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INCANTATION have been announced for The Underground Unleashed 2011 Festival, which is set to take place September 30 – October 02, 2011 in Darjeeling, India. INCANTATION founder / guitarist / vocalist, John McEntee had the following to say about the fest: "The rest of INCANTATION and I are all excited beyond words about playing this year’s Underground Unleashed Festival. This will be the band’s first trip to India so we’re really looking forward to bringing our brutality to the hordes of fans over there. Heads will bang and skulls will split when Incantation invades India!!" McEntee’s label, Ibex Moon Records, will be an official sponsor of the festival. In other INCANTATION news, McEntee recently hooked up with guitarist Alex Bouks (GOREAPHOBIA) and bassist Chuck Sherwood to plant the seeds for what will become the band’s highly-anticipated next album. Drummer Kyle Severn will join the fray in the coming weeks to contribute to the writing process. Though in its earliest stages, the new material promises to be the heaviest and sickest of the band’s storied career. More info at www.incantation.com
Bassist Terry Butler (SIX FEET UNDER, OBITUARY, DEATH, MASSACRE) has released the following statement to Blabbermouth.net: "I would just like to put it out there that Greg Gall (drums) and I have parted ways with SIX FEET UNDER. As many of you know, I have been helping OBITUARY out on bass over the past year and now will be officially joining them as a permanent band member. Being in SIX FEET UNDER for 16 years, I have had the pleasure of meeting a lot of our dedicated fans and have made many friends along the way. I hope to see you out there! I wish nothing but the best for Chris Barnes (vocals) and Steve Swanson (guitar) in their future with SIX FEET UNDER." SIX FEET UNDER’s "Wake The Night! Live In Germany" DVD was released on January 31 in Europe (three days earlier in Germany) and will be released today, February 01, in North America via Metal Blade Records. The set consists footage of the band’s August 8, 2009 performance at the Party.San Open Air festival in Bad Berka, Germany. The gig was filmed by Roax Films with nine cameras and recorded in 5.1 Surround Sound, picture size 16:9. To make the purchase even more attractive, the initial European pressing includes the digipak version of the latest SIX FEET UNDER covers album, "Graveyard Classics III". The DVD is being released on mid-price and the bonus CD does not cost a penny extra! This release and the attached price strategy is a big thank you from Barnes and his gang to all their loyal fans.
Swedish old school Death Metallers MIASMAL have revealed the artwork for their self-titled full-length debut. The album will be released on CD by Dark Descent Records and given the vinyl treatment by Detest Records and Me Saco Un Ojo. The CD version will contain eight brand new tracks as well as six bonus tunes taken from the band’s sold-out demo recording and 7" EP. MIASMAL is currently wrapping things up in the studio and are planning for an April 2011 release. In other MIASMAL news, the band is currently gearing up for their first US tour, set to kick off this May. Appearances at Maryland Death Fest and Chaos In Tejas (which runs June 02 – June 05 in Austin, TX) are already confirmed. More tour dates coming soon. www.myspace.com/miasmalband
Finnish Black Metal band SATANIC WARMASTER have been removed from the French Hellfest Festival (held in Clisson, France in July 2011) because of pressure from other artists performing at the festival. The band has made the following statement due to the decision of the Hellfest organizers: "It has been brought to my attention, that the organizers of the festival cannot hold on to our agreement to have SATANIC WARMASTER perform at the 2011 Hellfest. This was because of pressure put to the organizers by other artists booked on the festival. It is a disappointment (despite being totally expected) to see such mentality still present in the ‘individualist’ and ‘free-thinking’ Metal community that any musical act can still be boycotted because of false preconceptions and arbitrary political motivations of other, ‘bigger’ artists. It is also more than amusing to see that the censorship and boycott some of the French authorities tried to push on the festival earlier are now excercised by the festival organization itself. Obviously because I have never upheld any modern taboos or lived my life as an apologetic dabbler, it makes me also a target for politically motivated artists to keep us from playing because of their self-righteous reasons. Any artist can be put on a mock trial by taking words out of their context without thinking of the actual message, and SATANIC WARMASTER once again hangs crucified by hysterics driven by the love for a world and values I feel no oneness with. Everyone who has even slightest interest in this musical style knows what Black Metal is about, and in that light only a moralist or someone with a very extreme double standard can say that SATANIC WARMASTER is in some manner different from other artists of the genre. It makes me want to puke for making a statement like this, which is almost something that a politician would do, but to clear some things, it was mandatory to bite the bullet this time. Just to make sure everyone has their labels right, SATANIC WARMASTER’s ideology is Satanism and music style Black Metal. Whoever claims otherwise does so only because of personal feelings and/or resentment."
