CRUCIBLE is a Danish young and hungry band that was formed by guitarists Jon Brogård and Thomas Carnell (Impalers) with the simple goal of playing uncompromising speed metal.
Spurred on by the ongoing NWOTHM movement and taking inspiration from bands like Riot City, Skull Fist, Racer X, Judas Priest, and Mötorhead they started working on a demo. Initially a small project that soon grew in scope and ambition, the demo ended up consisting of four original songs and a cover (Racer X).
Vocalist Phillip Butler (Pectora) was later recruited to provide the vocals for the demo and decided to join the band as a full member.
“The Savage Weapon” demo sums up Crucible’s inspirations in four distinct tracks intended to leave no necks unbroken. The next goal for the band is start working towards the recording of the best speed metal debut album possible.
“The Savage Weapon” is out now in cassette (limited to 100 copies) and digital format.
Lineup: Thomas Carnell – guitar Jon Brogård – guitar Phillip Butler – vocals
Crucible is a Danish speed metal band consisting of Thomas Carnell (guitar), Jon Brogård (guitar) and Phillip Butler (vocals). Some might also recognize Thomas from the band Impalers and Phillip from Pectora.
Crucible was formed by Jon and Thomas with the simple goal of playing uncompromising speed metal.
Spurred on by the ongoing NWOTHM movement and taking inspiration from bands like Riot City, Skull Fist, Racer X, Judas Priest, and Mötorhead they started working on a demo. Initially a small project that soon grew in scope and ambition, the demo ended up consisting of four original songs and a cover (Racer X).
Phil was later recruited to provide the vocals for the demo and decided to join as a full member of the band.
“The Savage Weapon” is out now on cassette (limited to 100 copies) and digital format via From The Vaults.
Let’s do a time travel experiment: we send back in time some of today’s music production possibilities and we check what a Heavy Metal band from 1986 can come out with, and we call it STREET FIGHTER.
A pack of urban outcasts has been recruited: the ugly city alleys are about to get uglier.
At the helm of this project is Marco Angioni (Meridian, Withering Surface), producer and multi-instrumentalist, who recorded most of the instruments: lead and rhythm guitars, keyboards, bass, and drums. On vocals: Stefan Jensen (Exelerate) and Sofia Schmidt (Ethereal Kingdoms).
Special guests are: Rasmus Bom Andersen (Diamond Head), Soren Andersen (Electric Guitars), Michael Catton (Tainted Lady), Chris Catton (Boys From Heaven) Lars Märker (Meridian), Michael Bastholm (Artillery), Michael Hvolgaard Andersen (Withering Surface, Thorium), Martin J. Andersen (Blindstone), Klaus Agerbo and Peter Bruun (Meridian).
“Second Hand Hero” is out now on all digital platforms via From The Vaults.
Lineup: Marco Angioni – guitars, bass, keyboards Anders Peter Bruun – bass Klaus Agerbo – drums Sofia Schmidt – vocals Stefan Jensen – vocals
Fresh after being signed to From The Vaults, epic doom metallers ALTAR OF OBLIVION announce the release of the EP “Burning Memories”. The five tracks were recorded in 2016 just after the completion of the band’s third full-length. Now, seven years later, the EP is finally ready to see the light of day. On it, the band conjures up classic timeless epic doom metal, whilst at the same time exploring untrodden ground under the gloomy auspices of this Nordic collective.
The origins of Altar of Oblivion can be traced back to 2003, when Martin Sparvath (guitars/vocals) and Allan Larsen (drums) formed a duo called Summoning Sickness. Around three years later, this doubtful project morphed into Altar of Oblivion and the entity went from playing simple black/speed/ heavy-metal to epic doom metal. To complete the lineup, two new members in the shape of former opera-singer Mik Mentor and bassist/caffeine-addict Christian Nørgaard were recruited, and the band has, so far, several demos, EPs, a live album, and three full-lengths under its belt. Now, a new chapter opens up for Altar Of Oblivion, while the band closes the door on a brilliant past before looking forward to a new album in 2024.
