Forbidden: Omega Wave – new video

 

Reactivated Bay Area thrashers FORBIDDEN have a new video for ‘Omega Wave’, the title track off their latest album of the same name, released back in October 2010 through Nuclear Blast Records. ‘Omega Wave’, the video, was created by SchneppZone video director Jon Schnepp of “Metalocalypse” fame.

“FORBIDDEN never got to make a proper video in the past,” commented guitarist, and founding member Craig Locicero. “Sure, we’d made a couple below average ones over our first 10 years of our history, but never anything we were very proud of. When we finally recorded ‘Omega Wave’ after a 14 year break between records, we knew it had to be something special. Jon came up with a wicked story board immediately after he listened to ‘Omega Wave.’ We wanted the lyrics to be represented like a thrash-hammer to the head. Mind control, paranoia, fear, and impending doom surrounding humanity leading into 2012 and all of its prophecy and innuendo needed to be bluntly represented. Those things are very much in this video - along with some of Jon's trademark dark humor put in for good measure.”

FORBIDDEN's fifth album debuted at number 27 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, at number 83 on the Billboard Top Hard Music Albums chart, and  at number 92 on the Billboard Top Independent Albums chart the week following its release. Observed Eduardo Rivadavia for AllMusic Guide:

“… ‘Forsaken At The Gates’, ‘Hopenosis’, and the raging title track, all of which run a little long in the tooth, but feature stunning guitar work by founding member Craig Locicero and former NEVERMORE guitarist Steve Smyth alike. Notably, singer Russ Anderson's remarkable Halford-esque range also remains intact despite the years of disuse, allowing him to alternate clean notes and forceful screams throughout the likes of ‘Adapt Or Die’, ‘Immortal Wounds’, and ‘Inhuman Race’ (one of several more deliberate, classic metal-flavored cuts found here, along with ‘Swine’ and ‘Dragging My Casket’)”

FORBIDDEN features: Russ Anderson – vocals, Craig Locicero – guitar, Steve Smyth – guitar, Matt Camacho - bass and Mark Hernandez - drums

FORBIDDEN: Dragging My Casket – courtesy of Nuclear Blast Records

Vader: Welcome To The Morbid Reich – new album

Have Polish death metallers VADER postponed their gig in Israel or just plain canceled it, have they done so because of poor ticket sales or due to some other reason… we may never know, heh. We, local fans of extreme music so used to concert cancelations that we wait until the week (or two) before the event takes place before spending our cash on tickets, like VADER anyway. ‘Welcome To The Morbid Reich’, VADER's ninth full-length, comes out in Europe today, August 12th, 2011 (get yourselves the CD here – Nuclear Blast Europe) and is due out in North America on September 13th, 2011 (pre-order here – Nuclear Blast USA). The album was recorded at Hertz Studio in Bialystok, Poland, with Wojtek Wiesławski. The cover artwork was created by Zbigniew Bielak. Below you’ll find two new VADER tracks, ‘Come And See My Sacrifice’ (also available for free download here or via the band's Facebook) and ‘Decapitated Saints’.

VADER was formed in 1983 by guitarists Piotr “Peter” Wiwczare and Zbyszek “Vika” Wroblewski in Olsztyn, Poland. VADER's third demo, 1990s ‘Morbid Reich’, turned out to be quite a success in the metal underground, selling around 4000 copies and getting the band signed by a major label Earache Records, which released VADER's debut full-length 1992s ‘Ultimate Incarnation’. Leaving Earache, the band – its line-up constantly changing – started the year 1994 with the release of EP ‘Sothis’ (Baron Records in Poland / Repulse Records worldwide), which was followed by extensive touring until settling down in 1995 with Impact Records for the release of second album ‘De Profoundis’. Between 1996 and 1998 VADER released three albums, covers album ‘Future Of The Past’, an EP entitled ‘Kingdom’ and full-length ‘Black To The Blind’. The band kept busy by touring with MORBID ANGEL, performing in Japan for the first time and appearing on numerous European festivals. Forth album, ‘Lytany’, followed by an EP, ‘Reign Forever World’, was released by Metal Blade Records in 2000 and 2001, respectively. 2002 was the year in which VADER's next studio offering, ‘Revelations’, came out through Metal Blade, the last to feature the group's long-time drummer “Doc” (Krzysztof Raczkowski), who passed away in 2005. 2004s ‘The Beast’ showcased VESANIA's Dariusz “Daray” Brzozowski on drum kit and guitarist Marcin “Novy” Nowak. In 2005, VADER signed with Swedish label Regain Records through which they released 2006s ‘Impressions In Blood’ and ‘XXV’ “a celebration of the band's 25th anniversary” as they flexibly put it. Eight studio album, Tue Madsden-produced ‘Necropolis’, was released on Nuclear Blast Records in 2009:

