Steve Bruder Des Lichts

THE RITE premiere new track – features members of DENIAL OF GOD, BLACK OATH+++

Today, morbid metallers The Rite premiere the new track “The Fathomless Dark”. The track is the second to be revealed from the band’s highly anticipated second album, The Astral Gloom, set for international release on August 11th via Iron Bonehead Productions. Hear The Rite‘s “The Fathomless Dark” in its entirety here:

The Rite was formed in autumn 2017 when A.th (Black Oath) and Ustumallagam (Denial of God) joined forces to create a band that exclusively plays morbid black metal, praising complete and utmost darkness. Their influences range from iconic bands such as Mercyful Fate, Death SS, Celtic Frost, Samael, Goatlord, Ripper, and others, as well as occult literature. The music walks a fine line between slow and dreary parts and fast and merciless attacks, but by and large, it falls into the black/doom 
category. 

The recording of The Rite‘s five-track mini-album, The Brocken Fires, was finished in August 2018 and originally released on tape by Unholy Domain Records in October 2018. In August 2019, the mini-album was then released on CD and 12″ vinyl formats by Iron Bonehead and successively received a great response from the underground scene. 

In July 2019, The Rite performed their debut show at Denmark’s Metal Magic Festival. In the autumn of that year, the band performed their second show, this time in Italy. Around the same time, The Rite entered the studio again to record their debut album, Liturgy of the Black, which contained 10 tracks of morbid black metal, including a cover of Ripper. The album was released in June 2020 by Iron Bonehead, showing The Rite creating an atmosphere of darkness and the occult rather than focusing on speed or technicality. The music, written by A.th, this time incorporated both guitar solos and keyboards while staying true to The Rite‘s original path of mainly slow and heavy black metal. The lyrics, penned by Ustumallagam, covered various intriguing subjects such as pure devil worship, devotion to the dark, strange rituals, and the afterlife, and the man’s characteristically creepy annunciation brought those subjects to undead life with drama and intensity.

Around the turn of 2020 to 2021, The Rite returned to the studio to record new tracks for two upcoming releases. Some of the tracks were included on a split CD with Coven of Impurity, released by Cursed Recordings (A.th’s label), and one track was featured on a split 7″ EP with Bezwering, released on Headkick Music (Ustumallagam’s label) in May 2022, after facing cursed delays. The split CD with Coven of Impurity sold out quickly, and most of the copies of the split 7″ with Bezwering were sold within a few days. 

In 2022, The Rite‘s lineup underwent some changes. The original drummer, P. Guts, was replaced by someone else who the band parted ways with just days before their third show at Winter Metal Magic in Denmark. War D. (Morbus Grave) stepped in at the last moment and saved the day, and has been with the band ever since. A second guitar player was found in M. Desecrator (VomitVulva, Funest), making The Rite a five-piece band, even stronger in their live performances. 

Despite being busy with both Denial of God and Black Oath, The Rite began working intensely on the follow-up to Liturgy of the Black. After some initial rehearsals, their second album was recorded in December 2022. Titled The Astral Gloom, The Rite‘s new album contains another 10 tracks, proving as dark and dynamic as ever, with creepier excursions into quieter territory and an even more heightened atmospheric element without losing any heaviness – thus, the title The Astral Gloom is more than fitting. That heaviness is provocatively played to the hilt with this two-guitar lineup, and the lead parts evoke a macabre majesty only hinted at before. Once again, The Rite choose a unique cover – this time, the Lollipops’ “Naked When You Come,” an eerie psychedelic pop song from 1966 – and they truly make it their own.

With this new lineup bolstered and better than ever, The Rite seek to take their morbid metal to the stage more often and promote The Astral Gloom as fully as possible. The black bells toll more ominously than ever, the veil between worlds begins to open…step forth into The Astral Gloom!

