Akhlys - The Dreaming I

I don't know why it has taken me so long to put this one up.  This album succeeds in creating a  palpable atmosphere: one that is inspired by the nightmares of Naas Alcameth (Nightbringer). Despite having only a few tracks, there are some great ups and downs and real progressions within their meaty runtimes. While I would have liked to see just a little more finesse in the guitar-work, there were some truly chilling uses of simplistic hooks as with the high-pitched ringing tones that recur throughout personal favorite, "Consummation." The synth work is also very layered and quite beautiful. Repeat listens definitely led this to grow on me. I would be more than happy to throw down for its bandcamp digital pricetag of 6.66 Euro, but I am personally holding out for an affordable copy of the digipack for this gorgeous cover art.  I'm in the US, so it's only the shipping that kills me.  You may see a full review for this at some point.

Enjoyability=8.3
Musicianship=7.7
Innovation=8.5
Overall=8.5

A Forest of Stars (UK)

Okay, so if you are a real black metal fan, you probably already know who these guys are.  However, I am willing to bet your average metalhead has never heard of them.  This is sure to make some Top 10 lists for 2015.  The vocals are like a demented one-man-show backed by the occasional angelic female melody.  Strings, slide guitar, backtracking, occasionally indie sounding bass.  But I thought you said this was BM?  There's still plenty of tremolos and blastbeats for you, but this album truly transcends in its art and beauty.  Check it out here.  Another solid deal.

Epitmia

Russia seems to have a knack for producing quality, ambient black metal and Epitimia are no exception.What stood out for me was the fact they incorporate so many elements into their music.  From little jazzy interludes to post-rock esque riffs and neo-folkish passages, Epitimia manages to fit all these elements in a concise manner without one taking precedence over the other. For all those that enjoy some nice Slavic black metal, this will not disappoint.

Discography

О Ты, Чье Имя Мрет На Трепетных Устах (O Thou, In Whose Name MRET trembling lips) - 2008 

To The Non-existing Shades... - 2009

Five Roads to Eternity [Split] - 2009

Солнечный ветер / Четыре сезона [Split] - 2010

Four Noble Truths - 2010