metal inspirations.But we also draw from other directions – Hellripper, Death, Amenra, and Refused.Very diverse!
3. Your drummer hits ridiculously hard. I hear elements of punk and grunge in his playing, and it grooves like a steam train. The raw guitar solos aren’t very typical for black metal either. Is it easy for you to fuse all those styles with black metal?
How does that work in the writing process? Is there a division of roles in the band?Our drummer doesn’t come from a metal background at all, so basically everything he plays naturally leans into punk/hardcore territory.The writing process is pretty straightforward. We jam on riffs and tasty little licks we’ve come up with and build things from there.
4. With your EP Galgenberg you immediately set the bar high. You recorded in a professional studio – The People’s Noise – with experienced producer Hans Pieters, who, I’m told, is also known for the hit “Het is altijd lente in de ogen van de tandartsassistente”. In a YouTube documentary, you show how the EP came together. How did you end up at this studio, and did the producer have an affinity with black metal? How did the collaboration go?
The collaboration went really well! Hans has tons of experience and a real love for the craft. He’s recorded many different genres, which we think is important.He’s also hilarious – which these lads definitely appreciate!We recorded the EP live, without a click track, which helped create a very lively and cohesive feel.We ended up at Hans’s studio thanks to a tip from the drummer of Gogmagore – who also makes a brief appearance in the documentary.
5. I heard the studio sessions were pretty stressful due to time pressure, but that it also led to a steep learning curve. What lessons will you take into your next recording?
Next time, we’ll take more time to really perfect the songs. We want to add more layers to our music – make the heavy parts really hit, and give the atmospheric sections more depth.
6. The lyrics are in Dutch. Why did you choose that, and what themes do you explore in Veenlijk?
Our lyrics are heavily inspired by Dutch folklore, but often they carry a more timeless and deeper meaning underneath.
7. The logo and cover art are striking. What can you tell us about them?
The logo was originally designed by our bassist, and later redrawn by @kalimacabre.She also did the cover art for Galgenberg. It depicts Death standing on the Galgenberg (Gallows Hill) in Amersfoort, overlooking the medieval town.
8. Galgenberg has been really well received by both the public and critics – especially impressive for a debut. Did you expect that, and how do you deal with the feedback?
We don’t really do much with the feedback. Of course it’s amazing to hear that people appreciate it, and we absolutely welcome that. But we’re mostly just doing our own thing and we’ll see if people vibe with it.
9. You’re already gaining a reputation on the live circuit for your energetic shows. You’ve recently played with a larger Scandinavian band (Scitalis) and had a great gig at Diabolical Echoes in Arnhem alongside Asgrauw, Grafjammer, and Nyrak. What was that experience like?
Yeah, we absolutely love playing live! We have so much fun during the shows, and especially connecting with the other bands we’ve met along the way.Playing with Asgrauw was always a big dream for us, and it has already come true several times. Really great guys!
10. What are the plans for the future, any new recordings or shows coming up?
We’ve got a show lined up in Germany at the end of the year, but we’re mainly focusing on writing new material – and possibly working toward a full-length.
We are thrilled to premiere the full album “Fakkeldragers” by Dutch Black Metal band Hellevaerder.
Black Metal Promotion hosts the premiere
Release Date:June, 19, 2025 Genre: Black metal For Fans Of: Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult, Emperor, Mayhem & Sargeist.
Fakkeldragers (Torchbearers) is a continuation of the tale of the guardian of light; the previous album, ‘In de nevel van afgunst‘ (In the mist of envy) told stories about the guardian of light defending the will to live while the worshippers of nothingness defended the need to perish the soul, becoming one with the universe.
In this saga the guardian is captured and dragged into the gates of eternal slavery, a world made from darkness. Light tries to find its way through the tiniest of openings, and the duality remains. After the capture she remains to find the will to live. The light conquers all, she said. But dying means enlightenment. After being dragged away towards the gates of nothingness she remains faithful to life. The will to live conquers the need to die…
The worshippers of nothingness are warriors of the unlight, the eternal stare-off between the everlasting wisdom in the here and now, foretold in 9 stories. You will be dragged down and be held captive. Forced to endure the tales of awakening. A way to deal with everyday life, a duality of wanting to, and needing to.
