The past year was quite honestly a problem. So many albums came out every week that were just flat out GOOD. I’m someone who will bail on something if it doesn’t keep my attention and while I did plenty of that this year I still managed to listen to probably around 350 BM Demo’s, Eps, and Albums this year. Now this is BM alone, mostly underground/small/diy artists. I couldnt even begin to think of other heavy genres like DM or Hardcore or the other stuff like Hip Hop and Pop when I started this list so I settled on a BM only one.
This is not an ordered list and while it’s hard to choose a favorite album of the year it would have to be a tie between: Cascadian Tactics, Sordid Realm of Apparition and Fata Morgana. These are the projects that were most played, most impactful, and most memorable. The list is long and followed by a second more curt list of albums. The genre is strong if not flourishing, subgenres are abundant and seemingly new ideas and sounds emerge on a regular basis. The variety within a single genre is purely staggering. BM often is accused of being stagnant and having low production but I argue that this among the most dynamic forms of music out there (alongside the various forms of Electronic music and Jazz) and with a now over 30 year history we have a deep well to draw from.
I know I missed lots of releases here (some I even bought physical copies of) but that again speaks to the current strength of the genre. Everything can be found on bandcamp or YouTube for the real kvlt stuff. Buy physicals direct from bands, labels, or the usual distros or if you’re lucky (like I am, shout out Whats Left!) go to your local store. If live events happen near you go to them, buy merch, and support your local scene because it’s just as important as ever.
Iron Firmament – 3 EPS and Cascadian Tactics
The most prolific of the Werguild bands Iron Firmament present arcane Black Metal in the US style. Comparisons can be drawn to the likes of Judas Iscariot and thats never a bad thing. Raw riffs and a cold atmosphere paired with the scalding vocals combine in the most effective way possible. They released two EPs (Draconic Atavism, Arcane Overspill) and two LPs a S/T and one of my favorite releases of the year Cascadian Tactics. This album is about 42 minutes long and performed by members Krieger and CZ. Interludes consist of light synth work and flow seamlessly into the album structure. An album that fast became a daily listen on walks and at work it is just perfect. Music for victory and triumph PLAY IT LOUD!
Conifère – L’Impôt du Sang
Metal Noir Quebecoise is a phrase everyone should be familiar with. The Canadian variations of French BM is every bit as virulent, venerable and venust as their European counterparts and inspirations. Often a little punky and raw Conifère embrace that aspect and perfect the sound. This is an album that could easily have come out in the 90s and is one that will start many a BM collection, its that good. The album starts with a spoken French poem about liberty and then erupts into beautiful galloping riff and battery. Listen from start to finish and you won’t regret.
Eerified Catacomb – Sordid Realm of Apparition
Rotten and Disgusting but bizarrely hypnotic and catchy. EC is horrifyingly psychedelic BM that sounds like it was unearthed alongside a Necromantic resurrection. The albums interludes are spoken words that evoke Magick and Evil. The music is as Raw as can be but you will find bits here and there that will wedge themselves into your psyche and then before you know it things will swerve in another direction. These songs about ghosts and other soul-stirring events will haunt the listener for a long time. EC has had a steady output the last few years and this one will become a nascent monument for the genre. Created by an individual, the most prolific U.E., EC is a prime example of BM.
NACHTLICH – EXALTATION OF EVIL
Another project by U.E., this time with collaborators. Nächtlich is Raw Black Metal awash in a synth ambience. Majestic and textured the album engages the listener in its depraved mania conveying a manifest hatred and titular EVIL. Listen to this album, not much more to say.
Celestial Sword -Nocturnal Divinity
I first was exposed to Celestial Sword on their split release with Trhä. They hail from the US and they create Raw Vampyric Black Metal which is steadily becoming a demarcated genre in this never ending musical world. Mystifying and Brooding yet suprisingly bright the music reveals itself from beyond a shroud of fuzzy atmosphere, not unlike the moments the fullmoon and stars shine bright on a cloudy night. A two person operation Guitar, Bass, Synth and vocals are credited eponymously and Drums are atributed to one Drugoth. The synth is subtle yet sparkles though and is a highlight of the album. Guest musicians offer vocals and some DS interludes. Listening to Vampyric BM is often strangely comforting and nostalgic and this release evokes all the grandeur and mystique one imagines when thinking of a grand Vampyric castle (particularly the album art, font and song titles). The band also released a split with Kommodus this year that is excellent.
