News: Rotting Christ to tour in EU with Borknagar and Seth

Rotting Christ will be touring through EU, after the release of their album Pro Xristou, released recently through Season of Mist.

Along with them there will be Borknagar and Seth.

Seth will be releasing a new album called La France des Maudits on the 14th of July, also through Season of Mist.

You may find the dates for the tour below.

Rotting Christ 2024 EU Tour w/ Borknagar & Seth:

28 September: Warsaw, PL @ Proxima
29 September: Krakow, PL @ Hyde Park
1 October: Gdansk, PL @ Drizzly Grizzly
2 October: Leipzig, DE @ Hellraiser
3 October: Heidelberg, DE @ Halle02
4 October: Ostwald, FR @ Le Point d'Eau
5 October: Seyssinet Pariset, FR @ l'ilyade
6 October: Torino, IT @ Audiodrome Live Club
7 October: Bologna, IT @ Locomotiv
8 October: Nuremburg, DE @ Hirsch
9 October: Utrecht, NL @ Tivoli Pandora
10 October: Bochum, DE @ Matrix
11 October: Wasquehal, FR @ The Black Lab
12 October: Limoges, FR @ CCM John Lennon
13 October: Montpellier, FR @ Rockstore
15 October: Villava, ES @ Totem
16 October: Ponferrada, ES @ La Vaca
17 October: Porto, PT @ Hard Club
18 October: Lisbon, PT @ Under the Doom Festival
19 October: Madrid, ES @ Changó
20 October: Seville, ES @ Custom
22 October: Murcia, ES @ Gamma
23 October: L’Hospitalet, ES @ Salamandra
24 October: Toulouse, FR @ La Cabane
25 October: La Mézière, FR @ Samain Fest (Salle Cassiopée)
26 October: Sint Niklaas, BE @ De Casino
27 October: Maastricht, NL @ Samhain Festival *without Seth

News: Dusk stream upcoming album "Industrie" ahead of release

Industrial Black Metal band from Costa Rica are releasing their new album Industrie tomorrow, the 31st of May.

The band decided to give their followers an early listen to the album, and you can stream it here: https://newnoisemagazine.com/premieres/album-premiere-dusk-industries/

Tracklist:

1) Industrie I

2) Industrie II

3) Industrie III

4) Industrie IV

5) Industrie V

6) Industrie VI

7) Freezing Moon

Lineup:

Dusk - programming synthesizers and effects

Shaman - vocals

Implacable - guitar

Pàlak - bass

Read more on:

https://www.facebook.com/DUSKVT

https://www.instagram.com/dusk_blackmetal/

Review: Grievance's recently released anthology "Antologia 1997-2024"

Portuguese one man Black Metal band Grievance released their anthology earlier this month, through Haloran Records.

Anthology 1997-2024 has 12 tracks, which include 5 unreleased tracks, as well as the band's demos. For those who don't know, it is important to say that Grievance wasn't always a one mand band. It is like that since 2011. You'll find more about this information right at the end of this review, as I'm including a tracklist and a lineup for the songs.

I've heard this release already many times, in different stages. So, at this time, it is so familiar, that makes a review more difficult to write, but here we go.

From track 1 to track 5, the songs are all unreleased. The very first one Os Rostos de Belmez is not only unreleased, but also the most recently composed song. It might be my favourite track from this release.

Then, from track 6 onwards, those are the demos of the band.

If you know Grievance, you'll know that there are a lot of lyrics in Portuguese, which is very interesting. Most bands don't do that.

On this anthology, it is not different. You'll find English language here too though, just not a majority.

Grievance's Black Metal isn't the raw traditional style. It actually has a very proper specific style, and that's why it is a band that stands out to me, from the first time I've heard their music. However, the songs still have their blast beats, their fastness, their heaviness, but it is all also very atmospheric, exploring fields that are not very commonly explored. 

Sometimes the guitars can be quite hypnotic, due to repetition elements. Other times, the solos can get quite groovy. There is a whole experimental side to Grievance's music.

Also the themes are quite interesting, as they focus not only, but mostly, on nearby tales and legends.

And it's always important to mention the use of traditional instruments. A very good example of that is track 5 Nas Planícies da Lusitânia. It is an instrumental one. It starts with a Portuguese guitar (for those who don't know, it is a traditional acoustic instrument), then the electric guitar and the rest of the instruments join in. You might notice a little bit of a technical situation with the tuning of both guitars with one another, but as you go along with the song you'll stop noticing it. It is a good track. I like it. It is different, the kind of composition and combination you won't hear often in other bands around.

