Archive for metal albums 2015

KINGCROW – Issues Info And Artwork For “Eidos”; Sixth Album Nearing Late Spring Release Via Sensory Records

Posted in Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, progressive metal, rock music with tags , , , on April 28, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Kingcrow - Eidos - promo album cover pic - 2015 - #3326MO9

As Laser’s Edge division, Sensory Records, prepares to release KINGCROW‘s sixth full-length studio recording, Eidos, the album’s cover artwork, track listing and additional details have been revealed.

Following the success of their In Crescendo album released through Sensory in February 2014, Rome, Italy based progressive metal sextet, KINGCROW, returns with Eidos, a conceptual album about choices, consequences, dealing with regret and disillusion. As their Phlegethon album dealt with childhood, and In Crescendo about the end of youth, Eidos can be considered the third part of a trilogy about the path of life. Musically it sees the band exploring new territories and pushing the extremes of its complex soundscape with a darker atmosphere and a more progressive attitude.

Eidos was recorded at Sound Under Pressure in Rome, with the production handled by Diego Cafolla and Thundra Cafolla. Several guest appearances help create the album’s new atmospheres, including saxophone provided by Stefania Bentivoglio on the track, “Slow Down,” and piano by Fred Colombo of Spheric Universe Experience for the track, “The Deeper Divide.” Mixed by Giampiero Ulacco and mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side Music in New York, the stunning production of the album is matched by visionary artwork by Cristian Nastasi/Devilnax. With over an hour of new material, Eidos is the next logical progression in the evolution of KINGCROW, and will open the next doorway for whatever lies ahead.

Eidos – Track Listing:

  1. The Moth
  2. Adrift
  3. Slow Down
  4. Open Sky
  5. Fading Out Pt. IV
  6. The Deeper Divide
  7. On The Barren Ground
  8. At The Same Pace
  9. Eidos
  10. If Only

Sensory Records, who also released KINGCROW‘s In Crescendo album, will unveil Eidos worldwide on June 23rd. Music from the album and new tour dates will be announced in the coming weeks.

___________________________

Source: Earsplit PR

http://www.kingcrow.it

http://www.facebook.com/Kingcrowband

http://twitter.com/kingcrowband

http://www.lasersedgegroup.com/labels/sensory-records

http://www.facebook.com/TheLasersEdge

__________________________

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE KINGCROW.

Stone.

Nihilistic Black Metallers THE NEGATION Release Album Teaser Video

Posted in Black Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on April 27, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Kaotoxin - Record Label - logo - #2015KRMO20

The Negation - promo band pic - 2015 - 0428MOTN660

Metal Underground has partnered with Kaotoxin for the premiere of a teaser video for Memento Mori, the upcoming album from nihilistic Black Metal group THE NEGATION. Check it out at this location.

The sophomore album will be released by Kaotoxin as a 500-copy limited edition deluxe three-panel DigiSleeve CD first press (followed by crystal / jewel box reprint) with 20-page booklet, as well as digitally, on July 7 in North America (July 10 for the rest of the world).

Produced at the Hybreed Studio (Temple of Baal, Glorior Belli) and with artwork by Metastazis (Morbid Angel, Behemoth, Watain), Memento Mori features ten tracks of powerful, heavy, intense and extremely dark Black Metal. But don’t expect straightforward Satan-praise here: there’s far more than meets the eye with THE NEGATION. Their lyrical conceptual is a call to resistance against the so-called élite who are making this world a living Hell. It’s about a stand for liberty, free speech, and free will! Folks that got the chance to witness THE NEGATION on stage during their recent tour with MARDUK and BELPHEGOR will testify their live performance is as extreme as their lyrical content is dark. You’ve been warned!

THE NEGATION will also take part of the second annual KaotoxinFest on December 5th in Lille (FR). Until further details are announced, get crushed by the official music video for the track “Red Wrath” taken from their debut full-length!  Check it out here or below:

The band released its debut full-length Paths of Obedience (2013), was a conceptual statement about their hate for mankind and its submissive behavior, its total lack of consciousness and the fact it should end it all now. The new album is a scream of hate and anger and a call to resistance. Influenced by the legendary acts they’ve been touring or sharing the stages with (Marduk, Belphegor, Inquisition), as well as by other acts such as Dark Funeral or DeathSpell Omega, THE NEGATION will prove itself a world-class act with their second release. Beware!

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* For more info:

www.facebook.com/the.negation.band

www.kaotoxin.com

Source: ClawHammer PR

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE THE NEGATION.

LONG LIVE BLACK METAL.

Stone.

WOODEN STAKE – Occult Death Doom Duo Releases Second Full-Length, Via Razorback Records

Posted in Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on April 25, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Wooden Stake - A Feast Of Virgin Souls - promo album cover pic - 2015 - #0959MOWS

Occult death doom ensemble, WOODEN STAKE, rises from their moldy tomb armed with their long-awaited second long player, A Feast Of Virgin Souls. Out now on Razorback Records, the ten-track offering boasts over forty demonic minutes of dark, NWOBHM-infused tracks of lurching brutality led by the possessed banshee vocals of vocalist/bassist Vanessa Nocera. A concept offering influenced by the legend of serial-killer countess Elizabeth Bathory and 1871 Gothic novella Carmilla by Joseph Steridan Le Fan, A Feast Of Virgin Souls is at once punishing and alluring and includes the stunning cover creation of underground art maestro, Mario Lopez (Agitator, Possessor, Warstorm et al).

Taste the torment at THIS LOCATION.

