Saturday, December 31, 2016
NEWS: Japanese Heavy Metallers SOLITUDE Posts New Lyric Video 'Blow'
Japanese Heavy Metallers SOLITUDE Posts New Lyric Video 'Blow'
North American Release 'Reach For The Sky' via Test Your Metal Records
OFFICIAL: Unleashing their latest album 'Reach For The Sky' for North America via Test Your Metal Records this past November, Japanese heavy metallers SOLITUDE have a new lyric video for their track 'Blow'. The track is one of 8 fist pounders off the band's third album that was issued in Japan in 2015 by Spiritual Beast and follows 2009's Brave The Storm (Spiritual Beast) plus 2001's Virtual Image (Spiritual Beast). 'Reach For The Sky' was mixed by Magnus “Mankan” Sedenberg, who has previously worked with Bullet and Crucified Barbara along with artwork by Velio Josto (Warlord, Medieval Steel, Ostrogoth etc).
About:
Japan's SOLITUDE was formed in 1996, when two ex-members of SACRIFICE (Japan)*, the founding member and main composer Akira Sugiuchi and the bass player on two of their albums Toru Nishida, met ex-RIP RIDE guys of Yasuo Koyano and Hiroki Nakamori . The guys kept on rehearsing for as long as 3 years, composing songs and forging the foundation of the band. With Heavy Metal as its core, their sound has tastes of various music as if to show that they have been influenced by various different styles of music, such as 70's Hard Rock, Progressive Rock, and most notably NWOBHM, among others.
In 1998, they picked up "SOLITUDE" as the name of the band, and they played live for the first time in March 1999. This debut live was reported through fanzines and the internet, with such praises as "the birth of the new Defenders of Heavy Metal" or "the answer to what Heavy Metal is". In September, Shingo Ida (ex-BARTOLOMMEO) replaced Nakamori, and his distinctive style of melodic guitars has brought a new blood into the band. In November, they recorded two songs, "Virtual Image" and "Eagle Fly", latter of which was dedicated to their favorite British Heavy Metal band, SAXON. This recording was used for promotion as "SOLITUDE Demo '99".
In July 2000, the band started recording an album, and the recording carried on until December as the band aimed at the highest quality they could achieve. Their debut album "Virtual Image" was finally released on 5th of September, 2001 as the first-ever release of SPIRITUAL BEAST, who would later grow to one of the leading independent Heavy Metal labels in Japan. The album got rave reviews from the underground fanzines and webzines, not just in Japan but in the US and throughout Europe, and requests for interviews flooded in. The reaction was especially overwhelming in Germany, owing to the sampler CD called "Metal Crusade" from "Heavy oder was!?" magazine, which featured the title track "Virtual Image".
Koyano left the band prior to the release of the album, but the band continued touring with the help from Suguru Kobayashi (ex-CASBAH), sharing the stage with various bands from OUTRAGE, RAGING FURY or METALUCIFER to DEFILED and SIGH. In July 2003, having added Tai Syouda (ex-GUARDIAN'S NAIL, now leading his own band, SEVENTH SON) as a permanent drummer, they flew to Germany to play at "Headbangers Open Air", where they shared the stage with veterans like BLITZKRIEG, TRESPASS, and KILLER (Belgium) as well as youngsters like STORMWARRIOR, CRYONIC TEMPLE and DOOMSWORD. Their performance was praised by various media, with German "Rock Hard" magazine describing them as "the highlight of the festival”. The fact that many metalheads kept on chanting for SOLITUDE for a while after they left the stage proves the impact they had.
In 2004, they started preparing for a new album, and first recorded "Rainbow Theme" - "Frozen Rainbow" for a SAXON tribute album "Eagleution - A Tribute to Saxon", put together by Remedy Records in Germany. The recording continued while the band played selected gigs like "Duryu Rock Festival" in Korea (with JURASSIC JADE from Japan, MINDFLOW from Brazil etc), or first-ever opportunity to play in Sapporo, Hokkaido, but their uncompromising attitude and various personal issues of each member delayed the whole process more than they had expected.
The recording, carried out at various points, was finally over and while they were waiting the mixing to be done, at the end of 2008, Syouda decided to leave the band. In February 2009, the remaining 3 guys participated in a NWOBHM cover event "Denim And Leather" as "SOLITUDE with Mad Ohuchi", featuring none other than Takamasa "Mad" Ohuchi of ex-ANTHEM fame on drums. This resulted in Ohuchi joining SOLITUDE as a permanent member later that year.
In December 2009, after 8 years from the debut album, the long-awaited (literally!) new album "Brave the Storm" finally hit the stores. Like its predecessor, the album was produced by Fuyuhiko Inui, ex-band mate of Ida, who has been involved in various recordings as engineer/producer from BUCK-TICK or CHARA to MAVERICK. The mastering duty was handled by Alan Douches at West West Side Music (THE AGONIST, MASTODON etc).
In January 2011, the band toured Korea and Japan with Swedish sensation Enforcer, with Mean Streak also added for the Japanese dates. In September, "Brave the Storm" was released in Europe on Fastball Music in Germany, proving their growing popularity in the mainland Europe. In July 2012, the band helped set up a Japan tour for Canada's Skull Fist, and toured with them and Widow from US. In 2013, they co-hosted the "Japanese Assault Fest", sharing the stage with GIRLSCHOOL, VEKTOR, FASTKILL, AIR RAID etc.
In April 2014, the band finally started recording a new album. Looking for the kind of sound production they grew up listening, they went into a closed movie theater in Gotenba, Shizuoka, where they brought in the recording equipments, just like Deep Purple did in a hotel; Rainbow did in an old castle etc in the 70's. With the great ambience and the environment to allow you to play as loud as you want, the place was later modified into a proper recording studio called "Tapestry Recording Studio". The band appeared at the "Japanese Assault Fest" two years in a row (SATAN, HEAVY TIGER, MIDNIGHT MALICE, ETERNAL ELYSIUM etc) later that year.
The album was mixed and mastered at Pama Studios in Sweden, by Magnus "Mankan" Sedenberg and Magnus "Maxe" Axelsson respectively, who had worked with such bands as BULLET and CRUCIFIED BARBARA. The stunning artwork was painted by the Italian artist Velio Josto, who had done covers for WARLORD, MEDIEVAL STEEL, OSTROGOTH among others. The album "Reach for the Sky" will be released on SPIRITUAL BEAST in June 2015, and the band will be extensively touring throughout Japan for the rest of the year, starting in Nagoya in August.
*SACRIFICE (Japan) was one of the leading bands in the Japanese thrash/underground scene from their formation in 1985 until disbanding in 1992, and they left a lot of impacts on young and upcoming bands then and even now. During their career, they released three studio albums, "Crest of Black" (1987), "Total Steel" (1990) and "Tears" (1992) and shared the stage with SODOM (Germany), NUCLEAR ASSAULT (USA), CASBAH, OUTRAGE, UNITED (all from Japan) among many others. They once featured Shinji "Samm" Tachi of ex-SABBAT on drums, who later formed MAGNESIUM and also joined his brother in METALUCIFER. SACRIFICE has recently reunited under the lineup of Sugiuchi , Nishida , Tachi and Temis Osmond of ex-SABBAT fame.
