News: Abbath

Abbath are in studio recording their third full-length.

The band is currently residing in the Dub Studio in Kristiansand, Norway with producer Endre Kirkesola.

The album should be released some time later this year.

In case you're not aware, the previous album of Abbath was called Outstrider, and was released through Season of Mist on the 5th of July 2019.

You can stream it here:

 

Read more in:

www.facebook.com/abbathband

www.abbath.net

www.instagram.com/abbath_official

News: Vreid

Black 'n Roll band from Norway Vreid are releasing a new album called Wild North West through Season of Mist, on the 30th of April.

It is a concept album, that developed alongisde a full movie.

You can watch the video for the self-titled song here:

All the information about the album is here:

http://lachrymachristizine.blogspot.com/2021/02/news-vreid-announce-new-album-and-movie.html

Read more in:

https://www.vreid.no/

https://www.facebook.com/vreidofficial

https://www.instagram.com/vreidofficial/

News: Fuath

One-man band (Andy Marshall) Fuath from UK, is releasing a new album called II through Season of Mist, on the 19th of March 2021.

In the meantime Fuath just released the song Into the Forest of Shadows from the album, and you may watch the video here:

You may also pre-order II here:

https://shop.season-of-mist.com/list/fuath-ii

Recording studio: Fortriu Studios
Producer / sound engineer: Andy Marshall
Mixing: The Amplogia Studio, Vitold Buznaev
Mastering: Turan Studio, Tim Turan
 
Recording line-up: all songs composed and performed by Andy Marshall
Session drums by Carlos Vivas

(Artwork: Luciana Nedelea Artworks)

Tracklist

1. Prophecies (09:28)
2. The Pyre (06:51)
3. Into the Forest of Shadows (06:23)
4. Essence (09:26)
5. Endless Winter (09:23)

Read more in:

https://www.facebook.com/fuathmusic

https://fuath.bandcamp.com

https://instagram.com/fuathmusic

News: The Noctambulant

The Noctambulant are releasing a new EP on the 5th of March. It is a self-released album, and it is called Hellrazor. 

You may find a review for it here: 

http://lachrymachristizine.blogspot.com/2021/02/review-noctambulants-upcoming-ep.html

The Noctambulant recently released a video for the song Hellrazor, through No Clean Singing.

Frontman E. Helvete commented “For me personally, this rebrand and music video was very personal. The video was shot on our family property, of which I”m the 4th generation to live here. I spent so many years trying to fit into the Scandanavian/European motif, that it started to feel disingenuous. So after our last album, The Cold and Formless Deep, the band and I decided to look at what makes us unique in the Black Metal landscape, and that is our origin. From the swamps and bayous of the south, we found a love of extreme metal tempered with our own brand and influences.”

You may watch the video here:

https://www.nocleansinging.com/2020/12/07/an-ncs-video-premiere-the-noctambulant-hellrazor/

Listen and read more in:

https://www.facebook.com/TheNoctambulant

https://thenoctambulant.bandcamp.com/album/hellrazor-single

News: Decline of the I

French post Black Metal band Decline of the I are releasing a new album on the 26th of March, called Johannes, through Agonia Records.

They recently revealed a music video, for the single A Veil Of Splendid Lies. you may watch it here:

(LP Cover artwork: Dehn Sora)

Tracklist:

1. A Selfish Star
2. The Veil of Splendid Lies
3. Act of Faith
4. Tethering the Transient
5. Diev Vide

Drums  were recorded at Hybreed Studios (Temple Of Baal, Ritualization, Merrimack) while rest of the instruments were recorded at a private, home-studio. The album was mixed at Drudenhaus (Alcest, Aluk Todolo, Drastus). Dehn Sora (Deathspell Omega, Blus aus Nord) crafted the cover artwork. David Fitt (Perturbator, Alcest) shot new band photos.

Johannes will be available on the following formats:

- Digipak CD

- Digibook CD
- Black LP
- Color in color LP
- Splatter LP
- T-shirt

- Digital

Line-up: 

AK - guitars, keyboards, vocal
SI - vocals
AD - bass
SK - drums

You can pre-order the album here:

https://www.declineofthei.com

Read more in:

https://www.facebook.com/declineofthei

https://agoniarecords.com

https://facebook.com/agoniarecords

News: Pandemise release video for the song "Awaken The Beast"

Pandemise contacted me last night over Facebook.

So this is a Danish project, which formed over the 2020 lockdown, and just released their first video, for the song Awaken the Beast.

Pandemise features members of the bands HateSphere, Rex Satanachia, Temple of Baphomet, Defacing God, Impalers, Archangel, Psyfreak, (ex)Wasted.

They play a Black Thrash Metal with very notorious old school Death Metal influences. Good stuff.

