Black Metal

LA Based Black Metal band Blood Sanctum to release new EP

Spending time on Instagram is not always a massive time suck – sometimes you make new friends and discover up and coming bands that you would not have heard of if you didn’t connect to people via your insta page

LA based Black metal band Blood Sanctum are one of those great undiscovered gems I have had the fortune of hearing by hanging out on Insta. If you love black metal bands that have that old school war metal sound (Archgoat, Blasphemy etc) then you’re going to love Blood Sanctum

The guys plan to drop a new EP may 2nd – in the mean time go check out the previously released track “Ritual Bloodskull” here:

Go give them a follow at their instagram page : here

More news from them when I have it!

DOMINION OF SUFFERING set release date for SLOVAK METAL ARMY debut, reveal first tracks – features members of ANTIVERSUM, DEATHCULT, NOMENMORTIS+++

Today, Slovak Metal Army announces June 15th as the international release date for Dominion of Suffering‘s highly anticipated debut album, The Birth of Hateful Existence, on CD format. Necroeucharist Productions is handling the vinyl release.

Originally hailing from Slovakia, Dominion of Suffering started in 2008 as a nameless project of drummer Neptun and guitarist Miroslav. Its musical direction was clearly set in the style of old-school death/black metal, focused on paying homage to the old masters and founders of these genres. The result of this effort was the demo Served To The Worms, recorded in March 2011, to which Dr. Channard was invited as a guest guitarist and with whom Neptun played (2008 – 2011) in nowadays-legendary (in the strict underground meaning, of course) brutal death/grind act Nomenmortis. At that time, the demo was released in digital format only, and as a limited CD-R edition, used mainly for promo activities. The physical realization came only in 2016 in the form of 12” vinyl in a limited edition of 200 copies.

In 2012, the band ends all its activities due to Neptun’s departure abroad. Dominion of Suffering was restarted a couple of times in Switzerland, but always failed due to a series of misfortunes. The turning point came in 2018, when the members of bands Antiversum, Deathcult, Cruent, and ex-Traumalice started to work on a renewed project and to prepare a new album. All these efforts of the Slovak/Swiss cooperation resulted in the full-length The Birth of Hateful Existence, now coming to light in 2020. Throughout its existence, the band cooperates closely with Martin Lukáč, who wrote the lyrics for “Served To The Worms” and also for one of the songs on the debut album.

In the meantime, hear the brand-new tracks “A Starborn Overlord” here:
Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Dominion of Suffering’s The Birth of Hateful Existence
1. Intro
2. The Birth Of Hateful Existence
3. Silentium Mortis
4. A Starborn Overlord
5. Trapped by the Event Horizon

  MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/Dominion-of-Suffering-BAND-577965729346417
www.slovakmetalarmy.sk 
www.facebook.com/slovakmetalarmy 
www.slovakmetalarmy.bandcamp.com 

CARACH ANGREN unveil new hellish track of ‘Franckensteina Strataemontanus’

The Dutch masters of horror CARACH ANGREN are back with their 6(66)th full length ‘Franckensteina Strataemontanus’, which will see the light on June 26, 2020. In celebration, the horror outfit is now releasing the second new track from the album; ‘Der Vampir von Nürnberg’.

The new offering can be seen, in the form of a lyric video here:
CARACH ANGREN comment: “We proudly present you ‘Der Vampir von Nürnberg’, taken from our upcoming album. The song is a sub-story connected to the overarching horrifying concept on the album. Welcome to the world of a gruesome killer and vampiric necrophiliac dabbling in the wickedness of the occult!”
CARACH ANGREN have previously released the cover artwork, which is created by Stefan Heilemann, and track-list of ‘Franckensteina Strataemontanus’. Both can be be viewed below.
Track list:
1. Here in German Woodland (01:35)
2. Scourged Ghoul Undead (05:38)
3. Franckensteina Strataemontanus (03:03)
4. The Necromancer (04:08)
5. Sewn for Solitude (03:52)
6. Operation Compass (06:00)
7. Monster (03:33) (WATCH)
8. Der Vampir von Nürnberg (06:00) (WATCH)
9. Skull with a Forked Tongue (05:56)
10. Like a Conscious Parasite I Roam (08:16)
Bonus
11. Frederick’s Experiments (02:40)
Total playing time: 50:41
The Dutch masters of horror are back with their most flamboyant album so far. On ‘Franckensteina Strataemontanus’, CARACH ANGREN resurrect the gruesome story of troubled soul ‘Conrad Dippel’; the inspiration of Mary Shelly’s novel ‘Frankenstein’.
 
