The vinyl version of RÉSISTANCE‘s "A Tale Of Decadence", a gatefold LP, will be released on December 17, 2011. 25 copies will be available directly from the band with a "monk" patch (contact: resistance667@hotmail.com). More info at www.facebook.com/pages/R%C3%A9SISTANCE-667/147325402029754
“Pillars Of Balance”, the debut full-length by Taiwanese / Canadian brutal Death Metallers REVILEMENT, has just been released. It was recorded at CJ Studios by producer CJ Kao, keyboardist of Taiwan’s biggest extreme Metal export, CHTHONIC, and mastered at Sanctuary Studio by J.S. Stoddard (FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY, ROUGHHAUSEN). The album features 11 tracks in the tradition of SUFFOCATION and IMMOLATION, but also with nods to the modern brutal Death scene and bands in the vein of DEVOURMENT, DISGORGE (U.S.) and many more. In 2012, REVILEMENT will hit the Philippines for a string of dates, tour Southeast Asia and China, and has plans in the works to make a return to Japan and South Korea in support of “Pillars Of Balance”. More info at www.revilement.org
Here’s an official statement from Sweden’s DEMONICAL: “We have hereby officially parted ways with drummer Ronnie Bergerståhl and replaced him with Fredrik Widigs. Fredrik has been our stand-in drummer during the past autumn, hence making him the obvious choice for the throne and full time position. Besides that, we are also thrilled to announce that our session live-guitarist Pablo Magallanes has become an official member of DEMONICAL. We want to thank Ronnie for all the years in the band and wish him the best for the future! We welcome Fredrik and Pablo into DEMONICAL, with this new and strong we are more than ready for 2012 and everything it will bring.” Ronnie Bergerståhl commented: “As most of you know by now, I decided to sit out the DEMONICAL tour which took place in October / November. I thought about it for months before the tour started and in my heart I basically decided already then to quit the band. However, I gave it some time but now I have taken the last final decision: I will quit DEMONICAL! The main reason is that it is getting harder and harder to combine two touring bands like DEMONICAL and GRAVE – to give them equal priority – and as DEMONICAL will be doing a shit load of festivals and shows in 2012 and GRAVE will release a new album (with extended touring to follow) it will be impossible. There is absolutely NO hard feelings between me and the guys in DEMONICAL, we will still be doing lots of "hadderajjan" together after this, hehe…!! I’m really excited to see who’s going to take my place in the band but I know that they won’t settle for anything or anyone but the best!” More info at www.demonical.net.
Swedish Deathcrust Metallers BOMBS OF HADES have been signed by Pulverised Records. Fronted by Jonas Stålhammar (ex – GOD MACABRE, ex – UTUMNO, etc), who recently served a short stint with legendary Swedish Thrashers THE CROWN; the band is now geared up for the second full-length album entitled "A Serpent’s Redemption" and a 2012 release is to be expected. Jonas Stålhammar commented: "BOMBS OF HADES are psyched to have the next album released through Pulverised. Our 2nd album "A Serpent’s Redemption" will satisfy the starved souls for old school Death Metal and will be unleashed before the Summer of 2012." www.bombsofhades.com
Brazil’s ESCARNIUM will be heading on a European tour in 2012 entitled "Excruciating Europe Tour 2012". The tour will have gigs in Portugal, Germany, Poland and a lot of other countries. ESCARNIUM recently did several concerts in Brazil, released the EP "Rex Verminorum" through the Polish label Hellthrasher Productions and on tape by the also Polish label Till You Fuckin Bleed. The band will be promoting these releases as well their debut album to be released in early 2012. For more information / booking, please contact contact@roadmasterbooking.com. More info at: www.roadmasterbooking.com
