AUSSICHTSLOS set release date for new PURITY THROUGH FIRE album, reveal first track

Today, Purity ThroughFire sets June 21st as the international release date for Aussichtslos‘ highly anticipated third album, Schicksalstotschlag, on CD and vinyl LP formats.

It was but March 2021 when Austria’s Aussichtslos burst from the void, fully formed, with their Völlig Aussichtslos debut album. Remarkably assured, classically inclined, the power-trio presented grim, harsh, but oft-hard-rocking black metal that favorably recalled the post-Strength & Honour landscape of Finland as well as ancient-days Germania ala Luror, Wolfsmond, and Hellfucked. Six months later, Aussichtslos amazingly released another full-length, Einsicht. While it was chronologically their second album, Einsicht was actually recorded in 2020, before the release of Völlig Aussichtslos took place. Either way, between the two records did Aussichtslos show themselves as new contenders in austere black metal classicism, capable of tradition but also thought-provoking lyrics reflecting upon inner struggles so universal to the human experience.

And so it goes with Schicksalstotschlag, arguably Aussichtslos‘ most desperate record yet. While it may’ve been quiet on the Austrian front the past few years, that does nothing to dim the fire of their third full-length: Schicksalstotschlag is at once urgent and reserved, violently passionate but poised and stoic – and of course, as anthemic as ever. Not for nothing is Purity ThroughFire known as the stronghold of Teutonic steel, its sword-wielders capable of a catchiness as wild and windswept as any biergarten, and Aussichtslos keep apace on Schicksalstotschlag, keeping the riffs rocking as ever and the heart enflamed with emotion. Their production, as always, is on the palatable side of “polished,” crisp and clean and gleaming with steely-eyed pride, making these nine songs the penultimate in battle-charging bombast and ballast. Credit new drummer Kartharziss (who also provides tasteful synths) with that proud pulse, although vocalist / lyricist Norsk (unchain his heart!) and fellow six-stringer Garst hold their own and help make the closing nine-minute epic “Hochverrat” the band’s best track to date. Black metalsmiths of destiny, unite again for Schicksalstotschlag!

Raise that sword and don that chainmail with the brand-new track “Verwoben” here:

Cover artwork, courtesy of Irrwisch, and tracklisting are as follows:

Tracklisting for Aussichtslos’ Schicksalstotschlag
1. Am hohen Ross
2. Verwoben
3. Im Schützengraben
4. Brachland
5. Schicksalstotschlag
6. Infektion
7. Ein Stück
8. Gotteswahn
9. Hochverrat

MORE INFO
www.aussichtslos.bandcamp.com

www.purity-through-fire.com

GJENDØD set release date for new OSMOSE album – features members of THORNS

Today, Osmose Productions announces June 28th as the international release date for Gjendød‘s highly anticipated fifth album, Livskramper, on CD, vinyl LP, and cassette tape formats.

After four quite different-sounding albums as a duo, the Trondheim- based black metal band Gjendød has now returned with their fifth full-length.

It comes as no surprise that Livskramper also follows that path of constant changes, this time a 90-degree turn, very well helped by the new drummer TK, who’s most-listened previous work might be the Trøndertun session by Thorns. TK is another injection of mad supremacy into the spine of the band.

A fine and varied black metal album which includes a spectrum of feelings, from sheer passiveness to outraged despair, every second of the album is a life cramp. All draped in the crushing sound recorded in the infamous NordStern studios. A narcissistic scolding album of life, aggressively roared and whispered in dialect.

First track premiere to be revealed on May 27th. Preorder link can be found HERE. Cover artwork, courtesy of Theodor Kittelsen, and tracklisting are as follows:

Tracklisting for Gjendød’s Livskramper

1. Å ule mot feil måne
2. Livskramper
3. Gendød
4. Skumringsliv
5. Byttingen
6. Under dekke
7. Død manns skygge
8. I nattens land

MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100032359227090

www.osmoseproductions.com
www.facebook.com/Osmose-Productions-192865300755575

ROTTING CHRIST Herald the Last Stand of Pagans on The Apostate

ROTTING CHRIST proudly present The Apostate, the latest single from the unparalleled masters of blackened ‘hellenic’ metal. This track is a vehement storm conjured from the depths of the band’s upcoming monumental release, Pro Xristou — a sonorous odyssey that not only celebrates the indomitable spirit of paganism but also challenges the encroaching shadows of conformity.