Death is nothing but a granted right, the whispers of the damned are chanting the echoes; ‘Death is liberating…’ Do not force yourself on these nine chants, those chants could redefine the process of life. Celebrate life – Worshipdeath
Fakkeldragers is a tale to celebrate life, worship death. This album continues the story of the guardian of light against the worshippers of nothingness.
This second full-length marks the maturing of Hellevaerder. Tracks are more in depth and bring a wider vision of the duality between the worshippers of nothingness and the guardian of light. Reach heights higher than might could conquer, discover hidden passages of the universe. Pick a side in the ongoing battle between dark and light…
Fakkeldragers was written and recorded during 2024. For the first time the entire band was a part of the writing process. During writing sessions we made almost all the tracks, everyone was part of every aspect of it.
This differs from the way we used to operate, one person made every track and others filled it with their vision. Our visions are now aligned, we are Hellevaerder. This marks the first record with all our creative skills combined.
Everything is produced in house, Daan Bleumink and Arjen Kleiss recorded everything and mixed it. The entire band had their say in every step, but we knew what we all were chasing.
Hellevaerder is a five-piece black metal band from Heerhugowaard, the Netherlands. While influenced by bands like Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult, Mayhem, Sargeist and Emperor, they bring their own unique taste of metal. High intensity music, filled with darkness. Their vocalist Miranda Visser shrieks everything to damnation, being guided by the followers of nothingness.
After their first full-length released in 2022; ‘In de nevel van afgunst’, they gave a taste of what’s to come. Before they started on the next full-length release, they made a trip down history with fellow Zwotte Kring bands Asgrauw, Schavot and Duindwaler (the later being the soloproject of Daan Bleumink). Together they released the greatly received ‘Verloren vertellingen’, which marked a more mature sound of Hellevaerder.
The saga continues as the guardian of light is captured. The second full-length is more madness fueled, insanity invoking and spiritual poisoning than before. Fakkeldragers will tell the next tale of the duality between light and dark. With over 50 minutes of mind terror, the suffering continues…
Line up Miranda Visser – vocals Daan Bleumink – drums Luuk Steemers – bass Arjen Kleiss – guitar Bas Cuperus – guitar
Credits A.A.W.R. (Sulphvris) – artwork Viral Design – logo Daan Bleumink – recording, mixing Arjen Kleiss – recording Devi Hisgen – master Music and lyrics by Hellevaerder
The CD is a co-release between Void Wanderer Productions & War Productions Tape & Vinyl via Zwaertgevegt.
1. You’ve been active for quite a few years, and your musical journey dates back to the early ’90s. Many people know you primarily from Wurgilnõ and Vergankelijk, but you have much more in your history, such as Inverted Pentagram. Can you tell us about your musical career and how it has developed over the years?
My musical journey began, like many guys in the regio of Limburg (South of the Netherlands) at the time, at a young age with a brass band. At one point, we had three generations playing in the same band: my grandfather on horn, my father on bass, and myself on tuba. After my grandfather passed away, we stopped, and in 1989, I switched to bass guitar. In the summer of 1990, the predecessor of Belphegor was formed, which was renamed Inverted Pentagram in 1992. In 1991 we started Corpusculum as a side project with some members of Belphegor. In 1996, I decided to stop with Inverted Pentagram because things weren’t running smoothly anymore, and there was too little progress.
In 2000, I was asked to collaborate on A Challenge of Honour: a project that combined industrial with folk influences. I worked on that until 2012, with my last performance being at Summer Darkness in Tivoli, Utrecht. After that, I started writing music again for Corpusculum, and since then, I have focused entirely on black metal. This resulted in several demos and, eventually, a full album at the end of that year.
During the 2020 lockdowns, I decided to start a Dutch-language project called Mergelland, with the main theme being Limburgian legends and myths. This project evolved into Wurgilnō in 2022.
