Archive for July, 2024

NORWEGIAN BLACK/DEATH METAL VETERANS CREST OF DARKNESS REVEAL DETAILS OF UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: July 31, 2024 in CREST OF DARKNESS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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With a career spanning 30 years, Norwegian Black/Death Metallers CREST OF DARKNESS are back with a vengeance, with their upcoming ninth full-length album. 

Titled “My Ghost”, and set for release on My Kingdom Music on the 18th October, the album promises to be the heaviest, darkest and most personal work ever to have been envisioned by the band’s founder Ingar Amlien. As he explains:

“Structured as a ritual, “My Ghost” is a concept album, which, from an artistic standpoint, is meant to be heard as a whole. From the album’s evocative opening, the ritual leads us to its climax, embodied by the final song “The Ultimate Truth”. This is the point at which the listener completes the initiation into the dark world of CREST OF DARKNESS, and is thus ready to enter the “Ninth Portal”. With its varied and uncompromising lyrics underpinning its message, “My Ghost” is essentially a long journey into the darkest recesses of the mind. A place where Nature’s darkest forces breathe energy and vitality into those who have the courage, and the strength, to become their own Gods”.

As regards the creative process that lies behind the album, Ingar continued:

“My Ghost” is the result of two years worth of blood and sweat, which began with me working alone to mould my very personal thought and beliefs into musical ideas. Then, together as a band, with myself on bass and vocals, Rebo Rebolee on guitars, and Bjørnar Jenssen on drums, we developed those ideas, each contributing our own ideas to the process.

The end result is an extremely personal journey that defines the very Essence of CREST OF DARKNESS.

With a special guest appearances by renowned Norwegian trumpet player Roy Nikolaisen, and long-term collaborator Kristian Wentzel on keyboards, “My Ghost” was recorded at the MLP Studios with Nils H. Maehlum at the helm and mastered by Giuseppe Nicolò (aka Buzz) at Lost Soul Studio.  

Cover art for “My Ghost” is by Roy Allan Larsen and tracklisting is as follows:

1. My Ghost
2. Infected
3. The Will Of God
4. Call Of The Moon
5. Satanic
6. Sacrificed To The Sun
7. The Awakening
8. Under My Spell
9. The Ultimate Truth

“My Ghost” is now available to pre-order in LP, digipak CD and digital formats, as wall as in  and in a special bundle edition limited to 50 copies from the following: 

https://shorturl.at/mqf9L

CREST OF DARKNESS will be celebrating the release of “My Ghost” at Friscena, in Govik, Norway, on the 19th October.

More information about CREST OF DARKNESS can be found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/crestofdarknessofficial and on the band’s website at http://www.crestofdarkness.com/

The single “Call of the Moon” from “My Ghost” was recently released in 7″ EP and Digital formats which are available from a number of services at https://album.link/COD_moo

The video for “Call of the Moon” can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/n0_XISysdMo?si=WMMIMBA8Za8wkumd  

Additional Information
Website: http://www.crestofdarkness.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/crestofdarknessofficial
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/CRESTOFDARKNESSOFFIC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crestofdarkness/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CrestofDarkness
BandCamp: https://crestofdarkness.bandcamp.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/67dTHBWfRi3CkmwdodcAxz
SoundCloud: http://soundcloud.com/crest-of-darkness
My Kingdom Music: https://linktr.ee/mykingdommusic
Band Contact and Booking: contact@crestofdarkness.com
Management and Booking: patriciathomas@btinternet.com 

BLACK METAL VETERANS KOLDBRANN RELEASE NEW SINGLE FROM UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: July 31, 2024 in DARK ESSENCE RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Fans of Norwegian Black Metal know that if you mention the name KOLDBRANN you are going to get a band that is respectful of its traditional True Norwegian Black Metal roots, but one that goes its own way, eschewing any trends, in order to deliver a fearsome sound that is raw and completely uncompromising.

Even the title of KOLDBRANN’s  upcoming fourth full-length album “Ingen Skånsel”, which translated means “No Mercy”,  draws a line in the sand, inviting those who like their Black Metal raw, aggressive, and defiant, to follow them into its fearsome depths.

With the album’s  release scheduled for the 23 August, Dark Essence  Records have today allowed us another glimpse into what to expect, with the release of the single  “Fortærer av Minne og Form”, which can be downloaded or streamed from a number of sources at:

https://orcd.co/koldbrann_famof

With its powerful and chaotic monotype cover art by Indonesian visual artist Bahrull Marta, here is what KOLDBRANN themselves had to say about it:

”Fortærer Av Minne Og Form’, translated to ‘Devourer Of Memory And Shape’, is a ravaging brute that will consume your soul and engulf your being – bones and all!

