War From A Harlots Mouth: Vertigo – new video & Voyeur – full album stream

“Eeriness, darkness, coldness, despair, and riffs, this is how I would describe WAR FROM HARLOTS MOUTH's new record, ‘Voyeur’, in one sentence to anyone who asked,” [offered Chuck Haller, Sputnik Music – read the rest of his review here]

“With their fourth full-length ‘Voyeur’, WAR FROM A HARLOTS MOUTH continue on their outrageous course charted on their previous three albums by riding a maelstrom of sound fusing metalcore, mathcore, death metal, jazz and other elements into new shapes with ultimate complex drumming, grinding and booming bass lines as well as intricately shredding guitars and hoarse vociferation. For their unique style WAR FROM A HARLOTS MOUTH have won the praise of critics as well as the die-hard support of fans,” [added the label. Season Of Mist]

Hence you can’t go wrong by visiting BandCamp here (also available below) where ‘Voyeur’ is being streamed in full. The album was released in October/November 2012 by Season Of Mist Records. ‘Voyeur’ awaits you here (Season Of Mist e-shop), where you’ll be able to choose your preferable format:

Formed in 2005 in Berlin, Germany, AllMusic's elder Eduardo Rivadavia tells us WAR FROM A HARLOTS MOUTH play a violent blend of math metal, grindcore, and assorted unrelated genres - and they strongly disagree:

“We don’t claim to be a band that’s true to any kind of genre. So don’t tell us we are not whatevercore or blablametal, 'cos you are right: we are not.”

Happily leaving the genre business behind us, it appears WAR FROM A HARLOTS MOUTH started their recording career with a cassette and a split EP (with MOLOTOV SOLUTION) they released in 2006. With German label Lifeforce Records watching their backs, guitarists Daniel Globentrachten and Steve Jones, bassist Filip Heisenberg, drummer Paule Seidel and vocalist Steffan Gewohnt recorded their debut studio album ‘Transmetropolitan’. Released in 2007, it was described as “unpredictable and all over the map as their choices for song titles” by Greg Prato, AllMusic (more here).Subsequent tours eventually claimed vocalist Gewohnt who was replaced with Nico Webers, before WFAHM put forth their next assault, 2009's ‘In Shoals’:

Every member of the band demonstrates total command of his instrument, including vocalist Nico, who switches back and forth between a guttural roar and a bloody-throated screech seemingly without blinking. The group has all the discipline of grindcore and death metal, but leaps into space when the mood strikes them,” [is what Phill Freeman, AllMusic heard – more here]

In 2010 came the band's third offering ‘MMX’, featuring guitarist Simon Hawemann. Phill Freeman described the album as “complex and unique” (more here):

“WFAHM have moved from the arty grindcore to a more metalcore/deathcore sound, with some detuned MESHUGGAH-style riffs thrown in, while retaining the occasional interjections of raw dissonance and, even more jarringly, gentle jazz chords and brushed drums that make this German band's music unique:”

WAR FROM A HARLOTS MOUTH features: Nico Webers – vocals, Simon Hawemann – guitar, Daniel Oberländer – guitar, Filip Hantusch – bass and Paul Seidel – drums

Within The Ruins: Feeding Frenzy – new video & Elite – new album

 

 

WITHIN THE RUINS, well known for blending beer and riffs with easy going charm, have a new album out since February 26th, 2013 and now a new video as well. ‘Feeding Frenzy’ comes off the “pinnacle of what is possible when a band keeps their feet firmly rooted in the foundations of modern death metal, chews upon tidbits of classic thrash and all the while reaches upward to grasp toward new creative heights of their own design with hunger, skill and confident craftsmanship”, WITHIN THE RUINS, third full length called ‘Elite’, assessable through Amazon and iTunes, courtesy eOne Entertainment who offer:

“Weaned on the guttural sounds of Floridian death metal chaos, the blackened ice of frigid Norway, the New Wave of Swedish Death Metal, the Big 4, progressive noisecore mathematics and birthed from the same Massachusetts stomping grounds as the architects of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal, WITHIN THE RUINS create challenging, devastating and comprehensive heavy metal sounds that encompass everything they’ve been and everything they are looking to become. ‘Feeding Frenzy’ is a direct attack on the trend following transients who overcrowd the music community, those who (as the song declares) are eating themselves alive. WITHIN THE RUINS very much believe in and support active involvement, vs. passive standing around.”

