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New Jersey’s ABACINATE have made their return after a year-long hiatus following the tragic loss of vocalist Jason "Plunger" Sica. Rejoined by original vocalist Ian Neal, who appeared on the band’s full-length debut, "Ruination", ABACINATE is picking up right where they left off over a year ago. Denied the opportunity to tour in support of their last album, "Genesis", which was released earlier this year, ABACINATE is currently planning on hitting the road in the spring of next year. The band is also currently writing new material in preparation for their third full-length, which is expected to be released sometime next year. In the meantime, ABACINATE is currently streaming a selection of tunes on their Facebook page and a string of "return shows" set for this fall. More ABACINATE info at www.abacinate.net
Mexico’s ZOMBIEFICATION will release a five song EP entitled "Reaper’s Consecration" through Pulverised Records. Tracklisting: ‘Dead Today, Dust Tomorrow’, ‘Deathrides’, ‘Necrohell’, ‘I Am The Reaper’ and ‘We Stand Alone’. In an official statement from the band: "The Mexican Death Metal scene returns from the grave with one of its most promising bands: ZOMBIEFICATION. The new EP is entitled "Reaper’s Consecration" and was mixed and mastered at Necromorbus Studios (WATAIN, INTERMENT, DEMONICAL) in Sweden. "Reaper’s Consecration" is surely the band’s best work to date which comes after the highly-acclaimed "Midnight Stench". Also, this new release will be a co-operation between Chaos Records and our friends at Pulverised Records, which as you know, is one of the leading Extreme Metal labels in the world." The EP opener ‘Dead Today, Dust Tomorrow’ is now available at the Pulverised Records SoundCloud Page. More info at www.zombiefication.com
HOD are proud to announce the addition of Erika Tandy (MORGENGRAU, BRACAGLIA, ex – IGNITOR) as second guitarist. Known for her impressive vocal work running the gamut from neoclassical (AUTUMN TEARS) to traditional Heavy Metal (IGNITOR, BRACAGLIA), Erika is also a guitarist who fronts her own Death Metal unit, MORGENGRAU. "This was an opportunity I could not turn down," she says. "HOD is a first class band and brothers in arms. I’m honored to be a part of the band and ready to start the destruction!" HOD guitarist Carl "Necron" says "I have known Erika for some time and I know she is dedicated to Metal. She has a great attitude and ferocious playing style. We look forward to playing more shows and destroying more souls with her!" Erika will join the band next month when they take part in this year’s Goregrowler’s Ball, which runs November 18th – 20th in San Antonio, TX. HOD will perform on Saturday, November 19th. She will also take part in the recording of HOD’s second full-length album, "Book Of Worms" which is set to be recorded later this year. For more on HOD visit the band’s official Myspace or Facebook page.
Irish Black Metallers ETERNAL HELCARAXE have revealed the cover artwork and tracklisting for their Abyss Records debut, "Against All Odds". The album, which is due out later this year, is the follow up to the band’s 2010 EP "To Whatever End". Tracklisting: ‘Claim Your Place With The Gods’, ‘One Stands Still Here’, ‘Invictus’, ‘We Assist Death’, ‘Shadow Of The Wolf’, ‘As The Snow Gathers’, ‘Echoes Through Our Blood’ and ‘Against All Odds (All The Battles To Come – Part II)’. "Against All Odds" was recorded at Jam Studios in Kells, Ireland in August 2011. More info at www.eternalhelcaraxe.net
HEADHUNTER D.C.‘s new upcoming album "…In Unholy Mourning…" will be released in South America through a partnership between Eternal Hatred Records and Mutilation Records. The band’s fifth album, successor of "God’s Spreading Cancer…", will be released in the end of the second half of 2011. Vocalist Sérgio “Baloff” Borges says: "I am very anxious and excited about the release of our new opus, and I am also very optimistic about this unholy partnership between HEADHUNTER D.C., Eternal Hatred (whose name is in homage to us due to our song with the same title on the "…And The Sky…" album) and Mutilation Records in Brazil. We needed a strong coalition for the arrival of the 25th anniversary of the Death Cult in 2012 and to help us spreading the word the way we need, then I think we made the right choice. “…In Unholy Mourning…” comes to give continuity to our saga on behalf of the true Unholy Metal of Death, and as well as in all our albums, its songs accurately reflect our feelings regarding the brutal, heavy, morbid and dark Death Metal, the way it was meant to be. Stay tuned! Prepare to meet the unholy!!!”. HEADHUNTER D.C. started the process of booking dates for their next Brazilian / South American tour in support of "…In Unholy Mourning…”. More info at www.myspace.com/headhunterdc, puredeathcult@hotmail.com (HEADHUNTER D.C.), contato@msmetalpress.com, www.msmetalpress.com, (Eternal Hatred Records) and www.mutilationrecords.com.br (Mutilation Records). See a new photo from the "…In Unholy Mourning…" photo session here.
