Dark Essence Records | PATRICIA THOMAS BAND MANAGEMENT

Posts Tagged ‘Dark Essence Records’

DARK ESSENCE RECORDS REVEALS ALBUM DETAILS AND NEW SINGLE FROM HARD ROCKERS VESTINDIEN

Posted: April 5, 2024 in DARK ESSENCE RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: Bergen, Black Metal, Dark Essence Records, Hardcore, Heavy Metal, Norway, Old School Metal, Punk, rock n roll, Vestindien

When you name your band after the last known brothel (now a museum) in your home town, you’d better be able to deliver something special with your music, and without a doubt VESTINDIEN do just that with their sophomore full-length album “Verdande”.

Set for release on Dark Essence Records on the 10th of May, fans had already been given a glimpse into what to expect at the end of last year, when VESTINDIEN released a freshly mixed single even before the album was fully completed.

But now, with the album ready to go, Dark Essence Records are expanding that glimpse with a brand new single titled “Etter ilden”, a track which, according to VESTINDIEN, has undergone a series of iterations before having been deemed ready:

The demo was first written and recorded in the summer of 2021 in a location where the view from our windows was of the Urd, Skuld and Verdande mountains at Bjørnøya. It would be re-recorded several times before it finally came together as intended, at Underschön Studio in the fall of 2023.

“Etter ilden” is about taking the time to find calm and beauty in a world that is chaotic and full of suffering. We acknowledge that it is a privilege to be able to do so, whilst at the same time, we believe it is necessary to keep moving forward.

“Etter ilden” can be streamed or downloaded from a variety of sources at https://fanlink.tv/etterilden

“Verdande” comes three years on from the release of VESTINDIEN’s debut full-length “Null”, an album that served as an introduction to the band’s unique take on old-school metal but which hinted at something dark and harsh and sinister.

The fact that it was written both in a basement in Bergen, as well as on a secluded island in the Barents Sea, gives “Verdande” a unique feel, allowing its chaotic, claustrophobic underground roots to gain a more spacious, airy feel, that no doubt comes from being written out in the open sea.

With cover art by Geir Wallem and cover design by Sondre Krum Dahl, “Verdande” delivers eight tracks of psychedelic proto-metal with a gloomy twist, and whose song titles are in Norwegian, but whose lyrics are in English.

Track listing is as follows:

Humus
Evig Lys
Etter ilden
I en hule under berget
Alt vårt
Forbi stillheten
Verdande
Innover

“Verdande” will be released in Digital and LP formats, and is now available to pre-order from:

Webshop: https://darkessencerecords.no/shop/vestindien-verdande-black-vinyl/
Bandcamp: https://vestindien.bandcamp.com/album/verdande

VESTINDIEN, whose lineup today is comprised of Slettsnok on vocals, guitars and synth, Fader War and Henrik Paulsen on guitars, Karl Johan Johannessen on drums, Petter Beyer on synth and Pål Eirik Veseth on bass, was originally formed in 2009 and quickly earned itself a well-deserved reputation as an up-and-coming hardcore band with a heavy metal twist.

Their frenetic live shows gained the band a solid following, yet one year after the release of their 2011 EP “We are the Lords of Hellfire”, VESTINDIEN inexplicably called it a day. Their emergence several years later saw VESTINDIEN with a more introverted, and less hardcore and aggressive, approach to their music.

Answering only to their own their own standards and expectations, VESTINDIEN’s music today still hints at the bands hardcore roots but it has evolved into a sound that conjures up the essence of black metal, punk and old school rock’n’roll, all of which are enveloped in a dark shroud.

VESTINDIEN are confirmed to play a series of dates in the Spring. Routing as follows:

12 April: Blå, Oslo, Norway
13 April: Fängelset , Gøteborg, Sweden
19 April: Tou, Stavanger, Norway
27 April: T2, Ålesund, Norway
10 May: Landmark , Bergen, Norway

More information about the band can be found on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Vestindien/

GENRE-DEFYING DUO LETHE RELEASE NEW SINGLE FROM UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: March 15, 2024 in DARK ESSENCE RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: Dark Essence Records, Electronic, Experimental, Lethe, Metal, Norway, Pop, Sweden, Triphop

When they first got together in 2012, Tor-Helge Skei (MANES, MANII etc.) and Anna Murphy (CELLAR DARLING, ex-ELUVEITIE) had it in mind that LETHE would act as a home for their musical and artistic aspirations. Which is precisely what happened. And now, two much-admired albums later, the Swiss/Norwegian duo are ready with their third full-length album “Alienation”.