For over three decades, ROTTING CHRIST, led by the visionary Sakis & Themis Tolis, has carved a path of resistance, blending the raw energy of black metal with lyrical narratives that defy the sands of time. Their journey has been one of rebellion, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the essence of metal. Now, with Pro Xristou, they are set to redefine the legacy of Hellenic Black Metal once more.

The Apostate tells the story of resistance against the tide of religious conversion. It is a tribute to those who stood unbowed, of Flavius Claudius Julianus, safeguarding ancient knowledge and values against the onslaught of oblivion. The track is an intricate weave of mesmerizing choirs, neo-classical arrangements, and the band’s signature blackened atmosphere. On The ApostateROTTING CHRIST encapsulate their relentless exploration of musical and thematic boundaries.

The video for The Apostate is out now – check the video here:

Pro Xristou comes out May 24 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/RottingChristProXristou

Pre-save:https://orcd.co/proxtristoupresave

Early praise for Pro Xristou

“Their brand of blackened metal has changed a lot over years, mostly to being melodic, a little Gothic, and even having a tribal feel to some of their songs. “Pro Xristou” embraces these same components but presents them in a much more catchy way…” – Metal Temple (9/10)

“Pro Xristou” is not an album that will surprise us; on the contrary, it will seem familiar. Yet, the album is poised to be a memorable entry in Rotting Christ’s distinguished career.” – Metal War (9/10)

“One thing is for sure after all this: ROTTING CHRIST will never let us down!” – The Gallery (8/10)

Track-list

1. Pro Xristou (Προ Χριστού) (1:29)
2. The Apostate (5:01) [WATCH]
3. Like Father, Like Son (4:35) [WATCH]
 4. The Sixth Day (3:56)
5. La Lettera Del Diavolo (4:01)
6. The Farewell (6:15)
7. Pix Lax Dax (4:33)
8. Pretty World, Pretty Dies (4:51)
9. Yggdrasil (5:04)
10. Saoirse (6:17) [WATCH]
11. Primal Resurrection (Bonus Track) (5:32) – Only Deluxe Editions!
12. All For One (Bonus Track) (3:37) – Only Deluxe Editions!
Total runtime: 55:17

In the dimly lit catacombs of extreme metal, one name stands as a monolith: ROTTING CHRIST. Sakis Tholis and his brother Themis started this band together back in 1987. In the three decades since, these Greek titans have left their blackened imprint all over the metal world. They’ve released 13 studio albums and played more than 1,300 concerts around the globe.  Underneath all this hard work, Rotting Christ have but one vision – an urge to not only push the boundaries of extreme metal, but to keep reinventing themselves along the way.

Rotting Christ’s evolution has unfolded across several distinct chapters. After starting out closer to the barely controlled chaos of grindcore, they went on to establish the iconic sound of Hellenic black metal. Their albums often embrace refined gothic soundscapes, only to plunge back into the depths of blasphemous fervour. Each chapter marked another, further exploration, and an unwavering commitment to push boundaries.

But the real turning point came in 2007, when Rotting Christ signed a pact with Season of Mist. They unleashed a series of albums for the French label that defied any and all expectations. From the piercing Theogonia and the symphonic grandeur of Aelo to the ritualistic intensity of Κατά Τον Δαίμονα Εαυτού, the cinematic experiences created by Rotting Christ became a spectacle of bombastic atmospheres, mesmerizing choirs, and neo-classical arrangements. The unexpected is their modus operandi, with the use of various languages (Latin, Arabic, Greek,  English) as well as the extensive use of famous poetry woven into their music, like Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘The Raven’ on The Heretics.

In 2019, Rotting Christ’s epic journey continued with The Apocryphal Spell compilation, which offers fans an intimate glimpse into unreleased and rare material. This allowed them to gather strength, preparing for the release of their next, highly anticipated, 14th full-length studio album: Pro Xristou.