“Epic doom is not a subgenre that many bands even attempt, let alone excel at, still less expand upon, so this Aalborg five-piece deserve mad props for bringing new life to this profound outsider sound. With the frosty melancholy of Candlemass, the mystical drama of Solitude Aeturnus and the barbarian brawn of Solstice, AOO mix in new levels of emotional vulnerability via the Robert Smith-ish vocals of Mik Mentor, and never get lost in sluggish gloom, maintaining trad metal fundamentals with a strong, clear vocal line, a sturdy gallop and a spine-tingling melody” Chris Shantler (Metal Hammer UK)
“Burning Memories” is out now on MLP (180gr black vinyl, limited to 300) and digital formats via From The Vaults.
Lineup: Mik Mentor – vocals Martin Meyer Sparvath – guitars & guitar-synth Jeppe Campradt – guitars C. Nørgaard – bass Danny Woe – drums Jannick Nielsen – keyboards
Five years after “Footprints In The Rock”, NWOBHM unsung heroes TRESPASS are back with a superb new album entitled “Wolf At The Door”. Encompassing issues and subjects close to their hearts – especially environmental themes – the album were written by founding member, guitar player and vocalist Mark Sutcliffe at his home studio, being later recorded at Crooks Hall Studios, all in the wilds of Suffolk. Nigel Palmer (Raging Speedhorn, Satan’s Empire) then polished altogether in Lowland Masters.
This typical British environment helped Trespass maintain their NWOBHM signature twin-guitar sound, while having a drive and energy in the rhythm section that transports them right back into the 20s. The artwork, by Mark Wilkinson (Iron Maiden, Judas Priest) put the final touch in a release that won’t disappoint the old-school fans, as well as new ones.
Trespass was formed in 1979 in Sudbury, Suffolk by Mark Sutcliffe (guitar, vocals) and his brother Paul on drums. The band enjoyed success and critical acclaim as part of the New wave of British Heavy Metal in the early 80s, although it has only released a few singles and an EP – the cult “Bright Lights”, from 1981. Songs such as “One Of These Days”, “Stormchild” and “Bright Lights” have made their mark.
In the 90s, Trespass was back in full action and in 1993 the band finally released their long-awaited debut album “Head”, helping keep the NWOBHM flame alive in a dark decade for traditional metal. The second album, self-titled, surfaced in 2015, and the group didn’t need another decade for a follow-up, with “Footprints In The Rock” being released three years after, with reactions, confirming that Trespass music is still enjoyed by rock and metal fans all over the world. While preparing the next full-length release, Trespass is currently rehearsing a set of classics old and new, for UK and European shows next year.
“Wolf At The Door” is out now on LP (black vinyl, limited to 500), CD and digital formats.
Lineup: Mark Sutcliffe – guitar/vocals Joe Fawcett – guitar Jason Roberts – drums Wil Wilmot – bass
The origins of Altar of Oblivion can be traced back to 2003, when Martin Sparvath (guitars/vocals) and Allan Larsen (drums) formed a duo called Summoning Sickness. Around three years later, this doubtful project morphed into Altar of Oblivion and the entity went from playing simple black/speed/ heavy-metal to epic doom metal. To complete the lineup, two new members in the shape of former opera-singer Mik Mentor and bassist/caffeine-addict Christian Nørgaard were recruited, and the band has, so far, several demos, EPs, a live album, and three full-lengths under its belt. Now, a new chapter opens up for Altar Of Oblivion, while the band closes the door on a brilliant past before looking forward to a new album in 2024.
Fresh after being signed to From The Vaults, epic doom metallers Altar of Oblivion announced the release of the EP “Burning Memories”. The five tracks were recorded in 2016 just after the completion of the band’s third full-length. Seven years later, the EP was finally released in June of 2023.
“In The Cesspit Of Divine Decay”, the new album from the Danish epic doomsters, will be a concept work based on the diary of guitarist Martin Meyer Sparvath’s maternal great-grandfather Jesper Wilhem Meyer, who reluctantly fought for the German Empire during The Great War (1914-1918).
Preparations for this aural endeavour began in 2005, when the band tracked a demo version of what years later would morph into the now completed album, which was originally supposed to be the debut full-length of the early duo incarnation of the band. This album contains some of the band’s first ever creations, and in many ways, it can be regarded as some sort of Altar Of Oblivion-prototype, bringing forth and spewing out their darkest and most traditional epic doom-work to date.
