Reposted from Blabbermouth.net

MEGADETH’s new song “Kingmaker” can be streamed in the YouTubeclip atthis location. The track comes off the band’s new album, “Super Collider”, which is scheduled for a June 4 release via MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine’s new label, Tradecraft, distributed by Universal Music Enterprises (UMe).

“Super Collider” track listing:

01. Kingmaker
02. Super Collider
03. Burn!
04. Built For War
05. Off The Edge
06. Dance In The Rain
07. Beginning Of Sorrow
08. The Blackest Crow
09. Forget To Remember
10. Don’t Turn Your Back…
11. Cold Sweat

The album will be available as a limited-edition CD with 3-D cover and bonus tracks, regular CD, regular LP, limited LP plus seven-inch vinyl and as a digital download.

For more news and updates, head down to http://heavymetaltribune.tumblr.com/

Impiety [Singapore]
Vengeance Hell Immemorial
2013
Compilation
Evil Dead Production/Hells Headbangers Records
Black/Death/Thrash Metal

I usually frown upon compilation releases, with such releases feeling like a label’s attempt to milk as much cash as possible from fans, and the only reasons for me to actually get a compilation release are if the releases have become out of print, or if I am new to the band. For Impiety, it is more of the former rather than the latter, and Vengeance Hell Immemorial is the compilation release that tracks several of the band’s out of print demos and EPs in a single release, allowing fans of the band to trace the band’s growth since the very early days.

Longtime followers of the band would know what to expect, and starting from tracks taken from their Salve the Goat EP and the Ceremonial Necrochrist Redesecration demo, Impiety presents their early black/death metal sound, drawing parallels from early bestial metal bands such as Blasphemy, Archgoat and Beherit. This especially so on the tracks from Ceremonial Necrochrist Redesecration, with the aggressive and crushing riffs, along with the oppressive atmosphere that is in the air. With the Funeralight EP, the band once again displays a shift in style to a more black/death sound not unlike bands like Infernal War, with an increased focus on speed and intensity, a nice prelude to their infamous Skullfucking Armageddon album. Subsequent tracks showcase the style that is prevalent on releases from the Kaos Kommand era onwards, and is a more familiar style to the more recent releases of Impiety.

The last tracks are taken off the band’s split with Abhorrence in 2008, leaving out the newer EP releases, and subsequently the more death-metal leaning material, so those seeking out the Advent of… EP can get it separately instead.

The EP also displays the band’s sense of humour over the years, with the spoken interludes, intros and outros that are taken from the various releases of the band. For instance, Outronomicon sees the band presenting a brutalised version of Eye of a Tiger, before ending with sounds of pissing and the flushing of the toilet at the background.

Despite the constant change of members over the course of their history, Vengeance Hell Immemorial has proven that this has not caused much impact on the quality of releases of Impiety, though the evolution in sound and style of the band are rather obvious. But whatever it is, this compilation is still certainly a worthy addition to the collection of any fan of Impiety.

Impiety on the internet:
Official website
Facebook
MySpace
Evil Dead Production
Hells Headbangers Records

Reposted from Blabbermouth.net

A trailer for “Sail Into The Sunset’s Fire”, the new video from Taiwanese metallers CHTHONIC, can be seen at this location. The full clip will make its online debut on May 24.

“Sail Into The Sunset’s Fire” comes off CHTHONIC’s seventh studio album, “Bú-Tik”, which will be released on June 3 via Spinefarm Records (June 18 in North America)

Recorded at Sweden’s Sweetspot Studio by producer Rickard Bengtson, who also worked on 2011’s “Takasago Army”, “Bú-Tik”sees the band returning to the scene with their signature brand of symphonic “orient metal,” as they choose to define it. As usual, the musicians continue on their mission to build awareness of the myths of Taiwan and thetragic events in their country’s history.

“Bú-Tik” — based around the story of the 228 Massacre, the Bú-Tik Palace and the Mirror Of Retribution — highlights “righteous violence and justifiable defence”; once more, it takes the listener deep into the folklore and history of exotic Taiwan.

Says Doris: “We are very proud to present ‘Bú-Tik’ to the world. It talks about self-defense, righteous violence and the armed spirits! With this album, we have pushed ourselves to achieve new heights — heights we’ve never imagined before! We are leading metal fans to the next episode of CHTHONIC!”

“Bú-Tik” track listing:

01. Arising Armament (intro)
02. Supreme Pain For The Tyrant
03. Sail Into The Sunset’s Fire
04. Next Republic
05. Rage Of My Sword
06. Between Silence And Death
07. Resurrection Pyre
08. Set Fire To The Island
09. Defenders Of Bú-Tik Palace
10. Undying Rearmament (outro)

On the live front, CHTHONIC is confirmed to play on the Pepsi Max Stage on Saturday, June 15 at the Download festival at its historical stamping ground of Donington Park.

CHTHONIC last appeared at Download in 2011, but for this follow-up show, they are returning in greater numbers, the plan being to utilize the skills of the oriental orchestra.

Says Doris: “This is the first time we’ll have played with the orchestra outside of Taiwan. We’re really hoping to present a show that people will be talking about for some time to come.”

CYNIC Mixing New Album

Reposted from Blabbermouth.net

Progressive rock/metal band CYNIC has begun mixing its new album for a fall release via Season Of Mist. The group’s drummer, Sean Reinert, writes in an online posting: “Some people are gonna be pissed and others are gonna say ‘thank you!!!’ I’m with the latter!”