AURORA BOREALIS have published an 11 minute preview of their new album "Timeline: The Beginning And End Of Everything" at this location. It marks the recording debut of drummer Mark Green and was recorded at Nightsky Studios, produced by the band’s guitarist / vocalist Ron Vento. It will consist of nine tracks and two narratives. The album is a conceptual effort that starts from the beginning of all existence and continues through until the very end of universe and the eventual retraction and rebirth of it all. It comes with a 12 page full color booklet featuring artwork by Ron Miller (production designer for the movie "Dune"). There will only be one pressing so pre-orders are being taken now. "Timeline: The Beginning And End Of Everything" will be released in mid February and will only be available through the band by paypal nrthfromhere@aol.com or by sending check or money order to Ron Vento 3432 Rockefeller CT Waldorf MD 20602 USA. There will also be a free download at www.auroraborealis.org. Here’s the full tracklist: ‘Our Legacy’, ‘Crucible Of Creation’, ‘Formation’, ‘Stygian Depths’, ‘A Creature Called Human (Among Other Things)’, ‘The Evolution After Evolution’, ‘The Only Space Race That Matters’, ‘Beyond The Oort Cloud’, ‘Tearing Holes In The Fabric Of Time’, ‘Prelude To Cessation’ and ‘The Rebirth’.
After eight long years Chicago’s MACABRE have finally finished a new album entitled "Grim Scary Tales".This time the band has cleverly devised a "story book of murder", as "Grim Scary Tales" traces some of the most infamous serial killers and mass murderers, including Locusta, Vlad Tepes, Gilles Garnier, Elizabeth Bathory, Mary Ann Cotton, the Bender Family, Lizzie Borden, Karl Grossmann and more. Recorded and mixed at The Ensomberoom by Geoff Montgomery (The Chasm, Coffinworm, Shub Niggurath, Couldron), the album also bears original artwork and layout crafted by Scott Jackson of Monsterman Graphics and Rock N Roll Comics notoriety, perfectly visualizing the album’s gory nature. As always, also "Grim Scary Tales" will be released on the band’s own label Decomposed Records and directly licensed for a North American release on February 08 via Willowtip Records and in Europe on January 31 via Hammerheart Records. Here’s the complete track listing: ‘Locusta’, ‘Nero’s Inferno’, ‘The Black Knight’, ‘Dracula’, ‘The Big Bad Wolf’, ‘Countess Bathory’ (VENOM cover), ‘Burke And Hare’, ‘Mary Ann’, ‘The Bloody Benders’, ‘Lizzie Borden’, ‘The Ripper Tramp From France’, ‘Bella The Butcher’, ‘The Kiss Of Death’ and ‘The Sweet Tender Meat Vendor’.