You can watch the video here:

Read more in:

https://www.facebook.com/Pandemise

Review: Escumergamënt's Debut album ".​.​.​ni degu fazentz escumergamënt e mesorga​.​.​."

Today Lachryma Christi brings you a review for a rather different and surprisingly good album. It is called .​.​.​ni degu fazentz escumergamënt e mesorga​.​.​., it is scheduled to be released on the 26th of March, and the band is called Escumergamënt. 
They are from Sweden, and feature members of the Swedish Black Metal scene. However, they prefer to keep a low profile, so there is nothing that could interfere on the interpretation you make of the album. 

They also signed a deal with Avantgarde Music on the 15th of February. Good acquisition, I must say. This album is too good. 

For the name and title of the album, they used a language that used to be used in medieval times, but that is kind of disappearing: Occitan.

There are six tracks in the album. All of them very intense. 

.​.​.​ni degu fazentz escumergamënt e mesorga​.​.​. was recorded in three days, in a wooden chapel.

Do you know when you are lost for words? That is it that is happening right here. I'm flabbergasted. Hope you will be too.

So this album not just a random or regular Black Metal album. It is raw at bits, it is very "cold", very groovy; very Black Metalish and at the same time, very different from all I have heard.

The voice is fantastic, perfect even, I would say. And it fits perfectly the almost experimental music. There is a lot of melody in there, and there is a lot of feel. Anyone can tell that they really were feeling what they were playing at the time.

If feels and sounds genuine. It is original. It gets you almost into a trance from where you don't want to come out. Gives you a comfortable feeling, really. Takes you into an introspective journey. 

There are angry riffs, angry drums, no space for cheesy or catchy melodies, but still sticks to your brain somehow. 

Beautiful, exceptional, profound.

And look at that cover!

Well, I suggest that you do yourselves a favour, and listen to it when it comes out. 26th of March sounds far away, but it is right around the corner.

2021 is is already being great, in what comes to Black Metal releases!

News: Vanhelga

Depressive Black Metal band from Sweden Vanhelga signed a deal with Cult of Parthenope.

Their new album Enfin Morte is out now and available for physical pre-order.

You may pre-order through Cult of Parthenope here:

https://cultofparthenope.bandcamp.com/album/enfin-morte

And you may find it on the following formats:

• Limited Purple Vynil + T-Shirt Bundle (Ltd.50)
• 6 Panel Digipak CD + T-Shirt Bundle (Ltd.50)
• Purple Vynil w/Black Splatter Effect (Ltd. 300)
• 6 Panel Digipak CD Edition
• "Enfin Morte" T-Shirt

Tracklist for Enfin Morte:

1. Sjuklig Samhörighet
2. Totalt Jävla Urspårad
3. Dagar Som Denna
4. Time Is Cancer
5. Finally Dead

Read more in:

https://www.facebook.com/officialvanhelga

https://www.facebook.com/cultofparthenope

http://www.cultofparthenope.com/

News: Proscriptor McGovern’s Apsû

Zemial’s Vorskaath is now the main keyboardist of Proscriptor McGovern’s Apsû.

Proscriptor (Russ R. Givens), the Drummer/Vocalist/Lyricist of the act, issued the following statement:
"We have just completed the mixing process for the debut/self-titled album on Agonia Records. Earlier in 2020, I dissolved the 30-year old sanctuary of Absu to emphasize on a renewed songwriting concord. With this forthcoming record, my objective was to append the signature sound of “mythological occult metal,” but to convolute it with bouts of psychedelia, fusion and vintage electronics. The only individual that sees outside the circles of time is Vorskaath, as we have discussed a musical collaboration for nearly three decades. Now, he has fulfilled voids where applicable: from frenetic to oscillate.”

Zemial’s Vorskaath recently said about his addition to the group’s new album: “As Proscriptor and I have traversed parallel pathways since 1991, it was with unadulterated pleasure that I bring my craft to this redesigned order of Sumerian lore and metaphysical Arcana. For the new album, it was my quest and charge to deliver an (a)ethereal and artistic element, which united this opus of labyrinthine chaos. And So It Is Done.”

Proscriptor continues regarding the album’s lyrical approach: “This album is written for those who are curious and unwearied in their quest of arcane knowledge. I have (with vast exertion and detriment of time and space) collected knowledge deemed, in regard to my subject theories of ‘mythological occult metal:’ from Thelemic Magick and The Zos Vel Thanatos Formula to Fractal Ontology and (obviously) Near East Mythology.”

The album was chronicled at studios around the world with final mixing handled in Dallas, Texas by both Proscriptor and J.T. Longoria and mastering by Karl Daniel Lidén in Sweden. The album also features guest appearances from Ross Friedman (Ross The Boss), Rune Eriksen (Aura Noir/Vltimas), Alex Colin-Tocquaine (Agressor) and The Dark (Agatus). To assemble the album’s packaging with ten separate portrait illustrations, the band has re-commissioned the expertise of renowned Polish artist Zbigniew Bielak.