CYNIC’s new CD was recorded at Perfect Sound studios in Hollywood, California with engineer Jason Donaghy. Songtitles set to appear on the effort include “Endlessly Bountiful”, “Moon Heart Sun Head” and“True Hallucination Speak”.

Regarding the direction of the new CYNIC material, Reinert previously said: “It’s a bold new sound for CYNIC and marks a gigantic leap in the band’s progression. We’ve had a lot of time to let this material develop and gestate, and it finally feels ready to be unleashed on the world. I’ve been in trio mode with [bassist Sean] Malone and [guitarist/vocalistPaul] Masvidal flushing out a zillion and one details, and couldn’t be happier about what’s happening with these songs. They are truly alive!”

In a February 2012 interview with Ireland’s Molten magazine, Masvidaldescribed the band’s new music in the following way: “It’s almost like, I don’t know how to explain it, but if I had to put it in a box it’s more sci-fi, futuristic and alien but at the same time very song-driven. It’s kind of like, to me, coming into CYNIC’s body more. It feels very modern and at the same time it just feels really cool. I’m big in the space. It’s definitely new. It’s not like anything we’ve done before. It’s a new color, a new space. I think people will really take note of even the guitar stuff. I’m really shifting gears, I’m trying things in a different way and the way stuff is played. It’s a new space for CYNIC, for sure. It definitely sounds like us, except completely new.”

CYNIC’s latest EP, “Carbon-Based Anatomy”, was released in November 2011 via Season Of Mist. The CD artwork was designed by the great Robert Venosa, the artist behind the covers of CYNIC’s previous releases “Focus”, “Traced in Air” and “Re-Traced”.

All bass parts on “Carbon-Based Anatomy” were recorded by one-timeCYNIC bassist Sean Malone.

CYNIC was joined by Brandon Giffin on bass and Max Phelps on guitar and vocals during the group’s North American and European tours in support of “Carbon-Based Anatomy”.

For more news and updates, head down to http://heavymetaltribune.tumblr.com/

Reposted from Blabbermouth.net

British thrashers EVILE will release their fourth album, “Skull”, on May 27 in Europe on Earache Records and in North America via Century Media/Earache Records. The follow-up to 2011’s “Five Serpent’s Teeth” was once again recorded with producer Russ Russell (NAPALM DEATH, DIMMU BORGIR) at Parlour Studios in Kettering, England. The artwork for the album was painted by artist Eliran Kantor (TESTAMENT,SODOM, HATEBREED).

A brand new track EVILE track, “Head Of The Demon”, taken from“Skull”, premiere last month on the U.K.’s BBC Radio 1 “Rock Show”, hosted by Daniel P. Carter and can now be streamed at this location. Also available is the official lyric video for “Underworld” at this location.

Commented EVILE frontman Matt Drake: “‘Underworld’ is a title I’ve wanted to use for a very long time but hadn’t found the right song for it; it’s named after the venue in London of the same name as it’s been one of my favorite places to play for years now. The song itself isn’t directly about the venue, but it’s definitely dedicated to it. The song is inspired by a short sci-fi story I read about the earth’s surface becoming uninhabitable and people being forced to live deep underground. It ties in to one of the overall themes of the album which is about things being hidden, be it thoughts, feelings, motivations or truths. At the same time it’s about something else but I don’t want to give everything away all at once; it’s better if you make up your own mind!”

As previously reported, EVILE celebrated this year’s Record Store Day by releasing a split seven-inch picture disc vinyl with Swedish death metal legends ENTOMBED.

The limited-edition release features ENTOMBED’s classic 1990 track,“Drowned”, along with EVILE’s 2012 cover version, available on vinyl for the first time. The seven-inch was available in independent record stores on April 20 in strictly limited quantities.

PANZERCHRIST To Release ‘The 7th Offensive’ In July

Reposted from Blabbermouth.net

Danish death metal mercenaries PANZERCHRIST will release their seventh album, entitled “7th Offensive”, on July 15 via Listenable Records.

The band used three different studios to record the follow-up to 2011’s“Regiment Ragnarok”: guitars and bass were recorded in the Igloo byHR Swan, drums were recorded at AMP studio by Jens Förster andMarkus Ziemer. and vocals and the final mix were done in Death Island Studio, engineered by Marco Angioni.

A press release states: “Although very extreme musically on a constant basis, PANZERCHRIST have never quite done the same album twice.‘The 7th Offensive’ shows a slightly more melodic and evil tainted approach on the guitars , enhancing the grey, sinister feel of a battlefield . It definitely sounds bleak. The band also welcomes back ultra-guttural and pure death metal vocals. Make no mistake, PANZERCHRIST’s new album retain the violence and über brutality the band has been known for.”

Says the band: “The war is over, let’s start a new one. Death forever panzer!”

The song “Dogger Dead”, taken from “7th Offensive”, can be streamed using the SoundCloud widget at this location.

COFFINS: First Carnage From Relapse Debut Issued Via “The Vacant Pale Vessel” Lyric Video

The first whiff of The Fleshland, the fourth LP from Tokyo-based graverobbers, COFFINS, is permeating the air today, as the label has exhumed the first single from the album. Constructed for the massive more than six-and-a-half minute “The Vacant Pale Vessel,” the lyric video animates the gorestrewn cover illustration of The Fleshland as executed by the gruesome hands of Chris Moyen (Morbosidad, Black Witchery, Incantation, Blasphemy, etc.), as he has so morbidly done with all of COFFINS previous albums as well.

