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Originally intended as the band's debut album and later shelved after Mike Browning left the band, Abominations of Desolation is the stuff of legend among Death Metal enthusiasts. Recorded in 1986, it is a stepping stone in the genre's history and contains early and raw versions of many soon to be classics in the band's repertoire, with Browning's brutal delivery giving the songs a very different personality than that of later versions. Absolutely essential for anyone interested in extreme metal.

Reissue of critically acclaimed 1990 full-length on limited-edition (300 copies) radiation green with orange haze colored vinyl. M-Theory Audio will reissue “Harsh Realities,” the debut album release from Seattle thrashers, Bitter END. The group's 1990 release, originally released by Metal Blade Records, was produced by Randy Burns (Megadeth, Kreator, Death, Nuclear Assault) and featuring cover artwork by Jim Warren (Loudness, Lizzy Borden, Heir Apparent) - garnered critical acclaim and a cult following for a thrash metal assault that bludgeoned ears with musical precision that appealed to fans of acts such as Megadeth, Forbidden, and Testament. The band were mainstays of the late 1980's pre-grunge Seattle heavy metal scene that also gave rise to fellow Pacific Northwest promising thrashers such as Forced Entry and Panic. Bitter END signed with Metal Blade Records and released “Harsh Realities,” after the success of their “Meet Your Maker” demo tape hailed by fanzines, underground/college radio, and tape traders. The album received strong reviews at the time from Metal Forces and Kerrang!, and the music video for the title track received airplay on MTV's “Headbanger's Ball.” The band cultivated their live presence with prolific shows in their hometown scene alongside future giants such as Soundgarden and Alice In Chains and toured alongside fellow thrash greats such as Sacred Reich and DRI. The group began tracking their follow-up record at Robert Lang Studios in Seattle with famed producer Jack Endino (Nirvana, Soundgarden, Mudhoney) handling mixing duties, however the shifting tides of the music industry and creative differences resulted in the dissolution of Bitter END in 1992 before their next album could be completed.

Acid Drinkers ware formed at 21 September 1986 by Tomasz “Titus” Pukacki (vocal, bass) and Robert “Litza” Friedrich (guitar, vocal). Very soon the line-up was completed with Darek “Popcorn” Popowicz (guitar) and Piotr “Chomik” Kulik (drums). Chomik was later replaced by Maciej “Ślimak” Starosta. In this line-up the band started to work on their first compositions: “Barmy Army”, “Del rocca” or “I Mean Acid”. Less than a month after the band started, Titus was called to the army and he left his friends for almost two years. During that time Litza and Popcorn decided to reactivate Slavoy, and after a short time Popcorn was offered to join Wilczy Pająk (Wolf Spider), and Litza to Turbo.

When he came back from the army, Titus tried to reactivate his first band Los Desperados. The attempts didn’t really work out, and after a meeting with Popcorn he chose to reactivate Acid Drinkers instead. Litza and Ślimak came back, too. Their live debut took place on Wyspa Słodowa, Wrocław, at 26 August 1989. After that show the news about a great new metal band started to spread around Poland and more and more people got familiar with the name Acid Drinkers. Very quickly they were offered a recording deal and their career started to roll. In this line-up they recorded such classic albums as “Are You A Rebel?”, “Vile Vicious Vision” or their most popular album “Infernal Connection”.

Towards the end of 1998 Litza decided to leave the band. He was replaced by Przemysław “Perła” Wejmann, a singing guitarist and the leader of Guess why. With Perła, the Acidos recorded three albums: “Amazing Atomic Activity”, “Broken Head” and “Acidofilia”. In the beginning of 2003 Perła left the band. His decision was a result of misunderstandings and contradictory conceptions concerning musical questions.

It took about a month to decide that the new guitarist would be Tomek “Lipa” Lipnicki, known from Illusion. Together with Lipa the band recorded the well received album “Rock Is not enough”. Over a year later, Lipa left for his new project Lipali. The guitar was taken over by Aleksander “Olass” Mendyk from None. The new musician quickly won himself the hearts of Acidos maniacs and plays with the guys up to this day. At the moment the band gigs a lot and is planning to record another full-length album.

Acid Drinkers are to this day the best and the most spectacular thrash metal band in Poland. During their long and eventful career they played over 500 concerts, including still well remembered gigs at Jarocin festival, Metalmania, Węgorzewo, Przystanek Woodstock or Odjazdy. They supported such metal giants as Deep Purple, Megadeth, Bruce Dickinson, Sepultura, Paradise Lost or Slayer. Their albums feature guest performances of Polish artists as Edyta Bartosiewicz, Kazik Staszewski, Tomek Lipnicki, Patrycja Kosiarkiewicz or Grzegorz Skawiński.

Acid Drinkers won the Fryderyk award (the Polish equivalent of the Grammy award) in 1998, 2000 and 2004 for the “Best Hard & Heavy Act”. In 1998 they also won the Złoty Bączek, an award given by the TV Channel 2 in the “Best Band” category. Together with Hey, Kazik Staszewski, Edyta Bartosiewicz and O.N.A. they were acclaimed the best five Polish bands of the 90s in a poll published in Tylko Rock, the most important rock magazine in Poland.

Entombed was inducted into the Swedish Music Hall of Fame in 2014 with the following motivation: "Hard Rock is just as typical of growing up in medium-sized Swedish towns as football and mopeds. Hard Rock is Swedish folk music with studded wrist bands instead of tasseled garters. After two decades of Anglo-Saxon hard rock a Swedish band, Entombed, became one of the world leaders in death metal. A subculture that has spread throughout the world, mutated in various forms, and after 20 years continues to be just as vital. Entombed is part of the heavier internationalization of Swedish popular music - all categories." The band was founded in 1987 under the name of Nihilist. With its catchy, versatile but still rock-hard music Entombed pioneered Scandinavian death metal, which was different from its American counterpart mainly by the characteristic, chainsaw-like guitar sound. The special sound they got by tuning down their guitars three full steps (to C or less), by using a maxed-out Boss Hm-2 Heavy Metal pedal, in combination with a guitar running through a Boss Ds-1 Distortion Pedal. The debut album "Left Hand Path" was released in 1990 and followed up the following year with "Clandestine" and “Wolverine Blues” in 1993. For the 25th anniversary of Dclxvi To Ride Shoot Straight And Speak The Truth is finally reissued and packaged as the band originally intended it.

Khanate's self titled debut (2001) has all the pleasant ambiance of a plane crash site, a bleak urban waste of mangled and torn metal beams and hissed alarms. When Khanate first issued instructions to the void in 2001, the band was embraced as the next iteration of guitarist Stephen O'Malley's tube-cracking forays into amplifier variance; a fascinating further step of vocalist Alan Dubin and low-frequency shifter James Plotkin's space charts; and a warning for the crawling-pace hammers of Tim Wyskida's drums. But Khanate was not preaching of coming doom or offering emotional catharsis. The band was totally post-dread. The worst had already happened, and would continue to happen, over and over. The 5 songs on Khanate sound like an "orchestrated root canal" (Julian Cope).

Khanate's self titled debut (2001) has all the pleasant ambiance of a plane crash site, a bleak urban waste of mangled and torn metal beams and hissed alarms. When Khanate first issued instructions to the void in 2001, the band was embraced as the next iteration of guitarist Stephen O'Malley's tube-cracking forays into amplifier variance; a fascinating further step of vocalist Alan Dubin and low-frequency shifter James Plotkin's space charts; and a warning for the crawling-pace hammers of Tim Wyskida's drums. But Khanate was not preaching of coming doom or offering emotional catharsis. The band was totally post-dread. The worst had already happened, and would continue to happen, over and over. The 5 songs on Khanate sound like an "orchestrated root canal" (Julian Cope).

Sensing that defenses to their contagion were down, Things Viral (2003) withdrew from any familiar or friendly shapes. On their second offering, the band decelerated to its own tempo, freezing the decay of the debut in a shocking and powerful stasis. Pitchfork lauds, "Khanate have that skill for unfolding an action in such excruciating detail that you're slowly edged off your seat_ Things Viral is extreme enough to appeal to people who don't have any interest in metal; the members cross metal pedigrees with noise-drone-art-damage bands-- from Burning Witch and Old, to Sunn 0))), to Blind Idiot God's Tim Wyskida on drums. It's committed but not overbearing, too resolute and unyielding to resist; it'll grab your skull and hold you achingly still as it thrashes through the depths, then totally, quietly wears itself out."

Sensing that defenses to their contagion were down, Things Viral (2003) withdrew from any familiar or friendly shapes. On their second offering, the band decelerated to its own tempo, freezing the decay of the debut in a shocking and powerful stasis. Pitchfork lauds, "Khanate have that skill for unfolding an action in such excruciating detail that you're slowly edged off your seat_ Things Viral is extreme enough to appeal to people who don't have any interest in metal; the members cross metal pedigrees with noise-drone-art-damage bands-- from Burning Witch and Old, to Sunn 0))), to Blind Idiot God's Tim Wyskida on drums. It's committed but not overbearing, too resolute and unyielding to resist; it'll grab your skull and hold you achingly still as it thrashes through the depths, then totally, quietly wears itself out."

Remastered, 15th anniversary edition of Green Carnation's acoustic album 'The Acoustic Verses' with bonus tracks 'Transparent Me' and 'Child's Play, Part 3 (live version)! Originally released in 2006, Norwegian progressive metal band Green Carnation surprised everyone with an all acoustic record. The album represents another step in the band's progressive career, as they combined the warmer and softer sound of an unplugged set with their earlier established progressive style and melancholic mood. From the folky influences of "Alone" to the dark vibrations of "Sweet Leaf", the record is brimming with raw emotional power that only a few bands master.

Swedish trio Kongh return with the follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2007 debut album "Counting Heartbeats" which established the band as a force to be reckoned with. On "Shadows of the Shapeless", the band has taken their dynamic and riff-driven thunderstorm a huge step forward, and the album will surely place Kongh at the very forefront of the european sludge/doom/metal scene.

We’re pleased to present the first of three classic Century Media vinyl reissues from Warbringer. The next generation’s thrash metal force Warbringer have built a commendable reputation for themselves with heralded albums and consistent touring supporting some of the biggest names in metal. We’re pleased to present a limited 500 copy run of this purple vinyl version with gatefold jacket, album art poster, expanded insert with extra pics and liner notes by singer John Kevill, and two bonus tracks including a cover of Swedish Death Metal band Unleashed. 2009’s Waking Into Nightmares was introduced with over 100 tour dates supporting the likes of Exodus, Kreator and Soilwork, and the relentless touring continued with European tours supporting Testament and Sacred Reich and further US shows opening for Megadeth, Suicide Silence, Slipknot, Vader, Obituary, Krisiun and more. The album was heralded as the next extreme step for the young thrashers who further enhanced their sound by introducing death metal elements and becoming even more fierce and precise than their classic debut hinted. Produced by Exodus/Slayer guitarist Gary Holt and engineered by Zack Ohren, Waking Into Nightmares is an esteemed favorite and now it’s back in print with expanded packaging and bonus tracks.