Pro Xristou
 (‘Before Christ’ in Greek), serves as a fervent tribute to the last Pagan kings who resisted the onslaught of Christianity, guarding their ancient values and knowledge. In this thematic odyssey, intricately woven through tracks such as ‘The Apostate’ and ‘Ygdrassil’, Rotting Christ delves into the legacies of historical figures such as Flavius Claudius Julianus and Nordic mythological kings, embodying the might of Pagan wisdom in the face of Christian adversity. The album encapsulates the essence of Rotting Christ’s signature style – melodic, yet harsh at times – reinventing themselves yet again, while remaining rooted in their 35-year legacy.

Line-up
Sakis Tolis – Guitar, Vocals
Themis Tolis – Drums
Kostas “Spades” Heliotis – Bass
Kostis Fouk – Guitar

Guest Musicians
Amdroniki Skoula – Vocals (on ‘La Letra Del Diavolo’)
Nikos Kerkiras – Keyboard
Christina Alexiou – Choir
Maria Tsironi – Choir
Alexandros Loyziotis – Choir
Vasilis Karatzas- Choir

Andrew Liles – Narration (on ‘The Apostate’, ‘Pretty World, Pretty Dies’)
Kim Diaz Holm – Narration (on ‘Ygdrassil’)

Recording Studio
Deva Sounds Studios (Athens, Greece)

Producer
Sakis TolisSound Engineer
Fotis Bernando
Aggelos Karatzas

Mixing
Jens Borgen at Fascination Street Studios (Örebro, Sweden)

Mastering
Tony Lidgren at Fascination Street Studios (Örebro, Sweden)

Artwork Artists
Thomas Cole – Artwork
Adrien Bousson – Digital Processing

Biography
Sébastien J. Gamez

Links:
Official Website: https://www.rotting-christ.com/en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rottingchristofficial/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/rottingchristofficial/
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/athanatoieste
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RottingChristOfficia
Bandcamp: https://rottingchristofficial.bandcamp.com/
Apple Music: http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/rotting-christ/id28441629
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7FhkwcO8Jd7BRWdllBpXBJ

Available Formats:
Digital Download
CD Digipak
CD Clamshell Box – Deluxe Digipak w/ Gold Foil + 2 Bonus
Tracks & Extras
12″ Vinyl Gatefold – Black
12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – Crystal Clear
12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – Crystal Clear, Red & Blue Mixed
12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – Green
12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – Turquoise
12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – Yellow
12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – Blue
12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – silver & Black Marbled
Limited Box Set Vinyl – 12″ Gold & Black Marbled w/ Gold Foil + 2 Bonus Tracks & Extras
Cassette

Canada’s REVERSED premiere new track – features members of MITOCHONDRION, SPELL, EGREGORE, AUROCH+++

Today, Canadian death-maniacs Reversed premiere the new track “Hungry Graves”. The track is the second to be revealed from the band’s highly anticipated debut album, Wildly Possessed, set for international release on May 24th via Invictus Productions. Hear Reversed‘s “Hungry Graves” in its entirety here:

Arising from Vancouver’s potent extreme metal mire, Reversed initially materialized in 2015 through a dedication to the spirit of real death metal and a rabid obsession with death. Guided more by passion than execution, this collection of well-honed ghouls quickly fell into a sepulchral trance to channel a singular form of necrotic, razor-lined heavy metal devilry.  

Dying to crack open the tomb, Reversed harnessed and released the Widow Recluse demo tape into the wild in 2018 via Muerto En La Cruz and the recently closed Temple of Mystery. Showcasing the band’s gestating lunacy, the demo revealed shades of black, death, and thrash violently assembled into a refined vision of chaotic mayhem – a runaway train barely remaining on the rails. Due to wild demand, this was immediately followed by vinyl and CD versions on Temple of Mystery in 2019.

Afterward, a string of live shows displayed the wretched results across Western Canada and the USA, playing alongside Aura Noir, Morbid Saint, Antediluvian, Witch Vomit, and more. What followed was a period of cloistered writing and conspiring while the world writhed in torment by the festering plague.