Swedish cult act MORBID have teamed up with Century Media Records to release "Year Of The Goat", a 100% official vinyl and CD offering covering the seminal band’s first demo "December Moon", live and rehearsal recordings on April 04, 2011 in Europe."Year Of The Goat" will be available as ultra deluxe triple-gatefold LP with three 180g vinyls, printed inner sleeves and slipcase as well as deluxe kingsize 2CD mediabook in a slipcase packaging. All material has been collected and compiled by Dr. Schitz in cooperation with Napoleon Pukes, Drutten, Klacke, TG as well as Dead’s brothers Anders and Daniel Ohlin. It also features liner notes by Daniel Ekeroth (author of "Swedish Death Metal") along with an in-depth interview by Metalion (taken from the final issue of Slayer Magazine). Rounded off with cover artwork and entire layout being done by Erik Danielsson (WATAIN), "Year Of The Goat" is the first comprehensive MORBID release that truly honors the band’s musical legacy and memory of legendary vocalist Dead – also renowned for his time in Norwegian black metal act MAYHEM – who committed suicide on April 08, 1991. Dr Schitz states in his interview with Metalion (Slayer Mag): "I would have been quite content if MORBID would have remained in utter obscurity, but the Norns wanted otherwise and who am I to argue with them? Seeing all the bootlegs (over 35 last time I counted, and they keep coming) and interest in MORBID we decided that it would be proper to bring some closure to it all by doing a final, ultimate release. Not to cash in; on the contrary as we have decided to not make any profit but rather donate the proceeds to worthy causes. Of course, also to pay respect to our fans, to the memory of Dead, and to whatever we shared back then. I am very pleased and proud that just about all the old members have actively been involved in the production, without a trace of ego-bullshit. We have spared no efforts in making the very best we could. It should prove to be utterly essential to any fan of MORBID (and Dead)!" The complete tack-listing reads like this: CD / LP 1: ‘My Dark Subconscious’, ‘Wings Of Funeral’, ‘From The Dark’, ‘Disgusting Semla’ (all taken from the "December Moon" Demo 1986), ‘My Dark Subconscious’, ‘Wings Of Funeral’, ‘Tragic Dream / From The Dark’, ‘Deathexecution’ and ‘Disgusting Semla’ (all rehearsal tracks). CD 2 (or LP 2 and 3) features the following live tracks: ‘Intro’, ‘My Dark Subconscious’, ‘Deathexecution’, ‘Wings Of Funeral’, ‘Citythrasher (Schnabelkäse)’, ‘Necrodead’, ‘Tragic Dream’, ‘Disgusting Semla’, ‘From The Dark’ (recorded live at Birkagården, Stockholm, October 23, 1987), ‘Wings Of Funeral’, ‘Deathexecution’, ‘Necrodead’, ‘Disgusting Semla’ (recorded live at Ultrahuset, Stockholm, April 26, 1987), ‘Wings Of Funeral’, ‘Citythrasher / Deathexecution’, ‘My Dark Subconscious’ and ‘Necrodead’ (recorded live at Ultrahuset, November 23, 1987). For more info check out www.centurymedia.com
GOREAPHOBIA are currently putting the finishing touches on their long-anticipated new full-length "Apocalyptic Necromancy". The 12-track long player was recorded, mixed and mastered by drummer Jim Roe and features new guitarist VJS (Kult ov Azazel, Crimson Moon, Demoncy, etc.). Comments guitarist Alex Bouks of the band’s latest output: "All of us in the GOREAPHOBIA camp are real excited about finishing the new record. The new tunes will once again contain 1000% occult Metal nihilism! The only way I can describe our new endeavor is that’s it’s very diverse and takes us back to the band’s roots. Jim has once again recorded and mixed the record at his home studio, Neanderthal. "Apocalyptic Necromancy" also marks the debut of our new guitar player VJS. There’s a highly positive and magical vibe for the band at the present time. For me, this record is a true progression from the song writing and production on "Mortal Repulsion". We hope to have it out soon for all our long time and newer fans." GOREAPHOBIA will release "Apocalyptic Necromancy" later this year.
