The video for the track Silent Holocaust taken from Zonaria’s release Arrival of The Red Sun can now be seen.
Guitarist Emil Nyström comments : “We’ve been looking forward to working with Jakob for ages. He’s a really talented producer and director and we cant wait to show you the end result. It’s nuclear!”
Arrival of the Red Sun available on listenable Records e-shop here.
Playing industrial rock with under-currents of post-punk and new wave, Broken Links are as melodic and hook laden as they are dark and haunting. Atmospheric guitars, melancholic vocals and electronic soundscapes form a musical vehicle for psychoanalytical and emotionally complex lyrical themes, resulting in a dark and powerful aural experience.
The new single We’re All Paranoid is taken from their upcoming album Disasters: Ways To Leave a Scene, set for release this Autumn via Devil Theory Records, and is available to download for FREE from the band’s bandcamp. The band have also released the cinematic accompanying video online, which tells the story of a dying man watching his life flash before him in the aftermath of a car smash-up.
Originally taking influence from an array of acts ranging from Joy Division, Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails to Manic Street Preachers and Bush, Broken Links have evolved a sound that’s very unique to themselves and unlike anyone on the scene today. Mark Lawrence (vocals / guitar), Lewis Betteridge (bass) and Phil Boulter (drums), have been slowly but surely building a strong loyal fanbase on their own steam following the release of three self release EPs, and playing shows with the likes of British Sea Power, The Boxer Rebellion, InMe, My Vitriol, and The Xcerts in the UK, Germany, and Italy.
Swedish sleaze and punk influenced metal band Sister recently filmed a video for the track Werewolves on Blackstreet during the band’s recent performance at this year’s Sonisphere Festival in Madrid, Spain. Shot and edited by Jimmy Johansson, Werewolves on Blackstreet highlights the band’s experience at the festival both on and off stage.
The band commented “The trip to Madrid and Sonisphere Festival was an awesome experience. We definitely had a fucking blast! To share the stage with giants like Slayer, Soundgarden, Limp Bizkit, The Offspring and Metallica is just wicked. Check out our video and catch some of the highlights from our travel. Sonisphere is indeed a great festival both on and off stage. We want to send out a big thanks to the festival organizers and to our Spanish fans! And of course Jimmy, son of K, Johansson for shooting and editing all of our stupidities. See you guys next time!”
Sister, who hail from Stockholm/Jönkoping Sweden, formed in early 2006 working hard to build up a name as a strong act both live and in the studio. The band consists of 4 members- Jamie on vocals, Lestat on guitars and backing vocals, Rikki on bass and backing vocals, and Cari on drums and backing vocals- who combine the sounds of Punk, Glam, Rock, and Metal with an end result sounding something like the bastard child of GG Allin and Guns N’ Roses. The band’s Metal Blade debut, Hated, was released in June 2011 and was met with strong praise from press and fans alike.
The Chant
A Healing Place
Released August 2012
Atmospheric Rock
Released via Secret Entertainment
Having never heard of The Chant, I was a bit apprehensive to listen to their newest album A Healing Place since I’m pretty picky about atmospheric music. However, this album was absolutely nothing like I expected it to be, and it incorporated many different rock and metal band sounds that meshed wonderfully together. With the rock influences of Chevelle and A Perfect Circle mixed with the more progressive and a bit heavier sounds of Opeth and Katatonia, this album is refreshing from a lot of other newer bands who try to take beautiful, atmospheric music and add it onto a more hardcore/deathcore based songs. It’s evident that this band has worked their way up to create their own kind of sound that could not only appeal to fans of lighter rock music but to also fans of melodic and progressive metal.
Right from the start of the album, the song Outlines does exactly what the title intends and outlines a picture of what this album will sound like. Starting off softly and then working up to a faster paced sound, it sounds captivating and almost a bit spiritual in a way. Paired with the clean vocals of lpo Paasela, I was instantly hooked into the album.
The other 7 tracks had that same consistent sound as Outlines which gave me the impression that the band is pretty confident in their development as a group. They didn’t try so hard to add random solos and other instruments as most new atmospheric bands will try and do. I see a bit of an Opeth influence in that this album has only 8 songs and most of those songs span over a period of 5 minutes, and fans of Opeth know that they are known for creating very long and beautiful pieces. The vocals derive from the sound of Katatonia’s Jonas Renkse which, again, adds that heavier sound to The Chant. The guitars reminded me a lot of Chevelle in that it had a heavier sound but not too heavy which is suiting for this album.