CARACH ANGREN have extended all the sonic colours on their established palette to dazzling effect. Their trademark whipping guitars are weaving harsh melodies and sinister soundscapes, which are beautifully contrasted by opulent keyboards and majestic orchestrations. That Till Lindemann (RAMMSTEIN) and Peter Tägtgren (PAIN) have called upon the composition talent of Clemens “Ardek” Wijers is a telling sign of his outstanding mastery of the craft. Another signatory counterpoint is provided by Seregor’s fierce rasping and shrieking vocals. Adding to the impact, Namtar has become a relentless driving force with his hart hitting yet intricate drumming. Each track on this album is a highlight on its own, while combined ‘Franckensteina Strataemontanus ‘ simply shines.
 
CARACH ANGREN set out to tell ghost-stories with a set of paranormal cases recorded on the demo ‘The Chase Vault Tragedy’ (2004). This was soon followed by the official release of the ‘Ethereal Veiled Existence’ EP (2005) as a prelude to the haunting ‘Lammendam’ (2008). The Dutch had a clear vision of combining a dark baroque style of metal with horror based lyrical concepts. Their sophomore full-length ‘Death Came through a Phantom Ship’ (2010) witnessed the band setting sail to bring their eccentric and capturing live performances to audiences and festivals all over Europe. In the wake of third album ‘Where the Corpses Sink Forever’ (2012), the haunting had reached the Americas and started to spread rapidly. This record added a serious side to the lyrics of CARACH ANGREN. While firmly remaining in the horror genre, their tales revolve around the evils of war. This mature streak was taken a step further with the fourth full-length ‘This Is No Fairytale’, which is on the surface a darker variation of the “Hansel and Gretel” story from the Brothers Grimm collection, but also deals with the too real topic of child abuse in a dysfunctional family. With ‘Dance And Laugh Amongst The Rotten’ (2017), the band returned to pure story telling with episodes that are centred on a girl playing a little too long with her Ouija board.
 
Now, CARACH ANGREN return with the monster ‘Franckensteina Strataemontanus’, where the Dutch have pushed their unashamedly theatrical style to a new intense height. You do not believe us yet? Press play and have your soul transferred with this new elixir of life!

 
www.facebook.com/carachangren
ww.instagram.com/carachangrenofficial
www.carach-angren.nl

BYTHOS stream TERRATUR debut album

From Finland comes a brand-new alliance who creates their musical black art under the name of Bythos! Bythos has made a pact with the infamous Terratur Possessions and will bring forth their debut album bearing the title The Womb of Zero, to be released internationally tomorrow, on April 24th.
Hear Bythos‘ The Womb of Zero in its entirety here:
Musically, Bythos combines cold melodies and versatile riffs, creating rich and numinous landscapes which encounters powerful and vicious liturgies. The music supports the lyrical theme of the songs well, and the moods range from oppressive despair to ecstatic praise of the dark gods. The theme of the album is an interdimensional view of the underworld and its deities, emphasizing strongly on the spiritual evolution to liberate the imprisoned powers, and make one with the outer darkness.

The resetting of the divine plans through destruction and rise above limitations of life. Beauty in destruction, destruction in beauty. A sonic interpretation of what once was and our constant path of devolution towards the Luciferian dawn.

