iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

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We have an official bsky now to make tagging less confusing. Go follow it! THE ALBUM DROPS SO SOON.

NEWT | Steve @neastwizardtyrant.bsky.social · 6h

Defy metal convention! Buy rad hand-painted abstract art from @loachy16.bsky.social to use for your album cover! Metal can be colorful! (or other genres too 😜) alex-loach.ampwall.com

alex-loach.ampwall.com

Alex Loach

Colourful, bold, abstract art & Black metal vocalist!

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MOTH | Alex @loachy16.bsky.social · 10h

Could do with some extra cash at the moment. Not an emergency or anything but it would be a really great time for someone to use my art for an album or something. Absolutely no AI. All acrylic on canvas. Pay what you can afford.

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Wraithstorm @wraithstormmetal.bsky.social · 9h

No need to be confused about who to tag on Friday when the album releases I caved and made a page Because we have got some Melodeath to do beyond Friday Don't miss the Melodic Death Metal Majesty when 'Revenant' drops wraithstorm.bandcamp.com/album/revenant

wraithstorm.bandcamp.com

Revenant, by Wraithstorm

11 track album

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Eveale @eveale.bsky.social · 18h

We've put together a new playlist of 2026 black (and "blackened") metal songs. Bands we're friends with, bands we're fans of (and perhaps will be friends with some day!) Links to Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, and YouTube can be found at our Linktree! Links to each in thread below also 🧵⬇️

linktr.ee

Eveale Official: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook | Linktree

View evealeblackmetal’s Linktree to discover and stream music from top platforms like Spotify, Bandcamp here. Your next favorite track is just a click away!

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Eveale @eveale.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Ana is cool... So she ordered merch from eveale.com to keep her warm! Be like Ana.

eveale.com

Home

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Wince and Frisson @winceandfrisson.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Thank you @antifascistbmntwrk.bsky.social for helping us spread Tumult to the masses!

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Red and Anarchist Black Coffee @antifacortado.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

There's something about dissonant music that feels like it sends me straight to fucking hell (in a good way). If that sounds appealing to you and you haven't checked out the new Wince and Frisson album yet then you should probably fix that!

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Wince and Frisson @winceandfrisson.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Thank you so much to @harshvocalssite.bsky.social for including Tumult as an honorable mention on their most recent episode! Full episode here: harshvocals.com/podcasts/har...

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NEWT | Steve @neastwizardtyrant.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Celebrating the discography of @gonemage.bsky.social while mourning its end Coldest Keep in Bitter Heavens was one of my favorite 2025 albums You can still get it on vinyl from @fiadh.bsky.social Huge thanks to Garry & everyone who's ever been involved in Gonemage for creating such fantastic art

fiadh.bandcamp.com

Coldest Keep in Bitter Heavens, by Gonemage

7 track album

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NEWT | Steve @neastwizardtyrant.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

@triumvir.bsky.social and I are thrilled to have @winceandfrisson.bsky.social join the @antifascistbmntwrk.bsky.social They wrote a really nice review also over on the ABMN Instagram account also, which I'll include in a thread below ⬇️ Check out the whole stream here:

youtu.be

Wnce and Frisson - 'Tumult' | Dissonant black / death metal

YouTube video by Antifascist Black Metal Network

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Antifascist Black Metal Network @antifascistbmntwrk.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Wince and Frisson - 'Tumult' | Dissonant black / death metal "AMN presents WINCE AND FRISSON, a debutant two-piece project from the US offering nothing but unrelenting and extremely dissonant sonic aggression in the shape of blackened death metal!"

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Mar (Akashic Mare)🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🤘 @akashicmare.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Blessed pick for gym Power of 1000 woodland creatures and a carniflora to boot 🧚‍♀️ eveale.bandcamp.com/album/enter-...

eveale.bandcamp.com

Enter the Woodland Realm, by Eveale

9 track album

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NEWT | Steve @neastwizardtyrant.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Giving a shout to my buddy Brian from @negativeagent.bsky.social He created a super cool album chock full of excellent songs. Opened my eyes to industrial. You can get it on tape and CD too! negativeagent.ampwall.com/album/termin... negativeagent.bandcamp.com/album/termin...

