» News Archive May 2012

May 31, 2012

EXTERMINATION ANGEL has successfully completed its engagement at Maryland Deathfest X. According to founding member The Barbarian: "Deathfest was an incredible success for us. We feel truly humbled and honored to have shared the stage with so many legendary acts. Thanks to all who journeyed from near and far to see us and the promoters for making it all possible." EXTERMINATION ANGEL’s self-titled debut full-length CD on Baltic Warlord Records was made available to the public for the first time at Maryland Deathfest. Consisting of 10 songs, this recording boasts 26 minutes of no-frills, raw Death Metal for maniacs of CELTIC FROST, MASTER, MASSACRE, REPULSION, SARCOFAGO, IMMORTAL, and early UNLEASHED. Quantities are currently available exclusively from the band. For inquiries, contact exterminationangel@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/exterminationangel

May 25, 2012

Tanquam Aegri Somnia, a new label from Belgium, is releasing DEHUMAN‘s debut full-length, "Black Throne Of All Creation" on vinyl. The album is being offered as a standard LP and limited edition (100 copies) red LP and is scheduled for release on July 02, 2012. The CD version will be out on May 28, 2012 via Kaotoxin Records. Here’s the complete tracklist: ‘Apocalypse And Perdition’, ‘Monstrosity In The Hands Of God’, ‘Eyes Of A Thousand’, ‘Spiral Of Loss’, ‘Down With The World’, ‘Harvest The Sun’, ‘Cast Of Assassination’, ‘Black Mamba’ and ‘Path To Oblivion’. For a limited time, Apochs.net is offering an exclusive full album stream of "Black Throne Of All Creation". The tracks will be online until Friday, June 01, 2012 at this location. In October, DEHUMAN will take part in the "The New Elite European Tour 2012" with MASTER. The tour will start on October 06, 2012 in Germany and end on October14, 2012 in the Czech Republic. More info at www.facebook.com/dehumandm

On June 15, 2012 Canada’s Digital Media Records will release "District Destruction", the debut full length from German Thrashers MORTAL INFINITY. The album was recorded at Sound Lodge Studios from Joerg Uken (GOD DETHRONED, DEW-SCENTED, etc) and features the following tracks: ‘Intro’, ‘Thrill To Kill’, ‘At Dawn Of Death’, ‘Wake Of Devastation’, ‘Retribution’, ‘District Destruction’, ‘Condemned Rising’, ‘Radical Response’ and ‘Sound Of Brutality’. More info at www.mortalinfinity.de

The third KRAANIUM full-length "Post Mortal Coital Fixation" has just been released through Comatose Music. The album was recorded by Vadir Ermesjo and KRAANIUM at Studio Rolighed in Norway and mastered Colin Davis of Imperial Mastering. GunShyAssassin.com has posted an exclusive stream of the song ‘Compulsive Mutilation Disorder’ at this location. In support of "Post Mortal Coital Fixation", KRAANIUM will join Comatose Music labelmates ATROCIOUS ABNORMALITY and COATHANGER ABORTION for the ComaTour 2012 this June. All further info you may find at www.facebook.com/kraaniumslam

Death Thrashers SACRIFICIAL SLAUGHTER and brutal US Death Metallers BLOODSOAKED will be touring Europe this November as part of the "Hammer Of Gore" European Tour 2012. The tour will run from November 02 – 11 and hit Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Holland, Belgium, Austria and Sweden. Exact cities and venues are currently being confirmed. Support will come from COFFIN SYRUP, GORGY and MANGLED ATROCITY. For booking information, contact Falko of Bruchstein Records at Bruchsteinrec@aol.com.

May 24, 2012

Swedish old school Deathers PUTERAEON have released their first official video for ‘Flesh Architect’, a track taken from their upcoming new album “Cult Cthulhu”, which will be out on June 01, 2012 through Cyclone Empire Records. You can check it out at this location.

"Hallucinating In Resurrecture", the debut from UK’s trio BINAH, will be released in late June / early July on CD through Dark Descent Records and as a standard LP via Me Saco Un Ojo. Here’s the tracklist: ‘Into The Psychomanteum’ (Intro), ‘Morbid Obumbration’, ‘A New Rotten Dawn’, ‘The Emissary’, ‘Absorption Into The Unearthly’, ‘Eminence Of The Sombre’ (Instrumental), ‘Hallucinating In Resurrecture’, ‘Dissolution’, ‘Crepuscular Transcendence’ and ‘Buried Baptistry’ (Outro). The cover art was done by MMonsterbrush. A promo video for the track ‘Absorption Into The Unearthly’ has been posted here. For all further info go to www.facebook.com/pages/Binah/304245586256643

SACRIFICIAL SLAUGHTER will join MASTER on their "North American Detonation Tour", which takes place in March 2013. Precision Metal Booking has room for one more support act. Interested bands can contact Steve Worley at sacrificial2000@gmail.com for further information.  www.facebook.com/precisionmetalbooking.

