MORGOTH - cover artwork for 'Ungod' album revealed

“When you have the mission to visualize a legendary band like Morgoth, you must seek ancient traditions to properly transmit classic darkness!“ Seth Siro Anton

MORGOTH have revealed the cover artwork for their upcoming studio album 'Ungod', which is set to be released on March 30th, 2015 in Europe and April 7th, 2015 in North America through Century Media Records. The atmosphere of 'Ungod' was perfectly captured by Greek cover designer Seth Siro Anton (Paradise Lost, Soilwork or also Moonspell, etc.), who transformed it into an eerie piece of delusion and despair.

MORGOTH comments on the collaboration: “We are very happy to have worked with Seth for the cover artwork of the album. We knew it wouldn’t be very easy to put the title “Ungod” into a design that is vivid, brutal and aesthetic at the same time. We had received a couple of good different suggestions for the artwork, but Seth’s simply was the one who pictured exactly what was already in our minds. It can roughly be described as God drowning in the void, killing its own creation and becoming the “Ungod” - The dawn of the Antichrist.”

MORGOTH Live 2015:

20.02. Bergen (Norway) - Blastfest 26.03. Hamburg (Germany) - Bambi Galore * 27.03. Berlin (Germany) - Cassiopeia * 28.03. Würzburg (Germany) - Cafe Cairo * 29.03. Wermelskirchen (Germany) - AJZ Bahndamm * 19.06. Copenhagen (Denmark) - Copenhell Festival 20.06. Dessel (Belgium) - Graspop Metal Meeting 21.06. Clisson (France) - Hellfest 26.-28.06. Protzen (Germany) - Protzen Open Air 30.07.-01.08. Wacken (Germany) - Wacken Open Air 13.-15.08. Dinkelsbühl (Germany) - Summer Breeze Open Air

RISE OF THE NORTHSTAR - New video for 'Samurai Spirit' online

Manga inspired metal moshers RISE OF THE NORTHSTAR released their debut album 'Welcame' back in November of last year and the band are now pleased to announce the release of their killer new video for the track 'Samurai Spirit'. Watch Vithia and the gang do what they do best, here:



RISE OF THE NORTHSTAR's new album 'Welcame' was mixed and mastered by renowned producer Zeuss (MADBALL, HATEBREED, EMMURE) and peers and label mates are suitably complimentary about the new release:

"ROTNS really know how to bring that old thrash sound current! Their NYHC influenced style mixed in with their original mojo is something that appeals to many extreme music enthusiast world wide! Killer band!" Roger Miret | AGNOSTIC FRONT

"What a sick mixture of some of the greatest influences from the 90's, I love what they are doing!" Billy Graziadei | BIOHAZARD

"Hardcore will never die as long as bands like ROTNS are carrying the torch. A crushing album!" Mille Petrozza | KREATOR

"This is some HEAVY stuff with a youthful, hip hop kind a flare/flavor, what can I say...they definitely demonstrate their saiya style!“ Freddy Cricien | MADBALL

Welcame track list:

01. What The Fuck 02. Welcame [Furyo State Of Mind] 03. The New Path 04. Samurai Spirit 05. Dressed All In Black 06. Again And Again 07. Tyson 08. Bosozoku 09. Simon Says (PHAROAHE MONCH cover) 10. Authentic 11. Blast 'em All

MELECHESH - New track online featuring Max Cavalera

Pioneers of Sumerian thrashing black metal, MELECHESH, are set to release their new album Enki on March the 2nd but the band are teasing fans until then by releasing another new track online. Listen to 'Lost Tribes' featuring SOULFLY's main man, Max Cavalera

The follow-up to 2010's masterpiece ‘The Epigenesis’ marks the band's sixth full-length album and features iconic guests Max Cavalera (SOULFLY, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, KILLER BE KILLED), Sakis Tolis (ROTTING CHRIST) and Rob Caggiano (VOLBEAT, ex-ANTHRAX).

