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Demoncy back with new EP: "...sounding very much like it could've come out during the mid '90s yet retaining a freshness of approach that defies deja vu"

November 3, 2023

Hells Headbangers is proud to present a brand-new mini-album from Demoncy, ‘Diabolica Blasphemiae’, on CD, 12″ vinyl, and cassette tape formats.

For those who truly know Black Metal, Demoncy require no introduction: ever restless and always surprising, their name is legendary for stirring an infinitely deep cauldron of black magick that’s completely their own. One of the earliest Black Metal bands on American soil, Demoncy have gone through myriad lineups over the past 30-plus years, but they’ve always been guided by the vision of vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Ixithra. In their wake, they’ve left landmark recordings like ‘Within the Sylvan Realms of Frost’ and ‘Joined in Darkness’, which were both originally recorded in the mid ’90s despite their eventual release year of 1999. Even latter-day records like 2015’s Empire of the Fallen Angel (Eternal Black Dominion), which saw Ixithra entirely revamp the band’s 2003 album in a manner most miasmic, prove the potency of Demoncy no matter when or how recordings crop up.

And so it goes with ‘Diabolica Blasphemiae’, Demoncy’s first new recording in nearly a decade. With Ixithra currently handling vocals and bass, joining him here are the incredibly prolific VJS (Nightbringer, Sargeist, Adaestuo) on guitar and Vorthrus (Cerebral Rot, Crurifragium) on drums. Serpentine in its flow and mesmerizing in its effect, Demoncy’s latest mini-album is a vile, virile display of the band’s eternal aesthetic, sounding very much like it could’ve come out during the mid ’90s yet retaining a freshness of approach that defies deja vu. Gutted in its low-end throb whilst exhibiting an ethereal aspect, ‘Diabolica Blasphemiae’ explores above as it is below, sending forth sine waves of obsidian energy both punishing and pleasurable: primeval Black Metal magick harnessed with a true auteur’s touch. Same as it ever was, then, but still so surprising after all these years – there is only one Demoncy.

More info: Demoncy; Hells Headbangers Records;

Invictus Productions to release new Malicious EP: “In every respect, the record was the penultimate in blackened Metal of Death, and it was duly hailed for its dangerously unhinged demeanor.”

October 27, 2023

Invictus Productions is proud to present a brand-new EP from Finland’s Malicious, ‘Merciless Storm’, on ​CD and ​12″ vinyl formats.

It was but October 2020 when Invictus released Malicious’ long-awaited debut album, ‘Deranged Hexes’. With both band moniker and album title aptly-fucking-named, Malicious’ Deranged Hexes completely upratcheted the band’s foundational sound – a car crash of cobwebbed evil and gibbering intensity, ranging the likes of Necrovore, ‘80s Possessed, and especially Mike Browning-era Morbid Angel to the earliest (and best) works of Sarcofago and Sepultura – to an insanely OTT level. In every respect, the record was the penultimate in blackened Metal of Death, and it was duly hailed for its dangerously unhinged demeanor.

Three years may’ve passed since that recording, but Malicious have only become more unhinged in the meantime. Witness the four-song ‘Merciless Storm’. Tauntingly titled once again, ‘Merciless Storm’ picks up right where Deranged Hexes left off, but sees the Finns following a natural progression in all aspects. With a runtime of 11 minutes, it’s mercilessly / mercifully short and sweet, upping the violence and aggression to levels impossibly beyond that nuclear-powered debut album. And yet, the songwriting remains stout and streamlined and perhaps minutely more detailed and even palatably “refined.” If anything, ‘Merciless Storm’ possesses a clearer soundfield, but that only amplifies the savagery to an insane degree, especially the ’80s Slayer-style solos. Nothing else to say: this is a fucking ‘Merciless Storm’!

More info: Malicious; Invictus Productions;

Death Blood to release debut EP: "Besides the Swedish mandatory influences, growling vocals and tortured riffs, the band’s style is completed by gloomy synth parts meant to accompany your walk through any ancient cemetery."

October 26, 2023

Born in the midst of sickness, Death Blood delivers the most HM-2 Death-Metal you can hope for. Besides the Swedish mandatory influences, growling vocals and tortured riffs, the band’s style is completed by gloomy synth parts meant to accompany your walk through any ancient cemetery.

