Biographie

The roots of this band you’ll find back in 2006, when Silvan Etzensperger (vocals, guitar), Cyril Etzensperger (guitar) and Samy Riedener (drums) started jamming. In the same year they released a demo called „The Fight For Metal“ (out of print), which received a positive feedback and brought in scads of gigs. Their lineup got finally completed when they met up with Lukas Marti (Bass) in 2009. Only one year later, in February 2010, Battalion released their first album „Underdogs“. With their first longplayer, Battalion played shows domestic and abroad and thrilled the audience with their energetic performance and their passion for heavy metal. Regretfully only six months after releasing „Underdogs“, their guitar player and founding member Cyril Etzensperger (†12.08.2010) passed away by suicide. But instead of burying their heads in the sand, Battalion decided that the only right thing to do is keep going. They quickly met up with a live guitarist, Leandro Pacheco, and stood back on stage only two months after Cyril’s death. In June 2011 Clode Hürlimann (guitar) joined the band and the line-up was completed again. Within the “Underdogs Over Europe Tour”, Battalion were performing shows in whole Europe for the first time. In eighteen days, fourteen successful shows in not less than nine countries were played. Beginning 2012 Lukas Marti left the band due personal reasons. His replacement: Alexander Gubler. Followed by appearances at summer festivals, among others at Bloodstock open air in England, the second album “Set The Phantom Afire” was released in September. With two outstanding albums, more than hundred successful concerts in whole Europe and a burning passion for heavy metal, Battalion are among the hottest bands in Europe and indispensable in the local scene. The current survey of Switzerland’s most important webzine “Metal Factory” confirms this. In the categories “best Swiss band 2012”, “best Swiss album 2012” and “best show in Switzerland 2012”, Battalion are on the second place. Reason enough them out...AND YOU’LL BE THE NEXT TO GET INFECTED!

Biographie

BELPHEGOR emerges as one of the most extreme line ups to ever come out of the death black metal scene. The band members themselves describe their hellride as "Supreme Death/ Black Metal Art”

SEYN TODT IN SCHWARTZ

1993: The now legendary demo on Maxi Cd format, BLOODBATH IN PARADISE, is circulated within the underground and earns BELPHEGOR the reputation of an unrepentant, blasting war machine. 1995: The first studio album, THE LAST SUPPER, is released on Lethal Records and is a welcomed collection of infernal hymns for their growing fan base. Following their own path of sin and befitting their ever-evolving anti-religious, anti-life attitude, BELPHEGOR’s logo gets revamped to incorporate two inverted crosses completely surrounded by blood representing the slaughter of Christians and martyrs. 1997: Last Episode Records releases BLUTSABBATH. BELPHEGOR’s sinister reputation continues to gain momentum. 2000: Stagnation means more....

death! The band spreads their disease once again via NECRODAEMON TERRORSATHAN, logging yet another volume of blasphemy added to The Vatican Library. 2002: BELPHEGOR celebrates their 10th anniversary by capturing a live set with songs played even faster than their original studio recordings on INFERNAL LIVE ORGASM (released on their own label, Phallelujah Productions). 2003: Produced by Alex Krull at Mastersound Studios, BELPHEGOR cram their high-speed murderous brutality into the 8-track release of LUCIFER INCESTUS, and then tour throughout Europe. 2005: The band opts to once again to work with Krull at Mastersound to create the morbid GOATREICH - FLESHCULT for Napalm Rec., and later touring Europe with the infamous X-Mass Festival. “We don’t give a fuck about anything and don’t let anyone talk us into doing anything. Only the music counts!”

PEST TEUFEL APOKALYPSE

Produced, mixed, and mastered by Andy Classen at Stage One Studio in Kassel, Germany, and featuring artwork by Seth Siro Anton PESTAPOKALYPSE VI is, on the one hand, a concept album based on The Devil, Pestilence, and The Apocalypse, and on the other, a lesson in infernology. Incorporating unconventional harmonies with dynamic execution and monumentally aggressive vocal work, its multi-language approach (the German verses in “Bluhtsturm Erotika” are taken from the works of Marquis de Sade & Goethe; “Sanctus Perversum” defiles the church’s monopoly on Latin) accurately represents the infernal musical landscape BELPHEGOR comfortably inhabits.

Biographie

Carpathian Forest (previously known as “The Childmolesters”, then “Enthrone”) emerged with the demo tape “Bloodlust and Perversion” in 1992. In 1993 the band released a second demo: Journey Through the Cold Moors of Svarttjern. The following year, Forest signed to Avantgarde Music and recorded their first EP, Through Chasm, Caves and Titan Woods in 1995, followed by the debut album Black Shining Leather in 1998.