During and since the pandemic, Altar Of Oblivion have been in recording mode, finishing both new and old stuff, including two full-lengths, two EPs and an acoustic album, enabling the band to take a well-deserved studio-break in order to focus on live shows from now on. A number of gigs have been confirmed for 2024, and the collective is now looking forward to hitting the stage again, heavier, older and more invigorated than ever. Time will tell if playing live is the right cure for a severe case of discoloured studio tan.
“Epic doom is not a subgenre that many bands even attempt, let alone excel at, still less expand upon, so this Aalborg five-piece deserve mad props for bringing new life to this profound outsider sound. With the frosty melancholy of Candlemass, the mystical drama of Solitude Aeturnus and the barbarian brawn of Solstice, AOO mix in new levels of emotional vulnerability via the Robert Smith-ish vocals of Mik Mentor, and never get lost in sluggish gloom, maintaining trad metal fundamentals with a strong, clear vocal line, a sturdy gallop and a spine-tingling melody” Chris Shantler (Metal Hammer UK)
EXELERATE is a power thrash metal band from Denmark. They play fast and aggressive riffs combined virtuose guitar solos and high-pitched vocals to create a new, yet familiar brand of metal. They quickly found strength in combining their individual music influences to create a mix of thrash, power and prog metal. It set the stage for the aggressive, but still approachable sound and the complexity of the compositions that all of their songs are made of.
They are inspired by bands like Megadeth, Anthrax, DIO and Dream Theater and make heavy use of both the traditional and the new in metal. They have a great focus on how their music is perceived in a live situation. “It’s in a live environment you get the chance to grab new listeners by the collar and show them how it’s done”, lead singer Jensen comments. “They need to be enticed, inspired and spoiled until they can’t get enough. It is therefore important for us to give them something to latch on to, like a catchy melody, a fantastic solo or just a massive breakdown. It’s all a part of capturing the audience’s attention and keeping it”.
Exelerate is, now in 2023, in full swing with their debut album under the Danish label From The Vaults. The record consists of new and original material, designed to showcase just how metal should sound in 2023. It’s a concept work where every track tells a story about humankind’s tendencies towards both dominance and submission. The themes go from old religions to contemporary ideology worship and even further into the ultimate submission to our own mortality.
“To date, these are the most ambitious compositions I have ever been a part of writing, and I am incredibly proud of the end result”, Jensen says. “It has taken up many hours, days, weeks, years in the rehearsing studio, and the entire effort is realized in full on the album, I think”.
“Exelerate” was recorded with the help of, among others, Casper Augustenborg as the drum recording engineer and Io Brix Klarstrup, who pulls double duty as both the band’s bass player and recording engineer. The skilled hands of Marco Angioni (Angioni Studios) have made sure that Exelerate sounds better than ever, with a new massive sound that the listener easily can let their face melt away to.
The album’s artwork was made by the danish artist Steen Jensen who, with his airbrush and proclivities towards the dark and strange, has made a surreal visual universe inspired by the opening track on the album “Arrival”.
As a classic old-school heavy metal band, Exelerate will proudly begin touring with its debut album in 2023.
“Exelerate” is out now on LP (black vinyl, limited to 300), CD and digital formats via From The Vaults.
Trespass was formed in 1979 in Sudbury, Suffolk by Mark Sutcliffe (guitar, vocals) and his brother Paul on drums. The band enjoyed success and critical acclaim as part of the New wave of British Heavy Metal in the early 80s, although it has only released a few singles and an EP – the cult “Bright Lights”, from 1981. Songs such as “One Of These Days”, “Storm Child” (both included in the now cult EMI compilation from 1980 “Metal For Muthas II”), as well as “Bright Lights”, have made their mark.
Also in 1980, the song “Visionary” was included in Tommy Vance’s BBC Radio One Session compilation “Metal Explosion”, leading to a major exposure of the Trespass music.
In the 90s, Trespass was back in full action and in 1993 the band finally released their long-awaited debut album “Head”, helping keep the NWOBHM flame alive in a dark decade for traditional metal. The second album, self-titled, surfaced in 2015, and the group didn’t need another decade for a follow-up, with “Footprints In The Rock” being released three years after, with reactions, confirming that Trespass music is still enjoyed by rock and metal fans all over the world. While preparing the next full-length release, Trespass is currently rehearsing a set of classics old and new, for UK and European shows next year.