2. You’ve witnessed the rise of black metal up close. How do you look back on the early days compared to the scene today? What, in your opinion, has changed—both positively and negatively? And what is, for you, the essence of ’90s black metal, and is that essence still attainable today?
My first encounter with black metal was in 1986 when I saw the Seven Dates of Hell concert by Venom on Sky Channel. It made a huge impression on me at the time. Through VARA’s Vuurwerk and magazines like Aardschok, I quickly discovered a whole new world, with bands like Bathory and Celtic Frost—still my favorite bands.
When I bought my first guitar in 1989, I didn’t initially know how to approach it. That changed when I ordered the Medieval Prophecies EP by Samael. That record made me realize that music didn’t have to be complicated to sound powerful. From then on, that became my guideline: it has to sound heavy to my ears—the rest doesn’t matter much.
When the second wave really started breaking through in 1990, with a flood of new music coming through tape trading and demo exchanges, you could feel that something special was happening. We were entering a new era. Especially the demos from Enslaved, Emperor, Rotting Christ, and Necromantia made a big impact on me. The first album that truly grabbed me by the throat was A Blaze in the Northern Sky by Darkthrone. That album felt like a sign: our time had come!
The biggest difference with the past, I think, is that the ‘romance of discovery’ is gone. Back then, tape trading and writing and exchanging with people all over the world were essential parts of the scene. I would receive packages and letters from all corners of the world every day – sometimes people would even come to the door to collect stamps. Nowadays, you just open Spotify or Bandcamp, and the algorithm tells you what you might like. Contact with bands happens via chat or email, and it’s a matter of seconds instead of waiting weeks for a letter with a trade list. Sometimes, I miss that era. Personally, I’ve always been purely focused on the sound – either I think something sounds heavy, or I don’t. Occasionally, I change my mind about a band. Mayhem or Burzum, for example, never really interested me – too much drama and theatrics, and I still don’t connect with that.
What strikes me is that many bands today are going back to the ’90s sound. That’s fine by me because that style is closest to my heart. But at the same time, it means that, with a few exceptions, there’s not much progression in the genre.
3. You’re a multi-instrumentalist and do everything yourself: guitar, bass, keyboards, vocals, and drum programming. How did that come about? And how do you experience working on studio albums alone compared to playing in a full band?
It’s mainly due to a lack of fellow musicians- the black metal scene here in the region is practically non-existent. Additionally, my full-time job makes it hard to keep regular days or weekends free for rehearsals.
During the years I played with A Challenge of Honour, I taught myself how to make music on my own. I now apply that knowledge to my current material.
The biggest advantage is that, as soon as I have an idea, I can immediately go into my small studio to turn it into music. The biggest downsides are the lack of social interaction, writing songs together, and exchanging ideas. As a solo artist, you often miss the constructive criticism you need to stay challenged. Fortunately, I have a network of people around me who can provide that feedback.
4. Do you record all your music yourself? Do you also handle mixing and mastering, or do you work with others? How does that process look?
Yes, except for one track by Wurgilnõ, where Suffering Souls from Germany played a part. I mix everything myself, but I leave the mastering to someone with more expertise. The Krijtland album was mastered in Sweden, and Vergankelijk – thanks to your tip – was mastered by the very talented Devi Hisgen, who will also handle the mastering for the next Wurgilnõ album.
I usually start by setting the tempo of a track. Then I write a guitar riff and come up with a second guitar part. Next, I experiment with the drums and come up with a bassline. This is how the song slowly grows. Once the rough sketch is done, I fine-tune and “embellish” it, after which I write and record the vocals. Then, I mix everything until I’m satisfied and send it for mastering. This process differs from track to track – some are finished in a few days, while others take weeks to ferment.
5. What has Wurgilnõ released so far, and what does the name Wurgilnõ mean?
Wurgilnō has two albums, an EP, and a South American release where the debut and EP were combined. Originally, the first CD, De Doden Rusten Niet in Vrede, was intended as a demo tape, but Fetzner Death Records wanted to release it as a CD – and who am I to say ‘No’ to that?
