Posts Tagged ‘THE MEADS OF ASPHODEL’

Candlelight Records February 2013 Label Update

Tuesday, February 26th, 2013

NEW SIGNINGS:

CROWN (World): This French duo creates a wondrous sound that weaves electronics and bombastic guitars to maximum effect. Their Candlelight debut, titled Psychurgy, is set for North American release on June 11. Check out an advance track now on a free Candlelight Bandcamp sampler (also featuring songs from Cnoc An Tursa, Nine Covens, Wodensthrone, Voices, and more). The sampler is available HERE.

PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED NEW SIGNINGS: EARTH CRISIS, PESTILENCE, DEMON LUNG, VOICES, WOUNDED KINGS, SADGIQACEA, CNOC AN TURSA, PALEHORSE, NON EXISTENCE, MAEL MORDHA, HOPELESS YOUTH, SHADE EMPIRE, ARMED FOR APOCALYPSE, HYBRIS

NEW RELEASES:

FEAR FACTORY (North America): The band has confirmed 15 dates in North America. These dates are the first live dates by the band since May 2012 and first to truly support The Industrialist since its release. Full tour dates are noted in the tour section below.

ORANGE GOBLIN (World): The countdown is on for the boys from London to land on US soil for their first full tour in years! And all timed for the release of their first live CD/DVD, A Eulogy For The Fans/Orange Goblin Live 2012. Set to hit North American stores on March 12, it contains twelve awesome tracks as captured at Hellfest (France) and Bloodstock (England) last summer. “Red Tide Rising,” “Time Travelling Blues,” “Ballad of Solomon Eagle,” and the #3 Most Added song to CMJ’s Loud Report last week – “The Filthy & The Few.” Full tour dates with Clutch as well recently announced headline performances are noted in the tour section below.

HAVOK (World): The Denver thrashers are now tracking their still untitled third full-length album. Planned for release late June, it follows Time Is Up, the album that truly opened doors for the still young quartet. The band is producing with Terry Date mixing. HAVOK was a performer on Barge to Hell (alongside At The Gates, Napalm Death, Behemoth, and labelmates Corrosion Of Conformity, among others). Watch for more recording details in the coming weeks.

WOE (World): Withdrawal, the third record from the Philadelphia black metal band, is set for release on April 23. Hailed by media since their debut, A Spell for the Death of Man, in 2008, WOE has slowly built a solid fanbase with Metal Sucks saying, “this is the sound of black metal to come.” Teeth of the Divine note, “WOE carve out their own niche amid the US black metal scene without bowing down to either forced brittle Scandinavian worship, post rock injections or self loathing depression.” Pitchfork.com premiered the first material from Withdrawal a few weeks back. To have a listen click HERE.

MEADS OF ASPHODEL (World): Sonderkommando is the second album for Candlelight from these UK-based black metal medievalists. It is yet another dynamic adventure from the inventive band. Stereogum notes, “it’s impossible to nail their sound without just diving in,” when detailing the band’s unique sound. It is hard to pinpoint when you consider the band have covered Stiff Little Fingers, Discharge, the Stranglers, Conflict, Skeptix, the Kinks, and completed a split recording with Mayhem in 2002. Sonderkommando is schedule to be released in North America on June 18.

IHSAHN (World): The days are counting down for former Emperor vocalist/guitarist to touchdown on US soil, performing at this year’s Maryland Death Festival. This will be only the second time the highly respected musician has performed as a solo artist since setting out on his own (following the 2001 demise of Emperor). He is already feverously working on new material which he plans to record in the coming months; songs to be included on his fourth solo recording anticipated for late year. Watch for further details.

EARTH CRISIS (World): The band is expected to begin recording of their first album for Candlelight in August. In the meantime the band recently posted about two projects they are helping/endorse. Visit HERE to buy a tshirt with proceeds going towards Sea Shepherds. And check out vocalist Karl Buechner on this upcoming new album being put out by the folks at Fast Break! Records HERE.

TOURING:

New dates announced for ORANGE GOBLIN, ABSU, KRIEG, FEAR FACTORY, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, and HAVOK.

KRIEG:
2/26/2013 The 2 Bit Saloon – Seattle, WA w/ Icon of Phobos
2/27/2013 Rotture – Portland, OR w/ Icon of Phobos
3/01/2013 Eli’s Mile High Club – Oakland, CA w/ Icon of Phobos, Odium Totus
3/02/2013 Five Star Bar – Los Angeles, CA w/ Icon of Phobos, Odium Totus
3/03/2013 Favorites – Las Vegas, NV w/ Odium Totus

