Alex Bruder Des Lichts

Canada’s PANZERFAUST set release date for new EISENWALD album, reveal first track

Today, Eisenwald sets August 28th as the North American release date for Panzerfaust‘s The Suns of Perdition II: Render Unto Eden – the highly anticipated second installment of a four-part album series – on digipack CD and vinyl LP formats.

For the better part of 15 years, Canada’s Panzerfaust have been steadily crafting some of the finest, most thought-provoking black metal. With their The Winds Will Lead Us… debut album in 2006 onward, their obsidian flower forever kept blossoming, culminating in 2013’s pivotal Jevohah-Jireh: The Divine Anti-logos, which signaled a significant (and fortuitous) shift in the band’s aesthetic. In 2016, Panzerfaust released The Lucifer Principle EP, pushing their adventurous spirit yet further, perhaps most forecasted by the closing Johnny Cash cover.

However, it was 2019’s The Suns of Perdition – Chapter I: War, Horrid War where Panzerfaust truly had their watershed moment. Released to widespread acclaim by Eisenwald, this staggering work brimmed with daring and dynamics – a kaleidoscopic fury, if you will – that vivaciously and viciously displayed a band hitting their creative peak. The album was the first chapter of the band’s tetralogy examining the malign episodes of this past century, shining a light on difficult subject matter using a begrimed philosophical lens. The resulting synthesis is what George Orwell once described as [a vision of the future] “a boot stamping on a human face forever.”

Alas, Panzerfaust waste no time in delivering the next chapter of that tetralogy – and equally keep a fever pitch to that creative peak – with the much-anticipated The Suns of Perdition II: Render Unto Eden. Recorded at BWC Studios with Greg Dawson and with mastering by Sergei Lazar at CDM Records, Render Unto Eden is an altogether more somber record: here do Panzerfaust more fully work with light and shade, their darkness displaying far more hues than previously deemed imaginable. Whereas the five-song first chapter was taut ‘n’ terrorizing, The Suns of Perdition II likewise features five songs but in a more expansive 44-minute runtime. As such, massive vistas of molten melancholy unfold, the inexorable push-and-pull patient but persistent; layers upon layers of understanding are packed into each of these scintillating minutes. The violence is more carefully doled out, in kind, and the sum effect is nothing short of hypnotic, particularly the track “Promethean Fire,” which features guest vocals from Maria Arkhipova of Russia’s Arkona. The Suns of Perdition II: Render Unto Eden echoes within the mind and spirit long after the record’s over…

A new dawn looms, retaining the brilliance of yesteryear’s horizon. Ominous and omnipotent, here rises Panzerfaust‘s The Suns of Perdition II: Render Unto Eden.

In the meantime, hear the aforementioned brand-new track “The Faustian Pact” here:
Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Panzerfaust (Canada)’s The Suns of Perdition II: Render Unto Eden
1. Promethean Fire [10:22]
2. The Faustian Pact [8:10]
3. Areopagitic [7:34]
4. The Snare of the Fowler [9:54]
5. Pascal’s Wager [8:00]
MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/PANZERFAUST.BM.OFFICIAL
www.eisenton.de
www.facebook.com/eisenwaldofficial
www.youtube.com/eisenwaldofficial
www.twitter.com/EisenwaldHammer
www.soundcloud.com/eisenwald
www.instagram.com/eisenwald.official
www.open.spotify.com/user/eisenwald_official

Italian death metal cult Valgrind premiere new track “The Day”

Today, Italian death metal cult Valgrind premiere the new track “The Day” here:
The track hails from the band’s highly anticipated fourth album, Condemnation, set for international release on July 27th via Memento Mori.

Valgrind was born from the ashes of the ultra-underground act Necrospell in 1993, as a death/black metal project with both extreme and melodic influences. Over the following years, the band released four demos and developed its own style, combining the main influences (Morbid Angel, Pestilence, Death, Nocturnus, Possessed, Monstrosity, Immolation) with a passion for the epically dark atmospheres of bands like Candlemass and early Paradise Lost.

