Therapy?: Living In The Shadow Of The Terrible Thing – new video

 

 

‘Living In The Shadow Of The Terrible Thing’ is the first single from THERAPY?'s forthcoming album, ‘A Brief Crack Of Light’, due for release February 6th, 2012 on Blast Records. The video for the single, which will be released on January 23rd, was directed by Sitcom Soldiers.  ‘A Brief Crack Of Light’ was recorded at Blast Studios in Newcastle, England, and produced by the band and Adam Sinclair. Album's artwork was created by artist Nigel Rolfe.

THERAPY? (“a bridge between METALLICA and NIRVANA”) was formed in Northern Ireland in 1989 by singer, guitarist and songwriter Andy Cairns and drummer Fyfe Ewing. In need of a bass player to complete the line up, they recruited Michael McKeegan, after they’ve recorded their first four-track demo, ‘Thirty Seconds Of Silence’. The trio then recorded their second demo, followed by the ‘Meat Abstract’ single, which they released on their own label Multifuckingnational Records. The single's success took the band on their first UK tour, during which they caught the attention of London-based Wiiija Records, which issued THEPAPHY?'s EPs ‘Baby Teeth’ (1991) and ‘Pleasure Death’ (1992). The successful EPs earned the band a recording contract with A&M Records and THERAPY?'s first proper album, ‘Nurse’, followed soon. 1992's ‘Nurse’ reached number 38 on the UK Top 40 Albums Chart. With the grunge movement in full swing by then, the band recorded their breakthrough EP ‘Shortsharpshock’ in 1993 and continued to conquer UK charts with further singles and an EP (‘Face The Strange’). In 1994, THERAPY? released commercially successful album ‘Troublegum’, which peaked at number 5 on the UK Top 40 and which has since sold over one million copies worldwide. After 1995's album ‘Infernal Love’ came out, Ewing left the band and was replaced by Graham Hopkins and cellist Martin McCarrick was brought in as second guitarist on the band's final release on A&M Records, 1998's ‘Semi-Detached’. THERAPY?'s next effort, 1999's ‘Suicide Pact – You First’, came out on Ark 21 Records, followed by ten-year compilation of their best music. After the release of the Jack Endino-produced sixth full-length, 2001's ‘Shameless’, the band would find itself without a drummer and without a label once again. Neil Cooper recorded the drums on 2003's album ‘High Anxiety’ (Spitfire Records), which turned out to be the last to feature guitarist and cellist Martin McCarrick who departed from the band in 2004. Returning to their musical roots as a three-piece, THERAPY? issued ‘Never Apologise Never Explain’ that same year, followed by ‘One Cure Fits All’ in 2006. Their Andy Gill-produced tenth album, ‘Crooked Timber’, was released on Demolition Records in 2009:

“There was a point when THERAPY? were one of the biggest “buzz bands” in Europe - thanks in part to seemingly nonstop coverage in such publications as Kerrang! and Metal Hammer. But the buzz eventually dissipated, as THERAPY? in the modern age don’t necessarily storm the charts with each new release, but still retain a sizable following. … Ten albums down the line and THERAPY? still play like they mean it, as evidenced by the arrival of ‘Crooked Timber’,” [observed AllMusic's Greg Prato – more here]

Morbid Angel: Existo Vulgoré – new video & Illud Divinum Insanus – full album stream

 

 

UK's Terrorizer has premiered the new MORBID ANGEL video for ‘Existo Vulgoré’; it was conceptualized by MORBID ANGEL and video director Thomas Mignone and produced through his production company Doom Incorporated. The look and style of the video is reminiscent of the classic, silent horror films era, and features the sculptures of artist Krystopher Sapp. ‘Existo Vulgoré’ comes from these extreme metal masters' eight studio album, ‘Illud Divinum Insanus’, released in June 2011 on Season Of Mist Records. ‘Illud Divinum Insanus’ was recorded at several studios, including Erik Rutan's Mana Recording Studios, with mixing being handled by Sean Beaven. The album was the band's first to be recorded without longtime drummer Pedro “Pete” Sandoval, and is featuring drummer Tim Yeung (HATE ETERNAL, NILE). The album's artwork was created by Gustavo Sazes:

“We came up with the concept of this organic surreal insane being; a fallen God or a weird mirror image of our own madness. It is a different MORBID ANGEL cover for sure, but I think that’s how MORBID ANGEL is… Deviant and different on each new release.”