negativeagent.ampwall.com

Terminal Days · Negative Agent

Terminal Days is the debut album from Negative Agent, nine tracks of ferocious, politically-charged industrial metal that raises a giant middle finger to fasci…

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MOTH | Alex @loachy16.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

A challenge! If you're reading this, post about something cool that your friends have made. I'll start. This album comes out this Friday - three singles are available now. One of the best melodeath albums in recent memory. All by very lovely people. wraithstorm.bandcamp.com/album/revenant

wraithstorm.bandcamp.com

Revenant, by Wraithstorm

11 track album

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MOTH | Alex @loachy16.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

And no doing Eveale! This doesn't have to be limited to music either. If you have a friend that makes visual art, or writes, or acts, makes videos... Whatever! Give them some love and share their work for us all to see 😁

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Will @freanric.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

The listening spot

A lil place on Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada.

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Will @freanric.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

I've never touched black metal outside of like dimmu. However, I grabbed Eveale's Woodland Realms and can't wait to listen.

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Will @freanric.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

This is so fucking cool, only on Lament and yes. Yes.

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Will @freanric.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

The pre-lead scream on Carniflora is cooool

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Will @freanric.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Reflected on @eveale.bsky.social 's Enter the Woodland Realm over the last few days. Honestly I really like it. No real notes. Solid all around album that is a good time. Shoutout to the musicians and crew that worked on it! Clean delivery. Well done.

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NEWT | Steve @neastwizardtyrant.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

USA folks who ordered @eveale.bsky.social CDs recently: Your orders went out today. Thank you for your patience while I grappled with my printer throwing a tantrum!

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Am I in Trouble? @amiintrouble.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

We'll miss Noob Heavy! Thank you to @theoriginalkep.bsky.social and the whole team for creating such a great site for so many years. Sharing this lovely review of Spectrum, written by @nowaveknowhow.bsky.social, as remembrance and thanks.

Before you ask, the answer is no, Am I in Trouble? is not a pop punk band. Yes, the name would be perfect for a pop punk band (if you know you know), but they are, in fact, very much not a pop punk band. In fact, this album couldn't be less pop punk if it tried (which it doesn't), and that is a very, very good thing. And if you pressed play expecting to hear a pop punk band, then you're probably already well into your expectations getting smashed like a watermelon in a Gallagher sketch.

I think what I love most about underground music is how often I'm surprised by the end product. And, if you're familiar with my reviews over the last two years (give or take a couple months at the time of publication) it's that I genuinely don't write reviews for music I don't like.
Why? Because writing negative reviews is boring. It's for the weak. No one cares about what you don't like; it's what you're passionate about that makes you interesting. And what I like is music that makes me make the confused Tim Allen sound like a JT Extreme review video (again, if you know you know). So here I am roughly two months later getting the same treatment from another Steve Wiener music project that makes me want to punch him in his...well, you know. But don't let the guest appearance from his Negative Bliss bandmates fool you, this is as much not a spin off of that band's sound as it is not a pop punk band.

As per the album description on the Ampwall and Bandcamp pages, Am I in Trouble? is "deeply influenced by the works of avant-garde and progressive black metal artists active during the early-to-mid 2000s." But what does that mean? As someone who didn't really start listening to black metal until the late '10s/early '20s, I really couldn't tell you. But seasoned metalheads will likely know what Steve is referring to, as this time period was rife with experimentation as part of the rise of post-black metal and blackgaze. In spite of their early connections to Peste Noire, it's hard to not love Alcest and—in particular—
Neige. There's something truly blissful about their fusion of black metal and shoegaze that just washes over you and lulls you into a sense of utter bliss. And while Am I in Trouble? makes it a point to not copy the homework of the bands that came before them, they do an excellent job of leaving breadcrumbs that sound an awful lot like the trailblazers that inspired them.