 

The natives to Westfield, Massachusetts, WITHIN THE RUINS describe their sound as “loud, energetic, interesting and fresh”, cite bands like METALLICA and AS I LAY DYING as their early influences and are into touring, beer, parties, ladies and guitars. They play technical deathcore and, in order to perfect their technical styles, the members practice every day: “You do it long enough and you’re going to see results. We constantly try to take our music to the next level, challenging ourselves as well as the listener,” explained band's founder and guitarist Joe Cocchi. They self-released their first EP ‘Driven By Fear’, followed by second EP ‘Empires’ in 2006. Through Victory Records WITHIN THE RUINS delivered their first full-length ‘Creature’, issued in 2009 and described as “technically dazzling, the sound of METALLICA's ‘Master Of Puppets’ played at twice the speed” by Tom Forget, AllMusic (more here). Their second LP ‘Invade’ followed quickly in 2010, selling over 3000 copies in its first week of sales in the United States alone. Next came a 4-song EP entitled ‘Omen’, issued in 2011.

WITHIN THE RUINS features: Tim Goergen – vocals, Joe Cocchi – guitar, Andrew Tate – bass and Drummer – drums

 

Saxon: Sacrifice – new album

 

The true legends of British metal, SAXON, have just unleashed their no less than 20th album upon Europe and the U.K. (March 1st – March 4th, 2013) through the home of true legends, UDR. ‘Sacrifice’, recorded at LS Studios in Yorkshire, England and produced by vocalist Biff Byford and Andy Sneap, with mixing and engineering done by Jacky Lehmann, will be distributed in North America through UDR/EMI, starting March 26th, 2013. Beside the new material, some unique recordings of revisited classic tracks also produced by Byford and mastered by Andy Sneap, including an orchestrated version of ‘Crusader’ and an acoustic version of ‘Frozen Rainbow’, have been added to certain album formats. So, show due respect and buy ‘Sacrifice’ from here (UDR store):

“Less tricks, more power,” [reportedly roared SAXON frontman and founding father Biff Byford] “My brief to the band was to be raw, be real and not be afraid to look back at the old classic material for inspiration. From the songs to the production, I wanted to focus on the raw aspects which made us great in the first place. And living in that rawness, combined with some great classic SAXON-songwriting, has in my opinion made SAXON fresher than ever.”

 

Formed in 1976 in South Yorkshire, England, the front-runners of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, SAXON, have since recorded twenty albums and have sold more than 15 million albums worldwide. The original lineup, namely vocalist Peter “Byff” Byford, guitarists Graham Oliver and Paul Queen, bassist Steve Dawson and drummer Pete Gill, released the band's eponymous album in 1979 and ‘Wheels Of Steel’ in 1980. Due to damaged hand, drummer Gill dropped out and was replaced with Nigel Glockler, featured on the band's first live album, 1982's ‘The Eagle Has Landed’, regarded as one of the metal's great live albums until today. Coincidentally, as the NWOBHM movement began its decline, SAXON issued their highest selling album to date, 1983's ‘Power & The Glory’. Moving from French label Carrere Records to EMI Records, the band recorded ‘Crusader’ which, issued in 1984, sold over two million copies worldwide. But, according to Eduardo Rivadavia, AllMusic, “their next album, [1985's] ‘Innocence Is No Excuse’, would only lead to greater extremes of personality disorder and leave the group's fan base confused and utterly divided” (more here). First cracks appeared in the lineup as well, as SAXON lost their bassist Steve Dawson prior to recording their eight album, 1986's ‘Rock The Nations’. Bassist Paul Johnson, with whom the band recorded 1988's ‘Destiny’, was later replaced by Nibbs Carter. Dropped by EMI, SAXON issued their tenth longplayer, 1991's ‘Solid Ball Of Rock’ through Virgin Records:

“Clearly, having almost permed and peroxided themselves into a hair metal fate worse than death, the bandmembers finally accepted the fact that they were both too old and too ugly to compete with the L.A. pretty boys, and thus wisely returned to their more honest and, well, heavier, British metal values, embracing them as the only viable way forward. Good choice,” [approved Eduardo Rivadavia, AllMusic – more here]

In 1995, SAXON released ‘Dogs Of War’, and the first album recorded with guitarist Doug Scarratt came soon after in form of double live album ‘The Eagle Has Landed – Part II’. 1997's ‘Unleash The Beast’ was followed by 1999's ‘Metalhead’ and ‘2002's ‘Killing Ground’, both recorded with drummer Fritz Randow; the latter was also SAXON's debut for SPV/Steamhammer which next issued the band's greatest hits album, ‘Heavy Metal Thunder’. SAXON's sixteen album, ‘2004's ‘Lionheart’, was recorded with drummer Jörg Michael, while 2007's ‘The Inner Sanctum’ welcomed Nigel Glockler back behind the drum kit. In 2009, SAXON celebrated their 31st anniversary with ‘Into The Labyrinth’, as their nineteenth studio album and UDR debut, 2011's ‘Call To Arms’, debuted at number 6 on the U.K. Rock Albums chart.

SAXON features: Biff Byford – vocals, Paul Quinn – guitar, Doug Scarratt – guitar, Nibbs Carter – bass and Nigel Glockler – drums

 

The Gates Of Slumber: Stormcrow – new & free EP & Death March – new video

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

Vreid: Welcome Farewell – new album

The Norwegian black & roll brigade's, VREID, new and sixth album entitled ‘Welcome Farewell’ is already out in Europe (February 26th, 2013) and is patiently awaiting its North American release come March 5th, 2013, courtesy Indie Recordings. ‘Welcome Farewell’ was recorded at bassist Hváll's (Jarle Kvåle) Studio 1184 as well as on the road, during the band's extensive tour which included an appearance at the Damnation Festival in Leeds, UK. VREID's new video ‘The Reap’, available for your viewing pleasure below, was produced by Einar Loftesnes and animated by Kim Holm. ‘Welcome Farewell’ should be bought from here (Indie Recordings' North American store), from here (EMP/Europe), here (Plastic Head/UK) or via iTunes:

“Two years after we started writing new riffs, our new beast is now complete. It’s been a lot of work, but we are utterly pleased with the result. Dark, heavy and VREID are the three keywords to describe it,” [added VREID]

 

Formed in 2004 in Sogndal, Norway by remaining members of WINDIR, following the tragic death of lead singer and founder Valfar (Terje Bakken), VREID (Norwegian for “wrath”) released two albums, ‘Kraft’ (“a throwback to the early days of black metal and recalls that late-'80s/early-'90s era in which thrash metal was giving way to the death metal/black metal field” – Alex Henderson, AllMusic – more here) and ‘Pitch Black Brigade’ through Tabu Recordings between 2004 and 2006. VREID signed with Indie Recordings in 2006 and released their third album, ‘I Krig’ [“at war”], in 2007. The lyrics, written solely in Norwegian, were based on poems written by Gunnar Reiss-Andersen, a member of the Norwegian resistance during WW2:

“ ‘I Krieg’ falls short of the lushness of symphonic black metal (there aren’t a lot of clean vocals to go along with Sture's [Sture Dingsøyr, gutar and vocals] black metal rasp), but the 45-minute disc brings VREID into the folk-metal realm and does so with compelling results. Traditional Scandinavian folk is a strong influence, and this is an album that - for all its blistering, in-your-face intensity - has a real sense of craftsmanship,” [commented Alex Henderson, AllMusic – more here]

“The Norsemen are coming, the Norsemen are coming!”