Download yourself ‘Existo Vulgoré’ for free here, and buy ‘Illud Divinum Insanus’ here from Seasons Of Mist. Listen to the full controversial album here (BandCamp) or via player available below. Furthermore, in February 2012 Season Of Mist plans to release a double compilation of remixed tracks from MORBID ANGEL's ‘Illud Divinum Insanus’ album, a collection of 39 versions of MORBID ANGEL's newest songs as presented by artists from the electro/industrial, techno and club scene. (The remixes have since been released and can be indulged in freely here (BandCamp), courtesy the label.)

“MORBID ANGEL hired LAIBACH to remix some of their tracks way back in 1994; this isn’t new territory for them. And many of the songs on ‘Illud’ (‘Existo Vulgoré’, ‘Blades For Baal’, ‘Nevermore’, ‘Beauty Meets Beast’) are as raw and savage as anything the band’s ever recorded. And Trey Azagoth's guitar solos, always one of the group's primary attractions, are wild displays of virtuosic technique, just as they’ve always been. … ‘Illud Divinum Insanus’ isn’t a stumble for MORBID ANGEL; it’s a left turn by a band that’s already made many of them throughout its over 20-year career,” [reminds the listening (as well as hopefully reading and thinking) public AllMusic's Phill Freeman – more here:]

 

MORBID ANGEL: Illud Divinum Insanus

 

MORBID ANGEL was formed in 1984 in Tampa, Florida by Trey Azagthoth. Along with DEATH, MORBID ANGEL is credited with being the driving force behind death metal movement (which includes DEICIDE and OBITUARY to name but two of many notables) in that part of the world. After releasing a couple of demos, (‘Scream For Blasphemies’ and ‘Bleed For The Devil’) guitarist Trey Azagthoth, drummer Pete Sandoval, bassist and vocalist David Vincent, and second guitarist Richard Brunelle came up with their first full-length album ‘Altar Of Madness’ in 1989, setting a new precedent for metal bands to reach. (“With the arguable exception of DEATH, never before had a heavy metal band carried their lightning-fast guitar riffs and equally spellbinding guitar solos into such horrific territory,” commented AllMusic's Jason Birchmeier.) The album for which Azagthoth credited Mozart for inspiration and which is considered by many a landmark release in the death metal genre, is 1991's ‘Blessed Are The Sick’: “Despite his [Azagthoth's] unusual beliefs [the occult, ancient magic, witchcraft and the “Necronomicon”], his playing is on par with the best the genre has to offer, shredding through these songs with an unbelievable ease and dexterity that brings to mind his guitar hero, Eddie Van Halen,” observed Bradley Torreano, AllMusic. 1993's Flemming Rasmussen-produced album ‘Covenant’ was the first major label release for a death metal band in the U.S. (Giant Records / Earache Records); ‘Covenant’ has sold 150,000 copies world-wide. After Brunelle's departure from MORBID ANGEL in 1992, the band enlisted guitarist Erik Rutan on their fourth full-length, 1995's ‘Domination’. The official live album ‘Entangled In Chaos’ was the last album to feature David Vincent until his recent return to the band. Introducing new bassist and vocalist into the line-up, Steve Tucker, out came ‘Formulas Fatal To The Flesh’ in 1997: “Not only is Azagthoth's guitar monstrously powerful, but the rhythm section manages to be simultaneously nimble and pummeling. The group has written some of their strongest songs to date - nothing here relies on pure riffage alone. The end result of the musical and writing vision is one hell of an album and possibly their best record to date,” observed Stephen Thomas Erlewine, AllMusic. Opening with a chorus of swamp frogs, sixth album 2000's ‘Gateways To Annihilation’, was to feature Tucker as full contributor to the band's material; he left  MORBID ANGEL shortly after the release and was replaced by Jared Anderson, a member of Erik Rutan's HATE ETERNAL. Rutan would quit MORBID ANGEL in 2002 but the band continued to make music; ‘Heretic’ was issued in 2003: “MORBID ANGEL helped establish the old-school death metal style back in the day, and they’ve kept that flame alive ever since, with albums like ‘Heretic’ shining a bit brighter in the metal underground than others,” concluded Jason Birchmeier, AllMusic.

