BURZUM – Umskiptar: The new album from Varg Vikernes will see North American release on May 22. Finding inspiration from the verses of famous Scandinavia poem “Voluspa,” Umskiptar is a return-to-roots album. Says the controversial musician: “The vocals are more important than on any previous album with a total of 66 stanzas making up the album’s lyrics.” Umskiptar expands BURZUM‘s ongoing influence of Nordic folk, but for this album adds more traditional heavy metal, signature BURZUM composition, and a keener emphasis on vocal delivery – once again presented in Vikernes’ native tongue. Umskiptar (or Metamorphoses) follows the historical story that details the creation of the world and its end as dictated to Odin, a recurring character in BURZUM‘s lyrics. Umskiptar follows 2011’s Fallen. Said Decibel Magazine, “pounding, primitive rhythms are lashing by fizzing, frostbitten guitar which swirls in squalls around Vikernes’ inhuman, agonizing screech; a chilling mesmerizing, unflinching mirror on a profoundly troubled soul.”
Umskiptar Track Listing:
1. Bloostokkinn
2. Joln
3. Alfadanz
4. hit Helga Tre
5. AEra
6. Heior
7. Valgaldr
8. Galgvior
9. Surtr Sunnan
10. Gullaldr
11. Niohoggr
The album is available for pre-order now at Candlelight’s official webstore. [http://www.burzum.org]
WINTERFYLLETH – The Ghost Of Heritage: Candlelight proudly presents this special reissue of the rising English band’s 2008 debut album. Remastered by Colin Marston (Krallic, Atheist), The Ghost Of Heritage has been completely repackaged and features two previously unavailable tracks. Combining vicious yet moody folk-inspired black metal that harkens back to the early days of Enslaved and old-school Ulver, the Manchester-based quartet is that unique combination of beauty and brimstone. Roadburn Fest 2011 alumni, the metallers are currently finishing up their third album anticipated for release later this year. Guitarist/vocalist Chris Naughton notes, “it’s really great for us to have our releases under one roof and available for our fans in North America to own. We are excited about this updated version of The Ghost Of Heritage which includes two additional songs recorded when we did the original album; it feels right to have the complete recording session all on one CD. We hope you agree.” The Ghost Of Heritage hits stores on May 22 and is available for pre-order now at Candlelight’s official webstore. [http://www.myspace.com/winterfylleth]
HAVOK – Point Of No Return: Our thrash brothers kicked off their tour with Sepultura last night. The North American Kairos Tour 2012 will make its way through nearly three weeks worth of shows before coming to a close in New York City on April 30. Vocalist/guitarist David Sanchez says of the tour, “we’re hitting the road with Sepultura – holy shit! It’s a dream come true. This tour is going to be absolutely insane. All the bands totally rule and we’re expecting to see some rowdy crows. Prepare to have a sore neck and remember, no karate in the pit!” HAVOK will unleash their new EP titled Point Of No Return shortly before embarking on their first European tour (alongside 3 Inches Of Blood and Goatwhore) on May 22. Recorded by the band with final touches via James Murphy (Death, Testament), the EP contains two new songs plus two HAVOK-ized Sepultura and Slayer covers. HAVOK tour dates with Sepultura, Death Angel, and Krisiun are noted below. [https://www.facebook.com/HavokOfficial]
4/11/2012 DNA Lounge – San Francisco, CA
4/12/2012 Branx – Portland, OR
4/13/2012 Studio Seven – Seattle, WA
4/14/2012 In The Venue – Salt Lake City, UT
4/15/2012 Gothic Theatre – Englewood, CO
4/16/2012 Manny’s – Billings, MT
4/17/2012 The Exchange – Regina, SK
4/18/2012 Pryamid Cabaret – Winnipeg, MB
4/20/2012 Majestic Theater – Madison, WI
4/21/2012 Mojo’s – Joliet, IL
4/22/2012 Water Street Music Hall – Rochester, NY
4/23/2012 Opera House – Toronto, ON
4/24/2012 Imperial Theater – Quebec City, QC
4/25/2012 Club Soda – Montreal, QC
4/26/2012 Bogie’s – Albany, NY
4/27/2012 Sonar – Baltimore, MD
4/29/2012 Higher Ground – South Burlington, VT
4/30/2012 Irving Plaza – New York, NY
FEAR FACTORY – The Industrialist: Details regarding the first single from FEAR FACTORY‘s forthcoming new album leaked out this past weekend. “Recharger” is set for digital release on April 24. The song is one of several monster tracks from the conceptual record The Industrialist set for North American release June 5. If you have not heard the snippet from the song yet you can by visiting the band’s official YouTube page HERE. Vocalist Burton C. Bell and guitarist Dino Cazares are in Los Angeles tonight presenting the award for Comeback Of The Year at the annual Revolver Golden God Awards. The duo will take to the black carpet at 6:00pm PST for interviews with media while en route to the theater for the sold-out awards ceremony that is scheduled to begin at 7:00pm PST. The Industrialist again pairs FEAR FACTORY with producer Rhys Fulber and is the second album written by Bell and Cazares since reuniting in 2009 after a seven-year split. Cazares recently said, “collaborating with Burton again on the new album was like magic. Everything just fell into place naturally. It felt good to recapture the true sound of FEAR FACTORY, taking it back to where it all started while raising it to new levels.” FEAR FACTORY kick of tour dates May 1 in the US; dates are noted below. Pre-orders for The Industrialist will be available shortly. [http://www.facebook.com/fearfactory]
