Metal

Three years may have passed since ‘Unending Degradation’ but KRYPTS have lost none of their excruciating power that made their debut album such a special one, erecting a bridge in between their homeland glorious and downtuned early 90’s glory and something even more sinister and doom- ladden. And the arrival in 2015 of Jukka Aho from GOREPHILIA on second guitar has done nothing to alter that rare chemistry, on the contrary… Just like its predecessor, ‘Remnants of Expansion’ reeks of that ancient feeling but dives even deeper into the abyss. Clocking altogether at 33 minutes, there’s something very majestic and solemn about its five songs. Like a serpent circling its prey, the Finns like to play shadow and it’s never truer than on the album’s opener, the monstrous 10 minutes + ‘Arrow of Entropy’. But its follow-up ‘The Withering Titan’ for instance starts off with Mongol throat chanting, two minutes later the listener is buried under a barrage to bury the listener under a deluge of blastbeats, only to let the instrumental title-track drown you in the cold and bottomless waters of funeral doom. Once again adorned with Timo Ketola cryptic artwork, ‘Remnants of Expansion’ is like a big haunted house at a top of a dead trees infested hill on the outskirts of town by a moonless night. Grand in scope, seemingly devoid of any human touch and yet towering over us like a malevolent entity. Behold. - written by Olivier "Zoltar" Badin Record Label: Dark Descent Records Style: Metal

Prog Rockers Fatal Fusion are set to release "Total Absence", their third full-length album, on the 25th November. The album is the follow up to the band's 2010 debut "Land of the Sun", and 2013's "The Ancient Tale", both of which received great reviews from the world press. Hailing from Oslo, Norway, Fatal Fusion's lineup comprises Erlend Engebretsen on Keyboards, Lasse Lie on Bass, Audun Engebretsen on Drums/Percussion, Stig Selnes on Guitar, and Knut Grøntvedt on Vocals. Unusually, the band not only utilizes the standard rock instruments used by bands today, but they also make use of "classical" rock instruments such as vintage synths, mellotron and hammond organ, which gives Fatal Fusion its distinctive sound. "Total Absence" shows a darker and more epic side of Fatal Fusion, a band that pays homage to the progressive rock bands from the 70´s, whilst, at the same time aiming to create its own unique sound, by blending in elements from different musical genres like hard rock, classical music, metal, blues, jazz, psychedelia, and Latin. Record Label: Karisma Records Style: Death Metal

Dutch derangers ENTRAPMENT delivers probably the band's most diverse third album to date with "Through Realms Unseen"! With that recognizable ENTRAPMENT stamp still very much prominent throughout "Through Realms Unseen", Michel Jonker and his morbid crew draw fresh blood off an assortment of Death n' Roll elements but never losing grip on the foreboding sound that ENTRAPMENT have always been known for. Once again darkness engulfs and their brand of rotten Death Metal will remain an imposing force amongst the peers. Recorded, mixed and mastered by JB Van Der Wal (ex-Aborted, ex-Leaves Eyes, ex-Atrocity, etc) and the majestically grotesque album artwork by renowned illustration-extraordinaire Marald Van Haasteren (Bolt Thrower, High On Fire, Wolfbrigade, etc) Record Label: Pulverised Style: Death Metal

Record Label: Inner Wound Recordings Style: Melodic Metal

The limited super-jewelcase version includes two bonus tracks! DEVILMENT — the British band led by vehement frontman Dani Filth of CRADLE OF FILTH, will release its new album, "II: The Mephisto Waltzes", on November 18 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. Highly entertaining, spooky and heavy: DEVILMENT are so much more than just a CRADLE OF FILTH side project! Record Label: Nuclear Blast Style: Metal

The Synarchy of Molten Bones" builds on a long legacy of excellence and emerges six years after "Paracletus", the previous full-length, and four years after "Drought", the final installment of a series of records that span over a decade of fanatic work. The band keeps pushing the boundaries of uncanny violence using their very own musical language, the language of spiritual perdition and dying hope: "Thou shalt reap lush reward for taking that solemn oath...thy heart shall breed the larvae of plagues and depletion will complement dearth in thy hapless pursuit of a merciful void. See ? Thy faith is not void of wonders!" Record Label: Season Of Mist Style: Black Metal

Reissue with two bonus tracks of the long out-of-print debut from Dead When I Found Her. Long out of print and fetching high prices on the used market, Dead When I Found Her's debut album finally gets a reissue. The new version updates the cover, adds two bonus tracks, and makes an excellent album even more excellent. Record Label: Artoffact Records Style: EBM/Electro

