Firebrand After Dark Issue 10 by Firebrand's Rock&Metal Express

Issue 10 - April 2014

Pilgrim

Volume IV

Decembre Noir Ferium Puteraeon Decapitated Christ Gravehill Pale Divine The Casket Crew Erebus Enthroned

08 12 18 20 24 26 30

- Puteraeon - Xandria - Ferium - Pilgrim - Don Jamieson - Decembre Noir - Volume IV

39 - Pale Divine - The Bunny The Bear 40 - Enthroned - Cage The Gods 41 - Voodoo Six 42 - Comeback Kid - Harikiri For The Sky 43 - Decapitated Christ - Volume IV

04 05 11 15 17 32

- DLC - News - Top 5 Videos - Xandria Track By Track - Top 5 Album Covers - Games Dungeon

46 - Gravehill - The Casket Crew 47 - The Manic Shine - Erebus Enthroned 48 - Pilgrim - Whitechapel 49 - Coldwar - Battery

*All content and layout are copyright of Firebrand Magazine. Any attempt to distribute Firebrand Magazine to another site for purposes of download is strictly prohibited. All Firebrand Magazines are property of Firebrand. *

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Meet The Team! Editor In Chief Rick Palin It seems like next to no time has passed since we put Senior Media Consultant out the last edition of Firebrand After Dark and I Rachel Whiston have to say that its been a pretty hectic and unpredictable time with the sad passing of GWAR’s Editor Lee Walker Dave Brockie's catching everyone by surprise and with the recent rumour’s currently doing the rounds Reviews Team re Malcolm Young’s health issues making you realise Gavin Griffiths just how much you take for granted. Festival seasons Graham Pritchard inches ever closer with some fantastic bands being Joey Lowebins announced getting you firmly in the festival mood Jon Seymour and then Babymetal get announced for Nigel Martin Stephen Brophy Sonisphere………. Stoodge McNulty Moving swiftly on we have another fantastic issue of Download Content Team Firebrand After Dark for your reading pleasure so its Rick Palin time to kick back and take in your fill of news, Judith Fisher reviews, interviews and the latest gaming news. Content Download sales@firebrandrr.co.uk Advertising Enquiries sales@firebrandrr.co.uk Review Requests

afterdark@firebrandrr.co.uk

Contact Telephone +44(0)207 0978556

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Forgotten Remains Forgotten Remains are a metal band from Chesterfield in North Derbyshire. They play blindingly fast thrash metal with a harder edge, ripping solos and growling death metal vocals being influenced by bands like Slayer, The Haunted, At The Gates, Cannibal Corpse and Pantera to name a few. The band was formed nearly ten years ago during their secondary school years under the name of Nylis and since then has gigged extensively throughout the United Kingdom. During 2007 the band supported Cradle of Filth on tour and had dates booked with American death metal bands Kataklysm and Aborted. The current line up has been solid for five years when they resurfaced under the title of Forgotten Remains. The bands aim is to just keep gigging, getting out there in peoples faces and just enjoying playing, writing and recording heavy metal!

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NEWS Skeletonwitch Announces Summer European Tour Heavy metal crusaders Skeletonwitch will continue to support what Pitchfork, along with several others, lauds as their "best album to date" (2013's Billboard-charting "Serpents Unleashed") on their upcoming European tour. In addition to appearing alongside extreme metal legends Suffocation and thrashers Havok, the band has announced appearances at several of the summers' largest festivals including Summer Breeze, Brutal Assault and Party.San.

some time with the animals. Guitarist Scott Hedrick couldn't help but make an addition to his family with one of the cats!

Bananas and Leprechauns

Chimp Spanner have just announced their London comeback, due to take place on the 5th of May at the Surya Live Music Venue in Kings Cross. Support will come from our very own Shattered Skies and, debuting on the London scene, Hieroglyph. Chimp Spanner will be performing their brand new song "Aurora" for the first time in London and Shattered Skies will Skeletonwitch were most recently seen at mostly present more songs from their upcoming album sold-out dates supporting Amon Amarth and "The World We Used To Know". Conclusively, Enslaved throughout the U.S. The band has with this being Hieroglyph's first London show, posted an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at there is a lot of new music to be heard on that life on the road recapping this adventure, which night! you can view below:

American Head Charge Announce New Album & Indiegogo Campaign Industrial Titans Reach Out to Fans with an Array of Awesome Incentives

"Serpents Unleashed" – which earned a spot in Decibel's Top 40 Albums of 2013, where it was praised for "combining black metal, thrash (both crossover and Bay Area) and melodeath seamlessly" – is Skeletonwitch's best-selling and most critically acclaimed release to date. The group choose to give back by releasing a limited-edition, hand-screened vinyl variant of the release, proceeds from which were donated to two local animal shelters in the band's home state of Ohio (Athens County Humane Society & Columbus' Pets Without Parents). Members of the band recently stopped by each shelter to present the donations and, of course, spend

Following their highly successful US/UK tours in support of their most recent “Shoot” EP, Minneapolis industrial mob American Head Charge announce their long-awaited fourth full length studio album, set for release in 2014. In connection with the new record, the band have announced an Indiegogo campaign to give fans the chance to contribute to their first studio album in nine years, and the band are offering some incredible incentives. The incentives include signed CD’s, guitar lessons, a night out on the town in Las Vegas with the band, band members coming to your house to cook you dinner and even the chance to have the band play a show just for you! The link to the Indiegogo campaign and a list of the brilliant offers can be found here – http:// www.indiegogo.com/projects/help-american-head -charge-record-their-new-album

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Vocalist Cameron Heacock commented: "We are more than excited to get into the studio and work with producer Dave Fortman on our upcoming crowd-funded record. The music industry is such a different place these days, and we'd much rather have our fans in charge of the record as opposed to a bunch of suits whose only interest is the bottom line. Indiegogo, and crowd-funding options, have made this a possibility, and we're taking full advantage of it." American Head Charge were formed in 1998 by bassist, Chad Hanks and vocalist, Cameron Heacock and since their formation they’ve released three records, one compilation/DVD, and one EP, the most successful being the Rick Rubin produced “The War Of Art”. They’ve shared stages with the likes of Slipknot, Rammstein, Ministry, System Of A Down and Slayer, headlined sell-out tours across the world and played as part of countless high profile festivals, and will be appearing at Download 2014.

Whispering Woods started recording new album! Symphonic Gothic Metallers Whispering Woods are proud to announce a new milestone in their career: the start of studio recording sessions for their upcoming second album, album scheduled for an early 2015 release on Loud Rage Music. The band’s leader and founding member Doru Cailean started recording guitars for the new album, an ambitious project meant to bring the band to a new, higher level. More studio updates to follow soon!

released several solo records and two successful albums with Sacred Mother Tongue. Andy is also known for having appeared on stages all across the world not just with Sacred Mother Tongue but with bands such as Cradle of Filth, The Fields of the Nephilim and as a solo artist at industry shows such as NAMM in Los Angeles and the Frankfurt MESSE. Chris Amott needs little introduction, the Swedish shredder is most notably known as a founding member of melodic death metal titans Arch Enemy. Chris left Arch Enemy in 2012 to pursue his solo career and went on to release 'Follow Your Heart'. He also founded Armageddon releasing three successful albums and after relocating to USA he has announced that a brand new Armageddon record is in the making. Last week Bloodshot Dawn revealed Sven De Caluwé (Aborted), Per Nilsson (Scar Symmetry) & Teemu Mäntysaari (Wintersun) as the first guests that would be appearing on the new album. This new announcement only adds even more excitement to an already highly anticipated release. The new album will be a crowd-funded project that will launch on 16th April. Bloodshot Dawn have been releasing a series of videos on the build up to the launch offering sneak previews of the new album content including artwork, music, etc.

Deadly Circus Fire Launches 'Pledge Music' Campaign To Record New Album

UK progressive metallers Deadly Circus Fire launches ‘Pledge Music’campaign Bloodshot Dawn Announce More New today April 4th to record their new album. Go to this location: www.pledgemusic.com/ Album Guests deadlycircusfire to take part in ‘Deadly Circus UK melodic extreme metallers Bloodshot Dawn Fire ‘ pledge campaign are gearing up to record have announced more guests that are set to and release their next album. This is their way of appear on their as of yet unrecorded second inviting you to get involved as well as a way of album. The announcements are Andy James and thanking you for all your support over the years. Chris Amott, two very highly accomplished guitarists. In exchange for your pre-order, or ‘pledge’, you will get exclusive access to the creation the Andy James is a globally renowned metal and album plus the chance to receive a range of shred guitarist known for incredible playing and other exclusive, rare, bespoke and limited edition versatility with his instrument. He has featured on items. Perhaps you’d like a signed CD copy of DVD's released with leading companies such as the album? Or original handwritten lyrics? Licklibrary and Jamtrax as well as having There’s a whole host of items on offer such

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as signed artwork of the album, DJ sets and VIP tickets to one of their upcoming shows!

anyone who orders the album on vinyl, cassette or deluxe-edition digital download. All digital and physical pre-orders come with an instant You’ll also be kept up to date with the progress of download of the song "Resurgence of the the project as we’ll be posting exclusive video Empire," a lyric video for which can be seen at diaries, rough mixes and demos from the http://www.prostheticrecords.com/ album,blogs and perhaps even the odd live or hourofpenance/. Pre-order your copy today: never before released track. www.prostheticrecords.com/hourofpenance On top of this, those who pledge will also be helping Teenage Cancer Trust!

Australian Post Black Metal bearers of

So there you have it. There’re many reasons to hope GERM just signed a longterm get involved. You’ll be among the first people in contract with Prophecy! the world to hear Deadly Circus Fire’s new album, knowing that YOU supported them to help Prophecy Productions are very happy to make it happen. welcome Germ from Australia to its artist roster! Germ mastermind Tim Yatras (ex-Woods of Desolation, Austere and Grey Waters among Hour Of Penance Posts Playthrough others) signed a long-term contract with Footage Of New Track Prophecy, also encompassing re-issues of the entire Germ back catalogue. 'Regicide' coming in May; pre-order packages available now. Watch as Italian death metal regiment Hour Of Penance play through their ferocious new song "Desecrated Souls" from their forthcoming release "Regicide" below:

"Regicide," which revolves around the themes of destruction, rebirth and the killing of the king, will be released in North America on May 13 via Prosthetic Records (May 12 - UK/EU, May 16 G/A/S and Australia). Filled with "ridiculous bursts of speed (and) downright heavy riffs" (Dead Rhetoric), the album was lauded by the band as “a bone-crushing feast for old and new fans…more varied and brutal than everything we’ve done so far.”

