Belarusian black metal band KHANDRA have released the first track from their new album ‘All Occupied by Sole Death’. The new record will be out on Season of Mist Underground Activists on May 28, 2021. Listen to the band’s first single “Irrigating Lethal Acres with Blood” here:
‘All Occupied by Sole Death’ is available for pre-orders at the Season of Mist shop HERE.
KHANDRA have furthermore unveiled the cover artwork and tracklist for ‘All Occupied by Sole Death’. The artwork was made by Chris Kiesling (Misantropic Art).
Tracklist: 1. Mute moleben (02:12) 2. Irrigating lethal acres with blood (06:29) 3. Nothing but immortality for aye (06:17) 4. In harvest against the Sun (07:03) 5. With the blessing of starless night (06:30) 6. Thanatos (08:21) 7. All occupied by sole Death (06:34) Total: 0:43:26
Shrouded in a veil of mystery and death, Belarussian black metal act KHANDRA are soon to release their new offering ‘All occupied by sole Death’ upon mankind. Characterized by aggressiveness, dissonance and by creating a strong sense of atmosphere, the band’s third assault seamlessly fits in with the wave of black metal fronted by MGŁA and BLAZE OF PERDITION.
KHANDRA’s first revelations were perpetrated in October 2017 under the banner ‘All is of no avail’ which subsequently merged with its successor ‘There’s no division outside existence’ in October 2018. These seeds sprouted even more fatal progression of metastases which transformed into ‘All occupied by sole Death’.
Khandra [xɐnˈdra] is a term to describe deathly ennui over the nothing. With that in mind, one can expect ‘All occupied by sole Death’ to be a dark and cold work of art. The musical vessel here is a result of expression that has no bonds with any personal emotion of social nature.
Today, Immortal Souls Productions, in cooperation with Satanath Records, announces April 19th as the international release date for Morticula Rex‘s highly anticipated second album, Autumnal Rites.
Hailing from Sicily, Italy’s Morticula Rex is an evil death-doom band born in 2018 by the sick mind of Alessandro Wehrmacht (member of Daemonokrat and Religio Mortis) and influenced by bands such as Black Sabbath, Celtic Frost, Bathory, Carnivore, Mercyful Fate, Autopsy, Bolt Thrower, Nasty Savage, Mayhem, At The Gates, Necrophagia, Darkthrone, Candlemass, and the whole old-school death/doom metal scene. The first full-length, Grotesque Glory, was composed, arranged, and recorded in a couple of weeks at Disharmony Studios entirely by A. Wehrmacht during November 2018. In the first few weeks of 2019, the album was released by Immortal Souls Productions. Two months later, Pavor Nocturnus (Hell Hunter, Eternal Suffering, 9th Gate) joins the band, and together they start drafting new stuff. In summer/fall 2020, they recorded a new album called Autumnal Rites.
Morticula Rex is back with a new lineup and a new masterpiece, titled Autumnal Rites. Seven tracks of the purest death-doom metal in the old fashion that will lead you into the darkest recesses of the human mind throughout an interweaving of inebriating cosmogonic visions, pre-Christian rites, deities of chaos, spiraling and distressing descents towards the abysses of fear. All surrounded by a decadent and autumnal cemetery-like atmosphere where the constant presence of death seizing the human soul acts as master. Strongly recommended for fans of Celtic Frost, Candlemass, Mortuary Drape, Type O Negative, Paradise Lost, and the whole old-school death/doom metal scene!
In the meantime, hear the brand-new tracks “Autumnal Rites” here:
and “The Silence Within” here:
Cover artwork, courtesy of Aleksander “Noctember” Prokophiev (Paint-it-Black Design), and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Morticula Rex’s Autumnal Rites 1. Scars 2. The Great Devourer 3. Autumnal Rites 4. They Come Out At Dusk 5. The Silence Within 6. Days Of Darkness 7. Sleeping Among The Dead
Today, Living Temple Records, in conspiracy with LVX MorgenStern, announces May 21st as the international release date for Thanatomass‘ highly anticipated second album, Black Vitriol & Iron Fire.