Spiral Shadow is the fifth full-length album by American sludge metal band Kylesa. A metal band to the bone, Kylesa stomp the clichés right out of psych-rock on Spiral Shadow. The Georgia band's new album, their fifth in less than a decade, is the next step in a pretty seamless evolution that's hidden increasingly complex (and catchy!) music behind an attack that still hits with the in-the-red rawness of hardcore. - Pitchfork

"Satan's disowned children are once again slipping on their hoods and frocks to give birth to one of the dirtiest and heaviest sludge/doom record of recent times. Acclaimed here and there, their previous EP "Open The Gates Of Shambhala" was our first release and allowed them to inflict tinnutus and stiffness while opening for Electric Wizard, Ramesses and many more. Now we're proud to introduce you to "Atavist Of Mann", the debut album from Brittany's own Huata. 60 minutes as a giant middle finger to modernism : recorded in the middle of nowhere by Kristian Keyboard Production, this slow procession of anvil riffs smoke-filled enough to make your mouth feel all furry, of liturgical atmospheres played with Hammond organ and clean vocals singed by the devil himself will pervert the most innocent souls. Seven tracks that crown a band who has been able to go to the very bitter end of its process , musically as well as aesthetically, and a record meant to be a milestone, at least by outclassing menopause on the podium of the causes of prolapse."

You must physically hold this album, kneel at its altar; we willfail to describe it. Medusa's First Step Beyond might have forevershifted the perception of Chicago rock history had it managedto make the leap from tape to its never-realized vinyl pressing.Instead, the confl agation of Sabbath, Hawkwind, and Amon DuulII remained petrifi ed in the Corycian Caverns_otherwise knownas the drummer's basement. Self-produced on four track in 1975,this lone transmission from Medusa's repertoire appeared on theextremely mysterious Pepperhead label, whose proprietor allegedlydisappeared after a bad trip and was never been seen again. Forgedin ceremonial mock-velvet, custom embossed in Gorgon-goldand blood-red, and art directed in accordance with the band'selaborate original stage props and artwork, we have positionedthis unreleased opus to fi nally reach its destination: the stereosof pot-smoking and leather-clad teenagers, young and old. Theexpanded CD version (also ensconced in ceremonial mock-velvetwith embossed artwork) boasts a wealth of new band photos andephemera as well as three additional tracks not available on the LP.Prior to tracking First Step Beyond, Chicago proto-metal quintetMedusa headed three miles west to the Village of Oak Park and cuttheir debut 7" at Stephen Wilcox's Pepperhead custom studio. Theresulting versions of "Strangulation" and "Temptress" are a touchfurther unhinged than their sororal album twins, as phased-outscraps of psychedelia and bleeding solos maxed out Pepperhead's8-track rig. Pressed in a strictly limited quantity of 1000 copies.

Treedeon 2017 is a thunderous riff-machine taking the next step and cultivating the ground that they’ve been breaking over the past years. 7 new tracks deeply-rooted in Sludge, Noise, and Doom, while incorporating unexpected melodies in the overall massive sound. No heavier band on the planet right now.

Azusa have inked new partnerships with Indie Recordings and Solid State Records to release “Loop Of Yesterdays”, the highly anticipated follow up to 2018’s critically acclaimed “Heavy Yoke”. Although equally broad in scope, “Loop Of Yesterdays” finds the band with more to say but less to prove, achieving a more aerodynamic and accessible approach to their intricate sense of song-writing and inherently technical style. On their sophomore release, Azusa step off the tightrope and stand with feet on solid ground. Expanding on ideas first presented on 2018’s album Heavy Yoke, Azusa seek to captivate audiences with their unique blend of melodic-thrash, jazz-fusion, hardcore and early 90’s riff pop sensibilities.

Azusa have inked new partnerships with Indie Recordings and Solid State Records to release “Loop Of Yesterdays”, the highly anticipated follow up to 2018’s critically acclaimed “Heavy Yoke”. Although equally broad in scope, “Loop Of Yesterdays” finds the band with more to say but less to prove, achieving a more aerodynamic and accessible approach to their intricate sense of song-writing and inherently technical style. On their sophomore release, Azusa step off the tightrope and stand with feet on solid ground. Expanding on ideas first presented on 2018’s album Heavy Yoke, Azusa seek to captivate audiences with their unique blend of melodic-thrash, jazz-fusion, hardcore and early 90’s riff pop sensibilities.

Uncovering the intensity and the metal inherent in non-metal, the avant-garde and anti-traditionalist inclinations of Finland’s ORANSSI PAZUZU have always had transcendental goals at heart. Through the rabbit hole and out the other side to 2020 with the release of their fifth album “Mestarin kynsi”, (“The Master’s Claw”). Inking a deal with German-based industry giants Nuclear Blast, ORANSSI PAZUZU subvert the idea of world domination to open a conceptual discourse on indoctrination and propaganda itself. Their psychological nightmare evolves a philosophical and earnest tone, where occult future meets troubled reality.

Golgotha is the sixth studio album by Bleeding Eyes. After Gammy (©2014 Go Down Records) the band embarked on a different stylistic and compositional path. Starting from long and substantial jams, the five-piece band extrapolated and deepened 7 tracks lasting almost 50 minutes. The influences are getting darker. Black on black. The esoteric doom mixed with the tipically sludgy attitude, give to their personal existential ordeal a picture in which Simone Tesser’s lyrics fit perfectly. Golgotha’s topics tell about saints and unbelievers, the latter ones in constant conflict with life and death. This new interpretation, that also takes inspiration from the heretic gospels of the apocalypse (first 2 tracks), represents the steady and never ending spiritual detachment, that our capitalist society has lived in for several decades. With mocking irony and lots of sarcasm a post-dogmatic dark way is proposed by the band to deal with the ordeal of everyday life. The studio recording process lasted several months and was handled by Jason Nealy and Marco Dussin (guitarist and bassist respectively). Drums and rhythm guitars were recorded at the music club Benicio Live Gigs, located in the suggestive woods of the Montello hill in Italy. While the final steps, mixing and mastering took place at BadRum studio in Asolo, Italy. Golgotha has a really deep and dense meaning for the band and the graphic part plays an important role too; that’s why the Bleeding Eyes has chosen the Lorenzo Ferraro’s photography. The album artwork consists in pictures taken right after the passage of the devastating storm Vaia, that heavily damaged the band’s hometown surroundings. The desolation post Vaia matches perfectly with Golgotha’s magmatic darkness. The event proved our disarming weakness in front of an untamed force of nature, that can unleash destroying powers yet unknown. The album title itself is therefore -calvario- the combination of a natural imagery that reveals the misery of the precarious human condition.

Golgotha is the sixth studio album by Bleeding Eyes. After Gammy (©2014 Go Down Records) the band embarked on a different stylistic and compositional path. Starting from long and substantial jams, the five-piece band extrapolated and deepened 7 tracks lasting almost 50 minutes. The influences are getting darker. Black on black. The esoteric doom mixed with the tipically sludgy attitude, give to their personal existential ordeal a picture in which Simone Tesser’s lyrics fit perfectly. Golgotha’s topics tell about saints and unbelievers, the latter ones in constant conflict with life and death. This new interpretation, that also takes inspiration from the heretic gospels of the apocalypse (first 2 tracks), represents the steady and never ending spiritual detachment, that our capitalist society has lived in for several decades. With mocking irony and lots of sarcasm a post-dogmatic dark way is proposed by the band to deal with the ordeal of everyday life. The studio recording process lasted several months and was handled by Jason Nealy and Marco Dussin (guitarist and bassist respectively). Drums and rhythm guitars were recorded at the music club Benicio Live Gigs, located in the suggestive woods of the Montello hill in Italy. While the final steps, mixing and mastering took place at BadRum studio in Asolo, Italy. Golgotha has a really deep and dense meaning for the band and the graphic part plays an important role too; that’s why the Bleeding Eyes has chosen the Lorenzo Ferraro’s photography. The album artwork consists in pictures taken right after the passage of the devastating storm Vaia, that heavily damaged the band’s hometown surroundings. The desolation post Vaia matches perfectly with Golgotha’s magmatic darkness. The event proved our disarming weakness in front of an untamed force of nature, that can unleash destroying powers yet unknown. The album title itself is therefore -calvario- the combination of a natural imagery that reveals the misery of the precarious human condition.

After winning over new audiences with their acclaimed 2018 debut full-length “Age of Revolution” and touring relentlessly alongside fellow shredders such as Marty Friedman, Powerglove and Exmortus, Immortal Guardian gathered in Las Vegas at the beginning of 2020 to begin recording their second album. As the spread of Covid-19 and the subsequent pandemic began to ensue, each member of the band retreated to their respective hometowns. With shutdowns around the world being enforced, the band completely scrapped the record that they had been working on and were heavily inspired to write and create a new thematic record about their emotions surrounding current events. “Psychosomatic” is the next step in Immortal Guardian’s evolution while still capturing the band’s exhilarating trademark melding of melodic power metal with progressive/shred tendencies.

The group – founded by Gabriel Guardian, whose uncanny ability to play guitar and keyboard simultaneously has been showcased on MTV's “Amazingness” and on his unique dual-instrument covers of classics by the likes of Iron Maiden, Pantera and Guns N' Roses that have garnered hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube – began building their following through multiple self-released EPs before signing with M-Theory Audio for the 2018 release of their first full-length record, “Age of Revolution.” The band has also performed live alongside some of the biggest names in metal, including Judas Priest, Dragonforce, Kamelot, Symphony X, Sonata Arctica, Slayer, Metal Church, Soilwork and Steve Vai, and in countries such as Brazil and Russia, and during high-profile performances at ESPN's X Games, South By Southwest and the Fun Fun Fun Fest.

Special situations call for special measures: Under the flag of this motto, Lamb OF GOD delivered two of the most impressive livestreams of 2020's last autumn. On Friday, September 18th, 2020, the groove giants from Virginia presented their new self-titled album in full length to their dedicated fans worldwide – directly and live from their own studio in Richmond, the creative home of Lamb OF GOD. With a stunning live performance in an unusually intimate setting, the Americans managed to ban the demons of the current situation and transfer the gripping energy of their live concerts to a digital space. This concert was now immortalized as a live release: "Lamb Of God - Live In Richmond, VA" captures one of the most important metal bands of the 21st century with all their fighting spirit and enthusiasm. This release is more than a live album: It is an important testimonial of the willpower of Lamb OF GOD facing the most difficult odds that Blythe and Co ever were confronted with.

