Artist:  Thy Art is Murder
Album:  Hate
Genre:  Deathcore
Label:  Nuclear Blast
Release: April 2, 2013 (North America)

Click for Full-Resolution

While I already sound pessimistic, I come to you with good tidings, Thy Art is Murder is more than your average Deathcore band. With bands like Whitechapel and Winds of Plague making some of the largest influences on the scene, and not to mention the gravity that the passing of Mitch Lucker (Suicide Silence) has had on people across the spectrum, it often becomes difficult to stand out.  After playing Hate a few times, I see that TAIM combines technicality with melody much like that of a talented Melodic Death Metal band.  But this is far from Melodeath, so before the elitist begin to rant, just know that you can expect something more than just breakdowns, repetitive down-tuned riffs, and generic gutturals. 

Personally I got some grindcore vibes throughout the album, which reminded me of the newer style of Cattle Decapitation.  The open track “Reign of Darkness” is approachable and interesting, with fast and brutal drums provided by Lee Stanton.  The guitar work is technical, with some sweeps and scales thrown in to add melody to the “in your face” approach to opening up the album.  “Shadows of Eternal Sins” has subtle hints of black metal thrown in which is a bit refreshing, since songs like these really begin to merge together is played consecutively.  “Defective Breed” sounds more like a Death Metal song, a bit reminiscent of Decrepit Birth, if there wasn’t already enough pulsating metal in Hate. 

The boys in Thy Art is Murder have brought us something a bit off the beaten path for those who followed the footsteps of Suicide Silence.  They turned back the clocks and brought out the original influences from Suffocation, and making their breakdowns more than just a change in time signature that sounds hardly more interesting than a lawn mower.  It could be something in the water, over there in the Southern Hemisphere, or it could be an understanding that music is only music if it has substance.  And substance shouldn’t just be borrowed, it should be made.  That’s what Thy Art is Murder has done, they’ve created Hate, a great attempt at refreshing a rapidly staling genre.  Expect these Aussies to bring forth hatred in a venue near you with the Nuclear Blast team behind them every step of the way.  Crack open a Foster’s and begin the Hate!

 Check out our interview with THY ART IS MURDER 

The band has a request for you!

Vote for us to open the Summer Slaughter tour 2013! If we win, it will be our first US tour which means we can all hang out and go fucking mental! Vote here: http://bit.ly/taim-summerslaughter

The post Music Review | Thy Art is Murder brings us Hate! appeared first on Der Metal Krieger.

The US doesn’t see that many Australian metal bands come through often, however, you seem to have quite the following in the western states.  Why do you think your influence carries overseas?

Lee: I actually have no idea haha!
CJ: yeah, not really sure why, but all I know is that we a super stoked about it, we hope to come to US asap, so we can crush a load of shows and meet the people who’ve been supporting us since day one!

Brendan Van Ryn was your vocalist up till 2008, his lyrics seemed to be particularly popular amongst fans.  Was there difficultly adjusting the songwriting after his departure?

Lee: That was a long time ago. The whole band contributes to the lyrical content so no. 

This particular genre is characterized by crushing beats and grueling riffs.  In order to work harmoniously, every musician needs to be on the same level.  What drew you to choosing Chris McMahon as your new vocalist?

Lee: Again, this was 5 years. Ancient history in today’s world. CJ was a friend of ours who we had played heaps of shows with. He has always had a brutal voice! So it was a no brainer to get him on board.

In addition to Van Ryn, you’ve changed guitarists in the past.  With these lineup changes, do you think your sound is at its final stage, or is there room for evolution?

Lee: Those lineup changes were a while back. It’s natural for that to happen with young bands, I reckon a lineup staying solid is the exception not the rule. I think the band is as solid as we have ever been! We’ll keep growing with every new release as our abilities grow.

Your current album, titled Hate, will be releasing in the United States on April 5^th via Nuclear Blast Records.  How has the response been back home?

CJ: The response was massive, we had no idea that it would blow up as it did, we are really happy that it has done so well

Speaking of Nuclear Blast, how has the addition of the largest independent metal label in the known universe been beneficial for the band on an international level?

CJ: It has been amazing, they have really got behind us in every way possible. We visited the head office in Germany, they treated us like family. We never thought it would be possible to be part of that label but it happened, it’s wild. The Nuclear Blast team in the UK were great people, we’ve had a great time working with them, same with the US team. Nuclear Blast are truly the best at what they do.

The road to international appeal isn’t met by just successful releases which I’m sure you all know.  What are your current touring plans, if any, and where would you like to play?

