Italian death-thrashers INFECTION CODE are pleased to announce their union with Time To Kill Records for the release of their ninth full-length studio album, “Sulphur”. The album is set to be released on November 17th 2023.
The band is back after one year from their previous effort, “Alea Iacta Est”, with a new sound and a new sonic landscape to explore. “Sulphur” is the first album with the new line-up and the first written by new guitarist Chris, who joined the band in 2021.
Today, INFECTION CODE focuses on manifesting crushing riffs laced with visceral grooves that echo somber melodies. Eschewing all trends, the album takes every disparate element that INFECTION CODE previously employed, such as industrial tones, more prominent death and thrash metal influences, and amplifies them, while juxtaposing each next to each other, with genuinely unpredictable and exciting consequences. The tracklist also includes a cover version of AT THE GATES’ masterpiece, “Blinded By Fear”.
Lyrically, the album is based on some sci-fi and horror novels, and stories used as allegories to introduce personal reflections on the decline of human civilization. The authors are Howard P. Lovecraft, Philip K. Dick, Ben Bova, Ray Bradbury, Dan Simmons and Valerio Evangelisti.
“Sulphur” was recorded, mixed and mastered at The Cat’s Cage Recording Studio by Francesco Salvadeo. The artwork and the cover have been created by Simone Strige of STRX Art.
Tracklist: 01. Maze Of Death 02. The Colour Out The Space 03. Evil Side Of Mercy 04. Deleted Error 05. Old Viral Order 06. Protoplasm Hope 07. Something Wicked This Way Comes 08. Blinded By Fear 09. Lurking Creepy Love
As they barrel towards their upcoming tour dates, Canadian melodic metal outfit LUTHARO are excited to announce they have joined new label home, Atomic Fire Records!
“We are incredibly excited to announce that we have officially joined the Atomic Fire Records family!” says the band about the signing. “This is a HUGE stepping stone on the path we are paving as a band and grateful doesn’t even begin to describe how we feel! With this being said, we have a TON of amazing things yet to be announced and we cannot wait to share them with you! If you are following us on our journey, thank you so much! And stay metal!”
“We are extremely excited to welcome one of the most promising and overwhelming newcomers in the metal genre: LUTHARO! This band simply blew all of us in the company away. What an incredible and unique mix of extreme, powerful and melodic metal with the stunning voice of Krista Shipperbottom. This upcoming new album is a record you simply fall in love with immediately. Also check out anything else available online, especially their epic “Wings Of Agony” hymn. You all will realize: LUTHARO is the future.” adds Atomic Fire Records A&R Markus Wosgien.
To celebrate this announcement, as well as give you a preview of what to expect live, the band has revealed a fresh new single “Ruthless Bloodline”, along with an electrifying live shot video showcasing the band’s powerful stage presence. The track can be streamed HERE, while the video can be found HERE.
“You wanted new music? You got it!” LUTHARO exclaims proudly. “‘Ruthless Bloodline’ is officially out now and ruthless it is indeed! This is our heaviest yet catchiest song to date and is a good omen of what’s to come.”
LUTHARO will also be riding across the East Coast of the US this Fall on a co-headlining run with thrashy power metal affront PALADIN. The tour kicks off on September 20th in Knoxville, TN and wraps on October 8th in Louisville, KY. From there, the band will support UNLEASH THE ARCHERS on four dates in their home country Canada. Full dates and more information are available below. Tickets are available HERE.
LUTHARO comments: “IT’S TIME TO SHRED! We are super stoked to be joining our friends in Paladin for an epic tour this fall! We hope to see you on the road! 🤘❤️🔥”
LUTHARO will be touring in support of their latest album, Hiraeth. This album launches into an epic exploration of the band’s technical, musical and compositional abilities. They expertly balance hauntingly beautiful atmospheres with raw power and aggression. Hiraeth is an astounding new album, a fantastically epic journey that needs to be experienced to be believed. Stream HiraethHERE.
LUTHARO/PALADIN Tour Dates:
9/22 Fri – Youngstown, OH – Westside Bowl (Downstairs) 9/23 Sat – Cleveland, OH – No Class 9/24 Sun – Chicago, IL – Subterranean 9/26 Tue – Nashville, TN – DRKMTTR 9/27 Wed – Birmingham, AL – The Nick 9/28 Thu – Tallahassee, FL – The Bark 9/29 Fri – Gainesville, FL – Loosey’s 9/30 Sat – Atlanta, GA – Boggs Social & Supply 10/1 Sun – Charlotte, NC – The Milestone 10/3 Tue – Baltimore, MD – The Crown 10/4 Wed – Clifton, NJ – Dingbatz 10/5 Thu – Brooklyn, NY – Kingsland 10/6 Fri – Providence, RI – Dusk
LUTHARO w/ UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, PALADIN:
10/19 Thu – Ottawa, ON – Brass Monkey 10/20 Fri – Toronto, ON – The Phoenix 10/21 Sat – Montreal, QC – Studio TD 10/22 Sun – Quebec City, QC – Imperial Bell
Lutharo Is: Krista Shipperbottom – Vocals Victor Bucur – Guitars, backing vocals Chris Pacey – Bass Cory Hofing – Drums Jeff Wilson – Guitar (Live)
ETERNAL EVIL release new video for the album title track ‘The Gates Beyond Mortality’ set to be released on October 27th! Watch It HERE!
The New single ‘The Gates Beyond Mortality’ is out now on all digital stores and you can also preorder the album in Limited edition Digipack CD , Fire Amber vinyl of 500 copies worldwide & cassette with full cooler print on the shell.
