Nekronos Promotion Hell team would like to wish you a smashing new Year
of 2023, hope it's going to be way better than the last three years in all aspects, we all hope that your best wishes will come true and also hope that
2023 will be a year to remember for the best of reasons for you all... our supported bands, affiliations and supporters! Metal On and Party Hard on new years eve and enjoy this new metal year!
Cheers \m/
...so the year of 2022 is ending... damn it was about time for this damned year to come to an end! The time is right for a balance in the metal scene. Rui Gonçalves, the founder of Nekronos Promotion Hell has elected
6 albums as the
international albums of the Year 2022 !
Feel free to let us know which are your choices for this year, comment below
this article and have a blasting 2023 !!!
ZORNHEYM COUNTRY:
SWEDEN GENRE: SYMPHONIC EXTREME METAL
NeKronos Promotion is Proud to present the band of the NeKroWeek, they are
ZORNHEYM (Sweden), one of the best Symphonic extreme metal bands out
there! Constituted by
experienced metal musicians who united to bring fourth a fresh pieces of horror
tales mixed with extreme
metal art! An horror painted scenario for the deadlier symphonic experience!
Welcome to the Zornheim asylum!
Features former members of Devian, Dark Funeral (live), Scar Symmetry (live), Facebreaker and more!
Show your support and share this info to all your metal brotherhood if you like what you have heard!
Founded and led by multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Zorn, who was
determined to shake up the traditional "metal-meets-symphony" approach after
leaving iconic black metallers Dark Funeral,
ZORNHEYM quickly grew from an ambitious idea into a dramatic musical and
narrative driven concept revolving around the horrors of a mental institution
and its prisoners. The band's critically acclaimed debut album, "Where Hatred
Dwells and Darkness Reigns" opened the doors of the asylum in 2017,
introducing the terrifying concept and gruesome characters within. Four years
later and featuring 10 new tracks of powerful, cinematic and mesmerizing
symphonic extreme metal,
ZORNHEYM's upcoming album picks up where they left off, inviting the
listener on a distracting journey, straight into the depths of the asylum! Once
again,
ZORNHEYM create their very own wall of sound by using a real choir and a
string quartet and bring the story to life in a graphic novel that accompanies
and expands upon the stories behind the album!
ZORNHEYM are: Zorn - Guitars
Scucca - Guitars and Backing Vocals
Bendler- Vocals Steve Pygmalion - Drums
SUSPERIA COUNTRY: NORWAY
GENRE: BLACKENED THRASH / HEAVY METAL
NeKronos Promotion is proud to present the band of the NeKroWeek, they are
SUSPERIA (Blackened Thrash / Heavy Metal)! A great Norwegian band with a strong identity and attitude
which allowed the band to set a fresh
mark of quality on the metal scene! Combining traditional Heavy Metal with
Thrash Metal and giving it a whole new weight and might, you must check them
out! This band features former members
of Dimmu Borgir, Old Man's Child and Satyricon. The Videoclip for "The Lyricist" from their latest album
"The Lyricist":
hhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsPCXas5oys
Susperia
may have their roots in Norway’s black metal scene, but it is merely a starting
point for a band that describes their music as “extreme metal with melodic
twists”. A simple philosophy of “no boundaries” demonstrates that the band have
no hesitation in embracing and exploring a variety of musical avenues with ease.
The origins of the Oslo based band can be traced back to 1998 when
Tjodalv, then occupying the drum seat with
Dimmu Borgir, and long-time friend Cyrus (Satyricon,
Old Man´s Child) got together to share ideas and
write songs. This developed rapidly into the foundations of what eventually
became the band Susperia. By March 1999
Tjodalv had left Dimmu Borgir
to concentrate fully on building a band that was
capable of sharing one vision and performing a challenging style of music. A
chance meeting between Athera and
Tjodalv at 1999’s Wacken Festival
in Germany would lead to the completion of the Susperia
line up. Having been handed a CD of ideas, Athera
was suitably impressed by what he heard and
wasted no time in agreeing to join the fledgling band, bringing with him from
his own band, bass guitarist Memnock and
guitarist Elvorn.
A powerful live act, the band has consistently remained focused on the live
arena. With numerous high profile supports to bands including W.A.S.P.,
In Flames, Destruction and Dimmu Borgir
as well as headline and festival appearances, one
of the band’s most cherished experiences thus far remains the invitation to be
the main support to the newly reformed Testament
in late 2005.
