This past week, frontman Vincent Crowley required an unexpected emergency surgery. While the procedure was successful and Vincent is expected to make a full recovery, his doctors have advised that he take the necessary time to heal and avoid air travel during his recovery period.
Vincent shares: “This was not an easy decision to make, but my health must come first. I want to thank all of our fans for their understanding, patience, and unwavering support. I fully intend to return stronger than ever once I am cleared to perform again.”
“We deeply regret any disappointment this causes to fans, promoters, and venues, but Vincent’s long-term health is our top priority. All commitments will be revisited when he has completed his recovery, and we look forward to bringing the music back to the stage.”
“Acheron and the Vincent Crowley Band sincerely thank the global fanbase for their loyalty and support during this time.”
Asheville (NC) – Blackvapor/Black Metal duo, Hellir, have released new EP, Hollow Moon: Precursor!
Hollow Moon: Precursor is the first release in a trilogy of EPs that will collectively comprise the band’s first full-length album, Hollow Moon. Hollow Moon: Precursor is an evolution of Hellir’s atmosphere venturing into a broader range of sounds. With everything from extremely heavy break downs, electronic breaks, classical piano, and fusion, there’s a lot of new territory to explore. Or to boldly go where no one has gone before…
“This isn’t your dad’s brand of Black Metal. It’s fresh, modern, and cuts against the grain.” – Metal Temple
“Great sounding mixture of black metal and synth/vaporwave.” – Occult Black Metal Zine
FFO: Ulcerate, Alcest, Dark Castle, Isahn, Asagraum, Humanity’s Last Breath
All other music, lyrics, engineering, mixing, mastering: Daniel Shaneyfelt.
Artwork: Harlon McCargar.
BIO:
Hellir translates to “Cave” in the Old Norse language.
Hellir was founded in 2023 as a solo project by Daniel Shaneyfelt as a way to experiment with ideas that didn’t suit other projects. He released the first Hellir record Wheel of Ghosts in 2024, which blends elements of black metal, 80s synth pop, vapor wave, thall, and cinematic music.
Soon after recording Wheel of Ghosts, Hellir welcomed Dylan Webb on drums, helping push the duo’s sound into heavier and more technical territory.
Blackened metal trio ALL HELL dive headfirst into a chaotic fury in the new single “Exiled into Nod“. The track arrives ahead of the band’s upcoming album Sunsetter, that is due out October 10, 2025 on Terminus Hate City.
The band comments: “In contrast to most of our album openers, which have usually contained a slower or intro-like passage, we wanted to start this record IMMEDIATELY, throwing the listener right into the world we’ve crafted for this record.
This song represents the fervent prayer of a devotee of Cain, the First Murderer and Father of Vampires. It tells the story of Cain’s exile and curse by God. During this exile, he meets and forms a union with Lilith (the likewise fallen and exiled first wife of Adam in many Jewish mythological sources), thus setting the stage for the curse of vampirism to spread.
The bridge of the song returns to the prayer of the devotee, crying out to his symbolic mother and father to return and usher in the final downfall of humanity.”
Sunsetter is the fifth full-length from ALL HELL, following a string of acclaimed releases including The Grave Alchemist and The Witch’s Grail. Known for their punishing live shows and genre-defying sound, the band has toured with RINGWORM, BLACK TUSK, and PROFANATICA, and has performed at Decibel Metal and Beer Fest, RPM Fest, and more.
Sunsetter – Track Listing:
Exiled Into Nod
Dominus Sanguis, Domina Nox
The Violent Brood
The Bleeding
Sunsetter
The Flood and the Death
Behold the Night
Path of Cain
Sacrifice to Shadow
The Ancients Rise
The Outer Night
About ALL HELL:
ALL HELL is a blackened metal trio from Asheville, North Carolina, known for their relentless fusion of first wave black metal, deathrock, punk, and horror-driven storytelling. Since forming in 2013, the band has carved out a distinct identity rooted in occult themes, razor-sharp riffs, and a fierce DIY ethos.
The current lineup, Jacob Curwen (guitar and vocals), Erik Ballantyne (bass), and Elanti (drums), continues to push the band’s sound forward while staying true to its core. With each release, ALL HELL digs deeper into a unique mythos that spans history, horror, and apocalypse, embracing the dark, the ugly, and the eternal night.
