There’s still some of that old sound, tense steel-strung acoustica and extended spoken word passages, but it’s nestled among a forest of hulking post-metal riffs, drone metal and doom, a landscape bereft of light where old gods still lurk and accept their offerings.

Ripcord Fest comes to an end on an undeniable high. As a celebration of the label and of British heavy music as a whole, it’s a triumph; but even beyond that, it’s been a joyful occasion. People have undoubtedly discovered new bands, plenty have made new friends, and it feels like an entire community has chipped in to make the day worth remembering.

David Bowes caught up with composer and multi-instrumentalist Fågelle to discuss the creation of her beautiful new album Bränn min jord.

David Bowes spoke to Neptune of cinematic black metal trio Miserere Luminis about the creation of their stunning new album Sidera.

Sidera feels like a work that has been meticulously crafted, every element from the composition to the dreamlike production and obvious technical proficiency a demonstration of the work, passion and thought that has gone into it. For that reason alone, it deserves some time and attention – the quality riffing is an added bonus.

Seven years on from their Glasgow debut, A.A. Williams have returned to the G2 as an artist evolved. Quietly devastating and utterly captivating, they are living proof that there is beauty in darkness.

David Bowes spoke to Bristol’s astro-doom trio Epimetheus about amps, DIY recording and the joys of sci-fi.

Each of these seven tracks demonstrates a flair for smart yet intuitive songwriting, making the most of their strengths and limitations as a three-piece, while a resolutely DIY approach to playing and recording gives it an old-world grit.

It’s a feat of musical alchemy; and for everyone who made it out to witness it, it’s certain that not only will they be back next time SANAM stops through, but they’ll be bringing a few friends to share in the joy.

David Bowes caught up with Glasgow doomgaze pioneers Cwfen to discuss their remarkable 2025 and what comes next.

David Bowes spoke to the elusive Vindsval about Blut Aus Nord’s continuing evolution.

David Bowes caught up with Glasgow’s post-metal sextet Beneath A Steel Sky to talk about naming, gaming, and everything in between.

‘Teeth To Sky’ sounds like Killing Joke stripped of any veneer of modern respectability and by the time they are winding the night down with ‘All We Destroy’ there’s a feeling of hunger and immediacy, a sense that they could keep doing this all night and sound just as massive as when they started.

David Bowes caught up with Dan Meyer and Richard Chowenhill of ecstatic black metal crew Agriculture to chat about their latest album The Spiritual Sound, why Bob Dylan is iconic and the true meaning of ‘kvlt’.

It’s that most magical time of the year, when two of Glasgow’s most unlikely venues play host to all manner of weird, wonderful and occasionally harrowing acts from across the globe, and for three days this little corner of the world becomes a little bit more accepting and a lot more damaging to the eardrums.

David Bowes looks forward to the 3rd edition of Glasgow’s Core. Festival, 2025’s edition will be a treat for anyone who likes their music loud, in-your-face and socially conscious.

Otra progresses with a flow that is often gentle and occasionally turbulent, lashing the listener to and fro before settling into another soothing lull, yet the ever-present sense of direction means that nothing seems accidental.

An ominous and often unsettling collection that stresses minimalism yet isn’t afraid to simply drown the listener in distortion and filth when the right moment presents itself.

These five offerings strike a keen balance between tradition and modernity, emotional weight and raw power, making II one of early 2025’s standout metal releases.

David Bowes spoke to Josh Graham of post-metal outfit Guiltless to discuss the making of their staggering debut Teeth To Sky.

This isn’t a record that sets out to be more evil than the competition, nor is it a particularly harsh listen – hell, in the right frame of mind this could be positively meditative – but there’s a pervading sense of unease in the way that the drones, moans and groans seem to slither and ooze.