Thanatomass are a power-trio hailing from Russia. Their date of origin is unknown, but the band made their first public recording in late 2018 with the demo MMXV-MMXVI, which perhaps reveals some hints as to their origins. Initially self-released through their own LVX MorgenStern enclave, MMXV-MMXVI was a strikingly accomplished first assault, brimming with lawless darkness and ravenous devotion: vibrant ‘n’ violent black metal imbued with the eldritch energies of early thrash.
Not surprisingly, that demo soon saw other physical editions, including the CD version released by current conspirators Living Temple. In the interim, Thanatomass released their debut album, Darkest Conjurations, via Living Temple in late 2019, which saw them further malform those thrash influences into something both more barbaric and atmospheric, sounding simultaneously older and fresher than its not-inconsiderable predecessor.
At last, Thanatomass deliver their grandest work yet with Black Vitriol & Iron Fire. Both aptly titled as statement of intent and apropros description of its contents, Black Vitriol & Iron Fire powerfully and poignantly pulls together both central elements of black metal – that is, both the BLACK and especially the METAL – without sacrificing one over the other. In fact, the trio’s sheer urgency, energy, and lustful, lawless verve vividly embody the mania of classic metal possession and the taboo/boundary-breaking quest into the unknown that is the true occult experience. As such, Black Vitriol & Iron Fire exists both above and below; Thanatomass are merely providing the vessel.
Overwhelming and unquenchable, Black Vitriol & Iron Fire is a conflagration of flesh and spirit, desire and demise. Will you take this torch from Thanatomass?
Take the first torch with the brand-new track “Deathmass Extasis” here:
Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Thanatomass’ Black Vitriol & Iron Fire
Today, Helter Skelter Productions (distributed & marketed by Regain Records) announces June 22nd as the international release date for Lord Mortvm’s striking debut album, Diabolical Omen of Hell, on CD, vinyl LP, and cassette tape formats.
Hailing from Norway, Lord Mortvm is a mysterious new entity that plays unapologetically dark, drugged-out, and Satanic black-DOOM. The band’s debut album, Diabolical Omen of Hell is aptly titled, for it is indeed both totem and portal, journey and also destination. This beginning is your END.
Over Diabolical Omen of Hell’s 40-minute runtime, many moods and nuances become apparent as the album rides inexorably through that atmospheric vastness. The Lord is very experienced and a master of his craft; not a moment is wasted, and each note is carefully placed and assembled for maximum impact and invites the deepest contemplation. Yes, these are songs for thinkers, whether they are catalysts for internal introspection or external philosophical reflections. They are almost phrases, and they are delivered holistically to sculpt not just a collection of songs, but an immersive proof of an entire album, ebbing and flowing and taking us through the cerebral seas of misery and death.
“I’m not going to apologize for what you’re about to hear,” says the selfsame mainman of Lord Mortvm, “you’ve already been warned. All that’s left now is to wallow in this high-quality expression of tribulation and torment, and try to pick up the pieces…all hope is gone.”
Hope for the sweet salvation of the deliverance of death, then, and be swallowed by the black (w)hole of Lord Mortvm’s Diabolical Omen of Hell!
Get swallowed (w)hole by streaming the album in its entirety here:
Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Lord Mortvm’s Diabolical Omen of Hell 1. Altar Obscene [7:34] 2. Devil Doll [3:44] 3. Omega XII [7:17] 4. Children of Haze [5:29] 5. Sodomizing with Satan [6:22] 6. Merciful Lord [10:06]
Today, uprising black metal cult Aussichtslos reveal the new track “Lebenslaub.” The track is the second to be revealed from the band’s highly anticipated debut album, Völlig Aussichtslos, set for international release on March 21st via Purity ThroughFire. Hear Aussichtslos‘ “Lebenslaub” in its entirety here:
Aussichtslos are a new black metal entity hailing from Austria. The band was founded in by vocalist/guitarist Norst and guitarist/bassist Garst. The first songs were recorded in 2014 with drum programming, and then in 2020, a human drummer – Rest – was found to finalize the works.