Record Label: Inner Wound Recordings Style: Heavy Metal

The music from Germany’s Craving carries influences of extreme metal, folk, power metal and classic with it to leave a real battlefield behind. Their self-titled debut and its follow-up “At Dawn” as well as numerous shows and festivals all over Europe (alongside Ensiferum, Equilibrium, o.a.) already proved the strength of the band and their songs. These also won over acts like Helge Stang (ex-Equilibrium), Nils Loeffler (Orden Ogan) and Chris Caffery (Savatage) who did gueat appearances. On their newest piece of work “By The Storm” the band is feistier than ever with a matured songwriting and a production that leaves enough space for all musical ingredients. Guitarist and singer Ivan Chertov produced the album on his own and once again left the mixing and mastering to Christoph Brandes (Finsterforst, Necrophagist, Imperium Dekadenz). Their passion for the literature of George R. R. Martin not only inspired their lyrics but it also lead to the idea of doing a cover-version of the “Game Of Thrones”-theme. This bonustrack rounds down the album perfectly. Record Label: Apostasy Records Style: Heavy Metal

Rotting Death Metal strikes back with a vengeance! Hailing from San Marcos, TX, Church of Disgust are heavily influenced by the morbid writings of Brian Keene, as well as the master of cosmic horror, H.P. Lovecraft. Musical influences include Cianide, Slugathor, early Death, Hellhammer, Autopsy and Bolt Thrower, but with no desire to simply follow or be written off as another old school throwback. Record Label: Memento Mori Style: Death Metal

Old school Finnish thrashers BLOODRIDE will be releasing their third album titled Planet Alcatraz through Inverse Records in November. On this album anger and frustration has risen to new level which can be seen on lyrical themes. Stupidity and selfishness of mankind gets loads of verbal hits this time. Musically these assaults are also very hard, brutal but sometimes even catchy. Album was recorded during at Peter´s Cross Studios between December 2015-May 2016 by Petteri Lammassaari and was mixed and mastered by Jarno Hänninen at D-Studio. Artwork is done by Niko Bauer from PoorAndStarving. Bloodride has been around since 2000 and have played many shows for example with acts like Exodus, Toxic Holocaust, Exhumed, Deathchain so these men really know how to thrash Record Label: Inverse Style: Trash Metal

Official re-issue of AZAGHAL’s legendary second album out of print for over a decade!!! AZAGHAL, Finland's top-selling black metal act, unleashes an official re-issue of their legendary second album "Helvetin Yhdeksän Piiriä". Out of print world-wide for over a decade, the band's milestone album finally receives a long-overdue re-release, featuring re-vamped layout and liner notes by band founder Narqath. "Helvetin Yhdeksän Piiriä", Finish for "Nine Circles of Hell", was originally released in 1999 and quickly sold through its first several pressings… One of Finland's oldest black metal bands with a vast catalog, including 10 full-length albums, countless ep's and splits, AZAGHAL require no introduction to metal fans world-wide. Performing a more bestial form of black metal in their early years, AZAGHAL's "Helvetin Yhdeksän Piiriä" exemplifies this approach, which alongside Impaled Nazarene's "Tol Cormpt Norz, Norz, Norz" and Horna’s "Kohti Yhdeksän Nousua", cemented the corner-stone of the now hugely popular and infamous Finish black metal sound. 17 years after its original release "Helvetin Yhdeksän Piiriä" is as ground breaking and relevant today as it was upon its initial release. Record Label: Moribund Records Style: Black Metal

KHONSU is an extreme metal band from Bergen, Norway that features guest appearances by members of KEEP OF KALESSIN and MANES. The music has a dark futuristic twist with a sinister blend of metal and electronic elements. In 2012 KHONSU signed with French label Season of Mist - sharing the roster with bands like MAYHEM and ROTTING CHRIST - and released their debut album “Anomalia”, which had Thebon from KEEP OF KALESSIN on vocals, later that year. It received great reviews and was praised for its high level of creativity, originality, and musicianship. Two years after their debut KHONSU self-released an EP entitled “Traveller". Today KHONSU consists of two main members: The masked and mysterious mastermind and multi-instrumentalist S. Gronbech - brother of Arnt “Obsidian C.” Gronbech from KEEP OF KALESSIN - and vocalist T’ol from Norwegian Death metal acts CHTON and KILLING FOR COMPANY. Before creating his own dark and twisted world with KHONSU, S. Gronbech had contributed on the highly acclaimed KEEP OF KALESSIN EP “Reclaim” back in 2003, which had Atilla Csihar from MAYHEM on vocals Record Label: Jhator Recordings Style: Metal

Record Label: Nuclear Blast Style: Metal

German melodic death metal act Words of Farewell will release the new album "A Quiet World" on November 18th via AFM Records! Record Label: Afm Records Style: Death Metal

