News: Darkthrone

20 years later, A Blaze In The Northern Sky by Norwegian Black Metal band Darkthrone is about to be re-released.
This special edition comes in digibook format with extra liner notes from Fenriz and Nocturno Culto. It also contains previously unreleased images, as well as a video interview with Fenriz and Nocturno Culto from 2003.

Release date should be the 5th of November 2012, but you can pre-order it just now.

Tracklist:

Disc 1 

1. Kathaarian Life Code 
2. In The Shadow Of The Horns 
3. Paragon Belial 
4. Where The Cold Winds Blow 
5. A Blaze In The Northern Sky 
6. The Pagan Winter

Video interview with Nocturno & Fenriz 

Disc 2 
Same as above tracks, but with commentary from Fenriz

Read more in:

https://www.burningshed.com/store/peaceville/product/261/4167/

News: Anaal Nathrakh

A new song from the new album of Black Metal UK band Anaal Nathrakh is available for streaming now, on the YouTube link bellow. The song is called Of Fire, And Fucking Pigs.
New album Vanitas should come out later this year through Candlelight Records.





Read more in: 
http://www.facebook.com/Anaalnathrakhofficial

Interview with Arcanum Inferi (ITA)

This time, Lachryma Christi has the pleasure of presenting you an interview with the Italian Black Metal band Arcanum Inferi. Very influenced by everything that is esoteric and magic, Arcanum Inferi just released their first full-length Ars Hermetica. Let's see what their drummer Frozen has to tell us.

What does the name Arcanum Inferi mean?

Granted that it is not simple to describe the meaning of the name in a few words, I can tell you that they are two words that sum up our message: "Arcanum" comes from "ark" (so a mean which transports and hides at the same moment), while "Inferi" comes from "Im" plus "ferre", that means "to take into". For whoever has experience with the Left Hand Path, the link appears evident...


You are very influenced by all that is esoteric and magic. Would you like to explain a bit about that passion? How did it start?

The band was born from those influences...
Each of us follows his own way, we are solitary experimenters, so each of us has his own "specific competences" and his own way to face this world, but surely we do have in common to act in a solitary way, without aggregating to any kind of sect or similar bullshit...that one, for me, would be stoop to compromise: something unacceptable.
It is not simpe to define correctly the moment when you approach to the occult world, I believe that you are already on the road, a road that you choose by instinct, in an absolute irrational way.

Which bands have influenced you the most?

No one, each of us appreciate some bands (or some scene) more than others, but there are four different point of views...so, as Arcanum Inferi, we cannot say to have been influenced by a particular band. 


When you compose, what comes first? How does it really work for Arcanum Inferi?

Sometimes we start from music, sometimes from lyrics...Anyway both things are deeply linked. From the compositions point of view, we usually start with a riff or a bass line, and thereafter the track is developed from all of us. Sometimes are the lyrics themselves to inspire music, maybe a melody that you've got in your head while you're writing, or a whisper which seems to arrive from the inside. Even in this case, rationality cannot give all the responses.

How did the idea of the split "In Tenebris Flamma Trinitas" with Valefar (ITA) and Lux Maesta (ITA) came up? 

Valefar and Lux Maesta are more than two bands with who we have a split, they are our brothers who follow the same way...we wanted to set some of our opinions in music, and their meaning is contained in the split's title and in its tracks.


How have the reactions of the public been to your first full-length "Ars Hermetica" (2012) been? Are you happy with the results?

Too many people seem to have really appreciated the final result of our work. The comments were concerned both melodies and themes treated (but,  as I said before, both things are always linked); reviews were all positive, and after the release of the album we have also received different offers for some live shows...
From our point of view I can say that we are satisfied, obviously with hindsight is always simple to churn out set phrases like "yes, it could have been better" or "this part had to be arranged like this", but these are phrases that get no outcome...
What we are interested in is to get the message across people, and it seems that this is happening now.

How do you see the Black Metal Underground scene in Italy?

Italy is a Country full of great valuable artists. The underground world is full of incredible musicians that, obviously, are placed in valid bands...unfortunately we have a shameful "organizational politics" which prevent music from having the right space to express itself, and moreover there are some fellows, who I prefer to omit the name, that confuse Art with notoriety...someone calls them posers, I prefer calling them dickheads.

What are your plans for playing live in the near future?

As I was saying before, after the release of Ars Hermtica, we have received some offers to play live, offers that we value anytime. For the moment I cannot give you an assured date, but I believe that we are going to make some live shows within this year.
Let's see what happens...

