Month: September 2019

GRYLLE to release expanded vinyl edition of ANTIQ debut album

On November 20th, Antiq is proud to present Grylle‘s striking debut album, Les Grandes Compagnies, on vinyl LP format.

With their first demo, 2014’s Monstres et Merveilles, Grylle brought to life a new metal genre: simply, let’s call this medieval black metal. Not that the genre did not exist thematically or musically from a technical point of view; surely, plenty recordings past and present could be qualified as “medieval black metal,” but within quotation marks. But so far, by contrast, Grylle is the first and only to play black metal without the use of a single distorted guitar – only medieval instruments, truly making their Medieval Black Metal appellation authentic in every sense of the word.

Unfortunately, that first Grylle demo suffered from quiet sound and a messy production and mix, and while imposing the style, it lacked some rhythmics and variations. Although another demo came a year later, Les Nuits Sur Les Monts in 2015, all that is now in the past with the band’s modern-classic full-length, Les Grandes Compagnies, grandly receiving a new double-LP vinyl version courtesy of the Antiq stronghold.
Led by frontman Hyvermor, here with Les Grandes Compagnies do Grylle present a new kind of epic & raw medieval music mixed with black metal and rock. No more happy instruments, no more Renaissance Faires; only sadness and bitter anger remain, boiled with a passion and vision beyond compare. In a manner most idiosyncratic and devilishly anachronistic, the album’s lyrics are historically based in the present times but turned in a medieval way, mixing personal memories, experiences, and deeds. The imagery is not left aside, with a great gatefold made to remind one of the beginning of mass printing, and now including two vinyl-exclusive (and surprising!) bonus tracks. To say there is a totality here on this 75-minute monument is an understatement to end all understatements.

Hark, for Grylle‘s expanded-vinyl Les Grandes Compagnies is the first and FINAL word on medieval black metal!

Antiq is a label dedicated to the fully coherent concept of making music through sound, image, video, and attitude. They have been putting their entire existence into it since 2009. Over the years, Antiq have been identified as producers of not only perfectly coherent lyrics and themes through music, but also conceptual art and, of course, the manufacturing of beautiful objects. The label tries as much as it can to work with French creators, and if possible, with the smallest and most serious structures.
  In the meantime, stream the entirety of the original CD version Les Grandes Compagnies, released earlier this spring here:
Cover and tracklisting for the new vinyl version are as follows: 
Tracklisting for Grylle’s Les Grandes Compagnies
A1. En la Forest dennuyeuse tristesse
A2. Les Dernières Fées de France
A3. France qui te veult mal
B1. Gothique Anjevin
B2. Hommaje a la Pomme de Pin
B3. Loz en Croissant
C1. Que chacun sonje a se pourvoir!
C2. Les Guerres Picrocholines
C3. Quand je bois du vin clairet
D1. Le Pacte des Villes
D2. Wir Zogen in das Feld
MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/grylleofficiel
www.antiqrecords.com
www.facebook.com/antiq.label 
www.antiqofficial.bandcamp.com 

ÖRNATORPET sets release date for new NORDVIS album

Today, Nordvis Produktion announces November 1st as the international release date for Örnatorpet‘s highly anticipated fifth album, Vid Himinsenda, on digipack CD and vinyl LP formats.
  Thus far, it is rare for Nordvis to work with a dungeon synth artist. As the genre has experienced remarkable growth the last five-plus years, so, too, has its overall quality been inversely affected. Among that glut, however, Sweden’s Örnatorpet stands tall: cold and alone, gleaming and glimmering myriad shades of mystery all emanating from the richest obsidian. So smitten with the artist’s work that Nordvis welcomed Örnatorpet into its family with last year’s Bergtagen, followed by Hymner Från Snökulla earlier this year.
  Paradoxically, for music so glacial, Örnatorpet works at a feverish pace, and now arrives the artist’s second album this year, Vid Himinsenda. As ever, the magick ‘n’ mysticism of the mid ’90s is invoked once again, recalling the long-lost sounds of such originators as Mortiis, Fata Morgana, and Trolltjern. Despite working exclusively with synths, there is nature worship aplenty across the recording – one need only view the cover art for cues – thus making Örnatorpet a perfect spiritual fit for the Nordvis collective. However, the spare ‘n’ plaintive textures, motifs, and general atmosphere Örnatorpet employ here suggest something far, far more ancient; like the best dungeon synth, one could confidently qualify Vid Himinsenda as “medieval.”
  However you can classify the album, there’s no denying that Örnatorpet‘s Vid Himinsenda works a majestic, mesmerizing spell. Truly, this is a portal to a forgotten realm, an arcane age whisked into the present if only to be witnessed within the mind’s eye. Don’t blink and miss it…
First track premiere to be revealed shortly.

