Finnish black metal band CURSE UPON A PRAYER is set to release their fourth studio album The Worship: Orthoprax Satanism on July 26th 2024. CD version is released by The Cursed Order, Vinyl version comes via Folter Records and MC via Korpituli Productions. A new single ‘Black Venus Erotica’ is out now and it’s available on Youtube and Bandcamp. Single cover by Ari XIII
The band comments: “Black Venus Erotica is one of the key points on the album. Both lyrically and musically, for it underlined and tied together the actual songwriting and the approach towards making the album; The unconquerable will and the immortal hate and love. Passionately devoted for our Dear, Non-Virgin Mary and the Holy Whores who have chosen to cross the forbidden line – towards the gaping cunt of true Darkness where no man dares!”
Track list: 1. Ortopraxia 2. Cunt God 3. Sulfurserpent 4. Blood Poetry 5. A Heav’n Of Hell 6. I Enthrone You 7. Black Venus Erotica 8. He That Eateth My Flesh 9. The Worship I: Patior 10. The Worship II: Ignis
Album cover by Ari XIII
BLACK SUMMER 2024 Minitour dates: 12.6.2024 Lahti, Torvi 13.6.2024 Turku, Nirvana 14.6.2024. Tampere, Varjobaari 15.6.2024. Helsinki, On The Rocks
Presented by Elektrik Products
The Cursed Order, mostly known in the musical realm as ‘CURSE UPON A PRAYER’, was born in 2010 in Tornio, Northern Finland. Since then the band has gained a stable position in the Finnish Black Metal scene and has gained the reputation as one of the more notorious acts, which has been evident through their flagrant live appearances that have striked fear, hate and love into the hearts of those who have dared to witness.
With the religiously anticipated fourth full-length album – C.U.A.P. now presents the absolute crown jewel of this black crown of Infidelity. For it dives into the heart of the Holy Hell and boldly presents the very foundation and the secrets behind the themes that have inflicted chaos and controversy
throughout the 14-year long history: the unconquerable will, immortal hate and love, and the courage never to submit or yield!
The Spirit is null & void without the Act & the Will – Flesh & Spirit must be one! Ya Shaitan!
Today, May 17, Tampa based Sci-Fi Death Metal icons NOCTURNUS AD release their brand new album epos, entitled “Unicursal”, via Profound Lore Records. To celebrate their forthcoming album release, today, the band has premiered a captivating new video for their third single, “Hod, The Stellar Light”! Watch the video here:
“In ‘HOD, The Stellar Light’ Dr. Magus travels to the sphere of Hod where he learns the secrets of The Universe from The Masters of The Great Universal Mind and as he utters The Secret Words of Power and turns inward to become a God himself“, Mike Browning comments.
The highly anticipated new NOCTURNUS AD album “Unicursal” is the follow-up to 2019’s acclaimed “Paradox”. With “Paradox”, Nocturnus founder/sci-fi death metal godfather Mike Browning would resurrect Nocturnus lore under its new alteration NOCTURNUS AD which gave Browning the opportunity to continue the mythos that came before with the legendary album “The Key”, almost 30 years after the release of one of the most influential death metal albums of all time.
“Unicursal” sees Browning, along with guitarists Belial Koblak and Demian Heftel, keyboardist Josh Holdren, and new bassist Kyle Sokol (bass on “Unicursal” was performed by now-ex bassist Daniel Tucker), continue the journey of Dr. Magus following the events of “The Key” and “Paradox” (documented in the album’s second half). A towering aeonic manifestation of extraordinary sci-fi otherworldly death metal forging itself through time and space.
Evidently “Unicursal” is not only one of the most ambitious undertakings Browning has been involved with, but it is a formidable display of progressive occult metal wizardry that manifests NOCTURNUS AD as one of the most singular forces in extreme metal today; there truly is no other entity akin and “Unicursal” is another monolith that honours and continues the traditionand lore laid down with “The Key” and continued with “Paradox”. With blistering guitar manifestations courtesy of Koblak and Heftel, Holdren’s grand and epic synth passages and Browning holding down the rhythm with his calculated battery along with his unique commanding chants, “Unicursal” is a towering aeonic manifestation, extraordinary sci-fi otherworldly death metal forging itself through time and space.
