Today, Personal Records, in conspiracy with Void Wanderer, announces June 18th as the international release date for Archaeopteris‘ striking debut EP, Vision Chaotiques D´un Songe Halluciné. Personal will handle the CD version while Void Wanderer will handle the cassette tape version.
While Archaeopteris may be brand-new in name, the three members behind the French band hail from various projects like Croc Noir (black metal), Supertzar (doom / stoner), and Toward (folk). The band was born one evening when the “Green Fairy” appeared to them and highlighted their personal visions of Chaos, Nothingness, and Void. From then on, the composition and recording of their debut EP started and took a little over a year to complete.
At last upon us, Vision Chaotiques D´un Songe Halluciné presents the first epic strike of Archaeopteris. Comprising two eight-minute tracks, the EP reveals the band as preternatural masters of dissonant black metal suffused with many epic moments and malevolent twists & turns, all surrounded by engrossing ambience. Names invoked include Deathspell Omega, Blut Aus Nord, Yeruselem, and Mitochondrion – all elite bands of experimental and avant-garde black/death – but with the teasingly short & swift evidence of Vision Chaotiques D´un Songe Halluciné, Archaeopteris are already on their way to such esteemed ranks.
Hear for yourself with the brand-new track “Visions Chaotiques” here:
Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Archaeopteris’ Vision Chaotiques D´un Songe Halluciné
Today, Edged Circle Productions sets June 25th as the international release date for Siderean‘s highly anticipated debut album, Lost on Void’s Horizon, on CD and vinyl LP formats.
One of the most singular bands orbiting the death metal underground in the past decade, Siderean began life in 2010 under the moniker Teleport. Shortly after forming, the Ljubljana, Slovenia-based band promptly set course for a prodigious schedule of self-released demos, each one perfecting their slithering, shapeshifting sound. Undoubtedly inspired by Gorguts, Voivod, and Australia’s Stargazer and yet finding contemporaries in Blood Incantation and Sacriphyx, Teleport truly hit their stride with 2018’s The Expansion, which so impressed Edged Circle that the label released a worldwide CD version the next year. As aptly titled as the band’s moniker, The Expansion weaved a winding, oft-bewildering path across its three-track/21-minute runtime. Sulfurous to the very end, one could pin tags like “prog” or “tech” or simply “that’s crazy, man!” onto Teleport‘s style of death metal, but within their attacking angularity existed actual hooks – malformed and mesmerizing, of course, but HOOKS to hold onto as you sink deeper into their maelstrom…
Seeing that the Teleport moniker had run its course and seeking even more-beyond means to express themselves, the name Siderean was chosen – as was Edged Circle as the label to release their long-awaited debut album. At last here, bearing the evocative title Lost on Void’s Horizon, Siderean‘s first full-length handily eclipses past, not-inconsiderable accomplishments – and then blasts off into new worlds unknown. The two-song Sidereal Evolution EP (released by Edged Circle in October 2020) teased with an even crisper iteration of that uniquely serpentine flow, and upped the hooks in the process. Those two epic songs are reprised here, and signpost a sea-change in the new-look Siderean world: no more sulfur, no more murk, just sparkling ‘n’ sidewinding mental wreckage that’s “death metal” in deed but not fully by definition. For one, one could argue that Lost on Void’s Horizon is a deceptively beautiful listen – yes, beautiful – in that way that lucid dreams drip into nightmares; credit much of this superlative development to the lead-guitar work, which brings the spaciness and then some. For another, that perceivable “cleaning up” actually reveals an even-more-organic entity, as each drop of sweat tastes that much sweeter when not buried under miles of reverb; the songwriting, consequentially, hits with even more urgency and fluidity. Credit due to Slovenia producer Anže Čanžek, with expert mastering courtesy of Horrendous’ Damian Herring at Subterranean Watchtower Studio.
Or, one could simply submit to Siderean‘s cosmic flow and marvel at the wonders they so effortlessly unfurl, this time across six linked songs in an impossibly epic 41 minutes. Graced with suitably spacey cover art courtesy of Fernando JFL, Lost on Void’s Horizon marks the grand arrival of Siderean!