Preorder info can be found HERE.
Cover art, courtesy of Kristiina Lehto, and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Bythos’ The Womb of Zero
1. Black Labyrinth
2. When Gold Turns into Lead
3. Sorath the Opposer
4. Omega Dragon
5. Call of the Burning Blood
6. Hymn to Lucifer
7. Legacy of Naahmah
8. Destroyer of Illusions
9. Luciferian Dawn
BYTHOS lineup
M.S. – vocals (Behexen/ex-Sargeist)
M.L. – guitars/bass (Behexen, Ajattara, Horna)
L.R. – drums (Horna)
MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/bythosofficial
www.terraturpossessions.com 
www.facebook.com/TerraturPossessions

TOMBS release remote Jam Session Clip for “The World Is Made of Fire”

Isolation has resulted in many bands finding creative, new ways to rehearse and write music from afar. Brooklyn black metal formation TOMBS are now sharing a video of a remote jam session, in which the band performs the instrumental song, “The World is Made of Fire,” which is taken from 2016’s ‘All Empires Fall.’ Watch the clip here:
TOMBS most recent EP “Monarchy of Shadows” was released on February 28 via Season of Mist, making it the band’s debut to the label. The album can be heard in its entirety HERE and purchased HERE.
The cover artwork for ‘Monarchy of Shadows’ was created by Valnoir and can be found below, together with the tracklist.
Tracklist
1. Monarchy of Shadows (07:32)
2. Once Falls the Guillotine (04:44)
3. Necro Alchemy (05:47)
4. Man Behind the Sun (06:02)
5. The Dark Rift (05:58)
6. Path of Totality (Midnight Sun) (04:44)
Total: 0:34:47
Follow TOMBS via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and check out their Bandcamp page!
 
Line-Up:
Mike Hill – guitar / vocals
Justin Spaeth – drums /electronics
Drew Murphy – bass / vocals
Matt Medieiros – guitar / vocals

Guest Musicians:
Mike Goncalves – guest vocals on “Path of Totality (Midnight Sun)”
Ben Karas – strings on “The Dark Rift”
Terence Hannum – synth on “Monarchy of Shadows”

Studio: Frightbox Recording (Passaic, NJ, U.S.A.)

Producer/Sound Engineer/Mixing Studio Engineer: Bobby Torres

Mastering studio engineer: Alan Douches @ West West Side Music

Cover Art: Valnoir

IMPIETY set release date for long-awaited new EVIL DEAD / HELLS HEADBANGERS album

Today, Evil Dead Production, in conspiracy with Hells Headbangers handling exclusive distribution, sets May 29th as the international release date for Impiety‘s long-awaited ninth album, Versus All Gods, on CD and vinyl LP formats.

By now, Impiety should need no introduction. Since 1990, led by the iron fist of founding vocalist/guitarist Shyaithan, IImpiety have stood for uncompromising black/death warfare. And while the band’s roots in Singapore have grown to encompass a number of lineups across international waters, the band’s fierce ‘n’ fiery sound has always stood firm: total and utter savagery, delivered with the swiftest execution!

Impiety have not been idle since the release of their last full-length, 2012’s aptly titled Ravage & Conquer: a hefty handful of splits, live albums, compilations, and 2013’s well-received The Impious Crusade EP courtesy of Hells Headbangers, as well as countless shows across the world. Impiety‘s crusade continues unabated with another aptly titled album: Versus All Gods, which says everything it needs to! Immediately and unmistakably Impiety, Versus All Gods blasts forth with unrelenting barbarity and insanity, but here finds Shyaithan and crew at their tightest yet, with some truly demented soloing courtesy of new guitarist Djinn. It’s a statement of intent spoken in chainsawed tongues, punctuated with the force of a heat-seeking missile; it’s the sound of defying and destroying the concept of “age,” of sticking to one’s guns and unloading that arsenal upon all doubters.

Neither strictly black metal nor death metal, Impiety once again deliver a thermonuclear warhead of sound that’s theirs and theirs alone: no quarter given, and no trends recognized! This is the official worldwide release of Versus All Gods – this is Impiety fucking VERSUS ALL GODS!