Carpathian Forest played their first concert in 1998 at the Quart Festival, Kristiansand Norway supporting Immortal and Satyricon. This saw the introduction of Vrangsinn. A short studio session followed, with Tchort and Kobro being made permanent members. The following EP was called He’s Turning Blue, followed by the albums Strange Old Brew and Morbid Fascination of Death - these were both recorded at the same time and were produced by Terje Refsnes at Sound Suite studio in Sandnes. Nordavind left the band after this studio session due to personal issues with Tchort being promoted to guitarist. Vrangsinn was promoted to bass, and Blood Pervertor to keyboard duties for following sessions and tours.[1]

With this lineup, the band recorded their fourth album, Defending the Throne of Evil, released by Season of Mist. This album was the first to feature symphonic sounds, as witnessed with “It’s Darker than You Think”. The album was generally well-received.

The following year, Carpathian Forest made two releases - We’re Going to Hollywood for This, a live DVD, the title of which was a play on their compilation album We’re Going to Hell for This, and another compilation entitled Skjend Hans Lik, which featured many new tracks, as well as some remastered ones from Bloodlust and Perversion.

The band’s most recent release was in 2006, with Fuck You All!!!!, an album which has similar structures to Black Shining Leather.

The band last played live at the Inferno Festival in 2009, and confirmed rumors that a new album was in the works.

Biographie

Coroner was one of those underrated metal bands, mostly known to hardcore fans. Often labelled a thrash band, their music went far beyond what is usually thought of as thrash metal. Releasing five albums and a semi-compilation in eight years – from the unpolished and technical speed of 1987's "R.I.P.", the complexity of 1988’s „Punishment for Decadence“, the technical quality of 1989’s „No More Color“ and its derivative „Mental Vortex“ from 1991 to the heavier and more laidback style of "Grin" – the band progressed consistently, without ever losing their identity. Composed of only three members – Tommy Vetterli (guitar), Marky Edelmann (drums) and Ron Broder (bass/vocals) – Coroner stood out of the metal scene with outstanding musicianship, creativity, raw power, technical skills and innovation.

Coroner's music became more technical as Tommy’s guitar work was characterized by intricate modes and arpeggios, solo work that was chromatically colorful, as well as the de rigueur crunchy chords and speed runs. Marky’s drumming went beyond the 4/4 time to incorporate odd time signatures which became their trademark. Ron’s bass playing is also worth a mention as having an advanced three-finger technique which enabled him to double the rhythm line as well
as perform more intricate riffs.

Unfortunately, due to lack of exposure and poor management from their label (Noise), Coroner never got the credit they undoubtedly deserved. They broke up after the release of 1993's "Grin", releasing one last compilation album, Coroner, in 1995 to fulfill their contract with Noise, but without Marky on drums (who had, by then, joined Apollyon's Sun, while Tommy momentarily went to Kreator.) Their eponymous album also contained unreleased material and a selection of hits from previous albums.

In March 2005, talks of a reunion were in the works, but later retracted. The main reason was that neither Marky, Ron, nor Tommy had the time it would require to do this properly, and also that none of them liked to "reheat things, except spaghetti sauce." However, in June 2010, Coroner eventually decided to reunite and play at the next year's installments of Hellfest France, Bloodstock UK, Maryland Death Fest USA and more to be announced.

Biographie

Formed in 1994 the German black metal outfit DARK FORTRESS have established themselves in the top ranks of the genre with intense live shows and fascinating, pitch black full-length masterpieces that meet the standard created mostly in northern Europe’s prolific scenes with ease.

Contrary to the last DARK FORTRESS album “Eidolon”, “Ylem” is not strictly a concept album; however, most songs have a common theme - invocations of the death principle from different perspectives. “Ylem" is the term for the state of the elements before the Big Bang; in alchemy, it refers to the primordial matter from which all elements were created. The return to a state of “Ylem” automatically signifies the end of everything that exists now. There is a spark of life in every living cell, but also a seed of entropy and death. This inevitable process and its aftermath is sped up and described in different scenarios, ranging from personal (“Osiris”, “Wraith”) to magical (“Ylem”, “Redivider”), religious (“Nemesis”, “The Valley”) and cosmic angles (“Silence”, “As the World Keels Over”). The insignificance of the feeble evolutionary detour that is man is evident, for our future is clear: we will be nothing but dust and bones on a scorched, lifeless rock waiting to be devoured by the sun. This vision is also the basis of Stephen Lenfestey's artwork for the album.

