U.K.-based modern thrash heroes SYLOSIS recently completed work on their new album, "Monolith", with Romesh Dodangoda at Monnow Valley Studio in Wales. The CD will be released on October 5 via Nuclear Blast Records. The cover artwork was created by Dan Goldsworthy and can be seen below.
Commented SYLOSIS vocalist and guitarist Josh Middleton: "We're beyond pleased with the artwork for 'Monolith'. It needed to be something to accentuate the dark, gloomy vibe of the album without going for anything too cliché or stereotypically metal.
"We listen to a lot of '70s progressive music and with the Art Nouveau style was quite popular at that time.
"At this point, we don't want to reveal too much about the concept but one of the figures on the cover loosely represents the devil in disguise or a satyr. Some of the inspiration behind the concept came from Greek mythology.
"Working with Dan again was awesome. He's very patient, eager to please and can very quickly tap into what we're trying to put across.
"We always like to pay as much attention to the artwork as possible and it's never been an afterthought for us. It's about creating a complete piece of work so the music and the packaging really go hand in hand."
Added Goldsworthy: "Visually, the cover artwork for 'Monolith' has taken notable inspiration from the Art Nouveau movement. Diverting from the usual flowery aesthetic of the style, 'Monolith' has a significantly darker vein running thoughout, as fitting with the sonic nihilism of SYLOSIS' music. As far as the concept goes, it is merely my interpretation of the band's vision. Much like their previous album, 'Edge Of The Earth', the artwork is completely related to certain themes running throughout the songs, so if you wish to extract any deeper meaning, I would recommend studying the lyrics as well.
"Josh and I kept a very close working relationship throughout the entire design process, such was the importance of having the artwork represent his lyrics and the story they tell. However, the cover art and illustrations throughout the packaging are only small snapshots of the bigger picture so open the booklet, press play and enjoy the journey."
Middleton recently stated about "Monolith": "'Monolith' is the best representation of us as a band in terms of our diverse influences and stylistically it's what we've always been aiming for. A mixture of thrash, big doomy riffs and dark atmospherics and ambience.
"Overall, 'Monolith' has a darker vibe to anything we've done in the past, both lyrically and musically. It's a concept album which is just something I like to help guide me writing the lyrics. I like the fact that I can write about personal issues but dress them up in a way that people might not know exactly how they relate to me (if at all in some instances).
"The idea for the concept was very loosely inspired by the Greek tale of Orpheus and Eurydice. It's quite far fetched but it's about this guy who loses his wife and tries to bring her back from underworld. This giant monolith starts to grow out of her tomb. The most prevalent theme beneath it all is sort of accepting that you might not be as nice a person as you once thought. It sounds really cheesy but everyone has a darker side to their personality in terms of being selfish, manipulative or dishonest.
"A lot of metal lyrics are always 'you're this, you're that, you suck' and in a lot of cases it's probably really hypocritical. Some of the lyrics on this album are about owning up to those flaws and almost reveling in it.
"Some parts of the album is us covering new ground but everything that people have come to love about our band is still present. It's not necessarily a change in direction or something we're moving more towards, it was just about making a unique vibe for this album as a whole. There's a real urgency to a lot of this material and the really natural and honest production helps mirror that. We really wanted more of a 'live session' feel. Both Romesh and Jens [Bogren; mastering] have done a great job in giving this album a unique sound. Too many bands these days rely on technology and it can just suck all the life and personality out of the music."
Wintersun has posted a second video clip from the studio from the 'Time I' recording sessions.According to WINTERSUN mainman Jari Mäenpää, "'Time' is going to be two albums, titled 'Time I' and 'Time II'. We made this decision simply because of few reasons:
* All the 80 minutes of material won't fit on a regular CD and we didn't want to cut anything out.
* We want you to be able to hear new material sooner and not wait any longer and we want to go on tour sooner.
* The music is very full and complex, so listening this kind of 'hard listening (not easy listening)' material straight for 80 minutes is a bit too much (even for me).
