Pitch Black Records Offering Free Sampler

Pitch Black Records has a new digital sampler available at Bandcamp here that can also be streamed in its entirety below. The label comments:

"Our 2016 sampler is out now! It includes 2 tracks from each 2016 PBR release (16 tracks total) and it’s now available as a FREE download. That’s it, no catch! Enjoy!"

1. ARRAYAN PATH - Solomon Seed 04:52
2. ARRAYAN PATH - Gabriel is Rising 05:05
3. PICTURES OF PAIN - Legacy 07:03
4. PICTURES OF PAIN - The Storm 06:13
5. GYPSY CHIEF GOLIATH - The Sting 05:16
6. GYPSY CHIEF GOLIATH - Citizens of Nowhere 03:51
7. HOLY DRAGONS - Civilizator 06:40
8. HOLY DRAGONS - Secret Friend 04:00
9. SINNERY - Built to Kill 04:22
10. SINNERY - Magic Bullet 06:46
11. MARAUDER - Tooth and Nail 04:05
12. MARAUDER - The Fall 06:12
13. CRIMSON FIRE - Bad Girl 03:23
14. CRIMSON FIRE - Only the Brave 03:53
15. DEBACKLINER - Rise of Angel 05:41
16. DEBACKLINER - Werewolf 03:23 More...

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Spectral Realm Recording Album

Spectral Realm just checked in with this update about working on a new release due to drop sometime in 2017:

'Exactly one year ago we made our way to the beautiful Cape for a new years bash!! Now one year later we are busy recording our 2nd full-length album!!

"All guitars are complete and soon we'll move on to vocals! We can say that this album will definitely be a step up from our debut release.

"See you all next year with more shows and to all our families and friends, have yourselves an amazing new year!!" More...

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Necrophobic Announces Lineup Changes

Blackened death metal group Necrophobic just issued this announcement about lineup changes within the band:

"Let’s start this new year with welcoming the two savages Sebastian Ramstedt and Johan Bergebäck back to the band. From today, they will handle the guitars, a part that has been single handed in the recent years. Why is this happening now? What happened to Fredrik?

"The last couple of years, Fredrik has been handling all the guitar parts as a single guitarist. He is a great guitar player, but he can’t play two guitars live and to have two guitarists is an important part of our sound - especially live. The music is written for two guitars. It has been so in the past and it’s still so today. Necrophobic has already started to write new music and plan to record a long awaited new album during the end of 2017."

Joakim Sterner comments: "Lately, I have also come to realize that me and Fredrik are too far from each other on the musical side. Our mindset and our musical roots are too different. Necrophobic is very special in that way that it has very strict, call it rules, on how music shall sound, and not to sound, so with that in mind, along with that one guitar player was 'missing' live, I slowly started to think of this solution - to let Fredrik go. It’s always hard to tell a person to go, especially since we have always got along very well on the personal basis, he’s a great guy, but I had to set the band, and what’s best for the band, in first place. There’s no hard feelings between us. At least not from my side. More...

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Lifeless Finishes New Album

German death metal band Lifeless has finished recording a new album due out next year, with the band issuing this statement:

"Dear congregation of rotten skulls! 2016 is passing away and it´s once more about time to say 'Thank You' for another awesome year in the history of Lifeless!

"Besides many club-shows alongside a lot of talented bands we had once again the great honour to share the stage with some heroes from our own youth, namely Fleshcrawl, Pungent Stench, Unleashed, and last but not least the mighty Asphyx who were so kind to invite us supporting their exclusive German release show for current album 'Incoming Death.'

"What else happened worth to be mentioned? More...

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Tomas Lindberg Announces The Lurking Fear

Tomas Lindberg is back to front a new death metal project titled The Lurking Fear (and based on the artwork, likely based on the H.P. Lovecraft story of the same name). He posted this message about the impending release via the At The Gates Facebook page:

"Introducing, The Lurking Fear. Tomas Lindberg - vocals, Jonas Stålhammar - Guitars, Fredrik Wallenberg - Guitars, Andreas Axelson - Bass and Adrian Erlandsson - drums.

"The Lurking Fear is bringing sheer, natural weirdness and horror back to the scene, as we want our death metal ugly, twisted and possessed.

"Riffs should stir up real feelings of repulsion, and disgust deep down in your soul, and vocals should sounds like hounds of hell howling at the moon. Stay tuned! Art by Branca Studios." More...

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Bauda Announces Plans For New Album

The strength of 2015 album "Sporelights" (reviewed here) saw Chilean prog group Bauda spot lighted in our Unearthing The Underground column, and we're excited to announce a new album is now in the works. Bauda just issued this statement online (translated from Spanish):

"Dear all, we wish you success in every way. This was a year of changes and processes that will bear fruit very soon. We are on the doors of recording a new album.

