MONSTRANCE, composed of current and former members of CARCASS, MY DYING BRIDE, MALEDICTION and BAL-SAGOTH, has released an updated demo track of “Cerebral Bore Machine,” featuring new vocalist Rik Simpson. The track comes off the band’s forthcoming debut EP Injustice For All.
Led by Swansong-era CARCASS guitarist Carlo Regadas, MONSTRANCE recently signed with Transcending Records for the fall 2018 release of Injustice for All on CD and digital formats. Cosmic Key Creations will release the EP on limited-edition black and gold 12″ vinyl.
Bay Area Melodic Death Metal outfit LIGHT THIS CITY issues a new teaser video for the band’s first new album in ten years. Having completed the new LP in recent days, the trailer shows the reactivated outfit in the studio, leaking the very first traces of the anxiously awaited record.
After a decade of silence between albums, LIGHT THIS CITY has returned with ten blazing tracks that capture the band’s tendency towards extreme melody and intensity, honoring the Swedish sound of the ’90s. Having spent the past decade performing and touring in numerous other bands, the five members of LIGHT THIS CITY have only honed and shaped their skills and musicianship since their 2008-released Stormchaser. The album was recorded from December 2017 through February 2018 with Zack Ohren, who handled the band’s previous four full length albums, at Castle Ultimate Studios in Oakland, California, and features artwork by Tony Midi.
See the new LIGHT THIS CITY teaser video RIGHT HERE or below:
The new record will be released in CD, LP, and digital formats on May 25th; watch for the title, artwork, track listing, preorder links, audio samples, and more to be issued in the days ahead.
LIGHT THIS CITY began in 2002, when best friends Laura Nichol and Ben Murray decided to start a melodic death metal project in the vein of At the Gates, Carcass, In Flames, and all the Scandinavian bands that inspired them to play fast, melodic, crushing music, largely untouched by the American population of metalcore, deathcore, and numerous other subgenres of heavy metal that were ignoring the monstrous influences of the ’90s. After the sparks were lit, Nichol and Murray soon wrote their debut 2003 full-length, The Hero Cycle, which quickly landed them a deal with Prosthetic Records, who would go on to release the band’s following three albums.
As Murray and Nichol neared the end of high-school, LIGHT THIS CITY released 2005’s Remains Of The Gods, which sparked the rest of the band’s trajectory on Prosthetic Records, and saw the band touring heavily in support of their Bay Area brand of melodic-death metal infused thrash. Remains Of The Gods gained favorable reviews and it seemed as if the metal press knew what was in store for LIGHT THIS CITY.
Next came the band’s undeniably most popular album, Facing The Thousand. By the time Nichol and Murray had arrived into 2006, they were out of high-school, on the road full-time, with Steve Hoffman on guitar, Ryan “Hollywood” Hansen on lead guitar, and Jon Frost on bass. Facing The Thousand saw the band supporting a multitude of metal acts such as Death Angel, Vader, Malevolent Creation, Edguy, Into Eternity, All That Remains, Chimaira, Soilent Green, Darkest Hour, Suicide Silence, Misery Signals, and many more, gaining the band a rapid exposure into the metal mainstream.
After a three-year touring cycle the band retreated to Oakland to record their fourth album, Stormchaser, which saw a guest vocal appearance by Chuck Billy of Testament. Before the official release of the album, LIGHT THIS CITY disbanded before even having the chance to tour on their fourth and final effort.
In 2010, LIGHT THIS CITY played five final shows, dubbed The Final Thrash Attack, in which the band was able to celebrate the songs of Stormchaser, and give the fans a bit of closure that they never received with the band’s sudden disappearance from the world of heavy metal. In September of 2015, Darkest Hour requested that LIGHT THIS CITY play the San Francisco date of their twentieth anniversary tour. LIGHT THIS CITY quickly reunited within a few months to rehearse one final set that would celebrate the band’s four-album career. The show was absolutely one for the books, sparking the flame which lead the band to reunite, ten years later.