* Both albums will be approximately. nice 40 min epic packages of fireworks.
* We like the idea of releasing two albums within one year, so the band will stay more visible longer, which is important in these 'modern times.' No more years of silence for us!"
"Time I" tracklist:
01. When Time Fades Away
02. Sons Of Winter And Stars
I) Rain Of Stars
II) Surrounded By Darkness
III) Journey Inside A Dream
IV) Sons of Winter And Stars
03. Land Of Snow And Sorrow
04. Darkness And Frost
05. Time
Time I will be released on October 9, 2012 via Nuclear Blast Records.
Polish death metal squad MASACHIST have just completed work on their second full-length, Scorned. The anticipated follow-up to the band's 2009-released Death March Fury was recorded in mid-2011 at Monroe Sound Studio, with final production touches taken care by guitarist Aro. Featuring nine brutal and intricate songs, Scorned will be released worldwide by Selfmadegod Records on September 3rd, 2012.
MASACHIST's leader Thrufel comments on the album: "I'm really glad that after a long silence I can finally give you some details regarding our much anticipated new album. Scorned is 40 minutes of your agony, another relentless death march. You could say that the new album is a natural evolution of our style. This time the songs are much more demanding than those heard on our previous one, while still retaining their primal brutality. Yes, we are still playing 100% Death Metal Kurwa Maæ!"
The album's cover art and album details for Scorned will be revealed in the weeks ahead. For now, hear the opening track, the punishing "The Process of Elimination," by clicking here.
Swedish death metal masters DIABOLICAL have entered Necromorbus Studio (WATAIN, UNANIMATED, DESTRÖYER 666) in Alvik, Sweden to begin recording their fifth album, "Neogenesis". The CD is once again being produced by the band's vocalist/guitarist Sverker Widgren.
DIABOLICAL guitarist Carl Stjärnlöv explains the album title: "Apart from being a physiological term, the title 'Neogenesis' translates to 'new beginning.' The word originates from greek and latin and it marks a new beginning for DIABOLICAL in many ways. Furthermore the title has a much more profound significance to the theme and concept of this album."
Regarding the recording process and musical direction of tne new material, he added, "The drum tracks laid down are amazing, and we are all very excited about continuing to work on 'Neogenesis'. There are definitely some new flavors to our sound, and most importantly, the song material of 'Neogenesis' is by far the greatest we've done."
Illinois-based Vikings thrashers THE HORDE have inked a deal with Abyss Records. The follow-up to 2011's "Thy Blackened Reign" is tentatively titled "Destroyer... Slayer Of Men" and is scheduled for release in the fall.
Commented guitarist Tim Matthews: "THE HORDE are thrilled to have signed with Abyss Records. This is a match made in Valhalla as they will suit up in their armor and go to war with us as we ride into the flames of battle!
"We are currently working on our third album. Some songtitles are 'Pray Hater', '10,000 Strong' and 'Firevurm'. We'll be entering Mercenary Digital Studios in Zion, Illinois at some point this winter to record with Scott Creekmore."
THE HORDE is slated to appear at Spring Bash IV in April 2013 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin alongside DECEASED, MORTA SKULD and other acts. More U.S. festival appearances for 2013 are in the works.
German death metallers OBSCENITY will release their eigth studio album, "Atrophied In Anguish" on September 14 as a digipak and as a digital download via Apostasy Records. 10 relentless tracks will bludgeon you back into the early '90s. The CD was again recorded at Soundlodge Studio in Rhauderfehn with producer Jörg Uken.
Commented the band: "'Atrophied In Anguish' is the quintessence of diverse epoches of OBSCENITY. We combined typical '90s melodic parts and leads with modern blastparts. The new album is a mixture of 'The 3rd Chapter' and 'Cold Blooded Murder' with a giant sound that goes without Lego-Trigger and other technical stuff."