On July 02, 2012 Las Vegas-based Doom Metallers DEMON LUNG will release their debut video for the song ‘Lament Code’ off their self-released EP "Pareidolia". The video will be directed by Dustin Mills, director of independent horror / comedy The Puppet Monster Massacre. More on the video shoot, including a detailed making-of diary, coming soon. More info at www.demonlungband.com

Polish CENTURION have released their first live video for the song ‘No One To Serve’ at this location. It was recorded during a release party for their second album "Serve No One", which took place on March 17, 2012 in the Warsaw club Progresja. More info at www.centurion-deathmetal.pl

PHOBIA will release their fifth studio offering, "Remnants Of Filth", on July 02, 2012 through Willowtip Records (distributed by Hammerheart Records in Europe). The album was produced and mixed by Scott Hull (PIG DESTROYER, AGORAPHOBIC NOSEBLEED) at Visceral Sound Studios in Bethesda, Maryland and engineered by Mike Harrison at Winter Skies Productions in San Antonio, Texas. Here’s the tracklist: ‘Assertion To Demean’, ‘Contradiction’, ‘Submission Hold’, ‘Plagued By The System’, ‘Dementia Having Overdose’, ‘Got The Fear’, ‘Infraction Of Pride’, ‘Resolution’, ‘Let It Go’, ‘Deaden To Believe’, ‘Vengeance Will Be Mine’, ‘No Sympathy For The Weak’, ‘Freedom Isn’t Free’, ‘Atrocious Atrocity’, ‘Filthy Fucking Punks’, ‘Constrain Relations’, ‘Resuscitate’ and ‘Inaction’. At the same release-date Hammerheart Records will re-issue “22 Acts Of Random Violence” and “Cruel” for a cool price… nothing’s changed, nothing added, just a cool price. www.hammerheart.com

May 23, 2012

DIABOLICAL have started the pre-production for their fifth album and will begin recording in June. "We have more than enough material written and pre-produced already, and we are confident that this album will be a milestone for DIABOLICAL as a band and for Metal as a genre" says guitarist Carl Stjärnlöv. The recording will take place at Necromorbus Studio with vocalist and guitarist Sverker Widgren producing again. A release date is yet to be announced. "Time is never a parameter for us. What we do is beyond time and space" adds Stjärnlöv. The band will post a series of video studio diaries as work on the album progresses. Episode 1 is online already at this location. This album will follow up DIABOLICAL’s 2011 Abyss Records release "Ars Vitae", which featured nine live songs, four new studio tracks and a remastered version of their sold-out debut EP "Deserts Of Desolation". More info at www.diabolical.se

Norway’s RAGNAROK have been signed by Agonia Records. The band will enter Endarker Studios on the June 24, 2012 to record their seventh full-length album. The as of yet untitled album will be produced by studio owner and former Marduk bassplayer Devo and is scheduled for a release later this year. "Everyone in RAGNAROK is delighted to be signing with Agonia Records", comments the band’s founder and drummer Jontho. "It’s been a long haul to find the right label, with a lot of offers to sift through, but what impressed us about Agonia was the immediate reply to any of our questions together with a willingness to work with the band as a team, and, most importantly, they recognise the wisdom of allowing RAGNAROK the freedom to be themselves." For more info check out www.facebook.com/ragnarokofficial

The new CARDIAC ARREST album "Vortex Of Violence" is now available through Ibex Moon Records. The complete tracklist reads like this: ‘Portal Of The Damned’, ‘To Their Graves’, ‘Relentless Pursuit’, ‘Conjured Beings’, ‘Primitive Lunacy’, ‘Vortex Of Violence’, ‘Depths Of Despair’, ‘Ritual Plague’, ‘Subject To Torture’, ‘Sacrifice’ and ‘Last Thing That You See’. To celebrate the album’s release, CARDIAC ARREST and Ibex Moon Records have teamed up with MetalReview.com to stream "Vortex Of Violence" in its entirety at this location. More info at www.facebook.com/pages/Cardiac-Arrest-US/92250701414

The gatefold vinyl edition of TOMBSTONES third album “Year Of The Burial” is out now through Soulseller Records. It comes on 180 grams black vinyl, packaged in a heavy gatefold sleeve with extra matte lamination. www.facebook.com/soulsellerrecords