introduced VREID's similar-themed album ‘Milorg’, released in 2009, AllMusic's Greg Prato (more here). With lyrics written this time in English language, the album once again dealt with the resistance movement in Norway during the Second World War. The release of ‘Milrog’ was followed by three European tours as well as their first North American tour and subsequent replacement of guitarist Ese with former WINDIR and current COR SCORPII guitarist Stian “Strom” Bakketeig. In 2010, VREID released their first DVD called ‘Vreid Goddamnit’, and in 2011, their fifth album ‘V’ which entered the Norwegian Album Chart at number 22, and was awarded by 9/10 rating by Decibel Magazine:

 

 

VREID features: Hvàll – bass, Steingrim (Jørn Holen) – drums, Sture – vocals and guitar and Strom – guitar

 

Full Album Stream: Byzantine: Byzantine – new album

 

BYZANTINE's fourth, self-titled album has been released independently by the reunited band on February 26th, 2013. It can be streamed in full here (No Clean Singing) or here (BYZANTINE's SoundCloud). The album awaits you here (Big Cartel), on iTunes and Amazon MP3. The ‘Byzantine’ cover art was designed by David Friedmann, the winner of the contest the band launched via MetalSucks metal portal. BYZANTINE also released the ‘Soul Eraser’ video, directed by Matt Maloney, which is available below.

 

Hailing from the backwoods of West Virginia, USA, BYZANTINE was formed in the year of 2000 by singer and guitarist Chris “OJ” Ojeda, bassist Cid Adams and guitarist Tony Rorhbough. Initially just a tool to “knock the dust off of their prospective instruments, write some songs and have a little fun away from their day jobs, employing a drum machine to practice with and write their tunes”, BYZANTINE recorded their first full-length demo in 2002 with drummer Matt Wolfe. Invited to open a show by certain famous Virginian Chris Adler (whom you, by now, probably associate with LAMB OF GOD), followed by a small tour, BYZANTINE eventually landed a record deal with Prosthetic Records. Combining musical styles initiated by PANTERA, TESTAMENT and MESHUGGAH (“torn asunder and reconstructed in sometimes curious, often startling new ways” – Eduardo Rivadavia, AllMusic – more here), their Prosthetic debut, ‘The Fundamental Component’ was issued in 2004. BYZANTINE recorded their second album with new bassist Michael Cromer. Biblically named ‘…And They Shall Take Up Serpents’, released in 2005, received high praise both domestically and abroad. Relentless touring that ensued has claimed guitarist Rorhbough, who was temporarily replaced by Eric Seevers. In 2007, the band released a fan-oriented DVD called ‘Salvation’ and began recording their third album ‘Oblivion Beckons’. Issued in 2008, BYZANTINE announced they could no longer function as a band shortly after its release.

BYZANTINE features: Chris Ojeda – vocals and rhythm guitar, Matt Wolfe - drums, Skip Cromer - bass and backing vocals and Tony Rohrbough - lead guitar

 

 

 

Mysticum: In The Streams Of Inferno – reissue

Continuing in the oftentimes murky waters of Norwegian black metal, Peaceville Records has just reissued MYSTICUM's debut album ‘In The Streams Of Inferno’, February 25th, 2013. Originally released in 1996 through Full Moon Productions, the recording was remastered by Tom Kvålsvoll at Strype Studios in Oslo, Norway and includes two bonus tracks. The package comes with new artwork (“made in close association with the band to fully reflect their intended vision”), with liner notes and additional lyrics, and a bonus DVD containing two live shows from 1996. Shop for ‘In The Streams Of Inferno’ here (Peaceville store). MYSTICUM, in association with Peaceville Records, plan to release a new album titled ‘Planet Satan’ later on this year:

“One of the pioneering industrial black metal forces to emerge in the early 90's, MYSTICUM brought to the world a completely unique brand of extreme and psychedelic discordant black metal with insane drum machine patterns and synths. They were originally signed to Euronymous' [Øystein Aarseth, co-founder of MAYHEM, murdered by Varg Vikernes in 1993] Deathlike Silence Productions label, such was his belief in the band (MYSTICUM even featured Hellhammer from MAYHEM in their lineup for a brief period). However, this venture proved to be cut short following his death, forcing MYSTICUM to look elsewhere for the release of their eventual debut album, ‘In The Streams Of Inferno’, finally surfacing in 1996. A perfect concoction of cold, primitive black metal and forward-thinking ideas from an act unafraid to push boundaries, the hell of ‘In The Streams Of Inferno’ has had a lasting and profound impact on many since 1996,” [explains the label]

