Ungraved Apparition is a dark metal unit from Ekaterinburg, Russia. It was founded in late 2014 by three members of Micky Babossa (guitar), Paul Kas (drums), and Leon Kratt (bass guitar). In the process of creating the material, the musicians felt the need for a powerful and heavier sound, thus in August 2015 Bones Taker joined them as the second guitar, mainly for playing the solos. Accompanying him was Damned for the role of the vocalist.
By the beginning of 2016, having formed a concert program and having removed the clip “Гнилостные бактерии”, Ungraved Apparition conducted a series of concerts in the cities of Russia. Since 2016, the musicians entered the studio to record a studio album. The main idea behind the album was the merging of two worlds: the world of depression and despair from incurable diseases, the sadism of bloody surgery experiments; And the afterlife, inhabited by the suffering souls of the dead people, the chilling horror of which is squeezed by convulsive cries in the throat.
Utilizing crushing heavy riffs interlaced with more melodic sections to create an environment of decay, spearheaded by a ghastly vocal attack, the band achieve their goal with aggression as well as atmosphere. PULSE_0 is a single concept of how musicians see the inner world of a person and his desperate struggle for every minute of life.
IMPURE WILHELMINA are premiering the first track taken from their new album, ‘Radiation’, which has been slated for release on July 7th
Regarding the new song, IMPURE WILHELMINA comment: “We have chosen the opening track ‘Great Falls beyond Death’ of our new full-length entitled ‘Radiation’ for the first premiere. The song starts with an easy melody line and a massive guitar that both evolve into a more dark and twisted tune. The vocals grow steadily more epic until the song coalesces into its melancholic finale – evoking fatalism, fanaticism, ignorance, and the fear of death. We see it as a perfect way to start the journey towards our new album – to take-off and then fall through an uncharted musical radiation.”
IMPURE WILHELMINA are furthermore revealing artwork and track-list of ‘Radiation’, which can both be viewed below.
1. Great Falls beyond Death (4:49)
2. Sacred Fire (5:22)
3. Child (5:28)
4. Torn (4:51)
5. We Need a New Sun (6:46)
6. Meaningless Memories (6:00)
7. Bones and Heart (4:37)
8. By Ravens and Flies (6:18)
9. Murderers (5:43)
10. Race with You (6:35)
The musical amalgamation of metal and melancholia is somewhat of an oxymoron, yet the doom sub-genre is thriving exactly on the tension created by this seeming contradiction. It is therefore an easy temptation to pigeon-hole ‘Radiation’ into that category, but that would constitute a severe injustice to the sixth full-length of IMPURE WILHELMINA.
The darkness of the soul that unfolds on ‘Radiation’ is feeding from many sources. Although they originally started out on a post-core flow, the Swiss have continuously drifted to a more rock based course, on which they are staying. Their forthcoming album finds some obvious points of reference such as later KATATONIA, PARADISE LOST and TIAMAT in their ability to create sublime melodic elegance. Yet there are also more obscure undercurrents such as a fearless embrace of dissonance and raw emotionality embodied by the stylistically quite different JOY DIVISION.
IMPURE WILHELMINA have been creating music on the border between rock and metal for over 20 years. Founded by vocalist and guitarist Michael Schindl and his brother David on drums in 1996, the band from Geneva made a strong impact with their self-released debut album ‘Afraid’ (1999), which saw the Swiss being regarded on the same level with compatriots such as NOSTROMO and KNUT from the local metallic hardcore scene.
During the next years, the line-up of IMPURE WILHELMINA underwent many changes, while revolving around main composer and lyricist Michael Schindl. These creative encounters allowed the band to endlessly rethink their direction and turn each of their albums into a singular piece, while keeping a unique touch, mixing intensity, heaviness, melody and melancholy.