Witness the first sounds of that arrival with the brand-new title track “Lost on Void’s Horizon” here:
. Aforementioned cover art and tracklisting are as follows
Tracklisting for Siderean’s Lost on Void’s Horizon 1. Eolith [9:15] 2. Traversing [1:42] 3. Lost on Void’s Horizon [9:05] 4. Sidereal Evolution [6:47] 5. Coalescing into the Expanse [6:19] 6. Abyssophora [7:40]
Today, Hells Headbangers announces June 4th as the international release date for Winter Eternal‘s highly anticipated third album, Land of Darkness, on CD and vinyl LP formats.
Winter Eternal is the sole work of one Soulreaper, formed as a means to express his darkest side – indeed, a place where winter reigns eternal. It all started in 2002 in Athens, Greece where, under the name Unveiled Nightsky, the seeds for the Winter that was yet to come where planted. Nine years later, in 2011, Winter Eternal were officially formed, and a year later, the first demo was released. The band’s first full-length, simply self-titled, originally saw release in 2013 as a limited cassette and, three years later, finally as a CD version.
Eternal winter was raging throughout Soulreaper’s long journey. The multitude of feelings captured in his lyrics and especially his music made Winter Eternal a unique entity within the modern underground: influences ranged from the ’90s Swedish black metal scene (Dissection, Gates Of Ishtar, Vinterland etc) to both the early Hellenic and Norwegian scenes (Rotting Christ, Necromantia, Varathron, Ulver, Windir, Satyricon etc). Truly, this was the work of an old soul, and the results were but only building in strength and sweeping grandeur…
In 2018, a new chapter for Winter Eternal began, marked by Soulreaper’s relocating to Scotland and the release of the second full-length, Realms of the Bleeding Shadows, a year later. Whereas previous recordings suggested an obviousness of influence nobly executed, here did Winter Eternal begin to add to that rich heritage rather than merely replicate it. Everything across Realm of the Bleeding Shadows – songwriting, performance, production, even artwork – was taken up more than a few notches, rendering the record both remarkably fresh and timeless.
Now, stronger than ever, Winter Eternal rampage through the Land of Darkness on their third album, and first for Hells Headbangers. Thrillingly chilling yet breathtakingly emotional, Land of Darkness absolutely bristles with an ancient-days mysticism and melodicism that bring black metal’s majestic past into the present. So authentic is Winter Eternal‘s understanding of classic songcraft as well as sympatico production, agonized and effervescent in equal measure, you’d be forgiven for thinking Land of Darkness was some lost relic released in 1997. However, again like its full-length predecessor but more so here, Winter Eternal poignantly taps into that wellspring of creation the aforementioned legends did and feeds his own lifeforce into it, flexing fluid chops along the way – always in service of The Song, of course – and returns with a nine-song/40-minute document of dreams both dark and beautiful. Nodding to his forebears, Soulreaper reverentially concludes the album with a cover of Gates of Ishtar’s “Dawn of Flames.”
Winter Eternal have at last arrived, and beckon you to venture across their Land of Darkness!
Begin the adventure with the previously revealed title track “Land of Darkness,” which can be heard here:
Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Winter Eternal’s Land of Darkness 1. Crossing The Blackest Skies 2. Land Of Darkness 3. The Illusive Wings Of Death 4. Lord Of False Reality 5. Crown of Stars 6. Faded To Silence 7. Isolation 8. Shaped By Grief 9. Dawn Of Flames [Gates of Ishtar cover]
Today, old-metal standard-bearers Nekromantheon reveal a special live video track “Dead Temples – LIVE FROM THE CITY OF DIS.” The video is the first taste of their release-rehearsal show LIVE FROM THE CITY OF DIS: a full concert which will be out on YouTube and Facebook on May 8th at 3 pm EST. The video is filmed and edited by Sanna Charles, and recorded and mixed by Arild M. Torp, and is yet another foretaste of the band’s highly anticipated third album, Visions of Trismegistos, set for North American release on April 30th Hells Headbangers on CD, vinyl LP, and cassette tape formats (Indie Recordings will be handling all other territories). See & hear Nekromantheon‘s “Dead Temples – LIVE FROM THE CITY OF DIS” in its entirety here:
Behold the Visions of Trismegistos! After nine long years stirring the cauldron in the underground, Nekromantheon finally re-emerged from the depths with their most ferocious record to date!