After several apparitions on compilations like ‘An Oath to Death’, in honor of the late L-G Petrov, Death Blood’s first EP ‘Osteonecrovore’ will be unleashed to the underworld on November 3, 2023.

Death Blood consists of Jérémy Hussein (vocals), Pierre-Jean Toty (bass & lead guitars) and Geoffroy Lagrange (rhythm guitars, programming drums, keys & samples).

More info: Death Blood; Musiko Eye;

Wolfkult Religion to release Gotthammer’s demo on 7”: “…it is clear that Gotthammer beholds total worship to the old blood of bestial Black Metal!”

October 25, 2023

Gotthammer from Canada and WolfKult Religion from The Netherlands, joined forces to release the ‘Godslaying Sonic Barbarism’ demo, which was first released digitally by the band themselves, as a 7” vinyl version.

Packed with corrosive riffs, slayeresque solos and blasphemous war cries, T.S. allied forces with S.R. and H.C. to conjure an unholy trinity. With tracks like ‘Black Blood Ejaculation’, ‘Perversion in Heaven’ and ‘Mocking the Nazarene’ it is clear that Gotthammer beholds total worship to the old blood of bestial Black Metal! Keep an eye on Gotthammer when you are a fan of Conqueror, Blasphemy and Black Witchery.

Forbidden Sonority released ‘Godslaying Sonic Barbarism’ on cassette, while Anti-Human Productions will take care of the CD version.

More info: Gotthammer; Anti-Human Productions; Forbidden Sonority; WolfKult Religion;

Signal Rex to release debut of Avræ Lvnæ: “Whereas so much of the Ecuadorian style of Black Metal seethes with rabidity and rawness, there's an almost aristocratic air to Avræ Lvnæ here…”

October 23, 2023

Signal Rex is proud to present Avræ Lvnæ’s highly anticipated debut album, ‘Ntdd Strl’, on CD, vinyl LP, and cassette tape formats.

Avræ Lvnæ are a power-trio hailing from the still-rising Ecuadorian Black Metal scene. Fronted by Wampyric Strigoi – mainman of Wampyric Rites, who’ve had a huge hand in shaping that scene, as well as Grymmstalt, Winterstorm, and Dungeon Steel among many others – Avræ Lvnæ also feature erstwhile Wampyric Rites / Dungeon Steel drummer Eblis Destructor and one Geist der Natur on guitar and bass. Uniquely, the band brand their Black Metal “neon metal,” which isn’t as garish as it sounds; rather, they draw to the fore the shimmering, stained-glass textures of mystical Black Metal, making for a mesmerizing (and melodic) display of psychedelic obsidian.

Now, after a compilation appearance and demo last year, Avræ Lvnæ conjure the full fathom of their dazzling powers with the debut album ‘Ntdd Strl’. Containing a beguiling set of phonetically challenging song titles – or rather, a certain “code” to decipher – ‘Ntdd Strl’ makes its point plainly and poignantly with an immediately sumptuous feast of sonics. Actually-gorgeous synths play a prominent role here, weaving in and out of the frequently chorused guitars, whose reverberating melodies penetrate the soul with ease and elan. Vocals are a suitably emotive ululation from both space and tundra, psychic or otherwise, where stargazing mysteries are writ large and wondrously. Whereas so much of the Ecuadorian style of Black Metal seethes with rabidity and rawness, there’s an almost aristocratic air to Avræ Lvnæ here, or at least a synthesis of classic cosmic and medieval BM idioms – and that “space” is indeed space, for their textures allow ample room to immerse oneself without being onslaughtered by that rabidity & rawness. Thus, one could reference early Abigor, Gehenna, and Ragnarok as well as later Lunar Aurora, Evilfeast, and Midnight Odyssey, ​But Avræ Lvnæ are raising the banners for NEON METAL ​high and proud!

More info: Avræ Lvnæ; Signal Rex;

Iron Bonehead Productions announces Azathoth's Dream's debut album: 'Either way, one listen to the aptly titled 'Nocturnal Vampyric Bewitchment' and one will be indeed bewitched by the band's melancholic-yet-feral spell...or duly repulsed by it.'

October 9, 2023

Iron Bonehead Productions is proud to present Azathoth’s Dream’s striking debut album, ‘Nocturnal Vampyric Bewitchment’, on vinyl LP format.

