Norwegian Black Metallers PERISHED have been signed by Displeased Records. The band is well respected throughout the scene because of their astonishing debut album "Kark" and the follow up mini "Grim". PERISHED plays a sublime mix of raging fast Black Metal and well-measured melodic interludes, yet keeping all highly fueled and aggressive. The new album will be recorded shortly, to be released in late 2002.
Displeased Records will officially re-issue NINNGHIZHIDDA‘s debut album "Blasphemy" and the first INTERNAL SUFFERING full-length "Supreme Knowledge Domain" (originally on Qabalah / Repulse Records) with remastered / improved sound and new artwork in late 2002. Both releases will have bonus tracks.
Talking of INTERNAL SUFFERING. On a mini tour through Colombia last February the band supported Cannibal Corpse with great success and most recently finished the highly successful North American Extermination tour II 2002 (May / June). Among 20+ other US gigs they played at the Ohio Deathfest where they were voted second best band of the evening (3rd best band of the whole festival!). In September INTERNAL SUFFERING will again hit the US roads with the ‘Chaos Over America’ tour 2002, along with the likes of GORGASM, CATTLE DECAPITATION and SUTURE.
Dutch Doomsters OFFICIUM TRISTE have just been added to the bill of the promising German two-day Doom Metal festival ‘Doom Shall Rise’ which will take place February 2nd and 3rd 2003. More info at www.doomshallrise.tk
From Beyond Productions will release a tribute to NECROVORE in late 2002. Four cult extreme elite acts will gather on this hellish black 10" to pay homage to the true originators of US blackened occult Thrash.
This summer From Beyond will furthermore release a vinyl only MYSTIFIER LP entitled "Tormenting The Holy Trinity". It will capture the band’s very first demo (from 1989) plus the first 7" recordings (from 1990) (both with lots of never before released tracks), as well as some 1990 live tracks.
In late 2002 the first full-length of GORETRADE is about to see the light of day via From Beyond. Containing members of the INTERNAL SUFFERING clan, GORETRADE is supposed to be "even more grinding and severe…"
Also in late 2002 two limited 7" EP’s by SCRAMBLED DEFUNCTS (a brutal Death Metal act from Russia in the vein of Cannibal Corpse, Deeds of Flesh and Mortician) and Poland’s REINFECTION ("Good Efficient Butchery") will be released through the Dutch label. For all further info on Displeased Records or From Beyond Productions check out the label’s website: www.displeasedrecords.nl
Dutch Death Metallers GOD DETHRONED will enter Berno studio in Sweden during October to commence the recording process for their new album, tentatively titled "The Universal Slavedriver", for a January 2003 release through Metal Blade Records.
THE CROWN finally confirmed to play not only the Tuska Festival in Finland next week with original singer Johan Lindstrand, but also the Party.San Open Air (August 8 – 10) in Bad Berka, Germany. After the split with Tompa the band was not sure if they would find a replacement in time, but luckily Johan offered his services for these two shows. Note that Johan is NOT the old + new singer of THE CROWN, he just helps them out with these two shows. Make sure to catch them at these festivals, probably for the last time with this line-up
The FLESHCRAWL line-up is complete again. The new guitar player is Oliver Gbravac, 20 years of age and living in Friedrichshafen , Germany . He played in a few underground Death Metal bands before. The process of integration concerning the liveset is almost done. Oliver will have his first FLESHCRAWL live appearance at the Wacken Open Air 2002.
Due to the fact that Joe Vasquez has left the Texas based Death Metal act SEVERANCE recently, the band is presently looking for a new vocalist. They have already 5 songs done for the next album and are no longer obligated to any label. So, any seriously interested company should immediately get in touch with them at: jaime.perez@excite.com The band’s debut full-length "What Lies Ahead" (that already came out in the US last October and also features the tracks off their "Salvation Denied" MCD as a bonus) should be released in Europe soon through Blackened Records / Plastic Head Distribution.