Record Label: Nuclear Blast Style: Metal

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes! Southern California’s LIGHTNING STRIKES are set to unleash what it is their full-length debut album through PURE LEGEND RECORDS. Originally formed in 1985, LIGHTNING STRIKES were part of the then red hot L.A. metal scene and issued a now highly collectable 7” single, but became a casualty of war when line-up problems beset the band’s first incarnation and let to its early demise. It would be another quarter century before founding member/drummer Karpis Maksudian decided to pick up the pieces as it were and resurrect the dream. Joined by bassist Cat Tate (SNEW, RED AGAIN), another member of the original LIGHTNING STRIKES line-up, he began working on new material while pulling in a number of A-list players to fulfill his vision. Enter guitarist extraordinaire, Rob Math (LEATHERWOLF, PLAYER) and Brazilian vocalist Nando Fernandes (HANGAR), a recommendation by noted guitarist/producer Roy Z, who became the other two main protagonists in the new LIGHTNING STRIKES. Maksudian also reached out to Derek Sherinian (DREAM THEATER, KISS) to add keyboards and brought in a pair of stellar guest vocalists, Tony Martin of BLACK SABBATH fame, who is heard on ‘Death Valley’ and ‘301 AD Sin of Our Fathers’, as well as Noah, flamboyant frontman for Japanese rockers AVANCHICK, who adds a far Eastern flavor on ‘Kamikaze.’ Mixed by Roy Z (JUDAS PRIEST, BRUCE DICKINSON, HELLOWEEN) and mastered by Maor Appelbaum (HALFORD, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, ANVIL), ‘Lightning Strikes’ provides the listener with a formidable old school heavy rock experience, rooted in the vintage sounds of RAINBOW and DEEP PURPLE (the seldom covered ‘Our Lady’ is LIGHTNING STRIKES’ hat tip to the British masters) and classic 80’s power metal with an epic touch as espoused by Martin era BLACK SABBATH. Record Label: Pure Steel Records Gmbh Style: Metal

KHONSU is an extreme metal band from Bergen, Norway that features guest appearances by members of KEEP OF KALESSIN and MANES. The music has a dark futuristic twist with a sinister blend of metal and electronic elements. In 2012 KHONSU signed with French label Season of Mist - sharing the roster with bands like MAYHEM and ROTTING CHRIST - and released their debut album “Anomalia”, which had Thebon from KEEP OF KALESSIN on vocals, later that year. It received great reviews and was praised for its high level of creativity, originality, and musicianship. Two years after their debut KHONSU self-released an EP entitled “Traveller". Today KHONSU consists of two main members: The masked and mysterious mastermind and multi-instrumentalist S. Gronbech - brother of Arnt “Obsidian C.” Gronbech from KEEP OF KALESSIN - and vocalist T’ol from Norwegian Death metal acts CHTON and KILLING FOR COMPANY. Before creating his own dark and twisted world with KHONSU, S. Gronbech had contributed on the highly acclaimed KEEP OF KALESSIN EP “Reclaim” back in 2003, which had Atilla Csihar from MAYHEM on vocals Record Label: Jhator Recordings Style: Metal

