According to Century Media Records, While their Century Media Records debut album “Severance” is about to be released UK heavyweights HEART OF A COWARD have announced first tour dates for the European mainland together with Thy Art is Murder, Aegaeon and Aversions Crown in January:

UK metallers HEART OF A COWARD can announce first details for their upcoming album and Century Media debut “Severance” that is due to be released November 4^th, 2013 in Europe and November 12th, 2013 in North America.

Jamie Graham (vocals) comments on “Severance”: “’Hope And Hindrance’ got a reaction we totally didn’t expect from a self released debut…it was an album of songs spread across several years, with several line-up changes, but we are nonetheless very proud of it. It laid the foundation of our sound. However, it made us realise what we could achieve if we really knuckled down and honed our songs further; with ‘Severance’ I think we’ve achieved that and then some. Steve and Carl were so fast with the riff writing that when it came for us to put the songs together it just fell into place seamlessly. It’s undoubtably heavier than our last record but has a lot more ‘traditional song structures’ in that we’re focusing on choruses and arrangements that are engaging, as opposed to riff after riff after riff.

The loose concept of the album revolves (typically) around the title, ‘Severance’… in a context of removing one’s self from whatever negative aspects are impeding on life and self-progression. There are some very personal moments on the record lyrically, but it’s very much an ‘outside looking in’ perspective on social leeches, elitism, internet culture, obsession with status; notably the ‘celebration of celebrity’ no matter how mundane their endeavours are. The positive side touches more on being an unstoppable force in your own right when it comes to doing what makes you happy. To aspire, not to obsess. That real success is not measured by others and that you are your own master. Jon Barmby, who has also done work for Architects, Devil Sold His Soul and load of others, provided the artwork for the record.

We recorded all the instruments in Milton Keynes with our good friend Acle Kahney (who plays in TesseracT and is a killer producer in his own right), before getting that all bounced and sent to Justin Hill at Fortress Studios in London. I recorded all my vocals there; Justin also kindly agreed to sing a part that I wrote specifically for him for the song ‘Distance’.

Those who know SIKTH will share my excitement for that!! Also guesting on the record is my good friend Scott Kennedy of Bleed From Within, who wrote a killer part for a song called ‘Psychophant’. The album was mixed in the US by Will Putney, who in our opinion is the best up and coming producer right now within the heavy sphere. He just has such a good ear and has done great work for our friends in Thy Art Is Murder and Demoraliser as well as some huge records like Suicide Silence’s ‘The Black Crown’.”

The track-listing of “Severance” will read as follows:

1. Monstro
2. Prey
3. Distance
4. Nauseam
5. Deadweight
6. Eclipsed
7. Psychophant
8. Mirrors
9. Desensitise
10. Severance

HEART OF A COWARD are already busy scheduling various live activities, first will be their own headlining tour throughout the UK.

HEART OF A COWARD live:

• 11.11.2013 (UK) Birmingham – Asylum 2
• 12.11.2013 (UK) Southampton – Joiners
• 13.11.2013 (UK) Cardiff – Full Moon
• 14.11.2013 (UK) London – Barfly
• 16.11.2013 (UK) Sheffield – Corporation
• 17.11.2013 (UK) Manchester – Alter Ego
• 18.11.2013 (UK) Glasgow – Classic Grand
• 19.11.2013 (UK) Leeds – Cockpit 3
• 20.11.2013 (UK) Nottingham – Rock City Basement
• 21.11.2013 (UK) Norwich – Upstairs @ Waterfront
• Tickets will go on sale Friday, 9:00am UK time.

Jamie Graham (vocals) on the upcoming touring: “In November we will headline a run in the UK, playing a ton of songs from the record and the big ones from our debut. We really hope you enjoy the record and we are hugely appreciative of the amazing support we’ve been shown.”