The cover artwork for "Atrophied in Anguish" was created by Remy of Headsplit Design (ARCH ENEMY, PSYCROPTIC, WHITECHAPEL) and can be seen below.
Bassist Matt Camacho has left San Francisco Bay Area metallers FORBIDDEN. In addition, the band's singer, Russ Anderson, has decided to take a break from the music business.
Commented FORBIDDEN guitarist Craig Locicero: "I am extremely saddened to have to announce that our bassist and brother since 1986, Matt Camacho, has decided to retire from the music business and leave FORBIDDEN permanently.
"For those that know and love Matt, this may be a shock to you. Matt's always been gung-ho for the band since the beginning and was a positive guy. But ever since he went to law school after FORBIDDEN split up the first time, he was on a career path that would eventually take him to this day. His job position keeps getting better and taking care of our families is the most important thing.
"With that being said, Russ Anderson has made the decision to take a break away from music to get his bearings back and rekindle his fire for FORBIDDEN. Russ is not quitting, but has decided that he needs to do this for himself. We support him and his decision to not fake his way through what needs to be real.
"I had always said since we reformed in 2008, that as soon as things become tedious or a grind we'd either stop doing this or take a break. But we'd never say never again! FORBIDDEN is not through yet. Russ simply needs to recharge his thrash metal batteries!
"So then there is the unfortunate reality that under these circumstances FORBIDDEN will not be appearing at the Wacken Open Air festival this year. This breaks my heart as much as anything else! Steve [Smyth, guitar], Sasha [Horn, drums] and myself were very much looking forward to playing in front of that crowd and we had been holding out hope for Russ to change his mind. But he feels strongly that he just can't do it right now. So we must respect his wishes and let him have his space.
"We'd like to apologize to our fans, Continental Concerts, the Wacken Open Air organizers and everyone at Nuclear Blast Europe. You've all stood by us for so long and we understand how bad the fans in Europe want to see FORBIDDEN again. But you deserve to see FORBIDDEN at its best. Not under these circumstances.
"This is our promise to you we'll come back with stronger and with new material! We've already got half of the new record written and we'll finish it up when Russ feels good enough to thrash it up again!
"Thanks to you all from the bottom of our hearts..."
Added Matt Camacho: "Playing in FORBIDDEN has been a dream come true for me. It has allowed me to tour the world, play with and meet some of the most amazing bands, make friends for life, perform some phenomenal shows, and, most important, experience the most amazing FANS... I'll truly miss the inspiration and love that people from around the world have shown towards the MUSIC. As I leave for a new endeavor, I want to express my thanks and gratitude for all the incredible musicians both past and present who have graced their magical touch on FORBIDDEN's music. To be a part of this band and to have these guys as friends and family for life is a true blessing. Thanks guys for the support and I look forward to seeing FORBIDDEN carry on for years to come."
San Diego death metallers PATHOLOGY have revealed the cover art for their new album, "The Time Of Great Purification", due on September 25 via Victory Records.
PATHOLOGY putting the finishing touches on the new CD at Lambesis Studios with Daniel Castleman.
"This is definitely our heaviest and most technical album to date," states drummer Dave Astor.
"The Time Of Great Purification" features artwork by Pär Olofsson, creator of the cover art for PATHOLOGY's last two albums, 2010's "Legacy Of The Ancients" and 2011's "Awaken To The Suffering". The concept is simple: the doctor is controlling the 2012 apocalypse and destroying the world!
PATHOLOGY is gearing up for a twenty-six city headlining run on the "Slaughter Survivors Tour" with ENFOLD DARKNESS, FALLUJAH, FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY and AEGAEON. The tour kicks off in Santa Cruz, California on July 21.
Los Angeles, California death dealers MURDER CONSTRUCT have completed work on their highly anticipated debut full-length entitled "Results". Featuring 11 tracks of violent, uncompromising death/grind, the CD displays cut-throat songwriting and top-notch musicianship mixed with the band's own brand of twisted experimentation to create one of 2012's most punishing auditory experiences.
