From their EPK, AMENSPEAR is a progressive black metal project from New York. Founded in 2024 by Steve Vathis, who is the sole member, their music is based in black metal but incorporates varied influences from progressive rock, alternative rock, death metal, and groove metal. Now, the band is set to release its second full length album "All My Gods Are Dying" on August 22, 2025, with the title track as a single forthcoming on August 6. The album has seven songs, and the title track is first. Out of the gate comes a heavy riff and harsh vocals. There isn’t a wall of sound that usually accompanies the genre, but rather, the riffs can be heard. There is however just a bit of an amateur quality to the music, which gives it a raw edge.

“To Feed the Spirit” features a thicker sound, with that wall of tremolo picked riffs and blast beat drumming that often comes with Black Metal. That low riff is also quite bossy, but it lingers just a bit too long. “Dead or Alive” begins with a steady riff and some well places tension, and the screams usher in a new found energy. There are also some psychedelic leanings here, which is unusual for the genre…some drone. “Our Lady of Sorrows” begins with clean, somber tones, and a bit of synth. They drag out a bit for emphasis, even when the distorted riff comes in. Dare I say it…the song also has some melody. The riff begins to harden, but the melodies remain.

“Haruspex” translated into English means a religious official who interpreted omens by inspecting the entrails of sacrificial animals. The Progressive elements of the album are starting to become more noteworthy. “Pearls Before Swine” has a hypnotic riff that combines with some psychedelic backing elements into a thick, seasoned stew. “The Letter” is the final song; a 12-minute opus. It takes just a bit for the somber leanings to sink in, and when they do, they leave you feeling nothing, as do the clean vocal harmonies. It seems to grow even more dreadful as it moves. Overall, this album got better for me as it moved along, and it seems that Steve found the sound he was looking for…a combination of Black Metal, Doom Metal, and even some Psychedelic Metal. It has piqued my interest, and I have bookmarked the band.