Two rough tracks destined for the eventual debut album were recorded in the Reversed ritual space and released on limited tape by Bent Window Productions. This was to be fully realized on the Reversed debut LP, Wildly Possesed, heralding the dawn of a more aggressive and voracious worship of the ultimate extreme metal essence – 1986 – where labels of death, black, speed, and thrash were interchangeable.

The album was recorded at the infamous Fiasco Bros. Studios where Blasphemy recorded their legendary albums, mixed and mastered by Marco S. Vermiglio at The Forge Music Productions, and set to unleashed by infamous Irish underground devotee Invictus Productions in Spring 2024.

Also see & hear the previously revealed video “Final Death” HERE at Invictus‘ official YouTube channel. Cover and tracklisting are as follows:

Tracklisting for Reversed (Canada)’s Wildly Possessed
1. Wildly Possessed
2. Maelstrom Juggernaut
3. Hungry Graves
4. Beneath Evil Eyes
5. Final Death
6. Rusted Breath
7. Black Seed

MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/reversedmetalofdeath
www.reverseddeath.bandcamp.com

 www.invictusproductions.net

www.facebook.com/invictusproductions

DESERTS OF MARS Reveal New Single “Crimson Mountain” Ahead Of Forthcoming Album Dead Planet Exodus

Heavily inspired by sci-fi and Tabletop RPGs, DESERTS OF MARS deliver a dynamic sonic mixture of stoner rock, grunge, metal, and doom/industrial. The new single “Crimson Mountain” is out now, and lands ahead of the forthcoming album Dead Planet Exodus to be released later this year.

The band comments on “Crimson Mountain”:

“An anthem and rallying cry for the Crashtronauts and the band as our heroes hop into a battle vehicle and head to take the rocket base atop the Crimson Mountain (you can see the rocket taking off on the album cover). I channeled all the anime/action visuals in my head for this one, as I wanted to evoke the feeling of a band going for broke with weapons shaped like instruments, slaying their enemies, and reaching their ultimate goal.

Thinly veiled, but the last lyric: ‘This flight, our final fight To seize our place Among the stars’ is how I feel this album and its strange winding production has been for the band. This is our final make or break during this time period, and a call to action that we have to make things happen.”

Stream “Crimson Mountain” here:

AboutDESERTS OF MARS
Austin, Texas, based DESERTS OF MARS was formed in 2006 by band leader and founder Tony Salvaggio. Salvaggio explains the ideology behind the band: I came up with the name Deserts of Mars because I wanted to evoke the Desert Rock vibe. However, it also has a sci-fi slant; it can mean the God of War, so it has ties to mythology. I love letting the listener/viewer decide what it means to them.”

Salvaggio continues, “[DESERTS OF MARS runs off of] a steady diet of sci-fi movies, novels, manga, animation, RPGS, and metal fuels me and bleeds into the rest of the band. I’ve been a nerd first and a metalhead for a very long time, and I’ve never grown out of that quest for the next fun thing to watch/read/listen to half a century into life. I feel like if I lose that sense of wonder, it’s over. Always be learning/listening/creating.”

DESERTS OF MARS Is: 
Tony Salvaggio – Bass, Vocals
Morgan Faber – Drums
Kotah Mack – Guitar (2024) 

Dead Planet Exodus Guests:
Bradley Barnes – Guitar ((OG riffs on “Crashdown”, “Temple of the Rain”)
Jeff Henson – Rhythm and Lead Guitar Wizardry
Jeff Klein – Interstellar Rhythm and Lead Guitar

Dead Planet Exodus Art Credits:
Cover Art – Sana Freeman
Interior Art – Rolf Mohr
Additional Art – Joshua Dartez Art
Band Promo Photos – Erik Bredthauer – NecroBlanca Photography

Links:
Website: http://desertsofmars.com/

Track Listing: 
1. Crashdown 
2. Temple of the Rain 
3. Shilluminati
4. Dead Planet
5. Darkness
6. Midnight Comes
7. Never
8. Temporal Vampires
9. Crimson Mountain
10. The Fallen

SPITER set release date for new HELLS HEADBANGERS mini-album, reveal first track – also to tour next month

