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 often means simply recycling the Mayhem/Darkthrone/Burzum template of early 90s Norway. 

Thus, we are very proud to introduce our newest signing: Created in the shadows by a collective of black metal veterans, Achathras instead offer a much broader embrace of those glory years, resurrecting the values of the early to late 1990s European black metal scene, including aggressive riffs, atmospheric songwriting, caustic vocals and otherworldly synth work . 

Epic and at times melodic, the band’s memorable songwriting feels utterly fresh yet 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. 

ACHATHRAS: A Darkness of the Ancient Past,

Full-length album, released 30th September 2025

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“Stirring amalgams of emotionally moving melody on a symphonic scale, feverishly pulsating riffage, electrifying drum-and-bass performances, and furiously malicious vocals — combinations of classically elegant grandeur, heart-punching and head-rattling rhythmic intensity, and nightmarish vocal horror.”

No Clean Singing

“Achathras manages to feel both nostalgic and fresh throughout the album's nine tracks. A monument to the atmospheric grandeur that defined European black metal's golden age, yet utterly vital and contemporary in its execution.”

A Certain Taste

“A dive into 90s Norwegian black metal rendered by those with the wisdom to master its essence … a freshness and inspiration rare in a work so rooted in the old school.”

Rock Hard Italy

“Apart from some interludes of guitar and synth, the material keeps to fast tempos, and this, together with the music's monstrous aura, gives a feeling of being consumed by the storm... a feeling emphasised by the powerful and dynamic production that also fits with the music's 90s character.”

Scream Magazine, Norway

“Truly top-notch, built on a melodic Scandinavian black metal sound of Scandinavian origin. For now, Achathras let their music speak for itself, and they do so excellently.”

Metal Italia

“‘A Darkness Of The Ancient Past’ is more than a masterful tribute; it is an act of temporal rebellion. In an age of fleeting digital singles and algorithm-driven trends, Achathras has crafted not just an album, but a portal. It serves as a potent reminder that the spirit of an era is not confined to its original time but can be summoned again, a ghostly and vital presence in a world that has forgotten its magic.”

Atmosfear

“This is well-written, well-performed, well-executed black metal. It’s been created by people that clearly know the artform inside and out, and their passion, attention to detail, and clarity of purpose come through loud and clear.”

Wonderbox Metal

“Have you ever come across compositions that, no matter how you listen to them or look at them, you realise they have no flaws and are simply perfect? Black Metal veterans invoking ancestral spirits.”

The Crying Orc 

“As long as their music keeps burning our souls as it does with in A Darkness of the Ancient Past, we have absolutely nothing to complain about.” 

Headbanging Moose