Thirty-eight years after their first rehearsal, seven years after their now mythical concert reunion at Metal Magic Festival, Danish cult heavy metal band Metal Cross finally release its debut album, “Soul Ripper”. The long-awaited full-length record shows a band on top of their game, melting together the classic heavy metal of their now cult 80’s demos “Crucifying The Virgins” and “M.A.D.H.O.U.S.E.” with a renewed power and energy. It will indeed rip your soul and leave you thirsty for more from this Scandinavian heavy metal powerhouse. Out now!
Line-up: Michael Steen Sørensen: lead guitar Peter Mogensen: drums Jon Lybæk: rhythm guitar Ole Quist: bass Esben Fosgerau Juhl: vocals
Heavy metal in its darker and most occult form is the proposition of SERPENT LORD (GR), a band coming from the land of heavy metal – Greece – with the will and the power to conquer the world. And that is exactly what they promise to do with “Apocrypha”, their second studio album, which brings nine hymns of sacred heavy metal, wrapped in a blanket of occult atmosphere and in-depth, cryptic lyrics full of symbolic meanings.
Then again, Serpent Lord (Gr) aren’t strangers to delivering a harrowing dose of occult heavy metal, with every aspect from their stage presence, to the musical production, exuding depth and atmospheric darkness. Having shared the stage with legends such as Primordial, Rotting Christ, Blaze Bayley, Necronomicon, Innerwish, Omen, Grand Magus, Exarsis, Northwind and many others, Serpent Lord (Gr) pride themselves in delivering a show to encapsulate the crowd; “For us, it’s not just a live show, it is a ritual. The songs talk about rituals, about magic and religions, about demons, so we try to create the appropriate atmosphere on our shows”, the band proudly states. Think Archangel banners, skulls, candles, books of magic, and even stage-side monks.
Initially founded in 2016, it wasn’t until the following year that the Greek entity delivered their first demo onto the unprepared world. Since then, Serpent Lord (Gr) have been developing their occult heavy metal in countless shows accross Europe, as well as in their debut album, “Towards The Damned” in 2018, which was hailed by the metal press, and in their double-sided single “Horned God”, released in the following year.
Now, the time has come for “Apocrypha” to delve deep into the aggressive, atmospheric and slightly progressive sound of the band and take Serpent Lord (Gr) a step forward. And below.
Line-up: Konstantinos Sotirelis: bass, back vocals Marios Arikas: vocals Giorgos Terzitanos: guitars, back vocals Lazaros Bouroutzoglou: guitars
Welcome to CROM new chapter. “Into The Glory Land “ is the first output since Walter “Crom” Grosse (ex-Dark Fortress) signed his epic heavy metal project to From the Vaults, and only a foretaste for what will follow later in the middle of 2022. Two brand new songs of pure epic heavy metal and three emotional acoustic tracks will show both sides of the music Crom is standing for since 1997. “Into The Glory Land” EP is the logical further development since the last output “When Northmen Die” and the first official release with Crom’s first complete lineup ever.
Whilst playing with German melodic black metallers Dark Fortress, Walter “Crom” Grosse began working on a solo-project that was worlds apart from the raw aggression normally associated with the genre in which he started. The more the work progressed, the more Grosse realised that he much preferred to forge his own musical path, a path where melody is the defining factor, and, following on from the positive response to his debut EP “The Fallen Beauty”, he decided to focus his attention solely on the band that had become Crom.
Grosse has never made any secret of his admiration and respect for Quorthon. Like many other musicians, he is influenced by the epic melodies of the legendary Bathory, but, unlike many, he has allowed the influence to subtly shade, rather than define, the musical content. Crom has an individuality that can only be described as, well… “CROM”!
Delicate acoustic guitars are counter-pointed by crushing metal riffs. A powerful vocal performance is accompanied by melodies that are in turn poignant or majestic. With his use of choirs, epic arrangements, skilful transitions, and stirring melodies, Grosse is able to conjure up images of mighty warriors and lost loves; epic struggles and tragic personal losses; despair and ultimate salvation.
After three albums (“Vengeance” in 2008, “Of Love And Death” in 2011 and “When Northmen Die” in 2017) Crom is now ready for a new chapter in its career, signing a new record deal with From The Vaults and releasing the new EP “Into The Glory Land”.
Line-up: Walter “Crom” Grosse: vocals, choirs, lead & acoustic guitars, bass Steve Peyerl: lead guitars Thomas Hagl: drums
The wait is over. Finally, classic heavy metal merchants ALIEN FORCE broke the 35-year silence since their last studio album and finally released a new collection of songs. “We Meet Again” is the eagerly awaited new Alien Force studio album, and it doesn’t disappoint: it’s melodic, it’s tight and it bears that classical sound that made the Danes a band to be reckoned in the international scene. Few bands could hold the pressure of three decades and a half of accumulated expectations, but Alien Force do it in spades!
In 1982, the band currently known as Alien Force started playing music under the name Zeyking. The band was started by the two brothers Henrik Rasmussen (guitar) and Michael Rasmussen (drums) and the style was already then classic heavy metal. Together with Peter Svale Andersen (vocals) and Michael Østerfelt, (bass) Zeyking released the single “Get It Out”.