Explore the foul deathcrush of “The Vacant Pale Vessel” right at this location.

Easily one of the most awaited death/doom albums of 2013, The Fleshland is the first proper studio album from COFFINS since their commended Buried Death album, released by 20 Buck Spin in 2008, and first official album for Relapse Records. Recorded at Tokyo’s Noise Room Studio with engineer Shigenori Kobayashi, and produced by Bungo Uchino and the rest of COFFINS, The Fleshland shows the revamped and expanded band lineup smashing down everything in their path, having upped the lineup from a trio to a quartet with a new drummer and full-time vocalist since Buried Death. Nine grisly numbers thunder with the unbeatable mid-paced COFFINS stomp, laying down over forty-five minutes of bruising low-end sludge-infiltrated, plodding doom with possibly the best production values in the band’s meaty catalog of carnage.

Relapse will release The Fleshland via CD, download and mammoth 2xLP on July 9th. A deluxe black and white artwork edition on 2xLP, Cassette and CD is available only via Relapse direct. Preorder package are available HERE.

COFFINS have also confirmed a massive string of live performances across Japan and much of Europe on tour for the coming months including major festivals including Brutal Assault, Party San Metal Open Air, Leperfest and more, with additional excursions being devised. Stay tuned for more info on the The Fleshland as well as 2013 live actions for COFFINS to be released in the coming weeks.

COFFINS Tour Dates:
5/25/2013 Waseda Zone B – Tokyo, Japan
6/22/2013 Urga – Tokyo, Japan
7/28/2013 Earthdom – Tokyo, Japan
8/07/2013 Cassiopeia – Berlin, Germany
8/08/2013 Brutal Assault Festival – Josefov, CZ
8/09/2013 Party San Metal Open Air – Schlotheim, Germany
8/10/2013 Leperfest – Leper, Belgium
8/11/2013 Bleh Fest @ The Unicorn Camden – London, UK
8/12/2013 La Miroiterie – Paris, France
8/14/2013 Winston – Amsterdam, Netherlands
8/15/2013 Kødboderne 18 – Copenhagen, Denmark
8/16/2013 Pussy A Go Go – Stockholm, Sweden
8/23/2013 Akihabara Ongakukan – Tokyo, Japan
11/01/2013 Kurawood/Asakusa – Tokyo, Japan
11/02/2013 Earthdom – Tokyo, Japan
11/03/2013 Huck Finn/Imaike – Nagoya, Japan
11/04/2013 Conpass/Unagidani – Osaka, Japan

For more news and updates, head down to http://heavymetaltribune.tumblr.com/

Johansson & Speckmann [Sweden/USA]
Sulphur Skies
2013
Full Length
Vic Records
Death Metal

Rogga Johansson and Paul Speckmann are both masters (pun unintended) in their own sub-fields within the death metal genre, with Rogga being quite a figurehead in Swedish death metal and Paul being the mastermind behind the excellent, long-running death metal band Master. So what better news for death metal fans than that of the collaboration between these two, resulting in a full length release this year, Sulphur Skies, under the banner of Johansson & Speckmann, simple and self-explanatory.

It indeed leaves one rather curious as to what the results are gonna be like, yet at the same time when listening to Sulphur Skies, the results are perhaps not at all that surprising, considering the similarities that Master and Swedish death metal sound at times. The opening riffs of Everyone Rots is already evident of this, and not only the riffing style and the guitar tone, but also the haunting and wailing leads at the background quickly reminds one of pioneering Swedish death metal acts such as Entombed and Dismember. Songs like Spiritual Wasteland for instance brings about some Grave and Bloodbath comparisons as well, and with Rogga’s portfolio this is hardly surprising at all.

But as soon as the characteristic vocals of Speckmann comes in, the band then shifts their sound to a more death/thrash sound that is more similar to Master. The drumming of Brynjar alternates between the d-beat style of Swedish death-n-roll and the more traditional death metal blasting, and these elements fused together help to bring about some slight Autopsy comparisons as well.

With two experienced death metal heads joining forces on one release, there is certainly no shortage of excellent death metal material over here. There are the usual speedy and thrashy tracks like Sulphur Skies and the slower, and more crushing ones like Taste the Iron. However, for the most part it seems that Rogga has had a stronger influence over the songwriting and direction of the band over here, with most of the tracks bearing extremely strong Swedish death metal tendencies. But with the quality of the material that these two monsters have produced, this is hardly a point for complaints at all.

Everything on the record is old school, and apart from the music that points to early death metal, the production of the album is also raw as fuck, topped off by the grotesque artwork that has graced death metal covers since the early days.

Johansson & Speckmann on the internet:
Vic Records

Reposted from Blabbermouth.net

The new edition of “Warriors Of The World” takes MANOWAR’s album to the next level. Fully remastered and with a different bonus track, this brand new edition provides even higher sonic quality than ever before.

Mixed at legendary Galaxy Studios by world-renowned mixing engineerRonald Prent, the 10th-anniversary edition was remastered atMANOWAR’s own studios Hell And Haus Wahnfried by MANOWARbassist Joey DeMaio personally, with MANOWAR’s in-house audio engineer Dirk Kloiber.

