DEATHWOMB set release date for IRON BONEHEAD debut, reveal first track

Today, Iron Bonehead Productions sets April 19th as the international release date for Deathwomb‘s striking debut album, Moonless Night Sacraments, on CD and vinyl LP formats.

Hailing from Spain, Deathwomb are ancient black metal personified. Theirs is a sound at odds with the modern world, brewed in the cauldron of simpler, more idealistic, and most definitely more underground times. With but a four-song demo from 2017 as their previous recording, this power-trio proves their Satanic worth with their first full-length, Moonless Night Sacraments.

Ever aptly titled, Moonless Night Sacraments conjures the lycanthropic spirit of ’90s black metal’s crudest proponents, lurking largely in Finland, North America, and Brazil. Doubtlessly physical in their profane ruminations, it’d be a gross misnomer to label Deathwomb as “bestial,” at least in the more post-millennial definition. Rather, the swarming, oft-swampy surge they employ across Moonless Night Sacraments – suffused with mystical synth, most crucially – bears aesthetic kinship with ’90s Demoncy, Havohej, and Black Funeral, early Mystifier, and of course, Beherit’s landmark Drawing Down the Moon. Naturally, Deathwomb strive to add to this (un)hallowed canon rather than merely replicate it, so authentic is their (unholy) passion.

As modern life justifiably grinds to a halt, time stands still as Deathwomb offer you Moonless Night Sacraments…partake at your own peril. Begin partaking with the new track “The Ancient Serpent” here:
 Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Deathwomb’s Moonless Night Sacraments
1. Tablets of Fire
2. Eternal Oaths of Chaos
3. The Primordial One
4. The Ancient Serpent
5. Moonless Night Sacraments
6. God’s Servant Laceration
7. Enochian Keys
8. Black Omen
9. Moloch’s Domain
10. The Chasm
MORE INFO:
www.deathwomb666.bandcamp.com

CENOTAPHE stream new NUCLEAR WAR NOW! mini-album

Today, French black metal cult Cénotaphe stream their highly anticipated new mini-album, Empyrée here:
Over the last several years, France’s Cénotaphe have unassumingly become one of the most promising new voices in black metal. Operating as a duo—each member with a long and distinguished résumé trailing behind him—multi-instrumentalist Fog performs all of the music, while Khaosgott handles the vocals. The band’s auspicious prior releases (a demo from 2015 and the 2018 Horizons MLP, both on the Finnish label Kuunpalvelus) established a foundation for the band to build upon, and the result is the magnificent Empyrée MLP. In both content and spirit, Cénotaphe draws inspiration from a constellation of 19th century French literary and artistic figures, such as Aloysius Bertrand, Théophile Gautier, Charles Beaudelaire, and the painter Odilon Redon. It is, however, the poet Stéphane Mallarmé who casts the longest shadow over the band. Mallarmé’s work is dense with inscrutable and tangled syntax, every poem an arcane cipher; however, despite his modern and unconventional style, Mallarmé tended to rely on stalwart and traditional poetic forms, like the sonnet. Within the framework of these rigid poetic structures, Mallarmé’s language was itself unconstrained, abstract, exquisitely lawless, but also excruciatingly methodical and intentional. 

There is a similar sensibility to Cénotaphe’s work. Regarded from a distance, one might not notice the idiosyncratic details that permeate it because the band remains so true to the form and spirit of black metal. But ensconced within the traditional structure of Cénotaphe’s songs are fractured melodies, disharmonies, sowing atonal discord under the surface of the song, like a violent undertow beneath a seemingly serene sea. The songs on this MLP all have an epic quality to them, and yet, none clocks in at more than seven minutes. The grandiosity of the tracks derives from their strength of composition, not overindulgence. The riffs are expansive, stretching out across the roiling pulse of the drums. The vocals, delivered entirely in French, hang in suspended animation, puncturing the surface of the song at precise points. Occasionally, the band modifies its approach, fleshing out the sound with keyboard flourishes or other instrumentation, but noticeably eschewing the use of guitar solos, despite being clearly in possession of the necessary skill. 