Ahead of its release on Dark Essence Records on the 26th April, a second track from “Alienation” has been released. Titled “Éternel” the single can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of services at:

https://orcd.co/eternel

Introducing the single, LETHE had this to say:

The album is pretty varied, and it’s difficult to select a few songs to represent it as a whole.. but, trying to show some different sides of it, here’s a slightly ‘sharper’ and more energetic song this time, featuring the usual suspects – Eivind Fjøseide on guitars, Tor Arne Helgesen on drums, plus Pierre Ripka on vocals… enjoy! Become Alienated!

Named after one of the five rivers of Hades in Greek mythology, LETHE was built on the premise that the music created by the duo would follow only one rule, and that is that there would be no rules, no expectations and no compromises, thus allowing the band to experiment with their sound at every possible level.

LETHE’s music is therefore quite unique and very personal. A melting pot of dark rock, pop, electronic, experimentation and metal, filled with an atmosphere that is cold and harsh and interwoven with beautiful melodies and mesmerizing grooves.

It is a sound that has variously been described as “genre-bending”, “style-bastardization”, “eclectic”, and even “just plain weird”, resulting in LETHE being able to straddle a variety of disciplines, without having to fit themselves into any one in particular. Something that has drawn fans of all kinds of genres to the band.

“Alienation” itself took longer to appear given the circumstances that affected so much new music over the past few years, and it continues to explore LETHE’s idiosyncratic soundscapes, whilst at the same time giving Tor-Helge and Anna the freedom to explore new avenues, as they explain:

The 3rd chapter of the Lethe saga is, as always, an eclectic blend of expressions and atmospheres and moods, and not many defined borders, styles or rules.. Lyrically it’s about being outsiders, outcasts, and alienated in various forms, mentally, physically, ideologic(ally).. and musically.. (hence the album title).. So, join us on another journey, a personal and alternate one..

Track listing on “Alienation”, which features guest appearances by members of ATROX, MANES, THE 3^RD and THE MORTAL, and artwork by Tom Korsvold. is as follows:

Anhedonia
Brighter
When it’s Over
Éternel
Crossroads
Sedator
Erosion
Worm

“Alienation” will be released in CD, Digital and Limited Edition Purple Vinyl formats, and is now available to pre-order from:

Webshop: https://darkessencerecords.no/shop/
Bandcamp: https://lethemetal.bandcamp.com/album/alienation
US Webshop: https://darkessence.indiemerch.com

A video for the previously released single “Erosion”, comprised of clips taken from ‘Point of Return’ (University of Oklahoma), can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/PGzLIT3K8DE

More information about LETHE can be found on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LetheProject or on their website at https://torhelgeskei.com/lethe/

DOOM METALLERS BISMARCK REVEAL DETAILS AND SINGLE FROM UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: March 7, 2024 in DARK ESSENCE RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: Black Metal, Dark Essence Records, Doom, Doom Metal, Norway, Norwegian Black Metal, Post Rock, Psychedelic, Sludge

With a trademark sound that is an uncompromising mix of sludgy riffs and psychedelic nuances, BISMARCK’s lineup of Torstein Tveiten on Vocals, Leif Herland on Guitar and Backing Vocals, Eirik Goksøyr on Guitar, Tomas Osland on Bass and Tore Lyngstad on Drums, have earned themselves a reputation as one of the heaviest bands in Norway.

With the band having completed their latest album, Dark Essence Records have today announced details of what will be BISMARCK’s third full-length release. Slated to hit the streets on the 3rd May, “Vourukasha” promises to be an amp melting form of stoner doom, combined with atmospheric post-rock, and with a hint of Middle Eastern folk music and the Norwegian black metal the band grew up listening to.

As a hint of what to expect, Dark Essence have today released a single from the album. Titled “Sky Father”, the single can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of services at:

https://link.darkessencerecords.no/Bismarck_Sky-Father

This is what BISMARCK had to say about the single:

“Sky Father” is the divine wrath, the flood to come, and the fall of man. Its aggressive nature and ferocity coming to life with the help of Aslak (Ondt Blod), as he summons the unavoidable calamity.

