Sunday, July 31, 2016

Seattle area concert calendar

Seattle area concert calendar by Metal Bulletin Zine (Washington state). If you know of other metal concerts in the area, please get in contact with Metal Bulletin Zine here, on Facebook and Twitter.
August 5 Substratum, WeaponLord, + others at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
August 5 Monolord, Beastmaker, Sweat Lodge at Barboza, Seattle, WA
August 5 Come To Grief, Bell Witch, Hissing, Dilapidation at Highline, Seattle, WA
August 5 Mechanism, Discordia, Splintered Throne at Tony V's Garage, Everett, WA
August 6 Monolord, Beastmaker, Sweat Lodge at the Shakedown, Bellingham, WA
August 8 Summer Slaughter: Cannibal Corpse, Nile, After the Burial, Suffocation, Carnifex, Revocation, Krisiun, Ingested and more at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
August 8 WRVTH at The Pin, Spokane, WA
August 12 Miasmic, Xoth, Progenitor at Cherry Bomb, Port Angeles, WA
August 12-14 Migration Festival at the Capitol Theater in downtown Olympia, WA: Alaric, Auroch, The Body and Krieg collaborative performance, Christian Mistress, Dead to a Dying World, False, Fórn, Full of Hell, Hell (U.S.), Khemmis, Kowloon Walled City, Krallice, Magic Circle, Mizmor, Mournful Congregation, Mutilation Rites, Nightfell, Obsequiae, Pale Chalice, Panopticon, Thou, Vastum, Vhol, Yellow Eyes
August 13 Pill Brigade, Dilapidation, Noceur, Subliminal Genocide at at Obscurus, Everett, WA
August 14 Archspire at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
August 16 Krallice, Pale Chalice, Addaura, A God or an Other at Highline, Seattle, WA
August 19 The Dread Crew of Oddwood at Funhouse, Seattle, WA
August 20 The Dread Crew of Oddwood at WMRF, Bonney Lake, WA
August 20 Lord Dying, Child Bite, Joel Grind at Highline, Seattle, WA
August 21 The Dread Crew of Oddwood at WMRF, Bonney Lake, WA
August 21 Neid, Genocide Method, Truth Decay, Darkmysticwoods at Highline, Seattle, WA
August 21 Anthrax, White River Amphitheater, Auburn, WA
August 22 Master, Sacrificial Slaughter, The Black Order, VX36, Xoth at Substation, Seattle, WA
August 22 Belphegor, Origin, Shining, Abigail Williams, Ashen Pyre guests at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
August 24 Sammy Hagar at The Tulip Amphitheatre, Tulalip, WA
August 27 Power from Hell (Brazil), Crurifragium, Vomicus, Hereticon at Black Zia Cantina, Burien, WA
August 28 The Devils Of Loudun, A Sense Of Gravity, A World Without, Children Of Seraph, Thieves of Eden, Vesuvian at El Corazon, Seattle, WA
September 1 Lesbian, Nosretep, Xoth at Chop Suey, Seattle, WA
September 1 Cobalt, Mantar, Into the Storm at Highline, Seattle, WA
September 5 Volbeat, Killswitch Engage, Black Wizard at WAMU Theater, Seattle, WA
September 3 Begrime Exemious, Drawn and Quartered, Oxygen Destroyer, at Highline, Seattle, WA
September 8 Wolves in the Throne Room, Dispirit at Obsidian, Olympia, WA
September 8 Phobia, Nomads, Wilt, Columbian Necktie at Highline, Seattle, WA
September 9 Mortuary Drape, Dispirit at Highline, Seattle, WA
September 13 Black Nights Rising at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
September 16 Marduk, Rotting Christ, Carach Angren, Necronomicon, Funeral Age, Inquinok at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
September 27 Megadeth, Amon Amarth, Suicidal Tendencies, Metal Church, Havok at WAMU Theater, Seattle, WA
September 30 Kataklysm, Deathmocracy, A Flourishing Scourge at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
October 1 Def Leppard at Tacoma Dome, Tacoma, WA
October 4 Black Death Resurrected, Christian Mistress, High Spirits, Acid Wash at Highline, Seattle, WA
October 6 Discharge, Eyehategod, Toxic Holocaust, Oxygen Destroyer, Disciples of Dissent at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
October 11 Gojira, Tesseract at Showbox SoDo, Seattle, WA
October 12 Brujería, Cattle Decapitation, Piñata Protest at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
October 14 Between the Buried and Me, Devin Townsend Project, Fallujah at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
October 15 Saint Vitus, The Skull, Witch Mountain at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
October 15 Gorguts, Intronaut, Odyssian at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
October 15 Skeletonwitch, Iron Reagan, Oathbreaker, Gatecreeper at Highline, Seattle, WA
October 23 Sleep at Showbox, Seattle, WA
October 25 Opeth at The Moore Theater, Seattle, WA
October 29 Himsa at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
November 5 Ulcerate, Zhrine, Phobocosm at Highline, Seattle, WA
November 15 Armored Saint, Queensrÿche, Midnight Eternal at Showbox at the Market, Seattle, WA
November 16 Epica, FleshGod Apocalypse, Arkona, The Agonist, Xandria at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
November 26 Dark Tranquillity, Swallow the Sun, Enforcer, Star Kill at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
November 29 Sonata Arctica, Leaves’ Eyes, Omnium Gatherum at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
January 18 Udo Dirkschneider "Back To The Roots - Farewell To Accept" at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
January 28 Blue Öyster Cult at Historic Everett Theatre, Everett, WA
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Friday, July 29, 2016

NEWS: AUROCH: Details Of Third LP From Vancouver Death Metal Faction Issued

OFFICIAL: Profound Lore Records has issued the details for the impending third full-length album by Vancouver, British Columbia-based death metal faction, AUROCH. The most unfathomably devastating works to see release yet have been captured on the band's unrelenting Mute Books LP.
Enveloping shadow of dark death metal chaos looms with AUROCH's third full-length album, Mute Books, which will reveal itself as the band's darkest, most brutal, complex, and musically virulent release to date. Carrying the innovative Canadian death metal tradition laid down by the likes of early-'90s Gorguts, Cryptopsy and Kataklysm, and more recently through the likes of Mitochondrion and Chthe'ilist, the songwriting on Mute Books reaches a new plateau in technicality and over-the-top dynamics along with a new achievement in production and sound. Recorded at Raincity Recorders (Baptists, Japandroids, White Lung), Mute Books was mixed and mastered byArthur Rizk (Prurient, Inquisition, Pissgrave, Black Twilight Circle, Power Trip), AUROCH has cast their most ferocious undertaking yet; one of the darkest, most violent, whirlwind-like bizarre monuments of alchemic death metal of the year. Mute Books features expansive cover art by Cold Poison Design; each format of the album will feature the artwork in different aspects.
Profound Lore Records will release Mute Books on CD, LP, cassette, and digital formats on October 21st. A preview of the artwork, the track listing, and more have been issued, with audio samples and more to follow in the coming weeks.
Mute Books Track Listing:
1. Billowing Vervain
2. He Wreaths The Cross
3. Say Nothing
4. Tipharethagirion
5. The Keeping
6. Her Bidding
7. Cup Of Hemlock
Comprised of vocalist/guitarist Sebastian Montesi (bassist/vocalist of Mitochondrion), vocalist/bassist Shawn Hache (vocalist/guitarist of Mitochondrion) and drummer Zack Chandler, AUROCH has slowly but steadily been gaining recognition from the international scene since their release of their 2012-released debut LP, From Forgotten Worlds, but it was their 2014-issued Taman Shud LP and the touring subsequent to its release that really began to showcase the band as one of Canada's most active death metal bands. Since then the death metal power-trio has been active on the live circuit consistently, through playing various shows, tours and festivals in the US and Canada, including a recent US tour and an appearance at this year's Maryland Deathfest, and a European tour under their belt likewise with appearances at such festivals as Killtown and Incubate).
Earlier this year, 20 Buck Spin reissued AUROCH's From Forgotten Worlds debut on vinyl, and most recently, a split/collaborative 7" EP with their co-conspirator sister band Mitochondrion was issued via Dark Descent, both helping to elevate the band's name even further within the ranks of the death metal elite.
www.facebook.com/aurochmetal
www.twitter.com/aurochband

