"The Gloomy Reflections Of Our Hidden Sorrows", the debut album by CENOTAPH, will be released on vinyl for the very first time. It will be presented as a double 12" gatefold vinyl LP, remastered, with two bonus tracks (‘Repulsive Odor To Decomposition’ and ‘Larvs Of Subconscious’) and the original artwork used with permission of the Polish artist Ryszard Wojtynski. Chaos Records will also reissue the CD version of "The Gloomy Reflections Of Our Hidden Sorrows" later this year. More info at www.chaos-records.com
Dark Descent Records will reissue DEATH STRIKE‘s "Fuckin’ Death" on CD and vinyl. The vinyl version will include a foreword by Olivier "Zoltar" Badin of Terrorizer and other publications and Paul Speckmann himself wrote some lengthy liner notes, documenting the early times. Additionally, the jacket has stayed true to the original release including the gold pantone. This will be offered in black vinyl and two separate special edition colors. One will be exclusive to Me Saco Un Ojo and the other color will be sold through Dark Descent Records. Both will have the black vinyl version. The CD layout is complete and has been sent to press. It will be available on June 13, 2011 with pre-orders starting soon. The CD will contain an eight page booklet with the same liner notes, foreword, new scans / photos and complete correct lyrics. The booklet will have the originally intended gold pantone on the cover (no shitty yellow), the back insert and the CD itself. Tracklist: ‘The Truth’, ‘Mangled Dehumanization’, ‘Pay To Die’, ‘Re-Entry And Destruction’, ‘The Final Conflict’, ‘Man Killed America’ / ‘Embryonic Misc’, ‘Pervert’ and ‘Remorseless Poison’ plus the following bonus rehearsal tracks: ‘Live For Free’, ‘The Truth’ (both on CD and LP), Pay To Die’ and ‘Master’ (both on CD). More details and updates at www.darkdescent.net
New York Thrashers PRIME EVIL have reunited with all original members (vocalist Andy Eichhorn, guitarists Mike Usifer and Gary Day, drummer Todd Gukelberger and bassist Mary Ciullo) and are currently rehearsing their classic material as well as writing new songs. The band has plans to record and release these songs in late 2011 or early 2012. PRIME EVIL will also be part in some showcase packages in the Northeast U.S. by late summer / early fall. More details to follow in the weeks and months ahead.
FATHER BEFOULED will release a split 7" with Chile’s DEMONIC RAGE through Dark Descent Records. The EP features an exclusive track from each band: ‘Abolition Of The Seraphic Vestige’ by FATHER BEFOULED and ‘Sulphuric Congregation Toward The Holocaust Of All Sacred And Holy’ by DEMONIC RAGE. The release is limited to 100 copies on "Coke bottle clear" vinyl and 400 copies on black vinyl and features cover art by Paul Ledney (PROFANATICA). FATHER BEFOULED also have plans to enter the studio in September of 2011 to record their third full-length, "Revulsion Of Seraphic Grace" with a release planned late in the year through Dark Descent Records. Frontman and original member Justin Stubbs comments: "Dark Descent is the face of real, underground, hard-working Death Metal. We were looking for a deal for this next album following our split with Relapse, and Dark Descent stepped up and laid out exactly what we wanted. We could not be happier. Matt and Dark Descent are in the fray to provide us with the support we need to produce a killer album. Expect nothing less than what we are known for, which is serpentine, suffocating Death Metal. We are picking up precisely where "Morbid Destitution Of Covenant" left off. We got our legs under us on that one, expect "Revulsion Of Seraphic Grace" to be the defining album of our career." The band also plans to play a few selected shows to coincide with the release late in the year. For all further info and updates check out www.fatherbefouled.com, www.myspace.com/fatherbefouled
The new AUTOPSY album "Macabre Eternal" has been completed and will be released on May 30, 2011 (May 31, 2011 in the US) via Peaceville Records. On May 16, 2011 a special limited vinyl edition will already be released from www.peaceville.com. AUTOPSY entered Fantasy Studios in February 2011 with Adam Munoz to record their fifth album, with the original trio of Chris Reifert, Danny Coralles and Eric Cutler joined by Joe Trevisano of ABSCESS / VON on bass. "Macabre Eternal" features artwork by renowned horror artist Wes Benscoter (SLAYER, MORTICIAN, SINISTER). Chris Reifert: "We’ve brewed up the sickest and heaviest material that our rotten souls could possibly spew forth, and we are confident that it’s our best stuff yet. The EP was a taste of what’s to come, but now it’s time for the full assault from beyond the grave. The album will contain no repeated EP tracks, no re-recorded old songs, no triggered trickery, and nothing less than the pure Death Metal brutality that AUTOPSY has always delivered." AUTOPSY will also play a string of US and European festivals in 2011 in support of the album.