However, I found that the saxophone solo in the song Distant Drums was a bit unnecessary and seemed out of place in the song, though the one in Outlines was incorporated very nicely. The most memorable track from this album was Ocean Speaks in that it was the shortest song on the album (just over 4 minutes) and it got right to the point while still incorporating that same beautiful sound heard throughout this entire album. The Black Corner was also another song I enjoyed from this album in that it included a bit of chanting and collective singing towards at the end of the song that can be arguably annoying to some people but it was an element I felt that made the song memorable and unique.
This album definitely took me by surprise to say the least. This album is definitely recommended for anyone who is into lighter rock, progressive, atmospheric, or melodic metal. Hopefully The Chant continues to progress in their music and keep on making albums just like this one.
4/5
Hammer Smashed Lauren
It’s time again for Classic Old School Heavy Metal!
Carbid! hail from Germany and list their influences as: Motörhead, Judas Priest, Manowar, Queensryche, Megadeth and many more! The latest album from the Braunschweig-based band “Breaking Walls” delivers a strong mixture of traditional & timeless Heavy Metal at its most authentic.
The tracklisting will be as follows:
1. Creatures of the Light 03:57
2. Green Hill 04:25
3. Dark Night 04:02
4. Never Regret 04:51
5. Over and Out 02:55
6. Angry Nature 04:12
7. Pirates! 03:22
8. Rock Forever 03:11
9. Fight for Your Right 02:44
10. Sin City 04:37
11. Rebel Yell 04:29
12. Stand Up and Shout 03:08
13. Bark At the Moon 03:53
CARBID! – LINE-UP:
Kui – vocals
Micha – guitar
Carsten – bass
Werner – drums
NHSH
Album: Rasende Kraft
Due for release/Released: September 2012
Black Metal
Released via Label: Naturmatcht Productions
‘Rasende Kraft’ is the debut album from the German black metal project NHSH. The album has been dedicated to Friedrich Nietzsche whose works continue to be a huge inspiration for the band.
First up is the title track ‘Rasende Kraft’ offering some mid-paced, “rocking” black metal. There’s also hints of thrash metal present in the guitar riffs which adds to the appeal. By contrast to the previous track, ‘Hinaus’ tends to drift towards more melodic climates as the guitars and drumming slow down briefly as if to compensate for the evermore coarse sounding vocals. Satanic Warmaster is probably the closest thing which I could compare this to.
‘Wanderers Heimkehr’ continues with the tone set by the previous track with some melodic or, dare I say it, atmospheric guitar riffs. This combined with the steady drumming and harsh vocals produces what I could only describe as a continuous “wall” of sound. This is a very powerful mix, which makes this song one of the highlights of the album. Other noteworthy tracks include the guitar driven, melodic ‘Just Craving Is Mine’, rhythmic instrumental ‘Black Blues’ and the dark ambient style ‘Frühlingsabend’ which creates a sense of calm after a what felt like a long storm.
Overall this is a very promising debut album. I wasn’t sure what to expect from NHSH and I’m pleased to say that it was a very positive surprise.
4/5
Iza Raittila
For nearly fifteen years, Ill Nino has gained a loyal and dedicated fan base while creating their own unique style of Latin-influenced, aggressive metal. They are preparing for the release of their sixth full length album titled Epidema, out October 22nd. Utilizing bilingual vocals, Latin/tribal rhythms and powerful melodies, Epidemia is bound to spread worldwide. Listen to their brand new track The Depression here.
Ill Nino will join Emmure and Static X on the Noise Revolution tour beginning September 19th in Billings, MT. The tour will hit over twenty-one cities throughout
the US before wrapping up in Lubbock, Texas on October 17. Fans will a chance to see new songs from Epidemia performed live on stage.