Nothing feels unintentional about Empyrée; it is a highly sculpted aesthetic creation. The album closes with a curious climax, a track that perhaps offers additional clues about the band’s musical interests: a near-instrumental cover of “End of the World” by the 1960s Greek prog pioneers Aphrodite’s Child, known for being Vangelis’ first band. Beginning slow, much the same as the original, the song evolves and accelerates, deftly bringing the album to a frantic crescendo, punctuated with piano notes and wordless vocals. Tying the album together is the cover art, a piece from 1893 entitled “In the Dust Cloud” by the Polish symbolist painter Jacek Malczewski.
Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Cénotaphe’s Empyrée
1. Centaures
2. Au sépulcre des astres
3. Face aux feux d’un soleil porphyr
4. Inanité des noirs mensonges
5. Même mort, il brûle
6. End of the world
more info:
www.nwnprod.com
www.facebook.com/pages/Nuclear-War-Now-Productions/114864651994141

Shining announce European tour dates in May/June

SHINING are heading out for their first European tour in three years in honor of their 10th album ‘X – Varg Utan Flock’, which was released via Season of Mist last year. The ‘Return of the Enemy’ tour will kick off at the Helvete in Oberhausen (DE) on May 15, and sees the band traveling throughout 9 more countries before a final curtain at the Throne fest in Kuurne (BE) on June 9.

To make things even more intriguing, SHINING are preparing a longer set than usual and promise an event full of uncompromising darkness and perversion.  Join them in a celebration of the downfall of man! A list of all confirmed dates can be found below.
SHINING European tour
+SRD
15 May 19 Oberhausen (DE) Helvete
16 May 19 Paris (FR) Le Flow
17 May 19 Nantes (FR) Le Ferrailleur
20 May 19 Toulouse (FR) Connexion Live
21 May 19 Madrid (ES) Caracol
22 May 19 Barcelona (ES) Boveda
23 May 19 Marseille (FR) Jas Rod
24 May 19 Verona (IT) Pika Future Club
25 May 19 Bologna (IT) Alchemica Music Club
26 May 19 Munich (DE) Backstage
28 May 19 Vienna (AT) Viper Room
29 May 19 Budapest (HU) Blue Hell
30 May 19 Krakow (PL) Zet Pe Te Club
31 May 19 Poznan (PL) U Bazyla
01 Jun 19 Leipzig (DE) Hellraiser Club
02 Jun 19 Erfurt (DE) Club From Hell
04 Jun 19 Mannheim (DE) MS Connexion Comples
05 Jun 19 Copenhagen (DK) Hotel Cecil
06 Jun 19 Hamburg (DE) Kronensaal
07 Jun 19 Groninghen (NL) Vera
08 Jun 19 Utrecht (NL) Helling

SHINING festivals
27 Apr 19 Stockholm (SE) Stockholm Slaughter 2019
11 May 19 London (UK) Incineration Fest 2019
09 Jun 19 Kuurne (BE) Thronefest 2019

SHINING will be touring in support of their 2018 release ‘X – Varg Utan Flock’, which can be listened to in full here. The artwork has been created by Kevin Rolly and is shown together with the album details below.
Track-list
1. Svart Ostoppbar Eld (7:11)
2. Gyllene Portarnas Bro (6:39)
3. Jag Är Din Fiende (7:05)
4. Han Som Lurar Inom (8:03)
5. Tolvtusenfyrtioett (2:53)
6. Mot Aokigahara (9:33) 
Total playing time: 41:24
Niklas Kvarforth is not the first artist struggling with mental illness and related issues. The erratic Swede is also not the first musician whose inner demons are part of the creative genius. Yet in the world of metal, his band SHINING remains as a unique and outstanding act in terms of talent and musical excellence.

Never shy about his personal afflictions, Niklas Kvarforth is once again baring his tortured soul with ‘X – Varg Utan Flock’. His anger, his confusion, his pain, and his torment are all becoming tangible on the tenth album in the band’s long history. For a point of reference, the legendary ‘V – Halmstad’ release probably offers the most appropriate comparison. Yet all the influences SHINING fused into their previous masterpiece, ‘IX – Everyone, Everything, Everywhere, Ends’ (2015) are also still present. Eclectic influences from progressive rock, jazz, classical music, and even faint traces of pop have left their mark. 

In addition to the broad musical spectrum on display, Niklas Kvarforth’s deeply emotional laments emerging from the dark depths of his twisted mind go beyond the usual scale of metal bands in their great vocal scope and variety. 