MORBUS CHRON have set the title of their upcoming full-length as "Sleepers In The Rift". The album was recorded between November 15 – 19, 2010 and produced by MORBUS CHRON, with additional producing / engineering duties by Nicke Andersson (DEATH BREATH / ex – ENTOMBED). The cover artwork was designed by Spanish fantasy artist Raul Gonzalez, who has previously worked with bands such as DECEASED, ABRAXAS etc. The complete tracklist reads like this: ‘Through The Gaping Gate / Coughing In A Coffin’, ‘Creepy Creeping Creep’, ‘Hymns To A Stiff’, ‘Red Hook Horror’, ‘The Hallucinating Dead’, ‘Ways Of Torture’, ‘Dead Body Pile Necrophile’, ‘Lidless Coffin’ and ‘Deformation Of The Dark Matter’. More info at www.myspace.com/morbuschronband
Italy’s PUTRIDITY have just released their 2nd album "Degenerating Antropophagical Euporiar" through Willowtip Records. More info at www.myspace.com/putridity or www.facebook.com/putridity.brutal.
"Objective: Isolation", the digital-only collection of unreleased material from U.S. progressive Black Metal act SHROUD OF DESPONDENCY, is now streaming in its entirety on Apochs.net. The album, which was originally recorded in 2009, was brought out of the vault after the attention received from "Dark Medications In Monastic Seclusion", the album that thrust SHROUD OF DESPONDENCY into the forefront the U.S. independent Black Metal scene. Visit www.apochs.net/Exclusive/ShroudOfDespondency.html to experience "Objective: Isolation".
MORGOTH have launched a promotional online trailer including rehearsal footage here. The band’s 2011 live line-up features Sotirios "Soti" Kelekidis – bass, Harry Busse – guitar, Marc Reign – drums, Marc Grewe – vocals and Sebastian Swart – guitar. The band’s guitarist, Sebastian Swart, checked in with the following message: "It’s starting to get seriously interesting now with the show dates drawing nearer! We have already been rehearsing as a five-piece with Soti and Marc Reign with a lot of focus in these past weeks…and everything is sounding extremely powerful and tight! The setlist has already been fully arranged and we are sure that it will please all MORGOTH fanatics from the early days. At least we can assure you that we are more than ready and very much looking forward to "Cursed" 2011!" MORGOTH’s 2011 setlist will mainly consist of songs from the "Cursed" album as well as some cuts from the classic 1989 / 1990 EP’s "Resurrection Absurd" and "The Eternal Fall". More info at www.morgoth-band.com
Danish Death Metallers DEUS OTIOSUS have just released their debut album "Murderer" through Germany’s F.D.A. Records (the South American release will be handled by American Line). Members of the band have past and present experiences in bands like VICTIMIZER, EXEKRATOR, CHURCH BIZARRE and HIDEOUS INVASION. For more info check out www.myspace.com/deusotiosus
GRAVEHILL have posted the track ‘Devil Worshiper’ from their forthcoming new album "When All Roads Lead To Hell" at this location. The album is set to be released on May 20, 2011 through Dark Descent Records with vinyl treatment coming in July courtesy of Dark Descent and Chaos Records.
Negative Existence will release "Chambers Of Perversion" from Germany’s blackened Speed Metallers, RUINS on May 20, 2011. The album was originally released in 2010 as a 10" vinyl, limited to 250 copies and sold out almost immediately. Here’s the complete tracklist: ‘Chambers Of Perversion’, ‘Slaves Of The Undead’, ‘Primitive Evil’, ‘War In Heaven Part 4 (Megalomania)’, ‘Sodomy In Hell’, ‘Slutlust And Perversion’, ‘Perverting The Priest’ and ‘Sperm Of The Antichrist’. For a sample of the album, check out this video on the official Negative Existence YouTube channel.
