News

Iron Bonehead Productions presents new Luring album: "...Luring render their third full-length a never-belabored masterclass in Black Metal both authentically ancient and refreshingly modern"

October 19, 2024

Iron Bonehead Productions is proud to present Luring’s highly anticipated third album, ‘Malevolent Lycanthropic Heresy’, on CD and vinyl LP formats.

Belonging to the Order of the Broken Sword circle which includes labelmates Azathoth’s Dream and Wuldorgast, Luring made their public debut in 2018 with the Interitu Caret Devotione ad Coronam Satanas demo. From there, with the successive full-lengths Victory Fires Ablaze Under the Banner of Lucifer and the Iron Bonehead-released Triumphant Fall of the Malignant Christ last year, Luring have slowly-yet-assuredly become one of the most exciting developments in American Black Metal of recent years, effortlessly finessing a stridently classicist form that doesn’t point toward preceding idioms too obviously nor overly.

Perhaps reaching their apotheosis of such, Luring now deliver ‘Malevolent Lycanthropic Heresy’. The trio’s third album features much of the same foundation as its two LP predecessors – rippling physicality fused with otherworldly texture, inspired by contemporaneously early Abigor and Gorgoroth as equally as turn-of-the-millennium Nocternity and Lunar Aurora – but here do Luring intensify the extremes of their sound. On one hand, that physicality goes a more gutted direction, digging deep into sepulchral catacombs almost deathly. On another hand (and especially as the album plays on), their once-subtle melodicism goes to bolder lengths: some more melancholic, others more triumphant, but always with a fully developed narrative arc. Interestingly, half the album is given to instrumental tracks that aren’t strictly “ambient” in the usual Black Metal sense(s), imparting haunting / alluring atmospheres that thread seamlessly into ‘Malevolent Lycanthropic Heresy”s overall sensory experience; however, there are touches of true ambient within the other four, otherwise-black-metal songs. Altogether, and armed with a cleaner and yet still-analog production, Luring render their third full-length a never-belabored masterclass in Black Metal both authentically ancient and refreshingly modern.

More info: Luring; Iron Bonehead Productions;

New Unholdun material on its way under the Purity Through Fire banner: "Electric, exciting, restlessly roiling but ripping with a joie de vivre that's impossible not to get windswept up by..."

October 15, 2024

Purity Through Fire is proud to present Unholdun’s highly anticipated debut album, ‘Fœhn’, on CD format.

The work of one Alexis Chiambretto, Unholdun made their public debut in 2022 with a self-titled EP through Purity Through Fire. At the time, the mainman modestly said, “I didn’t try to revolutionize Black Metal with this EP; it’s more like ‘a tribute’ to the good, old Black Metal. So, I would like to feel a little bit the ’90s vibe, even in the artwork.” Nevertheless, Unholdun’s pleasures were simple but sublime, exhibiting a sweepingly melodic surge that favorably recalled the Québec scene that’s made waves in the underground for the past couple decades.

While Chiambretto still calls France his home (and he’s here joined by session drummer Rémi Serafino), Unholdun’s sound has become bigger and bolder with ‘Fœhn’, the band’s full-length debut. The unadorned and awe-inspiring cover artwork spells out the magick of ‘Fœhn’ in no uncertain terms: epic, expansive, elemental, but frighteningly focused. Unholdun’s template hasn’t changed so much as the execution of such has. Electric, exciting, restlessly roiling but ripping with a joie de vivre that’s impossible not to get windswept up by, paradoxically, the band’s influences are more upfront and yet relatively more varied – classic Arckanum, late ’90s Darkthrone, similarly late ’90s Kampfar, 2000s Khold, first-era Deathspell Omega, all templars of Black Metal all unbounded in approach – but Chiambretto manages to mix & mince those various DNA in such a manner that what emerges is idiosyncratic and infectious. Pushed to greatness by powerful production that’s clear, gritty, and wholly human, ‘Fœhn’ has all the hallmarks of a quiet triumph. Face towering solitude and explore the peaks with Unholdun!