Lee: We have an Australian tour with Cattle Decapitation in June, Then we are back over to Europe for some festivals and a few shows with Between The Buried And Me in June / July. We are up for the Summer Slaughter tour in the opening slot voting competition (you can chuck a vote on Facebook). We’ve got Asia, more Australia and more Europe for rest of the year!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=47Plg93oJ1M]

Your name, Thy Art is Murder, seems to be a bit cliché.  Is there any particular inspiration?

Lee: The vast majority of band names are stupid clichés, especially in metal. What do you expect a bunch of 15 year olds playing death metal to pick as their band name?! Pissing off mum is job number 1.

 Hate displays very bold album artwork.  Does it have any particular reference to the album?

 CJ: We got the designer to do what he thought when he listened to the record and he made the art work perfect. We are stoked with it, it’s mental.

 Music is great an all, but you have to have hobbies outside of the world of brutality.  What are some of the things you do for fun?

 Lee: I dont mind heading up to the pub to watch the footy and the occasional round of golf

 Lastly, do you have any final words for Der Metal Krieger and your fans across the world?

 Lee & CJ:  Cheers to anyone that’s supported us over the years! And cheers for the interview. Vote for us to open the Summer Slaughter if you want to see us in the USA soon!

Order Hate!

Order Hate!

Nuclear Blast USA

The post Interview | Thy Art is Murder from the Land Down Under appeared first on Der Metal Krieger.

Band: Troldhaugen
Album: Ramshackle
Genre: Progressive Folk Metal
Label: Unsigned
Release: August 31, 2012

I understand that some of you guys may be puzzled or confused as to the weird comparisons of bands. I think when people think of the band Primus, they think of Les Claypool just slappin the bass. What I want you to picture is the uniquely funny and unusual lyrics that Les Claypool would use in albums such as Sailing The Sea Of Cheese and Pork combined “Weird Al” Yankovic’s wacky lyrics. You can hear this in the second song entitled “The Circus of Misery”. You can first hear what sounds like a bouncy rubber ball which is a really unexpected and different approach from the traditional folk metal song. The song start off with, “Boils and ghouls! Gather round for what is sure to be the time of your life! None can compare for the frightening feats and daring acts we have in store for you. It will no doubt leave a lasting impression!” It follows by one of two incredibly maniacal laughs that resembles a darker, more evil laugh then the origin of all that is evil, Dr. Evil from Austin Powers. What I really like about this song is that underneath the surface of what can be interpreted as a comedic song, you can hear the incredible range of Reventusk’s vocals. It really puts you into perspective of the immense talent of this band.
Another song that I really enjoyed off the album was the song “Slaughterhouse Swing” because of how incredibly unique and different it is. If there one thing you can learn about Troldhaugen, is that there not afraid to have songs that sound like they can be written for a musical. This song really has a swing-like tune to it with mixtures of these strong vocals. During the song you can really hear the talent of both Svarog, the bassist and Gradenok, the drummer helping to keep the overall tempo of the song while helping to create such an intriguing song. Guys, hear me out and listen to this song, it is defiantly something you wouldn’t expect from a folk album and will be a fresh sound for your ear holes!
The final track of the album “A Soul For The Taking” is probably in my opinion, the heaviest song of this album. Even though this album may have mainly a progressive folk album, this song really shows these guys can make a mix their unique folk sound into a heavy metal tune. This tune show that even though they can make a really weird and unique album, Meldengar can throw down hard and heavy metal guitar riffs with the best of them. The other thing I really like about this song is that like other songs off the album, is how the Jew’s harp was used within the song. Throughout the album, Reventusk’s Jew’s Harp is used to give this type of carnival feel to many of the songs. What i do like about this song is that it uses the Jew’s Harp in a heavier death metal sound. It cool to see that even though they play the role of a fun folk metal band, they can also use it to a heavier sound and tone.

There were very few things about this album which I honestly could say I didn’t like. I feel like to some listeners that the reoccurring theme of it sounding like a circus can get annoying at times. What people do need to realize is that this album is meant to be something really fun and enjoyable, not super serious. Folk is one of those genres that is a real new twist on metal with many different elements. I know that each element of folk metal is different but Troldhaugen rendition of folk is so different from all the others. They pretty much recreate a genre of their own. Troldhaugen album “Ramshackle” is such a refreshing and fun album, something that you can enjoy even if you’re not the typical “metal head”. That is something that I do love about this band, you don’t need to have been a metal head to love this band. This album is a ton of fun to listen to, and can be a great way to get you buddy who hates metal into metal! So go and take a listen to Troldhaugen’s debut album, “Ramshackle“, you won’t regret it!

Rating: 8/10 Weirdly Wonderful!

