mercoledì 20 luglio 2016

FRANK SABBATH - TELLURIC WANDERERS

Telluric Wanderers

Release Date: July 1st (World)


Style: Psych Prog Doom Rock

Country: France

Tracklist:
1. Ascension – Subterranean
2. Terra Incognita
3. Inner Doom – Outer Doom – Ducks On Drugs
4. Interlude n.10
5. Flying Peacock
6. Doumedilalune – Noisnecsa


Beh, con un nome così esplicito non si può certo dire che i Frank Sabbath tentino di mascherare le proprie influenze! 

Telluric Wanderers è il secondo lavoro di questo terzetto francese (provenienti da Aveyron, per la precisione) che si rifà apertamente ad un suono hard-prog molto dilatato e psichedelico, estremamente underground come attitudine. Di bizzarrie zappiane a dir la verità non ne ho riscontrate tante, giusto qualcosa tra gli arpeggi dissonanti  di “Interlude n.10”. Evidenti invece le influenze di Iommi e soci, ma Jude Mas è più un improvvisatore che un costruttore di riffs, e in generale i brani non rispettano mai la forma-canzone, evolvendosi in lunghissime jams.

“Ascension – Subterranean” inizia con un basso iper-amplificato, per poi rallentare in interminabili minuti: sicuramente il brano più duro da digerire, vicino alle sonorità dei pachidermici Sleep. I suggestivi arpeggi folkeggianti di “Terra Incognita” ci concedono un po’ di respiro, prima di “Inner Doom – Outer Doom – Ducks On Drugs”, dilatata jam pilotata dalla chitarra di Jude Mas, che alterna sfuriate elettriche ed improvvisazioni. Le rare parti vocali sono deboli, ma è evidente il loro scarso peso nell’economia del suono. L’affascinante “Flying Peacock” ricorda i cult heroes Necromandus, nella sua fusione di hard, prog e jazz ad ampio respiro. “Doumedilalune – Noisnecsa” è un altro doom lisergico e allucinato, in un’ideale fusione tra i Black Sabbath e i Grateful Dead più inquietanti.

I Frank Sabbath rappresentano un modo di fare musica tipico dei primi anni 70: creativo e completamente libero da schemi, e “Telluric Wanderers” è un lavoro che ogni freak-rocker deve assolutamente ascoltare!

7,5/10
Andrea

Line-up:
Jude Mas – guitar, vocals
Guillaume Jancowski – bass
Baptiste Reig – drums, vocals

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Saint Vitus reveal first track and details of new live album


The godfathers of American doom, SAINT VITUS are unveiling the first raw track taken from their forthcoming live album 'Live Vol. 2', which will be out in stores on September 23rd. 

The classic and fan favourite "War Is Our Destiny" is now exclusively streaming via Rock Hard Italy

SAINT VITUS are simultaneously revealing the artwork and track-list of 'Live Vol. 2', which can both be viewed below.

Track-list
01. War Is Our Destiny
02. Look Behind You
03. Let Them Fall
04. The Bleeding Ground
05. Patra (Petra)
06. The Troll
07. The Waste Of Time
08. White Stallions
09. Thirsty And Miserable
10. Dying Inside
11. Born Too Late

From the very first guitar chords, that unmistakable frying, sizzling, and wailing signature sound of Dave Chandler as well as the trademark deeply resonant vocals of Scott "Wino" Weinrich, any adherent of classic doom metal will immediately know: this is SAINT VITUS.

Despite having been around for more than 35 years, the American heavy legends are only now getting ready to release their second official live album after the 1990 seminal 'Live' record.

SAINT VITUS taped 'Live Vol. 2' during the tour for their acclaimed comeback album 'Lillie: F-65' (2012) at the Kulturfabrik in Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg on March 19th in 2013. Album and tour marked the return of legendary vocalist Scott "Wino" Weinrich. The undisputed godfathers of American doom metal performed in front of many sold out venues in a triumphant harvest of long overdue laurels. Out of respect for their vintage heritage, SAINT VITUS chose to preserve the raw and pure live sound without cleaning up and patching with overdubs. As a result, 'Live Vol. 2' is a true live document. 

Formed in 1979, SAINT VITUS were largely influenced by BLACK SABBATH, whose song "Saint Vitus Dance" obviously inspired the moniker. Since their debut album 'Saint Vitus' came out in 1984, the Americans have released seven more full-lengths and two EPs that are summarily considered to be classics of their genre. 

'Live Vol. 2' will also be released as a special digipak edition containing a digisleeve as well as a triple gatefold vinyl, which are both strictly limited and will contain 'Marbles in the Moshpit'. This live recording from Ontario, Canada in December 1984 was previously available as a bootleg and on limited vinyl, and features the line-up Dave Chandler, Mark Adams, original singer Scott Reagers, and late drummer Armando Acosta, who sadly passed away in 2000. 

If you feel like you were born too late, are thirsty and miserable, and dying inside, then just look behind you, lean back and ride those white stallions on 'Live Vol. 2'! SAINT VITUS will never be a waste of time!


