Necrophobic - 'Pesta' Video

Necrophobic have very recently released the official video for the track titled 'Pesta', from this year's Mark of The Necrogram album. This band represents some of the best aspects of a blackened approach to death metal, and this video is worth watching. 

Swedish Bands To Deliver The Goods In February

Two very different sounding bands, both hailing from Sweden, are set to release new albums this February.

First out of the gate is Grimner, a folk metal band from Motala. They play a style similar to Månegarm while adding their own unique elements. 'Frost Mot Eld', which was released in 2016 was easily one of my favourite albums of that particular year. 'Vanadrottning' will be available on February 9, 2018.

Stockholm's Necrophobic will be dropping their new album on February 23rd, 2018. Titled 'Mark Of The Necrogram', it promises to be a proficiently solid blackened death metal release. This is one band that hasn't managed to achieve much recognition, but has none-the-less put out some fantastic albums. With nearly five years in between albums, I'm certainly looking forward to this one.

The Best Of 2017

I was far from diligent in reviewing new releases in 2017; that much is evidenced from the serious lack of posts doing just that. With all of the "top releases of 2017" lists coming out in December, and my difference of opinion from most of them, I wanted to share my top picks of last year. Keep in mind that these are my FAVOURITES, highly subjective to my own personal taste in metal.

Top Five (from well-known bands):

Belphegor - Totenritual
Blackened death metal (Austria)

Entrails - World Inferno 

Death metal (Sweden)

Cut Up - Wherever They May Rot

Death metal (Sweden)

Kreator - Gods Of Violence

Thrash metal (Germany)

King Of Asgard - Taudr

Viking metal (Sweden)

Local Picks:

My favourite releases from bands I've had the opportunity to see live and watch grow over the last few years. If you're into the style of metal they play, I'd recommend checking out these albums. Admittedly, there are a few of my Canadian favourites from whom I failed to pick up albums from in 2017. 

Körperlose Stimme

Blackened death metal (Canada)

Forsaken Rite 

Folk metal (Canada)

"Only Print Is Real" - An Article You Should Read

I recently read a really good article about the interest in books about extreme metal titled ‘Only Print Is Real: How We Entered the Golden Age of Extreme Metal Books’ by Kevin Stewart-Panko. I believe the article is published in the September issue of Decibel magazine, but I found it through Decibel’s website. As a fairly avid reader, and someone who has a shelf full of music related reading material, I was immediately interested.

I own several of the books mentioned in the article. Sounds Of The Beast is one that I bought but still haven’t managed to read in entirety. Honestly, I found it pretty dry but it is a history book, after all. I bought Lords Of Chaos years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it, even on the first read, when I was just beginning to discover black metal. Even if the stories are embellished, it’s an entertaining read and piques the curiousity into investigating the events described further. I also have Swedish Death Metal by Daniel Ekeroth and have read most of it (although completely out of order). It’s one that I really want to take the time to sit down and go through, page by page, while listening to the albums discussed. It’s an amazing resource for anyone interested in the Swedish death metal scene, full of great writing, interesting interviews, rare pictures and comprehensive lists.

One of the statements in the ‘Only Print Is Real’ article that should ring true with any ‘younger’ extreme metal listener is that these books are now allowing events to be placed into context. Which can only happen once some period of time has passed. Many of the authors of these books were there experiencing the beginnings of certain metal scenes. The author mentions that the ‘younger’ fans missed a large part of the history as it was happening, which is entirely true. Although I don’t consider myself that young anymore, I’m certainly young enough to have missed out on most of that history. The article also states that it’s hard to understand the context of albums twenty years later when listening in isolation, but many of these books are now able to provide that context for those who want to know.

Another discussion point of the article that rang particularly true to myself regards creating a different mental atmosphere with printed media, as opposed to the rapid-fire digital information dispersal that so many now rely on. There are merits to both, but I prefer a physical book when I want to delve deeply into a topic. Books allow for so much more focus, free of pop-up ads, distractions and random interruptions. Plus they have a better flow. These are the same reasons why I often still write drafts of ideas, reviews or papers by hand, even though it’s more time consuming.