The first thermonuclear warhead can be found with the brand-new track “Reigning Armageddon” here:
Cover art, courtesy of Jenglot Hitam, and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Impiety’s Versus All Gods 1. Intro – Kommand IX
2. Reigning Armageddon
3. Djinn of All Djinns
4. Barbarian Black Horde
5. Inviktus Satanikus
6. Azazel
7. Terror Occult Dominion
8. Dajjal United
9. Interstellar Deathfuck
10. Magickal Wrath
MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/impietyofficial
www.edp-store.com
www.hellsheadbangers.com
www.facebook.com/hellsheadbangers 

ABBATH drummer Ukri Suvilehto releases drum cam video for “Bridge of Spasms”

ABBATH drummer Ukri Sulivehto has released a drum cam video for the song “Bridge of Spasms”. The video was recorded in February this year in Club Progresja in Warsaw (PL), during the European tour with label mates 1349 and VLTIMAS.
Ukri comments: ” “Bridge of Spasms” is an highly energetic track and one of my favorite songs to play live. It’s also the first song that we started working on together for our latest album ‘Outstrider’, during my debut rehearsals with ABBATH early 2018. During our recent Outstrider 2020 European tour, “Drummers From Hell” Youtube drum channel filmed our show in Warsaw. We picked “Bridge of Spasms” to make the video of, because it represents our newer sound and the unifying sonic power that the ABBATH band can perpetrate on stage”.

‘Outstrider’ was released via Season of Mist on July 5, 2019. The album is still available HERE.
The coverartwork of ‘Outstrider’, which was created by Kim Holm and Olav Iversen, can be found below, together with the track list.
Track listing:
1. Calm in Ire (Of Hurricane) (04:32)
2. Bridge of Spasms (03:49)
3. The Artifex (04:09)
4. Harvest Pyre (04:12)
5. Land of Khem (04:08)
6. Outstrider (05:39)
7. Scythewinder (04:17)
8. Hecate (04:25)
9. Pace till Death (BATHORY cover) (03:41)
Total: 38:52
Line-up 
Abbath – Vocals & guitars
Ole Andre Farstad -Guitars
Ukri Suviletho – Drums
Rusty Cornell – Bass

Shop: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/AbbathOutstrider

Links:
www.facebook.com/abbathband
www.abbath.net
www.instagram.com/abbath_official

Interview with Hulder – Belgian/American One Woman Black Metal.

In case you’ve been asleep at the wheel the last 2 years Hulder has been on a mission to take the metal underground by storm, over the span of a mix of DIY releases and a full length on Iron Bonehead Productions she’s succeeding. We caught up with her this week to find out what she is all about – read on!

  • So are you from Belgium and moved to the USA right? What’s the story here?
    I was born in Duffel, and spent the majority of my formative years in Mechelen, Belgium. I moved to the USA a little over ten years ago. After spending time all over California I relocated to Oregon and have been enjoying the many splendors of its mountain ranges and vast forests.
  • If from Belgium now living here what bought you here? the music scene? family?
    The move was purely circumstantial. Not a decision I would have made at that time, but seeing as I was quite young, I did not have a say in the matter. That being said, I am quite pleased with where I have nested for the time being.

  • What has been the biggest cultural difference living in the USA vs Europe?
    Besides many political differences I do not care to discuss.. I would have to say the unnecessary abundance of everything. I’m fairly certain the bigger and better mentality is not something I will ever get used to. There is also a lack of ritual through home cooking, and time spent at a table as opposed to in front of electronics. These examples may have struck me as stark differences due to the fact I grew up in rural farm surroundings.

The fact that it is dreary most of the year

  • What are your favorite things about living in Oregon?
    It’s dense woods and grey coast. The fact that it is dreary most of the year, and there are plenty of shady hideaways along glacier runoff on the off-day when it gets too warm. The city is currently very accessible if the urge strikes, but I plan to make my return to more rural settings when the time is right.

My passion only grows.

  • How did you get into Black metal? What was your “gateway” band so to speak?
    I was introduced to bands like Satyricon, Summoning, Darkthrone, Burzum, Moonsorrow, and Dissection in my early teenage years. Someone quite a few years my senior left me with some cassettes and an old CD binder, enough study material for a few years at least. It was my first passion, and I knew fairly shortly thereafter it would stick with me forever. I eventually worked my way backwards to a lot of first wave bands and other extreme metal. My passion only grows.