“VADER, like MEGADETH,” [wrote AllMusic's Phil Freeman] “is more of a brand name than a band at this point; the only remaining original member is vocalist/guitarist Piotr Wiwczarek. Still, as one of the first death metal bands from Poland, they’re hugely important to the evolution of the music, and this latest album is far from a disappointment… Their music retains its ultra-heavy, thrash-derived feel. The 11 songs on this album are built around crushing riffs of the kind heard throughout the band's catalog, shifting between blastbeats and thunderous downtuned savagery, with plenty of room for high-speed, fretboard-scorching solos… VADER is one of the most singularly pulverizing death metal bands around, and ‘Necropolis’ is a terrific addition to their lengthy catalog.”

VADER features: Peter – guitar & vocals and session members: Pajak – guitar, Hal – bass and Paul - drums

VADER: Come And See My Sacrifice – courtesy of Nuclear Blast Records

VADER: Decapitated Saints – courtesy of Nuclear Blast Records

YOB: Atma – new album

Many have much to say about YOB, doom metal band hailing from Eugene, Oregon, and none are partial. Just read H.P. Taskmaster's review of the album here (The Obelisk) or head over to Invisible Oranges for more, or loose yourselves in Lars Gotrich's introduction while listening to the entire YOB's ‘Atma’ at this location (NPR Music).

“Metal is meditation,” [states Gotrich] “Whether you find a living pulse in its massive vibrations or use it to equalize rage, this music soothes the savage heart with savage sounds. To the outsider, this may seem strange, but this is true from SLAYER's ‘Angel Of Death’ to ISIS' ‘In Fiction’. Mike Scheidt [YOB's founder, guitarist and vocalist] seems to understand this.”

This obviously profoundly insightful album is to be released through Profound Lore Records on August 16th, 2011. Enrich your lives with this “magnum opus of doom metal mastery that will go down as one of the great American doom metal albums of our age”, featuring a guest appearance by Scott Kelly of NEUROSIS, here (Profound Lore) or by the way of mighty Amazon. If I gathered my facts correctly, the cover for ‘Atma’ was created by DARK CASTLE's Stevie Floyd.

“Transcending (there’s that word again),” [reads the press release] “the foreboding darkness and oppression that was ‘The Great Cessation’ [YOB's 2009 album], ‘Atma’ sees YOB continue their soul searching cycle of reaching that higher state of being through five crushing spiritually levitating tracks of pure doom metal mastery.  The word “atma” is defined as the existence of the core of the soul and that the highest value of knowledge comes from one’s true self.  In turn, ‘Atma’ is the culmination of YOB's career that has reached a current self-reflective peak in their musical journey.” [Amen.]

YOB features: Mike Scheidt – guitar & vocals, Aaron Reiseberg – bass and Travis Foster - drums

Full Album Stream: Goreaphobia: Apocalyptic Necromancy – new album

Stream the new album, ‘Apocalyptic Necromancy’, by American occult-obsessed death metal band GOREAPHOBIA over at Revolver Magazine. In accompanying interview the band's founder, bassist and vocalist Chris Gamble explained the album's title thusly:

“Apocalyptic Necromancy is an occult process based on my theory, practice, and belief of what I call “The Nine Stages of Korr Necromancy”, which is something that didn’t come from any book, teaching, or articles. It came from my own emotions and mental energy working on an occult operation through abstinence from everyone else’s influence. The title sums up all of the songs and the best, well-rounded title for the concept musically. Aggressive, raw, pure and to the point.”

Well be as it may, if you like what you hear, buy the album here (Dark Descent Records). ‘Apocalyptic Necromancy’ was recorded, mixed and mastered by drummer Jim Roe and features artwork by Linsey Wasiuta.

GOREAPHOBIA originally formed in 1988 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, its line-up constantly changing, with Chris Gamble (with guitarist Alex Bouks being there for the most part) as the only consistent member. The band has never released a full-length record until after reforming in 2007. Quite a few demo cassettes and a couple of 7” EPs the band had released though, gained GOREAPHOBIA quite a cult following in the genre's underground. The band had parted ways in 1993, reunited in 2007 and released their first proper album in 2009; ‘Mortal Repulsion’ came out though Ibex Moon Records.