For anyone who has ever given a thought to the merits of books or physical copies of music as opposed to digital dispersal of the same, this article is worth reading.

https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2017/09/13/print-real-entered-golden-age-extreme-metal-books/#.WblGS9d6DSU.facebook

Entrails Reveal New Album Details

Entrails is one of my favourite bands, so naturally I began to get excited a few months ago when it was first revealed that they'd be releasing their fifth album this year. Today the details for the new album have been revealed.

With a release date of June 16th, fans don't have to wait long to get their hands on more of bombastic, no compromises Swedish death metal that Entrails is known for. Titled 'World Inferno', it promises to be good.

The track listing will be as follows:

1. World Inferno
2. Condemned To The Grave
3. Serial Murder (Death Squad)
4. The Soul Collector
5. Dead And Buried
6. Insane Slaughter
7. Into Eternal Fire
8. Suffer
9. The Hour Of The Casket
10. The Blood Breed

The band has also released a single from 'World Inferno' titled "The Soul Collector":

For more info and pre-order options, check out Metal Blade's site:

http://www.metalblade.com/us/news/entrails-reveals-details-for-new-album-world-inferno/
http://www.metalblade.com/entrails/

Evocation - 'Condemned To The Grave' Video

As a frequent listener of the Swedish variety of death metal, I have a hard time believing I haven't listened to more of Evocation's material. They're set to release a new album titled "The Shadow Archetype" on March 10th. After hearing the already released tracks, 'Condemned To The Grave' stands as my favourite so far.

Give 'Condemned To The Grave' a watch:

Vampire Set To Release Their Latest Offering

Vampire will be releasing their latest offering, titled 'With Primeval Force', on April 21st. When I want stripped down, raw, uncompromising death metal, I look to Vampire. Having thoroughly enjoyed their self-titled debut, I'm looking forward to the upcoming second album from these Swedes.

For a taste of what's in store, take a few minutes to listen to "Ghoul Wind", which will appear on 'With Primeval Force'.

Interment - Scent Of The Buried Review

Track Listing:

Death and Decay

Sinister Incantation

Chalice Of Death

Repugnant Funeral

Scent of the Buried

Rise of the Dead

Unholy Upheaval

Dawn of Blasphemy

Skull Crushing Carnage

Nailed to the Grave

Interment have been around for a long time, forged out of the depths of the late 80’s Swedish death metal scene. Although having years of material under their belts, this is a band that has only released two full length albums, having put out a number of demos and appeared on a number of splits throughout the years. Interment are described as ‘Swedish old school death metal’, and this is an apt description. 

‘Scent Of The Buried’ demonstrates that Interment deserve their rightful place amidst others of the same sub-genre. This album hits all of the right notes that one would expect from Swedish death metal, making it a good choice if that’s what you’re into. It’s not groundbreaking, but it certainly is packed full of the brutality you’d expect from veterans of the Swedish death metal scene. It chugs along in the right places, interspersed by faster pieces and tempos that change enough to pique interest. The vocal style of Johan Jansson is reminiscent of that of Unleashed’s vocalist, which allows for a nice melding of vocals with the various tracks on the album. This is a straightforward, honest, brutal album. All in all, exactly what this listener enjoys about Swedish death metal. 

Best tracks:

Sinister Incantation, Scent Of The Buried, Nailed To The Grave

Amon Amarth Kills It In Calgary - A Live Review

Amon Amarth with Entombed A.D. & Exmortus

May 14th, 2016

MacEwan Hall, Calgary

“The Vikings have landed!” might as well have been the war cry heard throughout the province on the evening that Amon Amarth prepared to play their only Alberta date on the tour. With an amazing lineup, this particular show was highly anticipated and drew metalheads from hours away. Met by chainmailed and helmeted viking sentinels upon entering the venue, the anticipation was tangible. 

Exmortus opened the show, shredding their way through a blistering set. Touring on the back of their latest album, ‘Ride Forth’, it was unfortunate that many fans were still trying to get into the venue or caught up in the merchandise line for their set. Although only being afforded a rather short set, Exmortus proved that they belong with the other heavy hitters in the lineup. 

