The Absence: Enemy Unbound – new album

THE ABSENCE, melodic death metallers from Florida, USA, are about to release new album entitled ‘Enemy Unbound’ on September 14th, 2010 (14. 9. 2010) with some help from Metal Blade Records. Below the text you can watch the video for the title-track off the new album, ‘Enemy Unbound’, directed by Luke Leonard & Pia Hogue and produced by Fetus Productions.

THE ABSENCE was formed in 2001 by vocalist Jamie Stewart and guitarist Patrick Pintavalle. The pair was soon joined by guitarist Peter Joseph and drummer Jeramie Kling and as THE ABSENCE they made their debut in 2002, playing an opening set for MASTODON. In 2005 the group recorded a demo which impressed Metal Blade Records enough to sign them. In the fall of 2005, THE ABSENCE released their first album ‘From Your Grave’. After nearly two years of touring the band returned in 2007 with their fan and critic acclaimed release ‘Riders Of The Plague’. The album was recorded at Erik Rutan's Mana Studios in early spring of 2007, with Swedish producer Jonas Kjellgren (SCAR SYMETRY/CARNAL FORGE). Allmusic's Greg Prato loved it: “Downright ferocious racket - speed metal riffing, IRON MAIDEN-esque guitar harmonies, runaway train drumming, and more. Also included are vocals that alternate between screaming and Cookie Monster growling. And you’ve got to love the fact that there is an instrumental smack dab in the middle of the album.” ‘Enemy Unbound’ was once again recorded at the famed, Erik Rutan-owned, Mana Studios with Brian Elliott's engineering and Peter Joseph and Patrick Pintavalle producing the album. Jonas Kjellgren (Black Lounge Studios) handled both mixing and mastering of ‘Enemy Unbound’. Guest musicians on the album include Tom Englund of EVERGREY and Andy Wood.

Immortal: All Shall Fall – new video

 

‘All Shall Fall’ is the first music video legendary black metal outfit from Norway, IMMORTAL, has shot in 15 years. The track comes from IMMORTAL's eight same-titled studio album. The album that was released in 2009 via Nuclear Blast Records, was produced by the band itself along with Peter Tägtgren and mastered by Jonas Kjellgren. ‘All Shall Fall’ peaked at number 20 on Finnish Albums Chart and at number 21 on Norwegian Albums Chart. AllMusic's Phil Freeman described the album as “truly epic statement” and continued: “As with all of IMMORTAL's work, a frigid cold seems to blow from the speakers with every note. This is music of such unrelenting and merciless power, you might not even notice how vocalist/guitarist Abbath occasionally sounds quite a bit like Popeye the Sailor.” Heh.

IMMORTAL features: Abbath Doom Occulta (also known as Olve Eikemo) - vocals/guitar/bass/keyboard/drums, Demonaz Doom Occulta (Harald Nævdal) – founding member/manager/lyricist,  Horgh (Reidar Horghagen) – drums and Apollyon (Ole Jørgen Moe) – bass.

Insidious Disease: Boundless – new video

Before you watch this video you should know that INSIDIOUS DISEASE is a band that embraces the things that might make the average man sick to his stomach and one that strives to “satisfy your urge for darkness, the morbid and the sick, the perverted and the twisted, all things insane that can be discovered within the human mind and soul manifesting in a sound that make you vomit your guts out!” Metal supergroup that features members of DIMMU BORGIR, NAPALM DEATH, OLD MAN'S CHILD and MORGOTH, has released an album entitled ’Shadowcast’ in July 2010 (Century Media Records): “The basic idea behind 'Shadowcast,' lyrically, is an attempt to describe the “misfits” in this world: the misunderstood, mentally defect[ive] and depraved individuals that walk among us - rapists, serial killers, pedophiles, necrophiles and drug addicts, etc. It could be your neighbor, you just never know, it could be you!" stated INSIDIOUS DISEASE. You’ve been warned.

INSIDIOUS DISEASE was formed in late 2004 by guitarists Silenoz (DIMMU BORGIR) and Jardar (OLD MAN'S CHILD) with drummer Tony Laureano (ANGELCORPSE/NILE), Shane Embury (NAPALM DEATH/BRUJERIA/LOCK UP) on bass and vocalist Marc Grewe (MORGOTH).

Witchery: Conqueror's Return – new video

 

Sweden's thrashers WITCHERY have released new video for ‘Conqueror’s Return’, track taken off their new album entitled ‘Witchkrieg’. The album was released in June 2010 through Century Media Records and is available as a CD and as a digital download; it can be purchased here (Europe) and here (US) and here (iTunes). The album features Andy LaRoque from KING DIAMOND on track ‘From Dead To Worse’ and SLAYER's Kerry King on ‘Witchkrieg’. You can watch the video for the title-track below, directed and produced by Daniel Larrson and Andreas Björler. ‘Witchkrieg’ was mixed and mastered by Tue Madsen (DARK TRANQUILLITY, HEAVEN SHALL BURN…).

