Post-black metal band DELIRIA have released a visualizer for their spectral new album Phantasm, released May 3, 2024.
The band comments, “We are thrilled that Phantasm is now available. The album reflects darkness and struggle, and this time we bring a more focused, ghostly approach. All of the time we spent tracking this shines through, all the guitars we used on the recording (amongst others a ’72 Gibson SG) and the LPs came out amazing. From the spectral artwork to the reverb soaked melodies, the album delivers a haunting atmosphere. Celebrating with our recent album release show was truly unforgettable.“
Stream the visualizer for Phantasm here:
About DELIRIA: DELIRIA is an evocative post-black metal band from the San Francisco Bay Area formed in 2017 by David Scanlon (DAWN OF OUROBOROS). A fundamental critique of consciousness, the band crafts ordinary life in endogenous melancholia. Quickly joined by vocalist Adam Rupp (KILL THE MESSENGER), the duo sought drummer Jared Klein (RIVERS OF NIHIL) to record their debut album, Nausea.
Inspired by existential dread, Rupp’s tortured misery and Scanlon’s somber melodies coalesce in bleak pessimism and gloomy aurorae. In 2018, the additions of guitarist Brent Rockwell (THE UNDYING) and Jade Forsythe (EMBRIUM) secured a live lineup, with DELIRIA performing alongside acts such as TYR, ULCERATE, and THE ZENITH PASSAGE.
The band re-entered the studio in 2020 to record their second full-length album, Phantasm. Bolstered by Andrew Baird (FALLUJAH) on drums, DELIRIA expands its melancholic approach, this time highlighting its morbid and occult arrangements. DELIRIA’s current lineup features the addition of drummer Brandon Clevenstine (SYMBOLIK). Together the quintet has gathered enthusiasm among fans of their influences, such as KATATONIA, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, and FIELDS FO THE NEPHILIM.
Band Lineup: Vocals: Adam Rupp (KILL THE MESSENGER) Guitar: David Scanlon (DAWN OF OUROBOROS) Guitar: Brent Rockwell (THE UNDYING) Bass: Jade Forsythe (EMBRIUM) Drums: Brandon Clevenstine (SYMBOLIK)
On May 9th internationally, W.T.C.Productions releases Sotherion‘s highly anticipated debut album, Vermine.
Spawned by the mind of infamous composer BST (Aosoth, The Order of Apollyon) in total isolation, in the midst of the first lockdown of 2020, Sotherion is a one-man project paying homage to the late ‘80s and early ‘90s second wave of black metal. Inspired by disgust for the modern world and its deification of mediocrity and glorification of rats, and motivated by a search for old ways of recording razor-sharp guitars and low-pulsing kick drums, the debut demo Schwarmgeist came to be in a heartbeat, acting as a beacon for what was next to come.
A contract was made with W.T.C. Productions, and work began shortly after within the depths of the infamous BST Studio to sculpt and breathe the stench of death into a humble monument to the old scene, resulting in a full-length record entitled Vermine. Across the continual curse of the year 2022, Sotherion displays its full powers – and full vision – between Schwarmgeist and now Vermine. BST’s renown certainly precedes him, but Sotherion is surely his most personal work yet.
A punishing and pestilent experience, Vermine encompasses 10 tracks across 44 minutes. “The creative process leading to this album was centered around a type of sound, first and foremost,” BST reveals. “Every guitar riff is meant to emphasize this raw style of production, widely reminiscent of the early ’90s – minimalistic music to leave enough room for the gurgling harmonics of the saturated strings to develop.” Indeed, every blistering tone and texture here feels like razor-wire dragged across the flesh (and FAST), but with disharmony flowing just as fast and freely, the sum effect is one of disorientation and delirium giving way to inevitable implosion. Put another way, you don’t just try to “listen” to Vermine; rather, you merely try to survive. “Suffocating” is another way to put it…or an air-raid siren made manifest.
Not surprisingly, content matches form for Sotherion. As BST explains further, “Lyrically, the various themes revolve around a darkened view of reality, the ever-decaying modern world, the instinct to welcome the death of all as the ultimate goal of the human experiment – not devoid of a certain very cynical and morbid form of humor, mocking everything sacred and everything beautiful.” That mockery just might extend to the listener himself, depending on one’s spiritual coordinates coming into Vermine.
