French Heavy metallers TENTATION To Release Ten-Year ‘Prémices’ Anthology

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Torreilles, France heavy metalers TENTATION have commemorated their first ten years of existence with the Prémices anthology. The release will see the light of day on April 21, 2023 via Gates Of Hell Records.

Comments the band: “Gates Of Hell Records wanted to repress our first EP on vinyl, something we always refused to do since its 2015 release. The label then offered us a new alternative with this anthology idea with all the original titles released between 2015 and 2018 because there is a real demand. The project thrilled us, but we wanted additional elements. The disc is an artifact for us — a precious asset that we wish to leave in the original version because it is a witness of our beginnings and an object cherished by all those who supported us by buying it at the time.”

Prémices will include all cuts from the band’s 2015 self-titled EP and 2018 split with IRON SLAUGHT.
The anthology will also be affordable for fans who have paid exorbitant fees for the original versions.
“The prices for the original EP on certain reference sites are simply ridiculous,” says the band. “We wanted everyone who discovered us with ‘Le berceau des dieux’ to access what we had released in previous years. So that the first fans can also have something fresh, we added a new mastering made by Javi Félez Rodriguez and a new cover created by Viltisvm, an Indonesian artist. Annick Giroux took care of the layout, too. Also, the song ‘Shaman’ which was only released on the CD version and a 7” will be on ‘Prémices’.”

The first ten years have helped the members of TENTATION discover new sides to themselves. It has also set up them up for future success — the band is just starting to think about new songs to follow up “Le berceau des dieux”.

“We have established a strong friendship, accepting each other’s qualities and faults,” closes the bands. “Spending time together on the road has taught us to open up to each other and be more tolerant. These ten years have passed at breakneck speed and we are very happy and proud of this joint adventure that will bind us forever.”

TRACKLIST:
Bruixes
L’Epreuve du Sang
Valhalla
Temps de Priere
Spectre de Lumiere
Illusion
Juge Sanglant
Souviens Toi
Shaman

‘Like A Frost-Covered Fist’: Philadelphia Blackened Thrashers WILD BEYOND Join GATES OF HELL RECORDS

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Gates Of Hell Records is proud to announce the signing of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, blackened thrash metal outfit WILD BEYOND.

The band’s self-titled debut will be released on April 14 and will feature cover art from the acclaimed Adam Burke (ANGEL WITCH, ETERNAL CHAMPION, TEMPLE OF VOID). WILD BEYOND features guitarist/vocalist Edward Gonet (DAEVA, ex-INFERNAL STRONGHOLD), drummer Evan Madden (ex-WOE and WOODS OF YPRES) and bassist/keyboardist/guitarist Jimmy Viola.

The idea for WILD BEYOND was born in the middle of the Covid lockdown of 2020, when Gonet impulse-purchased a Randy Rhodes Flying V guitar and started composing after five years of not playing. A year later, with songs and riffs under his belt, Gonet was introduced to Viola and Madden through SONJA drummer Grzesiek Czapla. The trio set forth to compose a full-length album pulsing with destructive cosmic majesty and street metal overtones.

“Back in the day, I used to hang flyers around the city to find musicians to play with, and you never knew who would show up at your house,” says Gonet. “There are fucking mutants all over Philadelphia. I didn’t have to do that this time. The band came together rather effortlessly.”

It wasn’t long, either, that the band fell onto the radar of Gates Of Hell Records.

WILD BEYOND’s sound is influenced by the second wave of Norwegian black metal (DARKTHRONE, IMMORTAL) and early thrash (SLAYER, SODOM), with VADER  and BATHORY thrown in for good measure.

“Black metal’s mysteriousness and the allure of darkness and evil made it an easy choice to pair with our love of thrash,” the band says. “We wanted to create a classic black metal record, but we also tend to play like speed demons.”

WILD BEYOND’s full length embodies the hyperactive imaginations, anxieties and aggressions of its personnel. This debut will inspire the metal legions to bang their heads, light ceremonial candles in seance, and summon malevolent forces from BEYOND.

“WILD BEYOND speaks to our classic inspirations, but I hope this record sounds like ‘us’ above all,” says Viola. “Eddie’s vocal venom and lyrics are one of a kind. Evan blasts like a battering ram, yet his drum parts are meticulously crafted. And the bass punches through like a frost-covered fist.”