The CD version of "Indhentet Af Doden", the debut full-length by Denmark’s UNDERGANG, is finally going to be released on February 15, 2011 through Xtreem Music. It was previously already released on vinyl format, with only black & white cover, in January 2010 by UK based label Me Saco un Ojo Records. For the CD release the band encountered countless problems, which caused such a long delay until in November 2010 everything was finally finished and ready to find a spot in the label’s tight release schedule. UNDERGANG’s music is devoted to the most dense and heavy Death Metal such as ROTTREVORE, MYTHIC, very early GRAVE, CREMATORY (SWE), early AUTOPSY, early INCANTATION, MORTICIAN and the likes. Songs from the album can be checked out at UNDERGANG’s myspace site www.myspace.com/undergang666
With nearly 3000 copies the Cognitive Records reissue of DÉTENTE‘s "Recognize No Authority" album is sold out now. The band’s follow-up album "Decline" has also done well with over 1000 copies sold in the first few months already, yet the band decided to call it quits again. Here’s the official statement: "The band has put much work into the reunion and believes that while it has been hard work, that it has been a positive experience: having the opportunity to see so many of our friends on our last EU tour was especially cool! The fact is like everyone else, the band has daily responsibilities and the logistics of keeping DÉTENTE moving is no longer possible. While it is conceivable that we could get together for a festival in the future we believe it is time to call it a day. Thanks to everyone who has helped along the way, we value your effort and friendships." Vocalist Tiina Teal is currently looking for a new band, so anyone interested can contact her at peyotenightsong@yahoo.com
Horror Pain Gore Death Productions will release a vinyl deluxe edition of the ABSCESS debut album "Seminal Vampires And Maggot Men", strictly limited to 500 copies. It is pressed on urine colored vinyl with shit specks and packaged in a glorious full color gatefold sleeve. Also included is a unique magnet featuring the album art, a classic ABSCESS yellow logo embroidered patch as well as an 11×17 inch poster of unreleased artwork from the "Seminal…" sessions. More info at www.horrorpaingoredeath.tk
In February 2011 Dark Descent Records will release a double CD compilation of everything ever recorded by Swedish Death Metallers UNCANNY: the two demos "Transportation To The Uncanny" (1991) and "Nyktalgia" (1992), the split release with ANCIENT RITES (1993) and full-length " Splenium For Nyktophobia" (1994). Like the limited run 3 LP UNCANNY boxset released by The Crypt in 2010, this 2CD will be titled "MCMXCI – MCMXCIV" and feature original artwork from " Splenium For Nyktophobia" as well as artwork from the demo era. More info at www.myspace.com/uncanny666 or www.darkdescent.net
Germany’s old school Black / Deathers SHAPELESS unfortunately have already split-up, but there’s still gonna be the release of a 15 song compilation tape soon (feat. different mixes of their demo songs). Vocalist / guitarist Cadaverous Odour and bassplayer Cenotaph will continue on with a new drummer under the name BEYOND. According to the band it’s gonna be in the same style as SHAPELESS, "just with a better drummer and better songs!" BEYOND’s debut demo "Relentless Necro Vortex" should be out through Detest Records sometime next month.
Blackened Death Metallers IMPIETY, which currently consist of Shyaithan on bass and vocals, Guh Lu (XEPER, DIVINE CODEX) on guitars, Eskathon on guitars and Atum (MALFEITOR, DIVINE CODEX) on drums, have announced the release of a new mini-CD entitled "Advent Of…" through Pulverised Records. The tracklist reads like this: ‘Advent Of The Nuclear Baphomet’, ‘Ave Satanas’ and ‘Blood Ritual Defamation’. "Advent Of…" was recorded, mixed and mastered at Music City Studios in Montebelluna, Italy in January 2011. The cover artwork was designed and done by renowned Thai artist Lord Sickness. www.myspace.com/impietyofficial
On April 04, 2011 Imperium Productions will release "Transformation", the debut full-length by Israel’s SONNE ADAM, on vinyl. The CD version will be released worldwide through Century Media Records. www.myspace.com/sonneadam, www.imperium-productions.com
DECAPITATED will be entering RG Studio in Gdansk, Poland on February 9 to record their fifth studio album, the follow-up to 2006’s "Organic Hallucinosis". It will be produced by Wacek Kieltyka and sound engineered by Malta Arkadiusz Malczewski. Drums will be recorded with Daniel Bergstrand (BEHEMOTH, MESHUGGAH, DIMMU BORGIR, KEEP OF KALESSIN, DEFLESHED), who will also handle the mixing duties. For more info and updates check out www.decapitatedband.net, www.facebook.com/decapitated or www.myspace.com/decapitated
