I’m super pleased to say that Troy Bennett (Faustian, We Do Not Belong Here, Troy Bennett’s Graveyard Lips, and others) is joining me at Disparate Parts. This is his first review. If you want to give Troy a follow, here’s his Instagram.

Purchase physical and digital copies on Bandcamp.

Released on December 19th, 2025 via Birdrune Recordings.

Bindrune Recordings is well known for having a plethora of incredible bands on their roster. The most well-known, at least to me, in terms of atmospheric black metal with flavors of folk, being Panopticon. It is no surprise then that the latest release from Nemerous, born out of the ashes of UK atmospheric black metal band Wodensthrone, ominously entitled “What Remains When Hope Has Failed” follows the label’s tradition of releasing beautiful, yet thought provoking music.

I’m always drawn in immediately if an album starts off with a good riff. Check. The album’s opener, “The Wyrm of the World’s End,” begins with a lush melody of guitar parts intermingling and dancing in almost perfect harmony. I’ll admit I have a soft spot for moody guitar parts dripping with chorus and reverb. A beautiful intro then explodes into harsh vocals accompanied by equally harsh, yet gorgeous guitar riffs with an ever-present keyboard riff lurking and carrying the low melody beneath. All the other parts are vying for attention in majestic juxtaposition.

The album absolutely gives me early Emperor vibes, specifically “In the Nightside Eclipse,” which if you know me, is a very high compliment. Every track that follows carries the same momentum of viciousness and transcendence. Make no doubt about it, this record follows the long format of atmospheric black metal, so if you’re expecting little snacks of songs to quickly eat and move on, this record will not be for you. This album is meant to be experienced from start to finish. Treat each track as a chapter in a book and take time to give your ears a truly beautiful listening experience.

My favorite track on the album is “Quiescence”, but that is by a very thin margin. As stated before, the entire record is absolutely beautiful and deserves a thorough and attentive ear. I’m not sure “What Remains When Hope Has Failed,” but I hope artists like Nemerous continue to ask these questions in song.