Schwarmgeist was released without warning, preparing the masses for the inevitable infection of Vermine – but perhaps that wasn’t enough preparation for the full fathom of Sotherion. Hereby shall French black metal be renewed by consecrating its blood pact with the past. This is no more and no less than what the modern world deserves! Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Sotherion’s Vermine 1. Shemyaza 2. La Mort Pour Compagnon 3. The Fallen 4. Word Made Death 5. Flame Of Deliverance 6. Famished King 7. Blood Prophet 8. Le Havre Meurtri 9. Schwarmgeist 10. Shrine Of The Chosen
On July 26th internationally, Dying Victims Productions is proud to present Demon Spell’s striking debut mini-album, Evil Nights, on CD and 12” vinyl formats. And today, hear Demon Spell’s title track “Evil Nights” in its entirety here:
How would you feel if, during the night, while you’re lying on your bed, something touches you in the dark? The air grows cold, their eyes emerge from darkness, and you feel your body tense. The shivers begin, shocked by horror, possessed by unholy force – you cannot escape from this hell. Now evil breaks loose and you’re under a Demon Spell!
Such is the sonic sensation of Demon Spell’s debut mini-album, Evil Nights. The Italian quartet may be name in name, but their sound is most definitely OLD. Among that lineup are such veterans as drummer Dario Casabona, who played with Italy’s legendary Schizo for 20 years, and guitarist Francesco Bauso, who was a founding member stoner-doom titans Haunted. Along with vocalist Federico Fano and bassist Riccardo Liberti, Demon Spell bring forth HORROR and EVIL in purest ‘80s heavy metal form: obsessed maniacs who were born under the sign of the moon during terrifying nightmares and morbid rituals. Black-magic riffs, hellfire-burning drums, and soaring King Diamond-esque vocals from Fano telling untold tales from Hell and the beyond. Indeed, it’s difficult to shake the early Mercyful Fate comparisons with Evil Nights, but when it’s done with such blanching authenticity and eerie power, why fight it?! Of course, we could also invoke such names as ‘80s Satan’s Host, Witch Cross, and even the almighty Death SS, but on evidence of the four songs presented here, Demon Spell are already on their way in stirring up a bewitching cauldron of nocturnal delights. Celebrate darkness and scream out heavy metal ‘til your very last breath during these Evil Nights!
Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Demon Spell’s Evil Nights 1. Demon Spell 2. Black Wings 3. Dark Deceiver (Woman of the Black Oath) 4. Evil Nights
Darkness Shall Rise Productions is proud to present Nifelheim‘s Unholy Death compilation on CD, cassette tape, and vinyl LP formats. The tape version shall be released on June 6th while the CD and vinyl versions shall be released on July 4th.
Inspired by hatred and some of the vilest and darkest metal of the ’80s, Sweden’s most demented twins, Hellbutcher and Tyrant, came up with Nifelheim‘s only demo, Unholy Death, spawned in Hell in 1993.
Although the tracks immortalized on this demo are poorly recorded and rather amateurishly performed, they already and unmistakenly bear some of the trademarks the band would come to be worshipped for. Hellbutcher’s insane, utterly possessed screams and their songwriting talent and sense for melody turn the demo into a must-have not only for loyal worshippers of the band, but for anyone into early Sodom, early Bathory, or Treblinka.
Especially for this compilation, Nifelheim unearthed several gems from their archive, which turn this release into something truly extraordinary: On top of the four songs from the demo tape, this compilation features four other original songs, two intros, and two covers (Motörhead and Bathory) from the same recording session. In total, Unholy Death consists of 12 titles with a running time of almost 40 minutes.
The tracks were remixed from the original master tapes by Hellbutcher in 2024 and mastered by Patrick W. Engel at Temple Of Disharmony in February 2024. Also, a very in-depth interview with Tyrant and Hellbutcher highlighting the early days of the band was conducted.
In the meantime, hear the title track “Unholy Death” here:
Preorder info can be found HERE. Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Nifelheim’s Unholy Death
1. Intro 2. Black Curse 3. Unholy Death 4. Satanic Sacrifice 5. Dawn Of The Dark Millennium 6. Witchfuck 7. Sodomizer 8. Possessed By Evil 9. The Devastation 10. Fuck Off 11. Mean Machine 12. Reaper
Today, Greek black metallers Funeral Storm stream the entirety of their highly anticipated second album, Chthonic Invocations. Set for international release on May 10th via Hells Headbangers, hear Funeral Storm‘s Chthonic Invocations in its entirety here:
It was but 2019 when Funeral Storm made their grand entrance onto the international metal stage with their acclaimed debut album, Arcane Mysteries, courtesy of Hells Headbangers. While their history goes back to 2001, activities didn’t begin in earnest until 2012, and hard graft became their watchword. But it was Arcane Mysteries that majestically consolidated all of Funeral Storm‘s considerable promise into one grand statement of classic Greek black metal in an authentically early ’90s style. It certainly didn’t hurt that that debut album featured Varathron founder Necroabyssious on vocals. Two years came a split 7″ with Greek comrades Synteleia, appropriately titled The Ancient Calling, also courtesy of Hells Headbangers.
