Month: August 2023

EXCARNATED ENTITY premiere new track – features members of ANHEDONIST and TRIUMVIR FOUL

Today, Pacific Northwest death metallers Excarnated Entity premiere the new track “Corridor of Flame” at heavily trafficked web-portal NoCleanSinging.com. The track is the second to be revealed from the band’s highly anticipated debut album, Mass Grave Horizon, set for international release on September 8th via Nuclear Winter Records. Hear Excarnated Entity’s “Corridor of Flame” in its entirety here:

Excarnated Entity was stillborn under lifeless skies in the year 2018. Originally hailing from Seattle, the quartet features current and former members of Anhedonist and Triumvir Foul. From the beginning, Excarnated Entity‘s aim has been to deliver desolate-yet-powerful death metal doom. They self-released their Stillborn in Ash demo in May 2019, which quickly caught the attention of various labels. It immediately got reissued on tape by Extremely Rotten Productions, followed by vinyl and CD reissues on Nuclear Winter with new artwork/design and remixed audio. 

In mid-2020, Excarnated Entity relocated to Portland, Oregon and underwent a handful of lineup changes before reaching their current formation. With the new lineup in place, work on their debut album was finally completed. Mass Grave Horizon paints a hopeless vision of the future, drearily dredging death metal’s darkest depths and locating majestically miserable doom among those ominously bubbling landscapes. Following a two-minute instrumental introduction, Excarnated Entity kick in with a classic downtuned death metal surge before gutting its underbelly, revealing the morose melodicism of earliest My Dying Bride and Paradise Lost. As the eight-song/44-minute album plays on, its attendant song titles vividly illustrate said vision – “Carcinogen Shroud,” “Corridor of Flame,” and “The Butcher’s Pulpit” among them – and one can further detect shades of Trouble, Cathedral, Solitude Aeturnus, and even Lycia lurking within those ruins. It’s a massively dense-yet-spacious sound, and the quartet’s songwriting suitably incorporates slow twists of the knife, but always in a deliberate and linear fashion. And, come climactic closer “Gallery of Defeat,” your fate is sealed and your soul spent…and Excarnated Entity stand stoic, unmoved and unmovable. 

Also hear the previously revealed “Irradiated Shadows” HERE at Nuclear Winter‘s Bandcamp. Cover and tracklisting are as follows:

Tracklisting for Excarnated Entity’s Mass Grave Horizon
1. Abjection
2. Carcinogen Shroud
3. Irradiated Shadows
4. Corridor of Flame
5. Paralytic Reverie
6. Mass Grave Horizon
7. The Butcher’s Pulpit
8. Gallery of Defeat

MORE INFO:
www.excarnatedentity.bandcamp.com

www.nuclearwinterrecords.com
www.nuclearwinterrecords.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/martyrdoomproductions

Finland’s VALRAVN reveal second track from new PRIMITIVE REACTION album

Today, Finnish black metallers Valravn reveal the new track “Liekki Tiemme Valaisee.” The track is the second to be revealed from the band’s highly anticipated second album, The Awakening, set for international release on September 8th via Primitive Reaction. Hear Valravn‘s “Liekki Tiemme Valaisee” in its entirety here:

Like a bolt from the blue, Finland’s Valravn arrived fully formed with their first album, 2020’s Prey. Evincing a mastery beyond their short time as a band, Prey no doubt displayed characteristics of Finland’s now-world-renown black metal sound – cryogenic melody, raw ‘n’ rugged execution, an unapologetic assertion of traditionalism – but in other, more telling aspects, Valravn asserted their own identity counter to this prevailing paradigm: From the tranquil, tellingly autumnal acoustic opening and across comparable textures, the album burned with the intensity of a November coming fire. 

