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HATE ETERNAL is working on their fifth studio album (second for Metal Blade Records) and follow up to "Fury & Flames" once again at Erik Rutan’s own Mana Recording Studios. JJ Hrubovcak has been added as the band’s bassist and Erik Rutan on guitar and Jade Simonetto on drums are at work once again. Frontman Erik Rutan offers the following update: "The band has been locked up in Mana Recording Studios doing pre-production for the past 2 months, finishing up songs that we have been writing over the last year in between tours and albums that I’ve produced, and we feel we have come up with one of HATE ETERNAL’s heaviest, most twisted, evil, melodic, and insane albums yet. It was my goal to expand upon what the band has done in the past, and add new dynamics and twists to the traditional, dissonant HATE ETERNAL style, yet keep it in the same vein. It took the three of us really pushing ourselves, and digging deep into the essence of who we are as musicians and writers and players to create something very unique and special. We cannot wait for everyone to hear what we have in store. Look out for updates from the studio over the next few months."
In the countdown to the third edition of the ZOOMBIE RITUAL FESTIVAL (which will take place from November 19 – 21 in Rio Negrinho, Santa Catarina in Southern Brazil) two of the bands, CHAKAL (www.myspace.com/chakalbr) and HEADHUNTER D.C. (www.myspace.com/headhunterdc), have just issued official statements. Korg & CHAKAL: "We from CHAKAL are very excited to play at this year’s Zoombie Ritual! We are preparing a killer set list blending old songs with some others from our latest album "Demon King". We will also have the opportunity to show our friends of the South two brand new songs: ‘Possessed Landscape (The Island Of The Dead)’ and ‘Anubis, The Lord Of Necropolis’, which will be part of our new album to be released in 2011. We will be returning from a concert in Cochabamba, Bolivia, so we’ll be as sharp as ever. Stay Metal and see you at Zoombie Ritual!" Sérgio "Baloff" Borges of HEADHUNTER D.C. had this to say about the upcoming event: "The expectation towards this year’s Zoombie Ritual Festival is the greatest possible, mainly for the fact that in 23 years on the road this is the very first time we’ll spread brutality on stage in Santa Catarina, where we’ve always had great contacts since our inception, not to mention that we have had only ultra positive references about the festival, which will surely soon be turning into one of the biggest Extreme Metal events in Brazil and South America – if not already is -, then we cannot wait to finally take the Death Cult to stages in SC. The show we are going to do at the festival is still focused on the tour of our latest album "God’s Spreading Cancer…" (recently reissued by Ibex Moon Records in North America), tour that had already covered most of Brazil and some South American countries like Chile, Peru and Bolivia, however, as always, we will do an overview of all our albums and a special tribute to an important name in the Death Metal history which will surely please all true present Death Metal maniacs. In short, I summon all maniacs from Santa Catarina and all over the country to join us in this great celebration in the name of Metal that will surely go down in history of extreme and unholy music in Brazil. I count on you all! Up the hunters! Death Metal rules supreme!!!" Check out detailed information about the event at www.zoombieritual.com.br.
The revised and extended edition of the book GLORIOUS TIMES is finished and currently in the hands of the printer. 160 pages of massively rare and mostly unseen photographs, tied together with sentiment and reflections from the very people who liked the era – the Glorious Times. Bands featured (among others): ACHERON, AUTOPSY, BAPHOMET, CANNIBAL CROPSE, DARK ANGEL, DEATH, DECEASED, DEICIDE, DERKETA, DISHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, EXMORTIS, HELLWITCH; IMMOLATION, IMPETIGO, INCANTATION, INCUBUS, INSANITY, LETHAL AGRESSION, MALEVOLENT CREATION, MASSACRE, MASTER, MORBID ANGEL, NAPALM DEATH, NOCTURNUS, NUCLEAR DEATH, POSSESSED, PRIME EVIL, REVENANT, RIPPING CORPSE, SACRIFICE, SLAUGHTER, WEHRMACHT… Every band section is different, some in a small way, many in major ways. This edition is available for pre-order for the USA only so far. Distros should get in touch and prices for customers outside of the USA will be available as soon as the topic "postage rates" is answered. For further information check out their myspace site www.myspace.com/glorioustimesdeathbook or go here. Email address: glorioustimesdeathbook@gmail.com.