Tour Dates as followed
9/18- Cheyenne, WY @ Atlas Theater **
9/19- Billings, MT @ Babcock Theater
9/22- Fargo, ND @ The Venue
9/23- Omaha, NE @ Sokol Auditorium
9/24- Bloomington, IN @ Castle Theater
9/27- Joliet, IL @ Mojoe’s
9/28- Circle Pines, MN @ Bamboo Betty’s
9/29- Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
9/30- Jackson, MI @ Rak’s
10/01- Columbia, MO @ The Blue Note
10/03- Louisville, KY @ Headliner’s Music Hall
10/04- Green Bay, WI @ Riverside Ballroom
10/05- Traverse City, MI @ Ground Zero
10/06- Flint, MI @ Machine Shop
10/07- Portage, IN @ Camelot Arena
10/9- Fayetteville, AR @ George’s Majestic Theater
10/11- Shreveport, LA @ Riverside Warehouse
10/12- Little Rock, AR @ Downtown Music Hall
10/13- Dallas, TX @ Palladium Ballroom
10/14- Farmington, NM @ Top Deck
10/17- Lubbock, TX @ Cactus Courtyard
**Ill Nino will not be performing
East Coast doom metallers Hour of 13 have been confirmed for this year’s edition of the Dublin Doom Days festival in Ireland.
The fourth edition of the festival takes place over two days, September 28th and 29th, at The Pint in Dublin. Also included on the bill are the likes of Urfaust, Tome, Weed Priest, The Veil, Weeping Ulcer and more.
Hour of 13 guitarist Chad Davis comments: “Hour of 13 are pleased to be a part of the 2012 instalment of Dublin Doom Days. A little over 2 years to the date, it will be great to play our second-only European appearance in the birthplace of our first ever live show. The people in the Irish scene are extremely amazing, and we would like nothing more than to bring our music back to them for round two.”
Hour of 13 vocalist Phil Swanson adds: “It’s very last minute with not much time for preparation. I’d never consider this for anyone but Mark and nowhere else but Dublin.”
For more information about the Dublin Doom Days festival, join the official event page on Facebook.
See HOUR OF 13 live at the following shows:
Sep. 29, 2012 – Dublin, Ireland – The Pint
Oct. 26, 2012 – New York, NY – Saint Vitus
Apr. 18, 2013 – Tilburg, Netherlands – Roadburn Festival
HOUR OF 13’s new album, 333, is available now worldwide. Get the CD in Europe here or in North America here.
333 is also available on iTunes.
Transcendental rockers The Elijah are set to perform a truly special live set; for one night only they will be joined by the Niche London String Quartetto perform their debut album I Loved I Hated I Destroyed I Created in its entirety, and are sure to take their highly acclaimed euphoric live experience to unprecedented levels.
I Loved I Hated I Destroyed I Created is constructed from layer upon layer of textured instrumentation, with much of the atmosphere created by the combination of ethereal guitar work and string arrangements, and for the first time, this will be performed with the latter fully live. The combination of The Elijah’s harmonic and abrasive beauty, with the feel and lush tones of the four string players, is sure to make every spine tingling moment in their set even more intense; even more sensational. Performed to a backdrop of striking visuals, this is without a doubt set to be one of the underground live shows of the year.
Check out the band’s latest videos I Hated and I Destroyed
Anamnesi
Descending The Ruins of Aura
Released: September 2012
Atmospheric Black Metal/ Dark Ambient
Released via Naturmacht Productions
‘Descending The Ruins of Aura’ is the second album by the Italian black metal artist Anamnesi. It is the follow up to the band’s self-titled debut released in 2010.
So, after an atmospheric and tranquil keyboard ‘Intro (First Descent)’, we head towards darker territories with ‘Litany of Suffering and Reaction’ treating the listener to some sombre melodies along with rather raw sounding black metal vocals and guitar riffs. Yet there’s a certain eerie beauty linked to this rawness as it contrasts with the melodic elements such as the ambient keyboard part in the second half of the song.
If anything, it’s actually the dark ambient parts on here that make this band stand out. Take ‘Nocturnal Path’ for instance, it’s the little touches like the melodic keyboard tunes and the frosty atmospheric elements which make this instrumental memorable. Then there’s ‘Toward Rebirth’ which reminds me of Burzum at times, though this is less raw and there is a significant difference in the vocal style. One of the album’s main highlights is the tranquil-sounding, ambient ‘Annega La Conscienza’ which features guest vocals from Simulacro’s Xul whose part whispering part screaming style seems to be a perfect fit for this track.
Speaking of Burzum, this album ends with ‘Ciò Che Una volta Era’ – a tribute to the infamous Norwegian black metal project. This is quite possibly the rawest dark ambient track on here and even the vocals sound remarkably different to the other songs.
