ATAVISTIA Announce New EP ‘Inane Ducam’

Fresh off of their recent European tour with SKÁLMÖLD and SEVEN SPIRES, Vancouver-based blackened symphonic metal outfit ATAVISTIA will release their new EP Inane Ducam (translates to ‘I Will Lead Into Nothingness’) on July 19, 2024. Featuring new guitarist Elia Baghbaniyan and bassist/vocalist Spencer Budworth, Inane Ducam  seeks to explore different genres and styles while still maintaining the core ATAVISTIA sound.

Band founder Mattias Sippola comments “‘Inane Ducam’ was an experimental writing process – lower tuning, the debut of Spencer’s fierce low growls, and tempos reaching close to 300BPM. During the Winter months of 2023, Vancouver experienced extremely dark, cold, and gloomy days which is an antidote to creating music like this.”

Listen to the album’s first single “Timeless Despair” here: 

Past praise for ATAVISTIA:

“‘Cosmic Warfare’ is a rollicking ride through metal’s propensity for duality as the quartet show off their skill at fist-banging harshness on one end and melodic layered density on the other.”- Decibel Magazine

“ATAVISTIAhave always managed to sound massive, but little more. Now, we have the massive aesthetic wedded to actual songs, nestled within an album composed with structure and discipline. The result is impressive. Scarily, there is still room to improve. Whereas before I wrote these guys off as cheap WINTERSUN knock-offs, they have now brought themselves whisper-close to their heroes. If Jari doesn’t get his act together, his band could be overtaken soon. Perhaps they have been already.”– Angry Metal Guy

ATAVISTIA is: 

Mattias Sippola – Guitars/Vocals
Elia Baghbaniyan – Guitar
Spencer Budworth – Bass & Vocals
Max Sepulveda – Drums

Connect With ATAVISTIA:

Facebook: facebook.com/OfficialAtavistia
Instagram: instagram.com/Atavistia
Twitter: twitter.com/atavistia
Website: atavistia.com
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/1QoL6PD6QyjdsxvTBacepq
Bandcamp: atavistia.bandcamp.com
Youtube: youtube.com/channel/UCwQWMCiFZL1duPSdbdjGyCg

Track Listing: 

  1. Inane Ducam 1:41
  2. Timeless Despair 3:55
  3. Dark Isolation 5:23
  4. Unattained Creation 5:17
  5. The Void 7:05

COLDCELL set release date for new AOP RECORDS album, reveal first track – features members of SCHAMMASCH

Today, AOP Records announces July 26th as the international release date for ColdCell‘s highly anticipated fifth album, Age of Unreason, on CD and vinyl LP formats.

ColdCell were founded in 2012 in Basel, Switzerland and released their first album, Generation Abomination, during the following year. ColdCell are rooted in the Swiss underground black metal scene and have always been eager to deliver dark and atmospheric live shows. And although drummer aW concurrently plays in Swiss icons Schammasch, ColdCell put forward their own unique approach that melds both old and new schools of black metal, making for a highly personal expression both timeless and modern.

The impressions of the dark, eerie, and extreme are expressed within ColdCell‘s successive albums like Lowlife (2015), Those (2017), and The Greater Evil (2021). With their latest album, Age of Unreason,ColdCell now align with AOP Records and furthermore venture deeper into social abysses and explore the (un)reason of being. Their sound remains as challenging and unsettling as ever here, with equal emphasis placed on abyssal heft and ethereal atmosphere, slipstreaming violence and ominous trudge. While so many extreme metal albums trail off in a tide of unwavering familiarity, Age of Unreason reaches a crescendo at about the halfway point with “Meaningless,” which features bewitching guest vocals by Swiss chanteuse Ines Brodbeck (aka INEZONA), and continues to spiral into cathartic delirium with the closing combo of “Sink Our Souls” and “Discord.” During these three tracks in particular, the emotional core of ColdCell is on dazzlingly display, darkly exploring those corridors of the soul few dare to tread. In 47 minutes, Age of Unreason rips asunder and rearranges the template of orthodox black metal.