While the idea for Germ was created over ten years ago, it wasn't until 2012 that the first releases surfaced, in the form of debut full length album "Wish", and follow up EP "Loss". After considerable praise for the combination of Depressive Black Metal and Electronic elements which spreads a unique 1980s pop and stadium rock vibe, Germ returned in 2013 with a new full length album, "Grief". Featuring Audrey Sylvain from Amesoeurs on guest vocals, this album fused the Germ sound as heard on the first two releases with Tim's more traditional Black Metal past. Tim plans to spend 2014 composing and recording material for what will become the third full length Germ album, and the first album to surface from the partnership with Prophecy Productions. Tim Yatras: "I'm extremely excited about the new partnership between Germ and Prophecy Productions. I grew up listening to many of Prophecy's releases, from the 1990's all the way up to the present day, and to now be working with a label whose artists have been a huge part of shaping who I am as a musician today is an honor I can't even begin to describe!"

"Regicide" will be offered on limited-edition digipak CD featuring three bonus tracks, which will also be available via download card to

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So, your new album 'The Crawling Chaos' will be unveiled to the World this month. Is the record how you expected it to sound before entering the studio? Pretty much yeah. There's always some songs turning out a bit different than we thought, some songs grow and some songs might turn out less cool than we thought from the beginning. This has happened on every record we've done and not much new here. But overall we are very satisfied with 'The Crawling Chaos'. I think we manage to put together some songs that kick butt.

indigenous to all members of the band or is there a secret Abba fan in the mist? Everybody in the band loves this kind of music, but obviously as metal fans we come from other backgrounds. Myself, I started out listening to Wasp, Motley Crue, Twisted Sister and that kind of music until I found harder bands. I love calling it the stairs. You take one step up all the time. When I was around 12-13 years old I reached the top of the stairs which was (back in 1990) death metal. I never cared that much for black metal, with the exception of a small amount of bands. We all have a different favourites when it comes to music and except for old-school death This record like in good Puteraeon tradition metal I enjoy 80's metal and thrash from that is heavily inspired by HP Lovecraft. Does this period. Daniel enjoys grindcore, Anders explores mean that the lyrics are written before any the complete black/extreme metal scene and music is composed or how is the usual Rune, well he's just all over the place. process for you guys? No we always write the music first, the songs How you do see the current worldwide death usually starts with either me or when Rune metal scene now compared to that of 20-25 comes up with the skeleton of the song. That years ago? could be a couple of riffs that fit together. More It's not as dangerous any more. It's accepted riffs are added and we start working on details even if not liked more today than back then. The and the song structure. Lyrics are written to fit ordinary people know what death metal, growl is. the song and then we finish the song in They didn't back then. So that has changed. The rehearsal. scene has definitely expanded. In my ears it has been corrupted from what it was. Elements that Do you think this is a concept that maybe in a in my ears doesn't fit in metal are usual today. way sets you apart from other Swedish death Many of the bigger death metal bands today metal bands? produce crap albums and live on their old Writing Lovecraftian lyrics is kind of popular and masterpieces. If you want to find the great stuff the reason for this is obvious, those kind of lyrics it's always been rewarding to delve deep into the fit this kind of music really well. When I started underground. this band I didn't want to sing about social problems, Satan or anything like that but more old-school rotten zombies and shit. That later evolved and nowadays it's as you said mainly Lovecraft mythos inspired stuff or stuff that could easy have been Lovecraft. It works well with our kind of music. How about creating a genre of 'Harry Potter Metal'? I'm sure it would sell well. That might work really great with some lame power metal. I'm happy that not everybody sings about Cthulhu etc, but that doesn't mean I enjoy every kind of lyric. We in the band have strong beliefs on what is cool, accepted and what we see as not cool and geeky, which concerns lyrics, outfits, things to do on stage etc. There's no doubting that you're roots are firmly planted in the late 80's early 90's death metal scene. Are these influences

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obviously we want people to hear our music. It's the best kind of music in the world - in our ears. We want people to discover our art so we try, with every kind of media there is, to make it easier for people to find us. Will you be spreading the gospel of 'The Crawling Chaos' this summer on the festival circuit? Right now we don't have any festivals booked this summer. All the bigger festivals have the same artists so that makes me guess that the bigger labels more or less own the festivals, praying on them like the vultures they are in this time of starving the industry. Obviously, this kind of climate works against all of us who are in the underground. Big labels pushing older, bigger bands that haven't made anything good in 20 years. That sucks. This there still an underground circle within metal? With all the social media outlets available online these days it seems that if you want to be true to the esoteric subsurface of metal maybe you shouldn't bother having a facebook or twitter account. That's true. We have never made it our goal to be underground and esoteric in that way. We want to write and create that kind of music, but

Well guys, good luck with the album and shows. Have you any words of wisdom for the readers of Firebrand After Dark? Thanks for the interview and for showing interest in Puteraeon! Hail the darkness! Ia! Ia! Nyarlathotep!

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Metal vids to sink your teeth into

1 2 3 4 5

Delain Stardust Pet The Preacher Remains Xandria Dreamkeeper

Whitechapel Our Endless War Reabo Whatever May Come Firebrand After Dark

Steven and Marco speak to Stoodge Mc Nulty

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Heya guys, how's nature been treating you? Steven: Haha, not that bad. Tons of work ahead of us but only the good stuff!

And if we talk about a certain concept… Last week we presented the new album to our crew and one of the guys told me afterwards that he had the feeling that all the songs tell stories that 'Sacrificum' your new album comes out 2nd are somehow connected with each other. I May. What's the story behind the title of the dropped that thought at first, but after returning record? home and after a second look this is maybe at Steven: The Term “Sacrificium” describes the so least in some parts true. So we have a called ultimate Sacrifice. What would be your conceptual album dealing with sacrifices, loss most precious Sacrifice you could give? Risking and the downfall of mankind… without really your own life for an idea, for Freedom or wanting to do one. Well done. Hahaha Equality…. Or just for the person you love… Marco: I guess there are some things that keep Just look at some Daily News show and you see on haunting me, so there are indeed some how People e.g. in the Arabian Spring gave their relations between the lyrics of “Neverworld´s ultimate Sacrifice for the Freedom of Speech or End” and “Sacrificium”. I just can´t resist being the right to Vote. All things we take as common me when writing… here in Europe. But this is just one interpretation of this topic It's also the first album with Dianne Van and every one of us and of your readers might Giersbergen as vocalist and Steven Wussow have an own thought of what might be their ultion Bass. What affect has the line up change mate sacrifice. had on the band and the album? Marco: Line up changes are much more affecting What can we expect from the new album? the band than it looks from the outside, because Steven: Actually we follow the path of internally a band is so much dependent on the “Neverworlds End”. But it is more than just chemistry between the members. And this “Neverworlds End Pt.II” The Heavy Songs are chemistry is so great now with Steven and even heavier, the fast ones much faster. It's more Dianne! I really have the feeling that we made a melodic, epic and bombastic… so we put a lot of step forward in handling things together, and in work in the development, the fine-tuning and the the overall unity. What you get from the outside is details of the “Neverworlds End” Sound. To make foremost a voice that sounds not the same as it short: If you liked “Neverworlds End” you'll love before of course, but apart from that, the music “Sacrificium”. and lyrics being written by me mostly, there are of course no big changes in the music because of In terms of lyrical content on the album. How a line up change. But that chemistry also has an close or estranged is the records concept effect on the music – the “vibe” in the band compared to your last release 'Neverworld's somehow gets through to the final album product, End'? be it in small details, the dynamics in the Steven: When I joined the Band I was pretty production process that lead to certain decisions, worried about landing in a “Puff the Magic same for the artwork, that we are discussing all Dragon” fantasy Band, writing songs about all together. And of course Steven and Dianne have those warrior/unicorn/blood/hero ahem… topics. their very own style in “playing” their instruments. Don't get me wrong if somebody loves to do stuff You can hear the effect of Steven´s powerful, like that, go ahead, I mean Ronnie James Dio is straightforward style on the album, as well as god, but not for me please. Dianne´s experienced, classical trained voice. So I sat down with Marco who writes the We really have the feeling that all the bricks major part of the lyrics and asked him to explain together can make something good as it is now, to me what the songs are about because most of and that´s a good feeling. the stuff I didn't really get. To come back to the actual point: As on Is this now the final frontier in terms of line “Neverworlds End” every song’s actual meaning ups for Xandria? is some kind of hidden behind a metaphorical Steven: No not at all! We want be the world Story. So we have a huge variety of sociocritical, record holders in Lineup changes, Just kiddin`. philosophical, political or even beautiful love Right now we have a very familiar atmosphere in stories well hidden behind great pictures. the Band. I consider Dianne, the boys and our I really like Marcos way of writing Lyrics! crew as my 2nd, on the road family. Absolutely

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no need to change that!! But after all the struggling and hard times we went through in the last year…. Who knows what might happen somewhere in the future. Life changes sometimes even faster than the fucking weather.

actual release. It is always the first impression that counts! So we are going to release a really cool lyric video and a proper music before the release of “Sacrificium”. This should be the first impressions the fans will get of our new album! 2 Songs in perfect quality. Dianne has been singing with the band live After that we got the new album out and since November. How has the reaction been then it´s time to take the new songs on the road. from audiences? Oh and we will do also do another show in the Steven: Thank god it has been amazing! UK. In London, together with Stream Of Passion Although we were sure that we made the perfect on the day before the Dames Of Darkness on pick with Dianne, we were, of course, pretty May the 9th. nervous about how the fans would react on the sudden departure of Manuela and about Any aspirations of a World tour or playing bringing Dianne in. places yet reached on the back of the alSo far almost all reactions on Dianne's on bum? stage and on the album performances have Steven: Haha, though not all of the booked been more than great. A huge THANK YOU dates have made it to public yet, it is already a goes out to our fans for their love, their trust and real World Tour. their support!! We really, really appreciate that! Since we are doing fullscale European, Northern American and Asian Tours this year You have a European tour coming up in May, we will definitely hit some “always dreamed to including a performance here in the UK at go there” spots. And this is for me always the the Dames of Darkness festival. Will these top bonus thing about playing in a touring band shows be the first opportunities to play the like Xandria: travelling to places where no one new material live? would usually go to and playing to people you'll Steven: Yes. We thought about maybe never ever meet in your everyday life. All those including one or two new songs in the sets of interesting cultures, the food…. I love our life ;-) the shows we're doing prior to the release, but finally decided not do it. We didn't want the Thanks for the interview guys, best of luck people to hear the new songs with the new with the album and tours. singer on some shitty more than low quality Steven: Thank you too. See you in the UK! mobile phone YouTube video months before the