Visions of Trismegistos is a long-awaited metal assault, bringing forth the spirit of old metal once again. Recorded in Chaka Khan Studio and various locations around Oslo by the members of Nekromantheon themselves using mostly old, analog equipment to get that warm, genuine sound, Visions of Trismegistos feels like a lost opus from the glory days of the ’80s, when thrash, death, and black metal were merged into one unholy trinity. Yet, it is a fresh and vital testament of a band at the height of their abilities who stand out amongst their peers.
With Visions of Trismegistos, Nekromantheon are ready to resurrect the ways of the ancient with their fresh take on old-school extreme metal!
Nekromantheon started out in early 2005 with only one goal in mind: to play fast, evil, and dirty thrash metal in the way of the old gods. Influenced by the classics of Slayer, Sadus, Kreator, Dark Angel, and Sepultura, they unleashed their attack on modern metal.
After the release of the We’re Rotting EP in early 2007, the band had already built a name for themselves in the underground scene. As the band got more and more focused on capturing the spirit of the ’80s, guitarist Arild “Arse” Myren Torp and drummer Christian “Kick” Holm started building their own recording studio. Shortly, their very own KickArse Studio was ready in Kolbotn, Norway, the hometown of the mighty Darkthrone.
With their own creative pit available, their first full-length, Divinity of Death, was released shortly. This intense evocation of evil turned some heads indeed, and earned the band a spot at Maryland DeathFest 2010 and the highly prestigious yet extremely underground Live Evil Festival in London the same year.
In 2012, Nekromantheon released their second album, Rise, Vulcan Spectre, elevating the level of ferocious, darkened thrash metal to unknown heights. The release was an unholy offering to summon the old ways of metal, being held up to underground classics from the ’80s. It was an intense, analog-sounding record that showed no mercy. Rise, Vulcan Spectre was met with raving reviews and went on to receive a Grammy for Best Metal album 2012.
Nekromantheon, unaffected by the “success,” continued to play underground concerts and festivals that they deemed suited for their concept, and continued to keep a low profile throughout the years, playing selected shows and slowly working on new material. As the members were active and creative in bands like Obliteration, Black Viper, Flight, Deathhammer etc, and they have an extremely self-critical way of writing music within Nekromantheon, the follow-up record took years and years before it materialized. We believe Visions of Trismegistos is worth the wait.
In the meantime, see & hear the brand-new live video “Dead Temples – LIVE FROM THE CITY OF DIS” HERE at Nekromantheon‘s official YouTube channel. Also hear the previously revealed tracks “Dead Temples” HERE, “Thanatos” HERE, and “The Visions of Trismegistos” HERE. Preorder info for Hells Headbangers‘ North American editions can be found HERE for the CD and HERE for the vinyl. Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Nekromantheon’s Visions of Trismegistos 1. The Visions of Trismegistos 2. Scorched Death 3. Seven Rulers of Fate 4. Thanatos 5. Dead Temples 6. Zealot Reign 7. Neptune Descent 8. Faustian Rites
Today, Purity ThroughFire sets May 31st as the international release date for Goats of Doom‘s highly anticipated sixth album, Shiva, on CD, A5 digipack, and cassette tape formats. The vinyl LP version will follow later.
By now, Goats of Doom should require no introduction. For the past decade, they’ve remained one of the Finnish underground’s best-kept secrets, largely because of a somewhat misleading moniker, but make no mistake: Goats of Doom are 100% black metal through and through. Their stout catalog has seen the band develop from a synth-based style of black metal during their first three albums; then, with an expansion from a trio to quartet, Goats of Doom truly began their ascent with 2018’s Rukous, where an uptick in aggression melded with the mysterious atmosphere of old. Aligning with Purity ThroughFire in 2020 for Tie on hänen omilleen, Goats of Doom finally seemed to have gotten their due or at least raised their profile. Not for nothing, that, as Tie on hänen omilleen was arguably the band’s most powerful ‘n’ poignant record to date.