Acclaimed international black metal duo OUTLAW has announced the forthcoming release of their 4th album, Opus Mortis, due out October 31st from AOP Records. Today, OUTLAW has released the records’ first single, “Through The Infinite Darkness.”
Commenting on the song, the band says:
“This song is closer to what we presented before, and that’s why we wanted to release it first. The rest of the album is a journey to something unexplored by us until now.“
A Million Midnights (feat. Lucas Veles // Blasphemaniac)
Those Who Breathe Fire (feat. Georgios // Dödsrit)
A Subtle Intimation
Ruins of Existence
AboutOUTLAW: Over the past decade, Outlaw has released three full-length albums and one EP, each step a deeper descent into their own path. Their music is steeped in darkness, yet illuminated by a relentless drive to transcend the mundane, channeling fury, devotion and death into soundscapes that are as violent as they are cathartic.
With the upcoming album Opus Mortis, Outlaw opens a new chapter. It stands as their most ambitious and destructive work to date. An offering that embodies the essence of the band: raw, visionary and unbound.
D. : Guitars, Bass and Vocals T. : Drums and Synths
The unrelenting force of diabolical Black Death Metal, BELPHEGOR, returns with a blazing new single: “Sanctus Diaboli Confidimus.” Forged in chaos and crowned in blasphemy, the track marks a savage invocation of what is yet to come.
This release marks BELPHEGOR’s first under their freshly inked deal with Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM), setting the stage for a powerful alliance between one of extreme metal’s most revered entities and one of the scene’s most ambitious new labels.
Helmuth, the band’s co-founder and guiding force, shares: “It’s great to be working with Gerardo Martinez once again. He believed in Belphegor early on and was the one who brought us to North America in 2006. I look forward to a powerful new chapter with RPM.”
Gerardo Martinez, co-founder of RPM, echoes the sentiment: “Helmuth, Belphegor and I go back to 2006 and I’m extremely thrilled to be able to continue working with one of the best proponents of Black Death Metal art. Welcome to RPM! Here’s to many more years of great music!”
On “Sanctus Diaboli Confidimus,” Helmuth describes: “A symbiosis of diabolical Black Death Metal. A glorification of the Devil. A hypnotic anthem of passion, fire and iron discipline. It stands for the absolute freedom to walk your own path, to reign within your own realm.”
More ominous creations are on the horizon, with this single serving as a harbinger of the full-length devastation yet to be revealed.
Hessian Firm is proud to announce today’s reissue of Lord of Nightmare from Japanese Black Metal enigma, Endless Dismal Moan! Originally released in 2006, this masterwork of torment by sole member Chaos 9, who passed away in 2008, is available as a limited edition CD with 4-page booklet.
“It’s a black hole…a blood stained room that you can only see with a black light…and a face so ugly, it could turn you to stone.” – Metal Temple
“A sick cacophony that shatters the nerves with satanic lewdness.” – Apocalyptic Rites
“Endless Dismal Moan is the brainchild of Japanese musician Chaos 9 (R.I.P). Embracing the digital production and aesthetics of his era as well as incorporating the suffocating sensation of Japanese horror. Endless Dismal Moan provides a completely twisted take on the very idea of raw black metal that remains unsurpassed to this very day. We have been given permission by a live band member and close associate of Chaos 9 (R.I.P) to reissue this full length album.”
“Lord of Nightmare is not only aesthetically accomplished, but also innovative and significant within the history of underground music. With Lord of Nightmare, sole member Chaos 9 abandons the melancholic romanticism of early black metal in order to create a masterpiece of contemporary urban horror. The music on this album immerses the listener in a chaotic vortex of visceral despair, evoking the nightmarish visions often found in the Japanese cyberpunk movement. Lord of Nightmare stands as Chaos 9’s greatest accomplishment, a culmination of his artistic vision and a terrifying statement within a genre that was slowly repeating itself. It is an essential release for anyone interested in the later developments of black metal, or in truly extreme metal in general.”
VISERION‘s forthcoming atmospheric album, Fire and Blood, is set to arrive on January 16th, 2026. The black metal outfit, who enhance their sound with atmospheric and melodic elements, provide a taste of the new offering with the release of their first single and title track.
“Our concept for this album was inspired by George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones world. It particularly focuses on the Targaryen dynasty hence the title being their house words: Fire and Blood.” The band explains. “This particular song focuses on the black magic rituals that the Targaryen family was rumored to use in order to control dragons”.
