Interview

1349 Illuminates "The Infernal Pathway"

Over the course of metal history, certain places have become synonymous with particular sub-genres. One immediately thinks of thrash metal when the Bay Area is mentioned, or Florida whenever the topic of death metal comes up and there can be no doubting that when it comes to black metal, Norway is the spiritual home of the genre.

Though mostly known for its earlier bands such as Mayhem, Darkthrone, Emperor etc., the country continued to produce high quality black metal bands throughout the nineties and probably still to do this day, with one of the most revered latter decade bands being born under the name 1349. Over twenty years since their genesis, 1349 are still releasing intense and challenging music with a live show to match. It was at one of these performances, where they shared the stage with fellow Norwegian black metal kingpin Abbath, that I caught up with the band's bass player Tor Risdal "Seidemann" Stavenes, to discuss the group's latest album, "The Infernal Pathway," their early days and more. You watch the interview in full below.

Diamond Oz: Straight into it you're on tour right now with Abbath, as well as Vltimas and Nuclear. How did this lineup come about?

Seidemann: Well, to be honest we were asked to join as part of a package so the lineup was more or less set up by the time we actually joined. It's Abbath, which is great and there's Vltimas, who are "up and coming" kind of new but kind of not, they're all experienced doing great stuff and then of course there's 1349 and we're also experienced doing great stuff, if I say so myself! There's also Nuclear who are also experienced dudes doing great, South American proper metal, so it's a fantastic package and it goes really well together. It's a bit, for everyone. Not just pure black or pure death metal. It's good to have that variation.

Oz: Yeah, it's an exciting time to see 1349 as well because obviously you've just released, "The Infernal Pathway," which is a really strong album. I've seen a lot of people say it's the best one since "Hellfire."

Seidemann: The thing is, when you're in a band for a while you realise that you've always got to do better than what you've done before. "Hellfire" was fantastic but I love all our albums, but we always moved on and tried to top whatever we did before. We have to top it otherwise why? Even Motorhead, they did the same album consistently and it was good because it was Motorhead, but we can't do that, we have to move on and push on and we have to grow as people and musicians and get better. You have to know that what you're going to do next is going to top what you've already done otherwise what's the point? If you've peaked then maybe that's it, maybe you shouldn't do anything and that's why it takes a bit of time for us to do records now apart from all the real life bullshit.

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Cruachan Reveals New Bassist

Irish folk metal legends Cruachan has announced that they have recruited former drummer Joe Farrell back into the band as their new bassist. A message from the band's Facebook page reads as follows:

"Guess who's back!!! We are beyond delighted to announce that former Cruachan drummer, the legend that is ... JOE FARRELL, is back in Cruachan on BASS!!! Please join us in welcoming Joe back into the band. We are so excited about this line up! Tell Joe how much you love his beard in the comments."

Metal Underground recently spoke with Cruachan frontman Keith Fay on board 70000 Tons Of Metal, which you can check out below. More...

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Diabulus In Musica Posts New Song Online

In anticipation of their long-awaited new album, Euphonic Entropy, Diabulus In Musica soars higher than ever before with the release of their newest single "One Step Higher." The diverse and emotional song merges all the characteristics of the group’s sound. Electronic interludes, choral chants and heavier guitar-based sections create a captivating soundscape of self-discovery and confidence.

A lyrical call for freedom and determination, "One Step Higher" beautifully showcases both sides of Diabulus In Musica’s musical personality – the darker, daring one, and the one of ambitious visionaries striving relentlessly towards their goals. The track tells the story of the persisting search of one’s ambitions and exploring the unknown through the poetic prism of dreams. Similar to other tracks from "Euphonic Entropy," Diabulus In Musica highlights the importance of faith in our own abilities and intuition in regard to the challenge of changing the world and fulfilling our own dreams.

Singer Zuberoa Aznárez comments:
"“One Step Higher” is a bright look to the future, a song about personal growth and about embracing new stages of life with thrill. Despite the obstacles, our path is about overcoming them and finding the light again, making us stronger and wiser." More...

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Winterfylleth Announces European Tour

Seminal UK black metal band Winterfylleth have announced 'The Reckoning of Europe' headline tour in May with support from Mork. The tour coincides with the release of their long-awaited new album, more details to follow.

The band will also be appearing at numerous 2020 festivals including Bloodstock, Brutal Assault, Ragnarök Festival and more, as well as performing a number of acoustic shows.