More info: Unholdun; Purity Through Fire;

Total Hate ready with new album which will be released by War Anthem Records: "...the band proves that they are still a leading force of the German Black Metal scene"

October 13, 2024

Total Hate was founded in 2000 by vocalist and guitarist Adrastos and drummer Tondhron as a side project besides their main band Seeds Of Hate. Since then Scandinavian Black Metal of the glorious 1990s has been their main source of inspiration. After their first demo tape was recorded and released in 2002 via Flaming Hate Productions, the band played dozens of shows at home and abroad with different line-ups, who always had been “suitable comrades in arms”.

All in all the band has released five full-length albums, a demo tape, an EP and a 7″ split within their 25 years of existence. And even after more than two decades Total Hate are manifesting their Old School Black Metal the Norwegian way: more brutal, more uncompromising and full of misanthropy.

With their upcoming sixth full-length album ‘Forthcoming Age Of The Reaper’, the band proves that they are still a leading force of the German Black Metal scene – Death, Hate, Eradicate!

More info: Total Hate; War Anthem Records;

Dominance of Darkness Records proudly unleashes Asenheim's 'Wolkenbrecher': "Wolkenbrecher' whisks the listener off to forgotten realms with a folkloric Black Metal sound securely steeped in the ancient 1990s."

October 12, 2024

On December 10th internationally, Dominance of Darkness Records is proud to present Asenheim’s highly anticipated ninth album, ‘Wolkenbrecher’, on CD and vinyl LP formats.

Hailing from Germany, Asenheim was founded in 2004 under the original name Sins of Desire. The founding members at the time included Tiwaz on rhythm guitar and vocals and Verdensanskuels on lead guitar and keyboard. Since the lyrical themes increasingly dealt with pagan themes, the name was changed to Asenheim in 2006. Sometime later, Norse Raider joined as bassist. Unfortunately, rehearsals together were far too rare, which is why Asenheim developed into a solo project for Tiwaz.

After numerous demo recordings, the first Asenheim album, simply self-titled ‘Asenheim’, and the mini-album ‘Sehnsucht’ were created in 2012. Already, here it was clear in which direction the music should develop. The album was musically and lyrically permeated by fantasy elements and old legends. The mini-album, on the other hand, was a confrontation with bitter, cold reality and was also much harder musically. A drum machine was used on all releases at this point.

The stylistic elements of these two releases were combined for the second Asenheim album, ‘wenn die Nacht…’. To give the album a livelier sound, Tiwaz was looking for a drummer and came in contact with Valfor. Initially planned as a session drummer, he soon became an integral part of Asenheim and, in addition to playing the drums, took over a large part of the synthesizers and also the mixing of the albums. This was followed by six more albums, a single, and a mini-album.

Despite such a vast catalog, never has there been a dip in quality; Asenheim are nothing if not dependable. Put another way, Tiwaz and Valfor’s vision has always been focused and firm, and beholding it has become something of a rite of passage. The latest proof of that proud pagan brilliance comes in the form of ‘Wolkenbrecher’. Immediately sounding like classic Asenheim, ‘Wolkenbrecher’ whisks the listener off to forgotten realms with a folkloric Black Metal sound securely steeped in the ancient 1990s. But more than being “regressive” or backwards-looking, the duo rather exude the true authenticity of those times and create a canvas for the imagination to roam far and free. As such, ‘Wolkenbrecher’ tells its own story with every song that has shaped Asenheim over the last 20 years and made them what they are today.

From oldest Teutonic steel to the pagan vastlands of Eastern Europe and even south of Helvete in ancient Hellas, Asenheim’s Black Metal is rich in its splendor and multifaceted in its approach. ‘Wolkenbrecher’ is a 52-minute journey into their rarefied realm, and one you’ll want to remain in for time eternal.

More info: Asenheim; Dominance of Darkness Records;

Filii Nigrantium Infernalium and Osmose Productions team up to release new album: "Sacrilegious and offensive Speed/Thrash/Black Metal..."

