SLEGEST, the solo project of former VREID guitarist Ese, has inked a deal with Dark Essence Records for the release of the band’s debut full length album. No release date has yet been set, but it is anticipated that the album will appear world-wide towards the end of 2013.
Formed in 2010, it was the intention of Ese to create Black Sabbath inspired music with harsh vocals. An idea he took further, developing SLEGEST into the entity it is today with its rock-orientated sound distinguished by a distinctive Black Metal edge. SLEGEST’s first release was the self-titled 2012 EP, which appeared as both a digital release and as a 7” vinyl on Ese’s own label Systrond Recordings. Work on writing new material for the as yet untitled debut full-length album began in 2012, and the drum tracks have already been laid down at the Conclave and Earshot Studios in Bergen, Norway.
Whilst many maintain that solo projects can be limiting, Ese sees things very differently. As SLEGEST’s man (and only) man explains: “When you have to play every instrument yourself it does impose certain limitations on what you can, and cannot, do. But I have always had a very definite vision as to how I want SLEGEST to sound, and these limitations are very positive for the fulfilment of that vision”.
Norwegian Dark Metallers AETERNUS announced today that KRAKOW frontman and bassist Frode Kilvik, who had recently played on stage with the band for their appearance at this year’s Inferno Festival, would be joining as full-time bassist. As is so often the norm with bands, his role with KRAKOW, the band he co-founded in 2005, will remain unchanged.
Frode Kilvik by Kristoffer Øen
AETERNUS itself was formed in 1993 in Bergen, Norway, by guitarist and frontman Ares, and, until the release of the latest album “…And The Seventh His Soul Detesteth”, on Dark Essence Records at the beginning of April, the band had remained relatively quiet since the release of the previous album “Hexaeon”. Aside from Ares, who is the only remaining member from the original lineup, and Kilvik, AETERNUS includes Specter (ex-GRAVDAL) on guitars and Phobos (GRAVDAL, MALSAIN, GALAR) on drums. Commenting on the new addition, Ares said: “There is no doubt that Specter and Phobos infused the band not only with new blood, but also with a fresh perspective. Frode’s arrival will expand on that for sure. It was obvious from his performance at Inferno that he has an incredible stage presence that fits perfectly with the attitude we all project when we play live, and his considerable musical skills are well-able to handle the sometimes complex demands of AETERNUS’ music . Not to mention the fact that he’s a great guy, which is probably even more important, and we are all very much looking forward to working as a unit”
“…And The Seventh His Soul Detesteth”, which is the band’s seventh album, was produced at the Conclave and Earshot studios in the band’s home town of Bergen by Bjornar E. Nilsen (VULTURE INDUSTRIES, BLACK HOLE GENERATOR) The first pressing of the album includes AETERNUS’ 1995 “Dark Sorcery” EP as a bonus. All music for the album is by AETERNUS, whilst the concept and lyrics are by HELHEIM’s V’gandr, who is also a former member of AETERNUS.