FEARER‘s "The Grinning Face Of Death" album, which previously was only available as a CD-R version directly from the band, is now officially out on Remission Records. The album’s title got changed to "Confession To Hate" for this. All further (ordering) info you will most certainly get here: www.remissionrecords.de
The apocalyptic noisecore outfit CULT OF LUNA have been signed by Earache Records and already entered Tonteknik Studios in Sweden to begin work on their new album, which is supposed to be completed towards the end of August. Cult of Luna established themselves with the release of their self-titled debut album on the Rage of Achilles label in 2001, gaining excellent reviews both in Europe and the US. This was followed by a 7" on Hydrahead earlier this year. Rumours of some debut UK shows towards the end of the year should be confirmed in the coming weeks.
RAVEN had to cancel their gig in Wacken. Instead, Eric Peterson’s (Testament) DRAGONLORD as well as MEGAHERZ will hit the stage. Here’s the official statement of RAVEN: "Unfortunately due to severe leg injuries that guitarist Mark Gallagher sustained late last year when a 6 metre wall fell on him, RAVEN will be unable to perform at their upcoming European shows in August 2002 – Mark was improving slowly but needs a series of further operations on his right foot & knee before he can resume his physiotherapy – at the moment he is still confined to a wheelchair – we wish to express our disappointment at not being able to do these shows as we were really looking forward to kicking some ass there, and our apologies to our fans & hope they understand – we will return! Best regards, John, Mark, Joe – RAVEN"
DIES IRAE‘s sophomore effort, "The Sin War", has been pushed back to a September release. The complete tracklisting is as follows: ‘Comrade Of Death’, ‘Incarnation Of Evil’, ‘Internal War’, ‘Horde Of Angry Demons’, ‘Infinity’, ‘Genocide Generation’, ‘The Truth’, ‘Beyond Sensual’, ‘Another Being Wasted’ and ‘Nine Angels’.
DERANGED‘s new album, "Plainfield Cemetary", is currently being recorded at Berno Studios (THE QUILL, VOMITORY, THE HAUNTED). A September release is expected.
Listenable Records have signed Finland’s MORS PRINCIPIUM EST.
DESTRUCTION and KREATOR have expanded the itinerary for their upcoming Hell Comes To South America tour.
According to their website, INCANTATION are gearing up for their first North American tour, in support of their new album, "Blasphemy". Other acts on the tour include IMPALED, DECAPITATED, AGATHODAIMON and DEAD TO FALL. The dates launch on July 25th and include stops at the Milwaukee Metal Fest and the Cleveland World Series Of Metal. Keep posted to the Incantation website (www.incantation.com) for tour dates, they will be posted as they are confirmed.
INFERNÄL MÄJESTY fans can download the title track from the bands upcoming album, "One Who Points To Death", at www.mp3.com/infernalmajesty
CALLENISH CIRCLE have split with bassist Roland Schuschke. Their new bassist is Rene Rokx (ex-CHEMICAL BREATH guitarist). He’ll make his debut with the band at the Stonehenge Festival in Steenwijk on July 27th.
OLD MAN’S CHILD touring keyboardist Vidvandre has joined Norway’s GRAND ALCHEMIST. The band’s debut album, "Intervening Coma-Celebration", is out on July 8th through Sound Riot Records. The album was recorded at Elg Studios and mastered by Tom Kvålsvoll at Strype Studios (DIMMU BORGIR, ARCTURUS, BORKNAGAR). Samples can be heard at: www.grandalchemist.com
ROTTING CHRIST has chosen "Genesis" as the title of their new album, due out on August 26th through Century Media. The album was completed at Stage One Studios in Germany with producer Andy Classen.
… AND OCEANS new concept album, "Cypher", has been scheduled for release on September 3rd and features the two new band members (one name only, in keeping with band tradition): Pete on guitar and Sami on drums. This summer, the band will be shooting three videos that will be launched later this year.