In early 2009 Susperia released their
acclaimed “Attitude” album. Just before
the launch of a UK tour Athera had a
severe heart attack. The band wanted to cancel the tour but Athera
wouldn’t let them and instead use a replacement vocalist. After auditions of
several vocalists the choice fell on heavy metal singer Bernt Fjellestad
(Dagon). Although he had little experience with
harsh vocals at the time he nonetheless learned several new vocal techniques and
preformed the tour with them with minimal rehearsals and preparations.
Dagon went to perform on several other occasions
with Susperia at times when Athera
had other engagements.
After being in a hiatus for a while Athera
chose to depart from the band in 2015 due to other commitments. Dagon
was asked soon after and joined the band permanently late 2015. His first
official concert with Susperia were on the
“70000 tons of metal” cruise.
There is new found confidence and determination running through the
Susperia camp these days. They have been working
on and off the last couple of years with a new album. The fans have been waiting,
and finally, the new album is ready for the masses. Susperia
describe that they have gone back to the roots in many ways, with a more
“grimmer” expression on their new album, but still with the melodic twist they
are well known for. Their black metal roots are more predominant than ever and
“The Lyricist” will be a good old fashion kick in
the head for both new and old fans!!
The new album entitled “The Lyricist” are
now ready, and they are now in negotiations with the record companies for a
release this spring/summer.
This is their long-awaited comeback album, and they are so excited to finally
show you their new music they have been working on for years.
Susperia are: Athera - Vocals Tjodalv - Drums Lars Fredriksen - Bass Cyrus - Guitar Elvorn - Guitar
NeKronos Promotion is Proud to present the band of the NeKroWeek, they are
ABYSSIC (Norway)
Orchestral Doom / Death metal dark entities from Norway. Formed by veteran Norwegian extreme
metallers known for their work with bands such as Susperia, Dimmu Borgir, Old
Man's Child, Sirenia, Gromth, Funeral, etc.
ABYSSIC sound is astonishing symphonic experience of obscure
funeral doom and death metal combined with some old-fashioned Norwegian black
metal and a touch of sophisticated progressive rock from the 70's.
Show your support and share this info to all your metal brotherhood if you like
what you have heard!
ABYSSIC
is a unique symbiosis of atmospheric approaches in funeral death/doom, with
black and prog influences. The signature is enhanced by orchestrations with
Mellotron, Minimoog and Upright Bass.
ABYSSIC
is a result of a collaboration between Memnock (Susperia), Elvorn (Susperia)
and André Aaslie (Funeral, Images At Twilight, Gromth & Profane Burial)
and together with Asgeir Mickelson (Ex-Borknagar, Ihsahn) they recorded
the debut album 'A Winter's Tale' in February 2016 (Osmose Productions).
Later 2016 Tjodalv (Susperia, Ex-Dimmu Borgir, Old Man`s Child) and
Makhashanah (Henriette Bordvik) (Asagraum (Live), Ex-Sirenia) joined
ABYSSIC,
and together with Memnock, Elvorn and Aaslie they bring you the
ABYSSIC darkness with album nr 2, "High The Memory".
"BROUGHT FORTH IN INIQUITY"DETAILS: Orchestral Doom / Death metal dark entities ABYSSICwill release
their 3rd album entitled "Brought Forth In Iniquity" on
October 28th
through Osmose
Productions.
Finally, ABYSSIC's third opus
is here, and the long wait is over... The music is much more violent, faster,
and the lyrics are even more haunting than on the last two albums. The
orchestration is beyond everything they have done so far and is even more
beautiful than ever. So, in other words, "Brought Forth in Iniquity"
is faster and more brutal and more beautiful than ever. All we can say is:
Expect the unexpected.
Tracklisting for
ABYSSIC's "Brought
Forth in Iniquity"
1. Cold as Winter Storm [9:43]
2. Chronicle of the Dead [8:49]
3.
Mirror of Sorrow [6:33]
4. Djevelens Lys [7:06]
5. Brought Forth in Iniquity [18:33]
NeKronos Promotion is Proud to present the band of the NeKroWeek, they are
NOCTEM (Black Death Metal) an amazing band from Spanish lands with a
mature and elite Extreme Metal sound. Acclaimed by the media and respected
for their constant sound evolution. Brutal, Epic, Melodic... yet with their own
Latin essence and identity.