That split featured a scaled-back lineup of Necroabyssious and guitarist Arcania and founding guitarist / bassist / drum-programmer Wampyrion, and thus fortified does Funeral Storm‘s second full-length follow. Likewise appropriately titled, Chthonic Invocations further explores the steadfast theme of the Cthulhu mythos. More specifically, Funeral Storm‘s second album in general focuses on death, in every form, for Arcania and Wampyrion were totally isolated during the lockdown and Necroabyssious was heavily infected with Covid-19 to a point where the band didn’t know what would happen. However, after he was healed, Necroabyssious delivered an exceptionally aggressive performance, suiting to his bandmates’ more surging yet more mystical music. Truly, Chthonic Invocations sounds like Funeral Storm 666%, and harkens even further into the ancient past: to say that the album could’ve been released in 1993 on Unisound is an understatement to end all understatements. But again, just like its full-length predecessor, Chthonic Invocations easily avoids lazy “throwback” status on both the strength of its songwriting and its era-authentic synths, handled by both Arcania and Wampyrion.
Featuring another awe-inspiring cover courtesy of Markus Vesper (Denial of God, Manilla Road, Attic), with Chthonic Invocations do Funeral Storm once again triumphantly revive atmospheric tartaric black metal in the vein of the old Hellenic scene. The old ones have been summoned!
Preorder info can be found HERE. Aforementioned cover artwork and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Funeral Storm’s Chthonic Invocations 1. Whispers From The Beyond 2. Behold The Dark 3. The Void 4. Funeral Pyre 5. The Epitaph Of The Dead 6. The Covenant Of Old 7. Mistress Of The Night (The Gathering Begins) 8. The Calling Of The Father
Today, pan-international darkwave duo Nox premiere the new video “Once Now Gone”. The track is the second to be revealed from the band’s highly anticipated debut album, Entity, set for international release on June 7th via Neuropa Records. See & hear Nox‘s “Once Now Gone” video in its entirety here:
Nox is a brand-new project between Inmesher (Rope Sect) and Lykaios (Hemelbestormer, Lhaäd, Rituals of the Dead Hand). While both men are known for post-punk and metal, respectively, Nox sees them taking their first steps into the wider electro scene, wielding a similar-yet-different darkness to their more-renown bands. Elements of synthwave, industrial, and dubstep are chopped & screwed to their (DARK) design.
Entity is the duo’s debut album, comprising eight songs across 43 minutes of shimmering, mysterious energy. With pulsing but never-overpowering beats, in service of atmosphere as much as songwriting, Nox dive headlong into a mirror world of subtly torched tones – some scavenging among the gravel, even despite being electronic, while others ascend into the ether on wings of mesmerizing melody – where the listener is guided through moonlit back streets, crumbling edifices of modernity, and a strange sense of futurism that feels apocalyptic and enticing in equal measure. Atop it all are the hauntingly soothing vocals of Inmesher, narrating that listener’s journey (or perhaps narrating the hitherto-unexplored regions of his soul) and creating a unique disconnect that separates Nox from so many treading the hard-electro boards; Entity definitely isn’t the usual retrowave / outrun worship. Underlining this crucial link to humanity is the duo’s cover of Placebo’s “The Bitter End,” which is dubstep in form but something sublime in content.
Trainspotters will already know of Neuropa’s work with the scene stalwarts Carpenter Brut, which serves as a handy reference here, but Nox is equally recommended to fans of Crystal Castles, ADULT., Kavinsky, Sixth June, Kontravoid, or even Nine Inch Nails. Entity is but their first steps on this path…where will it end?
Hear the previously revealed track “Black Nebula” exclusively HERE, courtesy of VeilOfSound.com. Preorder info can be found HERE. Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Nox (Germany/Belgium)’s Entity 1. Black Nebula 2. Once Now Gone 3. Flesh and Bones 4. Escape the Light 5. Seven Days of Rain 6. The Bitter End (Dream Mix) 7. Broken Circle 8. The Triple Goddess
On July 5th internationally, Abstract Emotions is proud to present Inerth‘s highly anticipated new mini-album, Hybris, on 12″ vinyl format.