Founded in 1996 by Kvarforth, SHINING self-released ‘Submit to Self-Destruction’ in 1998 and spawned the term “suicidal black metal” with this debut 7″. A couple years after first full-length, ‘I – Within Deep Dark Chambers’ (2000) and sophomore album, ‘II – Livets Ändhållplats’ (2001) had cut deep marks into the underground scene, Niklas replaced his whole crew, which started a continuous cycle of line-up changes. With MAYHEM drummer Hellhammer on board, ‘III – Angst’ (2003) and ‘IV – The Eerie Cold’ (2005) began to gather major press attention. At the same time, SHINING focused on bringing their vision and often controversially received live performances to Europe. Yet Kvarforth’s mental health led to cancellations, physical and psychological fights within the band, and finally a break-up. Not content to let things rest after his breakdown, the restless singer returned with new members and the acclaimed masterpiece, ‘V – Halmstad’ in 2007. By then SHINING had reached headliner status and toured with other great acts such as SATYRICON and MAYHEM. Several line-up changes later, the Swede recorded two albums in one session: ‘VI – Klagopsalmer’ was released in 2009, to be followed by ‘VII – Född Förlorare’ two years later. The band also received their first gold disc for the single ‘Förtvivlan, Min Arvedel’ in Sweden. After rotating more musicians in and out, SHINING returned with ‘Redefining Darkness’ (2012) and a less aggressive, yet more sinister sound. Before signing to Season of Mist, the band released the project ‘8 ½ – Feberdrömmar I Vaket Tillstånd’, which featured six of Kvarforth’s favourite vocalists. In August 2014, SHINING entered Andy LaRocque’s Sonic Train Studios to record their ninth album, ‘IX – Everyone, Everything, Everywhere, Ends’ as the sum of Niklas Kvarforth’s musical evolution and experience. More line-up changes and breakdowns followed.

Yet Niklas Kvarforth clawed his way up from the depths once more and returned to Andy LaRocque and Sonic Train Studios to record another album. The result, ‘X – Varg Utan Flock’ is a musical masterpiece far beyond simple genre limitations and a shining tribute to the achievement that a troubled mind is capable of when driven by a passionate will to excel and overcome. Listen with respect.

www.shiningasylum.com
www.facebook.com/shiningofficial

Recording line-up
Niklas Kvarforth: vocals 
Marcus Hammarström: bass 
Peter Huss: guitar
Euge Valovirta: guitar 
Jarle Byberg: drums 

Current line-up
Niklas Kvarforth: vocals 
Peter Huss: guitar
Benny Bats: guitar
Marcus Hammarström: bass
Frank Schilperoort: drums

Guest musicians
Andy La Rocque: guitar solo on “Jag Är Din Fiende” 
Olli Ahvenlahti: piano on “Tolvtusenfyrtioett”

Recording, Mix & Mastering: Andy La Rocque, Sonic Train Studios 

SYNTELEIA sign with HELLS HEADBANGERS – reveal first track from forthcoming debut album

Today, Hells Headbangers announces the signing of Greek black metallers Synteleia. The first fruit of this union shall be the band’s striking debut album, Ending of the Unknown Path, which will be released late spring / early summer on CD and vinyl LP formats.

Although a relatively new band, Synteleia breathe the breath of the ancients and maintain an authentically classic Hellenic black metal style. Naturally, the influence of the Greek “Big Three” (Rotting Christ, Varathron, Necromantia) looms large, but also within the Synteleia sound can one detect traces of early Septic Flesh, Thou Art Lord, and Nightfall. Above all, despite being grounded in the early ’90s, Synteleia exhibit a vital fire and freshness of approach which makes Ending of the Unknown Path truly timeless.

A statement from the band reads: “Synteleia are proud to announce Hells Headbangers Records to be our rightful partner, regarding the release of our debut album. We feel obligated to stay true to our ideals and beliefs, and cooperating with a genuine underground label that fully understands and supports our old-school Hellenic black metal aesthetics, taste, and philosophy feels the best way to repay all those who have entrusted us with their support and confidence. We are honored to be a member of HHR‘s unholy legions.”

Synteleia was founded in 2015 by guitarist Drakon Hesperion and vocalist Nyctelios. Being devoted followers of the Greek black metal scene for more than 20 years, they started composing original stuff, heavily influenced by the pioneers of the scene – Rotting Christ, Varathron, Horrified, Necromantia, Thou Art Lord, and more.

With the addition of Septis (bass/keys) and the assistance of Amdusias and Oort (also members of the Greek death metal band Plague), in June 2016, Synteleia entered the studio to record their first demo, Astral Blasphemies. In January 2017, the band made its debut appearance at the Extreme Assault II Festival at Modu club, Athens. In the summer of 2017, followed by a change in lineup, Cronios joined the band as the lead guitarist, and with the assistance of Nick “Yngve” on drums, the band started rehearsing for the Under the Pagan Moon Fest, taking place at Gagarin club, Athens, on November 4th, 2017, together with Kawir and Horn.

