Explore the sacred domains

Origin: Russia
Location: Novosibirsk, Novosibirsk Oblast
Formed: 2009
Status: Active
Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal / Ambient
Label: Independent
Themes: Nature, Winter, Sorrow

Spell of Dark is an atmospheric black metal and ambient project from Novosibirsk, founded in 2009 by the multi‑instrumentalist V.T. Known for its cold, melancholic soundscapes and deeply emotional approach, the project has become a staple of the Russian winter‑themed atmospheric black metal underground. Spell of Dark’s music blends raw black metal elements with immersive ambient passages, creating a sound that is both sorrowful and expansive, often evoking images of frozen forests, endless horizons, and the quiet solitude of winter nights.

The debut EP Forever Winter (2012) set the tone for the project’s aesthetic—icy tremolo riffs, distant vocals, and a strong emphasis on atmosphere over aggression. This was followed by the first full‑length, Чёрная скорбь (2014), which expanded the project’s emotional palette with deeper melancholy and more refined songwriting. Ashes of Forgotten Dreams (2015) continued this evolution, offering a blend of depressive black metal influences and ambient textures that highlighted V.T.’s ability to craft introspective, dreamlike soundscapes.

In 2017, the EP Journey into the Depths of Winter received positive underground reception for its immersive, winter‑bound atmosphere. The single Autumn Greatness of Forests (2017) and Eternity Somewhere There (2018) further showcased the project’s dedication to nature‑driven themes and melodic melancholy.

Spell of Dark reached a new level of maturity with The Vastness (2019), a full‑length that emphasized wide, open atmospheres and emotional depth. The album’s expansive compositions and refined production made it one of the project’s most acclaimed works. This was followed by Ghost from the Past (2021), which explored themes of memory, loss, and spiritual desolation through a colder, more introspective lens. The same year, the EP Running over the Horizon continued the project’s tradition of blending ambient melancholy with black metal minimalism.

In 2022, Spell of Dark released the split Relighting Mirages, contributing material that reaffirmed the project’s signature blend of sorrowful melodies, winter ambience, and emotional sincerity. Throughout its existence, Spell of Dark has remained independent, cultivating a dedicated following through consistent output and a deeply personal artistic vision.

Members past and current
V.T. – all instruments, vocals (2009–present)

Discography
Forever Winter – EP, 2012
Чёрная скорбь – Full‑length, 2014
Ashes of Forgotten Dreams – Full‑length, 2015
Journey into the Depths of Winter – EP, 2017
Autumn Greatness of Forests – Single, 2017
Eternity Somewhere There – Single, 2018
The Vastness – Full‑length, 2019
Ghost from the Past – Full‑length, 2021
Running over the Horizon – EP, 2021
Relighting Mirages – Split, 2022