Disbanded in 2003, the strong will to return on stage of both founding member / main songwriter Massimiliano Elia and vocalist Daniele Lupidi (also frontman of Hateful) made Valgrind‘s return possible in 2008. With the addition of new motivated members, the band released their debut full-length, Morning Will Come No More, in 2012. The album contained almost one hour of classic death metal filled with killer solos, memorable riffs and obscure vocals. Following the release, a series of shows were held in Italy, Germany, Holland, and Sweden. In 2016, the band delivered their sophomore full-length, Speech of the Flame, via Lord of the Flies Records. The music strayed away from some of the early influences to become more personal, while the lyrical concept dealt with the darkest sides of the ancient Mediterranean civilizations. An EP called Seal of Phobos followed in 2017, and only one year later, Valgrind delivered their third full-length, their most ambitious work to date, on Everlasting Spew Records. Blackest Horizon saw an increasing level of technicality in the guitar department, while retaining the old-school vibe of the previous works. Vocals became less guttural and more aggressive, while a more organic production gave the listener a wider musical spectrum to dive into. Again, the public was introduced to the new songs in some memorable shows, including Helsinki Deathfest in 2018.

Entering the studio again in mid-2019, Valgrind have now arguably delivered their masterwork: Condemnation. Undeniably and 1000% DEATH FUCKING METAL to the core, there’s an intangible “something,” a never-belabored uniqueness, that now sets these Italians apart from so much stock-standard death metal. For sure, their roots lay in the genre’s old school still, but the bits & pieces they pull and recombine are unexpected but most definitely welcome; no particular scene or substyle or specific year is selected, just the focus on strong songwriting and impassioned performance. Likewise, the lyricism doesn’t betray death metal’s rigorous boundaries – here, it’s the myths of legendary creatures and beasts in various ancient cultures – but Valgrind bring an artful touch to fantastical horror, all of it rolling out of bassist Lupidi’s lugubrious throat with commanding clarity. To that, the power-trio’s clarity of execution is also a thing of (ugly) beauty, firing off one flowing, furious part after another with seamless construction and solos that are the absolute definition of class. In fact, calling Condemnation “classy death metal” would not be much of a stretch: the songwriting itself is that poignant and powerful, and the production – mixed by Cristiano Copat at KK Recording Studio, and mastered by Damian Herring at Subterranean Watchtower Studios – is perfectly matched, skillfully balancing that clarity with crush.

Giving this special album an ever-more-distinctive touch is the cover art courtesy of Lupidi himself, hereby making Condemnation truly Valgrind‘s triumph of death!

Begin marching with the previously revealed “Entangled in a World Below” HERE at Memento Mori‘s official YouTube channel. Aforementioned cover art and tracklisting are as follows:
1. Intro
2. The Curse of Pegasus Spawn
3. Entangled in a World Below
4. Condemnation
5. Eater of Hearts
6. The Day
7. Furies
8. Storm Birds Descent
9. Divination – Marked by the Unknown
10. Goddess of the Salt Sea  
MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/valgrindband
www.valgrindband.bandcamp.com
www.memento-mori.es
www.facebook.com/memento.mori.label

BLOOD STRONGHOLD set release date for new NEBULAR CARCOMA album, reveal first track

Today, Nebular Carcoma, in conspiracy with Satanik Requiem, announces July 2nd as the international release date for Blood Stronghold‘s highly anticipated third album, Spectres of Bloodshed, on vinyl LP format.

For the past six years, Blood Stronghold have prolifically pursued their vision of black metal, strongly (and bloodily) rooted in the classic ’90s Polish tradition. A pan-international duo, it’s no surprise that these visions are so stout and solidified: on vocals, guitar, and bass is Nightwolf, who concurrently maintains the esteemed Runespell as well as the much-missed Eternum; and exceedingly busy drummer Krew, who’s played with countless bands but most prominently with Necrostrigis, Ravenmoon Sanctuary, Ordo Sanguinis Noctis, and Starlit Woods. Together as Blood Stronghold, these two scene veterans have created a vast landscape of pure ‘n’ proud Polish-style majesty that mesmerizingly transcends its hardly-disguised foundation.