"We are very excited and happy. Happy new year and magic we wish with all my heart. Long live the big birds!! Born under Saturn, happy new year, all the best!" More...

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Agrypnie To Record New Album

It's been nearly four years since Agrypnie released the "Aetas Cineris" album, but now a new album is on the horizon.

The band comments: "A new year is coming up and I am looking forward to enter the studio in two weeks and a bit together with our drummer Moe to finally record the next release!"

Stay tuned for more info to arrive early next year, and in the mean time you can hear the full previous album below.

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Cliteater Looks Back At 2016

Dutch grind outfit Cliteater is looking back on a phenomenal 2016 by issuing this end-of-year recap for fans:

"Where to start...2016 was one of the best years of Cliteater since we started back in 2002. First of all our album 'From Enslavement to Clitoration' was released in March. We did a very successful Europe tour with Waco Jesus, A Threat to the Enemy, Krotchripper, Verderver and Monkeysoop. Best times ever.

"Also we did a Dutch clubs how tour with our friends of Legion of the Damned and Sisters of Suffocation. We did some very nice summer festivals like Summer Breeze, Metal Frenzy, etc. and last but not least we had lots of fun with the people we met on the road. We wanna thank everyone who made this year great for us and thank you for the support!!!!! Next year we have a lot a new plans so keep an eye on this site.

"Cliteater wishes you all the best for 2017 and looking forward to see you all back next year!!!" More...

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Paragon Comments On "Hell Beyond Hell" Release

German metal band Paragon just issued this year-end message and comment about the band's latest album release:

"It's not easy for A small band like us to keep on going these days as it gets harder and harder to get (paid) shows and sell enough albums in this commercial driven music business. Anyhow, we are existing now for 26 years and we still love what we do, love to record new music, play live and most of all get feedback from you - the best fans of the world.

"We had a great year with all the positive feedback for 'Hell Beyond Hell' from fans and press and a lot of cool shows. We also know that 'Hell Beyond Hell' is maybe not such an easy listing experience like 'Force Of Destruction' and needs a few more spins before it clicks. 'Force Of Destruction' had all a Paragon fan could expect from a Paragon album, but after that we grew as a band and as friends and we didn't wanted to repeat ourselves.

"So 'Hell Beyond Hell' is 100% what we wanted to record at that time, without compromises to anyone but ourselves! We rehearsed a lot for the live shows and we are a much tighter band now, than we were in the past. Bert, Martin & Günny already gathered some riffs and songwriting will start in January. So also after 26 year expect no mercy from us as it will see the release of one of our heaviest albums and also a lot of Metal fueled live shows. All the best to you and your families and 'Metal Is The Law!'" More...

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Civil War Posts Year End Message

After splitting with vocalist Nils Patrik Johansson earlier this week, Civil War has now posted this year-end message online:

"2016 has been a year of changes to say the least. A lot of people that have influenced us in many ways has left this world, and it's very possible that people that will influence us in the future have been born.

"Also for us there have been changes, but now we're facing new year. A year with new challenges. When we wake up tomorrow we'll start our mission on finding a new singer for real by starting with sending out audition songs.

"So do you feel that you're the man/woman for it? Or do you know anyone that could be? Then don't hesitate to contact us here on Facebook or at info[at]civilwar.se. But for now.....have a very Happy New Year!

"Take care of each other and be safe! See you next year!" More...

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Licuation Releases "Torment Of The Morgue"

Finnish death / thrash band Licuation has now released debut EP "Torment of the Morgue," which was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Sami Niittykoski, Teemu Liekkala, and SN Audio Production. Check out the song "Forgotten To Curse" below.

Licuation was formed in Kuopio, Finland back in 2014 by Esa Laukkanen (bass), Samu Reijonen (drums), Teemu Tick (guitars), Jani Nevasalmi (guitars) and Veeti Heiskanen (vocals).

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Extrema Adds More 30th Anniversary Shows

Italiy's Extrema today announced more dates for thr “30 Years of Headbanging” tour, kicking off on February 3rd in Borgo Priolo. Check out all the confirmed dates below:

03.02.17 - Borgo Priolo (PV) - DAGDA Live Club
04.02.17 - San Donà Di Piave (VE) - Revolver Club
10.02.17 - Prato - Exenzia Rock-Club
11.02.17 - Cremona - Midian LIVE
17.02.17 - Roma - JAILBREAK LiveClub
18.02.17 - Livorno - The Cage Theatre (NEW)
19.02.17 - Perugia - Afterlife live club
25.02.17 - Vogogna (VB) - La Loggia del Leopardo (NEW) More...