IMPURE WILHELMINA released a self-titled 7″ in 1996, the ‘Undressing Your Soul’ EP in 1998, a split EP with ORDEAL in 2001, and five full-lengths so far. The critically acclaimed ‘I Can’t Believe I Was Born in July’ (2003) and ‘L’amour, la mort, l’enfance perdue’ (2005) have been viewed as key albums regarding the band’s style, while ‘Prayers and Arsons’ (2008) marked a new step in their evolution with the inclusion of more rock elements.
Not resting on their laurels, IMPURE WILHELMINA generated much enthusiasm and surprise with their recently released full-length ‘Black Honey’, which was first released on vinyl in 2014 and followed by a CD in 2015. This album features more prominent and clean singing. Overall less aggressive, ‘Black Honey’ boosts emotional intensity and melodic atmospheres, while revealing multiple new facets of the band.
Over the years, IMPURE WILHELMINA have garnered an excellent reputation as a particularly strong live entity and shared stages with illustrious groups such as NEUROSIS, ENTOMBED, THE OCEAN, GOJIRA, ISIS, ZATOKREV, and KRUGER.
With ‘Radiation’, IMPURE WILHELMINA have created an album that invites the listener to explore and discover new hidden treasures with every spin. Welcome to this journey into uncharted musical lands…
Line-up
Michael Schindl: guitar, vocals
Diogo Almeida: guitar
Sebastien Dutruel: bass
Mario Togni: drums
Long awaited 2nd full length of Turkey’s one of the earliest black metal band The Sarcophagus has finally got out. First release of the band after Niklas Kvarforth of Shining had left the band.
The sophomore full length, “Beyond This World’s Illusion” interconnected with dark mysteries of the ancient earth, arrays the crafty aesthetics of second wave black metal and the ferocious raw atmosphere at the same time. With their bewitching dark melody driven black metal music, The Sarcophagus are ready to take you to the realm of the medieval darkness.
Like the striking cover artwork by Paolo Girardi, Beyond This World’s Illusion inhabits the comforting ruins of ’90s extreme metal while introducing new horrors. ——–DECIBEL
We are linked to the roots, and ’90s black metal has a big influence on our music. It is very clear that as years pass and Black Metal becomes very popular it strays further away from its occult character. Black metal is not only a music genre, but a dark spiritual expression touching the soul. ———– Burak Sümer (Guitar/Synth)
Track-List
01. Reign Of Chaos
02. Ain Sof
03. Dymadiel
04. The Profanity Rites
05. Sapremia Of Earthly Creatures
06. Triumphant Divine Terror
07. Armoured Death
08. Flaming Key To Divine Wisdom
09. Apocalyptic Beast
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Total Running Time: 45:51
Initiated from Tomsk, Russia during December, 2007, Funeral Tears is the solo Funeral Doom project of Nikolay Seredov (leader of bands like Стахановцы [Stakhanovite] and Taiga). Dark melodic music and lyrics convey the inner state of Nikolay at different periods of life, the struggle for spiritual balance, at war with himself for only purpose – to find his own eternal peace. With two grief-stricken full lengths and a split with Poyezd Rodina, Funeral Tears has made their place in the realm of underground Funeral Doom Metal.
The third full-length of Funeral Tears, “Beyond The Horizon”, clocking in at near an hour, creates the aura of getting buried into the grave of intense depression. Prepare to be crushed amongst the gloomy passages of 06 unadulterated Funeral Doom tracks.
“Beyond the Horizon”, the title track of the album,exhibits despondent melodies, slow yet heavy riffs, and wide range of vocal craftsmanship including scream, growl and spoken words within its over 09 minute duration. Thematically, the track is about the limitation of ours in terms of finding the truth; we can’t get beyond the horizon and and can’t find the truth from within. The only thing left for us is to live, and we will only be free when we will die.
The Projectionist (previously known as Lord Matzigkeitus), was initiated by the frontman Lord Matzigkeitus (Ex – Idolatry). He was soon joined by comrades from some other diabolic acts including Vile Insignia, Unrest, Ov Enochian, Belchior etc, however the lineup has continued to change. The music is centered on themes of hatred and isolation, to evoke new unexplored domains of intellectual fury and bleakness in black metal with complete despotic will poured over its endeavors.