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Track by Track with Marco Xandria - Sacrificium Sacrificium: We made this the title track, because we found the topic of the song to be very interesting: How far would you go for something or someone? And what is necessary to get you there? How do you feel when you make your ultimate sacrifice? With the choir middle parts, we have some real classic influences here, while apart from that our symphonic elements are more based on contemporary film score music. Nightfall: A little bit like “Sacrificium” only in a shorter form: A big choir refrain, double bass, very symphonic - but more compact in its entirety. Nightfall? Yes, will come someday if mankind goes this way straight on. Some resigned and also quite cynic thoughts about it. Dreamkeeper: Almost a “classic” Xandria song. This one could also have been on our first album back in 2003. More dark rock, with a piano hook line, but of course mixed with the symphonic sound of today´s Xandria. The song is about a musician who sometimes feels like giving so much for his music that the fans enjoy, that in the end he has given all and there´s nothing left for him anymore. That´s why in this song he is also asking the fans to give him something back. You know, the bondage a band has with the fans – we offer “dreams” with our music we put all our energy in, and the fans are giving the energy back by their appreciation – even if it´s only the applause on a concert. This is what we need, and this is the way it works. Stardust: Based on a Judas Priest-style guitar hook, this song has a lot of our beloved classic metal influences. There´s even a very nice twin-guitar-solo in the vein of Tipton/Downing! This is really a neat combination of our classic metal roots and our symphonic sound! The lyrics are about an astronaut who can´t live on earth anymore since he has been in space and seen eternity from face to face – it´s just too narrow for him down here. Can be also a good metaphor for other situations. The Undiscovered Land: Inspired by the story of one of my fave fantasy movies, but like always, I don´t just tell the story, I pick a certain aspect of it that I´m interested in and think about it. In this case it´s the inner conflict of the main character, the tragedy of his whole existence. No, I don´t say which movie it is. People may guess, perhaps someone gets it someday! Musically one of my most beloved songs on the album, because accompanying the lyrics, the music is very cinematic, and has Celtic elements, which I love bigtime. We have real Celtic instruments played by outstanding musicians of the folk scene here. Reminds me of Enya, or that title song of the “Hobbit” movie – stuff I really adore. Betrayer: This is some sort of inspired by the sequel of the fantasy movie the other song was inspired by. But musically a totally different thing – we have even some thrash metal influences here, along with power metal, and later some Emperor / Dimmu Borgir like symphonic black stuff. Perhaps the most complex song we did so far, because of the many different stylistic elements, but also the music itself is quite complex. Until The End: This is a classic power metal song, spiced with some Celtic elements and the usual soundtrack orchestra. Straightforward and very melodic! Come With Me: A vampire song, with the vampire being a metaphor for the dreamer who feels outcast in this world, trying to hide his “forbidden” existence to survive. Sometimes dreamers like me feel like that, sometimes I would wish for someone offering a way to completely escape from here and stay in this dreamworld like the “vampire” here does to the listener. But maybe he is also just lost and searching, like me… Little Red Relish: A pretty lighthearted power metal song with a lot of classic rock influences. In fact I got the inspiration for the chorus when listening to a “Battle Beast” gig. Simple, straight classic metal – melodic and catchy! The lyrics here are one of the two written by Dianne, and they sound pretty much like some fantasy story, but there´s something not very innocent lying under that surface… Our Neverworld: Lyrically a bit realated to “Come With Me”. It is about the feeling of having found someone who shares your dream world, so you can escape together – even if it´s just for a while… Temple Of Hate: Sometimes it all gets too much. It´s about sometimes having the feeling that you have to take so much, that you have to take care for your inner demons and monsters not to take control over you. Musically this is a colourful potpourri of so many different styles and elements that it´s hard to believe they are all in this one song. It´s even a bit confusing, but interesting – Celtic, medieval folk, Bon Jovi, Alan Parsons Project, Nightwish – all together and to make it even more crazy, in the middle there is a flawless Iron Maiden reference, somewhere back in time! Sweet Atonement: As a contrast to all the symphonic power and big cinematic sounds the album is ending with a nice, calm chamber piece – piano and cello and a voice. Reminds me a bit of “The piano” with its slightly strange atmosphere. Chilly, but leaves you with some odd feelings, because also the lyrics bear a dark secret… no, we don´t like to let you go with all questions just plainly answered…

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One of the things that we at Firebrand After Dark have noticed is that we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always give credit where it is due to the artwork which accompanies the albums. We would like to address by bringin to you, what the team feel are the best 5 covers of the material which we have reviewed this month. If you have any comments about them please feel free to tweet us @fbadmag, comment on Facebook /FirebrandAfterDark or email us at afterdark@firebrandrr.co.uk

Enthroned Sovereigns Gravehill Death Curse

Decapitated Christ Arcane Impurity Ceremonies The Bunny The Bear Food Chain

Battery Armed With Rage Firebrand After Dark

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Hey guys, how does it feel to finally have the album available to the unsuspecting World? It's exciting! We've been searching for the people who could easily give this album the respect it deserves, we have a lot of faith in it as a debut, and we were persistent enough to have it get a distribution deal.

close to a 1,100 people) while in 2009, a local festival attracted more than 1,700 people. But, I believe this isn't only in Israel, but is mostly felt due to the fact we have only 4-5 operating venues who support Metal all over the country, we hope things will change and more people would come to shows and show their support.

The album has been finished for a while. Can you tell us about the early origins of the record? The part where we understood where this album was headed, in any way - lyrically,musically production wise, originated when we went through a couple of line-up changes and found our niche of rage within our writing. Most of the writing was done in the studio, not while rehearsing (we have our own place that includes both). And the whole atmosphere was starting to take place as each player put his own roles and presence into the riffs, it's important that the riffs sound as natural to any instrument, otherwise it would just feel too forced, or it would sound like some other band.

How was the scene in your homeland growing up. Was there many Israeli bands to listen to or was it all about importing albums from elsewhere? The Israeli scene has always had many fine bands to listen to (Eternal Gray, Betzefer, WhoreCore), but personally to us, it was about listening to those big bands from out there, that's the dream.

Is there any particular message or concept that runs through the lyrics on 'Reflections'? The lyrics are full of events that might happen to each every one of us, an alcoholic best friend, a cheating girlfriend & the other shit that people do to hurt their loved ones. It's really a message for all of those people to take a good look at themselves, and the concept is that it can act as an outlet of feelings to people who are witnessing these events from the inside. You toured Europe last year with The Agonist and Threat Signal. How was the experience of getting out and blowing audiences away on European soil? It was nothing short of amazing, it gave us a new sense of confidence on the stage, and really had us hungering for more, not to mention the guys from The Agonist, Threat Signal, Dawn Heist & Mors Principium Est, who were supportive and very welcoming.

You still listening to the same stuff or has your taste matured with age? Same stuff mostly (Meshuggah, Death, Cannibal Corpse, Morbid Angel, Pantera , Metallica, Dream Theater, Cryptopsy) but there are a lot of good bands nowadays that don't stray too far away from what we love and feel comfortable with (Gojira, TesseracT, Whitechapel, The Faceless etc') of course some of the old bands are still active, but we don't listen only to metal. Well, now that the album is out. Apart from World domination what's on the Ferium bucketlist? World domination is certainly up there, but we intend to release a lot more unique stuff, and music so we can portray ourselves as artistic individuals in the most optimal way possible. Thanks for the interview guys, I really appreciate it. If you ever get the opportunity to drop over in Ireland for a show, then make sure to hit me up. I'll show you the lesser spotted Ireland. You can't say World Domination without counting Ireland in there now can you? See you soon!

There's been a few Israeli bands getting attention in recent months, what's your opinion on the current metal scene in Israel? The current metal scene is in a weird position, because more & more bands are forming - and the crowd is only coming out to shows from abroad (like when we opened for Gojira back in august, the place was packed & sold out with

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So, your new album 'II: Void Worship' has just exploded into the World. How heavy, hard and dripping of doom is the record? It's probably the hardest, heaviest, most dripping wet thing ever. And it's exploding all over everything. The album was recording as a two-piece after 'Count Elric the Soothsayer' left the band. How did this line up change affect the way the album was composed and recorded? It didn't really. Count Elric was more of a live performer than a writer or anything. He held the ideals of the band very closely, but he wasn't a writer. If anything, his departure made the bass playing more dynamic than on the last record, because I got to spend a lot of time in studio working on new bass lines.

None, we have acolytes to do these things for us. I've always been keen on searching for music to listen to, it's a great reward coming across a band that rocks that no one else I know has heard before. It's far too easy to put on mainstream radio and listen to the same bands and songs on rotation all the time. Do you share this interest and what secret gems have you been keeping close to your chest lately? Some of the shit in the radio lately has been making me absolutely sick! It's grotesque! I'm really digging this band Druglord from Richmond, VA right now. We have a lot of the same 90s influences so they're kinda my obsession right now. You gotta check out Balam from Rhode Island as well. We live in the same town as them. They are fucking out of control. They've got a new record on the way that's gonna blow minds.

Why did he leave? Pilgrim was just way to big, heavy and wet for him to handle. We went through a bit of a personal drama Doom is one of those things that's still pretty that led to us splitting from him. That's all I care to much an esoteric avenue to go down. I'd love to say about it. see a couple more bands from the genre make it and blast away crowds of 70,000 people at You have brought in 'Bradoc the Barbarian' from festivals. Apart from Black Sabbath unless the Ice Dragon as a replacement. Was this an festival is specifically for doom bands there's immediate choice or was there deliberation as to been a lack of representation at headline status. how would be brought in? Why is that and can you see the scene Well, Krolg and I only recruit muscular, good looking ascending to the apex of the heavy metal vortex? bass players, so he was an obvious first choice for Fuck yeah I can see it getting there. I mean, look at us. It sort of just worked out that he'd end up playing Ghost. Not really doom, but it can happen man. I feel bass. He had the time, we're all from the same town like a band like Windhand could get up there and he has been a Pilgrim fan since the very sometime soon. We're gonna race them to be the beginning. In fact, I used to live with Bradoc years next KISS, a doom metal KISS. Windhand's ago, that's how we met, and I wrote the original few probably gonna win, they're way prettier than us and Pilgrim tracks downstairs in his basement using his they have a girl. drum set. He's been there for it all. I've seen some real life Pilgrims and they're all pretty boring. But I think you guys are somewhat different. Are there any special powers within the Pilgrim camp that we should know about that separates you from the grovellers of monuments most modern day wayfarers seem to be? We are guided by prophecy and have been granted, through divine judgement, to become the Lords and Masters of our craft. That's what separates us from these other fuckers!