Musically, it is safe to say that they took the next step in their development - as DARK FORTRESS have always done. “We all keep growing as musicians, and we would never make the same album twice. Where “Eidolon” was a compact missile, shot to kill instantly, on “Ylem” we explore the stylistic diversity inherent in this band deeper than ever before. There is a lot of slow, very heavy stuff going on, some truly rotten clean parts, but also insane blastbeats, some orchestral darkness, and tons of killer riffs to break your neck to. It is our ambition that every song is its own world and has a strong and unmistakable identity. We exploited this ambition to the fullest here”, explains Morean (vocals).

DARK FORTRESS recorded in V Santura's (guitars, also guitars in Triptykon and Noneuclid, and former live-guitarist for Celtic Frost) Woodshed studio without any outside influences or distractions, which was a great pleasure after the difficult circumstances in which the last two albums came to life. “Most of the music is Santura's, but we others did contribute substantially. For guest vocals on the track "Wraith" we invited Mortal, a good friend of ours, and in a certain sense it became the most extreme track in the history of this band.”

“We understand black metal nowadays as quite a variety of styles, rather than a single type of music.” They embrace everything that supports the atmosphere of bleakness and death as equally valid. It will be up to the listener to judge in how far this album is black metal, but it is without a doubt very, very DARK FORTRESS. “We figured that our fans know they have to keep an open mind, and we'd rather be judged as an independent musical entity rather than representatives of a specific genre.” “Ylem” is the living proof of that, and there can be no question that some things on this album are the best things the band has ever done. Tours with Satyricon, Shining and Posthum in December 2009 and with Serpentcult and Farsot in 2010 further cemented their status as one of Europe's outstanding Black Metal acts.

Dark Fortress will embark on a European tour with Nachtmystium, Verdelet and Phlefonyaar / Wraithcult in april 2012. The band also started working on their seventh studio album recently.

Biographie

Decrepit Birth is a Santa Cruz, CA-based brutal technical death metal band formed in 2001 by Matt Sotelo - guitars, Bill Robinson - vocals, and Derek Boyer – bass. Originally the intention was to play devastating, brutal, technical death metal, mixed with influences from the early 1990’s Florida death metal scene. Since Matt and Derek had at one time both played in Southern California band, Deprecated, it was easy for the two of them to begin collaborating on material for the first full length Decrepit Birth album “…And Time Begins”.

In Fall of 2002, with the help of friend Tim Yeung on session drums, they entered Legion Studios to begin recording. Almost a year later “…And Time Begins” was released on Unique Leader Records, artwork by Dan Seagrave. The album had production issues but still managed to forge a very solid fan base in the death metal scene. The band went through a dry period of playing no shows due to the lack of a drummer. Bassist Derek Boyer got the chance of a lifetime and was offered a full time position with death metal legends Suffocation. That left Decrepit Birth with out a drummer or bassist.

During 2004, bassist Risha Eryavec stepped in and not long after that, drummer KC Howard of Odius Mortem officially joined the band as well. For the next couple years the new lineup played many shows, fests and one North American tour. In 2007 the band took a break and began writing full time for the new album. They went through some lineup changes and also dealt with personal issues related to a past member. This conflicted the band, and brought about a spiritual overhaul. The result was a change in direction and sound. The new music was becoming influenced by melodic and progressive compositions. The sound was more mature and catchy, while still maintaining the brutality Decrepit Birth is known for.

In Spring of 2007 Decrepit Birth entered Castle Ultimate Studios with engineer Zack Ohren to begin recording for the sophomore album. In January 2008 the highly anticipated album “Diminishing Between Worlds” was released again through Unique Leader Records. During that same month of January, Decrepit Birth embarked upon their biggest tour yet, opening for The Black Dahlia Murder, 3 Inches of Blood, and Hate Eternal. With the addition of a second guitarist, Dan Eggers and bassist, Joel Horner (both of Odius Mortem) to replace Risha so he could focus on his family and job, the brand new line up played night after night of sold out shows through out the United States. Now with a new album freshly released, Decrepit Birth was able to catch the attention of Nuclear Blast Records, which was a label the band really wanted to work with for years. After negotiations, they happily signed on with Nuclear Blast in Spring of 2008.

Over the course of 2008 and 2009, the band toured in support of “Diminishing Between Worlds”. They played on the 2009 Summer Slaughter Tour along with Ensiferum, Suffocation, Necrophagist and more. After a fall tour with Vader the band began to prepare in enter the studio to record their third album, “Polarity”. In early 2010 drums were tracked at Sharkbite Studios and Matt Sotelo recorded the guitars at his own studio. In May it was announced that drummer KC Howard and live guitarist Dan Eggers would leaving the band. The band recruited ex-Abigail Williams drummer Sam “Samus” Paulicelli and guitarist Chase Fraser (ex-Animosity and currently Son of Aurelius) as live members for the 2010 Summer Slaughter Tour. “Polarity” is set to be released July 27th, 2010 on Nuclear Blast.