Bergen-based DARK ESSENCE RECORDS, the Norwegian label whose roster features not only some of the most respected and long- standing Black and Extreme Metal artists in the business, but also some of the most talented upcoming bands, showcases no less than seven of its bands at this year’s Inferno Festival. One of Europe’s foremost music festivals Inferno takes place annually in Oslo, and this year runs for four days from the 27th to the 30th March
http://www.infernofestival.net
Opening night of the festival, which is effectively the club night, sees four of the bands appearing at Blå . Post Rockers KRAKOW (
http://www.krakowofficial.com/ ), whose critically acclaimed sophomore album “diin” was release in Autumn of last year, kick off the evening at 21:00, followed by Melodic Extreme Metallers COR SCORPII (
http://www.corscorpii.net/ ), who are currently working on their next album. Third band on will be VULTURE INDUSTRIES (
http://www.vulture-industries.net/ ), a band whose skilled interpretation of avant-garde extreme metal, coupled with the highly theatrical and manic performance of frontman Bjornar Nilsen, makes for a fascinating live show. Topping the bill will be HELHEIM (
http://helheim.com/ ) one of the original Norwegian Viking Metal bands who celebrate their historical roots both in their music and in the visual effects used in their live performances, and who have been together for over twenty years. Information about how to get to Blå can be found at
http://www.blaaoslo.no/
Thursday 28th sees another band celebrate its twentieth anniversary when TAAKE headlines on the Rockefeller stage at 23:00. TAAKE frontman HOEST will also be holding a signing session at 15:00 in the Shadowland record store (
http://www.shadowland.no/ ), Torggata 36 (200 meters from the Rockefeller). Formed in 1993, TAAKE’s contribution to the Norwegian Black Metal Scene has been considerable; with founder Hoest remaining true to his Black Metal roots, whilst still being able to breathe life and originality into the genre even after twenty years. The band recently released “Gravkamre, Kroner og Troner” (Tombs, Crowns and Thrones), a double Anniversary CD which feature exclusive new tracks as well as rare and previously unreleased material, alternative versions of previously released tracks and recordings that have, until now, only been available on vinyl. More information about TAAKE at
http://taake.svartekunst.no/
AETERNUS will hit the Rockeffeler stage on Friday 29th at 19:45, a few days in advance of the release of “…And The Seventh His Soul Detesteth”, the band’s seventh full-length album. Founded in 1993 by guitarist and frontman Ares, AETERNUS has re-emerged seven years after the release of their last album “Hexaeon” with a new line up that comprises Ares on guitars and vocals, Phobos (GRAVDAL, MALSAIN) on drums and Specter on guitars. One of the pioneers of what the band calls “Dark Metal”, AETERNUS’ sound combines features from both Black Metal and Death Metal with superlative guitar playing and occasional haunting, melodic interludes. More information about AETERNUS can be found at
https://www.facebook.com/Aeternusofficial
Saturday 30th, the last day of the festival, also sees the last of the DARK ESSENCE RECORDS bands to appear. HADES ALMIGHTY will play on the Rockefeller Stage at 19:45, and incidentally they were one of the bands who performed at the very first Inferno Festival in 2001. Apart from the occasional live appearance from the trio of Janto on Bass and Lead Vocals, Jorn on Guitars and Synth and Remi on Drums and vocals, things have been relatively quiet since the re-release in 2004 of their 2001 classic “The Pulse of Decay”, but the band has been busy behind the scenes working on the next album. More information about HADES ALMIGHTY can be found at
http://www.hades-almighty.com/
Tracks from all the releases of the above bands on DARK ESSENCE RECORDS can be heard on the player at the top of this page or at
Following on from their 2010 sophomore album “Til Alle Heimsens Endar” Norwegian Black-Folk Metallers GALAR have signed with DARK ESSENCE RECORDS for the release of a further two albums. Like its predecessor, the band’s third studio album, which will be titled “De Gjenlevende” (The Bereaved), will be concept album written entirely in Norwegian, and will include notes explaining both the overall concept as well as each individual lyric.
“De Gjenlevende” will consist of six songs, one of which will be an instrumental, which promise to be even longer, and more epic, than GALAR’s previous material. As well as the band’s two core members of M. Kristiansen on screams, guitars and bass and A. B. Lauritzen on clean vocals, bassoon and grand piano, the line up on the album will once again include Phobos (GRAVDAL, AETERNUS, MALSAIN) on drums, and will feature a series of session musicians that include both a string quintet and a horn quartet in keeping with the epic material. Plans are in place to enter the Conclave and Earshot studios in the autumn with producer Bjørnar E. Nilsen (VULTURE INDUSTRIES, BLACK HOLE GENERATOR) at the helm.
Jorge Scholz, the band’s lyricist, explains the idea behind the album: “De Gjenlevende” will be, once again, a thoroughly crafted concept album. Its five contemplative texts tell of the utter dreadfulness that haunts both the human mind and body when the season of winter holds every living thing in its grasp. Winter is the time of utter gloom, enfeeblement and inescapable death, which challenges mankind, beasts and plants equally. Yet, as long as there is life, there is hope and eventually a new era of the Sun will bring to an end the seemingly eternal darkness of winter. With the arrival of spring hope and life will flourish once more. In its portrayal of this cyclical process of transformation, which is as old as the history of mankind itself, “De Gjenlevende” draws its ideas and inspiration from Pan-European folklore, ontology, and elegies”.