Due to demand, the show in Geiselwind has been moved to a bigger venue! ALL remaining shows are close to being sold out, so you better get your ticket asap! www.archenemy.net/tour See you soon!
On May 4th, 2016 – AMON AMARTH are to perform at The Pageant in Saint Louis, Missouri, USA. Hail AMON AMARTH!
On May 4th, 2016 – AMON AMARTH have their tenth studio album, Jomsviking, ranked at #8 on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart.
On May 4th, 2016 – AMON AMARTH have their ninth studio album, Deceiver Of The Gods, ranked at #68 on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. Dig it. This album was released back in 2013.
On May 4th, 2016 – AMON AMARTH have their eighth studio album, Surtur Rising, ranked at #71 on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. This album was released back in 2011.
On May 4th, 2016 – AMON AMARTH have their seventh studio album, Twilight Of The Thundergod, ranked at #72 on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. This album was released back in 2008.
Canadian Progressive/Melodic Death Metallers VALYRIA have released new single Steel Inquisition. The single follows 2014 debut album Collatus and can be purchased and/or streamed at https://valyriansteelcanada.bandcamp.com/album/steel-inquisition or below:
Steel Inquisition is also streaming on YouTube at this location.
Hailing from the northern lands of Alberta, VALYRIA has crafted a unique brand of power-infused Progressive Death Metal. Influenced by bands like WINTERSUN, THE FACELESS, and DRAGONFORCE, VALYRIA seeks to explore new sonic terrain with technical drums, inspiring keyboards, and engaging guitar work. Coupled with memorable lyrics based on film, literature, and history, VALYRIA‘s music is a blistering and exhilarating listening experience whether live or in your headphones.
In other news, VALYRIA is proud to be competing in the Prairies stage of Wacken Metal Battle Canada. See them live in Edmonton on March 20!
DISARMONIA MUNDI – Italy’s DISARMONIA MUNDI made a triumphant return in 2015, in my Metal opinion, with their new studio album: Cold Inferno. This has been an album that I’ve turned to more than I had anticipated this past year and will happily admit, Cold Inferno has become a mainstay in my Metal listening cycle.
I love the way DISARMONIA MUNDI unites the melodic and extreme together, rather flawlessly I’ll add. Multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Ettore Rigotti is a Metal mastermind, in my Metal opinion. Lyricist and extreme vocalist Claudio Ravinale can take a bow for this grand album as well. Metal Be Thy Name. – Stone
Cold Inferno was released back on June 9th, via Italy’s Coroner Records. Listen to Stormghostbelow and hopefully you’ll dig it as much as I do. Whoa!
COUNTLESS SKIES – This debut and self-titled EP from Hertfordshire, England’s Countless Skies was released back on November 7th of 2014. A self-released EP, Countless Skies does not hold back on creating a crisp production of layered Melodic Death Metal.
The Death Metal vocals of guitarist Ross King and clean vocals of bassist Phil Romeo work well together on this EP and compliment the overall somber atmosphere and vibes that I hear and feel. Then again, there are a good many musical moments within these songs that metamorphosis to a more neutral mood, moments which I can interpret as jubilation trying to fend off a sonic wall of melancholy; if that makes any sense. Countless Skies plays out as a mellifluous dreamscape with a Melodic Death Metal backdrop.
Please give me some style points for trying to explain! I found this EP to be a quasi-challenge to review, regarding how I would describe it musically. Some may even interpret Countless Skies as progressive in its structure. I do recommend fans of Enslaved to Amorphis to give this band a listen and support them. I recommend Countless Skies to any Metal fan looking for a new and talented band to check out, for that matter.