Fire and Blood Track Listing:
Fire and Blood (3:09)
Mad King (3:33)
Reign of Fire (4:51)
Blackfyre (5:31)
Harrenhal (6:33)
About VISERION: Located in Queens, NY, VISERION blend brutal and aggressive black metal with atmospheric and melodic passages in their own distinctive take on the genre. Storytelling is embedded in their musical creativity, highly influenced by the writings of George R.R. Martin and the World of Westeros. The band initially formed as a three-piece in 2020 by Ben Marvilli taking on bass and vocals, Matt Marvilli on drums and John Magnani performing guitars.
Subsequently, in 2022, Magnani left and Ben Marvilli swapped out bass for guitar. Cris Valentine also joined on guitar and Tasso Diakov took on the bass. The debut album Natural Selection dropped in 2021, followed by a split EP release with TELOCH VOVIN titled The Iron Age of Kali Yuga in 2023. Now, Fire and Blood is set to emerge on January 16, 2026.
Album Credits: Producer: Billy Pfister Recording Studio: Westfall Recording Engineer: Billy Pfister Mastering: Jacob Buczarski Mixing: Chris Grigg Cover art: “Fire in Rome” by Hubert Robert
Horror Pain Gore Death Productions are set to release the new album from Colombia’s crushing Death/Black Metal devastators KING. K is up now for pre-order and will be released June 27th on CD and Digital formats along with merch.
Originally formed in 2005 and created in Medellín, Colombia, KING performs unrelenting and crushing Death/Black Metal. After four years of anticipation, K continues the band’s legacy of total devastation and sonic aggression, while also showcasing a musical maturity that reflects both their evolution and the spiritual depth of its members.
KING unleashes 11 tracks on K, perfectly blending darkness and power, with a musical approach that explores new sonic dimensions without losing the brutality they are known for, inviting the listener on a deep journey through the chaos and reflection that define its creators.
For fans of Abigor, Belphegor, Dark Funeral, Dead Congregation, Deicide, Emperor, Hate, Infestdead, Krisiun, Marduk, Morbid Angel, Necrophobic, Vital Remains and Watain.
AMIENSUS surprisingly drop digital single for new song “Fields of Emerald Fire.” It was just last year that the epic, melodic, progressive black metal group released not one but two records worth of engaging material that was critically lauded and had fans embracing the impact of the group’s adventurous sound. Not resting on laurels AMIENSUS give fans the first of several new tracks in the works, so sit back and enjoy “Fields of Emerald Fire” now HERE:
“Fields of Emerald Fire was written concerning The Great Hunger,” explains singer/guitarist James Benson. “As a band that has often written about historical events, as well as current events, we used this opportunity to draw parallels between the past and present actions of governments and their oppression of minorities.”
“Fields of Emerald Fire is the first of multiple singles to be released in 2025. Some of these tracks were written with the objective of creating within a limited time span, and therefore pushing ourselves to maintain our standards on creativity without the pesky overanalyzing that often can delay completion of songs/albums,” continues James. “We have a lot of material for the future and a lot to speak on. We hope you enjoy Fields… and look forward to sharing more music with you this year!”
James Benson, who also fronts Midwest post-black metal operatives CHROME WAVES, is joined in AMIENSUS by GHOST BATH drummer Chris Piette plus guitarists Alec Rozsa, Kelsey Roe and bassist Todd Farnham. Chilling, harsh yet melodic and progressive are just some ideas of AMIENSUS’ sound heard on “Fields of Emerald Fire” which will sate fans of their two-part ‘Reclamation’ opus while the collective continues work on additional new music this year.
June 6, 2025 will see the German iconic black/death metal duo MYSTIC CIRCLE release an extended new edition of KriegsgötterMMXXV via ROAR, featuring 8 tracks and furious cover versions of classics such as from BATHORY, CELTIC FROST, POSSESSED,ACHERON, or the previously-released, completely re-recorded cover version of IRON MAIDEN’s “Afraid To Shoot Strangers”.
On selected tracks, the band welcomes back British soprano Sarah Jezebel Deva on guest vocals, who has already made guest appearances with CRADLE OF FILTH,THE KOVENANT andTHERION, among others. The track “Cry Little Sister” also features Karo Hafke, singer of the dark wave gothic band Umbra Et Imago.
