MIASMAL‘s first 7" EP has just been released on Detest Records (www.detestrecords.com) and Me Saco Un Ojo Records (www.mesacounojo.com). One of the tracks (‘Creation Of Fire’) can be checked out on the band’s myspace site www.myspace.com/miasmalband
DAWN OF CRUCIFIXION‘s first demo tape is available now. For further details ceck out the band’s myspace site www.myspace.com/dawnofcrucifixion
Crypts of Eternity Productions from Peru will finally release the long awaited 20th anniversary HEADHUNTER D.C. double CD "The Darkest Archives… From The Death Cult (1987-2007)" on May 15, 2010. It features promo / demo, live, rehearsal and other hidden recordings from the band’s personal archives, including some of their very first songs ever written, but never published before. The cover artwork, done by Chilean artist Daniel Self Desecrator, can be checked out here. The band is also planning a triple LP box set release of this material, to be released later this year / early next year. For more information check out the band’s myspace site www.myspace.com/headhunterdc
Germany’s old school Death Metal squad LIFELESS will re-release their "Beyond The Threshold Of Death" CD through Ibex Moon Records on June 08, 2010. The album features brandnew coverartwork and DISMEMBER’s ‘Casket Garden’ as a bonus track. For all further info and sound samples check out www.myspace.com/lifelessdeathmetal
On June 08, 2010 Ibex Moon Records will also release "Haven For The Insane", the third full-length album from Illinois’ CARDIAC ARREST. More info at www.myspace.com/deathrot
STRIDENT from Beer-Sheva (south of Israel) just released the first ever full length Thrash Metal album made by an Israeli band. It is entitled "On The Aim" and was mastered by Maor Appelbaum, an ex-Israeli who nowadays lives in the US and masters albums of such big names as Rob Halford, David Ellefson, SIGH, MASTER etc. The CD is available directly from the band (www.myspace.com/stridentthrashmetal or Strident.thrash@gmail.com) but it will also officially be distributed by Israhellbanger Records (www.israhellbanger.com). The band has also released the first ever Israeli Thrash Metal video clip for the song ‘To Beer Or Not To Beer’, which you can check out here.
SANGUIS IMPEREM / NOCTURNAL BLOOD‘s "Imperial Impurity" split LP is out now on Nuclear War Now! Productions. There’s a limited number of white colored vinyl available at www.nwnprod.com. Check out www.myspace.com/sanguisimperem for further details.
Vincent Crowley, frontman for Ibex Moon Records ACHERON, has issued the following statement regarding the band’s future: "After 22 years of existence, Black / Death / Thrash Metal band ACHERON are calling it quits! The band has released 5 original full length CDs, 3 mini- CDs, 1 cover-tribute CD and a number of other underground releases. ACHERON will end on a familiar note by doing one last run of "Rites Of The Black Mass" shows until January 1st, 2011. After that ACHERON will be done for good (no more shows or albums)! So keep an eye out for selected shows that they will be appearing at this year, because it will be the last time you get to see them live! The line-up for the final shows will be Vincent Crowley (vocals / bass), Art Taylor (guitar), Eric Stewart (guitar) and Scott Pletcher (drums). Promoters interested in booking ACHERON for their "The Last Rites" farewell shows 2010, contact us on myspace or at vincentcrowley@hotmail.com."
Stockholm’s CRUCIFYRE have recently been signed by Pulverised Records. The band has already completed their debut full-length album, the follow-up to 2006’s "Thessalonian Death Cult" demo. More details about the new album will be revealed soon. Here’s the official press statement from CRUCIFYRE’s drummer Y. Hillborg: "Working with Pulverised Records feels great. It’s like we’ve come home and have been given the chance to do what we do best, to deliver auditory terror in the most evil and aggressive way". CRUCIFYRE’s line-up features members from legendary Swedish acts MORBID, CREMATORY, AFFLICTED, NASUM and GENERAL SURGERY. More info at www.myspace.com/crucifyre
Canadian BEGRIME EXEMIOUS first CD "Impending Funeral Of Man" was recently released through Dark Descent Records. The CD includes 9 tracks in a playing time around 45 minutes packed in a eight-page booklet with artwork from various artists. The vinyl version will be released at a later date. Check out www.darkdescent.net for ordering details or write to darkdescentrecords@gmail.com for more info.