Melodic Death Metal fans that are looking for the thunder of Amon Amarth be forewarned, Countless Skies are much more subtle about the power to devour. This is an EP I will definitely add to my playlist and I’m happy to spread the Metal word about. Metal be thy name – Stone
1. Restless Mind (1:31)
2. Escalation of Terror (4:26)
3. Somnia (5:26)
4. Fidelity (3:48)
5. Caligae A Galea (5:29)
6. Dream of Nothing (5:35)
7. The Immortal (3:52)
8. Predictions (Tide Bearer) (5:48)
9. Invaders (4:13)
Album Length: 40:12
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With the upcoming release of LAIKA’s new album ‘Somnia’ on Sept 30th via Filth Regime Records, the Canadian melodic death metallers have teamed up with Decibel Magazine for the exclusive album stream at the following link:
“Long time coming to get to this point. Here it is. ‘Somnia’ in full. We are trying to find the words to express how ecstatic we are that it’s finally come. We have worked very hard in this album and we hope you enjoy it in full as much as we enjoyed creating it. We are proud to be teaming up with Decibel to bring you this full album stream.” comments vocalist Jordan Dorge.
Driven by a thirst for evolution, LAIKA spent two years constructing and writing its upcoming full-length album full with melodic hooks, ominous keys and lyrics that are bound to get stuck in listeners’ heads to an almost maddening degree. Founded in 2009 and named after the Soviet dog who became one of the first animals to travel to space, the Winnipeg, MB six-piece return after a small hiatus since unleashing their self release in 2010 that saw the band hit the road hard and share the stage with the likes of All Shall Perish, Kataklysm, Necronomicon, Unleash the Archers and many more. So brace yourself, as this fall, LAIKA will hit the scene hard, just like they did all those years ago.
In additional news, the band will be hosting their local CD release party in Winnipeg, MB on October 11th at The Windsor Hotel (187 Garry Street) with local support from Tyrants Demise, Mortalis, Withdrawal, and Occvlt Hand. Admission is $10 with the first 25 people in the door receive a free copy of ‘Somnia’.
“This is a momentous occasion for us all because not only are we celebrating the release of Somnia we are also celebrating 5 years as a band, we will be playing Somnia in full and a cover or two. We are absolutely thrilled to have such a stellar lineup for the evening. Hope to see you all out for the grand celebration!” comments vocalist Jordan Dorge.
L-R – Ian Garraway – (Guitars, Back Up Vocals) – Mike Mason (Bass) – Steve Tedham (Keys) – Jordan Dorge (Vocals) – Alex Kling – (Guitar) – Blair Garraway (Drums) – Photo Credit: Kelly Allison
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Melodic Death Metal band LAIKA are proud to announce they will be holding their local CD release party for ‘Somnia’ (out Sept 30th via Filth Regime Records) in Winnipeg, MB on October 11th at The Windsor Hotel (187 Garry Street) with local support from Tyrants Demise, Mortalis, Withdrawal, and Occvlt Hand. Admission is $10 with the first 25 people in the door receive a free copy of ‘Somnia’.
“This is a momentous occasion for us all because not only are we celebrating the release of Somnia we are also celebrating 5 years as a band, we will be playing Somnia in full and a cover or two. We are absolutely thrilled to have such a stellar lineup for the evening. Hope to see you all out for the grand celebration!” comments vocalist Jordan Dorge.
The band has unleashed two tracks for fans from the upcoming release ‘The Immortal’ and ‘Escalation of Terror’. Both can be heard below.
“The immortal is a track that touches the subject of the capacity of human strength. How far ones willing to go and pushing that thought until it leads to loss of life or some other extreme. Something we all witness in day-to-day life. This track is one of our favorites on the album and really shows the dynamic that Laika has as a whole.” comments vocalist Jordan Dorge.
Founded in 2009 as a six-piece and named after the Soviet dog who became one of the first animals to travel to space, the band unleashed a self-released album in 2010, then hit the road, sharing the stage with the likes of All Shall Perish, Kataklysm, Necronomicon and Unleash the Archers, before temporarily backing away from the spotlight.
Driven by a thirst for evolution, LAIKA spent two years constructing and writing its upcoming full-length album, ‘Somnia’, filling it with melodic hooks, ominous keys and lyrics that are bound to get stuck in listeners’ heads to an almost maddening degree. Brace yourself, as this fall; LAIKA will hit the scene hard, just like they did all those years ago.