Grundhyrde – Spellbinding Mysticism and Keeper of the Abyss
A perfect storm of styles, a flawless fusion of the French and Finnish forms of the genre. Much like Conifère this album is the kind of stuff that got me into the genre. Nostalgic yet refreshing the album is awash in vicious riffs and scathing vocals. After releasing a split with Verflucht in 2023 sole member Sceadugenga put forth two full lengths in 2024. Here I am focused on Spellbinding Mysticism simply because I haven’t spent alot of time with the other release. Unrepentant music is highlighted by moments that remind one of various artists in the BM underground. New and exciting things are around every corner and the album rewards repeat listens. This is a prolific musician who was part of at least 7 projects with releases in 2024 including the next one to be discussed.
Wuldorgast – Cold Light
This venture is Sceadugenga accompanied by Feral Spirit of Luring (who put out a very good lp to be mentioned later). A more direct almost militant attack is utilized here to great effect. An album that will leave you stomping, headbanging, and energized it will get alot of repeat play. Perfect for heavy activities or festering hatred against the modern world alike. Released mid December this one rocked it’s way towards the top in a year full of heavy hitters.
Kasturn – The Torchbearer Fades
London based Raw Black Metal with Pagan sensibilities. Here Kasturn more than deliveres what was suggested by earlier promos and releases. Archaic riffs circle around galloping drums while a voice from above scalds the whole ensemble. There is an atavistic sense of longing conveyed through the music and lyrics. Somber yet bright, a sound profile often found in Pagan BM, As the Torchbearer Fades will garner many repeat listens in years to come and is a good sign for the burgeoning Albionic and Pagan scene as a whole.
Lust Hag – S/T
Fun thrash and DM adjacent black metal by one Eleanor Harper. Pissed off and relentless with just enough synth to add dimensionality to the music. A prolific individual, this release shows off the best of the artists style while leaving the listener hungry for more. A very easy listen thats good for vidya or walking the dog. Check her ig page for quality posts and good music suggestions. An album that forecasts good things to come from this musician/project in the future!
ЗВЁЗДНЫЙ ХРАМ – ЗВЁЗДНЫЙ ХРАМ
Star Temple is a Russian band associated with The Horrible Room label/collective. Like many of these bands the band has a primitive punkish sound and a wonderful atmosphere. Four ten-minute long songs of anguished and distant Black Metal on the verge of DSBM like many of their countrymen with a splash of Finnish influence. Desperate and yearning the hypnotic repition leads one to new revelations and ideas throughout the albums length. An instant favorite this year and one that demands Horrible Room a watchful eye and eager ear.
SPITE – THE THIRD TEMPLE
Fierce and Blasphemous, Relentless and Catchy, Varied and Mean! I can’t decide how to describe perhaps the funnest album of 2024 so there’s some options. Spite is from Brooklyn NYC and they play power metal influenced black metal with Satanic lyrics and theming. Their particular style reminds one of Negative Plane and Funeral Presense (among others) and can be listened to endlessly. The album is long at about 61 minutes making it perfect for extensive activities or the workday. The band is a solo project by one Salpsan who runs the label Stygian Black Hand and is a member of the next band.
HORNS AND HOOVES – SPECTRAL VOYUERISM
Perverse and Maniacal this is Depraved Black Metal in the vein of Nifelheim, Spyphilitic Vaginas, Arizmenda and even early Midnight. Dynamic and surprising the Riffs travel between the highs and lows of ecstasy and lust accompanied by a petulant Bass and persistent percussion. Some synth work lends extra atmosphere a la Filmaker and their distal Goth competoraries in metal such as Unto Others. Bordering on thrash, the music is earwormey while the rabid vocalizations will unsettle the listener demanding repeat listens at maximum volume. The sheer frantic pace and atmosphere borders on a psychedelic influenced spiral into a newly-formed insanity. This is a short album and one that warrants a untold amount of relistens.