MORBID ANGEL features: Trey Azagthoth – guitar, David Vincent (yes, he’s back) – bass & vocals, Destructhor – guitar and Tim Yeung – drums

Cannabis Corpse: Where The Kind Lives – new video & Beneath Grow Lights Thou Shalt Rise full album stream

 

 

MUNICIPAL WASTE's Phillip “Landphil” Hall offshoot CANNABIS CORPSE might have recently lost their vocalist Andy “Weedgrinder” Horn and guitarist Nick “Nikropolis” Poulos, but we are all richer for their new JoeFen (The Gift Media)-created video ‘Where The Kind Lives’. The tune comes from the group's July 2011-released album ‘Beneath Grow Lights Thou Shalt Rise’ (Tankcrime Records). The death metal parody, recorded by Phil Hall, mixed by Eric Rutan at Mana Studios and mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side, can be heard in its entirety here (BandCamp) as well as via player available below. Buy ‘Beneath Grow Lights Thou Shalt Rise’ here (Bandcamp) as well:

 

CANNABIS CORPSE: Beneath Grow Lights Thou Shalt Rise

 

“If the stomping riff at the end of ‘Lunatic Of Pot's Creation’ doesn’t get you headbanging, then just stop there. ‘Immortal Pipes’ is the embodiment of early 90's Floridian sweat, including an epic guitar solo complete with absurd dive bombs. Airtight rhythms roll through ‘Blaze Of Torment’. On ‘Slave To The Chron’ where other bands might throw in a predictable breakdown, they speed up. It makes for a fun, unpredictable listen. The lyrics are equally as entertaining, featuring such gems as the pro-legalization manta ‘Blame It On Bud’: “Drop guillotines in crimson spurts / Stoners emerge on red alert / Dragged through the streets by toking bangers / Swing from the gallows by hemp-made hangers”. While some of the serious longsleevers may find the tongue in cheek offensive, backpatchers will latch on like lips to a sweet six-footer,” [showed off his insightfulness on the topic Lambgoat's reviewer Joshua before offering his final expertise: “It sounds even better… on weed.” More here]

 

Bassist and guitarist Philip “Landphil” Hall reportedly came up with the spoof name, CANNBIS CORPSE, already in 1999, helped by his brother and drummer Josh “HallHammer” Hall, but the project itself came into realization quite some years later, in 2006. CANNABIS CORPSE's debut full-length ‘Blunted At Birth’ was recorded with vocalist Andy “Weedgrinder” Horn. Joined by guitarist Nick “Nikropolis” Paolos, CANNABIS CORPSE issued its follow-up, ‘Tube Of The Resinated’ on Forcefield Records in 2008, followed their debut on Tankcrimes Records, 2009's ‘The Weeding’.