Swedish DEMONICAL have issued the following statement: "We have set "Death Infernal" as the title for our upcoming third full-length album. Some of the chants tentative to be included are: ‘The Arrival of Armageddon’, ‘All will Perish (The Final Liberation)’, ‘March for Victory’, ‘Darkness Awaits’, ‘Return Flesh’, ‘From Northern Shores’ and ‘Ravenous’. Final tracklisting to be presented later. The album is currently being recorded, mixed and mastered at Necromorbus Studios in Alvik, Sweden, under the leadership of Sverker Widgren, front commander of DEMONICAL. December 31st is set as the deadline for the recording, the curse will then be released upon mankind in April 2011 through Cyclone Empire. Exact release date tba. Other individuals taking part in the creation of "Death Infernal" are Costin Chioreanu of Twilight 13 Media and photographer Soile Siirtola. "Death Infernal" will be a lethal dose of fast Stockholm-style old school Death Metal mixed with more epic and cold elements, hence creating the most deadly and victorious soundtrack for the upcoming downfall of Mother Earth. The album will be supported by a headlining tour across European soil during May 2011." For all further info check out www.myspace.com/thedemonicalhorde
ASPHYX have finished the recordings of the MAJESTY cover ‘Bestial Vomit’ and the new song ‘We Doom You To Death’ for the split 7" with Finnish HOODED MENACE which will be released on Doomentia Records. The MAJESTY cover will appear on the upcoming split 7" with Dutch Death / Thrashers THANATOS. The lyrics are in the Dutch dialect.
Swedish DIABOLICAL will release their new album "Ars Vitae" on January 21, 2011 through ViciSolum Productions. It contains 17 tracks; both new studio- and previously unreleased live recordings. The record was produced by founding member Sverker Widgren at Necromorbus Studios (Watain, Destroyer 666, Demonical etc) and is the band’s first official release since 2008’s "The Gallery Of Bleeding Art". The new track ‘Eye’ has been published at the MySpace site of Dreamtide Music www.myspace.com/dreamtidemusic. Guitarist Carl Stjärnlöv had this to say about the album and upcoming activities: "We are looking forward to have this record out and even more to tour Europe again doing some new songs that we haven’t played for 10 years. We have a very exciting time ahead of us."
San Antonio’s blackened Thrashers HOD have been hard at work on the follow up to last year’s well-received "Serpent" album. Guitarist Carl "Lord Necron" Snyder issued the following statement: "It looks that there is no rest for the wicked in sight. We have been writing new material for our upcoming album. I can tell that we have a tentative title for the album now. "Book Of The Worm" is the working title. Some of the song titles are ‘Walking Wounded’, ‘Den Of Wolves’, ‘Apocalyptic Death Whore’, ‘Under Tyranny’s Hammer’ to name a few. We will be recording a live show to include as a DVD for the next album as well. HOD will opening for WATAIN in Austin, TX on Nov 23rd. This show will be recorded for the DVD. So we suggest everyone get to this show so they can be part of the action. It will be a multi camera pro shot DVD. We will busy on the live front through the end of the year. We will be sharing the stage with some great bands in the next couple of months. Bands like Watain, Impiety, Inquisition, Ghoul, Weapon, Black Witchery, Blasphemophager, and the list goes on. You have been warned. The fire is just starting." More info at www.myspace.com/hodtheband
Here’s the official press release for the upcoming DEEP SEEDED movie that features KAM LEE: Caisson Films of Winter Park, FL wraps feature film, DEEP SEEDED. Written and directed by independent filmmaker Brian Troxell, the film deals with the psychotically shaken killer Brad (Death Metal legend Kam Lee) with a "Deep Seeded" past. He plans to avenge his horrible high school days when he hears of his schoolgirl crush unexpectedly passing away, and comes into contact with her two daughters (Janine Anzalone, Little Italy). This stomach-wrenching thriller takes vengeance to an elevated level by showing just how sinister Brad is and how shocking brutality can be. "I wanted to make a film where I was able to take off the gloves and stop sugar coating everything", says the director about the brutal scenes viewers can look forward to. Backing up the crew of Caisson Films is special effects team CS Studios, who already have an extensive list of independent horror films under their belt. Some effects viewers can expect to see in the splash zone include grinding a leg in half with a saw and ripping nipple rings out with a knife-just a couple of Brad’s very creative ways of inducing torture. Also teaming up with Caisson is media production team 3:16 Productions. This team expands on the whole spectrum of media, including filming and editing some of Troxell’s previous work. Production has been officially wrapped as of mid-October, but editing isn’t expected to be complete until summer of 2011, which will also be done by 3:16 Productions. For all you horror mongers out there, Deep Seeded will be well worth the wait. For all further information go to www.deepseededthemovie.com.