A Feast Of Virgin Souls – Track Listing:

1. Dead Winter Resurrection
2. Rise From The Bleeding Coffin
3. A Feast Of Virgin Souls
4. Alzbeta: The Devil’s Bitch
5. Cross-Scalded Flesh
6. Exorcising The Possessed
7. Dragged Through The Rotted Catacombs
8. Hanging From The Inverted Cross
9. 1140 Rue Royale
10. Curse Of The Cauldron Countess

Wooden Stake - classic band logo - 2010 - #77MOWS

WOODEN STAKE emerged in 2010 with the release of their Vampire Plague Exorcism demo which earned the critical exaltation of the underground extreme doom metal scene. A tidal wave of seven-inch releases, including a split with Druid Lord in 2011 (Altsphere Production) and Blizaro (Razorback Records) the same year, would ensue. WOODEN STAKE undraped their debut full-length, Dungeon Prayers & Tombyard Serenades, later that year via Razorback and again reaped critical acclaim from underground metallers globally, including Darkthrone’s Fenriz who chose WOODEN STAKE as his Band Of The Month.

The album received thousands of plays on YouTube and spread like plague to those who craved extreme doom/death metal with a simultaneously melodic and violent edge. Blabbermouth hailed, “The combination of [former guitarist/drummer] Sarantopoulos’ mighty, dread-spreading riffs and Nocera’s macabre tales and behemoth bass lines constitute a big reason why Dungeon Prayers & Tombyard Serenades is such a compelling release,” while American Aftermath noted, “the music is fuzzy and droning, and the atmosphere sends a cool chill down your spine, but there is something about this band that makes even the most morbid songs seem nice and soothing.”

Added Cvlt Nation, “the band is incredibly atmospheric and have managed to carve out their own unique style that blends everything from Black Sabbath to Obituary to Hellhammer to Jex Thoth to Electric Wizard,” furthering, “The spoken word vocal approach pushes you into a surreal state of melancholy which doesn’t last long as it is soon destroyed by some earth-shattering, old-school riffage and hypnotic gloomy atmosphere.”

In 2012, WOODEN STAKE unleashed At The Stroke Of Midnight, a collection of demo and EP material as well as exclusive canticle, “Night Of The Banshee,” recorded specifically for the release. The next two years saw Nocera busy with her two other projects, Skeletal Spectre and Howling. In 2015, WOODEN STAKE returns with the witchy wisdom of A Feast Of Virgin Souls. Featuring Nocera alongside new guitar player and drummer, Willie Wardlaw, the record is out now on Razorback Records with a future vinyl version on the horizon. Further WOODEN STAKE developments, including live ceremonies, to be announced in the coming weeks. Until then, suffer.

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Source: Earsplit PR

* For more info:

http://www.facebook.com/woodenstake

http://woodenstake.bandcamp.com

http://woodenstake.bigcartel.com

http://www.razorbackrecords.com

http://razorbackrecords.bandcamp.com

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE WOODEN STAKE.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

WIZARD EYE – Signs With Black Monk Records For Upcoming Vinyl Release

Posted in Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , on April 24, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Wizard Eye - promo band photo - 2015 - #66109 - 2015

Philadelphia-based stoner/doom band, WIZARD EYE, recently announced its partnership with emerging Philadelphia-area label, Black Monk Records, for the release of its upcoming self-titled album.

WIZARD EYE is thrilled to be working with Black Monk Records,” says bassist/vocalist, Dave. “As a Philly-based label whose owners have been fans of ours since day one, we can’t imagine a more ideal partnership for our first release on vinyl. Black Monk Records has empowered us to bring our titanic wizard riffs to the masses in exactly the format they need and with complete artistic integrity.”

The newly formed label, started by the owners of Philadelphia record store, Vinyl Altar, will focus on releases from local artists who share their love for high-quality albums with strong aesthetics.

WIZARD EYE has been one of our favorite bands from Philly for some time now,” Christopher Mazeika, one half of Vinyl Altar, explains. “When Black Monk Records was ready to put out its first release, it was only natural that we approach WIZARD EYE. Black Monk Records is all about local pride with worldwide appeal and WIZARD EYE is all that and more!”

The band and its management see this pairing as natural and highly advantageous for all parties involved.

“Just visit Philadelphia’s Vinyl Altar once, and you’ll know the heart that Chris puts into making it one of the best record shops around,” says WIZARD EYE manager, Scott Harrington of 313 INC Artist Management. “It makes sense that his passion would lead him to starting his own label. And that passion is just one of the many reasons we are extremely excited to announce WIZARD EYE‘s partnership with Black Monk Records for this album.”

The nine-track album, Wizard Eye, was recorded in Haddon Heights, New Jersey, at Gradwell House Recording Studio and is slated for mid-Summer release. This collection will be initially made available at a release show to be held at the Vinyl Altar store location, but it will be also be distributed internationally via web and mail order. Further info to be announced soon.

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Source: Earsplit PR

* For more info:

https://www.facebook.com/wizardeye

https://www.facebook.com/BlackMonkRecords

https://www.facebook.com/vinylaltar

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE WIZARD EYE.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

SIG:AR:TYR – To Release New Album

Posted in Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on April 22, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

SIG AR TYR - Northen - promo album cover pic - 2015

Canadian Blackened Heavy Metal act SIG:AR:TYR are proud to announce that they will be releasing their new album Northen this fall.

While SIG:AR:TYR has in the past been known as atmospheric blackened folk, Northen shifts into more traditional Metal territory, while maintaining the dark sounds of earlier material.

The band’s mastermind (and sole permanent member) Daemonskald had the following to say about the album:

“The album deals with the end of the Viking age, and the adventures of the Norse in our own country, Canada. Unlike the permanent settlements in Greenland, their stay here was short-lived, and we are still discovering the extent of their travels, the artifacts from their small settlements, and unfolding the tales of their interaction with the native cultures here at the time. “Northen” is a tale of tribute to this small group of adventurers, who with a dynamic, and individualistic spirit, were still willing to throw stability and comfort aside to explore mysterious new places like Helluland, Markland, and Vinland, and try to be their own master in a changing world.”