Entombed A.D., still somewhat synonymous with the original Entombed, played to a fuller house even though people were still trying to get in the doors halfway through their set. For the old-school death metal fans in the audience it was quite a treat to witness L.G. Petrov and crew playing a few classic Entombed songs as well as some of the newer, more death n’roll styled material. 

Photo by the talented Dana Zuk.

Amon Amarth stormed onto stage, ripping into “Pursuit of Vikings”. The Swedes played to a packed house with a well-rounded set of older and newer material. Although more focus was placed on material from ‘Jomsviking’, enough of the classics were played to keep even long-time Amon Amarth fans satisfied. The elaborate stage props, consisting of a giant viking-helmet drum riser and several different backdrops, added to the ambiance of the set. Chainmailed vikings battling with swords and shields enhanced many of the songs from the ‘Jomsviking’ album. “First Kill” seemed a crowd favorite, while “Runes To My Memory” was one that proved a favorite with certain segments of the audience. While it would have been wickedly awesome to witness L.G. Petrov handling some of the vocals to “Guardians Of Asgaard”, as he did on the ‘Twilight Of The Thunder God’ album, it wasn’t to be. Amon Amarth demonstrated yet again why they have gained popularity in recent years. Playing a tight set, carried by the powerful vocals of Johan Hegg, these vikings once again kicked some serious ass. 

The first all-ages Amon Amarth show I’ve witnessed was truly packed with those of all ages. From little metalheads dressed in chainmail with battleaxes to old-school metalheads who were likely listening to Swedish death metal when Entombed A.D. was known as Nihilist and before the release of ‘Left Hand Path’ this show represented multiple generations of metalheads. From the frenzied, mixed stylings of Exmortus, to the classic-death metal influences of Entombed, to the never disappointing and always energetic, perfectly melodic death metal viking anthems of Amon Amarth, it was a show that wasn’t to be missed.

Amon Amarth set to release 'Jomsviking' on March 25th

It's no secret that Amon Amarth is one of my favourite bands. A new album was barely even on my radar when I posted about upcoming albums this year, but this is how you do it right. I like how there wasn't much (if any) hype leading up to an announcement. There were a few veiled teasers, and then suddenly, an announcement of a release date and tour dates all at once. Needless to say, I'm highly anticipating this one. Amon Amarth has never failed to disappoint me, and I'm sure this album won't either.

While the band is skipping the city closest to me on this tour, I'm definitely making a road trip to see Amon Amarth live. Especially since Entombed A.D. and Exmortus are opening. Seriously, that's a pretty sick lineup.

'Jomsviking' is a concept album in that it will tell a story from beginning to end.

The track listing is as follows:

1. First Kill
2. Wanderer
3. On A Sea Of Blood
4. One Against All
5. Raise Your Horns
6. The Way Of Vikings
7. At Dawn's First Light
8. One Thousand Burning Arrows
9. Vengeance Is My Name (bonus track on certain editions)
10. A Dream That Cannot Be (featuring Doro Pesch)
11. Back On Northern Shores



Take a look at the video for "First Kill":

Grave - 'Redeemed Through Hate' track

This year is shaping up to be a good one for Swedish death metal. I recently became aware that Grave will also be releasing a new album in October. Entitled “Out Of Respect For The Dead”, this will be another that I’ll be adding to my collection. 

‘Redeemed Through Hate’, a track that will be on the upcoming album, has been released as an introduction to what can be expected from “Out Of Respect For The Dead”. I like this track. It’s angry, it’s heavy, and it’s what I would hope for from Grave. I like their last release (Endless Procession of Souls), and subsequently found myself getting more engrossed with Grave after catching them live on the Barge to Hell cruise several years ago. This track promises a solid album; you can check it out here:

Grave - Redeemed Through Hate

Firespawn - 'Lucifer Has Spoken' Video

Firespawn is a newly formed death metal band featuring several well-known and highly respected musicians from the Swedish death metal scene. With members from Entombed, Unleashed, Necrophobic and Dark Funeral, this is another new project with some serious credentials to back it up. Firespawn’s debut album will be released in November although the band has chosen to put out a limited release EP to precede this date. (The EP was released on August 7th). 