SOLITUDE - "BLOW" LYRIC VIDEO
facebook.com/solitudejapan
NEWS: Brazil Thrashers BLACKFORCE Unleash New Lyric Video 'Downfall'
Friday, December 30, 2016
NEWS: Vike Tare
Vike Tare
Feed the Flames
release date: September 2nd, 2016
label: Einheit Produktionen
The melodic extreme metal band Vike Tare (Germany) balances the intensity and speed of black metal with big hooks filled with melody and melancholy. They like to provide a sense of melody that does not sound too cheerful, although it is a memorable characteristic of the sound. Vike Tare's "pagan black metal" means quality and attention to the songwriting. They can play fast, but they prefer to use speed only in certain places. Instead, they focus on songs that can grab the listener's attention, and of course, big melodies.
OFFICIAL: Hailing from Frisia / North Germany, Vike Tare unleash their new album “Feed the Flames”, which will be released by Einheit Produktionen on September 2nd 2016. The album title, the artwork as well as the band's name are linked to the old pagan custom Biikebrennen, an annual celebration held on February 21st in North Frisia.
Maritime topics are an important element of the band's lyrics. Thus, the new album includes three topic-related interpretations of German ballads, written by Otto Ernst (“Die späte Rückkehr – Die Geschichte von Nis Randers”), Detlev von Liliencron (“Trutz, Blanke Hans!”) and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (“Der Fischer”).
Vike Tare was founded at the Frisian North Sea coast in 2003. One year later the band autonomously recorded their debut “The Tide of Revelation”, which was released in 2005. After numerous concerts in northern Germany, the band was put on hold in 2008 due to time constraints. At this point, material for a second album had already been almost completed. In 2013, the band reunited to finalize and record the yet unreleased songs at NordVrost-Studios. The result was Vike Tare's second and final album “Feed the Flames”, which will be released by Einheit Produktionen on September 2, 2016.
The title of the album as well as the band's name are linked to the old pagan custom Biikebrennen, an annual celebration held on February 21 in North Frisia. In present day, its original purpose cannot be determined. The expulsion of evil spirits, protection of the seeds on the fields or fishermen's and whalers’ pleas for safe passage on the sea might be possible interpretations. During the celebration, bundles of straw or straw dolls (so called Petermännchen) are burned in a fire (Biike). The term “Petermännchen” probably refers to the Pope's Petrine office and the associated Christian faith. Originally the burning of these straw dolls possibly confirmed the rejection of Christianity. Linked to this, the exclamation “Vike Tare” (or “Wedge zehre!”) is handed down. It is addressed to Weda (one of the two Frisian war gods, often equated with Wotan / Odin), who is thereby asked to accept the fiery sacrifice.
Vike Tare describe their music as Frisian Pagan Black Metal which is influenced by the rather melodic approach of Black-/Death-Metal as played by Swedish bands such as Sacramentum, Dawn or Mörk Gryning in the second half of the 1990s. Maritime topics are an important element of the band's lyrics. Thus, the new album “Feed the Flames” will include three topic-related interpretations of German ballads, written by Otto Ernst (“Die Späte Rückkehr – Die Geschichte von Nis Randers”), Detlev von Liliencron (“Trutz, Blanke Hans!”) and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (“Der Fischer”).
facebook.com/VikeTare
einheit-produktionen.de
NEWS: Attick Demons
Attick Demons
Let's Raise Hell
release date: August 12th, 2016
label: Pure Steel Records
Are you ready for some good old-fashioned heavy metal from Portugal? Are you ready for some Bruce Dickinson-like singing? If that sounds enticing, be sure to look into Attick Demons. They began in 1996 and in 2016 they made a new album for the traditional times and supporters of today. This is galloping heavy metal all the way.
OFFICIAL: Attick Demons are a portuguese heavy metal band that will take you to the old days of New Wave of British Heavy Metal with a little twist of today's heavy metal sound. They came with the power force of demons... hungry to conquer, willing to succeed. With an high pitched powerful singer, galloping drums and classic blazing guitar solos, you have to listen to believe!
puresteel-records.com/bands/view/123/Attick_Demons
facebook.com/attickdemonsofficial
Kald Kriger (black metal from Bellingham, WA, U.S.)
Kald Kriger
A Season of Pagan Sorrow
release date: December 25th, 2016
label: independent
This is a new album of black metal from the city of Bellingham, which is located to the north of Seattle and Everett in the state of Washington. "Vredensdal" is the code name of the mastermind behind this project and he takes care of just about everything, from vocals to the recording phases and artwork components. According to Bandcamp, where you can hear the entire album now, only the drums were done by somebody else, namely, Lord Mortkin. The themes that the lyrics cover are: "the horrors of war, memoirs of death, the personal sorrows of a modern Norse pagan and taking revenge on the christian menace." As previously stated, this is a very new recording, so black metal supporters feel to free investigate and find out for yourself.
A Season of Pagan Sorrow:
1.Úlfhéðnar 06:38
2.The Doom of the Gods 04:38
3.Smite the Cross 09:34
4.Heaven Impaled 07:11
5.Let the Ravens Fly! 04:57
6.This Storm Travels North 07:30
7.A Season of Pagan Sorrow 07:04
total time 47:32
discography:
Dark Fields EP 2016
Heaven Impaled Single 2016
A Season of Pagan Sorrow full-length 2016
kaldkrigerforever.bandcamp.com
instagram.com/kaldkriger/
Thursday, December 29, 2016
coming to Everett, Jan. 7th: Thou Shall Kill (WA state)
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
NEWS: Defiant
Defiant
Time Isn't Healing
release date: November 25th, 2016
label: Ferrrum Records
Expect real singing. Expect songs to remember. The singing voice of Defiant (Ukraine) is a very appealing tone; strong, it projects well, it is solid and also filled with a great amount of melody. This type of voice has a big potential for appeal amongst the metal public because it sounds real, and it is good quality on the recording. Defiant's style is heavy metal with both classic and current elements in the sound. Most importantly, they have well-written songs. This album is a keeper 100%.
OFFICIAL: Since its formation in 2008, DEFIANT's mission has been to enthrall fans with a brand of power metal that is as muscular as it is melodic. DEFIANT went on to release no less than three EPs and 2012's full-length debut Masquerade, collectively laying the groundwork for what can only be called its magnum opus: Time Isn't Healing. The crunching riffs and soaring leads of guitarist Andrey Turkovsky blend seamlessly with the epic, often breathtaking keyboard work of Victoria Terzieva, while Stanislav Proshkin's gritty yet tuneful vocals offer a captivating stamp of distinction. The clanging bass lines of Oleg Yakovlev and airtight drumming of Eugeniy Smolin form a robust rhythmic foundation. But it's the quality and consistency of the songwriting that is perhaps most impressive about the new album. Whether the up-tempo power metal pummel of "Milestones of Time" or the mid-tempo elegance of "According to the Acts," Time Isn't Healing sinks the hooks in deep and keep the listener in a state of rapt attention from beginning to end.
facebook.com/DefiantBand
NEWS: Widow
Widow
Carved in Stone
release date: June 24th, 2016
label: Pure Steel Records
The long-running traditional heavy metal act Widow (North Carolina, U.S.) sold its soul to rock and roll in the year 2000 and they haven't looked back since. This year they put out another title to their list of achievements. Followers of the traditional sounds of singing, riffs, solos and headbanging heavy metal can find out a lot more about the band below at the first link, including videos.