May 22, 2012

Abyss Records will re-issue the out-of-print THE GATES OF SLUMBER debut full-length CD "The Awakening" this fall. Originally released in 2004, the Abyss Records re-issue will feature cover art (from the limited-edition double vinyl edition) painted by Ken Kelly (MANOWAR, KISS, CONAN) along with an exclusive bonus track. Here’s the complete tracklisting: ‘Resurrection From The Underworld’, ‘The Awakening (Interpolating The Wrath Of The Undead)’, ‘The Judge’, ‘The Jury’, ‘Broken On The Wheel’, ‘The Executioner’, ‘Blessed Pathway To The Celestial Kingdom’, ‘The Burial’ and ‘The Cloaked Figure’ (bonus track) In other THE GATES OF SLUMBER news, the band is currently on the road and will soon hook up with RWAKE and later HAIL!HORNET as support acts for CHURCH OF MISERY. More info at www.slumberingsouls.com

Swedish blackened Thrashers ANGREPP have started working on the follow up to their 2010 debut full-length "Warfare", as well as the addition of bassist Titan (BLOODBANNER, ex – HYDRA) to their line-up. The band’s official statement, made by vocalist Outlaw, is as follows: "ANGREPP at it again! We’ve got great news for all of you who follow us. First of all our brother Titan has joined ANGREPP to handle the bass, which makes us a complete line up again. We are more than certain that Titan is the right person to help us create even more brutal and furious hymns. Titan is an experienced musician with a lot of talent and we are proud to have him with us. Secondly, ANGREPP will enter Necromorbus Studio in September to record our second full-length album. Our friend Sverker Widgren will handle the recording, mix / mastering. and it will be released by Abyss Records. Cover and titles will be revealed in August. You won’t need to keep one eye open for this will be a true carnage. Cheers!" A video for the title track from Warfare can be seen at this location. More info at www.facebook.com/angrepp

Chile’s PENTAGRAM CHILE (formerly PENTAGRAM) is working on their first ever album, to be released sometime this fall via Cyclone Empire. Here’s a statement by the band’s vocalist / guitarist Anton Reisenegger: “First of all, many of you have heard rumours about a significant line-up change in the band. Unfortunately it’s true, as we have decided to part ways with our original drummer Eduardo Topelberg, a.k.a. “Eurynomos”. When we did the 2009 reunion tour, first in Chile and later in Europe, the chemistry within the band was great and we agreed to carry on and finally record our first studio album. Juan Pablo Uribe (guitar) and I got together months later to start writing, and the outcome was amazing. We wrote about 8 songs in the first weekend, which in our opinion totally live up to the standard set by the classic demo songs. We then set a date for January 2011 to track the drums in Chile, but when I arrived there, ready to record, I found out that Eduardo had experimented some very drastic changes in his life, which unfortunately affected his performance as a musician. We still went into the studio to give him a chance, but the result was just not good enough to end up on our long-awaited debut album. We all love Eduardo dearly and we wish him nothing but the best, but my impression is that playing drums is just not a priority for him any more. I sincerely hope he proves me wrong in the future, as he will always be part of the PENTAGRAM family, but we needed a change if we wanted to move forward. Enter Juan Pablo Donoso, a legendary Chilean drummer who has been active in the scene for almost as long as we have, and whose drumming skills have been the foundation of bands such as SADISM and THORNAFIRE. He has also lent those skills to a number of bands as a session drummer, plus he has produced / engineered tons of Chilean Metal albums in his own Sade Studios. Having witnessed those early PENTAGRAM shows in the eighties as a teenager, he immediately understood what we were looking for in a drummer. Juan Pablo has now finished tracking the drums for the album, and we feel that he has really taken those songs in and interpreted them with the original PENTAGRAM style in mind. No lightning-fast, sampled, quantized drums, but pure feeling, the same primitive, brutal, frenzied feeling of our early material. Now we can finally move on and finish what we feel is a historic debt: The first-ever PENTAGRAM stuio album. At this point I want to thank our label Cyclone Empire for their patience, understanding and support. Their comment: “It has taken so long for you to record and album that a year more or less doesn’t really matter!” On a different subject, we have decided to officially change our name to PENTAGRAM CHILE, fundamentally out of respect to the “other” PENTAGRAM (the original and true PENTAGRAM, if you will), led by Bobby Liebling. We actually met Bobby and the band at 2009’s Hell’s Pleasure festival (yes, two PENTAGRAMs on the same bill!), and they were really cool and laid back, and apparently didn’t have the slightest problem with us using the same name. However, I must admit that having the same name has caused some confusion here and there (like having a picture of the US PENTAGRAM in the Wacken program brochure when it was us playing). We think and hope that this solution will be accepted by everybody. Our fans in Chile and elsewhere will probably still refer to us simply as PENTAGRAM, but we want to make sure there is no more mix-ups in the future, as we intend to tour extensively with the new album. We just thought that changing our name to something completely different would cause even more confusion rather than preventing it. Last but not least, although we had decided to give priority to finishing the album and not to play live until it was done, we recently recieved an offer we couldn’t refuse. We are now confirmed for the tenth edition of the Maryland Deathfest to be held at Sonar in Baltimore at the end of this month. We are scheduled to play on Sunday, May 27th at 18:25 on one of the outside stages, in between Morgoth and Saint Vitus. This is going to be our North American live debut and we just can’t wait! Afterwards we will resume work on the album, which we expect to have completed by the end of the summer. Thanks everybody for your patience and ongoing support. You won’t be disappointed!” For all further info and updates please check out www.facebook.com/pages/Pentagram-Chile/78253131363