To celebrate the 11th anniversary of the 2nd album from Vulture Industries, “The Malefactor’s Bloody Register” has now gotten a makeover and will for the first time be available on vinyl. Re-mixed, de-mixed, remastered and unmastered, this release has been in the making for some time. Intent on an impeccable vinyl presentation, the band originally set out to re-mix the album. But good intentions turned to shit as the new master sounded worse than the original. So, two steps back, press reset, the original master was tweaked for vinyl and we are mighty pleased with the result. Originally released in 2010, “The Malefactor’s Bloody Register” was released to critical acclaim and took the band to big festivals such as Hellfest Open Air and Metal Days. With the band growing in size, and the latest single, “Deeper”, reaching half a million streams, we know the fans are hungry for something new. And this is the only Vulture Industries album that hasn’t been out on vinyl yet. So, while we wait for something completely different and new from the band, we can enjoy a trip down memory lane with “The Malefactor’s Bloody Register”. “The Malfactor’s Bloody Register” was originally recorded at Conclave & Earshot Studios with Bjørnar Nilsen, and was mastered by Brian Gardner (Isis, NIN, David Bowie). The album also features a guest performance by Herbrand Larsen (ex-Enslaved) on hammond organ, and performers on cello, viola and saxophone.

30th Anniversary Lp Reissue Of The 1989 Thrash Classic Originally Released On Metal Blade Recordsa Higher Form Of Killing Was Recorded At Treasure Isle Studios In Nashville, Tn With Producer Tom Harding At The Helm. The Lyrics, Penned By Drummer John Pieroni, Were Critically Lauded For Their Exploration Of Themes Such As Gene Manipulation, Gas Warfare, Middle East Terrorism, Among Others. Amongst All The Seriousness, They Have A Tongue-In-Cheek Send Up Of The Monkees Gem, '(I'm Not Your) Stepping Stone'. 30 Years After Its Release, The Album Garners New Fans Every Year And Has Cemented Its Status As A Thrash Classic. Intruder Became The First Heavy Metal Band To Get Signed Out Of Nashville To A Major Label When Metal Blade Records Signed The Band In 1988. A Higher Form Of Killing Was Released In 1989 To Critical Acclaim And An Extensive North American Tour With Label-Mates Helstar Was Done In Support Of The Release. Also That Year, Intruder Swept The Metro Music Awards, Winning, Among Others, Band Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Singer Of The Year And Guitar Player Of The Year.For Fans Of Testament, Flotsam And Jetsam, Death Angel And Heathen

Cold Spring presents two Swedish titans - Nordvargr (MZ.412) and (trepaneringsritualen) - teaming up for a bludgeoning dose of Death Industrial majesty. Det Kätterska Förbund, consisting of the two giants dominating the Death Industrial world - Thomas Ekelund (Trepaneringsritualen, Dead Letters Spell Out Dead Words) + Henrik Nordvargr Björkk (MZ.412, Pouppée Fabrikk, Folkstorm etc) - has been slowly and methodically working for almost 5 years to finish the first album of this double-headed abomination. Patience richly rewarded. You can instantly feel the presence of lurking unease as the album slowly opens up a distorted world of familiar sounds and voices, but there is something special about these recordings; the menacing aura that has been created adds new elements to the otherwise rigid tropes of the genre. Punishingly heavy rhythmic tracks, with savage incantations from both Thomas and Nordvargr, gratifyingly familiar to fans of the artists' main projects, are flanked by these death-scarred lamentations.

“Nightmare Eclipse”, the second album and label debut from Sheboygan, Wisconsin's mosh masters Toxic Ruin. The album shows off the combination of energetic thrash metal, death metal brutality and clinical technicality that propelled the band to the final round of the 2019 Wacken Metal Battle. Toxic Ruin was formed in 2014 with a mission of blending classic thrash metal, old-school death metal and modern technicality and tones into a wicked headbanging brew. Operating out of their collective hometown of Sheboygan, the band released their debut album, “Subterranean Terror,” in 2016. This opening serve showcased the group's already-burgeoning barrage of furious riffs and lyrical content ranging from the socio-political commentary of tracks such as “Seat of Corruption” to the beloved craving of a good drink on songs such as “Alcoholocaust.” The group followed up that debut record with the release of their 2018 EP, “Mortal Insolence,” on which the current line-up of Toxic Ruin took shape with Behrendt stepping into the vocalist position and the debut of rhythm guitarist Blake Toltzmann alongside lead guitarist Jacob Baneck and drummer David Miller. The effort saw the group further evolve their sound, leading to praise from Dead Rhetoric for showcasing “a stronger level of confidence and insight into dynamic songwriting for a thrash band not content to rest on recycling the past, but rather creating a bright future." Toxic Ruin began writing and recording “Nightmare Eclipse” while relentlessly touring the United States in 2019 alongside bands such as Lich King and Stonecutters and playing multiple festivals including Full Terror Assault and Slam Dakota, plus winning 2nd Place in the 2019 edition of Wacken Metal Battle USA. The result is the band's most mature and complex material to date, while also being their heaviest display of metallic force so far.

Belched from Hell’s depths into the rustic charms of the Witch County, Suffolk thirty long and disturbing years ago, Cradle OF Filth are undisputed giants of the heavy metal realm. Imperious purveyors of a perennially unique strain of dark, dastardly and wilfully extreme metal, with deep roots in the worlds of gothic horror and occult curiosity, the band led by Dani Filth has weathered three decades of tumult and trial, earning a formidable reputation as both a singular creative force and one of the most riotously entertaining live bands the metal world has ever produced.

Cosmos - the first full-length album from the instrumental prog metal act Navian! The instrumental prog metal trio Navian build their music on technical melodies, interesting rhythms, big soundscapes, and groovy hooks! Cosmos is an energetic and playful mission into a dreamy and atmospheric prog metal soundscape. And getting there has been a journey. “We started out talking about the vision we all had in mind of what we wanted to do this time around. How we wanted the instruments to sound, the way we wanted to orchestrate and arrange the music, how we wanted it to be played, what kind of energy and landscape we were looking to capture and how we wanted the production to reflect our music. We met each day for two weeks sketching out rough ideas and demos for a song a day. Then the process of selecting the pieces we wanted to develop into songs. It was a big part to have the pieces available on our phones, so when we were out-and-about we could listen to them and get a sense if it worked or not. It was often decided if the hook was memorable or if one of us had an idea on how to develop the track further” - Navian Whilst working on Cosmos it was essential for Navian to stay open in their approach to the music and let it form freely. Stepping away from the stereotypical purist thought pattern that often rule the genre. The album is as such a result of the individual members combined background and influences, where their unified love for modern progressive metal meets and entwines with elements from pop, hip hop, and jazz. Compared to previous releases, Navian has also made a major leap when it comes to the production and the recording with Cosmos. “We feel like Cosmos has helped us solidify our expression and our voice. With our previous releases we have been at a stage where we still were looking for influences and still developing as a band. Now we have something that we all can look at and say, “this is Navian”. – Navian

The masterful new album from Old Tower. Traditional and yet alien, the deconstruction of regression as transformation from man to beast, which conceptually was felt throughout the project's wanderings but steps forth fully from the shadows on 'The Old King of Witches.' Shaving down to the bone and trimming the fat of the carcass to incant without rest and without resolution, Old Tower resurrects the dying breed of dark ambient with '90s deep electronics to conceive of a new breed of DARK MUSIC.

The most pure form of Old Tower always reaches for fictional reality and time stasis.

Conceptually on 'The Old King of Witches' we follow ‘a stranger’ who enters a derelict domain, full of old and rotten pine trees, scattered rocks overgrown with dark green moss and strange reclusive inhabitants. Some of these inhabitants are witches who worship the ancient evil that roams this place. Through the use of forbidden magic, they slowly pull the ‘stranger’ deeper into their forest world and we follow him on this journey through the woods, caverns, fields, and groves of this mysterious land. The Old King is the ruler of this land. Not a physical manifestation, but a symbol for the attraction of the mysterious and the dark.

A place where the new comes to die, and the old tends to thrive.

If you are lost, fall back on what is old and familiar, to find that new energy in places you have not visited in a while or never visited at all.

“I wanted to play guitar since I was born, basically,” proffers Matt Pike when asked about the formative years of his musical maturation. The iconic guitarist of High on Fire and Sleep seemingly came into the world with inherent talent

From reverent youth to Grammy-winning riff-wielder, Pike has always housed a boundless enthusiasm for the six-string and the stupendous sounds that – in the right hands – the instrument can produce.

“Trapped in A Midcave” was the first song we wrote. It’s kind of like “God of Thunder”. I tried to make my vocals mimic a David Lee Roth-type melody. Then I thought, “Who should I play the solo like?”, so I studied a bunch of Michael Schenker solos and then put a Michael Schenker solo that’s like four minutes long on it. It’s such a good riff. Soon after, it felt like ‘I want to record this, this shit’s really good,’” Pike admits.

The Automaton, in Greek mythology, is the big robot that’s the guardian of the Gods, basically. It’s a soulless, big machine named Talos. The big machine that’s working against mankind at this moment. In ‘Jason and the Argonauts’, Jason and the Argonauts have to battle this big machine guy that protects the island. Basically, what the album title is saying, metaphorically, is ‘Pike against the World.’”

“I made a psychedelic rock record that Sleep and High on Fire fans would like,” Pike says when asked for a CliffsNotes description of ‘Pike vs. the Automaton’. “And maybe if you’re not a Sleep or High on Fire fan, you might like it too. I definitely think it’s interesting; it has D-Beat punk, two-step. It’s got everything and it still works together, it doesn’t sound odd. It’s just an off-the-wall psychedelic rock record.”

“I wanted to play guitar since I was born, basically,” proffers Matt Pike when asked about the formative years of his musical maturation. The iconic guitarist of High on Fire and Sleep seemingly came into the world with inherent talent

From reverent youth to Grammy-winning riff-wielder, Pike has always housed a boundless enthusiasm for the six-string and the stupendous sounds that – in the right hands – the instrument can produce.

“Trapped in A Midcave” was the first song we wrote. It’s kind of like “God of Thunder”. I tried to make my vocals mimic a David Lee Roth-type melody. Then I thought, “Who should I play the solo like?”, so I studied a bunch of Michael Schenker solos and then put a Michael Schenker solo that’s like four minutes long on it. It’s such a good riff. Soon after, it felt like ‘I want to record this, this shit’s really good,’” Pike admits.

The Automaton, in Greek mythology, is the big robot that’s the guardian of the Gods, basically. It’s a soulless, big machine named Talos. The big machine that’s working against mankind at this moment. In ‘Jason and the Argonauts’, Jason and the Argonauts have to battle this big machine guy that protects the island. Basically, what the album title is saying, metaphorically, is ‘Pike against the World.’”

“I made a psychedelic rock record that Sleep and High on Fire fans would like,” Pike says when asked for a CliffsNotes description of ‘Pike vs. the Automaton’. “And maybe if you’re not a Sleep or High on Fire fan, you might like it too. I definitely think it’s interesting; it has D-Beat punk, two-step. It’s got everything and it still works together, it doesn’t sound odd. It’s just an off-the-wall psychedelic rock record.”