OFFICIAL: Widow has been a staple of underground metal scene since 2000 and have released 4 albums, performed countless shows including Kansas City Power Metal Festival, Rocklahoma, Sword Brothers Festival IX, Up the Hammers, and Steel Assassins Festival. Widow have performed in the US, Canada, Europe, Japan and Australia and continue to tour as much as possible. They have played/toured with many great artists such as Saxon, Queensryche, Cauldron, Skull Fist, White Wizzard, Icarus Witch, Grim Reaper, Raven, Destruction, Krisiun and many more!!! Widow explores the neo-classical side of heavy metal and is proud to take their influences from their own experiences plus groups such as King Diamond, Crimson Glory, Warlord, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Yngwie Malmsteen. The morbid personality of each member comes together to form the unique sound of the band. Metal Hammer magazine has named WIDOW one of the leaders of the "New Wave of Traditional Metal" and is recognized as a band at the front of the melodic metal uprising. Widow has put the final touches on their new release entitled Carved In Stone available now on Pure Steel Records.
puresteel-records.com/bands/view/132/Widow
facebook.com/widowtheband/
review: Mercyless
Mercyless
Pathetic Divinity
release date: October 7th, 2016
label: Kaotoxin Records
Mercyless (France) is a traditional death metal band that came to the attention of the metal world in 1992 with its very good debut album Abject Offerings, a work that rolled into one the best elements of the genre's rising wave; big and memorable riffs; guitar solos with personality; great, clear production of the time; awesome growling in the tradition of the greats that founded the genre. Mercyless has been through its ups and downs in the music business and has released some six studio albums, including this new one.
In the past the band has experimented and even lost its way, but in 2013 they returned to form with Unholy Black Splendor. Things were looking up and it was a genuine effort by the band. In 2016 they remain true to their original mission of death metal with Pathetic Divinity. Committed to writing songs, Mercyless concentrates on doing what they do best, which is headbanging metal. Some may call it old school or traditional or something like that, but Mercyless it is simply death metal the way they became known.
Mercyless 2016 features heavy growling that is somewhat intelligible; it's a big mass of jumbled screaming. The vocals do sound like the Mercyless of old, in the style of the founders of the genre in the 80s; deep, with enunciation, with emphasis on making the vocals be a big part of the songs, not just another form of percussion. The guitar tone is substantially heavy, upfront and thick, with a vibe of grooving sounds. There are hooks and melodies that can catch the listening ear. The guitar solos remain the main fountain of melodies for Mercyless, given that the songs carry a heavy weight to them. The album has a rumbling quality to it and you can be sure that the rhythm section is definitely responsible for that pounding rumble; there is quite a bit of blasting, but it's located in certain segments when the songs call for it.
Mercyless 2016 has a lot to offer to those partial to death metal, especially if we're talking about the more traditional forms of death metal from the legendary days transported to the times of today. To those that remember Mercyless from the old days, the band knows that they need to show that they still have the spirit of old. This album goes a long way towards showing that this is the case. [review by MMB]
OFFICIAL: Among the genuine originators of the mid-80's French Extreme Metal scene, few were the ones able to really export their unholy art, get the recognition they deserved from the worldwide underground and be still around quite 25-30 years after their inception: LOUDBLAST, AGRESSOR, SUPURATION, MERCYLESS and PUTRID OFFAL. Formed in 1987, MERCYLESS released their kvlt debut, "Abject Offerings" (produced by world-class producer Colin Richardson) in 1992 through UK's Vinyl Solution / World in Flames. Preceded by three demos and an EP, followed by countless gigs in Europe, the album, with its trademark riffing and vocal styles on top of a brutal, uncompromising yet crystal-clear production and a truly personal approach of unholy Death Metal, immediately earned the band the worldwide recognition it deserved. Soon followed by "Coloured Funeral" (1993, Century Media) and European tours with DEATH, MORGOTH, UNLEASHED, TIAMAT and ASPHYX, both albums and MERCYLESS altogether are still seen as some of the kvltest Death Metal band and releases of the early nineties. MERCYLESS eventually released two more albums ("C.O.L.D.", 1996 and "Sure to Be Pure", 2000), both through Germany's Impact / System Shock - the later full-length being a posthumous release), showcasing a more progressive and cold Thrash / Death before disbanding in 1998 after a final Spanish tour.
Back from the grave in 2011, the band started re-releasing its back-catalog (a compilation of demos and rarities in 2011 and an official bootleg in 2012) before entering the studio again to record their comeback (fifth) full-length, "Unholy Black Splendor" (produced by Dan Swanö), released in 2013, and a split EP, "Blast from the Past", with just-resurrected French act CRUSHER in 2015, soon followed by a European tour with fellow french veterans LOUDBLAST. Meanwhile, MERCYLESS reissued their kvlt debut with three different labels on CD, LP and cassette tape. KAOSKVLT, the new KAOTOXIN division dedicated to old-school gems reissues, releasing on early 2016 to celebrate the album's 25th anniversary what's most probably the trvest, rarest and kvltest version: a 100 collector copies cassette tape edition. While celebrating these reissues, MERCYLESS signed to Kaotoxin and entered the Psykron (PUTRID OFFAL) and Conkrete (OTARGOS, ANATA remasters...) studios to record their sixth studio full-length, "Pathetic Divinity". Preceeded by a free digital single titled "Altered Divination" in June 2016, the album will be unleashed upon mankind on October 2016 marking the start of a year-plus long series of celebrations for the band's 30th anniversary.
facebook.com/kaotoxinrecords
kaotoxin.com
facebook.com/mercylesscult/
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Demogoroth Satanum
Seattle & Washington concert calendar, updated December 27, 2016
If you have information about shows/updates/cancellations, please get in contact with Metal Bulletin Zine.