Watching the video for ‘Lucifer Has Spoken’, the feeling of blasphemy that Firespawn will be aiming for is apparent. Between the stellar lineup of musicians behind this project and the debut video, I’m intrigued enough that I will be picking up the album upon its release. 

Entrails "Obliteration" Review

I admit that I wrote this review a while ago, in close conjunction with the release of the album, and realized that I completely neglected to post it. Late might be better than never, so enjoy and give it a listen if you haven't already.

Track Listing:

1. No Cross Left Unturned
2. Epitome Of Death
3. Beyond The Flesh
4. The Grotesque
5. Obliterate
6. Skulls
7. Midnight Coffin
8. Bonestorm
9. Abyss Of Corpses
10. Re-Animation Of The Dead 

The ominous bells of ‘No Cross Left Unturned’ set the tone for a great death metal album. Every track on “Obliteration” exemplifies a modern take on the classic Swedish death sound. There is no straying away from the murderous and horror-flavored themes on this album, which is exactly what I love about Entrails. It’s undeniably catchy, which isn’t necessarily a phrase that can be associated with death metal (and which I’m reluctant to do, since it’s usually associated with radio-friendly, pop-ish junk). But to this death metal fan, the choruses are such that I feel like growling along with each one and headbanging in between. ‘Epitome Of Death’ and ‘Bonestorm’ are perfect examples of this. ‘Midnight Coffin’ may very well be my pick as one of the top tracks from the album due to the ominous atmosphere induced in the intro which then breaks into something more horrific. There is a nice blend of slower-paced and more upbeat tempos within “Obliteration”, providing a respite and a bit of an adrenaline rush at the right times. 

Furthermore, this is an album that makes me unknowingly break speed limits while cruising on the highway. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the tempo and forget to glance at the speedometer, headbanging the entire trip. (Perhaps not objective, but I find this as a way in which I often judge albums). A word to the wise: keep your eyes out for police or speed traps if you listen to “Obliteration” in your vehicle. Unless you have the cash to fork over for speeding tickets. 

I struggle to find a weak point within “Obliteration”. It may be a bit more polished than some of the previous Entrails albums, but this is to be expected with progression over the years. “Obliteration” still contains enough of that rawness that it can get away with being slightly more polished as the roots of the band are still obvious and remain strong. It’s no secret that I have immensely enjoyed each album that Entrails has released to date, and this one is no exception. While I doubt “Obliteration” will become my favorite album by these Swedes, it will definitely be in contention for my favorite album this year. 

Vampire Interview, courtesy of Towards The Inevitable

http://towardstheinevitable.com/vampire-interview-2015/

For anyone who is interested in Vampire, I dare say that this interview is a must-read. Published today by the site Towards The Inevitable, it is an insightful piece chalked full of interesting perspectives. While it doesn't speak much about the self-titled album released last year, it does go into depth about several of the other projects that Vampire has and is working on.

The band is set to release a mini-LP entitled 'Cimmerian Shade', which was previously unknown to me. The interview provides background and information regarding the release of this LP, which will only be available on vinyl and as a digital download for the time being. (Personally, I'm hoping for a CD release at some point as I am not a fan of digital downloads and I'm not really a vinyl collector either).

I appreciate the discussion of the video for "The Fen", a track from the self-titled release. It truly is a brilliant piece of work, drawing on so many dark, psychological factors. Borrowing directly from vocalist Hand Of Doom, the video is distinctly Scandinavian and creates an interesting discussion within the interview. There are some unique and intelligent insights in this interview and it's worth checking out.

Unleashed - 'Dawn Of The Nine' Review

Dawn Of The Nine:

1. A New Day Will Rise
2. They Came To Die
3. Defenders Of Midgard
4. Where Is Your God Now?
5. The Bolt Thrower
6. Let The Hammer Fly
7. Where Churches Once Burned
8. Land Of The Thousand Lakes
9. Dawn Of The Nine
10. Welcome The Son Of Thor!