Serbian Black / Death Metallers BANE have released a video for the song ‘In Endless Silence’, taken from their upcoming album, "The Acausal Fire". The footage is a compilation of live performances collected in Spring 2012 during the "Keepers Of The Black Flame" European Tour and appearance at Sarajevo Metal Festival III. You can check out the video here. "The Acausal Fire" is set for a fall release via Abyss Records. A preview of the album including song samples and artwork, has been posted online at this location. More info on the band in general you may find at www.facebook.com/baneband

Germany’s EXUMER have a new website now. You can check it out at www.exumer.de

Paul Kuhr and Mike Feldman of U.S. Doom Deathers NOVEMBERS DOOM have started up a label for vinyl enthusiasts and collectors called CHARRED OWEN. Here’s an official statement from Paul: "Having a mutual love for what is collectable and a vinyl format now considered classic, NOVEMBERS DOOM members Paul Kuhr and Mike Feldman have brought to life a newly formed record label. CHARRED OWEN was created out of nostalgia and a desire to see our own work released on a timeless format, vinyl. Not only is it collectable, but no other format has even been able to capture the full beauty of cover art, along with a tonal warmth only vinyl could bring. We will start with a collaboration with The End Records to release select NOVEMBERS DOOM titles, starting with "Aphotic" available June 19th, but we won’t stop there. Plans for other releases in the future are already in the works, with other bands in consideration. As musicians in the Metal industry and fans of the same genre, our goal with CHARRED OWEN is to create collectable quality vinyl, from talented bands. We have many plans for the future, and we’re looking forward to seeing it all come to life." For more information please visit www.charredowen.com

May 16, 2012

Orlando, Florida’s DRUID LORD have released a new, very limited, 2 track EP, entitled "Druid Death Cult" via Doomentia Records (www.doomentia.com). It comes in two versions (die hard blue vinyl and evil black), as a gatefold with poster and insert. All artwork was done by horror, gore artist Mark Riddick. Both tracks were recorded at vocalist / bassist Tony Blakk’s, Blakk Magik Studios. The band is currently writing material for their next full length album with the hopes of recording by early Fall. More info at www.druidlord.com.

"The Ruins Of Edom" is the title of a new split release between Greek ACHERONTAS and American NIGHTBRINGER. It is set to be released on June 26, 2012 in Europe and August 16, 2012 in North America via Agonia Records as special and limited editions only. The formats are as follows: limited to 1000 copies 3-panel digipak CD with 8 pages booklet and limited to 300 copies 12" vinyl (250 black vinyls and 50 cyan blue vinyls available via Agonia Records Webstore exclusively). For all further info check out www.agoniarecords.com

May 15, 2012

Greyhaze Records have signed WARFATHER, the new band by ex – MORBID ANGEL vocalist / bassplayer Steve Tucker. In an official statement Tucker stated: “This is my new band; it will be my main focus… it is my kind of Death Metal.” Tucker has moved on to guitar with this project. “I have always played the guitar and I think now is the time for me to make the move. I think doing solos and extra guitar parts will allow me to express myself in a whole new way!” Also on guitars is Armatura, formerly of Cincinnati-based Death Metal band DOMINION. Recruited to the drum kit is Deimos, a Death Metal veteran currently playing in the band TEMPLE and also having played with bands such as SEVERE TORTURE. The bass is dispatched by Nick McMaster (KRALLICE, NADER SADEK, CASTEVET). Additional guitar contributions will be tracked by friends of WARFATHER; full details will be announced shortly. WARFATHER are currently in the final stages of tracking the yet-to-be-titled album, with mixing to take place immediately after. Tucker himself is producing the entire release, as he did for the 2011-released NADER SADEK album "In The Flesh", which Tucker also performed on. The artwork is in the final stages as well and will be unveiled shortly, along with the details on the album, which is being slated for release this Fall. More info at www.facebook.com/pages/Steven-Tucker/153640528038846

"Utopia Banished", the fourth album from NAPALM DEATH, has been remastered and is out now on digipak CD and limited edition coloured vinyl LP. It includes four bonus tracks recorded during the same period. A limited edition vinyl is available in the following quantities and colours: 100 – slime (sold out), 200 – bleached purple, 300 – red and 800 – black. More NAPALM DEATH news and info at www.napalmdeath.org

“Extreme Hymns And Ballads Of A Rotten Psycho Underground Horror Cult“ is the title of a digital best of MESSIAH album. It contains 19 songs and will be released for a special price on iTunes, Amazon MP3, Musicload and other digital music stores only on June 01, 2012.