Preorder info can be found HERE. 

Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Örnatorpet’s Vid Himinsenda
1. Vættr
2. Friggjarstjarna
3. Útgarðr
4. Myrkriður
5. Nykr
6. Hræsvelgr
7. Níðhöggr 
MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/ornatorpet
www.ornatorpet.bandcamp.com

NATTVERD sign with OSMOSE, set release date for new album

Norwegian black metallers Nattverd have inked a deal with Osmose Productions for the release of the band’s second album. Titled Styggdom, it is the follow-up to 2017’s debut album Vi Vet gud Er En Løgner and is set to hit the streets on the January, 31st 2020. Work on the album has been completed, and more details will follow. When Nattverd first announced their existence two years ago, they were absolutely adamant that they should be judged purely on their music, and not on any former, current, or future bands or releases the members may be involved with. And this is a philosophy Nattverd adhere to today, with the only additional information being a slight change in lineup, with original members Ormr still on vocals and guitars whilst Atyr concentrates on guitars and hands over bass duties to new member Sveinr, whilst former session drummer Serpentr takes on vocals and AntiChristian (Tsjuder et. al.) takes his place as session drummer. So what exactly does the music itself reveal about Nattverd? Most obvious is the fact that this is a band that plays black metal in the traditional way: cold and nasty and filled with fury and hate, with the occasional foray into more atmospheric and melodic realms, keeping the whole thing interesting and original. The other thing that stood out about Nattverd from the debut album was the confidence and musical skill demonstrated by its members, marking the individuals out as extremely experienced and talented musicians, and definitely not fledglings dipping their toes into the black metal pool for the first time. More Nattverd news – including cover art, tracklisting, and preorder for Styggdom – to be revealed shortly.

For more info, consult the links below.
MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/nattverdofficial
www.osmoseproductions.com
www.facebook.com/Osmose-Productions-192865300755575

BLOSSE to have debut album released with bonus through DE TENEBRARUM PRINCIPIO / ATMF

Today, De Tenebrarum Principio – a division of Aeternitas Tenebrarum Music Foundation (ATMF) – sets November 29th as the international release date for Blosse‘s striking debut album, Nocturne, on widespread CD format following its initial digital-only release.

Hailing from the ever-fertile black metal scene of Quebec, Blosse began in early 2018 with the release of the Le Dernier Crépuscule demo, moving from a primitive form of lo-fi black metal and involving some dark ambient elements, too. As time passed, the hypnotic, visionary, and transcendental substance grew as a key part in the Blosse creative process. Time is suddenly distorted, and your body feels heavy.

References may be found to projects like Lunar Aurora, Paysage d’Hiver, Trist, and The Ruins of Beverast. As Noctis, the artist behind Blosse, explains, “The term ‘Lovecraftian’ being used to describe any kind of metal that’s a little bit cosmic-sounding and weird is insanely overused, and often I don’t think it’s accurate. Not all cosmic horror has to come from something 7000 feet tall and so great we cannot comprehend it. In this sense, this is why Blosse‘s music sounds more earthly. I didn’t want to fall into the stereotypes.”