Influenced by Thrash Metal Royalties Slayer, Kreator, Destruction and Exodus’earlier works, ETERNAL EVIL was formed in Stockholm – Sweden in 2019. The band has intended to carry on the legacy of early High energy early Classic Thrash insanity.
Their quickly sold out ‘Rise of Death’ self released demo recorded in band leader Adrian Tobar’s garage and It was later eissued by Iron Fist and Redefining Darkness records.
Shortly after the demo release, the world was hit by a pandemic and during those restrictive years, the band worked on in silence and brought in Norrland guitarist Tobias Lindström. Recorded at Studio Humbucker by Robert Pehrsson, the band’s full length debut ‘The Warriors Awakening… Brings The Unholy Slaughter’ got released in November 2021.
Now with two new members, the band is ready with its follow-up album “The Gates beyond Mortality” to be released in October 2023. With lyrical themes from Occult Practice to the violent nature of warfare the band has crafted an album that has broken all the rules and standards from previous times, which makes this album sound darker than anything they have released prior.
Having kickstarted with an indestructible enthusiasm conjuring malicious Old School Metal powers, ETERNAL EVIL are destined to make that head bang forever!
The Gates beyond Mortality’ Tracklisting: 1) Depths a of a New Eternity 2:07 2) Guerilla Warfare 3:32 3) The Gates Beyond Mortality 5:30 4) Funeral Prayers 4:05 5) Signs of Ancient Sin 4:40 6) Desecration of Light 3:30 7) The Astral Below 6:00 8) Immolation 4:08 9) The Cursed Trilogy 7:29
ETERNAL EVIL (new band line up): Adrian Tobar – Vocals and Lead Guitar Tobias Lindström – Lead Guitar Niklas Saari – Bass Guitar Adam Schmidt – Drums
Cult heavy metal outfit CIRITH UNGOL will unleash their sixth full-length, Dark Parade, on October 20th via Metal Blade Records today unveiling the record’s cover art, track listing, and first single!
Few bands in the history of the heavy metal underground have a story as remarkable, improbable, or uplifting as that of CIRITH UNGOL. Formed in Ventura, California in the early 1970s, CIRITH UNGOL created a sound the world had never experienced before. Rather than passively channeling their influences, the band was driven to forge an altogether heavier, darker, more apocalyptic sound. It was obscure and arcane, mysterious and eccentric, epic and expansive, but most of all, unfailingly, bone-crushingly heavy, dark, and doom-filled.
Wasting no time to ride their molten wave they started with their 2020 studio comeback ForeverBlack, CIRITH UNGOL started writing songs for Dark Parade as soon as Forever Black was released. Then, like everyone else, CIRITH UNGOL were hamstrung by the global pandemic, struggling through illness, seclusion, grief, and depression in their quest to create dark, vibrant art. And like the greatest warriors, they persevered, working on one song at a time – distractions be damned. The first track composed was the crushing “Relentless,” which reinforced their confidence and clarity of vision. The rest of the album came naturally, fueled by personal misery and the tragedy of worldwide collapse.
“Band members lost close relatives and we struggled as best we could through the pandemic which ravaged the earth’s population and economies,” drummer Rob Garven notes. “As horrifying as it was, it was the perfect backdrop for our doom-laden message of a world on the edge of destruction.”
Watch CIRITH UNGOL’s “Velocity (S.E.P.)” visualizer at THIS LOCATION.
With all eight demos finished — which are included on the expanded edition of the album — CIRITH UNGOL started recording Dark Parade in October 2022. The end result is an unrelenting triumph of pessimism and pain; a charred vista rooted in the crunch-and-crash templates of classic doom metal and NWOBHM but delivered with contemporary production and perspective. The album is propulsive and insistent, reflecting the band’s love for metal, instinct to destroy, and disgust for mankind.
From the majestic eight-minute-long “Sailor On The Seas Of Fate,” which starts with a reflective arpeggio and builds into a pounding, near-tribal volley before segueing into a bleak, slow burn of retribution and agony, to the final three movements of the “Dark Parade” saga (comprised of “Dark Parade,” “Distant Shadows,” and “Down Below”), CIRITH UNGOL’s latest album offers a metallic soundtrack of societal decay and environmental collapse that foreshadows nothing less than total extinction.
Dark Parade – Track Listing:
1. Velocity (S.E.P.)
2. Relentless
3. Sailor On The Seas Of Fate
4. Sacrifice
5. Looking Glass
6. Dark Parade
7. Distant Shadows
8. Down Below
CIRITH UNGOL: Tim Baker – vocals Jimmy Barraza – guitar Greg Lindstrom – guitar Rob Garven – drums Jarvis Leatherby – bass
CIRITH UNGOL will play a special record release show on October 20th at The Roxy in West Hollywood, marking the band’s first Los Angeles live appearance in thirty-five years. The performance will commemorate The Roxy’s 50th anniversary and find the band playing Dark Parade in its entirety followed by a full set of classic material. Additionally, the set will be filmed and recorded for a future live release.
CIRITH UNGOL Live:
10/20/2023 The Roxy – West Hollywood, CA * Record Release Show [Tickets]
After releasing three albums in three years and then spending the next four years in the wilderness, Toronto, Ontario’s TOMB MOLD has been reborn on their fourth album, The EnduringSpirit, a thoroughly unabashed step into vast new territories. Yet for all its frenetic daring and audacious exploration, The Enduring Spirit is never anything other than unmistakably TOMBMOLD.