Alas, along comes the simply stated Shiva, and Goats of Doom once again eclipse their not-inconsiderable past works. With a wild abandon that’s addicting, the Goats here unload one anthem after another, reveling in the magick of The Moment, and keeping the METAL firmly within black metal. Despite its colorful makeover, Shiva is as obsidian as it comes: the melodicism is as medieval as ever, and the Goats‘ unique netherworld of nightsky mysticism and alcohol-fueled anger is thankfully intact. But, perhaps more importantly, the bountiful hooks here raise high the banner of heavy metal, the leads more strident and sometimes even folk-inflected, imparting that melancholy so endemic to the Finnish psyche. And whereas past works were (deliberately) rough around the edges, here on Shiva do Goats of Doom “clean up their act,” so to speak, with an impossibly professional production wholly suited to these seven skyscraping epics: the grit becomes gleam and the gleam gets gritty, each impassioned vocal intonation, string strum, and drum hit feeling momentous and muscular and yet rendered in the clearest tones possible. Above all, Goatsof Doom once again display their songwriting mastery, which stays true to their original sound and yet finds ever-newer ways to manifest its majesty.
Finnish black metal may still reign, but the time is long overdue for Goats of Doom to assume the throne. Begin the coronation with Shiva!
The first sounds of that coronation can be found with the brand-new track “Armon varjot” here:
Cover artwork, courtesy of Spellgoth, and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Goats of Doom’s Shiva 1. ἀπōκάλυ 2. Uljas uusi maailma 3. Luomiskertomus 4. Armon varjot 5. Korjuu 6. Rotat 7. Shiva
Today, Osmose Productions announces May 28th as the international release date for Impaled Nazarene‘s highly anticipated 13th album, Eight Headed Serpent, on CD, vinyl LP, and cassette tape formats.
Witness the triumphant return of Impaled Nazarene! After seven years, the new studio album Eight Headed Serpent (their 13th) is finally unleashed upon this pathetic world full of wimps, posers, turn-the-other-cheekers, and generally ignorant glue-sniffers with their cancel culture and virtue-signaling. Hitting you like the 666-megaton nuclear bomb, Eight Headed Serpent shows no mercy to anybody! From the toxic-testosterone opener of “Goat Of Mendes” till the last dying cries of flat-earthers on “Foucault Pendulum,” Eight Headed Serpent takes no prisoners. This deadly sonic attack was recorded and mixed at Revolver studio in Finland by Asko Ahonen. Mastered by Mika Jussila at Finnvox studio. Cover artwork created by longtime collaborator Ritual from Nucleart Design.
Limited digipak version contains re-recorded versions of two old live classics, namely “Penis Et Circe’s” and “The Horny and The Horned.”
In case you have been living under the rock for the last 30 years: Impaled Nazarene was born from fire in November 1990 and have since then established themselves as THE nuclear metal force from Finland. Their over-30-year career has now spawned 13 studio albums, one live album, countless EPs, and hundreds of concerts around the globe on five continents.
In the meantime, hear the aforementioned brand-new track “Goat of Mendes” here:
Aforementioned cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Impaled Nazarene’s Eight Headed Serpent 1. Goat Of Mendes 2. Eight Headed Serpent 3. Shock And Awe 4. The Nonconformists 5. Octagon Order 6. Metastasizing And Changing Threat 7. Debauchery And Decay 8. Human Cesspool 9. Apocalypse Pervertor 10. Triumphant Return Of The Antichrist 11. Unholy Necromancy 12. Mutilation Of The Nazarene Whore 13. Foucault Pendulum
Today, Metalville Records announces July 23rd as the international release date for Godslave‘s highly anticipated sixth album, Positive Aggressive, the band’s debut for the label.
Positive Aggressive is an album with a clear concept and a perfect symbiosis of music and message: catchy melodies and thrashing thrash metal on the one hand and inspiring lyrics that let you look deep into your soul on the other. One thing is clear: no thrash metal without aggression!
But Godslave ask the listener the all-important question: what do you do with the energy released by the aggression? Do you just want to destroy everything out of anger, or do you also want to build something new?