ORANGE GOBLIN:
3/08/2013 Bogarts – Cincinnati, OH w/ Clutch
3/09/2013 Marathon Music Works – Nashville, TN w/ Clutch
3/10/2013 Pop’s – Sauget, IL w/ Clutch
3/11/2013 Juanita’s Cantina Ballroom – Little Rock, AR w/ Clutch
3/12/2013 Cain’s Ballroom – Tulsa, OK w/ Clutch
3/14/2013 Palladium Ballroom – Dallas, TX w/ Clutch
3/18/2013 Black Sheep – Colorado Springs, CO w/ Clutch
3/19/2013 The Depot – Salt Lake City, UT w/ Clutch
3/21/2013 House of Blues – West Hollywood, CA w/ Clutch
3/22/2013 The Marquee – Tempe, AZ w/ Clutch
3/23/2013 Hard Rock Café – Las Vegas, NV w/ Clutch
3/24/2013 House of Blues – Anaheim, CA w/ Clutch
3/26/2013 Regency Grand Ballroom – San Francisco, CA w/ Clutch
3/27/2013 Knitting Factory – Reno, NV w/ Clutch
3/29/2013 Showbox at the Market – Seattle, WA w/ Clutch
3/30/2013 Roseland Theater – Portland, OR w/ Clutch
3/31/2013 Knitting Factory – Boise, ID w/ Clutch
4/01/2013 Wilma Theater – Missoula, MT w/ Clutch
4/02/2013 Knitting Factory – Spokane, WA w/ Clutch
4/03/2013 Commodore Ballroom – Vancouver, BC w/ Clutch
4/05/2013 Flames Centra – Calgary, AB w/ Club
4/06/2013 Odeon Events Centre – Saskatoon, SK w/ Clutch
4/07/2013 Union Hall – Edmonton, AB w/ Clutch
4/09/2013 Garrick Centre – Winnipeg, MB w/ Clutch
4/10/2013 First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN w/ Clutch
4/11/2013 Wooly’s – Des Moines, IA w/ Clutch
4/12/2013 House of Blues – Chicago, IL w/ Clutch
4/13/2013 Orbit Room – Grand Rapids, MI w/ Clutch
4/15/2013 Wescott Theater – Syracuse, NY w/ Clutch
4/16/2013 Toad’s Place – New Haven, CT w/ Clutch
4/18/2013 Sound Academy – Toronto, ON w/ Clutch
4/19/2013 Stage AE indoor – Pittsburgh, PA w/ Clutch
4/20/2013 Ram’s Head Live – Baltimore, MD w/ Clutch
4/21/2013 North Star Bar – Philadelphia, PA
4/22/2013 St. Vitus Bar – Brooklyn, NY
4/23/2013 Middle East downstairs – Cambridge, MA

DEMON LUNG:
3/16/2013 – Cheyenne Saloon – Las Vegas, NV w/ Gravehill, Avenger of Blood

HAVOK:
3/23/2013 Bluebird Theater – Denver, CO w/ Cephalic Carnage, Speedwolf
3/27/2013 Fitzgerald’s – Houston, TX w/ The Casualties, Goatwhore
3/28/2013 Zero’s – Corpus Christi, TX w/ The Casualties, Goatwhore
3/29/2013 Korova – San Antonio, TX w/ The Casualties, Goatwhore
3/30/2013 Club Dada – Dallas, TX w/ The Casualties, Goatwhore
4/01/2013 Launchapd – Albuquerque, NM w/ The Casualties, Goatwhore
4/02/2013 Rocky Point – Tempe, AZ w/ The Casualties, Goatwhore
4/03/2013 The Observatory – Santa Ana, CA w/ The Casualties, Goatwhore
4/04/2013 The Vex – Los Angeles, CA w/ The Casualties, Goatwhore
4/05/2013 Cheyenne Saloon – Las Vegas, NV w/Goatwhore
4/06/2013 Oakland Metro – Oakland, CA w/ The Casualties, Goatwhore
4/07/2013 The Alley – Reno, NV w/ The Casualties, Goatwhore
4/08/2013 Branx – Portland, OR w/ The Casualties, Goatwhore
4/09/2013 Studio Seven – Seattle, WA w/ The Casualties, Goatwhore

ABSU:
4/05/2013 Millcreek Tavern – Philadelphia, PA
4/06/2013 Roger’s – Chesapeake, VA
4/07/2013 Strange Matter – Richmond, VA
4/08/2013 The Windup Space – Baltimore, MD
4/09/2013 Middle East upstairs – Cambridge, MA
4/10/2013 St. Vitus – Brooklyn, NY
4/11/2013 St. Vitus – Brooklyn, NY
4/12/2013 El N Gee – Hartford, CA
4/13/2013 Theatre Plaza – Montreal, QC
4/14/2013 L’Agitte – Quebec City, QC
4/15/2013 Wreck Room – Toronto, ON
4/16/2013 Ace of Cups – Columbus, OH
4/17/2013 Mojoe’s – Joliet, IL
4/18/2013 Rocco’s – Milwaukee, WI
4/20/2013 Zoo Cabaret – Winnipeg, MT
4/22/2013 Dickens Pub – Calgary, AB
40/24/2013 Biltmore Cabaret – Vancouver, BC
4/25/2013 Highline – Seattle, WA
4/26/2013 Ash Street Saloon – Portland, OR
4/27/2013 Shinneybrook Creek Cabins @ Festum Carnis – Soda Springs, CA
4/28/2013 DNA Lounge – San Francisco, CA
4/30/2013 The Vex – Los Angeles, CA
5/01/2013 Ruby Room – San Diego, CA
5/02/2013 Rocky Point Cantina – Tempe, AZ
5/04/2013 The Boiler Room – Dallas, TX

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY:
4/13/2013 Movistar Arena The Metal Fest – Santiago, Chile
4/17/2013 House of Blues – Las Vegas, NV w/ Danzig, The Agonist
4/19/2013 Ogden Theatre – Denver, CO w/ Danzig, The Agonist
4/20/2013 Sunshine Theater – Albuquerque, NM w/ Danzig, The Agonist
4/21/2013 Lonestar Amphitheater KFMX Big Purple Party – Lubbock, TX
4/22/2013 Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater – Austin, TX w/ Danzig, The Agonist
4/23/2013 Concrete St. Amphitheater Pavillion – Corpus Christi, TX w/ Danzig, The Agonist
4/24/2013 Palladium Ballroom – Dallas, TX w/ Danzig, The Agonist
4/26/2013 Marquee Theatre – Tempe, AZ w/ Danzig, The Agonist
4/27/2013 Fox Theater – Pomona, CA w/ Danzig, The Agonist
4/28/2013 Majestic Ventura Theater – Ventura, CA w/ Danzig, The Agonist