This new CD edition of Blosse‘s Nocturne includes the Era Noire EP as a bonus. That EP shows the more meditative and synth-inspired side of Blosse. While with Nocturne, the space synths/choirs are still there, the abrasive guitars are way more center-stage, contributing to Blosse‘s comprehensive manifestation. Era Noire is definitely to be considered a more experimental side of the project: a guitar wall of sound and loop, then adding the synths and merging them with distortion to create a deranged sound.

Cover artwork is drawn by Erskine Designs, and artwork finalized by Francesco Gemelli (Darkspace, Abigor).
Preorder info can be found HERE.
Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Blosse’s Nocturne
1. Sous la lune moribonde [20:45]
2. La vallée maudite [19:09]
3. Eternité [16:00]
4. Destruction [14:16]
MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/Blosse-2149890738556425

ANTIQ releases DORMINN’s spellbinding debut album – currently streaming

Antiq is proud to present the striking debut album of Dorminn, simply self-titled Dorminn.

Dorminn is a one-man project of dark ambient / neofolk, at the crossroads of Moëvöt, Enmity, and Yele Solma. He uses ancient instruments from different continents, and draws inspiration from cults and traditions from all around the world that he corrupts with the hatred and the nihilism of acoustic black metal, raw and dark.

The project takes all its dimension live, when the shaman, alone onstage, builds up the music track by track with a looper. The ritual is transcended by these hypnotic loops that help him conjure up the demons of a modern cosmogony.
The self-titled first album of Dorminn was entirely recorded on an old tape recorder – REMCO S4000R from the ’70s – to breathe into the music an ancient and dirty carnation. Some pieces of the album might bear relics from the shaman.

Antiq is a label dedicated to the fully coherent concept of making music through sound, image, video, and attitude. They have been putting their entire existence into it since 2009. Over the years, Antiq have been identified as producers of not only perfectly coherent lyrics and themes through music, but also conceptual art and, of course, the manufacturing of beautiful objects. The label tries as much as it can to work with French creators, and if possible, with the smallest and most serious structures.

In the meantime, stream the entirety of Dorminn‘s Dorminn here:
Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Dorminn’s Dorminn
1. I [7:10]
2. II [7:17]
3. III [9:54]
4. Zurghtapre (Chant d’éternité I) [Moëvöt cover] [7:39]
www.antiqrecords.com
www.facebook.com/antiq.label 
www.antiqofficial.bandcamp.com 

Benighted enter studio for new album!

Extreme French metal outfit  BENIGHTED have entered the studio for the recordings of their brand new album “Obscene Repressed” which will be released via Season of Mist in 2020. Drummer Kevin Paradis has kicked off the drum recordings last weekend at the Kohlekeller Sudio in Germany.

Vocalist Julien Truchan commented: “Fellows, it’s about time to give birth to the very twisted and violent little brother that ‘Necrobreed’ deserves. We are back to the Kohlekeller Studio (Powerwolf, Aborted, Cremator) in Germany and if some of you thought that it would be difficult to go even further in brutality and insanity than Necrobreed, we are impatient for you to throw an ear on this new piece of our guts… Our humanoid machine Kevin Paradis started yesterday recording the drums for the upcoming album called ‘Obscene Repressed’ and we can’t wait to deliver you the most intense stuff we’ve ever made!”

Julien continues:
“This concept-album is about the story of a schizophrenic young man, with a cleft palate and serious oedipal issues that lead him to think and do extremely delusional things that you will discover among the songs… Hope you will enjoy this new beautiful love story! Ah ah! Stay sick, my friends!””