NEWS: Necromancing the Stone "The Descent" (LYRIC VIDEO)

OFFICIAL: If flaccid, identikit, breakdown-laden "metal" is the disease, Necromancing The Stone is the cure. With their upcoming debut full-length, Jewel Of The Vile, due out August 5th, the group - featuring current/former members of Arsis (James Malone, guitars), The Absence (Jeramie Kling, drums), The Black Dahlia Murder (Ryan "Bart" Williams, bass) and Brimstone Coven (guitarist Justin Wood and vocalist "Big" John Williams) - plans to vanquish "Breakdownicus Gratuitous" with 11 tracks that are uniquely Necromancing The Stone.
Featuring artwork by Ariel Zucker-Brull and guest appearances by Taylor Nordberg (The Absence, Infernaeon) and Jeff Loomis (Arch Enemy, Nevermore, etc., etc.), Jewel Of The Vile immerses the listener in fantastical tales, like those found in fantasy novels, or in the playing of an intense game of D&D. The sparing inclusion of death metal growls for characters within the stories adds an extra dynamic to the already epic vocals, which are backed by gigantic riffs and pulverizing rhythms. From the moment the aptly titled "Crusher" rushes from the speakers, Necromancing The Stone own you. True heavy metal fans, look no further - your salvation has arrived with Jewel Of The Vile!
Jewel Of The Vile track-listing:
1. Crusher
2. Bleed for the Night
3. The Descent
4. The Siren's Call
5. Ritualistic Demise
6. The Old One
7. Rotted Reunion
8. Unfinished Business
9. Honor Thy Prophet
10. From Graves to Infamy
11. The Battle of Morningstar
Necromancing the Stone line-up:
"Big" John Williams - vocals
James Malone - guitars
Justin Wood - guitars
Ryan Williams - bass
Jeramie Kling - drums
Necromancing the Stone "The Descent" (LYRIC VIDEO)
www.twitter.com/NecrotheStone
www.facebook.com/necromancingthestone

NEWS: Revocation "Arbiters of the Apocalypse" (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

OFFICIAL: After releasing their sixth full-length, Great Is Our Sin, last week, Revocation is now launching a new video for the album track "Arbiters of The Apocalypse"! Directed by David Brodsky and produced by Allison Woest.
Reuniting with producer Zeuss (Hatebreed, Bleeding Through), who also helmed 2014's Deathless and 2012's Teratogenesis EP, Great Is Our Sin packs the requisite punch, yet retains the organic feel with which it was conceived. Known for their technical prowess, the band remained dedicated to upping the ante without ever losing sight of the importance of good songwriting. Whilst the lineup has changed over the ten years Revocation has been in existence, Dave Davidson's (guitars / vocals) passion has never waned, and they are arguably sounding better than ever as they look toward the future. "We can't wait to bring these songs out on the road and perform them for different audiences all over the world," Davidson comments. "'Great Is Our Sin' is a new chapter for the band, and collectively we feel that it is our defining record to date."
This past weekend, Revocation kicked off the annual Summer Slaughter tour with Cannibal Corpse, Nile, After the Burial, Suffocation, Carnifex, Krisiun, Slaughter to Prevail and Ingested; see below for all upcoming dates!
Revocation Summer Slaughter Tour dates
July 26 - Knoxville, TN @ The International
July 27 - Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live
July 28 - New York, NY @ Webster Hall
July 29 - Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance
July 30 - Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
July 31 - Cleveland, OH @ The Agora Theatre
Aug. 2 - Minneapolis, MN @ The Cabooze
Aug. 3 - Chicago, IL @ Concord Music Hall
Aug. 5 - Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall
Aug. 6 - Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex
Aug. 8 - Seattle, WA @ Showbox SODO
Aug. 10 - San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom
Aug. 11 - Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory
Aug. 12 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Novo
Aug. 13 - Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee
Aug. 15 - Dallas, TX @ Gas Monkey Live
Aug. 16 - Austin, TX @ Empire Control Room
Aug. 17 - Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
Aug. 19 - Richmond, VA @ The National (B4BQ)
Aug. 20 - Wilmington, NC @ Ziggy's By The Sea
Aug. 21 - Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
Revocation "Arbiters of the Apocalypse" (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
www.facebook.com/revocation
www.twitter.com/revocation

NEWS: Brazilian Power Metal HIBRIA Upcoming Album 'XX' To Celebrate 20 Years + North American Tour

Brazilian power metallers HIBRIA are celebrating their 20th anniversary with a new album entitled 'XX' and a North American tour presented by PureGrainAudio.com and Test Your Metal Records that will kick off in Victoria, BC on August 9th and wrap up in New York City on August 28th.
'XX' is HIBRIA's sixth release and features three new tracks along with four live performances from their catalog to follow their 2015's self-titled album. 'XX' is set for release on August 9th via Test Your Metal Records.
The band comments: "HIBRIA's soul is full of music. To celebrate our 20th anniversary we present to you 'XX'. It's heavy metal with no boundaries especially made for the fans. Can you feel it?"
A Brazilian power metal band formed in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul in 1996. Hibria has grown in popularity in their home country plus worldwide with the successful release of five albums and a live DVD that showcases their intense concert energy (if ya never seen them in person). Their releases have reached the #1 position on sales charts for HMV stores across Japan, which has lead them to be support for such bands as Metallica, Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Megadeth plus perform at Rock in Rio in Brazil and Loud Park, Japan’s most important metal festival, where they shared the main stage with some of the world’s most known bands.
www.facebook.com/HIBRIAOFFICIAL/
www.twitter.com/HIBRIA

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Seattle area concert calendar