Track Listing:

1. Beneath The Festering March
2. The Circus of Misery
3. Beast Wagon
4. Slaughterhouse Swing
5. Corspefed Cauldron
6. Maple Leaf Rag (Scott Joplin Cover)
7. The Accused Passing of the Monstrous Fiend
8. Swampstoper
9. Trollbrawl
10. Ven
11. A Soul for the Taking

Personnel:

Reventüsk-Vocals and Jew’s Harp
Meldengar-Guitars
Döesbürg-Mandolin and Vocals
Grädenøk-Drums
Svarog-Bass
Venurüth-Keyboards

Order the Album Here:

http://troldhaugen.net/album/ramshackle

Check them out on Facebook!

Got any questions or comments? Leave a comment below!
Have a band you would like me to review? Feel free to email me at gabe@dermetalkrieger.com!

Thanks for reading and long live metal!
Gabe

The post Trolling along with Troldhaugen: A Review of Troldhaugen’s “Ramshackle” appeared first on Der Metal Krieger.

Band: Wilderun
Album: Olden Tales & Deathly Trails
Genre: Symphonic Folk Metal
Label: Unsigned
Release: September 21, 2012

The first track off the album, entitled “The Crackling Glow”.   The song starts off with a light soft playing of the mandolin which will give the listener a sort of mystical nostalgia.  If you just close your eyes and just listen to the first minute, it gives you some tremendously good vibes. You can hear this beautiful orchestration of trumpets by Wayne Ingram that gives the listener the perspective that the album is not just an album, but a wondrous adventure!

The track entitled “Suncatcher” is a very interesting song, you can hear the wonderful musicianship that each member brings to the table.  From Evan Berry with his roaring screams, to the beautiful backing vocals of  Wayne Ingram, Daniel Muller and Johnathan Teachey, to soft mandolin and flute in between, this really shows the musicianship of this band.  What I really like about this song is that it mixes a ton of different elements in metal (folk, symphonic, thrash, power) and blends it into one beautiful mastered song.
“Storm Along” is probably one of their slowest songs on the album but yet, it shows how this band can really go from a fast paced upbeat folky sound, to a sad emotional slow song really shows the versatility of the band.  Personally, it is not my cup of tea but I feel like one you buy the album you can see that this album is layered like a story, so this isn’t the type of album where you can buy one song and get away with not buying the album. Buy the album and you ears will be rewarded!

There were a couple of things I wasn’t a huge fan of about this album.  At some moment i felt like some songs were longer then they needed to be.  Like they incorporated a ton of instruments, but I feel like if they shortened the songs and made them a little more simplistic instrumentality.  Some of the lyrics are somewhat corny, but overall this really was a stellar album.  This album is really incredible for a debut unsigned band, and I would personally recommend this album!  Please go ahead and support the local scene and buy yourself a copy of Wilderun’s “Olden Tales & Deathly Trails”!

Rating:

Track Listing:

1.  The Cracking Glow
2.  Suncatcher
3.  How Stands The Glass Around?
4.  Storm Along
5.  Vaunting Veins
6.  The Coasts Of High Barbaree
7.  The Dying Californian

Personnel:
Evan Anderson Berry – Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin

Wayne Ingram – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin

Daniel Müller - Bass, Backing Vocals, Hammered Dulcimer, Autoharp

Jonathan Teachey - Drums and Percussion, Backing Vocals

Buy a physical or digital copy here!

Give them a life on there Facebook and show your friends!

Check out an interview I did with the band here!

What did you guys think about my review? Have any comments or questions about the album?
Feel free to send me an email at:
gabe@dermetalkrieger.com

The post A Review of Wilderun’s “Olden Tales and Deathly Trails” appeared first on Der Metal Krieger.

In anticipation of their forthcoming CALIGVLA masterwork, set for North American release on September 18th through NAPALM RECORDS, epic death metallers EX DEO will be touring across North America this October. Led by indomitable KATAKLYSM frontman Maurizio Iacono, EX DEO will be joined on this 13-date tour by headliners SEPTICFLESH as well as veterans KRISIUN, MELECHESH, and INQUISITION. Suitably dubbed the CONQUERORS OF THE WORLD tour, this is NOT a tour to miss!!! Here are the confirmed dates/venues:

10/12 – Toronto, ON @ Wreck Room
10/13 – Trois-Rivières, QC @ Trois-Rivières Metalfest
10/14 – Montreal, QC @ Cafe Campus
10/15 – Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Downstairs
10/16 – New York, NY @ Gramercy Theatre
10/17 – Cleveland, OH @ Peabody’s
10/18 – Chicago, IL @ Reggie’s Rock Club
10/19 – Saint Paul, MN @ Station 4
10/20 – Winnipeg, MB @ Park Theatre
10/21 – Regina, SK @ The Exchange
10/22 – Edmonton, AB @ Pawn Shop
10/23 – Kelowna, BC @ Sapphire Night Club
10/24 – Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw Theatre