 

Philadelphia Epic Metal Heroes BLAZON RITE Return With ‘Wild Rites And Ancient Songs’

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Emerging Philadelphia epic metal heroes BLAZON RITE will release their second album, “Wild Rites And Ancient Songs”, on April 14 via Gates Of Hell Records.

Recorded in May 2022 with Kevin Bernsten at Developing Nations Studios, “Wild Rites And Ancient Songs” is the highly anticipated follow-up to BLAZON RITE’s masterful 2021 debut, “Endless Halls Of Golden Totem”. With scores of ears awaiting the band’s new long player, guitarist James Kirn says BLAZON RITE rose to the challenge.

“We are really grateful for everyone who supported ‘Endless Halls Of Golden Totem’ and hope we made something that people will always go back to,” he says. “The only pressure I think we felt was to deliver something different and fresh from what we’ve already presented to the world. While I think the new album isn’t a huge departure, we did some things creatively with this record that differ from our first full length and push us forward. At times, we simplified things and set out to make songs more hard-hitting and powerful. We really took our time with this album and I think it shows in the quality of the overall product.”

Comprising seven cuts that dig into the ethos and essence of what true metal should be in 2023, “Wild Rites And Ancient Songs” boats BLAZON RITE’s now patented blend of strident guitar melodies and true metal persuasiveness. However, “Wild Rites” emerges as a more direct and catchy offering than its predecessor, something Kirn says was the goal from the start.

“I just wanted to try new things and explore different moods and feelings with this new album. We leaned in so many different directions on this release. We have some traditional power and epic metal elements, some NWOBHM parts, and even folk vibes. I really just wanted to give the listener a wholly memorable experience. We tried to simplify the lyrics and vocal melodies a bit to make them more impactful and anthemic as well. I also think the tones we achieved on this record are great and new for us. I want to mention that Pierson [Roe] took the solos and leads to a new epic place this time around.”

BLAZON RITE rapidly emerged as one of the new leading faces in the American traditional metal scene. The excitement and strong press surrounding “Endless Halls” was significant — and justified. This year promises to be a busy one for the band. Playing as many shows as possible behind “Wild Rites” will be the next step on BLAZON RITE’s epic metal journey.

“We are really amped to hear what everyone thinks of this new album and hopefully, the word spreads even more about us,” closes Kirn. “I think people will appreciate the polish and the development we’ve put on this album. Hopefully, we can get some buzz about the album and play some cool shows with some good lineups.”

“Wild Rites And Ancient Songs” track listing:

  1. Autumn Fear Brings Winter Doom
  2. Salvage What You Can Of The Night
  3. The Fall Of A Once Great House
  4. Mark Of The Stormborn Raiders
  5. Wild Rites And Ancient Songs
  6. Troubadours Of The Final Quarrel
  7. The Coming Tide Of Yule

Seattle’s SKELATOR To Release ‘Blood Empire’ EP and Reissue ‘King Of Fear’ On Vinyl In September

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Seattle’s SKELATOR will release the new “Blood Empire” EP and reissue their fourth studio album, “King Of Fear” on Sept 23 via Gates Of Hell Records — a double-dose of epic speed metal!

The “Blood Empire” EP was recorded in September and October 2021 at the band’s rehearsal studio and home studios. The album was mixed by guitarist Robbie Houston, with mastering by Collin Jordan of The Boiler Room Mastering. The cover art was created by Max Nazaryan.

Like so many of their contemporaries, SKELATOR’s 2020 plans — including a tour in support of their 2019 “Cyber Metal” album — were thwarted by the pandemic. It prompted the band to hunker down and focus on new material while also dealing with a lineup change.

“We had the framework of a song called ‘Vengeance’ which later became ‘The First Empire’,’ says guitarist Rob Steinway. “This song was our catalyst for the rest of the songs that appear on the EP. During the first bit of 2020, we parted ways with our bassist and had our friend Leona [Hayward] join. Most of 2020 and 2021 were spent working on songs remotely, exchanging files, and recording demos until restrictions in our area were eased and we were able to rehearse in person again and actually record. After completing the music for ‘The First Empire’, we began working on ‘Good Day To Die’ as our second song, which went through several revisions as well but was also the first songs that had completely written music and lyrics before we even played through the entire thing in person as a group. ‘Deeds Of Honor’ and ‘Bloodwine’ were written and finished at the same time.”

