ORDOXE make their Horror Pain Gore Death Productions debut with new album Towards Eternity. Formed in 1989, ORDOXE hail from Quebec (Canada) and perform melodic Black Metal with elements of Thrash, Death and Doom Metal. Towards Eternity is the fourth album in the ORDOXE catalog and delivers a fierce, judicious mix of dark arts, bliss, grim moods and evil ambiences.
For fans of BEHEMOTH, CRADLE OF FILTH, DARK FUNERAL, DESTROYER 666, DISSECTION, ENTHRONED, GOD DETHRONED, NAGLFAR, ROTTING CHRIST, and SATYRICON.
Track List:
1. We Are Eternal
2. The Auspicious One
3. Trépas I
4. Your Sorrow, My Sorrow
5. Sword Of Damocles
6. Soyez Illuminés
7. A Passage In Time
8. Trépas II
9. The Essence Of Life
10. Trépas III
The brand new Neige et Noirceur ALBUM “Verglapolis” will take you into the coldest and most desolate part of your essence.
Every track is a continuous flow between the most oppressive and cold black metal and melodies that seem to come from unknown and repetitive realities.
Slow-motion rhythms and haunting vocal melodies seemed to be emanated from some bleak cavernous subterranean chambers and create unique hypnotic atmospheres. Waves of disorienting sampling come and go, dotted with dragging beats and the harrowing integration of a choir’s howl.
This is pure despair just like the winter that cyclically holds us in.
1. Le monde est une foret noire
2. L’hiver de force
3. Nordet – Les premieres neiges
4. Pluie verglacante et brouillard de glace
5. Energie noire
6. Ruines electriques
New North Carolina/New Jersey Black Metal studio project, DECREPIT THRONE has released debut album Traitor’s Grave. Guitarist/multi-instrumentalist and North Carolinian Gregory Maupin joins New Jersey vocalist Ron Kaiser (BLASPHEMOUS) in offering seven iniquitous tracks of blackened fury wth influences inclusive of DISSECTION, DRUDKH, EMPEROR, DEATH, CELTIC FROST, and many others.
Maupin started DECREPIT THRONE after his last band mysteriously and abruptly came to an end. The focus is making dark music, rather than the drama in which so many local musicians drown themselves. Vocalist Ron Kaiser was kind enough to perform and write lyrics for DECREPIT THRONE.
The CD version of Traitor’s Grave will be available on April 10.
This week I spoke with the dudes from Florida Black Metal band the Noctambulant – if you are like me and love Melodic Black Metal do yourself a favor and check the band out – music video and streaming below!
Hey guys first off congrats on the album – I really love your style of black metal raw and full of energy but at the same time remaining very melodic
Thank you , very much . We take great pride in how our music shapes up.
* You guys are a lil older than some of the bands we speak to (like me, ha ha) How did you first get into black metal? Were you guys into stuff like Dio and Ozzy before Black metal came along?
Lars and D have been in the metal/punk scene since the 90s, so they have been rooted in heavy metal and early black metal .
Bathory, Venom , etc . Along with classics like Ozzy, Ratt, Voivod, etc
I (E.) Discovered black metal in the late 90s after being raised on classical music and 70s rock like Zepplin.
* I saw on your facebook page you guys name check bands like the Fields of Nephilim (one of Nergal from Behemoth’s favorite bands) and Sisters of Mercy.. do you think they accounts for your sense of melody in your music?
Definitely. Goth rock/post punk has had a huge influence on my song writing. Sisters of Mercy, the cure, fields of the nephilim all create melody and atmosphere with an almost minimalist approach. Really showing that sometimes less is more.
“The Florida black metal scene has some very strong bands. Black witchery , kult ov azazel , promethian horde”
* You guys are from Jacksonville Florida right? How’s the black metal scene down there? Why do you think Florida is such a stronghold for metal for the last 30+ years?
Jacksonville itself has a small, but reliable metal scene. The largest metal scenes are in Miami and Tampa, of course. So , while small, the Florida black metal scene has some very strong bands. Black witchery , kult ov azazel , promethian horde , etc .
* I know you guys have done a bit of touring so far? What’s been your favorite out of state place to play and why?
Grants pass, Oregon and Eureka , California have been some of the best shows. Small markets , but the best crowds. So much energy and passion.
* What are your thoughts on bands that tour as a full time job versus bands like Darkthrone who will probably never tour?
Each band has a different set of priorities and goals .What works for one , may not work for the other . So, while we would all love to tour full time and make a living at it, it doesn’t always work out .