SYLVATICA – On July 1st, Denmark’s Melodic Death Metal warriors, SYLVATICA, will be releasing their debut/self-financed album: Evil Seeds. This feature post will introduce you to SYLVATICA and give you a taste of their killer Metal sound as well (see below). Make sure to click on the web-links for SYLVATICA (at bottom of post) to learn more about this fabulous Metal band! Support SYLVATICA and Metal be thy name. – Stone
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EVIL SEEDS – Track Listing:
01. Lost
02. Psychopatica
03. Winds Of Decay
04. The Ascension
05. Evil Seeds
06. God Of The Gallows
07. Hate Quest
08. Lucifer
09. Reanimated
10. The Sludge Soup
11. Sect Of Sleep
Get Your Metal Senses Scorched From Evil Seeds, Below! Metal Be Thy Name!
SYLVATICA – Band Biography:
SYLVATICA started as a folkish Black Metal project in the year 2009 by friends Pelle Buch and Rasmus Kaibe, who, while listening to Svartsot, in a drunken haze decided that they wanted to start a Folk Metal band. Realizing that none of them could play flute and they needed a guitarist, they called Jardén Schlesinger the same night and he was added to the “line-up”… after that the flute was scrapped.
The first SYLVATICA release was the song Mjölner og Mjöd, which quickly became a local hit in their hometown Nyborg, even though it was very poorly recorded and mixed, by Kaibes bigger brother, they started getting a name for themselves, and after a couple of line-up changes, SYLVATICA recorded their first EP / demo Sagn og Sagaer in late 2010 with the new line-up, consisting of Jardén Schlesinger and Jannik Ravn on guitars, Thomas Haxen, replacing Kaibe, on bass and Pelle Buch on drums. This release earned the band live jobs with Vanir and Svartsot.
After a couple of months, the band decided in the summer of 2011 to record a new EP / demo called Mosemanden, but this time without Jannik, who decided to leave the band. For the promotional live shows after the recording, the band took in guitarist Thor Stokholm, who filled in for Jannik for a few shows untill they found a permanent replacement in Martin Hamann, who joined the band just before the Mjød og Mædl tour in 2011. After 2012 Martin Hamann was no longer a part of SYLVATICA.
Having toured all of Denmark in 2011 and 2012, the band has now gradually upgraded itself from a spare-time hobby to a fully fledged band, looked for a label to support its debut album, which ended in a self-financed release situation.
The band has, however, not stepped back in regards to live performances, still actively playing concerts whenever possible, the band is both playing nationally and abroad, if possible. So keep your eyes open, SYLVATICA might just one day bring the swamps to your doorstep, and deliver a show you won’t soon forget.
SYLVATICA – LINE-UP:
Jardén Schlesinger – Guitars and Vocals Thomas Haxen – Bass Pelle Buch – Drums
(Richardt Olsen – Live guitars)
It’s official, UK melodic extreme metallers Bloodshot Dawn have launched their Kickstarter campaign in support of their second and as of yet untitled album.
On the lead up to the Kickstarter launch, Bloodshot Dawn have been releasing a series of videos leading to the official launch offering advance details such as special guests, artwork previews and some new album demo snippets. Check out the videos below:
Video 1
Crowd-Funding Project Announced & First Glimpse Of New Drummer Janne Jalmona
Catch Bloodshot Dawn this summer at Underwall Festival, Croatia and Bloodstock Festival, UK. The band are also touring throughout the UK in October/November before jetting to Japan November 2014 with Krisiun & Gorguts.
UK melodic extreme metallers Bloodshot Dawn have announced more guests that are set to appear on their as of yet unrecorded second album. The announcements are Andy James and Chris Amott, two very highly accomplished guitarists.
Andy James is a globally renowned metal and shred guitarist known for incredible playing and versatility with his instrument. He has featured on DVD’s released with leading companies such as Licklibrary and Jamtrax as well as having released several solo records and two successful albums with Sacred Mother Tongue. Andy is also known for having appeared on stages all across the world not just with Sacred Mother Tongue but with bands such as Cradle of Filth, The Fields of the Nephilim and as a solo artist at industry shows such as NAMM in Los Angeles and the Frankfurt MESSE.