Having finally found the time to sit down and listen to ‘Dawn of The Nine’ track by track in its entirety, I recommend that any death metal fan do the same. Unleashed certainly aren’t rewriting the book on the genre, but they are demonstrating why they continue to be a band at the forefront of the stripped down, old school, Swedish death sound. 

‘Dawn Of The Nine’ is the twelfth studio album from these masters. It doesn’t experiment with new directions, it doesn’t attempt to be more “mainstream” friendly, it doesn’t attempt to reach out to a new segment of fans like so many other bands I’ve loved have attempted to do in recent years. Instead, it continues to embrace what myself (and doubtlessly others) find appealing about the band. ‘Dawn Of The Nine’ is simple in a pure, unadulterated fashion that makes me want to drink beer, bang my fist on the table and headbang along. 

Johnny Hedlund’s vocals are menacingly distinct, snarling yet understandable. This album makes you feel like joining the viking hordes and fighting battles alongside them, burning churches and crushing the White Christ. The slower segments, which I was not fond of on the first couple listens, have grown on me and enhance the atmosphere woven throughout the album. Delving into the story, it’s antagonistic, as evidenced by tracks such as “Where Is Your God Now” and “Where Churches Once Burned”. Songs like these are relevant in so many different ways, and so many different interpretations. The outro to “Where Churches Once Burned” creates a gloomy atmosphere, enabling one to imagine the silence and calm of a coming dawn after watching flames lick a darkened sky. 

Speaking of a reawakening of Thor, and the rise of a mighty (mythologically) based return of Viking values, ‘Dawn Of The Nine’ does not disappoint on the promise of continuing where ‘Odalheim’ left off. It proves that Unleashed is still hungry, still uncompromising and still an exemplary choice when it comes to viking/pagan influenced death metal. 

My favorite tracks: Where Churches Once Burned, The Bolt Thrower, Dawn Of The Nine, Where Is Your God Now?

'Cut Up' to Release Debut Album

Featuring two members of the now disbanded Swedish death metal legends Vomitory, Cut Up is a relatively new band set to release their debut album. According to the band’s bio on the Metal Blade site, fans should be able to expect “violent, catchy, groovy and grinding death metal”. Upon watching the video for “Burial Time”, this is a pretty accurate description. This album holds promises of being loaded with beautifully horrific death metal, perfect for those who enjoy the genre. 

June 30th is the worldwide release date, with ‘Forensic Nightmares’ being available a few days earlier in some countries. 

The track listing:

1. Enter Hell
2. Burial Time
3. Remember The Flesh
4. A Butchery Improved
5. Brain Cell Holocaust
6. Forensic Nightmare
7. Camouflesh
8. Order Of The Chainsaw
9. Stab And Stab Again
10. Bunker Z16
11. Dead And Impaled

For more info and preorders:

http://www.metalblade.com/cutup/

https://www.facebook.com/cutupofficial

Entrails - "Midnight Coffin"

In anticipation of the release of Entrails' upcoming album, they have released another track for consumption. The writers at Metal Blade and Bloody Disgusting have summed up 'Midnight Coffin' pretty succinctly, and much better than I can. I'm beyond excited for 'Obliteration' to be released!

From the Metal Blade newsletter:

As a precursor to its official release, today popular gore portal, Bloody Disgusting, delivers the flesh-eating rumble of seventh track, "Midnight Coffin" for communal ingestion. Elaborates guitarist Jimmy Lundqvist, "It's about time to unleash some ENTRAILS madness! The sick melodies and d-beat will have your head fall off and roll into the midnight coffin. Join the hordes and let death and darkness embrace you. Welcome to the cemetery!"

Adds Bloody Disgusting, "'Midnight Coffin' is a rasping, forceful lump of oldschool Swedish death that pulls no punches. It reeks of cemetery miasma and exudes horrific images. It's 100% absolutely meant for the horror metal fan and you should pay heed."

 Listen to 'Midnight Coffin' on Bloody Disgusting's site:
http://bloody-disgusting.com/news/3341028/entrails-midnight-coffin-song-premiere-exclusive/

Vampire - "The Night It Came Out Of The Grave"

       
       Originally released on the demo in 2012; it's too bad this song didn't make the self titled debut released last year. Raw, old-school feeling, with an undeniable horror aesthetic, this is what I like about death metal. On a different note, the style of Vampire honestly reminds me a little bit of Possessed. Which is certainly not a detriment.

