Sometimes it’s hard to be aware of the next big-thing in the moment it’s happening… It can take months, years to achieve the success but not in the case of HIGH SPIRITS, where everything has happened so fast, that it’s very easy to predict a bright future for this Chicago-based band, who has already started its live-activity playing with the likes of Enforcer, Cauldron, Bible of The Devil.Their first 2009 demo was enthusiastically acclaimed by European medias (9/10 on ROCK HARD GERMANY) as well as Americans (“This four track demo EP is pure 80’s metal. It sounds to me like the early output of Scotland’s Heavy Pettin’ fronted by a singer that sounds somewhat similar to Kevin Griffiths of the NWOBHM band Briar.”- hellbound.ca), immediately bringing to the attention of all traditional metal fans one of the most interesting bands paying tribute to the classic NWOBHM sound. Released by our brother-label M.F.H. in an elegant, classic all-white packaging cover and, this digipack features both HIGH SPIRITS demos (“some of the catchiest nü-NWOBHM jams around” – DECIBEL MAGAZINE) that were released through in 2009.
“The spirit of of the 80s lives fast and hard in High Spirits and they drip with sincerity and integrity as each note speaks volumes about their love for this style. I am astounded at how catchy and powerful High Spirits is. In short I am blown away and these disks haven't left my player since I received them. I can't wait for them to deliver a full length album. I just hope they don't lose touch with what makes these demos so special.” (Nocturnalcult.com)
"You Will Bleed" is Handful of Hate’s 5th full length album, a new chapter from one of the most extreme Black Metal bands ever. Carnality and infamy drowned into a gruesome and explicit act of hate. A mature, powerful and fast as well tribute to the old and underground Black Metal tradition. From the past to the nowadays scene the cult is alive and it has never been so intense and grim.
LEGACY MAGAZIN (GER) 14/14METAL.IT 7,5/10
Since 1989, While Heaven Wept have not only contributed to the very definition of Epic Doom Metal, but with each release have continued to push the boundaries of the genre and in fact have developed a sound uniquely their own; incorporating elements of Baroque, Romantic, 20th century Classical, Cosmic Music, Dark Progressive, Darkwave, Doom, and various styles of metal their sound is very distinctive, very different, yet strangely familiar. Though mainman Tom Phillips is primarily responsible for the compositions, the rest of the members' diverse musical backgrounds contribute heavily to the end results; the fact is, the current line-up is something of an underground "supergroup" including past and present members of: Altura, Solstice (UK), Twisted Tower Dire, Revelation, October 31, and Brave among many others. With 2009's "Vast Oceans Lachrymose," While Heaven Wept offer their most diverse release to date, containing all of the hallmarks of the "WHW sound" but the songs are far more progressive and aggressive than anything they've released previously. Clearly a natural evolution from their critically acclaimed 2003 album "Of Empires Forlorn," it is obvious WHW have no intention of stagnating musically nor playing music that isn't anything less than sincere - no Doom for the sake of Doom here. First feedbacks from the medias:HEAVY Magazin (GER) 12/12 - # 1 IN SOUNDCHECK -METAL HAMMER (GER) 7/7 - # 3 IN SOUNDCHECK -LEGACY Magazin (GER) 14/14ROCK HARD Magazin (GER) 9,5/10 - #2 IN SOUNDCHECK -HEAVY-METAL.DE 9/10PERFECTPROG.COM 9/10METALPSALTER.COM 5/5BW&BK 8,5/10LORDS OF METAL 93/100Release date is Nov 3rd (US) and Nov 6th (Europe), we ship Oct 28th! COMBOS: PLEASE SPECIFY DESIRED SHIRT SIZE AT CHECK OUT
“The Spider Queen” is an original rock opera written by guitarist Stuart Laurence himself in 9 scenes plus an intro and an epilogue, each scene represented by a song. “The Spider Queen” narrates the adventure of a young man facing the quest of his life, avenging his parents’ death. The story revolves around a mysterious talisman, the “Rune of Power” and the magic it possesses, with many turns of events that will lead to an unexpected end. Each and every one of the numerous characters are impersonated by the versatile, dramatic and impressive vocals of Jason McMaster who delivers a performance to the highest of his standards.Featuring Stuart Laurence (Agony Column) and Jason McMaster (Watchtower, Dangerous Toyz), “The Spider Queen” is IGNITOR most-ambitious project so far!BUY IT TOGETHER WITH "ROAD OF BONES" (IGNITOR 2007 ALBUM) AND SAVE 33% ON FINAL PRICE!
An international concept band put together by both American and European musicians, featuring members and ex-members of such bands as Ark, Malmsteen, TNT, Redemption, Manticora, Pharaoh and Division.
Line up:Matt Crooks (ex-Division) - Guitars and Bass Lars F. Larsen (Manticora) - VocalsJohn Macaluso (Starbreaker, ex-Yngwie, ex-ARK, etc.) - Drums Nick van Dyk (Redemption) - Keyboards Matt Johnsen (Pharaoh) - Lead GuitarsFeaturing guest vocals of Tim Aymar (Control Denied / Pharaoh) on 'The Conqueror Worm'.