While the expanding TOMB MOLD architecture could be heard on last year’s self-released Aperture Of Body tape, particularly on final track “Prestige Of Rebirth,” it comes into clear focus throughout The Enduring Spirit. Certainly, Derrick Vella’s time creating within and expanding the doom genre in Dream Unending has seeped into the flesh of TOMB MOLD, not to mention Payson Power and Max Klebanoff’s explorations in their own Daydream Plus project.
With four years away, a band with boundless creative energy, as TOMB MOLD are, were certain to expand the scope of their vision, and on The Enduring Spirit they’ve shaped a record with a cinematic environment that offers unlimited avenues of exploration, both for themselves and the listener.
The Enduring Spirit Track Listing:
1. The Perfect Memory (Phantasm Of Aura)
2. Angelic Fabrications
3. Will Of Whispers
4. Fate’s Tangled Thread
5. Flesh As Armour
6. Servants Of Possibility
7. The Enduring Spirit Of Calamity
The Enduring Spirit was recorded at Boxcar Sound Recording by Sean Pearson (Tomb Mold, Dream Unending), and mixed and mastered by Arthur Rizk (Tomb Mold, Dream Unending, Kommand, Gravesend, Power Trip). The album’s artwork was handled by Jesse Jacobi who was also responsible for the Planetary Clairvoyance artwork, with additional artwork by Karmazid, layout and design by Chimère Noire, and photography by Colin Medley.
The Enduring Spirit will be released on all digital platforms this Friday, September 15th. The physical release is confirmed for October 13th where it will be issued on CD, CS, and both LP and the label’s first picture disc LP ever, both vinyl versions including a four-panel insert and huge 36×24-inch poster.
TOMB MOLD: Max Klebanoff – drums, vocals Derrick Vella – guitar, bass Payson Power – guitar
The band writes with the news of the new album, “After three years spent spiraling in the cycle reincarnate necessity, a myriad of consciousness have now become one. Prolong the final death spiral of nature and dive into the gnashing current of The Enduring Spirit of Calamity.”
TOMB MOLD has booked two release shows for the new album, in Toronto September 15th and Montreal September 16th. Additional live activities will be announced in the months ahead.
TOMB MOLD The Enduring Spirit Release Shows:
9/15/2023 Lee’s Palace – Toronto, ON w/ Undeath, Outer Heaven
Oakland, California-based melodic death/thrash metal quartet GLACIER EATER emerges with their second album, Tempest, confirming the record for release through Glacier Recordings at the end of October, and issuing the cover art, track listing, preorders, and the title track as the lead single.
Bursting out of the thrash mecca of the Bay Area like an alien thrash baby tearing through your stomach, GLACIER EATER again delivers their shredding alloy of metals with the long-awaited follow-up to their 2015-relesed eponymous debut, Tempest. Acting as a prequel to Glacier Eater, Tempest reveals an odyssey of turmoil and tragedy through the lyrics and vocals of Keith Welch and Ryan Hansen. Each song is another chapter in a story about the struggles of trying to create a better life, the self-inflicted tortures we pull ourselves out of, and the lessons learned through the reflections of the journey endured.
Lifted off the shoulders of guitarists/vocalists Keith Welch (Sworn Vengeance, Murder Practice) and Ryan Hansen (Light This City, ESP Guitars artist), GLACIER EATER introduces new drummer Trey Derbes (Heartsounds) and bassist Bret Fontaine on the new album. With eight crushing tracks, Tempest is reminiscent of the 2000s Swedish melodic death metal sound, showcasing virtuoso guitar solos and decimating riffs delivered at breakneck speed.
Tempest was recorded, mixed, and mastered by the legendary Zack Ohren (Machine Head, Cattle Decapitation, All Shall Perish) at Sharkbite Studios in Oakland, and completed with artwork by Trey Derbes.
The first single from Tempest is the album’s title track. Ryan Hansen writes about the song, “‘Tempest’ was a great song to be the title track of the album because I think we really hit one of the highest peaks of intensity for the record on this one. The song describes a ship getting tossed around and badly damaged in a wild storm at sea, so I wanted the riffs and melodies to feel like a real flurry of notes at times. Also making it one of the biggest pains in the ass to perform! It’s really the only song on the album with a proper chorus making it just feel right to be the leadoff single.”
Keith Welch adds, “The part of ‘Tempest’ I wrote the lyrics for and sing on the record are a self-reflection an individual is having about their own failed attempts to outgrow and overcome their past issues. These thoughts detonate in their head as they feel like they are being punished for their failures to vanquish their past issues while being hurled through a storm at sea.”
Listen to GLACIER EATER’s “Tempest” now at THIS LOCATION.
Glacier Recordings will release “Tempest” digitally on October 27th with a physical version to follow. Find preorders at Bandcamp HERE.
Features brand new interviews with Necromantia, Arcturus, Immortal, Agalloch, Destruction, Mystifier, and Winterfylleth plus extended interviews with Rotting Christ, Behemoth, Sigh, Mayhem and many more
The Restored, Expanded & Definitive Edition” to consist of 130,000 words of new content, 25 new chapters with over 70 new interviews and improved cover art and design
The book release marks 10 years of Cult Never Dies
UK-based publishing house Cult Never Dies will mark its 10th anniversary this November with the release of Dayal Patterson’s “Black Metal:Evolution of the Cult – The Restored, Expanded &Definitive Edition”. Pre-orders are available now via Cult Never Dies (UK & ROW store / EU store). North American orders can be placed via Decibel Books.
With the original version of the book no longer available in print, Black Metal: Evolution of the Cult is hailed as the most acclaimed book on the history of black metal, and the only one endorsed by those involved in creating the genre.