The album was produced/engineered/mastered by Jarrett Pritchard at New Constellation Audio in Orlando, Florida, and features artwork by Uwe Jarling with design by Chimere Noire.
“Unicursal” is available for purchase at THIS LOCATION
May 31, 2024 sees Brazilian death metal extremes, THE TROOPS OF DOOM, unleash their much-awaited, new studio album “A Mass To The Grotesque” via Alma Mater Records, the Portuguese label run by MOONSPELLsinger Fernando Ribeiro! The album pre-sale is available at https://bit.ly/49LaD1x, to pre-save a digital copy via Blood Blast Distribution, visit:
While Mille Petrozza of KREATOR recently said “The record sounds amazing! Old school as f*ck! Taking me back to the glory days of Brazilian metal. This album will crush!”, Øystein G. Brun (BORKNAGAR) states: “Wow, this one hits me hard and drags me straight back to the early 90′, to my youth, when death metal still was fresh, wild and fierce! Listen and learn kids, this is how music in the name of the horns are done!”
“Imagine a death metal world unaltered and pure since the 1990’s, a musical style so dear to the fans, that time, business and trend, could never hurt,“ Death Metal Fan Fernando Ribeiro recommends, “Go back to the glorious time where Death Metal reigned supreme, thanks to some bands, artists, studios and an untameable will of progressing and delivering extreme music to its finest shape, like occult jewellery, filigree , brutal yet elegant in its overwhelming task of splitting your ears. The new Troops of Doom album A Mass to the Grotesque, which Alma Mater Records is brutally proud to present, rescues this long forgotten Death Metal class. They are the flag carriers of the authentic Morrisound sound (the legendary Florida studio where this album was mixed and mastered) and they leave no stones unturned on this one. Brace yourself for the best and most authentic Death Metal album in ages!”
But convince yourself, following the previously-released, first single and rager “Chapels Of The Unholy“, today, THE TROOPS OF DOOM serve you their brand new track “Dawn Of Mephisto“! Watch the clip now streaming here:
“We chose “Dawn Of Mephisto” as our second single because it’s a song that already brings greater musical complexity, while remaining true to the rawness and ferocity of 80s metal. We believe that this track, together with our first single “Chapels Of The Unholy,” provides a great summary of what fans can expect from this new album, still with many nuances and surprises, of course.” The band comments.
“The lyrics of “Dawn Of Mephisto” portray the representation of evil, proclaiming the destruction of faith and the emergence of a new power, personified by the figure of Mephisto, a demonic entity derived from Mephistopheles present in the Faust myth by Goethe. Conceptually, we approach the theme as a kind of distorted vision of religion and this power, where violence and destruction are glorified as a form of rebellion against the divine. Our intention with the musical aesthetic of this track was to contextualize a story being told, like in a movie. It’s a song that builds up and reaches peaks of explosion and high energy.
The music video was filmed in Porto Alegre/RS and directed by producer and filmmaker André Moraes (Sepultura, Lisbela e o Prisioneiro) and Ana Carol.”
Tracklist:
Solve Et Coagula – Introduction
Chapels Of The Unholy
Dawn of Mephisto
Denied Divinity
The Impostor King
Faithless Requiem
Psalm 78 – God of Bizarre
Terror Inheritance
The Grotesque
Blood Upon The Throne
Venomous Creed
THE TROOPS OF DOOM was formed in 2020, during the pandemic, by the original SEPULTURA guitarist Jairo “Tormentor” Guedz. He recorded the albums “Bestial Devastation” (1985) and “Morbid Visions” (1986). Jairo left the band in 1987, making way for Andreas Kisser, who continues with the band to this day. THE TROOPS OF DOOM’s lineup also includes other significant figures from the Brazilian metal scene, such as guitarist Marcelo Vasco (Patria, Mysteriis), a globally renowned graphic artist known for his work with bands like Slayer, Dee Snider, Kreator, Machine Head, Soulfly, and many others. The vocalist and bassist Alex Kafer, former live guitarist for Matanza, and drummer Alexandre Oliveira, a former member of the band Tianastácia, complete the lineup.