Now, as the summer heat continues to blaze after the revelry of midsummer, Valravn return with a second full-length, The Awakening. Tellingly titled, The Awakening displays yet more sides to this still-unfolding entity. To be sure, Valravn‘s poise and power are firmly accounted for here – you can still FEEL every note, so vital, virile, and vivid – and they’ve even added a bit of death metalled muscle, too, but the songwriting itself is where their second album truly takes flight. Sharp and yet never sterile, thanks to a production that’s on the right side of polished, there’s an acute balance of contrasts across The Awakening‘s 44-minute runtime; each of the album’s eight songs features some twist of melancholy and militancy, of bursting color and bristling monochromatism, of stoic resignation and steadfast determination, of man-on-the-mountain spaciousness and stuck-in-the-catacombs claustrophobia. Concluding with the literally breathtaking “Charge of the Last Cavalry,” The Awakening consolidates all the strengths of its predecessor and indeed leads Valravn into a new charge for glory. The fires of Finnish black metal have yet to be vanquished!

Also hear the previously revealed “Charge of the Last Cavalry” HERE, also at Primitive Reaction‘s official YouTube channel. Cover and tracklisting are as follows:

Tracklisting for Valravn (Finland)’s The Awakening
1. The Black Flame [5:20]
2. Kehän Murtama [4:59]
3. Liekki Tiemme Valaisee [5:17]
4. The Great Deceit [4:02]
5. The Insolent    [7:57]
6. Sisyphean Torment [3:55]
A Symphony of Horror [6:32]
8. Charge of the Last Cavalry [5:44]

MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/valravnfin

WOODEN THRONE set release date for new PURITY THROUGH FIRE album, reveal first track – features OCTOBER FALLS member

Today, Purity Through Fire announces Augst 25th as the international release date for Wooden Throne‘s highly anticipated second album, Eternal Wanderer of the Night Sky, on deluxe digipack CD format, featuring massive embossed gold-printing. 

In 2021, at the dawn of autumn’s oncoming frost, a new name in mystical splendor emerged: Wooden Throne. Although brand-new at the time, the creator behind Wooden Throne was none other than October Falls mainman Mikko Lehto. While that band has prolifically spanned a wealth of no-less-thrilling styles during the past 20-plus years, with Wooden Throne‘s Under the Moon They Wander Until Fading Away debut did Lehto get to focus on the spectral mysteries of the night and suitably create epic black metal of a most stargazing stripe. Granted, October Falls have spanned the more epic ends of black metal themselves, but where the forest is the spiritual/psychic plane for their creations, Wooden Throne‘s realm is more so the moon and cosmos. The cover art gave visual cues, and the message was well received across the international underground.

Now, as summer’s heat inevitably fades away amid soon-to-be-falling leaves, Wooden Throne returns with an equally mighty successor: Eternal Wanderer of the Night Sky. Almost too perfectly titled, Eternal Wanderer of the Night Sky highlights the nostalgia hinted at by its full-length predecessor while also expanding Lehto’s gaze as high as that night sky AND down to the mossy depths of the forest floor. Much of what made Wooden Throne‘s first album such a classic is still intact – acute sense of space (often literally), impassioned performance, kaleidoscopic production – but Eternal Wanderer of the Night Sky is every inch a counterpart / counterpoint. The real development is the prominent usage of piano: never busy but always front and center, sublimely bittersweet notes lead the onward-and-skyward charge, pulling heartstrings as handily as they send chills down the spine. In this sense, and when coupled with Lehto’s more overtly lead-oriented guitar work here, Wooden Throne‘s second album is not so much a strictly “black metal” record as it is an atmospheric metal one – and, once again, paradoxically uplifting no matter what appellation you apply to it.

A superlative guide under any moniker, with Wooden Throne‘s Eternal Wanderer of the Night Sky does Lehto provides a poignant soundtrack for wandering within the forest, exploring dream states, or simply pondering life’s impossible mysteries. Maximum immersion awaits the homesick explorer!