WITCHERY features: Legion (also known as Erik Hagsted from MARDUK/DEVIAN) on vocals, Patrik Jensen (SATANIC SLAUGHTER/THE HAUNTED) on guitar, Richard Corpse (probably known to his mother as Rickard Rimfält) on guitar, Sharlee D’Angelo (aka Charles Petter Andreason of ARCH ENEMY/MERCIFUL FATE/KING DIAMOND/SPIRITUAL BEGGARS-fame) on bass and Martin Axenrot (of course lovingly referred to by friends as Axe from SATANIC SLAUGHTER/OPETH) on drums.

WITCHERY: From Dead To Worse – courtesy of Century Media Records

 

Disturbed: Asylum – new album

Fifth studio album by American heavy metallers DISTURBED, entitled ‘Asylum’, is to be released today, August 31st, 2010 through Reprise Records. The effort was produced by the group's own Dan Donegan, mixed by Neal Avron and engineered by Jeremy Parker. Deluxe version of the album with a code to download ‘Decade Of Disturbed’ DVD for free along with two bonus tracks, ‘Leave It Alone’ and ‘Ishfwilf’, can be purchased via iTunes. The band has also announced the release of an exclusive limited edition version of ‘Asylum’, featuring the ‘Decade Of Disturbed’ DVD (DVD being DISTURBED's free gift to their fans). Album artwork was created by Raymond Swanland.

Singer David Draiman described the album as “identifiably DISTURBED, but showing more maturation, going in familiar areas, but with new levels of precision and skill”. Lyrically, the themes range from very personal and introspective, to the political and provocative. “What would you expect?” said Draiman, “No songs about puppy dogs or rainbows here. We want this record to be a shining example of how the years have made us stronger. We want it to be an album that helps people get through their own trials and tribulations, as always.” (Well yes, Mr. Draiman I agree with you there but would it be to much to ask of you to make your people stronger in person? You know, a professional visit?) Watch DISTURBED's new videos ‘Another Way To Die’ (here / YouTube) and ‘Asylum’ (here / also YouTube), both directed by Robert Schober (a.k.a. Roboshobo).

DISTURBED features: David Draiman – vocals, Dan Donegan – guitar, John Moyer – bass and Mike Wengren – drums

 

Murderdolls: Women And Children Last – new album

MURDERDOLLS' second studio album entitled ‘Women And Children Last’ is to hit stores on August 31st, 2010 via Roadrunner Records (except the limited-edition version called “first-aid kit” (a set that includes the CD/DVD edition of the album, an exclusive T-shirt, digital download, autographed booklet, patch, sticker, pill case “plus other gruesome extras”) which can be pre-ordered here). ‘Women And Children Last’ was produced by renowned producer Chris “Zeus” Harris and Joey Jordison.

American horror punk act, MURDERDOLLS, is the brain child of SLIPKNOT's drummer Joey Jordison and rock musician Wednesday 13 (GUNFIRE 76). The two recruited Tripp Eisen (STATIC-X) for band's debut Roadrunner release entitled ‘Beyond The Valley Of Murderdolls’ (2002). The album drew lyrical inspiration from movies such as “Friday The 13th” and “Night Of The Living Dead” and as such was full of tongue-in-cheek horror clichés. The album that sold 100,000 copies in USA and reached number 40 on the UK Albums Chart, had upset AllMusic's critic Jason D. Taylor in such a way that he wrote: “If MURDERDOLLS are a joke, then these men have succeeded, and if this is serious... Well let's just stick with believing MURDERDOLLS are an extravagant prank on the music industry.” Joey Jordison recently replied: “We don’t look at this as a return - this is revenge! The music scene today is as boring and stale as it was in 2002, when we first formed the band. This time around, everyone is the enemy!” I will confess that similar statements, made occasionally but passionately by this prolific musician, actually caused me to sit down and start writing this blog in hope of proving him wrong.

Follow-up: ‘Women And Children Last’ made it to position 18 on Australia's Albums Chart, to position 33 on UK Albums Chart and has debuted at number 43 on the U.S. Billboard 200. The record received mostly positive reviews, setting aside AllMusic's Greg Prato (who still didn’t figure it out: “Trash metal? Horror metal? Punk metal? B-movie metal?”) and who should take Amy Sciarretto's (Ultimate Guitar) advice when listening to the album: “With Joey Jordison and Wednesday 13, you always need to look at life (or in their case, death) through blood-colored glasses. The band has certainly affixed itself with an image of blood and guts, but the music is sleazy rock'n'roll, swift melodies and punk rock stamina.” Read the rest of the review here.

Call me strange, but ‘Women And Children Last’ is the record that made me laugh the most this year. Therefore I’m quite happy to embed all three videos MURDERDOLLS released in support of the CD. ‘My Place Alone’ and ‘Nowhere’ were directed by director P.R. Brown. You should not watch the video for ‘Chapel Of Blood’ if easily offended.