Season of Mist sign Esben and the Witch



Season of Mist are proud to announce the signing of ESBEN AND THE WITCH. The dark atmospheric rockers will release their fourth full-length on the label this autumn.

Regarding their signing, ESBEN AND THE WITCH comment: "We are delighted to announce that we have signed with Season of Mist. The next ESBEN AND THE WITCH record will be released on Season of Mist in collaboration with our own Nostromo Records. It has been quite the journey so far, always learning, always growing and 2016 finds us settled here in Berlin. Now as we embark towards the glowing horizon, we do so in good company. Season of Mist will help us blaze new pathways and find more like-minded souls as we go. We think this collaboration will be a great thing for Nostromo as well, enabling us to release more music by ourselves and others in time. We are excited to see where this will lead, come with us. More news coming very soon and with that... Onwards!"

ESBEN AND THE WITCH were formed in Brighton, a windswept English seaside resort, when drummer and electronic musician Daniel Copeman hooked up with guitarist Thomas Fisher in 2008. After a number of failed auditions for a vocalist, Fisher had a chance meeting with longtime friend Rachel Davies, who proved to be the perfect fit as singer for the newly created three-piece. A band name was found in the foreboding Danish fairy-tale "Esben and the Witch".

The self-released '33 EP' (2009) and a 7" single entitled 'Lucia, at the Precipice' (2010) caused a vibrant buzz that led to a first record deal. With the single 'Marching Song' (2010), ESBEN AND THE WITCH heralded their debut full-length 'Violet Cries', a Gothic post-rock nightmare that hit the stores in January 2011. The album was immediately picked up by critics and fans alike, managing to climb to #13 in the UK Indie Chart. Two singles, 'Warpath' and 'Chorea' and the digital 'Hexagons' EP followed in the same year.

2012 saw the trio commence work on their sophomore album 'Wash the Sins Not Only the Face' which was released in early 2013 and again scored critical praise. Its lyrics, this time written by Davies alone, document an expedition, a journey that begins with a rallying cry in gleaming sunlight and ends deep in the still of the night.

ESBEN AND THE WITCH decided to take matters into their own hands again, meaning that the third full-length 'A New Nature' (2014) was released on the their own imprint, 'Nostromo Records'. The band travelled to Chicago to record with Steve Albini and the result was an intense, sprawling creation inspired by the trio's increasingly heavy live show.

Having established themselves as a highly individual act and an excellent reputation as an outstanding live force, ESBEN AND THE WITCH found themselves invited by now label mates SÓLSTAFIR as special guests on the Icelander's autumn tour, where Season of Mist CEO Michael Berberian witnesses a highly impressive performance and offered a deal. With the contract signed and work in the studio finished, ESBEN AND THE WITCH are now getting ready to unleash their fourth album this autumn. Watch this space...

Line-up
Rachel Davies: vocals, bass
Thomas Fisher: guitar
Daniel Copeman: drums, synths

Thy Catafalque reveal first song and details of new album


Hungarian avant-garde metal outfit THY CATAFALQUE are unveiling the first stunning song taken from their forthcoming seventh album 'Meta', which will be out in stores on September 16th. 

The track "Mezolit" is now exclusively streaming via Metalitalia

Regarding "Meta", mastermind Tamás Kátai comments: "The track 'Mezolit' ('Mesolithic') features two vocalists taking my place – my old friend, Lambert Lédeczy from AHRIMAN, MÖRBID CARNAGE, and TYRANT GOATGALDRAKONA and Gyula Vasvári from PERIHELION delivering the clean vocals. The song itself is set in prehistoric times, we cannot fully comprehend and at least for me it breathes a feeling of timelessness, like existing through aeons."

THY CATAFALQUE are simultaneously revealing the artwork and tracklist of 'Meta', which can both be viewed below. The cover picture has been hand painted by Bulgarian artist Agnessa Kessiakova.

Track-list
1. Uránia
2. Sirály
3. 10^(-20) Ångström
4. Ixión Düün
5. Osszel otthon
6. Malmok járnak
7. Vonatút az éjszakában
8. Mezolit
9. Fehérvasárnap


THY CATAFALQUE set out on a new musical journey. As always, mastermind Tamás Kátai has delivered a complex puzzle that takes time to even partially assemble, but the reward is a seemingly never-ending stream of rare moments that encapsulate deep emotions, profound visions, and lost memories that the patient listener will inevitably unearth.

With 'Meta', the Hungarian composer, lyricist, and multi-instrumentalist has taken a slightly more direct approach to his new songs than on recent sixth album 'Sgúrr' (2015). Harsh metal outbreak organically entwine with ethereal passages of stunning beauty, folkloric melodies contrast with progressive interludes. Nothing is ever predictable, yet after several spins and putting the pieces mentally together a coherent picture emerges. 

THY CATAFALQUE originally emerged as a black metal band founded by singer Tamás Kátai with the aid of guitarist János Juhász. Following their joined debut 'Sublunary Tragedies' (1999), the Hungarians evolved into quite different directions, but steadily gaining more followers through 'Microcosmos' (2001) and the self-released 'Tűnő idő tárlat' (2004). 