About his lyrics Kvass commented:  “The lyrics were pieced together back in 2018, with the aim of  conveying a feeling of paranoia and threat of annihilation. They are inspired by Roko’s Basilisk, the thought experiment about how a future all-powerful AI might seek to punish those who did not help it come into existence”.

Whilst songwriter Voidar gives us some insight into the music’s background: “The opening riff dates back to some odd hours scratch recording in 2019. You never know when inspiration strikes, so better utilize its immediacy to later let it fester for years on some cheaply acquired solid state silicon device. Perhaps to one day come back and seek its revenge – accidentally not unlike the lyrical theme. Come 2020 and we are putting an album together. At the time I had been listening to a lot of ELECTRIC WIZARD and HIGH ON FIRE while also sustaining several bartenders. Unclear of any inspiration or thereof I summoned this dredging riff for a middle section to remedy an otherwise invariant arrangement, topping it off with a somewhat inspired lead. Scriptum est”.

Produced by Mannevond, and mixed and engineered by Voidar at Voidsonic, ”Fortærer Av Minne Og Form” was mastered by Tom Kvålsvoll at Kvalsonic Lab. The drums were recorded by Ruben Willem at Amper Tone, Oslo, in August 2021, and guitars, bass and vocals were recorded by Voidar and Mannevond at Voidsonic and Industrigata, Oslo, during 2021-2022.

“Ingen Skånsel” will be available in CD, Digital, Cassette and Smoke Marble Vinyl formats and can can be pre-ordered now at:

Smartlink: https://orcd.co/ingen-skaansel
Webshop: https://darkessencerecords.no/shop
Bandcamp: https://koldbrann.bandcamp.com/album/ingen-sk-nsel

With layout  by Salowe Vision, track listing for “Ingen Skånsel” is as follows:

  1. Ingen Skånsel
  2. Et Uomtvistelig Falsum
  3. I Unaturens Vold
  4. Prosesjon Under Blyhimmel
  5. Det Kryper Kaldt
  6. Maskiner av Nihil
  7. Forstanden Seiler Sin Egen Sjø
  8. Fortærer av Minne og Form
  9. Rykk Skaperverket Opp med Roten
  10. Vorde Eders Farkost en Katafalk
  11. Serenade til Dødens Elende
  12. Elevert Hinsides Tilstand (CD only track)

KOLDBRANN’s live appearances have earned the band a well-deserved notoriety and 2024/2025 will see the lineup of Mannevond on Vocals, Kvass and Voidar on Guitars, Leonid Melnikov on Drums, and John Grave on live Bass appearing in the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, UK, Austria and Switzerland, as well as first-time performances in Canada, Turkey and Romania, with more to come!

Dark Essence Records recently released the single ‘I Unaturens Vold’ from the album, along with s video by Necrolust Productions (WHOREDOM RIFE, 1349, FURZE etc.), which was filmed at this year’s Inferno Metal Festival in Oslo, where KOLDBRANN played in front of a capacity crowd at the John Dee venue.  It can be seen below:

More information about KOLDBRANN can be found on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/koldbrannofficial

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
KOLDBRANN
Koldbrann on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/koldbrannofficial
Koldbrann on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koldbrann_offisiell
Koldbrann Webshop: https://koldbrann.bigcartel.com
Koldbrann Contact: kontakt@koldbrann.net
Koldbrann Booking: info@district-19.com
DARK ESSENCE RECORDS
Dark Essence contact: post@karismarecords.no 
Dark Essence Records: www.darkessencerecords.no
Dark Essence on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/darkessencerecords
Dark Essence Records Bandcamp:  http://karismarecords.bandcamp.com/
Dark Essence Records YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/DarkEssenceRecords
Dark Essence Records Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darkessencerecords/
Dark Essence Records Twitter: https://twitter.com/DarkEssenceRec
Dark Essence SoundCloud: http://soundcloud.com/dark-essence-records
Dark Essence Records Webshop: https://www.darkessencerecords.no
Dark Essence Records North American Webshop:  https://darkessence.indiemerch.com
Dark Essence Records Australian Webshop:  https://www.heavymetalmerchant.com/bands/d/dark-essence-records/

ALTERNATIVE POP ORCHESTRA MEER RELEASE NEW SINGLE FROM UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: July 19, 2024 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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When “Wheels Within Wheels”, the third full-length album from MEER hits the streets on the 23rd August, fans of the  band will be able to hear  a piece of work that represents a significant evolution for the Norwegian progressive pop outfit, with eleven tracks that reach soaring heights,  interspersed with moments of quiet reflection.