Right, I'll let you unofficially announce the 7 bands playing the main stage at the first ever PilgrimFest. EARTH (playing the old stuff) Electric Wizard Sleep Acid King The Wounded Kings Conan

Cheers guys, I gotta say I'm really digging the new album. How many Pilgrims does it take to change a light Thanks. Shoot drugs, not people. Hail ASTAROTH bulb?

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Hey Don, how's things buddy? Everything is cool! How busy have you been of late promoting your new stand up album 'Hell Bent for Laughter'? I'm doing everything and anything to help get the word out (with the help of Metal Blade of course). Highlights include Howard Stern and Alice Cooper both playing tracks on their respective radio shows & hitting #9 on the iTunes comedy chart. This is your second release on Metal Blade Records, your first was 'Live and Hilarious'. What subjects of discussion are involved on 'Hellbent for Laughter'? I talk about a lot of the bands I love - Kiss, Guns N' Roses, Ozzy, etc.., my way too hot girlfriend, my balls & magical vaginas. How's your relationship with Brian and the rest of the crew over at Metal Blade? I had no interest in putting out a stand-up CD until Brian signed me to the label. We are two in now and if I haven't lost him too much money, so hopefully we'll do a third.

times also with acts whilst the cameras have been off. Actually the craziest one was with the cameras on when Marilyn Manson visited our set and drank absinthe throughout the whole show. He was pretty hammered and our producer had to cut out lots of AIDS and rape jokes.

'Hell Bent for Laughter' is an awesome name for the album. Was this the only title you had in mind or were there others you were considering? Also considered Laugh At The Devil, Ride The Laughter and Master Of Hilarity.

How's things with your band project, the acoustic death metal snuffcore outfit Gunfire-N-Sodomy. You've recently unleashed an EP also. Yes because even serial killers need a favourite band. Available on iTunes.

You're of course also a co host of That Metal Show, which is now in it's 13th season. How optimistic were you back in 2008 when the show started that it would air for 13 seasons? Not optimistic at all. I figured we'd all make a thousand bucks, meet Lita Ford and that would be the end of our TV careers.

How in the loop are you with new bands? Any groups rumbling in the underground at the minute we should be watching? The Scene here in NJ where I live is really thriving. People should check out: Cycle Of Pain, Black Water Rising, Lords Of Mercy, Sekond Skyn & Lower The Veil.

Whilst working on the show you've had countless major guests from the world of rock and metal. What three moments stand out for you looking back? Well we just had Yngwie Malmsteen as our guest guitarist this season which was a real thrill. Bringing Jake E. Lee back from oblivion was really cool and our fans loved it. But anytime Lemmy comes on the show, there is truly nothing cooler.

Are there any aspects or genres of recent metal that you just don't get and wish would go away forever? Nope. Different strokes for different folks. How's hectic is your schedule for the rest of 2014? On the road for my Hell Bent For Laugh Tour all spring and summer as well as doing dates with Jim & Eddie where we do a travelling version of That Metal Show (though not for TV).

I'm sure there have been a few troublesome

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Hey Lars, can you give us a a few words about the band Decembre Noir? We are 5 (nice) guys from East-Germany, from the region around Erfurt, the capital from Thueringia (one of the “states” from Germany). Besides our bandproject our “baby” - almost all of us have a normal life with jobs and our own families.

Your debut album 'A Discouraged Believer' comes out on FDA Rekotz on the 9th of May. Is the World ready for what it's about to behold? I think that, of course… We are really pleased about the release of our new album. We will see the results of tow what in future. I guess with F.D.A. Rekotz we have found a good label. With the co-operation we're very satisfied and glad

about the liaison to each other. People who like metal music like Insomnium, October Tide, Katatonia or My Dying Bride will love “A discouraged believer”. 'A Discouraged Believer' is an interesting title. Can you tell us about it? So to speak we have a basic concept in our album „A discouraged believer“. You can speak about the classical main idea who you can find inside the album. Nevertheless every song is standing for itself. It tells about the journey of a young man who is trying to find every day the meaning in his life and way. It seems he has reached a deadlock, only he is looking at the obstacles in his weekday, the typical problems which become more and more and can overtax someone

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and no idea how to change something, because he gets stuck somehow… As in “Thorns”. Our protagonist is searching for that, what we call “God”, but can`t find “Him” or any answers. That’s why he is discouraged, cause he has understood, that he can`t get any help from a “greater power” and he has to go his life way and find the meaning behind that all alone. For instance in “Stowaway” the is theme suicide to see a chance for a new beginning in life (But to forestall any critical readers or regarding this potential concerned or endangered people: Don`t panic, nobody from us will incite anybody to do that!!! Please do not misunderstand!) Much more is the thought of what is standing behind that song, and other things which weigh heavily upon our mind to leave behind, finish with them and try to orientate to another direction respectively to find a better way to arrange the life. On following song “Resurrection” the name is program It reflects the start in a new life.

From doom to death to black and there's even a string section.

How much of an influence was the experience of Alex Dietz and Eike Freese pulling the strings in the studio? Already the songs before sounded really good and varied, but of course because of the teamwork with Ali they became much better! For us all that was an unbelievable experience! We have worked with diverse guest singers and musicians. For example one of my best friends Tele (guitar player of the German Pagan/Black metal band “Hangatyr”), who gave us some clean vocals for the songs “Decembre noir” and “Resurrection”. Alis girlfriend Katharina, who is singing with me in “Escape to the sun” a duet. Not to forget our lady on the cello, Nicole, who has shown her talent by the Darkwave band “Other Day”. Just that records with the Cello have How perspective are the lyrics on the record? been very interesting, for Ali too, because for him For myself the album is one of the most it was the first time to be working with such an personaliest things of what I have written yet in very nice sounded instrument. Mix a cello in your my life. I have put lots of time and heart-blood music and you will get an unbelievable into the album. So many people have fought in life with similar piled up problems, whether in job, atmosphere. We have experimented with Synthisounds too. You can be excited about relationship, family… and already we all were standing for the question, who is the meaning of really great moments. all and finally comes to the result if you want life At least we are happy about the result of better you have to make a personal breakout and our job! has to change by yourself a lot! Well, we had a very special time and a lot of Well if you are interested of the story of “A fun during recording and have to say we are discouraged believer”, you can read all on the growed as musicians and as a band! We were vinyl sleve of the album. much more glad, when Eike O. Freese (Dark For Decembre Noir, where is the distinction Age) offered us to mix and master our album between art and entertainment? together with Ali in Hamburg! Well, you have to see always the great one. In Ali and Eike (Project Mayhem) are really that case art and entertainment are really close to each other. If you look at the CD or vinyl, you great guys, who can have in any case a good will discover fantastic pictures fitting to the lyrics. funny time and do party a lot. On that I place a great “Thank you” to both and we hope we can The general impression of an album is very mix and master our next album with Ali and Eike important. Of course most of us are buying a record because of the music, but I guess to again! select the right artwork is decisive too. But how much of us have bought records only because of The band actually began life as a two piece. the nice pics? At what stage did you decide to expand the It's the first record that I have selected the style of the cover. At that time wanted to have an line up? Our band leader, at that time couldn`t get enough album from Iron Maiden. Finally it was “Fear of the dark”, because the cover has fascinated me besides his other bandprojects so he had But maybe it was the cute “Eddie” , but of course decided to start a further Doomproject, first of all the most important thing was the great music only with the drummer and his friend Daniel. inside the packaging! Soon that project grew up and first ideas and Otherwise a live show is much more the chance to give a perfect combination between art songs arose. Already after a short time we had and entertainment. So we are interested to give planned a tour for about 4 days, in Berlin, Leipzig, Suhl and Frankfurt. With special and the people all on stage! friend bands like Dicentress and the formal band The album has a lot of different musical elements from our founder Sebastian. in it's engine.

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Black metal bands, of course already in the 90er years too whether they are “true” or not. Everyone has another interpretation of “true”. Well, you have to know I listen to the music which tastes of my emotions. I guess music in any kind should wake up always any feelings inside the listener. If you're getting goose-flesh from listening a song – and ideal for that – you have an idea about the lyrics and accordingly understanding than you will have a good song ccompanying yourself for a while in your life. That is true and a compliment for the band to has managed to getting a further fan of their music. From your primal listening days to now, what bands have stuck with you and have a major part to play in the spine of Decembre Noir? First to talk about the almighty Katatonia We all love that band! As for myself My Dying Bride, Anathema, Paradise Lost Because of private reasons unfortunately we had have a great part in my life, but things from a change of some bandmembers and that started Swallo The Sun and Opeth too. a quiet time around the band… Finally in january 2013 we played our first gig in new formation and Anything outside of music or auditory things became better. We are very satisfied with reception that protrudes from the bands the development of the last year. Almost every shell? month we could give liveshows. Of course we We go to work and meet to make music. have rehearsed a lot, so we are really sure for Because, music is our therapy! that what we are doing and above all we have made a really great album, what I can You guys are more of a winter band, but have recommend you to listen conscious and in quiet you any summer festival appearances or moments to occupy deeper with lyrics and music. anything else lined up to get your balls in a twist about? Was there much of a shift in the bands Our name sounds so icy, thats true. We would musical direction with the employment of like to play on the bigger festivals in summertime, extra members? lovely, but unfortunately this year we haven`t got You can tell that so. Our main sound has become any acceptances. We hope it is possible next some stronger and the structures of the songs year because it must be a very special that already have been available have changed experience to play on stages like on With Full to become much more better. More Death and Force, Summer Breeze, Partysan, Hellfest or In Black metal elements and many melodies gave Flammen! the songs their final outfit. Last but not least the Well till then we will use the free time to classical influence from the cello. In private we all work on next songs. We have lots of ideas and listen to different music and so it was used a little material. Guess we will start again in autumn – bit from all our musical tastes. The good with pleasure! combination is doing his work! So you will hear from us – enjoy our album and stay heavy and dark For years there's been the debate regarding Regards from Lars what's true so called 'Orthodox' black metal and what's not. Which bands would you consider true black metal? Oh, one my favourite themes As for myself I can smile about that, cause there are so many good

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Hey Joe, what have you been up to lately? Playing shows and getting our first tour in the works to support our album. All the really hard work starts now and getting all your ducks in a row is important.

back at some point. I tend to catalogue riffs and lyrics and bring them back when I find a place for them.