Daemonskald - SIG AR TYR - promo photo - 2015 - #MOD732404

More details will be announced in the near future. You can currently hear the entire SIG:AR:TYR catalog on Bandcamp here: https://sigartyr.bandcamp.com/ or below:

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Source: Dewar PR

SIG:AR:TYR – online:

Facebook

Twitter

Bandcamp

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE SIG:AR:TYR

LONG LIVE CANADA.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

CURSE UPON A PRAYER – New Album “Rotten Tongues” To Be Released In June 2015!

Posted in Black Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on April 22, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Curse Upon A Prayer - 2015

The Finnish Black Metal band Curse Upon A Prayer will unleash their second album “Rotten Tongues” on June 12th 2015, worldwide via Inverse Records. In Finland the release date will be May 15th.

Curse Upon A Prayer was founded in 2010 and they released debut album “From the Lands of Demise” in 2014 via Nihil Interit Records & Le Crepuscule Du Soir Productions from France.

A new lyric video can be seen at this location https://youtu.be/zHQyhA8p3_Y or below:

Curse Upon A Prayer - Rotten Tongues - Artwork

“Rotten Tongues” – Track List:

1. The Distant Chaos
2. Death Sentence
3. Third Day Of Creation
4. Red Room
5. Devil On The Churchyard
6. Divinus Mortis
7. Rotten Tongues
8. The Lost Symbol
9. White Ghost

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Source: Inverse Music Group

Facebook: Inverse Records

Inverse Records - logo - #2015IRMO

For more info on Curse Upon A Prayer:

Facebook: Curse Upon A Prayer

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE CURSE UPON A PRAYER.

LONG LIVE FINLAND.

LONG LIVE BLACK METAL.

Stone.

On This Day In METAL History – April 22nd: ALL THAT REMAINS Are #1 And Place 5 Studio Albums On The iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart

Posted in Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on April 22, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

All That Remains - The Order Of Things - promo album cover pic - 2015 - #71707ATRMO

April 22, 2015 – The Order Of Things is #1 on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. This is the recently released studio album from All That Remains and their seventh overall.

All That Remains - The Fall Of Ideals - promo album cover pic - #330009MO

April 22, 2015 – The Fall Of Ideals is #14 on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. This is the third studio album from All That Remains, released back in 2006.

All That Remains

April 22, 2015 – Overcome is #51 on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. Overcome is the fourth studio album from All That Remains, released back in 2008.

All That Remains

April 22, 2015 – …For We Are Many is at #52 on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. This is the fifth studio album from All That Remains and was released back in 2010.

All That Remains - A War You Cannot Win - cover promo!

April 22, 2015 – A War You Cannot Win is #53 on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. This is the sixth studio album from All That Remains and was released in 2012.

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MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE ALL THAT REMAINS.

LONG LIVE MASSACHUSETTS.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

SIGH – Legendary Japanese Avant Extreme Metal Quintet To Release Tenth Studio Album Via Candlelight Next Month

Posted in Extreme Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on April 20, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Sigh - Graveward - promo album cover pic - 2015 - #9909SMO

Japanese extreme metal/noise icons, SIGH, will unveil their crushing tenth studio opus next month. Titled Graveward, the eclectic, ten-track offering took over two-and-a-half years to complete with each song comprising over one-hundred recording tracks exceeding 100GB of audio to select from in the final mixes. Inspired by musician/composer Fabio Frizzi, Graveward pays homage to Italian zombie and Hammer Horror classics.

Graveward features guest performances from Trivium’s Matthew Heafy, DragonForce’s Fred Leclercq, Shining’s Niklas Kvarforth, Rotting Christ’s Sakis Tolis, The Meads Of Asphodel’s Metatron and others with fittingly twisted, grave-robbing cover art by Costin Chioreanu (Ihsahn, At the Gates, Deicide, Ulver, etc.).

In an early impression of the record, A Metal State Of Mind notes, “With a focus of a theme, more touches of thrash, and guest spots from more ‘mainstream’ metal artists from bands like Trivium and DragonForce, I would have to say Graveward is the most accessible SIGH record. A great starting point to delve into the madness with if you haven’t yet. Best thing, with this accessibility, none of the experimentation that makes SIGH great has been sacrificed.”

Already devouring the hordes in Europe, Graveward will be released in North America via Candlelight Records on May 4th, 2015.

Sigh - Graveward - promo album cover pic - 2015 - #9909SMO

Graveward – Track Listing:

1. Kaedit Nos Pestis
2. Graveward
3. The Tombfiller
4. The Forlorn
5. The Molesters Of My Soul
6. Out Of the Grave
7. The Trial By The Dead
8. The Casketburner
9. A Messenger From Tomorrow
10. Dwellers In Dream

For over two decades, SIGH has been transcending the confines of extreme metal. Forged in 1989 in Tokyo, Japan, the band was initially signed by Euronymous’ infamous Deathlike Silence Records on which they released their debut full-length, Scorn Defeat, in 1993. SIGH would go on to release records via various imprints including Cacophonous, Century Media, Baphomet and The End before making Candlelight Records their label home with the release of 2012’s crushing, critically-adored In Somniphobia and this year’s Graveward.

Preorder Graveward via Candlelight Records at THIS LOCATION.  

SIGH:

Mirai Kawashima – vocals, keyboards, orchestrations etc.

Dr. Mikannibal – alto, tenor, baritone saxophones, vocals

Satoshi Fujinami – bass, drums

You Oshima – guitar

Junichi Harashima – drums

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Source: Earsplit PR

* For more info on SIGH:

http://www.twitter.com/sighjapan

http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE SIGH.

LONG LIVE JAPAN.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

IRON SAVIOR – Unveil Live DVD/CD Details!

