Dark Fortress are arguably the finest black metal band that Germany has ever produced, having released six brilliant albums in their 18 year career, as well as packing a punch in their fantastic live show. From their beginnings as a melodic black metal group, they’ve evolved their sound, exploring different avenues each album, bringing in more progressive boundary pushing elements to keep their sound fresh and unique on each release – while the lyrics have pushed into more esoteric and intellectual territory since vocalist Morean replaced Azathoth following the release of 2006’s Seance.

With guitarist V Santura’s role in other group Triptykon and drummer Seraph taking the place behind the sticks in Floor Jansen’s current project Revamp, the band have taken their time for the release of seventh album Venereal Dawn, taking 4 and a half years since 2010’s Ylem. But it’s been time well spent as Dark Fortress have delivered once again. Never making the same album twice they take the Ylem sound and push it further into dirgier filthier territory, yet interspersed with moments of mesmerising brightness – and Venereal Dawn is another progressive black metal masterpiece from one of the genre’s most underrated greats.

Deluxe Triple Gatefold Red Double LP-edition.