3.5/5 – There’s beauty in rawness and it goes by the name of Anamensi.
Iza Raittila
Legacy of Vydar
A Hundred Miles
Released 16th October 2011
Death Metal
Self-Released
Hailing come Germany, come death metal sextet Legacy of Vydar. Differing themselves from other bands of the genre, LoV bring with them a three guitar assault on the ear drums, almost like a death metal version of Iron Maiden. Their most recent album, A Hundred Miles was released almost a year ago.
My War, the first track on the album, has a very industrialesque sound that screams from the guitars, while the drums, bass and obviously the vocals, throw in a very powerful, very epic death metal sound. The riffs collide back and forth like raging waves smashing against cliffs. The title track, A Hundred Miles, unleashes a melodic styling upon an unsuspecting listener, almost coming across like an Amon Amarth track.
Too Far really did take me by surprise, beginning with a very melodic, very calm riff that was carried along by a heavier riff and callous drumming before it transforms into a howling beast of aggressive riffs and demonic vocal work. My Soul Unleashed is another Amon Amarth-styled track, only somewhat lacking in energy, which is a shame as I think this track would make for a decent mosh pit anthem. No Remorse displays a use of very intelligently performed riffs that come blasting more fierce and terrifying than the A-bomb. The vocals add a beastly sound that seems like the last piece of the puzzle in this track, completing and making it one of the stand out tracks of the album.
Hope And Despair is a very calm instrumental, that eases you into that false sense of security before the violent wails of The Trail begin charging like a bull that’s just seen red. Vidar, which is undoubtedly about the Norse god of the same name, is another stand out track on the album, displaying influences from varying Viking metal bands while sticking to the band’s own sound at the same time, fusing everything together into a masterpiece of pure death metallic goodness.
Hold On pulls no punches when it comes to melodic riffs and rhythmic drumming. The band have carefully balanced out the aggressive vocals and melodic music in a beautiful and artistic manner on this track, keeping that balance there with the tempo changes as well. For such a bloodthirsty sounding track, Still Alive, sounds subtly cheery and hopeful at the same time, as its violent sounding riffs get the blood flowing. Not The End is certainly an ironic title for a title that is the end of the album. The riffs scream out eerily familiar to Twilight of the Thunder God, invoking a truly epic sound that really gives the album a brilliant end.
Germany is renowned for its metal scene and with Legacy of Vydar on the scene, its going to get much better. Legacy of Vydar are one of the few death metal bands that really do proper melodic riffs and A Hundred Miles really displays each member’s talent as well as the ever-growing sound of the band, so if you like a clean, crisp sound topped with guttural growls and fierce riffs, A Hundred Miles is one for your collection. Hopefully we’ll hear more from these hard rocking Teutonic warriors of metal very soon.
4.7/5
Nico Davidson
Ex Deo
Caligvla
Released 3rd September 2012
Symphonic Death Metal/Epic Roman Metal
Released via Napalm Records
The epic Roman metal legion, Ex Deo, fronted by Katakylsm frontman Maurizio Iacono, are back with their second album, Caligvla, named after the Roman emperor of the same name, and ready to begin their conquest in the known metal world. The album is due for release on the 2000th anniversary of Caligula (31st August) in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and three other European countries.
The album is started by the opening track, I, Caligvla, which begins with a strong Roman styled orchestration and a speech proclaiming Gaius Augustus Germanicus emperor of Rome. Straight after, the snarling guitars kick into battle mode, being led by the powerful, domineering vocal work. The orchestration adds that awe-inspiring feel to the music, making almost like a soundtrack for a movie. The use of the samples taken from the film Caligula, really set the mood for the song.
The Tiberius Cliff charges in brutally with a combined assault of majestic orchestration, aggressive riffs and harsh vocals. The song captures perfectly the viciousness of Tiberius. The third song, Per Oculus Aquila, is introduced by a dark, atmospheric sound before turning into a snarling war machine of fierce riffs and vocals, topped with drums that come smashing down like rams into walls.
