US melodic doom metal solo project Orchid Throne unleashed debut album »Buried In Black«; out now on all major streaming platforms!
Baltimore, Maryland based melodic doom metal solo project Orchid Throne by Nicholas Bonsanto (Lör, Empress, Helianthus, Barren) stream debut album, »Buried In Black«, which was just released on January 9th, 2026.
Tracklist:
01. Dreamworld
02. Ephemerality
03. What Defines Us
04. Moonlight Revelry
05. Guilt
06. Breath Of Autumn
07. With Promise
Courtesy of ClawHammer PR:
Baltimore (MD) – One-man melodic doom metal outfit, Orchid Throne, have released debut full-length album, »Buried In Black«.
Stream/Purchase:
Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music
Orchid Throne consists solely of Nicholas Bonsanto (Lör, Empress, Helianthus, Barren) who performs the music, as well as producing, mixing and mastering the album.
After nearly 17 years of playing supporting roles in various bands, Nicholas Bonsanto (Lör, Empress, Helianthus, Barren) is proud to make his debut as a solo artist as the man behind Orchid Throne. Bonsanto not only wrote and performed all of the music for »Buried In Black«, but also produced, mixed, and mastered the album.
While not a concept album, »Buried In Black« weaves themes of anxiety, depression, fear of death, and the search for life’s meaning throughout its lyrics. The title describes both the music itself and the feelings that Bonsanto has kept buried within for years. It may sound bleak, but what is buried in black will be set free and brought to light on January 9.
“This album is a long time coming for me,” said Bonsanto. “For more than a decade, I collected little recordings of ideas in the hope that one day they’d be useful. I could not be more proud of myself for how the album came out and for all of the things I have learned along the way.”
Bonsanto’s Musical Journey to »Buried In Black«:
“As a musician performing in bands since I was 16, people who know me have seen me play a supportive role, and hear my musical contributions to my bands. But not everyone knows that I have always dreamed of releasing a record of my own. I am passionate about all kinds of music, and while I love playing in my current bands, doom metal is a big love that I long felt like I had no outlet for.
While I’ve honed my songwriting abilities over the years, I began this project with zero knowledge of how to produce a record on my own. I introduced Orchid Throne to the world one year ago on my birthday with only one song done. Over the past year, I have finished writing, recording, and producing my entire debut record. I have finally achieved this goal and it’s even better than I ever imagined it could be. It means so much to me to get this out there, to truly reflect who I am as an artist, and I’m already excited to create more.”
FFO: Swallow The Sun, Anathema, Woods Of Ypres, Novembers Doom, Draconian
Biography:
Orchid Throne is a melodic doom metal one-man band created by Nicholas Bonsanto (Lör, Empress, Helianthus, Barren) based out of Baltimore, Maryland. Orchid Throne is set to release its debut full-length album on January 9, 2026, titled »Buried In Black«. The album features a spellbinding variety of dark, heavy, and emotional material that beckons you to fall into the endless black. Drawing influence from a range of sounds such as melodic death metal, black metal, progressive rock, and folk, Orchid Throne is music from the heart for fellow souls who need it most.
Credits:
Album artwork painted by Ryan Gassaway.
Music and lyrics written by Nick Bonsanto.
Produced, mixed and mastered by Nick Bonsanto.
All instruments performed by Nick Bonsanto.
Flute on »Breath Of Autumn« and »With Promise« performed by Mary Beck.
Orchid Throne is:
Nicholas Bonsanto – All instruments.
“A perfect marriage of death/doom while also integrating folk, post-black metal, gothic and sludge metal.” (5/5) – Frozen Moon Promotions
“Buried In Black is a testament to a mature musical concept that offers an exciting journey. There are many highlights to experience and admire, a multitude of emotions to feel. An absolutely honest, very personal work!” – Metalheads New Stuff
“Orchid Throne is a melancholic project that does not hesitate to adorn itself with violence to give substance to its message.” (90/100) – Acta Infernalis
“A serious and well-executed proposition. It will be especially rewarding for listeners who value ambitious melodic doom metal, impeccable production, and a well-crafted emotional narrative.” (8.5/10) – The Dark Melody
“Blends doom melancholy, melodic depth, and personal themes into a work that is honest, heavy, and emotionally resonant. It’s an album that will reliably appeal to fans of Swallow The Sun, Woods Of Ypres, and Anathema.” (8/10) – Metal Division Magazine
“An album that impresses with its atmospheric density and emotional depth.” – Metalunderground.at
“The musicality of the album, the way it grips you in a tight grasp, is almost hypnotizing in its intensity.” – Metal Epidemic
“This was heavy, this was emotional, this was fashionable. Orchid Throne was without a doubt the band that taught doom metal how to feel, rather than how to sound.” (8.7/10) – Ever Metal
“A very good debut album from Orchid Throne. Highly recommended.” – Metallerium Webzine
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well