But, since its release is still over a month away, Karisma Records have released a second single from the album to assuage everyone’s curiosity.  The track chosen is “Chains of Changes”, a song filled with evocative lyrics and mesmerizing melodies that delves deep into the complexities of the human experience and offers  a poignant reflection on the transformative power of perception. 

With its hauntingly beautiful melodies, ethereal instrumentation and thought provoking lyrics, “Chains of Changes” urges listeners to embrace their vulnerability and confront the inevitability of change. Something that is sure to resonate with audiences seeking solace in the midst of uncertainty. 

Above all, “Chains of Changes” offers a tantalizing glimpse into the sonic tapestry that MEER has meticulously crafted. It is a testament to the band’s ability to seamlessly blend introspective lyricism with captivating musical arrangements, creating an immersive listening experience that  transcends genre boundaries. 

“Chains of Changes” can be downloaded or streamed from a number of services at:

https://orcd.co/chainsofchanges

Recorded at  Ocean Sound Recordings in 2023 “Wheels Within Wheels” saw MEER reunited with producer Lars Gärtner Fremmerlid.  With artwork by Helena Haglund and Simen Sandbæk Skari, track listing on “Wheels Within Wheels” is as follows:

01. Chains of Changes
02. Behave
03. Take Me to the River
04. Come to Light
05. Golden Circle
06. Today Tonight Tomorrow
07. World of Wonder
09. Mother
10. Something in the Water
11. This is the End

The album itself comes in at a running time of just over an hour, and is undoubtedly MEER’s most ambitious, dynamic and immersive work to date. It will be released  in  CD, Digital, and Ltd Edition Double LP in Neon Magenta / Grimace Purple Vinyl formats, and is now available to pre-order from:

Bandcamp: https://meer.bandcamp.com/album/wheels-within-wheels
Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop/
US Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com/pre-orders

Formed in Hamar, Norway, in 2008, by the charismatic sibling duo of Johanne and Knut Kippersund, MEER’s lineup has grown to eight members, including Johanne Kippersund on vocals, Knut Kippersund on vocals, Eivind Strømstad on guitar, Åsa Ree on violin, Ingvild Nordstoga Eide on viola, Ole Gjøstøl on keyboards, Morten Strypet on bass and Mats Lillehaug on drum.

With each  individual band member contributing their own musical styles and interests in such a way as to complement and influence each other,  MEER has succeeded in creating a sound that has become fascinatingly eclectic.  And it is for this reason that “Wheels Within Wheels”  promises to be a masterclass in the blending of symphonic prog and intelligent pop, filled with exceptional musicianship, intricate vocal harmonies, and grandiose melodies.

MEER is scheduled to appear live at the following (more to follow):

21 July:  Night of the Prog Festival, Loreley Amphitheater, Bornich, Germany
https://www.facebook.com/events/6575309745921403
8 Sept:  Two Days Prog +1 Festival, Campo Sportivo, Novara, Italy
20-21 Sept: Pulterkammer Festival, Hamar Teater, Hamar, Norway
https://www.facebook.com/events/960010719085265
27 Sept: Hunsfos Rock Festival, Hunsfos Bryggeri og Destilleri, Hunsfos, Norway
https://www.facebook.com/events/730511715879709

“Golden Circle”, the first single to be released from “Wheels Within Wheels” is available at  https://orcd.co/goldencircle  and is accompanied by a video by Birk Rønningsbakken Groven, moodily lit  by Kåre Nordseth, which can be seen below:

More information about MEER can be found on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MEERmusikk/

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
MEER
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MEERmusikk/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/meermusic/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOPFSGuj-8Grx2_1_A8m2kA
Band contact:    post@meerband.com
KARISMA RECORDS
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records contact: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records: http://www.karismarecords.no/
Karisma Records Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karismarecords
Karisma Records Bandcamp: https://karismarecords.bandcamp.com
Karisma Records on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/KarismarecordsNor
Karisma Records Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarismaRecords
Karisma on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/karisma-records
Karisma Records Webshop: http://karismarecords.bigcartel.com/
Karisma Records US Webshop:  http://karismarecords.aisamerch.com/

SWEDISH PROG ROCKERS RITUAL DEBUT VIDEO TRAILER FOR UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: July 16, 2024 in KARISMA RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
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Much curiosity was aroused when Karisma Records recently announced the details of the upcoming album from Swedish Prog Rockers RITUAL.  Primarily because this was to be the band’s first release in 17 years, but also because the title “The Story of Mr. Bogd – Part 1”, implied that therein there is a tale to be told!

