Monday, 29 January 2024

Band of the NeKroWEEK - WORMWOOD - Sweden - Melodic Black Metal

WORMWOOD
COUNTRY: SWEDEN
GENRE: MELODIC BLACK METAL




NeKronos Promotion is Proud to present the band of the NeKroWeek, they are WORMWOOD. A Swedish metal band who explore different sounds within the genres of Melodic Black Metal with a mix of Folk Metal. WORMWOOD delivers a refined Blend of Dark Melodies, Crushing Riffs, Technical Percussion over Ethereal Landscapes of sound in a unique mix.
Show your support and share this info with your metal brotherhood, this if you like what you have heard!

Check the band videoclip "Arkivet" from the same titled latest album:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d80HOdRS00c






WORMWOOD "ARKIVET" Tracklist:
1. The Archive
2. Overgrowth
3. End of Message
4. My Northern Heart
5. Ensamheten
6. The Slow Drown
7. The Gentle Touch of Humanity

ORDER CD, LP & MERCH:
https://orcd.co/arkivet
https://wormwood-official.bandcamp.com/merch


BIOGRAPHY:

Formed in 2014, Wormwood have had quite the musical journey. Starting off as a black'n roll band, then turned into a melodic black metal band with folk and rock influences. Now, they have advanced to their true form, which is an unique take on Scandinavian black metal.

Lyrical themes goes from the vastness of the cosmos, northern lore, the hardships of the 1800-hundreds and the fall of mankind.


DISCOGRAPHY:
2015: The Void: Stories from the Whispering Well
2017: Ghostlands: Wounds From A Bleeding Earth
2019: Nattarvet
2021: Arkivet *

* [
Read the Nekronos Promotion Hell Review :: HERE :: Rate 9,5/10 ]


LINEUP:
Nine - Vocals
Tobias Rydsheim - Lead Guitar/Keys/BackUp Vocals
Jerry Engström - Rhythm Guitar
Oskar Tornborg - Bass/Vocals
Tatu Kerttula - Drums


MORE INFORMATION ON WORMWOOD AT:
Official Site: http://www.wormwood-official.com/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/WormwoodSWE/
Youtbe Channel: https://www.youtube.com/officialwormwood
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WormwoodSWE
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wormwoodofficial/

Contact: OfficialWormwood@gmail.com


Saturday, 27 January 2024

DEMONICAL - On Titans of Darkness Tour 2024!

DEMONICAL
COUNTRY: SWEDEN
GENRE: DEATH METAL



DEMONICAL
- ON TITANS OF DARKNESS TOUR 2024 WITH INQUISITION!
[2023.12.22]

Swedish death metal band DEMONICAL have announced that they will support Inquisition - the masters of cosmic gloom - during their anticipated return to mainland Europe

TITANS OF DARKNESS TOUR 2024
INQUISITION + DEMONICAL

11.04 DE Bitterfeld - Festung
12.04 DE Oberhausen - Helvete
13.04 BE Kuurne - Sint-Pieterszaal
15.04 IT Milan - Slaughter Club
16.04 SL Ljubljana - Orto Bar
17.04 AT Vienna - Escape
18.04 CZ Pilsen - Parlament Club
19.04 DE Zwickau - Club Seilerstrasse
20.04 PL Bielsko-Biala - Rudeboy Club

Tickets: https://www.dreamtidemusic.com/tours.php




"Into Victory" Tracklisting:
1. Into Victory
2.
Somebody Put Something In My Drink (Ramones cover)

Formats:
- CD
- Digital

Produced by DEMONICAL, Johan Hjelm and Jonas Arnberg
Recorded at Studio Glashuset and Sellnoise Studios
Mixed and mastered by Ronnie Bjornstrom at BLP Studios

ORDER: HERE
or: https://www.demonicalmerch.net/

Full Stream: https://youtu.be/Qu34oG8IAtc
Stream and Download: https://tr.ee/mjWH0A8nxY

VIDEO:

Lyric video "Into Victory": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwLhvAmRBFQ





[ Photo by Jens Ryden ]

DEMONICAL are:
Charlie Fryksell -
Vocals
Martin Schulman -
Bass
Johan Haglund -
Guitars
Eki Kumpulainen -
Guitars
Ronnie Bergerstal -
Drums


MORE ABOUT DEMONICAL AT THIS LINKS:
OFFICIAL SITE: HTTP://WWW.DEMONICAL.NET
FACEBOOK PROFILE: HTTP://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/DEMONICALOFFICIAL
TWITTER: HTTP://WWW.TWITTER.COM/DEMONICALBAND
YOUTUBE: HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/DEMONICALOFFICIAL
INSTAGRAM: HTTP://WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/DEMONICALOFFICIAL

MANAGEMENT AND BOOKING AGENCY:
DREAMTIDE MUSIC MANAGEMENT & BOOKING AGENCY
DREAMTIDEMUSIC@HOTMAIL.COM
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/DREAMTIDEMUSIC


GAEREA - On Spanish Tour in February 2024!

GAEREA
COUNTRY: PORTUGAL
GENRE: BLACK METAL




GAEREA - ON SPANISH TOUR IN FEBRUARY 2024 WITH ANZV!
[2024.01.27]

Cathartic black metal outfit GAEREA will embark on a Spanish tour this February with Portuguese Black Death metal mysterious band ANZV.

SPAIN UNDER THE VORTEX:
GAEREA + ANZV


22nd of February - Panda - Madrid
23rd of February - Estraperlo - Barcelona
24th of February - Lo Intento - Zaragoza
25th of February - Es Gremi - P. Mallorca

Tickets  on : www.GAEREA.com



[ Cover artwork for "Mirage" created by the SAROS Collective ]

Track-list
1. Memoir (8:17)
2. Salve (5:26) [WATCH]
3. Deluge (6:31) [WATCH]
4. Arson (8:54)
5. Ebb (5:32)
6. Mirage (6:38) [WATCH]
7. Mantle (5:17) [WATCH]
8. Laude (6:26) [WATCH]
9. Dormant (Bonus track) (7:46) [WATCH]
Total: 1:00:47

ORDER:
https://www.gaerea.com/ or
https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/GaereaMirage

Recording Studio: Demigod Recordings
Producer/Sound engineer: Miguel Tereso
Mix/Master: Miguel Tereso (Demigod Recordings)

VIDEO:

"Laude" : Music Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flZP1Qk4pcE




MORE INFORMATION ON GAEREA AT:
OFFICIAL PAGE: HTTP://WWW.GAEREA.COM
Facebook Page: HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/GAEREA
INSTAGRAM: HTTP: https://www.instagram.com/gaerea_
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/GAEREAOFFICIAL
BANDCAMP Site: HTTP://WWW.GAEREA.BANDCAMP.COM

Contact: AGENT.GAEREA@GMAIL.COM
BOOKING:
DOOMSTAR BOOKINGS [Europe & Russia]: alexander@doomstarbookings.com
PORTUGAL:
carlos.marreiros@primeartists.eu

GAEREA - Announce European May/June 2024 Tour!

GAEREA
COUNTRY: PORTUGAL
GENRE: BLACK METAL




GAEREA - ANNOUNCE EUROPEAN MAY/JUNE 2024 TOUR!
[2024.01.09]

Cathartic black metal outfit GAEREA have just announced their European tour to happen in May and June 2024, Check out further details below:

GAEREA closed out 2023 by recording their feverishly anticipated third album, which is scheduled to come out later this year. But first, they're joining as the special guest on Wolves in the Throne Room's upcoming European tour. Joining the blackened pack are Olympian death-doom-sayers Mortiferum, who are set to open this run of 22 shows.

The band comments: "The next Generation for the Vortex Society kicks off in May with an European Hunt alongside Wolves in the Throne Room and Mortiferum. New Music. A New Tour. A new Era. Brace Yourselves."