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Loudguns Releasing New Album

Loudguns today reveals the artwork and a first teaser for an upcoming album. Once again the Finnish six-gun crew has been working extremely hard: right after announcing a newly recruited singer, the band went straight into the studio to record new material for third album "Revolution Days."

Sami Pilve from Loudguns comments: "We know it's a lot different artwork than our previous ones but it was a very conscious decision to do so. I had this dream a while ago about this simple white brick wall with a red logo on it, so it almost felt like the only possible choice. Also since we had a little line-up change we wanted to loosely make a statement about our new chapter."

Loudguns also announced a new single will drop on the 3rd of February featuring album tracks "Billie The Queen" & "These Dreams." More...

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Kampfar Reviews A Momentous Year

Kampfar just checked in with the following "year in review" message to fans about what went down in 2016:

"2016 has been a roller coaster with ups and downs for Us. But what we did together and what we achieved in 2016 have still reached the highest peak in our 22 years of existence. Starting the year with winning a Spellemann (Norwegian Grammy) in metal. Who could have thought that 22 years ago.

"In a year when we as a band has been put on the toughest tests personally we still managed to do 4 tours in one year together+ festivals. There is still some fire left burning inside of us. And we can tell you for sure that without all of you. This band would have most likely faded away this year. Cause the personal life and emotions behind the scene this year has been tough!

"This can be said without being too dramatic. It has been a battle. A battle we won because of the amazing support from all of you and because of the strong bloodline in our band itself. The brotherhood Dolk, Ask, Ole and Jon its just to strong to go to pieces. Its the 4 of us or no band. End of story!

"Going though the year with short words like this can not be done actually. But to think about one special moment this year it can not go without mention our late night show at Wacken. The band has never been this destroyed ever on the personal level. It was a band on the edge of the cliff. More...

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Sunlight's Bane Reveals Album Details

Blackened grind outfit Sunlight's Bane is gearing up to drop debut album "The Blackest Volume: Like All the Earth Was Buried" this coming February 17, 2017 through Innerstrength Records.

"The Blackest Volume: Like All the Earth Was Buried" was recorded by Andy Nelson at Bricktop Recordings (Harm's Way, Weekend Nachos, Exalt, Dead In the Dirt) and mastered by Brad Boatright of Audiosiege (Nails, Full of Hell, Integrity, Twitching Tongues).

The label comments: "Formerly called Traitor, Sunlight's Bane has crafted a sound so inherently dark and repulsive that even the sunlight will withdraw and run from it!"

01. Praise The Venom Shield
02. Begrudging Soul
03. From Heaven Wept
04. Cursed Diminished Years
05. I Am The Cold Harsh Whispers In Hell
06. Dance Of Thorns
07. The Blessed Ivory Tongue
08. No Taste More Bitter
09. With Fear This Love Is Given
10. Came No Dawn
11. To Whom I Await More...

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Negator Teases New Album

Ready for a new Negator album? Work is now underway on a new release to follow 2013's full-length offering "Gates to the Pantheon."

A video clip featuring music from the impending release is available below, and the band also comments: "We want to end 2016 with a preview of what will come over you in 2017. Heavy new year's eve!" More...

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Paria Streaming "Knochenkamp"

The entirety of Paria's brand new "Knochenkamp" mini-album for W.T.C. Productions has come online for full streaming just after the EP's December 25th release date.

Since the ancient year of 1995, Paria has been a study in staunch defiance and unparalleled filth, continuing today on "Knochenkamp," which can be heard below.

1. Intro
2. Pergamentikkch Nemesis
3. So Far From The Hidden God
4. Cyclikkch Ovogenesis
5. Call From The Grave (Bathory) More...

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Bult Wishes You A Happy New Year

Swedish group Bult is now working on new material and has checked in with this "happy new year" message:

"Not dead yet. No, we're not. We're still alive and well, both as a band and as human beings. This year we lost a very valuable band member but that hasn't stopped us.

"The three of us are still rehearsing together and writing new songs. One might even show up on YouTube in early 2017 (hint hint).

"Anyway, grab your favorite drink and have a happy new year. See you in 2017! / Martin, Emil and Cristian." More...

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Toxic Holocaust Issues Album Update

The follow-up to "Chemistry of Consciousness" is nearly complete, with Toxic Holocaust posting this message online updating the fanbase on progress:

"New Toxic album is about 90% finished, still need to finish up some arrangements and some lyrics but it's getting close. Once everything is dialed in I hope to start recording in February. It's shaping up to be a little more fist pumping and rock n roll than previous stuff but still kinda has that D-beat shit going on from the last record. No wimp out, still gonna be raw and gross.