Show your support and share this info to all your metal brotherhood if you like what you have heard!
"CREDO CERTE NE
CRAS" DETAILS:
Spain's black death metallers
NOCTEMhave
revealed details on the bands sixth full-length album entitled "Credo
Certe Ne Cras" to be released via
MNRK Heavy on 28th of October 2022.
The blood and fire spewed forth onstage by
NOCTEM is a
visceral, fitting companion to their unrivaled sound, a vicious black metal
assault enhanced with a signature Iberian flourish.
NOCTEM
follows that career landmark with a new, definitive masterpiece, merging the
crushing cacophony of angry, adrenaline-fueled lust with newfound sorrows
and mournful melodic might. "Credo Certe Ne Cras" ("Believe With
Certainty That There is No Tomorrow") is a work of art. The album demands to
be experienced as much as listened to, invoking ritualistic examination.
The band comments: "It gives us divine pleasure, and great delight
to finally be able to present the first single from our next full-length
album to our faithful horde of devils. "We Are Omega" represents a new dawn,
and the oncoming album - a new era."
Tracklist: 1)I AM ALPHA 2) SOVEREIGN PROVIDENCE 3) SANCTUM OF ANGUISH 4) CREDO CERTE NE CRAS 5) HOMILY OF PUNISHMENT 6) THE PALE MOON RITE 7) THE TOLLING OF THE NINE BELLS 8) CHALICE OF TURPITUDE 9) CEREMONIAL MIASMA 10) WE ARE
OMEGA
NOCTEM BIOGRAPHY
Iberian black metal from Valencia, Spain.
Founded in 2001,
NOCTEM have
released 5 full-length albums with the latest arriving in 2019 titled “The
Black Consecration”.
Notorious for their extreme live sound and stage show consisting of blood and
fire,
NOCTEM have
toured across Europe, Asia, Russia, and Latin America with some of the biggest
names in extreme metal including the likes of Marduk, Napalm Death, Gorgoroth,
Samael, Batushka and many more.
With a wide fan base of faithful followers, the band continues to march on and
in 2022 will deliver a new album that is set to become one of their most extreme
yet…
NOCTEM
are: Beleth - Vocals Varu - Bass Moss - Guitars Tobal - Guitars Voor - Drums
Os suecos Soilwork
estão de volta com o seu décimo segundo álbum de estúdio "Övergivenheten"
e uma digressão em 2023 com mais de cinquenta datas pela Europa juntamente com
os Kataklysm.
Com passagem em Portugal nos dias 14 de Fevereiro no Hard Club
do Porto e dia 15 no Lav Lisboa
ao Vivo em Lisboa.
Recorde-se que em 2022 foi um ano negro para os Soilwork,
com a perda de David Andersson, o guitarrista do quinteto durante uma
década.
A banda de Björn "Speed" Strid faz-se acompanhar nesta digressão pelos
canadianos
Kataklysm, que promovem «Unconquered» o último disco de estúdio
do grupo, até ao momento.
Ambos os concertos contam ainda com duas bandas convidadas, os norte-americanos
Wilderun,
que lançaram este ano o seu quarto longa-duração, intitulado, «Epigone».
A banda que cruza Symphonic Progressive com Folk Metal, estreia-se em Portugal.
Por confirmar ainda está uma quarta banda que será divulgada nos próximo tempos.
DATAS: 14 Fevereiro 2023 (Terça-Feira) |
Hard Club |
Porto
Morada: Praça do Infante D. Henrique 4050-252
Porto - Portugal
15 Fevereiro 2023 (Quarta-Feira) |
LAV - Lisboa ao Vivo | Lisboa
Morada: Av. Marechal Gomes da Costa, 29 B1 1950-406
Lisboa - Portugal
BILHETES:
Os bilhetes para os concertos já estão disponíveis:
Concerto do Porto:
https://bit.ly/3NwSyJY
Concerto de Lisboa - Através da Ticketline
Bilhetes Físicos (Disponíveis nas datas e locais indicados):
Bunker Store Portugal Porto - (A partir de dia 05.01.2023)
Piranha - Loja de Música Porto -
(A partir de dia 05.01.2023)
"Contamos com a vossa presença."
Notredame Productions
LAV - Lisboa ao Vivo
"Motocultor Festival Across Europe tour 2023"
FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE |ITA|
+ W.E.B. |GRE| + + NEST OF PLAGUES |HUN| + SERENITY IN MURDER |JAP| + STRUCTURAL
|ISR|
AO VIVO NO HARD CLUB (PORTO) E RCA CLUB (LISBOA)!