On June 25, 2012 Century Media Records will release MORGOTH’s first-ever live album / DVD “Cursed To Live". The band has just launched a video clip of the track ‘Isolated’ (Live at Way Of Darkness festival 2011) on Century Media’s Youtube channel. “Cursed To Live” will be available in three versions. CD: including the entire Way Of Darkness show with a total of 15 tracks; deluxe 2 LP: same tracklist as CD, in a noble gatefold sleeve and with heavy 180g vinyls (a super limited colored version of only 100 copies will be exclusively available at www.cmdistro.com) and DVD / 2 CD: the DVD includes the Way Of Darkness show in its entirety, additional live videos from Rock Hard Festival and their warm-up show in Wermelskirchen as well as the band’s four official video clips. The main CD is identical to the one mentioned above. As an exclusive bonus an additional CD is included featuring six live tracks of the Rock Hard show and five live tracks for MORGOTH’s show on Wacken Open Air 2011… all discs packaged in a high format digipak with slipcase. The cover artwork was designed by Dirk Rudolph (RAMMSTEIN, IN EXTREMO, APOCALYPTICA), who had also created the original artwork for “Cursed”, 21 years ago. The audio of the live recordings was additionally mixed by Dan Swanö. www.facebook.com/morgothofficial

May 14, 2012

DARK BLASPHEMIES RECORDS from Spain have launched a new website. To celebrate this special event they are selling MORBIDER’s "When Darkness Returns" CD and EMBALMED’s "Boiling Humans" CD together for only 9,- Euro / 10 US $ (+ shipping). This offer lasts until May 20, 2012, so if you’re interested make sure to check out www.darkblasphemiesrecords.com

May 12, 2012

INCANTATION are teaming up with their long-time friends IMMOLATION for a series of dates in Brazil. Guitarist Alexander Bouks and band founder John McEntee commented: "This is going to be some historical shows to be sharing the stage with our longtime brothers in IMMOLATION. We are ready to devastate the Brazilian Metal legions with our Death Metal darkness." John added: "Yes it will be great. It’s always a honor to play for them, there are many true Death Metal INCANTATION supporters in Brazil." INCANTATION are currently completing the songwriting process for their forthcoming album to be released later this year. Click here to watch INCANTATION’s video for ‘Dying Divinity’ (with former bassist Joe Lombard who sadly passed away earlier this year, RIP). More INCANTATION at www.incantation.com

To promote their brand new album "Obsidium", Belgium’s ENTHRONED will return to the UK this May for two live dates. The band will headline London’s annual Infernal Damnation Festival and play an additional show in Bristol. www.facebook.com/Frater.Silurian?ref=ts

Polish Death Metallers GORTAL will enter the studio on June 16, 2012 to begin recording their second album "Deamonolith" at Studio Progresja with producer Pawel Janos Grabowski. The release is scheduled for Autumn 2012 through Pagan Records. PANDEMONIUM’s bassplayer Michael will record all bass tracks on the album. The cover artwork will be created again by Michal Xaay Loranc, who has previously worked with bands such as NILE, BEHEMOTH, ARMAGEDON, TRAUMA and many more. More info: www.facebook.com/gortal666

May 10, 2012

Agonia Records will release the new, self-titled album by Swedish NECROVATION on June 26, 2012 in Europe and August 14, 2012 in the US as a standard CD, limited 12” gatefold heavy vinyl with 8 pages booklet (first 100 copies of the vinyl on a heavy navy blue vinyl with white haze) and digital download. "Necrovation" has been produced and mixed by Gustav Burn along with the band members and mastered in Necromorbus Studios (WATAIN, DESTROYER 666) in Stockholm, Sweden. Here’s the complete tracklist: ‘Necrovorous Insurrection’, ‘Dark Lead Dead’, ‘Pulse of Towering Madness’, ‘Commander of Remains’, ‘New Depths’, ‘Sepulchreal’, ‘Resurrectionist’, ‘The Transition’ and ‘Ill Mouth Madness (The Many)’. For all further info check out at www.necrovation.com or www.facebook.com/necrovationdeathmetal