Posted in Metal, metal bands, Music, Power Metal, rock music with tags , , , , on April 16, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Iron Savior - Live At The Final Frontier - promo album cover pic - 2015 - #ISMO05AFM

German power metallers IRON SAVIOR will release their first ever DVD/Live CD “Live At The Final Frontier” on May 29th. It includes the recordings of the band’s show in their hometown Hamburg (from January 2015) and comes as exclusive DVD/2CD Digipak.

Tracklisting:

DVD
1. Ascendence (Intro)
2. Last Hero
3. Starlight
4. The Savior
5. Revenge Of The Bride
6. Break The Curse
7. Burning Heart
8. Mind Over Matter
9. Hall Of The Heroes
10. R U Ready
11. Condition Red
12. I’ve Been To Hell
13. Heavy Metal Never Dies
14. Coming Home
15. Iron Watcher (Medley)
16. Atlantis Falling
17. Breaking The Law (Judas Priest Cover)
+ (additional Backstage/concert footage)

CD 1
1. Ascendence (Intro)
2. Last Hero
3. Starlight
4. The Savior
5. Revenge Of The Bride
6. Break The Curse
7. Burning Heart
8. Mind Over Matter

CD 2
1. Hall Of The Heroes
2. R U Ready
3. Condition Red
4. I’ve Been To Hell
6. Coming Home
7. Iron Watcher (Medley)
8. Atlantis Falling
9. Breaking The Law (Judas Priest Cover)

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Source:

AFM Records - Logo - Large!

Website: http://www.afm-records.de/

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE IRON SAVIOR.

LONG LIVE GERMANY.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

BEHOLD! THE MONOLITH – Entering The Studio To Record New Album

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, Music, rock music with tags , , , on April 14, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Behold! The Monolith - live promo band pic - 2014 - #36634

Photo courtesy of Ides Bergen

Los Angeles Stoner Metal band BEHOLD! THE MONOLITH will be entering the studio May 8th with legendary producer Billy Anderson to record the follow-up to acclaimed 2012 release Defender, RedeemistThe as-yet untitled album is tentatively scheduled for a Summer 2015 release

The new album will mark the debut of vocalist Jordan Nalley who took the reigns following the tragic 2013 death of Kevin McDade in a car accident. The album will also be the first for new bassist Jason “Cas” Casanova (SASQUATCH).

The band has posted a video of its March 18th performance at Los Globos in L.A. Check it out at this location.

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Source: ClawHammer PR

www.facebook.com/beholdthemonolith

beholdthemonolith.bandcamp.com

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE BEHOLD! THE MONOLITH.

LONG LIVE METAL.

REST IN PEACE, KEVIN MCDADE.

Stone.

German Death Metallers ICHOR Offering Track For FREE Download

Posted in Death Metal, Metal, metal bands, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on April 12, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Ichor - Depths - promo album cover pic - 2015 - #30MOI177

German Death Metallers ICHOR have made Ra’iroa, a track from new album Depths, available for free download. Grab that sucker and stream the album right here.  Check out the official video for “Ra’iroa” as well at this location. ICHOR’s Depths is out now on Bastardized Recordings. After slaying European fans with their vicious brand of modern Death Metal, the German quintet is now offering aural decimation to North and South American fans. Depths can be purchased at the Bastardized Store. The earth is destroyed and mankind escapes into the sea. But the struggle for survival continues as a new society struggles to combat authoritarian reign with furious passion. This plunge into the deep, dark sea is the central theme of Depths, a story that ICHOR delivers with a soundtrack that both mesmerizes and assaults the listener. Depths was recorded at Hertz Studios in Białystok, Poland (Behemoth, Decapitated, Vader, etc).

Stylistically, Depths is most similar to American Death Metal with crushing riffs and a pummeling drum attack, complete with Black Metal flourishes and an overall approach that offers listeners a varied and memorable experience. “The Heretic King” lyric video can be viewed here. While you’re at it, check out a promo video for “The Beasts Approach” at this location. DEPTHS – Track Listing: 1. Deep Rising 2. Apophis 3. Ra´iroa 4. While Giants Sleep 5. The Beasts Approach 6. The Heretic King 7. Leviathan 8. Deny Your God 9. Desire Of The Depth 10. Cthulus Sons 11. Hadal Sirens

Ichor - promo band banner pic - 2015 - #93669MOI

ICHOR are: Eric Kuhnen – Vocals, Daniel Jacobi – Guitars, Johannes Gorges – Guitars, Tobias Rümmele – Bass, Dirk Maurer – Drums

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ICHOR \ˈī-ˌkȯr, -kər\ Definition: 1: an ethereal fluid taking the place of blood in the veins of the ancient Greek gods ICHOR started their crusade in 2008. After they have released a demo tape on their own the band released their first full-length album The Siege in 2009. This album was recorded and mixed by Phil Hillen from the SU2-Studio, and mastered by Simon of War From A Harlots Mouth. After this release the band went on the road and toured with bands like Aborted, Benigthed and The Black Dahlia Murder. In 2010 ICHOR released their second album  Benthic Horizon which was recorded in the mighty Hertz Studio (Behemoth, Decapitated, Vader, Hate) in Białystok/Poland. Benthic Horizon appeared in Europe via Bastardized Recordings and was re-released in the UK by Siege of Amida in 2011.

After another year of tireless touring through Europe ICHOR went to the Hertz studio again to record their third full-length album Depths that will now appear on Bastardized Recordings. Depths is a journey into the deep-sea, an escape into destruction and the downfall of mankind, which has to re-create and to struggle with obsession, with power, war, suffering and the passion for survival.