Tampa, Florida’s DIABOLIC have been added to several dates of CANNIBAL CORPSE’s "Evisceration Plague Tour" that is scheduled to kick off today (April 20) in Orlando, Florida. Check out our tourdates section for the confirmed dates. According to a statement from DIABOLIC: "We are excited to announce that we have been added to these shows of the CANNIBAL CORPSE "Evisceration Plague" tour! This is our first US tour since 2002 when we were out with DIMMU BORGIR, CRYPTOPSY and KRISIUN, and we look forward to seeing our fans again, and to playing new songs from our upcoming CD, "Excisions Of Exorcisms", upon the Metal masses live for the first time ever!" DIABOLIC’s latest, once again featuring the production services of Juan "Punchy" Gonzalez (NILE, MORBID ANGEL) and the classic artwork of Joe Pentagno (MOTÖRHEAD, KRISIUN), will be released by Deathgasm Records on June 8th. For more information: www.diabolic-deathmetal.com, www.myspace.com/diabolic666
MASTER‘s upcoming new album "The Human Machine" will be released in an alternate slipcase cover edition, which will be made available in only 2000 copies worldwide. It was once again designed and painted by Eliran Kantor (Testament, Sigh, Anacrusis, GWAR, etc), who also did the actual album cover for "The Human Machine". States Eliran Kantor: "The basic idea is to have a continuation of the story told in the real front cover, after the two policemen picked up the criminal from the floor. It’s a lot simpler, it’s a brand new image that will add value to this limited edition, and at the same time it reacts naturally with the real cover and the overall theme carried throughout the album, as this album has a specific subject matter and the ‘arrest’ scene is based on Paul’s original idea." "The Human Machine" will be out on April 26 in Europe and May 25 in North America. www.myspace.com/masterspeckmann
Guitarist Zyklon-A has decided to leave GRAVEHILL due to personal reasons, so the band is currently looking for a replacement. Here’s a list of what they don’t want: "Posers – if you don’t know (or even marginally know) what kind of music we play, don’t waste our time! Wimps – if you are a "part-time" musician, who would rather sit at home instead of tour or allow your chick to dictate your lifestyle, don’t waste our time! Rock (cock) stars – if your ego bruises easily, with little to no sense of humor or you spend hours on your guitar solos instead of on quality riffs, don’t waste our time!" GRAVEHILL requires a guitarist who is able to write, record, and tour nationally and internationally. If you feel you meet their standards / conditions and would like to audition please contact them at: www.myspace.com/gravehill666
Lupus Lounge have signed Norway’s NÀTTSÒL and will release their debut "Stemning" ("mood, atmosphere") shortly. According to the label, the six piece builds on Scandinavian nature mysticism as well as the archaic aggression of Norse Black Metal in the tradition of Ulver’s "Bergtatt", but brings this musical lineage into the 21st century in a unique and impressive manner. Bandleader Erlend has this to say about the signing of the contract: "We are excited to have signed with Lupus Lounge and about the imminent release of our debut album. We are honoured to join the ranks of their already impressive lineup of bands and are looking forward to bringing you closer to the mystique of nature." All further info you may find at: www.myspace.com/nattsolnorway
THORNAFIRE have been invited to play the Czech Republic’s world renowned Obscene Extreme Festival (July 15-17, 2010). Guitarist Victor Mac-Namara had this to say about the honor. "We come from the Hell of South America, spreading our twisted and poisoned madness for several years and are very pleased to participate in this great festival. We will deliver the dark vibes of our latest CD "Vorex Deconstrucción" from the stage, as well as our past work. In this strange current era where expression is dispersing and vanishing, even underground music, the powerful presence of our music will not go unnoticed!" THORNAFIRE will also be adding show dates in other European countries during the month of July, so be on the lookout. www.myspace.com/thornafire
Todd Weaver, bassist for APOLLO RA and MUSEUM OF FEAR was killed in an automobile accident on April 9, 2010 in Essex MD. All of his former bandmates and friends are deeply shocked and saddened by this. Rest In Peace, Todd.
Within the next weeks, Detest Records will release the following items: MIASMAL first 7" EP (in collaboration with Me Saco Un Ojo Records), ENTRAPMENT first demo tape and GRAVEHAMMER "Ensnared In Dismal Blasphemies" 7". More info is to be found on www.detestrecords.com
The new CEMETERY URN album "The Conquered Are Burned" will finally be be released on April 19 after several delays.