* Have you guys played any of the major European metal festivals yet? If not what ones would you kill to play at?
Not yet. We are aiming to start breaking into the festival market this year. We’ve signed on with DSE marketing and have our sights set on Europe .
And of course the holy grail would be to play WACKEN. It’s been a goal since I started playing music
* I loved your video for the song Goddess – who shot that for you guys? Although the internet might have ruined the music business, the technology also made it far easier for smaller bands to make their own videos , what’s the feedback for the video been like so far?
Sam Farmer at Chance in Hell productions shot the video for us at Wolf’s museum of mystery in St. Augustine. He is a very talented videographer and I highly recommend him. As for the response, it’s been very positive . We have people bring it up at almost every show.
“Yes, we are tube purists at heart. We prefer to record on vintage fenders and hiwatt amps,”
* How did you record your latest album? Did you go to a pro studio or use a home set up which many bands prefer these days? What’s your take on digital recording technology? Digital amps etc or are you guys old school and still prefer tube amps, etc.
We recorded it in D’s home studio , and with today’s technology, it almost makes more sense for a smaller band .
And yes, we are tube purists at heart. We prefer to record on vintage fenders and hiwatt amps, though we have certainly used digital amps in the studio and on the road . The digital technology nowadays has really progressed to the point it’s a viable option.
* The name The Noctambulant is really cool – how did you guys come up with this name?
I took Latin for many years in school , and when I started listening to Immortal , they use the term noctambulant alot in their music . I love the imagery of the night walker (the noctambulant is Latin for night walker ) and the name took off.
* You guys sing about the occult a lot are any of the band practicing pagans – if so what path? Any strange experiences you care to share?
For some members of the band, it’s an academic interest. For others , it’s a calling and a path . We have certain pre show rituals that were started as an experiment to see what we could use to enhance our performance and our show. But after we performed it , every time after if we didn’t, something went wrong . Strings broke. Technical issues. Etc .
So now it’s a must . The demons must be satisfied.
“We have a philosophy . If you aren’t making progress , you’re going backwards. And we refuse to go backwards.”
* What can we expect from The Noctambulant for the rest of 2017?
We have a new album in the works now , in a addition to talks of a south American and European tour. We have a philosophy . If you aren’t making progress , you’re going backwards. And we refuse to go backwards.
* Any final words?
We genuinly appreciate everyone who enjoys our music , comes to our shows and helps us create the experience we strive to share.
Born on the ashes of a previous obscure project, LVX HÆRESIS began in MMXIII with DH (Vocals and Guitars) and W (Bass). Quickly the duo progressed into as same spiritual and artistic path as the former project. Later, N (Drums) joins the covenant, and with this line-up they released a self-produced Single limited to 200 pieces. This single received good returns consulting the path that the horde took.
Six months later, V (Guitars) and III (Guitars) joined the band and took part on the composition of the next album, retreating themselves in studio to record their future LP “Descensŭs Spīrĭtŭs“, scheduled to be released under Atavism Records.
The coven played their first gig on the 13th of May (2016) with Temple of Baal and Déluge. Since then, Lvx Hæresis shared the stage with bands like Regarde les Hommes Tomber, Svart Crown and Malepeste. And very recently on 13th april, they opened the gig for Dark Funeral.
The band is oriented in a ritualistic and hypnotic Black Metal devoted to the occult worlds in the vain of artists such as Mortuus, Ondskapt or Funeral Mist. The formation is a strong entity of one only soul, driven in the same direction. Black metal has magnificently developed in terms of both music and spiritual direction over the last decade, and Lvx Hæresis is great addition amongst those very few bands who are precisely having strong spiritual path as well as phenomenal musicianship. Organic production, devilish vocal, appropriate drumming, dark bass tone, death evoking riffs — existence of these feature showcase the caliber of the musicianship.
SHINING have released a video teaser for an arthouse documentary feat. Niklas Kvarforth, entitled “Cold Void”. The notorious founder of the Swedish black metal act is the focal point of a new movie. The documentary tries to capture a personal portrait of Niklas Kvarforth, who has made headlines that have involved addiction, suicide and self-destruction, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, passion, and exceptional musicianship. The project was undertaken by arthouse producer Claudio Marino and his film production company Artax Film.
“Cold Void” is scheduled for release in autumn. More information about Artax Film can be found at this link: www.artaxfilm.com
Claudio Marino states that “Cold Void” is a film for anyone interested in life stories, and was not made with the intention of pandering to SHINING’s fans. It is very much a personal journey, bringing a much-needed clarity and lack of sensationalism to the subject of Niklas Kvarforth.