“It was an amazing experience, revisiting this production,” says DeMaio. “There are so many great memories associated with this album, from the recording to the post-production to the many unique live performances. All these experiences go into your work, when you sit in the studio and create a new experience for your fans.”

The 10th-anniversary remastered edition of “Warriors Of The World”contains all 11 tracks from the original release, entirely remastered, plus a live recording of “House Of Death”, recorded during the “Battle Hymns MMXI Tour” at O2 Academy in Birmingham, England;MANOWAR’s triumphant return to England after 16 years.

The album features, among others, the iconic title track, “Warriors Of The World United”, the battle cry “Call To Arms”, and a series of further favorite hymns, including “Hand Of Doom” and the live favorite“House Of Death”.

The 10th-anniversary remastered edition of “Warriors Of The World” is already available as digital album on iTunes worldwide.

“Warriors Of The World” 10th-anniversary remastered edition track listing:

01. Call To Arms
02. The Fight For Freedom
03. Nessun Dorma
04. Valhalla
05. Swords In The Wind
06. An American Trilogy
07. The March
08. Warriors O The World United
09. House Of Death
10. Fight Until We Die
11. House Of Death (recorded live at O2 Academy in Birmingham, UK, March 27, 2011)

THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER: Another New Song Available For Streaming

Reposted from Blabbermouth.net

“Raped In Hatred By Vines Of Thorn”, a brand new song from Michigan’s unstoppable sons of molten melodic death metal THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, can be streamed using the SoundCloud widget at this location. The track comes off the band’s sixth full-length album, “Everblack”, which will be released on June 11 via Metal Blade Records. The CD was recorded at Audiohammer Studios (lead guitars and vocals), Rustbelt Studios (drums), and Regal Fecal (guitar and bass). Mixing was handled by Jason Suecof and Ryan Williams, mastering was completed by Alan Douches at West West Side Music (SEPULTURA, SUFFOCATION,UNEARTH) in New Windsor, New York. Frontman Trevor Strnad’s horror-inspired lyrics persist on “Everblack”, beginning with “In Hell Is Where She Waits For Me”, a reference to the murder from which the band took for its moniker. The cover artwork was painted by renowned artist Nick Keller.

Strnad elaborates on the lyrical concepts: “The opening track is the first actual song we’ve done about the Black Dahlia. This one is for the fans… they’ve been asking for this to happen for a long time. The story takes place at the Elizabeth Short’s rain drenched funeral, where her killer in attendance… just one of the many macabre tales woven into the fabric of‘Everblack’. Subterranean flesh-farming vampires, vine rape, Jeffery Dahmer, amputation… it’s all here! With this sixth slab of sickness I tried my best to honor the band’s legacy and write lyrics that will keep the legions of horror fiends perspiring with fear.”

Available at MetalBlade.com/bdm are a variety of limited edition pre-order bundles. Fans can grab “Everblack” on a triple gatefold double LP with purple/white marbled vinyl, along with “crime scene bundles.” An evidence pack, which includes toe tags, deceased band member photos, spent shotgun shells, and more can be viewed now. These bundles are extremely limited and expected to sell out quickly.

“Everblack” track listing:

01. In Hell Is Where She Waits For Me
02. Goat Of Departure
03. Into The Everblack
04. Raped In Hatred By Vines Of Thorn
05. Phantom Limb Masturbation
06. Control
07. Blood Mine
08. Every Rope a Noose
09. Their Beloved Absentee
10. Map Of Scars

The song “Into The Everblack” is available for streaming in theYouTube clip at this location.

CHILDREN OF BODOM: New Album Title Track Available For Streaming

Reposted from Blabbermouth.net

“Halo Of Blood”, the title track of the eighth album from Finnish metallers CHILDREN OF BODOM, can be streamed at Pitchfork. The CD will be released on June 11 in North America via Nuclear Blast Records. The cover art was created by Sami Saramäki, who was responsible for the artwork on previous CHILDREN OF BODOM albums “Follow The Reaper”, “Are You Dead Yet?” and “Hate Crew Deathroll”.

Pre-order the CD (including the bonus track and digital booklet) now and get the single “Transference” instantly.

Comments CHILDREN OF BODOM guitarist/vocalist Alexi Laiho: “‘Transference’ is a straight-up CHILDREN OF BODOM to-the-core-type song and therefore was a good pick for a video and obviously is one of our favorite tracks. It always had an evil vibe to it, which I wish I knew how to explain because it still gives me chills… Enjoy!”

CHILDREN OF BODOM’s new CD was recorded at Danger Johnny Studios in Helsinki. For the recording of the LP, CHILDREN OF BODOMhas teamed up with recording engineer Mikko Karmila, who worked with the band on their fan-favorite albums “Hatebreeder”, “Follow The Reaper” and “Hate Crew Deathroll”, as well as Swedish producerPeter Tägtgren (MARDUK, AMON AMARTH), who oversaw production of both vocals and keyboards on the record. The album was mixed atFinnvox Studios in Helsinki.

Commented Laiho: “‘Halo Of Blood’ is the eighth studio album fromCHILDREN OF BODOM, and believe it or not, but we still managed to keep it fresh and new while still maintaining the elements that make COBsound recognizable. It’s got the fastest and the slowest song we ever made and lyrics wise there are themes we had never had before. It’s 10 new songs of pure Nordic metal and whether you enjoy it with a beer or a glass of water, I’m sure you will have a good time.”