Due on CD/LP/digital on August 28 via via Relapse Records, "Results" was recorded in Hollywood, California's Architeuthis Sound studio with engineer Sean Vahle while drums were tracked at Trench Studios in Corona, California with John Haddad (ABYSMAL DAWN, EXHUMED, INTRONAUT).
Watch the "Results" trailer below.
MURDER CONSTRUCT features Travis Ryan (CATTLE DECAPITATION) on vocals, Leon del Muerte (EXHUMED, PHOBIA, IMPALED) on guitar and vocals, Kevin Fetus (FETUS EATERS, WATCH ME BURN) on guitar, Danny Walker (INTRONAUT, EXHUMED, UPHILL BATTLE) on drums, and Caleb Schneider (BADACID TRIP) on bass. The band previously released a seven-song EP in November 2010
German technical death metal sorcerers, SOPHICIDE, are pleased to announce the release of their debut, Perdition Of The Sublime. Set for North American release on August 14, 2012 via Willowtip Records, the 11-track long player was recorded, mixed and mastered by founder Adam Laszlo at his home studio and features the striking cover design by artist Steve Voigt.
Formed as a one-man-project in 2009 by Laszlo, then 19, SOPHICIDE fuses elaborate melodies with battering technical brutality into a sound that’s as malicious as it is memorable. Meaning "murder of wisdom," SOPHICIDE describes the state of modern society and serves as the central theme of Perdition Of The Sublime. Notes Laszlo: “It's another word for anti-intellectualism. People are stupid, ignorant and seem to be proud of it. This is a disturbing trend.”
“I'm really keen to release this album,” he continues of the release. “I've put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into it and I hope people can connect to it as I do. Basically the overall theme coincides with the meaning of ‘sophicide.’ Intellect and enlightenment seem to be displaced by religion and casting shows. There’s this overall apathy, people don't seem to give a shit about anything as long as they get their cheap meat and TV shows. This is what POTS is basically about, although the focus is on religion, after all it's the elephant in the room.”
Belgian modern female fronted metal band Azylya presented their album preview.
Press release:
After the massive work done with this incredibly professional band, management, producer, photographers and label we have finally reached the great result of having everything ready to start promoting Azylya.
We have posted for you the song “Incest” (click here to listen), album cover and some band pictures as well as pictures from stunning singer Jamie-Lee. Words are not enough to describe how happy we are with the results achieved. Just check it out and enjoy it.
Norwegian Death Metal band CHTON is announced that their upcoming sophomore album "The Devil builds" will be released on CD and vinyl in collaboration with German label GODEATER RECORDS. The CD will be released in autumn 2012 and the vinyl is planned for release in early winter 2013. The digital release of the album will be handled by Morningstar Music.
The album will feature 10 songs. Some of the songs set to appear on "The Devil builds" include "Faustian Resolve", "Gods of the Flesh" and "Babalon and The Beast Conjoined".
"The Devil Builds" was recorded and produced at Morningstar Studio with Arnt Obsidian Grønbech (Keep of Kalessin, Satyricon) at the helm. The album was mixed by Stamos Koliousis (Djerv, Mencea) at 210 Studio in Berlin, known for earlier work with Nattefrost, Gehenna and Vreid, among others.
CHTON previously has shared stages with bands like Morbid Angel, Behemoth, Mayhem, Amon Amarth, Zyklon and many others, and plans are being made for a European tour to promote the release of "The Devil builds".
The digital split-single "Screaming for Death" (with CLEAVER) is still available for streaming or download from most digital stores like Spotify, iTunes, WiMP, Amazon and many others.
After seven split 7"s and numerous tours and festival appearances all over Europe, Turkey's raw as fuck old school grindcore trio SAKATAT finally unleash their highly anticipated debut called, entitled "Bir Devrin Sonu"!
CD version is available now for pre-order from Everydayhate (to be shipped on July 1st, 2012) and the single-sided LP version with A2 poster on Bringer Of Gore (July 4th, 2012), to be available first time on the European tour in July 2012!