Divide Et Impera has a very Epica-like sound resonating from the music whilst the vocals summon up the death metal elements that run rampant through the album. The female vocals, performed by Mariangela Demurtas of Tristania, contrast beautifully with the music. Pollice Verso (Damnatio Ad Bestia) isn’t much of a track to write home about when it first begins but it soon evolves into bloody and violent piece of pure metal, featuring some delightful melodic riffs and acute drumming. The orchestration conjures a dramatic atmosphere, making everything sound more tense.
Burned To Serve As Nocturnal Light might sound like the title of a deep, Gothic poem but the tense orchestration and mighty march of guitars and drums prove it to be the complete opposite, creating an epic worthy of the Roman pantheon themselves. Teutoborg (Ambush of Varus), based on the infamous massacre of Varus’ legions in 9AD, offers up a deliciously dark serving of grim orchestration and roaring guitars. The sounds of men fighting and the screaming of Augusts’ legendary quote: Varus! Give me back my legions! add a certain authenticity to the track, portraying the infamous battle in a unique manner.
Along The Appian Way introduces a fresh, new war-like sound to the album, unleashing a fury of guitars, drums and orchestration, commanded by the guttural growling that has featured so prominently through the album. The guitars play out some truly sagaic parts that really add emphasis on the vocals. Once Were Romans opens with what sounds to be a Roman officer telling his recruits the punishment if they break the law, ending with “Deserters will be crucified”. The harsh vocals blast in, screaming to form battle formations, as the guitars and orchestration build up dramatically for the ensuing onslaught of violent riffs and barbaric drums. Evocatio: Temple of Castor and Pollux finishes the album with an emotive, almost divine piece of orchestration. A fitting end for an epic album.
Once again, Ex Deo have took parts of Roman history and tradition and fashioned them into truly epic pieces that will no doubt stand the test of time. Clearly the spirit of ancient Rome still lives on through Ex Deo.
4.8/5
Nico Davidson
Known as much for their progressive approach to melding psychedelia, opera and metal as they are for their captivating, and completely stunning live shows, there is never a dull moment in the world of YAMANTAKA // SONIC TITAN.
YAMANTAKA // SONIC TITAN have released a new track as part of the Adult Swim Singles Program, Lamia. The track can be downloaded here as well as seen live as part of a recent in-store performance at Sonic Boom during NXNE.
The band, who was recently shortlisted for the Polaris Prize alongside Grimes, Cadence Weapon, Japandroids and Drake, are releasing a split 7″ with fellow nominees Fucked Up to coincide with the awards, followed by a never before seen 33 minute rock opera. Premiering at this year’s Pop Montreal Festival and presented in three parts, 33 // 渦 explores ancient Asian and North American mythology in a contemporary setting, replete with aging drag queens, desire, fame, jealousy and murder. You can catch them at the festival when they premiere the opera in Montreal on September 21st.
Also, Paper Bag Records has just signed YAMANTAKA // SONIC TITAN for Canada and is re-issuing the LP on vinyl. You can buy it digitally now or order the vinyl here.
Thrash Metallers, Arthemis have just released their latest studio album ‘We Fight’ this week via Off Yer Rocka Recordings, as well as announcing that they will be hitting the road in Autumn with Ex DragonForce vocalist ZP Theart and his new project I AM I.
Guitarist & vocalist Andrea Martongelli comments: “Wow! I can see this I AM I / ARTHEMIS UK tour is gonna be a hell-of-a-tour, a true-Metal-party….and everyone’s invited!!! Only for true Metalheads! We can’t wait to see you all and give you the best Arthemis show ever! WE FIGHT!!! Bring it on!!! \m/”
October UK Tour Dates
21st The Waterfront – NORWICH
22nd The Borderline – LONDON
23rd Moho – MANCHESTER
25th Corporation – SHEFFIELD
26th Yardbirds – GRIMSBY
27th Academy – NEWCASTLE
29th The Haunt – BRIGHTON
30th The Cellar – SOUTHAMPTON
We Fight is available from the following links.
Exumer have premiered the video to the title track of their most recent album, Fire & Damnation. It’s the band’s first ever official video clip in their 27 year-long history and was entirely filmed and edited in Sao Paulo, Brazil, during Exumer‘s South American Damnation tour earlier this summer.
The footage combines the band’s explosive live performance with the harsh conditions prevalent in some of Sao Paulo’s less affluent and privileged neighbourhoods, making it a fast pace assault on the viewer’s senses.