FEAR FACTORY:
4/14/2013 The Black Sheep – Colorado Springs, CO
4/15/2013 Summit Music Hall – Denver, CO
4/19/2013 Mojoe’s – Joliet, IL w/ Hate Eternal
4/20/2013 Club Fever – South Bend, IN w/ Hate Eternal
4/24/2013 Opera House – Toronto, ON
4/26/2013 McGuffy’s House of Rock – Dayton, OH
4/27/2013 The Machine Shop – Flint, MI
4/28/2013 Montage Music Hall – Rochester, NY
5/02/2013 Gramercy Theater – New York, NY w/ Hate Eternal
5/03/2013 Revolution – Amityville, NY
5/09/2013 Brewster’s Rock Bar – Jacksonville, FL
5/12/2013 Brass Mug – Tampa, FL
5/14/2013 Trees – Dallas, TX
5/15/2013 Backstage Live – San Antonio, TX
5/16/2013 Scout Bar – Houston, TX

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CANDLELIGHT RECORDS 2013 Label Update

Wednesday, January 16th, 2013

Candlelight Records extends a Happy New Years greeting to all our media, retail, and band friends around the globe. We have an active year planned and hope you will find many records of interest over the next twelve months. As always, if you have any questions or need anything, just ask one of our staffers and we’ll gladly sort. And now for the news…

NEW SIGNINGS:

We are proud to announce a number of new signings to the label.

EARTH CRISIS (World): No hardcore or metal fan can be unaware of EARTH CRISIS or the contribution the Syracuse-based band has made to heavy music since their founding in 1989. Now in 2013, the band begins a new chapter with a new record, a new label, a new quest to deliver music as only they can. Expected to begin recording late spring, watch for updates as the five-piece prep for an active and productive year.

PALEHORSE (World): Terrorizer Magazine call this UK bevy, “a band who marry a palpable viciousness of delivery with a desire to sidestep heavy amplification convention in search of a more unsettling and uncompromising onslaught.” Together since 2000, the band have released two full-length albums; both overwhelmingly received by media. Now for album number three, the band expects to turn even more heads.

DEMON LUNG (World): The Las Vegas-based quartet have completed recording with Billy Anderson and are anticipating a late spring release. The band notes of the recording adventure, “recording with Billy was an amazing experience creatively and personally. Having never met him before, we were a bit intimidated by his resume and the fact that he has recorded some of our favorite albums. But within the first three minutes we knew we were in good hands.” Anderson notes, “it’s going to be an epic album by an epic band.”

VOICES (World): Featuring Akercocke/My Dying Bride drummer David Gray with Akercocke’s Peter Benjamin and Sam Loynes, this new UK-based black metal band is set to release their debut via Candlelight in the coming months. From the Human Forest Create A Fugue of Imaginary Rain was recorded at London’s Legacy Studios and was produced by Dan Abela. Terrorizer has already called the record “a unique beast brimming with ultra-blasts and dexterous riffing.”

CNOC UN TURSA (World): The epic sounds of this Scottish quartet will impress those that enjoy the diversity of the current pagan/black/folk metal explosion. The band’s Candlelight debut, The Giants Of Auld, was recorded at Foel Studios in Wales by acclaimed producer Chris Fielding (Primordial, Electric Wizard). It is set for North American release late March. Heathen Harvest calls the album “a potent mixture of black metal riffage and rousing, epic atmosphere.”

NON EXISTENCE (World): The Austria-based band fronted by Philip Santoll is ready to unveil their second album via Candlelight this spring. Antarctica combines the familiar bombast of Dimmu Borgir with an Arcturus-like avant-garde swagger, and the melancholy of My Dying Bride. The band says the album is as cold and massive as it is beautiful and raw. The album follows up the band’s 2007 debut, Nihil.

MAEL MORDHA (World): With three full-length albums already to their credit, Ireland’s Gaelic doomsters now join forces with Candlelight for their next chapter. The quintet is currently busy working on the follow-up to 2010’s Manannan. The band recently performed alongside Primordial at the Redemption Festival in Dublin. Rotting Christ, Solstafir, and labelmates Winterfylleth were also featured on the bill.

HOPELESS YOUTH (World): These Canadians have been stumbling between basement shows and venues as they strive to bring fast aggressive music to everyone. After self releasing their own self-titled ep, Hopeless Youth have proved that they have what it takes to go to the next level. Now signed to Candlelight, the five-piece will be releasing a full length with plans to tour the world. Whether it’s beer soaked or sober, they’ll stop at nothing to play everywhere.

SHADE EMPIRE (World): Finland-based symphonic black metal band are set to silence a four year hiatus with a new record via candlelight records. Metal Observer calls the band, “a smorgasbord of melodic thrash, technical death metal, and synthesized chaos with an industrial sheen.” Chronicles of Chaos call them, “a veritable melting pot of metal genres.” It will be exciting to hear what this six-piece have in store for fans in the coming months.

ARMED FOR APOCALYPSE (Europe): The Sacramento band is hard-at-work on album number two. It is expected for release late spring. Featuring former members of Will Haven, the four-piece has performed alongside a wide-range of artists including Unearth, The Used, Static-X, Helmet, Lazarus A.D., and The Funeral Pyre.

THE WOUNDED KINGS (World): From the misty moors of Dartmoor, the respected quartet now call Candlelight their home. Roadburn alumni, WOUNDED KINGS have a sizeable world following and their new record is already eagerly anticipated. Aquarian Weekly says the band’s “riffs are so locked in doom lore that you can almost imagine there was a thin sheet of dust on the two-inch tape this was plainly recorded on from the irregularly dusted castle it was plainly recorded in.”

SADGIQACEA (World): Heavy Planet says, “while destroying everything in their path, Philadelphia-based Sadgiqacea creates an inspiring assault of beauty meets devastation. Crushing riffs and ambient beauty swirl as the vocals bark… epic and full on sludge.” Fueled by the duo of Evan Schaefer and Fred Grabosky, the band recently completed their Candlelight debut. Expect an April release.

HYBRIS (World): Weaving technical thrash with classic heavy metal and strong hints of progressive, these London thrashers are set to unveil their debut album late spring. Band founder/leader Federica proves that girls can truly thrash. The band has been regulars to the stage, playing alongside Municipal Waste, Helstar, Volture, and others.