What is in store for Arcanum Inferi after this new album? What can we expect? 

We have already lots of new tracks that will take part in another probable split and in next work (maybe and EP), meanwhile we have been contacted by some label which would like to record our works. We're evaluating everything.
For the moment we are working on those new tracks and enjoy our Black Art inside our rehearsal studio.
I think that we will have another release for the beginning of the next year, but I can't tell you exactly when.

Any message you would like to leave to your followers?

Nosce Te Ipsum... and fuck the rest.

Lineup: 

Baram - Vocal
Maagher Kxeratum - Guitar
Sethyel - Bass
Frozen - Drums

Latest release:

"Ars Hermetica" (2012)

You can find more information and music of Arcanum Inferi on: 

http://www.facebook.com/Arcanum.Inferi

http://www.myspace.com/arcanuminferi

News: Belphegor

Black Metal band from Austria, Belphegor, are recording a new album, which has no title yet.
You can watch the first in a serie of webisodes of behind-the-scenes on the video below.
The album should be released in March through Nuclear Blast Records.





Read more in:

http://www.belphegor.at/news.htm

News: Watain

Watain, Black Metal band from Sweden, will be re-releasing their four albums on vinyl, through Season of Mist. 
The collection will be released as a limited edition of only 1000 copies wordlwide.  This collector's edition will consist of a box made of solid beech wood and real leather with an imprint of Watain logo on lid, containing unique coloured vinyl versions: 
”Rabid Death's Curse” – solid grey with black and white splatters; 
“Casus Luciferi” – solid gre;
“Sworn to the Dark” – transparent red;
“Lawless Darkness” – transparent clear. 
These records are packed in printed inner sleeves and gatefolds with silver hot foil printing. 

Read more in:

http://www.season-of-mist.com/news/watain-2012-09-18

Interview with DARKEND (ITA)

Lachryma Christi had the pleasure to interview Animae, the frontman of the Italian Black Melodic Horror Metal DARKEND, founded in 2007. DARKEND will be touring with Cradle of Filth, promoting their latest album Grand Guignol - Book I.

How did the band start?

DARKEND started up in late 2007 with the album “Damned Woman And A Carcass” (well, despite its length -almost an hour- it can considered more a demo-release than a real debut, in fact it was recorded in a private studio, with no label and from a very different line-up: only the drummer Valentz and the keyboardist Antarktica are still in the band nowadays) which was followed up by the concept album “Assassine” (that I consider the REAL start up for the band) that gave us the opportunity to tour the whole Europe supporting ROTTING CHRIST first and then, at the end of the last summer, with SAMAEL, MELECHESH and KEEP OF KALESSIN. And then we come to “Grand Guignol – Book I”, released in a first limited edition (500 copies) with the support of the ARCANE WITCHCRAFT COVEN.

Can you explain a bit of what you mean by "Horror Metal"?

I mean a dark and melancholic extreme metal tightly combined with black metal patterns, classical symphonies and sulphur heavy riffs in the vein of Mercyful Fate/Angel Witch together with bleak ecclesiastic compositions, harmonies directly taken from the gloomy and dramatic theatrical representation of the XVIII century, straight melodic straight guitar solos and some atmospheric nocturne ambience. Here, the music walks together with the lyrical concepts and the visual graphics, two fundamental aspects that complete our vision and Art.

Why the name "Grand Guignol - Book I" for your new work? Is it related to the Theatre in Paris at all?

Yes, it is related to that theatrical movement born in Paris at the end of the XIX century and specialized in naturalistic terror and macabre shows, where more than often reality and fantasy become one. We decided to use its name for two main reasons: because it describes perfectly the nature of what is the core of the whole DARKEND philosophy (what we use to call “THE THEATRE OF HORRORS”) and because it is metaphorically connected to the main concept of the album: in fact, lyrically, this third opus takes its moves from a conscious and profound esoteric/philosophical research exploring through a rich narrative plot the common roots of occultism and spiritualism, self-martyrdom and black magic ceremonies. There, behind the curtain, you will hear a conceptual tale of sanctified sins and loathed purity, of mercy and murder, of gentle wickedness and dismal virtue, where everything is melted with its contrary: a theatre of abominations in which humanity roams unconscious of the highest cosmos’ secrets.

How has it been to tour with bands like Rotting Christ or Samael?