Today, Hells Headbangers announces May 24th as the international release date for a brand-new mini-album from SpiterEnter the Gates of Fucking Hell, on CD and cassette tape formats; the 12″ vinyl version will be released on July 26th. In lieu of this announcement, the band reveal the brand-new title track “Enter the Gates of Fucking Hell.” Hear Spiter‘s in its entirety here:

Additionally, Spiter will embark upon a month-long North American tour with new labelmates Desolus starting in late May. Full list of confirmed dates & venues as well as tour poster are as follows:

5/24 Fri – Brooklyn, NY – Saint Vitus
5/25 Sat – Cambridge, MA – Middle East / Upstairs
5/26 Sun Montreal, QC – Piranha Bar 
5/28 Tue Ottawa, ON @ Dominion Tavern 
5/29 Wed Toronto, ON @ Bar Orwell
5/30 Thu – Cleveland, OH @ No Class 
5/31 Fri – Detroit, MI @ Outer Limits Lounge 
6/1 Sat – Chicago, IL @ Reggies / Music Joint 
6/2 Sun – Milwaukee, WI @ X-Ray Arcade 
6/3 Mon – Davenport, IA @ Raccoon Motel 
6/5 Wed – Denver, CO @ Hi-Dive 
6/6 Thu – Salt Lake City, UT @ Aces High Saloon 
6/7 Fri – Boise, ID @ The Shredder 
6/8 Sat – Portland, OR @ The High Water Mark
6/9 Sun – Vancouver, BC @ The Cobalt 
6/10 Mon – Seattle, WA @ Belltown Yacht Club 
6/11 Tue – Olympia, WA @ Cryptatropa Bar 
6/12 Wed – Eureka, CA @ Savage Henry Comedy Club 
6/13 Thu – Oakland, CA @ Stork Club 
6/14 Fri – Los Angeles, CA @ Knucklehead Bar 
6/15 Sat – San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick
6/16 Sun – Las Vegas, NV @ The Griffin 
6/17 Mon – Tempe, AZ @ The Beast 
6/19 Wed – El Paso, TX @ Rockhouse 
6/20 Thu – San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger 
6/21 Fri – Austin, TX @ The Lost Well 
6/22 Sat – Dallas, TX @ Double Wide 
6/23 Sun – Tulsa, OK @ Whittier Bar
6/25 Tue – St Louis, MO @ The Sinkhole
6/26 Wed – Indianapolis, IN @ Black Circle 
6/27 Thu – Pittsburgh, PA @ Shred Shed
6/28 Fri – Washington, D.C. @ Pie Shop 
6/29 Sat – Philadelphia, PA @ PhilaMOCA

It was but the summer of 2022 when Spiter burst from the fucking grave with their debut album for Hells HeadbangersBathe the Babe in Bats’ Blood. Featuring members of labelmates Shitfucker and Devil Master, the power-trio made plain – and vulgar – their infernal & infectious True Vampyric Metal Punk: a raw-yet-anthemic blend of cult blackthrash, obscure hardcore punk, and even the wildest deathrock. The album sowed its seeds of sanguine depravity and Spiter took their madness on the road, cementing their cult status immediately.

Now, the deviants of Spiter return with a ripping new mini-album, Enter the Gates of Fucking Hell. This six-song / 26-minute recording sees the lineup scaled back to vocalist / guitarist / songwriter Richard Spider (Daemon Bitch of Shitfucker) and drummer Snake (Disjawn) – they continue to be a trio for live purposes – and remarkably shows even more fire and focus than that not-inconsiderable debut album. Somehow, those six(-six-six) songs sound shorter and more epic simultaneously, with Spider showing his songwriting chops between wild & winding mania and ghoulish catchiness. The production, in kind, is colder and harsher but clearer and heavier, assaulting the listener with arguably more undead energy than said debut. And then, over before it began, you’re again possessed to press “play” and enter those fucking gates over and over…again, until it fucking hurts.

Spiter will be touring with new labelmates Desolus this May, so no better time to Enter the Gates of Fucking Hell!