Tracklist for Proscriptor McGovern’s Apsû:

I. Amenta: Accelerando: Azyn including Hierophantasmal Expounder
II. Esoterically Excoriating The Exoteric
III. Quasaric Pestilence
IV. Mirroracles
V. In-Betweeness Gateway Commuters
VI. Jupiter In Capricornus
VII. Dedicated To Thoth, But Azathoth Wasn’t Listening (A Necroloquy)
VIII. Caliginous Whorl
IX. The Coagulating Respite
X.  Prana: Therion: Akasha
XI. Tantrums Of Azag-Kkû
XII. Every Watchtower Within Is The Axis Of A Watchtower Without including Totemic Thresholds

Lineup:

Proscriptor McGovern – Drums/Percussion, Lyricism, Maestro Echoplex, Papago Flute, Digital Synthesizers & Voices (Protagonist/Dramatic Monologue Versus Omniscient/Interior Monologue)
Vorskaath – (Analogue & Digital) Synthesizers, Classical/Acoustic Guitar, Mellotron & Signal Generator
Vaggreaz – Electric Lead, Rhythm, Acoustic & Bass Guitar 
Ezezû – Electric Bass Guitar & Implements

You can watch the ABSU To APSÛ Permutation Trailer here:

Read more in:

https://absu.us

https://www.facebook.com/officialabsu

https://agoniarecords.com

https://facebook.com/agoniarecords

Review: The Noctambulant's upcoming EP "Hellrazor"

Melodic Black Metal band The Noctambulant from USA, are releasing a new EP on the 5th of March. It is a self-released album, and it is called Hellrazor.

The EP has 4 tracks and an intro. 

The intro is really fantastic, bringing a very emotional atmosphere. Not sure emotional is the right word, but it's the closest to what it makes me feel.

Don't expect the usual melodic Black Metal with keyboard orchestrations, because there won't be any. It is definitely a lot more heavy than that kind of stuff, but the guitar solos bring all the sentimental side to it. 

Clearly, there are Death Metal influences, in the instrumental part of it, but also in the voices, at times. Not always. The predominant style of singing is the Black Metal one. It is good. So good.

It is the kind of music that is playing, and suddenly comes something you are not expecting, but that brings a very good feel and power to the song. And when you think it is nice and really pleasant, comes another bit even better. Since it is only 5 tracks, it is difficult to listen to just once and that's it.

Still trying to find a comparison band or musician for the guitar solos, but it is difficult. Some of the best stuff I have heard in the last times.

Review: Mephisto's upcoming album "Pentafixion"

Cuban Black Metal band Mephisto, are releasing a new album called Pentafixion, supposedly in March (the date wasn't confirmed yet), through Wormholedeath Records.

Lachryma Christi had the chance to listen to this album today. And man, it is good. Different from the "traditional", but good.

It has 13 tracks, and all of them are extremely powerful.

Pentafixion is a mix of proper heavy and fast Black Metal, with a dragged enraged guttural voice, and then some melodic parts too, which make it different and special.

Along the songs, and together with what is described above already, you can hear very elaborated, emotional and melodic guitar solos, as well as symphonic arrangements, that complement the whole thing. There are also clean voices, but it is rare. It is a good ingredient in the mix.

It is such a very energetic album, combined with the ballad side of the melodic Black Metal style. Some catchy endings, some catchy beginnings, some dramatic keyboards, which bring Cradle of Filth to mind, in a very good sense.

Hopefully, Pentafixion will get the attention it deserves.

Mephisto have been around and bringing us good music since mid 90s. So if you are into this kind of more melodic Black Metal, and if you haven't heard them, please do. You won't be disappointed.

News: Gaerea

Gaerea annouce new tour through Ireland, with Winterfylleth, in September 2021.

They will be playing in Limerick, Dublin and Belfast, and tickets will be on sale on February 4th at 10:00 GMT / 11:00 CET.

GAEREA

+Winterfulleth +The Crawling

10.09.2021 - Limerick - Dolan’s Warehouse

11.09.2021 - Dublin - Grand Social

12.09.2021 - Belfast - Voodoo

The band has also previously announced, that they will be airing their first virtual show, on February 13th at 20:00 CET, in a partnership with Gimme TV. 

Tickets are $10.00, and you can get them now via the official Gimme TV app.

Read more in:

https://www.facebook.com/gaerea/
https://www.season-of-mist.com/

News: Djerv

Djerv is not Black Metal, but you might remember that one of their members, Agnete Kjølsrud, collaborated with Dimmu Borgir, in the album Abrahadabra.

So, it should be interesting to see Djerv news. Their music is great, too. 