Biographie

Gegründet als Trigger Tones im Jahre 2006, dürfen wir als 5er-Combo aus dem Emmental auf einen vielseitigen musikalischen Werdegang zurückblicken. Gestartet mit Coversongs aus dem Rock/Metal/Punk-Genre, gewachsen an den ersten eigenen Hymnen und heute - als Defaced,
zu Hause im Death Metal.

Diesem Werdegang verdanken wir die Vielseitigkeit und die Offenheit unserer Musik.
Und doch, am Ziel sind wir nicht - und wollen es nicht!

Heute prügeln wir die Ohrwürmer mit dem Vorschlaghammer durch dein Trommelfell. Will heissen: Wir spielen aggressiven Death Metal, abgerundet mit eingängigen Melodien und feinen Details.

Morgen... Wer weiss das schon? Wir spielen im hier und jetzt und verwirklichen was gefällt. Dem einen zu weit über den Tellerrand hinaus, dem anderen genau richtig.

Das ist Defaced!

HELL YEAH!

Biographie

Destruction are a German thrash metal band formed in Lörrach, Germany in 1982. They are considered one of the “three kings” of the Teutonic thrash metal scene; the others being Kreator and Sodom. They were first known as Knight Of Demon with the original line-up being vocalist and bassist Marcel “Schmier” Schirmer, drummer Tommy Sandmann, and guitarist Mike Sifinger. They changed their name to Destruction in 1984 and released a demo titled “Bestial Invasion of Hell”. After this, the group signed with Steamhammer Records and released an EP titled “Sentence Of Death” later that year.

Destruction released their first full-length album titled “Infernal Overkill” in 1985, followed by “Eternal Devastation” in 1986. The trio then added a second guitarist, Harry Wilkens and released the EP “Mad Butcher in 1987, followed by the full length album “Release from Agony” in 1988, then a live recording “Live Without Sense” in 1989 and “Cracked Brain” in 1990. In 1989, Schmier was asked to leave the band due to creative differences and the group underwent a period of commercial deterioration. During the grunge explosion during the early to mid 1990s, the band lost their record label support and had to self-release and produce their own albums. The result was two EPs called “Destruction” in 1994 and “Them Not Me” in 1995 along with their only 1990’s release called “The Least Successful Human Cannonball” in 1998.

In 1999, Schmier rejoined and things began to look up for the band as they signed a record deal with Nuclear Blast. They then released three more albums; “All Hell Breaks Loose” in 2000, “The Antichrist” in 2001, and “Metal Discharge” in 2003. The band would then sign with AFM Records and release “Inventor of Evil” in 2005. The band’s next album, “D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N.”, was released in August 2008. In early 2009 Destruction is scheduled to tour around North America. Currently, the band is in the studio recording their new upcoming album called “Day Of Reckoning” which is due for release in January 2011 via Nuclear Blast records. The first statements from the band are promising a more fast and turbulent album than the 2008 studio record “D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N.”.

Biographie

One of the most infamous and influential death metal bands of the past 10 years, DYING FETUS pummel and pound their signature-style brutality into the worldwide landscape with the subtlety of full-fledged war. Descend into Depravity takes DYING FETUS to new sonic levels, and is easily the bands finest hour.

Biographie

From day one EQUILIBRIUM is known for melodic metal, powerful yet playful, heavy yet sensitive, inspired yet self-contained. The first gig was played in 2001 – from back then only René, Sandra and Andi are left. The first cornerstone was set in summer 2003 when the band released the first CD “Demo 2003”. Intenionally planned as plain demo, it was considered to be full-length album by many in the scene.

Equilibrium played first big shows on the Summer Breeze 2004 and Wacken 2005 and released “Turis Fratyr” through Black Attakk in spring 2005. The band signed to Nuclear Blast in Fall 2006 and release their second album “Sagas” in June 2008 which entered the German Media Control Charts at 30. EQUILIBRIUM once again cemented their status as a band that isn’t afraid to combine exotic elements as well as wide screen epic with their music and spice it up with lyrics about myths and sagas which can also be related to the present.

In winter 2010 the new album „Rekreatur“ was recorded together with new vocalist Robse. „Rekreatur“ showcases once again what this band is able to do. The new man on the mic fits perfectly and helps the band to step up to even higher levels with his voices diversity and powerful presence. If it comes to the music itself, EQUILIBRIUM stick to what they know: thunderous metal, an epic vibe, hymns and that special battlefield-feeling at its best. Being extremely smart at crossing genres and experimenting with exotic elements makes “Rekreatur” stand out even more.

