Archive for March, 2011

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SLEEP Announce 2011 Live Dates

Thursday, March 31st, 2011

Following the successful Marijuanaut’s Return tour of September 2010, West Coast stoner metal legends SLEEP recently announced three North American dates for 2011. The mini run of dates will include New York City on June 22, Los Angeles on June 26 and an appearance at the Sled Island Music & Arts Festival in Calgary, Alberta, Canada on June 24.

SLEEP 2011 Live Dates:
6/22/2011 Terminal 5 – New York, NY
6/24/2011 Sled Island Festival – Calgary, AB
6/26/2011 The Wiltern -  Los Angeles, CA

Said Noisecreep of the band’s last live excursion: “…if the band put any more stacks on the stage, it just might have collapsed.” Added Popdose: “SLEEP was fucking killer and who knows what the future holds… if you get a chance, they are well worth your time and money…be prepared for one of the loudest fucking things you’ve ever heard.” Rolling Stone Brazil gave the band’s performance a perfect 5 out of 5 rating while Redefine Magazine noted: “SLEEP, despite being broken up for over ten years, seemed like they hadn’t missed a beat — and Holy Mountain never sounded so good in the process. This was the definitive show of the weekend, if not the definitive show of my year.”

Check out live footage of the band’s Denver show last year:

SLEEP split in 1997 after two hugely influential albums. Members went on to form OM and High On Fire. Original members Al Cisneros and Matt Pike were joined by drummer Jason Roeder of Neurosis last Fall for a short stint of reunion dates that floored their earliest fans and converted new ones.

The band debuted with 1991’s Volume One album, recorded for San Francisco label Tupelo. Earache Records received the band’s next recordings in the mail as a demo. The label — impressed by SLEEP’s single-mindedness and unique vision — immediately signed the band and released the tape exactly as it was received. Record stores worldwide have stocked SLEEP’s Holy Mountain from November 1992 to this day.

The band then signed to London Records. Their debut album for the major took the form of one mammoth 63-minute leviathan of a track entitled “Jerusalem.” They resisted the label’s attempts at radio edits and bringing in their own engineer to remix the album in view of “marketability.” London balked at the prospect of promoting what probably still is the most extreme music ever recorded for a major label, consequentially shelving the record and dropping the band.

In addition, SLEEP’s music has been featured in films by Harmony Korine and Jim Jarmusch.

http://www.weedian.com
http://www.facebook.com/officialsleep

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VASTUM Unleash New Track Via Stereogum

Thursday, March 31st, 2011

The name VASTUM is raging through the metal underground like hellfire right now, with the news of the San Francisco-area act’s recent signing to the 20 Buck Spin label for the release of their Carnal Law debut this May still fresh. VASTUM’s crushing death metal is crafted more in the ways of the early purveyors rather than retaining semblance to “Bay Area sound” clichés; their stripped-down attack will rip your face right off as the band prove with the thunderous midpaced stomp of the opening track from the album, ”Primal Seduction,” which Stereogum has graciously premiered to the public today. To be pummeled, click here.

Brand new visual evidence of VASTUM’s raging live attack has just surfaced this week as well, in the form of some very ominous, black and white 8mm camera footage.

The band are are currently plotting a Northwest US Summer tour and more, with details to be announced over the coming weeks. For now catch them randomly throughout their local stomping grounds.

VASTUM Live:
5/14/2011 Victory Warehouse – Oakland, CA w/ Dispirit, Anhedonist, Ealdath

VASTUM’s sound permeates the most wretched, dehumanizing, old-school death metal might on Carnal Law. Culminating an arsenal of musicians with current or past ties to Acephalix, Saros, Amber Asylum, Hammers of Misfortune, Infest and more, but the band’s attack is more crushing and potent than many contemporary acts flying the death metal banner.

http://www.myspace.com/vastum
http://www.20buckspin.com
http://www.facebook.com/20buckspin
http://twitter.com/20buckspinlabel

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Interview Alert: CYNTHESIS

Thursday, March 31st, 2011

Jasun Tipton, of progressive metal outfit CYNTHESIS, will be available for interviews next week in support of the band’s upcoming debut album DeEvolution.

Phone interviews with Tipton will be available on Wednesday, April 6th, and Friday, April 8th, throughout the afternoon and evening hours of both days. To schedule a chat, please get in touch with Earsplit right away with your best available time and a backup slot.