“Halo Of Blood” track listing:

01. Waste Of Skin
02. Halo Of Blood
03. Scream For Silence
04. Transference
05. Bodom Blue Moon (The Second Coming)
06. The Days Are Numbered
07. Dead Man’s Hand On You
08. Damage Beyond Repair
09. All Twisted
10. One Bottle And A Knee Deep

TÝR Recruits NILE Drummer For New Album Recordings

Reposted from Blabbermouth.net

Faroe Islands-based metallers TÝR are recording their new album atHansen studios in Ribe, Denmark with producer Jacob Hansen(VOLBEAT, ABORTED, MERCENARY). For drum tracking on the CD, TÝRhas enlisted the services of George Kollias, one of metal’s most accomplished drummers, primarily known for his work in NILE, as well as NIGHTFALL.

A video clip featuring drum-tracking highlights, as well as a short message from Kollias, can be seen at this location.

Kollias comments on the experience: “Hey, TÝR fans, this is George Kollias and I hope you are ALL ready for a crushing new album fromTÝR!!! I had the pleasure to record the drums on the new album. We had an absolutely great time in the studio and I gotta tell you, the material is super strong and catchy, I’m 100% sure you will all love this new album!! Big thanks to Heri, Terji and Gunnar for the opportunity and to Jacob Hansen for his incredible work with the recordings!”

TÝR comments: “It was a pleasure to have George in studio. He’s an amazing drummer and he certainly made an impact on this album. We’re very excited to release this album.”

A recent announcement on the TÝR Facebook page has confirmed that the band has parted ways with drummer Kári Streymoy. The group stated aboutn the amicable split: “Kári suffered a back injury in 2008, and since then he has had some issues with his drumming. That is the main reason that the co-operation has been problematic for some time now, and we finally decided to part ways. We want to thank Kári for his time in the band. It’s been great to have you with us, we wish you the best of luck in the future and we hope you recover fully some day.”

TÝR’s seventh full-length effort will include the song “The Lay Of Our Love”, which is a duet between TÝR vocalist Heri Joensen and Liv Kristine from LEAVES’ EYES. Kristine stated about the experience: “Heri already joined LEAVES’ EYES at our headliner show in Wacken Open Air 2012. This was an absolute highlight during our live performance. Moreover, I really like his voice and I am grateful for the invitation. A superb track, with inspiring melodies and lyrics, proving the authenticity of TÝR.

DEEDS OF FLESH: Another New Song Available For Streaming

Reposted from Blabbermouth.net

“Portals To Canaan”, the ninth album from California extreme metallersDEEDS OF FLESH, will be released on June 25 via Unique Leader Records. The CD features “amazing artwork and numerous conceptual pieces” by Raymond Swanland.
“Portals To Canaan” track listing:

01. Amidst The Ruins
02. Entranced In Decades Of Psychedelic Sleep
03. Rise Of The Virvum Juggernaut
04. Celestial Serpents
05. Caelum Hirundines Terra/The Sky Swallows The Earth
06. Xeno-Virus
07. Hollow Human Husks
08. Portals To Canaan
09. Orphans Of Sickness (GORGUTS cover)

The song “Amidst The Ruins” can be streamed in the YouTube clip at this location.

Commented DEEDS OF FLESH founding member Erik Lindmark: “We are very excited to get this release out there amoung the masses.

“The album combines new and old elements of the band and we think the fans will really enjoy it. Zack from Castle Ultimate has done a great job in putting the final touches to the production and ‘Portals To Canaan’ is most definitely our best production to date.

“The new members, Craig Peters (lead guitar) and Ivan Munguia(bass), fit the band perfectly and really did a great job on the release.

“All in all, we are extremely pleased with the final product and believe the fans will be stoked.”

DEEDS OF FLESH’s last CD, “Of What’s to Come”, came out in November 2008 via Unique Leader.

NOTHNEGAL To Release New EP In July

Reposted from Blabbermouth.net

Maldivian melodic heavy metal band NOTHNEGAL will release its new self-titled EP on July 9 via Season Of Mist. The effort was recorded atVakaruge Studios in the Maldives with producer Shamheed, with additional production by Matt Hyde (SLIPKNOT, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, AS I LAY DYING) and Paul Reeve (MUSE).

“Nothnegal” will consist of four tracks and will be released exclusively through digital retailers in North America and other parts of the world. The band’s first release with new vocalist Affan and new guitarist Chippe(SERENITY DIES), who is currently filling in for longtime NOTHNEGALguitarist Fufu, the EP’s sound is described by NOTHNEGAL as “very raw and organic with minimal electronic effects.” Elements such as the “boduberu” (log drums used in the Maldives) and other ambient sounds from the Maldivian environment were gathered for the new album.

Overall, the new music aims to explore the supernatural realm and people who have experienced paranormal encounters and/or have been possessed, offering a glimpse into these beings and false conspiracies. The EP shines a light on the folklore, beliefs and legends of the Maldivian islands and begs the listener to question their own spiritual state and vulnerability. The themes of the EP also include current social issues such as child abuse, corruption and family related problems.

NOTHNEGAL will tour India this June with French progressive metallersHACRIDE.

MASTER Signs With FDA Rekotz; New Album Due In September

Death metal pioneers MASTER have inked a deal with German extreme music label FDA Rekotz for the band’s landmark 12th full-length album, which is scheduled for a late September release.