Biographie

Die Excrementory Grindfuckers sind die grobe Leberwurst in der Metal-Feinkostabteilung, der Stein im Schuh der Musikindustrie, das Loch im allgemeinen Grindcore-Käse!

Vom pummeligen Mitleidskandidat unter top frisierten Metalhengsten zum strahlenden Headliner der Herzen - nach neun Jahren Bandbestehen und vier Alben haben es die Excrementory Grindfuckers geschafft, die Erfolgsleiter auf den Kopf zu stellen und von oben hinunter zu strullen. Ganz ohne Experten und Vollprofis gelang es den fünf hannoverschen Antihelden, sich eine feste Fanbasis von ca. 6,8 Mrd. Menschen sowie einen ausreichenden Harem an Groupies zu erspielen. Und das ganz ohne Live-DVD!

Seelen kaufen und Hirne verblöden war gestern - jetzt wird sich der Herzen bemächtigt! Liebe ist Grindcore, Grindcore ist Liebe!

Biographie

Feigning to be what one is not is something Renaissance man Peter Tägtgren can never be accused of. A living embodiment of music (who has also appeared in three films and written music for one), Tägtgren has been a central and active figure in the extreme metal movement for over a decade. With a list of Abyss Studio production credits (Dimmu Borgir, Immortal, Marduk) linking him to some of the most groundbreaking albums of recent times and rightfully hailed by Alternative Press as the Rick Rubin of Scandinavian metal, the restless genius of Peter Tägtgren can be equally measured by the vast list of his own musical output. A well-known insomniac workaholic who lives life at a relentless pace, the vice of Tägtgren's work ethic has proven to be virtuous for the underground scene. 2005s Virus boasts a lethal combination of reptilian vocals, powerful percussion, grandiose atmospherics, and symphonic requiems, truly revisiting all previous parts of the HYPOCRISY catalogue. Once Virus infects you with its beautifully brutal and painstakingly produced music, a worldwide pandemic is inevitable.

After closing the door on his band Seditious following their 3- and 5-song Life Of Pain demos, guitarist Tägtgren formed HYPOCRISY in Sweden as a quintet in the early 90s after having briefly lived in Florida in the late 80s and occasionally drumming for Malevolent Creation. The inaugural line-up included Masse Broberg on vocals, Mikael Hedlund on bass, Jonas Osterberg on guitar, and Lars Szoke on drums. This first incarnation released Penetralia in 1992 (with its heavy Morbid Angel, Deicide, and Entombed influences), but it was 1993s Obsculum Obscenum when the metal underground took notice of the purity of HYPOCRISYs old-school death metal approach combined with the unbridled fury of the burgeoning black metal genre. 1994s Inferior Devotees five-song EP showcased the Tagtgren / Hedlund / Szoke line-up that most would come to associate with HYPOCRISY, though equally notable was Tägtgren permanent switch to lead vocals. The Fourth Dimension, 1994s full-length studio album, showcased Tägtgren vocal range and also introduced keyboards, melodies, and slower tempos into HYPOCRISYs musical cartography.

With 1996s excellently produced Abducted, Tägtgren began to share his lifelong childhood fascination that would become his modus operandi: themes & lyrics about extraterrestrials. Introducing Roswell 47 (a song destined for set list immortality) and securing an infinite amount of future writing material, HYPOCRISY continued to prioritize moods over strict adherence to any one musical genre, and therefore pursued a legacy of sonic alchemy that could be death, black, thrash, and even gothic at any given moment. The dirtier sound of 1997s The Final Chapter reached a wider audience with its fluid elements; however, rumors circulated that the album title was broadcasting the bands dissolution. Clearly, the strains of writing and producing HYPOCRISYs music and lacking the time to further develop his own electronic/industrial side-project with clean vocals (Pain) led Tägtgren to choose between HYPOCRISYs career and Abyss Studios continued existence. Swayed by worldwide fan pleas and weary from the unrelenting requests to produce records for other bands, his decision was made easier by a contagious desire to experience a Swedish summer outside the confines of a studio control room, to tour more (and perform half-naked!), and use Abyss Studios solely to record his own bands, as well as a few select bands.