Steinway describes “Blood Empire” as “less futuristic” sounding than “Cyber Metal”; drawing influence from the epic heavy metal and thrash influenced sounds of SKELATOR’s early releases and also notes the production is less pristine. Vocalist Jason Conde-Houston notes that “Cyber Metal” was inspired by German power metal bands GAMMA RAY, GRAVE DIGGER and PRIMAL FEAR with sci-fi and ’80s movies, whereas “Blood Empire” tackles new lyrical themes.

“The EP is straight-up inspired by Klingon lore from the entire ‘Star Trek’ franchise,” he says. “It’s a bit more primitive in nature, but still with some very technical skills involved. I’d say that the two epic journeys will impress more than we have in the past.”

“King Of Fear” will be brought to life on vinyl — a long overdue happening considering the number of requests SKELATOR fielded from fans to have the album on this format. The album has also been purposely re-mastered for vinyl and will feature expanded cover art.

“‘King of Fear’ had only been released on CD and digital download — we desperately wanted to release it on vinyl, but we struggled to find anyone that was wanting to work with us on that,” says Steinway. “At the time of its original release, we weren’t officially on any label, just collaborating with Swords & Chains Records to get the CD distributed. Every show we played, people always ask if we had ‘King Of Fear’ on vinyl yet, along with requests from people to our social media pages. I think we all have personally said, ‘Sometime soon; we really want to release it on vinyl’ hundreds of times. We approached Gates Of Hell with the idea and they were receptive and helped us bring it to life. The art we had is great on CD, don’t get me wrong, but having a larger version will really be a treat and the detail will stick out a lot more.”

 

Outside of the release of “Blood Empire” and reissue of “King Of Fear”, SKELATOR is also planning on making a return to the live stage.

“It’s been two years and I think our fans deserve to hear some Heavy Metal Madness once again,” says Conde-Houston. “We already have song ideas for the next release so there is no stopping this train. We will continue to deliver new material to the masses as long as there is oxygen in our lungs.”

“Empire Of Blood” track listing:

 

  1. Deeds Of Honor
  2. Good Day To Die
  3. The First Empire
  4. Bloodwine

 

“King Of Fear” track listing:

 

  1. King Of Fear
  2. Stronger Than Steel
  3. Temple Of The Witch
  4. Sword Of The Dawn
  5. Raging Demon
  6. Curse Of The Black Hand
  7. Test The Metal
  8. Honor Is Life
  9. Necromancer
  10. Master of the Universe (BONUS TRACK)

Gates of Hell Records presents: “Iron & Hell Vol. 2” CD

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Italy’s Gates of Hell Records has brought together four of the most promising names in epic speed/thrash metal for a compilation to be remembered! Sölicitör, Blood Sport, Thundersson and Serpent Rider all rise to the occasion for the glory of pure metal!

Gates of Hell Records has been prowling the underground since 2015 in search of new talent that plays metal the way it was supposed to be played: Fast, uncompromising and raw! On Iron & Hell Vol. 2, the label is giving ‘bangers a fresh dose of speed with two American and two Finnish bands that are sure to assault the senses and bang the head!

Sölicitör
“The future is fast. Keep it nasty, keep it mean.” Such are the words from Sölicitör frontwoman Amy Lee Carlson when encapsulating her band’s unrelenting, old-school thrash sound. The follow-up to their 2020 Spectral Devastation full-length, the All Debts on Death seven-inch is included on Iron & Hell Vol. 2. and features “Killer for Hire,” a classic Sölicitör speed-burner, complete with a fist-bumping chorus, while “Megalomaniac” ventures into new territory, including riffs that bring to mind legendary Norwegian black metallers Darkthrone, topped off by Carlson’s soaring vocals. Now assembling material for a new studio album, Carlson’s above quote couldn’t ring more true: Sölicitör will it bring fast, nasty and mean!

Blood Sport
Blood Sport formed in 2020 with one thing on their mind: There wasn’t enough speed metal in the scene. The members of Blood Sport took it upon themselves to change that with the Hot Blood and Cold Steel EP, which is featured on Iron & Hell Vol. 2. Self-described as the “hyperactive bastard child of Judas Priest and Venom,” Blood Sport also leans into Show No Mercy-era Slayer for inspiration. The Finns ably combine all three bands on Hot Blood & Cold Steel, boasting a vast array of fleet-of-foot riffing, rafter-reaching vocals and blazing drum work that effortlessly recaptures the glory that originated in the 1980s.