“I wanted to play guitar since I was born, basically,” proffers Matt Pike when asked about the formative years of his musical maturation. The iconic guitarist of High on Fire and Sleep seemingly came into the world with inherent talent

From reverent youth to Grammy-winning riff-wielder, Pike has always housed a boundless enthusiasm for the six-string and the stupendous sounds that – in the right hands – the instrument can produce.

“Trapped in A Midcave” was the first song we wrote. It’s kind of like “God of Thunder”. I tried to make my vocals mimic a David Lee Roth-type melody. Then I thought, “Who should I play the solo like?”, so I studied a bunch of Michael Schenker solos and then put a Michael Schenker solo that’s like four minutes long on it. It’s such a good riff. Soon after, it felt like ‘I want to record this, this shit’s really good,’” Pike admits.

The Automaton, in Greek mythology, is the big robot that’s the guardian of the Gods, basically. It’s a soulless, big machine named Talos. The big machine that’s working against mankind at this moment. In ‘Jason and the Argonauts’, Jason and the Argonauts have to battle this big machine guy that protects the island. Basically, what the album title is saying, metaphorically, is ‘Pike against the World.’”

“I made a psychedelic rock record that Sleep and High on Fire fans would like,” Pike says when asked for a CliffsNotes description of ‘Pike vs. the Automaton’. “And maybe if you’re not a Sleep or High on Fire fan, you might like it too. I definitely think it’s interesting; it has D-Beat punk, two-step. It’s got everything and it still works together, it doesn’t sound odd. It’s just an off-the-wall psychedelic rock record.”

“I wanted to play guitar since I was born, basically,” proffers Matt Pike when asked about the formative years of his musical maturation. The iconic guitarist of High on Fire and Sleep seemingly came into the world with inherent talent

From reverent youth to Grammy-winning riff-wielder, Pike has always housed a boundless enthusiasm for the six-string and the stupendous sounds that – in the right hands – the instrument can produce.

“Trapped in A Midcave” was the first song we wrote. It’s kind of like “God of Thunder”. I tried to make my vocals mimic a David Lee Roth-type melody. Then I thought, “Who should I play the solo like?”, so I studied a bunch of Michael Schenker solos and then put a Michael Schenker solo that’s like four minutes long on it. It’s such a good riff. Soon after, it felt like ‘I want to record this, this shit’s really good,’” Pike admits.

The Automaton, in Greek mythology, is the big robot that’s the guardian of the Gods, basically. It’s a soulless, big machine named Talos. The big machine that’s working against mankind at this moment. In ‘Jason and the Argonauts’, Jason and the Argonauts have to battle this big machine guy that protects the island. Basically, what the album title is saying, metaphorically, is ‘Pike against the World.’”

“I made a psychedelic rock record that Sleep and High on Fire fans would like,” Pike says when asked for a CliffsNotes description of ‘Pike vs. the Automaton’. “And maybe if you’re not a Sleep or High on Fire fan, you might like it too. I definitely think it’s interesting; it has D-Beat punk, two-step. It’s got everything and it still works together, it doesn’t sound odd. It’s just an off-the-wall psychedelic rock record.”

All-killer-no-filler melodic & symphonic & bombastic power metal at its best: every song of the new Moonlight Haze album is a potential hit single, displaying at the same time a rich sonic texture, some incredibly uplifting/addicting hooks and a meaningful and heartful message. ‘Animus’ represents a huge step up for the band’s songwriting and sound and got the five musicians excited since the very first melodies and lines that had been written. Lyrically-wise it’s an introspective and intimate work, but at the same time it looks at the world outside – willing to bring a bright message of vitality and rebirth. Hence the title, ‘Animus’, a Latin word that has different meanings: vital force, conscience, soul, mind and courage as well.

Charlatans took its beginning back in 2019 when Mattias Svensson gave Jens Broman a call. Jens Broman hadn't been working with music to any major extent since 2010 when he left Darkane. Since the release of the album, Anomaly, back in 2006, The Defaced had slowly started to dissolve during 2007-2008 and was finally set on pause indefinitely in late 2008. Mattias explained on the phone that he had written a bunch of songs that he wanted Jens to listen to. The intention was to start up The Defaced again. Jens loved the songs immediately and slowly during 2019 Mattias and Jens started to set up a work process for continuing working on the songs. – It all came very naturally, just like in the old days, says Jens. Klas Ideberg shared the same thoughts and ambitions and after recruiting new drummer Bob Ruben a new start of the band was on the table. All instruments were recorded in Helsingborg at the Mansarda studios, produced by Klas and Mattias. Vocals were recorded and produced by Jens and Björn Strid at Studio Björngrottan, in Tyreså Autumn 2020. Mixing and mastering by Lawrence Mackory, At Obey Mastering, in Uppsala. December 2020. As with so many artists much of the inspiration for this record, lyrically came from a large extent from the pandemic. Not as such but its creativity came as an involuntary pause from the wound-up stressed world. The songs cover themes such as struggles with relationships, self-doubt and eager frustration and a feeling that everything is already too late to change. Charlatans is an album that encompasses the sound of the earlier albums but given the addition of a more prominent progressive touch. The songs aim to give the listener an even greater sonic adventure than the previous records. Still, most of the heritage from old metal giants is ever so present, blended together with classic songwriting with a twist towards progressive soundscapes.

20 years after its recordings, Solefald’s fourth album ‘IN Harmonia Universali’ will be finally available on vinyl for the first time ever. Solefald are a wilful and truly unapologetical one-of-a-kind band, defying all known genre definitions with each release. ‘IN Harmonia Universali’ is one of their most complex works to date, layered and eclectic, it stems from the band’s obsession with Progressive Rock, making its way through art, history and philosophy with lyrics touching five different languages. An unheard-of blend of Extreme Metal with bombastic passages, Gothic mystique, acoustic interludes, and the fearless use of instruments like saxophone, hammond and piano, make this album a crucial step in the band’s career. «In Harmonia Universali» says Lazare «is one of the most ambitious albums we have created together. And more than anything it’s a statement of what happens when ambition meets possibility. The world has changed since its release, but ‘In Harmonia…’ still rises above convention and keeps on being itself.» This long awaited release comes on Double Black vinyl limited to 400 copies worldwide , housed in a deluxe gatefold sleeve with exclusive and extensive liner notes by Cornelius and Lazare, and including a 4-panel insert with lyrics.

Richmond, VA-based harsh industrial metal deconstructors Hold ME Down reanimate their design for total sonic retaliation through their latest creation, Powerless, a debut full-length offering of caustic post-industrial punishment and complete sensorial undoing which follows brilliantly in the steps of their transformative 2019 Sentient Ruin-issued self-titled demo tape. As is now commonplace with bands and their releases associated with Sentient Ruin, an aura of ambivalence, reverence and transformation enshrouds this work, with the echoes of legendary industrial acts like Skinny Puppy, Ministry, Godflesh and Swans reverberating from the past and undergoing a future-projecting metamorphosis, as present time contaminants (power electronics, blackened noise, death industrial) enter the picture in an aberrant recombination of stylistic DNA, paving the way to groundbreaking and grim sonic transfigurations. Throughout its ten cold bursts of synthetic mechanized dissolution Hold Me Down explore concepts of withdrawal, personal failure, societal fracture and emotional unravelling through a bleak post-industrial disassociation where disorienting drum machines, vitriolic metal guitars, bleak soundscapes and oppressive electronics instigate a depersonalizing collapse within the listener.

So if Sandrider marks a shift for Weisnewski and Damm, it's more in the inclusion of Roberts and the overall presentation of their sound than in the style of their play. That said, Sandrider does have a more grounded feel to its material than did Akimbo; a maturation and natural next step from what they last presented. Songs vary in memorability, but each proves worthy in one way or another, and for the flow Sandrider establish across the album as a whole, nothing is out of place or unjustifiable. Roberts is an excellent complement for Weisnewski vocally, the two blending so well together that it's hard to tell where tradeoffs are (other than backing spots), and Damm's percussion adds a punk-ish sense of danger to the whole affair, whether it's the rhythmic shifts of 'Crysknife' or the driving finale of closer 'Scatter.' Sandrider, because they're not really a new band, don't fall prey to what a lot of others might on their first record in terms of not fully realizing the vision of what they're trying to accomplish, but at the same time, there's a sense of potential in opener 'Children' that speaks to the development of Sandrider as its own band and a hopefully ongoing project. The song has some surfy swagger and sway, and Weisnewski's scream tops the cleaner singing excellently. His guitar is at the fore, but the balance of the mix is excellent, and Sandrider can strike into either accessibility or riffy abandon depending on the band's whim.

What to do when you like rock and doom born from the desert but your surroundings offer anything but arid lands? Besvarjelsen found an impressive answer in the grim forests of their homeland in Dalarna, Sweden. Having grown up in the far north at the meeting grounds of ancient Norse and Finnish cultures amongst echoes of runes and gods, shamans and spirits, the spellbinding five-piece crafted their name from the Swedish word for "conjuring" while drawing heavy inspiration from local lore, mysticism, and the dark, old musical traditions. Yet Besvarjelsen are anything but another "pagan" outfit longing for a time that never was. With its wistful melodies and towering riff-power their sophomore full-length "Atlas" represents a logical step along the course that Besvarjelsen charted from the start. The band was co-founded by guitarists and vocalists Andreas Baier and Staffan Stensland Vinrot in 2014 with a clear vision to channel the spirit and traditions of the vast Dalarna forests, a region otherwise famous for its painted wooden horses, into contemporary heavy music. Once vocalist Lea Amling Alazam arrived with a fiery passion for punk and stoner rock that had begun at the local skate park when she was just counting 13 years, Andreas and Staffan happily relegated their shared vocal duties to a supporting role – an easy choice as Lea's distinctive voice summoned the intimacy and charisma of singers like Nina Simone or AMY Winehouse. Besvärjelsen released their debut EP "Villfarelser" in 2015, which was followed quickly by the "Exil" EP in 2016. The Swedes' debut full-length "Vallmo" hit the streets of Stockholm and elsewhere in 2018. The album merged crushing riffs and storming drums with increasingly sophisticated melodies and thoughtful themes. With the mini-album "Frost", Besvärjelsen intended to crush stages all over Europe in 2019, before being forced into involuntary live performance hibernation for two years. Although compelled to write separately, the band used the spare time to compile a wealth of ideas, amassed remotely and shared across the miles and months of relative solitude, which would finally result in the recording of "Atlas" with producer Karl Daniel Lidén in 2021. Re-purposing melancholic harmonies that could have been derived from the playbook of Alice IN Chains, adding gravity that would make Windhand proud, and topping their upgraded sound with exciting yet intimate vocal lines, Besvarjelsen have carved a towering monolith from solid rock and planted it firmly into the magical woods of their homeland to send its heavy lay-lines around the globe that is burdening the shoulders of the titan "Atlas".