Preorder info can be found HERE. Cover and tracklisting are as follows:

Tracklisting for Spiter’s Enter the Gates of Fucking Hell
1. Enter The Gates Of Fucking Hell
2. Drowning In Darkness
3. Tears Of Blood
4. The Creeping Serpent Psychosis
5. 666 On The Crucifix
6. Reflection Of The Vampire

MORE INFO:
spiter.bandcamp.com

www.hellsheadbangers.com
www.facebook.com/hellsheadbangers 

LADY BEAST stream DYING VICTIMS reissue

On April 26th internationally, Dying Victims Productions will reissue Lady Beast’s cult second album, Lady Beast II, on vinyl LP format. Hear Lady Beast’s Lady Beast II in its entirety here:

Since 2009, Lady Beast have been flying the flag for refined HEAVY METAL. The band hail from the Steel City of Pittsburgh, forming with firm influences ranging from Motörhead, Dio, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Mercyful Fate. From there, Lady Beast have weaved their own unique style of metal with silky-yet-sharp harmonizing guitars and the soaring, rally-the-warriors vocals of frontwoman Deborah Levine. All the while, they’ve retained their blue-collar roots but have never forgotten the majesty of metal in its earliest, most classic form: fantasy, magic, epic adventure, and of course ANTHEMS!

While the quintet have released four full-lengths to date, it was Lady Beast’s second album, 2015’s Lady Beast II, which could be viewed as their “breakout” moment. Released like their self-titled debut on their own Cobra Cabana Records, the original version of Lady Beast II was a vinyl edition limited to only 250 copies; the CD version followed later on Infernö Records, which closed a couple years ago. Thus, Lady Beast II has been criminally out of print, and Dying Victims will now rectify that with a new vinyl version featuring remastered sound and updated cover art. Whatever year you experience it, Lady Beast’s second album is a stormer, strutting and galloping with equal might, as instantly-hummable riffs prop up all these anthems-to-be whilst evincing a narrative flow that’s the quintessence of swords & sorcery. Of course, Levine’s vocals exude passion and power, pure & total EMOTION, and her performance here helped put Lady Beast atop of the keep-it-true pack. Raise your sword again or for the first time with this new vinyl version of Lady Beast II!

Aforementioned cover artwork and tracklisting are as follows:

Tracklisting for Lady Beast’s Lady Beast II
1. Heavy Metal Destiny
2. We Are the Witches
3. Bind the Runes
4. Caged Fury
5. Heroes of Our Time
6. Frost Giant’s Daughter
7. Forest of the Impaled
8. Lose to Win
9. Banshee

MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/ladybeastofficial

www.dying-victims.de 
www.facebook.com/dyingvictimsproductions 

Norway’s UNHOLY CRAFT set release date for new PURITY THROUGH FIRE album, reveal first track – features members of SOLUS GRIEF, KVAD, HJEMSØKT+++

Today, Purity ThroughFire announces June 21st as the international release date for the highly anticipated third album of Norway’s Unholy CraftSaa Mørkt, Saa Mektig, on CD and vinyl LP formats.

Despite only forming in 2023, Norway’s Unholy Craft have already released two full-lengths as well as a split with Vorgfang – all in their first year. Such feverish activity, however, is not all that surprising when it comes to Peregrinus, who also numbers such concurrent cults (and labelmates) Solus GriefKvadHjemsøkt, and most recently Heraldic Blaze among his many endeavors. As always with Unholy Craft, the intention is to play super-traditional Scandinavian black metal as it was performed (“exclusively”) during the glorious 1990s.

And so, unsurprisingly (thankfully!), that is what one gets with Unholy Craft‘s third full-length, Saa Mørkt, Saa Mektig…or is it? A relatively unique entry in Unholy Craft‘s canon, Saa Mørkt, Saa Mektig features more fleshed-out songwriting transposed onto the band’s rawest soundfield to date. Indeed, where their previous records featured that cold & clipped style of production endemic to Norway in the mid ’90s, Saa Mørkt, Saa Mektig maintains a muffled, daresay warmer style of recording which helps elevate these more anguished & yearning compositions far beyond those treading the “raw black metal” Bandcamp boards. Deft shifts in tempo further help these eight new tracks hit harder, and when a simultaneously ascending / descending riff yawns forth from that void, the sum effect is stultifying. Thus, all told, while Unholy Craft continue to add to the hallowed tradition of Darkthrone’s Peaceville trilogy, Hat-fronted Gorgoroth, and the first Ancient album – or, going deeper, the very cult likes of Kvist, Sorhin, and Fimbulwinter – Peregrinus and company are taking subtly bolder strides into their own mythical snow with Saa Mørkt, Saa Mektig.