Is the record how you intended it to sound or the beginning, or were there a few changes Your debut album 'Long in the Tooth' has just along the way? Pretty much, we had recorded with our producer been unleashed. How far do we have to go back in time to find the earliest sign of a song (Neil Yearta) before and I had worked with him on a few outside projects so I knew what the that ended up on the record? " Blackwater" is a song I wrote back in 2004. finished product would be like for the most part, Troy and I were in a band called Mezzanine at although there are always a few surprises and the time and it was a song that stayed with me, happy accidents along the way. "Locust Have there will be a few more that will make their way No King" is a perfect example, I wrote the song

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while we were recording the album and I brought it in and played it for Troy and Blake and we got the drum track down in one take. It made it as the closing track.

concept album on a TV Show, what show would you pick and have you any possible song title ideas off the top of your head? Either "American Horror Story" or "Breaking Bad” would be my choice. The first track from ‘Long in Ok, without using either of the words 'Stoner' the Tooth’ is about drugs, crystal meth in particular, it's called "Looking Low for a High" 'Doom' 'Desert' Sludge' or 'Riffs' can you The dark themes are always easier for me, I describe the general sound that Volume IV think writing a concept on love and beauty would bestow? We kind of hit on a lot of sounds, very light and be the hardest because I always find the cracks shade. It's a blessing and a curse at times but I and flaws, the imperfections are always more don't want to be stuck in a single genre box interesting in my mind. where a single word describes us. Live we are loud, lean and raw, more heavy rock than metal Joe, you were of course a part of thrash hard in my opinion, we don't tune down or use walls hitters Nihilist. How does performing live of fuzz and distortion. with Volume IV and riding the riff compare to being metal thrashing mad on stage? Nihilist seems so long ago, young and angry. I Something tells me that there's a lot of Pot listen back and wonder how I came up with so smoked an at the usual Volume IV show. many technical riffs and had the stamina to play What's your opinion on the mass cannabis them. V-IV is a little more open to improvisation prohibition that's in place in the majority of and expression which I enjoy much more. the World? Should we finally 'Free the Weed'? I believe that all drugs should be legal but at the How's your schedule for the rest of 2014 same time the responsibility falls on the looking, any trips oversees in the pipeline? individual user. I don't do to well with the victim We are gearing up for a video and playing as mentality, I do however believe drugs have their much as possible for a band at our level. place and not all users are addicts or bad people Overseas is a definite goal and hopefully this or hopeless self-medicators. year we'll make it, but our album came out a little late for the festivals we wanted to play so it may be next year before we can get there. If you were given the opportunity (maybe whilst being held at gunpoint) to do a

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You Are Odin’s Harbinger of Death. Violence Kickstarter. In History of the Demon Girl players guide is Your Religion. This is War of The Vikings Roku through 9 pixelated Circles of Inferno. Paradox Interactive, the fearsome digital warriors Along the way she'll meet all kinds of strange of Northern Europe, have today unleashed War creatures and tortured souls which she'll release of The Vikings, their all-new skill-based in a timely fashion if she wants to avoid the multiplayer combat game, on to digital retail stinging barbs of her large demon companion portals across the world in three variants. Developed by Fatshark, War of The Vikings Sam. The game features arcade style twitch gameplay and was inspired by games like Mega is the next generation of close-quarter combat Man, Little Nemo: The Dream Master, and Bit games as players design and customize a personalized warrior and take them in to glorious Trip Runner. It also plays at humor reminiscent of more modern games like Katamari Damacy and battle online with other warriors from all over the Breath of Death VII. world. Choose from the Standard Edition ($24.99), the Blood Eagle Edition ($34.99) or the OFFICIAL TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=eep8Ixlbsfw mythic Valhalla Edition ($174.99) that includes ALPHA DEMO: http://www.indiedb.com/games/ the lifetime Viking pass where all future content released for the game is automatically unlocked, history-of-the-demon-girl/downloads KICKSTARTER PAGE:https:// a digital art book, digital strategy guide, deluxe soundtrack, and the brand new ‘Berserker King’ www.kickstarter.com/projects/1016079228/ history-of-the-demon-girl-a-2d-journey-out-of-hell digital novel. Quote From The Developer To honor the ancient Norse Gods, an epic "Instead of focusing on perma-death (I mean, I release trailer has been unleashed: rogue-like those games, I just don't know if I Five new maps are now also available rogue-like-like those games), I wanted to make a across all three variants: game that was simple and fun, but also Stronghold – a Viking Village under siege featuring ferocious combat inside, outside, under challenging and addictive. History of the Demon and on top of buildings with a multitude of tactical Girl is a game that never makes you feel like a loser, but also constantly makes you want to play options. (Available in Team Death Match, better." Conquest and Pitched Battle modes) Tide – the Viking longboats have been stranded Gameplay Description Race between three different tiers, teleporting on a beach close to a large cave with a Saxon from top to bottom, grabbing tokens, releasing force nearby (Available in Team Death Match souls, and avoiding the obstacles put in your path and Arena modes) Ice Floe – Vikings and Saxons go toe-to-toe on a by The Devil. In every Circle there is a "Break Level" which offers a completely different style of desolate ice floe surrounded by freezing water gameplay as players attempt to escape from one and icebergs. (Available in Team Death Match Circle of Hell to the next. and Arena modes) Ravine – located in the middle of a dense forest Features - 9 beautifully pixelated Circles of Hell to travel! stands a monstrous ravine responsible for - Over 30 levels of fast-paced, arcade style twitch sending many a brave warrior to Valhalla! (Available in Conquest, Team Death Match and gameplay! - Over 20 incredibly catchy chiptune songs! Pitched Battle) Ruins – Tense and close-quarters battles set in Hilarious sight gags, amazing slapstick, and hysterical wordplay! remote forest ruins. (Available in Team Death - Tons of surprises! Match and Arena modes) Join the battle and purchase War of the Vikings by visiting www.warofthevikings.com/buy

Saladin Gameplay Revealed for Stronghold Crusader 2

Firefly Studios has just released new gameplay footage of the Saladin, one of eight unique AI characters to feature in Stronghold Crusader 2 at Indie studio Silhouette Games (founded by solo launch. The new video includes developer developer and former Square Enix employee, commentary on Saladin’s backstory, choice of Danny Mastrangelo) is seeking funding for its first units, attacking style and weaknesses: major release, History of the Demon Girl, on History of the Demon Girl - One Hell of a Kickstarter

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In a new blog post on the official Crusader 2 website Firefly expand on the video’s content, discussing the Arabic campaign and advances in AI that players can expect from the game: “A classic character returning from the original Stronghold: Crusader, the Saladin is essentially the good guy in Stronghold Crusader 2. After blasting through the Crusader campaign you will be invited to play as Saladin in his fight to take back the holy lands from Richard the Lionheart and the invading Crusader hordes. Without spoiling anything you can expect to encounter a few familiar faces on your road to confront Richard. Some will be friendly with others out to get you, so keep your guard up and exact revenge when necessary! Since the team is bringing Saladin back from the first game we don’t want to change too much with regards to his play style. As such when it comes to choice of units and AI behaviour it is largely business as usual, the difference comes when we start attacking Saladin and seeing just how he reacts. Our game’s AI has been built from the ground up with the classic level of Crusader difficulty in mind. Players can therefore expect to encounter a fair amount of resistance when playing against Saladin in skirmish mode, where the AI has free reign to expand its castle and harass the players as it deems fit.”

controller to play virtually any mobile game - even if it’s been designed only for touchscreen controls. The Wikipad also comes pre-loaded with some of the best Android games out there, including Madfinger Games’ Dead Trigger 2, Shadowgun: Dead Zone, Hockey Nations, and titles from amazing partners such as Wild Tangent. The Wikipad also lets users download compatible Android games direct from Google Play, the PlayStation®Mobile store, and TegraZone – NVIDIA's free app that highlights the best games optimized for the Tegra processor. When the gamepad controller is detached, Wikipad’s sleek design and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean operating system provide gamers with power, speed and functionality necessary for surﬁng the web, watching the latest YouTube clips, checking out your friends on Facebook and Twitter, and enjoying all the latest ﬁlms, books, magazines and music. Wikipad owners can even use dongles such as Google Chromecast to stream content direct from their Wikipad to their TV. Wikipad 7” comes standard with 16 GB memory and possess an additional micro SD slot to support a further 32 GB of storage together with micro USB, GPS, accelerometer and gyroscope. The tablets ultra-light, super thin chassis stands optimized for cloud gaming with a 12 core Nvidia GPU. With an aspect ratio of 16:10, a 2-mega-pixel front facing camera the Wikipad 7” gaming tablet offers true widescreen HD display and HDMI out. For a full list of retailers, product specs, a comprehensive support page, technical forums, and retailers please visit: http://www.wikipad.com/

Warhammer 40,000: Carnage From Roadhouse Interactive To Hit Ios And Android Mobile App Stores May 2014

Roadhouse Interactive Limited, a leading developer and publisher of tablet, smartphone and Wikipad 7” gaming tablet now £179 - better value browser games, today announced that the hotly anticipated mobile game Warhammer 40,000: for UK gamers Wikipad, Inc. (www.wikipad.com) has announced a Carnage will be releasing this May 2014. This new price point for the Wikipad 7” gaming tablet for side-scrolling action RPG is set to release globally for iOS and Android in English, French, German and UK consumers. Now priced at £179 in the UK, the Spanish. Android-based Wikipad 7” is the only tablet to offer “This is our most exciting project to date. We’ve the unique combination of console-quality gaming taken the best of the Warhammer 40,000 universe with the functionality and portability of a tablet, and built a game that will appeal to thanks to its award-winning and patented detachable seasoned 40k fans and more casual gamers alike. dual-analog controller. The game is full of explosive, The Wikipad is designed to let gamers adrenaline-fuelled action, in stunning experience mobile gaming like never before. The environments that will be familiar to many,” said Wikipad includes fully customisable controller mapping thanks to the Wikipad Controller Assistant, Tarrnie Williams, President, Roadhouse Interactive. which allows gamers to use the Wikipad gamepad