‘Great Are The Eyed’, the first official video from AGAINST THE PLAGUES, was recently filmed in Miami, with directors Eduardo and Gregg Alvarez from Elephas Production. The song comes off the band’s new album "Decoding The Mainframe", released in Europe on March 31st via Dutch label Vic Records. The album was mastered by Dan Swanö (EDGE OF SANITY, AEON, DISSECTION, KATATONIA, MARDUK). Commented the band: "This is our first official video clip. It was filmed during the winter time in the Miami area. We chose the song ‘Great Are The Eyed’ because we feel that it best represents the essence of our music (extreme, melodic, speedy, powerful riffs, etc.). During the filming, we chose 3 different locations and spent a few days to create this video; this included a great deal of involvement coming from Elephas Production directors Eduardo and Gregg and their their awesome crew. Our goal was to give the listeners bit more than what they have been used to as far as Against the Plagues goes. The video presents the band with our strongest line-up including new guitarplayer Marco Martell (Malevolent Creation). But over all, we thought it would be fun to create simple and solid Metal video that would acompany our album "Decoding The Mainframe"." You can check out the clip at the Vic Records Youtube page www.youtube.com/vicrecords.
The official street release dates for the upcoming MASTER "The Human Machine" and SALEM "Playing God And Other Short Stories" albums have been set as April 26, 2010 for Europe and May 25, 2010 for North America. More info at www.pulverised.net
Sweden’s old school Deathers FACEBREAKER have issued the following official statement: "We are happy to announce that we have signed a record deal with the mighty Cyclone Empire. We are really looking forward to taking FACEBREAKER to the next level in alliance with Cyclone Empire. Together we will show the world what Death Metal really should sound like. And of corpse… stay infected!!!" The band is already busy recording their new material while you read this. Here’s the song titles for their upcoming third album "Infected", which should be out sometime around this coming summer: ‘Creeping Flesh’, ‘Re-Animating The Dead’, ‘Bloodthirst’, ‘Epidemic’, ‘The Return’, ‘Torn To Shreds’, ‘Bloodshed’, ‘Mankind Under Siege’, ‘Cannibalistic’, ‘Into The Pit’, ‘Infected’ and ‘Waiting For The Pain’. For more info go to www.myspace.com/facebreaker_mail
DEW-SCENTED‘s upcoming live plans include a very special CD release show in Bremen (Germany) at the Tower club on Friday June 4th, 2010. Unfortunately, the previously announced appearance of GOD DETHRONED has been cancelled again by the band due to scheduling conflicts, but DEW-SCENTED’s longtime friends and 2008 touring partners SEVERE TORTURE from The Netherlands will be playing instead. SEVERE TORTURE not only feature former DEW-SCENTED session axeman Marvin Vriesde, they also have their brand new studio album "Slaughtered" to be released late June via Season Of Mist. Northern German Death Metallers DESPONDENCY will complete the bill.
North German old school Deathers WEAK ASIDE will release their next full length album "Ghostleader" through Remission Records in June. The band is currently preparing a video for one of the songs. For more info check out www.myspace.com/weakaside
A 40-second video trailer for Hungarian Thrash Metallers MORBID CARNAGE‘s upcoming debut album "Night Assasins" is now available at this location. The street release date for "Night Assassins" will be announced soon.
The following (edited / shortened) news currently gets spread around by WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM: US Black Metallers LUDICRA are in a serious bind… After more than a decade of being USBM’s best kept secret, the band finally got a dream-offer to play main support to Norwegian legends MAYHEM. Then, approximately sixty days prior to the tour launch, MAYHEM pulled the plug. Against all odds, LUDICRA was able to book a full US tour – 31 shows with no days off – and salvage their ability to promote a critically acclaimed new album "The Tenant". A week before the tour commenced, LUDICRA guitarist John Cobbett felt a pain in his abdomen, and visited the hospital in San Francisco. He had self-diagnosed appendicitis, but the hospital staff dismissed his concerns and sent him home, unaided. That night, John played on stage in support of PENTAGRAM while his appendix continued to rupture. Over the next week, a large abscess grew around his failing appendix, yet John worked his job, and performed the first gig of tour in Portland, OR. On day two of the tour, John was struck down by an incapacitating pain. Though John’s home is San Francisco, he’s currently laid up in a hospital in Olympia, WA – facing uninsured surgeries while his band-mates are soldiering on, and will soon resume performing and selling merchandise in order to recoup a fraction of the money lost by show cancellations, and imminent, astronomical medical bills. It is sincerely hoped that John will rehabilitate quickly enough to fulfill most of his tour obligations. Meanwhile, time and precious funds are slipping away… So, WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM is asking anyone who is able and willing to donate funds to help alleviate the financial stress of their situation. Show your support and your disdain for the American "Health Care System" by donating funds to help cover the insane Hospital bills that are currently mounting (the band’s paypal email address is: wittr_merchandise@hotmail.com). Even if all you can spare is $10, please do so anyway. We hate to sound like an infomercial but we also want to offer anyone who donates more then $300 all three of our full length albums on CD as well as the "Malevolent Grain" EP. If you are able to donate that amount please include your mailing address in the paypal form. Sincerely, WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM.