On June 19, 2012 Relapse Records will officially release Chuck Schuldiner’s pre – DEATH band MANTAS’ recordings on a compilation entitled "Death By Metal". Here’s the tracklist: ‘Legion Of Doom’, ‘Evil Dead’, ‘Mantas’, ‘Death By Metal’ and ‘Power Of Darkness’ (from the "Death By Metal" demo, version 1), ‘Legion Of Doom’, ‘Power Of Darkness’, ‘Death By Metal’ and ‘Evil Dead’ (from the "Death By Metal" demo, version 2), ‘Legion Of Doom’, ‘Mantas’, ‘Death By Metal’, ‘Evil Dead’ and ‘Rise Of Satan’ (early 1984 rehearsal). A deluxe 2 CD version (limited to 1000 copies) will include a second disc featuring rehearsals of the "Death By Metal" material, as well as a live set from the Knights of Columbus Hall in Orlando, Florida.

On June 05, 2012 Lavadome Records will release the second full length from Huntsville, Alabama based Death Metallers CHAOS INCEPTION. The album will be entitled "The Abrogation" and features the following tracks: ‘The Abrogation’, ‘Phalanx (The Tip Of The Spear)’, ‘Lunatic Necromancy’, ‘Pazuzu Eternal’, ‘Hammer Of Infidel’, ‘Black Blood Vortex’, ‘Ancient Ways Prevail’, ‘The Exterminati’ and ‘Scald Command’. "The Abrogation" was recorded and mixed by Lance Wright at Stargate Studios in Huntsville, AL during Fall / Winter 2011 and mastered by Brian Elliot at Mana Studios in January 2012. The cover artwork was created by Italian painter Paolo Girardi. You can already listen to the album’s title track and ‘Phalanx (The Tip Of The Spear)’ at this location. For all further info check out www.facebook.com/chaosinception

May 08, 2012

Italian Death Metallers BLOOD OF SEKLUSION have just released their first album "Caustic Deathpath To Hell" via Butchered Records (US). For news, samples and general info check out their facebook page www.facebook.com/bloodofseklusion or www.butcheredrecords.com.

DENIAL OF GOD will release the follow up to their “The Horrors Of Satan” debut on Friday the 13th of July this year via Hell’s Headbangers on 2LP and CD. The “Death And The Beyond” entitled album is a concept solely based on death and the afterlife. It contains 8 tracks (‘Veni Spiritus’, ‘Funeral’, ‘Behind The Coffin’s Lid’, ‘The Cursed Chamber’, ‘Bones Turn To Dust’, ‘Black Dethe’, ‘Spectral Lights’, ‘Pendulum Swings’) and was recorded in 13 days the analogue way at Berno Studio in Sweden. www.denialofgod.net

Chaos Records will release the LP and cassette versions of "The Key To A Black Heart" from Swedish old school Death Metallers BLOOD MORTIZED in July. The album was once again recorded, mixed, mastered and produced by drummer Mattias Borgh at Underworld Recording. It will include a bonus song and comes with a gatefold cover with hand painted artwork by Thomas Kynst. It will be delivered in a protective polyester bag showcasing an exclusive screen printed BLOOD MORTIZED logo and title. The cassette edition features mouth watering artwork by Daniel Devilish. F.D.A. Records will release the CD version on May 18, 2012. You can check out Part I of the making of "The Key To A Black Heart" video at this location. Here’s the full tracklist: ‘Unleashing The Hounds’, ‘The Heretic Possession ‘, ‘Only Blood Can Tell’, ‘Dead & Rotten’, ‘Doomsday Architect’, ‘Rekviem’, ‘To Murder A God’, ‘Shadow Of The Quarter Sun’, ‘Bringer Of Eternal Death’ and ‘The Key To A Black Heart’. More info at www.bloodmortized.com

"Hacked To Perfection", from Floridian Death Metal duo NEVER TO ARISE, is now streaming in its entirety at nevertoarise.stereokiller.com. It will be released on May 15, 2012 through badGod Music. For all further info visit this location

"Black Throne Of All Creation", the debut full-length from Belgian old school Death Metallers DEHUMAN, will be released on May 28, 2012 through Kaotoxin Records. It was recorded at Blackout Studio and features artwork by W. H. Otto Dix, layout by ENTHRONED’s Oliver Lomer and a logo by Christophe Szpajdel. Here’s the tracklist: ‘Apocalypse And Perdition’, ‘Monstrosity In The Hands Of God ‘, ‘Eyes Of A Thousand’, ‘Spiral Of Loss’, ‘Down With The World’, ‘Harvest The Sun’, ‘Cast Of Assassination’, ‘Black Mamba’ and ‘Path To Oblivion’. More info at www.facebook.com/dehumandm