The name Wurgilnō is an Old Saxon word that means “body on a gallows.” This is based on a family story about one of my ancestors, who was sentenced as a Bokkenrijder (a notorious bandit) and hanged, with his body left hanging until it fell down by itself. In black metal, it doesn’t get much more grim than that.
6. The music of Wurgilnõ heavily draws from the first and, to a slightly lesser extent, second waves of black metal. What attracts you to that raw sound? And which bands or artists have inspired you the most?
That raw, often simple sound has always appealed to me. I’m not a fan of solos or fiddling around— the rougher, the better. If something sounds heavy, there’s nothing left to improve. The gritty, unpolished sound of bands like Hellhammer, Bathory, and Sarcofago has always affected me more than the polished albums that came later. That’s still the case. Take, for example, the first four albums by Amenra—I think they’re amazing. You can hear the crackling, the noise, and even the mistakes, and that’s what makes an album feel organic.
As for inspiration, I would mention Bathory, Celtic Frost, early Samael, and Sarcofago, but also bands like Beherit and the old Greek scene have had a huge influence on me.
7. How does your music come about? Do you start with a specific feeling or idea?
With Wurgilnõ, I always put together a list of local myths, legends, or historical events from the Limburg region in Belgium and the Netherlands. I then do extensive research into these topics, which forms the basis for my lyrics. Part of it is based on that research, but I also add my own fictional elements.
Musically, it usually starts with a riff, a feeling, or an emotion. From there, I build and try to keep the music as exciting and varied as possible. I’m someone who loves repetitive riffs that go on for a long time, but I have to remind myself not to make them last too long.
8. You choose to write your lyrics in Dutch. Why that choice? And do your lyrics have a specific Dutch or even Limburgian theme?
I actually did everything in English for thirty years, but I discovered that I express myself better in my native language. Plus, we’ve been listening to a lot of Norwegian music since the ’90s, and that was never a problem. Many of my favorite Dutch bands sing in Dutch, and for foreign fans, it has the same exotic appeal as Norwegian, French, or Spanish does for us.
The theme of Wurgilnõ is primarily focused on Belgian and Dutch region of Limburg. This region has a very rich history, and as a history nerd, I found it fascinating to delve into it. There’s more to Limburg than marl and Bokkenrijders!
9. Your latest project, Vergankelijk, with Joris from Nether on vocals, recently released an EP. This project has a very specific theme. Can you tell us more about that? How did you and Joris come together, and how does Vergankelijk differ musically from Wurgilnõ?
Joris and I met at the Samhain Festival, where he and his wife were sitting at a table eating while Benjamin (Saturni Records) and I were looking for a seat. We started talking, and there was an immediate click. After a while, I asked him if he would like to record some lyrics for Vergankelijk. Since he is also a doctor and the theme fit within his professional field, it seemed like a fitting choice. He enjoyed it so much that he ended up wanting to do the entire album—and so we became a duo.
The theme of Vergankelijk is a trilogy about the transience of the human body, divided into three chapters: De Geest (The Spirit), Het Lichaam (The Body), and De Ziel (The Soul). We are currently finishing De Geest, which is primarily about Alzheimer’s and dementia. Before the album, Saturni Records will release two tracks as an 8” EP in early May.
Musically, Vergankelijk is less black metal and leans more towards doom/sludge, with a hint of black metal here and there. It’s all about the feeling, not about sticking to a specific genre—the lyrics of Joris are intense enough.
10. What stands out about Vergankelijk is the prominent and beautifully crafted basslines. Are there certain bassists who inspire you, or does that just come naturally in your playing?
I’ve always found Peter Hook of Joy Division/New Order to be a very influential bassist. Although he mainly plays a Bass VI – a cross between a guitar and a bass – that’s an instrument that’s still on my wishlist. For me, a bass doesn’t necessarily have to be a background instrument; it can take the foreground. Something that the guys from Necromantia understood very well.
11. You also run Merg & Been Records. What does the label specialize in? What kinds of bands do you release? And how is it to run a label in an era of streaming and an overabundance of monthly releases?