Tickets for this tour can be bought at www.wittr.com 

CRYPT OF ANCESTRAL KNOWLEDGE 2024 EUROPEAN TOUR:
WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM + GAEREA + MORTIFERUM

May 11: Bornstedt, DE @ Dark Troll Fest
May 16: Copenhagen, DK @ A Colossal Weekend
May 17: Leipzig, DE @ Wave Gothic Festival
May 18: Warsaw, PL @ Proxima
May 19: Cracow, PL @ Kamienna12
May 20: Budapest, HU @Analog
May 21: Vienna, AUST @ Arena
May 22: Munich, DE @ Feierwerk
May 23: Parma, IT @ Campus
May 24: Luzern, CH @ Schuur
May 25: Hollandveen , NL@ Graveland Festival
May 26: Brugge, BE @ Cactus
May 28: Limerick, IRE @ Dolans Warehouse
May 29: Dublin, IRE @ Opium
May 30: Bristol, ENG@ The Fleece
May 31: London, ENG @ Earth
June 1: Glasgow, SCT @ The Garage
June 2: Scarborough, ENG @ Fortress Festival
June 4: Bochum, DE @ Zeche
June 5: Frankfurt, DE @ Zoom
June 6: Hamburg, DE @ Grunspan
June 7: Berlin, DE @ Columbia Theater



[ Cover artwork for "Mirage" created by the SAROS Collective ]

Track-list
1. Memoir (8:17)
2. Salve (5:26) [WATCH]
3. Deluge (6:31) [WATCH]
4. Arson (8:54)
5. Ebb (5:32)
6. Mirage (6:38) [WATCH]
7. Mantle (5:17) [WATCH]
8. Laude (6:26) [WATCH]
9. Dormant (Bonus track) (7:46) [WATCH]
Total: 1:00:47

ORDER:
https://www.gaerea.com/ or
https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/GaereaMirage

Recording Studio: Demigod Recordings
Producer/Sound engineer: Miguel Tereso
Mix/Master: Miguel Tereso (Demigod Recordings)

VIDEO:

"Delugue" Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4u6XnKuxoQ




MORE INFORMATION ON GAEREA AT:
OFFICIAL PAGE: HTTP://WWW.GAEREA.COM
Facebook Page: HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/GAEREA
INSTAGRAM: HTTP: https://www.instagram.com/gaerea_
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/GAEREAOFFICIAL
BANDCAMP Site: HTTP://WWW.GAEREA.BANDCAMP.COM

Contact: AGENT.GAEREA@GMAIL.COM
BOOKING:
DOOMSTAR BOOKINGS [Europe & Russia]: alexander@doomstarbookings.com
PORTUGAL:
carlos.marreiros@primeartists.eu

NOCTEM - Release "The Pale Moon Rite" new music video!

NOCTEM
COUNTRY: SPAIN
GENRE: BLACK METAL




NOCTEM - RELEASE "THE PALE MOON RITE" NEW MUSIC VIDEO!
[2023.12.22]

Spain's black metallers NOCTEM have just released their new music video "The Pale Moon Rite" a track from the band latest work "Credo Certe Ne Cras" - released via MNRK Heavy.

The band comments below:
"After an incredible twelve months that saw us bring our Credo Certe Ne Cras show to some of Europe’s biggest metal festivals such as Graspop Metal Meeting, Summer Breeze, and Leyendas Del Rock, as well as cities far and wide, it feels like the perfect ending to the year to be releasing a music video for ‘The Pale Moon Rite.’

We hope that our devilish horde of NOCTEM followers enjoy the music video and play the song fucking loud!

The sun has set, ‘The Pale Moon Rite‘ begins!"


Check out the new music video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rh3gtmVDiKw





"Cerdo Certe Ne Cras" was released by MNRK Heavy in October 2022.