Also hear the previously revealed “Nosophoros” HERE at Iron Bonehead‘s Soundcloud. Cover and tracklisting are as follows:

Tracklisting for The Rite’s The Astral Gloom
1. Intro – The Evocation
2. The Spirit of Mendes
3. The Fathomless Dark
4. Under A Lunar Spell
5. Walpurgis Night
6. The Astral Gloom
7. Nosophoros
8. Naked When You Come
9. The Valley of Megiddo
10. Outro – Sheol

MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/The-Rite-band-page-219647875291113

RUNESEPELL premiere new track – features members of NAZXUL, TEMPLE NIGHTSIDE, PESTILENTIAL SHADOWS+++

Today, Australian black metal vanguard Runespell premiere the new track “Vigridr Fields” . The track is the second to be revealed from the band’s highly anticipated fifth album, Shores of Nastrond, set for international release on August 11th via Iron Bonehead Productions. Hear Runespell‘s “Vigridr Fields” in its entirety here:

By now, Runespell should require little introduction. Since this Australian entity’s public unveiling in 2017 with the Aeons of Ancient Blood demo – released by Iron Bonehead, as well as all successive recordings – Runespell has sharpened its sword and quickly, with three albums arriving like clockwork every year: Unhallowed Blood Oath (2017), Order of Vengeance (2018), and Voice of Opprobrium (2019). Although 2020 didn’t see the release of a full-length, a split album with the reanimated Forest Mysticism tided over the bloodthirsty until the arrival of fourth LP Verses in Regicide in 2021, arguably Runespell‘s best-produced and -executed album to date.

That is, until the arrival of Shores of Nastrond: Runespell‘s fifth full-length, and first as a full lineup. While last year’s Sentinels of Time mini-album spiritually concluded the first era of Runespell, it’s readily apparent that that Shores of Nastrond marks a distinct second era, although one thankfully not too far removed from the iron and blood that came before. Joining founder Nightwolf here are drum titan Basilysk – whose vast resume includes the likes of Nazxul, Temple Nightside, and Pestilential Shadows among many others – and keyboardist Irrwycht, who concurrently numbers such bands as Grabunhold and Baxaxaxa. Together, the trio conjure that same mystical & mesmerizing soundworld that’s made the Runespell name such a force in the underground, but there’s a concerted clarity here – be it songwriting or sound, texture figuring more prominently in both – that makes the album’s six component epics hit HARD, even with the solemnity of Sentinels of Time continuing here. Indeed, that supremely epic mini-album served as a bridge between the band’s two eras: not just with said solemnity explored further on Shores of Nastrond, but also the stirring acoustic segments, which are more generously integrated into the whole of Runespell‘s sound. Simply put, this is pagan black metal perfection, from an entity that seemingly already perfected it. These Shores of Nastrond crest and crash with blood-fire-death!

Also hear the previously revealed “Mirrors of the Dead” HERE at Iron Bonehead‘s Soundcloud. Cover and tracklisting are as follows:

Tracklisting for Runespell’s Shores of Nastrond
1. Mirrors of the Dead [8:25]
2. Elemental Fires [6:38]
3. Spectres of War [9:08]
4. Unfurled Night [3:07]
5. Shores of Nastrond [10:58]
6. Vigridr Fields [7:52]

MORE INFO:
www.instagram.com/runespellofficial

Sweden’s ATONEMENT reveal third track from upcoming DYING VICTIMS debut album

Today, Swedish deathrashers Atonement reveal the new track “Death Merchant.” The track is the third to be revealed from the band’s highly anticipated debut album, Sadistic Invaders, set for international release on July 28th via Dying Victims Productions. Hear Atonement‘s “Death Merchants” in its entirety here:

One of the most literally explosive young bands in the nowadays metal underground, Atonement are a trio of Swedes whose average age was 16 years old when they released their debut demo, Merciless Blasphemy, in 2021. Despite such youth, Atonement proved that they are steeped in the ancient essence of thrashing death metal circa 1987. Bubbling forth from their cauldron of nastiness were the likes of early Destruction, Sepultura, Possessed, Death, Sweden’s Morbid, Germany’s Poison, and Chile’s Pentagram, and thus was Merciless Blasphemy aptly titled, for each of the demo’s five songs whipped forth a filth & fury quite unlike anything else around.

With expectations understandably high, Atonement took their time crafting the penultimate debut album, and two years later it arrives in the form of Sadistic Invaders. Yet another aptly titled recording, Sadistic Invaders carries forward that filth & fury of its short-length predecessor and amazingly ups the nastiness to hellish levels. Again, even with the band not yet in their 20s, Atonement are dead-ringers for juiced-up and jackhammering deathrash of a most mid-‘80s vintage, and the ten songs they devilishly dole out across the 37-minute album are somehow more crazed and compact than on said demo. And whereas that demo’s ultra-rawness emitted an air of the otherworldly, here on Sadistic Invaders do the trio impart a thicker and fuller-bodied aspect, retaining a respectable rawness but not at the expense of their superlative chops; while it’s always full speed ahead for Atonement, they manage to twist the ceremonial knife in different and sometimes-impossible ways, elevating the album above the masses still searching for Endless Pain. Dizzying yet addicting, Sadistic Invaders hits with the power and precision of a nuclear strike.