"Also, this will sort of be a return to the origins of the band in a way as it will be a solo effort like back in the old days. I get a lot of questions and requests about doing a solo record again (ala Evil Never Dies and Hell on Earth...hence the Yellowgoat record) so I thought it would be a cool change and something different that what most bands do. This doesn't effect the lineup, they will still be playing live with the band." More...

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Ufomammut Posts Holiday Fan Message

Italian psychedelic power trio Ufomammut is currently wrapping up work on an eighth LP, following the band's 2015 epic for Neurot Recordings, "Ecate."

Today the band posted this brief holiday message to the fans: "Thanks for supporting us in 2016. It's been a really thrilling year for us. Hope the new year coming will be great for all of You, all of Us, the family of Ufomammut." More...

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Manegarm Working On Album

After releasing a self-titled album back in 2015, Manegarm is now in the process of crafting a new work to see release next year. The band comments:

"Alright bastards! Time to look back at 2016 on this years very last day. We can just say that it has been a great and exciting year for Månegarm. We played our first shows in Japan together with Finntroll and Arkona, totally amazing!

"We also visited England for the first time when we played 'Warhorns festival,' also a great memory. We did a European tour together with our great friends in Skyforger and Ereb Altor; thanx brothers, it was a pleasure as always.

"In 2017 we have a bunch of great festivals coming up and we're so looking forward to meet all of you on the road!

"And! We are working on a new album in this very moment. No studio booked, no dates confirmed but the material sounds awesome and gonna be a great follow up to our latest self titled release!

"We raise our mead filled horns for you brothers and sisters and wish you all a really nice evening and all the best for 2017!!" More...

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F.K.U. Wishes You A Metal New Year

The Swedish thrashers from F.K.U. have been active on social media lately, posting updates like "This is not the end, no, we have just begun. We will come for you and you will run. There is no escaping, you can never hide, but we're quite sure you'll like what we provide."

Fans are now speculating perhaps the follow-up to 2013's "4: Rise of the Mosh Mongers" is in the works. For now, the group has simply posted this year-end message online:

"The Horror Metal Moshing Machine wish you a horror and metal-filled new year! #fkü #horror #metal #vhsisgoodforyou #newyearsevil #1980." More...

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In The Burial Working On Album

Adelaide metal band In The Burial just checked in with this announcement about starting work on a new album and seeking a bassist for live activity:

"Hey metal heads, In The Burial is commencing pre-production for our second full-length album beginning mid Jan 2017. We are currently looking for an energetic and dedicated bass player to join the ranks for shows booked locally and interstate.

"Must have decent gear, able to tour interstate from Feb 2017 and have and an appreciation and understanding of extreme metal. If this sounds like you or someone you know, feel free to inbox us or email intheburialofficial[at]hotmail.com. Tracks can be found here." More...

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Six Feet Under's Chris Barnes Teases 3 New Songs

Six Feet Under's frontman Chris Barnes teases three new songs of the band’s forthcoming new album via Instagram. The new release is due out in early 2017.

Check it out now below.

Teaser 01

Teaser 02

Teaser 03

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Headline News

Austin Carlile Permanently Exits Of Mice & Men

After having suffered numerous health setbacks brought on by the connective tissue disorder Marfan Syndrome, Of Mice & Men vocalist Austin Carlile has announced his decision to permanently exit the band. The outfit will continue without him. States Carlile:

"I never thought in a million years I would be sitting in Costa Rica writing this. I never thought I would start a successful band. I never thought I’d open for Marilyn Manson and Slipknot for an entire summer. I never thought I would go on a world tour with Linkin Park and sing ‘Faint‘ on stage with them all around the globe, I never thought I‘d become friends with Mike Shinoda and he’d help me write songs for an album of ours that sat at the No. 4 spot on the Billboard top charts.

"I never thought I would befriend bands like Avenged Sevenfold, Metallica, and Korn. I never thought i would sing ‘Ball Tongue‘ on stage with Korn. I never thought my band would play, much less headline Warped Tour, play giant radio festivals all over the world with some of my favorite artists, or tour in Germany, or anywhere in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brazil, Chile, Canada, the United Kingdom, Scotland, Holland, Norway, or Italy, etc.

"The first time I ever left the States was because of this band that I started in a tiny barred window studio apartment… I never thought people would ask to take selfies with me inside the Roman Collesium, on the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or even the mall I worked at in Ohio where Of Mice & Men was born eight years ago with the help of my friends in Though She Wrote.

"Kameron Bradbury now in Beartooth on guitar, recording our first song together in a local studio for just $50. I never thought putting the song ‘Seven Thousand Miles For What‘ on MySpace would reach over a million plays in a week, and that I’d sign a record contract of my own just days later. I never thought i‘d pack my things up and drive to California for the first time to find permanent band members. I never thought all my wildest dreams and more would eventually come true… More...

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