“Vourukasha” is an album that amply showcases BISMARCK’s music. With its exploration of western esotericism, altered states of consciousness and a mystical apocalypse, “Vourukasha’s” lyrical content acts as the perfect foil to the band’s sound, which alternates between intense, fuzzed-out heaviness, and clean, atmospheric drones.

As the band explained

“Vourukasha” is a work born from curiosity, hard work, and sheer determination. It will take you on a metaphysical journey through space and time. From the darkest depths of the sea to the endless cosmic void. Join us, and dive into the Heavenly Sea.

With artwork by Vaderetro, track listing for “Vourukasha” is as follows:

Sky Father
Echoes
Kigal
The Tree of All Seeds
Vourukasha
Ocean Dweller

“Vourukasha” will be available in CD, Digital and Limited Edition Splatter Vinyl formats and can now be pre-ordered from:

Webshop: https://darkessencerecords.no/shop/
US Webshop: https://darkessence.indiemerch.com

BISMARCK has been confirmed to appear at Oslo’s Desertfest and the Valo Rock Festival in May 2024.

More information about BISMARCK can be found at https://www.facebook.com/Bismarckdoom

A video of BISMARCK live at the Vill Vill Vest festival at USF Verftet, Bergen, Norway, in 2020 can be seen at https://youtu.be/jdTpWV43g0s?si=EyikFAW0lg290qBx

GENRE-DEFYING DUO LETHE REVEAL ALBUM DETAILS, NEW SINGLE & VIDEO

Posted: February 16, 2024 in DARK ESSENCE RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: Dark Essence Records, Electronic, Experimental, Lethe, Metal, Norway, Pop, Triphop

Following the inevitable delays that the past few years have wrought on new releases, LETHE are finally back with their third full-length album, scheduled for release on Dark Essence Records on the 24th April.

Titled “Alienation” the album continues to explore LETHE’s idiosyncratic soundscapes, described variously as “genre-bending”, “style-bastardization”, “eclectic”, and even “just plain weird”. However, this time the Swiss/Norwegian duo of Tor-Helge Skei (MANES, MANII etc.) and Anna Murphy (CELLAR DARLING, ex-ELUVEITIE) also dip their toes into new territories.

And, whilst waiting for the release date to arrive, Dark Essence Records have today released “Erosion” a track taken from the album, and about which LETHE had this to say:

It’s hard to pick out one song to represent the album, but ‘Erosion’ might give a little clue about what you can expect from the “Alienation”. Or not.. Joining us on the song are Tor Arne Helgesen on drums, Eivind Fjøseide on guitars and Marita Hellem on vocals.

“Erosion” can be downloaded or streamed on various services at:

https://link.darkessencerecords.no/Lethe_Erosion

Accompanying the single is a video comprised of clips taken from ‘Point of Return’ (University of Oklahoma), which can be seen below:

Formed in 2012, and taking their name from one of the five rivers in Hades in Greek mythology, LETHE was originally created as a home for Anna and Tor-Helge’s musical and artistic experimentation. And, right from the start, the duo made it very clear that the only rule is that there are no rules, no expectations and no compromises.

This has resulted in the band being able to experiment on every level, whilst being absolutely unafraid of incorporating melody and catchiness into their sound. LETHE’s music is therefore quite personal and different. A unique melting pot of dark rock, pop, electronic, experimentation and metal, filled with an atmosphere that is cold and harsh and interwoven with beautiful melodies and mesmerizing grooves.

With artwork by Tom Korsvold “Alienation” will be available in CD, Digital and Limited Edition Purple Vinyl, and track listing is as follows:

Anhedonia
Brighter
When it’s Over
Éternel
Crossroads
Sedator
Erosion
Worm

“Alienation” is now available to pre-order from:

Webshop: https://darkessencerecords.no/shop/
Bandcamp: https://lethemetal.bandcamp.com/album/alienation
US Webshop: https://darkessence.indiemerch.com

Commenting on the album, LETHE explained that:

“Alienation” took years longer than planned, because of a lot of things, circumstances far beyond our control, but it’s finally here! The 3rd chapter of the Lethe saga! As always, it’s an eclectic blend of expressions and atmospheres and moods, and not many defined borders, styles or rules.. Lyrically it’s about being outsiders, outcasts, and alienated in various forms, mentally, physically, ideologic(ally).. and musically.. (hence the album title).. So, join us on another journey, a personal and alternate one..