"Motocultor Festival Across Europe tour 2023"
é assim designada a nova digressão da lendária banda italiana de death metal
orquestral FLESHGOD
APOCALYPSE, e que conta também com os Japoneses SERENITY IN MURDER,
os Gregos
W.E.B., os Húngaros NEST OF PLAGUES.
e os Israelitas STRUCTURAL.
Uma luxuosa digressão que passa em Portugal já este mês de Janeiro nos dias 24 e
25, em Porto e Lisboa nas salas HARD CLUB e RCA Club. O início dos
concertos está previsto para as 19:00 e a abertura de Portas ás 18:30.
DATA:
Dia 24 Janeiro 2023
(Terça Feira)
LOCAL:
HARD CLUB / Porto
Morada: Praça do Infante D. Henrique, 4050-252
Porto, Portugal
DATA:
Dia 25 de Janeiro 2023
(Quarta Feira)
LOCAL:
RCA
CLUB / Lisboa Morada: Rua João Saraiva, nº 18
Bairro De Alvalade, 1700-250
Lisboa, Portugal
Bilhetes Físicos (Disponíveis nas datas e locais indicados):
Carbono Amadora - (A partir de dia 04.01.2023)
Bunker Store Portugal Porto - (A partir de dia 05.01.2023)
Piranha - Loja de Música Porto - (A partir de dia 05.01.2023)
Valor do bilhete = 23€ Pré-venda e 25€ no Próprio dia.
Bilhetes já adquiridos para as datas anteriores, são válidos!
Com o inevitavel cancelamento dos
concertos de
BELPHEGOR e com o apoio das bandas que iriam fazer a primeira parte dos
eventos, os
ANZV e os Grievance
vão actuar no RCA Club
em Lisboa, na sexta-feira, dia 02 de dezembro.
DATA / LOCAL:
02 Dezembro (Sexta-Feira) |
RCA Club | Lisboa
Morada: Rua João Saraiva, nº 18 · Bairro De Alvalade 1700-250
Lisboa, Portugal
Um dos mais recentes porta-estandartes
do Death Metal obscuro nacional, o Círculo desce pela primeira vez ao Side B Rocks
em Alenquer, com o seu álbum Appaling Ascension (2017) na bagagem. Com
este disco conquistaram um significante número de admiradores tanto a nível
nacional como internacional. E vão presentear-nos com mais uma das suas
performances enigmáticas e avassaladores que não deixam ninguém indiferente.
DATA:
7 de Dezembro (Quarta-Feira "Vespera de Feriado") |SIDE B Rocks | Alenquer | Lisboa
Morada: Rua Francisco Jose Lopes n.13 2580 - 393
Alenquer, Portugal |
https://www.facebook.com/sidebrocks
"O CERCO DA NOITE FEST" @ RCA CLUB
CORPUS CHRISTII + IRAE + LAW OF CONTAGION + VENTR
O cerco da noite fest está de regresso
no mês de Dezembro.
O evento irá ter lugar no RCA Club em
Lisboa, no dia 18, Domingo, num fim de tarde totalmente dedicada ao Black
metal, aqui representado por alguns dos mais importantes nomes da cena
nacional,
CORPUS CHRISTII,
IRAE, LAW
OF CONTAGION,
VENTR.
DATA / LOCAL:
18 Dezembro (Domingo) | RCA Club | Lisboa
Morada: Rua João Saraiva, nº 18 · Bairro De Alvalade 1700-250
Lisbon, Portugal|
https://www.facebook.com/rcaclublx
BILHETES : Os bilhetes já estão á venda via online, e podes adquiri-los aqui:
Bilhetes:
https://bit.ly/3eTfdUc(15€)
(inclui bilhete personalizado entregue na entrada) Contamos com a vossa presença!
NeKronos Promotion is Proud to present the band of the NeKroWeek, they are
NIRNAETH. An awesome band born in 2001 on French soils who combine black
and death metal with all the right dose of darkness and aggression! Their music
is organic, morbid and intense!
Show your support and share this info to all your metal brotherhood if you like what you have heard!
The new videoclip for "The Crater" from the latest album "From Shadow to Flesh" :
https://youtu.be/og4HfMa9r0o
"From Shadow to Flesh"
tracklist 1. Dying of the Day 2. Been There Before 3. The Crater 4. Cursed 5.