The recordings for the debut album, Ending of the Unknown Path, started in December 2017 and went until late summer 2018. During the recordings, Synteleia appeared at the Horns Up III Festival at Trikala and Black Death Holocaust Night at Remedy club, Athens. The band’s latest live performance has been at the Lords of the Void Festival at Temple club, Athens, on October 26th, 2018, with Varathron and Disharmony.

In the meantime, hear the new track “Daemonica Infernalium” – the first to be revealed from Ending of the Unknown Path here:
Release date, cover art & tracklisting, and preorder info for Ending of the Unknown Path to be revealed shortly. For more info, consult the links below.
SYNTELEIA lineup 2019
Vocals: Nyctelios – vocals
Drakon Hesperion – rhythm guitar
Septis – bass/keys
Cronios – lead guitar

MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/synteleia
www.hellsheadbangers.com
www.facebook.com/hellsheadbangers 

MystifieR release second new track of forthcoming album

The Brazilian black metal underground stalwarts of MYSTIFIER are now premiering the second new track of their new full length ‘Protogoni Mavri Magiki Dynasteia’, which will be released on March 8th 2019. The next offering named “The Six Towers of Belial’s Path” is now streaming
MYSTIFIER lead guitarist Beelzeebubth comments on the track: “Today is my Birthday my metal friends, and you will get a gift (from Darkness) too. Let’s celebrate this day by listening to another song from our upcoming album to be released on Season of Mist on March 8th. May our day be wonderful and may you celebrate 1.666 birthdays for many years to come with me. But don’t forget that there is one important challenge to complete today… Follow the Six Towers of Belial’s Path!”.
MYSTIFIER have furthermore revealed the cover for ‘Protogoni Mavri Magiki Dynasteia’. View the artwork together with the album details below.
Track-list
1. Protogoni Mavri Magiki Dynasteia (4:34)
2. Weighing Heart Ceremony (5:05)
3. Witching Lycanthropic Moon (5:27)
4. Akhenaton (Son Mighty Sun) (4:48)
5. Six Towers of Belial’s Path (4:14)
6. Demoler las Torres del Cielo (en nombre del Diablo) (4:12)
7. Soultrap Sorcery of Vengeance (5:26)
8. (Introcucione d’la Melodia Mortuoria) Thanatopraxy (6:14)
9. Al Nakba (666 days of War) (5:03)
10. Chiesa dei Bambini Molestati (5:02)
Total: 50:05
Brazilian act MYSTIFIER was formed by lead guitarist and bassist Beelzeebubth, drummer Lucifuge Rofocale, guitarist Behemoth, and vocalist Meugninousouan in Salvador, Bahia in 1989. The band created an aggressive, fast, and malignant sound within the classic black metal style, which makes them veterans of their scene.
 
A first demo tape, which was entitled ‘Tormenting the Holy Trinity’ came out in November 1989 and secured the band several shows all over Brazil. The 7″ debut single ‘The Evil Ascension Returns’, as well as a second demo entitled ‘Aleister Crowley’, led to widespread underground recognition for MYSTIFIER in 1990.
 
MYSTIFIER‘s debut full-length, ‘Wicca’ was already released worldwide in 1992 and the Brazilians managed to cement their reputation with each following record and accompanying tour. ‘Göetia’ hit the streets in 1993, ‘The World Is So Good That Who Made It Does Not Live Here’ followed in 1996, and ‘Profanus’ came out in 2001. In the wake of the deluxe box ‘Baphometic Goat Worship’ (2008), MYSTIFIER performed at the NWN Festival ll in Berlin, Germany and several other festivals around the globe.
 
As time went by, MYSTIFIER underwent some radical line-up changes. Vocalist Leandro Kastyphas was replaced by the exceptional Diego Sorcerer Do’Urden from INFESTED BLOOD, and drummer Alex Rocha (POISONOUS) handed his sticks over to Edward WarMonger (formerly of MEDICINE DEATH), who brought much experience and maturity to the group’s compositions.

Having wrecked stages throughout South and North America, Europe and other places with several sold-out shows during the ‘Bloodshed Rituals’ tour in support of ROTTING CHRIST, MYSTIFIER are now proudly presenting their newest offering ‘Protogoni Mavri Magiki Dynasteia’!