It was fantastic!!! We had the opportunity to meet not only some of the greatest bands that we always loved, but also great persons full of kindness and passion that helped us and really liked our music. Especially with Sakis from Rotting Christ I developed a strong friendship, we talk a lot through mail and we are really happy to hit the road once again in November, for the next European tour.

What do you expect from playing with Cradle of Filth? Are you, or have you ever been a big fan of the
band?

Oh we really can’t wait to leave for the tour, we are so excited and proud to share the stage with two legendary bands such as Cradle Of Filth and (again) Rotting Christ. Our previous European tour were great and I expect even more for this one, now that our popularity has increased and that we will play in really big venues.

About Cradle Of Filth yes, I consider their first full album amazing, especially “Vempire” and “Dusk and her embrace” have that creepy, cemeterial atmosphere that is unique.

What are your lyrics about? Where do you get the inspiration?

The ideological and lyrical substrate of DARKEND is deeply related to Philosophy, Magic, Psychology, Occultism... and on a more general level, I can say that all of our songs are strongly connected to everything that is mysterious, unknown, bleak and horrorific, topics through which we activate a profound inner-ritual to investigate and at the same time to express our Souls.

What is your favourite release of Dark End so far?

This last one, without any doubt. With “Grand Guignol – Book I” our vision has started to take the form that
I always had in my mind.

How would you describe your new album? It seems to be a lot more melodic than Assassine. Do you agree?

Hmm, I think that the four words that I sing on the track “Spiritism” are perfect to describe the album:
SOUL, FIRE, NAILS and DARKENSS. If I have to compare it to the past releases, I think that “Grand Guignol – Book I” is more structured, more dramatic and more atmospheric than the other ones. With it we tried to bring the most characteristic parts of our sound to their extreme point: so, what has to be aggressive is very aggressive, what has to be dark and melancholic is even more dark and melancholic, and so yes also the melodies are more marked that in the past.

After the new album "Grand Guignol - Book I", what can we expect for the next future from Dark End?

We are currently completing the writing sessions for our fourth album titled “Il Velo Delle Ombre” (Italian for “The Veil Of Shadows”) This will be followed by a special EP and then by the 5th full-length, strictly connected to the previous EP. Then the time for “Grand Guignol - Book II” will come…

Anything else you would like to add?

I thank you too for your strong support and for the space granted to DarkEnd here on your pages… THANK YOU! I also want to thank all of the DARKEND fans for being the amazing creatures full of passion that they are: I hope to meet you soon, all of you! In the meanwhile… keep on spreading our obscure Cult of Horror!

Lineup:
Animæ - Litanies
Antarktica - Piano & Orchestra
Ashes - Lead Guitar
Nothingness - Lead Guitar
Specter - Bass
Valentz - Drums



Latest Release:

"Grand Guignol - Book I"

You can find more information and music of DARKEND on:

www.darkend.it
www.facebook.com/darkendofficial
www.youtube.com/darkendband

News: Absu

Absu, Occult Black/Thrash Metal band from USA just released their new video for new single Hall of the Masters recently recorded at Nomad Recording Studios, as part of Adult Swim Singles Program.




Read more in:

http://www.absu.us
http://www.adultswim.com/promos/201206_singles/index.html

News: Ragnarok

Malediction is the name of the new album of Ragnarok, Black Metal band from Norway. 

The album will be released on the 30th of October in Europe and on the 6th of November in North America, through Agonia Records. More album details below:

Malediction tracklist:

1. Blood of Saints
2. Demon in my View
3. Necromantic Summoning Ritual
4. Divide et Impera
5. (Dolce et Decorum est) Pro Patria Mori
6. Dystocratic
7. Iron Cross – Posthumous
8. The Elevenfold Seal
9. Fade Into Obscurity
10. Sword of Damocles
11. Retribution**

**exclusive vinyl bonus track

Read more in: 

http://www.facebook.com/ragnarokofficial

News: Anaal Nathrakh

Anaal Nathrakh are about to release their new album and details were already revealed.

Vanitas, the band's 7th album will be released through Candlelight Records. More album details below:

Vanitas tracklist:

01. The Blood-Dimmed Tide
02. Forging Towards The Sunset
03. To Spite The Face
04. Todos Somos Humanos
05. In Coelo Quies, Tout Finis Ici Bas
06. You Can't Save Me, So Stop Fucking Trying
07. Make Glorious The Embrace Of Saturn
08. Feeding The Beast
09. Of Fire, And Fucking Pigs
10. A Metaphor For The Dead

Read more in:
http://www.facebook.com/Anaalnathrakhofficial

News: Mysticum

Norwegian industrial Black Metal band have been working on some material.
They are about to re-release "In The Streams of Inferno". Looks like cover art is getting great and everything is ready to be sent to the record company. 
It will be a 45 minutes extended version, with Eriaminell and Black Magic Mushrooms as bonus tracks.
We can expect varied formats, also vinyl. 
"In The Streams of Inferno" was originally released by Full Moon Productions in 1996 and Peaceville Records should very soon announce all the relevant and official details for the re-release.