More information about LETHE can be found on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LetheProject or on their website at https://torhelgeskei.com/lethe/

DARK ESSENCE RECORDS RELEASE NEW SINGLE FROM UPCOMING MADDER MORTEM ALBUM

Posted: January 12, 2024 in DARK ESSENCE RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: Americana, Dark Essence Records, Extreme, Heavy, Madder Mortem, Metal, Norway, Post Metal, Prog, Rock

With the release date of MADDER MORTEM “Old Eyes, New Heart”, fast approaching, Dark Essence Records have today revealed a new track from the album. Titled “Unity”, it is, according to the band:

A song about not lying to oneself, facing reality head-on and with honesty. Musically, “Unity” blends Muse-ish excess with Eastern rhythmic and melodic influences and a sing-along chorus, all wrapped in a very Madder Mortem mix of heaviness and atmosphere.

“Unity” can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of services at:

https://link.darkessencerecords.no/Madder-Mortem_Unity

Set for release on the 26th January, “Old Eyes, New Heart” is the eighth full-length album from MADDER MORTEM, a band that has never sought to fit into any particular category, but has preferred rather to draw upon styles such as Prog and Metal, Rock and Extreme, much to the delight of their many fans.

With “Old Eyes, New Heart”, MADDER MORTEM’s lineup of Agnete M. Kirkevaag on vocals, BP M. Kirkevaag on guitar & vocals, Anders Langberg on guitars, Tormod L. Moseng on bass and Mads Solås on drums have created a work that follows many unexpected directions ranging from post-metal heaviness to soft Americana grooves and everything in between

Recorded and produced by BP M. Kirkevaag, the album is an exploration of hope, disappointment, and the ambivalence between them. It is, essentially, music that comes from old hearts and deep roots, with new eyes open to the unlimited possibilities of 12 notes. But, as always, MADDER MORTEM’s intention is to write a good, honest song. And with “Old Eyes, New Heart” they have succeeded admirably.

But it is also an album whose creation has not been without turmoil, and with it also came the heartbreak that was felt at the death of Jakob Kirkevaag, the much-loved father of band members Agnete and BP, and a man whose unfailing support has been so important to MADDER MORTEM from its very inception almost 30 years ago.

“Old Eyes, New Heart”, is, in fact, dedicated to Jakob, an artist in his own right, who sadly did not live long-enough to see or hear the finished work. However, his contribution to the band lives on, because, with the help of MADDER MORTEM’s long-time collaborator, the artist and video producer Costin Chioreanu, two of Jakob’s original paintings were adapted to form the cover art for “Old Eyes, New Heart”.

“Old Eyes, New Heart”, will be available in CD, Digital, and Limited Edition LP formats in White Vinyl (limited to 250 copies) and Blue Vinyl (limited to 250 copies), and can now be pre-ordered from:

Webshop: https://darkessencerecords.no/kar270-madder-mortem-old-eyes-new-heart/
BandcampL https://maddermortem.bandcamp.com/album/old-eyes-new-heart
US Webshop: https://darkessence.indiemerch.com

Tracklisting on “Old Eyes, New Heart” is as follows:

Coming from the Dark
On Guard
Master Tongue
The Head that Wears the Crown
Cold Hard Rain
Unity
Towers
Here and Now
Things I’ll Never Do
10. Long Road

A release party for will be held at the Rockefeller / John Dee / Sentrum Scene in Oslo, Norway on the 3rd February, and fans will also be able to see MADDER MORTEM perform at this year’s Inferno Metal Festival in Oslo on Saturday 30th March.

A video by Patrick Scantlebury for “Towers” the recently released first single from “Old Eyes, New Heart” can be seen below and at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzf7cvrk3jU

More information about MADDER MORTEM can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mmortem or on the band’s website at http://www.maddermortem.com/

DARK ESSENCE RECORDS RELEASES NEW TRACK AND VIDEO FROM UPCOMING ALFAHANNE ALBUM

Posted: January 10, 2024 in ALFAHANNE, DARK ESSENCE RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: Alfahanne, Alfapokalyptic Rock, Black Metal, Classic Rock, Dark Essence Records, Punk, rock n roll

Sweden’s ALFAHANNE, whose ability both on and off stage to produce their own infectious, crowd-pleasing “Alfapocalyptic Rock” has endeared the band to a legion of fans since the 2013 release of their debut full-length “Alfapokalyps“, will be back this year with their fifth album “Vår tid är nu”.