Style: Ancient Black Metal
 
www.facebook.com.br/Mystifier666
www.mystifier.com.br
www.mystifierofficial.bandcamp.com
www.instagram.com/mystifier666
 
Recording Studio: Darkside Studio
Producer/Sound engineer: Do’Urden
Mixing: Beelzeebubth and Do’Urden
Mastering: Neto Grous, Absolute Master Studio
 
Line-up:
Do’Urden: vocals, bass, keyboard
Beelzeebubth: backing vocals, guitar
Warmonger: drums, percussion
 
Guest musicians: Prurient & Jim Mutilator (ex-ROTTING CHRIST and ex-VARATHRON) on “Protogoni Mavri Magiki Dynasteia” Intro by Proscriptor McGovern (ABSU) on “Witching Lycanthropic Moon”  

Finland’s Hexvessel Unveil Video “Closing Circles”

HEXVESSEL release new album “All Tree” on February 22nd, 2019 with Prophecy Productions in North America.
The record is available as CD Digipak, incl. 32-page booklet and exclusive bonus track, and Gatefold LP with 180g clear-black marble vinyl (‘Otherworld Spirit’ edition), incl. 16-page LP booklet, exclusive bonus track; limited to 500 copies.
Live performance video filmed inside a mental institution in Pitkäniemi, Nokia for the track Closing Circles, alongside a Coil cover song
Also taken from Hexvessel’s upcoming fourth studio album “All Tree”, the band unveil a music video for the single Son Of The Sky
Mat McNerney of Hexvessel says:  “Another solar year begins. Death and rebirth, both physical and metaphorical. As we celebrate Winter Solstice, we offer this symbolic sacrifice for you to partake. Two songs which carry great weight and meaning for us. The first of which is the closing ritual from our new album All Tree, called Closing Circles. The sun’s course reaches it’s lowest noon altitude and we mark the end and the beginning of another year of light. Closing Circles bids fare well to those we have lost. Light illuminates the darkness and we are purged and renewed once more, to shine onwards. 

Fire Of The Mind is one of the most beautiful songs I know. Fire destroys, but also gives and supports life, sparks and inspires it. As Dostoyevsky wrote that “fire is in the minds of men” and transforms the substance of our universe. Ordinary transformed into the extraordinary. It is what separates us from the rest of the animals, but as we use it we are also doomed to play with it. It is in effect magic and the pursuit of magic. When we see fire, we are reminded of the magic inherent in the universe and within ourselves, of the “fire of the mind”.

One such band who knew about music as a magical art form was Coil.   …New video Son of the Sky is a collection of family home movies that we made when we were celebrating Winter Solstice at Avebury, offering a sacrifice at an ancient pine tree called Timin Mänty here in Finland and when visiting various pagan sites in England and Germany. As with Hexvessel’s music, it is a story of our personal spiritual journey. Son of the Sky is a song about a traditional Finnish Karhunpeijaiset ritual celebration where the spirit of the bear was venerated after a hunt. It’s a song about tradition, community and family.

Rituals are enactments of mythology, and stories that have been passed down from our ancestors. When we become part of this great tradition, we become aware of our origins and the meaning of life. Family, culture and kin are so important. It’s our community that connects us to the earth, that gives us a sense of purpose, understanding and place in the world. It is through that wisdom of mythology that we will become better able to survive and prosper.”
Live Performance Date: April 11, 2019
HEXVESSEL online: 
https://www.facebook.com/hexvessel/
https://www.instagram.com/hexvesselband/
https://www.hexvessel.com/

Der Weg Einer Freiheit stream “Repulsion” from ‘Live in Berlin’

DER WEG EINER FREIHEIT are streaming the second track from their upcoming live album ‘Live In Berlin’. The song “Repulsion”, taken from the band’s full length ‘Stellar‘
‘Live in Berlin’ has been recorded in the venue Lido, Berlin (DE) on October 14, 2017. The live album will be released on March 1st, digitally and limited vinyl copies will be available in the Season of Mist shop on that date.
The cover artwork and tracklist of ‘Live in Berlin’ have previously been unveiled and can be found below.
Tracklist:
1. Einkehr – Live in Berlin (06:17)
2. Der stille Fluss ‐ Live in Berlin (08:05)
3. Repulsion ‐ Live in Berlin (08:59)
4. Skepsis Part I ‐ Live in Berlin (05:08)
5. Skepsis Part II ‐ Live in Berlin (06:07)
6. Ewigkeit ‐ Live in Berlin (07:09)
7. Zeichen ‐ Live in Berlin (13:15)
8. Aufbruch ‐ Live in Berlin (11:58)
9. Lichtmensch ‐ Live in Berlin (05:30)
10. Ruhe ‐ Live in Berlin (06:13)