In Nomine Ego 6.Nihil in Me 7. Once a Shadow 8. Possession 9. Forgotten and Chained
2001 : I Am Nothing But A Cry In A Chaotic Torment Mutill (guitars) and Malaria (bass) decided to create a Metal band
with their most extreme influences : Morbid Angel, Immortal, Lord Belial,
Dissection, etc.
2002 : I Become Flesh Yamaël (drums) joined the band, followed by Zig (screams) a few
time later. The band choose the name ‘Nirnaeth’ for its epic and poetic
dimensions : ‘Nirnaeth Arnoediad’ is the name of a battle in Tolkien’s
universe and means ‘eternal tears’.
2004 : Nothing But Ashes
After some first gigs 'Nothing But Ashes' emerged. This self produced
demo contains 4 titles which already carry with them what characterizes the
music of Nirnaeth : an organic structure articulated around devastating
riffs with dark melodies and themes dealing with pain and madness.
2006 : May Their Martyrs Suffer Once And For All ‘Thrown Athwart The Darkness’ has been released on label Great Dane
Records. Recorded at Midnight Studio, this first album exposed the
horde to the extreme metal scene. The album title was taken from a poem by
Percy Bysshe Shelley.
2008 : The Horns Resound Laboga Amps endorsed Mutill, alongside musicians from bands like
Motorhead, Behemoth, Annihilator, Hate Eternal, etc.
2009 : It Lieth, Gazing On Midnight’s Sky ‘Splendour Of The Abyss’ was released on label Great Dane Records.
Recorded once more at Midnight Studio, this album met very good reviews
and allowed the band to multiply gigs.
2015 : Fire Gave Me A New Face Vagorn replaced Yamaël on drums. The year ended with a
participation at the second edition of the Gohelle Fest (Obituary, Rotting
Christ, ...).
2016 : None Can Control It
The label Kaotoxin released 'Dramatis Personae', a split 7"EP with
bands Azziard and Nirnaeth. A video clip produced by
BullDogProd has been made for 'Nihil In Me'.
2017 : None Can Possess It Marbas joined the band as second guitar player, allowing the band to
explore new ways of creation. The third album, entitled 'From Shadow To Flesh',
was produced in 3 studios : drums were recorded at Psykron studio by
Phil Reinhalter, guitars and screams at Aeternal Studio by Mutill and
finally mixing and mastering were done by Deha at Forbidden
Frequencies Studio.
2018 : From Shadow To Flesh
A deal is signed with Malpermesita Records. 'From Shadow To Flesh' will
be released in september 7th 2018. It's a concept album dealing with possession,
from 2 perspectives. Cover was made by Above Chaos. First 500 copies are
limited hand numbered digipack.
HATE ANNOUNCE
TAKING PART IN THE EUROPEAN PILGRIMAGE TOUR 2023! [2022.11.15]
Mighty Polish blackened death cultists HATE
have just announced that they will take part of European Pilgrimage Tour 2023
with Polish BATUSHKA!
Following a successful North American tour, the ultimate Polish metal package is
getting back onto the lands of Europe — don’t miss selected shows of BATUSHKA
and HATE
in February 2023!
EUROPEAN PILGRIMAGE 2023 BATUSHKA +
HATE + 2 supports
powered by THE FLAMING ARTS AGENCY 16.02 Apeldoorn (NLD) "Gigant" 17.02 Copenhagen (DEN) "Hotel Cecil" 18.02 Sneek (NLD) "Het Bolwerk" 19.02 Rotterdam (NLD) "Baroeg" 20.02 London (UK) "The Dome" 21.02 Manchester (UK) "Rebellion" 22.02 Antwerp (BEL) "Venue TBA" 23.02 Mannheim (GER) "MS Connexion" 24.02 Aarburg (SUI) "Musigburg" 25.02 Milan (ITA) "Legend Club" 26.02 Salzburg (AUT) "Rockhouse" 27.02 Brno (CZE) "První Patro" 28.02 Bratislava (SVK) "Randall" 01.03 Ostrava (CZE) "Barrak" 02.03 Budapest (HUN) "Barba Negra" 03.03 Zwickau (GER) "Club Seilerstraße" 04.03 Oberhausen (GER) "Helvete" 05.03 Trier (GER) "MJC"
Rugia track-listing
1. Rugia
2. The Wolf Queen
3. Exiles of Pantheon
4. Saturnus
5. Awakening the Gods Within
6. Resurgence
7. Velesian Guard
8. Sun of Extinction
9. Sacred Dnieper
NeKronos Promotion is Proud to present the band of the NeKroWeek, they are HATE(Death
Black Metal),
without a doubt one of the best expressions within their musical genre!