Acclaimed by specialized media as a supergroup, THE TROOPS OF DOOM emerged to revive the classic Death Metal of the 80s, inspired by Sepultura’s early era with Jairo and other influential bands such as Slayer, Celtic Frost, Kreator, and Possessed. It serves as a time machine for those nostalgic for the golden age of Death Metal. In just two years since its formation, the band has released three EPs: “The Rise of Heresy” (2020), “The Absence of Light” (2021), and “Prelude to Blasphemy” (2023), along with their debut album, “Antichrist Reborn”, that was released in 2022 on CD, LP, and Cassette by Alma Mater Records and lauded by both fans and music press alike.
The band is currently gearing up for the release of their highly anticipated second album, “A Mass To The Grotesque”, produced by André Moraes, a multi-talented musician known for his work on Sepultura’s “Dante XXI” and the soundtrack of the film “Lisbela e o Prisioneiro,” at Audio Porto studio in Porto Alegre/RS. The mixing and mastering of the album were done by Jim Morris at the legendary Morrisound Recording in Tampa, Florida, known for producing some of the greatest Death Metal classics of the 80s and 90s. The cover art was painted by the acclaimed artist Dan Seagrave, responsible for numerous iconic Death Metal album covers.
In support of “A Mass To The Grotesque”, THE TROOPS OF DOOM who have just headlined the Waves stage at the Brazilian edition of the German festival Summer Breeze, will embark on their first-ever European Tour in August! Find all upcoming live dates listed below, and make sure to grab your copy of this must-have album, one that belongs into every well-sorted death metal record collection, now at THIS LOCATION!
THE TROOPS OF DOOM Live 2024:
02.08 Cottbus (D) @Muggefug 03.08 Nuremberg (D) @Straßenfest 04.08 Berlin (D) @Maschinenhaus 05.08 Bamberg (D) @Live Club 06.08 Halle (D) @ Reil 74 07.08 The Hague (NL) @Musicon 08.08 Breda (NL) @Sound Dog 09.08 Doetinchen (NL) @Engelenbak 10.08 Wermelskirchen (D) @AJZ 11.08 Hamburg (D) @Indra 12.08 Charleroi (B) @MCP Apache 14.08 Kassel (D) @Goldgrube 15.08 Sosnowiec (PL) @M. Doctrine 23.08 Almeria (ES) @The Time Club 24.08 Madrid (ES) @Revi Live 25.08 Milagres (P) @Milagre Metaleiro
THE TROOPS OF DOOM are: Alex Kafer (vocals and bass) Jairo “Tormentor” Guedz (guitar) Marcelo Vasco (guitar) Alexandre Oliveira (drums)
SEBASTIAN BACH has released a new video for ‘Freedom,’ the latest track from his just-released and much-anticipated “Child Within The Man” album (Reigning Phoenix Music) – his first solo effort in 10 years. The new single by the singer, songwriter, author, Broadway star, and actor features lyrics by SEBASTIAN BACH, music by him and John 5 (who also guests on lead guitar) with melody contributions from the album’s producer Elvis Baskette. For the video, BACH teamed up with directors Jim Louvau and Tony Aguilera (who directed the album’s three previous videos).
“This is the third record in a row with John 5 writing and playing with me,”SEBASTIAN says. “The song ‘Freedom’ is an homage to my favorite instrument…the cowbell! Which the world needs plenty more of right now!”
From the opening clip of a hearse, the dark, spooky, gothic-themed ‘Freedom’ clip takes viewers on a creepy journey with vampires, grave diggers, gargoyles, aliens and SEBASTIAN rising from the dead (with a cowbell!), along with a sinister nightclub scene and a live band performance; be sure to stay tuned to the end for a special zombie guest star. Watch the ‘Freedom’ video HERE. The song marks the fourth single from “Child Within The Man,” following ‘What Do I Got To Lose?,’‘Everybody Bleeds,’ and ‘(Hold On) To The Dream.’