Fifth album by Swedish doom legends Count Raven finally available on vinyl!

he final decade of the last millennium was a significant period for the birth of Finnish extreme metal. In the late 1980s, speed metal found its way into the country, and was immediately followed by thrash metal. Afterwards, death and black metal bands started to pop up in every nook and cranny. Some of those rose to an international fame, while others stayed in the shadows waiting for their turn. Through the years, Svart Records has already brought to light many lost treasures of the Finnish metal scene. This June it will be the turn of Thromdarr from Riihimäki and their old tapes excavated from the band’s archives.

The story of Thromdarr reaches back to 1989, when the band’s guitarist Mika Kyöstilä formed Nymphomaniac, a precursor to Thromdarr, together with Ari “Ave“ Auvinen. When the band went through a lineup change, they changed their name to Necrobiosis and eventually to Thromdarr in 1991. According to the band, they entered the scene with the punk attitude of learning by doing. They followed the steps of their idols and started to make fast and heavy metal in the vein of Sodom, Destruction, Kreator, Slayer, Possessed, Bathory, Celtic Frost, Sepultura, Obituary, Pestilence and Death.

When the demos and recordings started to pile up, the musical taste of the band members started to evolve into a more brutal direction.

-“We played the demo to our friends with great excitement and were often told we sound more like black metal than death metal. We didn’t mind this since we had already embarked on that direction and had face paint on the first band photos. We developed the name Thromdarr ourselves and it was supposed to sound phonetically like thunder”, the band’s frontman Kyöstilä recounts.

Early on in their career, Thromdarr had already played with many renowned metal acts, such as Barathrum, Sentenced, Archgoat and Demigod. The band took a couple of cassette pressings of their first studio demo As a Wind Cries and ended up selling 500 copies.

On their later demos, Thromdarr made more experimental material from the black metal canvas. On the other hand, going through a lineup change led to the band losing its driving force, the recording pace slowing down and the little live activity falling behind partying. In the end of the millennium, the band became active again and signed a contract with Solistitium Records, releasing their debut album NorthStorm Arrives in 1998

Svart Records has now compiled Thromdarr’s early demos into a single package. Kyöstilä and Svart’s producer Olli Hänninen have barely touched the original soundscape, instead remastering the demos the way they were originally made with all their faults and successes.

-“The tapes haven’t been remixed afterwards. Instead, they sound as primitive as when they were originally released. The material has also been copied from original recordings. Pick up a beer and listen to old school metal!”, Kyöstilä urges.

Svart Records will release Thromdarr’s Midwinter Frost – Complete demo tapes 1990-1997 double LP compilation and CD on the 17th of June 2022.

Black vinyl, gatefold sleeve, 12″ insert

Finnish Heavy Metal legends, Spiritus Mortis unveil a grand–scale epic of antique Doom on 16th of September via Svart Records.

Erecting a new monolith in the halls of Doom Metal history with their fifth album The Great Seal, Spiritus Mortis certify true classic status as one of the scene’s modern greats.

There are few modern-day bands that can be uttered under the same breath as the giants of Traditional Doom and Heavy Metal like Spiritus Mortis. Formed in 1987 as Rigor Mortis they can firmly attest to having been “the first Finnish Doom Metal band”, uncovering hallowed ground before the later imitators. Carrying the banner of powerful true Metal, the likes of which stands proudly next to the masters such as Dio era Sabbath, Solitude Aeturnus and Trouble, Spiritus Mortis have established a tradition of catchy song-writing and consummate knowledge of sacred riff-craft. The Great Seal is a collosal album which Spiritus Mortis describes as “a rite of collective suicide and an orgy of self-immolation” and plumbs the depths of epic sorrow with gargantuan slabs of igneous riffs and emotional vocals.

Synonymous with classic Finnish Doom bands like Reverend Bizarre, whose singer Albert Witchfinder intoned previous albums’ vocals, Spiritus Mortis continue to define and cement their formidable legacy. Albert’s replacement, Kimmo Perämäki is more than worthy of the consecrated robes he inherits, delivering a performance which is flawlessly dominating and instantly gratifying. Tracks like Martyrdom Operation and Visions Of Immortality see Perämäki boldly carving his own name in the stone tablets of future history, marrying the riffs of the Maijala brothers and guitarist Kari Lavila with the splendor of magnificent melancholy that Spiritus Mortis is so known and admired for.

Not only will true devotees of the Spiritus Mortis Doom church be raising their fists with full hearts, but those who seek knowledge of the faithful spirit of real Metal can surely look no further than within The Great Seal.

Orthodox was born as a trio in Seville, Spain at the end of 2004. Starting from doom metal and absorbing influences from drone, jazz, and extreme metal, the band represents one of the most relevant but unpredictable bands of the Spanish metal underground. After breaking through the international underground with their Gran Poder debut LP in 2006, Orthodox has released another six studio albums, multiple EPs, splits, singles, and more, released through respected labels like Southern Lord, Utech Records, God Unknown, and long-running allies, Alone Records. Since 2014, Orthodox has operated as a duo, with bassist/vocalist Marco Serrato and drummer Borja Díaz handling all recording and live performances. However, Proceed sees the return of guitarist Ricardo Jiménez to the lineup for the first time since 2011’s Baal. To capture this mammoth album, in November 2021, Billy Anderson (Sleep, Melvins, High On Fire, Om, Neurosis, EyeHateGod) was flown to La Mina Studios in Sevilla, Spain, and recorded the album with assistant engineers Raúl Pérez and Nacho García. Anderson mixed the record at his Everything Hz back in Portland, Oregon, after which it was sent to Justin Weiss at Trakworx in San Francisco, California for mastering. Proceed was completed with artwork and illustrations by Fernando Rivas and layout/design by José Postigo. Proceed represents Orthodox's return to its original essence, but also a step forward as a band. After a multitude of different projects around the band and a long way traveled, they are back to reel off heavy riffs like a three-headed juggernaut. Orthodox has performed at international festivals such as Hellfest, Roadburn, Supersonic, Amplifest, Primavera Sound, and many others, has collaborated with artists as diverse as Julian Cope and flamenco dancer Israel Galván, and has opened for Voïvod, High On Fire, Corrosion Of Conformity, and countless more.

Grave Bathers have been decimating audiences with high decibel, high energy live performances since their formation in 2018 and quickly gained notoriety with their ambitious Feathered Serpent/Death Hand 7” EP released via Seeing Red Records in 2020. Upon first listen, The Sleeping Shaman hailed the band’s, “epic riffs, piercing Robert Plant vocals, tales of outlaws and bloodshed, all above some truly gorgeous bass work,” while Doomed And Stoned lauded “a sound that shuffles well with the rockier side of Pentagram, Black Sabbath, and Portland street doomers R.I.P.” Added Metal Temple, “Grave BATHER’s EP is the epitome of doom metal, and resembles every corner of the atmosphere through their clouded movements… the EP deserves a listen through the graveyard.” The band’s authentic blend of bombastic boogie, booty shaking hard rock, heavy psych, and episodic doom earned them both critical acclaim and the momentum to pick up endorsements by Orange Amplifiers and Ampturco Guitar Werks. Grave Bathers continues to make strides in the streets by writing, touring, and playing with great acts such as Ruby The Hatchet, Blackwater Holylight, Rifflord, Deathchant, Warcloud, Tower, Scorpion Child, Zed, Howling Giant, Amplified Heat, Ecstatic Vision, Holy Death Trio, Heavy Temple, Mick’s Jaguar, and many others. Their momentum is no surprise: the band boasts the decibel-smashing guitarist Jaret Salvat-Rivera of Heavy Temple as their lead riff ripper and later added drummer Sean Lafferty of Yatra into the fold to forge their most dominant lineup yet. The talent-stacked Voltron has since earned thousands of fans online through their iconic style, viral gear porn, vintage analog recording methods, and Spotify presence; all with only three singles out.

The Finnish death doom spearhead Kuolemanlaakso, starring vocalist Mikko Kotamäki (Swallow the Sun), are about to release their first album in eight years. The band’s third full-length Kuusumu was co-produced, mixed, mastered and engineered by the Triptykon and Dark Fortress guitarist V. Santura, with whom the band has worked with on all of their releases. Kuusumu will be released in 2022 via Svart Records.

“The recording break streched unforgivably long, but in doom there’s no rush. It was great to get back to business with the guys and have the opportunity to invite a couple of old friends to help us out, too. Kuusumu’s keyboards were produced and co-arranged by Aleksi Munter (Swallow the Sun, Insomnium, Ghost Brigade), and Lotta Ruutiainen (Luna Kills) did some amazing singing on a couple of tracks. In my humble opinion we took many steps forward on Kuusumu”, says guitarist-songwriter Laakso.

Kuusumu’s texts are loosely based on the sudden global cooling that began in 535, leading to a 10-year long winter, loss of crops, famine and mass deaths of cattle and other animals. The climate change was most likely caused by massive volcanic eruptions, the fog of which darkened the sun for 1,5 years, causing loss of light and intolerable coldness. Moreover, the bubonic plague that began in the Byzantine Empire in 541 swept across Europe, killing tens of millions of people during the climate crisis.

“I see our previous releases as autumn albums, so this time we decided to make a winter album. I came across some literature about the catastrophic events by chance, and got immensely inspired by them – especially the contemporary writings of the 530–540 era. It didn’t take long for me to write the album after that. It’s spine-chilling to ponder that a deadly climate change and a pandemic raged also 1,500 years ago when medical knowledge, information flow and living conditions were in their infancy. And there was no electricity, of course. People thought that they have angered the gods and the darkness will last forever,” says Laakso.

On Kuusumu, Kuolemanlaakso stretch their artistic boundaries even further. The album contains the trademark Kuolemanlaakso heaviness, but also more bombastic, fast and meticulously arranged material. The first single Katkeruuden malja, featuring Lotta Ruutiainen, represents the catchier and lighter side of the album.

“Katkeruuden malja draws its inspiration from grief and misery. Musically it’s almost tripping in the landscapes of recent day Tribulation, but with melancholic and Kalevala-infused melodic influences, that sound very Finnish to me. The music video sort of mixes and matches the frost theme of the album with the color palette of the cover artwork,” states Laakso.

The Finnish death doom spearhead Kuolemanlaakso, starring vocalist Mikko Kotamäki (Swallow the Sun), are about to release their first album in eight years. The band’s third full-length Kuusumu was co-produced, mixed, mastered and engineered by the Triptykon and Dark Fortress guitarist V. Santura, with whom the band has worked with on all of their releases. Kuusumu will be released in 2022 via Svart Records.

“The recording break streched unforgivably long, but in doom there’s no rush. It was great to get back to business with the guys and have the opportunity to invite a couple of old friends to help us out, too. Kuusumu’s keyboards were produced and co-arranged by Aleksi Munter (Swallow the Sun, Insomnium, Ghost Brigade), and Lotta Ruutiainen (Luna Kills) did some amazing singing on a couple of tracks. In my humble opinion we took many steps forward on Kuusumu”, says guitarist-songwriter Laakso.

