London-based three-piece Urne announced themselves with the stylish Serpent & Spirit, one of the standout Metal debuts of 2021, and a gloriously dismal collection of songs that unashamedly paid homage to an influence of classic eighties Thrash Metal, mixed with an intriguing blend of traditional rock and melodic death metal.
Ihsahn is a true living musical legend who helped shaped the modern symphonic sound of Black Metal with his work across the four albums Emperor produced between 1994 and 2001, particularly with their debut In The Nightside Eclipse which is perhaps the quintessential release of the genre. And although Emperor are still of course touring and Ihsahn has in the 2000’s released music with his Thou Shalt Suffer and Peccatum projects, the focus for the Norwegian musician has undoubtedly been on developing his solo career.
A new doom metal “supergroup” releasing a COVID-19 lockdown album in late 2022. That sentence, which describes MMXX‘ Sacred Cargo (Candlelight) in plain terms, will no doubt inspire a variety of different thoughts and feelings in people with an interest in such things. Some might dismiss the concept (album) out of hand. After all, the band’s name translates as “2020” and, well, not only is it not 2020 anymore, but the mere mention of that year is liable to inspire at least a wearied eye-roll if not a flashback to genuine out-and-out despair.
How to best describe what Armed for Apocalypse’s Ritual Violence (Candlelight Records) sounds like? While I’ve never had the pleasure, I imagine it’s much like jamming a knife into an electrical outlet. Not sure if that analogy will work for everyone. Well, it’s like witnessing the centerpiece car wreck from Quentin Tarantino’s Death Proof. Shit, barely anyone saw that movie. Just know that it’s abrasive and the average listener should approach with upmost caution.
Up and coming hardcore/thrash supergroup Cage Fight, featuring TesseracT guitarist James Monteith and former Eths vocalist Rachel Aspe, have announced their debut self-titled album, Cage Fight. The record is due out May 13 on Candlelight Records. Pre-orders are live at the link below. The band has now announced a series of gigs in the UK, including Bloodstock Open Air. Continue reading
In the realm that is black metal, fans are usually treated to anti-religious themed lyrics, a heavy dose of blast beats, and at times, cookie-cutter guitar riffs. However, as black metal has evolved throughout the years, we now get more atmospheric-centric style music with lyrics that tell stories of nature, history, or just simply life itself. Winterfylleth falls into the second category especially with their latest release, The Reckoning Dawn (Candlelight/Spinefarm). Spanning across the entire album are memorable guitar licks, thunderous drumming, backing chants, and accompanying synth work that really ties the complete sound package together. It may not be a visual painting to look at, but the UK outfit certainly put together a fine piece of art.
Extreme and Progressive Metal music legend Ihsahn will release the first of two five-track EPs inspired by and dedicated to his home county of Telemark on February 14, 2020 via Candlelight Records. Watch the video for the first single ‘Stridig’ now.Continue reading
Ghost Cult caught up with the great Ben Ward of the venerable Doom Metal overlords Orange Goblin! On the eve of their first US tour in five years, Ben was gushing about coming back to the states, his excitement to play at Muddy Roots Festival, his personal festival highlights of his career like Download Festival at Castle Donnington, the Mercyful Fate reunion, choosing sick opening bands such as The Skull, Mothership and WoFat, incorporating left-turns musically, and his love of beer and pizza! Orange Goblin’s current album The Wolf Bites Back is available now from Candlelight Records.
Orange Goblin – US Live Dates
Tuesday, August 27th – New York, NY @ Gramercy Theatre # https://livemu.sc/2G0Fzzl
Thursday, August 29th – Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall #* http://bit.ly/2K4fEKU
Friday, August 30th – Cookeville TN @ Muddy Roots Music Festival http://bit.ly/2FQOZfc
Saturday, August 31st – Dallas TX @ Gas Monkey #^ http://bit.ly/2Vo5B4I
Sunday, September 1st – Austin TX @ Come and Take It Live #^^ http://bit.ly/2Iabq1P
Monday, September 2nd – Los Angeles CA @ Regent Theater ## http://bit.ly/2YPQ14a
# – wsg The Skull
^ – wsg Mothership
* – wsg Weedeater
^^ wsg Mothership & Wo Fat
## – wsg Black Cobra
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Legendary Japanese avant-garde band Sigh has announced details of their new album Heir To Despair set for release on 16th November via Candlelight Records. Better still they have also shared new track ‘Homo Homini Lupus’ which features the one and only Phil Anselmo! Jam the track out right now!Continue reading
In what is sure to be one of the highlight tours this fall, Corrosion Of Conformity has locked down UK tour dates with fellow stoner-doom mashers Orange Goblin for a co-headline tour. Direct support will come from Fireball Ministry and Black Moth. All dates go on sale on June 15th . Orange Goblin’s new album The Wolf Bites Back drops next week via Candlelight Records, while COC continues to tour in support of 2017’s No Cross, No Crown (Nuclear Blast). COC plays Download festival tomorrow,.Continue reading