The new album is scheduled for release in 2020 via Season of Mist
BENIGHTED‘s latest EP ‘Dogs Always Bite Harder Than Their Master’ was released in 2018. Artwork, track list and album info can be found below.
Track-list
1. Teeth And Hatred (2:27)
2. Martyr (3:03)
3. Dogs Always Bite Harder Than Their Master (4:11)
4. Slaughter Of The Soul (At The Gates cover) (3:00)
5. Reptilian (Live in Lyon 2018) (4:26)
6. Cum With Disgust (Live in Lyon ft. Arno, Black Bomb A) (3:10)
7. Spit (Live in Lyon 2018 ft. Niklas, Shining)  (4:52)
8. Necrobreed (Live in Lyon 2018) (1:30)
9. Unborn Infected Children (Live in Lyon 2018 ft. Sven, Aborted) (3:56)
10. Foetus (Live in Lyon 2018 ft. Ben, Unfathomable Ruination) (3:20) Total playing time: 33:55
Madness reigns! BENIGHTED deliver the radical soundtrack to these savage times.

BENIGHTED were spawned by members from French Death and Black metal bands DISHUMANIZED, DARKNESS FIRE, and OSGILIATH, who joined forces in 1998 for a more brutal, heavy and modern way of expression. When their first self-produced and self-titled full-length hit the streets in 2000, it immediately had a strong impact. This turned a side-project into a main act. A fast-growing fan base was built by a string of acclaimed albums: ‘Psychose’ (2002), ‘Insane Cephalic Production’ (2004), ‘Identisick’ (2006), and ‘Icon’ (2007) were all enthusiastically received. With their latest full-length ‘Necrobreed’, the French sidestepped the steadily growing complexity of their previous albums ‘Asylum Cave’ (2011) and ‘Carnivore Sublime’ (2014) by recalibrating their sound along their roots. ‘Necrobreed’ came based on a theme revolving around the abysmal potential of the human psyche.
 
On the live front, BENIGHTED quickly started to capture audiences with sweat driver performances that bulldozer any resistance mercilessly aside. This allowed the French to climb up the ladder fast and soon came invitations to all major European festivals including Neurotic Death Fest, Hellfest, Wacken, Brutal Assault, Summer Breeze, and Inferno Festival among many more.
 
After their 20th anniversary, it was time for BENIGHTED to capture the live madness on ‘Dogs Always Bite Harder Than Their Master’ which not only contains three brand new tracks and the brutal  AT THE GATES cover of ‘Slaughter Of The Soul’, but also live recordings with guest musicians such as Sven Decaluwé (ABORTED), Nikita Kamprad (DER WEG EINER FREIHEIT), Arno (BLACK BOMB A), Niklas Kvarforth (SHINING) and Ben Wright (UFATHOMABLE RUINATION).
 
‘Dogs Always Bite Harder Than Their Master’ gives yet another extreme musical voice to the madness lurking within!
 
www.facebook.com/brutalbenighted
 
Line-up
Julien Truchan – vocals
Emmanuel Dalle – guitars
Fabien Desgardins – guitars
Pierre Arnoux – bass
Kévin Paradis – drums

Guest Musicians
3. Dogs Always Bite Harder than Their Master
Sven Decaluwé (ABORTED) and Nikita Kamprad (DER WEG EINER FREIHEIT)
 
6. Cum With Disgust (Live in Lyon 2018)
Arno (BLACK BOMB A)
 
7. Spit (Live in Lyon 2018)
Niklas Kvarforth (SHINING)
 
9. Unborn Infected Children (Live in Lyon 2018)
Sven Decaluwé (ABORTED)
 
10. Foetus (Live in Lyon 2018)
Ben Wright (UFATHOMABLE RUINATION)

Profanatica release new track and announce European tour this November!

