Scythia – …of War

Posted in Reviews on April 10th, 2011 by General Blaspheme

Scythia - ...of War

Genre: Folk Metal
Label: Independent

Scythia’s …of War is a brilliant assault on the cardiovascular system. It’s practically impossible to not pump your fist and bang your head to this album. And with the extra weight of beer cans in your hand, the necessary ingredient for pretty much all folk metal, it gets even better for your health.
It’s got great leads, clever riffs, and perfect vocals from both genders, and not once does it disappoint for just plain old fun factor. Check these Vancouverites out.
8.5 out of 10.

Scythia on Facebook.

Tags: , , , , , ,

Edmonton’s Samandriel Seeks New Singer

Posted in News on January 19th, 2011 by General Blaspheme

From a statement by Samandriel keyboardist Jeff Black:

“It is with heavy hearts that we must announce that Doneka Reid is no longer the singer of Samandriel. This will be a difficult change for us to make, but we hope that YOU, the fans will continue to support us through these tough times for the band. We all love you Doneka, and we wish you the very best that you can possibly have.

With the departure of Doneka begins The Search. If you or someone you know is interested in joining Samandriel as a singer (male or female) please get in touch by sending an email to samandriel[at]live[dot]com and we can discuss an audition. PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!”

Tags: , ,

Sonic Unyon Metal To Reissue Debut Augury Album This March

Posted in Album Update, News, Tracklisting on January 9th, 2011 by General Blaspheme

Canadian-based Sonic Unyon Metal are proud to announce that they’ll officially reissue Concealed, the classic first album from progressive death metal outfit Augury, this March. Originally released in 2004 via Galy Records, this updated version features a fully remastered recording of the album, also expanded to include two bonus tracks from the band’s 2006 demo. This definitive edition will also be packaged in a new digipak format, designed by Sven De Calluwe of Aborted.

Formed in Montreal, Quebec at the end of 2001, Augury immediately made an impact in the Canadian death metal scene with their technical/classically-inspired progressive death metal attack. The unit entered the studio with Yannick St-Amand (Martyr, Unexpect) in 2004 to record their Concealed debut. The record was mixed by Jean-Francois Dagenais (Kataklysm, Misery Index) and then set loose upon the anxious public. After the release of Concealed, Augury signed with Nuclear Blast Records, who in 2009 unveiled the band’s critically acclaimed 2009 album Fragmentary Evidence, further cementing the band’s name into the upper ranks of the progressive death scene.

Sonic Unyon Metal will re-unleash Concealed to North American audiences on March 8th, 2011.

Concealed reissue track listing:
1. Beatus
2. …Ever Know Peace Again
3. Cosmic Migration
4. Nocebo
5. Alien Shores
6. In Russian Dolls Universes
7. Becoming God
8. The Lair Of Purity
9. From Eden Estranged
10. …As Sea Devours Land
11. Skyless (Bonus Track – 2006 demo)
12. Faith Puppeteers (Bonus Track – 2006 demo)

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bloodshot’s “Murder the World” and The Georgian Skull’s “Mother Armageddon, Healing Apocalypse” to be Released March 2011

Posted in Album Update, News on December 24th, 2010 by General Blaspheme

Bloodshot's Murder the World and The Georgian Skull's Mother Armageddon, Healing Apocalypse

Italian Metal Powerhouse Scarlet Records has announced their second set of releases in the North American Market. They are Bloodshot‘s Murder the World” and The Georgian Skull‘s Mother Armageddon, Healing Apocalypse. Both releases are scheduled for release on March 8, 2011. This is the first time that both albums have been available in North America.

Following the critically acclaimed album Ultimate Hatred, released by Scarlet Records in 2006, and having already shared the stage with renowned acts such as Six Feet Under, Born From Pain, Gojira, Stamping Ground, Heaven Shall Burn, Caliban, Sworn Enemy, Cataract and many more, Belgian hardcore-metal masters Bloodshot are finally ready to release their third full length effort, Murder The World.

Bloodshot‘s new effort, which will once again be released by Scarlet Records, is more vicious and aggressive than ever before, redefining brutality and combining the best elements of metal and hardcore to a perfect war machine crushing everything on its path. Bands like Full Blown Chaos, Sworn Enemy, Hatebreed, Cataract and HateSphere come to mind but yet Bloodshot experiences no difficulties in creating their own well distinctive sound, giving them an original touch in the metalcore scene nowadays. Murder The World will be once again dealing with the acts of another serial killer, Richard Ramirez! Recording sessions took place at Jonathas studio and DeStudio, with Dirk Miers (Do Or Die, Born From Pain) handling the mixing duties. Mastering took place at West West Side Music in New York City.

Bloodshot are ready to take their ambitions to the next level, playing and touring as much as possible, promoting the new CD’s in the most professional way, spreading the Bloodshot madness on the crowds all over the world!!

Inspired by 1970′s Heavy Metal such as Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and Thin Lizzy, Georgian Skull have fused the past with even heavier metal bands like Clutch, Pantera and Entombed. Georgian Skull continues to redefine their sound and presence as one of the most important bands to have come out of Canada. The death of the stoner band Mister Bones brought out the most significant chapter of the band’s life: its afterlife. Which is simply known as Georgian Skull. A revolution is on its way, a great tale is about to be told, and the power of the Doom and Groove that possess this band will set out to unleash a masterful work in their new album, set to be released on Scarlet Records. Georgian Skull is absolutely one of the most crushing live bands around, a real must for any fan of Black Sabbath. Georgian Skull is a four-piece out of Windsor, London and Hamilton, Canada, fronted by vocalist/lead guitarist Al “The Yeti” Bones (also frontman for U.S.A ‘s sludge king’s The Mighty Nimbus). Mother Armageddon, Healing Apocalypse is the confirmed title of the band’s debut full length album: Apocalyptic lyrics meshed with life’s struggle for sanity, crossed with the biggest, baddest riffs around. Georgian Skull command the attention of every audience they’ve played for. Bands they have shared the stage with have been Anvil, Cryptopsy, Today Is The Day, Goatwhore, Trouble, Sons Of Otis, and many, many more. Artwork duties were handled by Vince Locke (well known for his work with death metal legends Cannibal Corpse).

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Komor Kommando – Oil, Steel, & Rhythm

Posted in Reviews, Videos on December 20th, 2010 by General Blaspheme

Komor Kommando - Self-Titled

Genre: Industrial
Label: Alfa-Matrix

Sebastian Komor has been doing this shit for years, and the debut from his eponymous project proves it. This is some of the freshest industrial I’ve heard in awhile, and it’s perfect for either the club or the car.
It reminds me of Skinny Puppy, especially the fourth track “Atrapado”, while also bringing to mind iVardensphere (who are inspired by Komor’s other projects), The Prodigy, and the fathers of industrial rock KMFDM.
Oh wait, did you just say that Sascha from KMFDM is on this record? Well fuck. It goes to prove just how similar to black metal industrial really is: everyone is on everyone’s record and everyone is in everyone’s band.
At the end of the disc, with album closer “Blues ‘N’ Tubes” showcasing some really odd and fun shit, I find myself waiting for it to spin again. It’s definitely something that can be played twice or three times in a row without getting tiring.
If you’re a fan of industrial in general, or Komor’s other projects Icon of Coil, Zombiegirl, Moonitor, and others, you need to get this album when it drops in February 2011.
8.5 out of 10.

Komor Kommando on MySpace.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,