So much black metal deals with the desolation of nature (usually Norwegian or the Pacific Northwest) or fantastical horror stories (usually Countess Bathory or Cthulhu) that when Ludicra released their masterpiece about the desolation of San Francisco and the horror of trying to live life day by day in the big city it took everybody by surprise. Musicians from trad metal throwbacks Hammers of Misfortune, gore metal enthusiasts Exhumed, and folk-y blackgazers Agalloch brought the best parts of their other gigs to the party, while the shrieker up front took her experience working with homeless people in the Bay Area to give everything that grimy authenticity. That door on the cover leads straight into the void.

– Jeff Treppel