He also comments: “I’ve known about Niklas and his music for a long time. His story interested me and I wanted to know more about him as a person. I did some research and we got in contact. I showed him my documentary trilogy ‘Blood and Spirit’ and he was interested in working with me. We got along from the start and he proved to be very cooperative. He was brutally honest, and never left any of my questions unanswered.”
Claudio Marino is known for his documentary “Blood and Spirit”, a trilogy about three different artists who live for their art, a tattoo artist, an mixed martial arts fighter, and a Satanist, who happened to be Erik Danielsson from WATAIN
SHINING are embarking on their first headlining tour in the US today. Co-headlining will be label mates REVENGE. All currently confirmed dates including a performance at Germany’s With Foll Force Open Air can be viewed below
SHINING US Tour
+REVENGE
05 May 17 Baltimore, MD (US) Sparta Inn
06 May 17 Trenton. NJ (US) Backstage at Championship Bar
07 May 17 Quebec (CA) L’anti Bar
08 May 17 Montreal, QC (CA) Theatre Fairmount
09 May 17 Toronto, ON (CA) The Garrison
10 May 17 Detroit, MI (US) Harpo’s
11 May 17 Chicago, IL (US) Reggie’s
12 May 17 Kansas City, MO (US) Riot Room
14 May 17 Boise, ID (US) The Shredder
15 May 17 Vancouver, BC (CA) The Red Room (without Revenge)
16 May 17 Seattle, WA (US) Studio Seven
17 May 17 Portland, OR (US) Tonic Lounge
18 May 17 Oakland, CA (US) Metro Opera House
19 May 17 Las Vegas, NV (US) Adrenaline
20 May 17 Los Angeles, CA (US) Complex
21 May 17 Phoenix, AZ (US) Joe’s Grotto
23 May 17 Austin, TX (US) Grizzly Hall
24 May 17 Fort Worth, TX (US) Rail Club
SHINING are more than just a band. In fact each release, every concert and interview becomes a bloody battleground, on which Niklas Kvarforth struggles with his inner demons. The frontman and only remaining original member has never been shy to let the world know about his mental afflictions, which seem to complement or even spark his outstanding talent as a composer and musician. His ninth album, ‘IX – Everyone, Everything, Everywhere, Ends’ is another excellent example of Niklas’ genius. Reaching back to their black metal roots, SHINING simultaneously melt eclectic influences from progressive rock, jazz, even pop and more into deeply emotional laments from the dark side of the soul. Niklas’ vocals come in an even greater variety of expressions which few would suspect in a singer coming from the extreme metal scene. Moments of pain and confusion turn into insane outbursts of anger. Despair shifts into melancholy and an eerie sense of timeless beauty permeates all. Lacking any tolerance for false tuning, technical flaws and lack of ambition, Niklas has literally beaten any weakness out of his band, which demonstrates its remarkable prowess far beyond any average on this record. Founded in 1996 by Kvarforth, SHINING self-released ‘Submit to Self-Destruction’ in 1998 and spawned the term “suicidal black metal” with this debut 7″. A couple years after first full-length ‘I – Within Deep Dark Chambers’ (2000) and sophomore album ‘II – Livets Ändhållplats’ (2001) had cut deep marks into the underground scene, Niklas replaced his whole crew and started a continuous cycle of changing his line-up. With MAYHEM drummer Hellhammer on board, ‘III – Angst’ (2003) and ‘IV – The Eerie Cold’ (2005) began to gather major metal press attention. SHINING then focused on bringing their vision and often controversially received live performances to Europe. Yet Kvarforth’s mental health led to cancelled tours, physical and psychological fights within the band, and finally a break-up. Not content to let things rest after the breakdown, the restless singer returned with new members and the massively successful album ‘V – Halmstad’ (2007). SHINING had reached headliner status and toured with big acts such as SATYRICON and MAYHEM. Several line-up changes later, the Swede once again entered studio and recorded two albums in one session. ‘VI – Klagopsalmer’ was released in 2009 and two years later ‘VII – Född Förlorare’ darkened the light of day. The band also received their first gold disc for the single ‘Förtvivlan, Min Arvedel’ in Sweden. After rotating more musicians in and out, SHINING returned with ‘Redefining Darkness’ (2012) and a less aggressive, yet more sinister sound. Before signing to Season of Mist, the band released the project ‘8 ½ – Feberdrömmar I Vaket Tillstånd’, which featured six of Kvarforth’s favourite vocalists. In August 2014, SHINING entered Andy LaRocque’s Sonic Train Studios to record their ninth album. ‘IX – Everyone, Everything, Everywhere, Ends’ is the sum of Niklas Kvarforth’s musical evolution and experience so far. And while nobody expects the Swede to deliver a record to booze and sing along to, the charged word “art” enters the mind unbidden. This masterpiece should interest lovers of music far beyond the narrow confines of extreme metal. Plug your headphones in and find out for yourself!