Seattle area concert calendar by Metal Bulletin Zine (Washington state). If you know of other metal concerts in the area, please get in contact with Metal Bulletin Zine here, on Facebook and Twitter.
July 29 Inquisition, UADA, Necrosomnium, Sacrament ov Impurity, Guests at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
August 5 Come To Grief, Bell Witch, Hissing, Dilapidation at Highline, Seattle, WA
August 5 Mechanism, Discordia, Splintered Throne at Tony V's Garage, Everett, WA
August 8 Summer Slaughter: Cannibal Corpse, Nile, After the Burial, Suffocation, Carnifex, Revocation, Krisiun, Ingested and more at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
August 8 WRVTH at The Pin, Spokane, WA
August 12-14 Migration Festival at the Capitol Theater in downtown Olympia, WA: Alaric, Auroch, The Body and Krieg collaborative performance, Christian Mistress, Dead to a Dying World, False, Fórn, Full of Hell, Hell (U.S.), Khemmis, Kowloon Walled City, Krallice, Magic Circle, Mizmor, Mournful Congregation, Mutilation Rites, Nightfell, Obsequiae, Pale Chalice, Panopticon, Thou, Vastum, Vhol, Yellow Eyes
August 14 Archspire at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
August 16 Krallice, Pale Chalice, Addaura, A God or an Other at Highline, Seattle, WA
August 19 The Dread Crew of Oddwood at Funhouse, Seattle, WA
August 20 The Dread Crew of Oddwood at WMRF, Bonney Lake, WA
August 20 Lord Dying, Child Bite, Joel Grind at Highline, Seattle, WA
August 21 The Dread Crew of Oddwood at WMRF, Bonney Lake, WA
August 21 Neid, Genocide Method, Truth Decay, Darkmysticwoods at Highline, Seattle, WA
August 21 Anthrax, White River Amphitheater, Auburn, WA
August 22 Master, Sacrificial Slaughter, The Black Order, VX36, Xoth at Substation, Seattle, WA
August 22 Belphegor, Origin, Shining, Abigail Williams, Ashen Pyre guests at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
August 24 Sammy Hagar at The Tulip Amphitheatre, Tulalip, WA
August 28 The Devils Of Loudun, A Sense Of Gravity, A World Without, Children Of Seraph, Thieves of Eden, Vesuvian at El Corazon, Seattle, WA
September 1 Lesbian, Nosretep, Xoth at Chop Suey, Seattle, WA
September 1 Cobalt, Mantar, Into the Storm at Highline, Seattle, WA
September 5 Volbeat, Killswitch Engage, Black Wizard at WAMU Theater, Seattle, WA
September 3 Begrime Exemious, Drawn and Quartered, Oxygen Destroyer, at Highline, Seattle, WA
September 8 Wolves in the Throne Room, Dispirit at Obsidian, Olympia, WA
September 8 Phobia, Nomads, Wilt, Columbian Necktie at Highline, Seattle, WA
September 9 Mortuary Drape, Dispirit at Highline, Seattle, WA
September 13 Black Nights Rising at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
September 16 Marduk, Rotting Christ, Carach Angren, Necronomicon, Funeral Age, Inquinok at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
September 27 Megadeth, Amon Amarth, Suicidal Tendencies, Metal Church, Havok at WAMU Theater, Seattle, WA
September 30 Kataklysm, Deathmocracy, A Flourishing Scourge at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
October 1 Def Leppard at Tacoma Dome, Tacoma, WA
October 6 Discharge, Eyehategod, Toxic Holocaust, Oxygen Destroyer, Disciples of Dissent at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
October 11 Gojira, Tesseract at Showbox SoDo, Seattle, WA
October 12 Brujería, Cattle Decapitation, Piñata Protest at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
October 14 Between the Buried and Me, Devin Townsend Project, Fallujah at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
October 15 Saint Vitus, The Skull, Witch Mountain at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
October 15 Skeletonwitch, Iron Reagan, Oathbreaker, Gatecreeper at Highline, Seattle, WA
October 23 Sleep at Showbox, Seattle, WA
October 25 Opeth at The Moore Theater, Seattle, WA
October 29 Himsa at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
November 5 Ulcerate, Zhrine, Phobocosm at Highline, Seattle, WA
November 15 Armored Saint, Queensrÿche, Midnight Eternal at Showbox at the Market, Seattle, WA
November 16 Epica, FleshGod Apocalypse, Arkona, The Agonist, Xandria at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
November 26 Dark Tranquillity, Swallow the Sun, Enforcer, Star Kill at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
November 29 Sonata Arctica, Leaves’ Eyes, Omnium Gatherum at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
January 18 Udo Dirkschneider "Back To The Roots - Farewell To Accept" at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
January 28 Blue Öyster Cult at Historic Everett Theatre, Everett, WA
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NEWS: Void Omnia

NEWS:
Void Omnia
Dying Light
Vendetta Records
Release: 20 June 2016
Void Omnia is a "cosmic black metal" band from the U.S. Their album is available for listening in its entirety now at the link below. The following official information explains more about the band.
OFFICIAL: Oakland, California-based VOID OMNIA has released their debut album, Dying Light, through Vendetta Records, with a vinyl pressing of the record now in motion for release in the coming weeks. Demanding your attention for every minute, the band has spawned a cosmic, explosive black metal album with the intensity of a supernova.
Formed by a pact of henchmen who currently share duties in Ruine, Ulthar, Tragic Death, and others or have formerly played in Apocryphon, Mutilation Rites, Tombs, and others, VOID OMNIA was formed in 2011 by guitarists Mike Jochimsen (ex-Apocryphon) and Tyler Schroeder. Vocalist Jamison Kester (Infinite Waste, ex-Apocryphon) joined the fold, and they began work on what would become their self-titled demo. After a number of lineup changes the current iteration took shape in 2015 with the addition of drummer Cody Stein (Tragic Death) and bassist Justin Ennis (ex-Mutilation Rites, ex-Tombs. The remainder of last year was spent creating what would be their debut LP, Dying Light.
In January of this year, VOID OMNIA invaded Oakland's Earhammer Studios to record with Greg Wilkinson (Necrot, Vastum, Graves At Sea), the sessions resulting in a blaze of empowering black metal with searing melodies set ablaze by explosive rhythms and writing with a destructive multifaceted vocal delivery. With prime songwriting executed with relentless intensity, Dying Light delivers a supremely incinerating experience with the blackened arts. Mastered by Adam Tucker at Signaturetone Recording in Minneapolis and fitted with artwork by Glenn Schonn, the album was released on CD and digital formats in June through Germany's Vendetta Records, the label now preparing the vinyl version for public infiltration.
VOID OMNIA is currently planning a small Western and Midwestern tour at the end of 2016. Stand by for tour dates to be released in the coming weeks.
Track Listing:
1.Remanence of a Ghost Haunt
2.Fallowed Remembrance
3.Singularity
4.Of Time
5.Emptied Heartless
www.vendetta-records.bandcamp.com/album/dying-light
www.voidomnia.bandcamp.com/album/dying-light
www.facebook.com/VoidOmnia510

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

contact Metal Bulletin Zine

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Metal Bulletin Zine
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free album: Lucid Nightmare (U.K.)

NEWS:
Lucid Nightmare (U.K.)
Lucid Nightmare
release date: March 17th, 2016
label: independent
This is a nine-track album that lasts a bit over 46 minutes. It's a free/name-your-price recording. The band's music would probably best be described as modern thrash with black metal-influenced vocals. The band (Northern Ireland) also utilizes some melodic guitar solos to spice up the thick, rhythmic riffing and drumming. The bass guitar is very audible, as a result, the band comes across as upfront, strong thrash. It doesn't take long to figure out that they are serious and that they put effort into making a solid recording, one of which they can be proud. It doesn't sound like a garage demo or a rehearsal, either. It's gratifying to hear a previously unheard band and see how serious they are about their craft. They don't have a record company to back them up and this is their debut, according to Metal Archives, but I'm glad that they take themselves seriously. The world may not know them yet, but if you give this recording a listen, and if you like the idea of modern thrash, this band should be a cool surprise. Plus, the price is right! There you go, you just ran out of reasons not to listen to the album.
OFFICIAL: Thrash, black and death metal influenced riffery with a hard driving and melodic undercurrent. Lucid Nightmare's self titled and self produced full-length chronicles their progression from carefully treading to treading on everything. The band thrive on the opportunity to play live and at present are preparing to return to the stage with their new drummer. This new chapter in the band's story coincides with the completion of the self titled and self produced full-length. The recording, facilitated and engineered by the bands own Brendan Finn chronicles Lucid Nightmare from the beginning to how they stand today. The nine tracks are reflective of the bands progression and the members individual styles can be heard breaking through any cracks in the always there, all out metal assault.
Lucid Nightmare rose from the remains of now long defunct County Armagh Metal Act Soulstripper. Longstanding member Brendan Finn led those last in the Soulstripper door, Paul McConnell and Barry Smyth, in raiding the riff banks and almost immediately working on material for a new band. The three guitarists brought their own riffs to the table and with Brendan now taking care of the low end bass duties, the bands signature style was quickly established. Soulstripper's vocalist Moore survived the fallout and rejoined the lads on drums with the lineup being completed by Darren Mallon, a harsh vocal and an old friend. Thus commenced the band's life, waxing and waning through the busy periods and the lulls offered by a changeable music scene. All the while continuing to expand their set list and nesting deeper in their signature sound.
Return visits in far ends of the country and close relationships with friends and promoters helped build confidence in delivering a live show but still remaining relatively unknown outside of these circles. Mainstays of the Fermanagh metal scene Henchman promotions, Co.Armagh band Astralnaut, Polish Metal promotions and Keady man Gerry Martin Connolly being particularly encouraging to the band. With progression comes change and after jumping into the recording process arrived a bumpy 'yay or nay' period in 2015 after which drummer Moore decided to 'up sticks' and left the camp. The band were quickly connected with a potential new recruit by a member of local metal allies Waylander and have since returned to practice and rehearsal for live shows in 2016 with drummer Liam Murphy. This new chapter in the band's story coincides with the completion of the self titled and self produced full-length. The recording, facilitated and engineered by the bands own Brendan Finn chronicles Lucid Nightmare from the beginning to how they stand today. The nine tracks are reflective of the bands progression and the members individual styles can be heard breaking through any cracks in the always there, all out metal assault.
www.lucidnightmare1.bandcamp.com/releases
www.facebook.com/lucidnightmareband