Begin that immersion with the brand-new title track “Eternal Wanderer of the Night Sky” here:

Cover and tracklisting are as follows:

Tracklisting for Wooden Throne’s Eternal Wanderer of the Night Sky
1. Eternal Wanderer of the Night Sky [5:44]
2. Forward into Starless Abyss [5:57]
3. The Autumnal Frost [5:50]
4. The Earthly Womb [5:37]
5. Firm Roots of the Scarred North [4:36]
6. Talvikki [6:52]

www.purity-through-fire.com

Second-wave black metallers Belial’s Throne premiere the new track “Forgotten Land of the Lost Souls

Today, second-wave black metallers Belial’s Throne premiere the new track “Forgotten Land of the Lost Souls”. The track is the second to be revealed from the band’s highly anticipated debut album, Forgotten Land of the Lost Souls, set for international release on September 1st via Spread Evil Productions. Hear Belial’s Throne‘s title track “Forgotten Land of the Lost Souls” in its entirety here:

Belial’s Throne is an international project based primarily in Ireland. It was formed in May 2016 by Bartosz Dziukiewicz AKA King of Shadows. Quickly the project was powered by Rafał Garbaciak, AKA Ragaart, who played bass, handled recordings, fully composed the outro and designed cover art. Chris Grestas Ulverhead, AKA “C,” takes over on vocals, and with this lineup, Belial’s Throne released their debut four-track EP, Pavor Nocturnus, which was release in August 2020.

After about half a year, permanent drummer Boban, AKA “B,” joins the lineup, and the remixed and remastered version of Pavor Nocturnus with live drums is released. The EP appears as the One Year Anniversary Edition on CD through Diabolic Art and is also released on cassette tape through Rotten Records. Between 2021 and 2023, with changes in the lineup, Belial’s Throne began working on their first full-length recording. Due to health issues and personal disturbances, vocalist Chris is replaced by Szymon Skiba, AKA Golghotha.

At long last, that debut album is here, bearing the title Forgotten Land of the Lost Souls. Soundly eclipsing its no-less-considerable predecessor, this first Belial’s Throne album absolutely burns with the spirit of the ’90s – particularly the latter half of that decade, where the melodic BM idiom truly took flight and delivered many a classic. Spirited yet never belabored, Forgotten Land of the Lost Souls features sympatico songwriting that surges and swooshes and even stomps with an authentically vintage feel. Atmosphere, aggression, and of course melodic (RIPPING) riffing work in evil harmony here, chilling the soul with their ever-insistent and -uncoiling attack but rendered in rich, analog tones courtesy of an astute mix & master by Shauny Cads at Last Light Records Studio.

Those who still heed the noble call of ’90s Necrophobic, Sacramentum, Naglfar, or even the super-cult likes of Midvinter, Prophanity, and Cardinal Sin are hereby commanded to take hold of the dragon wings of Belial’s Throne‘s Forgotten Land of the Lost Souls!

Also hear the previously revealed “Void” HERE. Cover and tracklisting are as follows:

Tracklisting for Belial’s Throne’s Forgotten Land of the Lost Souls
1. Forgotten Land Of The Lost Souls
2. Void
3. Ascension Ritual
4. Pit Of Dead Realm
5. Halls Of Silent Kingdom
6. Rejoin At Dusk
7. Last Time We Meet
8. Outro

MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/Belials-Throne-107104880966688

www.spreadevil.net 

FINSTERFORST reveal second track from upcoming AOP RECORDS mini-album

Today, Black Forest Metallers Finsterforst reveal the new track “Kapitel II: Dualität.” The track is the second excerpt from the band’s upcoming mini-album Jenseits, set for international release on September 8th via AOP Records. Hear Finsterforst‘s “Kapitel II: Dualität” in its entirety here:

Founded in 2004, Finsterforst have released five albums and two EPs thus far. Starting as a folk metal act with heavy usage of accordion, the German band have evolved their sound to an epic, cinematic mix of post-black metal, traditional black metal, and folk metal featuring an enormous range of different singing styles and always-heavy riffing. The quintet calls this sound Black Forest Metal, referencing their roots in the Black Forest region.