Chris Amott needs little introduction, the Swedish shredder is most notably known as a founding member of melodic death metal titans Arch Enemy. Chris left Arch Enemy in 2012 to pursue his solo career and went on to release ‘Follow Your Heart’. He also founded Armageddon releasing three successful albums and after relocating to USA he has announced that a brand new Armageddon record is in the making.
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Last week Bloodshot Dawn revealed Sven De Caluwé (Aborted), Per Nilsson (Scar Symmetry) & Teemu Mäntysaari (Wintersun) as the first guests that would be appearing on the new album. This new announcement only adds even more excitement to an already highly anticipated release.
The new album will be a crowd-funded project that will launch on 16th April. Bloodshot Dawn have been releasing a series of videos on the build up to the launch offering sneak previews of the new album content including artwork, music, etc..
Video 1
Crowd-Funding Project Announced & First Glimpse Of New Drummer Janne Jalmona
Video 2
Artwork Sneak Preview & Guitar Ideas
Video 3
Album Guests Announced & Bass Ideas
Video 4
More Album Guests Announced, Guitars & Tour Plans
Bloodshot Dawn – Vision (Official Music Video)
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Catch Bloodshot Dawn this summer at Underwall Festival, Croatia and Bloodstock Festival, UK. The band are also touring throughout the UK in October/November before jetting to Japan November 2014 with Krisiun & Gorguts.
THUNDERWAR – Poland’s Thunderwar saw their debut (4 song) EP, The Birth Of Thunder, release back in 2013. I do declare, without any reasonable doubt, that Thunderwar will be a Death Metal band to reckon with for years to come. I hope, anyways. It’s always a thrill, when an astute underground Death Metal band such as Thunderwar crosses my Metal path. In my Metal opinion, these Polish Death Metal dudes are really good at what they do.
Thunderwar plays their brand of Death Metal on the melodic side as well; still, it’s Death Metal, in the European vein. In other Metal words, that means this band kicks unadulterated Death Metal ass. With their instrumental title track, The Birth Of Thunder, a mature musical aptitude abounds from Thunderwar; displaying their taste for the splendid and atmospheric listen. I believe I hear a touch of flamenco guitar in this title track too. I dunno, what do I know. Whoa.
I realize this sounds cliché, however, I do wish that this wasn’t an EP and instead a full-length album. Yes, I do dig Thunderwar. Any fan of Amon Amarth should become an instant fan of this band. I sincerely would love to see Thunderwar keep their Metal momentum going and become a household name among the proud world-community of Death Metal addicts. Metal be thy name. – Stone
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The Birth Of Thunder – Track Listing: Vimana (The Chariots In Heaven), Shadows Of Lindisfarne, The Birth Of Thunder, Eagle Of Glory
* THE BIRTH OF THUNDER was mixed and produced by the Wieslawscy Bros from HERTZ STUDIO.
* Cover artwork of “The Birth of Thunder” EP was created by Mario Lopez.
ARCH ENEMY reveal album artwork and track-listing for “War Eternal”, which is coming out June 9th in Europe and June 10th in North America! Artwork by Costin Chioreanu.
War Eternal will be released worldwide via Century Media Records and Trooper Entertainment in Japan.
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War Eternal track-listing (standard edition):
01. Tempore Nihil Sanat (Prelude in F minor)
02. Never Forgive, Never Forget
03. War Eternal
04. As The Pages Burn
05. No More Regrets
06. You Will Know My Name
07. Graveyard Of Dreams
08. Stolen Life
09. Time Is Black
10. On And On
11. Avalanche
12. Down To Nothing
13. Not Long For This World
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Below, listen to and watch the blazing, shredding, intense, unreal grand and new official music video for War Eternal. Get your ears and brain blown away by Arch Enemy’s new and talented lead vocalist Alissa White-Gluz! Metal be thy name!