BEHEMOTH‘s Nergal left the hematology division of Uniwersyteckie Centrum Kliniczne (UCK) in Gdansk on Monday, January 17, four weeks after he underwent a bone marrow transplant procedure. Here’s his official statement: "Hey! What’s up! At last – one could say. After almost half a year of treatment in various hospitals, several cycles of chemotherapy, irradiation and a bone marrow transplant, I have been finally released home in a pretty fuckin’ good condition. I’m feeling ok, taking the intensity of treatment under consideration. That was not an easy period of my life, but, as I envisioned, I left the hospital victorious. I never considered any other options, but anyway, there were rough moments too… At this point I must express my thanks to the people who made all of those downs fairly bearable. My parents – thank you. You deserve a monument for all your love and patience. Dorotka, thank you for your heroic attitude, love and support. I can’t forget Doda’s fans, who made a gigantic effort for me and other ill people. You rule! Absolutely fantastic BEHEMOTH fans from all over the world were organizing various events to make people aware of what leukemia is. To all of you out there – my deepest respect! Thank you – the real heroes – Prof. Hellmann, Dr. Piekarska, Dr. Knopinska, Doc. Giebel, Prof. Holowiecki and all the nurses of the hematology division of the Medical Academy in Gdansk and the Oncology Clinic in Gliwice for all the professionalism and great hearts. My band mates for all the friendship and never-ending support. All my friends for sticking to me throughout the whole period of my illness. The list is too long to mention you all, but remember, you have special place in my heart." Nergal will now go through a recovery which will last for several months. During this time he will stay in his flat in one of the Gdansk’s districts. "Although the whole treatment went really good, as well as the bone marrow transplant and the post-transplant period, the next several months is the time when I must really take care of myself. Of course I will have plenty of time to recover, think about the strategy and my return to the stage – which approaches imminently (laughs). First of all however I must rebuild my physical condition… apart from that, I hunger for playing, I haven’t been playing the guitar for a half of year now! Really much to catch up, but also a huge motivation and a desire to work again at the same time. This year will be a really important one for me and the band!"
"Dark Meditations In Monastic Seclusion", the new album from US Black Metallers SHROUD OF DESPONDENCY, will be released on February 12, 2011. The band’s musical influences include among others KING CRIMSON, DEATH IN June, EMPEROR, DARKTHRONE, KATE BUSH, IMMOLATION, AGALLOCH, DAWN, NEUROSIS and MORBID ANGEL. www.myspace.com/shroudofdespondency
Melodic Death / Thrashers ABACINATE have just released their second full-length album "Genesis" through Epitomite Productions. It was produced by Will Putney at The Machine Shop studios. "Genesis" can be seen as a tribute to the life and memory of frontman Jason "Plunger" Sica, who died in September of 2010, as well as a testament to the strength and determination he shared with his bandmates. www.abacinate.net, www.myspace.com/abacinatenj
OBSCURA have recently unveiled the cover art for their brand new album "Omnivium" at this location. It was designed and laid out by Orion Landau (ORIGIN, DYING FETUS, ZEKE, DISFEAR). The album will be released on April 04 on CD, double LP and digitally. Two versions of the CD are available for pre-order now including the standard and limited deluxe version that comes in a digi-pack with exclusive bonus track, embroidered OBSCURA patch, guitar pick and an "Omnivium" album cover sticker. More information on the deluxe version can be found here. Here’s the full track listing for the album: ‘Septuagint’, ‘Vortex Omnivium’, ‘Ocean Gateways’, ‘Euclidean Elements’, ‘Prismal Dawn’, ‘Celestial Spheres’, ‘Velocity’, ‘A Transcendental Serenade’ and ‘Aevum’. "Omnivium" was recorded at Woodshed Studio in southern Germany with engineer V. Santura (TRIPTYKON, DARK FORTRESS). The album is based on Friedrich Schelling’s "On Nature’s Connection to the Spirit World". Additionally OBSCURA’s bass-player Jeroen Paul Thesseling was video-interviewed by Dutch leading bass-player magazine De Bassist for his fretless-bass-performance on the new album and more. This interview can be viewed in its entire at this location. Thesseling also performs on the up-coming PESTILENCE album "Doctrine" and MayAN album "Quarterpast" and was voted # 3 at UK Terrorizer Magazine Readers poll Top 5 Metal bassists 2010.
Portuguese Death Metallers REQUIEM LAUS have posted ‘The Scarred Epiphany’, which is a song off their upcoming new album "As Long As Darkness Bleeds", at their official myspace site www.myspace.com/requiemlaus. The full tracklist of the album reads like this: ‘Intro – And Eternity Creeps’, ‘I Am Cursed’, ‘Visions’, ‘Blood Lines’, ‘A Field Of Sorrows’, ‘Uncovering Earth’, ‘Shadow’s Foul Scourge’, ‘The Scarred Epiphany’ and ‘Outro – Torn Amidst Shadows’. The exact release date will be announced soon.