Dark Forest - The Undying Flame

Recently this publication reported about the new Dark Forest album. Now you can hear a new track below! Below you will also find the news about the album. Supporters of traditional melodic heavy metal will not want to miss out on this new music!
NEWS:
Dark Forest
Beyond the Veil
Cruz Del Sur Music
Release: 26 August 2016
The musicians from Dark Forest, traditional heavy/power metal from the U.K., have set their sights on making quality albums each time around. The next chapter in their history will soon be ready for the public to hear. Their style emphasizes both guitar melodies and vocal melodies, and that is all now taken to a bigger level on an album that lasts more than 70 minutes. This publication can testify that the album concentrates on songs. A word of caution: when an album is this long, some people worry that it is an experimental work or an album with a bunch slow songs or just one with boring tracks. Luckily, Dark Forest came here to rock. Now, of course, this band is not the fastest nor heaviest band nor do they pretend to be. It is melodic, traditional heavy metal for singing along, and that's what this new album is. In other words, it is another step in the journey of the band, not a departure from its established style.
OFFICIAL:England’s finest HM band returns with its best album ever! 70 minutes of grandiose Folk/Medieval-inspired metal! Beyond the Veil represents Dark Forest’s peak of creativity, the zenith of a process begun in 2009 with the release of their self-titled debut album. If their last album The Awakening was a sort of “rite of passage”, then Beyond the Veil is the one of their maturity. The band seems to have found the perfect balance between the classic twin-guitars heavy metal and the elements of folklore, tradition and medieval melodies that have always permeated its sound, making the final production shine as never before. The tie between Dark Forest and the lore of their land is authentic and it’s expressed with a mature and poetic lyrical content. A big credit in this process must be given to Josh Winard (ex Wytch Hazel) whose performance sounds dramatically solid. Not a single second of this glorious album is a filler as Dark Forest have really gave it their all. They have created a winning team with long time artistic producer Ajeet Gill and acclaimed artist Duncan Storr (Skyclad, Rage, Elixir) who enthusiastically got on board with his passionate and amazing work. Beyond the Veil compact disc edition comes with 16-page booklet including more original artwork from Duncan Storr, while the vinyl is released in a luxurious gatefold edition including an A2 poster.
BAND:
Josh Winnard: Vocals
Christian Horton: Guitar
Patrick Jenkins: Guitar
Paul Thompson: Bass
Adam Sidaway: Drums
TRACK LIST:
1.On the Edge of Twilight
2.Where The Arrow Falls
3.Autumn’s Crown
4.Blackthorn
5.Lunantishee
6.The Wild Hunt
7.Earthbound
8.The Undying Flame
9.Mên-An-Tol
10.Beyond the Veil
11.Ellylldan
12.The Lore of The Land
OFFICIAL: Dark Forest was forged in the Black Country, England by guitarist Christian Horton. For over a decade they have been delivering their uniquely rousing, defiant heavy metal to the world. With the release of their self-made EPs in 2007, the band quickly gained the attention and support of the heavy metal underground, both in England and abroad, and then went from strength to strength, gigging across Europe and the UK and releasing their self titled debut album in 2009. The cult EP Defender was released the same year followed by their second album, Dawn of Infinity, in 2011. By this point Dark Forest had succeeded in mastering their own instantly recognisable sound, heavily incorporating traditional twin guitar work, interlaced with subtle medieval and folk melodies. After battling through a series of line up changes Dark Forest then released The Awakening, the band’s third full length album, in 2014. This album was recorded in 444hz, rather than the standard 440hz, the decision being made after studying Solfeggio frequencies and has remained the band’s preferred tuning ever since. 2015 will see Dark Forest once again begin the process of forging new music directly inspired by the nature and mythology of their land and continue to deliver their passionate live performances to fans from around the world.
www.facebook.com/Darkforestuk/
Dark Forest - The Undying Flame

Inquisition new track!; shows reminder

The Seattle black metal duo Inquisition has a new track available now. This is now the third track available!
For those that have missed it, below is the recent news about the band and its activities, including shows this week. Be sure to check it.
Inquisition - Vortex From the Celestial Flying Throne of Storms (Official Premiere)
There are some interesting Inquisition activities taking place here in the state of Washington. First, the black metal duo has a new album that is coming up on August 26, 2016 and it will be called Bloodshed Across the Empyrean Altar Beyond the Celestial Zenith. In recent years the band’s profile has been on the rise due to the positive reception to the albums Ominous Doctrines of the Perpetual Mystical Macrocosm (2011) and Obscure Verses for the Multiverse (2013). Second, in anticipation of the new work, the band has made available at least two tracks:
"Power From The Center Of The Cosmic Black Spiral" and "Wings of Anu." The songs also have been posted at various publications, including this one. Third, this week there are some shows coming in this area:
July 28 Inquisition, UADA, Hissing, Sacrament ov Impurity, guests at Wild Buffalo, Bellingham, WA
July 29 Inquisition, UADA, Necrosomnium, Sacrament ov Impurity, Guests at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
July 30 Inquisition + guests at Panic Room, Portland, OR
If you are new to Inquisition, here’s a bit of official information.
OFFICIAL: The band Inquisition was formed in 1988 in Cali, Colombia by Dagon. The band started as a thrash metal act, and in 1994 evolved into raw black metal.
In 1996, Dagon left Colombia and moved back to the United States to continue Inquisition and search for a new drummer. That same year Dagon met Incubus, who joined the band on drums and the creation of their debut full length album began. This line-up has remained stable for more than fifteen years and is now seen as the classic Inquisition line-up.
INQUISITION style of black metal involves slow, deep and dark riffing combined with sudden tempo changes to faster sections based around blast beats and high-speed riffing; at times adding melodic solos. The classic Inquisition sound incorporates a combination of early era thrash metal-influenced riffing with darker and more chaotic black metal, primarily involving fast, tremolo picked minor-key guitar riffs, thus creating the trademark "Inquisition sound".
www.facebook.com/inquisition.official
www.inquisitionbm.bandcamp.com