In the meantime, hear the brand-new track “Dead to the World” here:

Cover artwork, courtesy of Gian Andrea Signorell, and tracklisting are as follows:

Tracklisting for ColdCell’s Age of Unreason
1. Hope and Failure [7:32]
2. Dead to the World [8:04]
3. Left [5:56]
4. Solidarity or Solitude [5:46]
5. Meaningless feat. INEZONA [6:11]
6. Sink Our Souls [8:28]
7. Discord [4:52]

MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/coldcell

www.aoprecords.de
www.facebook.com/aoprecords

SLAUGHTERSUN Release Lyric Video For “Ready Cell Awaits”

SLAUGHTERSUN has released a playthrough video for their song “Ready Cell Awaits”. 

Vocalist Justin Hillman comments: 

“‘Ready Cell Awaits’ takes the listener on the journey of sitting in a cell, awaiting execution and searching desperately for anything spiritual to cling to in order to relieve the anguish.”

Watch the lyric video here:

The band has also just announced their first show at the Lucky 13 Saloon in Brookyln.

Get tickets here: https://dice.fm/event/dy7rg-slaughtersun-replicant-festergore-enforcement-droid-29th-jun-lucky-13-saloon-new-york-city-tickets

About SLAUGHTERSUN:
Drawing musical, lyrical and creative influences from the likes of DEMILICH, GORGUTS, CANNIBAL CORPSE and AT THE GATES, to name a few, SLAUGHTERSUN create their own take on the death metal subgenre. Band founder Ben Karas (WINDFAERER) initially began writing for SLAUGHTERSUN back in 2017, but it wasn’t until 2022 that Karas was able to fully dedicate time and energy into the band. The band’s line-up soon came together comprised of Karas’ THANK YOU SCIENTIST band mate Cody McCorry, along with Jason Quinones (TOMBSTONER) and Justin Hillman (CRANIAL DAMAGE). In 2023, SLAUGHTERSUN began to rehearse and record in their full form and soon turned to preparing their debut “Fall of the Firmament”. 

SLAUGHTERSUN is:
Justin Hillman – Unearthly Wails
Ben Karas – Treble Strings
Cody McCorry – Bass Strings
Jason Quinones – Hammer Battalion

Links:
Website: https://slaughtersunnj.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553494261326
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slaughtersunnj/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYIRFOjJhzCUVL6FIRf2kgQ

Oak, Ash & Thorn Sign to Season of Mist

Out of Denver, Colorado, from along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Oak, Ash & Thorn arose with a collective passion for heavy metal and a shared pagan worldview.

Inspired by the likes of Týr, In Flames and Immortal, the band released their first album in 2018. May Every Altar Linger established a patented blend of anthemic riffs, athletic drumming, dueling clean vocals and death growls. In 2021, their EP To Gaze on Stars of Frost refined their sound further. Fabian Jiru of Trollfest handled production duties so masterfully that he was brought back for their next EP Eternal, which was released by Lost Future Records.

Last month, Lost Future released Oak, Ash & Thorn’s second album. Our Grief is Thus is tighter while also pushing beyond the band’s pagan roots and blackened death metal foundation. Songs like “Dying Culture” and “Auras” pulls from the galloping energy of crust punk, power metal’s soaring triumph and the unconventional melodies of progressive rock. The end result is a powerful, unique sound that is fully their own, as melodic and memorable as it is heavy and crushing.

Now, Oak, Ash & Thorn are taking the next step in their journey by signing with Season of Mist. As they continue to tour in support of their latest album, the band will begin writing what’s bound to be a highly-anticipated follow-up.

“We are thrilled to sign with Season of Mist” says Oak, Ash & Thorn. “It’s long been the home of some of our biggest influences, and it is a tremendous honor to now stand alongside them at one of the most reputable metal labels in the world. To say that we’re living out our dream is an understatement”.

Catch Oak, Ash & Thorn this October when they play The Roxy in their hometown of Denver, Colorado.