October 12, 2024

Open the mouth of Hell: Filii Nigrantium Infernalium, classic Portuguese maniac Black Metal pioneers, deliver their fourth album for Osmose Productions called: ‘Pérfida Contracção do Aço’.

Crushing, demented production and compositions. Blasphemous, disconcerting artwork by cult artist Paolo Girardi. Forged out from the pandemic, this masterpiece is raw, baroque, and complexly straight to the point, an unpredictable, insane labyrinth of sound and words. This album also contains deranged guest musicians from Irae, Phenocryst, and Toxikull.

Sacrilegious and offensive Speed/Thrash/Black Metal, grotesque sinister gloom, venomous sarcasm ranging from old-school Heavy Metal to dark sharpened Doom and relentlessly wild blasting beats’ devastation.

More info: Filii Nigrantium Infernalium; Osmose Productions;

Purity Through Fire is thrilled to unleash Bloodmoon Eclipse's powerful debut album: "Uncompromising, closeminded, and cold, Bloodmoon Eclipse play ancient Nordic-style black metal exclusively in the vicinity of 1993-1995."

October 11, 2024

Purity Through Fire is proud to present Bloodmoon Eclipse’s striking debut album, ‘For I Am Your Death’, on CD and vinyl LP formats.

Bloodmoon Eclipse is a Greek-based team-up between Sad’s Ungod and Lunar Spell’s K.C.H. Despite the newness of this formation, the sound of the band’s ‘For I Am Your Death’ debut album is most definitely old. Uncompromising, closeminded, and cold, Bloodmoon Eclipse play ancient Nordic-style black metal exclusively in the vicinity of 1993-1995. The influences are well-known but noble – Darkthrone’s ‘Under a Funeral Moon’, Gorgoroth’s ‘Pentagram’, and Dødheimsgard’s ‘Kronet til konge’ – and assimilated with an authenticity that belies the otherwise-modern nature of this recording; even down to its production, this is as about as era-accurate as it gets. Nevertheless, the duo integrate tasteful touches of their own, including subtly contemplative bass-work, betraying the depth of that authenticity. No more but definitely no less, Bloodmoon Eclipse are the very definition of Old Black Metal Exclusively!

More info: Bloodmoon Eclipse; Purity Through Fire;

Purity Through Fire announces Hjemsøkt's debut release: “…this is exclusively Æterisk Misantropisk Sort Metal!”

October 10, 2024

Purity Through Fire is proud to present Hjemsøkt’s highly anticipated debut album, ‘Om Vinteren, På En Sort Trone’, on CD and vinyl LP formats.

Yet another creation of restless madman Peregrinus – under the banner of Purity Through Fire the past couple years, releasing records from his bands Solus Grief, Unholy Craft, Kvad, and Heraldic Blaze, but joined here by vocalist/lyricist Letaliis – Hjemsøkt is unapologetically the duo’s homage to early Nordic Black Metal, particularly the pagan-oriented iteration of it. From the earliest (and iciest) blasts from the likes of Enslaved, Ulver, Hades, Perished, Helheim, Taake, and even Satyricon, these descendants of Odin railed against modernity and, instead of waging war for Satan, sought to revive ancient energies through a solemnly melodic & mesmerizing style of Black Metal. Such was the sound of last year’s debut mini-album ‘Mystikk & Mørke’, and now Hjemsøkt punctually return with their full-length debut, ‘Om Vinteren, På En Sort Trone’.

The second wave still courses through Hjemsøkt’s veins, and thus does their debut album rip right past “nowadays Black Metal” and back to the darkest past. Wilder and wilier than the preceding MLP, perhaps due to the arrival of drumming madman M.W., ‘Om Vinteren, På En Sort Trone’ stacks riff upon riff upon RIFF, unleashing an arsenal of coldest fire; the sum effect is still mesmerizing, but there’s a berserker sensation that creates a unique counterpoint to the often-melancholic riffing. And while that high-speed attack goes many places across the duration of each of these eight songs, there’s an expanded portfolio of dynamics, including plaintive acoustics, spectral synth, and exceptionally tight downshifts in tempo. Invoking the ancients again but differently, one could liken Hjemsøkt here to the late/great Sorhin or modern torchbearer of the olde Grifteskymfning – but, of course, with Peregrinus’ ever-enveloping touch. Esteemed references, to be sure: this is exclusively Æterisk Misantropisk Sort Metal!