Grace Disgraced

Grace Disgraced (Russia) is old-school progressive extreme metal, the type that focuses on making songs that are a bit more memorable, not just dizzying technical prowess. The music still takes a few listens to absorb, but it’s a bit ear friendly from the beginning on account of the bits of melody to be found. The vocals are growled all the way throughout, the guitar tone is heavy, but clear and smooth, as is the overall sound. The band’s latest recording is called Lasting Afterdeaths (2016) and it’s available in its entirety at the link below. Here is some official information about the band.
OFFICIAL: The band was founded in 2004 in Moscow by its permanent female vocalist Polina “Grace Dis” Berezko. In 2005 Aleksandr Klaptsov (guitar) joined the band – and now he is the band’s main composer . The first gig took place in famous R-club in May 2005. Although the style couldn’t be identified as death metal, the fiery mix of heavy, black and thrash drew public attention and there followed a set of gigs in Moscow, Tula, Taganrog, Rostov-on-Don. Grace Disgraced recorded their first demo “Natural Death” in winter 2005-2006. Then some years of constant line-up changes followed.
In 2009 the band was ready to record their EP “Materialized Expectation” on NAVAHOHUT studio. The EP was brought out on MOREHATE Prod. within a 4-way split. In 2010 Yury Korotovskikh (ex-“Rest in Pain”, “Fatal Band”, “Drauggard”) joined the band as a bass-player and Andrey Ischenko (ex-“Hieronymus Bosch”, ex-“Scrambled Defuncts”, ex-“Mortem”) – as a drummer. These members contributed to the recording of Grace Disgraced first full-length album “Enthrallment Traced”. The album was recorded, mixed and mastered by Arkady Navaho in 2010 – 2011. Meanwhile there were again some personnel rearrangements which took place – Andrey Andreev (ex-"Scream in Darkness", ex-"Formalin") became GD’s bass-player instead of Yury Korotovskikh. Andrey’s playing perfectly fits in the musical concept of the band. After the first album “Enthrallment Traced” publication in 2012 the band went touring in Ukraine with 2 Italian bands “Homicide Hagridden” and “Black Propoganda”. It is worth saying that the debut LP was warmly accepted in Europe, and a great number of positive reviews from abroad is a telling argument.
In the beginning of 2013 the Russian tour followed, then a row of shows in Moscow and other cities. At the same time the band worked on their second LP, which was recorded on NAVAHOHUT studio again. Promo-track from this album “She Smells Death” has become a real hit on “Russian Death Metal” CD-compilation, and Grace Disgraced played as a headliner at the compilation’s presentation in Krasnodar in January 2014. In March 2014 a new drummer Vladimir Lyashkov (ex-“Beheaded Zombie”, ex-“Nabaath”, “Decay of Reality”) joined the band. The band’s second full-length album “The Primal Cause: Womanumental” was released in April 2015, followed by its presentation in Moscow and a European tour. The album was also released on Razed Soul Prod. in the USA. The 2015 line-up is marked with the returning of legendary Andrey Ischenko and the fretless bass of Pavel Semin. This year has been devoted to the work on the third full-length album “Lasting Afterdeaths”, which is already recorded and will be released soon.
www.gracedisgraced.bandcamp.com/album/lasting-afterdeaths
www.facebook.com/gracedisgraced/
www.twitter.com/gracebeneath

Oxygen Destroyer (Seattle)

It seems like Oxygen Destroyer is making the rounds in the Seattle region. Their name has been showing up in several places and in the process people are becoming more acquainted with the sound of raw brutal thrash. They have two demos that are free/name-your-price. Apparently, they have an unhealthy obsession with Godzilla, which is normal because I have heard that you, too, are devoted to Godzilla glorification. In addition to playing vicious and ugly black thrashing music, they are very fluent in English and they have the qualifications to show it. For instance, one of their songs is called “Subsumed Within the Bowels of the Perennial Monstrosity.” I had to whip out my dusty old dictionary to figure what the title might possibly mean. I’m pretty sure it means that they do not like hipsters and in Seattle there are lot of hipsters, a lot, so Oxygen Destroyer has a big mission in life. Hey, guys, can I please join your I-hate-hipsters club?! We can express our hatred of hipsters together and play a bunch of Nifelheim records. What do you say?
www.oxygendestroyer1.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/Oxygen-Destroyer-325474194296570

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Unmerciful

All over the world there are bands seeking to play the fastest music possible and there is no shortage of entities jumping into the worldwide competition to see who will survive. Many bands are forgotten. This technical brutal death metal from Topeka, Kansas, U.S. was probably in some people’s minds all finished and long gone. The previous album Unmercifully Beaten is from 2006, but they have returned with recorded output to show their wares to the hungry masses yearning to travel the soundwaves of inhumanly frenzied music. The new album is called Ravenous Impulse and is devoted exclusively to the art of making music that takes it to the end of the line. What is there beyond Unmerciful? Nobody knows because human beings so far have not been able to play much faster than this style. The band features current and former members of the big dog of Topeka, Kansas technical brutality: Origin.
This publication has recently reported about Unmerciful’s return to action, but now you don’t have to read about it, listen to the complete recording with your own ears. Just understand that you have to be mentally ready for this. You either keep up or the warp speed will leave you behind lost in space.
OFFICIAL: UNMERCIFUL - which unites the extreme metal ingenuity of bassist Jeremy Turner (ex-Origin), guitarists Justin Payne and Clint Appelhanz (ex-Origin), drummer John Lonstreth (Dim Mak, Origin, ex-Gorguts etc.), and vocalist Kris Bolton (D.F.W.B.) - unleashes the sonic brutality of their Ravenous Impulse full-length via Unique Leader Records. Captured at Appelhanz's own Waveworks Studio with drums recorded at Chapman Studios (Origin, Tech N9NE) with longtime producer and friend, Robert Rebeck, Ravenous Impulse raises the proverbial bar of inexorable, unsparing, belligerent, and plainly vicious death metal.
Founded in 2001, UNMERCIFUL released its debut, Unmercifully Beaten, in 2006. With intensive tour runs from 2006 through 2009 with the likes of Cannibal Corpse, Dying Fetus, Necrophagist, Decrepit Birth, Cryptopsy, and more, the band went through various personnel changes before deciding to disband in 2009. What started out as just a reunion show in 2012, quickly returned the band to working status. With consistent live shows and numerous metal fest appearances, the band released a self-titled demo in 2014 as a first step in the process to completing its first full-length release in nearly a decade. After the abrupt departure of drummer James King, John Longstreth was enlisted to record drums for Ravenous Impulse.
(guitarist Clinton delivering the goods.)
www.uniqueleaderrecords.bandcamp.com/album/ravenous-impulse
www.facebook.com/Unmerciful-347016405378181/

Dracena

Dracena is an extreme metal band from Sweden. They have quite a history and a handful of recordings, the last of which was released in 2014: Ravenous Bloodlust. Earlier this year the band announced that they have eight new songs ready to go, although more information about when the recording takes place is not available yet. The band rolls with the spirit of 80s extreme metal, and even though they generally sound like earlier, 80s black metal, their style nowadays would be considered a bit less restricted, at the intersection of death, thrash and black metal, and occult heavy metal, it’s all in there, and it’s futile to pin it down to a strict subgenre sound. Perhaps this is why the band says that they are “pure metal,” in recognition of the heritage. Anyway, it’s better if you listen for yourself and come in traction with it yourself. Below is some official information about the band.
OFFICIAL: Dracena was formed in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 1994 by MiA, according to The Encyclopedia of Swedish Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, volume II, Sweden’s heaviest all-girl band.
In April of 1997 the first demo was recorded and released as a limited edition of 100 copies on cassette with 3 own tracks and a cover of Venom’s In league with Satan. In 1998 drummer Karin left the band and MiA (guitar/vocals), Emma (guitar) and Åsa (bass) continued on and entered Andy La Rocque’s studio Los Angered Recordings to record the second demo in April of 1999 with the help of session drummer Terror (Necrocurse, Runemagick, Deathwitch, Swordmaster and Sacramentum). Entitled Demonic Women and released as a 3-track CDr and later also from Bloodstone Entertainement (SWE) as a limited edition 2-track 7” red vinyl.
In late 2000 Mojjo (Engel, Runemagick, Deathwitch, Lord Belial) joined Dracena to handle the drums and in September of 2001 the third demo was recorded in Terrordome, released as a CDr with 3 tracks and entitled Labyrinth of Darkness. In late 2002 the band members decided to go separate ways and Dracena was left with MiA as the only active member.
The debut full-length album was recorded in 2004 using Hellbound Studios/Brutaliator Studios. Infernal Damnation, containing 8 tracks, was independently released as a CD in 2006-06-06. A cover of W.A.S.P’s Animal (**** like a Beast) was also recorded during this session for the W.A.S.P tribute album to be released by Codiac Records (DEN) in May of 2006, Rock Shock Hellions – A tribute to W.A.S.P.
2013 the new mini-CD Ravenous Bloodlust was recorded during the summer in Andy La Rocque’s Sonic Train Studios. This 4-track mini-CD will also be released independently. After the recording of Ravenous Bloodlust Dracena has a complete line up for live shows and the upcoming full-length album which is planned to be recorded in summer 2014.
2013 Line up:
MiA - vocals and guitars
Piet the J. - guitars
K. - bass
F. - drums
discography:
Ravenous Bloodlust 2014
Infernal Damnation 2006
Labyrinth of Darkness (2001)
Demonic Women (1999)
Demo ´97 (1997)
www.facebook.com/Dracena.SE/
www.dracena.se