Dark times are close indeed. For too long have mankind suffered under the rules of the Elite. It is time to spread the word of their Point Zero Solution.
Masterminded by award-winning director Patric Ullaeus (www.revolver.se); today Deals Death unveil the official music video for ‘Point Zero Solution’, the title track of their upcoming and much-anticipated album. ‘Point Zero Solution’ will be released via Spinefarm Records on 13th of September.
Watch ‘Point Zero Solution’ Here:
Guitarist and song composer Erik Jacobson comments: “Point Zero Solution introduces the factors that lie behind a weakened society, a failed state. The lyrics deal with our human behaviour and our quest for comfort and luxury, at any cost.”
A prevailing theme throughout, vocalist and lyricist Olle Ekman comments on the album as a whole. “It’s a step-by-step description of the process which breaks down the systems of nature and society, our false hopes, our credulity towards authority and the belief in eternal growth.”
“You cannot fail to be impressed from start to finish.” 5/5 – Brutalism
“Primed and ready to destroy with each and every song.” 10/10 – The Grim Tower
“Those who thought that Deals Death with ‘Elite’ had already reached their peak, are fundamentally wrong.” 96/100 – Ashladan
“Deals Death, ‘Point Zero Solution’, definitely has that special something.” 9/10 – Metal Temple
“The best Gothenburg album for a very long time.” 8.5/10 – Necroweb
“A huge leap forward in the quintet’s evolution.” 8.5/10 – Dead Rhetoric
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‘Point Zero Solution’ Tracklist:
01. Point Zero Solution
02. Facing The Echoes
03. Escalation
04. Flatline
05. Passion For Infinity
06. The Separation
07. Paramount Authority
08. Beyond Reason
09. Dark Dream Dawn
10. Back To Consciousness
11. Author Of Arts
Northern hyperblast kings KATAKLYSM from Canada know one thing for sure: to stay in the game you have to work hard continuously!
So these guys keep releasing awe-inspiring extreme metal albums regularly and seem to be on the road pretty much the rest of the time.
After the release of their latest studio album “Heaven’s Venom” (2010) and the massive anniversary live package “Iron will” (2012), their highly anticipated new record “Waiting for the end to come” will see the light of day on October 25, 2013 and it’s surely going to butcher the competition, once again.
Above: Eliran Kantor cover artwork
Above: Peter Sallai cover artwork
KATAKLYSM guitaristJean-Francois Dagenais helmed the production of this upcoming masterpiece of brutality and melody once more, while legend Zeuss (SUFFOCATION, HATEBREED and many more) took care of the mixing. The artwork by Eliran Kantor (TESTAMENT, HATEBREED) will be featured on the deluxe digipak and LP versions of their new album and the cover by Peter Sallai, who is known for his artworks done for SABATON, will be featured on the standard jewel case and limited edition cassette tape versions.
Check out this trailer previewing Peter Sallai´s cover and some brand new KATAKLYSM tunes below:
And KATAKLYSM wouldn’t be KATAKLYSM if they hadn’t already mapped out the next tour – they`ll embark on a European headlining run in January and February 2014 which marks their first tour on the old continent in almost 3 years, so all fans better buckle-up for this full-blown Death Metal onslaught which is about to gut Europe.
“It’s been almost three years since our last club tour in Europe and we are so excited to come back and blow off the roof of every club next January & February. We’ve built an album that will stand the test time and will need many headbangers, body surfers and mosh pits to give it justice and we are building a special show that you will never forget. This time, after almost a decade we have decided to tour the UK as well, after seeing the reactions at this years Bloodstock Open Air. There’s no doubt it’s time to come destroy. Raise your pints!” – Maurizio Iacono/KATAKLYSM
Supporting them will be Brazilian Death Metal veterans KRISIUN, who are working on their new and yet untitled album. FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE are also part of the billing and pose a special treat for sure! They mix brutal tech death with symphonic, opera-like arrangements. Their third album “Labyrinth” just came out.