With DeEvolution set for worldwide release via April 19th via Sensory Records, a clip of the epic “Incision,” the second track off of the brilliant album, has been released this week. Check it out now via Sensory’s recently redesigned website at this location.

CYNTHESIS reunites three original members of progressive metal heroes Zero Hour — founding twin brothers Jasun and Troy Tipton and original vocalist Erik Rosvold — for the first time on a recording since their heralded albums The Towers of Avarice [2001] and Metamorphosis [2003], both considered landmark releases in the progressive metal community. DeEvolution was recorded and produced in 2010 by Dino Alden (Marty Friedman, Tony MacAlpine, Vinnie Moore, Zero Hour), and while trademark styles of both the Tipton Brothers and Rosvold shine heavily throughout the release, over the course of eight epic anthems, it is very clear by more relaxed pace and epic story of DeEvolution that this is not a new Zero Hour album.

http://www.myspace.com/cynthesisband
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cynthesis/151408508214843
http://www.lasersedgegroup.com

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Interview Alert: CRUACHAN

Wednesday, March 30th, 2011

Interviews with CRUACHAN frontman and key songwriter Keith “Fay” O’Fathaigh are now available to North American writers in support of the band’s anticipated sixth full-length, Blood On The Black Robe.

Phone interviews with Mr. Fay will be available this Thursday, March 31 from 11am – 3pm EST, and again next Wednesday, April 6 from 11am – 3pm EST.

Interested parties should contact Earsplit right away to schedule an interview during these slots via Skype (preferred) or phone. Email interviews are also accepted anytime, as are promos of the new album Blood On The Black Robe.

“Everything about this album sounds thick and thought-out; a true plan of attach which resounds the call that Cruachan has returned with a fucking vengeance. A-” – Metal Army America

“An album that harkens back to the band’s early days, it does a good job of introducing new fans to their old ways and gives the older fans a taste from the fountain of youth. 4/5″ – Metal Psalter

“…a heavier album. It is darker, less frivolous. It invokes one to pick up broadsword and shield and march on… – Metal Flows In My Veins

“As much as 2000’s The Middle Kingdom was a shift away from Cruachan’s origins, the band’s latest release Blood on the Black Robe is a return to it.” - Harvest Moon Music

Ireland’s CRUACHAN have been impressing audiences worldwide since their formation in 1994. Now with their sixth album, Blood on the Black Robe, the band return to their roots – a unique sound that helped launch the now-popular Pagan/Viking/folk metal genre.

“We are reborn,” noted founder/vocalist Keith Fay on signing with Candlelight early August of 2010. “Returning to our musical roots, we hope to stamp our mark on what we started but also spearhead its revival.”

Months of pre-production and detailed work while in the recording studio can immediately be heard within the meticulous sounds of Blood on the Black Robe. It is more urgent, darker, heavier, and allows ample room for each instrument to fully develop than on previous recordings. The album contains eleven tracks that both old and new fans of the band can embrace. It features former vocalist Karen Gilligan as a guest musician on three songs.

Founded by multi-instrumentalist Keith Fay in 1994, Dublin-based CRUACHAN have released five albums prior to Blood on the Black Robe. Their third album featured vocals by Shane McGowan (Pogues) and found the band instant acclaim. The album’s single, “Ride On,” reached number 40 on the Irish charts. It received high marks in all of Europe’s top metal magazines (Rock Hard, Legacy, Aardshock etc.). CRUACHAN have toured Europe consistently and are frequent festival performers. The band has yet to reach US shores for a live performance; a goal of theirs with the release of Blood on the Black Robe.

http://cruachan.metalfan.nl
http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com

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GRAVEYARD: Spanish Death Metallers To Release EP Via Pulverised Records

Tuesday, March 29th, 2011

Singapore-based Pulverised Records is pleased to announce the release of The Altar Of Sculpted Skulls, the brand new EP from Spanish death metal squadron, GRAVEYARD. The Altar Of Scultped Skulls, which offers up four new tracks and two re-recorded tunes, was produced by guitarist J. Bastard with the entire effort recorded, mixed and mastered at Moontower Studios. In addition, the disc features the ultra detailed and wholly grim horror art from famed illustrator Matt Carr of Putrid Gore Art (Autopsy, Impetigo, Hooded Menace).