Curta’n Wall – Yr Gwyddbwll
Here is one of my most anticipated albums of 2024. Abysmal Specter of Old Nick and Grime Stone Records returns as Curta’n Wall. Fantastical Folk and Hippie Shit paired with Raw Black Metal is an approach being embraced by several locals around the world but AS puts a seemingly obvious spin on the music, high fantasy and Runescape esque aesthetic lead to a complete package that must be heard to believe. Previous S/T album and several EPs have demonstrated the sound and here it is fully realized. Enlisting the aid of almost 20 other musicians this is an all encompassing assault on the senses. You will sing along, dance, and maybe even tear up a little. Another album that is just fun, I can’t wait for records to be pressed!
ACALAPHA – Fata Morgana
One of my favorite releases of 2023 was Ascaplapha’s Somber Vampyric Night and Fata Morgana is a better sequel than I could have hoped for. Melancholic, Romantic, Moody Gothic Metal Adjacent ambience pairs with mid -tempo BM in a way that feels unnervingly familiar. Songs weave in and out like forgotten dreams while a pristine atmosphere and crisp instrumentation couple to create pillars of sound that the songs revolve around. Lyrics speak of longing, death and regret, the perfect fodder for the album. A solo project Ascalapha is Monstro on all instruments and vocals, session drums are handled by previous collaborator Nikola Dusmanic and there is a guest vocal performance by Wapyric Rites. I really love this album and think everyone should give it a chance!
Antichrist Siege Machine – Vengeance of Eternal Fire
[TAKEN FROM A PRIOR REVIEW OF MINE]
“First up, one of the more accessible bands today Antichrist Siege Machine released a great album mid April. A two piece from Richmond Virginia, SB plays drums and vocals, RZ plays guitar. ASM play fast and furious but with a more restrained and thoughtful output that at times is almost melodic. Production is relatively clean and its very easy to hear everything thats going on. At 25 minutes long, with songs that flow into one another, the album cruzes along and before you know it it’s over. Easy listening indeed! The record is available through Profound Lore and merch is available through the bands own bigcartel shop, I highly recommend this album to everyone it’s just good as hell.”
Primative Warfare – Extinction Protocol
[TAKEN FROM PRIOR REVIEW OF MINE]
“I first became aware of Primitive Warfare through their 2020 split with Bog Body, afterwards I found their demo. So this full length was much anticipated and it certainly delivers. Fast, grinding, and caustic here is 35 minutes that reminds one of Caveman Cult or Concrete Winds (that might just be their logo tbf) and maybe even a little Insect Warfare. Samples set the scene and break up the albums pace providing some structure to the cacophony, repeat listens reveal more of this. The LP is AVAILABLE through Stygian Black Hand via webshop or bandcamp and it is also on Spotify”
Keys to the Astral Gates and Mythis Doors – EP II and Comp LP
EP II was released early this year and became an instant favorite, a prior review is below. The EP was reissued alongside their first and pressed to an LP, titled The Endless Black and Meloncholy Triumphant.
[TAKEN FROM A PRIOR REVIEW OF MINE]
“Romantic Black Metal is a phrase I don’t hear often but is something that inherently makes sense to me. On their 2nd Demo Pit Dweller and Ludwig the Bloodsucker deliver raw Black Metal with a uniquely soft harshness to it. Staring with distant, hypnotic Black Metal that quickly turns to a frozen hailstorm of riffs and battery, they then veer into an ambient journey to one of my favorite songs this year “What is that Glimmer ‘top the Looming Bell”. Frigid yet familiar riffs break through the storm to soar bright and transport one to a dreamlike realm of bizarre tranquility. The overall effect is frankly romantic and cozy, FFO short walks in the snow, remembering dreams from another life, and the LLN. Keys is available on BANDCAMP patches and shirts are available via the Grime Stone BANDCAMP, hopefully more physical copies are unleashed one day.”
Baazlvaat – Ridiculed by the Common Soldiery
Primitive and Raw Black Metal that just simply ROCKS! Hailing from Flint MI proudly playing True Flint Black Metal Baazlvaat is a highlight of USBM. Galloping medieval BM is combined with Retro Synth sounds and NWOBHM style guitar leads and solos in a fantastically unique way. Baazlvaat have honed their craft on this release. Every song is dynamic and vivid portraying visions of Vampyric Castles, Stalwart Heroism and Tragic Endless War. One of the most exciting bands of the current era I look forward to whatever future releases may come.