NEW RELEASES:

ORANGE GOBLIN (World): Ready for what could be the biggest year in their career, the ORANGE GOBLIN boys are ready to hit the road to support their forthcoming A Eulogy For The Fans/Orange Goblin Live 2012. The cd/dvd will hit North American stores on March 12; just as the band begins their first stateside tour in many a year. Teaming up with Clutch, the band will visit cities all over the US and Canada playing fan favorites from their extensive recording registry. Confirmed tour dates are noted in the tour section below.

IHSAHN (World): The former Emperor vocalist/guitarist is set to touchdown on US soil for this year’s Maryland Death Festival. This will be only the second time the highly respected musician has performed as a solo artist since setting out on his own (following the 2001 demise of Emperor). He is already feverously working on new material which he plans to record in the coming months; songs to be included on his fourth solo recording anticipated for late year.

HAVOK (World): The Denver thrashers are getting ready to hit the studio to record what is expected to be a highly anticipated album. Planned for release late June, the still untitled album will follow Time Is Up, the offering that really opened doors for the still young quartet. The band was a performer on Barge to Hell (alongside At The Gates, Napalm Death, Behemoth, and labelmates Corrosion of Conformity, among others). Watch for more recording details in the coming weeks.

WOE (World): The third record from the Philadelphia black metal band is set to be released this spring. Hailed by media since their debut, A Spell for the Death of Man, in 2008, WOE has slowly built a solid fanbase with Metal Sucks saying, “this is the sound of black metal to come.” Teeth of the Divine note, “WOE carve out their own niche amid the US black metal scene without bowing down to either forced brittle Scandinavian worship, post rock injections or self loathing depression.”

MEADS OF ASPHODEL (World): Finishing up work on Sonderkommando, their second album for Candlelight, the UK-based black metal medievalists, plan to take their loyal fanbase on another dynamic adventure. Stereogum notes, “it’s impossible to nail their sound without just diving in,” when detailing the band’s unique sound. It is hard to pinpoint when you consider the band have covered Stiff Little Fingers, Discharge, the Stranglers, Conflict, Skeptix, the Kinks, and completed a split recording with Mayhem in 2002.

Also coming…. new recordings from ALTAR OF PLAGUES (Europe), LIMBONIC ART (World), and ABIGAIL WILLIAMS (World).

Candlelight Artists On Tour:

ORANGE GOBLIN w/ Clutch:
3/08/2013 Bogarts – Cincinnati OH
3/09/2013 Marathon Music Works – Nashville, TN
3/10/2013 Pop’s – Sauget, IL
3/11/2013 Juanita’s Cantina Ballroom – Little Rock, AR
3/12/2013 Cain’s Ballroom – Tulsa, OK
3/14/2013 Palladium Ballroom – Dallas, TX
3/18/2013 Black Sheep – Colorado Springs, CO
3/19/2013 The Depot – Salt Lake City, UT
3/21/2013 House of Blues – West Hollywood, CA
3/22/2013 The Marquee – Tempe, AZ
3/23/2013 Hard Rock Café – Las Vegas, NV
3/24/2013 House of Blues – Anaheim, CA

VISION OF DISORDER:
1/26/2013 Dingbatz – Clifton, NJ
1/27/2013 The Chance – Poughkeepsie, NY
2/01/2013 Studio Seven – Seattle, WA
2/02/2013 Whiskey a Go-Go – Hollywood, CA

DEMON LUNG:
2/10/13 – Bunkhouse Saloon, Las Vegas NV w/ Castle
3/16/13 – Cheyenne Saloon, Las Vegas NV w/ Gravehill, Avenger of Blood

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THE MEADS OF ASPHODEL: A Massive New Video In The Making

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011


UK-based theatrical avant-black metal sorcerers THE MEADS OF ASPHODEL are currently filming what is absolutely sure to be a controversial visual display of their anthem “Apocalypse of Lazarus.”

“Apocalypse of Lazarus,” is taken from THE MEADS OF ASPHODEL’s recently-released anti-puritanical full-length masterpiece, The Murder of Jesus The Jew.

Set for completion sometime in early June, should be highly anticipated by all fans of high-energy and off-kilter metal, as THE MEADS OF ASPHODEL are known for their abrasive-yet-artistic views on the evils of Christianity, and their surrealistically genius outspoken nature. Known for their abrasive-yet-artistic views on the evils of Christianity, and their surrealistically genius outspoken nature. Not to mention that they will be performing and filming in full Middle Ages-style battle dress, as their notorious photos document well throughout the worldwide web and in national metal mags across the planet.

In the words of THE MEADS OF ASPHODEL’s central creator Metatron, on the content of the upcoming video, “It will be about the ‘end of days fire and brimstone’ bullshit Christianity spouts towards other denominations. A God-fearing anthem to the ignorant.”

Stay tuned for more info on the video as it is completed and unleashed upon the world during the hellish Summer months ahead.

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THE MEADS OF ASPHODEL: Entire Album To Play During Online Easter Radio Takeover

Friday, April 22nd, 2011

This weekend, in “celebration” of the Easter Holiday, Candlelight Records and Calgary’s Megawatt Mayhem will broadcast the entire 63-minute long epic, The Murder Of Jesus The Jew, the latest album from English avant-garde black metal bastards THE MEADS OF ASPHODEL.

The festivities will kick off at the stroke of midnight (EST), for the first moments of the Easter holiday, this Sunday, April 24 (locally officially kicking off at 10pm MST on Saturday night for those in the Calgary area). Megawatt Mayhem is broadcast online via CJSW 90.9FM’s official website, so thrill-seeking metalheads worldwide are invited to take part in the festivities. Tune in at: http://www.cjsw.com.