The Altar Of Sculpted Skulls Track Listing:

1. The Altar Of Sculpted Skulls
2. An Epitaph Written In Blood
3. Deathcrowned
4. Cult Of The Shadows
5. Howl Of The Black Death (originally featured on 7″ Split w Terrorist)
6. Ritual (originally featured on Into The Mausoleum EP)

GRAVEYARD was formed in 2007 and has since released the Into The Mausoleum EP and One With The Dead full-length debut. The band churn a filthy strain of death metal in the vein of Entombed, Autopsy, Bolt Thrower and Asphyx. An official release date to be announced in the coming weeks.

GRAVEYARD:
Julkan – Vocals, Bass
J. Bastard – Guitars
Sbe – Guitars
Gusi – Drums

http://www.graveyardofdoom.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Graveyard/161078517258016
http://www.myspace.com/graveyardofdoom
http://www.pulverised.net

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DEATH WOLF: Track Listing Revealed

Tuesday, March 29th, 2011

DEATH WOLF, the horror/death rock project formerly known as Devils Whorehouse and spearheaded by Marduk guitarist Morgan Håkansson, will release their third full-length (and first under the DEATH WOLF moniker) via Regain/Blooddawn Records on May 27, 2011. Simply titled Death Wolf, the record will feature 12 tracks, two of which premiered on the band’s newly launched Facebook page last week. Check out  “Circle Of Abomination” and “Morning Czar Shineth” HERE.

Death Wolf Track Listing:
1. Circle Of Abomination
2. Weaving Death
3. The Other Hell
4. Morning Czar Shineth
5. Ironwood
6. Sword And Flame
7. Wolfs Pallid Sister
8. Ramsvart
9. Unto Dying Eyes
10. Black Mark
11. Coming Forth By Night
12. Dawn Of Flesh

http://www.deathwolf.net
http://www.facebook.com/deathwolfcult
http://www.regainrecords.com

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MARDUK: Swedish Black Metallers to Unleash Three-Song EP

Monday, March 28th, 2011

Swedish black metallers MARDUK recently completed recording three new songs for an upcoming EP. Dubbed Iron Dawn, the EP is set for release via Regain Records on May 27, 2011, at the Maryland Deathfest where the band will make their long-anticipated appearance. The EP will also be available at the six additional North American shows to follow with a worldwide street date of May 30, 2011.

Additionally, the EP will be issued as a digipak and on 12” vinyl (limited to 500 copies worldwide). Further details to be announced soon

Iron Dawn Track Listing:
1. Warschau 2: Headhunter Halfmoon
2. Wacht Am Rhein: Drumbeats Of Death
3. Prochorovka: Blood And Sunflowers

MARDUK Seven Bowls Of Wrath North American Tour 2011
w/ Aura Noir, Black Anvil, Panzerfaust, HOD:
5/27/2011 Maryland Deathfest – Baltimore, MD (MARDUK, Aura Noir only)
5/29/2011 Cafe Campus – Montreal, QC
5/30/2011 Wreck Room – Toronto, ON
5/31/2011 Reggie’s Rock Club – Chicago, IL
6/01/2011 I-Rock Nightclub – Detroit, MI
6/02/2011 Peabody’s – Cleveland, OH
6/03/2011 Williamsburg Music Hall – Brooklyn, NY

http://www.marduk.nu
http://regainrecords.com

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ARGUS: Details On New Album Confirmed

Monday, March 28th, 2011

Italian heavy metal label Cruz Del Sur Music confirms May 3, 2011 as the official release date for the sophomore album from Pennsylvania-based ARGUS! Entitled Boldly Stride The Doomed, this is the first release from ARGUS via Cruz Del Sur.

Boldly Stride The Doomed Track Listing:

1. Abandoning The Gates Of Byzantium
2. A Curse On The World
3. Wolves Of Dusk
4. The Ladder
5. Durendal
6. 42-7-29
7. Boldly Stride The Doomed
8. Fading Silver Light
9. Pieces Of Your Smile
10. The Ruins Of Ouroboros

ARGUS stormed onto the underground metal scene with their twin guitar-driven, doom-tinged, working class metal sound with a self-recorded demo in early 2007, on John Brenner’s (Revelation/Against the Nature) DIY label, Bland Hand Records. The band was roundly welcomed by the metal community at home as well as abroad and established its foundation amongst friends/fans within the scene. With this initial momentum, the band created a buzz that was only solidified by their punishing live performances. Their self-titled debut album was released on Shadow Kingdom Records in 2009 receiving praise from media outlets worldwide. The band continued to gain notoriety attracting like-minded fans world-wide who celebrate the genre and its core values of: hard work, discipline and integrity.