But, to simply say that Blood Stronghold “only” create vintage Polish black metal is to severly undercut their not-inconsiderable artistry. Witness their latest full-length, Spectres of Bloodshed. With Krew’s drums of war raising the banners before the listener’s very ears, Blood Stronghold waste no time in establishing a grim-yet-splendorous atmosphere, whisking the listener away to forgotten realms and arcane ages. The riffing, in particular – undoubtedly austere, yet strangely inviting in its somber melodicism – opens those portals of the imagination with utterly masterful ease, a veritable symphony of windswept abandon and tragic grandeur that’s seemingly infinite in their resounding textures. Nightwolf’s commanding throat, of course, conveys these tales with hackle-raising authenticity, verily imagining oneself before “Unbowed Wolves” or the “Blood Dawn,” or what horrors arise “From the Depths of Veles Sea.” And Krew’s drumming, as always, is without peer here, guiding every pulse with poignancy and very real humanity; his reliance on tribal rhythms makes Blood Stronghold‘s black metal ever more unique whilst firmly rooted in that richest tradition mentioned earlier.

All too aptly titled, Spectres of Bloodshed is an ominous reflection of an all-too-ancient past. Thankfully, Blood Stronghold remain resolute and continue sharpening their swords, unconcerned with the rabble passing for nowadays “black metal.” Follow their voice of blood, or fall before those swords!

Stand before the first sword with the brand-new track “Crowned Virtue” 
Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Blood Stronghold’s Spectres of Bloodshed 1. Edict of Conflict
2. Unbowed Wolves
3. From the Depths of Veles Sea
4. Blood Dawn
5. Forests Dark Eyes
6. Crowned Virtue
7. Sunder
www.nebularcarcoma.com
www.lunarapparitions.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/nebularcarcoma 
www.soundcloud.com/nebularcarcoma 

Poland’s CLAIRVOYANCE to release debut demo through CALIGARI – streaming now

Today, Caligari Records sets June 26th as the international release date for the debut demo of Poland’s Clairvoyance on cassette tape format.

Hailing from Warsaw City, Clairvoyance was formed in late 2019 by guitarist Denis Didenko and vocalist Maciej Cesarczyk. Soon after that, bassist Jasiek Kraciuk and drummer Adrian Szczepanski had joined the band. Members of the band have had a bit of experience in other genres in several bands in Poland and Ukraine, but nothing related to death metal.

That said, the main idea behind Clairvoyance was to embody their passion for ’90s extreme metal – predominantly death metal, as one might guess – and maybe spark some interest in OSDM in the local underground scene. As far as influences go, it’s for them to name specific bands. For some, it’s mostly Finnish death metal from the ’90s; for others, it’s 80s thrash metal, punk rock, death/doom, or even Type O Negative. Needless to say, all these influences are loved deeply by the quartet.

Lyric-wise, Clairvoyance prefer to leave an air of mystery and won’t be publishing anything online anytime soon. Like the best death metal over its many decades as a genre, they treat vocals as a separate instrument to complement Clairvoyance‘s overall sound, which is dark and disgusting but very lucidly played; as such, there’s an element of freshness due to the demo’s not-easily-pigeonholed style. But ultimately, they’re not trying to say anything through their lyrics, as their main purpose is to allow Cesarczyk to reflect some dark corners of his soul, which is not always possible in day-to-day life.

In a mere 11 minutes, Clairvoyance‘s three-song debut demo gets in, gets out, and grinds the listener into the dirt. An auspicious start, to say the very least!

Hear all of it for yourself by streaming it in full here:
Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Clairvoyance (Poland)’s Demo
1. Pointless Rebirth
2. Broken Shackles
3. Abyss


MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/clairvoyancedeathmetal
www.caligarirecords.com
www.facebook.com/caligarirecords
www.caligarirecords.bandcamp.com 

Turkish Black metal band Seed of Cain release debut EP

We were saying yesterday that one of the good things about all this virus/lock down madness we are facing right now , gives us way more time to discover new bands.