Steve DiGiorgio (DEATH, TESTAMENT, SADUS, OBSCURA), Karyn Crisis (CRISIS, KARYN CRISIS BAND) and Marco Minemann (PAUL GILBERT, NECROPHAGIST, KREATOR, TONY MACALPINE) join EPHEL DUATH on the upcoming EP due to be released in spring 2012. Being fully into the pre-production process and about to record drums for the EP, the band will keep posting regular updates and videos of the recording at www.facebook.com/EphelDuathOfficial
Here’s the complete tracklist of LEGIONS OF CROWS‘s debut album "Stab Me": ‘Provident’, ‘Hymn’, ‘Fellating The Lamb’, ‘Defecate’, ‘Carrion Pond Drove’, ‘Legions Of Crows’, ‘Bullshit Acres’, ‘Dull Grey’ and ‘Coventry Carol’. The band’s vocalist / keyboard player Attila used to be a member of TOKYO BLADE and PAUL DI’ANNO’S BATTLEZONE in the past while guest vocals on the LEGIONS OF CROWS album come courtesy of ex – IRON MAIDEN singer Paul Di’Anno. More info at www.myspace.com/legionsofcrows
Funeral Rain Records is currently streaming the track ‘Drowning Into The Sea’ from RITUAL‘s "The Resurrection" album at this location. It is the band’s first album in over 12 years. RITUAL was formed in 1993 and was very influential in the United States Black Metal scene with their first album, "The Summoning" in 1995. They continued with "Demonic Winter Metal" in 1997 and "Soldiers Under Satan’s Command" in 1998, all three on Wild Rags. For more info check out www.myspace.com/ritualblackmetal
REIGN OF VENGEANCE and TURBID NORTH will team up for the "The Arctic Brutality and Bloodshed" mini-tour at the end of January 2012. Local bands interested in playing any of these shows in their home states are advised to contact Marshall "Fucking" Beck and his staff at MarshallBeck@hotmail.com. You’ll find the dates in our tourdates section.
F.D.A. Records have signed Spanish Death / Grinders GRUESOME STUFF RELISH with plans to release the band’s next full-length album on CD and vinyl in the Spring of 2012. The band was formed in 2000 by members of the early 90s Death Metal band REPUGNANCE and has already released two full-length albums along with several splits. More details at www.gruesomestuffrelish.grindgore.net.
EXMORTIS have inked a deal with Xtreem Music for the release of an EP in late December 2011 and a full-length CD in 2012. The mini CD will be entitled "Resurrection… Book Of The Dead" and was recorded by Brian Werking at Shockwerks Audio in Tampa, Florida during September / October of 2011. It was mixed and mastered by Javier Fernández at Room 101 Studios in Guadalajara (Spain) in October / November of the same year. The tracklist reads like this: ‘Creation’ (intro), ‘Book Of The Dead’, ‘The Slaughter Begins’, ‘And There Was Pain’, ‘Deep Red’ and ‘Parade Of Chanting Ancients’. The cover artwork was created by Eric Rot Engelmann and was colorized by Tinamarie Linares. The release is scheduled for December 20, 2011 and until then you can listen to one advance track called ‘The Slaughter Begins’ on the band’s official MySpace site www.myspace.com/exmortified
French SUPURATION (aka SUP) are back with a retrospective compilation CD entitled "Back From The Crematory" that includes all their early and most brutal stuff from ’89 / ’90 before they started to experiment with clean vocals and more varied sounds. The CD includes the band’s self-financed mini CD "Sultry Obsession" (’90), their only demo "Official Rehearsal" (’90), the band’s very first studio recording "Haunted" under their previous monicker ETSICROXE as well as a 9-song live show, both from ’89. It comes with a remastered sound and packaged in a total old-fashioned layout. It also includes a 12-pages booklet featuring an exclusive retro-interview, liner notes, cover and tons of old photos and flyers.