GOREAPHOBIA features: Chris Gamble – bass & vocals, Alex Bouks – guitar, Jim Roe – drums and VJS - guitar

Indestructible Noise Command: Heaven Sent… Hellbound – new album / Swallowed – new video

23 years in the making, Connecticut/New York thrashers',  INDESTRUCTIBLE NOISE COMMAND, debut full-length, ‘Heaven Sent… Hellbound’ is finally out, August 9th, 2011 via Candlelight Records USA and Rising Records (Europe). Below the text you’ll find new video for ‘Swallowed’, off I.N.C. Fredrik Nordstrom-produced album, and click here (Revolver Magazine) for the track ‘Fist Of Fascista’. Album's artwork was created by Sam Shearon and the video for ‘God Loves Violence’ was filmed by New York City-based filmmaker Justin Johnson.

“INDESTRUCTIBLE NOISE COMMAND has not forgotten their thrash upbringing,” [reviews the album Metal Underground] “ ‘God Loves Violence’ is vicious in its tempered assault on the ultra-religious, and ‘Bleed The Line’ doesn’t subside on the unhinged tempo generated. ‘Full Metal Jacket’ drops the lame sound byte used on the version released on last year's ‘Bleed The Line’ EP, but keeps the latter-day EXODUS vibe. The guitars are nothing to scoff at, especially from a lead's perspective; the shredding will melt chromium.”

I.N.C. was formed in 1985 by Erik Barath (vocals & bass) and Dennis Gergely (guitar) in Connecticut, USA. The pair enlisted guitarist Anthony Fabrizi and then-drummer Gary Duguay and started playing out anywhere they could be heard. They played with the likes of EXODUS, MEGADETH and KING DIAMOND and less than a year after that (an astonishing six months out of high school) they were signed to Giant Records. The band had released their first full-length, ‘Razorback’, in 1987 and second full-length, ‘The Visitor’, in 1988. (Back then, bands like PANTERA opened for I.N.C.) After almost signing a deal with Epic Records, the band decided it was time for a break. A really long one. It lasted about 20 years:

“What’s a self-respecting, thrash metal band supposed to do once they’re this-close to hitting it big time? Slice and dice any industry son-of-a-bitch who gets within spitting range! But, friends, the boys of I.N.C. (while all man) aren’t nearly that hateful. They decided, instead, to step back and assess the weary, record contract landscape for what it was. Build a life outside the metal arena until they were able to finance their own comeback and then launch into a full-frontal attack and resurrect at just the right time,” [excerpt from I.N.C.'s official bio]

 

 

End Of Level Boss: Thee Absurd – new video / Eklectric – new album

 

“Retro-futuristic” heavy metallers END OF LEVEL BOSS have new video out and it’s called ‘Thee Absurd’. The tune comes off the group's third release, ‘Eklectric’, released in May/July 2011 on Exile On Mainstream Records. END OF LEVEL BOSS founder, guitarist and vocalist commented the “making of” this piece of video art: 

“The video was actually made by taping our cell phones to the wall of our jam room while we played.”

‘Eklectric’, featuring a completely new rhythm section, bassist Peter Theobalds, and drummer Neil Grant, was recorded live over “four short winter days” in Earth Terminal Studios in England. According to a press release, “uncovering a mutual need to blend the familiar with the bizarre, ‘Eklecrtic’ is the first EOLB album to be written collectively, through intensive jam sessions, by the entire band.” If you like what you hear buy the album here (EOLB official store) or here (Exile On Mainstream):

As The Earth Forgets Us – courtesy of END OF LEVEL BOSS

Mouth Of Hats – courtesy of END OF LEVEL BOSS

Described by an enthusiastic listener as the missing link between VOIVOD's sense for outstanding use of metal structures and KYUSS' sense for warm and blastin’ riffs, END OF LEVEL BOSS was formed by former HANGNAIL guitarist and vocalist Heck Armstrong with intent to explore the need for off-kilter riffs and mis-shapen timing. Consequently, an EP entitled ‘Experiment’ was recorded in 2003 in a deserted warehouse in Berlin. In 2004, EOLB locked themselves into “one of the last remaining full analogue studios in London” and recorded their debut album ‘Prologue’, released in 2005 through Exile On Mainstream Records:

Prologue – courtesy of END OF LEVEL BOSS

In early 2006 EOLB underwent some lineup changes, replacing drummer Gareth Millsted with Ben Hallett, and guitarist James Ogawa with “doom riff-meister extraordinaire” Roland Scriver (of SLOTH fame). Angrier and dirtier second offering, ‘Inside The Difference Engine’, came out in 2007:

“There’s a more clipped kick to most of the arrangements that lends a nervous energy instead of just flat-out bludgeoning,” [commented Ned Raggett, AllMusic Guide] “small touches often prove to be killer - the gentle, simple melody ringing through the massive trudging on ‘Reticence’, the wind-up-the-tension extended start and conclusion to ‘Words Have No Meaning’.”