Issue # 7 of Denmark’s TORNADO MAGAZINE has just been released, for the first time pro printed on glossy paper to ensure clear text and pictures. It features interviews with TRENCH HELL, ALTAR OF OBLIVION, HELLBRINGER, CEREKLOTH, MORTUARY OATH, MACHETAZO, BLACK OATH, BLOOD FREAK as well as splatter movie director Brian Paulin. Besides that you also get the usual harsh and outspoken music reviews and reviews on horror movies and lots of other entertainment. It sells for 7 Euros (Europe) or 7.50 Euros (elsewhere), payable through paypal ghoul@get2net.dk or well hidden to: TORNADO MAGAZINE, c/o Ustumallagam, Vestergade 2, Guderup, DK-6430 Nordborg, Denmark. For more info: ghoul@get2net.dk
On July 05, 2011 Relapse Records will issue a collection of early MORTA SKULD demos, entitled "Through The Eyes Of Death: The Early Demos". The release combines the band’s two 1990 demos "Gory Departure" and "Prolong The Agony" on one disc. Both demos have been remastered by Chris Wisco at Belle City Sound.
EXHUMED have posted a brand new track, ‘As Hammer To Anvil’, taken from their forthcoming album "All Guts, No Glory", online via the band’s myspace page www.myspace.com/exhumed. The follow-up to 2003’s "Anatomy Is Destiny" will see its international release on July 11, 2011 on a variety of formats including CD, deluxe digital, a limited edition 2-disc set (that includes a second disc of exclusive bonus tracks), single LP vinyl, and limited edition buzzsaw shaped vinyl. Additional information on the deluxe and vinyl packages will be posted shortly. EXHUMED recorded "All Guts, No Glory" at Arcane Digital Recordings in Arizona with engineer Ryan Butler (MISERY INDEX) and at Trench Studios with John Haddad (ABYSMAL DAWN, INTRONAUT). The album was mixed and mastered at Mana Recording Studios by Brian Elliott (GRAVES OF VALOR). The complete track listing is as follows: ‘All Guts, No Glory’, ‘As Hammer To Anvil’, ‘Your Funeral, My Feast’, ‘Through Cadaver Eyes’, ‘Death Knell’, ‘Distorted And Twisted To Form’, ‘I Rot Within’, ‘Dis-assembly Line’, ‘Necrotized’, ‘Funereality’ and ‘So Let it Be Rotten…So Let it Be Done’.
The new LOCK UP album "Necropolis Transparent" will be released on July 01, 2011. Here’s the tracklist: ‘Brethren Of The Pentagram’, ‘Accelerated Mutation’, ‘The Embodiment Of Paradox And Chaos’, ‘Necropolis Transparent’, ‘Parasite Drama’, ‘Anvil Of Flesh’, ‘Rage Incarnate Reborn’, ‘Unseen Enemy’, ‘Stygian Reverberations’, ‘Life Of Devastation’, ‘Roar Of A Thousand Throats’, ‘Infiltrate And Destroy’, ‘Discharge The Fear’, ‘Vomiting Evil’, ‘Stigmatyr’ (bonus track), ‘Through The Eyes Of My Shadow Self’ and ‘Tartarus’ (instrumental).
HATE ETERNAL have recorded their fifth studio album "Phoenix Amongst The Ashes" at frontman Erik Rutan’s own Mana Recording Studios in St. Petersburg, FL with mastering handled by Alan Douches of West West Side. J.J. Hrubovcak has been added as the band’s bassist, alongside Erik Rutan on guitar and Jade Simonetto on drums. Commented Rutan: "Phoenix Amongst The Ashes" is an album that we as a band worked so very hard on to achieve a record of mammoth dynamic proportions. Jade, J.J and I gave everything we had to make a Death Metal record that would incorporate a balance of speed, heaviness, melody, and pure power. Every song we labored over to have stand out with originality, individuality and unique creativity. We feel we accomplished everything we set out to do with this album and are very proud of the results; we hope you all will agree." The first single off of "Phoenix Amongst The Ashes" – ‘Haunting Abound’ – can now be heard on the band’s myspace site www.myspace.com/haeteternal. Erik Rutan comments on the first single: "’Haunting Abound’ is a song that we feel carries the intensity and the vibe of traditional HATE ETERNAL, yet explores new territory with a certain heaviness that has never been presented before in a HATE ETERNAL song. Infusing more dynamics and expanding our sound whilst retaining the integrity and ferocity that fans expect from us. This is only a small taste of things to come upon listening to "Phoenix Amongst The Ashes"." The complete tracklisting of the album reads like this: ‘Rebirth’, ‘The Eternal Ruler’, ‘Thorns Of Acacia’, ‘Haunting Abound’, ‘The Art Of Redemption’, ‘Phoenix Amongst The Ashes’, ‘Deathveil’, ‘Hatesworn’, ‘Lake Ablaze’ and ‘The Fire Of Resurrection’. Artwork was once again handled by Paul Romano (Mastodon, Chiodos, The Acacia Strain, Godflesh, Earth Crisis) who has also created cover art for HATE ETERNAL’s "I, Monarch", "The Perilous Fight" (DVD) and "Fury & Flames". "Phoenix Amongst The Ashes" will be released May 06 / May 09, 2011 on CD and LP via Metal Blade Records in Europe. More info at www.hateeternal.com.
