Hey everyone! Sean here at the Black Metal Archives, where we explore the dark and atmospheric realms of metal. Today, I’m super excited to talk about a now rare album, Temples, the LOST album from Black Stag Rising. This release blew my mind when I first discovered it on Bandcamp, later Spotify, and I can’t wait to share my thoughts with you even though this album is currently unavailable. My hope here is to garner enough attention toward it, so that it might one day be available again.
So, let’s dive in and unpack the layers of an incredible album!
First off, for those of you who might not be familiar, Black Stag Rising is one of those bands that really straddles the line between the raw energy of traditional black metal and the expansive atmospheres of the more modern, experimental side of the genre. With Temples, they delivered an album that feels both ancient and otherworldly, like it’s tapping into some forgotten cosmic energy.
Let’s break down what made this album so special, starting with the sound.
Temples is an absolute journey. The production is spot-on: it’s clear enough to showcase the intricate details but retains just enough grit to stay true to the genre’s roots. This album is drenched in atmosphere, with layers of icy riffs, pounding drums, and haunting melodies that feel like they were crafted in a cathedral hidden in some mythical forest.
The vocals are fierce and raw, but what really stands out are the moments where the band weaves in clean, chant-like vocals. It gives the album this ritualistic, almost meditative quality that sets it apart from your run-of-the-mill black metal.
Alright, let’s talk tracks, because Temples is full of standout moments.
The opener, “Keep No Shadows”, kicks things off with this blistering energy. It’s fast, sharp, and gives you an immediate taste of the band’s precision and raw power. But it’s not just chaos—there’s this underlying melody in the guitars that pulls you in deeper.
Next up, “The Eye, The Gate” slows things down slightly, with a more atmospheric approach. The interplay between the tremolo-picked guitars and the ethereal background textures is just hypnotic. This track feels like stepping through some ancient portal into another realm—fitting, given the title.
One of my personal favorites is “Oceans Will Hold Me”. It’s got this mournful quality, almost doom-like in its pacing, but then it builds into this massive, cathartic crescendo. The layering of the guitars here is just stunning—each riff adds a new emotional dimension.
And then there’s “The Transcendental Object at the End of Time”, the album closer and its epic centerpiece. At nearly nine minutes, this track is a masterclass in dynamics. It starts with a slow, brooding intro, gradually building tension before erupting into a full-on black metal assault. But the real magic is in the quieter, almost meditative passages—it’s like the band is giving you space to reflect before pulling you back into the storm. It’s ambitious, and it pays off in spades.
What I really admire about Black Stag Rising is how they’re pushing the boundaries of black metal while staying rooted in its essence. They’ve got the icy riffs, the relentless drumming, and the feral vocals that you’d expect from the genre, but they also incorporate a sense of grandeur and introspection that feels unique.
If you’re a fan of bands like Agalloch, Immortal, or even Deafheaven, you’ll probably find a lot to connect with here. Temples manages to feel both deeply personal and utterly transcendent.
To sum it up, Temples is a black metal album that demands all of the attention. It’s immersive, it’s emotional, and it’s one of those records where you discover something new with every listen. Black Stag Rising outdid themselves here, and I can’t recommend this album enough. So let’s pray to the Black Metal Gods that it one day becomes available again.
Were you lucky enough to have given Temples spin yet, before it disappeared to into the ethos? Share your thoughts! Do you have a favorite track? Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear what you think. And, as always, if you’ve got suggestions for other bands or albums to check out, drop them in the comments too!
For now here is Black Stag Rising’s linktree so you can keep up with what they do next!