With a 20-year long career and seven full-length albums, SLOUGH FEG are a reference for every real metal fan in the world.
“Ape Uprising” marks another step ahead in their history, bringing forth once again the main trademarks of SLOUGH FEG’s offer: a tragic, emotional, passionate and yet ironic view of life, approaching philosophical issues disguised under their typical, unconventional hard rock/heavy metal offer.
Around the figure of founding member Mike Scalzi (vc, gt), moves a versatile and talented line up (bassist Adrian Maestas, “Don” Angelo Tringali on guitar and new drummer Harry Cantwell) whose chemistry reaches the highest levels in “Ape Uprising”, delivering what can be considered the heaviest SLOUGH FEG release ever!
CD
Crescent Shield’s debut album “The Last of my Kind” was unexpectedly lauded by fans and the global metal press alike. The band was truly gratified and honored by the praise. Riding high off the events of 2007, Crescent Shield’s songwriting team of Dan DeLucie (guitar) and Michael Grant (vocals) set out forge their next true metal opus. This time out the band’s writing was more focused, and epic but every bit as metal. Their second release is a more progressive, thrashier, speedier affair with a thematic approach. Although firmly entrenched in the sound of classic melodic metal, the band strove to avoid treading the same ground as their previous album and rehashing the riffs and melodies of past acts. The thought-provoking title, “The Stars of Never Seen”, hints at something never before experienced and encompasses the album’s concept. The songs deal with journeys of discovery: from mundane tales of personal revelation (“10,000 Midnights Ago”, “Lifespan”) and emotional exploration (“My Anger” & “Temple of the Empty”) to epic tales of space travel (“The Grand Horizon”) and humankind’s resurgence after global annihilation (“Tides of Fire”). These mighty musical explorations culminate in the 9 and a half minute “The Endurance” which tells the tale of Ernest Shakleton’s doomed 1914 expedition to cross the frozen continent of Antarctica.
Formed in April of 2005 by rhythm guitarist David E. Gehlke, Crown the Lost is lauded as "musically accomplished and eminently memorable" and "one of thrash metal's outstanding new groups," and has since steadily built a devoted following through relentless promotion and word of mouth. Recorded over the span of five months with producer/engineer Dave Watson, Blind Faith Loyalty captures Crown the Lost at its most inspired and expansive. Led by singer C. Renaldi's soaring clean vocal approach and lead guitarist J. Bonaddio's fluid lead guitar lines, the album's 10 songs traverse down paths ranging from fierce, aggressive numbers ("Defame the Hypocrite," "Drawing the Parallel") to catchy, song-oriented tunes ("Bound to Wrath," "Dreaming In Reverse") all the way to towering, multi-faceted thrash metal workouts ("Finality," "Symbiotic").
"Blind Faith Loyalty" sees Crown the Lost expand upon its melodic thrash metal template, adding new, exotic layers of extremity, grace, and technicality.
4th studio full length album for a band that has built its reputation on many live shows (Katatonia, Deathstars, Novembre, Arcturus, Dope Stars Inc. Kirlian Camera, Theatres des Vampires etc.), a talented and versatile album that will please fans of gothic, industrial, extreme and progressive music!
“Rex Mundi X-Ile” also features the cover of ALICE IN CHAINS classic “Would”.
BIBLE OF THE DEVIL returns with its fifth album, to be released in Europe by the end of November 2008 and in January 208 in the States.
"(Ol' Girl) it's not only quite possibly the greatest Thin Lizzy song that Thin Lizzy never wrote, but also an instant classic." (stonerrock.com).
Mesmerizing epic doom metal from Greece featuring Maltese FORSAKEN's singer Leo Stivala.
Recommended for fans of CANDLEMASS, SOLITUDE AETERNUS, SORCERER, MEMENTO MORI ...
CD / SLIPCASE
Truth be told, Pagano is quite an abnormal organism from head to toe, yet its done with a lot of intelligence and perseverance on every poetic level; thus, these gentlemen can easily excel at bending rules for their own development. Generally, Dantesco has one of the most original sounds I've ever heard, and dwelling in their unconventional atmosphere is truly an impressive spirit once hearing all nine offering placed against your unsuspecting cochlea. If you crave heavy/doom metal that takes the genre to new levels of brilliance, Pagano is a must-buy record.
thrashpit 9/10 (Matt Hensch)
CD / DIGIPACK
"Be Gone" is PHARAOH third album, and for many fans, their best (although we think that talking about Pharaoh "the best is yet to come"!). Released in April 2008, at the same time of their first live appearance at the KEEP IT TRUE festival, "Be Gone" has established the band among the brightest hopes of American heavy metal thanks to a strong songwriting, the evocative vocals of Tim Aymar and the never ordinary guitar-work. The guest list this time includes Mark Reale and Mike Flyntz of RIOT fame, plus the usual and brilliant as always cameo of Jim Dofka (DOFKA).The album is also available in a limited (500 only) digipack edition with embroidered patch.