Featuring the powerful voice of former Penance vocalist Butch Balich, ARGUS prepares to cement themselves within the metal archives with their sophomore effort, Boldly Stride the Doomed!

http://www.myspace.com/theargus
http://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com
http://www.myspace.com/cruzdelsurmusic

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HAVOK: Album Streaming In Full Courtesy Of MetalSucks

Monday, March 28th, 2011

Today,  the rad folks at MetalSucks are streaming HAVOK’s upcoming Time Is Up full-length in its entirety! Time Is Up has been flooring fans and critics nationwide with its  unapologetic hailstorm of thrash metal anthems! Confirmed Blabbermouth in a review of the record this weekend, “Don’t lump HAVOK in with the steaming pile of retro wannabes stinking up the scene; the Colorado clan is now a member the Real Deal Club. The case was made and closed with Time Is Up, an album that will end up one of the very best thrash metal releases of 2011.”

Time Is Up will be unleashed to the North American masses tomorrow, March 29, 2011, via Candlelight Records. In the meantime, check out the stream by pointing your browser HERE.

For ordering options, visit Candlelight USA.

After wrapping up a successful tour supporting Florida death metallers Malevolent Creation, HAVOK made two appearances at SXSW. Check out footage from their performance on the MetalSucks showcase at Headhunter’s courtesy of Metal Injection here:

http://www.myspace.com/havok
http://www.facebook.com/HavokOfficial
http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com

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AMON AMARTH: Full Album Stream Hosted By Bloody Disgusting!

Friday, March 25th, 2011

Today, popular horror site Bloody Disgusting streams AMON AMARTH’s long-anticipated full-length, Surtur Rising, in its entirety! Scheduled for North American release via Metal Blade on March 29, 2011, the record, which was voted among Decibel Magazine’s most anticipated albums of 2011, marks the eighth studio offering from the melodic death metal tyrants. The stream will go live at 11:59pm EST on March 25, 2011 and ends at 11:59pm EST on March 28, 2011.

Noted Decibel of the record: “it’s a pleasure to learn one of metal’s most consistent bands remains as indefatigable as ever.” Stereokiller commended the production stating: “Johan Hegg’s vocals continue to be one of the bands strongest points, captivating the listener with clearly enunciated, yet gruff and powerful vocals,” while Metal Assault commended the band for “an album that has enormous aggression, entrancing melody and everything in between… the band’s most well-rounded and musically richest album to date.” Added L.A. Music Blog, “Surtur Rising is the epitome of what death metal should be: ferocious and crushing…possibly the band’s best work to date.”

To check out Surtur Rising, point your browser HERE at midnight.

Pre-order packages for Surtur Rising are still available at tha band’s official landing page: http://www.SurturRising.com.

Coinciding with the record release, AMON AMARTH will make their way to the U.S.  for a near two-week stretch of live dates. Simply dubbed “An Evening With AMON AMARTH,” this very special trek will find the band performing two separate sets each night, one which will feature Surtur Rising in its entirety while the other will boast a collection of songs from the band’s previous releases. The Viking-inspired festivities will commence on April 14 in Chicago, Illinois. Confirmed dates below:

An Evening With AMON AMARTH
4/14/2011 The Bottom Lounge – Chicago, IL
4/15/2011 Station 4 – Saint Paul, MN
4/16/2011 Granada Theater – Lawrence, KS
4/17/2011 The Summit Music Hall – Denver, CO
4/19/2011 Wonder Ballroom – Portland, OR
4/20/2011 Showbox Sodo – Seattle, WA
4/22/2011 The Regency – San Francisco, CA
4/23/2011 Ace Of Spades – Sacramento, CA
4/24/2011 House of Blues – West Hollywood, CA
4/25/2011 Nile Theatre – Mesa, AZ
4/27/2011 White Rabbit – San Antonio, TX
4/29/2011 Culture Room – Fort Lauderdale, FL
4/30/2011 Beacham Theatre – Orlando, FL
5/01/2011 Masquerade – Atlanta, GA
5/02/2011 Jaxx – Springfield, VA
5/03/2011 Peabody’s – Cleveland, OH
5/05/2011 Best Buy Theater – New York, NY
5/06/2011 Theatre Of Living Arts – Philadelphia, PA
5/07/2011 Paradise Rock Club – Boston, MA

Tickets are on sale now through all local ticket outlets.

http://www.surturrising.com
http://www.facebook.com/OfficialAmonAmarth
http://www.myspace.com/amonamarth
http://www.amonamarth.com
http://twitter.com/amonamarthband

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