Hobbs’ Angel of Death should be a household name for every well-informed thrash metal fan. Hailing from Melbourne, Victoria, the Australian band first started out as a solo project of main man and former Tyrus-guitarist Peter Hobbs, and one can rightfully say that they belong to the pioneers of mid-Eighties’ Australian thrash metal. The two demos “Angel of Death” and “Virgin Metal Invasion from Down Under” were followed by the self-titled debut album in 1988 which thrilled thrashers on both halves of the globe; 1995 saw the release of the sophomore album “Inheritance” and sadly, in spite of the cult status they had acquired in the meantime, Hobbs’ Angel of Death dissolved soon after its release. That could have been the end of it, but… In 2002 the band got reformed, signed a four-album deal the next year and have been alive and kicking ever since; and now they finally give their brand new album to the world; and it was about time, wasn’t it? Peter Hobbs himself gives a short account of what has happened since “Inheritance” came out: “Actually it's almost 23 years since ‘Inheritance’ was recorded. I've still been writing tunes and playing though, but it really kicked off again in 2010. Where has the time gone I ask myself!!?” Apart from Peter himself, the band has a completely new line-up that has only been playing together since 2013/14. Peter talks a bit about his new comrades-in-arms: “I travel a lot touring so I come across many people. I toured Europe and found Alessio. He needed a gig in Germany and I needed a show in Italy. From that meeting we have become great friends. He is actually like a son to me now. We have travelled many miles together from our first meeting in 2013.” If one has ever wondered why it regularly takes Peter so long to record and release new stuff, the answer may lie in his perfectionism: “I've recorded the new album three times. I was my goal to give to the industry a more mature album. The previous attempts were great but I was not totally satisfied with the results so I kept at it until I knew and felt that my achievement was made, and it clearly shines through within the new album. I believe that ‘Heaven Bled’ is just as great a the earlier albums, all written and produced by myself for a wider range of musical tastes and catering for more people in all fields of metal.” Some people say that Hobbs’ Angel of Death play thrash metal in the Slayer vein while Peter himself refers to his music as “virgin metal”, an “untainted and pure form of metal”. Is this also true for “Heaven Bled”? “I'm glad you brought that question up. I played just before Slayer in Finland at Jalomettalii 2013 - a thirty year wait! I asked Kerry King the question if he felt or thought or heard that Hobbs’ was a Slayer cover band. His reply was ‘I've heard of Hobbs’ Angel of Death but no, you have your own style compared to us !!!!!!’ But it's a fact, I love Slayer!!!!!!” So, looks like this question has been answered once and for all. As said above, Peter wrote all the music for the new album and did all the arrangements himself. “I've been doing this since day one. I’ve had the songs on the new album in the works for many years, some of them I even wrote almost 30 years ago. I revamped some old riffs with the modern feel and it's paid off for the release of ‘Heaven Bled’.” Even though it seems to be a good guess, the opener “Il monstro di Firenzi” is not a contribution by bassist Alessio “Cane” Medici: “I had written this song some time ago but I was still looking for a title. A lot of my tunes are inspired by history, just like the cult song ‘Jack the Ripper’ from our debut album. Here it was the same: I did some research of where the murders where committed by the Florence monster and I actually walked around the areas and felt the ground and breathed the air and tried to put my self within the same frame of mind as these serial killers, so the song just fell into place.” “Heaven Bled” was recorded at the West Link Studio in Italy: “I had arranged to meet the engineer to get a feel of him and his studio. I walked in and saw the old school sound craft desk!!!!! I was at home and I new from seeing his equipment that Ovi could get me the sound I wanted, so I made the right choice. I'm very happy with the product, I knew exactly what I wanted and had full focus on every result.” When the debut came out Hobbs’ Angel of Death gained some early fame as “the other remarkable Australian thrash metal band besides Mortal Sin.” With the next album German Rock Hard magazine even went so far as to ask if they were “the better Slayer”. Peter’s comment on this: “Wow, I'm being called the better Slayer! I'm overwhelmed with that statement, but to be honest, it's not the first time I've heard that…everyone who knows me does know that I put my heart and soul into what I do as a professional, on the road and off the road. When touring I give it my full passion and execute the job as sincerely as I can.” Mr. Hobbs seems to be quite satisfied to see his new endeavour coming out on High Roller Records: “I’ve always had respect for companies that are trying to keep the industry alive, and High Roller Records is one of them, so I felt that we are on the same side and could work together as a team, and I'm sure we will put out some top quality in every aspect.” The album will come with a 7inch that contains a version of “Depopulation” from the “Inheritance” album, and another song called “Suicide”. Peter explains why he decided to include this little extra: “I wrote the song ‘Suicide’ many years ago and I wanted it to be on an album; it has a great 80s feel about it. ‘Depopulation’ was more or less a bonus track. One day I will re-record “Inheritance” and revamp these songs, but for now let's concentrate on one thing at a time.” He’s surely right, and the thing to concentrate on is of course the new album “Heaven Bled”: “My plan is to continue to tour world-wide and to promote this new Hobbs’ album and move it into the cult status the debut already has ...” Peter knows of course that this status would mean nothing if it wasn’t for his loyal Hobbs’ fans, thus his last words here go to them: “I’d like to thank all Hobbs’ supporters for the love and respect from people that is greatly given to me. You all have my respect in full return and I look forward seeing you all again on tour. Record Label: High Roller Records Style: Trash Metal

HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY is a young black metal/post-rock band from Vienna, Austria. The band was formed by M.S. in December 2011 with the idea to perform black metal that’s rough and melodic at the same time. M.S. wrote and recorded a couple of songs and asked his friend J.J. for lyrical input. That’s when J.J. joined the project as vocalist and HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY was born. During the spring of 2012, the band recorded their self-titled debut album, which was released via Art of Propaganda in October 2012. At the end of 2012 and into the following year, the band already played a handful of shows with bands like Fäulnis, Heretoir, and Whiskey Ritual which led them to Austria, Germany, and Italy. During the autumn and winter of 2013, HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY recorded their second album, Aokigahara. As a tasty tidbit, Aokigahara contains guest vocals from other noteworthy black metal musicians, such Torsten (Agrypnie), Eklatanz (Heretoir), Seuche (Fäulnis), and Cristiano (Whiskey Ritual). An album release tour will take place from April 21-24 with the bands Eis & Fäulnis. In October 2014, HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY will embark upon a 10-day European tour with Agrypnie, with other shows to come throughout the year Record Label: Art Of Propaganda Style: Black Metal