Lineup
Jason Harding – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
Erik Hoffman – Bass
Cierra White – Drums
Adam Armstrong – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar

While only loosely constructed as a concept album, with Our Grief is Thus, Oak, Ash & Thorn have built a monumental record. Every song deals with grief in some fashion. “Dying Culture” is about the decay of tradition by way of urbanization and generational decline. “Light My Pyre” tackles betrayal and the dissolution of friendship. “Auras” deals with the erosion (and rejuvenation) of honor and identity in the face of withering familial ties.

Oak, Ash & Thorn recorded their latest album in Ft. Collins, Colorado, at the Blasting Room, which was founded by Black Flag and Descendents drummer Bill Stevenson. Our Grief is Thus marks the first time in the band’s history that they have walked out of a studio with an album fully representing their vision.

Having now signed to Season of Mist, they’re ready to take their spirited brand of blackened pagan power metal to even greater heights.

Follow Oak, Ash & Thorn:
Bandcamp: oakashandthorn.bandcamp.com
Facebook: facebook.com/ofoakashandthorn
Instagram: instagram.com/oakashandthorndenver
Linktree: linktr.ee/ofoakashandthorn
Shopify: oakashandstore.com
Tiktok: tiktok.com/@oakashandthorndenver
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoP8OQDZS5BwpeTDV3JRJIA (@ofoakashandthorn)

Chicago’s CARDIAC ARREST stream new HELLS HEADBANGERS album

Today, Chicago death metal institution Cardiac Arrest stream the entirety of their highly anticipated eighth album, The Stench of Eternity. Set for international release on May 17th via Hells Headbangers on CD and cassette tape formats – the vinyl LP version will follow on June 14th – hear Cardiac Arrest‘s The Stench of Eternity in its entirety here:

Formed in 1997, Chicago’s Cardiac Arrest continues to assault the death metal underground with their horror-inspired death metal. Never catering to the trends, Cardiac Arrest have remained a force to be reckoned with and show no signs of compromise. With numerous releases, festival appearances, tours in the US, Canada, and Europe, and respect of peers and fans alike, Cardiac Arrest proudly carries the flag of true DEATH METAL.

Newly allied with Hells Headbangers, Cardiac Arrest saw the reissue of their second album (and favorite), 2008’s Cadaverous Presence, on vinyl for the first time ever during the summer of 2023. Continuing this blood pact is the long-awaited release of The Stench of Eternity, their eighth album overall. Cardiac Arrest‘s preceding album, The Day That Death Prevailed, was released during the cursed year of 2020, and the following years were even more difficult for the band. Nevertheless, all that darkness and bitterness positively spill over on the ever-aptly-titled The Stench of Eternity. Sticking to their guns but firing ’em uglier and nastier than ever, Cardiac Arrest kick into their characteristic sound with sickly aplomb: gallop, blast, mix ’em up, and repeat as necessary until the listener is either possessed or decimated! A no-nonsense approach to be sure, but to do it this convincingly – and, after all these years, without rehashing the same ideas – is a skill elusive to most. Couple that with Cardiac Arrest‘s catchiest and most varied songwriting to date, as well as a production that manages to be both crystal-clear and exceptionally dirty simultaneously, and The Stench of Eternity becomes essential huffing for the sickest fucks. Timeless and trend-free, for ​over 25 years now: ONLY DEATH METAL IS REAL!

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

Tracklisting for Cardiac Arrest (Chicago)’s The Stench of Eternity
1. Maggot This One
2. Victims to the Blasphemy
3. Beg, Plead, Crawl
4. Means to an End
5. Bullets are the Only Cure
6. In the Name of Suffering
7. Born to be Buried
8. No Human Will
9. This is How You Die
10. From Civilized to Sadistic

MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/CardiacArrestDeathMetal

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

Psychedelic black metallers Kerasfóra premiere the new track “Of Enlightenment and Fall” 

Today, psychedelic black metallers Kerasfóra premiere the new track “Of Enlightenment and Fall”. The track is the second to be revealed from the band’s highly anticipated debut album, Six Nights Beyond the Serpents Threshold, set for international release on June 14th via Iron Bonehead Productions. Hear Kerasfóra‘s “Of Enlightenment and Fall” in its entirety here:

In the summer of 2021, Kerasfóra quietly released their debut EP, Denn die Todten reiten schnell, on CD and cassette in their native Chile. An obsidian gem like few others in the nowadays black metal scene, its mesmerizing mysticism sounded utterly ancient, but it didn’t nod too conspicuously nor too often to any ’90s touchstones. For that reason – and many others, so copious were its charms – Iron Bonehead released it worldwide on vinyl in early 2022.