Aussichtslos‘ moniker translates to “forlorn, futile, hopeless” in English, and such is the anguish one will find across their Völlig Aussichtslos debut. With a patient pulse behind oft-rocking riffs, the six songs comprising their 45-minute first full-length put a paradoxically triumphant aspect to their dizzying misery. Grim and harsh black metal is the order of the day here, but robustly recorded and giving clarity to Aussichtslos‘ cursed ruminations. Parallels can be drawn to the post-Strength & Honour landscape of Finland as well as ancient-days Germanic black metal ala Luror, Wolfsmond, and Hellfucked. Bleak and bloodied, the band thus explore the war within the mind, which everybody fights – the fight against one’s own demons, too weak to win, too strong to surrender- and nature as empowering antagonist to the hate against the stupid masses. Classic grist for the lyrical mill, to suitably support classic black metal: there is war inside the inner-self!
Raise your sword and don the chainmail, for Aussichtslos have arrived from the past with Völlig Aussichtslos.
Further raise that sword and don that chainmail with the previously revealed “…vom Dämon” HERE, also at Purity ThroughFire‘s official YouTube channel. Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Aussichtslos’ Völlig Aussichtslos 1. …vom Dämon [8:15] 2. Lebenslaub [5:33] 3. Grausick [6:36] 4. Des Sommers Tod [8:32] 5. Nächstenhass [7:17] 6. Gefallen [8:41]
Productions announces April 21st as the international release date for a special full-length recording from Ringarë, Thrall of Winter’s Majesty, on CD format.
Ringarë returns with four tracks of winter-worshipping meditative ambient and black metal, titled Thrall of Winter’s Majesty. Originally written in early 2004, these early recordings were unearthed and finalized in 2019 to bring closure to the original vision and intent with a completed lineup. Drawing inspiration from the moods of Ildjarn-Nidhogg’s Hardangervidda and the heavy, hypnotic synth of old Summoning, Thrall of Winter’s Majesty represents a unique entry its collection of work: it is not a representation of the future of Ringarë, but is purely conceptual in its form and a reflection of times long gone.
Foretold, the mysteries of death’s kingdom. Ensnared by revelation, suspended betwixt eternity. To worship the season, to worship death. Thrall of winter’s majesty.
Due to its specifically epic nature, full stream to be revealed during week of release. Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Ringarë’s Thrall of Winter’s Majesty
1. Witness to Winter’s Lament [12:11] 2. O’er Winters Shroud [11:20] 3. Thrall of Winter’s Majesty [9:58] 4. A Paean for Endless Snow [8:46]
On May 3rd internationally, Antiq is proud to present Hanternoz‘s highly anticipated third album, Au Fleuve de Loire, on digibook CD and double-LP vinyl formats.
Hanternoz is a French Breton band formed by Hyvermor (Véhémence, Grylle, Régiment)and Sparda (Créatures, Cataèdes). Started in 2006 as raw folk black metal, it has now evolved into a personal blend of pagan black metal and atmospheric epic black metal. Their music is usually made of layers on layers of atmospheres and build-ups connected to the lyrics.
Most of the lyrics of Hanternoz nowadays start on the base of a local legend and then make it sound in comparison to the personal lives of the musicians. Choices of life, errors, lessons taught by time, and evolving in their own lives just sound like an echo of ancient folktales. Most legends serving as a basis for the lyrics originate from Bretagne or Anjou, as the band hails from this exact frontier region.
Hanternoz’s music is usually based on guitar riffs originally, with a strong medieval and epic feeling already, then worked and reworked with layers of various instruments, on which some choirs and traditional instruments help build up a dense and powerful atmosphere.
Au Fleuve de Loire is the long-awaited third full-length of Hanternoz, following two concept-splits, one EP compilation, and two albums, the last of which came in 2010 with Linceuls d’écume.
Au Fleuve de Loire is meant to be a tribute to the longest and largest of French rivers, the Loire. For the first time, a river is the main character of a black metal album, and here is why: wildest and most protected big river of France, it is also the frontier of the two main languages of France until modern times. Making access to Atlantic Ocean direct to Paris thanks to the stream downwards and the perfect winds upwards, the river quickly became the “Kings’ river, and King of Rivers” as many fortresses, ruling places, and châteaux were installed on its banks.
The river is here presented in many ways, from the natural point of view of endangered species to the many drowned souls it carries, from the Industrial Era and mechanization to the medieval history, from the fishing industry (viewed from the fishes’ point of view!) to the memories of the lyricist’s childhood.