Today I wanna tell you about a new black metal out of Turkey – Seed of Cain. Formed in 2019 by the bands Guitarist and Bassist Ozan, the band really started to gather momentum when Doga joined. Things really picked up pace when vocalist Sazakan best known from some of Ankara’s underground bands (OholYeg, Narken and Cosmic Funeral).

They just dropped their debut ep – check it out on their bandcamp :

Expect a full length album and live shows to follow soon!

Go follow them on Instagram here

LA Based Black Metal band Blood Sanctum to release new EP

Spending time on Instagram is not always a massive time suck – sometimes you make new friends and discover up and coming bands that you would not have heard of if you didn’t connect to people via your insta page

LA based Black metal band Blood Sanctum are one of those great undiscovered gems I have had the fortune of hearing by hanging out on Insta. If you love black metal bands that have that old school war metal sound (Archgoat, Blasphemy etc) then you’re going to love Blood Sanctum

The guys plan to drop a new EP may 2nd – in the mean time go check out the previously released track “Ritual Bloodskull” here:

Go give them a follow at their instagram page : here

More news from them when I have it!

BYTHOS stream TERRATUR debut album

From Finland comes a brand-new alliance who creates their musical black art under the name of Bythos! Bythos has made a pact with the infamous Terratur Possessions and will bring forth their debut album bearing the title The Womb of Zero, to be released internationally tomorrow, on April 24th.
Hear Bythos‘ The Womb of Zero in its entirety here:
Musically, Bythos combines cold melodies and versatile riffs, creating rich and numinous landscapes which encounters powerful and vicious liturgies. The music supports the lyrical theme of the songs well, and the moods range from oppressive despair to ecstatic praise of the dark gods. The theme of the album is an interdimensional view of the underworld and its deities, emphasizing strongly on the spiritual evolution to liberate the imprisoned powers, and make one with the outer darkness.

The resetting of the divine plans through destruction and rise above limitations of life. Beauty in destruction, destruction in beauty. A sonic interpretation of what once was and our constant path of devolution towards the Luciferian dawn.

Preorder info can be found HERE.
Cover art, courtesy of Kristiina Lehto, and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Bythos’ The Womb of Zero
1. Black Labyrinth
2. When Gold Turns into Lead
3. Sorath the Opposer
4. Omega Dragon
5. Call of the Burning Blood
6. Hymn to Lucifer
7. Legacy of Naahmah
8. Destroyer of Illusions
9. Luciferian Dawn
BYTHOS lineup
M.S. – vocals (Behexen/ex-Sargeist)
M.L. – guitars/bass (Behexen, Ajattara, Horna)
L.R. – drums (Horna)
MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/bythosofficial
www.terraturpossessions.com 
www.facebook.com/TerraturPossessions

Interview with Hulder – Belgian/American One Woman Black Metal.

In case you’ve been asleep at the wheel the last 2 years Hulder has been on a mission to take the metal underground by storm, over the span of a mix of DIY releases and a full length on Iron Bonehead Productions she’s succeeding. We caught up with her this week to find out what she is all about – read on!

  • So are you from Belgium and moved to the USA right? What’s the story here?
    I was born in Duffel, and spent the majority of my formative years in Mechelen, Belgium. I moved to the USA a little over ten years ago. After spending time all over California I relocated to Oregon and have been enjoying the many splendors of its mountain ranges and vast forests.
  • If from Belgium now living here what bought you here? the music scene? family?
    The move was purely circumstantial. Not a decision I would have made at that time, but seeing as I was quite young, I did not have a say in the matter. That being said, I am quite pleased with where I have nested for the time being.

  • What has been the biggest cultural difference living in the USA vs Europe?
    Besides many political differences I do not care to discuss.. I would have to say the unnecessary abundance of everything. I’m fairly certain the bigger and better mentality is not something I will ever get used to. There is also a lack of ritual through home cooking, and time spent at a table as opposed to in front of electronics. These examples may have struck me as stark differences due to the fact I grew up in rural farm surroundings.

