NEW IN STOCK - 2013.34BLOOD CEREMONY - THE ELDRITCH DARKDeluxe gatefold vinyl with metallic lettering Since the release of their sophomore album, LIVING WITH THE ANCIENTS, Blood Ceremony has worked hard to solidify their reputation as a worthy live act. Beginning with a well-received showcase at the prestigious Roadburn Festival, the band capped-off a series of 2011 European dates with Swedens GHOST, playing a sold-out, headline show in London, UK. In the fall of 2011, they completed their first headlining tour of Europe, which saw the band received enthusiastically by fans in Scandinavia and Central Europe. This tour culminated in a performance at the Hammer of Doom VI Festival in WGermany. In 2012 they were direct support for GHOST on the highly successful "13 Dates of Doom" North American tour. Later in 2012, BLOOD CEREMONY performed at Calgarys celebrated NOCTIS V Metal Festival. After these live performances, BLOOD CEREMONY enclosed themselves within a dank, tomb-like chamber to begin preparations for their third album. After a mind-numbing spell in the analogue womb of Toronto's ProGold Studios, the band is now ready to unveil their newest, and most accomplished, musical offering: THE ELDRITCH DARK. Recorded and mixed by producer Ian Blurton (Cauldron, Cursed) and mastered by Canadian recording legend Nick Blagona (Deep Purple, Rainbow, Crazy World of Arthur Brown), THE ELDRITCH DARK is a full-length paean to the darker corners of folklore and legend. Containing eight tracks of black magic rock 'n' roll, the album crackles with the excitement of a nocturnal ritual. Tales of witch-cult gatherings in wooded glens, pacts made in torch-lit abbeys and Victorian magic are accompanied by vintage-style hard rock riffs, snaking bass lines and stirring flute melodies. THE ELDRITCH DARK also sees the band exploring a more folksier side of their sound; most evident in the hymn-like "Lord Summerisle" and the murderous folk-rock epic, "Ballad of the Weird Sisters". 19th century sorcerer, Oliver Haddo, makes a return appearance in the riff-hypnotic album closer, "The Magician". "Only at a Blood Ceremony show are devil horns the correct response to a triumphantly raised flute." ~NOW MAGAZINE.
CHURCH OF MISERY - THY KINGDOM SCUM (2LP)CHURCH OF MISERY was founded by Tatsu Mikami (bass guitar) back in 1995. After the breakup of his leading thrash metal band SALEM, a band that had toured in the UK several times and received critical acclaim from metal fans and press alike. Tatsu decided to start his own solo project. He wanted to do something that reflected his other musical inspirations - doom metal and doom rock. Apart from metal and thrash, he was strongly influenced by doom bands like SAINT VITUS, BLACK SABBATH and became aware that his own riffs had started to include doom vibes. Also, he was very much into late 60s/early 70s heavy rock material like LEAF HOUND, NOVEMBER, MAY BLITZ, HIGH TIDE, GUN, BLUE OYSTER CULT and so on. It was natural for him to shift his musical direction from metal to a more rock-influenced style.
EXPECTED - 2013.34HORISONT - TIME WARRIORSFormed in Gothenburg back in 2005, Horisont have paid their dues rocking and sweating it out in the underground clubs and bars of Europe ever since. Key slots at some of Europe's larger rock festivals in 2012 led to more widespread recognition and standout reviews. 'Time Warriors', their third full-length album, showcases just how far they have come in terms of precise musicianship, songwriting and dedication to the music they passionately believe in. Although their influences and basic inspirations may come from a genuine love of o-so-classic '70s rock and metal bands such as Priest, UFO, Sabbath and Thin Lizzy, Horisont plays music with a feeling that is more relevant today than it's ever been.
SATAN'S SATYRS - WILD BEYOND BELIEFThis band from Virginia, USA, was among the revelations of the 2013 edition of the annual Roadburn Festival in Tilburg, The Netherlands. SATAN'S SATYRS merge the riffing, the tone, the fuzz, and the cult-horror worship of the ultra-doom underground with the unbridled energy, lo-fi production, and fuck-you attitude of garage punk!! Influences include THE ROLLING STONES, BLACK FLAG, ELECTRIC WIZARD and BLACK SABBATH.