Iacono had the following to say about this guaranteed-to-be-epic tour: “With our new album CALIGVLA coming out in North America in September, a new chapter of the EX DEO domination has begun… We are proud to be part of the CONQUERORS OF THE WORLD tour in North America, featuring the Greek daemonmasters SEPTICFLESH, our good friends and kings of brutality KRISIUN, the vibrant Middle Eastern occult MELECHESH, and Colombian/American sensation INQUISITION. This a tour de force lineup – dont miss it! In the name of Jove, I vow to bring the ROMAN might back to life and promise a bombastic live attack – Roma Victrix.”

In other EX DEO news, the world premiere for the “I, Caligvla” video – off the forthcoming CALIGVLA – is set for July 27th. Of course, more news to be announced soon!

For more info, consult www.myspace.com/exdeo, www.facebook.com/exdeo, www.twitter.com/exdeo, and www.youtube.com/user/exdeo.

via Napalm Records

The post Ex Deo and Caligvla, New Upcoming Tour appeared first on Der Metal Krieger.

Scream away in the wind of chains… Swedish death metal legends GRAVE will release their 10th studio album Endless Procession of Souls on August 27th in Europe and on August 28th in North America via Century Media Records. Recorded at Studio Soulless, Endless Procession Of Souls promises to be yet another death metal masterpiece in GRAVE’s revered catalog, featuring nine tracks of uncompromising no-bullshit death metal, flawlessly executed by the sole survivors of the real legendary Swedish Dödsmetal scene. Endless Procession Of Souls combines the brutality of GRAVE’s last two studio albums with the groove of Soulless and–of corpse–a lethal dose of Into The Grave darkness. In support of this upcoming release, the band will be touring North America with MORBID ANGEL and DARK FUNERAL this September/October. In regards to the album and tour, founding member Ola Lindgren (vocals/guitar) comments, “GRAVE will return to North America in September, sharing the madness with our comrades in MORBID ANGEL and DARK FUNERAL. After the successful ‘Into the Grave’ sets we did in September last year, it will be very exciting to come back to promote the new album ‘Endless Procession of Souls’, which will be released August 28th in North America (Aug 27th in Europe) through Century Media Records. This killer bill is in extremo deluxe and will show you what brutality is all about…Beware the Winds of Chains!” DARK FUNERAL’s Lord Ahriman (guitar) adds, “We are extremely proud to announce our participation in the upcoming MORBID ANGEL tour throughout North American territories this fall. We will march alongside our Swedish comrades GRAVE and American death metal-bezerkers VADIMVON, and it is without a doubt that this very tour will surely be remembered as one of the most extreme tours of all time. Hence, we command all our loyal North American metal-demons to come out and celebrate utter darkness every night.  It’s time to ignite the black flame and show the world that the force of extreme metal is unrelenting.” All upcoming tour dates are below, so check to see when MORBID ANGEL, DARK FUNERAL, and GRAVE will be coming to a city near you! MORBID ANGEL, DARK FUNERAL, GRAVE tour dates Sep 21 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade Sep 22 – Louisville, KY – Headliner’s Music Hall Sep 23 – Columbus, OH – Screamin Willie’s Sep 24 – Washington, DC – Howard Theater Sep 26 – New York City – B.B. King’s Sep 27 – Pittsburgh, PA – Altar Bar Sep 28 – Philadelphia, PA – The Trocadero Sep 29 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium Sep 30 – Montreal, QUE – Club Soda Oct 1 – Toronto, ONT – Opera House Oct 2 – Cleveland, OH – Peabody’s Oct 4 – Joliet, Il – Mojoe’s Oct 5 – St. Paul, MN – Station 4 Oct 6 – Des Moines, IA – Peoples Court Oct 7 – Englewood, CO – Gothic Theater Oct 8 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex Oct 10 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon Oct 11 – Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theater Oct 12 – San Francisco, CA – Slim’s Oct 13 – Sacramento, CA – Ace Of Spades Oct 14 – Anaheim, CA – The Grove Oct 15 – Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theatre Oct 17 – Dallas, TX – Trees Oct 18 – Houston, TX – Scout Bar Oct 19 – San Antonio, TX – Backstage Lounge Additional DARK FUNERAL headlining dates featuring GRAVE as direct support will be announced shortly. via Century Media Records News ‘Like’ GRAVE on Facebook!

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