The latest masterpiece from the infamous THE MEADS OF ASPHODEL, The Murder Of Jesus The Jew is an infectious and unique culmination of black metal might, presented in an utterly unique, epic, theatrical manner. The album details the historical life of Jesus (Yeshua), the Jewish rabbi who was slaughtered on a tree by the Romans on a cold Winter day 2000 years ago, and thereafter his people condemned to be pariahs of the earth due to Christian hatred. It is ironic that the Jewish roots of the Christian church have been erased and the blame of their man-god’s death cruelly placed upon a people already broken by the yoke of Roman imperialism. Truth is often blinded by faith, none more so than the story of Jesus and his maligned people.

Stay tuned for more announcements on THE MEADS OF ASPHODEL over the coming weeks. Interviews with Metatron, the key mastermind behind the band’s insane and genius hymns, are available to North American journalists via phone and email anytime via Earsplit PR.

“This is an album that fist-fucks all the rules and boundaries, and that we’re able to mention show tunes, psychedelic rock, horns and black metal in the same sentence without vomiting on our shoes is an indicator of the successful irreverence of this beast. 9/10″ – Decibel

“…more diverse than ever, with every track committing grave heresies against orthodox BM dogma…” – Terrorizer
“…the densest, shiniest, most stadium-sized work to date.” – Stereogum

“…a black metal version of Mr. Bungle…10/10″ – Blistering
“The Meads Of Asphodel has proven themselves to be the future of black metal… 4.5/5″ – Metal Underground
“Their English quirkiness is mixed together with punk undertones and old school black metal, while experimenting with symphonic, orchestral, Middle Eastern and folk elements. 4/5″ – About.com

“The Meads of Asphodel are completely fucking brilliant, and The Murder of Jesus the Jew should silence any doubts of this fact with a resounding, deafening roar. A+” – Metal Army America

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CANDLELIGHT RECORDS Label Update – February 2011

Thursday, February 3rd, 2011

CANDLELIGHT TEN-YEAR ANNIVERSARY – Candlelight’s American office turns 10 in 2011! In celebration we will be having sales via our official webstore all year long. Visit the store regularly for details. Also in celebration, Candlelight has partnered with Decibel Magazine to present special monthly profiles and interviews with some of our biggest artists. You can read these monthly installments by regularly checking out their very informative site at http://www.decibelmagazine.com

THE MEADS OF ASPHODEL – Metal Hammer Magazine says, “elusive, eccentric, and very, very English, The Meads of Asphodel have been warping the boundaries of black metal since their inception.” Live4Metal says, “their quirky Englishness, mixed with their flirtation with black metal and of course their crusty punk underbelly never fails to both amuse and impress.” Released January 11, The Murder of Jesus The Jew is now finally available for North American fans. This musical documentary is unlike any other you will hear this year. Definitely worth checking out!

HAVOK – The Denver-based thrashers are now readying to return to action. Time Is Up, HAVOK’s second album, is set for release March 29. A special pre-order promotion launched this week for the record via Candlelight’s official webstore, and next week the band kicks off their first tour in support of the new record. The tour, alongside Malevolent Creation, will have HAVOK performing across the US. The band hopes to see you at one of the shows. Dates for the tour are:

2/12/11 Volume 11 – Raleigh, NC
2/13/11 Ottobar – Baltimore, MD
2/14/11 Buddha’s Place – Virginia Beach, VA
2/15/11 Warehouse 66 – Stamford, CT
2/16/11 Bogie’s – Albany, NY
2/17/11 Championships – Trenton, NJ
2/18/11 Evening Star – Buffalo, NY
2/19/11 Harpo’s – Detroit, MI
2/20/11 Another Hole in the Wall – Steger, IL
2/22/11 Reggie’s Rock Club – Chicago, IL
2/23/11 Station 4 – St. Paul, MN
2/24/11 The Annex – Madison, WI
2/25/11 Fubar – St. Louis, MO
2/26/11 Riot Room – Kansas City, MO
2/27/11 Marquis Theater – Denver, CO
2/28/11 Club Vegas – Salt Lake City, UT
3/01/11 Studio Seven – Seattle, WA
3/02/11 Branx – Portland, OR
3/04/11 Brick By Brick – San Diego, CA
3/05/11 Cheyenne Saloon – Las Vegas, NV
3/06/11 The Clubhouse – Tempe, AZ
3/08/11 Reno’s Chop Shop – Dallas, TX
3/09/11 Emo’s – Austin, TX
3/10/11 Riverside Warehouse – Shreveport, LA

ZYKLON – The career-spanning 3-CD set, Storm Manifesto, is now in North American stores. Over the course of their three solid recordings, Norway’s ZYKLON impressed metal fans worldwide. Formed in 1998 by then-Emperor guitarist Samoth and drummer Trym Torsten (the duo teaming with Secthdamon and Destructor of Myrskog; Daemon from Limbonic Art appeared on one album), ZYKLON quickly and permanently made a lasting mark on extreme metal. Storm Manifesto features previously unavailable material.

KRYOBURN - New Mexico’s KRYOBURN finally make their return with their second album, Three Years Eclipsed. Five years separate this and their debut, Enigmatic Existence. Vocalist/guitarist Todd Brashear shares, “it took us a while to get this done. With all the changes we’ve had going on in the past couple of years, we had to find our legs again.” Produced by Tue Madsen (Dark Tranquillity, Moonspell), Three Years Eclipsed finds the band expanding their musical base, now adding progressive flairs to their intense metal sound. It is sure to peak the curiosity of new listeners. Three Years Eclipsed is available in stores now.