Comments vocalist Mem V. Stein: "The idea behind the clip was to showcase the band’s intense relationship with our Brazilian fans in a live situation and the disparities that are still present in one of the fastest growing economies in the world. We chose the song Fire & Damnation because its vibe is quite universal, where you don’t have look to religion or elsewhere to find damnation here on earth. Ultimately, the clip is a "thank you" to all our fans in South America and around the world as we always try to relate to them in an honest and very real way."
To watch Fire & Damnation in its entirety click here.
Dutch Death Metal Kings AntropomorphiA have just launched the landing page for their comeback album Evangelivm Nekromantia!
Head over here to stream the first single Psuchagogia, to check out the shocking artwork and the pre-order links. AntropomorphiA‘s Evangelivm Nekromantia will be released on October 22nd, 2012.
AntropomorphiA comments on Evangelivm Nekromantia: “We’ve been working on this conception for almost a year. Dedicated to composing a new sort of disturbing death metal darkness exceeding most of the one-dimensional releases you got to hear most of these days!”
AntropomorphiA is:
Ferry Damen (vocals, guitar)
Marc van Stiphout (bass)
Marco Stubbe (drums)
Evangelivm Nekromantia track listing:
1. Intro
2. Nekrophilian Mass
3. The Mourned and the Macabre
4. Debauchery in Putrefaction
5. Anointment by Sin
6. Fleisch
7. Impure Desecration
8. Psuchagogia
9. Nekrosophia
10. Evangelivm Nekromantia
AntropomorphiA is legion to Death Metal lunatics of the underground and will infect soon enough all worshippers of classical Death Metal bands such as BOLT THROWER, GRAVE and AUTOPSY as well as newer high class acts as BLOODBATH or HAIL OF BULLETS.
AntropomorphiA was created under the influence from bands such as Hellhammer/Celtic Frost, Infernäl Mäjesty and Bathory in a tiny town in Holland in 1989.
Over the years they got more and more brutal, released several demos and the Necromantic Love Songs MCD in 1993, but went on a hiatus in the late 90s since other bands became more important.
Fast forward 2009 when other projects moved into the background, AntropomorphiA got re-activated. The line-up is still the same, original members, F (vox/guitar), M (drums), S (bass) form the trinity that is AntropomorphiA till this day.
In early 2011 AntropomorphiA made their first live appearance since 2001 at the Neurotic Deathfest where they put up a convincing brutal show.
At the end of 2011 most of the new record was recorded and the band is taking their time to make sure this album is something more, something huge, resulting in Evangelivm Nekromantia – an album consisting of nine tracks, divided into three chapters of each three songs. Lyrically driven by nekrophilae, murder, necromancy and necrolesbian lust. Mastered at Necromorbus Studios by Tore Stjerna.
By Night
Sympathy For Tomorrow
Released: 1st April 2012
Genre: metalcore
Self-released
They’ve released this album on April’s Fool but they’re surely not fooling around.
Their official Facebook brands them as death metal, but I think metalcore is more accurate. Melodic metalcore in the case of this particular album, as the guitars work have more groove and melody to them than before.
Also the occasional growls of Adrian Westin in “Protest To Survive” and “These Wounds Won’t Heal” don’t qualify for death metal – his general tone comes out in high screams, much closer to hardcore punk than death. Maybe now his successor Christoffer “Stiffy” Andersson (who’s also his predecessor, by the way) will make the sung parts sound more growling and “deadly”, as he used to do precisely in early By Night and Dødz, and still does, in another level, in What Tomorrow Brings. But for “Sympathy For Tomorrow”, hardcore punk it is.
The opening track, “Built To Last”, won me over with its ominous guitar licks and menacing shouts – both Adrian’s alone as the gang vocals in the chorus. I’ve always been a sucker for gang vocals, I confess, and this album is full of them, which earns them extra kudos from my part.
The cranking riffs and, once again, the whole band screaming “think for yourself” and “take the power back” are the highest moments in “The Fear Of The Unknown”.
“Through The Hands Of God” has a very special guest. Does the name Peter Dolving ring any bells? But don’t think it’s the former The Haunted frontman that makes this song one of the best in the album. Its whole aggressive composition with melodic interludes does, and it was probably why Dolving got involved with it in the first place, becoming the cherry in the top of the cake and not the other way around.