After these, come the demos. You'll notice the difference in the quality of the sound, which makes sense, since it isn't always possible to remaster again, anymore. 

Tracks 6 and 7 (2007) are very different from the first 5, almost sounding like a different band, as it is a lot less melodic, and a lot more aggressive. Track 7 Lust for Battle, instrumental, is also one of my favourites from the release.

From tracks 8 to 12 (1997), it is even more different, as in production and in composition. These ones are, yes, a lot more raw. In every way. 

However, if you are a fan of Grievance, and if you didn't get hold of their demos previously, this anthology can be a treasure you might want to acquire now. The selection of songs is good, you'll see the band from a different perspective as well. And I suggest you don't take a long time, as only 200 copies were made.

I interviewed Koraxid, the man behind Grievance, two times. The last time was around a year ago. Some questions might be obsolete by now, but in case you're interested, you can still read it here:

https://lachrymachristizine.blogspot.com/2023/03/interview-with-grievance-pt.html

And as promised, below the cover you may find the tracklist and lineup.

Tracklist:
1. Os Rostos De Belmez
2. Rito De Passagem
3. O Sétimo Templo
4. Perante O Céu Infernal
5. Nas Planícies Da Lusitânea
6. Rotten Empire
7. Lust For Battle
8. Por Entre A Escuridão Outonal
9. Deo Profundae Lucto (Grievance)
10. Apenas O Silêncio
11. Em Memória Do Vasto Passado
12. Eternas Noites de Inverno

Line-up:
Tracks 1-5 "Unreleased Tracks" (2024-2014)
Koraxid - All instruments and vocals

Tracks 6-7 "The New Millenium Sessions" (2007)
Koraxid - Drums and backing vocals
Azarath - Voice and guitar
Ejendro - Bass

Track 8-12 "Por Entre A Escuridão Outonal" (1997)
Koraxid - Drums and vocals
Azarath - Guitar

Review: Gig Black Altar + Corpus Christii + Irae, 10th May @ RCA Club (Lisbon, PT)

So, on the 10th of May Lachryma Christi went to this fantastic show in Lisbon, PT. 

The original bill included Ofermod, and didn't have Irae. But for health reasons Ofermod had to cancel, so Irae were added, and some other adjustments were made. Setlists were to be prolonged, and Black Altar was to play some Ofermod songs.

I got a tad late, so I missed a song and a half of Irae. However, I still had the chance to enjoy very much their show. Irae always deliver a very interesting Black Metal, sometimes mixing a bit of that Black 'n' Roll style in their songs, which makes their show unique. 

It was, as always, a very heavy, fast and wild performance, with very interesting lyrics. I've seen Irae live not that long ago, and it is always an amazing show that they put on. Never boring, never too much of the same, always in a vibrant mood. I'd see them again tomorrow, if I could.

They make themselves comfortable on the stage, and that feeling is always extended to the public, making it all feel so familiar and enjoyable. 

After Irae there was this shortish break, and the stage changed for Corpus Christii. There was a banner and all. In fact, the only band who had a banner with their logo, that night.

I've seen them live not that long ago as well, and it is always a pleasure. This time was even better, as they played my favourite track Penetrator, which I hadn't heard in a long while.

The show was neat, serious, with a very engaged public getting along. There were old and newer songs, so I'm sure it matched everyone's tastes and everyone was satisfied.

(I apologise for the giant fan on some of the photos!)

I must say I am always very impressed with the professionalism of Corpus Christii's musicians, no flaws. I very much appreciate their passion and dedication. Including those of Koraxid, session musician on the bass. 

Nocturnus Horrendus took his time to let off some steam in between songs, as we are used to, already. And it wouldn't make sense otherwise.

It was a perfectly delivered performance, as always is.

After Corpus Christii came the most expected band of the night. I have never seen Black Altar live, as most people haven't, since after around 25 years of career, only now/recently they started playing live. So, I wasn't very sure about what to expect. I know they are quite ritualistic and dark, so I was obviously very curious. 

It was a longer set than I was expecting, I confess. It was quite a long show, but I am not complaining, at all.

It started as a black mass, with a lot of candles and incense, there was indeed a "black altar" right on the front on the stage. It wasn't overpowering as it sometimes happens in these shows with incenses, it was actually very pleasant.