ABSU – Announced late last year, ABSU will share the stage with Immortal on six select American shows in mid-February. Band leader/drummer Proscriptor recently conducted an interview with Noisecreep and made comment regarding the band’s forthcoming album, Abzu. “We are working on the final touches. It’s composed and arranged. It’s the most maniacal collection of songs. It will include the standard topics I’ve discussed but we’re test driving a new kind of musical theme.” The band plan to enter the studio shortly after the completion of dates with Immortal and look for an autumn release. Dates with Immortal are:

2/19/11 Gramercy Theater – New York, NY
2/20/11 Sonar – Baltimore, MD
2/21/11 Mr. Smalls Theatre – Pittsburgh, PA
2/22/11 The Bottom Lounge – Chicago, IL
2/24/11 Summit Music Hall – Denver, CO
2/26/11 Backstage Live – San Antonio, TX

ABIGAIL WILLIAMS - The Los Angeles-based band returns to the road in March alongside Rotten Christ and Melechesh for a massive North American tour. The band will be performing selections from their latest album In the Absence of Light. The Gauntlet notes, “In the Absence of Light is Abigail Williams’ best work to date.  It’s mercilessly honest, and timelessly critical, in an era where so much metal should be forgotten.” Prior to their dates with Rotting Christ, ABIGAIL WILLIAMS will travel to Mexico for the first time. Dates are:

3/04/11 Discoteque Organic – Guadalajara, Mexico
3/05/11 Circo Volador – Mexico City, Mexico
3/06/11 Ibex Bar – Monterray, Mexico
3/08/11 Broadway Joe’s – Buffalo, NY
3/09/11 Jaxx – West Springfield, VA
3/10/11 Champions Bar & Grill – Trenton, NJ
3/11/11 Montage Music Hall – Rochester, NY
3/12/11 Rocko’s – Manchester, NH
3/13/11 Webster Theater – Hartford, CT
3/14/11 Crazy Donkey – Farmingdale, NY
3/15/11 Petit Campus – Montreal, QC
3/16/11 Mod Club – Toronto, ON
3/17/11 Blondie’s – Detroit, MI
3/18/11 Peabody’s – Cleveland, OH
3/19/11 Reggi’s Rock Club – Chicago, IL
3/20/11 Station 4 – St. Paul, MN
3/22/11 The Republik – Calgary, AB
3/23/11 Starlite Room – Edmonton, AB
3/25/11 El Corazon – Seattle, WA
3/26/11 Hawthorne Theatre – Portland, OR
3/27/11 DNA Lounge – San Francisco, CA
3/28/11 Chain Reaction – Anaheim, CA
3/29/11 Key Club – Los Angeles, CA
3/30/11 Brick By Brick – San Diego, CA
3/31/11 UB’s Bar – Mesa, AZ
4/01/11 The Nat Ballroom – Amarillo, TX
4/02/11 Marquee – Tulsa, OK
4/03/11 Rail Club – Ft. Worth, TX
4/04/11 Emo’s – Austin, TX
4/05/11 Walter’s – Houston, TX
4/07/11 Brass Mug – Tampa, FL
4/08/11 The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA
4/09/11 Volume 11 – Raleigh, NC
4/10/11 The Casbah – Charlotte, NC

BURZUM - Fallen will see North American release via Candlelight on April 5. The album is the second since Varg Vikernes’ release from prison. The album features seven new compositions, each adding another storied journey to the celebrated BURZUM legacy. The album’s musical focus joins sounds of BURZUM’s early releases with key elements of 2010’s Belus. The striking and classical nature of the album’s cover art is new for BURZUM. A special pre-order promotion will launch via Candlelight’s official webstore on February 15.

CRUACHAN – Ireland’s CRUACHAN are set to reignite the Pagan metal flame with the release of their new album, Blood on the Black Robe. Set for release April 19, it is the band’s first new album in nearly four years. Founder/vocalist Keith Fay noted, “we are reborn,” 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.” Blood on the Black Robe is a more urgent and darker recording. It features eleven new songs that both old and new fans can embrace. It features guest performance from former vocalist Karen Gilligan.

SCION ROCK FEST – Candlelight is again proud to have performers at the upcoming Scion Rock Fest. Philadelphia’s WOE will make their west coast live debut alongside Morbid Angel, Obituary, Agalloch, Atheist, Municipal Waste and more. WOE is expected to play selections from their acclaimed second album Quietly, Undramatically that was released late last year. England’s ANAAL NATHRAKH were just confirmed as an additional performer, marking only the second time the band will perform on US soil. No word yet if the band will perform selections from their forthcoming album Passion, now confirmed for North American release on May 17th. Tickets for the festival are already sold out but there is a waitlist if you’d like to try your luck. Visit http://www.scionrock.com.

NOW AVAILABLE – Current new releases from Candlelight include label debuts from DEMONIC RESURRECTION, EASTERN FRONT, OBSIDIAN and HORNED ALMIGHTY. All were released January 25 in North America and are available now via our official webstore. Also available is the debut from THE WRETCHED END (featuring Samoth/Emperor-Zyklon), WINTERFYLLETH, KRIEG and OCTOBER TIDE (featuring Fredrik Norrman/Katatonia).

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Candlelight Records USA
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THE MEADS OF ASPHODEL’s Acclaimed New Album Out Now; Interviews Available

Wednesday, January 12th, 2011

This week, Candlelight Records USA is proud to finally unleash the brilliant new full-length from England’s unique blackened genre-benders THE MEADS OF ASPHODEL, which has been bathed in praise by metal media outlets worldwide in recent months.

Officially on the streets as of yesterday, January 11th, the band’s latest masterpiece of bizarre and infectious blend of theatrics and musical bastardization The Murder of Jesus The Jew, is ready for the North American public’s consumption. The album details the historical life of Jesus (Yeshua), the Jewish rabbi who was slaughtered on a tree by the Romans on a cold winter day 2000 years ago, and thereafter his people condemned to be pariahs of the earth due to Christian hatred. It is ironic that the Jewish roots of the Christian church have been erased and the blame of their man-god’s death cruelly placed upon a people already broken by the yoke of Roman imperialism. Truth is often blinded by faith, none more so than the story of Jesus and his maligned people.

Life In The Shadows is a 35-minute documentary on THE MEADS OF ASPHODEL where Metatron explains his controversial lyrics and ideas on religion, J.D Tait guides us around the Meads’ Bridge Gate Studios and Urakbarameel vents his annoyance at being labeled a ‘Battle Metal’ band. View the three-part movie at this location for a look inside the incredible concepts behind the new album.