“Child Within The Man” was recorded in Orlando, Florida; produced and mixed by Baskette; engineered by Jef Moll, assistant engineered by Josh Saldate; and mastered by Robert Ludwig/Gateway Mastering. BACH wrote or co-wrote all the album’s 11 tracks and sang all lead and backing vocals. “Child Within The Man” features guest appearances from John 5, Steve Stevens, and Orianthi — who all co-wrote their respective tracks with BACH — and two tracks co-written with Myles Kennedy (‘What Do I Got To Lose?’ and ‘To Live Again’); Devin Bronson on guitars, Todd Kerns (bass) and Jeremy Colson (drums) round out the players on the album. The album artwork holds special meaning since it was designed by BACH‘s father, noted visual artist David Bierk. “This album artwork was started in 1978 and finished in 2024!”SEBASTIAN says.
Album artwork: David Bierk – Execution: Scott M Fischer
01. Everybody Bleeds 02. Freedom [feat. John 5] 03. (Hold On) To The Dream 04. What Do I Got To Lose? 05. Hard Darkness 06. Future Of Youth [feat. Orianthi] 07. Vendetta 08. F.U. [feat. Steve Stevens] 09. Crucify Me 10. About To Break 11. To Live Again
Don’t forget to subscribe to Reigning Phoenix Music on YouTube to stay updated & to listen to ‘Freedom’ as well as other new tracks in the “RPM New Releases” playlist on Spotify: https://rpm.link/spotifynewreleasesPR
BACH is currently in the midst of his “What Do I Got To Lose?” North American tour; it’s a mix of solo gigs and festival appearances. Click HERE for all ticketing info and to purchase tickets.
SEBASTIAN BACH live:
w/ THE BITES (^), CLASSLESS ACT (*) 17.05.2024 US Warren, OH – Packard Music Hall^ 18.05.2024 US Bensalem, PA – Parx Casino^ 19.05.2024 US Baltimore, MD – Rams Head Live!^ 21.05.2024 US New Haven, CT – Toad’s Place^ 22.05.2024 US Albany, NY – Empire Live^ 24.05.2024 CA Montréal, QC – Theatre Beanfield^ 28.05.2024 US Warrendale, PA – Jergel’s Rhythm Grille^ 29.05.2024 US Grand Rapids, MI – Elevation* 31.05.2024 US Indianapolis, IN – Hendricks Live!* 01.06.2024 US Morgantown, WV – Ruby Amphitheatre* 02.06.2024 US Columbus, OH – The King Of Clubs* 04.06.2024 US Detroit, MI – Saint Andrew’s Hall* 05.06.2024 US Madison, WI – Majestic Theatre* 07.06.2024 US Joliet, IL – The Forge* 08.06.2024 US St. Charles, IL – Arcada Theatre* 09.06.2024 US East Moline, IL – The Rust Belt* 11.06.2024 US Des Moines, IA – Wooly’s* 12.06.2024 US Lincoln, NE – Bourbon Theatre* 14.06.2024 US Colorado Springs, CO – Sunshine Studios* 15.06.2024 US Denver, CO – Summit* 16.06.2024 US Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine Theater* 18.06.2024 US Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom* 19.06.2024 US Little Rock, AR – The Hall* 21.06.2024 US Dallas, TX – The Lexus Box Garden @ Legacy Hall* 22.06.2024 US Houston, TX – Scout Bar* 23.06.2024 US San Antonio, TX – The Rock Box* 25.06.2024 US Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theatre* 27.06.2024 US Ventura, CA – The Majestic Ventura Theater* 28.06.2024 US Santa Ana, CA – The Observatory* 29.06.2024 US San Diego, CA – House of Blues*
31.07. – 03.08.2024 DE Wacken – Wacken Open Air *SOLD OUT*
About SEBASTIAN BACH
With an inimitable presence as loud as his instantly identifiable voice, SEBASTIAN BACH has left a San Andreas Fault-size imprint on music, theater, film, television, and culture. Moreover, his influence only continues to magnify. He has penned and voiced some of the most iconic anthems in rock history, crafting a catalog highlighted by generational hits such as ’18 And Life,’‘I Remember You,’‘Youth Gone Wild,’‘Slave To The Grind,’‘Wasted Time,’ and ‘Monkey Business,’ to name a few. He has made history as “the first heavy metal singer on Broadway” with a now legendary turn in “Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical” in addition to leading roles in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.” He has appeared in dozens of television series and films, ranging from “Trailer Park Boys” and “Robot Chicken” to “Spongebob Squarepants,”“The Masked Singer,” and “Hell’s Kitchen.” Speaking to his versatility, he’s the rare force of nature who can duet with Axl Rose and reprise a seven-season recurring role on “Gilmore Girls.”