Godslave have made this decision: From opener “How About NO?” to closer “Final Chapters First,” every single song is a vehement statement for getting yourself in control.
Lyricist Bernie deliberately talks openly about his inner struggles – not only to cope with situations himself, but also to encourage others to take their fate into their own hands. Because no one will do it for you: It’s your life; it’s your decision!
On Positive Aggressive, Godslave have revived old traditions and, in a time when real contacts are hardly possible, remembered the relationships with the people on the road who became part of the family from one moment to the next.
So the fans can look forward to two guest contributions in particular: On the one hand, Britta Görtz from Critical Mess has contributed distinctive backing vocals on “How about NO?” In addition, the guest solo by Damir Eskic closes the circle of a friendship with Destruction that has already lasted 10 years.
First single to be revealed shortly. Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Godslave’s Positive Aggressive 1. How About NO? 2. Positive Aggressive 3. Straight Fire Zone 4. From Driven 5. Flap Of A Wing 6. King Kortex 7. Show Me Your Scars 8. I Am What Is 9. See Me In A Crown 10. Final Chapters First
LINEUP Thomas Pickard – vocals Bernhard Lorig – guitar Manuel Zewe – guitar Michael Koch – bass Tobias Huwig – drums
DISCOGRAPHY 2008 – Bound By Chains CD 2008 – Out Of The Ashes EP 2011 – Into The Black CD 2013 – In Hell CD 2015 – Whatever We Want – A Tribute To Status Quo EP 2016 – Welcome To The Green Zone CD 2018 – Reborn Again CD 2019 – 10/10 – Rarities Recovered – Compilation CD
Today, Caligari Records sets May 6th as the international release date for the striking debut EP of Canada’s Disembodiment, Mutated Chaos, on cassette tape format.
Hailing from the Sherbrooke/Montréal area of Quebec, Canada’s Disembodiment are devout disciples of early ’90s death metal. For them, Incantation’s first two albums are perfection, and they equally draw influence from the likes of Grotesque Infection, Disma, Rottrevore, and Undergang among others. But, while the name Disembodiment might seem like a new one, the band largely picks up from predecessor Oath Div. 666, who released an album, Apocalypse Division, in 2019.
No more but definitely no less, Disembodiment‘s first recording, the six-song/15-minute Mutated Chaos, offers all-caps DEATH METAL for death metal maniacs, by death metal maniacs. Theirs is a sound proudly stuck in 1992, lumbering ominously within radioactive slime one minute and then galloping upon broken bones the next, gutted slow-boulder doom one minute and clanging dissonant riffery the next. For a short recording, it’s swift and satisfying, and teases the devout for more ungodly death to come. The recording is also remarkably accomplished, sharp and sinewy and crushing in equal measure, with a vintage drum sound to die for.
The old ways are best, when it comes to death metal, and we’re inclined to agree with Disembodiment on evidence of Mutated Chaos!
Hear for yourself with the brand-new track “Mephitic Gunk of Putrified Limbs” here:
Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
racklisting for Disembodiment (Canada)’s Mutated Chaos 1. Intro 2. Ceaseless Discharge 3. Transcendent Upheaval Of Unholy Graves 4. Mephitic Gunk Of Putrified Limbs 5. Sickening Abominations Terrorizing At Night 6. Below The Mind Of Morbidity
This week we spoke to Serge from Automb – 2020 – 2021 has been a weird time for all of us but as some of us imploded through the shut downs or too much food and booze others of us kept busy and creative during the down time, Serge from Automb is one of those – starting a side project called Selfgod – here is our first interview with him on Selfgod. New music for us to check out to come soon
Life’s been very hard and weird for me through the pandemic. Probably the worst year of my life
How have you been holding up during this crazy pandemic?
Life’s been very hard and weird for me through the pandemic. Probably the worst year of my life. Due to health issues last year (non covid) and of course the darkness of the pandemic and lock downs. Cancelling tours etc.
I would say this is the best material I’ve ever written.