Inerth was born in Madrid in early 2019 just after the dissolution of their previous band, the acclaimed grindcore act Looking For An Answer. Formed by veteran musicians with 25 years of touring and recording experience, Inerth‘s main idea was to create an amalgam of harsh-but-pondering music designed to reflect a lifelong passion for sounds ranging from death metal to sludge as well as incorporating doomed and industrial soundscapes. After a self-titled EP debut, Inerth released their debut album, Void, in 2022 through Abstract Emotions, receiving great reviews worldwide and being included on the best albums list at such outlets like Mondo Sonoro, Rock Zone, Aversionline, Ritvual and Metalitalia among others. Taking inspiration from such bands as Godflesh, Napalm Death, Neurosis, Celtic Frost, Amebix, and Killing Joke, on their first full-length did Inerth reclaim the spirit of the 1990s’ most extreme & transgressive sounds.
With Hybris, Inerth show an evolutionary leap for the band. Unafraid of experimentation and going beyond boundaries, the four new songs here are full of strength and spirit. Inerth are clearly influenced by Godflesh, a band with which they recently toured, but Hybris equally shows their own idiosyncratic style in even-more-powerful form.
In the meantime, hear the brand-new track “Midlife Wasteland”
Preorder info can be found HERE. Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
In the grand tradition of black metal supremacy, 1349 returns with a searing standalone single, Ash of Ages, paving the desolate path to their much-anticipated North American tour later this May. Echoing the grim roots of black metal’s full-throated cry, Ash of Ages ascends from the band’s profound depths to scorch the earth with its presence.
1349 have been the unrelenting force of Norwegian black metal since their rise from the realm of Alvheim in 1997. Their journey throughout the years has been relentless, an endless pursuit to refine their dark craft. With each release, they’ve etched their mark deeper into the annuls of the genre, and Ash of Ages is nothing less than a continuation of this furious legacy.
Listen to the new single Ash of Ages here:
The Norwegian black metal titans are set to unleash their blistering storm across Eastern Canada and the U.S. this May, commencing with a thunderous roar at Dark Lord Day Festival in Munster, IN.
Along for this malevolent crusade are the enigmatic Canadian occultists Spectral Wound, the ferocious Antichrist Siege Machine from Richmond, and the spellbinding Spirit Possession hailing from Oregon.
1349 will be bringing along the new singleon 12″ vinyl – lucky souls attending one of the 11 hellish rituals will get the chance to get the first new music since 1349‘s critically-acclaimed 2019 album The Infernal Pathway.
2024 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES:
May 18: Munster, IN @ Dark Lord Day Festival (w/ Abbath, High on Fire & more)
May 20: Toronto, ON @ Lee’s Palace May 21: Montreal, QC @ Le Studio TD May 22: Cambridge, MA @ Middle East / Downstairs May 23: Brooklyn, NY @ The Meadows May 24: Baltimore, MD @ Maryland Deathfest* (1349 and Spectral Wound only) May 25: Greensboro, NC @ Hangar 1819 May 26: Atlanta, GA @ Boggs Social & Supply** (no Spirit Possession) May 28: Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop May 29: Cincinnati, OH @ Legends Bar & Venue May 30: Grand Rapids, MI @ Pyramid Scheme
Tracklist 1. Ash of Ages (Standalone Single) (5:27)
1349 is AURAL HELLFIRE. That has been, and continues to be, the primary concept since the band first rose from the ashes of Alvheim in 1997. Conceived around the founding members – vocalist and former drummer Ravn, guitarist Tjalve, and Seidemann on bass – 1349 completed their line-up with the addition of guitarist Archaon in 1999 and SATYRICON drum-legend Frost in 2001.
When their debut Liberation was unleashed in 2003, the Norwegians took the world by storm with their intense blend of old school black metal soundscapes and ultra-fast aggression. Further assaults followed in rapid succession. Beyond the Apocalypse (2004) and Hellfire (2005) cemented the band’s reputation as one of the strongest acts in the scene.
Upon the departure of founding member Tjalve, who decided to focus on his band PANTHEON I, 1349 have since continued as a four-piece – occasionally adding guest guitarists. Extensive touring aided the growth of their now massive following when the four piece opened for reunited metal legends CELTIC FROST in North America in 2006.
Impressively demonstrating that holding true to the principles of the genre do not mean nostalgia and stagnation, 1349 widened their sonic palette with Revelations of the Black Flame (2009), which was co-mixed by CELTIC FROST mastermind Tom Gabriel “Warrior” Fischer. This inspired a newfound ambient darkness from the band, which was further explored on Demonoir (2010).
Massive Cauldron of Chaos (2013) was the next milestone in the Norwegians merciless advance, scoring excellent reviews and a nomination for a Norwegian Grammy (Spellemannprisen). The release sparked more festival shows as well as extensive touring, bringing 1349 to Australia and New Zealand. In 2018, the Munch Museum and Innovation Norway chose 1349 as one of four bands to create a song based on the paintings of Edvard Munch. As a result, the single Dødskamp was released earlier this year.