EXUMER have been confirmed to headline the "Thrash Or Die", festival in Tijuana / Mexico on December 17, 2010. This appearance marks the band’s first live performance in Mexico to date and EXUMER’s final live show for 2010. The two main supports in the festival’s line-up are Californian thrashers FULED BY FIRE and BONDED BY BLOOD, who have also supported EXUMER at last year’s Thrasho de Mayo festival. Vocalist Mem V. Stein comments: "It is a great honor for us finally play in Mexico, especially this year which is our 25th anniversary. We know that we have many Mexican fans and that was quite evident when we played at the Thrasho de Mayo festival last year in L.A. I am quite convinced that we will have a similar reception in Tijuana and we are very much looking forward to meet our Mexican fans. We are going to take a brief break from playing after this show in order to record our new album and then return to the stage with a completely new live-set, late spring / early summer 2011." For additional information go to: www.myspace.com/exumerwakingthefire
The LP version of "Aeon Of Nox…", the debut album by French old school Death Metallers AFFLICTION GATE (www.myspace.com/afflictiongate), is out now through Metal Inquisition Records. It is limited to 250 hand numbered copies; logo t-shirts, long sleeves and hoodies are available as well. For more info or orders: www.metal-inquisition.de.
RÉSISTANCE just put up a rejuvenated myspace profile. The band’s second album "A Tale Of Decadence" will be released in December 2010 through Emanes Metal Records. New tunes and a video trailer are available here: www.myspace.com/resistance667
"Where Demons Dwell", the 9th album from Kentucky’s ABOMINANT, will be released by Deathgasm Records on October 29. It was produced by the band and Scott Briggs (Velocity Studios) and features the following tracks: ‘Baptized By Steel’, ‘Bloodland’, ‘Firestorm’, ‘Rain Of Ash’, ‘After The Fallout’, ‘The Wolves Of Hate’, ‘Blackened Earth’ and ‘Where Demons Dwell’. More info at www.myspace.com/abominant
A 40-second video teaser for "Infernal Earthly Divine", the debut full-length by Swedish old school Death Metallers CRUCIFYRE is now available at this location. The band’s line-up features TG (ex-MORBID) on guitars, Yasse Hillborg (ex-AFFLICTED) on drums, Urban Skytt (ex-CREMATORY) on guitars, Erik Tormentor Sahlström (GENERAL SURGERY) on vocals and Henrik Doltz Nilsson (DOBERMANN CULT) on bass. The complete tracklist for "Infernal Earthly Divine" reads like this: ‘Born Again Satanist’, ‘Kiss The Goat’, ‘Hellish Sacrifice’, ‘Majestical / Sadistical’, ‘Witch Hammer’, ‘Thessalonian Death Cult’, ‘A.W.W.S / … Of Hell’, ‘Hail Satan’ and ‘The Fetching’. An announcement on the official North American and European release dates for "Infernal Earthly Divine" will be made soon. More info at www.myspace.com/crucifyre
Contributors wanted!!!! VOICES FROM THE DARKSIDE is in need of reliable underground maniacs, that are interested to contribute to our website. Your musical taste should be along the lines of what we cover here (Black, Death & old school Thrash Metal, as well as classic 80s Metal acts) and the english language shouldn’t be a problem for you either. Same goes for the necessary time and motivation to do this on a regular base. If you’re already running a zine, radio show, label, mailorder or whatever (so that you have access to a lot of new releases yourself) you may contact us as well. So, don’t hesitate any longer and get in touch! By the way: VOICES reader Steffen Gräf was so kind to scan and upload old print issues as PDF versions here. Thanks a lot for keeping the zine alive this way!
On November 19, Century Media will release a massive GRAVE boxset entitled "Death Unhallowed", that will include 12 CDs and a DVD. The box will come in a cool looking gravestone design that got specially varnished so that the surface really feels like a raw stone. All discs will come in slipcases and there’s gonna be a 64-pages booklet with lyrics, photos, album info and liner notes from Ola Lindgren. The first 2 CDs "Putrefaction Of The Corpse" and "From Obscure Infinity" will feature all demos of the band: "Sick, Disgust, Eternal", "Sexual Mutilation", "Anatomia Corporis Humani", "Promo 1989", all tracks of the split-CD with DEVIATED INSTINCT and DEVOLUTION, all tracks from the "Tremendous Pain" EP recording session, an "Into The Grave" pre-production track as well as the "Black Dawn" demo from CORPSE and "Painful Death" by PUTREFACTION. The box is strictly limited to 2000 numbered copies.