"CREDO CERTE NE CRAS" ORDERS:
https://ffm.to/noctem-ccnc

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 are:
Beleth - vocals
Varu - bass
Voor - drums
Moss - guitars
Tobal - guitars


More info about NOCTEM band at the following Links:

OFFICIAL SITE: HTTP://WWW.NOCTEMOFFICIAL.COM
OFFICIAL FACEBOOK: HTTP://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/NOCTEMOFFICIAL 
OFFICIAL YOUTUBE: HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/NOCTEMBAND 
OFFICIAL INSTAGRAM:
HTTP://WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/NOCTEMOFFICIAL
OFFICIAL TWITTER: HTTP://WWW.TWITTER.COM/NOCTEMOFFICIAL
LINKS: http://www.linktr.ee/noctemofficial  

GENERAL CONTACT: NOCTEMBAND@GMAIL.COM
BOOKING: onfirepromo@gmail.com


Monday, 22 January 2024

Band of the NeKroWEEK - NOCTEM - Spain - Black Death Metal

NOCTEM
COUNTRY: SPAIN
GENRE: BLACK DEATH METAL




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!

Check the music video for the "The Pale Moon Rite" from "Credo Certe Ne Cras" latest album
released via MNRK Heavy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rh3gtmVDiKw 





"CREDO CERTE NE CRAS" DETAILS:

Spain's black death metallers NOCTEM have 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."

ORDER NOW:
"Credo Certe Ne Cras" can be found at the link below:
https://ffm.to/noctem-ccnc

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


MORE ABOUT THE BANDS @ LINKS:
OFFICIAL SITE: HTTP://WWW.NOCTEMOFFICIAL.COM
OFFICIAL FACEBOOK: HTTP://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/NOCTEMOFFICIAL 
OFFICIAL INSTAGRAM: HTTP://WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/NOCTEMOFFICIAL
OFFICIAL YOUTUBE: HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/NOCTEMBAND 
OFFICIAL TWITTER: HTTP://WWW.TWITTER.COM/NOCTEMOFFICIAL 

GENERAL CONTACT: NOCTEMBAND@GMAIL.COM

NeKro Presentation

Monday, 15 January 2024

Band of the NeKroWEEK - NIRNAETH - France - Black Death Metal

NIRNAETH
COUNTRY: FRANCE
GENRE: BLACK DEATH METAL




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




Artwork done by Vincent Fouquet / Above Chaos

"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

ORDER NOW:
ORDER THE
CD AT THIS LINK: HERE :
DIGITAL: https://malpermesita.bandcamp.com/album/from-shadow-to-flesh



MORE ABOUT NIRNAETH AT THIS LINKS:
OFFICIAL SITE: HTTP://WWW.NIRNAETH.COM
FACEBOOK PROFILE: HTTP://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OFFICIALNIRNAETH
YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/c/NirnaethOfficial
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/nirnaethofficial/ 
BOOKING / CONTACT : MUTILL@NIRNAETH.COM 

NIRNAETH BIOGRAPHY

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.
 

NeKro Presentation

Monday, 8 January 2024

Band of the NeKroWEEK - HATE - Poland - Death Black Metal

HATE
COUNTRY: POLAND
GENRE: DEATH BLACK METAL




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!

Check out HATE live at Wacken Open Air 2022 with the songs "Sovereign Sanctity", "Erebos" and "Omega": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3i908IOO0PQ




MORE ABOUT HATE AT THIS LINKS:
OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PROFILE: HTTP://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/HATEOFFICIAL 
INSTAGRAM: HTTP://WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/HATEOFFICIAL
TWITTER: HTTP://WWW.TWITTER.COM/HATEBAND
YOUTUBE CHANNEL: HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/HATEPOLAND 

BOOKING / CONTACT:
THE FLAMING ARTS AGENCY
info@theflamingarts.eu

OFFICIAL MERCH STORE:
https://hate.animate-records.com/


"RUGIA" DETAILS:



[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

ORDER "RUGIA":
www.metalblade.com/hate



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."


Photo credit: Daniel Rusilowicz


Hate line-up:
Perun V (ATF Sinner) - vocals, guitars
Domin - guitars
Nar-Sil - drums
Tiermes - bass


COMPLETE DISCOGRAPHY

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


EPS:
Victims,
1999

NeKro Presentation