Eight years after the release of their debut album "Impious Sacrilege", Sweden’s old school Death Metallers VERMINOUS are finally back with their sophomore album "The Unholy Communion". Some titles are ‘Keepers Of Chaos’, ‘Hordes Of Vermin’ and ‘Iesus Nazarenus Rex Insecta’. For more info please visit the band’s official sites www.myspace.com/verminousdeathmetal and www.facebook.com/hordesofvermin
Some other promising releases on Xtreem Music in the coming months include UNDERGANG – "Til Døden Os Skiller", MANDATORY – "Mandatory Death" (MCD), WINTERWOLF – 2nd album, ROTTREVORE – "Blind Sided Attack" (MCD) as well as EP and demo compilations by ADRAMELECH and APPARITION (pre – SORROW). More details at www.xtreemmusic.com
German Thrashers EXUMER have been signed by Metal Blade Records. The new album will be entitled "Fire & Damnation" and is scheduled for spring 2012 release. Comments singer Mem V. Stein: "We are extremely happy and proud to have found a home with Metal Blade Records, a label that has the "know-how", integrity and appreciation for what EXUMER is about and stands for. We tried to do everything "right", with this album, from writing the new material to working with Waldemar Sorychta as our producer. Hence, Metal Blade Records as a label is the most logical choice for the band, in order to be represented globally and reach every fan that is interested in what EXUMER has to offer in 2012, and beyond." EXUMER just completed recording their first new album in 24 years with producer Waldemar Sorychta (GRIP INC., THERION, SODOM, MOONSPELL, etc.). For all further info head to www.facebook.com/exumerofficial
Horror Pain Gore Death Productions will release a split CD between Japanese Death / Doom masters ANATOMIA and Illinois Death Metal fiends ABSCONDER entitled "Audible Assault" on January 3rd 2012. ANATOMIA will contribute the tracks ‘Forlorn’ and ‘Turbo Lover’ (JUDAS PRIEST cover), while ABSCONDER supply ‘Screams Engulfed By Silence’, ‘Consumed’ and ‘Plunging Into Unknown Depths’. This is the 2nd entry in the Price Slasher series that delivers high quality at the lowest price possible. It also includes a free sticker featuring the album artwork. More at www.hpgd.comoj.com
Uppsala, Sweden-based Doom Metal outfit ANGUISH will release their debut full-length "Through The Archdemons Head", through Dark Descent Records in February 2012, with vinyl treatment coming later in the year. Formed in 2007, the band released a demo entitled "Dawn Of Doom" in 2010. A video preview of "Through The Archdemons Head" can be found at this location. One track from the album, ‘Book Of Fox’, is currently streaming at this location. For more on Anguish, visit the band’s Facebook site
Female-fronted extreme Metal band, WYKKED WYTCH has signed with Goomba Music for the release of their upcoming fifth full-length album "The Ultimate Deception". It is scheduled for release on February 14, 2012. The album was recorded in April / May 2011 at Lambesis Studios in San Diego, CA, recorded and mixed by Daniel Castleman (AS I LAY DYING, WINDS OF PLAGUE) and mastered by Alan Douches (THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER), who mastered the album at West West Side Music in New Windsor, NY. "The Ultimate Deception" marks the addition of lead guitarist / songwriter Nate Poulson to the group. Also featured is drummer Kevin Talley (DAATH, SIX FEET UNDER, CHIMAIRA) who appears as a session musician. The cover artwork was supplied by Marcelo Vasco (DIMMU BORGIR, THE FACELESS). "The Ultimate Deception" includes 9 original tracks and a cover of METALLICA’s ‘Fade To Black’. More info at www.wykkedwytch.com
Pulverised Records have signed UK-based Deathcrust D-Beat extremos WINDS OF GENOCIDE. The band is currently working on their as of yet untitled debut full-length album, which should see the light of day in 2012. Here’s an official statement from WINDS OF GENOCIDE vocalist Kat Shevil: "We are extremely honoured and excited to be signing and working with Pulverised Records for a full-length album and to be joining such a great label and roster that includes such great bands as BASTARD PRIEST, MORBUS CHRON, IRON LAMB, IMPIETY, GRAVE DESECRATOR, TYRANT, CRUCIFYRE, IN AETURNUM, INTERMENT, TRIBULATION, DESULTORY, SEANCE etc. Pulverised Records is a great label run by dedicated people with a great and long history of quality releases to their name and we look forward to unleashing a powerful destructive debut album which will PULVERISE your ears, expect nothing less than pure fucking aural armageddon!" www.myspace.com/windsofgenocide