However, for awe-inspiring as that record often was, Kerasfóra‘s debut album is set to eclipse that and everything else within the wider black metal scene. Titled Six Nights Beyond the Serpents Threshold, indeed does the album comprise six immersive, none-more-mesmerizing songs, each one once again evoking forgotten realms and vast vistas of wonder. And yet, here does the one-man Kerasfóra strike upon bolder or at least more rarefied territory with his inscrutable usage of synths: whereas so many black metal bands, past and present, use synths as a blanket of atmosphere – often unobtrusively, for fear of “un-true” accusations – the selfsame mainman puts them front and center across these Six Nights, carrying each song’s main melody with an almost-demonic lullaby style. It’s difficult, then, to compare that synth usage / prominence to Kerasfóra‘s contemporaries; one would likely have to dig deep into the realm of old psychedelia and krautrock in the ’70s or the first caustic rumblings of post-punk at the dawn of the ’80s to locate a proper analog(ue). Which is all to say that, somehow, Six Nights Beyond the Serpents Threshold manages to be more BLACK METAL than all and sundry: menacing and majestic, wonderfully weird and wildly singular. That Kerasfóra‘s guitar tone is even thicker and his gait grimmer and more lumbering here simply make the album an even grander achievement.

Kerasfóra‘s first EP might’ve evoked the likes of Grimorium Verum, Vobiscum Inferni, and early Hetroertzen as far as displaying a different face for South American black metal brewed in the cauldrons of olde, but with Six Nights Beyond the Serpents Threshold, it’s not unjust to say that the man created a modern classic of spaced-out rawness.

Also hear the previously revealed “Of Serpent and Return” HERE at Iron Bonehead‘s Soundcloud. Cover and tracklisting are as follows:

Tracklisting for Kerasfóra’s 
Six Nights Beyond the Serpents Threshold
1. Of Night and Fire [6:51]
2. Of Omniscience and Mystery [5:08]
3. Of Consternation and Ecstasy [4:07]
4. Of Enlightenment and Fall [5:06]
5. Of Darkness and Confusion [4:37]
6. Of Serpent and Return [5:34]

MORE INFO:
www.kerasfora.bandcamp.com

www.facebook.com/IronBoneheadProductions

Post-Black Metal Band DELIRIA Release A Visualizer For Their Ghostly New Album Phantasm

Post-black metal band DELIRIA have released a visualizer for their spectral new album Phantasm, released May 3, 2024.

The band comments, “We are thrilled that Phantasm is now available. The album reflects darkness and struggle, and this time we bring a more focused, ghostly approach. All of the time we spent tracking this shines through, all the guitars we used on the recording (amongst others a ’72 Gibson SG) and the LPs came out amazing. From the spectral artwork to the reverb soaked melodies, the album delivers a haunting atmosphere. Celebrating with our recent album release show was truly unforgettable.“

Stream the visualizer for Phantasm here:

About DELIRIA:
DELIRIA is an evocative post-black metal band from the San Francisco Bay Area formed in 2017 by David Scanlon (DAWN OF OUROBOROS). A fundamental critique of consciousness, the band crafts ordinary life in endogenous melancholia. Quickly joined by vocalist Adam Rupp (KILL THE MESSENGER), the duo sought drummer Jared Klein (RIVERS OF NIHIL) to record their debut album, Nausea. 