And yet, it’s still early days for Atonement, so who knows how far they’ll venture into the lungs of Hell? Sadistic Invaders provides the first full-length clues, and is highly recommended for maniacs of Deathhammer, Division Speed, and Norway’s late/great Condor.
 
Hear the previously revealed “Await the Command” exclusively HERE, courtesy of MetalBite.com, as well as the previously revealed “Hellish Delight” exclusively HERE, courtesy of Deaf Forever magazine. Cover and tracklisting are as follows:

Tracklisting for Atonement (Sweden)’s Sadistic Invaders
1. Hellish Delight
2. Await The Command
3. Fatal Militia
4. Axe Of Death
5. Evil Disaster
6. Lust For Sin
7. Unholy Sorcery
8. Death Merchant
9. Evil Minds
10. Sadistic Invader

MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/atonementband

www.dying-victims.de 

PUKEWRAITH stream BLOOD HARVEST vinyl reissue – features members of GUTVOID, FUMES, SOUL DEVOURMENT+++

On July 14th, Blood Harvest Records will release Pukewraith‘s highly anticipated debut album, Banquet of Scum, on vinyl LP format. And today, they stream the reissue in its entirety. Hear Pukewraith‘s Banquet of Scum vinyl reissue in its entirety here:

Sporting one of the best monikers around, Pukewraith is a solo-project of Brendan Dean, erstwhile vocalist/guitarist of Blood Harvest titans Gutvoid as well as a handful of other bands that currently includes Fumes, Soul Devourment, Wexler’s Prime, Alucard, and Simulcra. Obviously, the man is super-busy as well as -talented, and while those talents run the metallic gamut (with an obvious affection for death metal), Pukewraith is naturally his most traditionally gore-soaked work. The last couple years have seen an EP, split, and single, and finally the band’s first full-length, Banquet of Scum.

Released late last year on CD, Pukewraith‘s Banquet of Scum is now finally finding a fitting vinyl release courtesy of Blood Harvest. While there’s undoubtedly some links shared with his stellar work in Gutvoid – namely, the all-consuming sense of devourment, be it physical or spiritual – here does Dean hit with a straightforward pulse ‘n’ crush not unlike early Grave, Hypocrisy, and Sinister, all tempered with well-timed downtempo breakdowns and a bevy of mind-melted solos. And while Gutvoid‘s muse lately has been trending toward the cosmos, Pukewraith fittingly stick to the sewers, plumbing the depths of gore and depravity with relish and, daresay, fun; not for nothing is the album titled Banquet of Scum. Cruise with the Gravesmasher and begin feasting again – or for the first time – with Blood Harvest‘s new vinyl edition, which includes an exclusive bonus track!

Preorder info can be found HERE. Cover and tracklisting are as follows:

Tracklisting for Pukewraith’s Banquet of Scum
1. Grime Fiend
2. 110 Crushed
3. Fleshmaster
4. Mire Stench
5. Cyclone Of Maggots
6. Cruisin With The Gravesmasher
7. Mucklord
8. Sunbound 2097

MORE INFO:
www.pukewraith.bandcamp.com

www.bloodharvest.se
www.facebook.com/bloodharvest

ASCENDENCY stream new ME SACO UN OJO / DARK DESCENT mini-album

Today, Danish black/death cult Ascendency stream the entirety of their highly anticipated new mini-album, A Manifest of Imperious Destiny. Set for international release on July 14th via Me Saco Un Ojo Records and Dark Descent Records on 12″ vinyl and CD formats, respectively, hear Ascendency‘s A Manifest of Imperious Destiny in its entirety here:

Prepare for the ultimate black/death metal assault by Denmark’s Ascendency… Following a punishing demo in 2019 and their equally merciless 2020 MLP, they now return with another tome of destruction. Four new tracks span an unforgiving half-hour of desecration.