The book will be approximately 340,000 words long, including 130,000 words of new content, 25 new chapters and 48 extended and updated chapters. This will include over 150 exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in the genre, including: Venom, Mercyful Fate, Bathory, Hellhammer, Celtic Frost, Blasphemy, Darkthrone, Behemoth, Rotting Christ, Mayhem and many more. The author also included over 70 brand new or previously unpublished interviews with the likes of Necromantia, Arcturus, Immortal, Agalloch, Destruction, Mystifier, and Winterfylleth.
Evolution of the Cult will also have hugely improved cover art and layout by longtime Cult Never Dies artist David Thiérrée (Behemoth, Gorgoroth, Mortiis), and will include almost 600 photos, many previously unseen, including an 80-page colour/gloss section.
Silenoz of Dimmu Borgir commended the book: “You don’t have to read between the lines anymore ‘cause it’s all there, straight from the source,” while Sakis Tolis of Rotting Christ called it “a valuable educational piece of dark writing.”
Vorph of Samael added: “This is a very insightful work: Without doubt the ultimate book on the subject, a testimony of black metal and a good introduction for neophytes.”
Hvall of Windir and Vreid said: “A brilliantly written book – mandatory if you have any interest in the genre, or want to explore a new world.”
Photo credit: Ester Segarra
Dayal Patterson, book author, Cult Never Dies owner and longtime music journalist, said: “I cannot express how good it feels now that Cult Never Dies finally owns the rights to this book and are able to release it – along with Decibel in the US – in this massively improved form. The limitations placed on the original in terms of word count meant that so many chapters and parts I originally envisioned simply couldn’t be included or were not even worth completing due to a lack of space. What turned into a fairly straightforward restoration job led to about a year of 14-hour days, not only overhauling the existing chapters and layout (something we had always been unhappy with) of the book, but doing a huge number of new interviews and working with a wealth of new bands and artists. Finally, there are proper chapters celebrating bands such as Vinterland, Satyricon, Immortal, Arcturus, Mystifier and Profanatica, as well as greater explorations of black metal in Brazil, the US, the UK, Sweden, Greece, and, of course, Norway.”
For a full list of the 150 interviewees, visit Cult Never Dies.
New Orleans’ favorite extreme metal alchemists, GOATWHORE, today confirm another US live takeover! The Fall headlining run, which commences on November 3rd in Little Rock, Arkansas, will wind its way through twenty cities through the Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest, drawing to a close on November 26th in Pensacola, Florida. Support will be provided by Withered and Spiter. The journey follows the band’s tour supporting Eyehategod, currently underway.
Comments guitarist/vocalist Sammy Duet, “I am stoked to be touring with our brothers in Withered and the maniacs in Spiter. See all you hellrats on the road in November.”
Tickets for all shows are on sale now. See all confirmed dates below.
GOATWHORE w/ Withered, Spiter: 11/03/2023 Revolution Music Room – Little Rock, AR 11/04/2023 Black Circle Brewing – Indianapolis, IN 11/05/2023 Reggie’s Rock Club – Chicago, IL 11/07/2023 Blind Pig – Ann Arbor, MI 11/08/2023 Grog Shop – Cleveland, OH 11/09/2023 Song And Dance – Syracuse, NY 11/10/2023 Space Ballroom – Hamden, CT 11/11/2023 Angel City Music Hall – Manchester, NH 11/12/2023 Dingbatz – Clifton, NJ 11/14/2023 Saint Vitus Bar – Brooklyn, NY 11/15/2023 Broken Goblet Brewing – Bensalem, PA 11/16/2023 Metro Gallery – Baltimore, MD 11/17/2023 The Loud – Huntington, WV 11/18/2023 Local 506 – Chapel Hill, NC 11/19/2023 Asheville Music Hall – Asheville, NC 11/20/2023 New Brookland Tavern – Columbia, SC 11/21/2023 The Earl – Atlanta, GA 11/24/2023 Conduit – Orlando, FL 11/25/2023 Orpheum – Tampa, FL 11/26/2023 The Handlebar – Pensacola, FL
Angels Hung From The Arches Of Heaven is available on CD, digitally, and LP on multiple color variants. Preview and purchase yours today at:metalblade.com/goatwhore.
Watch the band’s videos for “Born Of Satan’s Flesh” HERE and the title track HERE.
Helsinki-based death metal unit MALFORMED has signed a pact with Extremely RottenProductions for the release of The Gathering ofSouls. The EP, which comes less than a year after the self-released demo, Uncontrollable Malformity, bears the markings of a band versed beyond their years in the art of technical death metal.
Look for The Gathering of Souls to be released on vinyl, CD, cassette, and digital formats on October 13.
The Gathering of Souls – track listing: 1) Drowning in Emptiness 2) The Gathering of Souls 3) Defiled 4) Enchantments of Nihilism 5) Mind Refinery
MALFORMED is a young, relentless death metal band reigning from Helsinki, Finland. The band incarnated in 2022, as its debut demo Uncontrollable Malformity crawled out of the sewers alongside positive reviews and some underground hype. However, things are only getting started with the release of EP The Gathering of Souls which showcases even more intensity, brutality, and technicality through our recently solidified lineup.
MALFORMED: Jani Seppi – drums Akseli Lindroos – guitars Pauli Niemi – bass Eetu Hyvönen – vocals/guitars
MALFORMED began its journey through the hands of guitarist/vocalist Eetu Hyvönen and bassist Pauli Niemi, who were joined by guitarist Akseli Lindroos and drummer Jani Seppi in late 2022. As the demo was completed before Jani’s addition to the lineup, The Gathering of Souls is the first release to feature the full MALFORMED lineup. These five fierce and hellish tracks were completed during the winter of 2022-2023, and recordings commenced during the spring with Juuso Hämäläinen (Azatoth, Disguised Malignance) handling all production.