Azathoth’s Dream are a brand-new entity hailing from the United States. On one hand, the one-man band’s sound is undeniably late ’90s French vintage, maintaining a similarly necrotic-yet-aristocratic mysticism not unlike Osculum Infame, Bekhira, Winter Funeral, and very early Seth. On the other, one could liken Azathoth’s Dream to the uprising of raw vampiric Black Metal in the U.S., spearheaded by Sanguine Relic, Vampirska, early Lamp of Murmuur, and Geist of Ouachita among others.

Either way, one listen to the aptly titled ‘Nocturnal Vampyric Bewitchment’ and one will be indeed bewitched by the band’s melancholic-yet-feral spell…or duly repulsed by it. There’s no other way; just like those stratifying days of the 1990s, you either understand this as BLACK METAL – and stand with it – or you stand against it. It matters not to Azathoth’s Dream: the empty castle’s drawbridge is down, and one need only enter if the spirits are willing.

More info: Azathoth's Dream; Iron Bonehead Productions;

Headsplit Records and Me Saco Un Ojo Records to co-release Carcinoid's new album: "Those of you who lurk in the most fetid, deep crypts of the Death Metal underground may be aware of a rancid entity known as Carcinoid"

October 8, 2023

Me Saco Un Ojo Records, in conspiracy with Headsplit Records, is proud to present Carcinoid’s highly anticipated second album, ‘Encomium to Extinction’. Me Saco Un Ojo will release the vinyl LP version while Headsplit will handle the CD and cassette tape versions.

Those of you who lurk in the most fetid, deep crypts of the Death Metal underground may be aware of a rancid entity known as Carcinoid, from Australia. Well, following a demo, an album, and two splits, they return with a new full-length recording to be presented by Me Saco Un Ojo and Headsplit.

Grave-splitting grooves and cacophonous putrescence merge into a convulsing carcass of Death Metal excellence, gripping you from the off with the sheer brutality of their new material. Carcinoid do not hide behind any gimmicks or pretense, instead dropping us headfirst into the sepulchral stench of their heaviest music to date. Absolutely monstrous bass guitars and revolting riffs spew atop seamlessly savage drumming, with unsavory and indigestible vocals offering just as much revulsion to the mix. Those who are new to this band will be met with a treat of bludgeoning ferocity as their introduction, while existing fans can hear how much they developed their disdainful soundscapes in the last three years to unbearably heavy new territories.

Mulching all in their path, Carcinoid demand you listen to their new opus of obliteration – unless you are afraid of truly crushing Death Metal. Those willing to revel in the abhorrent slime that this spectre casts forth, prepare for some of the most grotesque Death Metal you will have heard in a long time as it hammers its way through your mortal skull with ease. Seeking out such a vile record might be seen as an act of self-destruction, but when the music is this gorgeously gruesome and violent, one simply cannot resist being punished for themselves by the spectral spectacle. The all-devastating decay will decimate you, that is for certain.

More info: Carcinoid; Headsplit Records; Me Saco un Ojo Records;

Redefining Darkness to release new album of Alchemy of Flesh: "In comparison to the debut album, this one is a lot more intense and demanding."

September 20, 2023

Alchemy of Flesh is a Death Metal band who worship at the altar of the legendary Florida scene. Consciously side-stepping the overwhelming Swede-death aping or primitive caveman worship of many of the modern death metal bands, Alchemy Of Flesh have crafted a sound that is exciting, devastating and deliciously over the top.

The solo project of multi-instrumentalist Tim Rowland (Hole Dweller, Lothric, Woccon), Alchemy Of Flesh is dedicated to the sort of full on Death Metal assault that makes the genre so worthwhile. While the band’s sound pays tribute to Morbid Angel above all, discerning listeners will also hear the influence of classic acts like Monstrosity, Angelcorpse, and Hate Eternal.

Regarding the making of By Will Alone, Tim shared: “This new record was written and recorded during a really tough time in my life. Major and unexpected changes hit me and I used this creative process as a way to work through the tides of emotions. I named the album ‘By Will Alone’ because that’s how I felt it came about; an act of pure will pushing through the biggest of life’s challenges. It was a way to prove to myself that I can be resilient no matter what may arise. 