Founded in 1991 and known as “Sabazios” for a while, the industrial black metal pioneers, MYSTICUM, in 1992 featured six-stringers Cerastes and Ravn and him, responsible for four-strings, synthesizer and computer programming, Mean Malmberg. In between recording and releasing eyebrow-raising demos, ‘Wintermass’ and ‘Medusa's Tears’, the band officially became MYSTICUM in 1993. As planes were made to release MYSTICUM's debut album ‘Where The Raven Flies’ through MAYHEM's Euronymous Deathlike Silence Productions, due to Euronymous' tragic death, the album was put on hold. Following a split 7” with ULVER, a two-song contribution on ‘Nordic Metal - A Tribute To Euronymous’ compilation, and a five-track promotional tape called ‘Piss Off!!!’, MYSTICUM's debut album, ‘In The Streams Of Inferno’, was finally released in 1996, incidentally giving birth to industrial black metal. (Listen to the full original album here, MYSTICUM's YouTube channel.) Consequently, MYSTICUM embarked on European tour with MARDUK and GEHENNA. Taking their time, the band contributed a new song called ‘Eriaminell’ on ‘A Tribute to Hell - Satanic Rites’ sampler CD released by Full Moon Productions in 1997, and another song called ‘Black Magic Mushrooms’ on AUDIOPAIN 7” split EP released by Worship Him Records in 2003. In 2004, Planet Satan Revolution gathered the band's old cassette tapes and EPs and released the remastered material as ‘Lost Masters Of the Universe’ compilation (visit here (YouTube) to listen to three tracks off the recording). In 2012, MYSTICUM reunited as Herr General Cerastes, Prime and Dr. Best.

Katatonia: Lethean – new video & Dead End Kings – full album stream

KATATONIA's highly successful and much praised latest album, ‘Dead End Kings’, just recently shortlisted for a Swedish Grammy award in the “Best Metal Album” category, was released in August 2012 on Peaceville Records. The group's ninth lengthly testimony to sadness sold 3,200 copies in the United States in its first week of release and has debuted at position 138 on The Billboard Top 200. ‘Dead End Kings’, produced by lead guitarist Anders Nyström and vocalist and lyricist Jonas Renkse, and mixed by David Castillo, can be still enjoyed in full here (Exclaim.ca). Frank Default contributed sampling and atmospherics on the album and Norwegian vocalist's Silje Wergeland (of THE GATHERING) voice can be heard on the tune ‘The One You Are Looking For Is Not Here’. The album's artwork was supplied by KATATONIA's long-time visual collaborator Travis Smith and their new visuals come courtesy Lasse Hoile. Order ‘Dead End Kings’ from here (the album site), from where you can download the single ‘Dead Letters’ for free as well, and enjoy the song ‘Buildings’, more of new KATATONIA, via the YouTube player embedded below:

“ ‘Dead End Kings’ is [an] exploration of the deeply atmospheric, melodic brand of “dark rock” offered on the [KATATONIA's] earlier recording, but where the former [‘2009's ‘Night Is A New Day’] was so focused on being an album that was greater than the sum of its parts, the latter [‘Dead End Kings’] is a collection of tightly written songs that work in virtually any sequential context, making for a more compelling listen. … With its various parts, ever-shifting dynamics, and blazing instrumental interludes, it [the album'] sends the set off with a nearly majestic bang. ‘Dead End Kings’ is uncompromising in its musical excellence, bleak vision, and dark, hunted beauty; it extends KATATONIA's reach exponentially,” [wrote Thom Jurek, AllMusic – more here]