1999s self-titled album hijacked HYPOCRISYs retirement and a renewed vigor marked the bands reformation, elegantly captured in the song Fractured Millenium. The tracks on 2000s death-drenched Into The Abyss were captured in a few weeks, and were an exercise in spontaneity that resulted in a display of energy so raw, it proved that a bands death metal origins could propel music into exciting new landscapes. In 2001, HYPOCRISY fans around the world were invited to choose the track listing for the 10 Years Of Chaos & Confusion box set, with all chosen songs released prior to 1996s Abducted re-recorded to drench them in a heavier production. Always determined to evolve their style, HYPOCRISY never seemed content with the stagnant lethargy of a redundant sound. Answering to no one but themselves and borrowing a title from Joseph Hellers classic tale of contradiction, Catch 22 was released in 2002 and reared a savagely experimental and evolutionary attitude. Touring North America that year with Killswitch Engage, Soilwork, and Scar Culture, fans were treated to addictive doses of HYPOCRISYs live, vile aggression. Honoring the pledge to tour more, HYPOCRISY was noticeably affected by their pillaging of North America in late 2003 with Dimmu Borgir, Nevermore, and Children Of Bodom and numerous sold-out shows. It came as no surprise that 2004s The Arrival had a predisposition of urgency, though it also came to be long-time drummer Lars Skozes swansong. Former Immortal/Grimfist drumming machine Reidar "Horgh" Horghagen a man Tägtgren had long admired replaced childhood friend Szoke (who also played in Tägtgren's school band, Conquest) not only for the bands upcoming tour with Cannibal Corpse, Exhumed, and Vile, but as a permanent member. Procuring passport stamps from various countries in Europe and South America, HYPOCRISY returned to North America in the spring of 2005 with Soilwork, Dark Tranquillity, and Mnemic to harvest some frenetic momentum before heading into the studio to record their latest album.

Its the inherent dignity in Virus that affirms why HYPOCRISY continues to impact todays extreme metal scene even after more than a decade of existence. The aural spectrum enveloping the tormented opening scream on War Path, the punishing guitar riffs on Craving For Another Killing, the time-honored gallop in Scrutinized (featuring a guitar solo by Gary Holt of Exodus), the melancholy melody of Incised Before Ive Ceased, and the collective manifestation of the bands Thanatos in Blooddrenched is where HYPOCRISY exhibits their dauntless and valiant death instinct. The new HYPOCRISY songs roar with dynamism that the band never before grasped, proclaims Metal Maniacs, and no truer truth could be spoken. With the bassassinations of Mikael Hedlund, the percussive endeavors of Horgh, and the addition of newly permanent / long-time live guitarist Andreas Holma (a death metal musician with a jazz background who moonlights as a fretless bass player), HYPOCRISY continues to be led by the man who considers freedom to explore and create the most contagious virus known to humankind. Making music is no job, its an adventure, and Peter Tägtgren is on a worldwide mission to infect the masses at all costs...sleep be damned.

Biographie

Shots’ firing overhead, out of breath, thankful to be alive, an exhausted, courageous soldier takes cover in a nearby trench. Overcome with tragedy, the cadet looks down to carefully remove his worn down combat boots to discover his feet numb and blue, knocking him back with an overwhelming smell of decay and gangrene. This phenomenon is known as “jungle rot”. With a little imagination, visualize this horrifyingly grotesque predicament as it would be in heavy metal form - teeming with despair, brutality, darkness and volatility. The sinister picture you have just painted comes to life in four-piece death metal act JUNGLE ROT, who has been triumphantly destroying the metal scene since 1994.

Hailing from Kenosha, Wisconsin, JUNGLE ROT has steadily collected fans by the thousands since their 1995 demo release "Skin The Living". Critics, blown away by their chillingly explosive live shows, rewarded the band with stellar reviews and were offered their first record deal with Pulverizer Records. Through new representation, the men released their first full-length project, "Slaughter The Weak" (1998) and were greeted by a tremendous amount of support from both the metal community and critics everywhere. Responding to a flood of new fans, the band rearranged their lineup, adapted their sound, produced new material, and began to dominate the Midwest tour circuit.

Now impossible to ignore, JUNGLE ROT inked a contract with Olympic Records in 2001, impressing the metal world with their slight hints of favorites, SLAYER and SODOM. A collection of their new material came to life in their 2001 release, "Dead And Buried", leaving fans in awe with flawless, bass-heavy production and calculated, intricate riffing. Stunned by their aggressive melodies, fans demanded a headlining tour, which came to fruition in 2008, alongside WARMASTER, DOWNSWITCH, and WALKING CORPSE.

Fresh off of their wildly successful European tour, with thousands of new supports to boot, JUNGLE ROT signed a deal with Napalm Records in 2009. Having more than a decade of experience on their side, the band released "What Horrors Await" later that year, forcing metal heads to their knees, saluting their mastery of guitar distortion and growls were seemingly delivered from the deepest pits of Hell. Summoning their primal, innermost hatred, "What Horrors Await" brought hit after heavy hit, knocking down naysayers with one swift kick to the gonads. With fire in their eyes, JUNGLE ROT toured relentlessly across the world, proving the quality of their production matched their live performance, solidifying their spot as major players in the death metal scene.

