Black Metal News

ABYSMALIST set release date for debut CALIGARI demo, reveal first track

Today, Caligari Records sets August 23rd as the international release date for Abysmalist‘s striking debut demo, Reflections of Horror, on cassette tape format.

Abysmalist was formed by two veterans of the Bay Area scene whose collective experience in various punk, metal, and hardcore bands is prolific, to say the very least: Federico Davila, who’s played in Unurnment, Primal Rite, Permanent Ruin, and DeadEyedStare among others; and Jeremy Meier from Cøndition, Sanctum, Primal Rite, Scalped, Yadokai, Ritual Control, Effluxus, etc. They are currently based in Sacramento, California, and Reflections of Horror is their first public recording as Abysmalist.

Despite being an essentially “new” band, Abysmalist‘s crushing ruminations are heavily influenced by Bolt Thrower, Obituary, and other “pre-blastbeat” death metal. It’s a comfortingly familiar and enduringly classic sound, but done with the conviction of true acolytes. And not for nothing is the demo titled Reflections of Horror: its subject matter and lyrics are inspired by the writings of Clive Barker, Patrick Süskind, and “romantic” horror/fabulism in general, with its four component songs – “Lascivious Rapture,” “Black Lacquer,” “The Engineer,” and “Chain Ripper” – as unsettlingly titled as the next, with haunting touches of clean guitar occasionally applied to heighten that supernatural atmosphere.

Suitably wrapped in sweaty ‘n’ slimy analog, Abysmalist‘s Reflections of Horror is 18 minutes of eldritch lurch ‘n’ crunch, and suggestive of more gutted glories to come. Partake in the first gutted glory with the new, aforementioned track “Black Lacquer” here:

Cover and tracklisting is:

Tracklisting for Abysmalist’s Reflections of Horror
1. Lascivious Rapture
2. Black Lacquer
3. The Engineer
4. Chain Ripper
MORE INFO:
www.caligarirecords.com
www.facebook.com/caligarirecords
www.caligarirecords.bandcamp.com 

The Great Old Ones premiere new song “The Omniscient” and announce album release date

French Lovecraftian black metal masters THE GREAT OLD ONES are premiering the first song of their new album ‘Cosmicism’.  The track, “The Omniscient”, is streaming here:
Vocalist and guitarist Benjamin Guerry comments: “We are very proud to present you “The Omniscient”, the first extract of our new album. Follow the story of Wilbur Whateley, whose destiny is directly linked with Yog Sothoth, in a song full of epic feelings and dramatic tones. Yog-Sothoth is the gate. Yog-Sothoth is the key and guardian of the gate.”
The artwork for ‘Cosmicism’ has been created by Jeff Grimal and can be viewed below, together with the tracklist.
Tracklist
1. Cosmic Depths (01:47)
2. The Omniscient (09:26)
3. Of Dementia (06:16)
4. Lost Carcosa (08:57)
5. A Thousand Young (11:44)
6. Dreams of the Nuclear Chaos (04:27)
7. Nyarlathotep (07:29)
8. To A Dreamer (07:34) Bonus Track
“The most merciful thing in the world, I think, is the inability of the human mind to correlate all its contents. We live on a placid island of ignorance in the midst of black seas of infinity, and it was not meant that we should voyage far.”  H.P. LOVECRAFT (1890-1937)
 
Channelling the spirit and literary heritage of author H.P. Lovecraft, French Atmospheric black metallers THE GREAT OLD ONES have returned with their most impressive work to date. ‘Cosmicism’ lures the listener deeper into darkness with intricate, beautiful and twisted melodies, ultimately encompassing them with madness.
                                                                                         
THE GREAT OLD ONES emerged in 2009 from the old parts of the ancient Aquitanian harbour city of Bordeaux, FRANCE, a city famed for its secrets and deep red wine. After releasing their first album, ‘Al Azif,’ the reactions of critics and fans were unanimously positive.  
 
The band followed up with their second full-length, ‘Tekeli-li,’ which garnered even higher praise. As a result, THE GREAT OLD ONES played a show at the acclaimed Roadburn festival, opened for BEHEMOTH in their homeland, played at Hellfest, and supported label mates SHINING and DER WEG EINER FREIHEIT.
 
