German death-doom metallers VOIDHAVEN have issued a new video for “The Everblazing Picture”, the latest single from their brand new debut LP “Lithic”, released earlier this month via Ardua Music. Watch it HERE.
No Clean Singing hosted the official premiere of “Lithic” atTHIS LOCATION.
In 2016 a five-person expedition from Hamburg, who had set out towards the unknown, established a base on newfound ground. The crew – consisting of seasoned veterans also hired on vessels like Ophis, Fvneral Fvkk or Remembrance – claimed the place as their own, named it VOIDHAVEN and used it as origin for the distribution of their artistic cargo.
The exported wares combine various components to spread an atmosphere of oppressive, yet harboring gloom. Lyrically, they incorporate skeptical world watching, critical reflection of social relations, addressing inner struggles and spinning haunting tales. Musically, they blend a foundation of Melancholic Doom Metal with elements from Death Metal.
The first goods in form of the “Voidhaven”-EP were shipped in collaboration with Solitude Productions in 2018. Overcoming a line-up change on the drums, an unplanned break due to a pandemic and personal circumstances dispiriting the crew, they hired fleet admiral Jens Ballaschke to produce new wares in October 2022. Assorted in the “Lithic”-album, the resulting luxuries will be distributed in company with Ardua Music, beginning in June 2023.
So shoulder your bale and embark on a journey to find relief in the VOIDHAVEN!
For fans of My Dying Bride, Swallow The Sun, Hamferd, Saturnus, Officium Triste.
Tracklist:
01. Resting on Tombs 02. Sermon of Scorn 03. To Walk Among Ghosts 04. The Everblazing Picture 05. The Desolate Throne 06. Something Cruel Within
Line-up:
Simon – vocals, guitars Phil – guitars Marcos – keys Jakob – bass Norman – drums
Baltimore, Maryland’s NIXIL has today shared their new single and music video, In Thrall. In Thrall is the second track to be taken from the US black metal group’s forthcoming sophomore album, From the Wound Spilled Forth Fire, with the hypnotic accompanying music video self-produced by the band. On In Thrall, NIXIL further From the Wound Spilled Forth Fire‘s themes of liberation through abyssal exploration.
Speaking on In Thrall‘s release, NIXIL comments: “In Thrall is a curse directed toward those who, through their base and willful ignorance, believe that systems of oppression are somehow synonymous with liberation; those who would violently usurp cultures and attempt to eradicate peoples based on toxic delusions of supremacy connected to cosmically imposed trivialities of the flesh. We see you.”
Having made their presence known with their 2021 debut, All Knots Untied, NIXIL has steadily garnered a loyal following through live appearances across the United States – sharing stages alongside Hulder, Evoken, Molder, Yatra, and an appearance at Maryland Deathfest 2022 along the way. Time spent on the road served to sharpen their collective musicianship and fully realise NIXIL’s desire for collaborative unity and authenticity within the group ahead of From the Wound Spilled Forth Fire’s creation.
NIXIL’s scorched earth approach to black metal’s sonic extremities offer a radical alternative to secular approaches to, and readings of, their craft. Where All Knots Untied was an introductory affair for the quintet, 2023 sees the band further expand upon concepts of chaos gnosticism, ego-death, self-empowerment and freedom.
After solidifying their line-up in its current form, with the arrival of guitarist / backing vocalist Alden, NIXIL opted to record From the Wound Spilled Forth Fire live at Magpie Cage Recording Studio with J. Robbins. The resulting six songs seethe with a frenzied despair, whilst more ominous passages breathe with a disquieting existential terror in every percussive and rhythmically meditative trance, exactly as the band intended to capture before handing mastering duties to James Plotkin.
NIXIL’s latest offering is more than invocation and manifestation alone, From the Wound Spilled Forth Fire is an invitation for those shackled by earth and flesh to dispel from regressive human made traditions and misplaced guilt and shatter the illusion of a self.
From the Wound Spilled Forth Fire tracklist: 1. Collapsing the Poles 2. In Thrall 3. A Door Never Closed 4. From the Wound Spilled Forth Fire 5. Abyss Unto Abyss 6. The Way is the Grave
STRAY GODS have released their new official video for the song ‘Abel & Cain’, taken from the band’s new album “Olympus” that was released on June 23, 2023 as Digipack CD, Transparent green vinyl limited to 500 copies worldwide and digital streaming/download format.
Music by Bob Katsionis Lyrics by Vangelis Tsintziras/Bob Katsionis Produced and mixed by Bob Katsionis Mastered by Nasos Nomikos Directed & Filmed by Alexander Haritakis/Bob Katsionis Produced & Edited by Bob Katsionis
Special thanks to Vangelis Ziakas (Flying Dutchman), Manolis, https://rentphotovideo.gr/, Arktos Broadcast, Sovereign Event Systems
Stray Gods: Artur Almeida – Vocals Bob Katsionis – Guitars & Keyboards Gus Macricostas – Bass John McRis -Guitars Thanos Pappas – Drums
Following their latest, self-titled studio album in 2020, hard rock power metal titans FIREWIND have announced the release of an upcoming live album/BluRay, titled “Still Raging”! The release, that comes as a special BluRay and 2CD edition, will be available on September 1, 2023 through AFM Records. The pre-sale has just started at THIS LOCATION!