SLAYER‘s "God Hates Us All" album will be reissued on July 15th through Mercury in the UK. It features bonus tracks ‘Scarstruck’ and ‘Addict’, a DVD intro for ‘Darkness Of Christ’ and videos for ‘Bloodline’ and ‘Raining Blood’ (live). Also included is interview and B-roll footage.
On July 29, LIVIDITY’s new album "… Til Only The Sick Remain" will be released. It will be available as a regular CD and limited picture vinyl edition. The album was produced by Scott (Broken Hope, Num Skull), finishing touches were added at Mega Wimp Studios in Berlin / Germany. The band will come to Europe for a three-week promo trip in September, to present the album with liveshows.
The same day will also see the re-release of the rare debut album "Skin Stripper" by Australians cult Goregrinders VOMITORIAL CORPULENCE. The follow-up album is already in the making, but it won’t come out before 2003.
Germany’s Grind & Rollers MUCUPURULENT comence the recordings of their new CD (working title right now is: "Soul Reaver") and will be done until fall.
Berlin’s HARMONY DIES have decided to release their third full-length effort via Morbid Records. Release date will be early 2003.
The Dutch brutal Gore-Grind-Death act PROSTITUTE DISFIGUREMENT have enlisted Eric (ex-Destroyer 666, Inhume, Sinister) as the drummer. They will produce their second CD "Deeds of Derangement" in November.
BLOOD will be recording their 7th album in November, to be released early 2003.
INVICTUS PRODUCTIONS have changed their postal address. Due to the ridiculous price increase in the price of PO Boxes, they decided to drop the PO Box so effective immediately, the PO Box is no longer in use. Their new address (and ONLY address from now on) is INVICTUS PRODUCTIONS, c/o Darragh O’ Leary / Colin Purcell, 21 Elm Mount Close, Beaumont, Dublin 9, Ireland so please send all mail to this address.
The GOSPEL OF THE HORNS album has finally been mixed and mastered and should be ready for press within the next few weeks. The band has recently printed their own merchandise and it is available from them. For further info, contact gospelofthehorns@hotmail.com or check out http://gospelofthehorns.cjb.net as well.
In ALLFATHER related news, guitarist Justin Hagberg has been making a name for himself writing the scores to some underground horror films called "Meat Market", and also participating in the films as well. Anyone interested in their genre of films be sure to check out the following link for information on the www.pacificcoast.net/~frontline) . The ALLFATHER 10" should be out sometime in autumn / early winter.
VULPECULA is releasing a special farewell EP on Invictus Productions.
Despite some rumors, Germany’s PAVOR are still around in the same line-up and are currently working on the follow-up to their 1994 "A Pale Debilitating Autumn" album. According to bass player Rainer Landfermann the new material is supposed to be "faster, more extreme, more brutal and more virtuose…" No release date as of yet, but you can still download the band’s latest promo track ‘Perplexer: Perdition Projectile’ at www.pavor.com.