MASTER’s legendary founder and frontman, Paul Speckmann, commented, “We are proud to be working with Rico and FDA and look forward to a solid future together.Watch for the next masterpiece to be unleashed on September 27th, 2013.”    

FDA Rekotz has posted a video teaser for the upcoming album at this location.  

After releasing The New Elite last year to widespread critical acclaim, Speckmann and MASTER waged war on false metal across the world with an ambitious string of dates that saw the band ravage audiences across Europe and North America.

As the saying goes, there is no rest for the wicked, and MASTER is back in action for the True Underground Warriors Tour with ENTRAPMENT, bookended by select European festival dates. More details on MASTER’s upcoming FDA Rekotz debut to come.

For a full list of MASTER live dates visit master-speckmetal.net/live.html.

GLORIOR BELLI signs with Agonia Records

France’s avantgarde black metal outfit GLORIOR BELLI has inked a worldwide record deal with Agonia Records. Band’s fifth full-length album, successor to “The Great Southern Darkness” from 2011, is set to be released in the fall of 2013.

Consequently climbing the ladder of innovation and artistic development, the French quartet managed to work out a very own sound and view in the often stiff frames found within the black metal genre. Descriptions such as “Avant-garde black metal bluesmen” (Pitchfork) or ”bluesy doom-sludge”(Metal Sucks) are only the two sides of the same coin, that will reveal a new flip this autumn.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have the chance to work with Agonia Records and it’s only fair given the efforts and determination of both Glorior Belli and Agonia Records into making genuine music that stands the test of time.” - commented the band.

GLORIOR BELLI was founded in Paris, in 2002 and up to this day released four full-length albums, the last on Metal Blade records. The band will make its North American tour debut in May. The US appearance will include a show at Maryland Deathfest; European fans will have a chance to witness the band live at Brutal Assault festival in Czech Republic this September.

Upcoming live shows:

16.05 – Milwaukee (WI), Frank’s Power Plant, USA
17.05 – Chicago (IL), Ultra Lounge, USA
18.05 – Indianapolis (IN), Indy’s Jukebox, USA
19.05 – Columbus (OH), Carabar, USA
20.05 – Pittsburgh (PA), Belvedere’s, USA
21.05 – Syracuse (NY), Club Fusion, USA
22.05 – Somerville (MA), P.A.’s Lounge, USA
23.05 – Providence (RI), Dusk, USA
24.05 – New York (NY), Union Pool, USA
25.05 – Philadelphia (PA), Kung Fu Necktie, USA
26.05 – Baltimore (MD), Maryland Deathfest, USA
26.05 – Baltimore (MD), Sidebar, USA
27.05 – Louisville (KY), Diamonds, USA
7-10.08 – Brutal Assault Festival, Czech Republic

For more news and updates, head down to http://heavymetaltribune.tumblr.com/

Impalers [Denmark]
Power Behind the Throne
2013
Full Length
Horror Pain Gore Death Productions
Thrash Metal

Along with the numerous outstanding thrash metal acts that have spawned forth of late, Denmark joins in the fun with Impalers releasing their debut full length album Power Behind the Throne, with two prior demos under their belts.

The clean guitar lines on album opener Fear helps to build up some uneasiness in the listener, but the band quickly goes into overdrive, and as the first riffs of Impalers hit the listener, the old school thrash influences that the band has in their music sensibilities are immediately obvious. As soon as the band starts to go full speed ahead, one is quickly reminded of the Bay Area style of Testament and Exodus, fused with the extremity of early Teutonic thrash such as Destruction and Kreator. Songs like See What I See even brings about some Slayer comparisons with the speed and seeming chaos on the track.

For instance the lead work of guitarist Thomas at times can get rather reminiscent of works by characters such a Kirk Hammett, and along with the somewhat technical feel of songs like Power Behind the Throne and the vocals of Saren, comparisons to bands such as Lich King and Havok are drawn as well. The solo on the title track even draws influences from old school heavy metal, and his style would certainly fit comfortably on, say, a Metalucifer record without any awkwardness at all, with that sense of melody without compromising any technicality.

The old school feel is summarised and emphasised by the production quality of the album, with the rather raw and unpolished sound helping to provide a nice 80s feel to the music.

With thrash releases of late often bearing such high levels of musicianship, it is hardly any wonder that thrash has once again started to become the genre of great interest to me. While originality is hardly key for such releases, Impalers have certainly proved and displayed their knowledge and proficiency in the genre with Power Behind the Throne.

Impalers on the internet:
Facebook
MySpace
Horror Pain Gore Death Productions

Reposted from Blabbermouth.net

“All That May Bleed”, the new single from Swedish black metallersWATAIN, will be released at the end of June. The song comes off the band’s new album, “The Wild Hunt”, which is due on August 19 in Europe and August 20 in USA via Century Media Records. The CD was once again mixed at the Necromorbus Studio in Alvik, Sweden by Tore Stjerna.

Comments WATAIN: “‘All That May Bleed’ shows but one facet of a quite diverse album, but we chose this song as a first glimpse into ‘The Wild Hunt’ because of its bombastic lunacy and white-eyed malevolence which could be said to constitute a main foundation for the album. The lyric is an invitation to sacrificial blood letting, ecstatic zealotry and human sacrifice. The salt of Satan in the wounds of Christ!”

Side B will be a track called “Play With The Devil”, originally recorded by the black/heavy metal band TAIWAZ in 1988 in WATAIN’s hometown, Uppsala (Gottfrid Åhman from IN SOLITUDE participates on solo guitar on WATAIN’s version).