Kuusumu’s texts are loosely based on the sudden global cooling that began in 535, leading to a 10-year long winter, loss of crops, famine and mass deaths of cattle and other animals. The climate change was most likely caused by massive volcanic eruptions, the fog of which darkened the sun for 1,5 years, causing loss of light and intolerable coldness. Moreover, the bubonic plague that began in the Byzantine Empire in 541 swept across Europe, killing tens of millions of people during the climate crisis.

“I see our previous releases as autumn albums, so this time we decided to make a winter album. I came across some literature about the catastrophic events by chance, and got immensely inspired by them – especially the contemporary writings of the 530–540 era. It didn’t take long for me to write the album after that. It’s spine-chilling to ponder that a deadly climate change and a pandemic raged also 1,500 years ago when medical knowledge, information flow and living conditions were in their infancy. And there was no electricity, of course. People thought that they have angered the gods and the darkness will last forever,” says Laakso.

On Kuusumu, Kuolemanlaakso stretch their artistic boundaries even further. The album contains the trademark Kuolemanlaakso heaviness, but also more bombastic, fast and meticulously arranged material. The first single Katkeruuden malja, featuring Lotta Ruutiainen, represents the catchier and lighter side of the album.

“Katkeruuden malja draws its inspiration from grief and misery. Musically it’s almost tripping in the landscapes of recent day Tribulation, but with melancholic and Kalevala-infused melodic influences, that sound very Finnish to me. The music video sort of mixes and matches the frost theme of the album with the color palette of the cover artwork,” states Laakso.

On vinyl fo rthe first time. Even in 1994, good and exciting traditional metal albums were being recorded while "out there“ grunge and crossover were raging. Morbid Jester from Herborn started in 1988 under the name Milzbrand (German for anthrax) and initially played punk. But the love for heavy metal prevailed among the members, so that in 1992 they recorded their first demo as Morbid Jester, which sold more than 400 copies regionally. The press also reacted enthusiastically, so the next step was to record their first album: "Until The Battle Is Won“.

Italian tortured black doom juggernaut Noctu takes another bold step in their musical and lyrical progression with the blazing new anticipated full length album "Norma Evangelium Tenebris" via Dusktone. On this six-track album, Noctu brings us a heavily layered black murk and a veil of staticky black hiss unfolding into broken-down melodies and fractured pieces of tortuned guitars and vocals, building into a strange ghostly noisescape with howling blackened shrieks and psychotic moaning that worm their way through the gales of slow distortion. Combined with their penchant for sombre imagery and apocalyptic undercurrents, this produces something far bleaker and more unsettling than anything else we're hearing in the realm of black funeral doom right now. again, a dreamlike descent into the realm of death and human despair

Finnish metal quartet Black Royal – whose blend of lurching sludge and groove-laden death metal is inflected with lyrics inspired by Scandinavian and Sami mythology – have signed with M-Theory Audio. The group's third full-length album “Earthbound” is set for release October 21, 2022. Black Royal formed in Tampere, Finland in 2013, and unleashed two self-released EP's – 2015's “The Summoning Pt. 1” and 2016's “The Summoning Pt. 2” before signing with Swedish-based Suicide Records for the release of their 2018 debut full-length, “Lightbringer.” The latter slab of sludge-infused death metal made waves within their homeland's metal scene by making Inferno Magazine's Top 10 Albums of 2018 list. The album was praised by Angry Metal Guy for its “giant riffs and primal groove” and applauded by Metal Temple for its “refined arrangements and impactful atmosphere.” The group also made its presence felt on the live stage after the release of “Lightbringer,” culminating in a performance at Tuska Open Air 2018. Black Royal's second album “Firebride” was released in February 2020. The effort saw the group continue to build upon the momentum of their previous effort and refine their varied influences into a more cohesive display of suffocating death metal, hypnotic sludge, and catchy rock hooks. MetalSucks asserted that Black Royal crafted “some pretty gnarly sludge ‘n’ roll” and No Clean Singing noted that “for all its buzz-saw riffery and doomy delirium, 'Firebride' [was] all about the hooks.” Ghost Cult Magazine cited vocalist Riku‘s “harsh bark” and Jukka‘s “mammoth drums” while also giving plaudits to a sound that was “given touches of both tradition and imagination by [guitarist] Toni’s leadplay” and bass notes from Pete that resembled “a jet taking off.” Black Royal entered Studio Watercastle in August 2021 to begin laying down the tracks that would become their third full-length album – and M-Theory Audio debut - “Earthbound.” Produced and mixed by Oskari Hakala-Rahko (Lordi, Blind Guardian) and mastered by Jaakko Viitalähde (Convulse, Oranssi Pazuzu), the record is set to be the group's heaviest mix of sludgy riffs and death metal power yet.

Urferd signifies the beginning of a new and additional musical chapter for its founder and sole member, Daniel Beckman (twilight Force, Ages), and brings a refreshing new perspective to the genre, challenging the boundaries of dark atmospheric folk music. The first album “resan” is a musical odyssey in both a literal and figurative sense. The album takes the listener on a journey through dark and olden Nordic forests; where strife and hardships follows in our steps, yet where the beauty and vastness of the solemn Nordic landscape persists and permeates. From the album opening’s depiction of a serene morning’s dawn to the closing track’s respite of a hearth at nightfall, Resan traverses a multitude of captivating musical landscapes and themes throughout its eight songs.

"Electric Elite" is the second studio album of Riot City from Canada and this is the perfect follow-up to their highly acclaimed "Burn The Night" debut of 2019. The debut album was Album of the Month in Germany's Deaf Forever magazine and was voted by many media as one of the best albums of its year. Riot City was also voted as one of the best newcomers by various media, while metal fans also supported the release and the band that already has completed two European tours and many festival appearances with many more to follow supporting "Electric Elite".Following "Burn The Night", Riot City are keeping their ripping and screaming heavy metal but with "Electric Elite" they're also going one step further adding US heavy and power metal elements to their heavy-speed Judas PRIEST-and-NWOBHM-inspired metal.

Somewhere between the late 1990s and the early 2010s, the rif largely disappeared from mainstream rock & pop. Its transformative power - the rif as a means to transport the listener into another dimension - became an art cherished only in the underground of rock and metal. One of the strong proponents of that transformative power is ASTROSAUR, an overlooked gem in the international heavy psyche rock and post- metal scene. The Norwegian power trio has been employing the rif as their principal mode of transport since their 2017 debut album Fade In // Space Out. Now, with the release of their third album Portals, ASTROSAUR are sounding more expansive and convincing than ever, delivering an intuitive exploration of the infnite powered by soaring guitars and surging grooves.With their third full-length album, ASTROSAUR have delivered an incredibly diverse and musically challenging and satisfying experience, showing that this band is greater than the sum of its truly great parts. Over the course of fve tracks and 48 minutes, the band use the best traits of the aforementioned genres to take you on a sonic journey into the deepest caverns of space and time.First single «Black Hole Earth» is masterclass soaring post-rock guitars, with its magnifcent main melody, which is ofset against a blistering desert rock rif, like a star ship phasing in and out of hyperspace, alternating between crushing your guts and showing you the most marvellous views of deep space.From a compositional viewpoint, «Eternal Return» is a mind-blowing afair. This giant psychedelic prog epic has been built from diferent themes and motifs that take turns in appearing, shifting form and developing as they go along. Segueing into new themes or returning to earlier ones, «Eternal Return» gloriously comes full circle, ending the mind-boggling journey of Portals.With the addition of vibraphones, Moog and acoustic guitars, the sound of ASTROSAUR is fuller and more diverse than ever before. From the soaring overture of «Opening» to...

Somewhere between the late 1990s and the early 2010s, the rif largely disappeared from mainstream rock & pop. Its transformative power - the rif as a means to transport the listener into another dimension - became an art cherished only in the underground of rock and metal. One of the strong proponents of that transformative power is Astrosaur, an overlooked gem in the international heavy psyche rock and post- metal scene. The Norwegian power trio has been employing the rif as their principal mode of transport since their 2017 debut album Fade In // Space Out. Now, with the release of their third album Portals, Astrosaur are sounding more expansive and convincing than ever, delivering an intuitive exploration of the infnite powered by soaring guitars and surging grooves. With their third full-length album, Astrosaur have delivered an incredibly diverse and musically challenging and satisfying experience, showing that this band is greater than the sum of its truly great parts. Over the course of fve tracks and 48 minutes, the band use the best traits of the aforementioned genres to take you on a sonic journey into the deepest caverns of space and time. First single «Black Hole Earth» is masterclass soaring post-rock guitars, with its magnifcent main melody, which is ofset against a blistering desert rock rif, like a star ship phasing in and out of hyperspace, alternating between crushing your guts and showing you the most marvellous views of deep space. From a compositional viewpoint, «Eternal Return» is a mind-blowing afair. This giant psychedelic prog epic has been built from diferent themes and motifs that take turns in appearing, shifting form and developing as they go along. Segueing into new themes or returning to earlier ones, «Eternal Return» gloriously comes full circle, ending the mind-boggling journey of Portals. With the addition of vibraphones, Moog and acoustic guitars, the sound of Astrosaur is fuller and more diverse than ever before. From the soaring overture of «Opening» to the glorious fnale of «Eternal Return», Portals shows the next great post-metal band at their most accomplished. Fans of dynamic rifs and intricate compositions can once again rejoice as they're able to tune in and fade out once more with another wild ride courtesy of this exciting Norwegian powerhouse. Limited Eternal Return Vinyl Edition!

High Command returns with their second full length album Eclipse of the Dual Moons, arriving 25th November via Southern Lord and produced with Seth Manchester. Listen TO First Single "siege Warfare" Black Vinyl - Non-returnable. Swords and metal go hand in hand. That’s what crossover thrash band High Command say, having turned heads with their debut album Beyond The Wall of Desolation (2019). But it’s not solely metal music which influences the band, who cite the lustful violence of Robert E. Howard, Michel Moorcock, Jack Vance and many other legendary pulp writers of the 20th century as an impetus for their expansive storytelling. “People would also be surprised to hear we drew quite a bit of inspiration from the music of Ennio Morricone, especially in regards to writing some more of the epic, grandiose passages and chord progressions.” says the band. Now, with their second album, Eclipse of the Dual Moons, the band take their love of storytelling a step further, deepening and widening the world of Secartha, the realm of High Command’s songs. The band place themselves as omniscient narrators of the world they have created, and say that they are inseparable from Secartha and its people. “It’s one thing to make a good metal record, but it’s another to put on top of it a sort of overarching story that makes sense to listeners. The whole High Command project is enriched by lyrics articulating characters, a world, and trials faced within it. We want our records to be immersive and leave listeners with a feeling they’ve experienced something bigger than the music.” It’s not just a question of widening the world, which the band first started exploring on The Secartha Demos (2016); Eclipse of the Dual Moons sees High Command honing their process to a fine art “it’s like we started with chiseling a rock… this record is the moment the rock in question begins to look like an actual sculpture.”