More information about GALAR can be found on the band’s website at
http://www.galar.no/
Fan-filmed footage of GALAR performing the track “Ingen Siger Vart Vunnin” at the Phantoms of Pilsen Festival in 2012 can be seen below or at
The DARK ESSENCE RECORDS SoundCloud player below contains tracks from all the label’s releases and can also be found at
DARK ESSENCE RECORDS have today debuted a track from the upcoming album from Norwegian Dark Metallers AETERNUS. The ten-track album, titled “…And The Seventh His Soul Detesteth”, is set to hit the streets on the on the 22nd March in Norway and 1st April world-wide. “Ruin and Resurrect” the newly debuted track, can be heard above and at
“…And The Seventh His Soul Detesteth”, which will be the band’s seventh full-length release, was produced by Bjornar E. Nilsen (VULTURE INDUSTRIES, BLACK HOLE GENERATOR) at the Conclave and Earshot studios in Bergen. All music is by AETERNUS, concept and lyrics by HELHEIM’s V’gandr. The first pressing will include AETERNUS’ 1995 “Dark Sorcery” EP as a bonus. Track listing for “…And The Seventh His Soul Detesteth” as follows:
Track listing for “…And The Seventh His Soul Detesteth” as follows:
1: There Will Be None
2: …And The Seventh His Soul Detesteth
3: Spurcitias
4: Ruin And Resurrect
5: The Confusion Of Tongues
6: Hubris
7: Reap What You Saw
8: Saligia
9: The Hand That Severs The Bonds Of Creation
10: The Spirit Of Illumination
“Dark Sorcery” (Bonus)
1. Black Dust
2. Victory
3. Raven and Blood
4. Nordlys (Instrumental)
AETERNUS’ line up is formed of guitarist and frontman Ares, who originally founded the band in Bergen in 1993, and Phobos (GRAVDAL, MALSAIN) on drums and Specter on guitars . One of the pioneers of what the band calls “Dark Metal”, AETERNUS’ sound combines features from both Black Metal and Death Metal with superlative guitar playing and occasional haunting, melodic interludes.
AETERNUS’ next live appearance will be at this year’s Inferno Festival in Oslo on the 29th March. More information about AETERNUS can be found on the band’s Facebook page at
http://www.facebook.com/Aeternusofficial
The DARK ESSENCE RECORDS SoundCloud player contains tracks from all the label’s releases, including the newly debuted AETERNUS track. It can be heard below and found at
Twelve tracks from AETERNUS and can be heard below and on the band’s SoundCloud page at
Fan-filmed footage of AETERNUS at the Hub & Huey Festival in May 2012 can be seen below or at
Details of “…And The Seventh His Soul Detesteth”, the new album from Dark Metallers AETERNUS, have just been revealed. The ten-track album, which will be the band’s seventh full-length release, will first appear as a limited edition which will include AETERNUS’ classic 1995 debut EP “Dark Sorcery” as a bonus, and is set for release on Dark Essence Records on the 18th March world-wide (except for Norway, Germany, Austria and Sweden where the album will appear on the 22nd March).
Formed in Bergen, Norway in 1993 by guitarist and frontman Ares, AETERNUS has re-emerged seven years after the release of their last album “Hexaeon” with a new line up that comprises Ares on guitars and vocals, Phobos (GRAVDAL, MALSAIN) on drums and Specter on guitars. One of the pioneers of what the band calls “Dark Metal”, AETERNUS’ sound combines features from both Black Metal and Death Metal with superlative guitar playing and occasional haunting, melodic interludes.
“…And The Seventh His Soul Detesteth was produced by Bjornar E. Nilsen (VULTURE INDUSTRIES, BLACK HOLE GENERATOR) at the Conclave and Earshot studios in Bergen. All music is by AETERNUS, concept and lyrics by HELHEIM’s V’gandr. Artwork is by Timo Ketola, known for his work with bands such as for DEATHSPELL OMEGA, ASPHYX, DISSECTION MARDUK, WATAIN and OPETH amongst others, band photos by Christine Ristesund. The bonus EP, “Dark Sorcery”, was recorded, mixed and mastered by Cato Langnes at Hindu Lyd in 1995 and produced by Aeternus. Lineup on “Dark Sorcery” is Ares on guitars and vocals, Erik (Vrolok) on drums and Ørjan on bass. All music and lyrics by Ares.