BACK IN STOCK - 2013.34UNCLE ACID & THE DEADBEATS - POISON APPLEYes, Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats have, in recent times, become one of the most talked about rock bands currently in existence. 'Mind Control' (their third full-length album) is set for release in April, following their two debut London sell-out concerts at The Garage. This single will be released the same week as those performances. From the album comes the monstrously catchy 'Poison Apple', which gives a glimpse into their exciting dark melodic realm and fuzzorama enhanced tales of terror and horror. 'Mind Control' is a concept album with a theme that makes the acts and intentions of the likes of Charles Manson and Jim Jones seem like petty crimes. What makes 'Mind Control' scarier than most albums is that it doesn't seem as sinister on the surface as it really is deep down within the core of its black acid-drenched world of pain and torture. It's very easy to get carried away and lost in the magnificent heavy groovy sounds and psychedelic jams but dont forget this UNCLE ACID HAS COME TO KILL!! TRACKLISTING: 01. POISON APPLE 02. UNDER THE SPELL
CATHEDRAL (UK) - A NEW ICE AGELimited to 700!!! Brand new studio recordings from this popular British band!!!! As Cathedral reach the end of a 22 year career, they are pleased to announce the release of this one-off limited 12" EP featuring two killer new tracks.
CATHEDRAL - THE LAST SPIRE (2LP)And lo, Lee Dorrian, mouthpiece of Cathedral for 23 years, doth solemnly intone the death rites of this mighty British metal Titan. Born in the dying days of Thatcher's Britain, bonding over then-unfashionable, obscure names like Saint Vitus, Pentagram, Trouble and Dream Death, Cathedral's sole ambition was to record a demo tape. In fact they revolutionised doom metal, first pushing their influences into new avenues of grinding extremity, then pioneering groovier forms of '70s-indebted stoner doom. They've remained a reassuring and singular presence in our lives, building a rabid following worldwide with their wholly distinctive blend of rollicking British heavy metal, true doom, 70s hard rock, psych-folk, mad prog and spiky crust-punk. There was a worrying hiatus between 2005 and 2010 when some dared to wonder if Cathedral were coming back at all - but they re-emerged with 'The Guessing Game', an overflowing treasure chest of weird and wonderful goodies exploring new, bold variations on their craft. So when news came that Cathedral really were approaching the Endtyme, it was a shock. "Personally speaking, this is the album I've been waiting to do since the first one (their landmark 1991 debut, Forest of Equilibrium), it almost feels like we made our second album last in some respects. We actually recorded a lot more material but decided to sacrifice many of the tracks to make the overall album feel more complete in its nihilism. I don't like happy endings, I never have. So many good films are ruined by happy endings and I didn't want that to be the case with Cathedral, it was my dream to bring everything full circle." Says Lee Dorrian. Clearly there was new impetus for reconnecting with that early spirit of doleful abjection, of sinister obsessions and lamented desires; on 'The Last Spire' Cathedral are literally doomed. We are commiserating the celebration, and in what thrilling style.
UNCLE ACID & THE DEADBEATS - MIND CONTROL (2LP)It is a fact that Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats have, in recent times, become one of the most talked about rock bands currently in existence. The fact that no one even knew what they looked like until very recently is testimony to the enigma that surrounds this terrifying, yet extremely melodically minded cult. It is another fact that they have become one of the most collectable bands on the planet, with first press vinyl editions of Blood Lust fetching up to and over 700 (yes, British Pounds!) on the collectors market. Pretty remarkable for a record that is barely two years old. Mind Control (their third full-length album) is set for release in April 2013, following their two debut London sell-out concerts at The Garage. Within it's blood soaked grooves you will hear shocking tales of bizarre desert ceremonies, religious brainwashing and drug inspired mass slaughter! Imagine the original Alice Cooper band jamming in a cell with early Black Sabbath and the Stooges, whilst sitting on murder charges and you may get a glimpse into their fuzzed up world of exploding tube amps and cymbal smashing mayhem. However, this enticing act of musical manipulation is merely the icing upon a very sick cake. Mind Control is a concept album with a theme that makes the acts and intentions of the likes of Charles Manson and Jim Jones seem like petty crimes. What makes Mind Control scarier than most albums is that it doesnt seem as sinister on the surface as it really is deep down within the core of its black acid-drenched world of pain and torture. The infectious energy surges and pulverizing grooves of Mind Crawler, tell the tale of a man on a mission who has fled from Mount Abraxas after mercilessly murdering all the members of his cult. He rides his motorcycle through the gates of hell and hijacks the weak minds of yet more foolish disciples to join him in his desert hideaway. This is when the real fun and terror truly commences... There was no escaping the chained-to-the brain hooks and melodies of first single from the album, Poison Apple, but this was merely a trailer for the real hellish delights now to be bestowed upon the earth. Recorded at the legendary Chapel Studios over an autumnal full moon using the finest western electrical technology, engineer Jim Spencer (Bert Jansch, Robert Wyatt) has perfectly captured the bands live sound of saturated fuzz, mind-bending riffs and 60's vocal harmonies. A wider range of influences can be heard from both music and cinema, but their founding principle of presenting light and darkness still remains. Simple and ragged in all its low life glory, Mind Control is the ultimate expose of killer cult madness and mind manipulation.