The Night It Came Out Of The Grave
Lyrics: (from Encyclopedia Metallum)

 The night it came out of the grave was a night I shall never forget.
From my window with view I could see a horrible shadow draw near.
The night it came out of the grave the altar was slippery wet with 
the blood of a bold sacrifice which made powers unheard of arise.

Open grave - howling gate.
On my way down to hell.

The nights it comes out of the grave there's a pungent smell in the air
and the promise of bittersweet gloom as this figure is returning home.
The nights it comes out of the grave the moon sends a faltering glare 
over vales where the horror roams free and no living soul is to be seen.

At night I come out to the grave to remember and never forget.
Among the stones and the hight tufts of grass I kneel down to atone for the past.
At night I come out to the grave to make peace with the doom of regret,
and this feeling flows forth like a wave when at night it comes out of the grave.

Vampire - "The Fen" Video

      

          “The Fen” is a track from Vampire’s self titled album released in March 2014. The entire album proved capable of creating a strong atmosphere that supports the horror-themed leanings of this death metal band from Sweden. “The Fen” is exemplary in doing so. 

        Vocalist Hand of Doom has stated that the video “does a good job at accentuating the moods of the music”, and this writer readily agrees. “The Fen” was easily one of the most emotionally evocative songs on ‘Vampire’, bolstered by a very atmospheric and moody opening. Video director Daniel Garptoft can be quoted as saying that “the video for ‘The Fen’ is where old school horror goes hand in hand with an evil soundtrack of old school death metal”. 

Perhaps the perfect melding of old-school death metal and horror aesthetic, wrapped in a refreshing underground package, is what attracted me to Vampire in the first place. The self-titled album was easily one of my favorite releases last year, and this video is nothing short of an excellently disturbing take on an already resonant song. 

Link: http://bloody-disgusting.com/news/3333513/vampire-fen-music-video-premiere-exclusive/

Entrails - "Beyond The Flesh"

A few days ago, Entrails released "Beyond The Flesh" as a teaser track for their upcoming release titled 'Obliteration'. I like what I'm hearing. It's the same brutal, old-school sounding, Swedish death metal that I love. While some seem to have an issue with the revival of sound similar to old Entombed, old Grave, old Unleashed etc, this is a style that I will never bore of. Entrails is been one of my most listened to band for some time now, and I can't wait until this album comes out in May. 

From the MetalBlade newsletter, summed up pretty eloquently:

Swedish death metal overlords, ENTRAILS, will unleash the putrid fruits of their newest studio offering this May via Metal Blade Records. Fittingly dubbed, Obliteration, the follow-up to 2013's Raging Death full-length was tracked by guitarist Jimmy Lundqvist at his own "Bloodshed Studios" and mixed and mastered by legendary musician/soundsmith Dan Swanö (Edge Of Sanity, Bloodbath, Aeon, Hail Of Bullets etc.) at Unisound. Featuring ten mangled tracks of sonic malevolence, Obliteration carries on the torch of true, old school Swedish brutality.


Comments Lundqvist: "Finally, we can unleash this beast named Obliteration to the fans out there, this time with a more driven and raw style that shall taste good to everyone's ears if you're into the older simplified death metal that we prefer to play. Recorded in our own Bloodshed Studios and mixed by the mighty Dan Swanö nothing else but slabby Swedeath can be served."

'Beyond The Flesh' limited shirt.

Metal Blade has preorders available. I'm torn between just the album, and the t-shirt bundle. Also, if you haven't seen it yet, Entrails has suggested they will be re-printing a limited shirt they just released if there is enough interest. It is similar to the 'Cemetery Horrors'  shirt and the 'Curse of Death' shirt, both of which are in my possession. This is a band that makes my decision of what to order for merchandise incredibily difficult, as I love the vast majority of the artwork they have used. I'm quite tempted to order a 'Beyond The Flesh' shirt if it is re-printed. In the interest of rounding my collection out, of course.

Preorder t-shirt bundle.