During the Covid pandemic, Finsterforst asked their fans to help fund a new mini-album with only one song clocking in at almost 40 minutes. The fans came to help, and Jenseits was born. Arguably the band’s boldest statement to date, Jenseits is definitely not made for streaming, but those who enter this ominous but soon-awe-inspiring forest of sound will be infinitely rewarded: their characteristic Black Forest Metal here unfolds with a mesmerizing majesty that takes many, MANY twists and turns, but always with superlative songwriting acumen. Although the mini-album is broken up into four parts, Jenseits is undeniably an immersive experience that requires attention to its totality, and the 3D production itself renders that experience incredibly cinematic – again, arguably the band’s most cinematic to date.

With Jenseits, Finsterforst continue to go their own way of creating mind-bending art that will stand the test of time – and long may it continue!

Also hear the previously revealed excerpt/track “Kapitel I: Freiheit” HERE, also at AOP Records‘ official YouTube channel. Cover artwork, courtesy of Yaroslav Gerzhedovich, and tracklisting are as follows:

Tracklisting for Finsterforst’s Jenseits
1. Kapitel I – Freiheit [8:31]
2. Kapitel II – Dualitaet [9:17]
3. Kapitel III – Reflexionen [5:32]
4. Kapitel IV – Katharsis [15:49]

MORE INFO:
www.finsterforst.de

www.aoprecords.de

ANCIENT TORMENT and HAXEN stream ETERNAL DEATH split album

On August 4th internationally, Eternal Death will release The Howling Gale, a special split album between Ancient Torment and Haxen, on CD format (Timeworn Records will be releasing the cassette tape version). And today, the bands streams the split in its entirety. Hear Ancient Torment and Haxen‘s The Howling Gale in its entirety here:

Ancient Torment was formed in the cold New England winter of 2016 by guitarist Tormentum. The band lingered in shadows for two years until debuting live on Halloween night 2018 in the gutters of Olneyville. In 2019, Ancient Torment released the debut EP Satan’s Legacy Come Flesh via Eternal Death. At the beginning of 2020 came the Of Wolves and Pain demo via their own Old Pain Records. After several personnel changes, their current lineup is by far the strongest: vocalist/bassist Tabarnak on (Abaroth, ex-Abnormality); on guitar, both Tormentum (Witch King, I,Deströyer) and Taíno Sangre (Sanguine Moon, ex- Crypter); and drummer Zealot (Witch King). 

Taking strong influence from the gloomy darkness of the Finnish scene and the triumphant misery of Quebec black metal, Ancient Torment initially cut their teeth devouring records from Providence’s Armageddon shop. Drawing inspiration from common themes such as blasphemy, sex, lust, death, old New England, and inebriation, the band’s style strongly opposes Christian Nationalism by virtue of Satanism. There are no songs about dragons, castles, or fantasy adaptations; no masks, hoods, or face-paint to conceal appearances, as the band’s blue-collar Rhode Island DNA presents a true representation of the confrontational nature of black metal. Ancient Torment have the fire of the Gaspee in their hands and are prepared to burn down the world, as displayed by the two lengthy tracks here. 

Also hailing from Rhode Island, Haxen have been fighting the good black metal fight since the year 2000. The band’s first demo arrived in 2003, with a steady flow of demos following for the next decade. In 2013, Haxen released their self-titled debut album via Eternal Death, a bare-knuckled synthesis of old Finnish nastiness and the ’90s East Coast filth of early Profanatica and Blood Storm.