Inside the Difference Engine – courtesy of END OF LEVEL BOSS

END OF LEVEL BOSS features: Heck Armstrong - guitar & vocals, Roland Scriver - lead guitars, Neil Grant – drums and Peter Theobalds - bass

Full Album Stream: Falls Of Rauros: The Light That Dwells In Rotten Wood – new album

Listen to the new dark, atmospheric, melancholic album by American black & folk metal group FALLS OF RAUROS right here at Brooklyn Vegan. ‘The Light That Dwells In Rotten Wood’ has been just released through Bindrune Recordings and can be purchased here. ‘The Light That Dwells In Rotten Wood’ is already getting some rave reviews so do check it out.

“The album was recorded, “produced”, and mixed by us in our hometown of Portland, ME [Maine],” says the band. “Our good friend and amazing talent Austin Lunn (PANOPTICON/SEIDR) performed and recorded all of the kit drums on this album down in Louisville, KY [Kentucky]. He did a wonderful job. No surprises here. The album contains 6 tracks and clocks in somewhere around 44-45 minutes.”

“A lengthy hike in the forest has the potential to enchant and terrify,” [reads the press release] “Scenery blends into a comforting and stunning array of landmarks and natural treasures that stir deep emotions and open a direct link to something far more spiritual than ones often mundane routine. The uncertainty and fear of ones surroundings mounts when the realization hits that you have become lost in the wilderness. The landscapes become unrecognizable, cold and threatening. Darkness falls. Alone. The music of FALLS OF RAUROS encompasses such a trek through untamed lands. With a world building atmosphere emitting from the core of their sound, beauty, mysticism and an unsettling edge are all key factors to this bands stunning form of folk influenced black metal. With ‘The Light That Dwells In Rotten Wood’, the band's evolution has reached a powerful zenith of creativity and raw passion.” :

FALLS OF RAUROS: Nonesuch River Chant – courtesy of BindRune2

FALLS OF RAUROS was formed in 2005 by Ray and Aaron who, during the couple of years that followed, wrote the material for their self-released debut album, 2006's ‘Into The Archaic’, “in a shack in their home town of Portland, Maine”. With the addition of two new members, Jordan and Kevin, the band began playing live shows and has recorded a demo entitled ‘Of Stone And The Stars In The Sky’. Canadian label Morbid Winter Records released it in 2008 as a full-length entitled ‘Hail Wind And Hewn Oak’. Ray has since, apparently, become the band's drummer, Jordan has moved from bass to guitar and Evan completes the (current) lineup on bass.

After The Burial: Your Troubles Will Cease And Fortune Will Smile Upon You & Pendulum – new videos

 

 

American progressive metalcore group AFTER THE BURIAL has released not one but two brand new videos for tunes taken from their third album entitled ‘In Dreams’, released in 2010 through Sumerian Records. Of it writes AllMusic's Phil Freeman thusly:

“Unpredictability is a virtue in metal, as long as it’s not gratuitous, and AFTER THE BURIAL judicious shifting from one style to another, while still sounding like themselves, is impressive. They also throw in some seriously head-spinning jazz/classical/shred guitar solos here and there, to keep fans of fretboard pyrotechnics happy.” [Read the rest here]

AFTER THE BURIAL formed in 2004 in Minnesota, USA, released their debut album entitled ‘Forging A Future Self’ through Corrosive Records in 2007, featuring the band's original vocalist Nick Wellner and drummer Greg Erickson, and signed with Sumerian Records later that year. Enlisting new vocalist, Grant Luoma, and new drummer, Dan Carle, before recording their second album, 2008's ‘Rareform’, produced by the band's lead guitarist Justin Lowe. Singer Luoma would leave the group shortly after the release, causing AFTER THE BURIAL to seek after new vocalist once again, finding him in Anthony Notarmaso, with whom they released a re-mastered version of ‘Rareform’ using live drums along with rerecorded vocal tracks by Notarmaso.