Los Angeles Prog-Thrashers HEXEN have released a new track entitled ‘Stream Of Unconsciousness’ from their new album "Being And Nothingness" at this location. The album is scheduled for a May 28, 2012 (Europe) / July 17, 2012 (North America) release and will feature the following tracks: ‘Macrocosm’, ‘Grave New World’, ‘Defcon Rising’, ‘Private Hell’, ‘Walk As Many, Stand As One’, ‘Stream Of Unconsciousness’, ‘Indefinite Archetype’, ‘The Nescient’ and ‘Nocturne’. "Being And Nothingness" was recorded, mixed and mastered at Vivid Tone Recording Studio by Rich Bruce and the album artwork was created by Kristian "Necrolord" Wahlin. More info at www.facebook.com/pages/HeXeN/266806818176

May 06, 2012

Phoenix, Arizona based Horror Punks CALABRESE have revealed the title for their upcoming new full length. The album will be entitled "Dayglo Necros" and is scheduled for a July 01, 2012 release. You can already pre-order your copy through the band’s website. All pre-orders will be shipped a few weeks before the official release date and include four, limited edition 4×8 photo cards, signed by the band. The coverart and one of the new songs, ‘The Dead Don’t Rise’, can already by checked out at this location

May 05, 2012

Bass player Martin “Tore” Toresson has left EVOCATION. Here’s his official statement: “Due to a lack of motivation I have decided to quit EVOCATION. It feels like a big release, even if it was a very hard decision to take. My time in EVOCATION has given me a lot of great memories, many new friends and four fantastic brothers. But it got to a point when it was no fun anymore. I wish my brothers in EVOCATION the best of luck in the future and I’m really looking forward to hearing the new album which I know is going to be a killer!” EVOCATION are currently looking for a new bassplayer, so anyone interested should contact EVOCATION at marko@evocation.se for further details. More info at www.facebook.com/evocationswe

Italy’s Death Metallers HUMANGLED have released a video for the track ‘Needles Of The Blind’ from the band’s forthcoming EP "Odd Ethics", which will be released in May through Abyss Records. The clip was directed by Andrea Falaschi and can be checked out at this location. "Odd Ethics"was recorded at Italy’s Mel-1 Studios and mixed / mastered at Unisound Studio in Örebro, Sweden by Dan Swanö (EDGE OF SANITY, HAIL OF BULLETS, NOVEMBERS DOOM). The cover art was designed by Marko Somero. For all further info go to www.facebook.com/pages/Humangled/50430188818?sk=info

May 04, 2012

"People From The Lands Of Vit" from Bulgarian Death Metal act ENTHRALLMENT has just been released by United Guttural Records. Here’s the complete tracklist: ‘Chronicle Of Sorrow’, ‘Devoted To Delusion’, ‘Psychological Storm’, ‘A Full Land Of Worms… From The River To The Void’, ‘Chemical Romance’, ‘Obsessed By Just Anger’, ‘Walking Through The Thorns’, ‘Fruits Of Pain And Blue Sky’, ‘Punishment For Baneful’ and ‘Unholy Diviners’. The cover art of the album, entitled "Hell," is a creation of Bulgarian artist Stefan Stefanov. You can check out a video for ‘Fruits Of Pain And Blue Sky’ at this location. More info at www.facebook.com/enthrallment

May 03, 2012

US Black Metallers AVERSE SEFIRA have split-up. The band was formed in 1996, performed with bands like DARK FUNERAL, GORGOROTH, WATAIN, MARDUK, 1349, ABSU, ANTAEUS and SECRETS OF THE MOON and achieved a wider exposure when they signed to Candlelight Records in 2007 and released their fourth album "Advent Parallax", the following year. Formal farewell statements from founding members Sanguine Mapsama and Wrath Sathariel Diabolus can be found at the band’s official blog aversesefira.blogspot.com

THOUSAND YEAR WAR are currently working on a new EP to follow their full-length debut, "Tyrants And Men", which was released last year on Abyss Records. The EP will contain six tracks, including a cover of MISFITS’ ‘London Dungeon’. All instruments and vocals have been recorded and the tracks have been turned over to Fredrik Lunneborg of Primecut Studios in Sweden, who will handle mixing and mastering duties. More info at www.facebook.com/tyrantsandmen