But, although fans will have to wait until the 9th February to hear the album in its entirety, Dark Essence Records have today released a new single taken from the album. Titled “Wolfman” the track can be streamed or downloaded from a variety of services at

https://link.darkessencerecords.no/Alfahanne_Wolfman

Whilst the video, by Necrolust Productions, can be seen below and on YouTube at https://youtu.be/wCayoki-82U

Commenting on the track, ALFAHANNE noted that:

The song includes brilliant Steel guitar work which is something different for us, but make no mistake, “Wolfman” is as “Alfahanne” as it gets. It’s a classic Rock song but it comes with a twist because we have never been afraid of turning left when the road turns right.

Whilst “Vår tid är nu” is unmistakably ALFAHANNE, replete with the band’s mix of Black Metal, Classic Rock, Punk and a healthy dose of Rock n Roll, it is, nevertheless, their heaviest album to date. The catchy melodies and the punk swagger are all present, but so too is a an underlying bleak atmosphere that is reminiscent of both the early days of Black Metal and the 80s.

With album cover art by Roger Pettersson and photography by Uffe Sandin, tracklisting on “Vår tid är nu” is as follows:

Intro
9:e cirkeln
Eremiten (Feat. Doedsadmiral)
Elden har vaknat
Alfa omega (Feat. Nattefrost)
Wolfman
När allt faller-Kaiken Kaatuessa
(Feat. Spellgoth)
213
Vår tid är nu (Feat. Nattfursth)
Outro

Known for their ability to attract a veritable who’s who of Scandinavian Extreme Metal icons to guest both on their albums and on stage – artists such as Hoest (TAAKE), V’gandr (HELHEIM), Dolk (KAMPFAR), Erlend Hjelvik (KVELERTAK), Spellgoth (HORNA, TURMION KÄTILÖT), Nattfursth (SORHIN), David Lindh (YVONNE and BRODER DANIEL), Sanrabb (GEHENNA) and Niklas Kvarforth (SHINING), ALFAHANNE carry on this tradition with “Vår tid är nu”.

This time CARPATHIAN FOREST’s legendary Nattefrost himself makes an appearance, along with Doedsadmiral (NORDJEVEL), both of whom contribute their first ever guest vocals with the band, whilst Spellgoth (HORNA) and Nattfursth (SORHIN) make a welcome return.

“Vår tid är nu” will be available in CD, Digital and Limited Edition Swamp Green Vinyl formats and can be pre-ordered now from:

Bandcamp: https://alfahanne.bandcamp.com/album/v-r-tid-r-nu
Webshop: https://darkessencerecords.no/shop/
US Webshop: https://darkessence.indiemerch.com/

ALFAHANNE’s lineup is comprised of Pehr Skjoldhammer on guitars and vocals, Fredrik Sööberg on guitars, Jimmy Wiberg on bass, Niklas Åström on drums, and Stefan Eriksson on keyboards and guitars, and more information about the band can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/alfahanneofficial

ALFAHANNE have already been confirmed to appear at 2024’s Karmoygeddon Festival to be held in Kopervik, Norway, 2-4 May.

A video of ALFAHANNE performing the track “Indiehora” from their album “Alfapokalyps”, live at Inferno Festival 2014, and featuring V’gandr of TAAKE & HELHEIM can be seen https://youtu.be/alOrLodpTGg

MADDER MORTEM RELEASE NEW SINGLE FROM UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: December 13, 2023 in DARK ESSENCE RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: Alfapokalyptic Rock, Americana, Avant-Garde, Dark Essence Records, Extreme, Grunge, Madder Mortem, Norway, Post Metal, Prog, Rock

Five years after the release of “Marrow” MADDER MORTEM will be back on the 26th January 2024 with their 8th full-length album “Old Eyes, New Heart”, and, whilst fans wait for its release, Dark Essence Records has today debuted a single taken from the album.