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“When they’re not immersed in a fray of slashing, buzzing riffs, the guitars wisely inject melodious solos, courteous respites to the band’s incessant fight and a quality reminiscent of acts like Misery Index, Man Must Die, or The Black Dahlia Murder.” Metal Observer

“Big burly modern death metal.”Teeth of the Divine

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* Source: ClawHammer PR

* For more info on ICHOR:

 http://www.depthsofhorror.com/

www.facebook.com/ichorofficial

Bastardized Recordings - Large Logo!

 http://www.bastardized.net/

www.facebook.com/Bastardizedrec

www.youtube.com/user/BastardizedVideo

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE ICHOR.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

WAR IRON “Precession Of The Equinoxes” – A Metal Odyssey Album Review

Posted in Metal, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , on April 8, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

WAR IRON - Precession Of The Equinoxes - promo album cover pic - 2015

4.5 Out Of 5 METAL Fists!

4.5 metal-fists-4-5-album-reviews-metal-odyssey

WAR IRON returns with another Sludge and Doom Metal offering: Precession Of The Equinoxes. Their style can even fall into a drone-like beat and it still crunches and rumbles along with a dynamite evil attitude, feel and sound. Due to the epic length of all 4 songs, this is an album I had to listen to many times, before even considering how much I like it or what to say about it. The total running time for this rugged album is: 35:62.

To me, the vocals from Baggy can very easily be interpreted as Black Metal. I can honestly say that Baggy comes across with a striking conviction towards the lyrical content of each song. Baggy also has demonic vocals, without question. I absolutely love the riffs and every guitar part played from Ross. 100% Doom and Gloom floods my ears from this album and when the dark chants kick in on Summon Demon Scream The Abyss, the eeriness all becomes so much more punctuated.

While I have listened to this War Iron album, I’ve repeatedly have had visions of being lost inside an endless, dark and cold cave, with stalagmites and stalactites filling the creepy atmosphere around me; thus I am overcome with some sort of nightmarish joy. In other words, this is Metal that honestly carries me away mentally to another world. Metal be thy name. – Stone

Track Listing: Bludgeon Lord, Summon Demon Scream The Abyss, Precession Of The Equinoxes, From Napalm Altar

WAR IRON:

Baggy – vocals

Ross – guitar

Dave – bass

Marty – drums

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* WAR IRON are from Northern Ireland.

* For more info on WAR IRON:

Facebook

Bandcamp

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE WAR IRON.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

SACRAL RAGE – Streaming ‘Illusions In Infinite Void’ In Its Entirety

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , on April 7, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Sacral Rage - Illusions In Infinite Void - promo album cover pic - 2015

Illusions in Infinite Void, the full-length debut from Greek Heavy Metal Force SACRAL RAGE is out now on Cruz Del Sur Music. The album is streaming in its entirety at this location or below:

Illusions in Infinite Void can be ordered here. 

Illusions in Infinite Void is a monumental piece of Metal from start to finish. Indeed it’s an ever-changing Metal vortex with countless rhythmic-changes and  no weak moments, a tense state of aggression in which singer Dimitri’s excellent performance and the textured guitar lines stand out.

The band plays U.S. style Metal with some European influences. Acts such as JAG PANZER, ANNIHILATOR, MERCYFUL FATE, JUDAS PRIEST, WATCHTOWER, and RUSH are major influences. Lyrics about horror, supernatural, dark fantasy, soul-searching, forbidden religions, perfectly match the band’s  dark, aggressive, technical and paranoid music.

On Illusions in Infinite Void, the band proves to be more than just a mere replica of the most influential bands of  the Golden Age of (especially) U.S .Metal. Hand in hand with a granitic rhythmic session, their songs turn, change and evolve endlessly into a wide variety of riffs, screams and roars!  SACRAL RAGE have undoubtedly written one of the most inspired releases of 2015.

Track Listing:

1. Harbinger
2. En Cima Del Mal
3. Lost Chapter E.: Sutratma
4. Panic in Urals (Burning Skies)
5. Waltz in Madness
6. Into Mental East
7. Inner Sanctum Asylum
8. A Tyrannous Revolt
9. Lost Chapter E.: Amarna’s Reign

Sacral Rage - Illusions In Infinite Void - promo album cover pic - 2015

Critical Praise:

“Astonishing riff-centric brilliance.” – Stereogum.com

“If you write killer metal, it will be entertaining by its very nature. Sacral Rage achieves this with every vocal wail, jittery thrash riff, and intense forward drive.” – Last Rites

“High-Pitched Terrorism! I’m pretty sure that if this album had been released back in 1987, today we would all wait desperately for an anniversary tour.” – Metal Hammer (GR), 9/10

“A good dose of speed and progressive metal! Fine album!” – Queens Of Steel

Sacral Rage - promo band pic - 2015 - #3304157

SACRAL RAGE:

Vaggelis F. – Drums
Marios P. – Guitar
Spyros S. – Bass
Dimitris K. – Vocals

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* For more info:

https://www.facebook.com/SacralRage

www.cruzdelsurmusic.com

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE SACRAL RAGE.

LONG LIVE METAL.

LONG LIVE GREECE.

Stone.

KRONOS – French Brutal Death Metal Veterans Join Unique Leader Records For The Release Of Their Fourth Full-Length This Summer

Posted in Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on April 4, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Kronos - promo band pic - 2015 - #6659KMO

Extreme Metal powerhouse, Unique Leader Records, is very pleased to announce the addition of French Death Metal legion, KRONOS, to their expanding roster of mind-bending brutality.

Comments Unique Leader: “We are very proud to announce the multi album signing (of) France’s KRONOS. The band has been an influence on many acts over their extensive career and continue to push the envelope in the genre with their aggressive form of extreme metal madness.”

Adds the band:KRONOS is beyond stoked and proud to join Unique Leader Records… the perfect fit for the Titan’s awakening! Unique Leader Records is one of the best extreme metal labels and has many talented bands from the brutal/technical death metal scene on its roster. We’re absolutely pleased to be part of the UL family and eager to release our forthcoming new album very soon. Expect some real fury….the Titan is back!”