May 02, 2012

On May 22, 2012 Chicago’s CARDIAC ARREST will release their fourth full length "Vortex Of Violence" through Ibex Moon Records. Guitarist Tom Knizner had this to say about the release and the recent addition of drummer Nick Gallichio: "Well, the new CARDIAC ARREST album, "Vortex Of Violence" is about to be unleashed. We have been relatively quiet about this release until now. No need to bore anyone with the details why. "Vortex Of Violence" was completed in early 2011 and we decided to sit on it until we felt the time was right. 2011 brought about a line-up change and we decided to work with our new drummer, Nick Gallichio, rather than push an album or do extensive live stuff. 2011 was a tough but rewarding year for us, and we look forward to 2012. CARDIAC ARREST will again perform live a handful of times in 2012, so be sure to catch us when you can. Cheers and beers!" CARDIAC ARREST have already made the track ‘Primitive Lunacy’ available for streaming on their ReverbNation page www.reverbnation.com/deathrot. More info at www.facebook.com/pages/Cardiac-Arrest-US/92250701414

SEXCREMENT will release their second album "Sloppy Seconds" on May 29, 2012 worldwide via Comatose Music. It was mixed by Eliot Bayless and mastered at New Alliance East. Here’s the tracklist: ‘Heard It Through The Rape Vine’, ‘Chemical Handcuffs’, ‘Well Hungover’, ‘Heels Up’, ‘Trucker Bombed’, ‘Assisted Living Lapdance’, ‘Obestiality’ and ‘Ride Johnny Ride’. A video for the song ‘Trucker Bombed’ can be checked out at this location. For all further info go to www.sexcrement.com

California’s Death Metal masters COFFIN TEXTS have issued the following statement regarding the release of their long awaited second album "The Tomb Of Infinite Ritual": "It’s finally here! Five years of blood, sweat and tears to get this completed. We want to thank John Haddad for the great work producing this album and a "Horns up" to all our fans worldwide!!" Here’s the complete tracklist of the album: ‘Atum (Into The Divine Sphere)’, ‘To Manifest’, ‘Final Transformation’, ‘The Sacred Eye’, ‘Divination – I. Soothsayer, II. The Invocate, III. Eternal Oath’, ‘Throne Of Genocide’ and ‘Dieties Of The Prime Evil Chaos’. The song ‘Final Transformation’ will be featured on the video game franchise ‘Rock Band’, released this summer. A video for the song can be found at this location. "The Tomb Of Infinite Ritual" will be available on CD soon via Dark Descent Records. The vinyl version will be released through Blood Harvest Records and the digital version on Itunes via Apparition Musick. The band is currently working on dates for live performances. More COFFIN TEXTS at www.facebook.com/coffintexts.

Apostasy Records have signed Swedish OVERTORTURE. The band is currently recording their debut album. OVERTORTURE was formed in 2011 and consists of former members of GRAVE, COLDWORKER and WITCHERY. www.overtorture.se

On June 01, 2012 Cyclone Empire Records will release the second full length by Swedish Death Metallers PUTERAEON. The album is entitled "Cult Cthulhu", was mixed and mastered by Andy LaRocque at Sonic Train Studios (TAETRE, IN FLAMES, LORD BELIAL, KING DIAMOND, EVERGREY, WITCHERY) and will feature the following 11 tracks: ‘The Great Epidemic Of 1846’, ‘Children Of Dagon’, ‘The Azathoth Cycle’, ‘Shoggoth’, ‘Flesh Architect’, ‘In The Vault’, ‘Conlaceratus’, ‘Walking With Shadows’ (feat. Rogga J. of PAGANIZER), ‘Shapeshifter’, ‘A Bolt From The Grave’ and ‘Liberation’. More info at www.puteraeon.com

Finnish Death Metal masters PURTENANCE decided to reform and have already inked a deal with Xtreem Music for the release of a new mini CD as well as their upcoming albums, first of them expected for 2013. The new mini CD entitled "Sacrifice The King" is already recorded, features 6 songs in the already traditional Finnish Death Metal style that PURTENANCE is well known for. The current line-up cosists of original members Juha Ranniko (guitars) and Harri Salo (drums) plus new member Ville (bass / vox). The cover artwork had been again done by Chris Moyen. The release of "Sacrifice The King" is expected in June 2012 (with the vinyl version to follow later) and the band is already working on 12 new songs for their sophomore album expected during the first half of 2013. You can already listen to an exclusive advance song as well as watching the cover art, both on HD quality here.

Just one month after the departure of ex – drummer Riky, AVULSED already announced his replacement. After having tested three excellent drummers, the band decided on Osckar (Oscar Bravo). Osckar also plays in the Heavy Metal band SOBREDOSIS and also in NIGHTFEAR and recently departed from melodic Death Metallers ATMOSPHERE GREY. You can check out a short video, taken during the first official rehearsal with Osckar, where he already played the first 5 songs he learned for the test, at this location.