5/01/2012 Backstage Live – San Antonio, TX
5/02/2012 Trees – Dallas, TX
5/03/2012 Scout Bar – Houston, TX
5/05/2012 State Theater – St. Petersburg, FL
5/06/2012 Culture Room – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
5/07/2012 Masquerade – Altanta, GA
5/09/2012 Ziggy’s – Winston-Salem, NC
5/10/2012 Theater of Living Arts – Philadelphia, PA
5/11/2012 Wally’s Pub – Hamton Beach, NH
5/12/2012 Sonar – Baltimore, MD
5/13/2012 Gramercy Theatre – New York, NY
5/15/2012 McGuffy’s House of Rock – Dayton, OH
5/16/2012 The Crofoot Ballroom – Pontiac, MI
5/17/2012 Bottom Lounge – Chicago, IL
5/19/2012 Summit Music Hall – Denver, CO
5/21/2012 Ace of Spade – Sacramento, CA
5/22/2012 Regency Ballroom – San Francisco, CA
5/23/2012 Yost Theater – Santa Ana, CA
IHSAHN – Eremita: The new album from IHSAHN is set for North American release on June 19. Eremita, as announced last week, features nine new songs from the regarded vocalist/guitarist. It includes guest performances from Devin Townsend, guitarist Jeff Loomis (ex-Nevermore), saxophonist Jorgen Munkeby (Shining-Norway), and more. Eremita begins a new musical chapter for the highly regarded musician; his previous album, Norwegian Grammy Award Nominated After, forming the final part of a planned trilogy on its release in early 2010. Offering nine new songs to his growing worldwide audience, Eremita is the longest and most spirited of IHSAHN‘s solo recordings. Reflecting on the recording process IHSAHN notes, “this is right where I want to be musically, with lots of room for dynamics and expressive variety. Tobias and Jorgen have really added to the organic vibe I was going for and have contributed to the overall feel with their fantastic musicianship. And to have Devin, Jeff, Einar and Heidi adding their special moments, I am very privileged to be able to work with such a talented group of people. I really feel this is some of my most inspired work yet.” Pre-orders for Eremita will be available shortly. [http://www.ihsahn.com]
CORROSION OF CONFORMITY – Corrosion of Conformity: Currently on tour in Europe, North Carolina’s CORROSION OF CONFORMITY have impressed all with their first new recording in years. The trio of vocalist/bassist Mike Dean, guitarist Woody Weatherman, and drummer Reed Mullin are packing clubs nightly as they perform selections from across their vast catalog. The band is set to return to North American with tour dates resuming June 1. Invisible Oranges says, “Corrosion Of Conformity isn’t a comeback album or an example of diminishing returns. It’s a testament to immense talent and the elusive endowment of staying power.” Pitchfork adds, “Corrosion of Conformity is what you want out of a comeback record: not just a reclamation of lost vigor but a meaningful update on a vintage sound. If Animosity seemed like an ugly duckling back in the mid 1980s — too punk for the metal crowd and vice versa — Corrosion of Conformity registers similarly today. In an era when doom metal keeps growing bleaker and artier, and hardcore skews ever more dire, the album serves as a reminder that swagger, soul, and songcraft still have a place in the heavy-rock underground. CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, indeed.” CORROSION OF CONFORMITY tour dates are noted below: [http://www.coc.com]
6/01/2012 Amos – Charlotte, NC
6/03/2012 Exit Inn – Nashville, TN
6/05/2012 Conservatory – Oklahoma City, OK
6/07/2012 Club 910 – Phoenix, AZ
6/08/2012 Queen Mary/Ink N Iron Festival – Long Beach, CA
6/09/2012 Slim’s – San Francisco, CA
6/11/2012 Studio Seven – Seattle, WA
6/12/2012 Hawthorne Theatre – Portland, OR
6/13/2012 Rickshaw Theatre – Vancouver, BC
6/16/2012 Urban Lounge – Salt Lake City, UT
6/18/2012 Firebird – St. Louis, MO
6/19/2012 The Ballroom/The Taft – Cincinnati, OH
6/20/2012 Machine Shop – Flint, MI
6/21/2012 Opera House – Toronto, ON
6/22/2012 Foufounes Electriques – Montreal, QC
6/23/2012 Middle East – Cambridge, MA
COMING SOON FROM CANDLELIGHT:
RUMPELSTILTSKIN GRINDER – Ghostmaker
THE WRETCHED END – Inroads
ORANGE GOBLIN – A Eulogy For The Damned (Deluxe Edition)
VISION OF DISORDER – TBA
DAYLIGHT DIES – TBA
WINTERFYLLETH – TBA
WOE – TBA