While Denmark has offered some of the best contemporary death metal in the last decade or so, Ascendency are quite a unique beast within this. Their much darker, venomous black metal influences create disquiet with uncomfortable atmospherics that still retain that brutality, just with a much-more-unhinged twist. These new pieces showcase what the band has incubated in the last three years, which is feral and harrowing musical extremity with a sepulchral atmosphere and tremendous musicianship to boot. Reverberating howls and guitars send a chill through the ossuary while drums hammer through remaining skulls with ease.

While Ascendency clearly revel in delivering punishment, they do so with intricate and carefully constructed songs that contain more than enough nuance to really sink your teeth into. Melodic-yet-bestial riffs charge atop devastating percussion with demonic vocals while never straying too far from the cacophony of fury remains the heart of this untamed sound. The subtleties tie in with bludgeoning violence effortlessly and leave us with a truly potent, memorable, and distinguished record. Atmosphere and malice, when they coexist in such a manner, become an unstoppable beast, so prepare for annihilation if you seek out this mystical-yet-malignant gem of underground might. Delve into oblivion with these new offerings of unfaltering triumph and might. [text by Jørgen Sven Kirby, Nattskog webzine]

Cover and tracklisting are as follows:

Tracklisting for Ascendency’s A Manifest of Imperious Destiny
1. The Triumph of Draconian Might [7:05]
2. Victory – in all its Ephemeral Glory [5:41]
3. Domitor Invictus [5:50]
4. A Manifest of Imperious Destiny [9:30]

MORE INFO:
prophesiedascendency.bandcamp.com

www.mesacounojo.com
www.mesacounojo.bandcamp.com

www.darkdescentrecords.com
www.darkdescentrecords.bandcamp.com

Finland’s VALRAVN set release date for new PRIMITIVE REACTION album, reveal first track

Today, Primitive Reaction announces September 8th as the international release date for the highly anticipated second album of Finland’s Valravn, The Awakening, on CD and vinyl LP formats.

Like a bolt from the blue, Finland’s Valravn arrived fully formed with their first album, 2020’s Prey. Evincing a mastery beyond their short time as a band, Prey no doubt displayed characteristics of Finland’s now-world-renown black metal sound – cryogenic melody, raw ‘n’ rugged execution, an unapologetic assertion of traditionalism – but in other, more telling aspects, Valravn asserted their own identity counter to this prevailing paradigm: From the tranquil, tellingly autumnal acoustic opening and across comparable textures, the album burned with the intensity of a November coming fire.

Now, as the summer heat continues to blaze after the revelry of midsummer, Valravn return with a second full-length, The Awakening. Tellingly titled, The Awakening displays yet more sides to this still-unfolding entity. To be sure, Valravn’s poise and power are firmly accounted for here – you can still FEEL every note, so vital, virile, and vivid – and they’ve even added a bit of death metalled muscle, too, but the songwriting itself is where their second album truly takes flight. Sharp and yet never sterile, thanks to a production that’s on the right side of polished, there’s an acute balance of contrasts across The Awakening’s 44-minute runtime; each of the album’s eight songs features some twist of melancholy and militancy, of bursting color and bristling monochromatism, of stoic resignation and steadfast determination, of man-on-the-mountain spaciousness and stuck-in-the-catacombs claustrophobia. Concluding with the literally breathtaking “Charge of the Last Cavalry,” The Awakening consolidates all the strengths of its predecessor and indeed leads Valravn into a new charge for glory. The fires of Finnish black metal have yet to be vanquished!

In the meantime, hear the brand-new track “Charge of the Last Cavalry” here:

Cover and tracklisting are as follows:

Tracklisting for Valravn (Finland)’s The Awakening
1. The Black Flame [5:20]
2. Kehän Murtama [4:59]
3. Liekki Tiemme Valaisee [5:17]
4. The Great Deceit [4:02]
5. The Insolent    [7:57]
6. Sisyphean Torment [3:55]
A Symphony of Horror [6:32]
8. Charge of the Last Cavalry [5:44]

MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/valravnfin

Finland’s THE WATCHER set release date for SPREAD EVIL debut – features members of SACRIFICIUM CARMEN, RIIVAUS, RODENT EPOCH, LICHT DES URTEILS+++

Today, Spread Evil Productions announces September 8th as the international release date for the highly anticipated debut album of Finland’s The Watcher, Kaosaura.

The Watcher are a quintet whose membership includes a wealth of underground experience, with members concurrently hailing from Sacrificium Carmen, Riivaus, Rodent Epoch, Licht des Urteils, and many others. And while those hordes are exclusively within the realm of pure black metal, The Watcher‘s expression is a religious synthesis of black metal and death metal, malefic and muscular, with a lyrical approach that’s an outré fusion of Luciferianism and Buddhism.