Opening with a gentle acoustic guitar and flute medley with renaissance faire-esque drums, you'd think you're about to hunker down with a hot cup of tea and a warm blanket for some good, old fashioned hobbit worship (complimentary).
But as "Yellow" segues into "White" and brings with it its sprite-like merriment, it quickly knocks that cup of tea out of your hand and promptly replaces it with a craft ale. The folksy beginnings quickly plunge into something darker, heavier, and more sinister. Considering the fact that Steve is handling all lead vocals, six and seven string guitar, bass, keys, and..well, pretty much everything you hear throughout this album, it's hard to believe this isn't a full band. The UK's Chris Barber does an outstanding job providing drums for the heavier tracks, which provide the backbone for Steve's

myriad instruments and guests. Ember Belladonna's flute work can be heard in the opening and closing tracks, Negative Bliss's Jonathan Hernandez provides backing vocals on "Red", Paul Shryock (also of Negative Bliss) provides a guitar solo on "Blue", and Ashenheart's Alex Loach provides backing vocals on "Black".

The pacing of the album is really quite excellent. It builds in intensity from its timid beginnings in "White" until it explodes with "Red", each song using its predecessor to establish a solid framework of balance and intensity. That intensity burns throughout "Blue" and "Black", never quite returning to that peak while also maintaining that same energy until "Green" brings us back where it all started with the simplicity of an acoustic guitar and a flute returning us to a world of whimsical fun.

THE BOTTOM LINE

I don't know about you, but 2024 kicked my ass and stole my lunch money. Between work, family obligations, personal projects, and trying to bring all my thoughts on new releases, I haven't felt this exhausted and burnt out in a long time. If you were to cast an actor to portray how I feel going into 2025, the only choice would be Sean Bean. So maybe that's part of what makes Spectrum so refreshing; it's so brazen with its worship of early '00s experimental black metal. It wears its heart on its sleeve and doesn't care if you love it or hate it. It exists to pay tribute to an era of music that was so vibrant and new because that's what we need sometimes. True, I love doom metal with all of its plodding tempos and emotional baggage, but sometimes it's nice to start anew with a sense of hope and maybe a little bit of love. Because finding the joy in what's tried and true is what Am I in Trouble? have done with Spectrum, reminding us that you can always find something to love if you're willing to look for it.

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Negative Bliss @negativebliss.com · 26/09/2026

With the news of Noob Heavy closing down, we wanted to memorialize this lovely review @nowaveknowhow.bsky.social wrote of Everything Hurts and I'm Dying. Thank you @theoriginalkep.bsky.social and the whole NB crew!

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Metal-Aged Mom @metalagedmom.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

I love my Negative Bliss shirt! Am a big fan of Comfort Colors brand tees. And of Negative Bliss. #metalsky

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florgoth @florgoth.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Okay, I've started and stopped 4 albums in a row now because they didn't grab me. Switching to stuff I KNOW works for me! #NowPlaying (again) I hear the Woodland Realm is quite lovely this time of the year... Yep, @eveale.bsky.social still has released one of my favorites this year!

eveale.bandcamp.com

Enter the Woodland Realm, by Eveale

9 track album

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Mega Beardo 💀 @megabeardo.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Last night, I spent an hour writing and tracking harmonies for a guitar part. Ultimately, I decided they were unnecessary, and I scrapped them. I still enjoyed the process of writing the harmonies & the decision-making that led to scrapping them. Not a waste of time! All part of the art.

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NEWT | Steve @neastwizardtyrant.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

One of the best things you could buy today Hit up @fiadh.bsky.social and nab this before they're gone! fiadh.bandcamp.com/album/depart... One of the best albums I've heard in 2026

fiadh.bandcamp.com

Departure, by Nostalghia

7 track album

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Ampwall @ampwall.com · 24/09/2026

Admin pages have gotten a facelift! Easier to read, and a much clearer distinction between each item. Take a look at our new status indicators! Music & merch admin views for single items have been overhauled too All this, along with a plug for the new @rubyrockatansky.bsky.social album! ⬇️ Read ⬇️

team.ampwall.com

Admin pages overhaul

All of the admin “list” pages have gotten a facelift! The status of each item should be easier to re...