Titled “The Head That Wears The Crown” MADDER MORTEM explained that this track is

A typical example of how Madder Mortem’s song writing works, combining an intensely melodic, nearly baroque verse with a down-tuned, heavy-handed riff-based refrain very suitable for banging your head. The lyrics deal with how there are some lines that will not be crossed and some things that will not be handed out for free, not even for love”.

“The Head That Wears The Crown” can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of services at:

https://link.darkessencerecords.no/MadderMortem_THTWTC

Eschewing any attempts at genre-categorisation, MADDER MORTEM’s lineup of Agnete M. Kirkevaag on vocals, BP M. Kirkevaag on guitar & vocals, Anders Langberg on guitars, Tormod L. Moseng on bass and Mads Solås on drums, are able to draw fans from fields as diverse as Prog and Metal, Rock and Extreme, and a few more besides.

Recorded and produced by BP M. Kirkevaag, “Old Eyes, New Heart” is chock full of surprises and finds MADDER MORTEM skillfully following a wide range of directions that range from post-metal heaviness to soft Americana grooves and everything in between.

Tracklisting on “Old Eyes, New Heart” is as follows:

Coming from the Dark
On Guard
Master Tongue
The Head that Wears the Crown
Cold Hard Rain
Unity
Towers
Here and Now
Things I’ll Never Do
Long Road

Lyrically and musically, “Old Eyes, New Heart” deals with hope, disappointment, and the ambivalence between them. It is music from old hearts and deep roots, with new eyes open to the unlimited possibilities of 12 notes, but always with the desire to write a good, honest song. Which makes it unmistakably MADDER MORTEM.

It will be available in CD, Digital, and Limited Edition LP formats in White Vinyl (limited to 250 copies) and Blue Vinyl (limited to 250 copies), and can now be pre-ordered from:

Webshop: https://darkessencerecords.no/kar270-madder-mortem-old-eyes-new-heart/
BandcampL https://maddermortem.bandcamp.com/album/old-eyes-new-heart
US Webshop: https://darkessence.indiemerch.com

The making of “Old Eyes, New Heart”, has not just been a long journey for the MADDER MORTEM, it has also been a hard one, filled with turmoil, and, for band members Agnete and BP, one that ended in heartbreak following the death of their beloved father Jakob, a man whose support was intrinsic to the launch of the band’s career almost 30 years ago.

An artist himself, Jakob contributed two paintings for “Old Eyes, New Heart”, which, with the help of artist and video producer Costin Chioreanu, a long-term collaborator of the band’s, Jakobs’ work was adapted to form the cover art of the album. Sadly he did not live long enough to hear the finished work which dedicated to his memory.

A video by Patrick Scantlebury for “Towers” the recently released first single from the album can be seen below and at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzf7cvrk3jU

More information about MADDER MORTEM can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mmortem or on the band’s website at http://www.maddermortem.com/

DARK ESSENCE RECORDS REVEALS FIRST SINGLE FROM UPCOMING VESTINDIEN ALBUM

Posted: December 8, 2023 in DARK ESSENCE RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: Bergen, Black Metal, Dark Essence Records, Hardcore, Norway, Old School Metal, Prog, Psych Rock, Punk, rock n roll, Vestindien

As work on VESTINDIEN’s sophomore full-length album “Verdande” nears completion, Dark Essence Records has managed to give fans of the band an early Christmas present by releasing one of the finished tracks as a single.

Almost three years on from the release of VESTINDIEN’s 2020 debut full-length “Null”, the new single, titled “Forbi Stillheten”, bridges the gap from where the band were then, to where they are today.

“Null” served to introduce fans to VESTINDIEN’s unique approach to a dark, harsh and sinister old-school metal sound, and whilst “Forbi Stillheten” is still very much rooted in metal, this time it also references 60s psych and 70s prog.

Described by the band as “A hymn to the people who see the world as something they belong to, rather than something that belongs to them”, “Forbi Stillheten” can be streamed or downloaded from a variety of services at:

https://link.darkessencerecords.no/Vestindien_ForbiStillheten

Formed in 2009 and named after the last known brothel (now a museum) in Bergen, VESTINDIEN had a reputation as an up-and-coming hardcore band with a heavy metal twist, and a solid following eager to witness VESTINDIEN’s frenetic live shows. But one year after the release of their 2011 EP “We are the Lords of Hellfire”, the band inexplicably called it a day.