The tracks, which were both arranged and recorded at the band’s barren rehearsal place in Espoo, combine the technicality and brutality of bands like early Cryptopsy, Suffocation, Gorguts, and Demilich – without sacrificing the originality and inclusion of our own MALFORMED sound.
Arizona death metallers JOB FOR A COWBOY return after a near decade long hiatus with their brand new single and accompanying video for “The Agony Seeping Storm.” The track comes by way of the band’s first new full-length in a decade, set for release in 2024 via Metal Blade Records! JOB FOR A COWBOY released their “Sun Eater” full-length in 2014. The record received an overwhelmingly positive response.
Ten years later, the band returns with their most volatile work to date. The as-yet-untitled full-length is at once musically multifaceted, unabashedly brutal, and compellingly conceptual. First single, “The Agony Seeping Storm,” is a mathematically mind-blowing hybrid of bludgeoning death metal specializing in unconventional riffing that echoes the resemblance of legendary experimentalists like Cynic, Atheist, and Gorguts. A newly refreshed and reinspired lineup — vocalist Jonny Davy, guitarists Tony Sannicandro and Al Glassman, bassist Nick Schendzielos, and drummer (since 2020) Navene Koperweis — seamlessly pick up the mantle where Sun Eater left off.
Watch JOB FOR A COWBOY’s “The Agony Seeping Storm” video HERE.
Further info on JOB FOR A COWBOY’s new full-length will be revealed in the coming weeks. Stay alert! JOB FOR A COWBOY’s official comeback show will take place at this year’s edition of Blue Ridge Rock Fest with additional live dates to be announced soon.
JOB FOR A COWBOY Live: 9/08/2023 Blue Ridge Rock Fest – Alton, VA
JOB FOR A COWBOY hails from Glendale, Arizona. Formed in 2003, the band’s debut album, Genesis, was released in 2007, peaking at #54 on the US Billboard 200 and selling 13,000 copies in its first week of release. The second album, 2009’s Ruination, sold 10,600 copies in the United States in its first week to debut at position #42 on the Billboard 200 chart.
PERISCIANS specializes in creating hard-hitting metalcore, with a wider range of influences injecting more of their personality into the music. The new single “Halo” follows their debut “Blind By Design” released earlier this year, showcasing further the trio’s distinctive take on metalcore.
PERISCIANS‘ formula encompasses a ferocious blend of old-school hardcore punk and the intensity of metal, creating a sonic assault that resonates with fans of extreme music. “Halo” continues this genre-crossing trend fusing heavy rock-esque chord progressions and vocal melodies with intricate technical guitars, harsh vocals and pounding drums. “Halo” is a thrilling track that draws you in. Rhythmic verses deliver a combination of light and dark across the instrumental and vocal parts. When the thundering choruses hit, they unleash a fury of percussion and bass while vocal melodies offer a contrasting mood soaring above.
About PERISCIANS: Based out of Columbus, Ohio, PERISCIANS debuted in April 2023 with their single “Blind By Design”. Their tracks thematically seek to expose corruption and unmasking how the ruling class utilizes manipulation, censorship, and misinformation to shape public perception. Musically, PERISCIANS‘ sound appeals to fans of GOJIRA, FEAR FACTORY, CURRENTS, and TRIVIUM, to name a few.
Following their recent signing with powerhouse label AFM Records, ALTERIUM, the new Italian power metal quintet led by Nicoletta Rosellini (ex. Kalidia, Walk in Darkness), has shared a music video for their first album single “Drag Me To Hell”!
As Nicoletta recently revealed:“I am finally happy to present you Alterium, my new power metal adventure. In the past months, we have poured our hearts and souls into crafting a debut album that harmonizes captivating melodies, powerful guitar riffs, and thunderous drums. The result is a strong debut album that we are eagerly anticipating to share with all of you.”
About the band’s first single release, the exceptional vocalist says:“‘Drag Me To Hell’ captures the entire power metal essence of Alterium, combining strong guitar riffs and captivating melodies that blend with themes related to the world of Warcraft, one of my greatest passions. In this track, we tell part of the story of heroic paladin Bolvar Fordragon, who, after surviving dragon’s flames, makes the ultimate sacrifice of sitting upon the Frozen Throne, becoming the ruler of the Scourge.”
Watch the ALTERIUM video clip for their first single “Drag Me To Hell”,now debuting HERE:
Born in late 2022, ALTERIUM consists of Nicoletta and former bandmates Paolo Campitelli (guitars) and Dario Gozzi (drums) from Kalidia, soon joined by Alessandro Mammola (guitars, also in Draconicon) and Luca Scalabrin (bass, also in Altair).
After Kalidia parted ways, Nicoletta decided to take a different approach and finally unleashes her whole potential as both a singer and a songwriter. Under the guidance of producer Lars Rettkowitz (Freedom Call), ALTERIUM have finished the recordings of a bombastic debut album. The band’s first full-length will also feature a cover of the Sabaton classic “Bismarck”. Watch out for many more details and news to follow in the weeks ahead, when ALTERIUM will take the power metal scene by storm with a triumph of powerful sounds, big riffs, explosive drums, majestic choirs and captivating grooves!