In 1985 the band changed its name to Alien Force and with a record deal with Telaeg Records, released their first LP “Hell And High Water”. The record is nowadays a classic in the NWOBHM underground, being reprinted several times. Tracks from the record are still used for the live concerts the band plays. In 1986 Alien Force released their second LP “Pain And Pleasure” via their own record company Alien Records, since their previous label had close.
Up through the 90’s it was difficult for the band to hold their breath and try to survive. Band members were replaced, the name and style changed, but it was all in all a difficult period and the band decided to stop after playing at many festivals and club gigs. In 2008, the band was invited to play a reunion concert in the famous rock club The Rock. The concert was a great success and Alien Force once again got blood on their teeth and not least the desire for metal back. Shortly after, the band entered their home studio with new energy and new ideas for songs and got more invitations to play festivals again, but unfortunately their guitarist Michael Wenzel lost his life to cancer and it was a great blow for the band again.
After a long break, in 2018, Alien Force was invited to play Keep It True, one of Germany’s largest underground metal festivals. Alien Force presented themselves with the original line-up from the “Hell And High Water” album and the concert served as a turning point. The band met fans from all over the world, who welcomed them with open arms and showed the band that they have a loyal fan base larger than believed.
In 2020, Alien Force hits the studio again, inspired by the many concerts in Europe after the Keep it True experience. Together with Peter Brander in Media Sound Studio, they have recorded ten new songs ready for a new album, released by From The Vaults, the new trad heavy metal label with an A&R team composed by Michael Stützer (Artillery), Tom Noble (Tygers Of Pan Tang manager) and Kim Vestergaard (Artillery manager). The title of the album says it all: WE MEET AGAIN.
“We Meet Again” is out now on vinyl, CD, and digitally via From The Vaults.
Line-up: Peter Svale Andersen: vocals Henrik Rasmussen: guitar Michael Rasmussen: drums Frank East: bass
Mirage was created in Randers, Midtjylland, Denmark, in 1982 and soon turned the musical style into heavy metal. Two years later, the 7″ single “Shave It Off / Savin’ Love” was released, on green vinyl. It was the entrance door for the group to sign a record deal with Danish label Skylight Records.
The EP “…And The Earth Shall Crumble” was the first and only result of this record deal. Released in 1985, it turned international heads in the direction of Mirage, whose heavy metal/hard rock with distinctive hints of Hammond parts stands as a foundation of the Danish heavy scene. The English label Metal Masters heard the EP and wanted to release it as a full LP, which meant three songs were added. The band seemed to be destined for global success – much like their compatriots Mercyful Fate – in those days. Unfortunately, the label went bankrupt and Mirage found themselves without the backing of a company to release their second album. The collective released two cassette demos independently in 1987 and 1988respectively, but nothing much happened and the band slowly faded away by the end of the 80’s.
While guitarist Jan Buller, bassist Sten Roland, and keyboardist Morgue Law spent some time playing in the blues-rock band “Third Stone From The Sun”, a “…And The Earth Shall Crumble” reissue surfaced in 2002, including the tracks of the two pressings, as well as the “Shave It Off / Savin’ Love” single and the tracks from the later demos. The interest in the band continued to cross generations and, while vocalist Torben Deen had a stint with the AOR rock band “Reality Bites” and shifted to the progressive rock band “Motive” (where Morgue Law also played), the 1987 & 1988 demos were digitally reissued as an EP.
However, there’s an untold chapter from Mirage story. In the 80’s, after releasing “…And The Earth Shall Crumble”, the band wrote a second release, which unfortunately never saw the racks due to the label’s demise. Now, the band is back to tell that chapter and release that record.
On the back of the first album (“…And The Earth Shall Crumble”, released in 85) it was written: “Watch out for the sequel”. Alright, here is the band again, back in the very recognizable Mirage style: Metal with melody and good lyrics!
“The Sequel” was released on digital, CD and LP (black vinyl, limited to 300 units) by From the Vaults on July 15th, 2022.
In 1982, the band currently known as Alien Force started playing music under the name Zeyking. The band was started by the two brothers Henrik Rasmussen (guitar) and Michael Rasmussen (drums) and the style was already then classic heavy metal. Together with Peter Svale Andersen (vocals) and Michael Østerfelt, (bass) Zeyking released the single “Get It Out”.
In 1985 the band changed its name to Alien Force and with a record deal with Telaeg Records, released their first LP “Hell And High Water”. The record is nowadays a classic in the NWOBHM underground, being reprinted several times. Tracks from the record are still used for the live concerts the band plays. In 1986 Alien Force released their second LP “Pain And Pleasure” via their own record company Alien Records, since their previous label had close. This was regarded as yet another classic of the genre and much trafficked since then, in all its physical forms.
Now, for the first time ever, “Pain And Pleasure” are available digitally, in all relevant streaming platforms.