In support of the record, THE MEADS OF ASPHODEL are readily available for interrogation via email or phone interviews with North American journalists. Please contact your local Earsplit thug with all requests right away.

“…more diverse than ever, with every track committing grave heresies against orthodox BM dogma, ranging from the jazzy vamping and ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’-style piano led narrative chorus of ‘Addicted To God’ through the acoustic blues stomp and bongo break of  ‘Stiller Of Tempests’ to the moody trip-hop beat of ‘Dark Gethsemane’.” - Terrorizer
“UK weirdo black metallers the Meads of Asphodel take the light-speed black metal, carnival music, female operatic vocals, and rock-god guitar solos of Sigh and Cradle of Filth a few steps further into the abyss… kudos for the awesome and absurd experimentation of it all.” – Snowboard Canada

“Our ears are continuously surprised around every corner. Meads of Asphodel has given us what sounds like a black metal version of Mr. Bungle…10/10″ – Blistering

“…the densest, shiniest, more stadium-sized work to date.” – Stereogum

“The Meads of Asphodel are completely fucking brilliant, and The Murder of Jesus the Jew should silence any doubts of this fact with a resounding, deafening roar. A+” – Metal Army America

“Their English quirkiness is mixed together with punk undertones and old school black metal, whille experimenting with symphonic, orchestral, Middle Eastern and folk elements. 4/5″ – About.com

“…a masterpiece that delivers on every level. 10/10″ – Apoch’s Metal Review

“…I am incredibly proud of these true English heretics, and you should be, too. Incredible, genre destroying stuff.” – Metal Runs In My Veins

http://www.myspace.com/theofficialthemeadsofasphodel
http://www.candlelightrecords.usa.com
http://www.myspace.com/candlelightrecordsusa

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THE MEADS OF ASPHODEL Album Details Announced; Track Premiere Via Stereogum

Friday, November 19th, 2010

The upcoming fourth full-length release from the notorious UK act THE MEADS OF ASPHODEL, entitled The Murder of Jesus The Jew, is set for North American release via Candlelight Records on January 11, 2011, their first for the label. Continuing their notoriously bizarre integration of torrid black metal, infused with countless other styles, and the band’s unique style of theatrical storytelling, the madness runs rampant on the new album, sure to be one of the most talked about black metal releases of 2011.

Proof of this bizarre and intriguing genre-bending mastery can be witnessed today via a Stereogum premiere of THE MEADS OF ASPHODEL’s newly unleashed track “My Psychotic Sand Deity” HERE!

The Murder of Jesus The Jew Track Listing:

1. Boiled In Hell Broth And Grave Dust (Intro)
2. My Psychotic Sand Deity
3. Apocalypse Of Lazarus
4. Addicted To God
5. Stiller Of Tempests
6. Man From Kerioth
7. Dark Gethsemane
8. Jew Killer
9. Genesis Of Death
10. From Eagle To Cross
11. Apostle Of The Uncircumcised
12. A Canticle for the lost amputees of Aelia Capitolina who have been trampled under the iron shod hooves of salivating Hell Rams and impaled on the shimmering tusks of salvation within the abandoned tabernacle of a Bronze Age myth

After three well received demos in the late ’90s, the MEADS OF ASPHODEL signed to Supernal Music in 2000 and their debut album The Excommunication of Christ appeared in 2001. The narration/intro was voiced by AC Wild of cult Eighties Italian Black Metal band Bulldozer. Here began the bands long association with Hawkwind, as Huw Lloyd Langton played lead guitar on two tracks, including a cover of Hawkwind’s “Assault and Battery.” Whilst musically the MEADS veered away from the icy monotone fuzz blasts of what could be cited as traditional black metal, lyrically the band were, and ARE a black metal act. The second album, Exhuming the Grave of Yeshua, was released in 2003 and featured, Guest musicians, Huw Loyd Langton and Alan Davey (Hawkwind), Deorth (Ragnarok), Mirai (Sigh) and Paul; Carter (Thus Defiled). During 2004 and 2005 the band crafted the Damascus Steel album with input from Mirai (Sigh), Max Rael (History of Guns), and new associate, Alisa Coral from Russian Space rock band Space Mirrors. The album’s concept concerns the evil in human kind and the wanton slaughter in the name of God or whatever reason.

The brand new album The Murder of Jesus The Jew details the historical life of Jesus (Yeshua) the Jewish rabbi who was slaughtered on a tree by the Romans on a cold winters day 2000 years ago, and thereafter his people condemned to be pariahs of the earth due to Christian hatred. It is ironic that the Jewish roots of the Christian church have been erased and the blame of their man-god’s death cruelly placed upon a people already broken by the yoke of Roman imperialism. Truth is often blinded by faith, none more so than the story of Jesus and his maligned people.

+ + + + +

“The Meads of Asphodel have forged a path that can only be described as unorthodox, fusing together a multitude of genres flawlessly.” – Chronicles of Chaos

“…The Murder Of Jesus The Jew is the densest, shiniest, more stadium-sized work to date. Play it beside Cathedral’s The Guessing Game and A Forest Of Stars’s Opportunistic Thieves Of Spring for some truly bonkers UK heavy metal, circa 2010.” – Stereogum

“…more diverse than ever, with every track committing grave heresies against orthodox BM dogma, ranging from the jazzy vamping and ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’-style piano led narrative chorus of ‘Addicted To God’ through the acoustic blues stomp and bongo break of  ’Stiller Of Tempests’ to the moody trip-hop beat of ‘Dark Gethsemane’.” – Terrorizer

“UK weirdo black metallers the Meads of Asphodel take the light-speed black metal, carnival music, female operatic vocals, and rock-god guitar solos of Sigh and Cradle of Filth a few steps further into the abyss… kudos for the awesome and absurd experimentation of it all.” – Snowboard Canada

http://www.myspace.com/theofficialthemeadsofasphodel
http://www.candlelightrecords.usa.com
http://www.myspace.com/candlelightrecordsusa

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Candlelight New/Upcoming Release Info; U.S. Branch Prepares for 10th Anniversary

Thursday, November 11th, 2010

Candlelight Records have released an array of high quality albums this Autumn. Below is a brief wrap-up of the current new releases available for coverage now, and some of the amazing media reactions on each.

