January 03, 2003
Norway’s ENSLAVED just released the following press statement regarding their upcoming new album "Below The Lights": "The album speaks for itself, but again we are proud to say we have gone further down the road of exploration. And on the other hand it is darker and contains more references to the early days of ENSLAVED in the sense of more ambience and structure to the songs. The progressive and experimental elements are still there, more raffined and subtle that ever. You will also find pieces of traditional Northern music, this time more incorporated in the ENSLAVED core material. Melodic elements and complex harmonics is also a prominent feature on "Below The Lights". After returning from the UK in March 2002 we all realized that R. Kronheims days in the band had come to an end. Extremely unhealthy and unsociable habits combined with strong personalities and different musical tastes on both sides made it impossible to continue. But hey! That didn’t stop us, and with the added force of lead guitarist A. Isdal, we went on to make "Below The Lights". The quality of the arrangements and the level of musicianship should prove that the core of ENSLAVED more than survived the changes. The coverart is once again under the brush of Truls Espedahl (who also made the artwork for "Monumension"). This time the artwork will follow the music and lyrics even closer, and a surreal, dark and magnificent piece of art will meet you in the shops 03.03.03. After the finishing of the album, Dirge Rep decided to leave the band. The reason is quite simple; he is burned out according to himself. No point in arguing with that. Goodbye and thanx for the drumwork, brother-in-arms! We have a replacement for live and studio sessions in Freddy B., the drummer some of you might remember from the UK tour in March 2002 when Dirge sat at home with a broken foot! P.S.: Watch out for the live-DVD "Live Retaliation" to be released through MetalMind Productions. Order it or read about it at our webpage www.enslaved.no. Take note that www.enslavedunion.com will be removed and has been replaced by www.enslaved.no. See you on tour and remember to play "Below The Lights" at extreme volume levels. For even better results, try altered states of conciousness (knock yourself over the head, do yoga-jumping or stay awake for two weeks without food before you check out the album). If it doesn’t fuck you up, we’ll give you (fake monopoly) money back. Thanx for your attention and for bringing us this far and further!" – Ivar B. "Below The Lights" features the following tracks: ‘The Crossing’, ‘Havenless’, ‘A Darker Place’, ‘Queen Of Night’, ‘A Dead Stare’, ‘As Fire Swept Clean The Earth’ and ‘Ridicule Swarm’.
GORGASM have inked a deal with Unique Leader. The band is writing new material together with newly recruited bassplayer Brain Baxter (Regurgitation / Ablated Records) and the recording process is planned for April 2003. The album will be tentatively called "Masticate To Dominate".
DEEDS OF FLESH are back from their full US tour together with Cannibal Corpse, Macabre and Malevolent Creation. The tour went very well concerning all the positive reactions that are going around. Deeds Of Flesh will start recording the follow up studio album to "Mark Of The Legion" in January, so mid 2003 release is guaranteed.
Dutch downtuned Deathsters BRUTUS have recorded their debut full length album "Slachtbeest" at Excess Studio, known for its recordings with Sinister, Houwitser, Disavowed, Pyaemia etc. One of the songs, called ‘Ontrouw’ features extreme guttural backing vocals of Erik Lindmark of Deeds Of Flesh. The artwork is still being created at this moment and the release is planned to go out somewhere in March / April.
EXCITER finally found a new vocalist (Rob Degroot) and a new bassist (Paul Champagne), completing the line-up with John Ricci and Rik Charron. The band is currently writing new material, heavy and aggressive in the EXCITER tradition. Intense rehearsals have started for live shows due to the fact the band has been receiving invites to play shows in USA and Europe.
LEVIATHAN have announced that the recording of their second, yet untitled, album is postponed because the band feel that they need more time to work on their material. Meawhile their debut album "Far Beyond The Light" was re-released.
FORGOTTEN TOMB are currently at Abyss Studios recording the second album "Springtime Depression". Seven new tracks are being recorded, some titles are ‘Subway Apathy’, ‘Todes’, ‘Desolated Funeral’ and ‘Daylight Obsession’. According to Morbid this album will follow the footsteps of its proceedor, though reveal abit more wicked, tormenting sides of the band. Drums are handled by ex shining drummer Wedebrand.
BLOODLINE, a rather new Swedish / Norwegian / Italian band, have been signed by Selbstmord Services. Their coming debut album, "Werewolf Training" will be recorded in March, set for an early summer release.
Swedish ZAVORASH raised from their ashes a few months ago will record their debut album this summer in Abyss Studio. Meanwhile Selbstmord Services will release a special mini-album including their second demo "In Odium Veritas" and a brand new track to give you a taste of whats to come.
The JOYLESS album "Wisdom And Arrogance" will be re-issued next month with improved artwork.