Cult Never Dies exists to celebrate both the past and present of extreme and underground metal, and as such, we are always interested in bands celebrating the early sound and ethos of the black metal genre. However, though we often hear newer bands talk of drawing upon the spirit of ‘true’ and ‘old school’ black metal, this, more often than not, simply means taking inspiration from the Mayhem/Darkthrone/Burzum axis of early 90s Norway. nothing wrong with that intrinsically, but those of us present in the 1990s know well that the genre was so much broader than that in those years, even if many of the works are not currently in favour with the black metal crowd.

Thus, we are very proud to introduce our newest signing, Achathras. Created in the shadows by a collective of black metal veterans, Achathras is a resurrection and celebration of the values of the early to late-90s European black metal scene, a time when aggressive riffs, atmospheric songwriting, caustic vocals and otherworldly synth work offered a true alternative to the garbage of the mainstream. 

Epic and at times melodic, while remaining fiercely unpolished, the band’s memorable songwriting will resonate with those missing the departed spirit found in the early albums of Gehenna, Odium, Emperor, Hecate Enthroned, Obtained Enslavement, Taake, Old Man’s Child, Ancient, Dimmu Borgir, Abigor, Covenant, Malignant Eternal, Forefather and Mork Gryning. Yet for all that, the songs crafted by these fanatics are utterly fresh, and while the musical and ideological foundations hail from the past, the group are utterly against simply rehashing past glories. We caught up with the band’s founding member to learn more...

ACHATHRAS’ single ‘Anointed With Moonfire’ is released early June 2025, with the debut album A Darkness of the Ancient Past released on CD in late 2025.