"Evighetens Dårar", the latest offering from Swedish Death Metal masters TORTURE DIVISION, is now available through Abyss Records. The digi-CD compiles material from the trio’s "Evighetens Dårar I" (2009), "Evighetens Dårar II" (2010) and "Evighetens Dårar III" (2010) demos and was mixed / mastered by Dan Swano at Unisound Studios. In preparation for the release, TORTURE DIVISION has posted several tracks from the album, including ‘Traumatic Inhuman Severance’, ‘Total Death Punishment’ and ‘Overtorture (Bound To Be Dead)’ on their myspace page www.myspace.com/torturedivisionsweden. The band’s US label, Abyss Records is currently streaming ‘Heretics! Now!’ on their myspace page www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial. "Evighetens Dårar" is the second compilation of demos from the fiercely independent band to be released through Abyss Records in the States. The label already released "With Endless Wrath We Bring Upon Thee Our Infernal Torture" in 2009, which compiled TORTURE DIVISION’s first three demos, also known as Trilogy. Abyss Records also has official TORTURE DIVISION merchandise for sale. Visit www.officialabyssrecords.com for details.
For the very first time, reunited Swedish Death Metallers DESULTORY will re-issue exclusive deluxe editions of "Into Eternity" and "Bitterness" with bonus tracks off their pre-Metal Blade era with three demos circa ’90 – ’91. Both albums have also been re-mastered by Dan Swanö at Unisound Studio, Sweden. In an unofficial statement by Dan Swanö: "I have been re-mastering their demos and their first 2 full-length albums. Pulverised will re-release the albums with all demo material as a bonus. The playing time is more than 80 minutes!!!! All the material have been restored to fit nicely together in the same playlist, and it is amazing how much a few small tweaks can change the overall sound from "demo" to "album". A funny anecdote is that I "forced" the band to go to the home of Tomas Skogsberg in the middle of nowhere and pick up the original DAT tapes of the demos. Maximum quality achieved!!!" On top of that, both album covers and booklet layouts have also been revamped for a more modern feel, re-designed and produced by Greek graphic artist Anestis Goudas of Derz Design (ROTTING CHRIST, I.C.S VORTEX, SHAGRATH, etc). Also included in the CD booklet is a detailed run-down on the entire DESULTORY history in the form of liner notes written by Terrorizer Magazine writer Olivier "Zoltar" Badin, with special assistance from DESULTORY frontman Klas Morberg. DESULTORY guitar-player / singer Klas Morberg comments: "When I write these lines in late September 2010, it is exactly 21 years since the DESULTORY journey began back in 1989. As we’re now writing a new chapter in our history by releasing the new album, we would also like to tell the complete story of the past. We are really happy that we now together with Pulverised Records are able to re-release "Into Eternity" and "Bitterness", both brilliantly re-mastered by Dan Swanö. We have also managed to hunt down the master-tapes of the 3 demos that were made before recording of "Into Eternity". All these tracks have also been re-mastered and are included on the albums together with extensive liner notes that tells the complete story of the band. So, for all of you who have been with us from the start and everyone else that wants to know how it all began… Here it is – Enjoy!" For more info go to www.myspace.com/desultoryofficial.
Florida based DRUID LORD have just finished working on their debut album "Hymns For The Wicked" which will be released through Horror Pain Gore Death Productions around Halloween. There will also be a LP version on Witches’ Tone Records, strictly limited to 500 copies. The front and back cover art was drawn by Horror / Gore artist Putrid (HOODED MENACE, NUNSLAUGHTER, CARDIAC ARREST). DRUID LORD consists of three fourths of Florida’s Black / Death Metallers EQUINOX (guitarist Pete Slate, bassist / vocalist Tony Blakk and drummer Steven Spillers) who have had a cult status in the underground since 1992. A track for an upcoming split 7" EP with the band WOODEN STAKE is currently also in the works. According to a band info, "fans of ASPHYX, AUTOPSY, MASSACRE, DREAM DEATH and HELLHAMMER" should check them out. Contact and further info at www.myspace.com/druidlordz