L-R – Colin Ryley – Guitars, Marlee Ryley – Vocals, Ryan Idris – Drums, Jon Power – Bass Photo Credit – Caitlin Delaplace
Hyperia is a Canadian melodic thrash metal band known for wailing vocals, shredding guitars, and fast, heavy drums. Formed in 2018, Hyperia combines elements of aggressive thrash with intricate guitar melodies alongside a wide variety of vocal styles, which have been showcased on an EP and two albums thus far, with the third full-length slated for release this November. The first single off “The Serpent’s Cycle” is the blistering “Prophet Of Deceit”, which takes a more serious tone than the other tracks on the album. The band comments:
“This track brings us back into a serious mood, it is a quite melodic and technical song starting off with blistering guitar into a full-force attack of drums. The working title for this song was “Shredlord Supreme”, which should give you an idea of what to expect. This song is about the problems we have with certain members of society and gaslighting. It’s a hard-hitting track that is full of energy throughout.”
This album “The Serpent’s Cycle” has a wide variety of riffs, ones that will remind listeners of the 80s and also ones that usher in the new era of modern thrash. Song order was intentionally chosen to ensure that each song is given its space between different songs and makes the album continue feeling fresh throughout. Hyperia expects “The Serpent’s Cycle” to be received very well by fans as everyone who has heard it so far agrees it’s by far the best album they’ve made. It has all the usual elements of a Hyperia album, just amplified and refined. They think it’s a huge step up from their previous releases and hope the reception for it proves that.
The melodic and aggressive 11-track album that includes a cover of Heart‘s “Crazy On You” comes out on November 17, 2023, and is a perfect mix of old-school sensibilities and modern experimentation. It is recommended for fans of Exmortus, Municipal Waste, and Havok.
Track Listing: 1. Ego Trip (4:41) 2. Automatic Thrash Machine (4:02) 3. Prophet of Deceit (4:16) 4. Psychosomatic (4:29) 5. The Serpent’s Cycle (5:04) 6. Trapped in Time (3:58) 7. Spirit Bandit (4:04) 8. Eye for an Eye ( 4:47) 9. Binge & Surge (3:44) 10. Deathbringer (5:31) 11. Crazy On You [Heart Cover] (5:03) Album Length: 49:41
Watch and listen to “Prophet Of Deceit” via its premiere on Bravewords HERE.
Cleveland death metallers 200 STABWOUNDS have begun an epic run of live dates that will find the band rampaging their way across much of the US through the end of the year.
The band wraps up their four-day adventure supporting Gwar tonight, September 1st, in San Antonio, Texas. From there, the band will play a handful of headlining dates before supporting The Black Dahlia Murder from September 9th through September 15th. Additional support will be provided by Chelsea Grin and Gates To Hell.
200 STAB WOUNDS will make an appearance at this year’s edition of the New England Metal And Hardcore Fest in Worcester, Massachusetts on September 16th. That following evening, the band will begin a week-long headlining tour with support from Snuffed On Sight through September 23rd.
The onstage bedlam continues in November when 200 STAB WOUNDS serves as direct support to Frozen Soul on their North American tour from November 2nd in Atlanta, Georgia through December 2nd in Houston, Texas. Additional support will be provided by Judiciary and Tribal Gaze. Tickets are on sale now! See all confirmed dates below.
200 STAB WOUNDS w/ Gwar [remaining dates] 9/01/2023 Vibes Event Center – San Antonio, TX
200 STAB WOUNDS: 9/03/2023 Vino’s – Little Rock, AR 9/06/2023 Mad Malts – Huntsville, AL 9/07/2023 New Brookland Tavern – Columbia, SC 9/08/2023 No Class – Cleveland, OH
200 STAB WOUNDS w/ The Black Dahlia Murder, Chelsea Grin, Gates To Hell: 9/09/2023 The Concourse – Knoxville, TN 9/10/2023 Mercury Ballroom – Louisville, KY 9/12/2023 The King of Clubs – Columbus, OH 9/14/2023 Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ 9/15/2023 Reverb – Reading, PA 9/16/2023 New England Metal and Hardcore Fest – Worcester, MA
200 STAB WOUNDS w/ Snuffed On Sight: 9/17/2023 Mohawk Place – Buffalo, NY 9/19/2023 The Black Circle – Indianapolis, IN 9/20/2023 Pyramid Scheme – Grand Rapids, MI 9/21/2023 The Forge – Joliet, IL 9/22/2023 Club Garibaldi – Milwaukee, WI 9/23/2023 Madison Live – Cincinnati, OH
200 STAB WOUNDS w/ Frozen Soul, Judiciary, Tribal Gaze: 11/02/2023 The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA 11/03/2023 Hangar 1819 – Greensboro, NC 11/04/2023 Canal Club – Richmond, VA 11/05/2023 Gramercy Theatre – New York, NY 11/07/2023 Underground Arts – Philadelphia, PA 11/08/2023 Middle East – Boston, MA 11/09/2023 Studio TD – Montreal, QC 11/10/2023 Garrison – Toronto, ON 11/11/2023 El Club – Detroit, MI 11/13/2023 Ace of Cups – Columbus, OH 11/14/2023 Avondale Music Hall – Chicago, IL 11/15/2023 Amsterdam – St. Paul, MN 11/16/2023 Waiting Room – Omaha, NE 11/18/2023 Urban Lounge – Salt Lake City, UT 11/19/2023 The Shredder – Boise, ID 11/21/2023 Goldfields Roseville – Roseville, CA 11/22/2023 Cornerstone – Berkeley, CA 11/24/2023 Echoplex – Los Angeles, CA 11/25/2023 Nile Theater – Mesa, AZ 11/26/2023 American Legion Post 8 – Las Vegas, NV 11/28/2023 Jake’s – Lubbock, TX 11/29/2023 Rockhouse – El Paso, TX 12/01/2023 Rock Box – San Antonio, TX 12/02/2023 Secret Group – Houston, TX
200 STAB WOUNDS released their two-track Masters Of Morbidity seven-inch in April via Metal Blade Records. The title track, which was initially released as a digital single in November 2022, and the new track, “Fatal Reality,” were both produced by Mark Lewis (The Black Dahlia Murder, Nile, Deicide, Krisiun, Whitechapel, Fallujah). Check out the release at: metalblade.com/200stabwounds.