Several years later VESTINDIEN re-emerged with a more introverted, and less hardcore and aggressive, approach to their music. Hints of the band’s hardcore roots were still discernible, but VESTINDIEN’s sound had manifested itself into a dark shroud that conjured up the essence of black metal, punk and old school rock’n’roll. As a result “Null” was filled with songs that were dark, desperate and desolate, but also packed hard punches of energy and groove.

Details of the new album itself are still being kept under wraps, but we can reveal that “Verdande” was written in a basement in Bergen, as well as on a secluded island in the Barents Sea. The latter’s location out in the open sea, has literally, and figuratively, given VESTINDIEN more air and space do develop their music, without sacrificing any of those claustrophobic and chaotic roots from the underground.

VESTINDIEN’s lineup is comprised of Slettsnok on vocals, guitars and synth, Fader War and Henrik Paulsen on guitars, Karl Johan Johannessen on drums, Petter Beyer on synth and Pål Eirik Veseth on bass, and more information about the band can be found on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Vestindien/

ICELANDIC BLACK METALLERS NYRST DEBUT NEW SINGLE FROM UPCOMING ALBUM

Posted: November 30, 2023 in DARK ESSENCE RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: Black Metal, Dark Essence Records, Drone, Iceland, Icelandic Black Metal, Noise, Nyrst

Nobody watching the news could have failed to have noticed that the people of Iceland are on tenterhooks, wondering if the Fagradalsfjall Volcano will erupt and rain hell on the town of Grindavik, whose 4,000 souls have been evacuated.

And, in the case of NYRST’s upcoming album “Völd” this does, indeed, seem to signify that there is a lot of truth to the saying “life imitating art”, because the band drew their inspiration from the ever-present danger of the countries’ volcanoes.

Even the title itself, “Völd”, which means “force, power or might”, implies the sense of violence and foreboding that pervades the album, and which is reflected in the dark melodies and intense vocals of NYRST’s lineup of Snæbjörn on vocals, Eysteinn and Davíð on guitars, Egill on bass, and Sveinbjörn on drums.

With the release date of “Völd” fast approaching, Dark Essence Records have today released a second track from the album, a track whose title ” Hrímvíti” only serves to emphasise the brooding menace of the volcanoes against whose power humanity is helpless.

” Hrímvíti” can be streamed or downloaded from a number of service at https://link.darkessencerecords.no/Nyrst_Hrimviti

Right from the outset NYRST demonstrated a ferocious musical ability that was remarkable in a band so early in their career. Not content on resting on the laurels they earned upon the release of the debut full-length “Orsök” in 2020, NYRST are fully committed to expanding and evolving the creation of the coldest, most eerie, and barren of soundscapes possible, as the band explains:

This release marks a big milestone in our career as a band. We’ve developed a lot as musicians since the release of “Orsök” and we took a very different approach to writing and composition. Our intention was to bring all the best elements of our previous work and implement new ideas along with a different theme, which in turn resulted in a much heavier, grim but melodic album.

With album artwork by Nightjar Adam Burke, layout by Skaðvaldur, and photography by Þorsteinn Dagur Rafnsson, track listing for “Völd” is as follows:

Völd
Sundra skal sálu
Hrímvíti
Fjalli∂ andar
Eilíft eldhaf
Drottnari nafnlausra gu∂a
Af fjarri ströndum

Set for release on the 8th December, “Völd” will be available in CD, Digital and Lava Smash Vinyl formats as well as on Cassette, and can now be pre-ordered from:

Webshop: https://darkessencerecords.no/shop
Bandcamp: https://nyrst.bandcamp.com/album/v-ld
US Webshop: https://darkessence.indiemerch.com
Webshop Updates on NYRST: https://darkessencerecords.no/kar269-nyrst-vold/

A video for the title track of “Völd” by Valhalla Artworks that perfectly encapsulates what NYRST is all about can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/hs1_nvxRQ0U?si=Jy5LdW5iRGhgcvj5

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

DARK ESSENCE RECORDS REVEALS DETAILS OF UPCOMING ALFAHANNE ALBUM AND SINGLE

Posted: November 29, 2023 in ALFAHANNE, DARK ESSENCE RECORDS, OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES
Tags: Alfahanne, Alfapokalyptic Rock, Black Metal, Classic Rock, Dark Essence Records, Punk, Punk Rock, rock n roll

Having announced their return to Dark Essence Records after a one-album absence, Swedish Rockers ALFAHANNE are ready to (rock n) roll out their fifth full-length album. Titled “Vår tid är nu”, their latest release promises to be chock-full of ALFAHANNE’s very own “Alfapocalyptic Rock”, a sound that mixes Black Metal with Classic Rock and Punk and more than a large measure of Rock n Roll.