DER WEG EINER FREIHEIT have previously announced a tour in celebration of their 10th anniversary, with CELESTE, AU-DESSUS and THE DEVIL’S TRADE.
DER WEG EINER FREIHEIT tour
with AU-DESSUS and CELESTE and THE DEVIL’S TRADE
28 Mar 19 Paris (FR) Le Petit Bain *
30 Mar 19 Toulouse (FR) Le Metronum *
31 Mar 19 Barcelona (ES) Bóveda *
01 Apr 19 Lyon (FR) Rock n Eat *
02 Apr 19 Esch/Alzette (LU) Kulturfabrik *
03 Apr 19 Cologne (DE) Luxor *
04 Apr 19 Tilburg (NL) Little Devil *
05 Apr 19 Dresden (DE) Beatclub *
06 Apr 19 Hamburg (DE) Knust *
07 Apr 19 Nuremburg (DE) Hirsch **
08 Apr 19 Prague (CZ) Futurum  **
09 Apr 19 Vienna (AT) Arena **
10 Apr 19 Munich (DE) Backstage **
11 Apr 19 Stuttgart (DE) Universum **
12 Apr 19 Berlin (DE) Lido **
13 Apr 19 Wiesbaden (DE) Schlachthof **

AU-DESSUS (28.3. – 6.4.) **
CELESTE (7. – 12.4.) *
THE DEVIL’S TRADE (all dates)

DER WEG EINER FREIHEIT festivals
20 Apr 19 Oslo (NO) Inferno Metal Festival
Having reaped critical acclaim for their latest album ‘Finisterre’ (2017) and solidifying their position as one of the best live bands out there, DER WEG EINER FREIHEIT are about to release their first ever live album, recorded in Lido, Berlin (Germany) on October 14, 2017. The set, featuring songs from the band’s entire discography, is a testimony to the technical prowess of these musicians and the fine craftmanship in songwriting that the German band is widely known for. 
 
Over the relatively short period of 10 years, the sound of DER WEG EINER FREIHEIT has clearly progressed, making each piece fit more seamlessly. ‘Finisterre’ flows together into a coherent picture that stresses the Germans’ unique approach and sound. This album marks the point where DER WEG EINER FREIHEIT turn their various influences into a work entirely of their own expression despite never trying to cover up their roots. This impressive maturity has been reached through several stages.
 
Founded in 2009 by guitarist Nikita Kamprad and vocalist Tobias Jaschinsky, DER WEG EINER FREIHEIT garnered early attention with their self-released debut ‘Der Weg einer Freiheit’ (2009), which quickly sold out and was re-issued with new drum tracks a year later. Following the ‘Agonie’ EP (2011), their second album ‘Unstille’ (2012) already cored international acclaim. In the aftermath of this record, co-founding member Tobias left and main songwriter Nikita Kamprad took over his vocal duties.
 
The frontman was first heard on third full-length ‘Stellar’ (2015), which saw DER WEG EINER FREIHEIT gaining traction across the pond as well as expanding their European base. Having performed along such diverse acts as WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM, NEAERA, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, AMENRA, CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX, and DOWNFALL OF GAIA as well as playing prestigious festivals such as Graspop, Hellfest, Resurrection, Roadburn, Summer Breeze, and Wacken has honed the band’s songwriting skills to razor-sharp precision.

www.derwegeinerfreiheit.de
www.facebook.com/derwegeinerfreiheit

Current line-up
Nikita Kamprad: guitars, vocals
Tobias Schuler: drums
Nico Rausch: guitars
Nico Ziska: bass

MEPHORASH set release date for new SHADOW RECORDS album, reveal first track

Today, Shadow Records (distributed & marketed by Regain Records) sets April 18th as the international release date for Mephorash‘s highly anticipated fourth album, Shem Ha Mephorash, on CD, double-LP vinyl, and cassette tape formats.

Since their formation in 2010, Mephorash have been a study in patience and persistence. Every step of the way, their moves have been tactical and decisive, with each work breathing a totality of vision consistent with the band’s deeply occultic/esoteric beliefs. Granted, the name Mephorash may not be the most recognizable – yet  – but with last year’s The Third Woe 7″ on Shadow Records, a glorious new epoch has begun.

With their current lineup including past and present members of Malign and Ofermod, Mephorash have deep roots within Sweden’s esteemed black metal underground – the same underground which spawned the now-worldwide “religious”/orthodox black metal movement – but with Shem Ha Mephorash do they boldly separate themselves from standard tropes. A literally MASSIVE album at 74 minutes, the eight songs comprising Shem Ha Mephorash are each a corridor, an entire sprawling landscape, unto itself. Naturally, the way Mephorash weave all these various, virulent fibers together bespeaks a grandiose vision: an esoteric journey through the concepts and ideas behind the Shem Ha Mephorash system, the 72-fold explicit name of god. Wisely utilizing all the tools in their generous arsenal, the quartet take a largely mid-to-downtempo approach, lumbering forward with molten might and a more mystical aspect – in some senses, one could label it “ceremonial” – judiciously maximizing each construct’s potential before subtly weaving a new tale. Of course, bouts of cryogenic speed do crop up, but do so with malicious excitement. You never quite know where these corridors will lead… Or, simply, each track of Shem Ha Mephorash is a journey; taken together, they create a unified, endlessly fascinating journey to the beyond and back.