Dödsrit – Nocturnal Will
Nocturnal Will was an early indicator that 2024 was going to be a wild year full of good releases, particularly ones that hit me just right. Dödsrit play crusty black metal that is fairly melodic. Similar bands that spring to mind are early Uada, Lamp of Murmur, and Gudsforladt. This is mixed with bands like Oathbreaker or Vestiges. A touch of ambiance seals the package and establishes a unique sound, truly a combo of their home countries, Sweeden and the Netherlands. Consisting of four long songs with a two-part interlude, the album is engaging and repeatable. Here Dödsrit really perfect their formula and illuminates them as a band to pay attention to.
Oranssi Pazuzu – Muuntautuja
Always a bizarre and interesting band, Oranssi Pazuzu (OP) drift all the way into Industrial Psychedelia on Muuntautja. Here the Black Metal elements take a back seat to heavy pulsating nightmare electronics, however, this is not by any means a noise or PE album. The shorter song lengths and persistent beats, make this album more direct and easier to follow than prior albums. Cosmic BM is mostly present via vocal delivery and the spacey buzzed out sound, riffs are minimal. It is hard to compare OP to any other bands but the likes of Blut Aus Nord or Dødsheimgard are apt comparisons. Muuntautuja needs to be heard in its entirety at a very loud volume, preferably in the dark while sleep deprived. One of 2024s best audial journeys and a standout in a incomparable discography.
Concrete Winds – S/T
Caustic, Relentless and Charged War Metal from Helsinki Finland. Heavy on the noise and FAST this duo hammers riff after riff over a relentless battery accompanied by just enough feedback and static to help delineate the different textures. After 2021s Nerve Butcherer this became a highly anticipated release that exceeded expectations. Leaning heavily on the Death side of War Metal M and PJ direct an all out assault of primal ferocity that can be disorientatingly hostile yet is memorable and maybe even catchy at times. Concrete Winds breath new life and vigor to a genre that often feels stagnant.
Coffret De Bijoux – 5 LPs 1 Ep and 1 Split with Thrä
Raw Atmopheric Black Metal with a mystical sheen reminiscent of split-partner Thrä but with a definitively unique texture. Alice Simard is the sole member here and they are a very prolific individual playing in a host of bands across a variety of genres. The music must be heard to be understood and the Split is a good place to start, then I would visit their LPs this year in sequential order as there is seemingly a sort of progression throughout the year.
THRA – 3 EPs 1 LP and split with Coffret de Bijoux
Damien Ojeda continues their wildly prolific project (alongside Sadness another of their projects) Thrä, credited here as Thét Älëf. Magical and Transformitive this is artistic expression in its purest and most earnest form. The sheer output of material could be seen as an indicator of the content being contrived, however, like many a solitary artist is a pure expression of the self (or at least the current iteration). The music blossoms into holistic entities created with multiple conlangs and a particular visual language that evokes the purest of imagination. Lyrics and meanings can be discovered via Ojeda’s Patreon adding a deeper dimensionality to this artwork. It is hard to describe the sound but essentially it is Atmospheric and Psychedlic Black Metal with lots of synth and electronic elements. Often sounding like it came from another world this music is transformative, meditative, and strangely grounding. 2025 will see the debut live performances of Thrä and signify more to come!
EHTEK – 4 EPs and 1 LP
Due to their aesthetic and sound it was easy to write this band off as a Thrä clone/worship project but this project is more post rock oriented and with different production. Strong releases this year make this a band to watch in the future
MIDORAN – Split with Thrä and several EPs
Wholly unique and quite frankly bizzare Midoran create a bewildering brand of psychedelic Black Metal fused with Dungeon Synth. The band belongs to the Cërcle Mortüaire label/collective and is a solo credited to Athäl’Zäckar. They released several EPs this year and physical versions of several prior releases were made available. Among these the split with Thrä is a highlight as is the live album Vers des Horizons Mystiques.