Track listing for “…And The Seventh His Soul Detesteth” as follows:
1: There Will Be None
2: …And The Seventh His Soul Detesteth
3: Spurcitias
4: Ruin And Resurrect
5: The Confusion Of Tongues
6: Hubris
7: Reap What You Saw
8: Saligia
9: The Hand That Severs The Bonds Of Creation
10: The Spirit Of Illumination
“Dark Sorcery” (Bonus)
1. Black Dust
2. Victory
3. Raven and Blood
4. Nordlys (Instrumental)
Norwegian Black Metallers TAAKE today announced the dates for the upcoming European tour which is part of the band’s 20th Anniversary celebrations. Supporting TAAKE on the tour will be Viking Metallers HELHEIM, who themselves celebrated their own 20th Anniversary last year. Also on the tour will be Thrashers ORKAN whose line up includes members of TAAKE, BYFROST and GRAVEMACHINE. Routing for the 10 date tour as follows:
FEBRUARY
Thu 21, Baroeg, Rotterdam (NL)
Fri 22, Iduna, Drachten (NL)
Sat 23, Helvete, Oberhausen (DE)
Sun 24, Magasin 4, Brussels (BE)
Mon 25, Glazart, Paris (FR)
Tue 26, Ferrailleur, Nantes (FR)
Wed 27, CCO, Lyon (FR)
Thur 28, United Club, Turin (IT)
MARCH
Fri 01, Z7, Pratteln (CH)
Sat 02, Nifflheim Festival (DE) (HELHEIM only)
Formed in 1993, TAAKE’s contribution to the Norwegian Black Metal Scene has been considerable; with founder Hoest remaining true to his Black Metal roots, whilst still being able to breathe life and originality into the genre even after twenty years. The band recently announced the impending release of a double Anniversary CD which will not only feature exclusive new tracks, but also rare and previously unreleased material as well as alternative versions and recordings that have, until now, only been available on vinyl. “Gravkamre, Kroner og Troner” (Tombs, Crowns and Thrones), will be released on Dark Essence Records on the 1st of March in Norway and the 4th of March world-wide.
Having started the band way back in 1993, main man Hoest will celebrate 20 years of staying true to his musical identity by releasing a 20-song, 2 CD collection of TAAKE rarities. The anniversary album will be released on Dark Essence Records on the 1st of March in Norway and the 4th of March world-wide to coincide with a planned European tour which will herald the start of a year celebrating TAAKE’s unique contribution to Norwegian Black Metal.
Titled “Gravkamre, Kroner og Troner” (Tombs, Crowns and Thrones), the release will not only feature exclusive new tracks, but also rare and previously unreleased material as well as alternative versions and recordings that have, until now, only been available on vinyl. “Et Pust av Oeyne”, a track from the album, has been debuted on the TAAKE SoundCloud page and can be heard on the player at the top of th is article or at
Track listing for “Gravkamre, Kroner og Troner” as follows:
DISC 1:
1. Et Pust av Oeyne
2. Hov var Stein (Exclusive new track)
3. Nordbundet (Featuring Niklas Kvarforth & Nocturno Culto)
4. Motpol
5. Hordalands Doedskvad 1
6. Over Bjoergvin Graater Himmerik 4
7. Nattestid ser Porten vid 1 (“Kveld” 12″ EP 2011)
8. I am The Black Wizards (“Noregs Vaapen” LP bonus track 2011)
9. Die When You Die (“Swine of Hades” MCD 2011)
10. A lost forgotten Sad Spirit (“Taake” LP Bonus track 2009)
DISC 2: 11. Voldtekt
12. Eismalsott
13. Tykjes Fele
14. Over Fjell og gjennom Torner (“Svartekunst” 7″ EP 2007)
15. Voldtekt
16. Death Trap (“Dra til Helvete” 10″ EP 2006)
17. Lamb (“A Norwegian HAIL to VON” 7″ EP 2005)
18. Hennes kalde Skamlepper (“Lagnonector” 10″ EP 2005)
19. Der Todesking (“Nordens Doedsengel” 10″ EP 2004)
20. Nattestid ser Porten vid 1 (Pre-mix 1997)