The single will be released in the following formats:

* Black seven-inch vinyl (limited to 2,000 copies worldwide)
* Red seven-inch vinyl with sticker (only available from Wolfwear.net; limited to 500 copies worldwide)
* Seven-inch picture disc (available from CMdistro.com andWolfwear.net; limited to 500 copies worldwide)
* Digital download

“All That May Bleed” physical release dates:

* Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Finland, Norway and worldwide throughCMdistro.com and Wolfwear.net: Friday, June 21
* UK, Benelux, France, Poland: Monday, June 24
* USA, Spain: Tuesday, June 25
* Sweden: Wednesday, June 26

“All That May Bleed” digital release dates:

* Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Finland, Norway, Italy, Australia, New Zealand: Friday, June 21
* UK: Sunday, June 23
* USA, Spain: Tuesday, June 25
* Sweden, Hungary: Wednesday, June 26
* Rest Of Europe: Monday, June 24

ANVIL New Song Premiere: ‘Eat Your Words’ Available For Streaming

Reposted from Blabbermouth.net

“Eat Your Words”, a brand new song from Canadian metal legendsANVIL, can be streamed using the SoundCloud widget at this location. The track comes off the band’s new album, “Hope In Hell”, which is scheduled for release on May 27 in Europe and May 24 in Germany onSPV/Steamhammer. The follow-up to 2011’s “Juggernaut Of Justice”will be available in four different formats: as a limited-edition digipak including two bonus tracks, as a jewel case CD, double gatefold colored vinyl LP and as a digital download. These are the first cuts featuringANVIL’s new bassist Sal Italiano, who joined the band a year ago.

“We’re really happy with Sal. His style is powerful and amazingly imaginative,” says ANVIL guitarist/vocalist Steve “Lips” Kudlow, who composed the entire album along with drummer Robb Reiner. “It’s a little as if we’d enlisted Steve Harris.”

“Hope In Hell” was written and recorded following an 18-month world tour which took ANVIL around the globe. “We hadn’t expected this kind of extensive tour when we brought out ‘Juggernaut Of Justice’,” Kudlowconfesses. “Time just flew by. I could hardly believe it when I found myself in the studio again after the tour, ready to work on the next album. The reactions to ‘Juggernaut Of Justice’ and the shows had been so positive that we had plenty of ideas and inspiration for new material.”

Kudlow is referring to typical ANVIL tracks such as “Hope In Hell”, which the ANVIL guitarist considers a logical continuation of legendary numbers like “Forged In Fire”, “Metal On Metal” and “Plenty Of Power”. He also mentions “Eat Your Words”, according to Kudlow a “hybrid between ‘Jackhammer’ and ‘666’, in other words pure ANVIL, like in our early days.” Pretty much the same applies to haunting new tracks like “The Fight Is Never Won” and “Call Of Duty”, which presentANVIL true to form. But there are also a number of real surprises on“Hope In Hell”: “A song like ‘Badass Rock’n’Roll’ with its rock’n’roll groove surprised even me,” Kudlow admits. “It shows our great respect for bands like AC/DC and MOTÖRHEAD. I’m sure that all ANVIL fans will love this song because it’s the best we’ve done in this direction.”“Mankind Machine” sees Kudlow & Co. break new ground: never before has this band sounded so mechanical (like the title suggests). And never before has it sounded as oriented to the classic rock feel of the seventies as in “Time Shows No Mercy”.

So ANVIL are proud to present the kind of album that ANVIL fans will love: no concessions to short-lived trends, no modern frills but traditional metal with lots of classic rock music elements.

“What we do is totally timeless,” says ANVIL’s frontman. “We’ve never tried to change our sound or experiment with trends and fashions. We live in our own world and have maintained our individuality and own identity.”

Like “Juggernaut Of Justice”, “Hope In Hell” was produced by Bob Marlette (BLACK SABBATH, AIRBOURNE, ALICE COOPER) at the NRG Recording studios in North Hollywood, California and mastered by Maor Appelbaum (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, SEPULTURA).

“The album’s flair reminds me of the beginnings of classic heavy metal in the most positive sense of the term,” says Kudlow. “I grew up in the Seventies, and I still like what I listened to back then.

“You can always rely on ANVIL. We don’t write our music for the radio and we don’t want to break any records. Some media criticize our uncompromising attitude, but we’re proud of never having betrayed our ideals and having remained faithful to our roots.

“We’re really proud and already love the new album just as much as our early releases from the beginning of the Eighties, because ‘Hope In Hell’sounds like ANVIL live on stage: natural, honest, unvarnished, never over-produced and straight from the heart.”

“Hope In Hell” track listing:

01. Hope In Hell
02. Eat Your Words
03. Through With You
04. The Fight Is Never Won
05. Pay The Toll
06. Flying
07. Call Of Duty
08. Badass Rock N Roll
09. Time Shows No Mercy
10. Mankind Machine
11. Shut The Fuck Up
12. Hard Wired (bonus track)
13. Fire At Will (bonus track)

BLOOD RED THRONE: ‘Primitive Killing Machine’ Video Released

Reposted from Blabbermouth.net

Norwegian death metallers BLOOD RED THRONE will release their new, self-titled album on May 21 via Sevared Records. The CD was recorded by Audun Grønnestad at Mayhem Music Studios and was mixed and mastered by Martin Berger Enerstvedt at Skar Productions. The cover art was created by Rafael Tavares and can be seen below.