Season of Mist is proud to welcome Oak, Ash & Thorn.
Out of Denver, Colorado, from along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Oak, Ash & Thorn arose with a collective passion for heavy metal and a shared pagan worldview.
Inspired by the likes of Týr, In Flames and Immortal, the band released their first album in 2018. May Every Altar Linger established a patented blend of anthemic riffs, athletic drumming, dueling clean vocals and death growls. In 2021, their EP To Gaze on Stars of Frost refined their sound further. Fabian Jiru of Trollfest handled production duties so masterfully that he was brought back for their next EP Eternal, which was released by Lost Future Records.
Last month, Lost Future released Oak, Ash & Thorn’s second album. Our Grief is Thus is tighter while also pushing beyond the band’s pagan roots and blackened death metal foundation. Songs like “Dying Culture” and “Auras” pulls from the galloping energy of crust punk, power metal’s soaring triumph and the unconventional melodies of progressive rock. The end result is a powerful, unique sound that is fully their own, as melodic and memorable as it is heavy and crushing.
Now, Oak, Ash & Thorn are taking the next step in their journey by signing with Season of Mist. As they continue to tour in support of their latest album, the band will begin writing what’s bound to be a highly-anticipated follow-up.
“We are thrilled to sign with Season of Mist” says Oak, Ash & Thorn. “It’s long been the home of some of our biggest influences, and it is a tremendous honor to now stand alongside them at one of the most reputable metal labels in the world. To say that we’re living out our dream is an understatement”.
Catch Oak, Ash & Thorn this October when they play The Roxy in their hometown of Denver, Colorado.
Lineup Jason Harding – lead guitar, backing vocals Erik Hoffman – bass Cierra White – drums Adam Armstrong – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
While only loosely constructed as a concept album, with Our Grief is Thus, Oak, Ash & Thorn have built a monumental record. Every song deals with grief in some fashion. “Dying Culture” is about the decay of tradition by way of urbanization and generational decline. “Light My Pyre” tackles betrayal and the dissolution of friendship. “Auras” deals with the erosion (and rejuvenation) of honor and identity in the face of withering familial ties.
Oak, Ash & Thorn recorded their latest album in Ft. Collins, Colorado, at the Blasting Room, which was founded by Black Flag and Descendents drummer Bill Stevenson. Our Grief is Thus marks the first time in the band’s history that they have walked out of a studio with an album fully representing their vision.
Having now signed to Season of Mist, they’re ready to take their spirited brand of blackened pagan power metal to even greater heights.
The rising star of melodic death metal from Finland, Hagalas, is releasing the third single from their upcoming album “Mentes Reae.” The album will be available in physical format on May 31st. The song is titled “Hope Is A Lie.”
The song narrates the story of an individual who has endured numerous losses and disappointments in life. Despite their struggles, dreams, and aspirations for a better future, each endeavor has seemed futile. Witnessing hope dissipate repeatedly as fate strikes mercilessly, the protagonist is left embittered by disappointment. They come to believe that hope is merely an illusion, trapping people in empty promises. Their tale serves as a grim reminder of life’s harsh realities and how optimism can transform into cynicism in the face of repeated letdowns.
“Hope Is A Lie” is available on streaming platforms, accompanied by the band’s first official music video, viewable on Inverse Records’ and the band’s channels.
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s ASA unveil the long-overdue release of "Collective Failure" + first music video for title-track! Check it out and stay tuned for more news! Click image to watch the video
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
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Visionary artist KIMMO KUUSNIEMI's ANCIENT STREAMING ASSEMBLY (ASA) have released “Aurora Nuclearis”, a powerful 12-minute audiovisual experience, dedicated to the Late Keyboardist Esa Kotilainen. - Click image to watch the video
Click image to watch the video
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