Brutal Truth: Lottery – new video & End Time – full album stream

          

 

American grinders BRUTAL TRUTH have released new epilepsy-inducing visual assault, courtesy of director David Hall and Metal Injection. ‘Lottery’ comes from the New York grindcore mercenaries' latest release, ‘End Time’, out since September 2011 on Relapse Records. The album was recorded with Doug White at Watchman Studios in Lockport, New York. Beyond the normal CD, LP, and digital offerings, ‘End Time’ is also available in a limited edition box set that includes the CD with six bonus tracks, a 20-page booklet, six custom art flats, a marijuana-scented disc card, and more. Order this limited edition wonder here. ‘End Time’ can be streamed in full here (BandCamp) and below, courtesy the label:

“When you purchase a new BRUTAL TRUTH album, you know exactly what lies ahead of you. Namely, the boundaries of extreme metal being pushed to the max. Sure, grindcore is one of the most one-dimensional and predictable metal subgenres on the face of the planet, but you have to respect BRUTAL TRUTH's unflinching allegiance to the genre, as they’re still growling and riffing at the speed of light. Perhaps ‘End Time’ can be best summed up by borrowing a song title from SLADE: ‘Cum On Feel The Noize’.” [Read the rest of Greg Prato's review here] :

 

BRUTAL TRUTH: End Time

 

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’ in 1996 (click to listen), a full-length ‘Sounds Of The Animal Kingdom’ in 1997 (click to listen) and a double live album entitled ‘Goodbye Cruel World’ in1999 (click again). 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. After an eight-year hiatus the band returned with brutal fifth studio album ‘Evolution Through Revolution’ in 2009. Visit BandCamp here for full album stream or make use of player available below:

 

BRUTAL TRUTH: Evolution Through Revolution

 

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

City Of Fire: Bad Motivator – new video

 

 

Vancouver, Canada's CITY OF FIRE have released new video for ‘Bad Motivator’, a song taken from the group's forthcoming album, ‘Trial Through Fire’, scheduled for release in March/April 2012. The video was directed by Cody Calahan. Featuring vocalist Burton C. Bell (FEAR FACTORY, HATE FACE etc), bassist Byron Stroud (FEAR FACTORY, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD etc), guitarist and producer Terry “Sho” Murray, and drummer Bob Wagner, CITY OF FIRE recorded their second album at The Factory studios in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Formed to pay homage to the city from which the band originates, Vancouver, which is in turn known primarily for its rainy climate, the band's moniker apparently refers to the “creative, inner fire” of its residents:

“Fire, when burning, is in a state of turbulence, unrest, reliance and dependence. When extinguished, it becomes calm and unattached, freed from its own limitations. Fire can only occur when properly provoked, much like the creative mind. Creativity, like fire, can only burn with sustenance – that essential that keeps the fire burning,” [explains CITY OF FIRE]

‘Carve Your Name’ comes off CITY OF FIRE's debut self-titled album, released in 2009. The CD, along with the proper supplementary items, can be bought via the band's online store:

Carve Your Name – courtesy of CITY OF FIRE

Full Album Stream: Sons Of Liberty: Spirit Of The Times – new EP

ICED EARTH's guitarist Jon Schaffer named his side-project after a secret organization formed in 1765, comprised of notable U.S. patriots. These patriots worked hard to expose and resist the tyranny that the colonists were subjected to; their efforts ultimately led to the American Revolution. But, there is still much left to resist to, as Schaffer bears witness:

Buy SONS OF LIBERTY December 22, 2011 self-released EP ‘Spirit Of The Times’ here (Bandcamp) or via iTunes. The recording was done once again with legendary producer Jim Morris (guitar solos and backing vocals) and world-class bassist Ruben Drake. The project's debut full-length, ‘Bush Fires Of The Mind’, was released in 2010 on Century Media Records.