DIVINE RAPTURE‘s forthcoming full-length record will be entitled "The Burning Passion" and the complete track listing includes: ‘The Kindling’, ‘Black Moon Harvest’, ‘My Demon, Your Dove’, ‘Spirit Storm Serenade’, ‘The Deifying, The Sorrow, The Awakening’, ‘Funeral Mist’, ‘Affliction’, ‘No Future, No Past’. ‘Severed’, ‘Your Time Will Come’, ‘The Smothering’. The band recently finished shooting a music video for the song ‘Spirit Storm Serenade’ off of "The Burning Passion". The video was directed by renowned photographer Aaron Cobbett and shot at Headquarters Studios in NYC. Editing for the video will begin soon and will be performed and supervised by Divine Rapture. The video plot is guaranteed to be brutal and pain-driven and contains an underlying symbolic message related to the band’s theme. Behind-the-scenes photos have been posted on www.divinerapture.net These are a few of the projects in the Divine Rapture release schedule: split CD with Hatred out on Under the Baphomet Records (available now), split CD with Craniotomy out on Immortal Souls Productions (release: TBA), "Tribute to Morbid Angel" out on Hellspawn Records. Divine Rapture performs ‘World Of Shit (The Promised Land)’ alongside Zyklon, Vader, Krisiun, DIABOLIC, CENTURIAN, Angel Corpse, etc. (release: TBA) and "Tribute to Death" out on Mondongo Canibale Distribution. Divine Rapture performs ‘Pull The Plug’ (release: Fall / Winter 2002). All further info: www.divinerapture.net
Swedish hi-octane Thrashers CORPORATION 187 have revealed plans for the recording of their second album for Wicked World. The band will commence recording in Studio Underground at the end of July, before relocating to Studio Helltower (used on the band’s previous "Subliminal Fear" effort) in mid-August. The resulting album will be mixed by Peter Tagtgren at the infamous Abyss Studios. The record will feature new members Filip Carlsson (also of Satanic Slaughter) and Viktor Klint on vocals and bass respectively. The album is scheduled for an end of year release to coincide with a number of live shows Corporation 187 have planned.
MALEVOLENT CREATION are set to record their 8th full-length album on July 10th with producer Jean Francois Dagenais (better known as guitarist / producer for Kataklysm) at Greenhouse FX Studios in Tampa Florida. The new album titled "The Will To Kill" will be the first to feature new vocalist Kyle Symons (Hate Plow) and new drummer Justin DiPinto (ex-Divine Rapture).17 songs will be recorded during these sessions – 14 new tracks, 2 re-recorded songs from their 3rd album "Stillborn" (‘Dominated Resurgency’ and ‘Carnivorous Misgivings’) and a cover of ‘Metal Militia’ from Metallica (for a tribute CD on Nuclear Blast Records). The band has also signed a deal with Nuclear Blast Records who will release "The Will To Kill" throughout Europe later this year. "The Will To Kill" will be released in the US and Canada through Arctic Music. Look for Malevolent Creation on tour later this year. http://malevolentcreation.cjb.net
LUNARIS, the Progressive Black / Death Metal band featuring members of Spiral Architect, Satyricon and Borknagar will unleash their debut album ".. The Infinite" on September 2nd in Europe, with the US release a short while after (to be confirmed). You will find a little taste of things to come here: www.elitistrecords.co.uk/lunaris2.mp3
RAKOTH are presently recording their new album "Tiny Deaths" for Elitist Records in Moscow. Expect some eccentric, experimental folk-ish Avant-Metal.
Russian Black Doom act FOREST STREAM are close to the completion of their debut album, entitled "Tears Of Mortal Solitude". You can already check out a demo MP3 as a taste of things to come: www.elitistrecords.co.uk/foreststream.mp3.
EPHEL DUATH have completed some demo recordings as pre-production for their upcoming "The Painter’s Palette" album. Main man Davide has assembled a line-up of great musicians, including two members who also play in freeform Jazz bands. These influences will make Ephel Duath more organic, crazier, more layered and multidimensional than ever before.
CATTLE DECAPITATION‘s new album "To Serve Man" has been recorded mixed and mastered. Expect this new slab of grinding metallic gore to be in stores July 29th. The German Metal Blade distributor SPV refused to put the album in the stores due to the brutal artwork by Wes Benscoter. This means that "To Serve Man" will be available in Germany only through the usual mailoder companies. www.cattledecapitation.com
BEYOND THE EMBRACE are confirmed for the 2002 Death Across America U.S. Tour. This tour will mark the bands first cross-country jaunt, and is tentatively scheduled to begin on August 8th. The full line up has yet to be announced. For those who may not yet know, BEYOND THE EMBRACE has parted ways with drummer and long time friend Mike Bresciani. Recruited to replace Bresciani is Kevin Camille. Camille’s former bands include Voices Forming Weapons and Roswell. www.beyondthembrace.com