Moon Colored Vinyl, limited to 500 copies. Swords and metal go hand in hand. That's what crossover thrash band High Command say, having turned heads with their debut album Beyond The Wall of Desolation (2019). But it's not solely metal music which influences the band, who cite the lustful violence of Robert E. Howard, Michel Moorcock, Jack Vance and many other legendary pulp writers of the 20th century as an impetus for their expansive storytelling. "People would also be surprised to hear we drew quite a bit of inspiration from the music of Ennio Morricone, especially in regards to writing some more of the epic, grandiose passages and chord progressions." says the band. Now, with their second album, Eclipse of the Dual Moons, the band take their love of storytelling a step further, deepening and widening the world of Secartha, the realm of High Command's songs. The band place themselves as omniscient narrators of the world they have created, and say that they are inseparable from Secartha and its people. "It's one thing to make a good metal record, but it's another to put on top of it a sort of overarching story that makes sense to listeners. The whole High Command project is enriched by lyrics articulating characters, a world, and trials faced within it. We want our records to be immersive and leave listeners with a feeling they've experienced something bigger than the music."

Limited Svart exclusive box set edition. The demo LP will not be available separately.

Hexvessel and Svart Records celebrate the 10 year anniversary of Hexvessel’s debut album Dawnbearer with a set of reissues, including CD, double vinyl plus an exclusive vinyl box set with a bonus LP containing demos and early versions of tracks on the album.

“Dawnbearer is a very important album for us, being our first album but also the first original album release for Svart Records. It’s also a very special record for our fans, and one that’s particularly close to my heart, in a world of its own when compared to the other records we have made. Considering that it’s been out of print now for some time, I’m delighted to be able to oversee a reissue of this album, together with original demos and out-takes, and liner notes showing the making of this album which carries the initial DNA of Hexvessel’s musical and spiritual journey”, says band leader Mat McNerney, “We haven’t touched a thing on the original layout, but added some bonus material for the limited edition, should you wish to own a luxury edition of this, our now classic debut.”

Hexvessel band was founded by English singer/songwriter Mat McNerney (Beastmilk, Grave Pleasures, Carpenter Brut etc) after he moved to Finland in 2009. Their style of music has been referred to as “forest folk” or as Noisey/Vice puts it: “Weaving English folk, lilting Americana, and mushroom-induced psychedelia”. Their debut album 'Dawnbearer' was released worldwide in 2011 on Svart Records and is considered to be an influential classic record of the modern Occult Rock revival. Highly popular with Hexvessel fans and unique in their catalogue, featuring guitars by Andrew McIvor (Code), violin work of Daniel Pioro (who works on Paul Thomas Anderson’s soundtracks with Jonny Greenwood from Radiohead), the early production work of Jaime Gomez Arellano (Ghost, Paradise Lost), and guest vocals from Carl Michael Eide (Virus, Ved Buens Ende, Aura Noir).

“Think Woven Hand, haunted ’60s/’70s pastoral folk, or a darker riff on Midlake. McNerney covers Clive Palmer’s post-Incredible String Band crew C.O.B. and successfully transforms and darkens Paul Simon’s “Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes.” He quotes Crowley, Truman Capote, Isaac Babel, etc. Unlike black metal-ready folk, this is folk by a talented, ambitious black metal musician. But the energy’s there. As is the atmosphere.” - Stereogum

“(Part of) a new wave of bands who share many of the original occult bands' musical and philosophical characteristics, spearheaded by Ghost, from Sweden, and the Devil's Blood, from Holland – have begun to lure in a new generation of fans, predominantly from the metal scene, their names alone – Ancient VVisdom, Hexvessel, Blood Ceremony– point to a focused step back to the age of Wheatley and Hammer. ” - The Guardian (2011)

Norwegian experimental progressive thrashers Vorbid are finally back with new music! 4 years after the release of their critically acclaimed debut album Mind, Vorbid is set to further explore the outpost of progressive metal. Vorbid is a young, fresh, and incredibly energetic metal band from Arendal, Norway. Both the band’s previous releases, a self-titled EP from 2016 and their debut album Mind from 2018 received amazing reviews and got lots of media attention, landing them tours with Norwegian underground heavyweights such as Aura Noir, Obliteration and Einherjer. In 2022 Vorbid has returned with even more technically challenging and intriguing music, stepping up the game and proving themselves worthy of a place at the prog metal table.

In four short years of existence, Green Lung have risen from the murk of the UK heavy underground to become a true cult band with a devoted following. Debut album Woodland Rites, released independently in early 2019, quickly garnered attention, resulting in a single being named ‘Track of the Week’ in the Guardian, plays on Daniel P. Carter’s Radio One Rock Show, a tour with fellow UK heavies Puppy and festival appearances across Europe.

This brought the band to the attention of the wider music industry, and after multiple offers from a variety of labels, the band decided to stay true to their roots and sign with the Finnish audio wizards at Svart Records, home to several of their doomy inspirations including Reverend Bizarre and Warning. Svart’s deluxe reissue of the album, and the preceding EP Free the Witch, sold out several pressings.

Two years later, the folk horror-obsessed fivesome have re-emerged from their mulchy catacombs armed with dozens of freshly-whittled riffs. Black Harvest, the sequel to Woodland Rites, is a more colourful reimagining of the band’s sound - Dawn of the Dead to its predecessor’s Night of the Living Dead.

Recorded at Giant Wafer Studios in rural mid-Wales over the course of two weeks with longtime producer Wayne Adams (Petbrick, Big Lad), it’s a more expansive and textured record than anything the band have done before, boasting a cinematic quality and more attention to detail. All samples were sourced from the local countryside and from instruments found in the studio, including the haunting opening vocal of ‘The Harrowing’ which was recorded on a whim after the band broke into the local church (the organ can be heard creaking in the background). The album was recorded in late autumn, and the seasonal atmosphere seeped into the music, which is redolent of mists, falling leaves, and the crumbling glory of the Magnificent Seven cemeteries of London, the city the band call home.

The album also soaks in new sonics beyond the ‘Black Sabbath meets Brian May’ blueprint of what went before. ‘The Harrowing’ takes the band’s tradition of instrumental opening tracks to dizzy new heights, like Atomic Rooster jamming with Boston, while ballad ‘Graveyard Sun’, based on the folklore around the ‘Highgate Vampire’, adds gothic synth lines that would give Type O Negative pangs of jealousy. That’s not to say the hooks n’ heaviness approach that made the band’s name isn’t here in abundance, as the Sabbath-meets-Purple chug and groove of revolutionary lead single ‘Leaders of the Blind’ and the Hammer Horror riff frenzy of ‘Upon the Altar’ prove. Closer ‘Born to a Dying World’ is unlike anything the band have written before; an endtimes ballad with an almost gospel feel, tying the band’s omnipresent nature themes to the Anthropocene.

Mastered by John Davis at Metropolis (Led Zeppelin, Royal Blood), Black Harvest comes packaged in stained glass artwork by renowned artist Richard Wells (Doctor Who, Dracula, Ben Wheatley’s In the Earth), and is available in gatefold vinyl and CD formats.

Seaside Swirl Vinyl, limited to 500 copies.In the two years since their last full length outing, Let There Be Nothing, JUDICATOR have returned from collective and personal turmoil brought on by both the Covid-19 pandemic and foundational lineup changes. The US power metal group are now primed and proud to release their triumphant sixth studioalbum, The Majesty of Decay, via Prosthetic Records. Refreshed and revitalized, JUDICATOR are eager to let this beastly album out of the gate and into your stereos.Whilst the album's story remains somewhat shrouded in mystery, JUDICATOR utilizes compelling plot devices as a means to encourage fans to piece together the album's meta- contextual threads. What we do know, however, is that The Majesty of Decay explores the subjects of love, family, and the transformation of suffering into something meaningful. JUDICATOR invites you to step into this world and contemplate how the story might relate to you. The album is a carefully constructed puzzle of mirrors and metaphor that cries out for Judicatorfans everywhere to solve it.What began as a humble homage to their favorite band quickly grew into something that had fans begging for more, and JUDICATOR is happy to oblige.The band has produced a catalog of music that spans multiple sub-genres and breaks conceptual boundaries. With this latest offering, The Majesty of Decay, JUDICATOR have delivered yet another thought provoking album that fits nicelyinto their discography.

Born from their shared love for heavy music and 20 years of experience in playing together, THE GORGE consists of four jazz musicians who use the project as a creative outlet besides their day jobs as session musicians and music educators. Triangulating the chaotic yet groovy energy and the guitar masterclass of Botch with the riffage of Mastodon and the nimble instrumental intricacy of Animals as Leaders or Intronaut, Mechanical Fiction is an immensely ear-pleasing collection of tasty riffs and complex compositions that are nonetheless free-flowing like a river smoothly carving its winding path through a rugged landscape.With their third full-length album, THE GORGE take you on a giant voyage of discovery from which an incredible amount of joy can be experienced. Besides being wizards at their instruments, the quartet from St. Louis also prove to be incredible composers who know when to shine and when to take a step back, which is a rare feat in progressive music these days. The final track «Wraith» offers a sublime moment in which the band's compositional skill and emotional lyrics come together to offer one last opportunity for respite and consideration. Among the giant synthesizers, slow syncopated riffing and dying screams we are all laid to rest with our faces towards the sunset. Having come to the end of a life's journey, THE GORGE ofer us the thing that we have all longed for: release from the bonds of our Mechanical Fiction.FOR FANS OF Mastodon, Intronaut, Botch, Between the Buried and Me, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Meshuggah, Animals As Leaders

Born from their shared love for heavy music and 20 years of experience in playing together, THE Gorge consists of four jazz musicians who use the project as a creative outlet besides their day jobs as session musicians and music educators. Triangulating the chaotic yet groovy energy and the guitar masterclass of Botch with the riffage of Mastodon and the nimble instrumental intricacy of Animals as Leaders or Intronaut, Mechanical Fiction is an immensely ear-pleasing collection of tasty riffs and complex compositions that are nonetheless free-flowing like a river smoothly carving its winding path through a rugged landscape. With their third full-length album, THE Gorge take you on a giant voyage of discovery from which an incredible amount of joy can be experienced. Besides being wizards at their instruments, the quartet from St. Louis also prove to be incredible composers who know when to shine and when to take a step back, which is a rare feat in progressive music these days. The final track «Wraith» offers a sublime moment in which the band's compositional skill and emotional lyrics come together to offer one last opportunity for respite and consideration. Among the giant synthesizers, slow syncopated riffing and dying screams we are all laid to rest with our faces towards the sunset. Having come to the end of a life's journey, THE Gorge ofer us the thing that we have all longed for: release from the bonds of our Mechanical Fiction.