German Thrashers EXUMER have completed recording and mixing their new album, their first in 24 years, and are now negotiating a deal with various labels worldwide. The recording and mixing process, which lasted from June to October 2011, has exceeded the band’s timeframe for finishing the album but proved to be necessary in order to satisfy all parties involved. Producer, Waldemar Sorychta (GRIP INC., MOONSPELL, THERION etc.), and his production team worked with EXUMER on the final mix for nearly 3 months to ensure best results and elevate the recorded material to the next level. Vocalist Mem Von Stein comments: "This was by far the longest recording and mixing process EXUMER has ever been involved with. However, the results are stunning and we could not be happier with the final product. I believe that this album will perfectly bridge the spirit of the 1980s Thrash Metal records with today’s production techniques. We tried to stay true our style and what it represents in the greater scheme of guitar-driven music, without compremising on using the tools available to make the album sound as powerful as it can be." Visit: www.facebook.com/exumerofficial for additional information.
The new ARCHGOAT mini album, “Heavenly Vulva (Christ’s Last Rites)”, is streaming in its entirety at www.imperiumi.net until October 19, 2011. “Heavenly Vulva (Christ’s Last Rites)” was recorded between the July 07 – 09, 2011 and features six tracks. The front cover was painted by well known artist Chris Moyen. The tracklisting reads as follows: ‘Intro’, ‘Blessed Vulva’, ‘Penetrator Of The Second Temple’, ‘Goddess Of The Abyss Of Graves’, ‘Day Of Clouds’ and ‘Passage To Millennial Darkness’. The mini album was released in MCD format on October 14 (November 01 in North America) by Debemur Morti Productions. The 12" MLP and a new t-shirt will be out on October 28 and can be pre-ordered via the label’s websop at www.eitrin.com.
GRAVEHILL will be playing a couple of shows with IMPIETY in November. Due to scheduling conflicts with guitarists Hellfiend and BodyBag, GRAVEHILL has enlisted Henry Montoya and Erik Sneve of WITCHAVEN to fill the vacant guitar positions. Hellfiend and BodyBag will reconvene with GRAVEHILL on November 18th for the band’s appearance at the 5th Annual Goregrowler’s Ball in San Antonio, TX as well as a free show with EXHUMED back in southern California on November 21st. GRAVEHILL released their latest album "When All Roads Lead To Hell" on May 20, 2011 through Dark Descent Records. The vinyl edition is now available for pre-order through Chaos Records. This 12" LP is limited to 500 copies worldwide; 200 bronze colored with exclusive logo patch (die hard version) and 200 classic black. Vinyl orders will ship after October 20, 2011. Pre-orders are available here. German maniacs can order "When All Roads Lead To Hell" through www.fda-records.com. The album is also available for purchase via www.darkdescentrecords.com.
Swedish Death Metal veterans UNCANNY will enter the studio today to record two new songs scheduled to be released on an upcoming 7" through Dark Descent Records. These two tracks are the first new material from UNCANNY since 1994’s "Splenium For Nyktophobia" album. Those of you familiar with the band will notice that the album for this new material is the same line-up that appeared for a one-off appearance for the release of the Swedish Death Metal book. UNCANNY 2011: Jens Törnroos – vocals, Fredrik Norrman – guitars, Kennet Englund – drums, Johan Jansson – guitars and Mattias Norrman – bass. www.facebook.com/uncanny666, www.myspace.com/uncanny666, www.darkdescent.net
The upcoming MCD "Shattered Ante Mortem Illusions" from French old school Death Metallers AFFLICTION GATE will include the following 3 brand new songs: ‘Memories Of Battlefield’, ‘Aftermath: Curse’ and ‘Raven Never Again’. The first recording sessions started in August and the missing parts (bass, second rhythm guitars and solos) as well as the mix and mastering will hopefully be completed later this month. This time the band will collaborate with guests such as Eric Daniels (ex – ASPHYX and SOULBURN, GRAND SUPREME BLOODCOURT) and Rogga Johansson (PAGANIZER, ex – EDGE OF SANITY, DEMIURG, BONE GNAWER…). The final result should be out in December 2011 through Metal Inquisition Records. A MLP version will follow later in 2012. In the meantime the band will perform live again, starting this month with gigs in France, Belgium and Holland with French Death Metal veterans MERCYLESS (their 3 demos from 1988-1990 have been re-released on a double CD entitled "In Memory Of Agrazebeth" through French Legion Of Death Records this year, including bonus live and rehearsal material). Check out our tour dates section for the exact dates. More info at www.myspace.com/afflictiongate and www.myspace.com/mercylessofficial
As the follow-up to their "Obsecrating The Global Holocaust" demo from April this year New Zealand’s HERESIARCH will release a six song EP entitled "Hammer Of Intransigence" through Dark Descent Records on Nevember 03, 2011. The vinyl treatment is being handled by SSP. All further info you may find at www.facebook.com/heresiarchcult or www.darkdescentrecords.com