NEW** METAL BULLETIN #97

Check out the new issue of Metal Bulletin Zine, number 97. Read it online, free download.
Interment (Sweden) Maze of Terror (Peru) Beyond Your Ritual (Madagascar) Scarblade (Greece/Sweden)Iron Fire (Denmark) Dark Forest (U.K.) Urobilinemia (Japan) Paganizer (Sweden) plus: The Foreshadowing (Italy), Warfather (U.S.), Heathen Beast (India), Guttural Corpora Cavernosa (Taiwan), Tyfon's Doom (Finland), Defiatory (Sweden), Sarcófago (Brazil)
www.fuglymaniacs.com

Monday, July 25, 2016

Overthrust

Overthrust is “old school death metal” from Botswana. Their most recent recording is from 2015 and it is called Desecrated Deeds to Decease. Find out more about them through this official information from their Facebook page and check out the music below.
By the way, this coming Saturday the band will be playing in Germany! See their Facebook page for more information.
OFFICIAL: Overthrust is an old school death metal band, originating from the capital city of Kalahari desert-Ghanzi-Botswana, with the most over thrusting, underground and aggressive beats, lyrics and harsh growling vocals of death metal. The theme of Overthrust songs is about dirty deeds, reality of life and death. We criticize people claiming/pretending and faking to be Angels and by doing so judging people who are not believers.
The band was formed in October, 2008 and became active in January, 2010 by Tshomarelo Mosaka aka Vulture Thrust, Shalton Monnawadikgang aka Spencer Thrust, Gakeitse Botlhalentwa aka Suicide Torment and former member Balatedi Folai aka Bist Thunder. Overthrust is an old school death metal band based in Ghanzi-Botswana. The band realesed its single track "Freedom in the dark" at StuxDaemon Studio in April 2011.The band started as 3 piece band but as time goes on the band added new members to make it a full piece...Lepololang Malepa aka Godfather joined Overthrust in June, 2011 as a rhythm guitarist, Tshepho Kaisara aka Dawg Thrust in 2013 as a guitarist and bassist, so the lead vocalist Tshomarelo Mosaka aka Vulture Thrust concentrated on the vocals. The theme of Overthrust songs is about dirty deeds, reality of life and death. We criticize people claiming/pretending and faking to be Angels and by doing so judging people who are not believers. The long awaited new full album (Desecrated Deeds To Decease) will be released in April 2014.
www.facebook.com/Overthrust-Deathmetal-band-111341558893743/
www.soundcloud.com/overthrustmetal

Abske Fides (Brazil)

This is funeral death doom for those times when you got the blues and you want something to drag you deeper into misery. You got the blues and this band is not going to make you feel better.
This band is Napalm Death’s worst nightmare come true.
Even Candlemass’ mastermind Leif Edling would like to give these Brazilians a call: “Howdy, partner. Leif from Candlemass here. Don’t you think y’all taking this whole doom thang a bit too far now, c’mon? Doom is cool and slow is nice and I get that, man, but you guys trippin. Y’all make my band sound happy like The Beatles or something. I got nothing against your music or nothing, but your band is making my band look too happy and cheery, man. I don’t know what to do about it, so I guess, I’m gonna sit back and drink a few cold ones. Maybe that will make me understand your funeral doom a bit better. Alright, alright, talk you at the next rodeo.”
Seriously, do not even think of coming close this music unless you are a certified doom fanatic. I mean, fanatic! Casual listeners are not wanted and they will be turned away at the door.
Apparently, I am not the only one who has been shocked by this band’s approach to doom. Here are a few things that some reviews at Metal Archives have said:
I know doom metal scene is usually neglected, even by metal fans, but what can you expect when you turn on a doom metal album? Well, if you're trying something fast, happy, head-banging, shaking-ground, fist-in-the-face, then you're reading the review of the wrong band...
On the other hand, if you find it interesting when music explores all what is negative, adding drops of sorrow, solitude, sadness, misanthropy, grief, delusion, hopelessly (check the name of the second song) and the likes, then you'll get it right if you listen to this EP.
From the beggining 'til the end, you'll be trapped into a excessively slow catch, mixed with desolated riffs, in the veins of Worship's "last vinyl before doomsday" and Evoken's "Quietus" (only to mention some).
Another reviewer said:
Imagine the doomiest, most morose music you have ever heard. Take that, and multiply it by ten, and that’s what you’ll find on Abske Fides “…Apart of the World”. The album is split into 3 songs, however, it should be taken in as a whole. The album opens with the mostly ambient track “Post Morttum”, which also has a bit of an orchestral vibe too. Next you have “Hopeless Drowned in Silence” which has a bit more of a death metal vibe, but also has an undeniable drone metal element, as does most of this album. And closing the album is the ‘opus’ (if you will) of the album “Creep of the Last Human”, which comes in at a stunning 12 minutes, and is this thing slooooooooowwwwwww. However this is the best song of the album, but that is not a big distinction as the album as a whole is pretty damn good.
discography:
Illness Demo 2004
...Apart of the World EP 2006
Disenlightment EP 2009
Abske Fides full-length 2012
Disenlightment / ...Apart from the World compilation 2014
Terra Vazia single 2016
O Sol Fulmina a Terra full-length 2016
www.abskefides.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/abskefidesofficial

interview: Iron Kingdom (Canada)