December 29 Born Without Blood, I am The Vision, Kömmand at Substation, Seattle, WA
December 30 Generation Decline, Oxygen Destroyer, Darkmysticwoods, Truth Decay at The Charleston, Bremerton, WA
December 31 3pm Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Key Arena, Seattle, WA
December 31 9pm Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Key Arena, Seattle, WA
January 2 Genocide Pact, Acid Feast, Hideous Creep, Cujo at Highline, Seattle, WA
January 5 Hissing, Bone Sickness, Infernal Coil at Obsidian, Olympia, WA
January 6 Dilapidation (cd release show), Thou Shall Kill, Noceur, Smokers Cough, Narrow Minded at Funhouse, Seattle, WA
January 7 Thou Shall Kill, A Flourishing Scourge, Aethereus at Tony V's, Everett, WA
January 10 Ascended Dead, Grave Ritual, Hexenslaught, Fetid at Highline, Seattle, WA
January 13 The Drip, others at The Observatory, Spokane, WA
January 18 Udo Dirkschneider "Back To The Roots - Farewell To Accept," Zero Down at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
January 14 Visceral Embodiment, Fools Among Thieves, Antitheus, Vesuvian at Lucky Liquor, Tuwkila, WA
January 18 Ash Borer at Obsidian, Olympia, WA
January 19 Ash Borer, Bell Witch, Hissing at Highline, Seattle, WA
January 20 Striker, Spellcaster, Skelator, Demonhammer at Highline, Seattle, WA
January 21 Entombed AD, Full of Hell, Turbid North, Deathraid at Highline, Seattle, WA
January 21 High on Fire at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
January 22 Armed for Apocalypse, Witchburn, Deathbed Confessions, others at Funhouse, Seattle, WA
January 23 Marc Rizzo, Oraculum at Funhouse, Seattle, WA
January 23 Thou Shall Kill, Dilapidation, Pill Brigade at Substation, Seattle, WA
January 23 Vultra at The Pin, Spokane, WA
January 27 Queensryche at Snoqualmie Casino, Snoqualmie, WA
January 27 Drawn and Quartered, Sakrificer, Raptor, Oxygen Destroyer at Highline, Seattle, WA
January 28 Blue Öyster Cult at Historic Everett Theatre, Everett, WA
Feb 1 Inquisition, Rutah, Serpentspire, Skinwalker at The Pin, Spokane, WA
February 2 Mayhem, Inquisition, Black Anvil at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
February 4 Lordi at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
February 10 Revenge, Weregoat, Drawn and Quartered, Bloody Master at Highline, Seattle, WA
February 10 Zero Down, others at Funhouse, Seattle, WA
February 12 Flotsam & Jetsam, Vicious Rumors, Hatchet, Antarez at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
February 19 Alterbeast, Depths of Hatred, Aenimus, Aethere, Aethereus at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
February 20 Marduk, Incantation, Svart Crown at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
February 22 Nile, Overkill, Kill Closet at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
February 26 Uli Jon Roth, Zero Down, Children of Seraph at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
March 1 Max and Igor Cavalera "Return to Roots Tour," Immolation, Full of Hell at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
March 5 Devil Driver, Death Angel, The Agonist, Azreal, Ashes of Existence at Studio Seven, WA
March 6 Darkest Hour, Ringworm, Tombs, Rivers of Nihil, Blood and Thunder at Studio Seven, WA
March 11 Archgoat, Valkyrja, Hellfire, Deathcult, Void Wraith at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
March 28 Kreator, Obituary, Midnight, Horrendous at Neptune, Seattle, WA
March 29 Nails, Toxic Holocaust, Gatecreeper at Neumos, Seattle, WA
March 30 Despised Icon, Carnifex, Fallujah, Rings of Saturn, Lorna Shore at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
April 4 Amorphis, Swallow the Sun at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
April 25 Anthrax, Killswitch Engage at Showbox SoDo, Seattle, WA
April 28 D.R.I. at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
April 29 Asphyx, Extremity at Highline, Seattle, WA
May 6 HammerFall, Delain at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
May 8 Sabaton, Battle Beast, others at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
May 11 Testament, Sepultura, Prong at Showbox Market, Seattle, WA
May 18 Y & T at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
May 20 Evergrey, Seven Kingdoms, Ascendia, Need at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
May 26 Candlemass at Modified Ghost Festival II, Vancover, B.C., Canada
www.facebook.com/The-Metal-Bulletin-paper-zine-238441519609213/?fref=ts
www.twitter.com/MetalBulletinZn
NEWS: Slamophiliac
Slamophiliac
Perihelion
CDN Records
Release: 1 January 2017
In the city of San Antonio, Texas, U.S. there is a one-man ultra death metal factory called Slamophiliac and his name is Darryn Palmer. He wakes up in the morning thinking about brutal death metal and goes to bed thinking about brutal death metal and slam death metal rules his life. In another words, he is just like you and you want the heaviest, fastest, most brutal death metal that you can take in this life, the next one and the life after that one. You want that all-you-can-eat death metal buffet and Slamophiliac is meant to satisfy. The time for slam is here. There is a two-step plan in place. (1) Release the album on the 1st of January of 2017 and (2) give the ultra death metal fanatics exactly what they want, from sea to shining sea, over the mountains and cross the ocean blue, from San Antonio to Shanghai to you. Gargled vocals, pinched harmonics, gravity blast beasts programmed to rattle, indecipherable low growling, guitars that sound like bricks, and the rhythms that can shake the shack 24/7. Go, Slamophiliac, go!
ABOUT: Slamophiliac- the pseudonym of slamming brutal death metal producer and musician Darryn Palmer. Starting in 2013 as a joke band, Slamophiliac took a turn for the serious after the label Brutal Gear agreed to release the debut album "Aborted Into Absolute In-existence". Shortly after, CDN Records picked up Slamophiliac and have released several albums since.
Are you sick of the usual gore-infused tropes found within this sub-genre? Well, let this newest of releases, entitled Perihelion, take you on a mind-altering trip that features seven highly-abstract, theoretical-filled songs straight from the mind of a true slamtellectual. Sure, it's high-brow, but not at the expense of sheer brutality!
Perihelion is:
1.Extirpate Morality
2.Insignificancy Of Objective Ideals
3.Metaphysical World Of Abstract Constructs
4.Eternal Disappointment
5.Denial Of Self
6.Contempt Of Irrational Thought
7.Total Annihilation Eminent
cdnrecords.com
facebook.com/slamophiliac
slamophiliac@gmail.com
SLAMOPHILIAC - EXTIRPATE MORALITY
Monday, December 26, 2016
new issue of METAL BULLETIN ZINE: number 111
Metal Bulletin zine number 111 is available online. It features:
Arduini/Balich (U.S.)
Ravencult (Greece)
Gutted Souls (Brazil)
Jenner (Serbia)
Watchtower (U.S.)
Cadaveria (Italy)
Necrodeath (Italy)
Al Joseph (U.S)
fuglymaniacs.com/pdf-files/MetalBulletin111%20(1).pdf
fuglymaniacs.com
interview: Oxygen Destroyer
Oxygen Destroyer is a relatively new band in the Seattle area devoted to the cause of thrash for the glory of Godzilla. The band’s mad string exonerator and abstruse larynx projector, Jordan Farrow, momentarily slipped away from his undersea lair to respond to inquisitions brought before him in the name of this publication. Thanks to him, you can gain insight into Oxygen Destroyer’s purpose in life.
Can you tell us how 2016 treated your band? How is your plan to conquer the world coming along for 2017?
2016 was a fantastic year for us, we really stepped it up and started playing as many shows as we could. 2015 was pretty complicated because we went through some lineup changes and didn't get our first demo out until the end of the year. But this year was solid and we found time to release another demo and a split with local death metal band Carnotaurus, we also got to share the stage with legendary bands like Warbringer, Enforcer, Exmortus, Discharge, Toxic Holocaust, Eyehategod, and Drawn and Quartered. For 2017 we plan on releasing our Kaiju-channeled mayhem outside of the Seattle area, specifically Tacoma, Olympia, Port Angeles, Portland, and hopefully LA.
What was happening in your life at that time that led you to the forces of the Kaiju?
All my life I have been a huge fan of Kaiju films. I saw my first Godzilla movie when I was four years old and its been a part of my life ever since. Throughout my life I could never figure out what I wanted to do with my future, then I started playing guitar and writing music in the veins of Teutonic thrash and old school death metal, the raw heavy s## that never f## around. One day I was jamming in my garage and it finally hit me, we already have bands singing about religion, gore, and politics. Hell, we even have bands like Bolt Thrower, Amon Amarth, and Gama Bomb singing about Warhammer, Vikings, and video games.
But one subject that seems to be rarely touched on in metal is Japanese monster movies. In that moment I realized what I was born to do, I was destined to pay tribute to the almighty Kaiju with unrelenting death/thrash fury. And thus, in the name of Gojira himself, Oxygen Destroyer was born. The band began in September 2014 and the current members are Jordan Farrow (guitar, vocals), Joey Walker (guitar), Ben Williams (bass) and Chris Craven (drums).