The time of reckoning is at hand. The second decade of the millennium is nearly over, and Swedish black metal is in sore need of unshackled invigoration. Confidently striding forward, ready to claim their throne, are Mephorash with an album for the ages. Explicit on the tongue, it bears the name Shem Ha Mephorash, and is graced with suitably ceremonial artwork courtesy of José Gabriel Alegría Sabogal.

Begin reckoning with the new track “King of Lords, Lord of Lords” here:
Aforementioned cover art and tracklisting are as follows:
METADATA-/scanq/scantofile0943.tif
Tracklisting for Mephorash’s Shem Ha Mephorash
1. King of Kings, Lord of Lords
2. Chant of Golgotha
3. Epitome I, Bottomless Infinite
4. Sanguinem
5. Epitome II, The Amrita of Vile Shapes
6. Relics of Elohim
7. 777 Third Woe
8. Shem Ha Mephorash
MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/mephorash

Gaahls Wyrd release new track “Ghosts Invited” and reveal album details!

Norwegian extreme metal formation GAAHLS WYRD, fronted by renowned vocalist Gaahl,  are now streaming the first track off their upcoming record ‘GastiR – Ghosts Invited’. The new album will be released via Season of Mist on May 31st. The single “Ghosts Invited”, is now streaming
GAAHLS WYRD is about to embark on a co-headliner tour with TRIBULATION, UADA and IDLE HANDS. All dates can be found below
The cover artwork of the single can be found below. Please note that the artwork for the full album will be different. The tracklist of the record, ‘GastiR – Ghosts Invited’ is also listed below
Tracklist:
1. Ek Erilar (05:34)
2. From The Spear (04:37)
3. Ghosts Invited (04:23)
4. Carving The Voices (07:26)
5. Veiztu Hve (06:41)
6. The Speech And The Self (05:02)
7. Through And Past And Past  (02:59)
8. Within The Voice Of Existence (05:25)
Total: 0:42:07
GAAHLS WYRD
With TRIBULATION, UADA and IDLE HANDS
21 Feb 19 Hamburg (DE) Kronensaal
22 Feb 19 Essen (DE) Turock
23 Feb 19 Ieper (BE) Concertzaal JOC Ieper
24 Feb 19 Utrecht (NL) Helling
25 Feb 19 London (UK) o2 Islington Academy
26 Feb 19 Paris (FR) Petit Bain
28 Feb 19 Munich (DE) Backstage
01 Mar 19 Winterthur (CH) Gaswerk
02 Mar 19 Vienna (AT) Viper Room
03 Mar 19 Prague (CZ) Nova Chmelnice
05 Mar 19 Poznan (PL) U Bazyla
06 Mar 19 Warschau (PL) Proxima
07 Mar 19 Berlin (DE) BiNuu
08 Mar 19 Dresden (DE) Reithalle 
09 Mar 19 Weinheim (DE) Cafe Central
10 Mar 19 Leeuwarden (NL) Neushoorn

Other live dates
20 Apr 19 Oslo (NO) Inferno Festival
17 May 19 Hyvinkaa (FI) Steelfest
25 Jul 19 Tolmin (SL) Metaldays Tolmin
15 Aug 19 St Nolff (FR) Motocultor Festival (Exact date tba)
Gaahls WYRD, fronted by legendary black metal vocalist, frontman, artist and composer Gaahl, will release their highly anticipated debut album ‘GastiR – Ghosts invited’, via Season of Mist on May 31st.
 
Gaahl is known as one of Norway’s most talked about and respected extreme metal musicians. His work with TRELLDOM, GORGOROTH, WARDRUNA and GOD SEED has been widely regarded as some of the best the black metal scene has had to offer.
 
Under the moniker Gaahls WYRD, the vocalist assembled some of Norway’s finest metal musicians. The band consist of Ole Walaunet (The Batallion, God Seed, Grimfist), Frode Kilvik (Krakow, Aeternus) and Kevin Kvåle (Horizon Ablaze). This highly qualified bunch has recently toured a finely selected, career spanning repertoire from Gaahl’s time in TRELLDOM, GORGOROTH and GOD SEED to great acclaim.
 