“Blood Red Throne” track listing:

01. Soulseller
02. In Hell I Roam
03. Hymn Of The Asylum
04. Primitive Killing Machine
05. Deatholation
06. Torturewhore
07. Exoneration Manifesto
08. Dødens Makt
09. March Of The Undying

The official video for the song “Primitive Killing Machine” can be seen at this location.

BLOOD RED THRONE in December 2011 parted ways with vocalistOsvald “Vald” Egeland and bassist Erlend Caspersen and replaced them with Yngve “Bolt” Christiansen (GODDAMN) and Ole “Bent” Madsen (HORIZON ABLAZE), respectively.

BLOOD RED THRONE’s sixth album, “Brutalitarian Regime”, was released in August 2011 via Sevared Records.

BLOOD RED THRONE is:

Daniel “Død” Olaisen - Guitar
Yngve “Bolt” Christiansen - Vocals
Ole “Bent” Madsen - Bass
Ivan “Meathook” Gujic - Guitar
Emil Wiksten - Drums

For more news and updates, head down to http://heavymetaltribune.tumblr.com/

Svart Crown [France]
Profane
2013
Full Length
Listenable Records
Black/Death Metal

When I first encountered French black metal in the veins of Blut aus Nord and Deathspell Omega, I found it hard to understand, much less enjoy these bands. Fortunately, I chanced upon the somewhat more conventional style of Svart Crown with their first two albums, Ages of Decay and Witnessing the Fall, which felt like a nice bridging album between the styles that I was more familiar with and the uniqueness of French black metal. This year sees the band releasing their third full length album in the form of Profane, and with the pleasant surprises that Svart Crown has presented so far, it has certainly got me rather excited.

The style that Svart Crown has laid down on their previous two albums are still rather clear as the band introduces their sound with the introductory track Manifestatio Symptoms, but with the riffing style of Clement and JB, they manage to bring in a slight Polish sound with that chugging and crushing style, sounding as though Behemoth or Hate were playing French black metal. As soon as the madness starts proper with Genesis Architect, one is treated to a dosage of nice, brutal, yet somewhat experimental and unique blackened death metal, and with the combination of the brutal death metal-styled riffs along with the dissonant chords that are in abundance on the album, one can’t help but draw comparisons to their compatriots Aosoth.

The music on Profane also displays the growth of Svart Crown as songwriters, with a marked increase in the complexity and maturity of the songs. While the band retains the elements that they originally displayed on previous offerings, the songs on Profane are much more complex, with the band going through different styles, time signatures and emotions within a single track. Furthermore, the musicianship and chemistry within the band is also evident with the band sounding extremely tight throughout the rollercoaster ride, displaying the technical mastery of each of the members. Drummer Muller’s role in particular is extremely noteworthy and personally enjoyable, as he provides much of the drive on the album.

The atmospheric aspects are also rather prominent on the album, especially on slower tracks like Until the Last Breath, sending shivers down one’s spine. The constantly high tension in the air, combined with the technicality and complexity on Profane, extreme metal fans who enjoyed the recent Nader Sadek and Ulcerate releases would certainly also enjoy Svart Crown‘s latest opus, albeit with a slightly more blackened touch to it.

Svart Crown on the internet:
Official website
Facebook
MySpace
Listenable Records

Gardarika [Russia]
Chthonica
2012
Full Length
Independent
Progressive/Thrash Metal

The visual aspects of Russia’s Gardarika felt almost like a pagan, folk or viking metal band, but on their second full length album, Chthonica, the band surprises me, instead presenting a proggy style of heavy/thrash metal to the listener.

Opening track Hive Mind quickly puts one in the right perspective, as the galloping riffs of  Ivan hit the listener, and the catchiness in the music instantly gets one bobbing his head along with the band. The talent is immense over here, and each of the members in the band certainly display that throughout. Guitarist Ivan’s fretwork is impressive, and he displays his versatility, going from neoclassical-inspired shredding styles to more melodic and emotional soaring solos, especially on title track Chthonica. Bassist Serge is also outstanding on the album, with his bass presence being rather high throughout, and with plenty of moments on the album giving him time to display his chops like on Nevertheless where he displays his lead style of playing.

Throughout Chthonica, the band’s songwriting skills are also constantly displayed, fusing melody and catchiness with some slight progressive elements, with some rather complex passages that are littered throughout the album. There is also a nice balance of different styles and emotions on the album, and while the first two tracks present a galloping, neck-breaking experience, the band suddenly goes into ballad mode on The Night and Unbending Intent, with the strong emotions reminding me of ballads by power metal bands such as Sonata Arctica, especially in the progression of the track and the melodies on it. This 9-minute long track even brings in some rather operatic elements, creating a large sound that easily overwhelms the listener.

My only real gripe of the album is Alex’s vocals, and this honestly took me quite a number of listenings to get used to, though there are moments where the entire feel and sound of the band bring to mind legends such as Control Denied, and on the ballad he definitely manages to bring out the emotions.

As might be expected, Gardarika‘s main focus on Chthonica isn’t really on the heaviness of the music, but the soothing melodies of the songs on the album have definitely made this a rather enjoyable experience, though if one were to place more attention on the crafting of the song, one would easily realise that there is more than meets the eye on this deceivingly easy-listening album.

Gardarika on the internet:
Official website
Facebook
MySpace
BandCamp