Ashmedi commented: "I am flattered and honoured to have esteemed guests appear on this multifaceted album. ‘Enki’ solicited different approaches and new experiences. Max is a lion - I love his voice and the tribal and historic parallels of our lives are uncanny, he did an amazing job on 'Lost Tribes'. Sakis is an old friend and we toured together in the past. His voice added another dimension of mysticism on our 'Enki - Divine Nature Awoken'. Rob and I always wanted to collaborate and he is an agile and excellent guitar player so the lead he did on 'The Palm, the Eye and Lapis Lazuli' was perfect , it rocks and serves the track well. They all did an outstanding job and went above and beyond to make it happen despite their busy schedules. MELECHESH is more than a band - it is a society!"

And it seems Caggiano and Cavalera are just as honoured to be involved in the project, with both musicians commenting:

"I've been a fan of MELECHESH for a while now and it was an honour for me to play a solo on their new album!! These guys sound like nothing else out there!" - Caggiano

"I was very honoured that MELECHESH asked me to sing on their new album! I'm a big fan and I think ‘The Epigenesis’ is one of the greatest extreme metal records ever done! I love the fact that they come from a different part of the world like me. So our worlds finally collide! Long live MELECHESH!" - Cavalera

ROTTING CHRIST's Sakis Tolis gushed further: "When I was told that our brother band MELECHESH would record their upcoming album in my hometown, I immediately picked up the phone and called Ashmedi to participate somehow. Ashmedi responded positively so I was ready to raise some serious hell... It is very interesting since we are sharing the same Mediterranean mentality as individuals. I believe this new album is one of the most unique and atmospheric metal albums I have heard the last years. Ashmedi took me to their majestic oriental path and showed me the way to the new Babylon. I am definitely proud working with the Kings of Fire and I really recommend to check the new MELECHESH album - it is really good!"

Enki features 12 string electric guitars aside from the 6 string played on the entire album, for a heavier and subtly richer harmonic sound. The band also tuned their instruments to the pitch perfect 432 Hz frequency, rather than the standardized 440 Hz one, for a deeper sonic experience within the human psyche and in accordance to the vibrations of the universe. The majority of the album was recorded in Greece and was mixed & mastered at Black Lounge Studio in Sweden by Jonas Kjellgren.

The tracklist reads as follows:

01. Tempest Temper Enlil Enraged 02. The Pendulum Speaks 03. Lost Tribes (featuring Max Cavalera) 04. Multiple Truths 05. Enki - Divine Nature Awoken (featuring Sakis Tolis) 06. Metatron And Man 07. The Palm The Eye And Lapis Lazuli (featuring Rob Caggiano) 08. Doorways To Irkala 09. The Outsiders

VOIVOD launch new song, European dates announced

Canadian progressive metal pioneers VOIVOD have recently recorded a new song for an upcoming and very special split 7Inch vinyl release with label-mates At The Gates, which will be released as of April 6th, 2015 in Europe via Century Media Records (Pre-sale starting March 9th via CM Distro). More details about the collector’s item release will be revealed soon...



VOIVOD have just started their first full length North American tour since the release of their most recent and highly acclaimed album, “Target Earth” back in January of 2013. The band had to take time off due to personal injuries and a line-up change, but they are now back in full swing playing the "Through Space And Grind" tour alongside label-mates Napalm Death (and many others). Here are the exact dates:

"Through Space And Grind" North American Tour 2015:

Featuring NAPALM DEATH & VOIVOD w/ Exhumed, Iron Reagan and Black Crown Initiate

and special guests (on select dates) Ringworm, Dayglo Abortions, Theories and Phobia