Pulverised Records have signed IMPIETY for their upcoming eighth full-length album. "The best of IMPIETY has yet to come…" says vocalist / bassplayer Shyaithan, concerning the signing. "Writing the upcoming storm serves as a greater challenge to myself and all previous endeavors. One thing definitely to expect is that this new full-length album will hammer you 10 times harder than all previous revelations. Blood and Chaos shall dominate but Lightning Death it’s ultimate crowning glory…". More info at www.mightyimpiety.com
AZARATH, the second band of Behemoth’s drummer Inferno, has just finished working on their fifth album "Blasphemers’ Maledictions". The recording session took place in January and February at Hertz Studio (Vader, Behemoth, Lost Soul) where the Wieslawscy Bros were responsible for the production, mixing and mastering duties. The coverart was painted and designed by Zbigniew Bielak (Slayer, Absu, Watain, Destroyer666, Autopsy). "Blasphemers’ Maledictions" will be released worldwide by Witching Hour Productions on June 06, 2011. Here’s the final tracklist: ‘Arising The Black Flame’, ‘Supreme Reign Of Tiamat’, ‘Crushing Hammer Of The Antichrist’, ‘Firebreath Of Blasphemy And Scorn’, ‘Behold The Satan’s Sword’, ‘Under The Will Of The Lord’, ‘The Abjection’, ‘Deathstorms Raid The Earth’, ‘Lucifer’s Rising’, ‘Holy Possession’ and ‘Harvester Of Flames’. The song ‘Behold The Satan’s Sword’ can be checked out here.
French old school Death Metallers AFFLICTION GATE have revealed details concerning the release of their upcoming new MCD "Shattered Ante Mortem Illusions". It will contain 3 brand new songs (‘Memories Of Battlefield’, ‘Aftermath Curse’ and ‘Raven… Never Again’) and feature collaborations and guest appearances by Rick Rozz (ex-MANTAS / DEATH, ex-MASSACRE), Eric Daniels (former ASPHYX guitarist), Rogga Johansson (ex-EDGE OF SANITY, PAGANIZER…) and Dave Ingram (ex-BENEDICTION and ex-BOLT THROWER). The recording sessions will start in August and the MCD should be out by the end of the year through Metal Inquisition Records. AFFLICTION GATE will also start playing live again in September together with re-united French cult Death Metallers MERCYLESS. Dates in France and Europe will be announced soon. For more info, check out www.myspace.com/afflictiongate or www.metal-inquisition.de
Finnish Death Metallers CORPSESSED will release their debut EP "The Dagger And The Chalice" through Dark Descent Records on May 12, 2011. It features an eight-page booklet on extra thick matte finish paper complete with art from Alexander "Bad News" Brown. The vinyl edition is about to follow through Me Saco Un Ojo / Dark Descent Records during the summer of 2011. Here’s the complete tracklist: ‘Intro’, ‘Crypt Infester’, ‘Nameless Cult’, ‘Altar Of Worms’, ‘Massgrave’ and ‘The Dagger And The Chalice’. More info at www.myspace.com/corpsessed
Swedish Death Metallers SKINEATER have been signed by Pulverised Records. The band comprises of scene veterans Stefan Westerberg (ex-Carnal Forge, ex-In Thy Dreams), Håkan Stuvemark (ex-In Thy Dreams, ex-Wombbath), Thomas Ohlsson (Apostasy, ex-The Project Hate MCMXCIX) and Jörgen Ström (The Mary Major). SKINEATER will start recording their as of yet unamed full-length in the summer of 2011. All further information and more details at www.myspace.com/skineater