Musically, the sound is stronger and more powerful, carried by a variety of guests and helping hands. The most accomplished and worked-through Hanternoz album to date, it also lyrically confirms the band’s premier status of a mystical approach applied to ancient tales.
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, hear the brand-new track “A Cul de Grève” here:
Cover artwork, courtesy of David Thiérrée, and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Hanternoz’s Au Fleuve de Loire 1. Déjà la Nuit [0:50] 2. A Cul de Grève [9:13] 3. Ce Que le Fleuve a Pris [8:55] 4. L’Hanterdro de Languidic [7:17] 5. Vieille Nasse Crevée [10:37] 6. Bateliers de Loire [6:07] 7. Le Roi René a Fait Mander [9:48] 8. Hérons dans ma Mémoire [9:20 9. Bientôt la Nuit [1:26]
Today, Hells Headbangers announces the signing of Winter Eternal. The first fruit of this union shall be the band’s highly anticipated third album, Land of Darkness, which will be released this spring on CD and vinyl LP formats. In lieu of this announcement, Winter Eternal reveal the brand-new title track “Land of Darkness” here:
Winter Eternal is the sole work of one Soulreaper, formed as a means to express his darkest side – indeed, a place where winter reigns eternal. It all started in 2002 in Athens, Greece where, under the name Unveiled Nightsky, the seeds for the Winter that was yet to come where planted. Nine years later, in 2011, Winter Eternal were officially formed, and a year later, the first demo was released. The band’s first full-length, simply self-titled, originally saw release in 2013 as a limited cassette and, three years later, finally as a CD version.
Eternal winter was raging throughout Soulreaper’s long journey. The multitude of feelings captured in his lyrics and especially his music made Winter Eternal a unique entity within the modern underground: influences ranged from the ’90s Swedish black metal scene (Dissection, Gates Of Ishtar, Vinterland etc) to both the early Hellenic and Norwegian scenes (Rotting Christ, Necromantia, Varathron, Ulver, Windir, Satyricon etc). Truly, this was the work of an old soul, and the results were but only building in strength and sweeping grandeur…
In 2018, a new chapter for Winter Eternal began, marked by Soulreaper’s relocating to Scotland and the release of the second full-length, Realms of the Bleeding Shadows, a year later. Whereas previous recordings suggested an obviousness of influence nobly executed, here did Winter Eternal begin to add to that rich heritage rather than merely replicate it. Everything across Realm of the Bleeding Shadows – songwriting, performance, production, even artwork – was taken up more than a few notches, rendering the record both remarkably fresh and timeless.
Now, stronger than ever, Winter Eternal rampage through the Land of Darkness on their third album, and first for Hells Headbangers. “We are very proud to announce that the hordes of Hells join forces with Winter Eternal to release our most cold and emotional work so far,” says Soulreaper. “Being part of the HHR family opens up an exciting new chapter for Winter Eternal, and we are filled with anticipation for the future.”
Release date, cover, tracklisting, and preorder info to be announced shortly. For more info, consult the links below.
Today, black metal boundary-pushers Solbrud reveal a new live video of “Sjæleskrig.” The track is the second to be revealed from a special audio/visual live album, Levende I Brønshøj Vandtårn, set for international release on March 26th via Eisenwald. See & hear the brand-new live video of Solbrud‘s “Sjæleskrig” here:
Since their formation in 2009, Danish black metal act Solbrud have forged melodic and evocative compositions in raw, storm-like, and atmospheric soundscapes. Their self-titled debut album was released in 2012, and in 2014, the infernal Jærtegn followed, displaying a natural sense for complex songwriting that was further cultivated on Vemod in 2017. All three albums and the quartet’s intense live performances have consolidated Solbrud as a band with a special, artistic vision unfolding in uncompromising and boundary-pushing black metal. Besides their sonic output, the band have remained an insider tip but collected awards and praise from Danish/Scandinavian press all along the way (Gaffa Music Awards, Newspapers, Steppeulven: Danish Critics Award) and played renowned festivals (Roskilde, Inferno, Copenhell).