Holyname is the project formed by Sleeping Giant vocalist Tommy Green. Their debut concert was live-streamed from Chicago and featured guest appearances from Brian “Head” Welch (korn), Ryan Clark (demon Hunter), Joe Musten (advent) and Brook Reeves (impending Doom).

The Debut album from Finnish band Graven Sin is a modern classic of godly, Doom-laden Heavy Metal. Veil of The Gods is etched in granite via Svart Records on November 2023

Pristine new Finnish band Graven Sin stomp proudly on the shoulders of giants with their ravishing debut album, Veil of The Gods. Immaculate Heavy Metal, expertly delivered with stunning finesse and elegant Doom perfection, Veil of The Gods is a classic in the making. Rarely has a new band sounded so timeless, serving up a godly platter of first-class Heavy Metal, that Graven Sin seem chiselled in granite to sit side by side at a table with the greats from the very get go.



From the galloping charge of opening barn-stormer Morrigan, with jaw dropping solo guitars courtesy of riff master Ville Pystynen, the epic and anthemic She Who Rules Niflheim with soaring vocals from Greek vocalist Nicholas Leptos to the formidable double bass canter of Ville Markkanen’s drums on songs like Beyond Mesopotamia, Graven Sin knows the true riddle of steel.



Throughout Veil of The Gods’ eleven cast-iron tracks, we can trace veins of recent Finnish greats such as Sentenced, Amorphis, Reverend Bizarre or their nordic counterparts Grand Magus from Sweden, but there is much more at play here. Graven Sin offers up heavy, doom laden orthodox Heavy Metal in the true, chugging, monumental sense of the term. The knowledge and prowess of Heavy Metal craft on display in Veil of The Gods is second to none, from the Maidenesque command of melody to the swarthy Manowar rhythms, herculean Deep Purple keys and Messiah like Candlemass-rich voice of astonishing vocalist Leptos, these are songs to be inscribed into stone tablets.



Where pitch dark mythical themes and occult leanings of the lyrics bring to mind the Heavy Metal running through Black Metal bands like Dissection, the song arrangements swing from gallop to thundering, head-banging mid-sections with such magnificence, you would think you were in the hands of a band with decades of heritage behind their backs. A “where have you been all my life moment” awaits Heavy Metal fans of all shades when Graven Sin hits the speakers, delivering a sound that cuts glass and steel. A refreshing tour–de-force through everything Heavy Metal is loved for, not shrinking from the dark but embracing it with gusto and fierce bravado. Veil of The Gods shows us that real metal lives forever, if crafted with true spirit and belief. Hear the cry of the seer of doom, by heeding Morrigan’s call now:

Ville Pystynen - guitar, bass

Nicholas Leptos - vocals

Ville Markkanen - drums

The Debut album from Finnish band Graven Sin is a modern classic of godly, Doom-laden Heavy Metal. Veil of The Gods is etched in granite via Svart Records on November 2023

Pristine new Finnish band Graven Sin stomp proudly on the shoulders of giants with their ravishing debut album, Veil of The Gods. Immaculate Heavy Metal, expertly delivered with stunning finesse and elegant Doom perfection, Veil of The Gods is a classic in the making. Rarely has a new band sounded so timeless, serving up a godly platter of first-class Heavy Metal, that Graven Sin seem chiselled in granite to sit side by side at a table with the greats from the very get go.



From the galloping charge of opening barn-stormer Morrigan, with jaw dropping solo guitars courtesy of riff master Ville Pystynen, the epic and anthemic She Who Rules Niflheim with soaring vocals from Greek vocalist Nicholas Leptos to the formidable double bass canter of Ville Markkanen’s drums on songs like Beyond Mesopotamia, Graven Sin knows the true riddle of steel.



Throughout Veil of The Gods’ eleven cast-iron tracks, we can trace veins of recent Finnish greats such as Sentenced, Amorphis, Reverend Bizarre or their nordic counterparts Grand Magus from Sweden, but there is much more at play here. Graven Sin offers up heavy, doom laden orthodox Heavy Metal in the true, chugging, monumental sense of the term. The knowledge and prowess of Heavy Metal craft on display in Veil of The Gods is second to none, from the Maidenesque command of melody to the swarthy Manowar rhythms, herculean Deep Purple keys and Messiah like Candlemass-rich voice of astonishing vocalist Leptos, these are songs to be inscribed into stone tablets.



Where pitch dark mythical themes and occult leanings of the lyrics bring to mind the Heavy Metal running through Black Metal bands like Dissection, the song arrangements swing from gallop to thundering, head-banging mid-sections with such magnificence, you would think you were in the hands of a band with decades of heritage behind their backs. A “where have you been all my life moment” awaits Heavy Metal fans of all shades when Graven Sin hits the speakers, delivering a sound that cuts glass and steel. A refreshing tour–de-force through everything Heavy Metal is loved for, not shrinking from the dark but embracing it with gusto and fierce bravado. Veil of The Gods shows us that real metal lives forever, if crafted with true spirit and belief. Hear the cry of the seer of doom, by heeding Morrigan’s call now:

Ville Pystynen - guitar, bass

Nicholas Leptos - vocals

Ville Markkanen - drums

The highly anticipated new album from Portland’s Vintersea no on vinyl! One of the best and most consistent selling bands on our roster returns with a new full-length, the follow-up to 2019’s ‘Illuminated. Vintersea combines the essential parts of many genres into a melodic, progressive and at times blackened brand of metal that is undeniably inspired by the majesty of the Pacific Northwest. The quintet led by Malaysian-born vocalist Avienne, whose vocal range spans from haunting melodies to fierce growls, has organically built their following through a variety of top-notch music videos (each garnering hundreds of thousands of views) and social media outreach. Vintersea did two US tours in support of their previous record, alongside bands like Dawn of Ouroboros, Graveshadow and Voices of Ruin, as well as playing regionally opening for Fleshgod Apocalypse, Obscura, Thulcandra, Wolfheart, Ne Obliviscaris, Jinger, Arkona and Sirenia. Now with proper management and booking agent Vintersea seek to take things up a step.

From the streets of Venice Beach CA, come Ottto, the electric eclectic funk-punk-rock stew who release their first full-length studio album Life Is A Game on March 24th, 2023. Bassist Tye Trujillo, lead vocalist/guitar Bryan Noah Ferretti, and drummer Triko Chavez spill their aggressive groove centric vibe throughout the 10 track, Tim Harkins (Korn, Jerry Cantrell) produced album, as Ottto lead the charge on a full-tilt Old School giant riff revival with pride and raw, unfettered passion. Double-stuffed with melody, Ottto throw it all down within a potent DIY punk attitude, infused with plenty of alternative chemical imbalance! "My Pain", "Skyscraper" and the ultra-dynamic "Night Howlers" are loaded with the sort of grease, grime, and funkified riffage that can only come from the hearts and minds of unpasteurized, raw warriors. If Life Is A Game then Ottto are going at it hard, fast, and without any traditional rules.

PSYCHLONA's fourth album "Warped Vision" is an exemplary exercise of practiced veterans creating a masterpiece. The album's foundations are laid down by riff-focused heaviness and breakouts combined with a multitude of chilled vibes. What makes "Warped Vision" stick out from a host of similar recordings is the precision with which each hook hits home and sticks, a dynamic balance of rough edges and catchy melodies. The city of Bradford in West Yorkshire is neither particularly arid nor situated in a hot climate. But although hailing from the former industrial heartlands of rainy Northern England, PSYCHLONA have developed a particularly British brand of desert rock. Some hot summer days in 2016 inspired local musicians to fry up some sonic ideas from sunny California of decades past and to blend in the raw energy of UK punk, a dash of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, and spoonfuls of classic English 60s and 70s psychedelia. When the experiment exceeded their own expectations, PSYCHLONA were born. In November 2018, when English towns turn bleak and cold, their sun-drenched debut album "Mojo Rising" made ears prick up and set them firmly on the path for the prolific following years. The hardworking Englishmen released their sophomore full-length "Venus Skytrip" in August 2020, an album received rave reviews across the heavy rock underground, and which landed PSYCHLONA their first number one on the Doom Charts. It also reserved them spots high up on several important end-of-year lists. Gathering momentum, the British stoner rockers unveiled their third album "Palo Verde" two years later in August 2022 and immediately scored a second 10/10 review in Powerplay Magazine UK. Now, PSYCHLONA are ready to take the next big step. Welcoming two new members aboard the band has added a new dynamic both in writing and recording. The gentle alterations brought about by their fresh input have turned "Warped Vision" into what is clearly the most complete and thrilling album of the psychedelic desert rockers so far. With "Warped Vision", PSYCHLONA have hit the jackpot, and they are generously offering up rounds for everyone. Cheers! 1. Jasmine2. Let's Go3. Smoke4. Cut Loose5. Topanga6. Kaleidoscope7. Split8. Magic Carpet

Taking one step forward and three steps back, Alfahanne returns home to Dark Essence Records with their most furious and heavy release to date! Marking exactly 10 years since the band's debut, the new album "Vår tid är nu" will see the dark of night in February 2024. Loaded with the catchy melodies that has become the Alfahanne signature, the album combines a punk attitude, melody and groove with a bleak atmosphere somehow both reminiscent of the 80s and the early days of black metal. Adding such noble and notorious guests as Nattefrost (Carpatian Forest), Spellgoth (Horna), Nattfursth (Sorhin) and Doedsadmiral (Nordjevel) into the mix, you have an explosive cocktail fit for the end of days. On "Vår tid är nu", Alfahanne looks back while leaning forward, staring deep into the abyss. The band quotes "Our time is now, this is the beginning of the end."

Victoria BC's Raw War were a lawless blown out nuclear crust assault that obliterated ears from 2009 to 2013. During that time the band decimated stages and established widespread chaos all over the Pacific Northwest with pulverizing live sets and a sound made of pure apocalyptic terror doused in the ashes of humanity's end. Influenced by '80s and '90s UK D-beat and anarcho-punk bands like Doom and Discharge as well as by early Scandinavian crust bands like Anti Cimex and Totalitär, Raw War soon established widespread terror in their native British Columbia region, bringing their derailing and off the chain assault of primitive, ear-splitting noise-punk cacophony to its inevitable end and extreme conclusions. An unnamed full-length album and 7" EP tentatively tiled Raw Terror were recorded but never saw the light. Marred by debauchery, lineup instability and their very nature as an entity that far too soon had decided to explode in a shockwave rather than quietly fade away, Raw War disbanded sometime around 2013 leaving a thirty-five minute unforgiving, primeval, bulldozing, crustcore onslaught unreleased and completely unheard of for ten long years. Fast forward to 2023, and Sentient Ruin stepped in to honor the legacy and work of one of BC's most uncompromising and visceral hardcore crust bands by finishing the work and releasing the entirety of the band's long-unreleased material (the untitled full-length album and the Raw Terror EP) as the comprehensive 12" vinyl/digital full-length release Total Raw War. Long live the Raw War. Long live Total. RAW. WAR.