Today, MYSTIC CIRCLE have unleashed a new single taken off Kriegsgötter MMXXV, their blistering cover version of theBATHORYclassic “One Rode To Asa Bay“!
“One Rode To Asa Bay” is a track from the fifth BATHORY album “Hammerheart”, which is a favourite of us two,” A. Blackwar reveals. “The band was a huge influence for us back then, but also today. You hear that in our early works and in general for our love of atmospheric parts. When Sarah heard the song in the studio, she went to the cabin and started to sing – which wasn’t planned at all. We looked at each other with a devilish smile in our face and said: that was the missing part! This song is pure epic!”
Let’s go back a quarter of a century to the year 2000: MYSTIC CIRCLE were at their peak at the time after the release of their third studio epic Infernal Satanic Verses and were rightly regarded as Germany’s leading black metal band.
In the summer after the turn of the millennium, the Ludwigshafen-based band followed up with the 5-track EP Kriegsgötter II, a compilation of cover versions and new recordings.
The founding line-up broke up during this phase and A. Blackwar left the band. Only his return in 2020 and the reunion with vocalist Beelzebub conjured up the spirit of that time again, resulting in the two great new records Mystic Circle (2022) and Erzdämon (2023), closing the infamous circle (or pentagram?) again.
“It was inevitable for me to end my time with MYSTIC CIRCLE with Kriegsgötter II. The long break was necessary, we lost the connection to each other back then, which is stronger than ever today,” summarizes A. Blackwar and looks back with a teary eye, but also with a smile, because as so often in life, everything happens for a reason.
Album Track-list: 01 – One Rode To Asa Bay (feat. Sarah Jezebel Deva) 02 – Die Götter der Urväter 03 – Azazel’s Soulfly 04 – Cry Little Sister (Theme from The Lost Boys, feat. Karo Hafke of Umbra Et Imago) 05 – Afraid To Shoot Strangers (feat. Sarah Jezebel Deva) 06 – Death Metal 07 – Acheron (Medley) 08 – Circle Of The Tyrants
MYSTIC CIRCLE is: Beelzebub – Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Keyboards A. Blackwar – Drums, Guitars, Keyboards
Nashville (TN) – U.S. Melodic Black Metal horde, Lenax, have unleashed “Throne of the Forsaken“, the third and final single from forthcoming full-length debut album, Infection. Click to stream below!
For fans of Watain, Immortal, and Enslaved, Lenax presents a style of melodic black metal infused with just the right amount of black n roll to land themselves in a rather unique position within the genre. “Throne of the Forsaken” tells a fantasy story of an ancient god-king who awakens back to flesh in order to return to the material world. No messiah, he returns with a heart thirsty for vengeance to bring the earth under his submission.
With lyrical themes based around esotericism, individuality, and cosmic horror, Infectionpaints either a picture of destruction and horror, or one of death and rebirth, depending on the stance of the listener. In all, this is a solid 40 minutes of modern black metal with enough DNA to show the band’s roots in the early second wave, while managing to craft something unique in their delivery.
Photo Credit: Draco Bailey
Lenax:
Venomous (Vocals, Guitar)
Mordred (Guitar, Backing Vocals)
Bones (Drums)
Additional Musicians:
Hephaestus (Bass)
Maikon (Drums)
The band proudly returned to work with mix engineer Ilarion Ivanenko, who produced the previous singles in 2024. Mastering was completed by ØysteinBrun at Crosound Studios in Norway. With a long history and a solid reputation in extreme music, including his band Borknagar, Øysteinbrought out the fine tuning needed to make this record shine.
Infection will be released June 25th on all digital platforms.
The band will also be launching a Kickstarter campaign to support a future vinyl release in the fall or winter of this year. Album pre-orders coming soon. Cover art by David DeFigueredo.
Track Listing:
1 – Worship Hymn 2 – Leeches 3 – Chains 4 – Crossroad Black 5 – Hive Mind Apocalypse 6 – We Are Legion 7 – Plague Bringer 8 – Overdrive 9 – Throne of the Forsaken
From the Greek black metal bastion of Athens emerges ELEVENTH RAY, with lamentations that have lain in wait for the best part of a decade. The occult offerings within the unhallowed sleeve of Reviving Tehom invoke the spirit of Celtic Frost, Sodom, the ‘90s exploits of the great Magus Wampyr Daoloth (Necromantia, Rotting Christ, Thou Art Lord), and of course, Therion’s 1993 Symphony Masses: Ho Drakon Ho Megas album.