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Warhammer 40,000: Carnage takes gamers straight into a world of chaotic action, as an iconic and powerful Space Marine, ripping through the Ork horde with brutal menace. Players equip themselves with a lethal arsenal of Boltguns, Chainswords, Grenades, Thunder Hammers, and more. A twisted sense of gratification comes from unleashing Carnage on hordes of menacing Orks and other warring factions, on a planet mysteriously engulfed in Rage. The game is a fast-moving action Side-Scroller, where the right combination of weapons and Wargear and upgrades, make the difference between life and death. Players can also team up to complete challenging Fireteam missions. The Space Marines must uncover the truth of what’s happened to the once prosperous planet, Mithra, level by level, before the rage storm drives the entire population to insanity and violent death! Players can expect free new content at regular intervals.

efforts to increase the company’s share of the PC gaming market. “Turtle Beach shares our passion for gaming and can deliver world class gaming audio,” said Paul Sams, chief operating officer of Blizzard Entertainment. “Heroes of the Storm had a terrific reception at BlizzCon 2013, and we’re looking forward to working with Turtle Beach to deliver the best possible audio experience for the game.” Turtle Beach designs and markets wireless and wired headsets for video game, personal computer and mobile platforms. The company's wide range of headsets, which combine quality with audio innovations, are popular with consumers because they make gaming more immersive and provide a competitive advantage. Turtle Beach manufactured 7 of the top 10 best-selling gaming headsets in 2013 when ranked in dollar sales, according to The NPD Group, Inc. Commodore 64: a visual compendium

Turtle Beach Announces New Heroes Of The Commodore 64: a visual commpendium is a book that celebrates the beauty of the greatest Storm Licensing Agreement With Blizzard home computer ever made. Entertainment The campaign has now launched on New multi-year global agreement to create Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/ Heroes of the Storm gaming headsets. Turtle projects/2146199819/commodore-64-a-visualBeach, the leading audio brand in the games commpendium-by-bitmap-books industry, today announced a new multi-year Created by lifelong Commodore 64 fan and licensing agreement with Blizzard Entertainment Graphic Designer Sam Dyer, the final book will around the highly anticipated Heroes of the feature 200+ pages of lovingly designed and Storm multiplayer game. As part of the beautifully printed artwork. Unlike other agreement, Turtle Beach will develop PC gaming Commodore 64 books, it will celebrate the visual headsets for both elite and recreational players. side of the computer in a way that has never Turtle Beach is the gaming audio brand of been seen before. Parametric Sound Corporation (NASDAQ: It will be packed full of artwork by Oliver PAMT) Frey, game art, reviews, loading screens, game Heroes of the Storm is a new raucous maps and photography. The foreword will be online team brawler that draws iconic characters written by legendary Sensible Software Graphic from more than 20 years of Blizzard gaming Artist Stoo Cambridge. history, including the award-winning Warcraft , As a special reward there are still signed Diablo , and StarCraft franchises. Heroes of the copies of Micro Hexagon by Paul Koller Storm is uniquely positioned to deliver exciting available, beautifully packaged with stickers, competitive play, thanks to its team-oriented poster and booklet. Only 100 PAL cartridges of gameplay mechanics and its fast-paced Micro Hexagon will ever be made. skirmishes. Please support this unique Kickstarter The Heroes of the Storm gaming headsets campaign! will join Turtle Beach’s growing PC gaming portfolio, which includes three models introduced in 2013 - the surround sound Z SEVEN wired and Z300 wireless headsets, and the stereo Z22 wired headset. The agreement with Blizzard Entertainment will contribute to Turtle Beach’s

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For any review requests please contact the Firebrand After Dark team at afterdark@firebrandrr.co.uk

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Pale Divine - Cemetery Earth Label: Shadow Kingdom Records Released: 18 February 2014 Reviewer: Stoodge Mc Nulty Highlight: (I Alone) The Traveller Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pale-Divine/124093500958716

Although not a new release, nor even a member of this decades doom metal harvest. Pale Divine's Cemetary Earth deserves another shot at entering the ultimate Elysium of dissonance. An album that was originally overlooked and under listened to is indeed a divine impulsion of clerisy for the modern generation. Originally released in 2007 and found out of print for the past few years, the kind folks over at Shadow Kingdom Records have decided to give this gem the re-issue treatment. The splendid package also includes a bonus disc featuring demo tracks and live versions.

microscope must be like to a lab scientist. It gives an appreciation of how the songs on Cemetery Earth sound when dissected of certain production, preparation and construction elements. Opening track 'Eyes of Destiny' is shrouded in a riff that would raise the hairs on Toni Iommi's severed fingers, before 'Fire & Ice' submerges into the haunting and unfathomable cavity where the remnants of Pentagram and Witchfinder General formicate.

It's not all doom and gloom though, there's also a distinct groove facet to Pale Divine. The salvo of Hearing the live section really gives a good insight of a 'Broken Wings' and the trounce of 'Shadows of Death' band that are as energetic and powerful whilst best showcase this attested side to wielding live as they're in the studio. The inclusion of Pennsylvania's finest noise brewers. the demo tracks are kind of like what looking through a

The Bunny The Bear - Food Chain Label: Victory Records Reviewer: Gavin Griffiths Website: http://www.thebunnythebear.com/

The Bunny The Bear – ‘Food Chain’ If you go down to the woods today you’re sure of a big surprise…. because New York’s The Bunny The Bear are far from cute and cuddly. Formed in 2008 by core members Matthew Tybor (The Bunny) and Chris Hutka (The Bear), the duo incorporate elements of sheer brutality, akin to the likes of artists such as Dååth, with soft piano, electronica and clean vocals to deliver a rich, textured soundscape. 2014 sees them release the new album ‘Food Chain’; let’s see if they’re at the top… Starting with the title track, a short intro that initially owes its sound to artists like ‘Nemo’ era Nightwish, until Tybor growls and snarls his way through the delicate keys of the piano, before first track proper; ‘The Seeds We Sow’ allows Hutka to step up with some gentle vocals of his own. The balance between the two is just right and whilst they don’t necessarily complement each other so to speak, they don’t clash either, adding a dynamic to the track. It’s also amusing

Released: 18 March 2014 Highlight: First Met You

to see the Bunny, as oppose to the Bear, being the more ferocious of the two. ‘Pale Green Eyes’ focusses a great deal more on the vicious onslaught of Tybor’s vocals but with added elements of dub-step thrown in here and there, before lead single ‘First Met You’ delivers the most accessible track on the whole album. Hutka takes charge of what is essentially a heavy pop-rock number, but it’s a pleasant listen regardless. As an album, ‘Food Chain’ has been really well executed; the split personalities and characteristics of The Bunny The Bear let the listener benefit from a variety of ideas and styles ensuring the album stays fresh from start to finish. It’s definitely an album you can listen to multiple times and find something new each time, subtle influences creeping through ever so slightly. It may not be an album you can easily pin down to a specific genre, but, that’s the mark of a good album if you ask me.

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Enthroned - Sovereigns Label: Agonia Records Reviewer: Stoodge Mc Nulty Website: http://www.enthroned.be/

Belgium's infinite black metal divinity has been summoned with it's first release since Obsidium erupted in 2012. The consequence of this heinous evocation is a 10th studio album that is as misanthropic and eluded of light as you would expect. Sovereigns is also the initiation for new members Menthor (drums) and ZarZax (rhythm guitar) as they're embraced into the dawn obscured congregation that is Enthroned.

Released: 15 April 2014 Highlight: Of Feathers and Flames

put up against their already formidable arsenal of releases this latest contribution is lamentably a fly in the jam. This doesn't mean that Sovereigns is a bad record by any means. When you've engendered a celebrated catalogue that's both flawless and supreme sometimes that zenith of past crusades can just be a little too far out of reach. 'Sine Qua Non' 'Of Feathers and Flames' and 'Divine Coagulation' are the apex points in an otherwise anti climatic and ordinary black metal record.

Although being a pretty decorous piece of work, when

Cage The Gods - Badlands Label: The End Reviewer: Stephen Brophy Website: http://www.cagethegods.com/

This is a release I've been looking forward to since catching Cage The Gods live a couple of times last year, this is a band that I think have bags of potential. A band with an Irish born singer, Scottish guitarist, Welsh bass player and an English drummer, Cage The Gods have been growing their fanbase by playing live shows with the likes of The Answer, Pretty Maids and others in recent times, they are moving pretty quickly for a band formed in 2012. Listening to Badlands you can hear influences coming through in abundance, but that doesn't make this a copy of anyone, Cage The Gods have their own style and play straight up Rock'n' Roll. There's elements of Myles Kennedy in Peter Comerford's vocals, and at some points in the album I get a big Black Stone Cherry vibe, but I think the songs stand up for themselves very well. They aren't doing anything new here, but sometimes you don't need to reinvent the wheel, you just need to make some quality songs that do exactly what they say on the tin. There are some excellent rockers on this debut album, such as the opener and lead single ‘Favourite Sin’, ‘Sacrifice’ and ‘Trouble Reigns’ all smack of songs that will sound heavier in a live environment, and have some nice guitar work on them Jam and Peter throughout, and I think fans of hard/heavy rock will

Released: 31 March 2014 Highlight: What’s Left Of Me

find plenty here to put a smile on their faces. But for me it's the ballad ‘What's Left Of Me’ and the slightly more commercial sounding ‘Promises’ where the guys really shine, ‘What's Left Of Me’ is a cracking little number and unlike a lot of times when a band slows things down a bit on an album I think it fits in perfectly just before what I think is the stand out track on the album ‘Promises’. It may sound a little different to other tracks on the album and a little poppy, especially in the intro, but I think this track has some mileage and could go down very well with a bit of exposure, there are some nice layers in there and I look forward to having them peeled back a little in a live setting. This is a young band that appear to be learning very quickly and have produced an excellent first effort, where they go from here is the next question, I hope they get a lot of attention from this release and I really look forward to both hearing these songs on a headline tour to support the album and also where their songwriting goes for the next release. Keep your eyes out for these guys - I think we'll be hearing a lot more from them over the coming year. It's nice to see a number of homegrown talented bands release excellent pieces of work like this, the Rock Scene is very much alive and well and in good hands for the future.