Having recorded their first full length in Solslottet Studios in Norway with Iver Sandøy (ENSLAVED) last year, the musicians are now ready to bestow their own unique take on extreme metal upon the masses.
 
Those who are expecting a blasting black metal offering are in for something unexpected. Even though ‘GastiR – Ghosts invited’ is firmly rooted in extreme metal, Gaahl’s vocal delivery on this record is something out of the ordinary and the first class riffing in combination with the excellent musicianship is bound to take you places you’ve never been before.

http://gaahlswyrd.com
https://www.facebook.com/gaahlswyrd
 
Line-up
Gaahl (Kristian Espedal)  – vocals
Lust Killman (Ole Walaunet) – guitars
Eld (Frode Kilvik) – Bass
Spektre (Kevin Kvåle) – Drums

Drudkh stream the track “Autumn in Sepia” of new compilation

Ukrainian black metal icons, DRUDKH are streaming the track “Autumn in Sepia”, taken from the new compilation ‘A Few Lines in Archaic Ukrainian’. The compilation, set for worldwide release on April 5 via Season of Mist Underground Activists, bundles the songs from the band’s split EP’s with HADES ALMIGHTY, GRIFT and PAYSAGE D’HIVER.

Previously, this set of songs was only available on limited vinyl, but will now be released on digipak and cassette.
The cover artwork and tracklist of the compilation have also been revealed and can be viewed below.
Track-list
1. Golden Horse (08:45)  
2. Fiery Serpent (08:45)  
3. His Twenty-Fourth Spring (09:01)    
4. Autumn In Sepia (08:26)
5. All Shades Of Silence (12:54)
6. The Night Walks Towards Her Throne (08:46)     
Total: 0:56:37

Ukrainian black metal formation DRUDKH deliver black metal poetry at its finest. Especially their latest albums and splits draw on 20th century Ukrainian literature. Previously only released on split EP’s with HADES ALMIGHTY, GRIFT and PAYSAGE D’HIVER, ‘A Few Lines in Archaic Ukrainian’, bundles a collection of often neglected tracks, that are a must hear for any fan of Sayenko’s work. 
 
DRUDKH are without a doubt influential and unique in the black metal scene. True to the values of this extreme genre, the enigmatic Ukrainians refuse to follow the rulebook and provide no answers, no statements, no shows. The sound of DRUDKH is equally based on a solid foundation consisting of the by now traditional Nordic variant of this style as on the band’s highly distinct individual “Slavonic” interpretation of it.
 
Released in June 2016 the split with Norwegian black metal forces HADES ALMIGHTY (SUA069), ‘One Who Talks With The Fog / Pyre Era, Black!’ contains some of the finest songs of the band, namely “Golden Horse and “Fiery Serpent”. Founder Roman Sayenko takes lyrical inspiration from the poetry of Ukrainian writer Volodymyr Svidzins’kyi (1885-1941), who was murdered by the Soviets after years of censorship and repression.
 
Following a cooperation with acclaimed Swedish underground one-man project GRIFT, DRUDKH release ‘Betrayed By The Sun / Hägringar’ in September 2016. The lyrics for “His Twenty-Fourth Spring” were penned by Bohdan-Ihor Antonych (1909–1937), who died at the early age of 28 years from an infection of the appendix. The family of Mike Johansen (1895–1937) was of German and Lithuanian decent and arrived in DRUDKH‘s hometown Karkhiv at the end of the 19th century. His words were used in the song “Autumn in Sepia”. Johansen also suffered a premature death; as he was brutally murdered by the Soviets in a Kiev prison under a fabricated accusation of conspiracy.
 
The two tracks “His Twenty-Fourth Spring” and “Autumn in Sepia” come in classic DRUDKH style, which mainly consists out of an atmospheric amalgamation of bleak rawness with epic melodies, but always has a richness of small details derived from any suitable musical genre.
 
The final split EP ‘Somewhere Sadness Wanders / Schnee (IV)’ with Swiss atmospheric black metal project PAYSAGE D’HIVER appeared in August 2017. “All Shades Of Silence” derives from the writings of Yevhen Pluzhnyk (1898-1936), who died in a Stalinist gulag. His contemporary Maik Yohansen (1895-1937), who penned the words in “The Night Walks Towards Her Throne” shared a similar fate by being murdered with the guns of a Soviet firing squad.
 
Unearthing these poems and bringing them back to life, the tracks on this compilation perfectly combine harshness, epic melodies and a touch of folklore, transforming them into black metal masterpieces.

www.facebook.com/Drudkh.Official