Some bands go around telling people who to vote for, others would like people to know that zombies are an urgent problem that society must address. However, I have researched in my local library and I have not been able to find a single band obsessed with Godzilla as your band. Can you tell us how many Godzilla movies there are in total?
There are 31 movies total. 29 of them were made by Toho Studios, the other two were American adaptations produced by Hollywood, on a side note the 1998 film starring Mathew Broderick is so s## it doesn’t even count as a true Gojira film. Kaiju films are often ridiculed for being "cheesy" mostly because of the Suitmation special effects, but there is a lot of symbolism and meaning behind them.
The original 1954 Gojira film symbolizes nuclear warfare and the destruction that humanity inflicts upon the earth and themselves. Gojira himself is a representation of the atom bomb and Hiroshima. At the end of the movie the people use a device called the Oxygen Destroyer to exterminate him for good and the creator of the device ensures he dies as well so the technology of the weapon can never be used again. Unfortunately, the device is a failure anyway because another Gojira ends up taking the place of the first one. Gojira cannot die for good and if he ever does another one will always takes his place, this is because he represents the past failures and cruelty of mankind, it matters not what we do because we are forever cursed with our past mistakes. This was why I chose Oxygen Destroyer as the name of the band, not only does it sound thrash as f## but it perfectly fits the theme, Gojira is a thermonuclear deity that embodies death itself, he is a force of nature so powerful that even humanity's deadliest weapon was unable to end his reign of terror for good.
Oxygen Destroyer is a full-blown Godzilla-themed extreme metal band, but there was a proto-Godzilla-themed band before yours and they were called Blue Oyster Cult. Have you by any chance ever heard the song “Godzilla” by B.O.C.? With your expertise in this field, what can you say about that song? Do you believe that it needs more cowbell?
Blue Oyster Cult f## rules, and Godzilla is easily one of my favorite rock songs. Not only are the riffs catchy as hell, but the lyrics are fantastic, lines like "history shows again and again how nature point out the folly of man" perfectly describe Gojira. That song kicks so much ass that no cowbell is needed.
Have there been Godzilla movies recently?
A new American adaption was made in 2014 and it was f## awesome, far better then the 1998 film. Even better, the first Japanese Gojira movie since 2004 was released this year. The film is called Shin Godzilla and it is easily one of the year’s best films. Gojira, Kong, and Pacific Rim all have new films coming out soon so the future of giant monster movies looks bright.
Let’s go back in time to the first recording from 2015. Did you record those songs by yourselves? Does the 2015 demo represent accurately the music as you hear it in your imagination?
Back then the band was a three-piece. I did guitar and vocals just like I do now, but Joey was playing bass and we had Hereticon's Rodney Serrano on drums. His style was raw, aggressive, and fast as hell. When we made that first demo we were poor so we recorded it in Joey's garage. The demo was recorded live with a camera we placed in the middle of the room. I’m content with how it turned out overall; it’s raw, sloppy, and punishing as f##. Oxygen Destroyer is all about nonstop relentless brutality, bands like Vader, Sodom, Sepultura, Cancer, Sadus, Demolition Hammer, and early Death are massive influences. Our sound is meant to represent the hatred and brutality of the Kaiju, and nothing captures that vibe better then skull crushing death/thrash
Then, y’all recorded more songs in 2016. Things are looking up, but now you have to deal with the constant questions: Do you have an album planned?
Right now we're working on some new material and already have some shows coming up. Our first show of 2017 will be at the Highline on January 27th with Raptor (PDX), Sakrificer (LA) and Drawn and Quartered. Once our new songs are finished we definitely plan on recording and releasing our album some time next year.
How do you get the sound you want? What are you favorite guitars and its accompanying equipment? How raw do you want your music to be in the future?
Each release has been recorded differently. As I said the first demo was recorded live with a camera, but for the second demo we recorded each member individually, and instead of a garage we recorded in someone’s living room.
The second demo was a big step up from our first release, the overall sound is balanced very well and the musicianship is way tighter, ever since Chris joined our sound has become more polished and refined while still retaining the thrashing brutality we're going for.
Later in the year we recorded the "Saurian Warfare" split with Carnotaurus. By this time we became a 4 piece, our good friend Ben now playing bass and Joey playing guitar. Instead of recording new songs we recorded 2 songs that were on our first demo. The bands sound had evolved tremendously since then and our older songs sounded completely different, so we wanted to show it. This was the first time we recorded in a studio; each track was recorded live and then had bass and guitar dub over the tracks to give it a fuller sound. Since its release "Saurian Warfare" has had great reception and I think it’s our best release yet by far. The full-length's overall sound will probably be very similar to "Saurian Warfare". I use a Schecter C1 guitar, I've been using it for about 3 years now and I have no intentions of replacing it.
Your music is “name your price” on Bandcamp. Supporters of black/death/thrash should know that. What’s next for your band?
We have no signs of slowing down, we'll be playing many more shows in 2017 and work on our album will begin as soon as possible. Support local metal and hail the f## Kaiju!
oxygendestroyer1.bandcamp.com
facebook.com/Oxygen-Destroyer-325474194296570
THE END
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Nemesis
Nemesis is an extreme metal band from Serbia that has been working to get its name to the world of metal music. They are a young band, but they have been getting more and more experienced and they have plans for the future. Check out some of their work!
OFFICIAL: Nemesis is the only female melodic death metal band in Serbia. It was founded in late 2013 in Belgrade, modeled on the Arch Enemy. During the first meeting realized that the ideal solution would be to play in this all-girl band. Originally, the songs performed by other bands, but now dealing exclusively copyrighted work. The band has performed several times in local clubs in Belgrade and Belgrade Youth Centre, the Cultural Centre Studentski grad and Cultural Center "Božidarac". Besides the winners have Demo Masters festival in 2014 in the category of cover bands, organizing the festival "Women play all" and participants of the festival "Let's virimo" which was held in the hall Apolo in Pancevo.
In May 2016, published the video for their first single "Vengeance" to be found on the EP, along with songs Living Dead People, Savages, and Divine Retribution. The plan is that the EP issued during the year 2016, with the end of the year will start recording their first album. The bands that inspire them as Arch Enemy, Death, Pantera, In Flames, Trivium and Kreator. The inspiration for the texts found in the problems of the 21st century, such as capitalism and globalization, but also the philosophical themes.
Nemesis - Vengeance (Official Video)
Nemesis - pull the plug
facebook.com/girldeathmetal/
nemesis.deathmetal.band@gmail.com
NEWS: Gutted Souls: "Being Human" (OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO)
The death metal group Gutted Souls (Brazil) has an album coming up and it will be called Oligarchy and the Illusion of Freedom. To get the ball the rolling they have done a lyric video for the song called "Being Human." The band describes itself as "a Death Metal Act that speaks against the corruption of science and religion, an deliberate and organized process very akin to an infection. The name of the process is Ponerogenesis, and its spawn are Pathocracies everywere. Fusing a old school sound with modern Death Metal, we have been described as 'Jungle Rot, Lamb of God, Dying Fetus and Nile in one giant metal sandwitch'".
Biography: GUTTED SOULS started in 2004 when the members of the band NECROPEDOPHILE, after lauching their demo FETAL GORE of 2002, started deviating from their proposed path of making Traditional Death Metal in the vein of Cannibal Corpse, Sinister, Morbid Angel and such. As the musicians started to become more proficient in their respective instruments, the musical direction changed to something more Technical and Progressive.