Blasphemous black metal legion PROFANATICA are now revealing the third new track taken from their upcoming release ‘Rotting Incarnation of God’. Listen to the new offering ‘Washed in the Blood of Lord’ here:
In addition, PROFANATICA are also announcing new European tour dates for this November. The rampage will kick off at the Mörtelwerk in Leipzig (DE), and travel throughout 12 more countries before a final curtain the Temple venue in Athens (GR).
A full list of confirmed dates can be found below.
PROFANATICA
+Demonomancy
01 Nov 19 Leipzig (DE) Mörtelwerk
02 Nov 19 Berlin (DE) Nuke Club
03 Nov 19 Rostock (DE) Zwischenbau
04 Nov 19 Arhus (DK) HQ
05 Nov 19 Hamburg (DE) Markthalle
06 Nov 19 Kassel (DE) Goldgrube
07 Nov 19 Antwerp (BE) Het Bos
08 Nov 19 Dordrecht (NL) Bibelot
09 Nov 19 Paris (FR) Winter Rising Fest
10 Nov 19 Rennes (FR) Mondo Bizarro
11 Nov 19 Bilbao (ES) Edaska Pub
12 Nov 19 Barcelona (ES) Rocksound
13 Nov 19 Toulouse (FR) Les Pavillions Sauvages
14 Nov 19 Como (IT) Centrale Rock Pub
15 Nov 19 Pescara (IT) Scumm
16 Nov 19 Naples (IT) First Floor Club
17 Nov 19 Bologna (IT) Alchemica Club
18 Nov 19 Linz (AT) Kapu
19 Nov 19 Zurich (CH) Ebrietas
20 Nov 19 Nürnberg (DE) Golden Nugget
21 Nov 19 Prague (CZ) 007 Club
22 Nov 19 Gliwice Mrowisko (PL) Black Silesia Fest
23 Nov 19 London (UK) Amersham Arms
24 Nov 19 Athens (GR) Temple

The artwork of ‘Rotting Incarnation of God’ has been created by Paolo Girardi and can be viewed together with the track-list below.
Track List:
1. Liturgy of Impurity (03:38)
2. Prayer in Eclipse (02:37)
3. Broken Jew (03:08)
4. Washed in the Blood of Lord (03:49)
5. Sacramental Cum (06:12)
6. Mocked, Scourged and Shit Upon (03:17)
7. Tithing Cunt (03:03)
8. Rotting Incarnation of God (04:21)
9. Eucharist In Ruin (02:51)
10. In My Kingdom (04:32)
Total: (37:37)
One of the first wave of American black metal bands, PROFANATICA have purveyed primeval blasphemy on nigh for three decades. ‘Rotting Incarnation of God,’ their latest album and first with Season of Mist, vomits forth a most vulgar strain of black metal ejaculate. Led by founder Paul Ledney, the trio desecrate everything sacred with a ferocious stream of chainsaw guitars and relentless battery. PROFANATICA walk as kings in the murky depths of the black metal scene, and ‘Rotting Incarnation of God’ cements their well-deserved reputation as one of the genre’s most wicked creations. Some music was meant to stay underground.

In 1990, Aragon Amori, Paul Ledney, and Brett Makowski departed INCANTATION due to artistic differences, leading to the birth of PROFANATICA. Influenced by such classic cults as VENOM, NECROVORE, SARCOFAGO, and BATHORY, the unholy trinity together had a passion to create raw and sacrilegious Black Metal. The band has since released four full-lengths and over a dozen demos, splits, and compilations. However, their story is not one without controversy as the masters for what was supposed to be their first full-length, initially titled ‘The Raping of the Virgin Mary,’ were unfortunately destroyed in the studio, although, there are conflicting stories about what really happened. The band parted ways until Ledney resurrected PROFANATICA with two new members in 2001. Despite dropping their first demo in 1990, their long overdue debut full-length, ‘Profanatitas de Domonatia,’ was released 17 years after the band’s conception.

Now, PROFANATICA’s latest chapter is nothing short of blasphemous perversions, sacrilegious incantations, and furious, unrelenting black metal. The kings of USBM are back to bless you with another assault of unholy hellfire.  
https://www.facebook.com/profanaticausa/ 
https://profanaticasom.bandcamp.com/ 

Line-upPaul Ledney: drums & vocals
Adam Besserer: guitars
Richard Olsen: bass

MARRAS set release date for debut album, reveal first track – includes members of VARGRAV, FÖRGJORD+++

Today, Spread Evil Productions announces November 19th as the international release date for Marras‘ striking debut album, Where Light Comes to Die.