And, since ALFAHANNE is well known for being able to attract some very big names to appear both on studio albums and on stage, “Vår tid är nu” carries on that fine tradition, with Nattefrost (CARPATHIAN FOREST) and Doedsadmiral (NORDJEVEL) contributing their first ever guest vocals with the band, whilst Spellgoth (HORNA) and Nattfursth (SORHIN) make a welcome return.

With ALFAHANNE’s many fans chomping at the bit to see what their irrepressible heroes have got is store for them, Dark Essence Records have today released a none-too-gentle introduction in the form of a single and video for the track “Alfa Omega” which features Nattefrost himself.

“Alfa Omega” is available to download or stream on a variety of services at https://link.darkessencerecords.no/Alfahanne_AlfaOmega

It is also available on YouTube at https://youtu.be/xcz3w7bZOO4

ALFAHANNE had this to say about the single and the album:

Today we’re dropping the first bomb from our upcoming album: “Vår tid är nu” (“Our time is now”) in the form of the single “Alfa Omega”. This was actually the first song that we wrote for the album, and is the foundation of the rest to come. It’s an up-tempo punk/metal song that includes the classic Alfa guitar melodies and features Nattefrost’s unmistakable vocals.

As to the album itself, “Our time is now” – this is the beginning of the end.

Set for release on February 9th 2024, and exactly ten years since the release of the band’s debut full-length, “Vår tid är nu” is ALFAHANNE’s heaviest album to date. Filled with the band’s trademark catchy melodies and punk attitude, “Vår tid är nu” has an underlying bleak atmosphere that is reminiscent of both the 80s and the early days of Black Metal.

With album cover art by Roger Pettersson and photography by Uffe Sandin, tracklisting on “Vår tid är nu” is as follows:

Intro
9:e cirkeln
Eremiten (Feat. Doedsadmiral)
Elden har vaknat
Alfa omega (Feat. Nattefrost)
Wolfman
När allt faller-Kaiken Kaatuessa
(Feat. Spellgoth)
213
Vår tid är nu (Feat. Nattfursth)
Outro

“Vår tid är nu” will be available in CD, Digital and Limited Edition Swamp Green Vinyl formats and can be pre-ordered now from:

Bandcamp: https://alfahanne.bandcamp.com/album/v-r-tid-r-nu
Webshop: https://darkessencerecords.no/shop/
US Webshop: https://darkessence.indiemerch.com/

Since bursting onto the scene in 2010 ALFAHANNE has, as previously mentioned, shared both the studio and the stage with a list of artists that reads like a who’s who of Scandinavian Extreme Metal and includes Hoest (TAAKE), V’gandr (HELHEIM), Dolk (KAMPFAR), Erlend Hjelvik (KVELERTAK), Spellgoth (HORNA, TURMION KÄTILÖT), Nattfursth (SORHIN), David Lindh (YVONNE and BRODER DANIEL), Sanrabb (GEHENNA) and Niklas Kvarforth (SHINING).

Today’s lineup of Pehr Skjoldhammer on guitars and vocals, Fredrik Sööberg on guitars, Jimmy Wiberg on bass, Niklas Åström on drums, and Stefan Eriksson on keyboards and guitars, display a full-on attitude and an exuberance that is infectious. Pair this with an easy going, friendly interaction with the fans (both on and off the stage) and you have a band that is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

ALFAHANNE have already been confirmed to appear at 2024’s Karmoygeddon Festival to be held in Kopervik, Norway, 2-4 May.

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

A video of ALFAHANNE performing the track “Indiehora” from their album “Alfapokalyps”, live at Inferno Festival 2014, and featuring V’gandr of TAAKE & HELHEIM can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/alOrLodpTGg

PATRICIA THOMAS BAND MANAGEMENT

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