ELEVENTH RAY and Dark Descent Records have launched a stream for the album’s opening track, “Nightside of Damascus” Listen now at youtu.be/t7Mzlc-7mtk?si=d0DJxCis5bm-cVub
Reviving Tehom will be released on CD/LP and digital formats through Dark Descent Records on May 16. Pre-order the album at:
The seeds for ELEVENTH RAY were sown by materials once artificed for the black metal force of Serpent Noir, whose changing tonality saw guitarist Y.K. bury said materials for a later purpose. A decision that first bore rotten fruit via a devastating rehearsal demo in 2022, which piqued the interest of Dark Descent Records.
ELEVENTH RAY is a totally new autonomous entity for which we plan to work with full force and NOT a one-off project of Serpent Noir leftovers,” exclaims Y.K. “As it happens with all my projects, ELEVENTH RAY is deeply rooted in Dark Magic and the Typhonian Alchemy.”
The practices of Magic and Alchemy are of critical importance to Y.K., and these elements at even keel with the music itself.
“Writing music for the sake of music is not enough. It is the expression of what lies hidden beyond the frames of what we call reality. The great Unknown emanated from the foremost symbol of power, the Red Dragon,” explains Y.K.
“What we were aiming to achieve was the creation of a purely black Magical death/thrash/black metal album without the lyrical satanic naivety of the past. Listening carefully to the album, you will realise that into this blend there is a striking ritualistic element with an ominous vibe and a heavy occult twist. Basically, Reviving Tehom is an album I would personally love to listen to, but I could not find anywhere.”
The common thread extends to the stunning artwork by L.G.N Nekropropaganda, depicting the aforesaid Great Red Dragon “as the orgasm of existence, the utmost symbol of hidden wisdom and forbidden knowledge which is also a tangible form of ecstatic energy. Lyrics deal with personal experiences related to the awakening/channelling of this tremendous force.”
ELEVENTH RAY: D. Gharrassielh: Rhythm and lead guitars, chants D. AanoNin: Vocals, chants Peyote: Bass, additional lead guitars Nuctemeron: Drums, percussion
Recorded by Haris V. at the Eleventh Tower Studio, a familiar collaborator of Y.K., the production perfectly complements this first wave hell-noise with a crushing old school sound. With full force!
Photo Credit – Derek Carr L-R – Destroyer of Souls – Drums – Bowels of Hell – Bass – Murderer of Colonizers – Guitar – Mayan Hate – Guitar – Lorde Heathen – Vocals
Constantly evolving to explore the darkness and brutality, Canada’s newest black / death metal demons GraveMass (ft. members from Zimmers Hole, The Golers, Punch Drunk, 3 Inches of Blood, Revocation), are unshackling their next single and video “Fallen”. The track is a journey into the darker truth of fallen angels and the embodiment of that sinister truth.
Aggressive, brutal, and driving, the song will be featured on GraveMass‘ forthcoming debut album for release later this year.The full-length is written by Mayan Hate, with lyrics by Lorde Heathen, and promises to be a masterclass in extreme death metal, capturing the true spirit of Canadian black metal.
GraveMass comments on this next preview of their debut full-length:
“The fans are hungry for new material, and this one is a feast. We bring the listener into our world, our experience, our message. A fresh slab of darkness. The soundtrack for the madness that is the current human condition. Enjoy this journey into the unrelenting brutality that is Gravemass.”
Emerging from the depths of the Canadian West Coast metal scene, GraveMass is set to redefine extreme death metal and black metal with their fierce and unrelenting sound. Embodying the essence of sonic brutality with their sinister riffs, bone-crushing rhythms, and unholy vocals.
Drawing inspiration from legends like Slayer, Venom, Morbid Angel, Watain, and Napalm Death, GraveMass is a relentless onslaught of evil, guaranteed to leave a lasting impact on any listener. With decades of experience between its members, they have united to create a sound that is both devastating and true to the roots of black metal.
Prepare yourself for the extreme sonic assault of GraveMass. This is just the beginning.