Five years after “Footprints In The Rock”, Trespass are back with a superb new album entitled “Wolf At The Door”. Encompassing issues and subjects close to their hearts – especially environmental themes – the album were written by founding member, guitar player and vocalist Mark Sutcliffe at his home studio, being later recorded at Crooks Hall Studios, all in the wilds of Suffolk. Nigel Palmer (Raging Speedhorn, Satan’s Empire) then polished altogether in Lowland Masters.
This typical British environment helped Trespass maintain their NWOBHM signature twin-guitar sound, while having a drive and energy in the rhythm section that transports them right back into the 20s. The artwork, by Mark Wilkinson (Iron Maiden, Judas Priest) put the final touch in a release that won’t disappoint the old-school fans, as well as new ones.
“Wolf At The Door” is out now on LP (black vinyl, limited to 500), CD and digital formats.
There’s no denying… Music has become, even in its more extreme and heavier forms, a “market”. Sales figures are thrown, marketing plans are drawn, social media strategies are put into place. And the “success” outcome is measured by stream counts, quick likes without even listening to the whole album and views countings. Week after week, the machine is grinding more releases and bands, always moving forward, with listeners overwhelmed by the quantity of new music at their disposal.
CROM’s new album was not written and recorded for this “market”. Mastermind Walter “Crom” Grosse has played that game (and won in, for that matter) with Dark Fortress (he served there as bassist and guitarist between 1997 and 2001), but he retreated to his Bathory-inspired musical influences and stood his ground with his project Crom, which slowly turned into a three-man army. “The Era Of Darkness” is the new battlefield of the trio and, once again, it breathes and lives heavy metal in its most epic forms. From big chorus to gigantic, fist-pumping solos and breathtaking guitar leads, the new Crom album is a collection of varied but cohesive heavy/power metal anthems that will get your blood pumping once again for true metal, if you listen to it properly – paying attention to the lyrics, active listening and giving it enough spins, instead of just turning to the next release stream after a few minutes.
“The Era Of Darkness” out now on digital, CD and LP (black vinyl, limited to 300 units) via From The Vaults.
Lineup: Walter “Crom” Grosse: vocals, choirs, lead & acoustic guitars, bass Steve Peyerl: solo guitar Thomas Hagl: drums
Denmark has a thing or two to say about traditional heavy metal and hard rock. As the nation that gave birth to bands such as Mercyful Fate, Artillery, and Pretty Maids, the steel seems to be strong in the country’s soil. Steel Inferno is one of the latest offerings in this line of succession. The raging speed metal machinery from Copenhagen has been, in the last decade, among the local frontrunners in the new resurging wave of traditional heavy metal.
And now the band’s third full-length album “Evil Reign”, is unleashed. It features a handful of ferocious metal assaults that leaves no listener spared. The collective appeals in an irresistible manner to fans of classic metal in the vein of Agent Steel, early Slayer, and Overkill and to everyone who is into speed and intensity mixed with a sense of malicious melody. With a timeless production made in Angioni Studios by Marco Angioni (Tygers Of Pan Tang, Iron Fire, Meridian), “Evil Reign” is the heavy/speed metal battlecry of 2022.
Steel Inferno was formed in 2012 and has since its formation released two full-length albums: “Aesthetics of Decay” in 2016 and “…And the Earth Stood Still” in 2020.
In 2020 the band joined forces with a new singer – Chris Rostoff – and while the world was shut down the band started to write new songs. The band then signed with From The Vaults in 2021 and entered Angioni Studios in early 2022. The result is the album “Evil Reign” which takes the band in a slightly different direction. If the Steel Inferno’s early material was akin to European metal like early Accept and Judas Priest, the newer material is closer to some of the earliest US power metal bands such as Helstar and Jag Panzer – all mixed with a fundamental inspiration from early thrash and speed metal.
“Evil Reign” is out now on digital, CD, and LP (black vinyl, limited to 300 units) via From The Vaults.
Lineup: Chris Rostoff – vocals Jens Andersen – guitars Thierry Zubritovsky – bass Lars Lyndorff – guitars Krzysztof Baran – drums
