I am not so hugely familiar with other genres than Black Metal. I have some Doom and Psychedelic albums and at times I find these highly enjoyable. But with  Atlantic Ridge, a duo from Italy, we have a different kind of beast.. It blends Funeral Doom with Black Metal and many, many more.

The first thing I thought when listening to the first track. “Leo terram propriam protegat (South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands) of this album was: “This is Black Sabbath”! But that was just merely a first impression. Yes, it contains a lot of Doom elements. It also contains a lot of other influences. While leaning heavy on Doom and Psychedelic Metal it blends many colors. It also contains some blast beats and Black Metal vibes as well as ambient soundscapes. Just listen to “Our Faith Is Our Strength (Tristan da Cunha)“ and you will have a better grasp of what I am getting to.

What strikes me most about this record: the atmosphere is great. It is heavy, often surreal and manages to create a mystique vibe. Screams, female vocals and guitar leads meets aggressiveness and flows back to serenity. This album isn’t about tremolo picking only., it’s about atmosphere. Sometimes unsettling, mostly dark but most of all highly unique. At times, the sound reminds me of the first album of The Gathering as well as the first albums of Paradise Lost, just listen to the guitar leads. Yet “Atlantic Ridge” is much, much more fiercer….at times. But also very calm when it shows its more introspective side. But when Atlantic Ridge starts shredding riffs fast times goes to a halt remembering the second wave of Black Metal. It sounds strange but it works, somehow.

Although this self-titled cassette is somewhat incoherent these Italians really manage to outdo themselves with their nineties vibed guitar leads, weird (sometimes female vocals), grunt and much more..The production is very solid yet raw.and sure will take a few spins in order to grasp the emotions and unorthodox blended concoction presented.

 “Atlantic Ridge” describes incredible places, surrounded by a sense of mystery, like a Utopian journey through time and space. Recorded in Italy between 2019 and 2024 it concerns both a physical and spiritual journey: It consists of six songs, starting with  “Leo Terram Propriam Protegat (South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands)” , a short track  consisting of a slow paced, down-tuned guitars. “Our Faith Is Our Strength (Tristan da Cunha)” has a more Black Metal, approach and is more aggression packed. “Abandoned Buildings (Pyramiden, Svalbard)” contains some really harsh vocals and eerie leads. “Strange Paradise (Socotra, Yemen) is quite dark and oozes of gloom and doom. “The Non-Existent Island (Freezeland)”  s a very, for lack of better words, solemn track and offers some time to reflect .“Contemplating the Vastness of the Universe (The Gobi Desert, Mongolia)” is the final song. With thirteen minutes it manages to end this voyage and makes sure it is a fitting end.

This record has a mystic and mysterious feel. And that’s a big plus. It is an adventurous album for people who are willing to stretch their musical boundaries. Void Wanderer Productions are once again taking a bold step in releasing an album which fits into their stable but also reaches further than ordinary Metal. It is hard to fully write down what this music is all about. It has to be experienced. So dear reader, pleas listen to this raw gem and decide for yourself.If you have an adventurous soul it pretty well might get your Metal booty going.

 Score : 7,5 /10

Label: Void Wanderer Productions
Release Date: 24 April 2026

Reviewer: Erik

Tracklist:

1. Leo terram propriam protegat (South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands)

2. Our Faith Is Our Strength (Tristan da Cunha)

3. Abandoned Buildings (Pyramiden, Svalbard)

4. Strange Paradise (Socotra, Yemen)

5. The Non-Existent Island (Freezeland)

6. Contemplating the Vastness of the Universe (The Gobi Desert, Mongolia)