‘Women And Children Last’s personnel: Wednesday 13 – vocals, guitar and bass, Joey Jordison – guitar, drums and backing vocals, Roman Surman – lead guitar, Mick Mars – guitar on tracks 4 and 9, Jack Tankersley – bass and  Racci Shay – drums

 

 

The Showdown: Blood In The Gears – new album

THE SHOWDOWN's forth full-length, entitled ‘Blood In The Gears’, was released August 24th, 2010 (24. 8. 2010) through Solid State Records. ‘Blood In The Gears’ was recorded and produced by the band's own bassist Jeremiah Scott at his home studio (Anthem Productions) in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. The album was mixed by Steve Blackmon (LIVING SCARIFICE/PROJECT 86) with Troy Glessener handling the mastering. Artwork was created by Ryan Clark (Invisible Creature Inc.). Below you can watch the video for single ‘The Man Named Hell’ (courtesy of AOL's Noisecreep).

         

Apocalyptica: 7th Symphony – new album

APOCALYPTICA's seventh album entitled ‘7th Symphony’ was released in Europe on August 20th/23rd, 2010 and is hitting American stores today, August 24th, 2010 via Jive Records (Sony Music). The record was produced by Joe Barresi and Howard Benson and features once again Dave Lombardo (SLAYER) on drums on track ‘2010’ and guest vocals from members of BUSH (Gavin Rossdale), FLYLEAF (Lacy Mosley), SHINEDOWN (Brent Smith) and Joe Duplantier (GOJIRA/CAVALERA CONSPIRACY). You can watch the video for the song ‘End Of Me’ featuring Gavin Rossdale below.

APOCALYPTICA features: Eicca Toppinen – cello, Paavo Lötjönen – cello, Perttu Kivilaakso – cello and Mikko Siren on drums.

Brutal Truth: Get A Therapist…Spare The World – new video

 

American extreme-grinders BRUTAL TRUTH have released video for the track ‘Get A Therapist…Spare The World’, off their latest release ‘Evolution Through Revolution’; 2009/Relapse Records. Video was produced and directed by Tyson Montrucchio (Heretic Digital Demonics).

Blabbermouth's Ryan Ogle reviewed ‘Evolution Through Revolution thusly: “The best way to describe ‘Evolution Through Revolution’ would be to imagine a variable speed chainsaw where the blades have been replaced with sledgehammers and then taking it on a frenzied rampage through a shopping mall. Sounds fun?” and awarded the album with 8.5/10. 

BRUTAL TRUTH was formed by ex-ANTHRAX, NUCLEAR ASSAULT and STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH bassist Dan Liker in 1990. The band released two albums, ‘Extreme Conditions Demand Extreme Responses’ in 1992 and ‘Need To Control’ in 1994, through Earache Records as well as an EP entitled ‘Perpetual Conversation’, before switching over to Relapse Records. With the new label the group released a mini album called ‘Kill Trend Suicide’ (1996), a full-length ‘Sounds Of The Animal Kingdom’ in 1997 and double live album entitled ‘Goodbye Cruel World (1999). In 2001, Guinness Book Of Records awarded BRUTAL TRUTH with the record for "shortest music video" for ‘Collateral Damage’ which is 2.18 seconds long and consists of 48 still images in rapid succession followed by a clip of an explosion. As it should, heh.

BRUTAL TRUTH features: Kevin Sharp on vocals, Erik Burke on guitar, Dan Liker on bass/guitar/backing vocals and Richard Hoak on drums.

Evergreen Terrace: Enemy Sex – new video

 

EVERGREEN TERRACE, five-piece melodic hardcore band from Florida, USA, has released video for the track ‘Enemy Sex’, off its fifth studio album ‘Almost Home’. Their latest effort was released in September 2009 via Metal Blade Records. The above video was directed by Salvatore Perrone: “ ‘Enemy Sex’ is about ongoing change. Some change you can control and some you can’t. Salvatore Perrone came to us with the idea of creating a video for ‘Enemy Sex’ that would capture exactly that. There is a lot of disgusting, grotesque people in this world that change it for the worst. Hopefully this video will spark an interest in a few things going on that are wrong and you will be inspired to make some sort of change,” explained band's guitarist Joshua James.

EVERGREEN TERRACE formed in 1999 and named itself after the street in which “The Simpsons” (animated television series family) claim residence. The band released debut album ‘Losing All Hope Is Freedom’ in 2001: “A band that you hear and wonder how they can possibly be this good,” - Jason D. Taylor, AllMusic. ‘Burned Alive By Time’ followed in 2002 and ‘Sincerity In An Easy Disguise In This Business’ came out in 2005: “Generally decent, if slightly inconsistent effort,” mused AllMusic's Alex Henderson; read the rest of this funny screamo-analogy disguised as an album review here.  Fourth full-length, ‘Wolfbiker’, was released in 2007.

EVERGREEN TERRACE features: Andrew Carey – vocals, Craig Chaney – guitar/vocals, Joshua James – guitar/backing vocals, Kyle Mims – drums and Chris Andrews – bass.