KATATONIA was formed in 1991 in Stockholm, Sweden by vocalist Jonas Renkse and guitarist Anders Nyström. In 1922, the pair issued a Dan Swanö-recorded “sludgy and doom-laden demo, with just a dab of classic black metal atmosphere to it” they named ‘Jhva Elohim Meth… The Revival’, which became a quite a hit in underground metal circles (as any demo called ‘Jhva’ would). Hiding under such illustrious names such as “Blakkheim”, “Lord Sith” and “Israphel Wing” (bassist Guillaume Le Huche), KATATONIA released their first LP, ‘Dance Of December Souls’, on Helion Records in 1993, what many consider to be their masterpiece, ‘Brave Murder Day’, in 1996 (with new guitarist Fredrik Norrman), and “either a masterpiece, or else something very close” (William York, AllMusic – more here), ‘Discouraged Ones’, in 1998 (with new bassist Micke Oretoft) on Avantgarde Music. KATATONIA signed a multi-album deal with Peaceville Records and issued their fourth full-length, ‘Tonight's Decision’, in 1999. Trying out a new lineup featuring bassist Mattias Norrman and drummer Daniel Liljekvist, KATATONIA first recorded an EP ‘Teargas’ and then full-length ‘Last Fair Deal Gone Down’, both released in 2001. ‘Viva Emptiness’ followed in 2003:

“… The other thing that sets KATATONIA apart from all of its peers with the possible exception of Liverpudlian quartet ANATHEMA is the band's lyrics. Virtually every track here will have the listener entering into a dialogue with Renske as he offers observations on everything from questioning the right to continued existence to revenge to determination to grief to alienation to political and social dystopian catastrophes, and even to glimmers of hope in the wasteland. ‘Viva Emptiness’ is a dynamically jarring and intellectually demanding yet musically accessible journey to the dark side and back, full of glorious riffs, complex harmonic sensibilities, and a vulnerable yet ultimately powerful brute force. ‘Viva Emptiness’ is so intelligent that it borders on brilliance; it’s a candidate for one the finest rock records of 2003,” [praised the record Thom Jurek, AllMusic – read more here]

KATATONIA had toured for nearly two years after the release of their seventh full-length, 2006's ‘The Great Cold Distance’. Their 2009's album, ‘Night Is The New Day’, which sold over 2,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release, peaked at position number 8 on Finnish Albums Chart and at position number 39 on Swedish Albums Chart, was described as “a very beautiful and reflective album” by Phil Freeman, AllMusic (read the rest of his review here). 

KATATONIA features: Jonas Renkse – vocals, Anders Nyström – guitar, Daniel Liljekvist – drums, Per Eriksson - guitar (live) and Niklas Sandin - bass (live)

Full Album Stream: Portal: Vexovoid – new album

 

Feared by metal music's who’s who (read ‘Vexovoid’ reviews here (MetalSucks), here (CVLT Nation), here (Spin), here (About.com) and so on), the surrealist death metal terror unit's, PORTAL, fourth longplayer is now definitely out (since February 19th, 2013) through Profound Lore Records: 

“Taking their sound of singular death metal psychosis by creating their darkest and most-dense sounding album to date, ‘Vexovoid’ carries the tradition PORTAL have laid upon since their inception [nearly 20] years ago.  Through the band's strange, unsettling, avant-garde, and polarizing take on death metal (on a musical, lyrical, visual, and aesthetical level), throughout the years, PORTAL have shape-shifted and inverted the genre into multiple realms of dementia.  ‘Vexovoid’, as expected, is another dreadful and frightening observation of unorthodox death metal terror unparalleled,” [reasures the label]

“I remember the first time I heard PORTAL,” [wrote CVLT Nation reviewer] My first feeling was oddness, but at the same time I became intrigued with what I was hearing. It created this feeling in my head almost like an increasing migraine as I sank deeper and deeper into ‘Seepia’ [PORTAL's 2003 album].”