The musicians were all with their backs to the public during the intro, as you can see on the first image (which is missing a member, that was "hidden" under he balcony i was on at the begining).

Then when they turned and started playing, indeed the room filled with such an indescribable vibe, it was almost hypnotic.

Their energy is so different and interesting, it is like a proper ritual, besides the music. Obviously the music is the most important part of the show, but all the atmosphere adds a lot to the performance too. Many bands pull the ritualistic show but Black Altar is a different thing, very much real.

Not all of the members, but some of them had covered faces. When you could see their expressions, you could tell how focused they were.

The vocals had a black skull mask, and some other dark ritualistic accessories. So it was very interesting not only musically but also visually.

And, they seemed to not get tired at all! 

One thing I want to point out. I strongly disliked that all bands played with red lights on. I wish there had been some changes even for photography purposes. But that's another story, and the red was indeed very appropriate for Black Altar.

A bit of trivia for you, ex Behemoth member Les was part of this show too.

There were quite a few breaks in between different stages of the show, each break with an interludium where the band would again turn their backs to the public adding to the suspense. 

The public were exultant. And so was I.

On he last photo it is possible to see all the members of Black Altar.

It was a perfect Black Metal night, full of a very interesting energy. I want more nights like these. 

As usual, I like to say that the sound was very good, I didn't even use my earbuds. 

The cleanliness of the space was fantastic, toilets and all. 

The safety was all there as well, both at the entry with checking bags and passing on the metal detectors, but specially while candles were lit, with security people doing their rounds. Impeccable, as always. 

Hopefully more shows like this will come soon.

Review: Velório's first album "Extrema Unção"

Velório's debut album Extrema Unção came out last December, through War Arts Productions. It came through my inbox just yesterday. I was aware it was out, but I hadn't listened to it yet.

Velório is a onde man Black Metal band from Portugal, and funnily enough, it was the first band I have interviewed for Lachryma Christi back in 2012!

I am pleasantly surprised with Extrema Unção, it is right up my alley. It is the kind of Black Metal I like, almost in its entirety, as I am not a huge fan of the symphonic side of it. But that's only my personal taste. I recognise, however, that the symphonic side is indeed very good, perfectly mastered, and it goes very well with the whole album.

The production is amazing too. I would just point out one thing: the main voices could be a tad higher, as in volume.

Either way, Velório (meaning "wake") is all about death and grieving and mourning, so Extrema Unção ("extreme unction") sounds like the perfect name for a debut album, although there were released two splits before this album.

Extrema Unção has nine tracks. Each of them more aggressive and faster and full of anger than the previous one, I really like it. 

Angel-O is a very experienced musician, who has been in the Black Metal industry for a very long time, and it shows. 

Extrema Unção is powerful, furious, inflamed even. It is fast and enraged, it is fervid. It is so bloody intense, it brings all your bottled emotions right out, to the point of making you want to go out in the middle of nowhere and scream it all out, until you cant anymore. It is mesmerising.

At the end, after all those feelings and emotions, you get to the last track I II-IV, a much calmer one, instrumental. And it is so sad, profound, strong, so full of sorrow, that it hits you right on your soul. It made me teary. Way to go! What a f*ucking amazing journey. 

Do a favour to yourselves and listen to Velório's Extrema Unção. 

Review: Antiflesh's upcoming album "Hosanna"

Polish Black Metal band Antiflesh are releasing a new album called Hosanna through Theogonic Records on the 14th of June.

Well, I very much liked Hosanna. 

It is very introspective, obscure at times as well. But it's very rich. 

It is more melodic than not, but still has its share of rawness and it can get absolutely aggressive at times. 

You can tell there is a lot of dedication and passion on the composing of the songs, as the melodies are quite profound and intricate, and full of feeling.

There are also those "intermediary" tracks such as track 3 Interludium, track 7 Interludium II and track 10 Interludium III, with piano and keyboards, which are very short, but give you the perfect break for you to breathe and grab a water in between, since it is quite a long album, with 12 tracks. I'm not complaining, by any means, only stating a fact.

I found Hosanna quite emotional as well, and my favourite song from it might be track 9 Holy Poison. It has such an energy, it is even difficult to put into words. Heavy, melodic, very fast and aggressive at times, intense, deep, even desperate. It encapsulates all my favourite elements on Black Metal music. Black Manifest is also one of my favourites. 

I believe Hosanna will please any Black Metal follower, from the people who like it more melodic, to the people who liked it more raw or rough, because it really is that good.