The fact that it is dreary most of the year

  • What are your favorite things about living in Oregon?
    It’s dense woods and grey coast. The fact that it is dreary most of the year, and there are plenty of shady hideaways along glacier runoff on the off-day when it gets too warm. The city is currently very accessible if the urge strikes, but I plan to make my return to more rural settings when the time is right.

My passion only grows.

  • How did you get into Black metal? What was your “gateway” band so to speak?
    I was introduced to bands like Satyricon, Summoning, Darkthrone, Burzum, Moonsorrow, and Dissection in my early teenage years. Someone quite a few years my senior left me with some cassettes and an old CD binder, enough study material for a few years at least. It was my first passion, and I knew fairly shortly thereafter it would stick with me forever. I eventually worked my way backwards to a lot of first wave bands and other extreme metal. My passion only grows.

  • Were you playing any instruments before you got into Black metal?
    I have been playing guitar since I was 10. I played in multiple punk bands in my youth, and always had solo projects simultaneously, though never made public.
  • How did your deal with iron Bonehead come about? Are you happy with the promotion they have done so far?
    IBP reached out to me shortly after the first run of the “Embraced..” EP was out. So far I am very pleased with our collaboration, and look forward to what the future holds.

I am only concerned with furthering the consciousness of the self.

  • If I am not mistaken Hulder is the name of mother of Odin – are you an Odinist at all? If not what faith do you practice/follow?
    I am not aware of any mythology referring to Hulder as the mother of Odin nor do I practice a faith of any kind. I am only concerned with furthering the consciousness of the self.
  • Have you played live before and if so how was it for you?
    HULDER has made one live appearance. It was a satisfactory experience, but only a small glimpse into what is to come for those who got to witness it.

  • Are there any plans to play live?
    I absolutely plan on live performances. Things are quite uncertain at this point due to the plague of our time, but hopefully circumstance will allow for a tour within the next year or so.
  • What can we expect from Hulder in 2020 and beyond?
    A full length, some unspoken announcements to accompany said release, and of course more Dark Medieval Black Metal at full force.
  • Any final words?
    Your questions and interest are much appreciated. Gezondheid to you and anyone reading this.

More Info:

Hulder Bandcamp

Hulder Merch

Hulder Instagram

RUNESPELL and FOREST MYTICISM to release split album thru IRON BONEHEAD

Today, Iron Bonehead Productions sets May 15th as the international release date for Wandering Forlorn, a special split album between Runespell and Forest Mysticism, on CD and vinyl LP formats.

A cross-generational meeting of two very old souls, Wandering Forlorn brings together two Australian hordes who’ve been following the voice of blood longer than most have been alive. Runespell mainman Nightwolf has been forging steel in the glare of burning churches since 2017. In feverish succession, his three albums for Iron Bonehead have poignantly presented pagan black metal in an authentically old yet refreshingly new hue, and with his three equally epic tracks here, Runespell shows that the fire is far from extinguished – in fact, its flames soar ever higher like spears hunting heaven. By comparison, Forest Mysticism put Down Under paganism on the map nearly 15 years ago and then retreated into the shadows in 2011, honor intact. Come 2018, the Hearken EP indeed hearkened the band’s rebirth, and the three stout-yet-sumptuous tracks here continue that noble trajectory. And aside from a single-track split last year, Wandering Forlorn marks the most extended Forest Mysticism recording since the no-less-considerable Hearken, a true fire of awakening.
Forest Mysticism
Past, present, and future…the ancients roam free across all. Wandering Forlorn are Runespell and Forest Mysticism, their creed of iron resilient and resounding.

In the meantime, hear a special teaser here:
Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Wandering Forlorn Runespell:
1. Wolfwoods
2. Streams of Sorrow
3. Fated in Blood
  Forest Mysticism:
1. Summon
2. Rivers of Silver (II)
3. Ancient Tides of War
www.facebook.com/IronBoneheadProductions

Interview with Spanish Doom / Death Band Evadne

This week we spoke with Spanish Doom/ Death veterans Evadne – read on

  • First of congrats on the new album – anyone who has been in a band knows how hard it is to keep it going you guys have been going for nearly 20 years now – what is your secret?