I have heard one demo from Self God what can we expect for the album? The debut Selfgod album will feature material I wrote for Necrophagia and Automb. A good combination of Black and Death Metal. More emphasis on the death metal. A lot more catchy riffs and more symphonic elements. I would say this is the best material I’ve ever written.
How did you come up with the name Self God? It was very hard to come up with a name that wasn’t taken. Everything I thought of was already a band. I came up with the title Selbtsgott in German for an Automb song which translates to “Selfgod”. It represents the whole Pagan vibe I was trying to go for and there was another band with that name but it wasn’t very big and wasn’t active so I figured I can take that name.
Musically is the band going to be a drastic departure from Automb or just an extension of that band? Probably an extension with more flavors so to speak. I was going to use this material for the 3rd Automb album originally.
Lyrically what are the themes for self god going to be about? More paganism stuff or self empowering stuff or? Lyrically it’s mostly about Slavic paganism, self spiritually and just about the pagan age in Europe. Still have some lyrics to finish. But that’s what I got so far.
I follow mostly Slavic Paganism since I’m Slavic and I’m from Ukraine
Speaking of Paganism what path do you follow? I follow mostly Slavic Paganism since I’m Slavic and I’m from Ukraine and I also follow my own path which is a mixture of everything.
Gear wise do you plan on using any different gear from your Automb days? Gear wise it’s gonna be all completely different. I recently became endorsed by Dean guitars so I’m going to be using strictly deans. Also I got an endorsement from a very well known amp company. Can’t say yet who it is since there hasn’t been an announcement but ya I won’t be using my old amp rig again. Very excited to use this new gear
What can we expect next from Self God? You can expect a total Blackened Death metal sonic pagan assault
Any final words? I want to thank all the fans who supported me in Necrophagia and Automb. You’re support is everything to me and without you I wouldn’t be anywhere but my bedroom. So thank you all so much! Stay positive and stay metal. Also huge thanks to Alex from Brudders. Cheers.
Today, Signal Rex announces June 30th as the international release date for Ruach Raah‘s highly anticipated third album, Misanthropic Wolfgang, on vinyl LP and cassette tape formats.
For a decade now, Portugal’s Ruach Raah have prolifically pursued an uncompromising vision of black metal: martial, punkish, HARSH. Death and Satan have been hailed, and their hymns exude total and utter cruelty. No mosh here and definitely no fun, Ruach Raah ruin everyone’s day with an iron-fisted and proudly monochromatic attack that carries forward the tradition laid down by Ildjarn and left behind by Bone Awl. That they’ve somehow managed to “develop” that no-progression/all-regression sound over various splits and two full-lengths is somehow astonishing; in recent years, one can easily detect traces of Panzerfaust-era Darkthrone as well as early Celtic Frost.
Now backed by a legitimate label in fellow Portuguese criminals Signal Rex, Ruach Raah strike with their fiercest ‘n’ foulest full-length yet: Misanthropic Wolfgang. Inscrutably titled, Misanthropic Wolfgang includes a number of very telling titles: “Skulls Cracked,” “Ceremonial Flagellation,” and especially “Inhale the Smokes ov Hate” and “Filthy Spirit Underground,” among others. That the trio-turned-duo have managed to make their signature sound simultaneously more close-minded and weirder is some sort of strange magick; this is undoubtedly the same Ruach Raah of before and the beginning, but their proto-minimalist canvas takes on transcendental new levels of catchiness and anti-anthem antagonism. Elsewhere, they remain as resolutely old-school and organic as before, belligerent and battering and unmindful of the listener’s comfort or any regard for anyone listening. This is blank-slate hate, devoid of meaning except for what the band themselves places upon it. It’s very likely not for you.
Turn off, tune out, drop to your knees: Ruach Raah will make you suffer with Misanthropic Wolfgang.
Begin suffering with the brand-new track “Ceremonial Flagellation” here:
Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Ruach Raah’s Misanthropic Wolfgang A1. Ceremonial Flagellation A2. Bones Return to Soil A3. Luciferian Legions A4. Misanthropic Wolfgang A5. Filthy Spirit Underground B1. Scythe of Human Generis B2. Skulls Cracked B3. Inhale the Smokes ov Hate B4. Satan my Master