02.02.2015 New York, NY - Gramercy Theater * 03.02.2015 Philadelphia, PA - Union Transfer * 04.02.2015 Toronto, ON - Opera House 05.02.2015 Ottawa, ON - Maverick's 06.02.2015 Montreal, QC - Club Soda 07.02.2015 Worcester, MA - Palladium * 08.02.2015 Poughkeepsie, NY - The Chance Theater * 09.02.2015 Cleveland, OH - Agora Ballroom * 10.02.2015 Chicago, IL - Reggie's * 11.02.2015 Minneapolis, MN - Amsterdam * 12.02.2015 Winnipeg, MB - The Zoo 13.02.2015 Regina, SK - The Exchange 14.02.2015 Calgary, AB - Republik 15.02.2015 Edmonton, AB - Starlite Room 17.02.2015 Vancouver, BC - Rickshaw Theater ** 18.02.2015 Seattle, WA - Studio 7 # 19.02.2015 Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theater 20.02.2015 Oakland, CA - Metro ## 21.02.2015 Fresno, CA - Strummers ## 22.02.2015 Los Angeles, CA - House Of Blues 23.02.2015 Tempe, AZ - Club Red ## 24.02.2015 Albuquerque, NM - Sunshine Theater ## 25.02.2015 Denver, CO - Summit Music Hall ## 26.02.2015 Lawrence, KS - Granada Theater ## 27.02.2015 Dallas, TX - Gas Monkey ## 28.02.2015 Houston, TX - Fitzgerald's ##

* = Ringworm, ** = Dayglo Abortions, # = Theories, ## = Phobia VOIVOD will also be finally returning to European stages in May 2015 and have already announced appearances at UK’s Temples festival and Primavera Sound in Spain. Here are the dates confirmed so far:

VOIVOD European dates 2015:

29.05.2015 Primavera Sound, Barcelona, Spain. 31.05.2015 Temples Festival, Bristol, UK.

Rotting Christ announce European festival shows 2015

ROTTING CHRIST have announced a string of festivals shows all over Europe and slightly beyond starting at Norway's Blastfest in Bergen on February 19th and running through nine more countries with prestigious festivals such as With Full Force (DE), Metal Days (SI), and Party.San Open Air (DE) all summer long until coming to a northern final in Trondheim, Norway on the 1st of October. Watch this space for more concerts!

19 Feb 15 Bergen (NO) Blastfest 28 Feb 15 Praha (CZ) Hellenic Darkness Fest 14 Mar 15 Esslingen (DE) Hell Over Esslingen Festival 05 Apr 15 Rotterdam (NL) Veneration of the Dead Festival 16 May 15 Pfaffing in Oberbayern (DE) Bavarian Battle Open Air 29 May 15 Warszawa (PL) Progresja 30 May 15 Gdynia (PL) Atlantic 05 Jun 15 Milano (IT) Circolo Coloni 06 Jun 15 Roma (IT) Traffic 05 Jul 15 Roitzschjora (DE) With Full Force 09 Jul 15 Neskaupsstaðir (IS) Eistnaflug 23 Jul 15 Tolmin (SI) Metal Days 24 Jul 15 Hamburg (DE) Schlattfest 25 Jul 15 Lörrach (DE) Baden in Blut Open Air 06 Aug 15 Schlotheim (DE) Party.San Open Air 22 Aug 15 Spital am Semmering (AT) Kaltenbach Festival 30 Aug 15 Istanbul (TR) Headbangers Weekend Festival 01 Oct 15 Trondheim (NO) Trondheim Metal Fest

ROTTING CHRIST will be touring in support of their latest masterpiece 'KATA TON DAIMONA EAYTOY', which is still available in various formats through the Season of Mist shop. There is a chance for brand new material to be performed as well, so do not miss the performance of the Greek metal heroes.

Artwork and tracklist are shown below.