The third full length, ‘EOD – A Tale of Dark Legacy,’ (2017) marked another big step in the band’s fast rising career. The five-piece took the road with the legendary GAAHLS WYRD and embarked on a successful European co-headline tour with label mates AUÐN from Iceland. THE GREAT OLD ONES also appeared on the billing of respected festivals, such as Brutal Assault and Eindhoven Metal Meeting, in front of a gigantic crowd of cultists.
 
Now, the French worshippers of Cthulhu reveal their fourth offering to the old ones. “Cosmicism” is a literary philosophy developed by H.P. Lovecraft. The idea behind “Coscmicism” is that humans are godless creatures who are totally insignificant in the grand scheme of our cosmic universe.
 
The production of this album was entrusted to Francis Caste (SINSAENUM, LOUDBLAST, SVART CROWN, REGARDE LES HOMMES TOMER, HANGMAN’S CHAIR) of the Studio Sainte-Marthe, who managed to capture the singular essence of THE GREAT OLD ONES.
 
The record is a true journey in the cold deep of space. Each song features a Lovecraftian entity and parallel the dark destiny of the protagonist who meets her and in turn, slowly succumbs to admiration and madness. Lyrics inspired by H.P. Lovecraft layered over haunting, melodic beauty result in a perfect match. Just listen and you will find out what awaits down there…

http://thegreatoldonesband.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thegreatoldones/
https://thegreatoldones.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/thegreatoldonesofficial/

Recording line-up
Benjamin Guerry: Vocals, guitars
Aurélien Edouard: Guitars
Alexandre ‘Gart’ Rouleau: Guitars
Benoit ‘Barby’ Claus: Bass
Leo Isnard: Drums

AUTOMB Announce U.S & Canada Tour Dates

Blackened death band Automb is hitting the road for a string of tour dates in the U.S, along with their first Canadian show starting August 17 in Canton, Ohio and ending August 24th in Pittsburgh, PA. The full list of dates can be found below or on BandsInTown here -> https://www.bandsintown.com/a/15391343-automb?came_from=210&utm_medium=web&utm_source=artist_event_page&utm_campaign=artist

About Automb:

Automb is a female-fronted black metal band that blends death metal elements seamlessly with classic black metal while incorporating atmospheric tones and melodies.

Automb’s debut album ‘Esoterica’ was released in October 2017 and features Serge Streltsov (Ex- NECROPHAGIA) and session work from Scott Fuller (MORBID ANGEL) as well as vocalist/bassist/keyboardist Danielle Evans.

It features bone-crushing blast beats, soul wrenching growls, punishing rhythms, and epic atmospheric leads. For fans of… BEHEMOTH, WATAIN, EMPEROR, DRUDKH, DISSECTION, MORBID ANGEL, AND MAYHEM.

Album Line Up

Serge Streltsov: Guitar

Scott Fuller: Session drums

Danielle Evans: Vocals, Bass, and Keys

More info here: Automb

URN release first track and details of new album ‘Iron Will Of Power’!

The recently signed Black Steel Worshipers of URN are now releasing the first brand new track and album details of their upcoming album ‘Iron Will Of Power’, which will hit the worldwide stores on September 20th 2019.

The hard hitting track “Malignant Strange Vision” is now streaming
URN comment on the track: “In the darkest hours, when facing all fears and inner demons which drive you to a world beyond, there is no escape. No salvation, no solution but one. What could it be?”
URN have also revealed the artwork and album details for ‘Iron Will Of Power’. Both can be viewed below.
Track List:
1. Downfall of Idols (4:51)
2. Malignant Strange Vision (3:41)
3. Funeral Oath (5:15)
4. Prayers (4:35)
5. Gates to Hyboria (1:57)
6. Demonlord (4:37)
7. Spears of Light (4:51)
8. Hunted (4:13)
9. Will to Triumph (6:50)
Total: 40:50
URN was formed during the winter of 1993, and the first rehearsal tapes were recorded shortly after that. In 1997 URN released their very first official promo tape, which was recorded at the infamous Perkele studio in kuopio, Finland. After a couple line-up changes, the band started performing live gigs as three-piece band which led to a first record deal with Dutch label Damnation Records in 1998. URN entered the studio to record their very first full-length which was created in only two days! In 2001, ‘666 Megatons’ was finally released upon this world and in that same year, URN toured alongside DESTROYER 666, CARPATHIAN FOREST, SABBAT (JP) and UNPURE.
 