Tour dates:

February

14th - Cafe De Meister, Geleen, NL (acoustic)
15th - Wacken Winter Nights, DE (acoustic)
16th - Little Devil, Tilburg, NL (acoustic)
19th - Descended From Odin Jorvik takeover, The Barbican, York, UK

April

18th - Ragnarök Festival, DE
24th - Dudefest, DE

May

'The Reckoning Of Europe' with Mork

14th - Club Voyta, Cologne, DE
15th - Vienna Metal Meeting Pre-party, AU
16th - Into The Abyss Fest, Wroclaw, PL
17th - Durer Kert, Budapest, HU
18th - Backstage, Münich, DE
19th - From Hell, ERfurt, DE
20th - Backstage, Paris, FR
21st - TBA
22nd - Boston Music Room, London, UK
23rd - Rebellion, Manchester, UK

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Cradle Of Filth Splits With Keyboardist

It is with a very heavy leaden heart that Cradle Of Filth must announce the mutual departure of keyboardist Lindsay Schoolcraft from amidst the band’s ranks.

Lindsay has been with the band for the last 7 years and in that time has been privy to a massive resurgence both on record and live, with Cradle Of Filth undertaking some of the most prolific touring in the band’s 28-year history, a feat that has indelibly been both (ultimately) rewarding and understandably exhausting at the same time.

This is what Lindsay has to say on the matter…

"Dearest Filthlings,

"It has been an honour and a pleasure to get to know you online, in person, and from the stage the past 7 years. You have made my life fulfilling during this period of time. I am here to inform you that I have left the band. It was a difficult decision to make, but I can assure you it was the best thing to do for my well-being and mental health. I have been doing well on my road to recovery and will continue to be a full-time musician through my other two musical projects.
I want to extend a massive thank you to the band for letting me be part of Cradle of Filth’s legacy for the time I was present. It was an incredible experience and I’m so grateful that we got to share this together.

"I want to send my well wishes to my successor too and I ask you all to please be as warm and welcoming towards them as you were with me so long ago. I hope that some of you will continue to join me on my journey as a composer and singer. The magick and the (black) metal doesn’t end here. Thank you again for all of the love, support, and memories. It will not be forgotten.
All my love and gratitude,
Lindsay Schoolcraft" More...

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Interview

David Vincent Discusses Vltimas And Country Music

Death metal is without question, one of the most popular sub-genres in any form of music. There are countless bands performing the style today, as well as many groups who have used to create fusion genres and more. Its influence can even be heard in rap music via such artists as Necro and Jedi Mind Tricks. Of course, this all had to come from somewhere and one of the first legendary bands in death metal was Morbid Angel, fronted in the beginning by David Vincent.

Fast forward to the modern day and while Vincent is no longer with the band, he's still pushing boundaries, breaking barriers and experimenting with his new outfit Vltimas, which also includes former Mayhem guitartist Blasphemer and Cryptopsy drummer Flo Mounier, whose debut album, "Something Wicked Marches In" stormed its way into the ears and minds of metal fans the world over last year. Add to this his own take on Morbid Angel, I Am Morbid, as well as a solo career in country music, an autobiography and his past work with Terrorizer and it's hard to tell whether his past or his future is the more interesting.

Vltimas are currently on the road with Abbath and 1349 and I was fortunate enough to sit down with this titan of death metal in London to discuss all these projects, which can be heard in full below.

Diamond Oz: You've been putting your time to good use, most notably Vltimas. The album ("Something Wicked Marches In") is amazing.

David Vincent: Thank you for saying so. There's a lot of really good reviews that have come in at the end of the year. We got number two of the year in Aardshock, we're in a lot of the top tens, which is great because we put a lot of work into that record. Everybody worked very very hard.

Oz: It's very clearly important to you because you all made a point to work together rather than fileshare or anything like that.

David: No and I'm happy about that too. I have done that kind of thing before, I can do that. There's no replacement for the kind of magic that you get sitting in a room with people and the sharing of ideas on a cerebral plane like that.

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Exclusive

Mazikeen Premiere New Song "Fractricide"

Australia based symphonic black/death metal outfit Mazikeen have teamed up with Metalundergound.com to exclusively premiere their new song "Fractricide", taken from their impending new album "The Solace Of Death". The outing will be co-released by Satanath Records (Russia) and Iron, Blood And Death Corporation (Mexico) on March 23rd.

Check out now "Fractricide" below.

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Imonolith Premiere New Single & Video “Dig”

Imonolith - featuring members of Threat Signal, Devin Townsend project and Methods Of Mayhem fame - premiere another new track called “Dig“ via a new music video streaming for you below.

Imonolith’s first live shows will take place in February and March: More...

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Living Gate (Yob, Etc.) Premiere Self-Titled Track

International death metal project Living Gate (Yob, Wiegedood, Oathbreaker, Amenra) premiere their self-titled track, taken from the band's upcoming debut EP "DeathLust", which will be out in stores in May 2020.

Check out now "Living Gate" below.

Explain the band: More...

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Watch Slipknot’s New BBC Radio 1 In-Studio Session

Slipknot played a live in-studio show at Madia Vale Studios in London, England past month on January 26th. 120 fans were invited to attend the show. Footage of “Unsainted” and “Duality‘ can be seen below.

Unsainted: More...

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