This band had a tremendous
influence over forming Polish metal scene in the nineties!
Show your support and share this info to all your metal brotherhood if you like what you have heard!
[Album
artwork by: Daniel Rusilowicz] Rugia track-listing
1. Rugia
2. The Wolf Queen
3. Exiles of Pantheon
4. Saturnus
5. Awakening the Gods Within
6. Resurgence
7. Velesian Guard
8. Sun of Extinction
9. Sacred Dnieper
No one combines death and black metal quite like Poland’s HATE.
With unflinching viciousness and a sense of atmosphere unique to the band, on
Rugia, their twelfth full-length, they push the boundaries of their craft
even further. “It was clear to me that it should build upon and evolve from
our previous record, ‘Auric Gates Of Veles’ (2019), both musically and
lyrically. However, every Hate record stands as a separate journey, and never
twice to the same place. You never know exactly where it will lead you,”
states vocalist/guitarist ATF Sinner, who has led the band since 1991.
Fresh blood in the band’s line-up also helped contribute to Rugia‘s
unique sound. Pavulon (drums), who had played with the band since 2014,
was forced to step down from the band due to serious health issues. The band
tapped Nar-Sil (Neolith, Virgin Snatch, Embrional) to take his place.
“Working with a new drummer this time around was a fascinating experience for
me. Nar-Sil’s technique and presence are quite different from Pavulon’s,
and that definitely comes across. I believe we managed to construct a refreshing
new chapter to our discography, composing nine truly sinister onslaughts of pure
rage.”
The band elected to once again track the album in the Hertz Recording Studio
in Poland, and it was recorded, mixed and mastered by the Wiesłaski Brothers
(Behemoth, Decapitated). Everything was laid down over about two to three
weeks, with longtime collaborator Michał Staczkun providing the ambient
elements of the band’s sound. The only struggle came about at the mixing stage,
where the final character of the record emerges. “Here we encountered many
problems, contradictory visions too. The producers had their own idea for the
overall sound, which differed from what I had in mind, so we were trying to find
a good compromise and it took us a few months.” Given how strongly the
personality of the record shines through, it is safe to say that the compromise
reached was definitely in its best interest, standing as perhaps the best
sounding record in the band’s long career. Hate is also celebrating thirty years
of activity with Rugia, Sinner affirming he is as driven as ever.
“Well, the fire is still burning! I’m proud that I have built a band with such
strong energy, that’s lasted for a long time in spite of numerous line-up
changes and obstacles in our way. We are still here and we create with ever
growing consciousness and dedication. The energy speaks through us. Honestly, I
think of the band as something much bigger and more profound than the individual
people involved in it over any given period of time. I believe we create a
channel for energies that surpass us.”
HATE BIOGRAPHY
No one combines death and black metal quite like Poland's Hate. With
unflinching viciousness and a sense of atmosphere unique to the band, on
Rugia, their twelfth full-length, they push the boundaries of their craft
even further. "It was clear to me that it should build upon and evolve from
our previous record 'Auric Gates Of Veles' (2019) both musically and
lyrically. However, every Hate record stands as a separate journey, and never
twice to the same place. You never know exactly where it will lead you"
states vocalist/guitarist ATF Sinner, who has led the band since 1991.
Fresh blood in the band's lineup also helped contribute to Rugia's unique
sound. Pavulon (drums), who had played with the band since 2014, was
forced to step down from the band due to serious health issues. The band tapped
Nar-Sil (Neolith, Virgin Snatch, Embrional) to take his place.
"Working with a new drummer this time around was a fascinating experience for
me. Nar-Sil's technique and presence are quite different from Pavulon's
and that definitely comes across. I believe we managed to construct a refreshing
new chapter to our discography, composing nine truly sinister onslaughts of pure
rage."
Writing for Rugia commenced shortly after Auric Gates of Veles was
released. However, Hate soon began to tour extensively in support of their then
new opus, and the production of new music was put on the back burner. But come
2020 and the COVID pandemic, the band's touring plans with Belphegor and
Suffocation were abruptly cut short. With this unexpected infusion of free
time, the band decided to buckle down and finish writing the material they were
working on.
