Dreadlands by Stygian

A debut forged in fire and conflict, this album delves deep into the tension between two opposing spiritual legacies.
On one side, the harmony-driven rites of paganism—intimate, earthbound, and rooted in balance. On the other, the dogmas of monotheistic faiths, often steeped in violence and domination. Where ancient rituals once sought to channel and honor primal forces, modern religions have too often weaponized belief, severing the sacred bond between humanity and nature.

This record is both a lament and a tribute—a fierce, unrelenting reflection on a world spiritually fractured by centuries of imposed doctrine.

Musically, it’s a blistering synthesis of black metal and crust punk, soaked in ritualistic fury and atmospheric weight.
Each track is a sonic invocation: raw, intense, and uncompromising, calling the listener to confront what has been lost—and what still remains to be reclaimed.

Hell is here, at least according to Stygian. The band from Ravenna, inspired by the misty swamps and dark woods of their homeland, creates a sound steeped in occultism and darkness, blending black metal and hardcore punk with nefarious undertones.