Since more than twenty years, the iconic band founded by exceptional guitarist Gus G (Ozzy Osbourne, Arch Enemy, Dream Evil) enthralls heavy music fans with their exciting blend of hard rock and power metal. Razor-sharp riffs, big hooks and solos meet the incredible vocal skills of charismatic singer Herbie Langhans (Avantasia, Radiant, Seventh Avenue, amongst others), who joined the band in 2019.
“It’s hard to believe that a band like Firewind has been around for 2 decades,” Gus G comments. “In 2022 we had only planned a re-issue of our debut album, but with the pandemic slowly winding down, we were fortunate enough to start doing shows in America and Europe again. Come Fall of 2022 we played 2 headline shows in our homeland, Greece to celebrate our 20th anniversary.”
Gus continues: “Prior to the Greek shows, my friends from OTSE film crew asked me about filming our hometown gig in Thessaloniki. In a way, the stars aligned, as we returned to the same venue (Principal Club Theater), with the exact same crew that filmed our DVD back in 2008 (Live Premonition anyone?). With this opportunity in front of us, I started thinking about a cool way to put this onto our beloved fans homes as a special thank you for the support you’ve shown us over the years. Together with AFM Records, we bring you a special BluRay + 2CD package. So yeah… Firewind Still Raging, 20 years later and it’s all thanks to YOU!
While we’re currently hard at work on some new music, we hope this commemorative Live release will keep you good company, till our new Metal anthems arrive!”
A stunning excerpt of FIREWIND‘s upcoming live record is now available online, the video clip for “Orbitual Sunrise” is premiering here:
FIREWIND Live: 14.07.23 DE Blizzard Rockfest 21.07.2023 FR Guitare en Scene 29.07.2023 CZ Ostrava v Plamenech 04.08.2023 DE Helmfest 05.08.2023 AT Innrock Reloaded
FIREWIND is: Gus G. (guitars) Herbie Langhans (vocals) Petros Christo (bass) Jo Nunez (drums)
“Mistland” is the new song from the Danish/Faroese metal band IOTUNN that is now available on all digital platforms! Check out below the video that has been animated by Costin Chioreanu.
In 2022 – while working on their second album – IOTUNN decided to finish the song “Mistland” first. They went to Fascination Street Studios in February 2023 and got the song mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren (Amon Amarth, Paradise Lost, Kreator, Enslaved).
The artwork and video for “Mistland” was created by acclaimed artist Costin Chioreanu who has worked with artists such as Ghost, Borknagar, Opeth a.o.
“The theme of the song revolves around risking relationships to break free of the old ways and embrace new ideas and “progress”, for better or worse. This feeds into the general story and concept of the upcoming album, which deals with ancient people becoming aware of a ritual that can release them from their earthly form and allow them to seek new astral and spiritual horizons“, explains singer Jón Aldará.
“Mistland is perhaps the most important song for me personally in the IOTUNN catalogue so far. Creatively it evolves from an idea of a song which I’ve had in my mind for years, and with Mistland it finally became. After laying the foundation of the song, it took off with my brother and me working on it intensively for lots of time, and then with the whole band contributing to a truly inspirational circular creative matter. Mistland is very personal to me because its sonic expressions reflect deep and sincere feelings derived from being alive. I find a melancholy that I see as part of all the experiences and feelings you can have throughout life. It is a melancholy which always gives deeper and higher perspectives to whatever state of mind you are in. A true fellowship which can set you free or entangle you into something where you lose yourself” – Jesper Gräs
“For me, every IOTUNN song has its own personality; they’re all single individuals that gathers as a tribe of music. This tribe has now a new member that contributes with musical and existential themes that I believe are important. The lyrics and the music speak to me on several levels. When listening, I feel like I’m surrounded by mist and shadows but with a constant source of light being the ground beneath all grounds. For me, it’s a warm welcome to the tribe!” – Jens Nicolai Gräs
“Mistland has this very large and open feeling. When I first heard the guitar arrangement, I immediately imagined large open drums, and also a call for contrast, with very dense atmospheric sections. I wanted to create a big dynamic difference between the parts while retaining a sense of majestic energy throughout. I really enjoy the way it turned out and I can’t wait for it to be released!” – Bjørn Wind Andersen
“Mistland seemed to almost appear from out of nowhere. Jesper simply showed up at the rehearsal studio one day, struck by a muse, with a whole new song for us. Its simplicity is deceptive, and it is all too easy to get lost in the spaciousness. For me, it has been the most challenging IOTUNN song yet. My contribution was to bring another layer to the soaring atmosphere with cinematic and synth-like bass chord layers. Mistland has been a magical song to play live the last few months, and the audiences’ reactions have been fantastic. I can’t wait to bring it to the big stages on this year’s summer festivals!” – Eskil Rask
IOTUNN line-up: Jón Aldará – vocals Jesper Gräs – guitars Jens Nicolai Gräs – guitars and synths Bjørn Wind Andersen – Drums and effects Eskil Rask – Bass guitar
IOTUNN live: Midgardsblot (NO) Thursday August 17, 2023 Summer Breeze Open Air (DE) Saturday August 19, 2023
Blasphemous black metal legion PROFANATICA are back with a brand new album ‘Crux Simplex’! In celebration of the new satanic offering, the band is now releasing the very first track “Take Up The Cross”, which can now be heard HERE.