More info: Hjemsøkt; Purity Through Fire;

Invictus Productions to release new Crucifixion Ritual's EP: "No technicality, no melody, no polish— only War Metal barbarity, blasphemy, and death"

October 9, 2024

On November 1st internationally – All Saints Day – Invictus Productions is proud to present a brand-new EP from Crucifixion Ritual, ‘Desecration of the Archangels’, on cassette tape format.

‘Desecration of the Archangels’ is Crucifixion Ritual’s second deathstrike to the skull of Nazarene. Soon to be unleashed by Invictus like the band’s debut ‘Gouging the Eyes of Angelic Purity’ EP, this second EP contains four hymns of profane savagery against the archangels of Jehovah, forged in the spirit of the old, true underground. No technicality, no melody, no polish— only War Metal barbarity, blasphemy, and death. BLUDGEON THE FUCKING NAZARENE!

More info: Crucifixion Ritual; Invictus Productions;

New Death Metal act Entomophthora ready with debut full-length: "Ripping Death Metal to the bone!"

October 9, 2024

Soulseller Records proudly presents the debut album Norway’s Entomophthora. The band was formed during a conversation about zombie flies in 2022, and consists of Roger Isaksen (vocals, bass, guitar) and Tom Wahl (guitar), both veterans in the Norwegian Metal scene. Their earlier and current work includes bands like Vecordious, Nexorum, Maelström, Exeloume, Bethzaida, Killing for Company and Keep of Kalessin.

Entomophthora’s dark form of music is a natural combination of Tom Wahl’s old-school Death Metal approach and Roger Isaksen’s more modern Extreme Metal background. The result is their debut album ‘Instinctual Disease’, delivering eight tracks of powerful guitars, intense vocals and rapid rhythms. Ripping Death Metal to the bone!

More info: Entomophthora; Soulseller Records;

Lycanthropic Chants, Rotted Life Records and War Anthem Records eager to release new Cryptic Brood: "...there’s still a lot of toxic sludge circulating in their veins to infect you with rotten Metal of Death!"

October 8, 2024

Three maniacs started the band Cryptic Brood because of their lust for rancid and rotten Death Metal in the year of 2013. After several physical regurgitations in form of a demo, an EP and multiple splits, their first full-length ‘Brain Eater’ was released in 2017 and gained positive reputation. Packed with this extraction of doomed out Death Metal, the trio spread its plague in the repulsive realm of the underground scene by intense morbid live rituals all over the globe.

In November 2019, the brood came back from a short slumber in its cave to unveil their new album entitled ‘Outcome Of Obnoxious Science’. Cryptic Brood’s second full-length is a sonic lobotomy that vaporizes your brain in a vortex of filth. Rotten metal of death to shatter your skull with ghastly grindcore and distasteful doom metal, (de-)composed in their dungeon in Wolfsburg/Germany.

The third full-length stroke ‘Necrotic Flesh Bacteria’ will be released in November 2024; the brood stating: Keep away! The brood crawls out of its thermonuclear contaminated tomb and getting your hands on their new full-length effort, turning your flesh into a foul stinking and dripping mass of rotting decay. They extended their unique formular for how to collar the drill to lobotomize you and present themselves on their third album ‘Necrotic Flesh Bacteria’ in their best shape to date.

Taking the spread of musical influences of Cryptic Brood to a new level, this Wolfsburg/Germany based trio proves, that even after more than ten years of existence in a constant line-up, there’s still a lot of toxic sludge circulating in their veins to infect you with rotten Metal of Death!

More info: Cryptic Brood; Lycanthropic Chants; Rotted Life Records; War Anthem Records;