Now, after four years since their last release – a split with Perdizione, also via Eternal Death – Haxen have returned in 2023 with another split album, this time with co-conspirators Ancient Torment. On this particular split, Haxen have contributed three new tracks, with each song having its own unique sound – a bounty for discerning listeners of honest, straightforward black METAL. Here on their side of the split, the band goes from a headbanging anthem that rattles bones and brains (“Blood on the Fire”) to the forgotten tones of the obscure (“Cave and Solitude”) to blasting simplicity that soars to a soulful and longing destination (“Black Eyes of Dog”). Altogether, Haxen’s new material is an antidote to the stagnant and redundant.  

Eternal Death continues to proudly fly the flag for authentic American black metal. This latest split album between Ancient Torment and Haxen features a fiery half-hour of exclusive material, with both bands complementing one another in atmosphere, delivery, and camaraderie. Prepare to face The Howling Gale or be dashed upon the rocky shores of the Atlantic!

Preorder info can be found HERE at Eternal Death‘s Bandcamp. Cover and tracklisting are as follows:

Tracklisting for Ancient Torment & Haxen’s The Howling Gale
1. Ancient Torment – A Solitary Grave Illuminated by the Light of the Morningstar
2. Ancient Torment – Outlaw Cleansed Waters
3. Haxen – Blood on the Fire
4. Haxen – Cave and Solitude
5. Haxen – Black Eyes of Dog

www.eternal-death.com
eternaldeath.bandcamp.com

Italian doom lords Bottomless premiere the new track “By the Sword of the Archangel”

Today, Italian doom lords Bottomless premiere the new track “By the Sword of the Archangel”. The track is the second to be revealed from the band’s highly anticipated second album, The Banishing, set for international release on August 25th via Dying Victims Productions. Hear Bottomless‘ “By the Sword of the Archangel” in its entirety  here:

Hailing from Italy, Bottomless was formed in 2016 by the hands of vocalist/guitarist Giorgio Trombino and drummer David Lucido; bassist Sara Bianchin joined shortly after. Collectively, the band possesses a wealth of experience across other prior and present bands, including Messa, Assumption, Becerus, Shrieking Demons, Morbo, and many more. Five years later, in 2021 and preceded by a trio of digital singles, Bottomless released their self-titled debut album: a clear affirmation of the power-trio’s commitment to traditional doom metal yet with a slightly ‘70s edge, bluesy and hard rocking.

Now, two years later, Bottomless return with their second full-length. Appropriately titled The Banishing, the band take bold steps into new territories here, retaining their rootsy doom sound but moving it toward the epic and sometimes evil and most definitely dark. The relatively-dramatic shift reflects a focus on themes of magic, death, remembrance, and sorrow, most poignantly displayed across such tracks as “Guardians of Silence,” “By the Sword of the Archangel,” and the acoustic ballad “Drawn Into Yesterdays.” Even more so than the first album, The Banishing is a doom metal record for doom maniacs, reflecting emotional atmospheres reminiscent of classic Candlemass, Solitude Aeternus, the UK’s Solstice, and Manilla Road’s slower moments whilst firmly residing on a foundation of ‘80s doom ala Pentagram, Trouble, and especially Black Sabbath; one could say that Bottomless are even approaching the latter’s cult years with Tony Martin on the mic. And like the best vintage doom, whether it’s entrenched in the ‘70s or ‘80s, The Banishing is richly wrapped in an authentically analog production, all recorded, mixed, and mastered on tape in a few sessions.

Bottomless are truly hitting their stride now. The Banishing is for all those heavy rockin’ castaways who are living backwards, banished from the modern world and still looking to carve their own individual path into the realm of slow, somber heavy metal.

Also hear the previously revealed “Stand in the Dimming Light” exclusively HERE, courtesy of Deaf Forever magazine. Cover and tracklisting are as follows:

Tracklisting for Critical Defiance’s Misconception
1. Let Them Burn
2. The Great Unknown
3. Guardians Of Silence
4. Stand In The Dimming Light
5. By The Sword Of The Archangel
6. Illusion Sun
7. Drawn Into Yesterday
8. Dark Waters

MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/bottomlessdoom

www.dying-victims.de