2004 URN recorded a split album with DECAYED, which was specially recorded with an 8-track, directly followed by ‘Dawn Of The Devastation’ in 2006. The busiest years in the band’s career followed with extensive tours all around the globe. After years of playing live and several line-up changes, low motivation and lack of interest kicked in. All members of URN now focused on several other musical (solo) projects. With Revenant joining URN in 2011, the time felt right to start the engines of URN once again. First rehearsals were scheduled, and the creation of brand-new music was in full swing. The brand-new release ‘The Burning’ was born in 2017 and with it, new motivation and inspiration that made URN stronger than ever before.
 
With ‘Iron Will Of Power’, URN walk their own path more powerful than ever, and with a well-deserved ‘we do what we want’ mentality they salute grinning, whilst conquering the throne of Black Steel Worship!

www.urn-official.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/Urnofficial

ABYSMAL LORD set release date for new HELLS HEADBANGERS album, reveal first track – touring next month

Today, Hells Headbangers sets August 16th as the international release date for Abysmal Lord‘s highly anticipated second album, Exaltation of the Infernal Cabal, on CD and vinyl LP formats.

It’s been four long years since Abysmal Lord‘s cult debut album for Hells Headbangers, Disciples of the Inferno. In that time, the bestial metal resurgence has hit maximum occupancy, and each new pretender to the throne sadly waters down the atavistic power the subgenre once held, neutering the cruel ‘n’ caustic counterpoint bestial metal offers to the increasingly safe “black metal” scene. Also during that time, while Abysmal Lord have only delivered one scant recording – a split 7″ with equally stout bestial comrades Crurifragium, released last year via Hells Headbangers – the Louisiana natives haven’t sat idly by, taking to many a stage across the United States and unleashing their war command upon more and newer audiences.

Now, when “bestial metal” is arguably on life support, do Abysmal Lord return with their filthiest ‘n’ foulest creation, Exaltation of the Infernal Cabal. Not once betraying their original aims, so rudely and righteously portrayed across their Storms of Unholy Black Mass debut EP in 2014, Abysmal Lord simply stick to what they do best – utilizing the classic bestial metal schematic of OTT explosion and forward propulsion and then malforming it into morbid, miasmic shapes, always angular and antagonizing at every crooked turn – and deliver it with a fury and conviction that’s startling to behold. While no great changes have been made to that iron-clad aesthetic, if anything, Exaltation of the Infernal Cabal explodes with (and amazingly maintains) an urgency that somehow manages to revitalize the bestial metal idiom whilst following it to the rotten, black/white/red letter. And that’s to say nothing of the absolutely unhinged and frankly bonkers guitar soloing on display here; Abysmal Lord are truly exploring the most depraved depths of black/death.

A statement from the band reads: “The Abomination is born once again. Hail AntiMother, from whose foul loins drips the pestilence of mankind’s ruin. Come fiends and witches, Races of Jehovah’s Despair. Witness the pomp and fanfare of the victory procession and lose your soul in the Exaltation. Another pact is made over desecrated graves and rusted steel.”

The throne is corrupt; there steps forward Abysmal Lord, to assume their rightful place. Behold their Exaltation of the Infernal Cabal and tremble before unspeakable doom. And the US shall tremble soon, as Abysmal Lord have a grip of tour dates next month (dates after the jump). In the meantime, hear the new track “Scythe of Damnation” here:

Cover and tracklisting follows:

Tracklisting for Abysmal Lord’s Exaltation of the Infernal Cabal
1. The Exalted Killing (intro)
2. Monolith of Vengeance
3. Races of Jehovah’s Despair
4. Scythe of Damnation
5. Exaltation of the Infernal Cabal
6. Holy Incest
7. Preparing the Throne
8. Nuclear Absolution
9. Scars of Heresy
10. Scourge of Christ
upcoming ABYSMAL LORD tour dates
August 9 – Atlanta, GA @ 529
August 10 – Chattanooga, TN @ Sluggo’s
August 11 – Lexington, KY @ Al’s Bar
August 12 – St. Louis, MO @ Sinkhole
August 13 – Chicago, IL @ Livewire
August 14 – Detroit, MI @ Outer Limits
August 15 – Toronto, ON @ The Grand Gerrard
August 16 – Ottawa, ON @ Cafe Dekcuf
August 17 – Montreal, QC @ Brasserie Beaubien
August 18 – Providence, RI @ Dusk
August 19 – Somerville, MA @ Once Lounge
August 20 – Brooklyn, NY @ Lucky 13
August 21 – Philadelphia, PA @ Century
August 22 – Montclair, NJ @ Meatlocker
August 23 – Silver Spring, MD @ Amy Tex Mex Bar & Grill
August 24 – Richmond, VA @ Wonderland
www.hellsheadbangers.com
www.facebook.com/hellsheadbangers 

SADOKIST set release date for new HELLS HEADBANGERS album, reveal first track

Today, Hells Headbangers sets August 30th as the international release date for Sadokist‘s highly anticipated second album, Necrodual Dimension Funeral Storms, on CD and vinyl LP formats.

Sadokist formed in 2007 and have lurked deep in the fertile Finnish underground since 2007, brewing up demos that pronounced its foremost aims: the telltale Evil Sado Fuckin’ Metal in 2008 and 2010’s Horrors From Hell, with a split tape in between with comrades Black Angel fittingly titled Sadomatik Angel Attack. A couple more demos followed in 2012, and all this hard graft eventually culminated in the opus of obscurity now known as Thy Saviour’s Halo, Held by Horns, the band’scult-classic debt album from 2014. Deeply and reverently committed to their classic forebears – from the early Big Three of Teutonic thrash to the first explosions of filth from the ’80s South American underground, not to mention the almighty Bathory and Necrovore – Sadokist nevertheless exude an effervescent elan and caustic, careening charm that immediately put them well beyond mere “retro” retread. In fact, their youthful vibrancy put Thy Saviour’s Halo, Held by Horns over the hump of over-familiarity and into a realm populated by the likes of Nifelheim, Desaster, and Aura Noir, such is the strength of Sadokist‘s songwriting.

Now allied with longtime fans Hells Headbangers, Sadokist are prepared to unleash their second full-length nuclear detonation: Necrodual Dimension Funeral Storms. An intensification of Saviour’s Halo, Held by Horns in every way – more violence, more finesse, more speed, more ominousness, more of MORE – Necrodual Dimension Funeral Storms is a crude ‘n’ rude plunge deep into the depths of Satanic speed metal HELL. The album was recorded at the band’s rehearsal space and then finished at Megahammer’s home studio during 2017-2018; as such, it retains a touch of the caustic rawness of their debut album whilst exhibiting more clarity that thankfully doesn’t dampen their ever-burning fires. In fact, the pronounced up-ratcheting of execution brings their effervescent furiousness into greater focus, allowing these anthems to bring bountiful diabolism and a perverse joy to any listener infected with Sadokist‘ssalacious charm. Or, put another way: mandatory headbanging shall spill over into total and utter possession, and the effect shall be instantaneous as well as long-lasting.

Teetering on the edge of the abyss but exhibiting a mastery beyond compare, Sadokist shall lead you into Necrodual Dimension Funeral Storms. The first storm can be found with the new track “Beater of Children of God,” which can be heard here:

Cover and tracklisting follows:

Tracklisting for Sadokist’s Necrodual Dimension Funeral Storms
1. Intro – Nihil Return
2. Enter the Devil
3. Planet of Shit
4. Beater of Children of God
5. Intro – Death Erection
6. Driven by Disgust
7. I Will Fuck Tonight
8. Orgy ov Crime
9. Outro – Angel Lust
MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/sadokistband  
www.hellsheadbangers.com
www.facebook.com/hellsheadbangers 

GRABUNHOLD set release date for IRON BONEHEAD debut EP, reveal first track

Today, Iron Bonehead Productions sets September 20th as the international release date for Grabunhold‘s striking debut EP, Unter dem Banner der Toten, on CD and 12″ vinyl format.