KRONOS - classic band logo - 2015 - #kMO96677301

A name derived from the Greek god of time, Cronos, father of Zeus, KRONOS was forged over fifteen years ago and quickly established a name for themselves based solely on their musical unity of harmony and violence. Featuring a continuous textual reference to the gods of ancient civilizations, KRONOS punctures ears with a heightened level of dynamics accomplished by only by a select number of bands.

It all began in a small town in the Northeastern province of Alsace-Lorraine. Following various lineup shifts and musical experimentation, the pandemonium squad recorded their first demo in 2000. One year later, KRONOS would unleash their Titan’s Awakening debut. Produced entirely by the band, the lethal creation lead to a union with French imprint Warpath Records (formerly known as Shockwave). By the end of 2001, Titan’s Awakening was expelled once again into the world, this time with a brand new cover designed by Deather (Gurkkhas, Vital Remains, Angel Corpse) as well as a visually disquieting booklet.

KRONOS later joined forces with Spanish label Xtreem Music run by Avulsed’s Dave Rotten, for the unleashing of their next two full-lengths. Second offering, Colossal Titan Strife was discharged in 2004 to the applause of underground critics in the proverbial know. Metal Crypt commended the band’s, “diversified guitar work… intricate drum patterns… wicked guitar solos and.. good number of catchy yet non-compromising hooks,” further insisting, “This French outfit is definitely worth checking out,” while Sputnik Music championed, “an impressive album that shows off the capabilities of death metal done right. KRONOS managed to pack a metric ton of creativity into each song and you will barely hear the same riff twice.”

Added Last Rites simply, “worth your time if you… need some solid, well-produced death metal.” Third offspring, The Hellenic Terror, emerged in April 2007 and served as an attestation of the band’s enormous capacity for skilled execution and originality. Said Metal Crypt in a near perfect review of the release, “The Hellenic Terror contains more melodic sections than Colossal Titan Strife, but still possesses almost as much brutality…. KRONOS is one of the few death metal bands that manage to be melodic, brutal and still remain catchy as hell in their riffs and solos. This is definitely a must-have for fans of death metal.”

Now that this Gallic Titan has blossomed into a powerful entity, they’re ready to vanquish and destroy the world with musical bloodlust and a new album to be released via Unique Leader Records this Summer. Further details to be unveiled in the coming weeks.

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Source: Earsplit PR

* For more info:

Facebook: KRONOS

Unique Leader Records - logo - B&W - 2013

http://www.uniqueleader.com

http://www.facebook.com/UniqueLeaderRecords

http://www.twitter.com/UniqueLeaderRec

http://www.youtube.com/uniqueleaderrecords

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE KRONOS.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

Euro-Melting Pot Strauss Announce Second EP “Luia”

Posted in Metal, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on April 3, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Strauss - Luia - EP cover promo pic  - 2015 - 3040215MOS77

London brings people together from all walks of life. So when a French guitarist met two Italians, a Spanish guitarist and a British bassist, it seemed destiny to make noise together as Strauss (a Germanic name of course). They’re now set to release their second EP Luia around late May. Drawing from common wells of Kylesa, Kyuss and Red Fang, the fuzz-charged grooves they conjure up on Luia are infectious and dirt-laden, so you may well catch something. Meanwhile vocalist Stef possesses both crooning tones and a manic bark to contrast, and even a rap-style vocal in the vein of Zack la Rocha (Rage Against The Machine) on final track ‘2015’.

Strauss started out with modest intentions: “met one day and decided to make some noise…that’s it really.” The group eventually centered around London as their stomping ground, and quickly got their heads together to create their début self-titled EP, which received high praise from reviewers around the ‘net. Building on this success, the band hit the road far and wide, even reaching Latvia’s Fontaine Festival and Sweden’s SandvikFest to bring their manic parties. Now, it’s time for round two of hitting the studio, and Luia has taken shape spectacularly. The UK fuzz scene has never been in healthier shape, and rarely with a more wicked sense of humor.

Strauss are:

Stef – vocals
Charles – guitars
Bill – bass
Luca Immovili – drums

FFO: Red Fang, Kylesa, Kruger

Digital release is set for late May.

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“This is a damn fine first release from Strauss and for fans of catchy stoner grooves with a dirty sludgier edge, this is essential listening.” – Heavy Planet

“A sound rooted somewhere between Kylesa and Red Fang with a nice progressive touch. All in all this EP is packed with some great tunes and worth checking out.” – Stonerobixxx

“Even though it’s got these familiar elements, this stew of tunes is quite unlike any sludge/metal/stoner acts I’ve heard before.” – Ride With The Devil

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Source: Dewar PR

Strauss – Online:

Facebook

Twitter

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE STRAUSS.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

IMMORTAL BIRD – Midwest Blackened Death Grind Ensemble Confirms Western Migration Tour

Posted in Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , on April 3, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Immortal Bird - promo band photo - 2015 - #040315IBMO1

Band To Unleash New Full-Length This Summer + “New” Drummer Announced

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Midwest blackened death grind ensemble, IMMORTAL BIRD, will release a brand new full-length this Summer. Titled Empress/Abscess, the five track follow-up to 2013’s Akrasia EP, which Decibel Magazine dubbed, “dark and twisting,” and The Chicago Reader called, “…sick and greasy black metal that does an admirable job inventing the sound of a mind tearing itself apart,” was captured by Pete Grossmann (Weekend Nachos, Harm’s Way, Dead In The Dirt) at Bricktop Recording in Chicago, Illinois earlier this year and mixed and mastered by Colin Marston (Gorguts, Krallice, Nader Sadek, Atheist, Origin etc.) at Menegroth, The Thousand Caves in Queens, New York. Empress/Abscess includes a guest appearance by John Hoffman of Weekend Nachos and finds former drummer/vocalist, Rae Amitay, trading in her drum stool for a full-time position at the mic.