Inspired by existential dread, Rupp’s tortured misery and Scanlon’s somber melodies coalesce in bleak pessimism and gloomy aurorae. In 2018, the additions of guitarist Brent Rockwell (THE UNDYING) and Jade Forsythe (EMBRIUM) secured a live lineup, with DELIRIA performing alongside acts such as TYR, ULCERATE, and THE ZENITH PASSAGE. 

The band re-entered the studio in 2020 to record their second full-length album, Phantasm. Bolstered by Andrew Baird (FALLUJAH) on drums, DELIRIA expands its melancholic approach, this time highlighting its morbid and occult arrangements. DELIRIA’s current lineup features the addition of drummer Brandon Clevenstine (SYMBOLIK). Together the quintet has gathered enthusiasm among fans of their influences, such as KATATONIA, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, and FIELDS FO THE NEPHILIM. 

Band Lineup:
Vocals: Adam Rupp (KILL THE MESSENGER)
Guitar: David Scanlon (DAWN OF OUROBOROS)
Guitar: Brent Rockwell (THE UNDYING)
Bass: Jade Forsythe (EMBRIUM)
Drums: Brandon Clevenstine (SYMBOLIK)

Website: https://deliria.com/ 

SOTHERION releases debut album for W.T.C. – features members of AOSOTH, ORDER OF APOLLYON+++

On May 9th internationally, W.T.C.Productions releases Sotherion‘s highly anticipated debut album, Vermine.

Spawned by the mind of infamous composer BST (Aosoth, The Order of Apollyon) in total isolation, in the midst of the first lockdown of 2020, Sotherion is a one-man project paying homage to the late ‘80s and early ‘90s second wave of black metal. Inspired by disgust for the modern world and its deification of mediocrity and glorification of rats, and motivated by a search for old ways of recording razor-sharp guitars and low-pulsing kick drums, the debut demo Schwarmgeist came to be in a heartbeat, acting as a beacon for what was next to come.

A contract was made with W.T.C. Productions, and work began shortly after within the depths of the infamous BST Studio to sculpt and breathe the stench of death into a humble monument to the old scene, resulting in a full-length record entitled Vermine. Across the continual curse of the year 2022, Sotherion displays its full powers – and full vision – between Schwarmgeist and now Vermine. BST’s renown certainly precedes him, but Sotherion is surely his most personal work yet.

A punishing and pestilent experience, Vermine encompasses 10 tracks across 44 minutes. “The creative process leading to this album was centered around a type of sound, first and foremost,” BST reveals. “Every guitar riff is meant to emphasize this raw style of production, widely reminiscent of the early ’90s – minimalistic music to leave enough room for the gurgling harmonics of the saturated strings to develop.” Indeed, every blistering tone and texture here feels like razor-wire dragged across the flesh (and FAST), but with disharmony flowing just as fast and freely, the sum effect is one of disorientation and delirium giving way to inevitable implosion. Put another way, you don’t just try to “listen” to Vermine; rather, you merely try to survive. “Suffocating” is another way to put it…or an air-raid siren made manifest.

Not surprisingly, content matches form for Sotherion. As BST explains further, “Lyrically, the various themes revolve around a darkened view of reality, the ever-decaying modern world, the instinct to welcome the death of all as the ultimate goal of the human experiment – not devoid of a certain very cynical and morbid form of humor, mocking everything sacred and everything beautiful.” That mockery just might extend to the listener himself, depending on one’s spiritual coordinates coming into Vermine.

Schwarmgeist was released without warning, preparing the masses for the inevitable infection of Vermine – but perhaps that wasn’t enough preparation for the full fathom of Sotherion. Hereby shall French black metal be renewed by consecrating its blood pact with the past. This is no more and no less than what the modern world deserves! Cover and tracklisting are as follows:

Tracklisting for Sotherion’s Vermine
1. Shemyaza
2. La Mort Pour Compagnon
3. The Fallen
4. Word Made Death
5. Flame Of Deliverance
6. Famished King
7. Blood Prophet
8. Le Havre Meurtri
9.  Schwarmgeist
10. Shrine Of The Chosen

MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/sotherion

www.w-t-c.orgwww.facebook.com/W.T.C.Productions

DEMON SPELL premiere new track, set release date for DYING VICTIMS debut mini-album – features members of SCHIZO+

On July 26th internationally, Dying Victims Productions is proud to present Demon Spell’s striking debut mini-album, Evil Nights, on CD and 12” vinyl formats. And today, hear Demon Spell’s title track “Evil Nights” in its entirety here:

How would you feel if, during the night, while you’re lying on your bed, something touches you in the dark? The air grows cold, their eyes emerge from darkness, and you feel your body tense. The shivers begin, shocked by horror, possessed by unholy force – you cannot escape from this hell. Now evil breaks loose and you’re under a Demon Spell!  