GATES OF SLUMBER - HYMNS OF BLOOD AND THUNDER (2LP)Regular but limited double lp coloured vinyl version of fourth album from the highly respected doom outfit. Skull-crushing doom!! A must for any fan of Witchfinder General, Pagan Altar, early Sabbath and vintage Trouble.
LORD VICAR - SIGNS OF OSIRIS (2LP)Vinyl version of the second full lengh album. As the final nails were hammered to the coffin of Reverend Bizarre (1995-2007, R.I.P.), guitar player Peter Vicar started to follow his vision of a new True Doom Metal band. He felt forced to fulfill his need to compose and play this most arcane form of metal in the way it was meant to be, full of intensity, cruelty, heaviness, and force. Still firmly walking in the footsteps of Saint Vitus, Trouble, Witchfinder General and Pentagram, this new band brings together an international lineup of four devoted metalheads. The first release was a 7" EP The Demon of Freedom, released by heavier than life Swedish label I Hate Records (
http://www.ihate.se/). The EP was based on an old werewolf legend from the island of Hiiumaa, as narrated by Finnish author Aino Kallas (1878-1956) in her novel Sudenmorsian (The Wolfs Bride, 1928). The EP contains three songs, "Hiiumaa", "Becoming One With the Spirit of the Forest", and "Running Into a Burning House", recorded in London, Stockholm, North Carolina and Turku respectively. Stranger passing by, hear my advice. Look forward to the new offerings for the Elder Gods, and then remain on your knees until the first Lord Vicar full-length albums Fear No Pain and Signs of Osiris are revealed to this world. For the first of these, the time has come. Tracks: Sign of Osiris Slain, The Answer, Child Witness, Between the Blue Temple and the North Tower, Sinking City, Endless November, Sign of Osiris Risen.
MOSS (UK) - HORRIBLE NIGHT (2LP)'Horrible Night' is the sound of MOSS emerging from its cocoon, becoming a much more savage, intelligent and all the more terrifying beast. While no longer obsessed with extremity for its own sake -with weirdly infectious riffs, eccentric vocal melodies and no song over 12 minutes- MOSS remain heavier-than-thou, broadening their horror beyond any imposed 'scene' expectations. This mastery of the craft is evident from the opening moments of first track 'Horrible Nights' -written back in 2010 it sets the course for the album, taking the twisting death-crawl of MOSS mini-epics such as "Tombs Of The Blind Drugged' and administering a lethal dose of addictive melody, cooked up by the colossal riffs of Dominic Finbow and the Ozzy-via-seance vocalisations of Olly Pearson. Cuts such as 'The Coral Of Chaos' and 'Dark Lady' expand further upon this potent formula, dragging the Black Sabbath blueprint to its most nightmarish conclusion and ushering MOSS further into their newest dark age. With 6 tracks, MOSS proves more than ever why this English cult band is regarded exactly as such. While still no easy pill to swallow for the uninitiated, over its duration 'Horrible Night' will demand complete mind control. Nonsense prefixes such as "stoner", "sludge" or "drone" do not apply here; this is pure DOOM METAL, a celebration of horror, the arcane and the unknown. Although traditionally a reluctant live act, in 2013 MOSS are set to embark on their first European headline tour, as well as a return trip to Holland's Roadburn Festival, playing Jus Oborn's Electric Acid Orgy with Electric Wizard, Dream Death, Psychic TV and the Pretty Things, it seems in their 13th year MOSS have finally arrived.
