Longer-time readers of my page may already be familiar with EELS! EELS! EELS! The band have recently released their new EP "Eel Land", and I'm delighted that this is another solid entry into the band's discography.

The band's debut self-titled album sees Shadowvale explore their sound, covering everything from sludge, death, doom, and even splatterings of hardcore, and is their first full release since their 2024 EP.

For a band that's taken their name from a HIM song, there's a particular standard of gothic-ness one might expect. Luckily, Argentinian metallers CIRCLE OF FEAR meet the quota, blending thunderous soundscapes with dark, atmospheric melodies.