Amputaciya Kentawra
[TAKEN FROM A PRIOR REVIEW OF MINE]
Eastern European absurdity from Belarus, featuring members of the most excellent Zhmach who should be listened to at once if unfamiliar. This release is a strange melange of raw punkish BM, acoustic music, and incoherent babbling. The first song is straight forward, the second starts like you expect but revolves into rambling and shouting that is transposed into the next track, an acoustic track featuring bare percussion and alot of horns, and more yelling into the void. The demo concludes with a thoughtful yet warped outro that leaves the listener wanting. There is a physical 7″ released by the incomparable Ixiol (new batch this week so I suggest you grab this as well) and a cassette by the infamous Grime Stone Records so seek out a copy and Enjoy
Elemental – Nightburn
Raw Primal stripped down black metal by Atvar/Rauta, one half of the captivating Circle of Ouroboros among a host of other projects, credited here as Elemental. Repitions in Minimalism give rise to a new expression of Hypnotic Black Metal, one that conjures images of early humans building early societies. An album that must be experienced whole to be understood, or at least enjoyed properly. Play it loud during solitary activities and reflect on oneself.
The following are all great albums that I simply did not have enough time to spend with or are very hard to obtain physical copies of
Sólstafir – Hin Helga Kvöl
A long running and personal favorite travel-music-band, Solstafir create vivid and inspirational Post Metal with a BM aesthetic. On this album the Icelandic group present a holistic work of art that encompasses all their previous sounds , spanning BM to Post-Rock to sparkling ambiance, yet focuses all these into a potent and easy listening experience.
Canis Dirus – By the Grace of Death
Exploding with urgency and a strong sense of Melody, Canis Dirus present a wonderful slab of Enslaved worship.
Dëgénéréscence – Moon Alchemist Acadamia aka كاديمية القمر الكيميائي
Breakbeat and BM fusion by a member of the Cërcle Mortüaire
Bloody Keep – Rats of Black Death
A.S. of Old Nick presents straightforward serious-ish BM
Morke – Forged in Steel and Love
Castle Metal in the vein of Obsequiae
Earthly Form – The Sufferings of the Universe
Sharp metallic crusty sounding Finish BM
Cantique Léproux – Le Bannissement
Metal Noire Quebecoise, you what it is
Chevalier Skrog – Invisible le Immortal
Slavic BM by one very prolific individual, here they focus on BM expression minimizing the punk elements of prior releases
COLLIER d’Ombre – Demo, Split, and Comp
Raw USBM, very good, will be looking out for more this year
Arbor – 7″ and Eventide Primitavism
Gauntlet Ring – Phantoms of Dark Symmetry
Fellwinter – In Nights Eternal Grasp
The three previous entries are all Taurus projects on the Blood and Crescent label. USBM elitism in varying styles, good luck getting LPs and tapes
Trijumf – Trijumf Ili Smrt Trijumf
Raw BM from the always quality Bosnian/Herzegovinian scene. Melodic, constant riffs and a persistent drum beat make for great, seemingly history/war themed, music.
Ink and Fire – Emblazoned Visions Yield Eternity
Bright fast and Melodic riff driven BM from a sole US entity. Very fun
Hekseblad – Katrina Morhen
Witcher themed Epic BM similar to Emperor and Sormkeep
Blutraum – Sic Semper Tyrannis
Revolutionary War themed USBM, triumphant riffs surpsingly good and not cheesy like similar bands
Aufnorden – A Warriors Heart and America Septentrionalis
Epic Black Metal from Canada, Melodic and Righteous influenced by Trad and Power Metal
Autumn Strife – Resilience
USBM from the Midwest, lo-fi and militant yet strangely melodic and comforting
Hadak Ura – At the Precipice of Arcane Wisdom
Arcane Pagan Atmospheric BM, sounds like the first days of Autumn chill when the leaves begin to Fall and it gets dark before you expect so you head home under an azure sky slowly turning red
七生報國 – デモ 二
2nd Demo from this mysterious Japanese band, Raw and Majestic BM, great Riffs
Sanguine Relic – Within the Fog of Fragmented Memory
Raw Vampyric USBM that sounds like it was recorded in a crypt
Sanguine Wounds – S/T
Frigid one woman BM, similar to other Vampyric BM
Daedric Chamber – Necromantik and The Bleak Veil Endures
BM based on the Elder Scrolls series particularly the Dwemer. Love the subject material and the artist Snitz plays in several bands and has multiple solo DS projects