The band suffered countless setbacks since then, with numerous line-up changes, and the sole remaining member is Iron (Anopsy, Ex-Diisgraça). But the idea of making Death Metal with lyrics that you would actually want to read, and a desire to inform about the realities of psychopathy, midiatic manipulation, the corruption of science and religion, made the band resist. Influenced by Morbid Angel, Monstrosity, Suffocation, Disgorge (USA), Decapitated and other modern acts, we carved our sound. We have since our return shared stage with promissing and stabilished underground acts such as Krisiun, Chaos Synopsys, Lacerated and Carbonized, Anopsy, Unearthly, Flageladör, Apocalyptic Raids, Vomepotro, Ayin, Anarkhon among others.
Gutted Souls - Being Human (OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO)
guttedsouls.bandcamp.com
facebook.com/GuttedSouls
Saturday, December 24, 2016
NEWS: Drawn and Quartered
Drawn and Quartered is veteran true death metal band from the state of Washington, in the West Coast of the United States. The Seattle group began more than two decades ago and they are, as some people have observed, a band that focuses on definitive death metal. In 2016 metal supporters in Seattle have had opportunities to watch the band in action on the stages of the city. Also, there seem to be some projects that the band has been rolling on. In order to get a better handle on these developments, Metal Bulletin contacted the band for information and clarification.
Have there been changes in the lineup? Who is in the band at this moment?
DRAWN AND QUARTERED is: Simon 'TORMENTOR' Dorfman-drums; Herb 'BUTCHER' Burke-bass, vocals; K.S.'PLAGUE BEARER' Kuciemba-guitars.
There are some demo songs that you have released? Is this correct? They are old songs, correct?
DRAWN AND QUARTERED is working with VAULT OF DRIED BONES to release a CD version of PROLIFERATION OF DISEASE. 47 minutes of music mastered by DAMIAN HERRING, artwork by THOMAS WESTPHAL. An official release date will be announced on December 25th, for an early January release. Information and details can be found on our FACEBOOK, NUMBER ONE MUSIC and BANDCAMP pages as well as my Kelly Shane Kuciemba YOUTUBE channel. We have an 8 song PROLIFERATION OF DISEASE Cassette (Mastered by p.WRECKS, art by THOMAS WESTPHAL, graphics by CURSED PRODUCTIONS) and T Shirt available now.
DRAWN AND QUARTERED has partnered with END OF MUSIC to release an 8 song Cassette called PLAGUE BEARER. This release compiles our 1993 debut demo as PLAGUE BEARER and our PLAGUE BEARER EP RISE OF THE GOAT from 2004. This limited edition cassette tape features lyrics and a new logo and art from DEPRAV ARTS, with graphic design by CURSED PRODUCTIONS.
So, is there a new album in the works?
We are recording material. There is about 35 minutes of material we have begun tracking for our next full-length release. We have commissioned a painting from long time artist GABRIEL T. BYRNE. DRAWN AND QUARTERED and our side band PLAGUE BEARER have multiple projects in the works including T Shirt, CD, LP and Cassette Tape releases. We are performing shows and festivals worldwide. For up to the minute information on shows and how to purchase our latest releases contact me on our DRAWN AND QUARTERED FACEBOOK page, or directly at doublek666@msn.com.
facebook.com/drawnandquartered
drawnandquartered1.bandcamp.com
NEWS: Neravendetta
Neravendetta is an extreme metal band from Italy. Years and years ago they had a self-titled demo (2009) and Metal Bulletin was in contact with them. Now, years later, they have an album called Magnum Chaos which accumulates their knowledge, skills and experience in black metal for a work of speed and melody, an album that devoted and diehard black metal supporters might find very interesting and may find themselves coming back to the album to get more and more of it. It's great news that Neravendetta has survived and written its name in the book of heavy metal with a full-length album. Listen to the complete album at the Bandcamp link below and find out more about this melodic black metal of the constellations of the time travel.
BIOGRAPHY:
April 2006 - Cagliari - Neravendetta is born, as a two-piece, by the will of Roberto Foddai and Francesco Carboni to create a black metal band, taking inspiration from various acts such as Windir, Ulver and the viking/black Norwegian scene in general.
September 2006 - Neravendetta record their first song "And the sky turns black", with the help of Guglielmo Fenu on drums and bass guitar.
December 2007 - Davide Marini (drums) joins the band.
April 2008 - Marco Piu (bass guitar) and Mauro Fadda (vocals) finally complete the lineup.
May 2008 - Neravendetta makes its first live appearance, at Titty Twister, Selargius.
September 2008 - Mauro leaves the band due to personal reasons. He's replaced by Giuseppe Novella (ex Tundra).
March 2009 - Neravendetta records its first promo at V-Studio and MOP Studio. The whole work is mixed by 322Studio.
July 2009 - Neravendetta plays at Heavy Sands festival in Cagliari, featuring bands such Chaoswave, Kaledon and MNEMIC.
December 2009 - Line-up changes: Giuseppe and Davide leave the band. We would like to thank them for their great contribution to our band, and wish them the best luck (especially to Davide, with his drum studies in London).
December 2009 - Luca Soi (Arcana Coelestia) replaces Giuseppe on vocals.
January 2010 - Carlo Corona joins Neravendetta as drummer.
2010 - 2014: time has passed.
2014: With home recording session we tryed and failed to record the first album.
October 2015: During all 2015, using home recording system, we have recorded seven new songs and we are close to finishing the album.
October 17, 2016 Our first album Magnum Chaos finally out! streaming and download here
neravendetta.bandcamp.com
facebook.com/neravendetta/
Friday, December 23, 2016
NEWS: A Flourishing Scourge
Pacific Northwest progressive extreme metal band A Flourishing Scourge has been busy in the recent period. They have been recording an album that will be available in 2017. The album will follow up the band's 2015 EP As Beauty Fades Away. The band also went on the road to live the life of rock and roll and came back alive to tell about it. In addition, they have been straightening out some personnel issues.
They will be starting the year with a show in Everett on January 7th at Tony V's: Thou Shall Kill // A Flourishing Scourge // Aethereus.
This publication wanted to catch up on the details of the latest band happenings and this is what bassist Kevin reported about the upcoming album and the band's plans.
"The album is in final mixing in NY at Gojira's Silver Cord Studio. When that's complete, around the first of the year, it will go to mastering at Fascination Street in Sweden, to be mastered by Jens Bogren who also did some of my fave Opeth albums and a few of the Swedish classics.
From there we're going to do a couple months of promo, with a release date sometime in the March timeframe. We're currently planning on releasing it under our own inprint, Begotten Records, and pushing it out to labels etc., at that time. It's really turned out well, so we're hoping it will gain some traction.
The drums on the album were recorded by Samus Paulicelli of Decrepit Birth. Since then, Portland super-drummer Elijah Losch has permanently taken over the drum throne. He's easily one of the best extreme metal drummers in the PNW, so we feel pretty stoked about scooping up such a great rising talent.
With Elijah on board, we did a 12 date West Coast tour in October, along with Seattle's Rhine. It was our first venture out of the state, and we played shows in Oregon, California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah. The turnouts were hit or miss, largely depending on the local support to draw, but the shows all went very well, we learned a ton about the rigors of life on the road and, most importantly, we met some amazing people and bands creating great art everywhere we stopped."
facebook.com/aflourishingscourge
Seattle & Washington concert calendar, updated December 23, 2016
If you have information about shows/updates/cancellations, please get in contact with Metal Bulletin Zine.