Germany’s DEAD will be releasing their new full-length album "Hardnaked… But Dead!" on November 18, 2011 through F.D.A. Records. Album samples can already be checked out at www.youtube.com/watch?v=72LCdbPIYX0. "Hardnaked…But Dead!" will be released as a limited digipak CD (100 copies only + embroidered patch), jewelcase CD, digital download and t-shirt. Pre-orders are available now at www.fda-records.com. More info at www.dead-slaves.com, www.myspace.com/deadofficial
Brazil’s GRAVE DESECRATOR is now officially part of the Pulverised Records roster. The band is now focused and geared up for the next full-length effort, which will see the light of day with a possible 2012 release. In an official statement by GRAVE DESECRATOR bass-player Necrogoat: "We’re really ravished to be signed with Pulverised Records, a label that really fits to our music in terms of ideological aspects and works professionally. We are sure that this partnership will result in a tormenting sonic deliverance that will lead you all to a thunderous and malignant holocaust!!! The new album shall come in 2012, and we promise that it will not disappoint anybody! It will contain lots of (good) surprises on it, but with the same infamous essence we’ve been made of! Oh fuck! We are really eager for this release! A new European tour is already planned for early 2012, so all Europeans are welcome to taste our live channeling of chaos. Keep us up in your minds and souls!! We are the BRAZILIAN BLACKEST METAL MASSACRE!" GRAVE DESECRATOR is currently preparing for their next massacre tour in European borders once again, in co-operation with Roadmaster Booking Agency. The GRAVE DESECRATOR "Desecrating Europe Tour 2012" will commence from March 2012 till April 2012, with the band trekking across several European regions during the month-long tour. The promotion video clip for the GRAVE DESECRATOR "Desecrating Europe Tour 2012" is available at this location www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeOkJ0jBWRk
Relapse Records have released a compilation of MORTA SKULD recordings from olden times called "Through The Eyes Of Death: The Early Demos". The album combines the band’s two 1990 demos, "Gory Departure" and "Prolong The Agony", on one disc. Both demos were remastered for the collection by Chris Wisco at Belle City Sound. Tracklist: ‘Intro’, ‘Sacrificial Rite’, ‘Gory Departure’, ‘Preacher Of Lies’, ‘Senseless Killing’, ‘Through The Eyes Of Death’, ‘Feast From Within’, ‘Prolong The Agony’, ‘…Of Evil’, ‘Eternal Suffering’ and ‘Metal Church’ (Metal Church cover). More info at www.facebook.com/mortaskuld
Swedish Death Metal act, DEAD AWAKEN, featuring former members of ABHOTH, has signed with Abyss Records for the release of their full-length debut, "Where Hope Turns Dripping Red". The album’s track listing has been revealed and reads like this: ‘Carnivore’, ‘Kingdom Of Damnation (Where Hope Turns Drippig Red)’, ‘Deutsches Afrika Corpse’, ‘Rocket Symphony’, ‘Mudhell’, ‘Manic Destructive’, ‘Envy The Dead’, ‘Venom Of The Population’ and ‘State Of Corrosion’. DEAD AWAKEN has posted selections from "Where Hope Turns Dripping Red" on their ReverbNation page www.reverbnation.com/deadawaken and live footage of the band performing the song ‘Mudhell’, shot in September by Mikael Löfstedt, at Galaxy Rock Club in Västerås, Sweden has been posted here www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxJ2r9JvPEo. More info at www.dead-awaken.com
Pennsylvania / New York based Death Metallers FUNERUS will release their second full-length album "Reduced To Sludge" on November 22, 2011 through Ibex Moon Records. The band features INCANTATION guitarist John McEntee, bassist / vocalist Jill McEntee and drummer Sam Inzerra (MORTICIAN, MORPHEUS DESCENDS). The album was engineered by Sam Inzerra, Jim Roe and John McEntee. Drums and guitars were recorded at Neanderthal Studios in Plainfield, New Jersey and the bass and vocals were recorded at Aries Studio in Johnstown, PA. "Reduced To Sludge" was mixed and mastered by Dan Swanö (BLOODBATH, DARK FUNERAL, DISSECTION, HAIL OF BULLETS, OPETH). The cover artwork was done by Dusty Peterson (SIX FEET UNDER, CATTLE DECAPITATION, BLOODBATH). The track ‘Sound Of Oil’ is available for streaming on the band’s Facebook page. Jill McEntee comments on the album, "I feel we were able to capture the natural FUNERUS essence on this album. It continues in the same vein of the first album "Festering Earth", in heaviness and songwriting. I think it will be well received." Jill also had this to say about the band’s upcoming performance at the Goregrowler’s Ball in November where they will share the stage with the likes of EXHUMED, GOATWHORE, SUFFOCATION and many more, "FUNERUS is happy to announce we will be playing the Goregrowler’s Ball In San Antonio TX, which runs from November 18th to November 20th. This will be our first time playing Texas since we played in Austin back in about 2003. It’s great to be part of such a killer line-up of bands this year. See you all there!" For more information on the fest, visit www.goregrowlersballfest.com