AFTER THE BURIAL features: Justin Lowe – guitar, Dan Carle – drums, Anthony Notarmaso – vocals, Lee Foral – bass and Trent Hafdahl - guitar

DC4: Electric Ministry – new album

DC4, L.A. hard rock band featuring ARMORED SAINT's Jeff Duncan and former DIO guitarist Rowan Robertson, have just released their third full-length entitled ‘Electric Ministry’ via Metal Blade Records (August 1st, 2011). Eleven tracks that deal with such rock‘n’roll-worthy subjects as being on the wrong side of Johnny Law (‘25 To Life’), the ultimate male specimen (‘Rock God’) and the pleasures of the flesh (‘XXX’ – also awailable below), were produced by Bill Metoyer and co-produced by Jeff Duncan. Enlighten yourselves on the matter by buying the album here (Metal Blade). You’ll find the album's title track over at the DC4 official site, as well as the entire album's track samples.

“We made a point of making ‘Electric Ministry’ a real guitar album. Back to our roots as guitarists,” [says guitarist Rowan Robertson] “I think on our last album ‘Explode’ we still had a bit of that 90's feel in us so we’ve gotten rid of that now.”

Looking back at when it all started for the band, Robertson recalls:

“Jeff [Duncan] and I met when a local promoter named Happenin' Harry asked us both to be in his backing back for a few shows in the L.A. area and in Chicago. When we got back to L.A. he just flat out asked if I wanted to join DC4 and we got along so well and played so great together that I just had to do it.”

DC4 features: Jeff Duncan –vocals & guitar, Rowan Robertson – guitar, Matt Duncan – bass and Shawn Duncan - drums

DC4: XXX – courtesy of Metal Blade Records

Bury Your Dead: Mosh ‘N’ Roll – new album / Slaughterhouse Five – new video

Listen to ‘Mosh ‘N’ Roll’, sixth album by American hardcore  group BURY YOUR DEAD, right here at AOL Music for as long as they’ll let you, and because BYD “will blast you with walls of sound, chainsaw guitars and damningly loud intentions”. ‘Mosh ‘N’ Roll’ is to be released tomorrow, August 2nd, 2011, through Mediaskare Records. ‘Mosh ‘N’ Roll’ marks the return of vocalist Mat Bruso and, if undrestood correctly, introduces new drummer Dustin Schoenhofer, even though the band's co-founder and long-time drummer Mark Castillo had recorded drums for the new album. As some will notice, all album tracks - with the exception of the title track - are named after Kurt Vonnegut works.

“All due respect to Myke Terry, who fronted BURY YOUR DEAD for a solid pair of albums,” [writes Revolver's Brandon Geist] “but this is the way the group is meant to sound. Terry's predecessor, Mat Bruso, is back at the mic, sounding like the fury and bile has been building up inside him since he left the band in 2007. That energy and some of the most ambitious dynamics the group has ever attempted make ‘Mosh ‘N’ Roll’ an 11-track force of nature.” [Read the rest of it here at Revolver Magazine]

BURY YOUR DEAD started in 2001 as a side project of guitarist Brendan “Slim” MacDonald and drummer Mark Castillo (both of metalcore band HAMARTIA). With the intention of focusing on “mosh-worthy” hardcore, and drawing inspiration from the likes of SEVENDUST and CROWBAR, the pair recruited bassist Steve Kent, second guitarist Jesse Viens, and vocalist Joe Krewko. The band soon caught the attention of German label Alveran Records, which released their debut album, 2003's ‘You Had Me At Hello’. The band members, though,  decided to go their separate ways shortly before the release. BURY YOUR DEAD eventually got together again, with new vocalist Mat Bruso and new second guitarist Eric Ellis to fill in the empty spots. Victory Records signed the band in 2004. Second full-length, ‘Cover Your Tracks’, consisting of tracks named after Tom Cruise movies, came out late that year, with ‘Beauty And The Breakdown’ – its songs titles being inspired by children's tales – following in 2006. With Aaron “Bubble” Patrick handling bass duties, BYD's Jason Suecof-produced third album received much praise from critics and listening public alike:

“It’s so unusual for a band like this to reveal something deeply emotional intentionally. There is no shock value here, just a complex morality fable played out over skin-flaying guitars and flailing out-of-control drums … This is straight-ahead, knotty, scorched earth nu-metal. The lyrics work in the context of the tale the band unfolds, and the precision and sheer abandon BYD plays with is invigorating, refreshing - and at übervolume - is brain pummeling to the point of submission. Isn’t that the way it’s supposed to be?” [wondered AllMusic's Thom Jurek in his review]

BURY YOUR DEAD's self-titled album, released in 2008, was the first to feature Myke Terry on vocals. After replacing Ellis with new second guitarist Chris Towning, and after surviving a van accident, BYD released their fifth album in 2009, naming it ‘It’s Nothing Personal’. This was to be the band's last release on Victory Records, and the last record to feature Myke Terry on vocals.