The second album from Philadelphia’s WOE has been finding solid early interest. Stereogum says, “Woe’s excellent Quietly, Undramatically“ sounds like what black metal from Philly should sound like, i.e. rough, dirty, dangerous, ballsy, no-bullshit.” MetalSucks says, “Woe have managed to craft something that gives you a good sense of the possibilities still existent in the genre. Undramatic my ass. This is the sound of black metal to come.” Released on October 12, the album is one fans of black metal (new and old) should not miss. WOE just completed a series of performances on the east coast (with friends/label mates Krieg). More shows will be announced shortly. Interviews with Chris Grigg are available on request

[http://quietly.woeunholy.com]

KRIEG return after a four-year hiatus with the release of The Isolationist. Noisecreep notes “Krieg have been terrorizing audiences and throwing a defiant middle finger in the air to all that oppose their nihilistic, anti-human views and vicious take on the blackened art since 1995.” Roadburn says the album has, “got all the black metal hallmarks tweaked to provide maximum effectiveness… The mood is suffocating and bleak. It’s relentless hideousness is truly a thing to behold, and with it, Krieg ably prove themselves as major contributors to US black metal.” KRIEG are finalizing plans for performances on the West Coast in early 2011; state tuned for details. Band founder Imperial is available for interviews on request.

[http://www.myspace.com/officialkrieg]

Fans have waited more than a decade to see if Sweden’s OCTOBER TIDE would craft another doom masterpiece. With A Thin Shell their wish has been granted. Blistering.com says, “A Thin Shell is an emotional pummeler; the type of album that leaves you out in the cold, but makes you come back for more. Brilliant.” Metal Review adds, “this seven-track doom/death metal trek through downtrodden atmosphere takes a chance or two, and it results in a very current and invigorating collection of songs.” Featuring former Katatonia guitarist Fredrik Norrman, OCTOBER TIDE is a record perfect for those dark autumn nights.

[http://www.octobertide.net]

WINTERFYLLETH are set to perform as part of the upcoming CandleFest in London on November 20. Their second album, The Mercian Sphere has been impressing European audiences and now its charm is available for American metalheads. Metal Underground says, “The Mercian Sphere succeeds in many ways as a record that can mesh the genre of folk with the extreme nature of black metal in a way that comes of sounding very British.” About.com adds, “Winterfylleth’s folk-ish black metal is performed with a meticulous attention to detail on their gripping second album.”  It is definitely a record to seek out for a listen. Vocalist/guitarist Chris Naughton and drummer Simon Lucas are available for interviews on request.

[http://www.myspace.com/winterfylleth]

Reviewing Engage the Mechanicality, the new album from Kansas-based DISKREET, TheNewReview writes, “Diskreet has created an absolutely punishing album filled to the brim with technical musicianship skillfully balanced with enough brute strength to keep the listener suspended by the throat for the entire ride. No frills, no fluff, just straight up audible obliteration.” Released on October 26, Engage the Mechanicality follows the band’s popular 2007 EP, Infernal Rise. Metal Register says, “Diskreet somehow manages the unlikely blend of blinding intensity, disguised melodies, and awe-inspiring riffage into a unique style of death metal.” Interviews with drummer Andy Taylor are available on request.

[http://www.myspace.com/diskreet]

Ominous is the debut album from Norway’s THE WRETCHED END. Featuring guitarist Samoth (Emperor/Zyklon), Cosmo (Mindgrinder/Scum) and Nils Fjellstrom (In Battle/Dark Funeral), the band has chiseled out a punishing album of intensely brutal metal. Apeshit.org jumped out early on review of the album saying, “Ominous embodies the qualities that (extreme) metal should possess: fierceness, technical prowess, great riffs, and a fist in the face delivery.” Metal Register adds, “Ominous is an amalgamation of both new and old styles of metal. From raw, driving vocals to shredding guitars to blast-beat drums, fans of thrash, death, and black metal will appreciate this album in the fact that is created on an unbiased template, though all three styles remain distinct.” Samoth is available for interviews on request.

[http://www.myspace.com/thewretchedend]

In 2011, CANDLELIGHT celebrates its 10-Year Anniversary in the US!  We kick off the year with releases from several new label artists.

There is nobody like England’s THE MEADS OF ASPHODEL. Their label debut, The Murder of Jesus the Jew, has been making incredible waves with European media on its most recent release. Americans are in for quite a treat with this album. Chronicles of Chaos says, “The Meads of Asphodel have forged a path that can only be described as unorthodox, fusing together a multitude of genres flawlessly.” Live 4 Metal adds, “their quirky Englishness, mixed with their flirtation with black metal and of course their crusty punk underbelly never fails to both amuse and impress.”  If you are up for the challenge, The Murder of Jesus the Jew will hit US and Canadian stores on January 11.

[http://www.myspace.com/theofficialthemeadsofasphodel]

Storm Manifesto is a special box set that spans the career of Norway’s ZYKLON. Featuring Emperor guitarist Samoth and drummer Trym with Myrkskog vocalist Secthdamon and guitarist Destructhor, Storm Manifesto contains all three of the band’s amazing albums plus previously unavailable material. Mark a reminder on your calendar to head to your favorite record shop on January 11.

Also coming in January we have label debuts from England’s EASTERN FRONT, Holland’s OBSIDIAN, and India’s DEMONIC RESURRECTION. January will also see the release of KRYOBURN’s second album, Three Years Eclipsed.

http://www.candlelightrecords.usa.com
http://www.myspace.com/candlelightrecordsusa

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