December 29 Born Without Blood, I am The Vision, Kömmand at Substation, Seattle, WA
December 30 Generation Decline, Oxygen Destroyer, Darkmysticwoods, Truth Decay at The Charleston, Bremerton, WA
December 31 3pm Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Key Arena, Seattle, WA
December 31 9pm Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Key Arena, Seattle, WA
January 2 Genocide Pact, Acid Feast, Hideous Creep, Cujo at Highline, Seattle, WA
January 5 Hissing, Bone Sickness, Infernal Coil at Obsidian, Olympia, WA
January 6 Dilapidation (cd release show), Thou Shall Kill, Noceur, Smokers Cough, Narrow Minded at Funhouse, Seattle, WA
January 7 Thou Shall Kill, A Flourishing Scourge, Aethereus at Tony V's, Everett, WA
January 10 Ascended Dead, Grave Ritual, Hexenslaught, Fetid at Highline, Seattle, WA
January 13 The Drip, others at The Observatory, Spokane, WA
January 18 Udo Dirkschneider "Back To The Roots - Farewell To Accept" at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
January 14 Visceral Embodiment, Fools Among Thieves, Antitheus, Vesuvian at Lucky Liquor, Tuwkila, WA
January 18 Ash Borer at Obsidian, Olympia, WA
January 19 Ash Borer, Bell Witch, Hissing at Highline, Seattle, WA
January 20 Striker, Spellcaster, Skelator, Demonhammer at Highline, Seattle, WA
January 21 Entombed AD, Full of Hell, Turbid North, Deathraid at Highline, Seattle, WA
January 21 High on Fire at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
January 22 Armed for Apocalypse, Witchburn, Deathbed Confessions, others at Funhouse, Seattle, WA
January 23 Marc Rizzo, Oraculum at Funhouse, Seattle, WA
January 23 Thou Shall Kill, Dilapidation, Pill Brigade at Substation, Seattle, WA
January 23 Vultra at The Pin, Spokane, WA
January 27 Queensryche at Snoqualmie Casino, Snoqualmie, WA
January 27 Drawn and Quartered, Sakrificer, Raptor, Oxygen Destroyer at Highline, Seattle, WA
January 28 Blue Öyster Cult at Historic Everett Theatre, Everett, WA
Feb 1 Inquisition, Rutah, Serpentspire, Skinwalker at The Pin, Spokane, WA
February 2 Mayhem, Inquisition, Black Anvil at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
February 4 Lordi at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
February 10 Revenge, Weregoat, Drawn and Quartered, Bloody Master at Highline, Seattle, WA
February 10 Zero Down, others at Funhouse, Seattle, WA
February 12 Flotsam & Jetsam, Vicious Rumors, Hatchet, Antarez at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
February 19 Alterbeast, Depths of Hatred, Aenimus, Aethere, Aethereus at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
February 20 Marduk, Incantation, Svart Crown at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
February 22 Nile, Overkill, Kill Closet at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
February 26 Uli Jon Roth, Zero Down, Children of Seraph at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
March 1 Max and Igor Cavalera "Return to Roots Tour," Immolation, Full of Hell at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
March 5 Devil Driver, Death Angel, The Agonist, Azreal, Ashes of Existence at Studio Seven, WA
March 6 Darkest Hour, Ringworm, Tombs, Rivers of Nihil, Blood and Thunder at Studio Seven, WA
March 11 Archgoat, Valkyrja, Hellfire, Deathcult, Void Wraith at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
March 28 Kreator, Obituary, Midnight, Horrendous at Neptune, Seattle, WA
March 29 Nails, Toxic Holocaust, Gatecreeper at Neumos, Seattle, WA
March 30 Despised Icon, Carnifex, Fallujah, Rings of Saturn, Lorna Shore at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
April 4 Amorphis, Swallow the Sun at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
April 25 Anthrax, Killswitch Engage at Showbox SoDo, Seattle, WA
April 28 D.R.I. at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
April 29 Asphyx, Extremity at Highline, Seattle, WA
May 6 HammerFall, Delain at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
May 8 Sabaton, Battle Beast, others at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
May 11 Testament, Sepultura, Prong at Showbox Market, Seattle, WA
May 18 Y & T at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
May 20 Evergrey, Seven Kingdoms, Ascendia, Need at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
May 26 Candlemass at Modified Ghost Festival II, Vancover, B.C., Canada
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www.twitter.com/MetalBulletinZn
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
NEWS: Repulsive Vision - Fragmentary (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
Traditional death metal band Repulsive Vision (England, U.K.) began in 2010. In 2012 they had an EP called Severed Alive. Now, on Friday the 13th of January, they will reveal their interpretation of classic death metal in the form of their debut full-length album called Look Past the Gore and See The Art. The new work has a total of 13 tracks, including the introduction. Below you can watch a representative song from the album, the video for "Fragmentary."
ABOUT: Formed in late 2010 by main songwriter, Matt Davidson, the band are heavily inspired by extreme metal pioneers such as Obituary, Death, Carcass and Napalm Death, affecting a relentlessly aggressive sound that is prominent in this subgenre. Despite several lineup changes, Repulsive Vision has evolved gradually, maintaining a strong current lineup consisting of Dan McEwan (vocals), Mark Kirby (bass), Gary Young (drums) and Matt Davidson (guitars), proficiently improving both stage presence and musicianship while striving to create worthy material. Over the past few years, the band have performed all over the country with a number of high profile underground acts such as Discharge, Hecate Enthroned, Desecration, Destroyer 666, Benediction, etc as well as joining countless other rising bands in many of the country's major cities (with aspirations to tour further afield in the near future). The band have recently signed to German extreme metal label, Bret Hard Records and will be releasing their long awaited debut album (entitled 'Look Past the Gore and See The Art') on Friday the 13th of January 2017.
Repulsive Vision - Fragmentary (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
facebook.com/repulsivevision
repulsivevision.bigcartel.com
email: lightningmetall@gmail.com
Monday, December 19, 2016
reminder: in Everett, Sat. Jan. 7: Thou Shall Kill // A Flourishing Scourge // Aethereus at Tony Vs
Friends in Everett, WA state:
Check out what is coming your way on January 7!
facebook.com/aflourishingscourge
review: Pentacle
Pentacle
Ancient Death (re-issue)
Vic Records
release: 25 November 2016
Since Pentacle's beginning in 1989, their art has been based on the original sources of Venom, Hellhammer/Celtic Frost, Mantas/Death, Bathory and the other foundational works of extreme metal. The only differences may be that (1) Pentacle's aesthetics have remained loyal to the ideas that drove them to form the band and they have worked towards those concepts as the years have gone by; and (2) Pentacle's recordings bring to fruition the original extreme metal with a much better sound that you will usually find in the recordings of the band's inspirational sources in the first place.
Pentacle's aesthetics are generally framed within death metal and everyone understands that Pentacle is a death metal band. That's fine, but Pentacle's music encompasses a whole way of making music. The band calls it "the ancient feeling," which encompasses the spirit of raw thrash/death/black metal. The vocals are not just growling or barking, they are expressive and have a personality. There is a black metal element to the vocals, but it's the early black metal spirit. If you pay close attention to the vocals, you'll notice there are various shades, it's not just monotonous, microphone-cupping vocals. The vocals go low, and high, there are snarls and exclamations. The death metal guitar tone may cover up a bit what's going on with the guitars, which is memorable, easy to understand, and has a bit melodies here and there. There's a bit of tremolo riffing, too. You can also hear the instrumentation quite clearly, in a way that is not too computerized and clinical.