Sweden’s CRYPT OF KERBEROS have been signed by Pulverised Records. Previously known as Macrodex and consisting of members from various outfits such as Tyrant, Eternal Darkness and Obscene, the band is slated for a follow-up new album to the 1993’s full-length album "World Of Myths". More details and information will be announced soon. States CRYPT OF KERBEROS axe-slinger Peter Bjärgö: "After many years of absence, we finally made the decision to make a new album!! A lot of material has been written throughout the years and we realised that this was more than sufficient for a full length album! The new material is darker and heavier than ever before, so we definitely look forward to start recording this album!!" Pulverised Records label manager Roy Yeo comments: "Having known CRYPT OF KERBEROS since the early days, I was absolutely intrigued by their sense of intellectuality in the songwriting department, and of course not forgetting those jaw-dropping guitar solos that complemented the songs flawlessly! CRYPT OF KERBEROS is a perfect example of how an excellent band was criminally ignored back in the days and we hope this brand new album would give them the recognition they duly deserve." For more information check out www.myspace.com/crypten
The following message was sent to us by Bill Peters of Auburn Records. As it’s a very sad situation, we figured we should share it with all of you reading this: "Hello! Jared Koston, the drummer in one of my Auburn bands VENOMIN JAMES, is in some serious medical trouble fighting cancer. His story has been receiving international attention in the music world (see links below). Jared has 4 children, no health care coverage and no income since both he and his wife had to leave their full-time employment to battle this illness. My WJCU "Metal On Metal" radio listeners from all around the world have already donated several thousands of dollars to the family in just a week’s time. You hear about these kinds of stories all the time in the news but it really hits home when it is someone you know. I am doing whatever I can to help the family during their time of need. We have already made a difference in this family’s life. If you are able to contribute and help a fallen Cleveland metal brother and his family out, the information on how to do donate is included in any of the news stories below. Thank you, Bill."
California’s GRAVEHILL recently took a break from working on their highly anticipated Ibex Moon Records debut to head down south to Texas for a string of shows with label mates, HOD. Safely home from the carnage and mayhem that ensued, vocalist Mike Abominator offered this summary of the mini-tour: "The Texas shows couldn’t have been better. HOD kicked total ass and made us stay on top of our game! One of the best live bands we have seen and some of the best guys around in metal…. period! It was an honor sharing the stage with them and playing our Death Metal for all those Texas maniacs! We met so many killer and diehard people in Texas. And I have fond memories of all three shows, but the San Antonio show was unforgettable due to the response of the crowd, the fights, equipment falling and going out, beer and blood flying, the fights, the mayhem, the fights, arghhhhhh! What a show! Thank you to John / Ibex Moon and Beer Reebs / Hod for setting it all up! TEXAS! We will be back!" GRAVEHILL will also be among the many Ibex Moon acts contributing a song to the soundtrack to the upcoming indie horror flick, "Afterparty Massacre". While said track might not be what GRAVEHILL fans might expect from the band, Abominator guarantees brutality: "We entered Trench Studios for a weekend to do the exclusive track for the "Afterparty Massacre" movie soundtrack which Ibex Moon is putting out. We recorded the AC/DC song ‘If You Want Blood (You Got It)’ for the release. It was GRAVEHILL-ized so to speak, ha ha, but it came out great. We even brought in our friends Shane from PHOBIA and Nick from CREPITUS to scream and growl along with me on the infamous chorus! In the end, the song title, attitude of AC/DC and Bon Scott and even the overall performance of the song fit GRAVEHILL perfectly! Since we are the AC/DC of Death Metal! hahahaha" In regards to the forthcoming album, the front man issued this update from the band’s own Hellheim Studios: "Now we enter our studio / dungeon Hellheim Studios to get the songs set for "Pravus Tyrannis" our 2nd album, and debut for Ibex Moon. Once we get the songs set, we will then enter Trench Studios with Engineer John Haddad (who has worked with Phobia, Hirax, Abysmal Dawn, Final Conflict, Deathevokation) to record the eight songs of devastating and relentless Death Metal that this album will unleash upon the earth!" More info and updates you may find on the band’s myspace site www.myspace.com/gravehill666
Chilean Death Metal act and Ibex Moon recording artists THORNAFIRE will step in front of the camera this month to film the first video off of their latest album "Vorex Deconstruccion". The band has chosen the track ‘Deconstruccion’, a song which bassist / vocalist Alexis Munoz describes as a "futuristic song inspired by the religious and social decline experienced in the current era Eon oh Hourus", for the video. The video was filmed, produced and edited by Daniel Duarte in a professional TV studio Santiago, Chile. More THORNAFIRE info at www.myspace.com/thornafire