Release Date May 22nd, 2026
Format Vinyl
Genre Black Metal
Origin Germany
For more than three decades, A. Blackwar has dragged his name through the underground with stubborn dedication, tied to the old black metal spirit that cared more about speed, blasphemy and raw aggression than atmosphere or trends. Isegrim started back in 1998 as his personal weapon, a one-man entity built around hate, anti-Christian themes and the uglier side of humanity. This self-titled debut originally came out in 1999 and now returns through Fireflash Records with bonus material and its first vinyl pressing, giving newer listeners a chance to dig into a release that stayed buried in the underground for years.
This reissue of the 1999 debut is a cold slap in the face for anyone who thinks black metal needs to be pretty or experimental. It’s fast, aggressive, and hates everything you love. Fireflash Records finally put this on wax, and the witchcraft-red vinyl looks like it was dipped in a fresh kill. This isn't for the casual fan who wants atmospheric fluff to study to; it’s for the lunatics who want the genuine, anti-Christian vitriol that the genre was built on before everyone started wearing costumes and playing folk instruments.
The music is a relentless assault that captures the essence of the late nineties underground. It’s got that specific kind of freezing energy that only comes from someone who actually lives the lifestyle. A. Blackwar handles everything himself, ensuring the vision remains pure and untainted by outside opinions. The songs are fast-paced strikes that prioritize speed and blasphemy over melody. It’s a primitive, focused attack that ignores trends and sticks to the original blueprint of extreme metal.
Adding the "Bestial Invasion" cover was a smart move. Paying homage to Destruction fits the vibe perfectly, as that old-school thrash energy flows through the veins of these tracks. The bonus material actually adds value here, making the package feel complete. The inclusion of the signed card and sticker is a nice touch for the collectors, but the real draw is the raw, unpolished spirit trapped in the grooves of the record.
If you’ve been following the scene for as long as I have, you know how rare it is to see this kind of loyalty. Most people burn out or start making synth-pop after five years, but this project stays true to the shadows. It’s a testament staying the course when everyone else is trying to be "progressive." This reissue serves as a reminder that the old ways are often the most effective when you want to channel pure hatred.
The cult of the wolf is alive and well, and A. Blackwar is leading the pack with zero apologies. With a new album coming in 2027, this is a reminder of a period where black metal still sounded dangerous, obsessive and disconnected from mainstream extreme metal trends. “Isegrim” is vicious, stubborn and deeply rooted in the old underground mentality. It is not flawless, and it definitely carries the rough edges of its era, though those scars also give the album its identity.
Damage done | 8.0
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