WAITING FOR THE END TO COME PART 1: EUROPEAN TOUR 2014
Presented by Metal Hammer, Legacy, Musix, Noizeletter, Metal.de, Metallian, BLAST!
KATAKLYSM – The 11th studio album, Waiting For The End To Come, from Montreal, Quebec, Canada’s KATKALYSM, will be released in North America, on October 29th, via NuclearBlast. The ever legendary Death Metal pack of KATAKLYSM have historically been known for their incredible album cover artwork; Waiting For The End To Come is no different!
There will be 2 album cover versions for Waiting For The End To Come. Read below about both album covers and what they truly depict, as spoken from KATAKLYSM vocalist Maurizio Iacono. Metal be thy name!
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As reported on the Facebook page of KATAKLYSM:
Set your eyes on the CD and Limited Cassette main artwork for WAITING FORTHE END TO COME from Peter Sallai!
“The album art depicts a child which represents innocence in humanity, covered in dirt and blood from life’s experiences. In front of him, his death represented by a reaper who comes to claim his soul for the afterlife, or the abyss. It’s open to the fans to decide with their own beliefs. In the end this is the transition between life & death.” – Maurizio Iacono (vocalist – KATAKLYSM)
…And below is the alternate album cover art! Read all about this cover image (below), via Nuclear Blast! Whoa!
KATAKLYSM have revealed the alternate cover art for their highly anticipated upcoming release Waiting for the End to Come. The artwork by Eliran Kantor (TESTAMENT, HATEBREED) will be featured on the deluxe digipak and LP versions of their new album, which will be released on October 29th (North America) via Nuclear Blast.
The previously released cover by Peter Sallai (SABATON), will be featured on the standard jewel case and limited edition cassette tape versions.
“This other version of the new art made by Eliran Kantor represents a more iconic and epic approach,” commented vocalist Maurizio Iacono. “A man representing all of humanity, shaking the foundation of existence and ultimately beginning the process of destruction. The main foundation is depicted here as the famous KATAKLYSM ‘tribal sun’ logo. It does not represent the end of KATAKLYSM by any means; more the beginning of a new era after the end of a certain existence.”
AMON AMARTH – The ninth studio album, Deceiver Of The Gods, from Sweden’s Melodic Death Metal Kings, AMON AMARTH, was released on June 25th of this year, via Metal Blade Records. Metal victory has once again been achieved for AMON AMARTH! Solid songs, musicianship, vocals and lyrics are only just the beginning, with Deceiver Of The Gods. AMONAMARTH have quite possibly released one of their finest Metal works of their storied career.
AMON AMARTH have a catalog of stellar albums that are (rather) difficult to leap-frog, when I think of making comparisons within their discography. AMONAMARTH are undisputed Metal legends, therefore Deceiver Of The Gods (just) has to be grand. Right? It is! This new AMON AMARTH album, Deceiver Of The Gods, rages along with Melodic Death Metal majesty and is a sonic blast of what this band is so legendary for!
Photo Credit: John McMurtrie
My favorite song on this album is Hel. Glory be to the Metal Gods, this song is impeccable! Hel has now become (quite honestly) my favorite AMON AMARTH song of all-time! Vocalist Johan Hegg and (former Candlemass) guest vocalist Messiah Marcolin compliment each other in eye-popping fashion; it’s Johan’s muscular growl meets Messiah’s falsetto.
The title track (and album opener) plus the closer Warriors Of The North are fist-pumping, headbanging and raise the horns to the sky epics! A well thought-out way of bookending the prime-rib delicacy of Metal that is Deceiver OfThe Gods. Northern Mythology is once again embraced within the themes of this new AMON AMARTH album; with the Norse God, Loke, being the current example; however, this album is not devoted entirely on this legendary figure.
AMON AMARTH continuously raises their own bar of excellence and I couldn’t be more sincere and psyched about that. I highly recommend Deceiver Of The Gods to ALL my fellow Metal brethren and consider it as a bona-fide Top Ten contender for Metal Odyssey’s year-end Best Of 2013 list.
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
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