Drekavac have been announced as support to fellow Scottish black metallers Cnoc an Tursa on Friday 21st November at Basement in Bridlington as part of Valkyrian Festival, which is in aid of Rape Crisis. Founded in 2011 by lead singer Hyperion, guitarist Mite, and drummer Mephistopheles, Drekavac made their debut onto the underground metal scene via a limited CD demo entitled The Litanies of the Dead in 2012. Inspired by black metal from its inception to its modern incarnations and inspired by folk, death metal and other musical elements, the band’s music was resplendent in its aggressive and melodic vocals, guitar work and relentless drums.
Less than a year later, the band’s fluid line up solidified with Xross on bass and Sceadugenga on Lead guitars. The band recently entered the studio to record their debut album Incipit Demonas Pandorum, which promises to be an impressive release.
Keeping in the vein of black metal, London misanthropic black metal coven Mørktår have been announced for the second day of Valkyrian Festival on 22nd November, where they will be sharing the stage with Belgium’s Azylya as well as Hamerex, Sakara and Divided We Fall. This will be Mørktår’s second show in Bridlington, following their show on 22nd November 2013 where they supported Finnish death metal titans Re-Armed at an almost sold-out show.
Created in 2006 as a solo project, Mørktår had never released a demo until an anonymous drummer was hired in 2008. Cries from the Dungeon was originally self-released in just London and Bergen, Norway. After this release, the drummer parted from Mørktår due to personal and musical differences with Thrym Mørktår. Again Mørktår was a solo project. This time self-releasing Reaped by Death E.P. Mørktår signed onto Thorn Laceration Records in early 2009 and re-released Cries from the Dungeon and Reaped by Death. Fra dette Mørk… was another self-release, limited to just 9 copies with blood stained cassette covers. In 2011, Vordhr (ex-Salems Orchid) was hired and an instrumental demo was released, limited again to just 9 copies on cassette only. Later in 2011 Mørktår recorded another demo, Now Cold and Dead… this time with a new bassist, Morrigan. This demo caught the attention of Salute Records from Sweden, who re-released it on a professional CD-R format. In 2013, a new drummer in the name of Sinmara has been added to the roster, replacing Vordhr, who left in 2012, creating an even more stable line up than the previous.
Bringing with them a more 80s styled thrash and NWOBHM dominated sound to the final night of Valkyrian Festival 2014 with them are metal band Reign of Fury, who played their festival show at Bloodstock 2012. Since the release of their highly acclaimed debut album the band have made an impressive impact on the live scene, becoming well known for their shows. Reign of Fury are also currently working on their second album which is due for release later this. The band commented:
Reign of Fury are very excited to be part of a fantastic event in aid of such an important cause. As a band that’s highly motivated to use their music for positive effect, playing Valkyrian Festival has been an ambition since we first found out about it. The blend of bands planned for 2014 make this one to watch, and we can’t wait to hit the stage and play for the NE fans!
Dutch progressive powerhouse Ex Libris will also be making their return to the UK as the final headliner for Valkyrian Festival 2014, making this their first UK show since The Dames of Darkness Festival in 2013 where they support fellow Dutch metallers Delain. The band whom features the very talented soprano vocalist Dianne van Giersbergen, also the frontwoman for German symphonic metallers Xandria, released their new album Medea on 18th January. Ex Libris will also be playing a number of shows around Europe this year, including one with Azylya in Holland on 22nd February. Further Ex Libris news can be found at their official Facebook page.
Valkyrian Festival will take place at Basement in Bridlington from Friday 21st November to Sunday 23rd November. The event is all-ages but valid ID will be required for the bar. It will also be the first edition of the Valkyrian Festival to feature a European headliner. Tickets are available for £15 from this location. The line-up is as follows:
Fri. 21st November
CNOC AN TURSA
Drekavac
Pantheon
Sat. 22nd November
AZYLYA
Sakara
Mørktår
Divided We Fall
Sun. 23rd November
EX LIBRIS
Reign of Fury
Valkyrian Festival is sponsored by The Crypt of Curiosities and Black Phoenix Rising Metal Forums. For further details, head over to the official Valkyrian Festival Facebook page. Other Valk-Fest news can be found on the official Valk-Fest Twitter.
Valkyrian Music 