1. In Yumen – Xibalba 2. P'unchaw kachun - Tuta kachun 3. Grandis Spiritus Diavolos 4. Κατά τον Δαίμονα του Ἐαυτοὗ 5. Cine iubeşte şi lasă 6. Iwa Voodoo 7. Gilgameš 8. Русалка ("Rusalka") 9. Ahura Mazdā-Aŋra Mainiuu 10. Χ Ξ Σ ("666") 11. Welcome To Hel (bonus track)

"KATA TON DAIMONA EAYTOY" means "Do What Thou Wilt" and according to the infamous English occultist Aleister Crowley (1875–1947) this "shall be the whole of the law" of the coming Æon of Horus. This title links ROTTING CHRIST to their heritage as pioneers of Black Metal. The Greek band was founded as early as 1987 by guitarist and vocalist Sakis Tolis together with his brother Themis on drums. They started out playing Deathgrind, but had already turned to darker paths by the time their debut full-length "Thy Mighty Contract" (1993) was unleashed. On the following seven albums covering a ten year period from "Non Serviam" (1994) to "Sanctus Diavolos" (2004), ROTTING CHRIST steadily refined their style by experimenting with elements from Death, Heavy and Gothic Metal without betraying their black roots. At the same time the band went from underground heroes to headliner status. Yet with the highly acclaimed "Theogonia" (2007) the Greek veterans added an unmistakable native element to their sound, which gave their ninth full-length a very distinctive and individual twist. Such a masterpiece can hardly be surpassed, but ROTTING CHRIST held their ground with "AEALO" (2010). Their country’s rich ancient heritage was translated into the universal language of Metal with added female choirs, ancient reed pipes as well as folkloristic melodies and rhythms. Now "KATA TON DAIMONA EAYTOY" takes this musical and lyrical concept another step further. ROTTING CHRIST have clearly found their very own sound, which they skilfully vary with female vocals, piano, bagpipes, horns and by other means. Their excellent songwriting is extremely confident and displays a maturity and perfection born out of long years of composing and experience. This band knows exactly what it is doing. The principle of "Do What Thou Wilt" is the threat leading through this amazing album, which is inspired by ancient cultures around the globe. ROTTING CHRIST employ poetry from the Sumerians and Incas as well as a Romanian folk song, the tale of an undead Russian water spirit, Voodoo, Zoroastrianism and other sources. Dive deep into "KATA TON DAIMONA EAYTOY" and witness its wonders!

Line-up Sakis Tolis: vocals, guitars, bass Themis Tolis: drums

INERTIA Releases Official Lyric Video "Forbidden Door" From Upcoming Debut Album "Tribulations"

5 piece metalcore band INERTIA has released their debut lyric video "Forbidden Door" Ft. David Moore of As We Walk from the upcoming debut album "Tribulations"



Really happy with the release of the single. Inertia is definitely taking a different direction, as far as our music writing/meaning goes, than most that I know of. I've always had this idea for a great story I wrote and I'm just really happy to have it out in the music. We want to keep on continuing this way. Bringing a theatrical-like experience to the scene. -Teddy Herrera

About Inertia:

Taking the art of storytelling to a whole other level through the power of music, INERTIA is 5 piece metalcore band coming straight from the heart of Texas and they are ready to burst in the scene with what they have in store for the world. Started forming in early winter of 2014, Inertia is driven to make its listeners feel like they’re within the story that’s being told in the music, to feel every emotion throughout it. Taking its versatile talents of its musicians to create solid music, Inertia strives themselves in spreading its passion and insights to all who come across their heedless, invigorating, unique and imaginative lyrics. Inertia’s approach is to create stories and implement them into concept albums for a more indulging and interactive music experience for their fans. Needless to say Inertia hopes its fans are eager for a new direction in the metalcore scene.

