On April 2nd, 2026, Ultha dropped the surprise follow-up to their critically acclaimed album All That Has Never Been True with no warning, press or prior buildup.

Ahead of its release, I sat down with my good friend Ralph Schmidt, guitarist for Ultha, to dissect the new record, A Light So Dim. Ralph takes us track-by-track through the album, unpacking the personal experiences behind it, the evolution within the band, and how those shifts shaped its final sound.

On the Weekly News Rant: I’m answering your questions on hi-fi, grilling the perfect steak, and TV shows, while rounding up the latest tracks by Trelldom, Defiled, Aversio Humanitatis, Mork, Shane Embury and others for judgement. 

PLUS: Horsemen of the Podcast Apocalypse capos Mike Hill and Karl Hikara join forces with the mighty Drugoth for Hollow Lands in this week’s Unsanctioned Filth spotlight, and a feeble attempt at trolling backfires spectacularly, earning its author a well-deserved Swirly of the Week.

Featured Bands:

Ultha - https://ultha.bandcamp.com/   

Hollow Lands - https://ordotenebris.bandcamp.com/   

Harms Way - https://harmswayband.bandcamp.com/ 

Support Nick Barker: https://www.gofundme.com/f/nicholas-barker 

Visit intothenecrosphere.com for playlists and more. Subscribe for weekly black and death metal interviews, news rants, and reviews. Follow on X, Instagram and Facebook, and check out the Horsemen of the Podcasting Apocalypse: Horrorwolf 666, Iblis Manifestations, Everything Went Black, Necromaniacs and The Sol Nox Podcast.