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Voodoo Six - Lead Me On EP Label: Spinefarm Records Reviewer: Robl Birtey Website: http://www.voodoosix.com/

If you don’t know the name Voodoo Six by now I’d like to know just how long you’ve been in a chemically induced coma and did reading this review bring you out of it, incidents like that can look good on your CV trust me. For those of you just escaping North Korea after a number of years of incarceration with recent dubious haircuts I will recap. Voodoo Six are classic 70's style Hard Rock 'n' Roll band with more than a trace of bluesy Heavy Metal. They don’t really make many concessions to modern hard rock and this may alienate some listeners but not yours truly. This is old-school done with panache plus a great deal of passion. They are a Dreadnought full of Humungous riffs that are hook laden with a singer who sits comfortably mid-way between Rodgers and Plant providing this Behemoth with plenty of ammunition. The EP opens with ‘Lead Me On’ a track off the latest release ‘Songs To Invade Countries To’ and it’s Epic. It’s a song that has everything. Slow intro building the atmosphere. Things start to heat up once the mountainous riff from Matt which is the song’s bedrock chimes in. Then the vocal begins you rapidly get sucked into the story with the intense delivery of the lyric from Luke it’s really a plea from a blues filled heart. Mix in ample fine soloing and a recapitulation of the slow opening to draw the song to a close in fine style. The only negative comment I can make is this is a radio edit and the longer album version is even better but this is only nit-picking.

Released: 21 April 2014 Highlight: Lead Me On

The second track is a live one in more ways than one. ‘All that Glitters” is track two on the latest album and this version is played out in front of an audience. The sound is of a band that has just spent some time on the road with Iron Maiden and has been earning rave reviews doing so. To say these guys are tight is an understatement. The track is evocative you can sense the electricity being generated between the band and the crowd it’s almost hair raising. Next up is the first of two acoustic tracks ‘Take The Blame’ which originates from the album ‘Fluke?’ It’s often in quieter moments when the amps are turned off and it’s all down to the class of the song and performer that bands rise or fall. Voodoo Six come through with flying colours. Luke’s vocal is full of Blues fuelled emotion this is a guy on top of his game. The rest of the playing shows show’s these guys are masters of their craft and it’s all done with an intense passion it’s absorbing. The last track is a cover of ‘Respect’. Now some reviewers would tell you it’s a cover of an Aretha Franklin song but they’d be wrong. ‘Respect’ originally was on the seminal album by Otis Reading ‘Otis Blue’ released in 1965. Aretha’s was a cover version released in 1967 and in true Otis style Voodoo Six do not have to spell out “R.E.S.P.E.C.T” like Aretha to get their message across. It is just a really fine acoustic cover they have made their own whilst showing respect to Otis.

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Comeback Kid - Die Knowing Label: Victory Records Reviewer: Gavin Griffiths Website: http://comeback-kid.com/

Comeback Kid aren’t exactly new kids on the block. Going back as far as 2000, this Winnipeg based, hard core punk band have slowly garnered a loyal following since word of mouth got out that these guys were the real deal, with their debut, ‘Turn It Around’ backing any and all claims made in and around the Canadian heavy music scene. Ever since, they’ve toured relentlessly world-wide, continuing to pump out their preferred blend of devastating punk rock, most notably 2005’s ‘Wake The Dead’, and while there may have been a handful of changes in personnel, 2014 sees them release album number five; ‘Die Knowing’, through Victory Records. The title track gets things under way slowly, gradually rising in intensity yet using only simple, almost hypnotic guitars, it’s crushing but short; drawing you in for the sucker punch that is ‘Lower The Line’. This sudden change of pace is more like the Comeback

Released: 3 March 2014 Highlight: Should Know Better

Kid we all know, almost thrash-like in nature at times, it’s a barrage of vocals from frontman Andrew Neufeld, with drummer Kyle Profeta pummelling through some forceful, heavy punk rock. Lead single ‘Should Know Better’ is just as unrelenting, yet manages to incorporate just enough subtle melody to render the song, catchy, if you will. It’s swift, simple and more importantly enjoyable, which can also be said about ‘Beyond’. There’s even an appearance from former vocalist Scott Wade on ‘Full Swing’, highlighting the strength and support in the hard core community, and proving there’s no animosity between either parties. Ultimately, if you’re a fan of heavy alternative music, this album is well worth checking out, if you’re not however, well, Comeback Kid aren’t the sort of band that’ll find themselves ‘Losing Sleep’ over it…

Harikiri For The Sky - Aokigahara Label: Art Of Propaganda Released: 21 April 2014 Reviewer: Stoodge Mc Nulty Highlight: 69 Dead Birds For Utoya Website: https://www.facebook.com/HarakiriForTheSky

Time now for the second full length installment from the gallant duo that is Austria's Harakiri For The Sky. The origins of the band only go back to the winter of 2011, but in that short space of time they've commandeered a sound and projection that shakes the foundations of every thing we thought we knew of post-black metal. Conveying both a freshness akin to an early Woods of Ypres record and the blackgaze intensity of Deafhaven, Aokigahara is a traversing paragon of unshaven yet melodic black metal that touches out to the cusp of the melancholic surroundings it's soundscape generates. It's a realm of despondency and solemness, yet a frequent glimmer of light optimistically protrudes through the radiance absorbing sorrow.

sets off on a journey. At times as gentle as a feather and others as gripping as a rollercoaster, the eulogy of Aokigahara is a translucent, transcending and transforming opus of sublimity. Bolstering an array of guest appearances on vocals including Seuche (Fäulnis), Cristiano (Whiskey Ritual), Torsten (Agrypnie) and Eklatanz (Heretoir) only adds extra dimensions to the bands desirable endeavours. Also, if you can obtain the vinyl version then you'll also receive an enthralling cover version of the Tear for Fears track 'Mad World'.

This record doesn't just play from your speakers, it

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Decapitated Christ - Arcane Impurity Ceremonies Label: FDA Rekotz Released: 4 April 2014 Reviewer: Stoodge Mc Nulty Highlight: Human Eating Herd Of The Damned Website: https://www.facebook.com/decapitatedchrist

For the fourth time this pentad of pandemonium have exposed us to their unhallowed yet ritualistic contamination. Excreting from this ill-natured constitution is nine tracks of well crafted and astutely delivered blackened death metal. Summoned from Barcelona, Spain not only have they got a glorious name but they've got the force to back it up. Such is this accomplishment that Decapitated Christ have yielded their own mark into their musical foundations. It's a healthy progression when your main influence is your own turbulent dirty work. Yes, there's numerous facets included on the album that could be said to be native of other past bands. But, it's the fresh hunger and pedigree that Decapitated Christ possess that's remarkably indigenous to the Spanish anomaly.

With an opening track fittingly titled 'And the Carnage Begins' it doesn't take for the chasms to open wide and for existence to implode. For the next forty minutes tales of destruction, devastation and extermination escalate, all of which are conventional and typical attributes of these Spanish manslayers. Songs 'Hell's Everything', 'Sabbath of the Blind Dead', 'When War Brings Glory' and 'Those Who Walk Slowly' all explode like aroused dynamite. The album's highlight though is 'Human Eating Herd of the Damned', with an opening soundbite of what sounds like some dude getting his guts ripped out in a Colosseum, what emerges is five minutes of annihilating death metal prowess.

Volume IV - Long In The Tooth Label: Ripple Music Reviewer: Stoodge Mc Nulty Website: http://volume-iv.com/

If Monster Magnet and The Company Band got into a punch up in a bar and Zakk Wylde was called upon to break up the whisky fuelled brawl, permitting that the jukebox was still functioning, then Long in the Tooth would be the soundtrack blasting from the corner.

Released: 14 March 2014 Highlight: Kong

album from the Atlanta's turbulent trio is one to get your balls out, and get them dirty.

Dependant on the coarse vocals and archetypal guitar work of Joe Carpenter, efficacious plodding bass lines from Blake Parris, and a mixture of caveman bashing and gradual pig skin bruising from Troy King, this album should be used as a counterpoison for all the shit that has infected the mainstream and what erroneously gets deemed as 'Rock' these days. Whether it's the blazing 'Wager' or the delicate yet absorbing lullaby of 'Save your Servant' that tickles your fancy, a message that's fervent on this debut

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Gravehill - Death Curse Label: Dark Descent Records Reviewer: Stoodge Mc Nulty Website: https://www.facebook.com/gravehill

Released: 1 April 2014 Highlight: At Hellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Command

A label that can't seem to do anything wrong with recent releases is Colorado's Dark Descent Records. This April Fools Day release from California's Gravehill only further cements the stables highly credible disposed munition thus far.

boiling bass and atom splitting guitar action there's likewise an ability to compose incontestable death metal disgorge.

What's evidently seeping from the Hellheim horde on Death Curse is the stench of a band that's stronger than ever. They've mutated into a powerful and congealed unit of catastrophic death metal precision.

Plus if that's not enough, and to make the money shot even messier, there's guest appearances from Chris Reifert and Eric Cutler of Autopsy and Kam Lee (Massacre, Death and Bone Gnawer).

'At Hell's Command' will have you by the balls, or breasticles depending on your sexual persuasion. Gravehill themselves are a band whom over the years 'Open Their Throats' will coarse your veins with a have faced a few ill fated obstructions and tribulations. sharp implement, whilst 'Fear The Reaper' has the Numerous line up changes and even disbanding power to lobotomise your senses. Yeah, it's that throughout their time has undoubtedly stumped the fucking good! bands growth and progress to the upper echelons of the death metal ensemble. Ironically these The star of the show here is the groups vociferous hinderances have also been rudiment in what has enforcer Mike Abominator. Exhaling his very own paved the way and led us to their third and most dosage of corrosive brimstone as he verbally glorious of releases to date. gesticulates his wicked rhetoric is a definite highlight.

Amongst the entombing drum work, the blister

The Casket Crew - Coercian Label: Cimmerian Shade Records Released: 5 March 2014 Reviewer: Stoodge Mc Nulty Highlight: Dethanol Website: https://www.facebook.com/thecasketcrew

Oozing out of Denver, Colorado this is total undiluted chaos manifest.