Originally released digitally in 2019, The Watcher‘s first public recording, the full-length Kaosaura, now finds physical release via the auspices of Spread Evil. Encompassing nine songs in 38 minutes, The Watcher‘s debut album rips, races, and rages with a palpitating intensity. The nightsky melodicism of classic black metal features prominently in the quintet’s dynamic attack, which shifts speeds with deftness and drama. The robust heft of equally-classic death metal is given equal emphasis on Kaosaura, creating a unique headspace of laceration vs. levitation; the bass tone alone is absolutely ugly. More than anything, The Watcher here sound like an actual band, one whose physicality is fully felt and is more than able to be recreated live – simply, because they’re creating this religious fervor in real-time, together. 

Fittingly and finally receiving physical release, The Watcher‘s Kaosaura comes highly recommended for maniacs of Vinterland, Aosoth, mid/late-2000s Deathspell Omega, Unanimated, or even Sweden’s Dawn.

In the meantime, stream Kaosaura in its entirety here:

Cover and tracklisting are as follows:

Tracklisting for The Watcher (Finland)’s Kaosaura
1. Introduction
2. Guru of Hate Yoga
3. Diva of Divinity
4. Scepticism of a Demonic Soul
5. Luciferian Nirvana
6. Alter Lux
7. Pratyeka Satanist
8. Cosmos Ablaze
9. Rebellion Geometry


MORE INFO:
www.thewatcherhorde.bandcamp.com 

www.spreadevil.net 

SIELUNVIHOLLINEN set release date for new HAMMER OF HATE album, reveal first track

Today, Hammer of Hate announces September 8th as the international release date for Sielunvihollinen‘s highly anticipated fifth album, Helvetinkone, on CD and vinyl LP formats.

Formed in 2011 initially as a solo project, over the course of four albums and a handful of splits, demos, and EPs, Sielunvihollinen have come to be standard-bearers of pure ‘n’ proud Finnish black metal. While neither shying away from the spotlight nor intentionally cultivating an air of mystery, Sielunvihollinen‘s catalog over the past decade has come to speak of itself – thoughtful songwriting, impassioned performances, a totality of form meeting content – and with their development into a full band unlike so many other black metal “projects,” they’ve also become a considerable force on the live front.

While they’ve no doubt been prolific in the number of EPs and splits they’ve released over that past decade-plus, Sielunvihollinen have fastidiously released a full-length every two years. Now, like clockwork, two years after the widely acclaimed Teloituskäsky comes their fifth album, Helvetinkone. Roughly translated into English as “Hell Machine,” Sielunvihollinen‘s latest full-length is indeed a hellish affair, but one not without the band’s characteristically poignant melodicism. Carrying forward that deadly precision of its full-length predecessor Helvetinkone cruises with a clarity of focus that simply heightens the heartstrings-pulling push of their anthemic songwriting. Indeed, the attack is squarely BLACK METAL – rough and rowdy at heart, “catchy” in the Finnish post-millennial tradition – but these eight ANTHEMS are ridiculously compact and contoured; not one single second is wasted, and the leads-forward emphasis has never been more striking. And whereas the aforementioned Teloituskäsky was Sielunvihollinen‘s cleanest-recorded work to date, it was a sea-change that only benefited the band’s increasingly compact nature; with Helvetinkone, it makes perfect sense, and lends a strangely sparkling character to their quintessential Finnish filth. Iron fists lined with velvet, and poised to punch you in the fucking face!

Once again presenting authentic ’90s classicism whilst trampling the graves of the present, Sielunvihollinen stand firm in the upper echelons of international black metal with Helvetinkone!

In the meantime, hear the brand-new track “Alkemisti ja tuhoaja” here:

Cover and tracklisting are as follows:

Tracklisting for Sielunvihollinen’s Helvetinkone
1. Sinetti ja symboli [4:12]
2. Raivoni astalo [5:23]
3. Alkemisti ja tuhoaja    [4:28]
4. Veitsenterällä [5:17]
5. Matkani päässä [4:45]
6. Helvetinkone    [3:42]
7. Kun kaikki vihdoin kuihtuu pois [7:39]
8. Läpi harmaan kiven [4:58]

MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/sielunvihollinen

CARNATION is ready to share ‘Maruta’ with the world!