Wist – Strange Balance
Psychedelic Black Metal in the British Progressive Tradition. Imagine Blood Incantation played BM instead of DM
Altertum/Solus Grief – Split
Two of modern BMs rising stars a la Norge
Black Hurst – Blinding Pitch of Victory
Trad and Thrash influenced Black Punk from NYC
Vein – S/T
Bestial BM technically it’s a repress of an old album but it rules and came out this summer
Black Curse – Burning in Celestial Posion
Caustic Black Death, currently one of the best to play this style
Regere Sinister – Inside the Eye of Horned Winds
One of Hail Conjurers projects alongside Melefic Eye. Sinister slow bass heavy BM, less deranged and evil than Ride for Revenge but still top quality
Starcave – Sukta
Not buying this is one of my big regrets for 2024. Dreamy and wondrous BM unlike anything else
Ifernach – EP and Split with Maquahuitl
Native BM from the northern territories, sick shit
Gulghukk – Pillé, vendu et trahi
More BM from Finian Patraic (Ifernach and Aufnorden)
Maquahuitl – EP and live album
Mesoamerican, Pre Hispanic themed black metal
Departure Chandelier – Satanic Soldier of Fortune
The bands second LP of Napoleonic Black Metal. Synth laden Raw BM
Paysage d’Hiver – Die Berge
Deeply ambient ice cold Black Metal. One of the best of its kind
Wrathprayer – Enkoimaterion
Suffocating Black Death from Chile
Luring – Malevolent Lycanthropic Heresy
Atmo-BM featuring F.S. of Wuldorgast
Tyrannic – Tyrannic Desolation
Doomy BM filled with all sorts of influences, lots to listen to here
Tyranni – Dränkt av livets sekret
Swedish BM of the highest caliber, very good stuff
Hjemsøkt – Om vinteren, på en sort trone
Modern Norwegian BM rooted in the old ways. Self dubbed Ethereal Misantropic Black Metal
Moon Chalice – Order of the Black Dragon
Raw and cavernous USBM with bits of DS
Bereft Raven – S/T
Raw USBM from the Torture Palace label, good as hell, even harder to find
Kêres – Eidolon Abraxas
Another Atvar project, more in line with CoO and Cosmic Church than the Elemental release detailed earlier
Nimbifer – Der Böse Geist
If Riff city was a place it would be Hanover Germany
Μνήμα – Καταραμένα λείψανα
Noisy Raw BM, this is their debut LP after many splits and EPs
Drekavac/Orgy of Carrion – Split
Two of the ugliest expressions of Raw BM possible, top tier stuff right here
Krallice – Inorganic Rites
Long running Avant-Garde BM band from NYC should need no introduction
Skagos – Chariot Sun Blazing
Return of these Cascadian BM masters
Flight of Slepnir – Nature’s Cadence
Norse themed Doomy BM similar to Agalloch or Velnias
Fuinäehot – Secrets of the Godhead
Furious white hot BM from M of Lamp of Murmuur. Physicals went very fast hoping for a repress
Pa Vesh En – Sesyi Rytualistyčnyja
EP from a Raw and murky Belarusian band
Black Cilice – Atavistic Possessions and split with Sanguine Relic
More mystifying BM from these Portuguese masters
Candelabrum – Transmutation
Portuguese BM hidden behind a wall of mystique and intrigue
Calderum – Desecration of the Bastille
Epic BM filled with DS from Spain
Ukha Pacha – Yawar
Incan BM, lightning fast and victorious
Invunche – Atavismo and Elal Y Otros Mitos
Ancestral BM themed around South American mythologies via the Netherlands. A solo project that is a fusion of BM and punk psychedlia
EDO – Radiant Structures and Vivid Dreams
Posty-Shoegazey-BM from a Night of the Palemoon affiliate
Kūka’ilimoku/Hakkapeliitta – Kūkahakka’ilipeliimokutta
Split EP featuring two punk based BM bands representing Hawaii and Norse/Swedish history respectively
Auld Ridge – For Death and Glory to the God’s I Cry
Albionic Atmospheric BM from The Hermetic Order of Ytene. Sounds like a memory from another life
Reverorum ib Malacht – 4 LPs and a collab album
Ambient BM that is deeply numinous and esoteric. There is alot to digestive here but it is very good
Other Werguild releases
There are simply so many releases under this label that are distinct it would require its own article to describe them all and their similarities/differences. Suffice to say this is one of the most exciting nascent labels in recent years
As I finish this I am thinking of many more entries to add (including a Darkthrone) album but I’ll never finish if I keep going. That being said thanks for reading I hope some of these albums stick with you!
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