“So cold and full of splendor retracing steps to that which once was. Across frozen ground. Towards That which beckons and pulses in darkness. Swayed by that which befell all. Those that dwell beyond the reach of light. Night skies conquering, looming, over bleeding daylight.”

In the meantime, hear the brand-new track “Into the Cold Winter Night”  here:

Cover and tracklisting are as follows:

Tracklisting for Unholy Craft (Norway)’sSaa Mørkt, Saa Mektig
1. Into the Cold Winter night
2. Saa Mørkt, Saa Mektig
3. Jærtegn
4. Evig Er Nattehimmelen
5. Betrayal, Wrath, Judgement
6. Den Siste Lange Sorg
7. La Asken Regne
8. The Nighttime Spear Piercing

MORE INFO:
www.1unholycraft.bandcamp.com 

www.purity-through-fire.com

NOX: new release from NEUROPA – features members of HEMELBESTORMER, ROPE SECT, LHAÄD+++

On June 7th internationally, Neuropa Records will release the striking debut album of pan-international duo NoxEntity, on CD and vinyl LP formats.

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?

In the meantime, hear the brand-new track “Black Nebula” here:

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

MORE INFO:
thenoxentity.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/thenoxentity

www.neuroparecords.com
www.facebook.com/neuroparecords
 

Turkey’s ENGULFED stream new ME SACO UN OJO / DARK DESCENT album

Today, Turkish death metallers Engulfed stream the entirety of their highly anticipated second album, Unearthly Litanies of Despair. Set for international release on April 19th – Me Saco Un Ojo Records will handle the vinyl release while Dark Descent Records will handle the CD and tape versions – hear Engulfed‘s Unearthly Litanies of Despair in its entirety here:

Formed in 2010 and with two EPs and a full length of supreme death metal under their belts, Turkish masters of brutality Engulfed return with their sophomore album.

Atmospherics, savagery, technicality, and morbidity. These four words should all spring to mind if you know Engulfed, and if you do not, get acquainted. Surging forth impenetrable waves of ferocity, this band spawns from the hotbed of extreme music that is Turkey. Their unfaltering bouts of blasting drums and convulsive riffing should have any fan of true death metal gripped from the get-go of this monstrous offering. Warped vocals and even-more-contorting instrumental work conjoins in malformed excellence to present some of the band’s fiercest tracks to date. If tremendous but hostile and savage music is what you seek, then read on and be a part of these Unholy Litanies of Despair, an album title promising exactly what is delivered.

Every second of this ruthless offering is a feast of vitriol, pulverizing all in the path of Engulfed’s unforgiving music: a rare example of a band whose technicality is not their downfall, relying on claustrophobic atmospheres and gargantuan levels of malice while playing superbly. The showmanship is tasteful and the songs never suffer for it, rather leaving you in awe of their undeniable talents which span the whole lineup. Moments of mournful gloom inject some dynamic into the total battery and mayhem, while the drive of this album is infallible and never loses momentum for a second, building tension and mood with its formidable and forceful delivery. Right until its dying breaths, Engulfed‘s new offering is a lesson in visceral death metal magnificence that must be learned by all. [text by Jørgen Sven Kirby, Nattskog webzine]

Cover and tracklisting are as follows:

Tracklisting for Engulfed (Turkey)’s Unearthly Litanies of Despair
1. In the Abyss of Death’s Obscurity
2. Voidwalker’s Dominion
3. Echoes of Suffering
5. Blasphemous Despair
4. Infernal Desolation
6. Cursed Eternity
7. Ancient Abyssal Conquest
8. Occult Incantations

MORE INFO:

www.facebook.com/engulfedtr

www.mesacounojo.com
www.mesacounojo.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/mesacounojo

www.darkdescentrecords.com
www.darkdescentrecords.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/darkdescentrecords