In comparison to the debut album, this one is a lot more intense and demanding. It’s all 6-string this time around, tuned to D-standard, so it’s a lot more riff-y and quick compared to the low tuned and mid-tempo pace of the first album. The drumming was significantly more of challenge to perform this time around too and I made a point to put it front and center. A lot of the lyrical content is based on Eastern spiritually and mythology, along with some video game themes just like the first album – Amnesia and Doom specifically. “

More info: Alchemy of Flesh; Redefining Darkness Records;

Oerheks ready to release third demo: "The synth work alone is staggering, but the manner in which Cools incorporates it into the whole of the demo makes 'Valkengebed' the band's most awe-inspiring recording yet."

September 14, 2023

Amor Fati Productions, in conspiracy with Babylon Doom Cult, is proud to present Oerheks’ third demo, ‘Valkengebed’. Amor Fati will handle the 12′ vinyl version while Babylon Doom Cult will handle the tape version.

In seemingly swift succession, Belgium’s Oerheks have invigorated ancient Flemish Black Metal – pagan in approach, recalling stories as olde as the Hageland – across two demos, 2022’s ‘Cagghenvinna’ and ‘Landschapsanachronismen’ earlier this year. Perhaps it should come as no surprise that this newcomer has displayed so much mastery early on: Oerheks is another, keenly focused creative guise of the ever-prolific Hans Cools, renowned for labelmates Silver Knife as well as Hypothermia among many others. But, on evidence of the forthcoming ‘Valkengebed’ demo, the band is very much set to be held in as high regard as Cools’ myriad other works.

Set to be released on October 28th – the night of the Hunting Moon, as an ode to the two hunters on which its lyrics focus – ‘Valkengebed’ is a startling expansion of the Oerheks sound. Impossibly ethereal, almost sensually so, ‘Valkengebed’ is an epic, two-song/27-minute work of dynamic songwriting and dense-yet-spacious layers. ‘Valkengebed’ translates to ‘Falcon’s prayer,’ the Dutch word for the moment falcons/kestrels hover in the air, searching for prey on the fields below, which is an apt metaphor for the sonic approach of the demo as a whole and its opening title track. Second track ‘Blauwe Vleugels’ translates to ‘Blue Wings,’ referring to the blue herons roaming the fields and marshes of Kaggevinne. Both birds serve as silent witnesses of the Kaggevinne area throughout the ages; their hegemony over the skies, the grandeur of their flight, and the inner peace they bring over the fields and forests of Kaggevinne are encapsulated by Oerheks’ continually cresting Black Metal here, indeed imparting a levitational aspect that’s liberating despite the deeply traditional approach. The synth work alone is staggering, but the manner in which Cools incorporates it into the whole of the demo makes ‘Valkengebed’ the band’s most awe-inspiring recording yet.

Completed by stunningly sympathetic artwork courtesy of Business for Satan, ‘Valkengebed’ marks an undeniable apex for Oerheks. To commemorate this ascent, Amor Fati and Babylon Doom Cult will concurrently compile all three Oerheks demos onto a double-CD set titled ‘Grondslagen’.

More info: Oerheks; Amor Fati Productions; Babylon Doom Cult Records;

Merg&Been Records and WolfKult Religion join forces to release Wurgilnõ's new EP: "...multi-instrumentalist C. dishes out just about every aspect of the Black Metal genre to us at breakneck speed – as if it were a crash course in Black Metal."

September 13, 2023

After Wurgilnõ’s great and unexpected debut album ‘De Doden Rusten Niet In Vrede’ from earlier this year, the band will already return with a new EP. ‘Angst’ will be released on cassette tape in a limited run of 50 copies in a collaboration between Merg&Been Records and WolfKult Religion. Expected time of arrival: October/November 2023.

In our review of we described Wurgilnõ’s ‘De Doden Rusten Niet In Vrede’ as followed: “In the nearly forty-minute ride, multi-instrumentalist C. dishes out just about every aspect of the Black Metal genre to us at breakneck speed – as if it were a crash course in Black Metal. It sounds dark and deeply vicious, the music drags you into a dizzying dynamic from the very first chords. The tempo changes jump out at you and you, as a listener, are regularly surprised by creative and challenging songwriting…When the tempo slows down a bit, almost a kind of 80’s Death Rock-like feel emerges or it gets all into dreamlike territories that seem to last forever, but when the pace is just picked up we hear those mean and contrarian song structures that are not very far removed from the French and Icelandic Black Metal scenes of recent years, but also Mayhem’s last few albums seem to have been of some influence on the music C. feeds us here.”

More info: Wurgilnõ; Merg&Been; WolfKult Religion;