Well, after listening to Death and Black Metal for over 35 years, it sometimes gets boring, even if bands try to innovate. But then you stumble upon an album, which immediately clicks: it fresh, but familiar. It’s emotional, intelligent and complex, but not for complexities’ sake. It flows, it works, it’s authentic.
This album is absolutely great, it’s all I want from this kind of music: cold soundscapes, raging fires, the embrace of darkness. 10/10 Ricardo Cristof
Blackbraid is a spiritual force in the black metal scene, bringing a unique perspective and culture that was missing until the release of this album. 'Barefoot Ghost Dance on Bloodsoaked Soil' is immensely powerful, showing me that black metal is as strong as ever. 'The River of Time Flows Through Me' is excellent as well, with a crushing melody and unforgettable song title. Hail Sgah'gahsowáh, the new blood of black metal. Obsidian One
I have hundreds of black metal albums in my collection, and Exercises in Futility has outsold them all, making it my most popular Bandcamp purchase. That's no coincidence: Mgła is an elite act, with an extraordinary ability to craft melodies that are heavy yet never overbearing, and always addictive. Playback value never seems to fade, and there's not a weak track on the album. An exceptional black metal release that has stood the test of time and will continue to do so. 10/10. Obsidian One
Backened shoegaze squalls, cinematic J-rock choruses, and tortured, atmospheric breakdowns from these whipsmart Tokyo wreckers. Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 10, 2025
Ter encontrado a segunda formação do Batushka ao vivo ano passado em São Paulo foi, sem sombra de dúvidas, uma das maiores experiências de catarse envolvendo apresentações ao vivo em toda minha vida. Excepcional em todos sentidos, a ritualística e ortodoxismo fundido ao black metal atmosférico abraça uma gama de vertentes que mentalidades engessadas colapsariam ao tentar conceber tal realização. Ⱡ น ᥴ ₳