Merg & Been grew out of Tenebrae Sumus Records, where I used to release tapes for various international and national acts. For example, I’ve done releases for Salqui, Sacred Son, Apothecary, and Satanic Death. Since Merg & Been, I’ve mainly used it for my own music and focus solely on tapes. The next release will be the Galghe (black metal) tape, followed by Broken Ground (sludge/doom), which looks like a tape but is actually a USB drive.
The market is saturated; nowadays, you have to rely on your loyal followers. That’s why I always work in small editions. Streaming is an inevitable, dark force, but fortunately, the metal scene is still a scene that values physical releases.
12. Merg & Been seems to have become more than just a label; it’s turned into a media platform. Can you tell us more about that?
I’ve been writing for the Portuguese online magazine Blessed Altar for a while now, though it’s only twice a month. Since I really enjoy this activity and discover a lot of new music this way, I decided to add a magazine to the Merg & Been website.
I’ve been working on it for almost a month now, and I’ve already written several interviews and reviews. It’s still new, and the site needs to be filled further. Over time, it won’t be daily anymore because it takes quite a bit of time to do on my own. If anyone is interested in contributing, they can always reach out.
13. You operate deep in the south of the Netherlands. Is there even a black metal scene there? And since you’re so close to Belgium and Germany, do you have many connections with the Dutch scene and bands across the border?
I mainly have connections within the Dutch and Belgian scene. The German scene feels a bit less accessible, even though my German is quite good because I live only a few kilometers from the border. There isn’t really a black metal scene anymore; there are still a few bands here and there, but it’s not what it used to be. However, that doesn’t matter, and thanks to technology, it’s no longer a major problem in 2025.
We’re thrilled to announce the release of Vampyriia’s haunting EP “The Melancholic Charm of the Moon”, an unparalleled journey through raw drone black metal. Let this dark and atmospheric opus captivate you with its ethereal melancholy and cosmic allure.
Raw Atmospheric Black Metal with Dark Ambient and Drone Ambient inserts.
Tracklist:
1. Ghost Of Moon And Cosmic Nebula
2. Visions Of Grim Void Possession
3. Spawn Of Celestial Decadence
4. The Infinite Melancholic Sadness
Born in early 2022 from the creative depths of S. N. Nosfer, Vampyriia has carved out a chilling niche in the underground scene. From eerie demos to evocative collaborations, Nosfer’s visionary work culminates in this soul-stirring release with Void Wanderer Productions.
Immerse yourself in the abyss! Available now on cassette tape for all lovers of the raw and hypnotic.
We are thrilled to premiere “Timescarred” by UK black metal band Vintras.
Transmissions from the Dark hosts the stream
Vintras – Timescarred Genre: Black metal Formats: CD
For Fans Of: Der Weg Einer Freiheit, Agalloch, Harakiri For The Sky, Panopticon, Altar of Plagues & Mgła
TIMESCARRED presents a suite of six compositions, epic in their melancholy, sweeping in their scope. In sorrow, in pain, in regret and in flickers of hope – a work of passing time in the wake of dream and the shadow of demise.
Black Metal as the natural expression of fury, desolation and despair, permeated with the dark melodicism of 80’s UK New Wave and Gothic Metal that soundtracked and inspired its creation.
VINTRAS was born as a conduit for misery and desperation. The reflection of a disintegrating psyche, ebbing and flowing through peaks and troughs of depression, frustration and anger. What has been endured has been channelled into a singular expression beyond the mortal coil, beyond the ordeal, beyond the physical. What was known is no more, now captured as immaterial missive within the flickering of timeless flame.
The vision of the self: a figure desperately fighting against the inevitable slide down the spiral. The realisation that we are all trapped as one: trapped by our past and unable to escape our future. A perpetual existence, wretched and forlorn.
Vocals recorded at Sonorous Studio Drums recorded by Robin StoneDrums Mixed & Mastered by Sonorous Studio Artwork – ‘Study of the Pain’ by Devinez Photography by KJS Layout & Logo by Archaos Graphics
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