Iron Kingdom is a band on the rise. They now have three studio albums, all fine, fine works of classic-style traditional heavy metal, and in my opinion, a sound that can win over supporters of neo-New Wave of British Heavy Metal and also the audiences into the pioneers of the genre. Iron Kingdom is doing many things right, and not the least of which is their attitude. I was looking forward to seeing the band live here in the state of Washington. It was at the end of their most recent Canadian/U.S. tour that I caught the show and I was very impressed with everything. They rocked live and did a great job with the songs. Their most recent album is called Ride for Glory and I have heard it a ridiculous number of times this year, and if you get the chance, make sure to see them live. They give it their all and put on a great show. Come witness the Iron Kingdom!
Hi, there! Iron Kingdom seems to be having a pretty active year. The band has done a tour of the U.S. and has played shows in Brazil. Do you find that the opportunities for Iron Kingdom are growing? Did you also play shows in Canada this summer already? Is your life pretty much consumed with band activities: writing, rehearsing, recording, social media, finances, promoters, so on and so forth?
Leighton: This year certainly has been busy! We played 37 shows in the US and Eastern Canada before heading down to Brazil to play 7 amazing shows to unbelievably passionate people. This year we decided to really step it up and get out on the road to new territories and spend more time on the road. We have a couple more tours coming up before the end of the year, including Western Canada and a short return to the US. The band has definitely kept us going, we are preparing to shoot a video for the song ‘The Samurai’ at VENUE in Vancouver on Aug 11, as well as writing when we can.
Iron Kingdom is from Surrey, Canada. How is life in Surrey for your band? Is Surrey a small town? By the way, who is answering this interview? Who are the current members of the band? Is Surrey an exotic and wild place to live?!
L: For the most part Surrey is a typical Canadian city, large in land mass if not in population. The band is based out of Surrey, but the members live scattered about the Lower Mainland. My name is Leighton Holmes and I play bass, we have Chris Osterman on lead guitar/ vocals, Kenny Kroecher on guitar, and Joey Paul bashing on the drums. As far as Surrey being wild, that totally depends on what area you are in!
How did you arrive at your traditional heavy metal? For instance, how did Chris Osterman discover that he could sing this way? Did he discover that he could sing at church when he was younger or did he use to sing in the shower or some other way? When you heard your first demo or whatnot, were you surprised at the sound of vintage heavy metal that you were making?
L: We have always wanted to play this kind of metal, since the very beginning of the band. When I first met Chris he was listening to a lot of Deep Purple, Metallica, ACDC and Black Sabbath so I showed him Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Power Metal bands like Hammerfall and Blind Guardian. It was a mutual love for the classics that really gave the band a foundation. We are finally doing things now that were just a dream to us back when we were teenagers. Funnily enough Chris resisted singing for a long time and it took a long and fruitless search for singers for him to finally come to grips with stepping up to the mic.
Is there one person that writes the songs or do you have several people that write songs? In your opinion, what is best for you band: one person writing or several working together?
L: Traditionally the way it has worked out is Chris writes most of the music and I write the majority of the lyrics, but we have always been open to any one who has an idea. It doesn’t matter which of us comes up with it, only that it’s good. Once the main riffs are written and established we jam out the rest and everyone has a chance to come up with their own part. So however the song comes about it remains a collaborative effort in the band. I think collaboration is important because it allows the songs to breathe more when everyone is free to put their mark on it.
I have been listening to your album: Ride for Glory. Where can people hear the album? What can you tell us about where you recorded it and what the listener can expect?
L: Ride for Glory is available straight from the band on our website, as well as the usual iTunes and Amazon and the like. We recorded with our long time engineer Andy Boldt in a cool little house-turned-studio. It was a great experience and we had a really fun time! The vocals were actually done at home in our jam space and I would say they turned out really well. When we did the vocals, it was just Chris and myself in the room and because we were doing it at home, we were really able to make sure we were completely happy with things and could experiment with different ideas. Ride for Glory is based on stories of warriors from around the world and we have tried to reflect that in the music. We want people to listen to our songs and walk away with a new respect for some historical figures, maybe find out about a couple new ones.
Now, what about your previous recordings: Curse of the Voodoo Queen and Gates of Eternity. Where did you record those albums? How has your knowledge changed and grown as you continue making albums, in comparison with your first and second one?
L: Each new album is a learning experience in itself, so yes, I would say our knowledge has grown especially since our first one. It seems so long ago that we recorded Curse of the Voodoo Queen and we grew a lot even in the short time between it and Gates of Eternity. The three recordings we have done have given us new ideas for how to record our next one and every one after. Each album is an opportunity to try new techniques and new ideas, some work out and some don’t, but each one enables us to grow and learn.
Iron Kingdom started with Chris and his sister Amanda. She is no longer in the band, however. How has Chris dealt with continuing the band without Amanda on drums, someone who is your own flesh and blood, and who shared the vision of the music from the start? Was it strange at first without Amanda, to look behind the kit and not see her there?!
L: It was about 10 years ago that Chris, Amanda and I started jamming together, in fact Amanda was the first drummer I ever jammed with. In the ten years I have known both of them I have come to regard them as family. Amanda was like a sister to me and it was hard to see her leave. I can’t speak for Chris, but I know it was a little strange to get used to at first. It was a completely amicable split though with no hurt feelings on either end. We all understand the reasons and completely support her decision. This life is not for everyone and I completely respect her desire to walk a more stable path. Change is necessary to grow and while we will miss Amanda behind the kit we also look forward to the future and what it will bring for both Amanda and us!
Can you name two or three specific things that people who like your music can do to give some real support to your band?
L: Come out to see us when we are in your town. It’s the best way to guarantee we will come back to your town and make it to the next town with gas money.
Buy our CDs/shirts, buying our merch puts money in our gas tank and gives us money to stage further tours, make music videos and basically do everything we need to in order to keep growing.
Also tell your friends, without an audience to play to we are just 4 guys playing to ourselves on a stage. We love touring and seeing crowds get bigger when we come back through a town. Word of mouth is the best type of promotion.
Do you plan to tour or to play more shows in 2016 and 2017? How is everyone’s health at this point? Touring can take a toll on the body: not sleeping properly and dealing with junk food and things like that.
L: We have many tour plans in 2016 and 17 and we will be touring for years to come! I personally love being out on the road. It’s true that it can take a toll on your body, but it is also an amazing experience living like a bum and travelling around from place to place meeting new people. I feel like I was born to do this, the tour life style suits me perfectly and we try to eat relatively healthy, buying sandwich materials and living off those.
We know that making money as a musician takes a long time and is difficult. How are the finances of the band? Touring and recording albums can put a band in a hole. Yet, here we are in 2016 and Iron Kingdom is alive and kicking, so what is going right for the band? What are some things that the band needs to do in order to get out of debt?
L: Touring is extremely important this day and age, being one of the most effective ways of raising funds and erasing debt. It is very true that recording albums can be very expensive and the physical sale of records won’t do much to put a dent in the debt, except when people purchase our music from us personally at a show. With the music industry as it is we can’t rely on sales from traditional store sales and have to go out and make contact with our audiences. The internet has made it very easy to spread our message across the globe, but it also means we are competing with every one else trying to use it for the same purpose. By touring we are able to meet our fans in person and play shows to impress and gain new fans. Over the course of our time on the road we have met and made many diehard fans that I believe will be with us for the life of the band and I feel that is the most important thing. Without fans, without the support of diehard fans, continuing to make music wouldn’t be possible. I believe that is what’s going right for us, it’s that we have something that connects with so many people. People who identify with what we are doing and feel at least in some way connected to the band. Being a musician can be difficult, but we must never lose sight of what matters, using music to bring people together!
What type of lyrics is important to your band and what type of lyrics do you think work well with your music? So far, in your music, what type of lyrics have you had? Are you happy with those lyrics? Do you have any thoughts about changing directions on that area?
L: Lyrics are important because they give context to what we are trying to convey through music, and as so the style or type of lyrics have to change to accommodate what we are trying to put across in the song. Our subject matter differs greatly throughout our work and as we continue to grow and write more music it will continue to diversify. Being one of the principal lyricists, I feel happy with the direction they have taken so far and feel that as we take on different themes and stories the lyrical direction will change accordingly.
Do you think that your music and lyrics should have a message or a certain content related to society or religion or politics or spiritual views? Why or why not? Do your personal beliefs about the world/life/politics/religion affect your lyrics?
L: So far I don’t think I’ve let my personal beliefs affect the lyrics I’ve written too much and tend to stay away from blatant social commentary in our music. Not that I oppose people writing about those kinds of things. I believe that all forms of art need room for social commentary, but that doesn’t mean everyone has to do it all the time. I’m sure if you really read between the lines on a number of our songs you would get a feel for what I believe but for the most part I try to put myself in the headspace of whoever’s perspective the song is being told from. I want my lyrics to tell a story and to inform you of the beliefs of the subject of that story not my own personal view of it. I wouldn’t rule out songs in the future that take on more of a definitive on issues but that’s not what we are about currently. We just want to tell you stories.
You play traditional heavy metal, with the sound of classic and vintage style of songwriting. To achieve your particular sound, do you use any interesting musical equipment, like vintage equipment or the latest technology or something else? What are you favorite guitars and its accompanying equipment?
L: Myself and Chris and Kenny all use Marshall amplifiers. I have two Fender P-Basses, one that I’ve used on every recording and another mostly used for back up. The unfortunate thing about playing left handed is almost no one has a bass I can play if something goes wrong. Chris has a bunch of guitars, both Fender and Gibson, though mostly uses the Fenders these days. Kenny plays a Gibson Les Paul Gold Top that he’s had pretty much the whole time he’s been with us. Joey plays Sonor drums and has almost the same kit as Amanda had but in red instead of blue. We like to tell him his drum set got him the gig. We’re joking of course. Mostly.
Have you found recording people who know how to record live, real drums for an album? Is what we hear on the album the real drums that your drummer played or is it sound replacement technology or programmed drums or something else?
L: Every drum beat you hear on one of our records is the real deal. We hate the sound of programmed drums and refuse to replace a real drummer with a machine. Our engineer Andy Boldt has been with us for years and is great for finding ways to give us the sounds we want. Experimenting with different tricks and techniques to get us bombastic tones for the albums. On each album we tried recording the drums in slightly different ways and in different environments. C.O.T.V.Q drums were recorded in The Factory in downtown Vancouver, which is quite the historic studio, having hosted the likes of Aerosmith, Metallica, ACDC and many more. It was a great experience and turned out amazing but we went with a bigger room to capture the drums for our second album. For G.O.E. the drums were done at the Studio Downe Under in Abbotsford, which had a massive room so we could get the huge sound we wanted. The drums for our latest album were done at the same place we did the guitars and bass. It was a smaller room but we were still able to tease a big sound out of the kit and I have been very happy with the drum tone on all three releases. So to answer your question, never will you hear a fake drum sound on an Iron Kingdom release.
What other news do you have?
L: We will be filming a music video in Vancouver on August 11 at VENUE, as well as hitting the road the next day to tour through BC and Alberta. We would love to see some of our US fans join us for the video shoot. We will be playing an extended set and filming it for a possible future release. Also coming up in October we will be returning to Washington, Oregon and Utah States for a number of shows, details will be revealed soon.
All details on tours and everything else related to us can be found on at: www.facebook.com/ironkingdom
www.iron-kingdom.com
THE END