Norway’s Avant-garde Metallers VIRUS have posted a new song online from their upcoming mini-CD “Oblivion Clock”, whose release is set to coincide with their upcoming European tour alongside VULTURE INDUSTRIES, KRAKOW and MONDVOLLAND in December. The track “Inverted Escape” can be streamed both on the band’s website at
http://virusnorway.com/discography.htm or on their BandCamp page at
http://virusnorway.bandcamp.com
New dates have been added to the “And Now For Something Completely Different Tour” and the revised routing is now as follows:
Fri 07 Dec: Willemeen , Arnhem (NL)
Sat 08 Dec: Ferrailleur, Nantes (FR)
Sun 09 Dec: Glazart, Paris (FR)
Mon 10 Dec: TBA
Tue 11 Dec: The Underworld, London (UK)
Wed 12 Dec: Exhaus, Trier (DE)
Thu 13 Dec: Orto Bar, Ljubljana (SLO)
Fri 14 Dec: Gaswerk Kulturzentrum, Winterthur (CH)
Sat 15 Dec: Decadance, Gent (BE)
Formed in 2000 by guitarist and front man Carl-Michael “Czral” Eide (AURA NOIR, former / founder member of ULVER, SATYRICON, DØDHEIMSGARD, CADAVER etc., along with bass player Petter “Plenum” Berntsen (AUDIOPAIN) and drummer Einar “Einz” Sjursø (LAMENTED SOULS, INFERNÖ, ex BEYOND DAWN), VIRUS takes the original elements of Czral’s former avant-garde black metal band VED BUENS ENDE and channels them towards a weirder and less metal direction. Czral’s unique dissonant guitar style and song writing has ensnared listeners the world-over. Listeners who have found themselves at times times puzzled, but always fascinated, by the band’s three critically acclaimed albums and live performances (as a five-piece). More information about VIRUS can be found on the band’s website at
http://virusnorway.com/
The promotional video for the upcoming “And Now For Something Completely Different Tour” can be seen below or at
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Tour presented by Propulsion Music and the Mythology Agency
Propulsion Music:
http://www.propulsionmusic.no/
Norwegian Viking Metallers HELHEIM are set to celebrate their 20 year history with a special concert at the Inside Rock Café in their home town of Bergen on Friday 2nd November. The event will also feature local bands and special guests, and, according to the band, the venue, with its intimate surroundings, has been especially chosen so that it becomes a true celebration amongst fans and friends. However, after receiving many messages from fans outside of Norway who would obviously not be able to attend, HELHEIM have decided to stream the performance live on their website at
http://www.helheim.com/live and the stream will begin at precisely 22:00 Norwegian time and will remain available to be viewed for a period of time after the event.
NARROWHEAD, whose frontman has frequently guested on vocals for HELHEIM, along with the all-girl rock band FAIRY and punk rockers BEINKJØR will also be playing at the event. There will be other guests throughout the evening, but according to HELHEIM: “we prefer to keep it all as a surprise. It wouldn’t be a real party if there weren’t a few surprises for everyone!”
Rather than being one of the manufactured Viking acts that proliferate on the scene these days, HELHEIM, have, throughout their 20 years of existence, always remained true to their Norse Heritage. As one of the oldest of Norway’s Viking bands, HELHEIM, with their majestic epic songs convey an accurate and proud sense of past, not just through their lyrics and music, which often includes the use of traditional instruments, but also in their stage performances, which feature VJ effects that enhance the themes and concepts explored by the band. More information about HELHEIM can be found on the band’s website at
http://www.helheim.com
The official video of the track “Dualitet og Ulver” which features a guest appearance from TAAKE’s Hoest, from HELHEIM’s ”Heiðindómr ok mótgangr” album can be seen below and at