Such is the sonic sensation of Demon Spell’s debut mini-album, Evil Nights. The Italian quartet may be name in name, but their sound is most definitely OLD. Among that lineup are such veterans as drummer Dario Casabona, who played with Italy’s legendary Schizo for 20 years, and guitarist Francesco Bauso, who was a founding member stoner-doom titans Haunted. Along with vocalist Federico Fano and bassist Riccardo Liberti, Demon Spell bring forth HORROR and EVIL in purest ‘80s heavy metal form: obsessed maniacs who were born under the sign of the moon during terrifying nightmares and morbid rituals. Black-magic riffs, hellfire-burning drums, and soaring King Diamond-esque vocals from Fano telling untold tales from Hell and the beyond. Indeed, it’s difficult to shake the early Mercyful Fate comparisons with Evil Nights, but when it’s done with such blanching authenticity and eerie power, why fight it?! Of course, we could also invoke such names as ‘80s Satan’s Host, Witch Cross, and even the almighty Death SS, but on evidence of the four songs presented here, Demon Spell are already on their way in stirring up a bewitching cauldron of nocturnal delights. Celebrate darkness and scream out heavy metal ‘til your very last breath during these Evil Nights!

Cover and tracklisting are as follows:

Tracklisting for Demon Spell’s Evil Nights
1. Demon Spell
2. Black Wings
3. Dark Deceiver (Woman of the Black Oath)
4. Evil Nights

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

NIFELHEIM to release new demo compilation thru DARKNESS SHALL RISE

Darkness Shall Rise Productions is proud to present Nifelheim‘s Unholy Death compilation on CD, cassette tape, and vinyl LP formats. The tape version shall be released on June 6th while the CD and vinyl versions shall be released on July 4th.

Inspired by hatred and some of the vilest and darkest metal of the ’80s, Sweden’s most demented twins, Hellbutcher and Tyrant, came up with Nifelheim‘s only demo, Unholy Death, spawned in Hell in 1993.

Although the tracks immortalized on this demo are poorly recorded and rather amateurishly performed, they already and unmistakenly bear some of the trademarks the band would come to be worshipped for. Hellbutcher’s insane, utterly possessed screams and their songwriting talent and sense for melody turn the demo into a must-have not only for loyal worshippers of the band, but for anyone into early Sodom, early Bathory, or Treblinka.

Especially for this compilation, Nifelheim unearthed several gems from their archive, which turn this release into something truly extraordinary: On top of the four songs from the demo tape, this compilation features four other original songs, two intros, and two covers (Motörhead and Bathory) from the same recording session. In total, Unholy Death consists of 12 titles with a running time of almost 40 minutes.

The tracks were remixed from the original master tapes by Hellbutcher in 2024 and mastered by Patrick W. Engel at Temple Of Disharmony in February 2024. Also, a very in-depth interview with Tyrant and Hellbutcher highlighting the early days of the band was conducted.

In the meantime, hear the title track “Unholy Death” here:

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

Tracklisting for Nifelheim’s Unholy Death

1. Intro
2. Black Curse
3. Unholy Death
4. Satanic Sacrifice
5. Dawn Of The Dark Millennium
6. Witchfuck
7. Sodomizer
8. Possessed By Evil
9. The Devastation
10. Fuck Off
11. Mean Machine
12. Reaper

www.darknessshallrise.de
www.facebook.com/darknessshallriseproductions 
www.darknessshallriseproductions.bandcamp.com