“As you know, SOL is about the message and the idea, but there are costs involved to keep it going. … Due to my recording and touring schedule with ICED EARTH, I have not been as present as I would like to be in the cause for liberty. Please know that I stand with all of you freedom fighters in spirit, regardless of what race you are, what language you speak, or which God you choose, or not choose, to worship. I will be there when duty calls, count on it. The free human spirit is rising all over the planet. I’ve been fortunate enough in my travels to speak with some amazing and very awake people in the last few years, and I can honestly and gladly state, that we are having an effect. Continue to educate yourselves, think for yourselves, use your power of discernment, and most importantly; be there for each other,” [advises Jon Schaffer]

Miseration: Dreamdecipher – new video

 

 

Another band currently hard at work on their forthcoming album, MISERATION, have just released a new video for ‘Dreamdecipher’, tune taken from their 2009-release, ‘The Mirroring Shadow’. MISERATION's third release, about to be recorded at MT Studios in Trollhättan, Sweden, with producer Marko Tervonen (THE CROWN), will introduce new drummer Oscar Nilsson. The above video was directed by Markus Rytilahti / Ekman & Winroth.

Formed by then SCAR SYMMETRY vocalist Christian Älvestam and SOLUTION .45's, DIVINEFIRE's etc Jani Stefanovic in 2006, MISERATION released their debut album, ‘Your Demons – Their Angels’, in 2007. The album was reissued by German label Lifeforce Records in 2008 to much critical acclaim:

“Instrumentally speaking, MISERATION's ever-shifting compositions lie somewhere betwixt the highly technical American/Canadian school of death metal and the slightly less oppressive and melodic Swedish scene - with orchestrated synth backdrops further enriching a few tracks like ‘The End Designed’ and the stupendously violent ‘Seven Are The Souls’. And yet perhaps the most amazing thing about the album's impressive musical achievement is the fact that all instruments, save for those synths, were performed by Älvestam's collaborator-in-crime, Jani Stefanovic - that and the rumors that the pair have Christian leanings amid all of this wholesale sonic Armageddon. Confused? Don’t be; just a little bit of faith - religious or otherwise - is all one needs to see and hear MISERATION's fascinating metallic onslaught revealed in all of its beautifully grotesque glory,” [commented Eduardo Rivadavia, AllMusic – more here]

With drummer Rolf Pilve, bassist Johan Ylenstrand and guitarist Marcus Bertilsson, the pair recorded their sophomore effort ‘The Mirroring Shadow’, released on Lifeforce Records in 2009.

MISERATION features: Christian Älvestam – vocals, Marcus “Skägget” Bertilsson – guitar, Jani Stefanovic – guitar and Oscar Nilsson - drums

Otargos: Worship Industrialized - new video

 

 

With whom better to conclude this year, dear visitor, than French optimists OTARGOS, heh. Turning once more to director Federico Anastasi (Undeci | Decimi) - whose other creation can be viewed below - for his talent and artistic approach deemed fit to illustrate the modern dimension of OTARGOS' music, ‘Worship Industrialized’ comes from the group's fourth full-length, ‘No God No Satan’. The aforementioned recording was issued on Season Of Mist Records in August/September 2010. The track ‘Cloning The Divine’ can be downloaded free of charge here, courtesy of the label. Buy OTARGOS stuff here.

“With ‘Worship Industrialized’ we really wanted to get out of all clichés, out of usual atmospheres and shades in order to obtain a result that is faithful to the modern spirit and style of OTARGOS. We wished for something really personal. The purpose was to obtain a unique, violent, barbaric but also desolate atmosphere. The set is a post-apocalyptic burnt landscape in which evolves a mutated civilization that worship absurd myths from the past. This past is actually nothing more than our present. To reach this visual goal, we shot almost all the scenes in natural light. The epileptic picture effect is not the fruit of postproduction work, but the result of a simultaneous multicam capture, a genuine recording process designed by the director. It’s interesting enough to be noted. With this video clip OTARGOS wishes to spread its contemporary image beyond the live performances and impose its “dark extreme metal” style. It also represents the opportunity for us to get loose from the fundamentalist black metal scene with which we feel no affinity anymore. We closed a 10-year chapter with the latest release and this video masterpiece is just the beginning of a new era for OTARGOS. The next album is being prepared and it announces a time of change,” [takes no prisoners the band]