INERTIA’s debut EP “Tribulations” is currently being worked on, soon to hit the studio. For a more theatrical-like experience, the story takes place with a main character, in the 18th century, who is an artist, more of a painter than anything. One day he finds himself waking from a dream he can’t remember only to discover his flesh devoured with scorch marks. Having no memory of this or of anything else about himself, his life, he only knows that his art is all that remains. One thing he can’t escape from however, is the haunting image in his head. An image that will not go away, an image of what appears to be an angel or a demon, he thinks. As the images continue to haunt, he decides to apply his visions to a large canvas. Thinking to himself, once he’s done, all the answers will come to him. Little does he know what lies in store for him. Inertia’s first single is chapter three of their story, “Forbidden Door.” Where the artist finds himself waking up in the middle of the night to find out hell has entered his home, from the demonic sketches that he put away in a room. A nightmare is about to begin.. Keep a look out for Inertia’s full first story release in the near future!

Vocals - Samuel Saucedo Guitar - Teddy Herrera Guitar - Found, announcement coming soon Bass - Found, announcement coming soon Drums - Found, announcement coming soon

BELPHEGOR Announce UK tour with Marduk this month

Diabolical death / black metal giants BELPHEGOR will return to the UK this month in direct support of Swedish black metal legends Marduk. The bands will visit Plymouth, Manchester, Glasgow and London at the end of February.

Dates are as follows (with ticket links):

23rd Feb - Plymouth, The Hub
24th Feb - Manchester Academy
25th Feb - Glasgow Audio
26th Feb - London, Camden Underworld


BELPHEGOR, one of the most bizarre and authentic bands in the world of metal, released their latest album 'Conjuring The Dead' in August last year via Nuclear Blast. The album was recorded at Mana Studios in Florida under the direction of Eric Rutan (DEVOURMENT, NILE, KRISIUN, MADBALL). The artwork was created by Greek artist Seth Siro Anton who also painted the cover of ‘Pestapokalypse IV’ in 2006.

BELPHEGOR are set to play Bloodstock Festival in Catton Park, Derbyshire this August alongside ENSLAVED, SEPULTURA, OVERKILL, SABATON and more.

HIGH FIGHTER unveil first music video

HIGH FIGHTER, the new Stoner Metal / Sludge outfit born in summer 2014 by former members of A Million Miles, Pyogenesis and Buffalo Hump, have just unveiled their first music video!

While the band recorded their highly acclaimed debut EP “The Goat Ritual“ live and on one weekend in their rehearsal room, what better location could they have picked to film their first video? Right, of course in that same rehearsal room where all magic began!

HIGH FIGHTER have now released the official clip for “2Steps Blueskill“ from their EP “The Goat Ritual“, that has been released end of October 2014 as digital download on Bandcamp as well as on CD digi pack via the Napalm Records online store. Watch the band´s first & DIY-produced video, which has just been premiered with Metal Hammer Germany, HERE:

EXODUS Announce London and Manchester shows for June

Bay Area thrash metal provocateurs EXODUS have announced a trio of headline shows in the UK this summer. The band will perform two nights at the Underworld in Camden, London and an additional show the following day at the Academy 3 in Manchester.

Dates are as follows (including ticket links):

Tues 23rd June – Underworld, London
Wed 24th June – Underworld, London
Thurs 25th June – Academy 3, Manchester


EXODUS released their sensational new album ‘Blood In, Blood Out’ last year via Nuclear Blast. It is EXODUS’ 10th studio album and marks the band’s first output with new vocalist Steve “Zetro” Souza since 2004’s ‘Tempo of the Damned’. It was produced by mastermind Andy Sneap (ACCEPT, KREATOR, MEGADETH) and features artwork by Swedish artist Par Olofsson (PSYCROPTIC, ABYSMAL DAWN, REVOCATION).

THE AGONIST launch video for 'My Witness, Your Victim'

THE AGONIST have brought us another video from their forthcoming album 'Eye Of Providence' due February 23 in Europe and February 24 in North America via Century Media Records. Watch the 'My Witness, Your Victim' here:



Guitarist Danny Marino had this to say about the video: "We're thrilled to release the My Witness, Your Victim video! This is the first video we are releasing that was directed and edited by our very own Bassist Chris Kells. Chris shoots music videos for other bands when he is not touring with us and it was really cool to finally do one for The Agonist. Lyrically this song dives into the album theme of the Eye of Providence. We live in a world where everything is being tracked and the more we interface with technology the more we lose our humanity. We're really happy with how the video turned out and believe it or not the actor was not harmed (too much) during the shoot!"