Victory Records, intrigued by JUNGLE ROT’s brand of knuckle-dragging, Neanderthal death metal, welcomed the band to their roster in April 2011. Three short months later, the guys released "Kill On Command", some of their heaviest material to date. Throwing down the gauntlet, they integrated slow stomp melodies into their speed-thrash style, bringing the band back to their death metal roots. Comprised of front-man Dave Matrise, drummer Jesse Beahler, bassist James Genenz and Geoff Bub, guitarist and backing vocalist, JUNGLE ROT was back with vengeance to “take back the scene we started” Matrise contends. Their years of hard work landed them on tours with many death metal legends such as DEICIDE, ENTOMBED, SIX FEET UNDER, VADAR, GOATWHORE, CATTLE DECAPITATION and more.

Inspired and motivated by their fans’ continued support JUNGLE ROT will release their next album in early 2013. Ready to go to war, the band promises to vanquish the nonbelievers, showering them with waves of barbaric chanting and savagely powerful beats, until they raise their white flags of defeat. JUNGLE ROT will not be ignored. JUNGLE ROT will not be vanquished. JUNGLE ROT will not compromise. With no end in sight, it is clear that this case of JUNGLE ROT will continue to attack and decay anything and everything in its path. Ye have been warned; the era of muted metal will meet its end at the hands of JUNGLE ROT.

Biographie

The crusaders of epic heathen metal, Moonsorrow was founded in 1995 with the goal of creating metal art with a good touch of national romanticism and a distinctively pagan approach.

Between 1996 and 2001 Moonsorrow released 4 demos and an album before signing with Spinefarm. The 2nd album, Voimasta ja kunniasta was released in 2001 and its follow-up Kivenkantaja (2003) already hit the Finnish album charts at #16. It also took the band to their first shows abroad in 2004. Verisäkeet (2005) reached the charts as well, and saw Moonsorrow play their 1st show on the other side of the Atlantic and join Primordial for the band’s 1st full European tour, both in 2006.

Their 5th album, Viides luku - Hävitetty included just two songs, both of them checking in at around the 30 minute mark, paving way to new heights of epic pagan art, continued on the 68-minute long “EP” Tulimyrsky with another 30-minute song.

2011 sees the release of the most majestic album of the year, Varjoina kuljemme kuolleiden maassa (As Shadows We Walk In The Land Of The Dead). Varjoina kuljemme kuolleiden maassa is a full-fledged concept album about a world after annihilation.

An all-immersing cinematic experience, which with liner lyrics and photographer Juha Arvid Helminen’s illustration complete a story about a world where stars no more shine. A world where the end is same with the beginning. A world where there is nothing but devastation, despair and death.

Biographie

Swiss Death-Metal band REQUIEM was founded in 1997 by Phil Klauser (Guitars), Ralph Inderbitzin (Guitars) and Roger Kradolfer (Drums).

In the beginning of 1998 Michi Kuster (Vocals/Bass) from Swiss Black-Metal band MOONFOG joined the line-up. With this new line-up they recorded a demo-CD called «Prophecies Of A Dark Millennium» at a friend's home-studio. This album has never been released, they've only made some copies for promotion. REQUIEM's first shows started during that year.

In early 1999 REQUIEM replaced former drummer Roger Kradolfer with Adi Fuhrer (former drummer of Swiss bands CORRUPTION and MEGORA) and started writing new blasting songs. The typical REQUIEM style was born back then.

During the years 1999 to 2001, REQUIEM played a lot of shows and some small tours in Europe. Organized and booked by themselves.

In the middle of January 2001, REQUIEM recorded a 5-song mini-CD called «Nameless Grave» at the Dynamo Studio, Zurich, which was released in March 2001 through Fastbeast Entertainment (CH).

After playing a lot of gigs and festivals in Europe and signing a deal with Revenge Productions (GER) in February 2002, REQUIEM decided to record their first full-length CD, called «Formed At Birth». Meanwhile drummer Adi Fuhrer was replaced by Reto Crola from Swiss Death-Metal machine PUNISH.

In January 2003, REQUIEM recorded «Formed At Birth» at the Dynamo Studio in Zurich again and released the CD in March 2003 through Revenge Productions (GER). They played a lot of shows and festivals in Europe and were proud to support legendary band MESSIAH at their reunion show «Reanimation 2003» at Abart Music Club in Zurich. End of 2003, Reto had to take a break due to his job and other projects. As a result of that, former member Adi Fuhrer was back in REQUIEM as a session drummer. Additionally they were accompanied by former MESSIAH bass player Patrick Herrsche. That decision allows Michi Kuster to concentrate only on vocals and to create more various and diverse vocal arrangements.

