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GRÀB offer both, continuity and change, on their sophomore full-length "Kremess". The Bavarian black metal project founded by vocalist Grànt continues to revolve lyrically around tales and traditions narrated in the local dialect of Germany's southernmost Alpine state: Bavaria. "Kremess" means 'funeral feast' in that language and death plays a leading role on this album. Musically, GRÀB still feature a prominent traditional instrument of their region, the hammered dulcimer. This gets combined with particularly Norwegian strands of black metal such as early GEHENNA, ULVER, and DARKTHRONE as well as taking inspiration from German pioneers of the genre namely NAGELFAR and LUNAR AURORA. Adding to the local sonic colours are many fresh ideas and sounds that came with English guitarist Gnàst, who has replaced previous main songwriter Grain in the meantime. A host of guest musicians including members of EMPYRIUM, TRIPTYKON, and DARK FORTRESS among others has further enhanced the musical spectrum. GRÀB, meaning "old and grey" in the local dialect, were conceived by former DARK FORTRESS frontman Grànt who wanted to bring a particularly Bavarian expression to black metal. The earlier collaboration between Grànt and guitarist Grain resulted in the release of the debut full-length "Zeitlang" in 2021, which channelled the black metal spirit of the early 90s much to the delight of both critics and fans. With "Kremess", GRÀB are infusing Bavarian black metal with new power that is bound to expand their growing empire far beyond the borders of their homeland.

2014 CD Digipak re-issue.
Includes bonus track "Mourners (live in Bochum 2012)" and extended booklet.

It is never easy to follow up with another album, especially considering the impact made by the complex wild flight of musical fantasy of "La Masquerade Infernale". ARCTURUS elegantly solved this conundrum by releasing the comparatively more straightforward third full-length, "The Sham Mirrors" in 2002. This does not mean that the Norwegians had lost their appetite for experiments. The vocals by Garm (ULVER) are more soaring and wide-ranging than ever on this release, while main man Steinar "Sverd" Johnsen keeps adding classic prog rock excursions to his repertoire. Yet, the guitars are more often set to a more conventional metal mode on "The Sham Mirrors". Still complex, still avant-garde, ARCTURUS clearly consolidated their compositions on "The Sham Mirrors" and while still using many sonic elements, those rather serve each individual song than try to stick out.

Digipak CD with 16-pages booklet

Gatefold LP (white/silver/black marble) incl. padded inner sleeve and protection sleeve

Green/black ripple vinyl limited to 300 copies

With their fourth studio album "Hulders Ritual" ('Ritual of the Huldra'), SLAGMAUR break the chains of repetition and nostalgia by rewriting the rules of black metal. This does not mean abandoning the foundations of the genre, which is already indicated by working with the 'inventor' of the 'Norwegian black metal sound', THORNS mastermind Snorre W. Ruch, as an additional producer. The band's founder, General Gribbsphiiser, rather unafraid and with reckless abandon mutates and warps the traditional formula through a host of subtle innovations and tweaks of the classic sound. Although "Hulders Ritual" continues, refines, and widens the daring stylistic balance of SLAGMAUR's previous works, it adds an extra dimension of sardonic mania to its collection of sharp and vicious sonic instruments. Choice guest-contributions that include TAAKE vocalist Hoest, DIMMU BORGIR guitarist Silenoz, and MISÞYRMING frontman D.G., who cover three decades of Nordic black metal make a case in point.

This re-issue of Lifelover's third album, "Konkurs", is the band's first release on Prophecy. "Konkurs" paints a bleak, dystopian vision of modern urban despair with elements of black metal, indie-pop, post-punk, and shoegaze. Whether you love it or you hate it, "Konkurs" will forever alter your perceptions of what can be done with black metal or extreme metal.

Gatefold 2LP (clear/black smoke vinyl) in polylined inner sleeves and protection sleeve (500 copies)

Comes in a 6-panel digipack. First batch comes in black polycarbonate CD.

"Despondency Chord Progressions", the aptly-titled and movingly dynamic third album from SELBST, finds the Latin American Black Metal band deepening, clarifying and confidently channelling the dark waters of their already elaborate sound.

Following the bludgeoning restlessness of DMP debut, 2020's "Relatos De Angustia", the band here steps forward with a fully-fledged sense of purpose - balancing introspection and anger via beautifully flowing arrangements brimming with impassioned melodies.

Comes in a 4-panel digipack with a 12-page booklet. First batch comes in black polycarbonate CD.

Drinking deep from the well of ‘90s second wave Black Metal, the masterful first utterance from Finnish newcomers PESTILENT HEX is a flawlessly reverent blend of symphonic nostalgia, modern power and ravishing grimness.