There are only so many adjectives one can add to describe Dark Fortress' darkly progressive music, it is a fact, however, that 'Venereal Dawn' is quite a bit different than the Dissection-isms of the Germans' earliest work. 'Venereal Dawn' is a hi- ghly dynamic, intense and atmospheric work that gets better with each spin. Although the band's roots are obvious, there aren't many elements traditionally associated with black metal on 'Venereal Dawn'. There is hardly any tremolo picking, li- mited blastbeats and even the vocals are quite measured by the genre's standards. The gothic qualities are not quite as pro- nounced as on its predecessor 'Ylem', but the power of the album is in its atmosphere and subdued tempos. 'Venereal Dawn'further explores what is possible within the boundaries of Dark Fortress' core sound without alienating their existing fan base. 'Ylem' and 'Venereal Dawn' are by far the most interesting albums the band has released thus far. As stated in the beginning of this review, it is quite diffi-cult to categorize the music on 'Venereal Dawn', but that is exactly what makes the album so good. Recommended tracks:'On Fever's Wings', 'Venereal Dawn', 'Luciform', 'Chrysalis'. This album comes out in deluxe Triple Gatefold edition, in two colors (White / Red) 500 limited edition each.
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Nagaoka MP-110H Cartridge
Features a high-quality elliptical stylus that provides excellent tracking and minimizes distortion, delivering a detailed sound reproduction with an output voltage of 5.0 mV
-
Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
-
Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
Features an elliptical stylus that accurately tracks the grooves of vinyl records, delivering a rich, detailed sound with an output voltage of 5.5 mV
-
Vevor Ultrasonic Cleaner
Thoroughly clean and restore your vinyl records, removing dust, dirt, and grime from every groove without damaging the surface
-
Ortofon 2M Blue Premounted
Mounted on the SH-4 Black Headshell, this setup delivers exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and accurate sound reproduction.
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Harvey Sutherland Debt
Clarity
October 10, 2025 -
Big Special National Average. (Orange/Yellow Marble)
So Recordings
September 19, 2025 -
Jeezy Tm:101 Live
Jwj Publishing
August 29, 2025 -
Richard Ashcroft Natural Rebel (Blue)
Bmg Int'l
September 26, 2025 -
Devendra Banhart Cripple Crow (20th Anniversary; Deluxe; Black/Green) [3xLP]
Heavy Flowers
September 12, 2025 -
Helloween Giants & Monsters [2xLP]
Reigning Phoenix Music America, LLC
August 29, 2025 -
KAROL G Tropicoqueta (Tropical Blue) [2xLP]
Bichota Records/Interscope
September 26, 2025 -
BEAT Live [3xLP]
Inside Out Music
September 26, 2025 -
Of Monsters and Men All Is Love and Pain in the Mouse Parade [2xLP]
Skarkali Records
October 17, 2025 -
Buscabulla Se Amaba Así
Domino Record Co
September 12, 2025 -
Madi Diaz Fatal Optimist
Anti
October 10, 2025 -
Myd Mydnight (Yellow/Black) [2xLP]
Because Music
August 29, 2025 -
Stars of the Lid Music for Nitrous Oxide (30 Year Anniversary; Remastered) [2xLP]
Diggers Factory
August 29, 2025 -
Alter Bridge Alter Bridge [2xLP]
Napalm Records
January 9, 2026