Valhalla

Valhalla is death metal from Brazil. The band’s sound emphasizes to-the-point pounding heaviness for the death metal can’t-get-enoughers crowds. Evil Fills Me is their most recent recording and it accomplishes the mission of uncompromising death metal and you can find the complete recording at the link below. Who they are and what they are all about is explained in the following official information about the band.
OFFICIAL: Led by the former lead singer and founder Andrea Tavares, the Valhalla band began its long and intense journey in mid-1989/1990. Initially there was an unassuming proposal to join friends to a band of death aggressive and heavy metal. The initial step was taken when the sisters Andrea and Adriana mounted at the end of 1988 a band called Phobia. No register sound material and without presenting live, the Phobia is extinguished with the departure of guitarist Adriana. However, the musical taste and the same ideology joined Andrea and her other sister, Alessandra Tavares (guitar), the contract to start the activities of Valhalla, composing music and performing shows.
In early 1992 the band officially register their work with the recording of the first demo-tape, this recording brings back sister Adriana Tavares (guitar) training. In order to progress musically, the band released in 1994 by the now defunct label Sub Way, the LP titled "... In The Darkness of Limb". This record gave greater recognition in the specialized media and the public's respect. However, changing components paralyzed the activities of Valhalla for some time, with the return occurred in 1999, with new compositions and performing some shows. In 2000 occurs a casualty training, when Andrea (lead singer and founder) left the band, leaving because of the guitarists sisters to continue the work started.
Recruiting new components, guitarists can keep active in Valhalla and with the intention to disclose the songs with the new lineup, the band recorded the MCD "For The Might Of Chaos ... For The Force Inside", containing four tracks. This MCD gave several performances alongside renowned bands the world scene, as well as rave reviews in zines, websites and magazines. As a result, the band signed a contract with Hellion Records, releasing in 2001, the main work of its history, the CD Petrean Self, distributed in more than 28 countries. New invitations to national shows and abroad have been received by the band, but the instability in the formation prevented the Valhalla galgasse international paths.
Among the many problems in consolidating the training, find a drummer who was willing to take seriously Valhalla was undoubtedly the greatest. However, in mid-2004/2005, Ariadne enters the band to occupy the post until today. Valhalla then becomes exclusively formed by women, which has never exactly the intention, but a consequence of personal affinities.
Even with the temporary absence of guitarist and founder Alessandra, the Valhalla recorded in 2009, three songs that make up the MCD Innerstorm, with the objective of making the formation of the time and also show that the initial idea prevailed: to death metal.
The lack of commitment to work, with friends or with the proposal made people enter and leave the band, some contributed by adding something musically or building friendships. However, currently the Valhalla follows on his journey and, oblivious to fads, the band remains convinced in its proposal. The adversities caused the band to reorganize with Alessandra return on bass, who also takes the guitar recording. In turn, Ariadne has to take also the vocal.
The Valhalla is now a trio:
Adriana Tavares - guitar;
Ariadne Souza - drums and vocals;
Alessandra Tavares - guitar and bass.
discography:
* Valhalla - Demo-tape / 1992;
* "... In the darkness of limb - LP / 1994;
* "For The Might Of Chaos ... For The Force Inside - MCD / 2001;
* Self Petrean - CD / 2002;
* Innerstorm - MCD / 2009;
* Evil fills me - MCD / 2014 and re-released in digipack format in 2016 (with 3 bonus tracks and DVD).
Valhalla - Evil Fills Me (FULL EP/MCD)
www.facebook.com/Valhalla-Female-Death-Metal-194092070603675/

shows this week!: Sacrament ov Impurity (Mount Vernon, WA)

July 28 Inquisition, UADA, Hissing, Sacrament ov Impurity, guests at Wild Buffalo, Bellingham, WA
July 29 Inquisition, UADA, Necrosomnium, Sacrament ov Impurity, Guests at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
As mentioned in the previous article on Inquisition, this week Sacrament ov Impurity has a show in Bellingham and one in Seattle. The Mount Vernon raw black metal duo’s latest recording is called All the Colors of the Dark, released in 2015. Said work is a continuation of the aesthetics that they have been building on for years: necro black metal for wretched souls. In an interview with this publication from months ago, the band said that they are working a new recording and it looks like it will be ready in the next couple of months because they are now in the process of mixing it: The Purest of Sins is the name of the new work.
Those that are new to the band will find the following official information useful. The information is not totally up to date, but it gives a good overview of the band:
OFFICIAL: Sacrament Ov Impurity came to be in the year 2007 by Samhain (drums) and The Butcher (guitar) after their former band, Ozzmotiarr came to an end. They were joined by XephilaX on bass and vocals and began writing and rehearsing their new material.
2008 – 2009. The first year as a band was spent perfecting their sound and playing many shows in Washington state, down to Portland, Oregon and getting their name known. People came to witness their live shows and did not leave disappointed. Their fan base grew... In the winter of 2009 they began work on their debut album, A World Beheld By Damnation.
2010 – 2011. With mixing and mastering of their album done, A World Beheld By Damnation was released in April of 2010 and was very well received by fans and critics alike. With their debut album released, they began writing new songs and playing bigger shows, sharing the stage with bands such as Mayhem, Hate and Impaler to name a few. In November of 2011 they began planning their first tour to take place early 2012, an eight day venture that would take them down the West coast to Los Angeles and back. All was falling into place, or so it seemed...
2012. As the tour dates neared, and everything seemed to be proceeding as planned, XephilaX informed the band that he would be quitting. So with two months to go before the tour was set to kick off, Samhain and The Butcher were left without a bassist or vocalist. They had a choice to make, cancel the tour, or make some major changes. They chose the latter... They scrapped all their old songs and within a few weeks had written a full set of new material to take on the road. They acquired the vocal talents of Naphula to fill in and they were ready to hit the road. The tour went better than they could have hoped, and in August of 2012 they played two shows with Hellgoat and Teratism in Portland, Oregon and San Francisco, California and were very well received. Things had finally turned around and were heading in the right direction again, or so they thought... In late 2012 Naphula unexpectedly quit the band. At this point, Samhain and The Butcher decided to carry on as a two piece with The Butcher taking on full vocal duties, and in December of 2012 they began work on a new album, Anguishing In Obscurity...
2013. With the new lineup solidified and Anguishing In Obscurity finally finished, they began planning a two week August tour in support of the album...
discography:
Live Sacrifice live album 2008
Umbilical Parricide / Sacrament ov Impurity split 2010
A World Beheld by Damnation full-length 2010
Blood Mass in Ballard video 2011
Live Demo 2012 demo 2012
Anguishing in Obscurity full-length 2013
All the Colors of the Dark full-length 2015
www.sacramentovimpurity.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/SacramentOvImpurity/