Since their formation in 2009, Danish black metal act Solbrud have forged melodic and evocative compositions in raw, storm-like, and atmospheric soundscapes. Their self-titled debut album was released in 2012, and in 2014, the infernal Jærtegn followed, displaying a natural sense for complex songwriting that was further cultivated on Vemod in 2017. All three albums and the quartet’s intense live performances have consolidated Solbrud as a band with a special, artistic vision unfolding in uncompromising and boundary-pushing black metal. Besides their sonic output, the band have remained an insider tip but collected awards and praise from Danish/Scandinavian press all along the way (Gaffa Music Awards, Newspapers, Steppeulven: Danish Critics Award) and played renowned festivals (Roskilde, Inferno, Copenhell).
Along with the audio part, the entire concert was also captured on film – and the video footage is included as a DVD on both the vinyl and CD releases of Levende I Brønshøj Vandtårn. Apart from the impressive cover shots, the release also includes a booklet with photographs from the concert inside the tower.
Levende I Brønshøj Vandtårn was recorded on November 23rd and 24th, 2019. Mixing was handled by Marcus Ferreira Larsen (vocalist, Demon Head) and mastered by Flemming Rasmussen (Metallica, Morbid Angel, Rainbow, etc.) at Sweet Silence Studios.
The live album is set for release on March 26th on Eisenwald. In the meantime, see & hear the brand-new live video of “Sjæleskrig” HERE at Eisenwald‘s official YouTube channel, which is taken from the DVD portion of Levende I Brønshøj Vandtårn. Also see & hear the previously revealed live video of “Øde Lagt” HERE, also at Eisenwald‘s official YouTube channel, which is likewise taken from the DVD portion of Levende I Brønshøj Vandtårn.
In other Solbrud news, while the band was supposed to go on a European tour with UADA in April 2020 and March 2021, both of which were cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, they are currently working on their fourth studio album, which is planned for release in 2022.
Preorder info for Levende I Brønshøj Vandtårn to be announced shortly. Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Solbrud’s Levende I Brønshøj Vandtårn 1. Øde Lagt [11:28] 2. Skygge [2:25] 3. Menneske [2:19] 4. Sortedøden [11:48] 5. Klippemennesket [13:05] 6. Bortgang [11:56] 7. Sjæleskrig [8:07] (new song!) 8. Besat af Mørke [8:22]
Season of Mist are proud to announce the signing of Texas black metal battalion NECROFIER! The band, formed in 2018, will be releasing their debut full-length later this year. Be prepared for the total southern darkness that’s about to come…
The band comments on the unholy union: “It is time to reveal that we have entered a pact with Season of Mist. We are truly proud of our first album and could not imagine a better label to unveil it to the world. It is an honor to be a part of such a legendary label.”
To get a glimpse of NECROFIER’s work, check out their EP ’Visions in Fire’ here:
The rise of American black metal is a cult movement whose vast influence and growth cannot be ignored. Houston’s NECROFIER carries this torch, embodying the hallmarks of melodic black metal while embracing their Texas roots, delivering what can only be described as total Southern darkness as they bridge the divide between true Norwegian black metal and American gothic.
In the fall of 2018, fate coalesced when vocalist/guitarist Bakka Larson (VENOMOUS MAXIMUS, NIGHT COBRA) saw an open call on social media from drummer Dobber Beverly (OCEANS OF SLUMBER, INSECT WARFARE) who was looking to work on a traditional heavy metal project. Larson had already been working on black metal songs as an outlet to explore the themes of the supernatural and unknown and exploring this darkness, so he jumped on the opportunity and quickly reached out. The two immediately connected over their shared passion to create dark, old school music in which they could inject their Southern flair.
The duo eventually recruited Beverly’s OCEANS OF SLUMBER counterpart and bassist Mat Valentine and soon wrote and released a debut EP, ‘Visions in Fire,’ which channeled the spirit of late-era DISSECTION, WATAIN, CLOAK, and TRIBULATION while staying true to their own homegrown sensibilities.
Not long after the EP release, the band scored an opening slot with UADA. Needing a second guitarist to fill out the sound, Josh Bokemeyer (CHURCH OF DISGUST) was eventually tapped to fill that role, completing the band’s inception.
The four-piece later released a music video for the EP title track and went on to perform with a vast array of their black metal brethren such as 1349, GOATWHORE, and CLOAK, including an appearance at a coveted SXSW showcase. Now, the band is emerging from the darkness of 2021, ready to fan the unholy flames and finally release their devastating debut full-length in 2021!