Sinner and Nar-Sil were joined by Domin on lead guitar and
Tiermes on bass, who played with the band live since 2018, to complete
the lineup. "Although I wrote the riffs, main arrangements and lyrics, we all
worked on what you hear on Rugia. We put the pieces together and
re-arranged fragments as a team. Our albums are always a collective effort and
Rugia was no different," asserts Sinner. Sound-wise, they were
mainly inspired by nineties extreme metal, both black and death, and they wanted
to keep their sound as organic as possible. Warts and all. "It sounds quite
harsh, very dynamic and unrestrained. It also has a strong ambient element to it
that emphasizes the material's tone and dark atmosphere. The rhythm section is
more death metal influenced this time around, which harkens back to our roots.
You could say that most of the songs on this album are 'pagan death metal' - a
combination of epic riffs and ferocious blasting rhythms." One thing that
might come as a surprise to fans is the manner in which Sinner uses his
voice, which is a lot more sophisticated than on previous records. "I tried
to make my voice sound at three different timbres, or even different people
behind the microphone. Sometimes the voices are combined together, sometimes
they are more like separate vocal lines. I wanted to build this enriched
narrative, and at our shows, I think Tiermes will help me with some of
the vocal lines to bring that effect to a live surrounding."
Lyrically, the album sees the band continue to delve into the depths of Slavonic
mysticism. "Generally, all the songs on the album are dedicated to the
ancient Slavic world - great migrations, wars, battles, and the struggle for
survival. But there is also a philosophical level to it, which is very
important. Slavic mythology is a collection of universal stories touching upon
fundamental issues that we all encounter in our lives. Therefore it is a frame
that allows me to write about contemporary problems that I encounter myself from
a different perspective. Along the way, I discovered my pagan soul and I
encourage people to do the same. I think everybody has this deeper, more
profound identity based on understanding our unity with nature, something that
goes beyond all the civilizations we have built." The album title is taken
from the archaic name of a German island on the Baltic Sea now called Rügen. In
ancient times, Rügen or Rugia, was a site of holy pilgrimage to the pagan
Slavic people. It was the very heart of the western Slavic faith, housing the
fabled stronghold of Arkona. The album is at its core a tribute to Rugia and its
tribes and the culture they created.
The band elected to once again track the album in the Hertz Recording Studio
in Poland, and it was recorded, mixed and mastered by the Wiesłaski Brothers
(Behemoth, Decapitated). Everything was laid down over about two to three
weeks, with longtime collaborator Michał Staczkun providing the ambient
elements of the band's sound. The only struggle came about at the mixing stage,
where the final character of the record emerges. "Here we encountered many
problems, contradictory visions too. The producers had their own idea for the
overall sound, which differed from what I had in mind, so we were trying to find
a good compromise and it took us a few months." Given how strongly the
personality of the record shines through it is safe to say that the compromise
reached was definitely in its best interest, standing as perhaps the best
sounding record in the band's long career. Hate is also celebrating
thirty years of activity with Rugia, Sinner affirming he is as driven as
ever. "Well, the fire is still burning! I'm proud that I have built a band
with such strong energy, that's lasted for a long time in spite of numerous
lineup changes and obstacles in our way. We are still here and we create with
ever growing consciousness and dedication. The energy speaks through us.
Honestly, I think of the band as something much bigger and more profound than
the individual people involved in it over any given period of time. I believe we
create a channel for energies that surpass us."
ALBUMS:
Deamon Qui Fecit Terram, 1996
Lord is Avenger, 1998
Cain's Way, 2001
Awakening of the Liar, 2003
Anaclasis – A Haunting Gospel of Malice & Hatred, 2005
Morphosis, 2008
Erebos, 2010
Solarflesh – A Gospel of Radiant Divinity, 2013
Crusade:Zero, 2015
Tremendum, 2017
Auric Gates of Veles, 2019
Rugia, 2021
VIDEO ALBUM:
the Litanies of Satan, 2004
COMPILATIONS:
Evil Decade of Hate, 2000
Gateways To Hell: Tribute To Slayer, 2000
Holy Dead Trinity, 2001
DEMOS:
Abhorrence, 1992
Evil Art, 1994
The Unwritten Law, 1995
--