Hailing from Germany, Grabunhold are ’90s black metal classicism incarnate. The quartet showed boundless promise with their first demo, Auf den Hügelgräberhöhen, in 2017, but it’s with their debut EP, Unter dem Banner der Toten, where Grabunhold really come into their own – and quickly. Comprising three central black metal tracks and a solemn instrumental, this swift ‘n’ spellbinding short-length references a whole host of timeless influences – beyond the wandering moon, an arising realm upon a shadowthrone, dark waters stirring at the dawn of the dying sun – but processes them in such an undeniably Teutonic, swords-drawn way that’s wholly their own, and wholly refreshing. It’s medieval madness run riot, and it’s riotously compelling.

And before you know it, the 18 minutes of Unter dem Banner der Toten are over and you’re fully in Grabunhold‘s thrall, pressing “play” yet again. Most magickal, that: the past is forever alive, consuming the present like an ouroboros.

Step forward into the jaws of that ouroboros with the new track “Gespenster” here:

Cover and tracklisting as follows:

Tracklisting for Grabunhold’s Unter dem Banner der Toten
1. Gespenster
2. Hexentanz
3. Von Gefallenen Helden und vergess
4. Grabunholde
MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/grabunhold

DEATHWHITE complete recordings for second album ‘Grave Image’

Enigmatic dark metal outfit DEATHWHITE have wrapped the recording process for their forthcoming second full-length album, ‘Grave Image’. The album was tracked in April and May at Cerebral Audio Productions under the watchful eye of Shane Mayer, with vocal tracking taking place at Mana Recording with engineer Art Paiz. The album was mixed by Mayer, with Dan Swanö taking care of the mastering process. 

The band comments: “The recording process for ‘Grave Image’ was seamless and enjoyable throughout, something we owe largely to the skills and expertise of those so kind to assist us in making this album a reality. In particular, we are indebted to Mr. Shane Mayer, whose production skills and congenial nature is second-to-none. The sonic jump between our 2018 album ‘For a Black Tomorrow’ and ‘Grave Image’ is quite evident, and we are eager to share its contents in the near future. We are not too fond of clichés or typical band-speak, but the songs on ‘Grave Image’ are heavier than anything we’ve created before, but also include a wealth of new elements, some surprising…some not.

Now that the album is in the proverbial can, we have turned our attention to its cover art and related materials. Further details — as well as release date — will be shared in due time.”
DEATHWHITE released their debut album ‘For A Black Tomorrow’ via Season of Mist in 2018 which can be listened to in full here! The artwork and details of the album can be viewed below.
Track-list
1. The Grace of the Dark (4:06)
2. Contrition (4:11)
3. Poisoned (4:56)
4. Just Remember (4:44)
5. Eden (4:13)
6. Dreaming the Inverse (5:01)
7. Death and the Master (6:25)
8. Prison of Thought (5:25)
9. For a Black Tomorrow (4:13) 
Total playing time: 43:26
American metal is often associated with its rather brutal side in Europe and often taken to involve the terms “death” and “core” by default. With their first album ‘For A Black Tomorrow’, DEATHWHITE masterly demonstrate that hard sounds from overseas can also be dark, emotional, and subtle. Although the Americans come with an already well matured style very much their own, some rough comparisons are offering a sketchy idea on which paths DEATHWHITE tread.
 
To say that they combine the melancholic depth of GHOST BRIGADE with a sense of drama that would fit MOONSPELL and a pinch of AMORPHIS for added taste is of course not fully correct, but might give suitable hints.

Formed in 2012, DEATHWHITE were created in part to follow on the path first explored by dark metal torchbearers such as ANATHEMA, KATATONIA, MY DYING BRIDE, and PARADISE LOST.

In 2014, the ‘Ethereal’ EP successfully established a template of melodic, clean vocals alongside melancholic, but heavy riffing. This debut created an early buzz within the metal underground that grew significantly with the following ‘Solitary Martyr’ EP (2015), which was hailed by critics as “thick with emotion” and “wonderfully engrossing”.

Backed by such praise, DEATHWHITE spent 2016 writing and recording their first full-length under the supervision of producer and engineer Shane Mayer. Listen and let ‘For A Black Tomorrow’ seduce you to delve deep into its enthralling darkness!

www.deathwhite.com
www.facebook.com/deathwhiteofficial

BRETUS set release date for new ORDO MCM album, reveal first track

Today, Ordo MCM sets September 27th as the North American release date for Bretus‘ highly anticipated fourth album, Aion Tetra, on CD and vinyl LP formats.