OTARGOS was founded in Bordeaux in 2001 by singer and guitarist Dagoth and drummer R. F. Lord Mysterium. With bassist XxX OTARGOS released their first demo, ‘Conqueror, Conqueror … Destroyer’, in 2002. With second guitarist Kernuun added to the lineup, the French recorded their second demo, ‘Codex-666, Infernal Legions Strike’, in 2003. In 2004,  Arkhamian replaced Lord Mysterium on drums, as OTARGOS issued their debut album 2005's ‘Ten-Eyed Nemesis’. Basing their philosophy on cosmology and a dark antithetic vision of humanity and determined to disassociate themselves from the classical Satanic concept of black metal, OTARGOS explored new musical horizons on their second full-length, 2007's ‘Kinetic Zero’. Their next release, 2009's ‘Fuck God-Disease Process’, reportedly took France by storm (as reported by Season Of Mist Records). The band recruited yet another new drummer, Thyr, before recording their fourth album, ‘No God – No Satan’ (which causes you to “stare into the pitch black abyss of cosmic finitude with a sardonic smile”). Following the departure of guitarist Astaroth just recently, OTARGOS welcomed Thomas Fringan as his replacement.

 

Hundredth: Hurt – new video

 

 

Originally released in 1994 by NINE INCH NAILS (‘The Downward Spiral’), covered by Johnny Cash in 2002 to critical acclaim, ‘Hurt’ gets revamped once again, this time by American melodic hardcore band HUNDREDTH. The tune can be found on the band's latest release, ‘Let Go’, issued on Maediaskare Records in September 2011. The emotional and melodic ‘Let Go’ landed on the Billboard Heatseekers chart.

Feeling especially generous this festive season, Mediaskare Records offer you a free download of 26 songs from some of the label's most recent releases, a way of saying thank you to all of their supporters. Including tracks from BURY YOUR DEAD, DEEZ NUTS, HUNDREDTH etc, click here, submit your email and enjoy some free music.

HUNDREDTH was formed in 2008 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, by guitarist Alex Blackwell and drummer Matt Koontz. Joined by singer Chadwick Johnson, guitarist Joel Hunter and bassist Michael Raymo, their first aggressive assortment of message of hope came the following year in from of a self released EP. HUNDREDTH released their debut full-length, ‘When Will We Surrender’, in 2010 on Mediaskare Records. With new guitarist Andrew Minervini and new bassist JP Gressman, the band recorded their sophomore album off which the single, ‘Live Today’, can be found below.

Free Album: Arafel: For Battles Once Fought – semi-new album

Recorded at Hertz Studio in Poland with Wojtec and Slawek Wieslawski, released in January 2011 on NoiseArt Records, Israeli-German pagan/folk metal group ARAFEL offer their latest release, ‘For Battles Once Fought’, for free download here (MediaFire). Listen to the album's (“containing eight tracks filled with aggression and epic war atmosphere”) samples here or make use of YouTube. The album's artwork was created by artist Kris Verwimp.

ARAFEL (Hebrew for “fog”) was created in 1997 in Tel Aviv, Israel. In 1999, the band first recorded their Slavonic folk music-influenced brand of black metal in form of a four-song demo, ‘Skazki Starogo Lesa’ (Tales Of Ancient Forest), released on Latvian label Beverina. A concept album about national Russian hero Alexander Nevsky, (Grand Duke of Russia in the 13th century), ‘The Way Of Defender’, followed in 2003. ARAFEL was signed by Russian label Sound Age, on which they issued their second full-length, 2005's ‘Through The Flame Of The Ages’. The effort was distributed in Germany, Austria and Switzerland by Twilight-Vertrieb. ARAFEL underwent serious lineup shifting from 2006 to 2009, when joined by Helge Stang, vocalist of the German Viking metal band EQUILIBRIUM.

ARAFEL features: Felius – guitar, Leshii – drums, Roman – bass, Nasha – violin and Helge - vocals