“When the most evil and vilest heavy metal fails to chill you, that’s where PORTAL step in - providing a surreal and powerful voice for abomination and corruption, and doing so with polarizing and malevolent glee. PORTAL make for petrifying listening,” [admitted Craig Hayes, About.com]

“… by attempting to speak the same language as the rest of metal, PORTAL is even more terrifying. The notion that they’re bridging some sort of gap between their angled, concussed world and ours means they know how we think and probably where we live. We’re most likely not long for this world,” [gave up Sammy O’Hagar, MetalSucks]

If still in need of convincing, let me relate to you that Spin's Kory Grow describes PORTAL as “a quintet of thirtysomething headbangers likely too ugly to compete with younger, better-looking heshers”. Besides, you’ll find plenty of their music below. With artwork created by Reverend Kriss Hades, ‘Vexovoid’ awaits your order here (Profound Lore Records store):

 

Well, they definitely come from down under, Brisbane, Australia that is, and are rumored to be active since 1994 – proudly and fiercely producing a sound that has been compared to “among other things, a leaf blower, a vacuum cleaner and an aeronautics tunnel”. Now, Eduardo Rivadavia (AllMusic) would describe PORTAL's sound as an “attempt to demolish the boundaries of extreme metal with a death/black/grindcore hybrid style as technically ambitious as it is purposely mired in waves of distortion” (more here), wouldn’t he? Be as it may, PORTAL, keeping their identities hidden under masks and costumes and ludicrous names, released their first EP, ‘The End Mills’, in 2002, followed by their first LP, ‘Seepia’ in 2003 (which was later reissued remastered by Profound Lore Records). 2004's ‘The Sweyy’ EP preceded 2006's ‘Lurker At The Threshold’ demo which came before PORTAL's second full-length, ‘Outre'’, released in 2007:

Then, in 2009, came ‘Swarth’:

“Do you judge the music based on volume? On gutturalness? On degree of sacrilegious profanity? Some death metal bands offer guitar pyrotechnics, but PORTAL doesn’t even throw you that bone - every song on this album (with the possible exception of ‘The Swayy’) consists almost entirely of undifferentiated roar. You’ll be nearly halfway through the title track before you realize that there’s even a voice in the mix - and it’s a good thing you can’t hear it well, because PORTALs lyrics are the purest pseudo-occult twaddle: “Domus lacunae/Meta matriculant/Theta genus/Fait accompli” runs the opening stanza of the first song, while others string together lines like “lapsing tidal sinergy pulpittates” and “symbionts molten behest” and still others command the listener to “harbour the spleen” and “be as our gruel”. (Is it possible that this whole thing is a joke?),” [asked Rick Anderson, AllMusic – more here:]

PORTAL features: The Curator – vocals, Horror Illogium – guitar, Aphotic Mote – guitar, Omenous Fugue – bass and Ignis Fatuus - drums

Full Album Stream: Eight Bells: The Captain's Daughter – new album

“ ‘The Captain's Daughter’ features four organic soundscapes that oscillate seamlessly between tranquil and terrifying. EIGHT BELLS seem intent on giving the listener a broad canvas of sound to work with without seeming grandiose or tedious, and they succeed on every level of that presumed intention. Utilizing the negative space of sound in a way that many other bands would do well to pay heed to, EIGHT BELLS has created a masterwork with ‘The Captain's Daughter’ – easily placing themselves in a realm of music that will rarely be matched this year. Featuring four tracks over about 30 minutes, each song takes it time exploring various themes,” [states the press release]

‘The Captain's Daughter’ was released yesterday, February 19th, 2013, on Seventh Rule Recordings. Listen to the whole recording, produced by renowned Billy Anderson, exclusively here (Metal Insider) or not so exclusively below, and buy the record here (Seventh Rule). ‘The Captain's Daughter’ was described as being able:

“to evoke atmospheric qualities of a multitude of genres without succumbing to the confines of any of them,” [by Steel For Brains and as] “a journey into the far reaches of one’s mind through sound that acts as its own wordsmith,” [by Metal Psalter:]

Fusing progressive rock and black metal elements, EIGHT BELLS was created (in “January 1473”) by former SUBARACHNOID SPACE guitarist Melynda Jackson, a native of rural Texas now based in Portland, Oregon. The EIGHT BELLS alignment also includes former SAS drummer Christopher Van Huffel and classically trained six-string bassist Haley Westeiner. 

EIGHT BELLS features: Christopher Van Huffel – drums, Melynda Jackson – guitar & vocals and Haley Westeiner – bass & vocals