On their fourth album 'Róka hasa radio' (2009),  THY CATAFALQUE invited Ágnes Tóth from the neo-folk outfit THE MOON AND THE NIGHTSPIRIT. Her haunting female vocals again grace the fragile pulchritude of new track "Sirály". With his fifth full-length 'Rengeteg' (2011), Tamás Kátai went solo with the aid of hired guest musicians, also including Ágnes Tóth. Long-time fans will be glad to witness the return of Attila Bakos, who sang 'Róka hasa radio' as well as 'Rengeteg' and now appears once more on the track "Uránia". Dubbing his eclectic musical amalgamation avant-garde metal, the Hungarian explored new sonic possibilities with 'Sgúrr'. 

THY CATAFALQUE pose a challenge off any beaten genre track and definitely demand focused listening, but the harvest of such pleasant labour is a rich bounty of amazing soundscapes well worth any effort.


Line-up
Tamás Kátai: vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, programming, lyrics

martedì 19 luglio 2016

Ghost Season: New Album "Like Stars In a Neon Sky" out September.


Athens-based Alternative Metal band Ghost Season have announced their first full length album titled "Like Stars In a Neon Sky".

The ten-track album will arrive on September 15th on CD and Digital release.
Like Stars In a Neon Sky follows the band’s EP "Ghosts Like Her" on 2014 and the single "Break My Chains" of December in 2015.
It also marks the debut album of Ghost Season newly lineup with Helen Nota as the drummer of the band.

The first look at the LP comes with the video for the song “Fade Away”. Though Ghost Season now operate as a four-piece, the physical absence of the second guitarist goes sonically unnoticed — their metal-soaked sound remains firmly intact. The album was mixed and mastered by Nick Christolis (guitarist of the band) along with the vocalist J.Loren Wince of the American-based Alternative Rock band HURT not only co-producing it but showing the band different directions and perspectives and getting involved in every single song.

The same day Ghost Season will release their new video clip for the song "Fade Away". The album will also contain a cover of Savage Garden’s “Break Me Shake Me” in a surprise metal cover version.


"Like Stars In a Neon Sky" tracklist:
Fade Away
Sons Of Yesterday
Break My Chains
The High Way
Of Hearts And Shadows
The Mirror
Just A Lie
The Vampire
War Of Voices
Break Me Shake Me




BE'LAKOR - Vessels

"Vessels"

Release date: 24 June 2016


Style: Melodic death metal

Country: Australia

Track List
Luma
An Ember's Arc
Withering Strands
Roots to Sever
Whelm
A Thread Dissolves
Grasping Light
The Smoke of Many Fires


L'eterna promessa del melodic death/doom australiano è divenuta una meravigliosa realtà.
È servita una bella full immersion in questo album per scoprire tutte le piccole sfumature in esso celate, ma alla fine l'essenza di Be'lakor si è rivelata con la stessa naturalezza di un suono folkeggiante e ancestrale.

Vessels arriva nel momento più importante ed impegnativo della scena, eppure sembra quasi incurante della numerosa concorrenza. In effetti, il quintetto di Melbourne merita tutta la nostra attenzione in virtù di uno stile più nordeuropeo che mai, capace di mescolare le intuizioni di Paradise Lost, In Flames e Sentenced con una facilità irrisoria.

Grazie ad una produzione pregevole nella sua genuinità e ad uno stile che si estende fino alle influenze progressive rock di Amorphis e Swallow The Sun, i cinque canguri saltellano tra eleganti atmosfere gotiche ed una sezione ritmica variegata, in cui s'inserisce il growl un po' monocorde del chitarrista George Kosmas.

Impregnato di atmosfere mistiche, Vessels sprigiona un’aggressività autentica, che si sviluppa in un crescendo di abilità e fantasia grazie alla presenza discreta del tastierista Steven Merry, abile ad interrompere il flusso costante di elettricità riportando un breve ed estasiante momento di calma con poche note di pianoforte.

Forse la calura estiva non rappresenta proprio l'ambiente ideale per gustarsi questo disco, ma almeno la rinfrescante tempesta dei Be'lakor faciliterà il dolce naufragio in un mare di perdizione...

7/10
Michela (Anesthesia)

Line Up:
George Kosmas
Shaun Sykes
Steven Merry
John Richardson
Elliott Sansom


Beating Dead Meat signs to Inverse Records


A Finnish extreme metal band Beating Dead Meat signs to Inverse Records. The band released their debut album "A Rude Awakening" in 2015 and it is released digitally on all essential services today July 15th 2016 via inverse Records. At the same time band announces that they'll enter to the studio and will release the second album later this year also via inverse Records. 

A Rude Awakening now available on Spotify!

The band comments: "The purpose is to make more varied album compared to our debut album and maybe bring more diversity in this existing profusion of thrash and melodic death metal." And some words about cooperation with Inverse Records. "We are very excited with our collaboration with Inverse Records. Everything works on both sides and we believe that an upcoming album will get the attention it deserves."

Line-up:
Vocals - Iikka Jääskeläinen
Guitar - Niko Junnilainen 
Drums - Joona Komulainen 
Bass - Anssi Saastamoinen