Djerv released a music video for the song (We Don’t) Hang No More, and you can watch it here:

You can also watch the video here:

https://consequenceofsound.net/2021/02/djerv-we-dont-hang-no-more-music-video-premiere/

And you can listen to the single here:

https://orcd.co/wedonthangnomore

Consequence of Sound (US) writes: "While the song is about ending relationships, for many, the central theme and title ring especially poignant in these trying times. Many of us, and especially those in the community-oriented music world, are unable to see or hang out with friends and family. Djerv address this almost universal pain in the expressive video and lyrics for the song, which expands on the group’s idiosyncratic style of blackened alternative metal."

The band has commented: "This song is about going different ways, and accepting that despite wanting to be together, that is not always the best choice. Although the theme of the song may be sombre, we wanted a light-hearted approach to the video. So hang in there — even if it’s not together.” 

You may order it here:

Indie Recordings Webshop

Djerv is:

Agnete Kjølsrud

Erlend Gjerde

Read more in:

https://www.djervmusic.com/

https://www.facebook.com/djervmusic/

https://www.instagram.com/djervmusic/?hl=en

News: Vreid announce new album and movie 'Wild North West'

Norwegian Black 'n Roll band Vreid, will be releasing a new album called Wild North West, on the 30th of April, through Season of Mist.

This will be a concept album, developed alongside an entire movie, through eight chapters.

We will be taken to a journey into deep mountains, to a dark place, where the borders between illusion and reality fade, and death is only one step behind us. This place is the Wild North West.

You may find a teaser for the same, here: 

VREID songwriter and bass player Jarle Hváll Kvåle comments: "Ever since February 2020, we have been working like hell on this new project. The only short break was when we hosted the livestream from my mountain farm last summer. This project has become all-consuming, and the hours we put into it is just insane. Most of the music was written during winter/early spring least year, and lyrically I started to work on this concept story. Then, me and movie producer Håvard Nesbø who did the lyric videos for «Lifehunger» and produced our livestream started talking about taking things further. I brought up this wild idea of doing a series of music videos, one for each song and then build these together as a movie. A movie that is the actual album. Håvard who has no limits on his lunacy jumped on board, and we never looked back.

This became the most creative adventure I have ever worked on. The whole process of writing music, recording and mixing it, writing lyrics, making the script for the movie, the actual filming and editing it and working on the design all got tangled up in one twisted world, where all these elements influenced and colored each other. It’s given a whole new dimension to our art. The result is 'Wild North West'. This as DIY as it gets, and it’s OUR story.

With 'Wild North West' we have the whole legacy in our backpack, but with new adventures and visions fulfilled. From the most extreme and intense we have ever done to a heavy and melodic world where we open new doors. VREID's origin is rooted in the blend of the aggressive 80ies metal, the grooving 70ies heavy rock and the northern black metal of the 90ies.  This is our DNA and this is the spirit of Sognametal.

Welcome to the Wild North West."

The cover was created by Remi Juliebø (Deformat Design).

Tracklist:
1. Wild North West (05:23)
2. Wolves at Sea (05:14)
3. The Morning Red (05:42)
4. Shadows of Aurora (05:20)
5. Spikes of God (04:10)
6. Dazed and Reduced (04:55)
7. Into the Mountains (05:20)
8. Shadowland (09:53)
Total: 0:49:23 

On the concept, founder and bass player Jarle Hváll Kvåle states: "Wild North West is a concept story about life itself and its eternal shadow: death. It is built around the world of our fictional character E, but it is surely inspired by my own life, my band’s life, historical events and many tales that have inspired me over the years. Is it a true story or fictional? I would have to say both, and sometimes is hard tell the difference.”

Cover artwork: Remi Juliebø (Deformat Design)
Photography: Nesbø & Talle, animated pictures by Remi Juliebø (Deformat Design)
Videography: Håvard Nesbø

Recording studio: Studio 1184 & Nabolaget Studio
Producer / sound engineer: Jarle Hváll Kvåle / Anders Nordengen
Mixing studio and engineer: Jarle Hváll Kvåle / Helge Bentsen
Mastering studio and engineer: Fascination Street by Tony Lindgren

Recording line-up:
Jarle Hváll Kvåle: Bass, keys, additional vocal and guitars
Sture Dingsøyr: Vocals & Guitars
Jørn Holen: Drums
Stian Bakketeig: Guitars

Guest musicians:
Terje ‘Valfar’ Bakken -  Keys on “Into the Mountains”
Espen Bakketeig - Additional keys on “Wolves at Sea”, “Dazed & Reduced”, “Shadowland”
Eli, Helena, Anna - backing vocals on “Into the Mountains”

Read more in:

https://www.vreid.no/
https://www.facebook.com/vreidofficial
https://www.instagram.com/vreidofficial/