On this EP the band has a Mantas cover and a Death cover. The truth is that Pentacle makes those songs sound better. Those old songs might be deity-level to cult fanatics, maybe even including the band itself, but those old garage songs are given a new, proper life with Pentacle's versions.
review by MMB
OFFICIAL: Pentacle is one of the oldest, and still active Dutch death metal bands. Formed by bassist / vocalist Wannes Gubbels (ex Asphyx / Soulburn) in 1989 and still touring, playing gigs and recording and releasing old school death metal. ‘Ancient Death’ was recorded and mixed at Harrow Productions, The Netherlands (Asphyx, Grand Supreme Blood Court, Soulburn) in 2000. This vic records ‘Ancient Death’ re-issue has a special bonus track from the same sessions named ‘Soul’s Blood’. Cover artwork by Manuel Tinnemans (Varathron, Entombed AD, Rotting Christ). Guest vocals by K.K. Warslut (Destroyer 666). Special for this re-release, the album comes with a 32 (!) page booklet including rare pics, flyers, posters etc, designed by Arco Wolf (Pestilence, IDES, Eternal Solstice).
Biography: Chained within the mythical realms of primeaval black/death metal, so graciously unveiled in the early 80's by hallowed cults such as Venom, Hellhammer, Celtic Frost, Possessed, Messiah, Destruction, Necrovore, Bathory, Treblinka, Slaughter (CAN) and Necrophagia, Pentacle's sepulchral tribute, to this unforgotten legacy, started back in winter '89/'90 when Mike (guitar), Wannes (bass/vocals) and Marc (drums) joined forces...
Entangled in the growing urge to inspire their own roaring metal quest, Pentacle soon developed a highly ambitious conspiracy; forging twisting death metal rhythms and haunting doom chords in the archaic traditions of the crafts. 1992 spewed forth Pentacle's first official rehearsaltape, "Caressed by Both Sides"; a primal anthology of pounding horror, which contained 4 of their own compositions as well as the band's gloomy interpretation of Hellhammer's "The Reaper". Shortly after the tape's release, Pentacle gained stage experience supporting bands such as Asphyx and Gorefest.
The heretical spawn crawled on into 1993 with the trinity's one and only studio demo, "Winds of the Fall", which unleashed 5 more charnel hymns to conquer souls enslaved by ancient metal. Their earthly testimony of doom was reflected in praising reviews and encouraging respect from kindred bands. More stages were shared with the likes of Occult, Anathema, Sentenced, Ancient Rites, Acrostichon, Eternal Solstice and Samael...
1994 witnessed Pentacle descending into the recording dungeons once more, to evoke "A Dance Beyond"; exclusively destined to be included on the DSFA 6/"Paradise of the Underground" compilation CD, for the Dutch based DSFA label.
Pentacle's first vinyldesecration "Exalted Journey", emerged a few mooncycles later; from the Belgian Midian Creations; a 2 track 7" EP to spread the ceremonial onslaught even further...
In March/April 1996, Pentacle's ranks of the depraved were joined by axewielder Edwin, to create an even heavier and deadlier storm of slashing metalscythes, as the 12 " Picture Disc/ CD, "The Fifth Moon", proves. Selected to be released by Displeased Records for the CD, and Damnation Distribution for the vinylversion, it contains 4 new blood wrenching grapes of wrath and, again a recording of Hellhammer's "The Reaper" as a bonus track for the vinylversion.
After the release of this infernal storm of evil Pentacle did in november 1996 an small European tour with Belgian warriors Ancient Rites. Countries as Belgium, France, Germany and Holland fell under this deadly Metalstorm... The reactions on the new product were very supporting. The limited Picture Disc (525 copies) sold as hell and the CD sliced many unexpected throats through pure aggression! Many gigs were done to spread the ancient message.
The year 1997 started with the departure of their second axewielder Edwin as he wasn’t able to commit himself to the band anymore. The band continued to spread their mayhem as the everlasting ancient lineup, the threepiece. In the meantime gigs were done with bands as Obituary, Katatonia, Immortal, Cannibal Corpse, Emperor, Hades Almighty, Marduk, Desaster and In The Woods... . Several compilation CD’s have been desecrated through Pentacle's contributions.
Indeed, 1998 awaited the new album which has the obscure title "...Rides the Moonstorm". Again, Damnation Records was chosen to unleash their new release which is available on CD and DOLP. For this purpose the band recorded at Harrow Productions, Losser, Holland 9 tracks, of which 8 compositions are of their own and a cover of Chile's own Death Metal Gods Pentagram, called "Spell of the Pentagram". 2000 spawned a true metal coöperation with the German metal Gods Desaster. Both acts have covered a song of the other band and have contributed a new song. Named “Desaster in League with Pentacle” this hellish release was released on the German label Iron Pegasus as a limited 10” picture disc (100 copies) and a regular version (833 copies).
The new millenium has seen the release of a special anniversary release. A MCD / 12” called “Ancient Death” has been released on Damnation Records / Dark Realm Records. Containing 3 new tracks, an old song and 2 Mantas / Death covers (“Witch of Hell” and “Legion of Doom”) this deadly piece is a mark in the band’s history. At the same time a tribute to one of the ultimate bands, the almighty Possessed, should have been released on the Polish label No Mercy. Pentacle has recorded the “Beyond the Gates” track “The Beasts of the Apocalypse” for this purpose, but used it for a split 7” (“Dunkel Besatthet”) with Swedish act Repugnant as No Mercy didn’t react on any of the band’s inquiries concerning the tribute. In the meanwhile original drummer Marc left the band unfortunally. Marc wasn’t willing to do shows anymore. He has been replaced by Robert. This year the band did a small tour with Pulverizer (NL) and Desaster (GER) which attended Holland and Germany. More than 200 gigs have been played by now.
After having done gigs in Italy and Germany, it was decided that the band needed another second Axe-maniac. The search for such an addition was very short. Mike’s brother Alex joined the band after a small test period. After he had gotten his baptism of fire in Switzerland, he became a full member of the band. His second gig was as a support for the mighty cult band from Peru, Mortem!
In 2004, the much delayed Possessed tribute (“Seven Gates of Horror”) has been released through the Dutch label Karmageddon Records.
At the end of 2004, Pentacle entered Harrow Productions again to record 11 songs. The band recorded 8 tracks for the album on the German label Iron Pegasus Records, called “Under the Black Cross”. The CD version of this album is out now. The 3 remaining songs will be used for an EP (“Archaic Undead Fury”) on the US label Metal War Productions and a contribution for a tribute to Necrovore LP for the Dutch label From Beyond Productions.
After so many years of active service, the musical concept of the band is still firmly rooted in the golden ‘80’s, though remains far from being a mere copycat of the forefathers of extreme Metal. Don’t make the mistake to file Pentacle under the current retro-trend. They started performing their music when only a selected ( and loyal) audience still was interested in this honest style of music. Others sailed the seas of successive trends. Pentacle didn’t. Together with an obscure, yet individual lyrical approach, the band always worked hard to create a personal style, based on ancient Metal values. Remember this when listening to Pentacle’s releases...
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