Five years have passed since the release of NAGLFAR’s last album “Harvest”. Now the band is in the studio again, finishing the recording of their sixth album “Téras”. Prior to the release of “Téras” NAGLFAR will release a strictly limited 7" EP including one track taken from the upcoming album as well as a second song exclusive to this 7". Check out www.cmdistro.com for updates and pre-order possibilities. “Téras” will be released in spring / summer 2012. More info at www.naglfar.net
Abyss Records is issuing a second pressing of TORTURE DIVISION‘s "With Endless Wrath, We Bring Upon Thee Our Infernal Torture" Digi CD. The release is a compilation consisting of TORTURE DIVISION’s first three demos as well as the tracks from their "Suffer The Shitmass" EP as bonus tracks. The album’s title and artwork are compiled from the titles and covers of each demo. For ordering information, visit www.officialabyssrecords.com. For all further info check out www.torturedivision.net
"Secret Veils Of Passion", the new album of Mexico’s dark melodic Metallers DIES IRAE, will be released on January 9, 2012 via Chaos Records and features a new musical approach from the band. The album comes with a 12-page booklet and guest appearances from Tomas Petterson (ORDO ROSARIUS EQUILIBRIO) and Marios Iliopoulus (NIGHTRAGE. The first 500 copies are available as a limited edition in super jewel box format with slipcase and two exclusive bonus tracks. The songs ‘For’ and ‘Want’ are streaming at the following links: ‘For’ – www.soundcloud.com/chaosrecords/diesirae-for, ‘Want’ – www.soundcloud.com/chaosrecords/diesirae-want. More DIES IRAE info at www.facebook.com/diesiraeonline
INCANTATION are currently writing new material to be released next year. Drummer Kyle Severn wanted to pass this on to fans as something to look forward to: "The new material we have been writing with new members Alex (Bouks also of GOREAPHOBIA) and Chuck (Sherwood also of BLOODSTORM) is beyond brutal, as these songs have come together they are by far the darkest and most demented INCANTATION tracks I’ve been a part of since "Diabolical Conquest"." The new INCANTATION material is currently being written and is expected to be out sometime in 2012 – but in the meantime, INCANTATION have a brand new track (the first studio release in 6 years) as part of the After Party Massacre CD soundtrack and limited edition 7" bloodsplatter vinyl – click here to hear a sample of the track. Along with the new INCANTATION material, Kyle has also finished up with his first foray into the cinema realm with a new horror / slasher movie called "After Party Massacre". Co-written / co-directed with Kristoff Bates (of Horrormerch.com), it starts with live performances by INCANTATION and SOULLESS, which then takes a deadly turn after the bands are finished as this unrated movie is filled with blood, scantly clad female flesh and lots of Death Metal. For all further info check out www.incantation.com
A special slimcase edition of new ZOMBIEFICATION EP "Reaper’s Consecration" will be available for 500 Mexican fans. A vinyl MLP edition, also limited to 500 copies, will be released worldwide. Both editions are set for an early 2012 release. Here’s the full tracklist: ‘Dead Today, Dust Tomorrow’, ‘Death Rides’, ‘Necrohell’, ‘I Am The Ripper’ and ‘We Stand Alone’. "Reaper’s Consecration" was licensed by Chaos to Pulverised Records for a worldwide release. One of the new EP tracks, ‘Dead Today, Dust Tomorrow’ is streaming at www.soundcloud.com/chaosrecords. More info at www.zombiefication.com
Here’s an official statement from DEMONICAL: "We have cancelled our show at the Rites of Darkness Festival in San Antonio TX on December 9th. Despite the show being booked for over a year and several promises during the last months the organizer has still not been able to provide us with flight tickets, hotel reservations nor fulfill any other contractual obligations so with just ten days to go, it leaves us no other option than to cancel. We have stretched our set deadline numerous times – especially during the last weeks – in order to solve everything and make this show happen but we have now reached the point where enough is enough! We are truly sorry for this but once again, things are beyond our control. We hope to see you all at the Maryland Deathfest X in May 2012 if not sooner."