Black metal outfit MORBIKON, the creative effort of guitarist/bassist Phil “Land Phil” Hall (Municipal Waste, Cannabis Corpse, Iron Reagan), with drummer Dave Witte (Municipal Waste, Discordance Axis), and vocalist Mathias “Vreth”Lillmåns (Finntroll, …And Oceans), has announced their first ever live appearances!
MORBIKON released their debut full-length, OvMournful Twilight, last year via Tankcrimes. The project is guided by the second wave of Scandinavia’s black metal and melodic death metal scenes of the ‘90s.
Issues Hall, “MORBIKON was started as a passion project between myself and my writing partner Quotidius in 2020 to express our love of early ‘90s black metal while simultaneously blowing off some steam trapped in a quarantine. Getting Dave Witte involved pushed the music to a new level, then an awesome opportunity came to work with the outstanding vocalist Mathias Lillmåns from the Finnish band Finntroll. We completed the album Ov Mournful Twilightin the middle of the pandemic not considering any live show prospects. Now, three years after the inception of the band, we finally have the opportunity to play the music live. Unfortunately, the logistics of bringing Mathias Lillmåns all the way from Finland has proved to be infeasible. Stepping into the role of vocalist will be original lyricist Quotidius. We are also welcoming guitarists Toby Swope (Psychosomatic) and Adam Guilliams (Cannabis Corpse). Drums will be handled by Dave Witte. We are looking forward to playing live and bringing these awesome tunes to everyone soon!”
MORBIKON Live: 9/07/2023 Black Circle – Indianapolis, IN w/ Exhumed 9/08/2023 Wake Brewing Anniversary – Rock Island, IL 9/09/2023 Full Terror Assault Fest – Cave Rock, IL 12/01/2023 Decibel Metal And Beer Fest @ Summit – Denver, CO
Purchase Ov Mournful Twilight on CD or LP via Tankcrimes at the label webshop HERE and digitally at Bandcamp HERE. Watch the video for “Universal Funeral” HERE and “Borne Of Phantom Vessel” HERE.
San Antonio (TX) – Hot on the heels of their debut single, “Across Again,” Texas scorchers MYTHOLOGIK are proud to announce the September 20 release of their self-titled debut EP on CD, vinyl, and digital formats!
A lyric video for the EP’s second single, “Todesgeist,” is available now at: youtu.be/1PFoADSymkk.
MYTHOLOGIK is a scorching new Heavy Metal band has emeged from the blistering heat of Texas! Featuring multi-instrumentalist Bryan Eckermann (Solo Artist, Scars of the Flesh, Wings of Abaddon) on all instruments and Joe Gregory (Valkyrie TX) on Vocals. Mixing the Melodic Death Metal tendencies of Eckermann with the 80’s thrash vocals of seasoned veteran Gregory, MYTHOLOGIK are looking to break genre boundaries; bridging dark melodic atmosphere, Thrashing riffs, and Epic symphonic passages with aggressive/soaring vocals. Like a Nuclear Assault/Slayer/King Diamond mash-up, their debut EP goes straight for the jugular and does not let up!
Track Listing:
1 – Across Again 2 – Eroded 3 – Todesgeist 4 – Heir Apparent
The previously released lyric video for “Across Again” is available at: youtu.be/CeYs4sQm_Bo.
Long-running Sacramento, California thrash metal crew PSYCHOSOMATIC announces their first East Coast tour dates in years as they prepare to launch Escaping The Prison Tour 2023 this October.
The upcoming trek marks PSYCHOSOMATIC’s first tour since the release of their crushing seventh LP, The Invisible Prison, which saw release through Nefarious Industries at the height of the pandemic lockdowns to rave reviews but no touring. Escaping The Prison Tour 2023 runs from October 5th through 14th with shows in Atlantic City, Brooklyn, Boston, Cape Cod, Providence, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Chesapeake, Richmond, and Raleigh. The band will be joined throughout the run by Chicago-based grinding hardcore outfit and Nefarious Industries labelmates Nequient as well as Boston thrash metal act Black Mass. See the confirmed routing below.
PSYCHOSOMATIC Escaping The Prison Tour 2023: 10/05/2023 Anchor Rock Club – Atlantic City, NJ w/ Black Mass 10/06/2023 Bootleg Bar – Brooklyn, NY w/ Nequient, Black Mass 10/07/2023 O’Brien’s Pub – Boston, MA w/ Nequient, Black Mass 10/08/2023 Arcade Bar – Cape Cod, MA w/ Nequient, Black Mass 10/09/2023 Dusk – Providence, RI w/ Nequient 10/10/2023 Kung Fu Necktie – Philadelphia, PA w/ Nequient 10/11/2023 The Depot – Baltimore, MD w/ Nequient 10/12/2023 RiffHouse Pub – Chesapeake, VA w/ Nequient 10/13/2023 Bandito’s – Richmond, VA w/ Nequient 10/14/2023 Chapel of Bones – Raleigh, NC w/ Nequient
PSYCHOSOMATIC is working on their eighth LP for release in 2024. In the meantime, multiple earlier and out of print titles are in the process of being reissued through Nefarious Industries in the months ahead. Stand by for further updates to post over the weeks ahead.
