Recorded with Stamford Parker, THE GATES OF SLUMBER, in partnership with Scion AV, offer their new EP and their first recording since their 2011's album ‘The Wretch’ for free download here (Scion AV). The partnership which produced ‘Stormcrow’ EP has also conjured the new THE GATES OF SLUMBER video, available for your viewing pleasure below.
“[Excerpt from the band's official bio:] Crom, I have never prayed to you before. I have no tongue for it. No one, not even you, will remember if we were good men or bad. Why we fought, or why we died. All that matters is that two stood against many. That’s what's important! Valor pleases you, Crom... so grant me one request. Grant me revenge! And if you do not listen, then to hell with you! – Conan the Barbarian”
Now, I swear I do have a life outside this blog, but stuff like the above keeps me going on. Anyhow, THE GATES OF SLUMBER started out as a solo project of one Karl Simon, first envisioned in 1998. In 2001, Simon recorded the ‘Blood Encrusted Deth Axe’ demo with drummer Jamie Walters (BOULDER) and bassist Dr. Phibes (later on known as MIDNIGHT's Athenar). After his move to Indianapolis, and with contributing musicians coming and going, another two demos, the ‘Sabbath Witch’ and ‘The Cloaked Figure’, preceded the band's debut longplayer. Released through Final Chapter Records in 2004, ‘…The Awakening’ featured Karl Simon on guitar and vocals, Jason McCash on bass and Chuck Brown on drums. 2005's EP ‘Like A Plague Upon The Land’ was followed by ‘God Wills It’ EP as THE GATES OF SLUMBER delivered their next big blow, ‘Suffer No Guilt’ LP, on I Hate Records in 2006. A compilation album, 2007's ‘Villain, Villain’, and three splits came before the band struck again, this time empowered by drummer “Iron” Bob Fouts. Described as “seriously engaging traditional heavy metal album” by Eduardo Rivadavia, AllMusic (more here), the ‘Conqueror’ was issued in 2008 on Profound Lore. Listen and buy:
An EP, ‘The Ice Worm's Liar’, and a compilation, ‘The Chronicles Of True Doom’, latter, “the greatest American biker doom band not fronted by SAINT VITUS' Scott “Wino” Weinrich” issued their ‘Hymns Of Blood And Thunder’ album in 2009 through Metal Blade Records:
“If you like your metal big, heavy, and focused on themes of war, death, and glory, without the epic cheesiness of MANOWAR, then you will love this album – THE GATES have always been great, and this is their best album to date, “ [commended and recommended Phil Freeman, AllMusic – more here]
THE GATES OF SLUMBER fifth full-length, ‘The Wretch’, followed in 2011:
“The greatest misconception about THE GATES OF SLUMBER is that the Indiana trio is your typical, run-of-the-mill doom band, but anyone who’s actually spent time with the group's discography would beg to differ. As of its very first album, the trio has in fact been experimenting with different metallic varieties, ranging from traditional '70s vintages to energized '80s flavors to a few psychedelic, semi-thrash, and even downright foreign musical elements to, sure, good old-fashioned doom as well. Whatever the group's motivations, ‘The Wretch’ certainly indulges in some of most brazen and unapologetic SAINT VITUS worship heard in some time…,” [was compelled to admit Eduardo Rivadavia, AllMusic – more here:]
THE GATES OF SLUMBER features: Karl Simon – guitar and vocals, Jason McCash – bass and “Iron” Bob Fouts – drums
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