The new album will be out on 22 September, 2023 via Season of Mist Underground Activists and can be pre-saved HERE. Pre-order are now available HERE!
Ledney comments on the new offering: “‘Take up the Cross’ is the 2nd station of the cross. Jesus is forced by Roman’s to carry it, and it’s weight is that of 10,000 suns. As spikenard fills the air so does the very real scent of sweat and blood. This is the beginning of the days of stains and pain.”
PROFANATICA have simultaneously unveiled the cover artwork for “Crux Simplex”, which can be viewed together with further album details below.
Tracklist: 1. Condemned to Unholy Death (4:38) 2. Take Up the Cross (3:01) 3. The First Fall (3:24) 4. Meeting of a Whore (3:02) 5. Compelled by Romans (4:47) 6. Wipe the Fucking Face of Jesus (2:20) 7. The Second Fall (2:40) 8. Cunts of Jerusalem (3:35) 9. The Third Fall (4:18) 10. Division of Robes (6:51) Total: 36:76
Cover Art: Abomination Hammer
PROFANATICA are at the vanguard of the first wave of American black metal. Founded and led by infamous master of black perversion Paul Ledney (drums/vocals), they have purveyed primeval blasphemy for nigh on thirty-three years.
Ledney formed the band from the ashes of the first INCANTATION lineup when he split and took with him all of the members sans John McEntee. That early trio of ex-INCANTATION members reeled off three ground-breaking demos of some of the most extreme and blasphemic metal of its time in rapid succession. The band flyers that permeated the tape-trading circuit were no less shocking and featured the trio bloody and naked and in the throes of what was most certainly a primeval summoning of some kind. In short order, they had inked a deal with the fledgling Osmose Productions for what became one of that labels first releases (Osmose release #5); a legendary split with Colombia’s MASACRE.
Something so volatile could only last briefly, and after another brief recording session the band collapsed under the weight of its own extremity. but the recordings made in this two year window went on to see dozens of reissues in the coming decades, in a testament to how formidable and formative they are to the black metal scene worldwide.
After almost fifteen years spent with his equally polarizing solo project HAVOHEJ, Ledney reignited the flames of PROFANATICA in 2006. Reemerging with a new deal from Hells Headbangers, Ledney and his new band released ‘The Enemy of Virtue’, a collection of that vaunted early material, and a new full-length, ‘Profanatitas de Domonatia’. A triumphant return, ‘Profanatitas de Domonatia’ picked up right where these Kings of US Black Metal left off, delivering a savage stream of chainsaw guitars and relentless battery upon which they desecrated everything sacred.
This set-in motion another frenetic burst of work for PROFANATICA. The next decade saw them unleash four new full-length albums of blasphemous perversions, sacrilegious incantations, and furious black metal. In addition, the band issued six mini-albums and EP’s, a full DVD of early footage, and began touring internationally in Europe and in Central and South America. For the first time PROFANATICA were appearing near or at the top of the bill at festivals like MDF, Messe Des Mortes, Hells Headbash, Prague Death Mass (Czech Republic), Chaos Descends (Germany), Black Sun (Spain), Tyrant Fest (France), SWR Fest (Portugal) and many more.
In fall 2018, PROFANATICA joined forces with Season of Mist and undertook their biggest tour to date supporting WATAIN and ROTTING CHRIST across Europe. And a year later, the trio vomited forth a most vulgar strain of black metal ejaculate with their SoM debut album ‘Rotting Incarnation of God’.
The band embarked on an extensive twelve-country European headline tour in the album’s wake. Shortly after returning home that winter, the world ground to a halt in 2020. Save a live-streaming concert production for the legendary Rock al Parque in conjunction with BATUSHKA, little was heard from PROFANATICA.
That is until spring 2023, when PROFANATICA emerged from their den of iniquity on a European headline tour to promote a new album. ‘Crux Simplex’ is a ten-track offensive of sin and sacrilege, a nasty affront that bastardizes the first 10 stations of the cross. As per their legacy, PROFANATICA deals in bestial, first-wave black metal barbarity, and their eighth album unveils ungodly levels of bile and blasphemy.
Line-up: Mayhemic Slaughter of the Heavens – Drums / Vocals Destroyer of Holy Hymen – Guitar / Bass
Recording line-up: Mayhemic Slaughter of the Heavens – Drums / Vocals Destroyer of Holy Hymen – Guitar The True Perversion of the Heavenly Father – Bass
Recording Studio: Dead Lamb Studios Mastering: Arthur Rizk
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 