PSYCHOSOMATIC has released seven studio albums, two EPs, and more since their inception in 1988, during the California thrash metal overthrow. With more than three decades of touring the US and Canada under their belt, the band has played over a thousand shows canvasing the North American tapestry with the likes of Exodus, Vio-lence, Death Angel, M.O.D., Havok, D.R.I., Fear, Possessed, Arsis, Warbringer, Exmortus, Black Breath, Ghoul, Possessed, Phobia, The Accused, Eat The Turnbuckle, Hammer Fight, Deathwish, Wartorn, Dr. Know, Verbal Abuse, Attitude Adjustment, Hirax, and countless others.
Unloading twelve tracks of classic thrash/crossover shred, PSYCHOSOMATIC’s The Invisible Prison was produced, engineered, and mixed by David Sanchez of Havok at Riffs Or Die Recordings, and mastered by Mark Lewis (Chimaira, Trivium, The Black Dahlia Murder) at MRL Studios. The record is completed with art by the band’s founding bassist/vocalist Jeff Salgado, coloring by Vincent Pizarro, layout by Greg Meisenberg, and photography by Michael Alvarez, and includes a cover of “Serial Killer” by Vio-lence.
Find The Inevitable Prison on LP, CD, CS, and digital formats including merch bundles alongside several videos from the album and more at Nefarious Industries HERE.
Unleashing their most audacious offering to date, Sargassus present their new EP, King of the Sun, a monstrous addition to their progressive death metal discography. These four tracks, composed in an intuitive manner in live jamming sessions and recorded in 2023, forge a unique sonic landscape that stands as testament to the band’s unyielding artistic evolution. The members of Sargassus continue to refine their skills weaving intricate, complex musical structures with raw, powerful emotion.
This EP encapsulates the relentless spirit of the genre while offering new layers of depth and complexity, with the songs being all the more atmospheric as the band aims to paint an eerie backdrop to the increased technicality of the songs. Samu Oittinen – the legendary producer responsible for the new EP’s mix and master – made sure to fulfill the band’s vision about organic yet brutal and atmospheric soundscape.
EP cover by Matias Stenman
Track list:
Dies Iræ
Queen of the Moon
Breed of the Exodus
King of the Sun
The lyrical themes of the EP heavily draw inspiration from the epic of Lucien, the first ever science fiction story to be told and recorded in history. Strange entities with selfish causes wage a cosmic war for the ownership of planet Venus, with even stranger armies ushered into pyrrhic battles. The EP reflects upon this madness as well as the needless suffering of all involved, with no clear victor to claim the prize in the end.
Cosmic black metal duo LIGHTLORN has unleashed “Dimensionless Blackness,” the newest single from their upcoming full-length debut: At One with the Night Sky.
The third track on the album, “Dimensionless Blackness” is full of contrasting elements. From the bright guitar picking in the intro, which belies the energetic, groove-infested opening riff that follows, to the ups and downs in the song structure, “Dimensionless Blackness” is highly representative of the sound LIGHTLORN has become known for. The lead guitar carries captivating melodies, while a foreboding piano section and an outro replete with strings and brass infuse the song with atmosphere and emotion. The lyrics are sung from the perspective of a supermassive black hole in the center of a galaxy. How it holds the galaxy together while slowly devouring the matter around it.
Thuringian (Germany) doomsters DÉCEMBRENOR release first new single from new album “Your Sunset | My Sunrise”
Against The Daylight is the first single from the new DÉCEMBRENOIR album Your Sunset | My Sunrise, which is set to be released on October 13th via Lifeforce Records.
The lyric video was created by JerkkaPerälä / Soft Neon Audiovisual, who is also responsible for the visual works for his own band ATLASES, also in Lifeforce Records.
As for the direction of their new album, DÉCEMBRE NOIR reveal the following: “Your Sunset | My Sunrise” is the cry for inner peace set to music. A heavy heart full of tears, which threatens to plunge its bearer into the abyss at any moment. Even if this means giving up oneself, in the end only the long-awaited silence counts. It is the escape on the wings of addiction from the battlefield of never-ending depression.
The approach of the band from Thuringia, Germany also reaches deep on their fifth full-time album – both lyrically and musically. This is already known from the previous records “The Renaissance Of Hope” (2020), “Autumn Kings” (2018), “Forsaken Earth” (2016) and “A Discouraged Believer” (2014). DÉCEMBRE NOIR act consistently atmospheric, gloomily tuned and open to interpretation. The underlying thoughts, emotions and intentions of the songs of the quintet are not always clearly determinable. And they don’t have to be. For the nuances and forebodings set to music have a special significance in the German band’s playing.
TRACK LIST:
Dead End: May Against The Daylight Your Sunset | My Sunrise Sentimental Giants Sleepwalker (In Yesterday’s Smoke) Trivial Heart
What once started between doom and death metal, has developed over the years and releases to an independent, organic gloomy sound, which achieves its ominous effect space and its captivating fascination quite independently of liking or style questions. On“Your Sunset | My Sunrise”, produced by HEAVEN SHALL BURN’s Alexander Dietz at his Chemical Burn Studio, DÉCEMBRE NOIR again rely on melancholic as well as melodically addressed pieces that stand completely on their own and therefore captivate because they are presented so heavy, dark and atmospheric.
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