Belgian death metal crushers CARNATION are ready to show us their song ‘Maruta’! The track is a dark take on the Japanese Unit 731, also known as the Manshu Detachment 731.
This unit routinely conducted tests on people who were dehumanized and internally referred to as “logs” (or Maruta, in Japanese). The music video can be viewed here:

‘Maruta’ is taken from the band’s newest album “Cursed Mortality”, which will be spread across the globe on the 3rd of November 2023 via Season of Mist.

Frontman Simon Duson comments: “We are back with the second single for our upcoming third album Cursed Mortality. To accentuate the diversity of the album, ‘Maruta’ feels like the perfect single to follow-up ‘Cursed Mortality’. This track is loaded with thrashy hooks, groovy beats, and punishing death metal riffs. Those who desire brutality, look no further. ‘Maruta’ is here to crush your skull!”

CARNATION crushed the stage with their appearance on the mighty Graspop (BE) and delivered a mindblowing performance which can be viewed on the Season of Mist channel HERE 

CARNATION previously released their first (and title) track ‘Cursed Mortality’ in the form of an amazing music video.

The album can be pre-saved HERE. Pre-sales for the album will start at a later moment.

The surreal cover art for “Cursed Mortality” was created by the late, great Mariusz Lewandowski, whose dark and surreal vision perfectly captures the feel of this album. Lord of the Logos’ Christophe Szpajdel created a brand new logo and symbol to reflect this new era of CARNATION.  

Tracklist:
1.Herald of Demise (04:03) feat. Andy LaRocque)
2.Maruta (04:07) [WATCH HERE]
3.Metropolis (03:24)
4.Replicant (03:49)
5.Dutroux (03:48)
6.Submerged in Deafening Silence (04:26)
7.Cycle of Suffering (04:05)
8.Cursed Mortality (07:30) [WATCH HERE]

CARNATION live:
26-08-2023   Rock am Wehr – Jena (DE)
23-09-2023   STP Metal Weekend – St. Pölten  (AU)
03-11-2023   Cultuurcentrum Zwaneberg – Heist-op-den-Berg (BE)
16-12-2023   Death Row – Izegem (BE)

For the last decade, CARNATION has been at the forefront of reviving old school death metal. There’s something to be said about the artfulness of taking something so primitive and walking that fine line between keeping its classic authenticity without sounding tired or dated. CARNATION has always teetered this line, injecting a fresh and contemporary approach without losing the genre’s time-honored traditions. However, the band’s third endeavor sees CARNATION erasing those boundaries entirely and abandoning any and all conventions as they traverse into daring new territory. ‘Cursed Mortality’ pulls the Belgian death dealers deeper into experimental new waters, taking risks as the band steps out of the shadows of its predecessors and comes into its own identity. ‘Cursed Mortality’s’ statement is clear: This is no longer simply a revival; this is CARNATION’s rebirth.

“We still play death metal and we still identify as such” explains frontman Simon Duson. “But we know that this is also our second decade performing it. And while it is very important for us to stay true to the old-school style, we know we had to open things up a bit and reach out to those who might be interested in extreme metal, but aren’t that much into the old aspect of it. It also feels fresher to us because we’ve decided to change our visual approach, with a new logo, a new look on stage and so on. In a way, it really feels like the beginning of a new chapter for CARNATION.”

Album number three is much more than just a new chapter, but rather feels like a sequel to an already storied career, punctuated by press accolades, an impressive history of live performances, and a lauded discography consisting of several EPs, splits, and two critically acclaimed full-length albums.

With the debut of its first EP in 2015, CARNATION quickly garnered the attention of fans, media, and most notably of all, record label Season of Mist, who quickly noticed the band’s potential and picked them up without hesitation. Upon forming this union, the band dropped its first full-length, ‘Chapel of Abhorrance,’ in 2018. Angry Metal Guy astutely noted that the Belgians’ debut album was “one of the best death metal debuts of the year, and CARNATION have earned their place as one of the most promising new bands in the genre” while Distorted Sound Magazine echoed these remarks, calling ‘Chapel of Abborhance’ “one of most brutalizing, well executed and, above all, fun, death metal releases of 2018” in its 9/10 review of the album.