Current line-up
Niklas Kvarforth – vocals
Peter Huss – guitars
Euge Valovirta – guitars
Marcus Hammarström – bass
Jarle Byberg – drums
Formed in 2014, Australia’s Earth Rot has wasted no time in spreading their venomous blend of black and death metal and released a four-track EP titled “Dirt” that same year, followed by their debut full-length “The Black Smoke” merely six months later. Both releases stunned the underground scene, showcasing the same energy and hunger of a pack of dingoes hunting in Australian desert. Such great reactions opened a few doors for the Perth-based four-piece group and offered them the chance to tour across Australia, Asia and even Europe, where they opened for Aversions Crown and Thy Art Is Murder.
In 2016, the group issued a new EP titled “Chthonian Virtues” to great critical acclaim, No Clean Singing for instance said “Chthonian Virtues houses five songs, and while it’s true that they’re all indeed trying to kill you, listening to them is an exhilarating experience for other reasons besides that one.”
Now just one year later, Earth Rot returns with their second full-length album “Renascentia”, which sees the Australian four-piece further honing and sharpening their crushing and vicious blackened death-metal attack. Recorded by Sam Allen and Jared Bridgeman at Electric City Studios, Western Australia, mixed by Erik Rutan (Cannibal Corpse, Goatwhore, Hate Eternal, Morbid Angel) at Mana Recording Studios, Florida, “Renascentia” features the same pummelling aggression that Earth Rot have been inflicting their listeners since their first EP, 2014’s “Dirt”, but also offers some new and refreshing ideas, like for instance, the saxophone played by Shining’s Jørgen Munkeby on the track “The Bones That Lay Beneath The Earth”.
Ultimately, “Renascentia” is clearly destined to be hailed as one of the best death metal releases of 2017.
THE PROJECTIONIST, black metal band from Canada, formed and fronted by Lord Matzikeitus (ex-Idolatry) has recently released their 2nd full length “Exalted Solitude” via Appalachian Noise Records & The True Plague Records;
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.
Testimony from the Vocalist, Lord Matzigkeitus:
“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 Malphas bludgeon True cultists with eloquent savagery and indomitable power.”
The Projectionist
Exalted Solitude
(Full Length)
Location: Canada
Release Date: 20 Apr, 2017
Label: Appalachian Noise Records & The True Plague Records
Format: CD & Digital
Track – List:
1. 11 Strikes to Incite Incurable Silences
2. Suckling a Most Hateful Claustrum
3. Ineffable Inner Void
4. Oubliette Threnodies
5.If Erased, So Fertile Ought
6. Draw Away
7. Chapel of Astaroth
8. Zarathustra Within
9. Sleepless Witching Curse
10.Harpy Whispers Malice (The Regent’s Downfall)
MERRIMACK are now revealing the second crushing song taken from their forthcoming fifth full-length, which bears the title ‘Omegaphilia’ and will be released on June 9th.
MERRIMACK comment: “Our will to create a record that is more rooted in the 90’s era of black metal becomes pretty obvious on ‘The Falsified Son’, which is a straight forward and simple track. Our typical lead guitars, the slightly dissonant end, the addition of a guitar solo, and the mid-tempo middle break make it a strong tune, which has proved to be very well received at our latest live performances. The lyrics deal with the way of life that we have chosen and its consequences – with black metal (which is mentioned in the song) being an immense part of it.”
MERRIMACK have previously unveiled the cover art (by Dehn Sora) and track-list of ‘Omegaphilia’, which can both be viewed below.
Track-list
1. Cauterizing Cosmos
2. The Falsified Son
3. Apophatic Weaponry
4. Gutters of Pain
5. Sights in the Abysmal Lure
6. Cesspool Coronation
7. At the Vanguard of Deception
Musicians as any artists can be roughly categorised into different groups by their approach to composing. There are those for example, who come with restless souls and always try to find new ways and break into uncharted territories. Others prefer to evolve within a certain genre, driven by a desire to hone their skills and striving to bring their art to perfection. MERRIMACK as black metal traditionalists obviously belong to the latter circle and their fifth full-length with the apocalyptic title ‘Omegaphilia’ is an impressive demonstration of how far the French band has matured.