  • Were you playing any instruments before you got into Black metal?
    I have been playing guitar since I was 10. I played in multiple punk bands in my youth, and always had solo projects simultaneously, though never made public.
  • How did your deal with iron Bonehead come about? Are you happy with the promotion they have done so far?
    IBP reached out to me shortly after the first run of the “Embraced..” EP was out. So far I am very pleased with our collaboration, and look forward to what the future holds.

I am only concerned with furthering the consciousness of the self.

  • If I am not mistaken Hulder is the name of mother of Odin – are you an Odinist at all? If not what faith do you practice/follow?
    I am not aware of any mythology referring to Hulder as the mother of Odin nor do I practice a faith of any kind. I am only concerned with furthering the consciousness of the self.
  • Have you played live before and if so how was it for you?
    HULDER has made one live appearance. It was a satisfactory experience, but only a small glimpse into what is to come for those who got to witness it.

  • Are there any plans to play live?
    I absolutely plan on live performances. Things are quite uncertain at this point due to the plague of our time, but hopefully circumstance will allow for a tour within the next year or so.
  • What can we expect from Hulder in 2020 and beyond?
    A full length, some unspoken announcements to accompany said release, and of course more Dark Medieval Black Metal at full force.
  • Any final words?
    Your questions and interest are much appreciated. Gezondheid to you and anyone reading this.

More Info:

Hulder Bandcamp

Hulder Merch

Hulder Instagram

BLACK ALTAR and KIRKEBRANN to release split album via ODIUM, reveal first video and preorder

Today, Odium Records announces June 30th as the international release date for Deus Inversus, a special split album between Black Altar and Kirkebrann. The album will be released on digipack CD and vinyl LP formats.

Featuring two veterans of the black metal underground, Deus Inversus will include seven total compositions, all new and exclusive to this release. For Black Altar‘s half, such esteemed musicians as Lars Broddesson (Funeral Mist, ex-Marduk), Mauser (ex-Vader), and Alexandros (Macabre Omen) took part in the recording session – led, of course, by Black Altar founder Shadow.
Kirkebrann
Kirkebrann
Mauser was also responsible for Black Altar‘s production, while Kirkebrann‘s production was handled by Morfeus (ex-Limbonic Art). See & hear a prelude to Black Altar‘s track “Deus Inversus,” with drums by Lars Broddesson here:
Preorder info for the digipack CD and two vinyl versions (black limited to 250 copies / diehard marble, with patch & sticker, limited to 50 copies) can be found HERE.
Cover art, by Nestor Avalos, and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Black Altar & Kirkebrann’s Deus Inversus –
Black Altar- 1. Deus Inversus
2. Ancient Warlust
3. Outro

  -Kirkebrann-
4. BegrensaBevissthet
5. Faux Pas
6. Et Nederlag
7. UfødteKlarhet

MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/blackaltar
www.facebook.com/kirkebrann
www.odiumrex.com
www.facebook.com/odiumrex

AKOLYTH set release date for AMOR FATI debut

Today, Amor Fati Productions sets May 29th as the international release date for Akolyth‘s striking debut album, Akolyth, on CD and vinyl LP formats.

Fierce, sombre, ritualistic: Akolyth‘s self-titled debut full-length is nothing less than a taped pledge to the entity which dwells beyond. Drawing inspiration from the aggressiveness and coldness of early ’90s black metal, Akolyth combines pounding drumming with harsh guitars and a hopeless-yet-ritualistic atmosphere. The twisted, invoking vocals chant of forbidden rites, devotion, and self-sacrifice to open pathways to the Beyond and truly become one with the Nightside.

Recorded, mixed, and mastered at Opus Magnum Studios in Brussels, Akolyth‘s production is forceful and vibrant, but still raw and untamed – a call into a hidden realm between the realities.

Open your pathway with the opening track “A Work Of Ages”
Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Akolyth’s Akolyth
1. A Work Of Ages [9:01] 2. The Night, The Fog [9:09]
3. What Dwells Between Fractured Worlds [9:19]
4. To Become His Doorway [9:18]
www.amor-fati-productions.de 
www.amorfatiproductions.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/amorfatiprod