Formed in the year 2000, Bretus are cult figures in the Italian doom metal scene. Much like their loose ‘n’ lumbering music’s heaviness, the quartet are patient in their creations and are never in a rush, prizing quality over quantity. As such, their first public recording, Demo 2008, didn’t arrive until eight years after their formation. Ever since, they’ve stuck to this slow ‘n’ steady schedule, with a heavy whiff of stoner rock underlying their granite-thick doom metal foundation – altogether, a heady canvas for them to ruminate on supernatural horror and other Lovecraftian themes.

Alas, although it’s only been a couple years since their last full-length, the critically acclaimed …from the Twilight Zone, TOTAL DOOM arrives with Bretus‘ fourth album, Aion Tetra. Sweaty, swaggering, and more than a bit bluesy, Aion Tetra is sound of Bretus hitting a fever pitch of creativity. Almost effortlessly, the band unload one molten crusher after another, with each opening up to reveal new, deeper corridors to their signature sound. Within, despite the obvious world-eating weight, every one of the nine songs mesmerizes with spacey, spacious intent, dazzling the imagination with an array of otherworldly textures and territories. Of those territories, perhaps a cursory rundown of Aion Tetra’s attendant song titles suggest exactly where Bretus are going: “The City of Frost,” “The Third Mystic Eye,” “Deep Space Voodoo,” “Cosmic Crow,” and especially “Fields of Mars,” to name just a few.

Italian doom is some of the finest in the world. Whether already a convert or a first-time acolyte, Aion Tetra asserts Bretus‘ position among the best of the best.

Hear for yourself with the new tracks “Cosmic Crow” and “The City of Frost” here:

Cover and tracklisting as follows:

Tracklisting for Bretus’ Aion Tetra
1. The Third Mystic Eye
2. Priests of Chaos
3. Prisoner of the Night
4. Aion Tetra
5. Deep Space Voodoo
6. The Mark of Evil
7. Fields of Mars
8. Cosmic Crow
9. The City of Frost


MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/bretusdoom

War metal machine Cult of Extinction streams Iron Bonehead Debut

Today, war metal machine Cult of Extinction streams the entirety of its striking debut album, Ritual in the Absolute Absence of Light. Set for international release on July 19th via Iron Bonehead Productions, hear Cult of Extinction‘s Ritual in the Absolute Absence of Light in its entirety here:

The devastating force known as Cult of Extinction was evoked from the abyss in 2017 by sole member Void. Influenced by bands like Revenge, Blasphemy, and Proclamation, the goal was to create a merciless onslaught of pitch-black war metal with a mystical and eerie atmosphere. In 2018, the first demo Black Nuclear Magick Attack was released via Sentient Ruins and Atavism Records. Here, the songs were driven by a fascination with the infinite chaos of the cosmos and Void’s attempt to capture its destructive essence.

And indeed, with Ritual in the Absolute Absence of Light does Cult of Extinction accomplish that lofty goal. Utterly CRUSHING in its sonic excesses, uniquely, there exists a paradoxically ethereal feel across the album’s eight-song/33-minute span. It’s a savagely twisted disconnect that truly puts Cult of Extinction in a league of its own: undeniably “war metal” by definition, no longer is Void totally tethered to those aforementioned influences and instead creates a multi-dimensional maelstrom of inexorable might. Also of note are the hauntingly stretched-out lead-guitar parts, further exploring that ethereal-onto-crushing aspect. Consequently, the lyrics across Ritual in the Absolute Absence of Light are inspired by the dark forces of nature and propagate a total war against light.

Behold the triumph of darkness!

Cover art and tracklisting to follow:
Tracklisting for Cult of Extinction’s Ritual in the Absolute Absence of Light
1. Sacred Glorification of Pandemic Barbarity
2. Anti-Monad Black Hole Bomb
3. Blood of the Theurg
4. Inverted Henosis
5. Possessed by A Servant of Iblis
6. Emanated from the Cosmic Darkness
7. The Descent
8. Ritual in the Absolute Absence of Light
MORE INFO:
www.cultofextinction.bandcamp.com