The year 2004 started as a great year: REQUIEM played at the Fuck The Commerce Festival (GER), the Obscene Extreme Festival (CZ) and had a great tour with BENEDICTION, MASTER and DIVINE EMPIRE through Switzerland, Austria and Germany. Due to health problems of bass player Patrick Herrsche, bass player Ralf Winzer Garcia from German Thrash-Metal band UPPERCUT took over the place in November 2004 for the recording sessions of the new CD and further shows in 2005.

In early 2005, they recorded a new full-length effort «Government Denies Knowledge». This production was mixed and mastered by Canadian masterminds Jean-Francois Dagenais from KATAKLYSM and Bernard Belley. Many record labels showed interest in releasing «Government Denies Knowledge». Finally, they signed a contract with the German label Massacre Records. REQUIEM hit the road in September 2005 as support for US Death-Metal veterans VITAL REMAINS on their European tour, playing in eight different countries.

The full length CD «Government Denies Knowledge» was released on January, 27th 2006. After the release and fantastic reviews in magazines and fanzines all over the world the band went on the road again as support of Swedish Death-Metal institution DISMEMBER, playing 14 shows in Italy, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

During December 2006, REQUIEM recorded the new album «Premier Killing League» with producer Andy Classen at Stage One Studio (GER). The release date was March, 23rd 2007. Again on Massacre Records (GER). «Premier Killing League» was supported by a severe live attack leading the band throughout Europe. In the meantime second guitar player Ralf Inderbitzin left the band due to personal reasons. REQUIEM continued as a four piece and played some festivals in summer 2007. Another tour followed in June 2007 supporting VADER and BELPHEGOR throughout the UK and the Netherlands. On August 25th 2007, REQUIEM shot their first video clip for the title song of their new record «Premier Killing League». The video was introduced to the audience on youtube.com, myspace.com and several other online platforms. In addition it had a TV appearance broadcast on Swiss national television (SF2) in March 2008. Shortly after that REQUIEM began with writing and arrangements for a complete new record.

In September 2008 a scheduled European tour supporting EXTREME NOISE TERROR was cancelled due to several problems within the organization. Instead of that REQUIEM went on tour with Florida Death-Metal band LOWBROW throughout many European countries. December 2008 marked the second time with producer Andy Classen for the recordings of their forthcoming album «Infiltrate… Obliterate… Dominate…» at Stage One Studio (GER). After the post production of the new record REQUIEM went on a full European tour co-headlining with the Porn-Grind band LIVIDITY.

Shortly after that tour and followed by long proceedings with different labels worldwide REQUIEM finally signed a new deal with German based label Twilight in May 2009. New CD «Infiltrate… Obliterate… Dominate…» will hit the stores on July, 31st 2009 followed by massive live and media promotion. In addition two new video clips will be published prior to the release containing live shots and spectacular views of a real salt-mine. New tours, single and festival shows for the upcoming months and the next year are currently planned.

February 2010: After 13 years vocalist Michi Kuster has decided to leave the band due to family reasons. It's not possible for him anymore to take part of the busy band schedule. REQUIEM made the decision to continue as a three- piece band from now on. New line-up: Phil Klauser (Guitars), Ralf Winzer Garcia (Vocals/Bass) and Reto Crola (Drums). REQUIEM will re-enter Stage One Studio in Borgentreich, Germany, in December 2010 with producer Andy Classen to start recording the new album titled «Within Darkened Disorder».

The album «Within Darkened Disorder» was released on May, 6th 2011 through the label Twilight again. REQUIEM played a lot of club shows and prepared themselves for a co-headlining tour with Demonical (SWE) in January 2012.

January 2012 REQUIEM started the Death to All Tour with DEMONICAL, TORMENTION and ERUPDEAD. The tour was disastrous – all bands were forced to cancel the last 3 Shows of the tour due the financial situation of the tour agency. Summer 2012 Ralf Winzer Garcia left REQUIEM. For him it was the right time to pursue a new path both musically and personally, but the band will continue to move on of course with a new 5 member lineup. REQUIEM also inked a new deal with MDD Records (GER) to release as the first step the latest album «Within Darkened Disorder» in autumn again – that’s because our old label Twilight went bankrupt at the beginning of 2012. We also gave the album to Andy Classen again for a great remastering of it.

Be prepared for the 15th year of PREMIER DEATH METAL made by REQUIEM.