MERRIMACK are breathing fresh life into an exhausted genre, not by heaping up epithets such as progressive, post-, and avant-garde, but by razor-sharp songwriting, captivating melodies, and close to perfect arrangements. ‘Omegaphilia’ achieves excellence through hard work and experience that shows through on every single song.
MERRIMACK were founded by guitarist Perversifier in 1994 with a clear vision to keep the black metal flame burning as an act of aesthetic terrorism – as adamantly based in the underground as opposed to any attempts to co-opt, commercialise, or turn the style into a self-parody.
With a number of demo recordings (‘Prologue’ – 1995, ‘Act 1’ – 1995, ‘Horns Defeat Thorns’ – 2001) and split releases (with Hirilorn in 1998 and Sargeist in 2002), the French gained respect in the scene by remaining true to their words. Although MERRIMACK decided to reach out to a larger audience with the release of their first full-length ‘Ashes of Purification’ (2002), the Parisians did not sever their roots with the underground at any time.
‘Of Entropy and Life Denial’ (2006) and ‘Grey Rigorism’ (2009) followed and witnessed MERRIMACK closing ranks with the most influential, active, and authentic acts of the French black metal scene. Their classic combination of harsh sound with epic structures appealed to critics and fans alike and put the band on their celebrated first US tour with MARDUK and NACHTMYSTIUM in 2009.
Following the recording of ‘The Acausal Mass’ (2012) again in the legendary Necromorbus Studio (WATAIN, DESTRÖYER 666), MERRIMACK embarked on a European tour with Norwegian icons MAYHEM and accepted invitations to prestigious festivals such as Hellfest in their native France, Germany’s Party-San Open Air and Summer Breeze and Montreal’s Messe des Morts in Canada.
Having firmly established their black name and message around the globe, MERRIMACK are setting a bold exclamation mark with ‘Omegaphilia’. Be warned, this album is determined to remain in your playlist for a long time.
Guest musicians
Aldrahn – vocals on “Cesspool Coronation”
Frater Stephane (NKRT) – rituals on “Cauterizing Cosmos”
The Chorale of Cachan – choir on “At the Vanguard of Deception”
Recording, mix, mastering: Andrew Guillotin at Hybreed Studios, France
LEGACY OF EMPTINESS was originally started by Eddie and Kjell-Ivar as a tongue in cheek BM-project called Permafrost back in 1995. A few years later, Øyvind joined on keyboards and the band recorded a couple of demos with this lineup and left the project to bleed out in the early 00’s.
In 2010, the band came together and decided that the songs they had left years ago were too good to be left behind, and thus decided to record them properly for,once again, for their own amusement. The result was the self titled debut album containing 5 old tracks and one brand new; it was released in 2011.
The band is unveiling their new chapter as they are to release their sophomore full length ‘’OVER THE PAST’’ via Black Lion Records. All splendidly mixed and mastered by Dan Swanö, one of the biggest inspirations of the band. Dan Swanö even performed Lead guitar on ‘Evening Star’, final track from the album.
There is no real lyrical concept on this album other than the usual suspects like darkness,hopelessness,void and the odd historical moments. Musically it’s the opposite of what the band did on their debut. This time all songs are brand new except for one that they brought along from the 90’s, heavily reworked. The cover artwork is based on the song ‘Four Hundred Years’ wich is about the ‘night of the four hundred years’ that is a description of the years Norway were ruled by foreign kings. The artist,Alex Tartsus,really caught the nerve in the lyrics and created this masterpiece.
The 09 track album is a journey towards the fantasy realm, where darkness and melody equally reign together.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: To the fans of Carach Angren, Limbonic Art, Dimmu Borgir (Old) etc.
Track – List:
1. Reminisce
2. Despair
3. Angelmaker
4. Into The Eternal Pits Of Nothingness
5. Drawn By Nightmares
6. There -was A Man
7. Four Hundred Years
8. Transition
9. Evening Star
Additional vocals on ‘Drawn By Nightmares’ performed by Jesse M. Jolly.
Lead guitar on ‘Evening Star’ performed by Dan Swanö.
Banjo on ‘Despair’ performed by Geir Emanuelsen.
Mixed and mastered by Dan Swanö at Unisound Studios, winter/spring 2017.
Artwork created by Alex Tartsus.