Line-up “’Pain And Pleasure”: Frank East: bass Michael Rasmussen: drums Henrik Rasmussen: guitars Peter Svale Andersen: vocals
In 1982, the band currently known as Alien Force started playing music under the name Zeyking. The band was started by the two brothers Henrik Rasmussen (guitar) and Michael Rasmussen (drums) and the style was already then classic heavy metal. Together with Peter Svale Andersen (vocals) and Michael Østerfelt, (bass) Zeyking released the single “Get It Out”.
In 1985 the band changed its name to Alien Force and with a record deal with Telaeg Records, released their first LP “Hell And High Water”. The record is nowadays a classic in the NWOBHM underground, being reprinted several times. Tracks from the record are still used for the live concerts the band plays.
Now, for the first time ever, “Hell And High Water” are available digitally, in all relevant streaming platforms.
Line-up “’Hell And High Water”: Frank East: bass Michael Rasmussen: drums Henrik Rasmussen: guitars Peter Svale Andersen: vocals
From the same time & space as Mercyful Fate, EVIL put the Danish heavy metal in the worldwide map in the early 80’s, becoming one of the cult bands of the country.
“Ride To Hell” features the first demo tape from the band, released originally in 1983, as well as the live release “Live On Stage”, recorded in Copenhagen in 1985.
With sound completely remastered in Angioni Studio (Tygers Of Pan Tang, Mike Tramp), ”Ride To Hell” comes in four very limited ed. vinyl formats in 180gr (green, orange, purple & black) as well as on CD. On top of this, the release comes with restored artwork and rare photos.
If you’re a fan of classic, head-banging, fist-pumping 80s heavy metal, then this is an absolute must-have in your collection!
And remember… Evil’s power is not to be taken lightly!
Evil is back and working on a new studio album to be released in late 2021.
“Ride To Hell” will be re-released in CD, and LP (four different colours) by Mighty Music, on June 11th, 2021.
Line-up “’83 Demo”: Kim Xmas: guitar Pearl Angel: vocals Pete Hurricane: bass Freddie Wolf: drums Tommy Strauss: guitars
During the eighties and prior to the break up in 1989, Metal Cross released two demo tapes: “Metal Cross” and demo 2 “M.A.D.H.O.U.S.E.” The band also contributed on two compilation albums. The band played concerts all over Denmark and shared scenes with other major danish metal bands such as Artillery and Invocater. Metal Cross played the bands last concert in the hometown of Randers on December 16 1989 – shortly after the band dissolved.
In 2009, one of the band members were contacted by the record company Horror Records asking if the band would approve the company’s release of the band’s two demo tapes in a vinyl format. After a long period of time trying to retrieve the material from the old day’s, an agreement was reached to release the songs from the two old tapes. In addition, it was decided that the recording of the very last Metal Cross concert could also be used. In 2014 the double vinyl album “Metal Cross” was released. One LP with demo recordings and the other with the concert from 1989. In addition to this, a 7” bonus single with two live songs from another concert was released.
Following the release, Metal Cross was persuaded to play a single gig at the Metal Magic Festival in 2014. Prior to the festival performance, the band played a warm up gig for Artillery. After 26 years, Artillery and Metal Cross stood on the same stage one more time! The two jobs exceeded all expectations, and Metal Cross is back in full action again, and has played several festival gigs in Denmark and always with great feedback from the audience.
In 2019 the former singer Henrik “Faxe” left the band and Esben Fosgerau Juhl took over his place and went directly into the studio. Metal Cross recorded new material through the following couple of years and released their new album “Soul Ripper” in February 2022.
Metal Cross ambitions are not to be mistaken. They will hit all the small underground stages, to the bigger festivals and aim for a European tour as well.
Whilst playing with German melodic black metallers Dark Fortress, Walter “Crom” Grosse began working on a solo-project that was worlds apart from the raw aggression normally associated with the genre in which he started. The more the work progressed, the more Grosse realised that he much preferred to forge his own musical path, a path where melody is the defining factor, and, following on from the positive response to his debut EP “The Fallen Beauty”, he decided to focus his attention solely on the band that had become Crom.
Grosse has never made any secret of his admiration and respect for Quorthon. Like many other musicians, he is influenced by the epic melodies of the legendary Bathory, but, unlike many, he has allowed the influence to subtly shade, rather than define, the musical content. Crom has an individuality that can only be described as, well… “CROM”!
Delicate acoustic guitars are counter-pointed by crushing metal riffs. A powerful vocal performance is accompanied by melodies that are in turn poignant or majestic. With his use of choirs, epic arrangements, skilful transitions, and stirring melodies, Grosse is able to conjure up images of mighty warriors and lost loves; epic struggles and tragic personal losses; despair and ultimate salvation.
After three albums (“Vengeance” in 2008, “Of Love And Death” in 2011 and “When Northmen Die” in 2017) Crom started a brand new chapter in its career, signing a new record deal with From The Vaults releasing the new EP “Into The Glory Land” in 2021. A spearhead craved deep in the future, foreshowing the battle that was yet to come…
…And what was to come in the foreseeable future was Crom’s new album “The Era Of Darkness”, released in early 2023.
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” is out now on digital, CD and LP (black vinyl, limited to 300 units) via From The Vaults.