Elaborates Amitay: “I’ve stepped away from drumming duties and enlisted our live drummer, Garry Naples (Novembers Doom). Essentially, I had to set my ego aside and determine what was going to be the best for this music. [Guitarist] Evan [Berry] and I wrote some incredibly challenging material for Empress/Abscess, and Garry had been playing it live for months, whereas I’d been focusing a lot of my drumming energy on the newest Thrawsunblat album. My chops are in a very different place than they were when we recorded Akrasia and it would take me a week in the studio to do what Garry can accomplish in two days. Having him behind the kit saved us time, the finished product is stronger, and I was able to delve into the vocal performances and lyrics with my undivided attention. Will I play drums on future IMMORTAL BIRD albums? It’s entirely likely, but for Empress/Abscess, I passed the sticks over to the best person for the job.”

An official release date for Empress/Abscess is forthcoming, but expected to drop in late June. As a precursor to its official unveiling, the band will embark upon the Western Migration Tour 2015. Slated to kick off on April 27th in Louisville, Kentucky, IMMORTAL BIRD will traverse eleven states in over a dozen cities, with the journey coming to a close on May 14th in Madison, Wisconsin. In addition to a the West Coast trek, IMMORTAL BIRD recently confirmed appearances at Shadow Woods Metal Fest and Southwest Terror Fest with future live demolitions in their plotting stages.

“We’re really looking forward to hitting all new cities on this run of dates,” relays Amitay, “It’s time to bring Akrasia to the West Coast before we release the new record! We’ll be playing a bunch of previously unperformed material, and will again be enlisting the talents of guitarist Eric Kornfeind on this tour. Stoked to spend a few weeks playing for our friends in the West.”

IMMORTAL BIRD 2015 Western Migration Tour:

4/27/2015 Diamond Pub – Louisville, KY
4/28/2015 House Show – Nashville, TN
4/29/2015 Vino’s – Little Rock, AR
4/30/2015 Tomcats – Fort Worth, TX
5/02/2015 Lost Well – Austin, TX
5/03/2015 TBA – San Antonio, TX
5/04/2015 Sandbox – El Paso, TX
5/05/2015 The Cottage House – Flagstaff, AZ
5/06/2015 Yucca Tap Room – Tempe, AZ
5/07/2015 Katz Alley – Redlands, CA
5/08/2015 TBA – San Diego, CA
5/09/2015 TBA – Los Angeles, CA
5/10/2015 The Launchpad – Albuquerque, NM
5/11/2015 Flux Capacitor – Colorado Springs, CO
5/12/2015 TBA – Omaha, NE
5/14/2015 The Wisco – Madison, WI

IMMORTAL BIRD:

Evan Berry – guitars
Rae Amitay – vocals
Garry Naples – drums
John Picillo – bass

IMMORTAL BIRD - West Coast Tour - promo flyer - 2015 - #04MOIBE

Source: Earsplit PR

* For more info on IMMORAL BIRD:

http://www.facebook.com/immortalbirdband

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE IMMORTAL BIRD.

LONG LIVE THE MIDWEST.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

ORDEN OGAN “Ravenhead” – A Metal Odyssey Album Review

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock music with tags , , , , on April 1, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Orden Ogan - Ravenhead - promo album cover pic - 2015 - #1123

5 Out Of 5 METAL Fists!

Metalfistredbckgrndsmall5

ORDEN OGAN – Arnsberg, Germany’s Power Metal warriors, ORDEN OGAN, released their new 11 song studio album, Ravenhead, this past February 3rd in North America, via AFM Records. Ravenhead is a tremendous follow-up to 2012’s To The End, in my Metal opinion.

With the fittingly titled Orden Ogan, a triumphant symphonic intro with haunting chants, this compelling Ravenhead album begins. The title track kicks in with all the aural power and atmospheric energy that Orden Ogan are so gifted at creating and playing; this experience does not subside throughout the album. I cannot help letting myself being carried away by the layered songs of Ravenhead, Orden Ogan have undoubtedly turned it up a few notches between albums.

Orden Ogan - promo band pic - 2015 - #011615OOMO

Orden Ogan is a band whose albums you must really listen to and absorb, in order to take in every sonic nuance. I swear I hear bagpipes on the song F.E.V.E.R. I believe I do. Plus, as a bonus, Ravenhead can be interpreted as a concept album, if one so chooses to do so. Evil Lies In Every Man has a creepy spoken word intro of what I perceive to be a female elder from the blackest of forests; in other words a witch to my ears? Creepy nonetheless and this song soars with its Power Metal intensity. Ravenhead flows along so very fine, with the last song, Too Soon, being of the rightly chosen, moderate tempo and mood to close the listening experience out with.

Orden Ogan - Ravenhead - back cover - promo pic - Andreas Marschall

Above: back cover artwork for Ravenhead

Vocalist Seeb is a wonderful listen with his clean vocals and he also plays guitar and keyboards as well. Tobi on lead guitar, Niels on bass and Dirk on drums round out this German Power Metal band that I feel so good writing about. I absolutely love the chorus throughout Ravenhead; this is what makes European Power Metal so incredibly moving!

Orden Ogan represent European Power Metal in such an abundant way; anyone unfamiliar with this genre can tag Orden Ogan as a bullseye for a starting point. There is not only the power behind Ordan Ogan’s impressive Metal on Ravenhead; fascinating bridges lead this listener to such a dynamic listen of vast Metal sounds. Speed, ambience, acoustical, flamenco and symphonic moments, with fist raising guitar solos, European Power Metal guitar tones, and a roof raising rhythm section are all in store for you within the songs on Ravenhead.