CARNATION’s momentum only seemed to pick up from there. The band kept busy on the road, performing a variety of tours with their death metal brethren in Deserted Fear, Schirenc Plays, Pungent Stench, and Pestilence, while headlining stages in Japan and Brazil. Upon conquering the live circuit and laying waste to audiences across three different continents, the band unleashed its 2020 opus, ‘Where Death Lies,’ which broke them out from the underground with the kind of seismic force that most bands can only dream of. If the critics liked ‘Chapel of Abhorrance,’ ‘Where Death Lies’ was the moment they fell in love, enamored by Carnation’s relentless brutality and crushing precision.

While touring had been halted that year, CARNATION never stagnated nor waivered. The band’s tenacity paid off with their sophomore effort being named among one of the best records of the year by The Pit, Chicago Music Guide, Pandemonium Metal, and many more, while the single “Iron Discipline” was singled out by Loudwire as one of the best songs of 2020. Legacy outlet Kerrang! also took notice, ranking the band among the “50 Greatest Death Metal Bands Right Now,” cracking the top 20 picks.

While the Belgian slayers still stay true to their roots, they step outside of their comfort zone with more groove, melody, and progression, showcasing their versatility as musicians and clearly defining their own unique sound. ‘Cursed Mortality’ sounds darker, with passages of melancholic melodies that compliment the heaviness.

Most bands might feel anxious about making such dramatic changes, especially to incorporate clean vocals within such extreme music, CARNATION embraces the unknown and does not fall victim to fear or monotony. “As artists, it’s something natural,” explains Verstrepen about why the band has shifted direction. “Doing the same thing over and over again doesn’t inspire us. We love to create and we love to explore new paths. We knew some people wouldn’t like clean vocals in death metal, but we don’t want to think of that too much. We stand 100% behind our music and we really like what we did here. Some people will drop out, but there will definitely be others joining! As Lemmy would say, ‘You win some, you lose some.’”

Indeed, a personal metamorphosis is always a risk, but one that historically has paid off. The first records of bands like Black Sabbath, Carcass, Death, or even Bathory sound nothing like the mid-late era offerings of those very same artists, and yet, those records that strayed off the beaten path are regarded as some of the most seminal albums in the history of metal. Playing it safe sounds easy, but it isn’t always a part of a legend’s origin story. And CARNATION isn’t here to play by the rules; the band is ready to take a leap of faith and redefine an era.

CARNATION Lineup:
Simon Duson: Vocals
Jonathan Verstrepen: Lead Guitar
Bert Vervoort: Rhythm Guitar
Yarne Heylen: Bass Guitar
Vincent Verstrepen: Drums
Recording studio: Project Zero Studio

Producer / Mixing engineer: Yarne Heylen

Mastering studio and engineer: Joel Wanasek

Links:
https://www.carnationband.com/         
https://www.facebook.com/CarnationBE/          
https://www.instagram.com/carnationbandofficial/
https://www.youtube.com/c/CarnationOfficialBE
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7s6SmrbyQvp26jN5EbnU9u

Pre-save (album): https://orcd.co/cursedmortalitypresave
Pre-Save Maruta:  https://fanlink.to/Maruta

Available Formats:
CD digipak
Digital
12” vinyl in various colours
Merchandise

Sweden’s MUTATION sign with HELLS HEADBANGERS, prepare debut album

Today, Hells Headbangers announces the signing of Sweden’s Mutation. The first fruit of this union shall be the band’s highly anticipated debut album, which will see release through the label early next year.


Hailing from Stockholm, Sweden’s Mutation were formed around 2019 as an idea between drummer S.N and guitarist K.L due to their mutual worship of the earlier years of raw death metal. Eventually, guitarist S.Q and bassist S.B joined the band in 2022, and Mutation were finally able to create a demo. Released digitally in mid-May, their Demo ’23 absolutely scorches with utterly feral intensity and authentically ancient atmosphere. “The era between ’85-’88 is our key inspiration, and we intend to keep the flame of old burning,” says S.N.

About Mutation‘s signing with Hells Headbangers for their eventual debut album, S.N continues: “We’re really satisfied about signing to HHR, and we’d like to give a big thanks to Gene Palubicki of Perdition Temple, who introduced us. We’re currently working on our debut album filled with unadulterated raw death metal in its purest form.”

More Mutation news to be revealed shortly, but a 7″ vinyl reissue of Demo ’23 is an immediate possibility. For more info, consult the links below.

MORE INFO:
www.mutationswe.bandcamp.com

www.hellsheadbangers.com