From the deepness of the eternal night, Spiritwood rises with the new album The Apparition of Horns, an aural ritual of isolation and decay. The Finnish band expands its cult of atmospheric and occult Black Metal, intertwining the coldness of nature with echoes of suffocating anguish. A deep plunge into the experimental and avant-garde abyss, where every note is a lament and every silence, an omen.
The album is set for release on May 1st this year, available in both digital and physical formats via Loudriver Records.
Track-list:
Woodland Meditation (06:44)
The Apparition of Horns (07:48)
Harbinger of Scourges (07:02)
The Circle (05:32)
Ascending Through the Contours of Emptiness (08:35)
A unique music and film project to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Silesian Film Archive in Katowice
Images of Silesian cities recorded on film tape, history, tradition, everyday life, industrial heritage. Cinematic alchemy of image, music and Silesian spirit.
Only a few tickets left for the second concert on 6th April. Tickets for the 5th April concert sold out in 2 (!) days
Polish black metal titans Furia will take part in a unique project on 5th and 6th April at Kinoteatr Rialto for the 25th anniversary of the Silesian Film Archive in Katowice, Poland. Furia will play its songs accompanied by unique materials from the only regional film archive in the country.
The band has chosen archival films, which show, among other things, how the Silesian region was created and developed, how the legendary Spodek in Katowice was built, how life changed in Silesian cities and towns. We will also see artistic impressions inspired by the industrial landscape of the region or local crafts; recorded on film tapes, full of nostalgia, images of ordinary life: everyday activities that our grandparents, parents or ourselves engaged in years ago.
During this anniversary concert, we will see materials from the Silesian Film Archive, which Furia will illustrate with compositions from its albums, transferring the images of old Silesia to a completely different, surprising and hypnotising dimension.
Furia is one of the most original Polish black metal bands. The band was formed in 2003 in Katowice by vocalist and guitarist Michał “Nihil” Kuźniak. The band also includes Kamil “Sars” Staszałek (bass), Grzegorz “Namtar” Kantor (drums) and Artur Rumiński (guitar, since 2013). Furia has several album releases under its belt, performances in Japan, Romania, UK, at OFF Festival and at the Primavera Sound Festival in Barcelona, among others; a nomination for the “Polityka” Passport and cooperation with Jan Klata and the Krakow Stary Theatre on the adaptation of Stanisław Wyspiański’s “Wesele”. An important source of inspiration for the Katowice band is the tradition, culture and art of Upper Silesia: its mythological universe, to which they willingly and often refer in their work (e.g. “Guido”, “W Śnialni”).
The Silesian Film Archive was established 25 years ago in Katowice and is run by the Silesia Film Institute. It is the first and only regional film archive on the cultural map of Poland. Located in the basement of the Kosmos Cinema in Katowice, the Film Archive is mysterious because the relatively little-known space is filled with traces of film history. There you will find stills, posters, scripts, press clippings and over 10,000 film copies. Above all, thousands of old film material (including 8 mm, 16 mm and 35 mm tapes), especially those related to the subject of Upper Silesia. The Film Archive carries out its mission by collecting, storing, restoring, digitising and making available old film materials. www.filmotekaslaska.com
FURIA at the cinema. Concert for the 25th birthday of the Silesian Film Archive
5.04.2025 | SAT | 7:00 PM | Kinoteatr Rialto | tickets: PLN 95 | SOLD OUT 6.04.2025 | SUN | 7:00 PM | Kinoteatr Rialto | tickets: PLN 95
Following ten years of silence after the release of their debut album The Embers of the Stars and the untimely death of vocalist Steven, UK-based atmospheric black metal trio AHAMKARA returns with a new lineup and new album The Harrow of the Lost, an unflinching exploration of the transformative nature of grief.
The band has shared a stream for the album track “Our Scars Shall Abide in the Thaw.” The exclusive premiere for the song comes via Decibel Magazine. Listen to “Our Scars Shall Abide in the Thaw” now at this location.
The Harrow of the Lost is due out April 25 on BindruneRecords. Pre-order the album at: shop.bindrunerecordings.com
The Harrow of the Lost track listing:
The Circle of Remembrance
Our Scars Shall Abide in the Thaw
Channelling Grief
Ordeal of Ascension
AHAMKARA: Michael Blenkarn – Vocals. Guitars, Austin Lunn – Drums Alexandra Blenkarn-Durning – Synth
An emotionally charged and fiercely personal record, The Harrow of the Lost takes the AHAMKARA sound in a more complex and tormented direction, encompassing existential rage, nihilistic despair, and all in between. Both rawer and more organic in sound, intensified by the electrifying drum work of new member Austin Lunn (Panopticon), and scaling greater peaks of Emperial ambition than ever before.