Rising from the depths of mid-Finland, Marras might be a new name as a  band, but the forces behind it surely are not new to the scene and the Black Arts. Featuring members from known Finnish hordes Vargrav, Förgjord, Nekrokrist SS, and Mimorium, the result is undoubtedly an image of  its creators: reaping, hateful, and bleak, reeking of the northern unlight and harsh coldness that’s well known in Finnish black metal. Shifting  from fast, raging black metal to more atmospheric parts, accompanied by samples and mid-intros to boost up the mood, this aptly titled debut album completely captivates the listener with all that you can expect from the souls of the North. Indeed, Marras show you Where Light Comes to Die…

In the meantime, follow their lead down that path with the new title track “Where Light Comes to Die” HERE. Distribution for the album is handled by Militant Underground.

Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Marras’ Where Light Comes to Die
1. Prologi (Guidance)
2. Overture of the Lonely Journey
3. Lifeless Sculptures
4. Prologi (Faith)
5. Sea of Trees
6. Prologi (Damnation)
7. Transition of the Lightless Path
8. Where Light Comes to Die
9. Prologi (Desolation)
10. Chamber of Penance
MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/marrasblackmetal

MONGREL’S CROSS announce ABSU’s Proscriptor as new vocalist

Today, Aussie metal vanguard Mongrel’s Cross announce Absu’s Proscriptor as their vocalist. A statement from the band reads: “It is with great pleasure to announce the entire vocal performance for our upcoming full-length, Arcana, Scrying And Revelation, will be handled by none other than Proscriptor McGovern of Absu fame. Proscriptor has been a huge influence on us, and to have him bless our work is beyond humbling. Over the past few months, we have been conversing with the warrior of Ulster, and his dedication to metal and magic(k) is truly inspiring. You can expect nothing short of perfection with such a master of his craft at the helm.”

This momentous album will see release through Hells Headbangers next year, with a spring / summer release expected. Mongrel’s Cross released their long-awaited second album, Psalter of the Royal Dragon Court, this past August to international acclaim; the album can be heard here:
MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/MongrelsCross  

ATEIGGÄR set release date for EISENWALD debut mini-album – includes members of Helvetic Underground Committee

Today, Eisenwald sets November 15th as the North American release date for Ateiggär‘s striking debut mini-album, Us d’r Höll chunnt nume Zyt, on 12″ vinyl and cassette tape formats.

Give heed and cower before Ateiggär! Gather before this fearsome entity that has, after deliberate and meticulous examination, managed to decode and transcribe into audial form the supernatural formulae containing concealed wisdom on the spheres of might, the nature of time and space. Embark upon a mystical journey through soundscapes detailing visions of Levania, and explorations into the conscience of gods told through the twisted soundscape of total arcane mastery!

Ateiggär (suitably, their moniker meaning “Initiator of Ideas”) was formed in early 2019 by Fauth Temenkeel and Fauth Lantav. While their lyrical universe is formed around alchemistic and mystic ideas stemming from the early modern period,  Ateiggär‘s sound is deeply rooted in the traditions of second-wave black metal. Proudly purist yet not exclusively backwards-looking, the five songs comprising Us d’r Höll chunnt nume Zyt – the band’s first public recording, a veritable bolt from the blue – compellingly create a tapestry of mysticism and splendor strongly breathing the air of the ancients, of staunchly ’90s-entrenched majesty and might, despite their relatively young age. Perhaps not surprisingly, the band is associated with Switzerland’s infamous Helvetic Underground Committee, but on their own merits, Ateiggär are an exciting new proposition, a wily ‘n’ youthful twist on old-style black metal.

First track premiere to be announced shortly. Ordering info can be found at Eisenwald‘s North American webstore HERE.

Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Ateiggär’s Us d’r Höll chunnt nume Zyt
1. En Seelefunke
2. Und d Korybante tanzed in Sturm
3. Us d’r Höll chunnt nume Zyt
4. En Blinde namens Duracotus
5. De Dämon us Levania
www.ateiggaer.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/helveticundergroundcommittee