Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 57 minutes ago
I must admit that my own evolution as a fan has included a burgeoning appreciation (& RESPECT) for the genre of black metal; stemming from early bands like Bathory, Mayhem & Emperor to the more modern players like Dimmu, Belphegor & Absu. AND, over the years there are 2 elements that have kept me captivated: 1) the sheer dedication & spiritual connection black metal musicians approach their music with. Its part of who they TRULY are to their deepest core. It can be both revered & uneasy. 2) how the genre itself has evolved to create a variety of subgenres like: symphonic black metal, melodic black metal, blackened death metal & even Pagan black metal. The implementation of keys, finely placed sound bites & modern production have given the genre a new audience AND a new set of rules to define anti-Christian & anti-religion sentiments. Its been a wondrous evolution to see first-hand! SO, when the UPCOMING debut FULL-length release from Austin, TX based, Temple ov Ahriman called, 'Heretics of Consensual Reality' crossed my desk this past Spring it made me proud that one of own had once again crossed over to black metal potency. HOCR is a record that embodies it ALL: dark atmosphere, memorable riffs, ominous emotion, killer drumming & definitely its OWN identity; listen to songs like: 'Wrath of Iblis', 'Infernal Imperium' OR 'Baphomet's Kiss' & you will quickly become a devotee. With mastermind, Thornicator's own experience in bands like Vesperian Sorrow & Triacanthos I knew his background had served him well & that this record deserved our support. SO, on March 22nd, 2026 - the RMW Crew took the opportunity to invite the man to the RMW Studio for an in-depth chat. In the interview below you will see us discuss the following: his early musical beginnings in Austin, his love for the black metal genre, the challenging process of creating HOCR, his 1-man band approach, video & what the rest of 2026 holds. TO our extended Familia - be sure to look for the 2 singles that are already out on Youtube ('White Death' & 'SPQB') - you will DIG it! TO Thornicator - THANK YOU for coming to SA to sit with us to share your black heart. I look forward to seeing the success of this record, what lies ahead & your future music. ENJOY! ~ El Mero Metal
I must admit that my own evolution as a fan has included a burgeoning appreciation (& RESPECT) for the genre of black metal; stemming from early bands like Bathory, Mayhem & Emperor to the more modern players like Dimmu, Belphegor & Absu. AND, over the years there are 2 elements that have kept me captivated: 1) the sheer dedication & spiritual connection black metal musicians approach their music with. Its part of who they TRULY are to their deepest core. It can be both revered & uneasy. 2) how the genre itself has evolved to create a variety of subgenres like: symphonic black metal, melodic black metal, blackened death metal & even Pagan black metal. The implementation of keys, finely placed sound bites & modern production have given the genre a new audience AND a new set of rules to define anti-Christian & anti-religion sentiments. Its been a wondrous evolution to see first-hand! SO, when the UPCOMING debut FULL-length release from Austin, TX based, Temple ov Ahriman called, 'Heretics of Consensual Reality' crossed my desk this past Spring it made me proud that one of own had once again crossed over to black metal potency. HOCR is a record that embodies it ALL: dark atmosphere, memorable riffs, ominous emotion, killer drumming & definitely its OWN identity; listen to songs like: 'Wrath of Iblis', 'Infernal Imperium' OR 'Baphomet's Kiss' & you will quickly become a devotee. With mastermind, Thornicator's own experience in bands like Vesperian Sorrow & Triacanthos I knew his background had served him well & that this record deserved our support. SO, on March 22nd, 2026 - the RMW Crew took the opportunity to invite the man to the RMW Studio for an in-depth chat. In the interview below you will see us discuss the following: his early musical beginnings in Austin, his love for the black metal genre, the challenging process of creating HOCR, his 1-man band approach, video & what the rest of 2026 holds. TO our extended Familia - be sure to look for the 2 singles that are already out on Youtube ('White Death' & 'SPQB') - you will DIG it! TO Thornicator - THANK YOU for coming to SA to sit with us to share your black heart. I look forward to seeing the success of this record, what lies ahead & your future music. ENJOY! ~ El Mero Metal