Thundersson
The one-man metal Finnish metal brigade, otherwise known as Thundersson, will be making his Gates of Hell Records debut on Iron & Hell Vol. 2! Included are “Hanged, Drawn & Quartered” and “Dream Logic,” two cuts that show off Thundersson’s penchant for vintage, melodic speed metal akin to classic Accept, Riot and Running Wild. Stocked with charging gallops, blazing guitar melodies and rousing choruses, Thundersson is assured to be one of the most talked-about names in Scandinavian metal in no time!

Serpent Rider
From the rain-soaked climes of Seattle, Washington, comes Serpent Rider. Formed in 2018, the band brings a fresh take to classic metal by employing epic, complex song arrangements and towering riffs. It makes sense since their name was taken from the Manilla Road song “The Ram,” where the legendary Mark Shelton sang, “Ride the serpent and make your stand.” The band’s inclusion on Iron & Hell Vol. 2 is the 2019 Pour Forth Surquidous demo. The two songs from the demo are laced with mysterious odes to occult metal giants of yesteryear with a forward-looking eye toward new, adventurous soundscapes with no limitations!

 

 

 

Iron & Hell Vol. 2 track listing:

 

  1. Sölicitör – Killer for Hire
  2. Sölicitör – Megalomaniac
  3. Blood Sport – Machine Gun
  4. Blood Sport – Sin Unto Death
  5. Blood Sport – Niterider
  6. Blood Sport – Steel System
  7. Blood Sport – Agitator
  8. Blood Sport – Blood Sports
  9. Thundersson – Hanged, Drawn & Quartered
  10. Thundersson – Dream Logic
  11. Serpent Rider – Portent of Doom
  12. Serpent Rider – Pour Forth Surquidous

NEKKROMANIAC Signs With GATES OF HELL RECORDS: ‘We Celebrate The Dark And Cruel Side Of The Old Metal!’

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Gates Of Hell Records is proud to announce the signing of German blackened thrashers NEKKORMANIAC for the vinyl release of their 2021 “Plague Eater” full-length album. The LP will be issued on May 27, 2022.

 

PRE-ORDER LP HERE

NEKKROMANIAC’s creation dates back to 2008 when vocalist Akheron and guitarist Ægror launched PEREMPTOR, a thrash band that recorded a three-song demo. However, the group disbanded after lineup changes and differences regarding musical direction. The two men quickly teamed up friends Impiöus (bass) and Beheader (drums) in DIOXIN, which was then rebranded as NEKKROMANIAC to reflect a darker and more devastating sound. The band released the “Nekkrofukk” EP in 2015 and launched the Hell’s Crusade festival held in Pirmasens, Germany, establishing NEKKROMANIAC as a leading force in cult, underground Teutonic thrash.

“Plague Eater” eventually caught the eye of Gates Of Hell Records. The parties cemented the deal shortly after that.

Comments Ægror: “‘Plague Eater’ is the force that lingers in the abyss and pulls you down into the endless dark before you know it. Destined to eternal suffering. NEKKROMANIAC is DEATH. METAL.”

NEKKROMANIAC’s sound characterizes the no-holds-barred, blitzing, battering-ram sound unleashed by extreme metal innovators BATHORY, HELLHAMMER, POISON (Germany) and SODOM, who are the band’s primary influences. It’s a sound that is unforgiving and rooted in the 1980s — devoid of trends and posers.

“We’re sinking into the old, grim and dark,” says Ægror. “But we are all listening to individual spectrums of metal music and all these influences are very relevant when it comes to songwriting. We do have all different preferences. For example, Akheron’s main influence for vocals is MERCILESS from Sweden, who recorded the evilest sounding record of all time with ‘The Awakening’. You can go on with such comparisons forever and never come to an end. What you can say is that we all celebrate the dark and crude sounds of the old metal.”

“Plague Eater” track listing:

1. Plague Eater
2. Black Death
3. Napalm Funeral
4. Awaken The Depths
5. Pit And The Pendulum
6. Sacrifice
7. Bleed For The Master (A Tribute)
8. Tyrant’s Command