The album integrates the expansive reach of the Cascadian black metal sound with the densely detailed savagery of classic Emperor and the aching melancholy of early Anathema to produce a deeply involving journey of genre-transcending atmospheric metal.
Completed by a heartfelt and uncompromising vocal performance from founder member Michael and the nuanced, evocative synth work of Alexandra (also of labelmates Nemorous), this is a journey into the scorched earth landscapes of bereavement that no follower of the Bindrune family should miss.
Stream SCOUR’s “Coin,” featuring a guest solo by Gary Holt (Slayer, Exodus), HERE.
Gold, the long-awaited debut full-length from SCOUR, is out today on Housecore Records in North America and Nuclear Blast in Europe!
SCOUR is the extreme metal collective boasting the all-star lineup of Philip H. Anselmo (Pantera, Down), Derek Engemann (Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals), John Jarvis (Nest, Agoraphobic Nosebleed), Mark Kloeppel (Misery Index), and Adam Jarvis (Pig Destroyer, Misery Index, Lock Up).
Deepening the experience set forth on their previously released EP trilogy, SCOUR’s Gold pulls the listener through a blistering vortex of speed, aggression, and, above all, absolute horror. Drawing from a deep framework of literary horror masterworks, Gold guides the listener beyond the realm of death and through the metaphysical anomalies of a disheveled and decaying mind.
Metal Injection lauds, “An absolute black metal masterpiece…,” Rock Hard Germany notes, “Anselmo has a rage in his belly that you really believe,” while Antihero Magazine raves, “With Gold, SCOUR refines their sound into an absolute juggernaut of an album. It’s not just a triumph for black metal but for extreme metal as a whole, blending relentless aggression with a modern approach to songwriting and production. This album is a must-buy for fans of extreme metal.”
Stream SCOUR’s “Coin,” featuring a guest solo by Gary Holt (Slayer, Exodus), HERE.
Comments Kloeppel, “I don’t normally step aside for SCOUR solos, but, when I do, it’s for guys like Gary Holt from Slayer and Exodus. Bonded By Blood!”
Watch SCOUR’s previously released video for “Infusorium” HERE, “Blades” HERE, and a “History Of…” mini documentary HERE.
Gold is available on CD, LP, limited edition cassette (US only), and digital formats.
Order yours today at the Housecore Records webshop HERE, Bandcamp HERE, and Nuclear Blast HERE.
SCOUR will perform at this year’s edition of Milwaukee Metalfest alongside Gwar, Arch Enemy, The Dillinger Escape Plan, and more!
SCOUR Live:
5/18/2025 Milwaukee Metalfest @ The Rave/Eagles Club – Milwaukee, WI [info]
Forged in 2015, SCOUR quickly made their mark with the blistering debut single “Dispatched.” Their first release, The Grey EP (2016), came via Anselmo’s own Housecore Records, followed by The Red EP in 2017. In 2020, SCOUR unleashed their most aggressive effort yet, The Black EP, released under Housecore and Nuclear Blast Records and featuring guest appearances from notable figures like Erik Rutan, Pat O’Brien, and actor Jason Momoa.
SCOUR elevates their intensity with Gold, which includes a guest solo by Gary Holt (Slayer, Exodus). Recording for Gold began in February 2023 at Nodferatu’s Lair, Philip Anselmo’s personal studio and rehearsal space, which saw the band highly engaged in a concentrated effort toward a truly diabolical composition, with Anselmo leading the charge at every turn. One would often find the entire band in the control room in ecstatic debate, meticulously mulling over every blast beat and divebomb. The album was intermittently refined, and lyrical concepts finalized, over the course of 2023 as touring schedules would allow.
Anselmo began vocal recordings in the Fall of 2023 at The Lair. Backup vocal recordings were then executed by the rest of the band in arena backstage rooms over the course of Pantera’s February 2024 tour, where the full band would also thoroughly review the instrumentation mixes. Once the tracks were finalized by SCOUR and mixing engineer Dennis Israel, they were then passed to Fascination Street Studio in Örebro, Sweden for mastering by Jens Bogren.