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⚔️🎀 𝔉𝔦𝔞𝔡𝔥 🎀⚔️ @fiadh.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

2024’s Nepenthe is a richly layered three-chapter journey of atmospheric black metal maximalism. Both tapes available individually & as a bundle this Friday, & support the artist directly at nostalghia-ab.bandcamp.com Departure 🎨 Gabriel Ferrier Nepenthe 🎨 John Charles Dollman

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⚔️🎀 𝔉𝔦𝔞𝔡𝔥 🎀⚔️ @fiadh.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

We’re thrilled to continue our collaboration with extraordinary Mexico City-based multi-instrumentalist & composer Nostalghia! First is newest album Departure, a strange, beautiful record of leaving & mourning, weaving together avant-garde black metal, jazz, classical instrumentation, & folk color.

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NEWT | Steve @neastwizardtyrant.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

I've released 4 albums in 2026 with 4 different bands, and many, many friends @negativebliss.com - Live at The Meatlocker @eveale.bsky.social - Enter the Woodland Realm @amiintrouble.bsky.social - Facets @winceandfrisson.bsky.social - Tumult Links to each are below ⬇️🧵

Negative Bliss - Live at The Meatlocker (cover design by Paul Shryock)
Eveale - Enter the Woodland Realm (Art by Jacob Van Ruisdael)
Am I in Trouble? - Facets (Art by Alex Loach)
Wince and Frisson - Tumult (Art by Triumvir Kaleido)

A collage of all four album covers

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Wince and Frisson @winceandfrisson.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

High praise from folks on Facebook! Coming across comments like these is so heartwarming, thank you!

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Eveale @eveale.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Happy birthday to Eveale's official photographer! 📸🎊🎉🎂🥳📸

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MOTH | Alex @loachy16.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Hey, everyone wish @janed-l.bsky.social a happy birthday please 😁🎂🥳🎉🎊

Jane in front of a plant. Alex lurks in the background

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NEWT | Steve @neastwizardtyrant.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Aura has arrived Get the new @vanessafunke.bsky.social album! NORTH AMERICA vanessafunke.bandcamp.com/album/aura EU/UK okandaodenrecords.bandcamp.com/album/aura-e...

The cassette tape of Aura by Vanessa Funke released by Liminal Dread Productions

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Ampwall @ampwall.com · 22/09/2026

The latest Artist Highlight zine post shines a spotlight on NYC's @negativeagent.bsky.social Check out the engrossing tour of his synth-laden musical laboratory, Void Cat Studios, on @ampwall.com ⬇️ negativeagent.ampwall.com/news/void-ca...

Ampwall.com homepage, with Artist Highlight of Negative Agent's Void Cat Studios zine post

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Negative Bliss @negativebliss.com · 21/09/2026

Some incredible king-among-kings just bought 4 T-shirts Thank you 🙏 We're now sold out of every size except Large! Comfort Colors, printed by Anchorfish Printing Only a few remain, they're available at: AMPWALL negativebliss.ampwall.com/merch/negati... BANDCAMP negativebliss.bandcamp.com/merch

negativebliss.ampwall.com

Negative Bliss logo tee (Comfort Colors) from Negative Bliss

Pink Negative Bliss logo printed on black Comfort Colors T-shirt. Printed by Anchorfish Printing [https://anchorfishprinting.com/].

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four flies on Mae velvet @eversonpoe.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

it's been exactly ONE YEAR since my last album released (digitally) my love-letter to Hellraiser (2022) and my first ever album to get pressed on vinyl (which is still on sale for only $30!!! FOR A 2xLP!!!) still so proud of this <3 <3 <3 available on @ampwall.com as well as bc

ampwall.com

enough is a myth limited edition vinyl from Everson Poe

2xLP on transparent purple w/black swirl (when i look in the toilet, it’s purple—purple and black!) & clear w/red swirl vinyl (the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb) Housed ...

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Am I in Trouble? @amiintrouble.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

I am regularly blown away by the killer way "Song til stormen" kicks off Norrøn livskunst. It's rare to see an album begin with such powerhouse vocals so immediately. No music. No gradual lead-in to a song. Just stacks and stacks of sweet, sweet Lars vocal harmonies the moment the album begins.

youtu.be

Song til Stormen

YouTube video by Solefald - Topic

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Am I in Trouble? @amiintrouble.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

I know I say this all the time, but considering we're now in a place in time where "avantgarde metal" is generally a term applied to dissonant, atonal music It's this deeply melodic and harmony-laden music from one of the "genre"'s "founders" that I will personally always associate with the "genre"

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