July04NLHengeloInnocent*w/ ANAL PENETRATION, MATKA TERESA
July05DEKasselDas Hausw/ SLAKKENGANG
July06DEBerlinKöpi**w/ AxNx + TBA
July07DEMagdeburg
Knastw/ TBA
July08DEAltenburgRote Zora***w/ TBA
July10CZLiberecAzyl Pivni Barw/ COCK BRUTALITY, HUMAN SCUM, ONANIZER
July11CZPrahaModra Vopicew/ FUBAR, PLAGUE RAGES, TOOLS OF THE TRADE, WEEKEND NACHOS, WOJCZECH
July13CZTrutnov Obscene Extreme Festw/ tons of bands
Norwegian metal band Claymords has signed a deal with Wormholedeath/Aural Music Group. During October Claymords will travel to Parma in Italy to record the next album with the working title: “SCUM OF THE EARTH”. Wormholedeath will unleash the album world-wide through Aural Music Group. The release will take place in early 2013.
The whole band together stated :
"After considering a couple of offers, WHD seemed to be the best and the most expanding label. With such a professional and caring attitude it seemed like a natural choice for us. The label has a strong network, and that is everything when you’re releasing an album worldwide. We in CLAYMORDS, feel that WHD has the right vision that a label needs in these days.”
A&R "Worm" stated:
"Wormholdeath is not a money-machine and until the inspiration will lead our label concept we will continue signing adult and experienced bands...Claymords is one of those bands and we rely on them to be part of the new senior roster that doesn't feature "wannabees", or "trendy posers". These guys work really hard and have no stupid ideas in mind, their music is just true ... Like their attitude. Moreover they trusted us and we will support in the best possible way their already strong and profitable activity. Watch out for this norwegian combo...They will make another awesome album that will be proudly released through our catalogue. Come on, scum of the earth!"
To celebrate this Claymords are having a party at Norbikers in Oslo, June 29th. Everyone is welcome! (location: Konows gate 69). Before getting into the studio, CLAYMORDS will appear at Hard Anger kick off in Stavanger (Aug 4th @ Folken) and Hard Anger Open Air Metal Festival (Sept 1st @Måbødalen/Eidfjord- http://hard-anger.com).
Commented SYLOSIS vocalist and guitarist Josh Middleton: "We're beyond pleased with the artwork for 'Monolith'. It needed to be something to accentuate the dark, gloomy vibe of the album without going for anything too cliché or stereotypically metal. 
MASACHIST's leader Thrufel comments on the album: "I'm really glad that after a long silence I can finally give you some details regarding our much anticipated new album. Scorned is 40 minutes of your agony, another relentless death march. You could say that the new album is a natural evolution of our style. This time the songs are much more demanding than those heard on our previous one, while still retaining their primal brutality. Yes, we are still playing 100% Death Metal Kurwa Maæ!"
Commented guitarist Tim Matthews: "THE HORDE are thrilled to have signed with Abyss Records. This is a match made in Valhalla as they will suit up in their armor and go to war with us as we ride into the flames of battle! 
Tracklist:
Commented FORBIDDEN guitarist Craig Locicero: "I am extremely saddened to have to announce that our bassist and brother since 1986, Matt Camacho, has decided to retire from the music business and leave FORBIDDEN permanently. 
PATHOLOGY putting the finishing touches on the new CD at Lambesis Studios with Daniel Castleman. 
Tracklist:
Press release: 
The album will feature 10 songs. Some of the songs set to appear on "The Devil builds" include "Faustian Resolve", "Gods of the Flesh" and "Babalon and The Beast Conjoined".
After seven split 7"s and numerous tours and festival appearances all over Europe, Turkey's raw as fuck old school grindcore trio SAKATAT finally unleash their highly anticipated debut called, entitled "Bir Devrin Sonu"!
The whole band together stated : 