Beginning their warpath in 2016, they released a full length and EP, entitled “Poisonous Disengagement” and “The GallowForest Eulogy” respectively, which attacked listeners with ghoulish screams and mournful yet ultimately violent guitar work, gaining good reviews in the process. Exalted Solitude is the Projectionist’s next phase in evolution. Refined and despotically black. Here, the ramparts of hell are fully manned and blotting out the sun with hateful arrows. Meant to vanguard the tortured isolation of Satanic rule. Lord Matzigkeitus, Parageist and new drummer Malphas bludgeon True cultists with eloquent savagery and indominable power.
With lavish artwork by Sang Ho Moon and Jan Pysander Whitney, and a guest guitar track by Christopher Hernandez of Xasthur. Out April 20th on Appalachian Noise Records and The True Plague Records jointly.
LAVA INVOCATOR is a mystical black metal formation from Ukraine, the idea of which originated in the small Swedish town of Lund, near Malmö… Dark storm clouds over the Öresund strait, black rocks, high forests and whispers of mysticism mixed in an infernal whirlwind of emotions – so originated the concept of the band.
The band was founded in 2015 by members of another Ukrainian black metal band DEF / LIGHT, after which the team immediately began partaking in concert activities. Infrequent, but with powerful and atmospheric performances, the band quickly won the minds of the circle of audiences, the red-hot lava was deeply ingested and filled among the souls of metalheads. The sound of LAVA INVOCATOR is a dense and verified alloy of iron and steel – tough and uncompromising, and at the same time melodic and atmospheric.
“Mörk” (from Swedish – “Dark”) is the debut work of the band. With the 07 nefarious tracks, the generated music of this album walk the pathway of the traditional black metal, inspired by such icons of the genre such as Dissection, Mayhem, Dark Funeral, Ulver, Darkthrone etc. The presence of both malicious ferocity and dismal aura of black metal can be descried.
The Band Stated
“The album is conceptual in essence and puts the listeners in the picture of the story of an intangible essence, which is dark and gloomy in nature”
Pennsylvania Black Metal band Dumal have released a new song on Youtube today , “Devour the child” an exclusive single recorded for the “Black Disc” and available via Omega Magazine issue #4 limited to 200 copies worldwide.
They are also pleased to announce they will be playing legendary NYC venue St Vitus in Brooklyn supporting Finnish Black Metal legends Behexen on June 5th
NETHERBIRD sprung into existence October 30th 2004 in Stockholm, Sweden when Nephente, Bizmark and Grim decided to start collaborating. The was goal was to create harsh metal with influences from both black and death metal without any regard or limitation when it comes to style or even line up. Since their journey began, the band has released four well-received albums featuring guest appearances from members of At the Gates, Katatonia, Lord Belial, Dissection, among others.
A broad retrospective of all rarities, covers and non-album tracks throughout Netherbird history, Hymns from Realms Yonder is a must-have for every collector. Tunes that were once available as digital releases only have now been gathered into one CD summarizing the band’s creative journey through the first decade of its existence. Written and recorded during different session and lineups, these songs present a staggering sonic rollercoaster when it comes to their sound, tone and atmosphere, at the same time remaining recognizable and keeping all the distinctive elements that made Netherbird who they are today.
Original tunes (single b-sides as well as limited EP’s material) are neighboured by several cover versions of renowned classics of metal and obscure alternative, including Annihilator, Paradise Lost, and Sentenced. Vika Yermolyeva’s masterpiece piano rendition of Pillars of the Sky is definitely a rare gem to crown the album. The release is scheduled for the 7th of April, 2017, via Black Lodge Records.
Greek cinematic progressive metal project releases concept album “Entropia”
Greek symphonic progressive metal band QUADRUS, were formed by panist/guitarist and composer John Galanakis in the summer of 2014. John Galanakis immediately began working on the compositions and orchestrations for what was to be the band’s debut album, “Entropia” and he was lucky enough to quickly find other like-minded and accomplished musicians as partners (and eventually fellow band members) so as to complete his ideas and record them.