The technical vein which other reviewers have mentioned regarding By Night is most clear in “Protest To Survive”, while “These Wounds Won’t Heal” is both the most melodic and darkest – as the title itself hints off. Guess its short length (2:39) is due precisely to being so different from the rest.
But the shortest comes next in the form of “Blind”. 28 seconds of rage, whose 8-line Swedish lyrics were taught to their fans on Youtube so they could sing/scream along at this year’s Metaltown. I call it “the grindcore moment of the album”.
“Lies And Betrayal” is another track that shows you all the By Night potential, to the point that the band chose it for a promotional video. Love the guitar solo on it.
As this review is getting long, and I’ve used all adjectives possible, I’ll just say that “Loyalty”, “Awaken” and “We, Together As One” follow the same powerful and quality path of the others. Same with “The Black Core”, but here I can add another note – it’s instrumental.
5/5
By Renata “Pieni” Lino
To celebrate the release of brand new album Unsung Heroes, Ensiferum, the highly visual troupe who’ve long been a market leader when it comes to stirring, armour-plated anthems, will post a stream of the album in its entirety, available to listen to for 24 hours.
Click here to stream.
The Finnish quintet return to UK soil in September as part of the extensive European ‘Bearers Of The Sword’ tour, accompanied by special guests and fellow Spinefarm artists, Profane Omen.
September 2012:
18 – O2 Academy, Islington, London
19 – Moho, Manchester
20 – Button Factory, Dublin, Ireland
21 – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
Hull-based NWOBHM Salem have been confirmed to play as special guests at the revived Metieval festival, now known as Metieval Winterfest, on 16th December in Hull. Salem will be joining the likes of Alice In Thunderland, Innersylum, Pastel Jack and Infernal Creation, who later this month played Bloodstock.
Headlining the festival are none other the UK’s own power metal titans Power Quest.
The Metieval Winterfest will take place at The Piper in Hull. Tickets will be available on the door for a mere £10 pounds with doors opening at 12pm. Full line-up to be announced.
Rumahoy
Yarr Demo
Released: 15th August
Trve Scottish Pirate Metal/Heritagecore
Self-Released
Hailing from the apparent ancient fishing village Auchtermuchty (which is shown as being inland on Google Maps), come Scotland’s finest (and probably only) heritagecore outfit Rumahoy. Dubbing themselves as the first and original Scottish pirate metal band, the quartet formed in 2010 and released a song entitled Blackbeard’s Mighty Treasure which when down well in Scotland’s underground metals scene, as I’m told. With very little information about the floating around on the seven seas of the internet, I couldn’t help but think this was some sort of elaborate hoax but the demo was passed onto me by a trusted contact and the demo does indeed contain four genuine, if somewhat, tongue in cheek tracks.
Oceans of Treasures begins with the alluring sound of the tides coming back and forth before a soothing use of acoustic guitars and drums sail onwards before the track takes a turn down the heavier tides of the track. The riffs are genuinely and intelligently performed while the vocals (and lyrics) seem to bring about the tongue-in-cheek sound, mixing cheesily deep clean vocals with screams. The use of folk instrumentation sallies forth a folky and pirate sound, making it almost Celtic.
Digging For Rum rushes in with a strong thrash sound, which is soon found sailing alongside a more folk orientated sound however the clean, deep vocals really do put me off from wanting to listen to this track again. Questing Upon the High Seas makes up for the previous track, to an extent, bring some really epic passages and poignant lyrics though the vocals are pretty much like marmite. The samples (which I’m assuming are taken from different pirate films) really add a unique sound to the song. The keyboards add some truly dark sounding voyages to the song, especially when the harsher vocals make a proper appearance after a sample taken from Pirates of the Caribbean.
The demo ends with the black metalesque piece that is Ahoy, Wenches! To be honest, I expected it sound more folky and like a drinking song but the dark, almost evil screams of the guitars work well. The vocals ring in a similar vein to early 90s Bathory, adding a slight but distinct epic part to the track.
I’m really in two minds about this release; the overall musicianship screams out with a serious metal vibe while the vocals and lyrics make it almost… Like a joke. If you’re not too fussed about lyrics that are bursting with cheese then Yarr Demo is definitely something to get your hands on to place in your treasure trove of metal. The release is enjoyable enough though it is let down in areas by the vocals.
3/5
Nico Davidson
Valkyrian Music 