After performing a fiery show at Norway’s Inferno festival this year, 1349 started recording in Amper Tone studios and Studio Nyhagen with engineer Jarrett Pritchard. Thus, The Infernal Pathway was born, a sonic parallel to summoning and unleashing the beast of the abyss in all its fearsome, ferocious and powerful splendor.
Now, in 2024, the Norwegian black metal titans 1349 are readying themselves to bring AURAL HELLFIRE across the US in May & EU in October. With these rituals, they bring the fiery Ash of Ages, marking new things to come… Line-up Archaon – Guitars Frost – Drums Ravn – Vocals Seidemann – Bass
Recording Studio Amper Tone (Oslo, Norway) & NEW CONSTELLATION R.M.P. (Orlando, USA)
Production Credits Produced by Jarrett Prichard & Ravn Mixed by Jaerrett Prichard & Ravn at NEW CONSTELLATION R.M.P. Mastered by Jaerrett Prichard at NEW CONSTELLATION R.M.P.
Today, reanimated horror metallers The Lurking Corspes premiere the new track “Satan is Real”. The track is the second to be revealed from the band’s highly anticipated fifth album, Lurking After Midnight, set for international release on May 24th via Hells Headbangers on CD format; the vinyl LP will follow later. Hear The Lurking Corspes‘ “Satan is Real” in its entirety:
For nearly 25 years now, The Lurking Corspes have been perfecting their patented “Horror Metal” – a singular and potent blend of dark, Misfits/Samhain-style punk rock, blistering thrash, and classic, hook-laden heavy metal – and deliver it with theatrics and panache, masked and becloaked in the best Halloween tradition. However, these Indiana ghouls’ albums hit hard no matter the season, and they’ve risen from the grave after a whole decade with Lurking After Midnight.
Featuring a mostly new lineup, led as ever by demon-crooning frontman Lord Vladimir Von Ghoul and bassist The Nameless Horror returning, The Lurking Corspes sound absolutely reinvigorated on Lurking After Midnight, their first album since the Hells Headbangers-released Workin’ For the Devil. Sure to fulfill every horror geek’s wet dream, the quintet unload a wide variety of styles across the album’s 15 songs, ranging from doo-wop to surf to punk to death metal, but always with addicting energy and straightforward heaviness to spare. Of course, it wouldn’t be The Lurking Corspes without their tongue-in-cheek mix of sex, violence, and good, old-fashioned horror-flick gore, and you get a maximum overdrive of all across the 49 minutes of Lurking After Midnight.
Sure to leave you singing along and banging your head like there’s no tomorrow, The Lurking Corspes put the “fun” back in funeral with Lurking After Midnight!
Hear the previously revealed “Murder Sweet Murder” HERE at Hells Headbangers‘ official YouTube channel. Preorder info can be found HERE. Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for The Lurking Corpses’ Lurking After Midnight 1. Lurking After Midnight 2. Boglin Lips 3. Burned Alive 4. When You’re Dead 5. Funeral Home 6. Black Dahlia 7. A Gruesome Find 8. Lost In Shadows 9. Murder Sweet Murder 10. Baby Hold On 11. Satan Is Real 12. This Night With You 13. The Begotten 14. Heartbreak 15. My Sweet Lenore
Darkness Shall Rise Productions is proud to present Azketem‘s highly anticipated second album, self-titled Azketem, on CD, vinyl LP, and cassette tape formats. The CD and tape versions shall be released on June 6th while the vinyl version shall be released on July 4th.
Devotees of black metal with a penchant for etherial, melancholic atmospheres, take heed. Hailing from Germany and founded by the band’s sole member Azken in 2018, this self-titled second full-length of Azketem showcases eight remarkably well-written songs drenched in bittersweet bleakness.
A display of sheer talent, these predominantly mid-paced tracks – soothingly introspective, enchantingly otherworldly – take the attentive listener places. The majority of the album’s tracks aren’t shorter than seven minutes, allowing the compositions to fully unfold their meditative trance. The whole album is deeply imbued with a sense of escapist yearning, not least because of Azken’s extraordinary, mostly clean vocals. This – coupled with addictive, repetitive riffs, great bass-lines, and the occasional use of keyboards to amplify the overall atmosphere – make for an outstanding album not to be missed by anyone into ingeniously crafted melancholic metal.
In the meantime, stream Azketem in its entirety here:
Preorder info can be found HERE. Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