“Entropia” is a concept album dealing with mankind’s history as well as the endless cycle of the interdependence between humanity and the universe. The answers to such burning questions as “how did it all begin?”, “what brought about our downfall?”, “what is the meaning of life?” as well as others, are all well hidden inside the album allowing the listener to judge as well as interpret a deeper meaning, basing it on their own understanding and knowledge concerning the world.
The album features some of the finest musicianship, both in terms of song-writing as well as performance. With beautiful orchestrations and cinematic songs, progressive rhythms and operatic vocals as well as male and female vocals, sprinkled with some brutal singing, all fused together nicely, while each managing to perform a distinctive role. These are all elements that give a somewhat theatrical character to the album and guarantee to maintain the listener’s interest until the very end.
“Entropia” features two notable guest appearances: guitarist George Constantine Kratsas (MANHATTAN PROJECT) and vocalist Iliana Tsakiraki (ENEMY OF REALITY) and it is set for release on April 14th on CD and digital. Pre-orders are now available directly from the band.
Watch the lyric video for “Deceptive Projection”
QUADRUS line-up:
ALEXANDRA MISAILIDOU: Female Vocals, Choirs
JON SOTI: Male Vocals
JOHN GALANAKIS: Guitars, Orchestras, Brutal & Clean Vocals
MARIOS KONNARIS: Lead Guitars
JOHN SOTIRAKIS: Bass Guitars
NIKITAS MANDOLAS: Drums
“Entropia” track listing:
CHAPTER 1 (Born – Fear, Anger, Doubt)
1 Astral Nova (Intro)
2 Shadow Provision
3 The Alpha Origin
4 Sense of Matter
CHAPTER 2 (Living – Deception, Guilt, Sadness)
5 Alternative Hypothesis (Interlude)
6 Deceptive Projection
7 Attribution Theory
8 Aggression
CHAPTER 3 (End of Circle – Redemption – New beginning)
9 Entropia (The Final Chapter)
Part I: Atom
Part II: Epiphany
Part III: Kosmos
Part IV: Shadow light Spirituality
Part V: Justification
Part VI: Elevation
Part VII:Redemption
Turkey’s one of the earliest black metal band The Sarcophagus was formed by Burak Sümer in 1996. At the beginning of 1997, the band released the first demo “Pagan Storm”, which was followed by an EP “Infernal Hordes of The Ancient Times”. In 2009, Niklas Kvarforth from Shining and Ozan Yıldırım from Raven Woods joined the band and The Sarcophagus signed with Osmose Productions for 7” ep “Hate Cult” and debut album “Towards The Eternal Chaos”. The new style was a little bit away from the earlier melodic black metal materials. Thus, The Sarcophagus had become more aggressive with the participation of Niklas Kvarforth. Both of the releases from Osmose Productions saw the light of very positive responses from the audiences and critics.
A couple of years later, Niklas decided to quit from all his other side projects to focus on Shining. With this decision, Morkbeast from Russian black metal band Todestriebe joined the band as the new vocalist and then after 7 long years, The Sarcophagus recorded a new album called “Beyond This World’s Illusion” in 2016 including 9 tracks to keep spreading the disease!
The track “Reign Of Chaos” is the opening track of the album, enshrouded with the harrowing riffs and endless melodies.
The Band Stated:
Beyond this physical world, behind the curtains of this illusion, there is a timeless and formless darkness rises… And this is The Reign of Chaos
LEGACY (Ger) has exclusively streamed the lyric video of the track, which can be found at this location
Track-List
01. Reign Of Chaos
02. Ain Sof
03. Dymadiel
04. The Profanity Rites
05. Sapremia Of Earthly Creatures
06. Triumphant Divine Terror
07. Armoured Death
08. Flaming Key To Divine Wisdom
09. Apocalyptic Beast