I highly recommend Orden Ogan’s Ravenhead to any fan of Power Metal and Metal for that matter; Orden Ogan has created so much to offer here on their new album. Metal be thy name. – Stone

Orden Ogan - promo band pic - 2015 - #00333OOMO0401

ORDEN OGAN:

SEEB – vocals, lead-guitar, keyboards

TOBI – lead-guitar

NIELS – bass

DIRK – drums

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* For more info on ORDEN OGAN:

Facebook: ORDEN OGAN

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE ORDEN OGAN.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

Abhorrent Decimation – A Marriage Of Music & Art

Posted in Metal, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on March 31, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Abhorrent Decimation - promo band pic - #040115 - #ADMO99

UK Death Metal outfit Abhorrent Decimation are pleased to announce they’ll be teaming up with a group of sculptors for an innovative new music video.

In the build up to their hugely anticipated debut full length album, the London-based wrecking crew have teamed up with the Head of Foundations (David Tinn) and two highly skilled artists (Jonny Cavaciuti & Olivia Davis) at East Surrey College, to commission the creation of a series of sculptures to be used in the bands next music video. The album, as of yet untitled, is slated for release later this year and is in the final stages of mixing and mastering under the scrutiny of renown producer Ronnie Björnström, Enhanced Audio Productions (Garageland Studios, Sweden). The wait will soon be over.

Whilst Abhorrent Decimation prepare for their upcoming UK tour with French Death Metal heavyweights, Benighted and Scotland’s Cancerous Womb, vocalist Ashley Scott gives us an overview of the project as he oversees the sculpture commission beginning to take form:

“We’ve been incredibly fortunate to have pulled this off… I had such big ideas for the first official music video that we would be putting out with this album. I can’t go into great detail of the concept behind it all yet but I wanted the band mutated and frozen in ice BUT I didn’t want it done using CGI. Turns out, that was a bit of an ambitious ask. I then thought about doing the whole band as a set of sculptures and freezing those. So I contacted my old friend and mentor David about the possibility of collaborating with his foundation students at the college and the rest is history. He asked that I create a brief for the project and since then the artists have just run with it. We took the first sample casts of my head a few weeks back and we are really happy with the results. Next, the whole band will be in to have moulds taken of their heads. From there, the artists will then need a little time to work on these objects before we can have them frozen and then begin shooting the vid. I really wanted to bring one song in particular to life, having these sculptures frozen in ice will do exactly that and it’s something a little different, this is an interesting marriage of music and art. You don’t see that much. And once the album is released I would love to exhibit these pieces in London.”

Abhorrent Decimation - cover pic - 2015 - #033309

Check out ‘Infected Celestial Utopia’, title track from the debut Abhorrent Decimation EP!

Abhorrent Decimation Live!

11/04/15 Croydon, The Scream Lounge
12/04/15 Bristol, The Exchange
13/04/15 Liverpool, The Magnet
14/04/15 Edinburgh, Bannermans
15/04/15 Leeds, Temple of Boom
16/04/15 Birmingham, The Flapper
17/04/15 Reading, The Facebar
19/04/15 Tilburg, Neurotic Deathfest
28/04/15 Brighton, The Prince Albert
23/05/15 Southampton, The Firehouse

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Source: Future PR

* For more info:

www.abhorrentdecimation.com

www.facebook.com/abhorrentdecimation

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE ABHORRENT DECIMATION.

LONG LIVE DEATH METAL.

Stone.

KARASAFRA “Chaos Manifest” EP – A Metal Odyssey Album Review

Posted in Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, rock music with tags , , , on March 31, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Karasafra - Chaos Manifest - 2015 - #0329CMMO37

4.5 Out Of 5 METAL Fists!

4.5 metal-fists-4-5-album-reviews-metal-odyssey

KARASAFRA is an Extreme Progressive Metal band from Turkey. The two multi-instrumentalist members of this fine band are: Esin Tokgöz on brutal vocals, guitars, drums (and lyricist), along with Engin Can Tokgöz on clean vocals, basses, guitars and drums.

The three songs on Karasafra’s EP are: Structure of Debris, Thoughtscapes and the epic title track: Chaos Manifest. The brutal vocals of Esin Tokgöz are Black Metal and the clean vocals of Engin Can Tokgöz are very dark. I will add that there is a nice touch of Middle East accent in the vocals of Engin Can Tokgöz, on the third song Chaos Manifest. Excellent vocals, both.

Structure of Debris begins with a soft guitar intro and mellow guitar interludes do occur within this blazingly blackened song. This is an excellent song to become first acquainted with Karasafra; as this entire EP is for that matter.

Karasafra - promo band photo - March 8th - 2015 - #0308MOK

I love the guitar tones on these songs, it very much is obvious to my ears that Karasafra are conscientious at creating their own musical identity; something that is so essential to accomplish, in order to stand out within the oceans of Metal. I thoroughly enjoy the flow of the second song: Thoughtscapes. This song is beyond contagious for me and I couldn’t be more honest!

The epic title track and EP closer, Chaos Manifest, is without question to me, the most progressive song on this EP. The time signatures are smooth and the tempo changes are very pleasing for my Metal tastes. At 10:20 long, this isn’t a song you will dread due to its length, no sir. I actually feel that this epic song finishes too quickly! It’s a fantastic musical journey and well worth the 10 plus minutes that Karasafra created.

Below, listen to, download and support KARASAFRA:

I admire how these two musicians have written and recorded three songs that are so captivating and unique. There are no parts repeated from one song to the other, if you know what I mean. To have featured and reviewed this new Karasafra EP on Metal Odyssey is what highlighting quality, international underground Metal is all about. I wish this Metal duo all the very best that will come their way from their music; this is a tremendous EP and I highly recommend it to all my Metal brethren around the globe. Metal be thy name. – Stone

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* For more info on KARASAFRA:

Facebook: Karasafra

http://karasafra.bandcamp.com/

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE KARASAFRA.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.