“Weathered Axe” is the savage new single from London, England, black metal punks FINAL DOSE. The song, now streaming exclusively at Black Metal Daily, is the latest single preceding the band’s blistering new LP, “Under the Eternal Shadow“.
With an inception heading back to the year 2020, UK’s FINAL DOSE have built a reputation from its feral blend of black metal’s icy malevolence and the raw, uncompromising power of punk through the release of a demo, an EP and a full-length album in 2023.
With the experience of touring across the US and Europe granted by the excellent reception of aforementioned “Void Inside”, FINAL DOSE return with a vengeance, a bone-crushing slab of savagery and frostbitten fury entitled Under the Eternal Shadow.
Merging Black Metal and Punk is not in any way a novelty, however few acts have managed to imply the solid edge of both approaches in a such a vehemently organic fashion as the UK horde. From the very first seconds of opener “Eternal Winter”, a clear, powerful, in-your-face production compels the razor-sharp virulent riffs to gleam and cut through the ether like an electrical storm, whereas pounding fast beats function as a taser for the body, a remarkably pulsing mania which serves as a marching order for the wild raging vocals, a performance which renders gist to each word yelled in anguish.
But, beware. Under the Eternal Shadows’ ornamentation is yet provided by various elements such as Dungeon Synth and Folk, details that supply the record with more than a Black Metal/Punk substance. The brilliant slower moments offer an extra dose of bleakness and despair to the filthy fury, together with the lugubrious clean chords, filled with disheartening melody. These traits blazingly give shape to the lyrical concept of the album, the pain and gloom of mental decline, the misery of the societal ravishingly decay. This layer of mournfulness genuinely confers momentum to FINAL DOSE’s art, a sense of impending doom which sticks to the brain and captures the heart, making Under the Eternal Shadow much more than a musical record, but a tome of inspiration through the ashes of the world’s turmoil and dismay.
Wolves of Hades is proud to be releasing on April 11th these hymns of total blackened debauchery on LP / CD / MC and Digitally.
Track-list:
1. Eternal Winter 2. Weathered Axe 3. Rite of Spring 4. Servant 5. Dark Paradise 6. Wretched 7. Funeral March 8. Locked in the Black Dungeon 9. Revenge 10. Drag the Light Down
Credits:
Music written by Final Dose. Recorded and Mixed by Stanley Gravett at Holy Mountain Studios. Mastered by Bread Boatright at Audiosiege. Artwork by B. Fusco.
A day before official release, Norwegian black metal stalwarts SARKOM present the full album stream of their forthcoming record,Exceed In2 Chaos. Stream the album HERE.
Exceed In2 Chaos is due out on February 21st 2025 via Dusktone.
A furious masterpiece, Exceed In2 Chaos stands as a seamless follow-up to their 2016 release, Anti-Cosmic Art. While many bands adhere strictly to their roots and traditions, SARKOM boldly pushes boundaries, thriving on innovation. The result? A truly unique and intricate album from start to finish.
Photo by Ksenia Astera Hinderson
Building on their legacy, Exceed In2 Chaos masterfully blends the glorious traditions of Norwegian black metal with bold new elements. The album explores dissonances, piercing grooves, varied rhythmic structures, and unexpected twists, delivering a rich and dynamic tracklist. Always forward-thinking, SARKOM redefines their sound with this release, proving that their innovative spirit remains as fierce as ever. Each track reflects the band’s commitment to artistic growth, ensuring a listening experience that is both intense and refreshing. Prepare for chaos… Prepare for SARKOM!
Photo by Ksenia Astera Hinderson
Tracklist:
1. Exceed In2 Chaos 2. Enter As Fool, Exit As Beast 3. Prime Time Suicide 4. Spectral Prophet In A Demonized Dream 5. Be[lie]ve 6. Bottomfeeders 7. Chasing Ghosts 8. Commit To Total Genocide (LP exclusive) 9. Nemesis
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Cascadian black metal rejuvenators RETURNING have joined Bindrune Recordings with their breathtaking new album, Numinous. More info to follow soon….
A statement from the band:
“We are elated to announce our signing with Bindrune Recordings for the vinyl release of this album, as well as a vinyl release of Severance. Release dates will be announced in the coming months. Bindrune has been consistently releasing compelling earthen metal and folk music for over two decades, and we are honored to be now included in this catalogue.”
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