PASSION, I THINK THERE IS NO MORE SECRETS IN THIS WORLD.

  • I love the artwork for Dethroned Of Our Souls who came up with that? What’s the story behind the art?

WE WANTED TO MIX THE ART COVER OF OUR FIRST DEMO WITH ART COVER OF THE E.P “DETHRONED OF LIGHT”, THE ARTISTIC RESULT WAS FROM THE COVER DESIGNER (VLADIMIR PROKOFIEV). IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL RESULT

  • Lyrically what inspires your guys?

EVERY THING. NOT JUST ANY KIND OF ARTISTIC EXPRESSION. ALSO FEELINGS, LANDSCAPES, PERSONAL SITUATIONS. IN ART EVERYTHING IS VALID

  • How did you guys get into heavy music were you death metal fans before becoming doom metal fans? What were the bands that lead you on this journey?

OF COURSE, WHEN WE START LISTENING METAL MUSIC THE DOOM METAL STYLE DIDN’T HAVE THE SOUND THAT HAS INFLUENCED US. AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 90’S SOME BANDS START TO DO A NEW MUSIC THAT REALLY HYPNOTIZES US. BANDS LIKE ANATHEMA, PARADISE LOST, MY DYING BRIDE, KATATONIA, THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE AND A GREAT SOURCE OF INSPIRATION FOR US.

  • I imagine the Spanish scene as being more death and black metal bands than doom – how are you guys received in Spain?

HERE THE THINGS ARE COMPLICATED, ALTHOUGT FOR THE BLACK AND DEATH METAL BANDS. HERE THE PEOPLE PREFER TO LISTEN HEAVY, ROCK FOLK METAL AND OTHER TYPES OF METAL

  • Is Spain your best place to play or are you better received in other European territories? If so which ones?

IN THE CENTER –WEST EUROPE THERE ARE MORE CULTURE OF EXTREME MUSIC, WE PREFER TO PLAY THERE. IN THIS PLACES THE PEOPLE GO TO CONCERTS OF DOOM METAL, IT’S A FACT.

  • I know you guys have done a decent amount of touring over the years – what’s been your best and worst gig so far and why?

THE BEST IS COMPLICATED TO DECIDE, WE HAVE PLAYED IN GREAT FESTIVALS LIKE:

FROM DUSK TILL DOOM IN BELGIUM, MADRID IS THE DARK (SPAIN), DUTCH DOOM DAYS (HOLLAND), MALTA DOOM FESTIVAL, HARD ROCK LAAGER (ESTONIA), AUTUMN SOULS OF SOFIA (BULGARIA), DARK SESSIONS IN ROMANIA, DOOM HEART FEST (ITALY), AND MANY MORE. WE CAN’T CHOOSE CAUSE THERE ARE ALWAYS FUNNY AND FUN EXPERIENCES. SOME DIFFICULT EXPERIENCE BUT NOTHING TOO BAD…SOMETIMES WE HAVE LOST FLIGHTS, THE LONG HOURS OF TRAVELING ON THE ROAD ARE THE WORST PART BUT WE ARE FUN PEOPLE AND WE HAD A GOOD TIME.

  • Have you played any American concerts to date? If not any plans to tour the USA?

NOT FOR THE MOMENT, WE WERE CLOSE TO GO BUT AT THE END WAS NOT POSSIBLE, HOPE WE CAN GO SOON AND MEET ALL OUR AMERICAN FRIENDS.

  • Has any of the band members ever visited the USA if so what did you think of it?

NOT FOR THE MOMENT. WE HOPE TO DO IT.

  • What can we expect from the band in 2020?

WE ARE IMMERSED IN THE CREATION OF NEW SONGS FOR THE NEXT ALBUM AND WE HAVE SOME GIGS FOR THE SECOND PART OF OUR IBERIAN TOUR (SPAIN)

  • Any final words?

THANK YOU FOR THE INTERVIEW AND THANK YOU TO THE READERS WHO TAKE THEIR TIME TO READ IT. STAY DOOM!

More info here:

bandcamp

facebook