'Eye of Providence' track-listing:

1. Gates of Horn and Ivory 2. My Witness, Your Victim 3. Danse Macabre 4. I Endeavor 5. Faceless Messenger 6. Perpetual Notion 7. A Necessary Evil 8. Architects Hallucinate 9. Disconnect Me 10. The Perfect Embodiment 11. A Gentle Disease 12. Follow the Crossed Line 13. As Above, So Below

THE AGONIST are also pleased to announce they will head out on a European tour this March with Otep and their friends Ferium. See all tour dates below.

THE AGONIST live:

03.03 - Prague (CZH) “Rock Cafe” 04.03 - Bratislava (SVK) “Randall” 05.03 - Graz (AUT) “Explosiv” 06.03 - Budapest (HUN) “Durer Kert” 07.03 - Linz (AUT) “Tabafabrik” 08.03 - Berlin (GER) “K17” 10.03 - Eindhoven (NLD) “Effenaar” 12.03 - Jena (GER) “F-Haus” 13.03 - Lyss (SWI) “Kulturfabrik” 14.03 - Lyon (FRA) “CCO Villeeurbanne” 15.03 - Paris (FRA) "La Divan Du Monde” 16.03 - Nantes (FRA) “Le Ferrailleur” 17.03 - Alzette (LUX) “Kulturfabrik” 18.03 - Antwerp (BEL) “Kavka” 19.03 - London (UK) “The Garage” 20.03 - Manchester (UK) “Sound Control” 21.03 - Sheffield (UK) “O2 Academy” 22.03 - Nuneaton (UK) “Queens Hall”

BLACK STAR RIDERS - Ricky Warwick discusses the first five tracks on new album

BLACK STAR RIDERS are set to release their forthcoming album The Killer Instinct on the 23rd of February and in anticipation of the release, frontman Ricky Warwick sat down to discuss each of the new tracks. The first part of that track by track series is now online and can be viewed here:

​

The second studio album by BLACK STAR RIDERS is a rich collection of story-based tracks ('Soldierstown', 'Finest Hour', 'Blindsided', 'Sex, Guns & Gasoline') rooted in master craftsman performances by vocalist Ricky Warwick, guitarist Damon Johnson, guitarist Scott Gorham, drummer Jimmy DeGrasso and bassist Robbie Crane.

The Killer Instinct will be released on the 23rd of February.

HELL - Andy Sneap proves his True Kvlt status in the IKEA or Death quiz

Having disbanded in 1987, Hell reformed in 2011 with a fresh line-up and renewed enthusiasm. It's over a year now since the band released their sophomore album Curse & Chapter and the guys are about to hit the road with the legendary Saxon for last year's rescheduled dates. In anticipation of the shows, we decided to put guitarist Andy Sneap through his paces by making him do the IKEA OR DEATH quiz, on camera. Watch the hilarious results



The rescheduled Saxon UK tour dates rack up as follows:

February 03 2015 - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE O2 Academy Newcastle February 04 2015 - NOTTINGHAM Rock City February 05 2015 - WOLVERHAMPTON Wulfrun Hall February 06 2015 - OXFORD O2 Academy Oxford February 07 2015 - LONDON O2 Shepherds Bush Empire

Watch Andy Sneap discuss how the band managed to nab the support slot with Biff and co:



The Limited Edition Curse & Chapter comes with a bonus DVD featuring six songs from a performance at the Darwin Suite Assembly Rooms in Derby, on February 23rd 2013. The sell out event also unveiled the band's full Church Of Hell stage set and pyrotechnic show, with fans travelling from 13 different countries to attend.