And indeed there is, because, as fans of the band will know, RITUAL are quite adept at storytelling, as their previous five albums have shown, and this time they have chosen to tell the tale of Mr Bogd, an affluent,  well-established member of society who comes to the realisation that his life holds no satisfaction for him.  But what else can he do?  Well, he can leave his job and his comfortable urban life, and seek out an alternative. 

So, together with his coachman Parkhurst, and, riven with doubts, but convinced of the rightness of what he is doing, off he sets on a journey through an increasingly wild and dangerous environment.

And now, thanks to the vivid imagination of artist Javier “Canelito” Herbozo, we are being afforded not just a musical glimpse into “The Story of Mr. Bogd – Part 1”, but also a visual one, in the form of a Video Trailer that can be seen below and on YouTube at https://youtu.be/cbTn7wNk7yM

At its heart, “The Story of Mr. Bogd – Part 1” is a story about maintaining ones innocence, and finding sanity and self- esteem, and deciding what we are prepared to give up in order to do so. It is a blissful blend of road movie, classic fairytale, buddy movie and adventure epic, set in an imaginary land in an era reminiscent of late 19th century Europe. And its musical soundtrack covers a large amount of stylistic ground. Ground that ranges from intense and powerful rock, to musically elaborate and intricate tracks, along with some odd and even quirky moments, and of course some acoustic, folky songs.

“The Story of Mr. Bogd – Part 1” will be released in CD, Digital and Limited Edition Transparent Violet Vinyl LP formats, and is now available to pre-order from:

Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop
US Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com/pre-orders
Bandcamp: https://ritualsweden.bandcamp.com/album/the-story-of-mr-bogd-part-1

Tracklisting on “The Story of Mr. Bogd – Part 1”, which features artwork by Javier “Canelita” Herbozo,  is as follows:

01. A Hasty Departure
02. The Inn of the Haunted Owl
03. Dreams in a Brougham
04. Chichikov Bogd
05. Mr. Tilly and his Gang
06. Through a Rural Landscape
07. The Feline Companion
08. Read all about it!
09. Forgotten Qualities
10. The Three Heads of the Well

When they formed in 1993, RITUAL immediately established a distinct progressive style that is very much their own.  Influenced by the progressive rock and hardrock of the ‘70s, as well as contemporary bands, RITUAL’s sound has always been song-based, melodic and intense, with a great stylistic variation, and plenty of folk music influences seeping in. The latter feature is not least due to the band’s frequent use of acoustic instruments like bouzouki, mandola, whistles and the Swedish nyckelharpa (a keyed fiddle).

With a  lineup composed of Patrik Lundström on lead vocals and guitar, Fredrik Lindqvist on bass, mandola, dulcimer, recorder and vocals, Jon Gamble on keyboards and  vocals, and Johan Nordgren on drums, nyckelharpa and vocals, RITUAL have established themselves as a confident and powerful live band through numerous tours around Europe and appearances at international festivals such as Rites Of Spring Fest in the USA and Baja Prog in Mexico.

RITUAL’s next live appearance will be on the 20th July at the Night of the Prog Festival, at the Loreley Amphitheater, in Bornich, Germany.

RITUAL recently debuted the track “Chichikov Bogd” from the album “The Story of Mr. Bogd – Part 1”, and it can be downloaded or streamed from a number of services at https://orcd.co/chichikovbogd

More information about RITUAL can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ritual.se or on the band’s website at https://ritual.se   

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
RITUAL
Ritual on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ritual.se
Ritual Website:  https://ritual.se
Band Contact:  ritual.se@gmail.com
KARISMA RECORDS
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records contact: post@karismarecords.no 
Karisma Records: http://www.karismarecords.no/
Karisma Records Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karismarecords
Karisma Records Bandcamp: https://karismarecords.bandcamp.com
Karisma Records on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/KarismarecordsNor
Karisma Records Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarismaRecords
Karisma on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/karisma-records
Karisma Records Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no
Karisma Records US Webshop:  https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com