ORCHID - (CLEAR/RED) THROUGH THE DEVILS DOORWAYGatefold sleeve, Heavy vinyl (limited clear/red version) poster Amazing '70s occult rock from San Francisco. More Sabbath than Sabbath, blacker than black! It is truly almost incredible how well these four guys from San Francisco managed to recapture the spirit of early Black Sabbath. The first song 'Into the Sun' has a significant similarity to Sabbath's 'Children of the Grave', but it also recalls Trouble's self titled album from 1990.
ORCHID - CAPRICORN (BLACK/2LP)Gatefold sleeve, heavy black vinyl, poster. Amazing 70's occult rock from San Fransisco. More Sabbath than Sabbath, Blacker than black! It is truly almost incredible how well this four guys from San Francisco managed to recapture the spirit of early Black Sabbath. The tracklist is: 1. Eyes behind the wall 2. Capricorn 3. Black Funeral 4. Masters of it all 5. Down into the Earth 6. He who walks alone 7. Cosmonaut of three 8. Electric Father 9. Albatross
SERPENT VENOM - CARNAL ALTAR (2LP)LIMITED DOUBLE LP VERSION. Serpent Venom arose from the grave in 2008 to inflict doom upon the masses. If you like your classic doom, think Saint Vitus, Pentagram, The Obsessed and many in between, you have to check out the Serpent Venom album 'Carnal Altar'. The initial release will be on CD in a book style package with 16 pages full of lyrics and creepy images which pays homage to the old beat, horror, pulp paperback's or Italian fumettis of the '70s.
SIGIRIYA - RETURN TO EARTHLimited vinyl issue. Beneath the soil of a Welsh valley a heavy metal life-force regains strength: rising from the ashes of stoner doom merchants Acrimony, Sigiriya is born. Eight years after the demise of Acrimony, guitarist Stu OHara, bassist Mead, drummer Darren Ivey and vocalist Dorian Walters have reconvened. Not wanting the limitations of reforming a project long dead to them, Sigiriya brings a fresh take on their trademark monolithic heavy groove. While Acrimony hailed from the temples of deepest space, Sigiriya come from the earthy depths, bringing hefty, tremor-inducing sonics that pay homage to the riff. , Tracks: 1. The mountain Goat 2. Tobacco Sunrise 3. Hurricane 4. Whiskey Song 5. Dark Fires 6. Robot Funeral 7. Deathtrip to Eryri
VERSUS THE STILLBORN-MINDED - TREATISE ON RUINS The "lost" record is finally out! Again a special individual package and heavy vinyl! Versus The Stillborn-Minded hail from Germany and deliver a sickeningly heavy blend of slow Doom grooves and down-tuned Sludge pain. For those of you who like to go nowhere and do it slow.
WITCHSORROW - GOD CURSE US (2LP)For years, if not decades, Heavy Metal's heaviest sub-genre known as Doom Metal has been something enigma, yet also generally ignored by the metal masses. Its flames kept fanning by a mere handful of cave-dwelling enthusiasts that fully understood its emotional depth and beauty. With this in mind, it was almost inconceivable to imagine that it would become as widely acknowledged and appreciated as it is today. Since recent times the term "Doom Metal" is used almost as commonly as any other form of metal and whilst many trends have come and gone, Doom never went away. Now that it is a more commonly accepted genre, it has typically led to an abundance bandwagon jumpers coming to the funeral. Using as much copy and paste occult paraphernalia possible cant disguise the fact that they're not genuinely into the art, or in fact particularly that great. Witchsorrow are a prime example of a band unaffected by this Johnny-come-lately approach and play their pure and epic non-pretentious brand of Doom Metal straight from the heart. If their self-titled 2010 debut suggested that, God Curse Us All confirms it. Witchsorrow are a prime example of a band who play their pure and epic non-pretentious brand of Doom Metal straight from the heart. If their self-titled 2010 debut suggested that, God Curse Us All confirms it. Highly anticipated second album, for fans of Electric Wizard and Cathedral. Released on heavyweight vinyl.