The major accomplishment though, is the variety on offer that keeps this bulldozer fuelled for all thirty-five minutes. The band aren't afraid to divert from the Ten years after their first outpouring Poor Man's pulsating death/thrash vanguard which for the majority Coffin, The Casket Crew have unleashed their third is prominent. Tracks 'Bones' and 'Funeral Dirge' take dose of flesh eating discharge. As a whole this band a different grave route, bringing the auditory percipient sound like the bastard son from a transgendered into a slower and more embodiment of Carcass and Sodom. Furthermore, this begrime infirmary. album is a contouring of a bombardment cognate to Bolt Thrower, whilst also possessing a brooding attrition uniform to that of Solitude Aeturnus. With this hazardous fusion, The Casket Crew have found a blueprint that's unnerving, indocile and sinister. There's also a fine coherence that needs to be addressed on Coercian. James Rodrock and James Casady sharing vocal duties certainly adds an extra dimension to the carnage resonant commodity.

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The Manic Shine - Let Go Or Be Dragged Label: The Animal Farm Records Reviewer: Rob Birtley Website: http://www.themanicshine.com/

Part of the pleasure of being an FBRR reviewer is being exposed to new music outside your comfort zone. Now I don’t like to use well-worn phrases like genre hopping and a unique blend but in this case I’m afraid I’ll have to. What took some time was for me to decide what if anything I made of it.

Released: 27 January 2014 Highlight: Fiendish Means

‘(S)Words’ and these tracks do set the pace and tone of the piece so if you don’t dig them go no further. The next two tracks ‘Avarice’ and ‘Scattershot’ are more outright proggy but still the driving beat is kept up.

‘Use Your Horizon’ coming out of left field this is a more straight forward driving rocker the track to get ‘Let Go Or Be Dragged’ is The Manic Shines second the crowd Head Banging live before ‘Libra’ changes studio album a follow up the 2012 release ‘Blindsider’. the mood once again and is the softest most evocative They are a London based quartet with a multicultural song on the album. back ground. Brothers Orren and Tamir Karp (guitar/ backing vocal and drums respectively) hail from Israel. As I have said this is a mixture that is constantly Lead singer Ozzie Rodgers born in London but was evolving and surprising daring you to second guess it brought up in Dubai with Bass player Hutch about what’s coming next and knowing you will be Hutchinson the only long term native in this elective once again proven wrong. bunch. The brief description of their sound goes something like this. Hard Rock with a proggy metal So what did I make of it all. Firstly I have to say it is an edge. Guitar sounds that sometimes call to mind Rage album that I will have to go back to a number of times Against The Machine. Melodic with some gripping but one worth the revisiting knowing that I’ll discover harmonies. It is above all a roller coaster ride that something new every visit. On first listening it’s true to leaves you guessing what turn the band will take next say I had mixed feelings but this album is a grower the and not a little breathless. It is both well-crafted and more I listened in the course of reviewing the more it engaging. spoke to me. The album kicks off nicely with two slabs of edgy, hard driving almost anthemic rock ‘Tin Crown Kings’ and

Erebus Enthroned - Temple Under Hell Label: Seance Records Released: 30 April 2014 Reviewer: Stoodge Mc Nulty Highlight: Soarthick Pentecost Website: https://www.facebook.com/Erebusenthroned

Black metal from Australia you say? Oh, fuck yes! The album. A baptism of fire if you will. Lucifer lusting, Kangeroo sacrificing Apollyon that is Erebus Enthroned has re-emerged and served us In endorsing the purchasing of a one way ticket their second perverse full length offering. straight to Gehenna with such decorative black metal feasts as 'Trisagion', 'Crucible of Vitriol' and With a wicked concoction of eonian drumming 'Void Wind', the record certainly knows how to algorithms, palpitating riff erotica and life dispersing overindulge, and it holds it's own, even against the vocals, the album's opener 'Sorathick Pentecost' sets better known 'Orthodox' deities of the genre. Temple ablaze to whatever was previously held on your mind. Under Hell is proof that corpsepaint theists doesn't The track is a 10 minute crusade of iniquity and have to spawn from some morose, snow covered infernal splendour. Although these flames never go forest in Norway. Oh, didn't you know barbecues and out over the course of the record, the opening track black masses go together like hairspray and Blackie does serve as the best sacrament for pyro porn on the Lawless?

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Pilgrim - II: Void Worship Label: Metal Blade Records Released: 1 April 2014 Reviewer: Stoodge Mc Nulty Highlight: The Paladin Website: https://www.facebook.com/hailthepilgrim

This is the first release from these guys since their debuting cosmic collision Misery Wizard in 2012. In an era that unhurriedly structured robust riff based music has made a huge resurgence, Pilgrim have found themselves crawling right into the bosom of the coveted doom pulpit. With the departure of Bassist Count Elric The Soothsayer, there was some conjecture regarding how the album would sound. Any of those heretics may now crawl back into their cave of self detestation, because the duo of The Wizard and Krolg have excelled the outfits prior concrete expulsion. Sometimes sounding like Candlemass on Crack,

and other times comparable to Isis on Acid, II: Void Worship is a superlative amalgamation of Pilgrims muso-genetic predecessors most illustrious traits. It could be said that in musical terms this assemblage of ardent idolatry is equivalent of viewing the Hanging Gardens of Babylon from the Lighthouse of Alexandria. Such is the consummate bringing of doom antiquity and grandeur on this deity summoning, thunder shattering gargantuan piece of work. For 45 minutes this is an unstoppable and impenetrable craft as it traverses through the universe into the realms of where astral rocks cloud the horizon. It's heavy, it's big, it's wet and it's indeed something to worship.

Whitechapel - Our Endless War Label: Metal Blade Records Reviewer: Stephen Brophy Website: http://www.whitechapelband.com/

Let me start by saying Whitechapel are on of the newer breed of Death Metal/Deathcore bands that I've taken an interest and a liking to over the last few years. Their sonic attack is pretty much relentless, and just the right level of aggression, so I was eagerly awaiting "Our Endless War" following the excellent "Whitechapel" (2012) and the two albums that got me into the band "A New Era Of Corruption" (2010) and "This Is Exile" (2008). What we get here is another fine slab of blistering, pounding extrene Metal and that's exactly what we should be looking for from these guys. This isn't just thoughtless blastbeats for the sake of it stuff though, there's been a definite progression over Whitechapel's 8 year career and although some didn't take to their self titled release a couple of years back it showed a band eager to keep learning their craft and continually trying to improve on what they have previously released. The new release contains tracks with some more intricate playing while still holding the aggression, which is great. Tracks such as the title track "Our Endless War" and the album opener "Let Me Burn" show where they are trying to bring us in 2014, of course the multilayerd and at times slashing guitar work

Released: 29 April 2014 Highlight: Diggs Road

on the album is great and there is some excellent solo work on tracks like "Psycopathy", sometimes it really does work having 3 guitar players in a band, but it's the blinding, but still so controlled, drumming that really grips me here, that and of course Phil Bozeman's aural assault on top of it all is just crushing at times. This is a band really on the top of their game right now, and I can only see this release garnering them even more admirers. The song for me brings it all together is "Diggs Road", a six minute track with a really moody intro that just expands in a thundering and somber epic, maybe a little more remeniscent at times of something you'd expect to hear from Amon Amarth. It really is a good track though, shifts pace a number of times and still keeps the attention right through. Whitechapel are a band on the rise again and for me this is an album that should fit nicely in anyones collection, powerful, precise and crushing all at the same time, having yet to witness these guys live I await the album Tour with great anticipation.

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Coldwar - Pantheist Label: Candlelight Records Released: 28 April 2014 Reviewer: Stephen Brophy Highlight: The Falcon Cannot Hear The Falconer Website: https://www.facebook.com/thisiscoldwar

For those not familiar with Coldwar they are a band from Dublin that have been on the scene for 15 years, they have played across Europe and the US, been on the stages of Wacken Open Air, Obscene Extreme as well as numerous other Festivals and over the years their music has evolved from a straight forward Hardcore/Death style to what we have here in 2014 with the new release Pantheist. Pantheist opens with a kick to the guts in the form of "Abandonment of Being", there's something warming and a little old school in the sound while still having a freshness you don't always get in Death Metal these days. Having always been a fan of Trevor's vocals and he's on top form here, along with some cracking guitar work from Paul and Dave throughout the album this album is a really impressive debut on Candlelight records. There are plenty of good tracks on here from the opener as previously mentioned, the epic 8 1/2

minute "Last Days Of The 4th Sun" and "Ghostdance" but for me the stand out track here is the slightly unusually named "The Falcon Cannot Hear The Falconer" which starts off with a very mellow intro and just reminds me a little of early Sepultura. Over the years I've managed to catch Coldwar a number of times live and I'm really looking forward the hearing how these new tracks come across in the live arena, the album launch is in Dublin on the 26th April and will be trying to make it along to that, if not I think you should follow me and catch one of the Tour dates when get on the road with this material. A mature release from a band that's been there and done that, hopefully this album will add to their already growing number of fans across Europe, Pantheist is worth your while checking out if you are new to the band and if you already know their previous work I think you'll love it.

Battery - Armed With Rage Label: Punishment 18 Records Released: 24 February 2014 Reviewer: Stephen Brophy Highlight: Zombestial Incantation Website: https://www.facebook.com/batterythrash

Formed from the ashes of 80's Thrashers Abbattoir, and continue in the same veign as that band, This is pretty much a late 80's thrash album, and for me there's a lot of bands doing this type of stuff a lot better now. There just aren't many tracks here that grab you and don't let go, in a lot of places it just sounds like something you have heard before - even on the better tracks like "Indirect Opposition", which reminds me a lot of early Exodus, it just leaves you with an ok kind of feeling rather than any form of excitment. Everything plods along without ever reaching any highs for me. Another of the better tracks on offer here is "Vermin Of Fukushima" which blasts along without ever really getting where it's trying to go, but still it's more enjoyable that some of the stuff on here. Sadly for me they finish the album with the strongest track, had it been the start of the album and followed on

from it in the same style I would have found it a lot more enjoyable listen, but "Zombestial Incantation" is a nice slice of old school thrash, so all is not lost, maybe the next effort will build on this. By far not the worst album I've heard, but not one I think I'll be giving more spins too either, having had a couple of Abbattoir albums back in the 80's I don't see a huge amount of progression with this new band and maybe they should have just left things lay where they were.

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