Their official website is not up to date, still, you can read more here:

http://www.facebook.com/mysticums

Interview with Vreid (NOR)

Following the death of Valfar, singer and founder member of Windir, the remaining members formed Vreid, in 2004. Vreid ("Wrath" in English) are a Norwegian Black Metal band. Or as they say, Norwegian Black'n Roll!
Lachryma Christi had the chance of asking a few questions to Steingrim, drummer of the band since the very beginning.
Vreid released their latest album (V) last year and they will be playing in London (Underworld) on the 4th November 2012. If you are on British ground, don't miss it, that will be their last show on V. 




Vreid means "Wrath" in English, is that right? Why the name Vreid?

Yes, that's correct. The name "arose" during the months after Valfars death in 2004. I guess it just reflects what we felt like at that time.

Can you tell a bit of the story of the ending of Windir and the beginning of Vreid?

After Valfars death we never had any intentions continuing with Windir, but still we felt we had to continue playing music. So when we formed the band it was a combination of "We will never stop playing!" and "we'll show them!". We started recording during the Spring of 2004 and the debut was released during Autumn the same year.

How did the idea of mixing Black Metal and rock from 70's and 80's come from?

We felt like going back to "our roots" so to say. We've always been fans of 70's and 80's rock (+ metal, trash and so on), so it felt natural to begin there and combine this with more extreme music. We also wanted to make something different - to give the band an own identity.

What do you mean with V as a name for the latest album? Was it only because it is the fifth album or is there any other meaning?

Well, the obvious answer would be this is the fifth album. There are also some other meanings to the title as well, I'll leave that up to you to figure them out :-)

What bands have inspired you the most along the time?

Old classics like Johnny Cash, Iggy & The Stooges, early Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, 80's metal like Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and later on Sepultura and Death to name a few. And of course the classical Norwegian Black Metal as well.

Is there any band in special that you would like to tour with? Why?

For me personal that would be Metallica, but that's not very realistic.. No, I'm not sure here. We've been lucky during the years and got to tour with a lot of good bands, who also have become our friends.

Is any of the members of Vreid playing in any side project?

Strom is also involved in Mistur. The other bandmembers are old and stubborn and not willing to contribute to anything else.. Ha ha!

What was your most remarkable show so far? Why?

Ohh. Hard to pick one specific, but Wacken is always a special one. The atmosphere at Wacken is magic, that being on and off stage. Wacken 2011 maybe?

How do you see the Black Metal scene worldwide nowadays? There is a lot of controversy, many people say that there is no "scene"anymore. What do you think of that?

Difficult to say really. I'm not the biggest and most enthusiastic follower of the scene. I think there is a scene, but I'll leave it up to other more competent people to answer how it is..

If a foreigner asked you for a good city/place in Norway for a better knowledge of the Black Metal community in Norway, what would you suggest?

Both Oslo and Bergen are important cities i think, but if I have to pick one to visit I would recommend Bergen because I think the city is better music-wise (quality).

Vreid will be playing in London in November this year. What can your british fans expect of that show? What do you also expect from that show?

We're planning on something different, and I hope we'll be able to do just that. At the moment we're working on different ideas. It will be the last show on the "V"-album, and as I said - hopefully it will be special!

What is in store for Vreid? What is about to happen in a near future?

 We're playing the "Wolfzeit"-festival this weekend, and we're touring Europe from 11th of September (11 dates). And in between the tour and the UK-shows we're working on the new album (to be released next year).

Anything else you would like to say to Vreid and Black Metal followers?

Thanx for your support, keep following Vreid and extreme metal in general! To quote the genious Chuck Schuldiner: Let the Metal Flow!

Lineup:

STURE - vocals and guitar

HVÁLL- bass
STEINGRIM - drums
STROM - guitar

Latest Release:

V (2011)

You can find more information and music of Vreid on:

http://www.facebook.com/vreidofficial

www.myspace.com/thepitchblackbrigade

www.vreid.no